Aviation Week editors discuss whether the electronics ban will actually accomplish its security goals and how the new rules could cost the Persian Gulf airlines business traffic.
Lockheed looks toward deal for 130 F-35s, Leonardo’s new boss, French politicians pitch Rafale fighter in cash-strapped Malaysia and the UK seeks Hellfire missiles.
Critics said it couldn’t be done, but SmartSky has proven how to make use of unlicensed spectrum to provide aircraft with 4G connectivity that’s down to Earth.
Private investment advances development of a small turbine engine, promising a much-needed increase in propulsion reliability for Class 3-4 tactical unmanned aircraft.
A defense law directs the Indonesian air force to prefer Airbus H225Ms, fitted out in the country, even though it wants AW101s. An A400M order is awaiting a report on a 2015 crash.
Most of the toughest engineering challenges have been tackled, 80% of structural element designs are finished, and Lockheed investments in facilities, labs and personnel certifications can help speed readiness for complex deep-space missions.
The U.S. Air Force is looking for light-attack aircraft for its OA-X program, and two turboprops seem to be in the lead, though many more are in the running.
Australia’s planned force of armed drones are probably intended for expeditionary operations; Canberra does not seem to think propeller-driven UAVs would have a large role for the defense of the country.
Charles F. Bolden, a U.S. Marine Corps aviator, NASA astronaut and the 12th administrator of the U.S. space agency, is the 2017 recipient of the Philip J. Klass Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 2017 Laureate for Heroism is awarded to Kenn Borek Air Ltd. for evacuating two ill workers from the South Pole during the dark and cold of polar winter.
John Tracy, a composites guru whose career touched commercial, defense and space applications, is a 2017 Philip J. Klass Lifetime Achievement Award honoree.