Defense and Space

NASA has issued a draft request for proposals for development of its Quiet Supersonic Transport low-boom flight demonstrator, starting the clock ticking toward first flight of the new X-plane in early 2021.

What if the burgeoning, nearly-two-decade-old CubeSat craze was followed by something bigger? Perhaps something just as if not even more compelling?

Lockheed is planning a series of sensor upgrades to keep the Dragon Lady relevant through 2045.

The U.S. Air Force says flying operations at Luke AFB were canceled on June 9 “to synchronize operations and maintenance efforts toward safe flying.”

“We expect France would be involved,” said Airbus’ head of military aircraft, Fernando Alonso, speaking to journalists here June 9. “It is clearly in our European interest to define one single system available to all."

Portugal looks set to become the first customer for Embraer’s KC-390 airlifter.

Even a 1% fuel savings on the C-17 would save the Pentagon millions of dollars annually.

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

Hypersonic propulsion has been “around the corner” for decades, but the technology may finally be mature enough for prime time.

The U-2 reconnaissance aircraft could help solve U.S. Air Force’s battlefield communications problem.

Positioning for market rebound, L3’s Strianese aims for 8-10% organic growth and predicts big growth in undersea systems.

Dennis Muilenburg on the New Midsize Airplane, 777X, Bombardier, Trump, Iran, China, Blue Origin and his “audacious” aftermarket plan.

Led by CEO Tom Enders, Airbus embarks on digital and technological transformation that include hybrid and electronic technologies, new manufacturing methods.

Middle East analysts urge White House not to take sides in Gulf nations’ spat with Qatar, despite alleged support for radical groups.

Since MHI is only assembling F-35s, apparently using no domestically made structural parts, the program is not sustaining much of Japan’s skills in fighter manufacturing.

New fund will make the EU the largest defense research investor in Europe.

His Twitter storms are legend, but sometimes it is what Trump does not say that is alarming.

In this week's Washington Outlook: The bill still faces challenges from Democrats, the bizav and general aviation communities and competition from higher congressional priorities.

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.

Something refreshing and welcome seemed to emerge as NASA introduced its 22nd astronaut selection class this week.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bell’s Model 505 JetRanger X has been awarded its long-awaited certification by the FAA.