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Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has issued a request for information to support its work on a Next Generation Close Air Support (NGCAS) system, and for this RFI, it said, the response “should only focus on [unmanned aircraft system] not manned systems.” DARPA wants information on proposed aircraft, which it says could be based on QF-4, QF-16, UA-10 [an unmanned A-10?], and similar fighter-based drones, and its command and control components “to better understand cost, availability, and mission capability.” It expects the UAS to employ small-smart munitions and the latest interface with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers on the ground. It would like the system to fly close to high subsonic speeds and provide several-g maneuver capability and have at least the range and endurance of existing armed remotely piloted aircraft. DARPA expects to begin flight test demonstrations in the 2012-13 timeframe. Responses are due Feb. 21. (RFI PDF)
The Pentagon plans to use U.S. Air Force C-17s and C-130s to deport 5,400 people currently detained by Customs and Border Protection, officials announced Jan. 22, the first act in President Donald Trump’s sweeping promise to crack down on undocumented immigrants and increase border security.