Aviation Week & Space Technology

At the Pentagon and on Wall Street, they are beginning to consider the possible impacts from Trump vs. Clinton. On Capitol Hill, there is blow-back from Boeing’s Iran deal.

Will this spirit of compromise last? | Just before SpaceX launch, Bezos touts improvements to Blue Origin engine | Lawmaker’s bid to boost NASA aero funding.

In recent years, big U.S. defense contractors tilted the balance way too far in favor short-term shareholder returns and value.

Will the candidate’s rhetoric evolve?; associations prod House leaders to pass FAA bill; Elon Musk goes to the Pentagon.

The idea that U.K. aerospace would somehow fare better if London no longer has a seat at the table in EU negotiations is ludicrous.

The unfolding revolution in the automotive industry is less about research than development—spotting and bringing together an array of externally sourced technologies.

A fleet of aircraft and an air charter service are part of the Republican presidential candidates long—and very visible—association with aviation.

We are ready to commercialize low Earth orbit. NASA should help but focus long-term on getting humans to Mars.

Tanker woes continue; Boeing 737 deal follows end of Vietnam arms embargo; lawmakers order F-35 to break out modernization effort.

A4A wants data to prove bag fees are not to blame | The return of space-based missile defense | Mars Travel As a Feasibility

Though sanctions have been lifted, congressman points out Iran’s ties to terrorism | Pentagon’s acquisition chief open to staying in job beyond this presidency | Congressman tries to cap National Security Council size.

The proposed rules carve out exemptions for small states, but are Singapore and the UAE “small” players in international aviation?

World War II and the years immediately before and after were ones of soaring sophistication in aviation. Aircraft gained retractable gear, pressurized cabins, high-lift systems, ice protection, and eventually airborne radar, inertial navigation and digital computers. Pilots gained ejection seats and G suits. Propulsion technology advanced from turbocharged pistons to afterburning turbojets and bypass turbofans. They were decades of transition, the airship fading away and swept wing becoming dominant. They also heralded the future, from unmanned aircraft to solar-powered spacecraft.

What technologies lie ahead for aerospace? Reusable spacecraft and additive manufacturing for sure, but what about flying cars, jetpacks or another attempt at nuclear-powered aircraft? Only the future will tell.

The U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia—home to 16 separate commands—has been a strategically important outpost, but its lease is due to expire at year-end and some advocate against renewing.

By clinging to a Cold War strategy and force structures, we are mismatched for the actual threats we face today.

Bill sets up showdown with the Senate; hope for change; a wartime wish list

Chairman hopes his idea will speed defense bill passage | Will F-22s resume production? | Key NASA programs in line for more money | Flying without registration

It makes sense to revisit some of the costly dot.com lessons learned as we now accelerate into a new phase of technological innovation in aviation MRO.

United’s deal with AltAir signals a new level of maturity for the biofuels industry, but advancing biofuels to commercial scale calls for strategic intervention.

Legislation would allow Pentagon to focus on threats; an FAA official prepared to take on the role; and an Air Force general supports the concept.

Given the scale of the challenges for big aerospace companies, one wonders how anyone succeeds.

Nelson points out that Pentagon controls 20% of airspace | Defense Secretary floats idea of full-fledged Cyber Command | NATO official defends the alliance

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker says the plan is not to change technology or direction, but to assure steady, long-term financing and move forward with NextGen quickly and decisively.

Work, Dunford discuss improved intelligence analysis; Senate to ask TSA administrator about airport security; elements of NASA’s SLS face delays and cost growth.