Tag: aircraft

Solar Impulse 2, Famous for Around-the-World Flight, Crashes Into Gulf Waters

Aerotime reports, “Solar Impulse 2, the experimental solar-powered aircraft which became famous in 2016 after completing a global circumnavigation, has crashed into the sea off the coast of Mississippi on May 4, 2026.  The experimental aircraft was operating for Skydweller Aero, a company developing long-endurance, solar-powered platforms for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. This US-Spanish company acquired Solar Impulse 2 in 2019 and converted it to an unmanned aircraft for use in its own development programs.”
Full Story (Aerotime)

 

 

 Video

The Skydweller aircraft
(New Scientist; YouTube)

U.S. Air Force Extends A-10 Warthog Service Life to 2030

Reuters reports, “The U.S. Air Force secretary extended the life of the A-10 ‘Warthog’ attack plane until 2030, sparing the aging but beloved close air support aircraft that has played an important role in Iran from an earlier retirement deadline of 2026.”
Full Story (Reuters – Subscription Publication)

Japan Conducts First Flight of New EC-2 Electronic Attack Platform

Aviation News Daily reports, “Japan has officially commenced flight testing for its new EC-2 Stand-Off Jammer aircraft, a specialized electronic warfare platform designed to neutralize enemy sensors from a distance. The aircraft successfully completed its first flight on March 17, 2026, marking a critical milestone in the modernization of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s electronic combat capabilities.”
Full Story (Aviation News Daily)

GE Aerospace Raises 2025 Profit Forecast on Robust Aftermarket Demand

Reuters reports GE Aerospace raised its 2025 profit forecast on Tuesday, projecting a strong finish to the year on robust demand for aftermarket maintenance services due to a shortage of new jets. The jet-engine maker also lifted its growth forecast for LEAP engine deliveries to more than 20% in 2025. Shares of the company were up nearly 3% in premarket trading.
Full Story (Reuters)

US Air Force Planning Independent Squadrons of Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Defense News reports, “The U.S. Air Force plans to create independent squadrons for its future fleet of collaborative combat aircraft instead of adding the drone wingmen to already-existing squadrons of manned fighters. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, the nominee to be the service’s next chief of staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing Thursday the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard also may stand up their own CCA squadrons, along with the active duty.”
Full Story (Defense News)

Exploring AAM Multimodal Integration at 2025 AIAA AVIATION Forum

FROM THE INSTITUTE
At the cutting edge of aerospace innovation, novel advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft and technologies are poised to redefine how passengers and cargo move through complex, multi-use transportation networks. What early use cases could reap the benefits of this opportunity to enhance door-to-door mobility? The AIAA AAM Multimodal Working Group, in partnership with ITS America formally began this conversation with a webinar in June 2025, and expanded their programming with an in-person workshop at 2025 AIAA AVIATION Forum, “Early Use Cases for AAM Integration in Multimodal Transportation.”
Full Story (Aerospace America)

Beta’s All-electric Alia Aircraft Performs Intercity Test Flight in Norway for First Time

Aerospace Testing International reports, “Beta’s Alia electric aircraft flew a route between Stavanger and Bergen in Norway for the first time last week – the start of several months of flight tests looking to build knowledge about operating battery-electric aircraft before they are commercialised.” The three-phase flight campaign is expected to run until January 2026.
Full Story (Aerospace Testing International)