Acubed’s Modified King Air Collecting Data for AI-Powered Autonomous Tech

Airbus’s Silicon Valley innovation shop, Acubed, touted its new autonomy systems testbed at this year’s EAA Oshkosh AirVenture. The modified Beechcraft King Air C90 fills the shoes of the company’s old Baron to collect airport runway imagery and data from hundreds of fields. “Our main job is to bring technology innovation and software from all over the world, from machine learning [to] artificial intelligence, into the Airbus ecosystem,” said Paul Smith, Director of Flight Test and Operations for Acubed. The King Air offers more cabin space for hardware and, just as importantly, a tail camera mounted at the same height as an Airbus A320’s belly.

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Textron eAviation is putting the development of its Nexus electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft on hold, meaning its first flight is no longer part of the 2025 agenda. The manufacturer claims that its current aircraft lineup takes priority over the Wichita-based eVTOL project. The Nexus, a four-passenger, single-pilot design designed to serve short urban routes, was slated for tethered flight testing this year. Joby Aviation announced the completion of a first-of-its-kind demonstration of its autonomous flight technology in logging more than 7,000 miles of autonomous operations in over 40 flight hours, including the successful completion of a 4,925 mile ferry flight across the Pacific Ocean and Hawaii. The demonstration flights were part of the Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC) exercise led by the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) from

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The folks at Deltahawk took us up on an invitation to join us at the Midwest Aviation Expo in Mt. Vernon Illinois... where Jim Campbell conducted a reacquaintance test flight in their SR20 testbed... 2 and half years after he flew it the first time... the first aviation journalist to enjoy the distinction. The next generation of Deltahawk Diesel, as installed in the SR20 is an astounding 277 pounds lighter... The aviation world, occasionally, has to put up with its share of nutballs... this time from a 57-year-old man from North Bend, who is now facing 17 charges after police say he broke into the GA area of Southwest Oregon Regional. Joby Aviation announced the completion of a first-of-its-kind demonstration of its autonomous flight technology in logging more than 7,000 miles of autonomous operations in over 40 flight hours, including the succe

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Swift Fuels 100R unleaded fuel has earned ASTM production specification approval. This 100-octane blend is the company’s third to pass the milestone, with its UL94 being on the market for over a decade. The Commemorative Air Force’s iconic B-24, Diamond Lil, is working hard to maintain its status as the only regularly flying Liberator. It recently accomplished its first engine run in more than a year and is now progressing through extensive testing and inspections before getting back in the air. Diamond Lil was grounded in April 2024 after routine inspections revealed weather damage to her fabric-covered control surfaces. Who said we can’t be excited for Florida’s favorite airshow year-round? EarlyBird Tickets for SUN ‘n FUN’s 52nd annual aerospace expo, celebrating ‘Red, White, and Blue at 52,’ have officially g

Improper Installation Of The Fuel Line That Connected The Fuel Pump To The Four-Way Distributor

Analysis: The airplane was on the final leg of a flight to reposition it to its home base. This was the fourth flight since the airplane had been reassembled after it was manufactured, disassembled, and shipped. The pilot reported a normal takeoff, and during the initial climb the airplane performed normally. Upon reaching 2,200 ft mean sea level (msl), the airplane lost all engine power. The pilot turned back toward the airport and attempted to restart the engine multiple times without success.

 

 

Van’s Aircraft is giving potential buyers their final chance to pick up a kit for the RV-3, RV-4, and RV-6 aircraft before they move into retirement once and for all. The deadline for orders is September 30, 2025. After that, no more empennage, fuselage, wing, or finish kits will be offered for the three models. Northrop Grumman announced that the second B-21 Raider stealth bomber flew from Palmdale, California, to Edwards Air Force Base after conducting a strenuous test flight. At Edwards, the U.S. Air Force will move forward with integration of weapons and mission systems as well as sustainment upgrades developed through an enhanced software package. Some Israeli weapons manufacturers have been refused entry to one of the world’s biggest aerospace expos in the United Arab Emirates after receiving letters from the organizers of the

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