In Pictures: Top Aerospace & Defense Stories, Dec. 9, 2021

December 09, 2021

Rocket Lab Closes 2021 With Launch For BlackSky

The launch from New Zealand marked BlackSky's third launch in 21 days to double the size of its constellation from six spacecraft to 12. Read the full story.

Credit: Rocket Lab

U.S. Air Force Wants Armed UAS To Fly With NGAD, B-21

Two new, classified unmanned aerial system (UAS) programs in the U.S. Air Force portfolio aim to build on momentum from existing efforts such as Skyborg and Loyal Wingman, and the service’s top civilian wants both fighters and the service’s next-generation bombers to direct them in a fight against a modern enemy. Read the full story.

Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Andy Morataya

Rolls-Royce Says Engine Flying Hours Rising As Airlines Restore Long-Haul Flights

Aero-engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce says it is seeing large engine flying hour increases as airlines restore long-haul flights, but the pace of recovery is uneven. Read the full story.

Credit: USAF

NASA’s IXPE To Address Cosmic X-Ray Mysteries

A new tool for astrophysicists to probe polarized X-ray light radiating from some of the highest energy objects in the universe is in orbit following an early morning launch by SpaceX from Kennedy Space Center. Read the full story.

Credit: NASA

Volocopter Releases Design Handbook For UAM Vertiports

In preparation for discussions with partners on building infrastructure to support urban air mobility, Volocopter has released a handbook on the design, construction and operation of its VoloPort modular vertiport. Read the full story.

Credit: Volocopter

From a rocket launch to a volocopter and .U.S. Air Force wants armed UAS to fly with NGAD, B-21. Read these and more from Aviation Week's AWIN platform.

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