BAE Systems has taken delivery of and is preparing flight tests for a Pipistrel Electro Velis electric-powered light aircraft as part of an arrangement with the Slovenian manufacturer. The UK defense company announced in March that it was working with Pipistrel to examine military training applications for electric aircraft. The work is continuing after Textron’s acquisition of the light aircraft manufacturer.
Axiom Space and Italy’s minister for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance existing collaboration, the Houston-based firm announced May 25.
Volocopter has signed a memorandum of understanding with fixed-based operator Jetex to deploy and operate vertiport infrastructure and services for urban air mobility.
Another lunar buggy contender is emerging, this time with an autonomous explorer angle: Lunar Outpost on May 24 unveiled a $12 million seed round, promising a new class of autonomous Moon rovers.
As Lilium wraps up the preliminary design review for its Lilium Jet, the Germany startup has released a new concept image showing the latest configuration of its electric vertical takeoff and landing regional air taxi.
Despite extensive promotion of sustainable aviation fuels, FBOs and airports report that, often, captains remain reluctant to put SAF into their aircraft.