Aerospace Daily & Defense Report

By Graham Warwick
Even a 1% fuel savings on the C-17 would save the Pentagon millions of dollars annually.
Defense and Space

By Jay Menon
India’s Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. has delivered the first crown and tailcone assembly for India's upcoming batch of CH-47F Chinooks.
Defense and Space

SAFRAN completed €2.4b ($2.7b) sale of its identity and security activities to ADVENT INTERNATIONAL.

Democrats on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are pushing their own FAA reauthorization bill.

​View the Defense Market Intelligence Notes in PDF format.

The U.S. Navy has opted to fund Boeing’s upgraded F/A-18 Super Hornet “Block III” and plans to begin fielding the capability in fiscal 2019.
Aircraft & Propulsion

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems plans to demonstrate an ultra-high-speed laser satellite communications terminal for the MQ-9 Reaper and is separately proposing a high-power “kill laser” demonstration.
Defense and Space

By Mark Carreau
Something refreshing and welcome seemed to emerge as NASA introduced its 22nd astronaut selection class this week.
Defense and Space

The battle in Germany between Israel Aerospace Industries’ Heron TP and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ MQ-9B SkyGuardian appears to have been won by the Heron TP, but California-based General Atomics is not conceding defeat just yet.
Defense and Space

By Tony Osborne
The new version has adapted the soda can-shaped jammer into a shape that makes it compatible with the chaff and flare dispensing systems used on the F-16 and F-15.
Defense and Space

By Bradley Perrett
China’s main builder of space launchers is developing what it calls a low-cost rocket that is likely to replace part of its venerable Long March 3 series.
Defense and Space

By Graham Warwick
The campaign involved test sites in Alaska, New York, Nevada, North Dakota, Texas and Virginia.
Air Transport

By Marhalim Abas
All 122 passengers and crew of a Myanmar air force Avic Y-8F 200 transporter are believed to have been killed after the aircraft crashed into the Andaman Sea on June 7.
Defense and Space

By Tony Osborne
Bell’s Model 505 JetRanger X has been awarded its long-awaited certification by the FAA.
Defense and Space

The U.S. Air Force now believes Boeing won’t deliver the new tanker until “late spring of 2018,” or at least six months later than expected.
Defense and Space

By Bradley Perrett
Chinese state space contractor CASC will lighten the first-stage motor of its Long March 11 launcher, increasing throw weight, and also seems to be planning a second and larger solid-propellant launcher.
Defense and Space

By Marhalim Abas
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has completed its first foreign deployment of a Boeing P-8A Poseidon, preparing to assign the aircraft to Southeast Asian missions.
Defense and Space

By Bradley Perrett
Chinese studies into reusable space launchers encompass powered and parachute landings, says the country’s main contractor for carrier rockets.
Defense and Space

By Tony Osborne
Britain’s Royal Air Force has taken delivery of its third and final RC-135 Rivet Joint signals-intelligence gathering aircraft.
Defense and Space

BOEING has $8.7m U.S. Army contract for initial long-lead effort for MH-47G block II aircraft. Work complete August 2020.

On June 8 International Launch Services is scheduled to launch the 6,900-kg (15,100-lb.) EchoStar XXI communications satellite aboard a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle.

Bombardier has followed Boeing in lodging a protest over the U.S. Air Force’s decision to allow L3 Technologies to choose the next EC-130H Compass Call aircraft.
Defense and Space

By Tony Osborne
The flight is the first in a series of 17 test flights that will prove the Advanced Hawk's new aerodynamic configuration.
Defense and Space

The 20-year policy statement rolled out on June 7 by Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan would increase military spending by 73% over the next decade to $32.7 billion by 2026-27.
Defense and Space

By Mark Carreau
Vice President Mike Pence, NASA and key members of Congress on June 7 announced the selection of seven men and five women to join the agency’s astronaut corps.
Defense and Space