Defense One reports, “Key refueling-related tests for the B-21 Raider are now underway, an Air Force spokesperson confirmed to Defense One, the latest milestone towards delivering the next-generation bomber by 2027. On Tuesday, several open-source intelligence accounts and plane spotters posted images of a B-21 approaching a KC-135 tanker over California”
Full Story (Defense One)
Tag: Aviation
Dassault Unveils Falcon 10X as First Flight Nears
Aviation Week reports, “Dassault Aviation unveiled the long-awaited Falcon 10X business jet as it prepares for an intense period of flight trials to finally get the product into user hands. The Falcon 10X is Dassault’s biggest bet yet on the business jet market, both literally and figuratively. The clean-sheet design marks the French manufacturer’s entry into an entirely new segment of flying with an aircraft that retails for around $80 million, before full cabin fitting.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
Video
Dassault’s New Falcon 10X Business Jet makes its debut.
AIN; YouTube
Honda Positions Hybrid eVTOL as New Path for Urban Air Mobility
AirInsight reports, “After four years in ‘stealth mode,’ Honda revealed at the Dubai Airshow 2025 that its hybrid eVTOL program is far more advanced than anyone outside the company knew, with over 400 flight tests already completed.”
Full Story (AirInsight)
Video
Honda’s first full-scale hybrid eVTOL prototype
AIN; YouTube; Framegrab
Call for Technical Experts for Standards
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA is now the Committee Manager and US TAG for ISO TC20/SC 16 Uncrewed Aircraft System which leads international standardization in the field of advanced air mobility and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The committee is looking for technical experts to support its work in developing International Standards to provide a framework and guidance for government, public and private stakeholders involved in the safe and effective design, procurement, deployment and operation of Counter UAS equipment intended to be deployed in all fixed, mobile and transportable civilian environments. Experts in the field of cybersecurity aspects specific to UAS are also encouraged to particiate.
Autonomous C-130J Program Reaches Design Review Milestone
Flying Magazine reports, “The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is one step closer to flying the C-130J Super Hercules—one of its workhorse tactical airlift and transport aircraft—with zero human input. Boston-based Merlin Labs on Thursday announced the completion of preliminary design review (PDR) for its C-130J Super Hercules autonomy program with USSOCOM, under which it is working toward demonstration flights with a modified Hercules.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)
Embraer Projects Strong 2026 Output with Up to 255 Aircraft Deliveries
Aerotime reports, “Embraer is targeting up to 255 aircraft deliveries in 2026, comprised of 80 to 85 commercial aircraft and between 160 and 170 executive jets. On March 6, 2026, Embraer published details of its outlook for the rest of the year, as well as its financial performance in 2025, which included securing $7.5 billion in revenue.”
Full Story (Aerotime)
X-59 Low-Boom Aircraft Enters New Phase of Supersonic Flight Testing
Aviation Week takes the wraps off NASA’s Lockheed Martin-built X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft as preparations begin for envelope expansion tests.
Full Story (Aviation Week)
Pilatus Marks Milestone with First PC-12 PRO Aeromedical Delivery
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)
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)