Aerotime reports, “Rocket Lab Corporation announced that, in partnership with Raytheon, it has been selected to demonstrate advanced capabilities for the United States Space Force’s Space Based Interceptor program, a central building block of the Trump administration’s Golden Dome missile defense architecture.”
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Tag: Aeronautics
Take Advantage of Discount AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026 Registration Rates by 11 May
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA AVIATION Forum explores the latest in aviation innovation, focusing on AI/autonomy, AAM, and hydrogen propulsion. It also covers fluid dynamics, applied aerodynamics, and electric aircraft technology, with nearly 1,000 technical sessions and 2,500 attendees from across the globe.
Northrop Flies XRQ-73 SHEPARD Hybrid Flying Wing for First Time
Aerospace Global News reports, “Yesterday, Northrop Grumman announced its XRQ-73 SHEPARD hybrid electric experimental drone has begun flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The aircraft conducted its maiden flight in April.”
Full Story (Aerospace Global News)
Technical Rigor, Professionalism, and Enthusiasm on Display at AIAA Region II Student Conference
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The 2026 AIAA Region II Student Conference, brought together more than 330 attendees and featured 105 student presentations. The event provided a valuable forum for students to showcase their work in a professional setting, receive real-time feedback from experienced practitioners serving as judges, and build connections with peers and professionals across academia, industry, and government. AIAA Region II Director Emeritus Kurt Polzin noted that “the conference creates an environment where students can refine their ideas, strengthen their communication skills, and gain confidence presenting complex work to a broader audience.”
Wisk Aero Conducts First Flight of Second Generation 6 eVTOL Prototype
Flying Magazine reports “Boeing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) unit Wisk Aero is ramping up flight testing of its flagship Generation 6 air taxi. Wisk on Monday revealed that it completed the first flight of a second production prototype aircraft—a “test article” of the autonomous model it aims to certify with the FAA.”
Full Story (Fling Magazine)
Video
Wisk Aero’s Generation 6 aircraft
Wisk Aero | YouTube
Don’t Miss the Premier Aviation Technical Event of the Year
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Discover how aviation is transforming at AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026. Join industry leaders, government officials, and academic experts in San Diego, a premier aviation center, to examine the next-generation technologies and strategies that are reshaping the industry.
Next-Gen T-7A Red Hawk Cleared for Production, IOC Set for 2027
Defense News reports, “The U.S. Air Force approved low-rate initial production of Boeing’s T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer, setting the stage for the long-awaited replacement of the service’s 60-year-old T-38 Talon. The April 23 decision authorizes a $219 million contract for the first 14 aircraft, along with spares, support equipment and training, the Air Force announced Monday. The service is targeting initial operational capability in 2027.”
Full Story (Defense News)
Navy Eyes Renewed P-8A Poseidon Orders After Procurement Pause
Breaking Defense reports, “The Navy is seeking to purchase P-8A Poseidon aircraft once again, after pausing procurement in fiscal 2025 and FY26, this year’s budget request shows. The FY27 budget request, released in April, requests 12 new P-8A aircraft for just over $4.2 billion. The Navy said that FY27 is the last planned year of production, and that the last aircraft delivery is expected in the first quarter of FY32.”
Full Story (Breaking Defense)
Boeing Lands Record Order from Biman Bangladesh for 787 and 737 MAX Jets
Aerotime reports, “Boeing has secured its largest-ever order from Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with the carrier confirming the purchase of multiple 787 Dreamliners and 737 MAX jets. On April 30, 2026, Boeing announced that Biman Bangladesh Airlines had signed for eight 787-10s, two 787-9s and four 737 MAX 8 aircraft.”
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Gulfstream Aerospace Hits Record First-Quarter Jet Deliveries
Aviation International News reports, “Gulfstream Aerospace saw its highest-ever first-quarter delivery total, with 38 business jets (31 large-cabin and seven super-midsize G280s) handed over, Danny Deep, president of parent General Dynamics, said this morning during an investor call. That compares with deliveries of 36 aircraft (30 large-cabin and six G280s) in the same period last year.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)