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Magazine Issue

Aviation Week & Space Technology, March 9, 2026

VOL. 188 NO. 10 March 09, 2026
Digital cover of the March 9, 2026, Aviation Week

Aviation Week takes a close-up look at development, testing and key features of the X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft built by Lockheed Martin to NASA’s design as it approaches envelope expansion flights. See our exclusive interactive X-59 cutaway by Giuseppe "Joe" Picarella.

Credit: Jim Ross/NASA

SUPERSONICS

NASA’s X-59 supersonic research aircraft, lifting off from U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California
article

Inside NASA’s X-59 Low-Boom Demonstrator

Mar 06, 2026
Aviation Week takes the wraps off NASA’s Lockheed Martin-built X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft as preparations begin for envelope expansion tests.

FIRST TAKE

Leonardo tiltrotor concept
article

First Take, March 9, 2026

Mar 06, 2026
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Lockheed Martin F-35s and missiles by the sea
article

U.S. And Israel Attempt Regime Change In Iran From 20,000 Ft.

Mar 06, 2026
Regime change has long been considered a boots-on-the-ground operation. Now the U.S. and Israel are trying to do it from the sky.
Dubai airport damaged in drone attack
article

Iran War Fallout Hits Gulf Airlines Hard

Mar 06, 2026
Gulf airlines are operating miniscule schedules, if any, after the U.S. and Israel started their war against Iran. Threats to security could slow recovery, too.

DEFENSE

Troy Meink speaking at a lectern
article

U.S. Air Force Chief Unveils ‘Ringleader’ Sensor Fusion Exercise

Feb 27, 2026
The Air Force secretary wants to fuse data gathered from a vast array of military and intelligence sensors for battle management.
B-21 bomber
article

U.S. Air Force Overhauling Major Nuclear Programs

Mar 04, 2026
The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman are investing in a B-21 capacity increase as the Sentinel program faces decision points.
B-21
podcast

Podcast: High On CCAs, B-21, Space & More—The AFA Warfare Debrief

Mar 03, 2026
Listen in as editors reflect on program updates and other highlights from the AFA Warfare Symposium.
missile propulsion system in front of X-Bow sign
article

Rocket-Powered, Space-Based Interceptors Enter Golden Dome Discussion

Mar 06, 2026
Boost-phase missile defense challenges the historic model for space-based interceptors, but a startup is proposing a possible thrust-based solution.

COMMERCIAL AVIATION

Azul ATR 72-600 aircraft
article

DAE Drives Lessor Consolidation With Takeover Of Macquarie AirFinance

Mar 06, 2026
Industry consolidation accelerates as Dubai Aerospace Enterprise agrees to buy Macquarie AirFinance, expanding DAE’s fleet to more than 1,000 aircraft.
Spirit aircraft
article

Smaller Spirit Airlines Charts A Path Out Of Chapter 11

Mar 04, 2026
The ultra-low-cost carrier is reducing its fleet, costs and debt to emerge leaner and more competitive by mid-2026.

SPACE

space service module
article

NASA Adds Lunar Lander LEO Docking Demo To Artemis Campaign

Mar 05, 2026
The new mission is intended to buy down risk for a Moon landing in 2028.

MANUFACTURING

composite manufacturing
article

Lighter, Natively Produced Composites May Help Airbus’ Future Narrowbody

Mar 03, 2026
Europe’s research on composite materials targets further weight reduction in airframes as well as sovereignty in engine production.

PROPULSION

UltraFan 30
article

Rolls-Royce Details UltraFan 30 Single-Aisle Demonstrator Engine

Mar 03, 2026
The new UltraFan demonstrator program is gearing up as Rolls advances plans to challenge CFM and Pratt & Whitney for the next-generation single-aisle market.
damaged CFM International Leap engine fan blades
article

Boeing and CFM Are Closing In On Leap Safety Fix

Mar 06, 2026
The manufacturers are wrapping up a software update that is intended to reduce the risk of smoke in the cabin following engine failures.

ROTORCRAFT

Leonardo AW09 hovering
article

Leonardo Readies Its Light Single-Engine AW09 For Market Debut

Mar 04, 2026
With flight tests nearing completion, Leonardo is targeting year-end approval as it eyes strong demand from U.S. single-engine operators.

20 TWENTIES

20 Twenties promo

The 2026 20 Twenties—Tomorrow’s Aerospace Innovators

Mar 06, 2026
In its 12th year, Aviation Week’s program recognizes outstanding students from 13 schools across the U.S.

BUSINESS AVIATION

Gulfstream aircraft tails
article

Transport Canada Takes ‘Rare’ Action With Gulfstream Certification

Mar 04, 2026
The Canadian regulator’s certification of Gulfstream’s G500, G600, G700 and G800 includes only five serial numbers.

TECHNOLOGY

Electra EL2
article

The Week In Technology, March 2-6, 2026

Mar 02, 2026
Self-healing composites; supercooled-droplet icing detector; and new flight rules for advanced air mobility.

COLUMNS AND OPINION

aircraft at takeoff
article

Tariffs Become Supreme Uncertainty For The Aerospace Industry

Mar 05, 2026
No one knows what will happen going forward with aerospace and defense trade.
Trump Supreme Court collage
videos

Podcast: Aviation And Trump's Tariffs, Round Two

Feb 27, 2026
Editors are joined by consultant Kevin Michaels to break down President Trump’s latest tariffs and where the pain will be felt in the aerospace supply chain.
aerospace company logos
article

Opinion: The Diversified Model Is Holding Back Aerospace Companies

Feb 27, 2026
Separating aerospace and defense businesses from broader industrial production is becoming the only credible route to competing with focused champions.

DEPARTMENTS

helicopters over city seen through night vision goggles
article

Letters From Our Readers, March 9, 2026

Mar 06, 2026
Readers write about the FARA cancellation, crewed space exploration, the late Robert Liebeck and the world’s largest eVTOL air taxi.
article

New Positions, Promotions, Honors And Elections, March 9, 2026

Mar 06, 2026
Recent appointments, promotions and honors in the aviation and aerospace industry.
article

Aviation Week Events, March 9, 2026

Mar 06, 2026
A roundup of upcoming conferences and exhibitions.