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Magazine Issue

Aviation Week & Space Technology, December 25, 2017

Aerospace & Defense 2018

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Watchpoints For 2018: 15 Things To Look Out For

Dec 15, 2017
To the traditional focus on commercial growth and defense procurement, add private spaceflight, aerospace startups, advanced rotorcraft and supersonic transports as areas to watch closely in 2018.

Defense Profiles

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Global Threats Broken Down By Region, Country

Dec 22, 2017
The threat of a nuclear North Korea joins ongoing conflict with Islamic extremists and increased competition among the world’s major military powers.
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U.S. Responds To Multiple New Global Challenges

Dec 22, 2017
From the North Korean missile threat to Russian murky cyber campaigns and Chinese technical prowess, the Pentagon aims to adapt while retaining its advantages.
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Canadian Defense Sector Set For Growth As Ottawa Rearms

Dec 22, 2017
Notwithstanding the Bombardier/Boeing rift, Canada is positioned for robust growth—mainly in the defense sector—in 2018.
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Brazil Holding Firm To Attack Sub, Gripen and KC-390 Plans

Dec 15, 2017
With an election coming up, the Brazilian armed forces likely will stay the course through 2018.
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New Defense Review Could Bring More Cuts To British Armed Forces

Dec 13, 2017
Cost-cutting needed, as Britain’s defense equipment plans face spending black hole.
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France Increases Defense Spending Amid Heated Debate

Dec 13, 2017
France’s budget for military equipment will increase in 2018, but critics contend spending for foreign military operations is not being properly accounted for.
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German Political Issues Could Slow Defense Modernization

Dec 11, 2017
New fighter, transports and UAVs are prominently featured in Germany’s defense modernization plans.
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Turkey’s Defense Spending Hike Highlights Modernization

Dec 22, 2017
Turkey’s allies are concerned about Ankara’s rapprochement with Russia.
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Fighter Selections Will Be Eastern European Focus In 2018

Dec 13, 2017
Eastern European governments open their coffers for new defense equipment in response to forceful moves from Russia.
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Russian Spending Cuts Limit Military Procurement

Dec 11, 2017
After a peak in 2016 and continued deliveries of new gear, economic stagnation is forcing reductions in Moscow’s future equipment purchases.
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Israel Becomes Quiet Ally In Turbulent Middle East Region

Dec 14, 2017
With a deep-strike capability and a second-strike nuclear capability, Israel is regarded as a stabilizing force in the region.
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Middle East Tensions Continue To Fuel Arms Race Advances

Dec 14, 2017
Qatar blockade and Yemeni conflict show little sign of abating as Saudi-Iranian standoff continues.
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China Commits To Becoming Global Power

Dec 11, 2017
President Xi’s ambitious goal may become more tangible in 2018, as Chinese UAVs patrol the Pacific and J-20 fighter production picks up.
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U.S. Imports Dominate Japan Missile Defense And Aircraft Plans

Dec 12, 2017
Eyeing North Korea, Japan plans spending on Aegis at sea and on land, radars and improved PAC-3 interceptors and command and control.
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North Korean Nuclear, Missile Threats Drive South’s Budget

Dec 12, 2017
An indigenous anti-ballistic missile system and imported radar appear to have survived a South Korean defense ministry review.
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Australia’s Domestic Navy Programs Burden Defense Budget

Dec 12, 2017
Australian defense spending is to grow at an annual average of 5.8% in the nine fiscal years ending in June 2026. Equipment spending will surge 7.8% a year.
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Internal Issues Driving Southeast Asia Military Procurement

Dec 15, 2017
Vietnam is an exception in its region. It is spending to face external threats, especially by modernizing its navy
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What Could Threaten Indian Military Modernization?

Dec 15, 2017
With big bills coming due and more new contracts in limbo, India’s defense ministry is looking for a cash infusion.

Defense Systems

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F-35 Continues To Dominate Western Fighter Markets

Dec 19, 2017
Lockheed’s stealth fighter will continue to draw focus in 2018 and beyond as several nations look to modernize.
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Light-Attack Aircraft Contend For Low-Threat Mission

Dec 19, 2017
Multiple aircraft are pursuing the perceived market for affordable light-attack/surveillance platforms for use in counterinsurgency and low-threat operations.
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Boeing’s KC-46 Tanker Caps Off Another Rocky Year

Dec 20, 2017
Facing three major refueling deficiencies, Boeing will not begin deliveries to the Air Force until 2018. Airbus A330 MRTT winning non-U.S. competitions.
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Electronic Warfare Steps Up Its Digital Game

Dec 15, 2017
A new generation of EW systems is on verge of entering service, bringing latest digital technologies to bear in the battle for electromagnetic spectrum.
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U.S. Leading Global Investment In Counter-Missile Technology

Dec 22, 2017
The U.S. is ramping up missile defense spending, while Russia and China have their own plans.
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Are Directed-Energy Weapons Almost Ready For Prime Time?

Dec 22, 2017
High-energy laser tech has matured, with development shifting to tackling challenges of integrating electric lasers onto combat platforms and deploying them.

Defense

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For Pilots Losing Oxygen, ‘Human System’ May Be Weakest Link

Dec 18, 2017
Findings of a NASA team studying hypoxia in the Navy’s F/A-18s suggest the complex man-machine interface is to blame.
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The Week In Defense, Dec. 21-28, 2017

Dec 21, 2017
In this week’s roundup, Embraer declares KC-390 airlifter is ready for initial operations, Lockheed wins contract to develop networked cruise missiles, Myanmar receives Russian training aircraft, and Poland seeks F-16 support.

Aerospace Systems

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UAV Endurance Continues To Increase

Dec 22, 2017
From small to large unmanned aircraft, developments in propulsion and aerodynamics are pushing flight times to new lengths, potentially reaching months.
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Market Stability, New Tech Could Shape 2018 Rotorcraft Market

Dec 22, 2017
2018 could be a big year for new entrants to the rotorcraft business.
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Key Milestones Loom For New Civil And Military Engines

Dec 22, 2017
The gas turbine continues to evolve and advance, even as interest accelerates in alternate propulsion concepts.
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DARPA, NASA, Airbus Among Those Developing Electric-powered Aircraft

Dec 22, 2017
Multiple electric-powered aircraft demonstrators and prototypes are in development, but when will they be cleared to fly in national airspace?
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ULA Mulls Vulcan Engine Pick, SpaceX Aims To Double Launch Rate

Dec 20, 2017
2018 shaping up to be pivotal year for U.S. launch industry, with resumption of human spaceflights and new rockets for small satellites.
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OneWeb, SpaceX Plan First Satellite Broadband Constellation Launches

Dec 19, 2017
Industry experimenting with synthetic aperture radar, mix of services from geostationary and non-geo satellites.
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Eight Satellite Constellations Promising Internet Service From Space

Dec 19, 2017
These projects focus on greater bandwidth—but not necessarily broadband—compared to the existing Iridium, GlobalStar and Orbcomm constellations.

Space

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Blue Origin Opens Florida Factory, Begins Launchpad Construction

Dec 22, 2017
In addition to building and refurbishing New Glenn reusable rockets, the new plant also will house launch and mission control.

Aerospace Startups

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Venture Capital Investment In Startups Widening In Aerospace

Dec 22, 2017
Investment in aerospace startups is growing, and expanding out of the space sector into other areas of the industry.

Spotlight: Special Mission Aircraft

Business Aviation

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As New Models Enter Market, Where Can Business Aviation Go Next?

Dec 22, 2017
Business aviation is hoping for a turnaround in deliveries in 2018 as four new models enter service.
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Lockheed Link-up Critical to Aerion’s Supersonic Success

Dec 22, 2017
Aerion is also looking for a U.S. assembly site, and Lockheed’s Georgia, plant meets the needs, including a supersonic test corridor off the Atlantic coast.
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Dassault Starts Work On Next Falcon Business Jet

Dec 18, 2017
As Dassault announces it is designing a new jet, engine-maker Safran’s presence in business aviation has weakened.

Commercial Aviation

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As Boeing Nears NMA Launch, Airbus Considers Its Response

Dec 13, 2017
Challenge and opportunities abound for commercial aviation OEMs throughout the industry.
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Satcom-Enabled Broadband Will Provide Expanded Flight Deck Apps

Dec 20, 2017
Inmarsat, Iridium and Cobham developing systems for improved broadband flight deck connectivity and advanced data link capabilities.
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CheckTime System Calculates Effectiveness Of Deicing Fluid

Dec 19, 2017
Remaining effective time is updated by the minute and communicated via ACARS to the flight deck.

Air Transport Profiles

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European Airline Consolidation To Continue Against Uncertain Political Setting

Dec 13, 2017
Political volatility, consolidation and continuing growth of LCCs are on the horizon for airlines in Europe in 2018.
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Latin America Sees Changes, But Perennial Issues Persist

Dec 19, 2017
While the Latin America and Caribbean market welcomes new airlines, the region continues to face many of the same structural issues in the new year.
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Can U.S. Airlines Continue Strong Performance?

Dec 12, 2017
U.S. airlines have been performing strongly of late, but can they sustain high levels of growth in 2018, when faced with rising fuel and labor costs?
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Fierce Competition Clouds Outlook For Asia-Pacific Airlines

Dec 14, 2017
While Asia-Pacific demand continues to surge, intense competitive pressure is causing headaches for many carriers in the region.
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China Offers Plethora Of Australian, New Zealand Routes

Dec 19, 2017
By the end of 2018 three Chinese airlines will serve about 50 Australian and New Zealand routes.
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Market Factors, Politics Challenge Gulf Carriers

Dec 18, 2017
The three major Gulf carriers will continue to suffer from capacity curtailment, an unusual situation for them. However, signs of a return to fiscal health are emerging.
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Fresh Produce And E-Commerce Should Keep Cargo Volumes Growing In 2018

Dec 21, 2017
After a strong 2017, air cargo operators are optimistic that growth trends will continue in 2018, albeit at what may be a slower pace.

Airbus Shake-up

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Airbus Facing Leadership Changes Amid Turmoil, Corruption Probes

Dec 18, 2017
Airbus will be undergoing major leadership changes, as media leaks trigger the announcement of Enders departure.

MRO

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Airframe MRO Market Shifting As New Technology Takes Flight

Dec 21, 2017
Offshoring MRO becomes less attractive as maintenance needs for renewed fleets decline due to growing use of composites. Most growth coming in Asia.
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Airframe MRO Market Shifting As New Technology Takes Flight

Dec 21, 2017
Offshoring MRO becomes less attractive as maintenance needs for renewed fleets decline due to growing use of composites. Most growth coming in Asia.
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Commercial Spending Will Lead MRO Field In 2018

Jan 02, 2018
How do MRO markets compare across aviation sectors for 2018?
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Commercial Spending Will Lead MRO Field In 2018

Jan 02, 2018
How do MRO markets compare across aviation sectors for 2018?
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Asia-Pacific Will Lead Coming Surge In Engine MRO Demand

Jan 10, 2018
Aviation Week predicts that the global engine MRO market will increase in value by nearly one-third during the next decade, with strong demand anticipated from the Asia-Pacific region.
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Spurring Vigorous Avionics MRO Market

Dec 22, 2017
Market for avionics retrofits showing strong growth in response to ADS-B mandates and older aircraft remaining in service longer.
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Top 10 MRO Trend Predictions For 2018

Dec 19, 2017
With 2,100 new commercial aircraft entering the world market, MROs will be looking for technologies that increase their efficiency.
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Top 10 MRO Trend Predictions For 2018

Dec 19, 2017
With 2,100 new commercial aircraft entering the world market, MROs will be looking for technologies that increase their efficiency.
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New MRO Regulations To Expect In 2018

Dec 22, 2017
Regulators around the world still trying to remove any possibility for aviation accidents or losses of life.
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New MRO Regulations To Expect In 2018

Dec 22, 2017
Regulators around the world still trying to remove any possibility for aviation accidents or losses of life.
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Robotics, Drones, Augmented Reality Devices For MRO

Dec 21, 2017
From robotics and drones to augmented reality, these futuristic products are providing safer, more efficient MRO solutions.

Spotlight

Technology

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The Week In Technology, Dec. 18-22, 2017

Dec 18, 2017
Circulation-control UAV; X-57 battery success; Airbus autonomous landing sensor; Falcons train drones; daring Bugatti’s sad end.

Repair & Overhaul

Second Take

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Second Take Dec. 25, 2017

Dec 22, 2017
2017 in Review

Letter From The Editor

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Evolving Aviation Week: You Asked, We Listened

Dec 10, 2017
In the last few months, our team has been working behind the scenes to improve the multimedia experience for subscribers of Aviation Week & Space Technology.

Up Front

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Opinion: The Great Jetliner Ramp-up In Perspective

Dec 22, 2017
Market demand for new aircraft can support continued growth through 2019 and even afterward.

Inside Busines Aviation

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Textron Set For Busy New Year

Dec 15, 2017
Textron’s aviation subsidiaries are developing seven aircraft simultaneously, which analysts rate from iffy to nearly guaranteed successes.

Going Concerns

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Deeper Pockets, Same Strategies Seen After New Tax Law

Dec 22, 2017
Past is prologue for the A&D industry in the new U.S. tax regime passed by Republicans, according to executives and analysts.

Feedback

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Letters From Our Readers (Dec. 25, 2017)

Dec 22, 2017
Readers praise and/or puzzle over Photo Contest contenders and express skepticism about lack of magnetic anomaly detection equipement on Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Tritons.

Aerospace Calendar

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Aerospace Calendar And Aviation Week Events (Dec. 25, 2017)

Dec 22, 2017
Upcoming aviation and aerospace industry events and Aviation Week Network events