Defense News
Aerospace Defense Companies Look To Capitalize On Shift To Low-Cost Warplanes
The Wall Street Journal (6/16, B3, Cole) reports, "Aerospace and defense companies are trying to capitalize on the growing appeal of low-cost planes packed with high-tech surveillance gear and weapons," as "these planes are suddenly in vogue as the costliest warplanes are falling out of favor at the Pentagon." Offerings at the ongoing Paris Airshow include the "prototype Air Tuck AT-802U, which is essentially a two-seat combat-ready crop-duster with weapons and advanved electronics." A number of "major defense companies also showing off unarmed turboprop surveillance planes at the show," noting the growing "demand for real-time battlefield intelligence... for the U.S. Military, particulary with increasing numbers of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
