Aviation Week & Space Technology

By Graham Warwick
Airbus two-tail concept; Coflow-jet boosts lift; TsAGI container transporter; Unlocking distributed propulsion; Hypersonic Hexafly advances; Flyability boost.
Aerospace

By Guy Norris
Four years after the F-16 received Auto-GCAS, the U.S. Air Force is flight-testing it on the F-35 as the UK looks into introducing the safety system on the JSF.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Tony Osborne
Connectivity and data processing challenges are key priorities in Franco-German fighter studies.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Bill Carey
NTSB’s investigation of the Southwest flight 1380 engine failure focuses on fan blade, inlet test and certification requirements.
Air Transport

By Irene Klotz
A $3 billion upgrade is nearing completion, positioning Iridium ahead of a bevy of competitors vying for global mobile communications business
Space

By Irene Klotz
With Electron launcher and Falcon 9 ride-share, dozens of entrepreneurs poised to join community of satellite operators.
Space

By William Garvey
Meducare never closes and its Eurocopter EC135 P2+ twin, affectionately named ‘Ingrid,’ along with its IFR helicopters, can respond to emergencies in minutes.
Business Aviation

By Adrian Schofield
Aviation authorities in Thailand and Vietnam are looking to gain FAA recognition for oversight progress, while experts agree Indonesia has made significant improvements.
Air Transport

By Jen DiMascio, Bradley Perrett, Irene Klotz
China is drawing on existing technology with a proposed new manned launch vehicle, Moon rocket and is tweaking the design to make its Long March 8 reusable. Keep listening as Aviation Week editors reveal details of the Chinese space program and commercial endeavors by Rocketlab and SpaceX.
Space

By Jen DiMascio
Bangladesh to reduce dependence on foreign supplies; Bahrain welcomes two C-130Js; Elbit Asia-Pacific deal; Philippines receive Japanese helo parts.
Defense and Space

By Robert Stallard
Why Boeing’s decision to bid three recent defense programs at a loss with a fixed-price development structure is bad news for the industry.
Defense and Space

By Michael Bruno, Jens Flottau
You’ve got to know when to hold them, and know when to fold them, and at Bombardier the questions remain which and what?
Air Transport

By Jens Flottau, Graham Warwick
Embraer stands to benefit if Bombardier sells CRJ following its recent Q400 disposal.
Air Transport

By Graham Warwick
Initial mission is atmospheric science, but other uses could be communications relay and persistent surveillance.
Aerospace

By Jens Flottau
Level is aiming at fast growth, mainly through partnerships and franchise deals. It believes it can define a new model for long-haul low-cost operations.
Air Transport

By Guy Norris
Composite cryogenic propellent tank buildup marks the start of prepping Boeing’s Phantom Express spaceplane for DARPA’s XSP reusable launch vehicle program.
Commercial Space

Claims of attacks against critical targets are often overblown or suspect, but should be taken seriously.
Defense and Space

By Michael Bruno
Where there is a need, there is a profit. Not surprisingly, cockpits are becoming cash cows for some flight-simulation and training providers.
Air Transport

By Tony Osborne
New AH-1Z attack helicopters will address the fast-attack boat threat.
Defense and Space

By Guy Norris
TF-2 concept firms up as Terrefugia selects BRS parachute safety system for Transition roadable light sport aircraft.
Aerospace

By Tony Osborne
Anglo-Swedish fighter technology discussions contrast with Franco-German squabbles over future fighter exports.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Bill Carey, Sean Broderick, Helen Massy-Beresford, Thierry Dubois, Adrian Schofield
Faced with a long-term pilot employment gap, airlines are stepping up recruitment and unveiling new career-path programs.
Air Transport

By Bernie Baldwin
Crossover narrowbody jet manufacturers eye Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and parts of northeast Asia as a key sales battlegrounds.
Crossover Narrowbody Jets

By Graham Warwick
Multi-engine hybrid electric; Transcend picks VerdeGo hybrid; Plummet-proof blimp; Capillary ice protection.
Aerospace

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.
First Take