Author: Lawrence Garrett

As Aerospace Prioritizes AI, Aviation Experts Ask, “What Problems Are We Trying to Solve?”

FROM THE INSTITUTE
The first Forum 360 panel at AIAA AVIATION Forum asked a simple question when it comes to AI’s growing role in aerospace: What problems are we trying to solve? That conversation featured several answers from experts representing major aerospace OEMs, defense primes, and the U.S. Air Force’s main research lab that set the tone for the rest of the week’s programming.

Navy Air Boss to AIAA AVIATION Attendees: Build Reliability, Safety, and Right‑to‑Repair into the Next Generation of Airpower

FROM THE INSTITUTE
When U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Doug (V8) Verissimo stepped onto the plenary stage, he wore his operational flight suit rather than a more formal Navy uniform. “This uniform is where our warfighters exercise the equipment, the technology, the advancements,” he told the room of aerospace engineers, research scientists, and executives from industry, academia and the services. “It’s the part of the job that keeps me up at night, that these systems and capabilities function as advertised.”

Uganda Airlines Signs Boeing Deal for 10 New Aircraft

Aerospace Global News reports, “Uganda Airlines has signed an agreement with Boeing for the supply of ten aircraft, including passenger planes and freighters. The deal, reported to be worth $985 million, will see the East African carrier accelerate a fleet modernisation plan that will allow it to serve more markets across Africa, Europe and the Middle East.”
Full Story (Aerospace Global News)

Aviation’s Next Transformation: NASA AACES Studies Point Toward 2050

FROM THE INSTITUTE
Three aerospace teams working under NASA contracts have independently concluded that reaching NASA’s ambitious efficiency and environmental targets for new commercial airlines in 2050 requires moving away from tube-and-wing aircraft configuration that has defined commercial flight for six decades.

Growing Launch Demand Revives Interest in Offshore Rocket Operations

Space News reports, “Concerns that America’s launch infrastructure may not keep pace with rising demand are reviving interest in an unconventional workaround: sea-based rocket launch. Long viewed as a technically difficult niche with a history of commercial failure, companies and defense officials are giving offshore launch a second look as they search for ways to expand United States launch capacity.”
Full Story (Space News)

Air Force Nears Solution to KC-46 Pegasus Vision System Problems

Aviation News reports, “The U.S. Air Force believes it has finally identified a solution to the long-standing problems affecting the KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tanker’s Remote Vision System (RVS), a critical component used during midair refueling operations. The announcement came during a Senate subcommittee hearing, where Air Force Secretary Troy Meink expressed confidence that the issue is nearing resolution.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)

Engineer of Tomorrow Central to Embraer’s Future

FROM THE INSTITUTE
The head of research and technology for Embraer said the secret sauce to Embraer’s innovation successes is one thing – its people. Speaking at the opening plenary of AIAA AVIATION Forum in San Diego, Maurílio Albanese Novaes Jr., said that this people focus was rooted in the company’s origins.

NASA Advances Quiet Supersonic Travel as X-59 Exceeds Mach 1

Aviation News reports, “NASA’s X-59 QueSST experimental aircraft has successfully completed its first supersonic flight, marking a significant step forward in the development of quieter high-speed air travel. The aircraft exceeded the speed of sound on June 5, 2026, as part of its ongoing flight-test program in the United States.”
Full Story (Aviation News)