Aviation Week & Space Technology

Our chief aircraft evaluation pilot, Fred George, flew the CS300. Our avionics and safety editor, John Croft, has done simulator runs. Executive Editor Jim Asker quizzes them on their impressions of Bombardier’s newest airliner.

Our chief aircraft evaluation pilot says he has yet to fly a jetliner with more docile yet responsive handling qualities.

Bombardier’s CS300 is significantly lighter than its competitors, thanks to advanced materials. We outline some here.

BAE secures foreign development partner role on Turkish TF-X fighter project.

The “big three” Gulf carriers, which were growing so fast a short time ago, are facing a reversal due to weakening oil economies and adverse political trends.

Northrop, Raytheon bow out of $16 billion trainer competition, leaving a distinct opening for Boeing and Lockheed.

Tariff-free trade and the free movement of skilled workers are critical to aerospace—and both are at risk.

In this week’s Washington Outlook, hiring freeze complicates Pentagon weapons procurement, IATA response to Muslim immigration ban, defense budget tracker, testing Trump’s mettle, and the makeup of the NSC.

It is easy to identify victims of free trade agreements, but much harder to show there have been more winners.

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

As the Internet of Things evolves, the potential for disruption in the aviation and aerospace value chains also increases.

Readers weigh-in on acquisition process; debate waning of aircraft orders; decry logic behind Arms Race viewpoint; offer praise for resurgence in technology articles

BAE Systems Inc. has promoted Terry Crimmins to president of electronic systems, from vice president/deputy general manager. Tom Arseneault moves to chief operating officer, succeeding Doug Belair, who has retired. Scott Howat has been hired as senior vice president-finance, succeeding Guy Montminy, who moves to senior vice president/deputy general manager-electronic systems.

Upcoming aviation and aerospace industry events and Aviation Week Network events.

Graduate students perform a test-run of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's E-Spirit of St. Louis all-electric two-seater. The modified Diamond HK36, planned for first flight in May coincident with the 90th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, has a 150 hp Yasa liquid cooled automotive electric engine and is designed for an endurance of 1 hr and 45 min using Lithium ion battery packs and custom-designed cooling systems.

Sukhoi and MiG benefit from Indian orders. But competition from U.S. and other Western nations is growing.

Boeing leaders offered a full-throated forecast, with rising commercial aircraft deliveries, defense revenue and cash for investors. So far, everyone agrees.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and industry are crafting a nine-passenger business aircraft that will merge the best attributes of electric and fossil fuels.

The U.S. aerospace industry is wondering about its future down south ever since President Trump’s dustup with Mexico’s president in late January.

If Washington manages to cut taxes and regulations and that leads to a better economy, better prices for taxpayers and more U.S. jobs, then Trump and A&D CEOs should be lauded. If not. . . well.

India’s defense budget increases by 6%; IAI system provides electronic protection for avionics; a new drone database; Boeing’s latest tanker contract.

Boeing will use the tried-and-true Atlas V to launch its commercial crew vehicle, but SpaceX has some hurdles getting its Falcon 9 human-rated.

Defense contractors may well find that under the Trump administration some of what worked to create value over the past decade will not work as well.

The $2.4 billion endeavor is intended to seek out evidence of past microbial life on the Red Planet while laying the groundwork for future human exploration.

Hawaiian Airlines has big plans for its A321neos, but it must wait longer to receive them.