Emerging Technologies

Bombardier prepares to fly a larger-scale model of its blended wing-body concept for a future sustainable business aircraft.

The FAA’s decision to push radio altimeter upgrades as wireless companies roll out new 5G networks has airlines on edge.

Commercial technology is catching up with military hardware.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

Spirit AeroSystems says it has solved one of the problems limiting the Pentagon’s ability to scale-up hypersonic weapon production.

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s upcoming demonstration includes new solar panels, deployable structures, cooling systems.

NASA study seeks to improve air-to-ground connectivity for commercial aviation.

The FAA and industry have committed to phasing out leaded aviation fuel by 2030.

As demand grows for civil and military aircraft, global industry has yet to solve raw material, supply chain and skill shortage issues.

The U.S. Army says it is behind an ongoing test flight of Airbus’ Zephyr high-altitude pseudo-satellite, which has broken the record for longest-duration uncrewed air system mission.

A landmark vote in the European Parliament last week secured the role of sustainable fuels in the decarbonization of European aviation.

Carbon-nanotube anti-ice; RAF advances synthetic fuels; Boeing taps UK SAF R&D; Electric taxiing for Airbus A220.

Revised supersonic design reflects pragmatic focus on noise and performance goals as Boom aims to finalize propulsion supplier agreement.

Original concepts for an “attritiable” Loyal Wingman are diverging in favor of a mix of greater and lesser advanced platforms.

The engine-maker is using digital design tools and rapid manufacturing processes to accelerate Orpheus engine development.

The OEM rivalry was on full display at Farnborough as they elbowed each other for the autonomous refueling spotlight.

The first of three prototype demonstrators has been finished.

The aim is to develop an engine with at least 10% better fuel efficiency over current engines by 2030.

First flight of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric engine could come within weeks.

Airbus UpNext plans to flight test a hydrogen-burning engine at altitude on a powered glider.

UK funds low-carbon and advanced-mobility projects; GKN leads Dutch research; and Defining a heavy-lift airship.

Washington DC-based Alder Fuels expects completion of its first “greencrude” plant in 2024.

The two companies will cooperate on a series of early concept ground tests of a Rolls AE 2100 engine, followed by a full-scale ground test of a Rolls Pearl 15 jet engine.

Airbus UpNext has selected Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division to provide custom actuation technology for use on the eXtra performance WING demonstrator project.

Its companies are using merged capabilities, from airport operations to air traffic control and inflight operations and maintenance.