Aerospace

AIRBUS delivered 64 aircraft (seven A220s; 48 A320s; three A330s; six A350s) in November 2023 vs 68 (six A220s; 53 A320s; four A330s; five A350s) in Nov 2022. It has delivered only 623 (76 widebodies) of the planned 720 aircraft in 2023.

AIRBUS completed first flight of EcoPulse hybrid-electric demonstrator in partnership with SAFRAN and DAHER; aircraft is based on Daher TBM aircraft platform and equipped with six integrated electric thrusters or e-Propellers (supplied by Safran), distributed along the wings. Its propulsion system integrates two power sources: a turbogenerator, i.e. an electric generator driven by a gas turbine (supplied by Safran), and high-energy density battery pack (supplied by Airbus).

Electric Power Systems is developing a modular family of battery systems for electric aircraft propulsion.

Odys Aviation is developing an uncrewed cargo aircraft using a scaled-down version of its blown-lift hybrid-electric eVTOL propulsion system.

Air New Zealand has ordered an Alia electric aircraft from U.S. startup Beta Technologies for commercial demonstration flights planned for 2026.

U.S. startup Rotor Technologies is producing the first two R550X autonomous rotorcraft, which are uncrewed modifications of the Robinson R44 light helicopter.

France’s EcoPulse distributed electric propulsion demonstrator—developed by Daher, Safran and Airbus—has conducted its first flight in hybrid-electric mode.

Startup Evolito has received Design Organization Approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, giving it the ability to type-certify its electric engines.

Honeywell Aerospace’s new chief talks to Aviation Week editors about his priorities.

Industry is hoping November 2023 will go down in history as a turning point for sustainable aviation fuel after a historic framework put forth by the ICAO.

AI leaders cooperate; Cargo eVTOL flies; UK extends R&D funding; and China’s firefighting eVTOL.

David Hinson, former Administrator of the FAA and Head of Midway Airlines, passed away; he was 90.

ATR and NORDIC AVIATION CAPITAL signed agreement to new initiative to use blend of 30% SAF for delivery flights.

COLLINS was selected by easyJet to provide GlobalConnect connected aircraft services for >330 A320s to enable already-installed Flight Operations and Maintenance Exchanger system (FOMAX), jointly developed with Airbus, to provide valuable insights into its fleet operations, enabling proactive decision-making and more efficient airline operations.

In 1951, Lockheed’s chief engineer, Hall Hibbard, asked a 41-year-old Clarence L. “Kelly” Johnson to come into his office. Johnson had made a name for himself during World War II for delivering the first XP-80 jet fighter prototype in 143 days, and Hibbard wanted his advice on Lockheed’s newest aircraft design proposal: the Model 82 Hercules, a four-engine turboprop transport. Johnson, who believed speed was the key to aviation’s future, blurted out: “Hibbard, if you send that in [to the Air Force,] you’ll destroy the Lockheed Company.”

Here are news items from assorted companies in the business of Advanced Air Mobility.

The AAM Stock Composite nudged higher by 3.7% during the week ended Dec. 1, continuing a recent stretch of mostly positive trading.

Brazilian startup Moya Aero has begun flight testing its prototype electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) uncrewed cargo aircraft.

HAMBURG AIRPORT joined 'Hydrogen Hub at Airport' network as 12th member to research/develop/expand the infrastructure for use of hydrogen.

EMBRAER rolled out its converted E190F prototype; aircraft can handle payload of 23,600 lb (10,700 kg).

U.S. charter and cargo carrier Global Crossing Airlines has announced the creation of UrbanX, a dedicated subsidiary devoted to urban air mobility.

Three pragmatic approaches to sustainability can minimize the impact of regulation and help aviation grow responsibly.

Space launch activity reached an all-time high in 2023, but public new-space company valuations remain pressured.

As military needs evolve in airspace use, improved collaboration with civil users and more cross-border cooperation are to be expected.

U.S. electric aircraft startup Beta Technologies has received a $20 million grant from the state of New York.