Gliding, Autorotating UAV Would Simplify Logistics with Pinpoint Delivery from Afar

Skyworks Aeronautics has been busy in recent months, announcing sales, developments and patents in a matter of weeks. Its most recent was an issued US patent for its Precision Airdrop System, an airborne vehicle designed to deliver payloads much like a standoff munition. The PAS offers intermediate-distance deliveries with a gliding stage to target before autorotating down to ensure precise landings.

Mounting Pressure For FAA Reauth Bill Just Keeps Building

Another aviation stakeholder took their frustrations to Capitol Hill at the end of November, with GAMA proclaiming its irritations shortly after the NBAA weighed in on the issue. General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce testified before the US House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee regarding the importance of a timely FAA reathorization, titled "Turbulence Ahead: Consequences of Delaying a Long-Term FAA Bill".

Also: Bell Training, FAA Reauthorization, Coulson Aviation, More Pegasus Tankers

A Piper PA-28R-201 crashed in Conway, South Carolina on September 14, 2022, causing fatal injuries to 2. "Shortly after departure, on the first flight following maintenance, the pilot reported a loss of engine power," reads the NTSB report. "The pilot attempted a forced landing onto a gravel road, but the airplane impacted trees and powerlines on final approach. The airplane came to rest against a berm and a post crash fire ensued." During their investigation, the NTSB found a good deal of engine damage, oil, and heat discoloration. Rolls-Royce's recent strategy release showed a minor pivot in the firm's plans to shore up its cash base over the coming years, even to the point of selling off their electric aviation wing to third parties. "We are creating a high performing, competitive, resilient and growing Rolls-Royce that will have the financial strengt

Also: New Unleaded Avgas, Gogo Over-The-Air Update, Electrified Caravans, Gone West: Selena Shilad

The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington recently obtained a pair of Sopwith Camel flight simulators, allowing attendees to experience the closest thing to the original today. These simulators will be one of the jewels of the Museum's WWI exhibit, offering visitors an immersive flying experience in the iconic aircraft. Rather than push newbies through the usual flight training curriculum of a flight sim, the Sopwith Camels will give operators a range of scenarios to play with, reinforcing repeat attendance and fresh experiences. The FAA's 5-year reauthorization bill has remained locked in a constant tug-of-war between stakeholders, and Senator John Thune has said he wants to see it all through. Pioneer Aerospace will be bought up by SpaceX thanks to its parent company's bankruptcy (and the many creditors who appear to be getting scre

Archaeology, Skyraiders, Tomcats, and more

The first bunch of 2024 speakers for the EAA Aviation Adventure Series has been published, including a range of off-beat aeronautical missions and historical happenings. The Series will offer presentations throughout the winter, spring, and summer at 1900 hrs (central time). Each presentation will be held at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Also: EAA Grant, Oshkosh Dates, Mini B-29 v Golf cart, Aerolite 120 Bows Out

Here’s a look into the future... Flyer Indústria Aeronáutica's locally assembled RV-10 LSA received approval from Brazil's ANAC, making it the first such multi-passenger SportPlane in the world. The Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil started in on their own MOSAIC-style regs by granting authorization to a 4-place aircraft, with approval to a type of plane pilots around the world have eagerly awaited. Light plane manufacturer Robin Aircraft has been pushed into liquidation by way of French court order after the judges overseeing the firm’s troubled state declined the bids offered for the classic company. Owners and operators of Robin Aircraft and CAP10 planes won’t find themselves left out in the cold thanks to an arrangement with CEAPR, a local enterprise that has provided parts and support for the company’s w

Inaugural Flight of Ariane 6 to come from June to July 2024

ArianeSpace is aiming to launch their model 6 rocket between June 15 and July 31 next year, according to ESA sources. The first test flight won't exactly be a revenue launch, but it will contain a couple ride-along satellites, including 2 from NASA. The rocket has been long delayed, with work started nearly a decade ago when continental Europe aimed to build sufficient launch capability on its own turf. A second flight is expected by the end of next year, with a further target of 9 to 10 flights per year in 2025 and beyond.

Multimission Anti-Sub Copter Begins Testing

The first of 31 NH90 Sea Tigers took off on a maiden flight from Airbus' Donauwörth, Germany facility earlier this week. The helo will be known as the 'Sea Tiger Multi-Role Frigate Helicopter' in Bundeswehr service, replacing their aged Mk88A Sea Lynx aircraft from 1981. German armed forces already operate NH90 platforms thanks to previous orders of the Sea Lion, an aircraft that recently scored its first naval rescue operation in the North Sea. The Sea Tiger, adapted from the NH-90 NFH (a specialized naval version) will find itself well equipped for the anti-sub mission, with a standard dipping sonar, sonobuoy loadout, and electro-optical suite with ESM capabilities.

Hall Of Fame Honors Pioneers of Years Past

Women in Aviation International (WAI) has chosen their crop of inductees for 2024, with 3 historic pioneers being added to their International Pioneer Hall of Fame. Each will be honored at the 35th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference, which will include a ceremony and celebration dinner next March.

Also: Archer Aviation, TEKEVER and CRFS, Lunar Hydrogen, Norfolk FD Drones

ARC AeroSystems announced the return of the Avian Pegasus Gyroplane. Avian stemmed from employees of Avro Canada, designing their gyroplanes in Canada and ultimately producing 3 prototype pre-production aircraft to work through the certification process. Ultimately, the firm died out in the early 70s, with its assets put up for sale. One remaining prototype, along with the design's rights and type certification, found their way into ARC AeroSystems' hands in 2023. Stratolaunch LLC has continued its efforts to develop a Mach 5 capable aircraft, helped along by a familiarly Rutanesque design in the form of Scaled Composites' Roc. Stratolaunch had planned to offer satellite launch services by taking advantage of lower costs achieved by mid-air ignition, working with Scaled Composites of Burt Rutan fame to design a twin-fuselage aircraft capable of lifting a small