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.
Roughly a year after delivery to the U.S. Navy, the upcoming X-Craft demonstrator will be fitted with a lifting body to enhance its speed and provide additional stability for helicopter operations, according to Chief of Naval Research Adm. Jay Cohen. A lifting body is an underwater wing that raises the hull of a boat off the surface of the water at high speeds while providing enhanced stability at low speeds. Pacific Marine of Honolulu, Hawaii will provide the 350-ton lifting body for X-Craft.
The U.S. Marine Corps is seeking information from industry on a new vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to replace the Pioneer, according to a recent request for information (RFI). Rather than initiate a new development program, Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) wants to know how existing UAV systems could satisfy their requirements. Responses to the RFI are due April 30.
The Bell-Boeing CV-22 tiltrotor has fallen six months behind schedule in flight testing, although the program is working on a plan to make up for the lost time and prevent the aircraft's debut from slipping, according to Program Manager Col. Craig Olson.
