Critics of counterinsurgency say it represents the triumph of tactics over strategy. Looking at the Air Force’s mooted OA-X and A-X2 procurement programs, and the A-10 retirement debate, one can see exactly the same issues in play.
High-profile failures of traditional air data systems—using pitot tubes and angle-of-attack vanes—have ignited a new generation of laser-based replacement systems that offer higher performance, without moving parts.
Nearly a decade of missions and operations have proven that the U.S. Marines’ MV-22 Osprey is a one-of-a-kind aircraft that provides unique flexibility in combat. But the tiltrotor continues to present complex operational challenges.
As the U.S. Navy tests the F-35C carrier variant in its final warfighting configuration aboard the USS George Washington in August, the Pentagon is already looking ahead at what’s next for the fifth-generation fighter jet.
While Boeing has already given plenty of signs that sales of new widebody aircraft have slowed to a crawl, the full extent of the order shortfall is becoming more apparent, thanks to internal figures obtained by Aviation Week.
Designers looking for fuel savings and emissions reductions beyond those possible with today’s conventional tube-and-wing configurations face additional challenges when the aircraft are smaller, such as regional and business jets.
Self-flying aircraft are even further off than self-driving cars. But technologies that assist pilots are advancing—including one that will take control of the aircraft to avoid a collision if humans do not react quickly enough. Our editors bring you up to date and explore what might be possible.
Aviation Week senior editor John Croft demonstrates recovery from several full stalls during his sampling of the training in Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737-800 simulator.
The U.S.-led mission to collect samples from asteroid Bennu could also provide valuable information about the possibility that an asteroid collision could wipe out life on the planet.
Capping greenhouse gas emissions by restricting traffic growth would be an affront to small exporting businesses and rising middle classes around the world.
Auto ICAS is thought to be the world’s first fully automatic integrated combat flight safety system designed to prevent both air-to-air and air-to-ground collisions.
Washington Outlook column discusses B61 nuclear weapons in Europe, FlyerRights.org congressional ratings, Texan congressman banding together on space issues.
As the avionics-maker sees the finish line on a crush of Pro Line Fusion integrated cockpit certifications, engineers are turning to the next challenge.
ISR experts are advocating for every aircraft to become a contributing member of a disaggregated sensor network linked seamlessly by protected, self-healing data links.
It might be stalled for now, but ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement promises to be a key priority for the U.S. aerospace and defense sector after the November elections.
