The race to launch the first commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) airline in the US is heating up, and UrbanLink Air Mobility is emerging as a key player. The Florida-based company recently secured…
Air New Zealand’s recent acquisition of 500,000 liters of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for its Wellington hub marks a significant stride towards more environmentally friendly air travel in New Zealand. While this shipment represents a…
The U.S. Army’s Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) program seeks a replacement for the long-serving RQ-7B Shadow drone. A key limitation of the Shadow is its dependence on ground support equipment for launch and…
Ascending from the drawing board in 1937, the Grumman G-21 Goose wasn’t your typical warbird. While the company name might conjure images of the iconic F-14 Tomcat fighter jet, Grumman also possessed a talent for…
A veteran of the skies since the mid-1950s, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress holds a unique distinction. Earning the memorable nickname “BUFF” (Big Ugly Fat Fella), it’s one of three nuclear-capable bombers in the American arsenal.…
Aimed at solving traffic woes in megacities, California-based Archer Aviation, a five-year-old company pioneering vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technology, is developing the Midnight. This futuristic electric air taxi boasts a range of 100 miles…
High-altitude trails left by airplanes, known as contrails, are a growing concern for their potential contribution to climate change. These wispy streaks form when water vapor from jet engine combustion condenses into ice crystals under…
In a push to leverage artificial intelligence for military purposes, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works has achieved a breakthrough by testing an “intentional and decisive” AI system for air combat. The tests involved an Aero L-29…
A relic of the Cold War, the Minuteman III ICBM, designed by Boeing in the 1960s, remains a critical part of the U.S. land-based nuclear deterrent. These hypersonic missiles (reaching speeds of 15,000 mph) have…
Airbus Shows Concept Wingman Drone for Europe's Future Combat Air System
The concept of a “Wingman” in military aviation involves uncrewed aircraft that support human pilots during missions, operated by pilots in nearby manned aircraft. Although Boeing’s Ghost Bat has been a notable example, Europe has…
The Gray Eagle has reached a significant milestone, clocking one million flight hours without major incidents. Over the years, this military drone has undergone various upgrades and now serves as an armed strike platform for…
The Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA) concept has been developed for dual operation, either by human pilots or remote control, akin to a drone. Although few OPAs are in service today, research is accelerating toward broader…
The Palm Springs Air Museum is a top-notch museum located at Palm Springs International Airport in California. Among its notable exhibits is the Boeing Skyfox, a remarkable example of aviation innovation. This overhaul involved replacing…
The powerplant known as HFE 2.0, previously recognized for its capabilities, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of durability testing. This marks its readiness for deployment in military drones, specifically the Gray Eagle.…
To enhance the capabilities of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the ANCILLARY program Advanced Aircraft Infrastructure-Less Launch and Recovery aims to develop innovative uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) that can operate primarily from ships without…
DARPA’s ongoing efforts to transform aircraft capabilities include the SPeed and Runway INdependent Technologies (SPRINT) program, which began at the end of last year. The program aims to develop technologies that enable vertical take-off and…
DARPA’s AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY (ANCILLARY) program, launched in 2023, aims to develop versatile VTOL drones capable of operating from diverse locations without requiring specialized launch equipment. The nine companies initially involved are…
Addressing the growing concerns surrounding increased air traffic, overcrowded airports, and congested airspace has become a priority for industry leaders. Airbus, the European aerospace giant, has stepped forward with its Optimate program, a strategic initiative…
The ANCILLARY initiative aims to revolutionize vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones, eliminating the need for specialized tools for launch and retrieval. Tasked with developing a hybrid aircraft combining helicopter-like capabilities with airplane-style flight, nine…
The Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) initiative marks a significant advance in aviation research, led by DARPA and the U.S. Special Operations Command. This innovative program is focused on creating an X-plane that can…
