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Magazine Issue

Aviation Week & Space Technology, April 27, 2026

VOL. 188 NO. 17 April 27, 2026
Kepplair 72 firefighting aircraft

Canadian and U.S.-built airframes dominate the aerial firefighting fleets of Europe’s governments. Efforts to change that by French companies Positive Aviation, Kepplair Evolution and Hynaero are gaining traction. 

Credit: Kepplair Evolution

SPECIAL REPORT | FIREFIGHTING

float-equipped demonstrator
article

French Startups Strive To Innovate European Firefighting Aircraft

Apr 24, 2026
New entrants aim to expand capacity and reshape a market long dominated by Canadian and U.S. platforms.

DEFENSE

F-16D dropping cruise missile
article

Fresh Approach Ushers In New Era For Mass-Produced Cruise Missiles

Apr 23, 2026
Several new programs have arisen to drive low-cost munitions into service more quickly and at higher volumes than ever before.
man operating small drone
article

Ukraine Leverages Drone Warfare As New Offensive Season Begins

Apr 23, 2026
In a battlespace unrecognizable from when the war began in 2022, Ukraine’s adaptations appear to be outpacing the Russian invaders.
Northrop Grumman next-generation naval fighter concept
article

U.S. Navy Commits To F/A-XX Selection Amid Aviation Budget Increase

Apr 24, 2026
Aircraft procurement would more than double for the Navy under the new Pentagon spending plan.

COMMERCIAL AVIATION

Airbus factory floor
article

How Airbus Is Moving Its Alabama Site To Much Higher Rates

Apr 23, 2026
Airbus delivered its first aircraft from Mobile, Alabama, in 2016. Ten years on, the site has far outgrown the original plans.
flexible ramp design
article

Aircraft Cabin Interiors Will Become More Accessible And Sustainable

Apr 23, 2026
Cabin accessibility for people who are hard of hearing or use wheelchairs has been a focus for the last few years, and solutions are within reach.

BUSINESS

aerospace technician
article

Aerospace M&A Powers Up Despite And Because Of Headlines

Apr 20, 2026
Growing end markets, ample funds and government encouragement are all helping drive mergers and acquisitions to new levels.

FAST FIVE

Bill Alderman
article

Bill Alderman Almost Went Bankrupt, But He Would Do It All Again

Apr 21, 2026
A longtime deal-maker in mergers and acquisitions sees a changing landscape, a renaissance in small manufacturing, more transactions and cautionary tales.

PROPULSION

E9X design
article

Lagging Battery Performance Forces Electric Aircraft Rethink

Apr 24, 2026
Startup Elysian revises its electric regional aircraft concept to reflect achievable battery performance.
Evolito staffer conducted electromagnetic compatibility testing on a motor
article

Industry And Regulators Tackle Electric Certification Challenges

Apr 22, 2026
As long-term and highly experienced incumbents like Boeing know all too well, certification is not a quick or easy process.

SPACE

New Glenn rocket launching
article

New Glenn Setback Adds To Launcher Woes

Apr 24, 2026
The Blue Origin New Glenn’s AST SpaceMobile deployment mishap has ramifications beyond the satellite services provider.
Orion spacecraft
article

Future Orion Plans Emerge As Spacecraft Assembly Accelerates

Apr 24, 2026
After the success of Artemis II, Lockheed Martin proposes an upgraded Orion for NASA’s commercial deep-space needs and fast-tracks the next three vehicles.
Flex mission satellite
article

Europe Forecasts Better Climate Science Upgrades

Apr 21, 2026
Europe leans into climate science with new missions as U.S. turns away from such projects.

MILITARY SPACE

spacecraft flying near Moon
article

Space Companies See Momentum With On-Orbit Mobility Push

Apr 24, 2026
The U.S. Space Force may finally be getting serious about highly maneuverable spacecraft, as satellite builders debut new platforms.
Scene from the Space Symposium
podcast

Podcast: At Space Symposium, NASA Is Cool Again

Apr 21, 2026
Listen in as our editors discuss the buzz over Artemis II, the push for multiyear milspace predicaments and the return of nuclear reactors.

TECHNOLOGY

Proteus testbed on tarmac
article

The Week In Technology, April 20-24, 2026

Apr 20, 2026
AI-driven morphing wing; Autonomous electric crop spraying; Electric engine for GA; Safran powers electric trainer.

FROM THE EDITOR

Aviation Week's Neal Awards in 2026
article

Aviation Week Wins Big At Jesse H. Neal Awards

Apr 23, 2026
Aviation Week’s editors scored a half dozen wins at the Jesse H. Neal Awards, including the top honor for specialized journalism.

OPINION

Airbus A220 in flght
article

Opinion: The Pricing Problem In Commercial Aerospace

Apr 20, 2026
A common theme in airliner financial failures is that airframers do not implement value-based pricing.