“This proven approach has enabled us to provide the U.S. Air Force and thousands of aircrews with unmatched protection and aircraft survivability equipment that helps them stay safe against emerging threats.” Source: Bob Gough, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman, speaking up about their continued its work for the US Air Force providing its Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems.

“Given Natilus’s impressive order book and corresponding technology development, working together on integrating the ZA600 as a line-fit engine for Kona can multiply the emissions and costs benefits that are already interesting cargo operators. We all depend on air cargo operators, and some communities depend on them absolutely, so improving the economics and environmental impacts of these operations while increasing service levels is a massive opportunity.” Source: ZeroAvia founder and CEO Val Miftakhov explaining their partnership with Natilus, by which the two companies will jointly develop hydrogen-electric engines for Natilus’s nascent Kona cargo aircraft. 

Alkaline-Battery-Powered Unit Offers Hassle-Free Reliability

ACR Electronics has introduced its ARTEX ELT 4000M, a transport-grade 406 MHz approved Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) operating on homing frequencies of 243 and 121.5 MHz. The device is powered by a patented alkaline-based solution exempt from provisos the likes of those the FAA has prescribed for non-rechargeable lithium batteries. Production units of the new ELT—which has received Cospas-Sarsat, FAA, and EASA certification—are currently shipping.

Inaugural Customer Western Aircraft, Inc to Use Aircraft Under LaL?na’i Air

The first delivery of Cessna's passenger-layout SkyCourier was tendered to Western Aircraft, Inc this week, kicking off the industry's next favorite twin-turboprop, light commuter twin - or so Textron hopes. The delivery marks off the first time a passenger SkyCourier has made its way into operator hands, with previous deliveries consisting solely of cargo variants. In the cargo role, the SkyCourier can haul 3 LD3 shipping containers up to 6,000 lbs overall.

Funky Looking Balloon Will Continue the Work of LM's Hybrid Airship Program

Lockheed Martin is tagging out of its Hybrid Airship concept, opting to pass its intellectual property over to a new commercial enterprise in the form of AT2 Aerospace. The company issued a statement reiterating its belief in the "potential for hybrid airships to transform global transport," while adding that the firm had been "in search of a transition partner to continue development of this important commercial work."

Sustainable Refueling Remains a Hot Topic for Next-Gen Development

ZeroAvia and Absolut Hydrogen have announced a partnership to jointly develop liquid hydrogen refueling infrastructure, a vital aspect of the future sustainable aviation ecosystem. Up to now, most hydrogen-powered aircraft have relied on the element in its less energy-dense, gaseous form, leaving valuable energy 'on the table' compared to a much more efficient liquid.

Portrait of a Parabola

Between 2014 and 2021, Wheels up sold thousands of private and company memberships, purchased hundreds of aircraft, acquired numerous air carriers the likes of TMC Jets, Delta Private Jets, Mountain Aviation, and Air Partner PLC, as well as travel management companies such as Avianis and Gama Aviation—in so doing becoming the U.S.’s second-largest private aircraft operator behind only NetJets. On 14 July 2021, Wheels Up became the first private aviation company to be publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Regrettably, the company’s trajectory proved unsustainable ...

New EPISCenter in Dayton, Ohio to Serve as Hub for New Development

GE Aerospace bolstered its alternative power research with an investment of up to $20 million in the addition of a test cell at its Electrical Power Integrated Systems Center (EPISCenter) in Dayton, Ohio. Like so many of its competitors, GE Aerospace has been eagerly working away on developing alternative, sustainable fuels for its future product line. The acceleration in technical advancement is quickly outgrowing older legacy equipment and facilities, particularly now that GE has been selected for a NASA contract.

From 2016 (YouTube Version): An Amazing Opportunity For Colorado’s STEM Educators…

In this video you’ll hear about a program that is designed to inspire teachers to inspire their students by sharing with them the excitement of flying in a 1942 Boeing PT-17 Stearman trainer plane. Hetty Carlson, of the Teacher Flight Program, explains how they use aviation as a tool to motivate and encourage students. Their Colorado-based operation has a goal of flying one teacher from every school along the Colorado Front Range. 

A Farewell to HTF7000 Thrust Reverser Corrosion

Quiet Technology Aerospace (QTA) has been awarded FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST04560AT for its so-called Permanent Solution to Thrust Reverser (TR) corrosion affecting aircraft powered by Honeywell’s HTF7000 engine. QTA will display the HTF7000 thrust reverser door assemblies salient to its permanent solution at 2023’s EBACE event in Geneva, Switzerland. QTA’s permanent solution is the contemporary aircraft market’s only permanent, STCd means by which to eliminate TR corrosion. It is not a repair.