Our roundup of the top stories in aerospace and defense from the last two weeks.

USAF’s T-X advanced trainer procurement program is the second largest outstanding undetermined aircraft procurement program in the world.

Just because parts can be produced faster with 3-D printing does not mean engineers can cut corners validating their properties, an additive manufacturing expert warns.

The L1 controller is designed to automatically intervene in the case of control problems.

Flight-control and head-up display changes make landing a Super Hornet on a flightdeck less stressful on the pilot.

Darpa wants to separate payloads from platforms to distribute air warfare; Army offers prizes for lasers that can shoot down mortars and UAVs; Robotic copilot gets a head start; UAV hitches Antarctic balloon ride to 23-km. altitude; Air Force wants a radar that can communicate, navigate and jam.

As the FAA approves commercial operations of unmanned aircraft systems in the U.S., which industry sectors are taking the lead, and whose UASs are they using? Aviation Week takes a look at who and what is being approved under the FAA’s so-called Section 333 process

Cut unwisely now and pay dearly later is the message from U.S. Defense Department science and technology leaders, who fear spending caps threaten development of advanced capabilities that will be needed in future decades.