Aviation Week & Space Technology

SpaceX scrubbed its first two GPS III satellite launch opportunities.

Responding to recent accidents and incidents, FAA and EASA are requiring improved pilot training for upset-recovery and other serious inflight situations.

Though China surpassed the U.S. launch rate in 2018, private U.S. “new space” companies are ramping up activity.

The outlook for airframe heavy maintenance in 2019 and beyond will be challenged by tightening market and labor pool.

France is slated to receive new transports, tankers and intelligence-gathering aircraft as part of increased defense spending.

2019 will be a year of rebuilding the strained long-standing relationships between engine-makers and airframers.

Electric regional progress; Pseudo-satellite takes shape; Drone flies through walls; Single-person multicopter; Algae makes jet fuel in Japan.

Slovakian leaders say Block 70/72 buy shows commitment to NATO partners.

U.S. defense agencies are stepping up development of hypersonic weapons to keep pace with China and Russia.

For commercial aviation in 2019, though each major manufacturer has its own challenges, it’s all about executing on the production side.

Services agreements are increasingly becoming part of the asset-purchase process.

The year ahead holds milestones in human space transport, airliner first flights and new launches and more, but it also promises significant uncertainty.

Northrop hopes its “flexible” Firebird UAS will open a new market for surveillance aircraft beyond a defense contractor’s traditional customer base.

With a focus on new technology more crucial than ever to maintain its competitive edge, Boeing steps up the tempo of its EcoDemonstrator testbed series.

Only a few months ago, Avianca Brasil had big plans, but it now has filed for bankruptcy.

Unity’s Dec. 13 flight marked its fourth rocket-powered test and the first to achieve the goal of exo-atmospheric flight set by Richard Branson 14 years ago.

High energy-density lithium-ion battery with silicon-nanowire anode enters production, offers potential solution for eVTOLs.

The FAA and Pentagon approve a broad agreement to accommodate military aircraft that are not equipped for ADS-B by the FAA’s 2020 deadline.

Indonesia’s KF-X payment plan; France upgrades milspace capacity; Philippines on verge of two helicopter orders and a new Peruvian maintenance facility.

NASA seeks industry input on the potential for an electrified aircraft propulsion X-plane demonstrator.

So far, the Japanese defense ministry has only sought information for 30–50 Bell AH-1S replacements. Six companies are preparing to bid.

Stuck steering fins prompt booster to abort ground landing attempt.

Aerospace companies are making progress toward minimizing the negative environmental impact of difficult-to-recycle composite materials used in aircraft manufacturing.

Safran becomes more confident about Leap production ramp-up, cost-cutting plan.

As it enters the final stage of a five-year turnaround plan, Bombardier’s aerospace focus going forward will be on the high end of the business-jet market and building up its aerostructures division around contracts with Airbus, executives outlined to analysts Dec. 6.