Jeff has been involved in aerospace journalism since the mid 1990s. Prior to joining Aviation Week, Jeff served as managing editor of Launchspace magazine and the International Space Industry Report. He has been the editor and chief of Aviation Week's Aerospace Daily & Defense Report since 2007 and has been a regular contributor to Aviation Week magazine. He received his B.A. from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
The NOTAR (no tail rotor) design of MD Helicopters' Explorer differentiates it from the competition in the Army's Light Utility Helicopter procurement, according to company officials. The lack of a tail rotor will make the aircraft safer for soldiers to operate around and easier to maintain, according to MDHI Chief Technical Officer Andy Logan. Twenty-five percent of helicopter accidents are related to tail rotors, the company says.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Air Force and NASA will meet Nov. 22 to discuss options for proceeding with the troubled National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System, which is running up to $3 billion over budget and years behind schedule.
A rollover problem with the U.S. Army's Stryker vehicle that caused two fatal accidents last year has been solved through better driver training, according to Col. Peter Fuller, the Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Team program manager. For protection against rocket-propelled grenades, Stryker vehicles in Iraq are equipped with slat armor that extends roughly one and a half feet from each side of the vehicle. Because of the extra width, Stryker drivers often have to swerve off roads to give other vehicles room to pass.
