Chris Pocock
Defense Correspondent
Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30 years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.
Latest from Chris Pocock
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
SnapShot Drone Allows For Quick, Easy Video Surveillance
Start-up company FlareBright says its SnapShot UAV needs no pilot or training and can operate in GPS- or radio-denied environments.
Big Claims, Big Cost, for Surface-to-air Missile Systems
The ballistic missile threat is driving new developments.
Aircraft
Controversy Develops over RAF AEW&C Fleet
British air arm must choose between upgrading the E-3D Sentry or buying a new aircraft—possibly the Boeing Wedgetail.
Aircraft
L3 Shows Multi-mission Conversion of Bombardier Q400
The Texas-based systems integrator is promoting the twin-turboprop as a cost-effective solution.
Aircraft
L3 Longsword Sports New Sensors at Farnborough 2018
The converted ag-plane is evolving from a light-attack role to multi-mission capability
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
European Partners Line Up with GA-ASI
U.S. company is looking for more international customers for its successful UAS. The MQ-9 reaper leads the pack.
Aircraft
F-35 Program Partners Focus On Upgrades and Sustainment
Program officials briefed various initiatives at Farnborough
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Airbus Zephyr Production Gets Under Way
Solar-powered, high-altitude aircraft is being produced at Farnborough, with the first Zephyr S being airborne while this week's airshow is on.
Regulations and Government
UK MoD Makes Permanent Rapid Capabilities Office
Office helps the defense world to exploit the ever-accelerating pace of commercial information and systems-technology development.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
SkyGuardian To Bring Big Advances in UK RPA Capability
While Sky Guardian will be much more capable than the Reaper, the U.S. has so far shown no interest in acquiring any.
Aircraft
Tempest Unleashes New UK Combat Aircraft Era
UK defence secretary unveils new strategy and full-scale concept model at the Farnborough Airshow.
Regulations and Government
UK Defense Modernization Policy Still Up in the Air
Future Combat Air Strategy could include “system of systems” with multiple types of aircraft, swarms of drones, and other advanced concepts.
Aircraft
Boeing Increases Footprint in UK
Various manufacturing, research, training and educational activities are part of Boeing’s push to grow its presence in the UK.
Maintenance and Modifications
Private Firms Conduct Independent Military Reviews
The process includes extensive documentary reviews.
Hensoldt Adds Customer for Missile Launch Detection System
The Germany company provides the system for a number of air forces in Europe.
IBM Wins Contract for RAF ACCS
The updated system will make use of new data sources.
Aircraft
Hybrid Aircraft Puts Brave Face on Setbacks
Sadly the Airlander is not at Farnborough having suffered two accidents during development.
Cambridge Pixel Offers Display and Tracking Systems
The company recently secured a customer in the Middle East/
Maintenance and Modifications
Airbus To Support RAF Pumas
The contract runs through 2022 but can be extended.
Horizon Tech Shows SIGINT System, ISR Pod
Both products can be applied to numerous platforms.
UK Extends Training Contract with CAE and Serco
The companies' facility at RAF Benson will remain in operation until at least October 2025.
TMD Technologies Offers TWT Power Modules
The tubes address a need solid-state technology cannot.
Aircraft
Reaction Engines Preps For Proof-of-Concept Testing
It’s a long development cycle but UK company founded by Alan Bond, of HOTOL fame, believes the Sabre concept will work.
Aircraft
BAE Systems Awaits UK Combat Air Strategy
There are moves afoot in the UK to ensure it at least retains the capability to build whole military aircraft in the future.
Aircraft
Airbus Tankers Mate Automatically In Flight
An A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) was auto-refueled by an A310 MRTT.
Aircraft
UK's New Aircraft Carriers Rekindle Some Naval Pride
When configured for carrier strike, the two new ships could take two F-35B squadrons, each with 24 jets.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Leonardo Trials Solo and Hero, Awaits First Order
The Italian company is leading two unmanned aerial systems projects that could appeal to varous nations for maritime applications.
Aircraft
Greek Air Force Chooses Tecnam Primary Trainer
Twelve P2002 JFs will be operated at the air academy.
Accidents
Crash Ends USAF Flying Evaluation of Light Attack Aircraft
An Embraer Super Tucano and one of two crew were lost.
