Tag: Aviation

Future of Aviation: Where Digital Capabilities Fuel Human-Led Innovation and Expertise

FROM THE INSTITUTE
It’s the year 2050 and in city centers like New York, people are immersed in “vertical living,” with minimal need to go to a surface street to get places. This futuristic vision was how Dr. Tim Persons, a principal and AI leader at PwC with more than three decades of AI and digital experience, opened this year’s AIAA AVIATION Forum at Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas. “This is science fiction – the question is, how do we convert it to science fact?” he challenged the audience.
Full Story (Aerospace America)

Air Force to Purchase More KC-46s in Lieu of New Competition

Defense One reports, “After years of uncertainty about the Air Force’s tanker plans, the service has decided to buy more KC-46s instead of launching a new competition for its next tanker buy. This decision ends speculation that the service might launch a contest, likely between Boeing and Airbus, for an interim tanker buy of 75 aircraft to replace the aging KC-135 fleet. Instead, the Air Force will purchase more of the troubled but already-in-production KC-46 as a ‘bridge’ solution until it figures out its long-term tanking needs.”
Full Story (Defense One)

FAA Study Led by Embry-Riddle Warns of Drone Flights above 400 Feet

Aviation International News reports, “An FAA-funded nationwide study led by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has found that small uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) are frequently flying above the 400-foot ceiling established for drones, raising concerns about potential mid-air conflicts with crewed aircraft. The report used Remote ID signals collected from sensors across the U.S. to analyze flight activity at 43 aerodromes, including airports and heliports.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)

Joby Aims to Double Air Taxi Production Rate

Flying Magazine reports, “Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi developer Joby Aviation this week took a key step toward its envisioned electric aerial ridesharing service. After expanding its pilot production facility in Marina, California, to about 435,000 square feet, Joby on Tuesday said it expects to double its air taxi production rate to 24 per year. Ramping up in Marina—the epicenter of its manufacturing efforts and a critical test site for the air taxi—will allow Joby to expand its test fleet, which comprises five eVTOL air taxis plus one liquid hydrogen-powered demonstrator.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)

India Orders Inspections of Fuel Switches on Boeing Jets

BBC News reports, “India’s aviation regulator has ordered the country’s airlines to inspect fuel control switches in Boeing aeroplanes, after their reported involvement in a fatal Air India crash that killed 260 people in June. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the order follows Indian and international airlines already starting to carry out their own checks.”
Full Story (BBC News)

Joby Tested a New Large Hydrogen-powered Drone

Aerotime reports, “Advanced air mobility developer Joby Aviation appears to have tested a large long-endurance hydrogen-powered drone, according to investigative news outlet Hunterbrook, which first reported on this development. Hunterbrook has also published some pictures that were taken from a distance, which seems to confirm this hypothesis.”
Full Story (Aerotime)

Boeing Delivers 60 Aircraft in June

Reuters reports, “U.S. aeronautics company Boeing (BA.N), said on Tuesday that it delivered 60 airplanes in June, a 27% increase compared to a year earlier … Boeing booked 116 new orders in June, including 54 737 MAXs and 62 787s.”
Full Story (Reuters)

Military Drones Aid Central Texas Search and Rescue Operations

Flying Magazine reports, “The Texas Military Department has deployed unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) to assist in search and rescue efforts following severe flooding in Kerr County and surrounding regions. The floods have caused significant damage and prompted widespread evacuations as emergency teams continue operations across affected areas. In a statement delivered during a press briefing on Sunday, Major General Thomas Suelzer, who serves as the adjutant general of Texas, detailed the deployment of an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)