Aircraft & Propulsion

U.S. startup CoFlow Jet has struck an agreement with NASA to commercialize deflected-slipstream technology that would enable an electric vertical/short takeoff and landing (eV/STOL) aircraft to transition to efficient cruise without requiring tilting mechanisms or separate lift rotors.

With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU and U.S. have issued bans on Russian-registered aircraft.

Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft founding president and CEO, announced his retirement Feb. 18 in a memo to employees.

Aircraft Industries, the Czech manufacturer of the Let family of turboprop transport aircraft, says in an open letter that its ownership by Russian holding group Ural Mining Metallurgical Company (UGMK) “is likely to change a lot for us as a company, but we ourselves do not know what the consequences will be.”

The designer of what is now Leonardo’s AW09 helicopter is planning to unveil a new concept for a single-engine rotorcraft.

In November 2018, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology flew an aircraft on a propulsion system with no moving parts.

South Korean startup Plana has unveiled plans to develop a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing air taxi with the range to enable intercity flights and service entry planned for 2028.

Australia’s Swoop Aero has delivered Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines by drone in Malawi for the first time.

The Workhorse Group may have sold off its SureFly electric vertical takeoff and landing air taxi program to Moog, but the U.S. electric delivery truck maker is continuing to develop its Horsefly unmanned aircraft.

Electrifying short-range aviation in the Netherlands will be feasible by 2026, concludes a report by airport consultants NACO and national aerospace research agency Royal NLR.

Europe’s AiRMOUR research project to produce a tool kit for the introduction of urban air mobility has developed a geographical tool to help city planners “to think in three dimensions.”

Sikorsky’s S-92 has found a new role—firefighting—with the development of a belly-tank-and-snorkel system.

Honeywell UOP is working with China’s Oriental Energy to build a large sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility in Maoming, Guangdong province.

The number of transactions for pre-owned single-engine helicopters in 2021 exceeded those in 2020 by 25% and those in 2019 by 30%, according to data from Amstat.

Lack of FAA approval has held back the H160’s entry into service.

Hyundai’s urban air mobility company, Supernal, is to work with Miami officials to develop policies for advanced air mobility that are designed to enable the city to serve as a model for other metropolitan areas.

Lilium is modifying the design of its electric air taxi, building a third demonstrator to accelerate flight testing and partnering with NetJets to offer the vertical takeoff Lilium Jet for private and business aviation.

Canadian regional aviation specialist Chorus Aviation is to acquire UK-headquartered lessor Falko Regional Aircraft for $855 million, with investment firm Brookfield Asset Management slated to take a 12.5% stake in Chorus once the deal completes.

Tradewind Aviation, based in Oxford, Connecticut, has placed a firm order for 20 new PC-12 NGX single-engine turboprops with Pilatus Aircraft, with first deliveries to begin in the third quarter of 2022.

Helicopter operations are a small fraction of global annual aviation fuel usage, but the industry wants to join aviation’s green efforts.

Demand for maintenance and upgrades for legacy jets is fueling expansion.

The aerospace industry has begun to evaluate the consequences of the sanctions the EU is imposing on Russia’s aviation in the wake of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

An order uptick is giving the rotorcraft industry confidence that it is emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indian multinational engineering services provider Tech Mahindra is collaborating with Aska on the design of the U.S. startup’s drive/fly electric vertical takeoff and landing commuter vehicle.

Beginning deployment of U-space airspace for drone operations with a few pilot regions in urban areas is a key recommendation presented by German air navigation service provider DFS and its unmanned traffic management subsidiary Droniq.