Aviation Week & Space Technology

On the sidelines of this week's air show, Aviation Week editors discuss whether Airbus really has the edge over Boeing it claims, and what defense hardware is in high demand in the Asia Pacific region.

The initial payloads on the first launch of the heavy-lift Space Launch System will be relatively small CubeSats, but the results could be huge, heralding a day when swarms of minuscule satellites ride piggyback deep into the Solar System for missions now conducted by billion-dollar, custom-built spacecraft.

The U.S. Air Force will need help from Congress to pursue its next-generation launch system plan, but Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) continues pressure against the use of RussianRD-180 rocket engines.

The Indian space industry is aiming to correct a chronic criticism-—that it lacks the heavy-launch vehicles necessary to compete on the international commercial space launch market.

New private investors have been very beneficial to TAP, but the country’s government still wants to regain control over the airline.

As Alberta’s economy worsens, WestJet will shift capacity to Eastern Canada.

Battery industry advocates face off with aerospace industry safety advocates over a proposed ban on shipping lithium-ion batteries on passenger aircraft.

Cockpit technology shrinks combat vehicles; Google testing Internet from the air; DLR seeks end to reentry blackout; TsAGI tests convertiplane UAV; Bristow buys into Sky-Futures.

NASA tests of morphing flap technology on a modified Gulfstream III aim to demonstrate the viability of the flexible flap, which could form the first step toward eventual development of a morphing wing.

With S-76 and UH-60MU autonomy testbeds flying, Sikorsky looks ahead to flying optionally piloted UH-60A and fielding advanced capabilities enabled by fly-by-wire across the Black Hawk fleet.

Most countries struggle with the usual budget limitations and a broad array of fleet replacement and new aircraft needs. But in the case of Singapore, there is a very interesting capability gap that implies a significant short-term requirement.

From drone-on-drone interceptors to laser-armed Humvees, a broad range of systems to counter small UAS are becoming available.

Feb. 22-24—NBAA Leadership Conference. The Grand Hyatt. San Antonio. See nbaa.org/events/leadership/2016 Feb. 23-24—Aviation Festival Asia. Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Center. Singapore. See terrapinn.com/exhibition/aviation-festival-asia/ Feb. 23-25—Defense Logistics. Hilton London Metropole. London. See defencelogisticsevent.com/

C AE has appointed Andrew Rankin vice president-strategy and business development Asia-Pacific, for the Sydney-based company’s defense and security unit. A new advisory board to the sector will be chaired by Air Marshal Geoff Brown (ret.), former chief of the Royal Australian Air Force.

It is appropriate for government to fund high-risk, high-reward research and development.

Though controversial, a House plan to spin off the FAA’s Air Traffic Control and Modernization into a non-profit corporation is moving ahead at full speed.

The benefits of independent, user-financed air traffic systems are clear.

Acoustic sensors, radars, jammers, cyber weapons, net-wielding UAVs, quadcopter-snatching eagles, guided projectiles and laser weapons­—the perceived threat from small UAS is drawing a wide range of responses

UAS incidents have increased over time. Here's a time line of notable episodes involving the increasingly ubiquitous "drones."

Shoreham crash review set to bring increased costs and tougher regulation for future airshows.

NASA seeks funds for mission that could test techonology now slated for threatened asteroid-redirect effort.

New wings and wide-area displays could boost Hawk’s combat capability.

Authorities turn to detection and identification technologies to address the irresponsible and illegal use of small UAS. But can they take action against them?

Ways to prevent missile launches; lawmaker girds for fight against NASA chief; safety outfits issue battery recommendations; the rocky road to rocket replacement.

COMMERCIAL AVIATION Airbus flew the A321neo for the first time Feb. 9, from Hamburg, after a last-minute switch to an aircraft with CFM International Leap-1A engines rather than the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-powered jet planned. The Pratt-engined A321neo is still to be delivered first, by the end of 2016, and the CFM-powered version by early 2017.