Aerospace

As high-energy lasers become weapons for countering small drones, the technology is on its way to demonstrating the potential to shoot down strategic threats.

The CASIC LY-1 laser weapon, revealed at Beijing’s Victory Day parade, features a larger aperture than the U.S. Navy’s Helios.

Stop-fold tiltrotor becomes X-76; Sikorsky tests hybrid powertrain; light-driven SAF production; and from nuclear power to liquid fuel.

Parallel Flight Technologies has received a key regulatory OK that allows it to begin commercial deployment of its heavy-lift, hybrid-electric UAS in the U.S.

The idea of a stretched version of the Airbus A220 is getting more public support from key customers.

Joby began flight testing its first conforming aircraft intended for FAA Type Inspection Authorization, a major step toward certification of its S4 eVTOL.

Editors are joined in Atlanta by vertical flight veteran Mike Hirschberg to discuss the highlights of this year's Verticon rotorcraft expo.

In Europe, the U.S. and Canada, development of megawatt-class hybrid propulsion enters a critical phase.

Assessing the the Iran war status is increasingly about who has what in stock.

Safran Helicopter Engines has begun assembly of the first 600-kW TG600 turbogenerator for U.S. startup Electra.aero’s prototype EL-9 hybrid eSTOL aircraft.

Airbus, Bell and Leonardo have recorded orders for 26 helicopters during this year’s Verticon rotorcraft exhibition in Atlanta.

Eve Air Mobility’s EVE-100 eVTOL engineering prototype transitioned from vertical to horizontal flight for the first time on March 10.

Electric propulsion provider MagniX is preparing a power system for flight tests later this year in a modified Robinson Helicopter Corporation R66.

Beta Technologies says it has made significant progress toward certification of its aircraft and propulsion system.

GE Aerospace is investing $33 million in its Greenville, South Carolina, turbine blade production facility.

Safran’s Aneto engine has been selected to power new-build and refurbished Bell 214ST Super Transporter helicopters.

GE Aerospace has said it is moving into a new phase in its joint research with Airbus Helicopters into next-generation rotorcraft engines.

Future reliance on composites—for their lighter weight and ability to adopt more complex shapes—will require far-reaching adjustments at aerostructures factories.

Hybrid-electric aircraft developer Electra.aero held a familiarization meeting with the FAA earlier this month, marking another step toward Part 23 type certification of the company’s nine-seat EL9 ultra-STOL aircraft.

Dassault Aviation has started building parts for its Vortex spaceplane demonstrator with the aim of building momentum for a project it wants to see flying as early as 2028.

MD Helicopters is close to finalizing a sale of the type certificate for the MD Explorer twin-engine light helicopter.

MD Helicopters has lifted the veil on a new variant of its famed 500 series of single-engine light helicopters.

Archer Aviation has filed sweeping counterclaims against rival air taxi developer Joby Aviation.

Robinson Helicopter aims to extend its lineup of autonomous uncrewed vertical lift capabilities with Sikorsky following the unveiling of the TurbineTruck.

The industry has long demurred on major capex or capacity increases in favor of issuing shareholder returns, both public and private.