Aviation Week & Space Technology

In this week's Washington Outlook: Those preparing to broaden access to space want relief from broadband spectrum rules, an easier path to launches and help keeping low Earth orbit safe.

Readers weigh in on "Hiring for the Long-Haul" feature on looming pilot shortage; "pilotless" cockpits—safety pros and cons; and Ex-Im bank and SME suppliers.

The first stage of the space company's reusable New Glenn spacecraft will be powered by seven BE-4 engines.

Vanilla Aircraft’s VA001 breaks new ground for conventionally powered unmanned aircraft by staying aloft for just over five days.

The service’s new trainer will feature a next-generation ejection seat designed to improve safety for student pilots.

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

B​AE Systems Inc. appointed Alphonse Whitmore president of its intelligence and security sector. GKN named Hans Buthker CEO of GKN Aerospace, effective Jan. 1.

Upcoming aviation and aerospace industry events and Aviation Week Network events

Jet trainer development starting in 2018 will bring key skills into TAI engineering arsenal, building on Hurkus B turboprop and Anka S UAS.

Local engineers are at least nominally taking the lead in equipping South Korea’s indigenous fighter with equipment from radar to hydraulics.

Seoul probably has enough airborne early warning aircraft for the front facing North Korea; any additional ones would face China and Japan.

Saudia initiated a transformation program to ready the airline for privatization. Success hinges on the quick opening of Jeddah’s new airport.

Check 6 speaks with Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco about the company's recent growth and preparations to fly the XQ-58A Valkyrie combat drone.

Boeing’s “MAX sandwich,” Comac’s lost opportunity, a boost for bizav and Airbus’s big market gain.

Czech Republic asks U.S. to buy 12 Huey helicopters; NATO general warns Turkey about buying Russian SAMs; a milestone for a modernized nuclear warhead; Bulgarian pilots opt not to participate in training flights.

The successful test run is a significant milestone for Blue Origin's methane-fueled BE-4, which is expected to power the company’s reusable orbital New Glenn vehicles and replace Russian-made engines used by the United Launch Alliance.

As Airbus takes the majority stake in the Bombardier C Series, has the time come for Boeing suppliers to get to know Airbus better?

Taurus is too big for the Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50. A proposed compact version would probably fit inside the F-35, too.

With its space program only three years old, the United Arab Emirates is already planning astronaut trips and a Mars orbiter.

Many competitors hope the big three Gulf airlines will stop growing. But that may be premature.

Success in the Middle East has strengthened China’s resolve to enter the unmanned air systems market.

Aside from Boeing’s MH-139, the Air Force’s Huey competition is a battle between old and new Black Hawks.

Hoping to have stopped infrastructural degradation, Onera engineers turn to improving wind tunnel.

With overall air traffic growing, Groupe ADP is building up its infrastructure to keep passengers moving.

After some delays outside of Airbus’s control, its A330-900 flight testing is well underway. Executives hope to match the success of the A350 with this new entry.