Reader requests cost-comparison chart of A-10 vs. other platforms; Germanwings disaster prompts many security suggestions—two different ways to secure cockpit doors are discussed.
DEFENSE Saudi Arabia has opened a second front in the war on Islamic extremism, taking on Yemen’s Houthi faction with a hastily assembled but formidable coalition of Arab nations. Gulf Cooperation Council nations, with the exception of Oman, have deployed aircraft in support of Operation Decisive Storm, along with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Sudan. Pakistan is considering a request to join.
Aviation has achieved its enviable safety record by not dismissing any possibility of failure and working systematically to eliminate risk wherever it can.
While the U.S. Marine Corps awaits the delayed first flight of its CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter, Sikorsky is using test vehicles for additional tasks on the ground to make the best use of the schedule slippage.
Australia’s E-7 Wedgetails are about to be fully operational—but not finally operational. The latter status will probably be reached the day before it is retired, because the type will always be subject to upgrades.
Arms exports from companies in EU member states taking a hit as governments think twice about approving deals with Russia and countries in the Middle East
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.
U.S. Air Force Secretary discusses creating an apples-to-apples comparison of ULA and SpaceX launch cost, embracing public-private partnerships for a new rocket engine and developing trust with new market entrants.
The anti-corruption campaign that has disrupted business jet sales in China will end in 2017, says one expert. It may moderate earlier—or not until years later.
Three years after forming joint ventures for two aircraft in China, Textron Aviation officials say they are pleased with progress as they work to expand capabilities.
With four bidders in the running, the U.S. Air Force is confident the competition will drive cost down to an affordable level, despite high design expectations.
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.
This week's Check 6 podcast comes to you from Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, Conn. Editors Joe Anselmo and Guy Norris sat down with Greg Gernhardt, the president of Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines, to talk about the company’s geared turbofan engine and its battle for market share with the CFM LEAP-X.
Andrew Masterman has been appointed head of Wyman-Gordon and Jim Pieron head of the Special Metals Corp., both divisions of the Portland, Oregon-based Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC). They are succeeding Kenneth Buck, who will be retiring as executive vice president of PCC and president of Forged Products. Masterman has been president of PCC Fasteners and Pieron has been president of PCC Timet.
Along with basic surveillance information, ADS-B “Out” contains a treasure trove of performance indicators that could be a forensics bonus in the future.
