The 76-seat regional aircraft is to become a demonstrator for ZeroAvia’s HyperCore electric motors and high temperature proton exchange membrane system.
Metrea’s business case rests on the uncomfortable fact that hundreds of Air Force-owned air refueling aircraft cover only a fraction of the potential demand.
The U.S. Army will stand down flying operations on a rolling basis next week to focus on safety and training after a series of fatal helicopter crashes.
The three contracts come less than two months after a presidential directive applied Defense Production Act Title III authorities for hypersonic programs.
The Long Range Tactical UAS targets the same size of UAS as the Marines’ existing Close Range UAS, which is the 48.5-lb., rail-launched Insitu Scan Eagle.
The government can now launch a feasibility study to “closely review the necessity and economic feasibility" of the $2.03 billion project before final approval.
Electrification of regional and subregional aircraft offers huge potential and a faster route to both meaningful reduction in transport emissions and profits.
