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
Aircraft
Skunk Works To Display Darkstar from Top Gun: Maverick at Edwards Airshow
Fact and fiction have combined to create a top-draw attraction, as Lockheed Martin’s hypersonic creation for the "Top Gun: Maverick" movie goes public.
Accidents
Lockheed Martin Offering Defiant, Raider Technology to NATO Countries
The Sikorsky SB>1 Defiant and S-97 Raider helicopters would bring new rotorcraft technology to NATO member countries.
Inzpire Offers Multi-Domain Operations Training Out of a Box
Inzpire delivers tactical multi-domain operational training from a ruggedized case containing all the necessary materials.
RAF Wedgetail Program Taking Off
The conversion of three Boeing 737 airframes for the AEW&C role is proceeding at the UK facility of STS Aviation Services.
Avionics
Sixth-gen Radar Slated for Tempest Fighter Program
The new radar for the Tempest fighter will incorporate higher power, smaller circuits, and gallium arsenide processors.
British Partners Outline Details of Hypersonic Research Effort
Reaction Engines is leading a hypersonic technology partnership between the Royal Air Force, two UK government agencies, and Rolls-Royce.
Ascent Flight Training
Ascent Flight Training
Aircraft
RAF Will Offer New Contracts For Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
The service has terminated Project Mosquito in favor of alternative approaches that could advance uncrewed aircraft more quickly.
Ambitious Schedule Set for Turkey’s Stealth Fighter
Turkey TF-X stealth fighter showed up at the Farnborough Airshow in full-scale mockup form.
Aircraft
Cost Reductions Make F-35 a Winner in Europe
The acquisition cost now matches fourth-generation fighters, and operations plus sustainment costs are following, according to Lockheed Martin.
Avionics
AESA Radar Confirmed for UK Typhoons
The UK government has confirmed that the ECRS Mk2 E-scan radar will be installed in some of the Typhoon fleet.
Air Chiefs Commit to Climate Change Challenge
Leaders from international air forces declared plans to collaborate on the mitigation of climate change at the Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference
Aircraft
Sentinel Makes Surprise Appearance at RIAT
Raytheon Intelligence & Space has purchases a fleet of Sentinel R.1 reconnaissance aircraft and is offering them for sale or lease.
Avionics
Raytheon's New Air Defense Radar Detects in All Directions
Raytheon's new LTAMDS air defense radar can detect air threats at greater distances and higher velocities and in all directions.
Aircraft
British HAPS Projects Aim for the Solar Heights
The Airbus Zephyr and the BAE Systems PHASA-35 offer new airborne communications and observation options.
Aircraft
Hybrid Airships Make a Slow Takeoff
The strong green credentials of hybrid airships raise new hopes of market acceptance.
Aircraft
Defense Industry Focus Shifts from Farnborough
Preceding the famous trade show, a major defense conference and corporate hospitality at RIAT provide alternative marketing opportunities.
Aircraft
ILA Berlin Show Highlights German Shift on Defense Buys
The pending F-35 contract is only one of several new procurements in progress in Germany as a result of increased tension in Europe.
Aircraft
Malaysia’s Defense Show Highlights New Procurements
The first Defence Services Asia (DSA) show for four years was a well-attended event to display and discuss regional requirements.
Accidents
Latest Aid in Search For MH370 Discounted
Investigators challenge claims that an amateur radio signal database can help locate the missing Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777.
Aircraft
China’s Military Challenge is Real, and Growing
Astonishing progress in defense technology and production is helping China to develop an aggressive foreign policy.
Aircraft
Storm Warning Comes from UK in Form of Project Tempest
The Tempest fighter is just part of a Future Combat Air System being designed by an international team led by BAE Systems.
Aircraft
DSEI Show Revives Physical Displays and In-Person Contacts
The biennial defense show in London was the first major international defense trade show to take place in Europe since the pandemic began.
Aircraft
Hybrid Airship Floats New Funding
The Airlander hybrid airship program received new funding but needs far more money to achieve first flight.
Maintenance and Modifications
Bombardier Pitches Special-mission Conversions for its Bizjets
From Learjet 75s to Global 7500s, Bombardier's range of business jets stand as candidates for special mission conversion.
Aircraft
USAF Legacy Fleets Survive Budget Review, in Part
The Pentagon decided not to completely retire the A-10, B-1, KC-10, and U-2 after all.
Aircraft
Singapore Gets Smart with Airbus A330 Tanker
The Republic of Singapore Air Force will work with Airbus to certify automatic refueling for the A330 MRTT.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
ST Engineering Showcases Innovative and Diverse Technologies
The Singapore-based conglomerate has a new VTOL UAV, systems to control or counter drones, and fresh activity in the freighter conversion business.
Avionics
Hensoldt Shows New SIGINT System
Germany-based sensor house Hensoldt is also displaying a variety of airborne electronic equipment at the Singapore Airshow.
