Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Apr. 21

Airbus Reports A321XLR Development Progress

Credit: AirbusAirbus’ A321XLR long-range, single-aisle program is gathering momentum as the first examples of some specific components are being produced, suppliers are being chosen and detailed design activities are proceeding, according to the airframer.

Hexcel Still Has Not Heard From Boeing; Expects Deep Cuts

Credit: BoeingAerospace composite provider Hexcel on April 20 scrapped its guidance for 2020 with its financial outlook marred by declining production rates at OEM customers making large commercial aircraft (LCA).

New Boeing CEO Shuffles Management In Reorganization

Credit: BoeingBoeing is reorganizing top managers and their duties, the company said late April 21, in what is the first headquarters overhaul under relatively new CEO and president David Calhoun.

USAFF-35B

USAFF-35B

U.S. Air ForceGerman Air Force Tornado

South Korean F-35A Delivery Schedule Safe From Pandemic

F-35A Credit: U.S. Air ForceThe South Korean finance ministry has reiterated that spending shifts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic will not delay deliveries of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightnings to the country.

Adrian PingstoneKC-135

U.S. Chosen As NGF Partner, 2nd Japanese

NGF Credit: Japanese Ministry of DefenseA Japanese choice of U.S. partners for development of the Next Generation Fighter (NGF) has been reported by a second major Japanese newspaper, the Asahi Shimbun, following an article along similar lines last month.

Drone Companies Advance Pandemic-Fighting Vehicles

Aertos 120-UVC indoor disinfectant drone. Credit: Digital AerolusNorth American companies involved in building and operating small drones are proposing systems that could potentially be used in battling the COVID-19 pandemic.