Aircraft & Propulsion

The Multinational Multirole Tanker and Transport Fleet narrows Europe’s aerial refueling gap, but more will be needed to address shortfalls.

FAA’s ConOps for UAM; NASA seeks AAM partners; Europe’s clean R&D plan; Wisk eyes U.S. UAM launch; FAA certifying 12 drones.

Russian light-aircraft developer PRO-Avia has begun studying a light multipurpose twin-engine transport aircraft and has selected German manufacturer RED Aircraft’s A03 diesel-cycle piston engine for the preliminary design phase.

The bill includes proposals to procure a synthetic aperture radar for the A-10 Warthog and potentially block funding for the Armed Overwatch program.

A system developed by German aerospace center DLR to help pilots fly more energy-efficient, lower-noise approaches is to be prepared for production by Swiss International Air Lines and Thales Avionics in a joint program.

Ask the Editors: Airports are revamping their check-in process to create a safer, contactless environment for travelers.

Boeing is looking for the lowest sustainable production rate for its suppliers so they are still there to ramp up someday.

Boeing defense chief talks about increased introspection, the impact of COVID-19 on the market and plans for the KC-46.

Collins Aerospace describes initiatives to safeguard aviation’s VHF-routed data link communications.

Russia’s new Irkut MC-21 commercial narrowbody continues to face certification delays.

Ask the Editors: Aviation Week data shows the U.S. military operates about three times as many manned aircraft as the Chinese military.

Rolls progresses electric propulsion; ZeroAvia flies electric in UK; Terrafugia unveils eVTOL; and Electra.aero builds team.

Ask the Editors: Boeing’s narrowbody share has dipped due to the MAX grounding; some advanced technologies could help it move the needle.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

Fuel cells may be more suited to smaller commercial aircraft, while larger ones would retain turbine engines.

Former senior FAA executives are among the principals of a new company focused on advancing standards and best practices in the drone industry

Development, assembly and test of XB-1 proving to be more than sum of its parts for Boom as a step toward follow-on supersonic transport.

Ask the Editors: Airbus is focusing on extending the A220’s longer routes while Embraer struggles with bundling and pricing for the E2.

Airbus lands autonomously; Cuberg’s better eVTOL battery; fuel from CO2; Swiss electric propulsion; and fuel-cell eVTOL.

Error and fear are part of human beings’ superior performance, says French safety expert.

Ask the Editors: Whatever Bell does, it may have trouble making any serious dent in the AW139’s market lead.

Certification of the aircraft, its propulsion system and operating rules are a first, European regulators say.

The situation calls for companies and leaders that can act fast and think ahead.

Ask the Editors: Composite use is growing as a percentage of weight for manufacturers. Repair and recycling knowledge also are improving.

The FAA plans to restart its effort to mandate safety management systems (SMS) for manufacturers “shortly,” Administrator Steve Dickson said, calling the move “the biggest thing we can do” to improve how the agency oversees product certification.