Aviation Week & Space Technology

The timing was right—with the needed winds—for altitude record-breaking tests in the southern Andes. Cover credit: Airbus Perlan Mission II

U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, a former Navy pilot, is not without technical know-how, though he chose a career in politics.

Failure to spot an anomaly on the tires of a 787 before takeoff led to a high-energy impact with flying rubber and damage to the flap drive system.

In this week’s roundup: a look at Japan’s plans for defense spending; test cleared for the next GPS III satellite; Australia considers upgrading Seahawk helicopters; and Poland buys a training system for SW-4 helicopters.

Chinese move toward development of superheavy-lift Long March 9 launcher.

Four months after its collapse, the Italian carrier looks no nearer to knowing how its revival will play out.

The launch of a high-speed combat helicopter development effort is one of several upgrade programs for the Russian military.

University claims a speed record as it develops a jet-powered unmanned aircraft as a testbed for adaptive flight controls, beyond-line-of-sight communications and other technologies.

As tensions on the Korean peninsula grow hotter and hotter, imposing costs on the U.S. military, Aviation Week editors discuss whether it is time to learn how to live with a nuclear North Korea.

With visions of Moon missions and settlements on Mars, SpaceX prepares for the long-promised debut flight of its superheavy lifter.

The U.S. carrier will expand range with the 737-8 aircraft, fitted with 175 passenger seats in a single-class configuration.

Boeing could lose its position as prime contractor for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system if the U.S. agency adopts a new acquisition strategy.

Boeing and Airbus working to meet Qantas challenge to develop an aircraft to fly Sydney-London nonstop

A340 MSN001, modified to be the Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator for Europe (BLADE), will soon begin a flight-test campaign to show that laminar flow can reduce fuel burn.

United Technologies Corp.’s proposed $30 billion acquisition of Rockwell Collins will create an unparalleled aerospace supplier, marrying the latter’s avionics and cabin interiors business with UTC Aerospace Systems, and with engine maker Pratt & Whitney not far apart.

Drone for Saturn’s moon; solar wing for atmospheric satellite; China develops alumics; robot applies riblets, and new alloy for metal printing.

Guy Norris, Aviation Week Senior editor, talks to us from El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina where Airbus hopes to witness the Perlan Mission II achieve a new world altitude record.

The first F-35 squadrons are set to receive aircraft equipped with a version of the final software load, but the program still has significant hurdles to overcome in its final stretch.

Air Berlin may be sold off in bits or as a whole, with several carriers positioning themselves for advantage in the German market.

Travel agencies’ interest in copying the Spring Airlines model should promote budget aviation in China, but there are barriers to the model.

On Capitol Hill, many deadlines and obstacles must be overcome to keep government functioning; A&D leaders remain focused on potential tax cuts; Sen. McCain gears up to return.

A roundup of recent aviation and aerospace and defense industry staff changes.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

Upcoming aviation and aerospace industry events and Aviation Week Network events

Readers weigh in on the F-35/F-22 debate; the viability of air taxis; prospects for SpaceX; and the U.S. Air Force's drive for fully networked combat systems