Aerospace Daily & Defense Report

As commercial space operations prepare to ramp up to new levels across the U.S., the FAA says it remains on track to issue updated launch and re-entry regulations by the third quarter of 2020.

The U.S. Army confirmed on Oct. 9 that plans are set to conduct the first test flight of the Precision Strike Missile (PRSM) program later this month.

Poland has laid out yet another new plan for the modernization of the country’s armed forces, with the aim of spending 524 billion zlotys ($133 billion) on equipment through 2035.

Sustainable energy company Velocys says it will be able to produce “negative-emissions” fuels, after striking a deal to capture and store the carbon dioxide that will be generated by the biomass-to-fuel plant it is planning to build in Mississippi.

A crude plastic mockup of an improbable doughnut-shaped military helicopter was displayed at the China Helicopter Expo, held here Oct. 10-14.

Aero Engine Corp. of China (AECC) has begun testing major components for a turboshaft engine of at least 1,000 kW (1,300 hp) takeoff power for a future civil helicopter.

Avic’s project to produce the Advanced Heavy Lifter (AHL) helicopter should soon be ready to present to the state group’s head office for launch approval, an industry source said.

The U.S. Air Force and aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky turned around the troubled HH-60W search-and-rescue helicopter program in 12 months and shepherded the new aircraft into production on time.

Taiwan has begun early research on fighter engine development in support of a possible program for a potential indigenous combat aircraft.

The first on-orbit servicing spacecraft, Northrop Grumman subsidiary SpaceLogistics LLC’s Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-1), is sending back telemetry following its Oct. 9 launch.

Ahead of a visit by NASA's administrator to SpaceX’s headquarters to discuss progress on the Commercial Crew Program, the company says more than 90% of certification products for the upcoming crewed demo flight have been delivered.

Stormy weather forced NASA to postpone an Oct. 9 attempt to launch the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON).

China’s Ehang has delivered a second batch of autonomous air taxis to customers.

Ireland will increase its defense budget as the country gears up for a modernization of its air arm.

Boeing says preparations are on track for an initial uncrewed Orbital Flight Test of the CST-100 Starliner on Dec 17.

Airbus has cited clear air turbulence as the cause of an accident involving one of its solar-powered Zephyr high-altitude pseudo-satellite unmanned air systems in Australia.

Italy’s Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) has ordered three more ATR-72MP maritime patrol aircraft.

The Dutch government has confirmed it will purchase an additional nine F-35s for its air force, making it the first European air arm to increase its F-35 order.

Compact avionics manufacturer uAvionix announced Oct. 8 that it has acquired startup display company AeroVonics, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, a move that diversifies its product line.

Thailand wants full access to the core software of the fighters it plans to buy in 3-5 years to replace some Lockheed Martin F-16s.

U.S. AIR FORCE reactivated 420th Flight Test Squadron Oct. 4 at Edwards AFB, CA, to plan, test, analyze and report on flight/ground testing of B-21 Raider. The squadron also tested the B-2.

Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, has been awarded a maximum $109,252,327 requirements contract.

Wednesday will see two space launches—an ILS Proton Breeze M rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome and a Pegasus XL rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Seaplane operator Harbour Air has installed a 540-kw (750-hp) electric motor in a de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver.

GERMANY’s arms exports are on record-setting pace this year.