Aviation Week & Space Technology

After an Orbital ATK Cygnus carrying 4,087 lb. of trash departed the International Space Station, NASA started a fire in the spacecraft as part of an experiment by the Glenn Research Center. Fire in space is a serious concern. In 1997, six Russian, German and U.S. astronauts fled Mir to a Soyuz spacecraft docked to the space station after an oxygen-generating canister caught fire. They were poised to leave when the fire burned itself out.

Fred Curado’s legacy at Embraer is one of sustainable development rather than radical and daring moves. His successor Paulo Cesar Silva now has to oversee the entry into service of two key programs: The E2 jets and the KC-390 military transport.

Readers discuss: HondaJet handling; Advantages of AOA; publication of potentially sensitive material; and the merits of Prandtl wing concept.

Rotorcraft industry leaders put safety as their top priority as they grapple with potential disruption of their markets by unmanned aircraft.

Will this spirit of compromise last? | Just before SpaceX launch, Bezos touts improvements to Blue Origin engine | Lawmaker’s bid to boost NASA aero funding.

Boeing increases production of smart weapons for U.S. and allied forces to catch up with use in antiterrorism campaign.

Helicopter makers show progress in increasing performance, cutting noise and improving safety. Speed is a challenge, but there are promising developments.

Airbus Group has appointed Paul Eremenko chief technology officer for the corporate technology office. Eremenko currently heads the A3 Innovation Center based in San Jose, California. Maj. Gen. Stayce Harris (see photo) has been promoted to lieutenant general and appointed assistant vice chief of staff and director of the air staff for the U.S. Air Force. Harris commands the Air Force Reserve’s 22nd Air Force at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.

The premier British airshow may be more sedate than usual this year, with defense highlighted ahead of commercial endeavors.

From Boeing’s difficulties on the tanker program to its shift toward fighter sustainment and upgrades, Aviation Week editors analyze their recent conversation with Leanne Caret, CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security.

Due to safety concerns about nearby urban areas—as well as increased public awareness following last year's Shoreham Airshow crash—the Red Arrows team will be limited to flypasts only.

The MS-21 looks promising, but breaking into Western markets where large installed Boeing and Airbus fleets prevail could prove insurmountable.

UTAS is working on engineering greater fuel efficiency as part of the Ecological Integrated Propulsion System (EcoIPS) program.

U.K. missile maker MBDA has scored a small but significant victory in its long-running campaign to secure a U.S. customer for Brimstone.

Seeing prospects for growth, the French government is investing in its commercial space sector, including support for new internet constellations.

Malaysia welcomes its third A400M airlifter; India prepares to export BrahMos missiles; U.S. Navy to complete communications satellite constellation; U.S. Apaches begin strikes in Iraq.

Despite regulatory setbacks, development of Europe’s new Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket remains on track at Airbus Safran Launchers.

American Airlines is providing more weather information for pilots and creating a turbulence task force to lessen the chances of similar encounters.

Companies selling commercial rides to the stratosphere on high-altitude balloons hope the burgeoning economy in low Earth orbit needs a leg up to space.

What is the industry’s long-term approach to global warming, the talent chase and new competition?

The May launch of Europe’s 13th and 14th Galileo spacecraft has boosted the current number of navigation satellites in orbit to 14, giving the European Commission the confidence to announce initial public services by the end of the year.

With minimal effort, airlines will be able to take advantage of the most advantageous, curvaceous new NextGen procedures with their older-generation jets.

Anatolian Eagle participants focus on dynamic targeting and defeating high-end surface-to-air missiles.

Many investors have lost confidence in United Airlines, believing the airline is too far behind Delta Air Lines and American Airlines on key economic metrics.

Leanne Caret is focused daily on righting the KC-46A tanker program and increasing Boeing’s emphasis on commercial derivatives, rotorcraft, human space exploration, satellites, autonomous systems and services.