Aerospace & Defense Roundup: August 17

Airflow Shifts ESTOL Introduction Strategy

Behind the $600 million in letters of interest signed by electric-aircraft startup Airflow is a shift in its strategy for market entry away from a focus on express logistics toward replacing fleets of older aircraft now used for regional passenger and cargo flights. Credit: Airflow

With Rush On For Commercial Space Integration, Phantom Buys MAS

Small-rocket mass-manufacturing startup Phantom Space has acquired Micro Aerospace Solutions (MAS), a 21-year-old Melbourne, Florida, provider of small satellite thruster, communications and data capabilities, the companies announced Aug. 17. Credit: Phantom Space

Blue Origin Sues NASA Over SpaceX HLS Contract Award

Blue Origin has turned to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to challenge NASA’s award of a single, $2.94 billion contract to SpaceX for development of a lunar Human Landing System (HLS). The HLS is part of the agency’s Artemis initiative to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and prepare for human expeditions to Mars. Credit: SpaceX

Pentagon Shops For AI Computing System For MQ-9 Smart Sensor

U.S. Air Force

Only Flying Il-112V Prototype Crashes After Engine Fire

The only flying prototype of a new light transport in development by United Aircraft Corp. (UAC) crashed near a Moscow suburb on a test flight after the right engine caught fire, killing all three crewmembers, the Russian manufacturer said on Aug. 17. Credit: UAC

BlackSky, Palantir Partnering For Rapid Space-Based AI Service

Big data analytics disruptor Palantir Technologies and BlackSky, a startup with a burgeoning constellation of imaging satellites and its own data analytics service, are partnering to offer their combined services for allied government customers. Credit: Palantir Technologies

SES, Microsoft Team Up On O3b Constellation

Microsoft will provide the use of its cloud and be a customer to SES for its O3b mPower satellite constellation, which will dramatically improve connectivity for governments and military customers, according to the CEO of SES. Credit: SES

Electric Seaplane Service Could Connect Norway’s Coastal Towns

A Norwegian startup has unveiled plans to develop a nine-passenger electric seaplane and provide a regional aviation service connecting towns along the coast and in the fjords with flights over water. Credit: Elfly Group