Aviation Week & Space Technology

Critics said it couldn’t be done, but SmartSky has proven how to make use of unlicensed spectrum to provide aircraft with 4G connectivity that’s down to Earth.

Trump administration’s views on climate change may curtail NASA Earth-observation satellite missions.

The Air Force hopes a new crop of young pilots will help take the F-35 to the next level

Private investment advances development of a small turbine engine, promising a much-needed increase in propulsion reliability for Class 3-4 tactical unmanned aircraft.

A defense law directs the Indonesian air force to prefer Airbus H225Ms, fitted out in the country, even though it wants AW101s. An A400M order is awaiting a report on a 2015 crash.

Conveniently for Boeing, the province where it will build a 737 completion center is home to a small, government-backed airline with big growth plans.

Most of the toughest engineering challenges have been tackled, 80% of structural element designs are finished, and Lockheed investments in facilities, labs and personnel certifications can help speed readiness for complex deep-space missions.

The U.S. Air Force is looking for light-attack aircraft for its OA-X program, and two turboprops seem to be in the lead, though many more are in the running.

Lufthansa did not get everything it wanted in its labor agreement with pilots, but it did address many key issues.

Launch service operators and satellite manufacturers stand to benefit from electric-propulsion satellites.

Australia’s planned force of armed drones are probably intended for expeditionary operations; Canberra does not seem to think propeller-driven UAVs would have a large role for the defense of the country.

Trump’s budget stands little chance of becoming law unchanged, but still sets the stage for a significant military buildup.

Lockheed Martin laser power record; biofuels and contrails; DARPA Gremlins make progress; UTM for Japan; Mesmer seduces drones.

Aviation Week pilots explore why things sometimes go wrong at airshows and what can be done to improve safety.

Charles F. Bolden, a U.S. Marine Corps aviator, NASA astronaut and the 12th administrator of the U.S. space agency, is the 2017 recipient of the Philip J. Klass Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 2017 Laureate for Heroism is awarded to Kenn Borek Air Ltd. for evacuating two ill workers from the South Pole during the dark and cold of polar winter.

John Tracy, a composites guru whose career touched commercial, defense and space applications, is a 2017 Philip J. Klass Lifetime Achievement Award honoree.

Analysts question whether the U.S. should continue to honor the prohibition of ground-launched mid-range missiles in light of Russia’s violation.

Building on the momentum of robust turboprop sales, Pilatus is looking to establishing its name in business jets.

Leonardo looks to invest in the AW139, but development of the future light-twin helicopter is hazy.

The Air Force is enticing engine manufacturers with its plan to upgrade or replace more than 608 Pratt & Whitney TF33s that have powered the nuclear-armed B-52H since 1961.

A restructured CHC is ready for low-oil-price environment, says CEO Karl Fessenden.

Hisakazu Mizutani has been named president of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. New executives at Rockwell Collins, Stark Aerospace, Northrop Grumman and Textron.

Upcoming aviation and aerospace industry events and Aviation Week Network events

Aviation Week's helicopter evaluation pilot finds Bell’s Model 505 Jet Ranger X does a good job of hitting the company’s goals for full-authority digital engine control, a glass cockpit, roomy cabin, cockpit visibility and price.