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

A 12-year sales campaign for the optionally piloted Firebird failed to attract a production order.

Spirit’s reengining work; South Korea earmarks transport aircraft, missile funds; F-35A flying hours drop; and Draken gets RAF contract.

Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus claimed its highest-ever revenues in 2021 but the company warns that it is now facing supply chain bottlenecks. 

Adding hydrogen to solar; Canada flies electric; U.S. Army eyes hybrids; Zero emissions in California; Timing tight for X-59

A South Korean Coast Guard Sikorsky S-92 helicopter has crashed into the sea 370 km (229 mi.) southwest of Marado island, killing two crew with one more still missing. 

Projects to develop aviation-specific fuel cells and storage systems are included in the first call for proposals under the European Union’s new Clean Hydrogen public-private research program.

A worker crunch is growing just as aerospace sees burgeoning forecasts for new products. Enter the entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.