Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Jan. 06
January 07, 2021
GA-ASI Will Modify Avengers For Skyborg Tests
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) will modify two Avenger unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to serve as one of the testbeds for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Skyborg demonstration programs, the company announced Jan. 6. Credit: GA-ASI

FAA Releases Rule For Supersonic Flight Testing
The FAA on Jan. 6 announced a final rule that streamlines the application process for testing supersonic aircraft over land. The Special Flight Authorizations for Supersonic Aircraft regulation responds to renewed interest in the development of supersonic aircraft. But beyond testing, it does not lift the existing prohibition of civil aircraft flying in excess of Mach 1 over land, which has been in place since 1973. Credit: Aerion

Europe’s Spaceport In Kourou To Receive Major Upgrade
French space agency CNES is beginning a €140 million ($168 million) refurbishment and modernization of Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, including a micro-launchpad in parallel with the ongoing construction of the Ariane 6’s launchpad. Credit: CNES-CSG

NASA
Cygnus

Stratcom Looks Beyond Aircraft To Replace Doomsday Fleet
U.S. Navy

France Becomes Second E-2D International Customer
France is buying three E-2D airborne early warning aircraft for a maximum of $2 billion from the U.S. Navy, making the country the second international customer of the carrier-capable aircraft. Credit: U.S. Navy

NASA Looks To Jan. 17 For SLS Hot Fire
Satisfied with the Space Launch System’s (SLS) recent Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR), NASA is looking to conduct the first simultaneous ground test firing of the heavy rocket’s four RS-25 engines as early as Jan. 17. Credit: NASA

Airbus
Typhoon

UK Contracts With MBDA For Spear 3 Missile Production
The UK has contracted with MBDA for the production of its Spear 3 network enabled air-to-ground missile which will become the primary weapon of the UK’s F-35 fleet. The £550 million ($746 million) contract, announced Jan. 6, will finalize development and produce an undisclosed number of the weapons and launchers for UK weapon stocks. Credit: MBDA
FAA releases rules for supersonic flight testing, UK contracts with MBDA for Spear 3 missile production, GA-ASI will modify avengers for Skyborg tests, Space Station resupply capsule begins free flight phase and more. A roundup of aerospace, space and defense news powered by Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN).
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