Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Jun. 09

Former Vahana Team Members Launch ESTOL Logistics Aircraft
Airflow’s eSTOL design uses distributed hybrid-electric propulsion to enable short takeoffs and landing. Credit: Airflow.aeroHaving learned first-hand the challenges of electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing vehicles, a group of former Airbus Vahana team members have launched a company to develop a hybrid-electric short-takeoff-and-landing aircraft for short-haul aerial logistics.
Canadian Police Helicopter, Drone Collision Reported
Aeryon SkyRanger quadcopter. Credit: Aeryon LabsA Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) helicopter and a police drone flying in the same area collided in midair earlier this year, forcing the helicopter pilot to make a precautionary landing on a road.
USAFF-35B

Textron Aviation Obtains $10M Permit To Rebuild After Explosion
Textron Plant 3 in Wichita after explosion. Credit: Daniel McCoyTextron Aviation has received a construction permit for roughly $9.9 million for the rebuilding of its Plant 3 operation in Wichita.
U.S. Air ForceGen. Charles Brown

U.S. NavyUSS Gerald R. Ford

AirbusH225M

NASAMoon

USAF Seeks Survivable, Cheaper ‘MQ-Next’ UAS
MQ-9 Credit: Ilka Cole/U.S. Air ForceThe aircraft that replaces the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) MQ-9 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) within 10 years could look and operate very differently than the 13-year-old, medium-altitude, long-endurance platform now in service.
U.S. GovernmentU.S. Capitol
Former Vahana team members launch ESTOL logistics aircraft, NGAD acquisition, Senate confirm new USAF chief, EMALS failure forces Ford to return home, USAF seems survivable, cheaper 'MQ-Next' UAS and more. A roundup of aerospace, space, and defense new powered by Aerospace Daily & Defense Report.
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