Aerotime reports, “Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus has delivered the world’s first PC-12 PRO in aeromedical configuration to Australia’s famed flying doctors. On March 4, 2026, Pilatus announced that the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) Central Operations had taken ownership of its first of five brand-new PC-12 PRO Aeromedical in a continuation of their 30-year partnership.”
Full Story (Aerotime)
Tag: Aeronautics
Hermeus Achieves First Flight of Mk. 2.1 Supersonic Aircraft
Aviation Week reports, “Atlanta-based aircraft developer Hermeus has successfully completed the first flight of its Pratt & Whitney F100-229-powered Quarterhorse Mk. 2.1 supersonic flight demonstrator at Spaceport America in New Mexico. The flight of the remotely piloted aircraft, conducted on March 2, continues the company’s fast-paced development program which began with a single short flight of the smaller Mk.1 demonstrator at Edwards AFB, California, on May 21, 2025.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
Airbus Confirms Air Astana Order for 25 A320neo Family Jets
Aerotime reports, “Airbus has confirmed that Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana has placed an order for 25 A320neo family aircraft, its largest ever order with the European manufacturer. On March 2, 2026, Airbus announced that five A320neo and 20 A321neo aircraft would be deployed with both Air Astana and its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan as part of the overall fleet expansion and renewal.”
Full Story (Aerotime)
Next-Gen Supersonic Platform Targets Evolving Missile and Drone Threats
The Defense Post reports, “SNC and Specter Aerospace are entering the high-speed arena with next-gen supersonic aerial effects, designed to counter hypersonic missiles and drone swarm threats. Company officials said the system will offer greater range than current alternatives, extending operational reach and enabling more effective mission execution.”
Full Story (Defense Post)
Space Force Eyes Faster Deployment of Space-Based Airborne Sensors
Breaking Defense reports, “The Space Force has seen positive results from experiments with space-based sensors to track airborne targets, and now is hoping to use incoming funds to speed capability to orbit, according to Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman.”
Full Story (Breaking Defense)
Uber, Joby Aviation Unveil ‘Uber Air’ eVTOL Service Ahead of 2026 Launch
Flying Magazine reports, “Uber as soon as this year will add a quiet, all-electric, aerial complement to its ground-based ride-hailing platform. Uber and Joby Aviation on Thursday unveiled ‘Uber Air’—a new, on-demand service using Joby’s four-passenger, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. Joby said it expects to carry its first passengers later this year in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where the partners shared a first look at Uber Air during a product and flight demonstration.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)
ParaZero’s DefendAir Intercepts Drone Traveling 70 mph in Live Test
Unmanned Systems Technology reports, “ParaZero Technologies Ltd. has successfully intercepted a fast-moving drone traveling at 70mph during internal live testing of its DefendAir system. The trial utilized patented net-launching technology to achieve the first-ever successful net-based interception of an aerial threat at such high speeds for the company.”
Full Story (Unmanned Systems Technology)
Faculty Advisor Spotlight: Danilo de Camargo Branco, Florida Institute of Technology
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Danilo de Camargo Branco, Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), serves as the Faculty Advisor for the AIAA FIT Student Branch. He was recognized in 2025 with the AIAA Faculty Advisor Award for his extraordinary leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to his student branch.
Air Force Demonstrates Missile Evasion Using Onboard Tactical AI
Defense One reports, “Air Force test pilots used artificial intelligence aboard an experimental fighter jet to successfully evade a simulated incoming missile, showcasing how the service’s aviators may rely on AI in a future fight. Lockheed’s secretive Skunk Works research arm acknowledged the experiment Monday.”
Full Story (Defense One)
Air Force Boosts B-21 Raider Production, Targets 2027 Delivery
Breaking Defense reports, “The Air Force today announced a new agreement with Northrop Grumman to ‘ramp’ production of the in-development B-21 Raider, using $4.5 billion in reconciliation funding to help deliver the bomber by 2027.”
Full Story (Breaking Defense)
