By Guy Norris, Sean Broderick, Helen Massy-Beresford, Jens Flottau
With about 140 Boeing 737-8/-9s delivered to almost 30 operators since its commercial debut 13 months ago, the 737 MAX is quickly setting an industry record for the fastest introduction ever of a new jet transport.
DARPA-funded power and efficiency testing of a new type of rotary engine that promises compact, lightweight and reliable power for unmanned aircraft and air taxis.
Bell is to collaborate with France’s Safran on development of a hybrid-electric propulsion system for its electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing on-demand air mobility concept.
Africa represents less than 10% of the world’s available seat miles, but that is about to change, and manufacturers of crossover narrowbody jets are taking note.
DARPA targets hypersonic defense; USAF wants reusable hypersonics; an unmanned KC-46A tanker? Liebherr/GM team on fuel-cell APU, and UK drone BVLOS milestone.
Passengers with reduced mobility are lobbying for greater accessibility to airline cabins, but certain safety constraints keep the industry from developing a quick solution.
Feedback on its initial F135 engine upgrade proposal prompted P&W to include increased power and thermal management capability in its Growth Option 2.0 upgrade package.