Aircraft & Propulsion

Shield AI’s proposed X-Bat already stands out as an autonomous, jet-powered, vertical-takeoff-and-landing, long-range strike aircraft, but company President Ryan Tseng adds another distinction.

Lockheed’s printed attack drone; flying on solid-state batteries; Embraer tests hydrogen; and SAF from cow manure.

Aviation Week editors at the ILA Berlin Air Show ask what's next for the German Air Force fighter fleet after the collapse of the multinational FCAS program.

A Boeing B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff June 15 for a test flight at Edwards AFB, California, with eight crewmembers aboard.

Union workers on Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program in Fort Worth reached a new contract agreement, ensuring higher wage increases and bonuses.

Latvia’s Border Guard has placed orders for three Leonardo AW139 medium twin-engine helicopters funded through the European Security Action for Europe loans.

ZeroAvia shifted to defense during funding struggles but maintains its civil aviation mission while certifying its hydrogen fuel cell technology.

A small French aviation startup unveiled a partnership with Taiwan’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer on the opening day of the Eurosatory trade show June 15.

Montana Aerospace advances hybrid metal-composite aerostructures for Airbus and Boeing's next-gen narrowbodies.

Edge Group subsidiary Powertech launched serial production a month ago of the PJ120, the UAE-based company’s first move into jet propulsion, Powertech CEO Marian Lubieniecki tells Aviation Week.

The German defense procurement agency BAAINBw is poised to formally issue a request for proposals to buy a Bombardier Global 8000-based airborne standoff jamming aircraft.

The UK is indicating it will award a contract for the GCAP program this month in a show of support for the tri-national combat aircraft program.

NASA’s X-59 Quesst low-boom supersonic demonstrator achieved Mach 1.4 at 55,000 ft. on June 12.

Upgraded Sri Lankan Kfir Fighter Takes Flight

Germany has signed its first-ever government-to-government defense sale by providing light utility helicopters to the Balkan state of Montenegro.

A German modification house specializing in the conversion of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft is close to flying its first UAS.

The U.S. Air Force has shared some details about what it wants to see in its next airlifter, targeting an aircraft with about the same performance as a Boeing C-17.

Israel Aerospace Industries says it has completed the enhancement program for Sri Lanka’s Kfir fighter.

Spanish aerospace and defense companies have bandied together like their German counterparts to create a united industrial front to urge their government to move with pace to define a future fighter program in the wake of the demise of the cooperation with France.

Boeing has decided not to bid on the U.S. Navy’s next-generation trainer competition, a surprise move by the company that was seen as a favorite.

Greece has chosen Embraer’s C-390 airlifter to replace its long-serving Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

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

Germany says planning is underway for what comes next after its fighter partnership with France fizzled.

U.S.-based AeroVironment and Ubiqconn Technology of Taipei have signed an MOU to develop a common UAV controller for a variety of drones operated by the Taiwanese military.

France Orders Nuclear Cruise Missile, Eyeing 2035 Service Entry