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