Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Apr. 06

EASA Publishes Possible Framework For Urban Drone Rules

Credit: VolocopterThe European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published its first view of how the use and control of drones in an urban environment could be regulated, presenting an opinion to the European Commission that sets out how drones could co-exist with current airspace users.

SkyDrive Flies Japan’s First Manned EVTOL

The single-seat SD-02 demonstrates the multirotor configuration planned for SkyDrive’s eVTOL. Credit: SkyDriveJapanese startup SkyDrive has conducted manned flights of its electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) demonstrator.

Boeing To Refly Uncrewed Starliner Orbital Test

Credit: Frank Michaux/NASABoeing says it will fly a second uncrewed flight test of its CST-100 Starliner, following a troubled orbital debut in December. “Flying another uncrewed flight will allow us to complete all flight test objectives and evaluate the performance of the second Starliner vehicle at no cost to the taxpayer,” Boeing said in an April 6 statement. “We will then proceed to the tremendous responsibility and privilege of flying astronauts to the International Space Station.”

Rolls-Royce Prepares For Production Scalebacks

Credit: Rolls-RoyceAero-engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce says it is preparing for a dip in engine delivery volumes as the industry scales back operations in the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Woodward, Hexcel Cancel Merger Just To Survive COVID-19

Credit: BombardierKey aerospace and defense (A&D) suppliers Woodward and Hexcel have called off their planned merger due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, ending a three-month saga that always baffled many industry insiders and has since been overtaken by survival necessities.