Tag: June 2026

US Navy Jet Trainer Competition Down to Two Final Contenders

Aviation News reports, “The US Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) competition has officially narrowed to just two remaining aerospace competitors following high-profile industry withdrawals. This high-stakes defense acquisition program will ultimately deliver the next-generation aircraft platform required to train future Navy and Marine Corps aviators.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)

Internal Research and Development, Tax Policy, and the Future of U.S. Aerospace Innovation

FROM THE INSTITUTE
Internal Research and Development (IR&D represents the commitment of private companies by investing their own resources to push the boundaries of technology, often ahead of any official government requirements or contracts. This approach has been the backbone of America’s aerospace leadership, allowing firms to take on early financial and technical risks with the intent of creating groundbreaking systems.

Space Force Advances Plans for New Vandenberg Launch Pad

Spaceflight Now reports, “The U.S. Space Force is seeking potential users of a new launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base reserved for smaller rockets. The Space Force released a request for information June 8 seeking interest from launch vehicle operators in Space Launch Complex (SLC) 9, a proposed launch site at Vandenberg that would be used for small- and medium-class launch vehicles. Responses to the RFI are due July 8.”
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)

Vaeridion Signs New Microliner Deals, Partners with General Atomics

 Aviation International News reports, “Electric aircraft developer Vaeridion inked letters of intent (LOI) for more than 100 of its nine-passenger Microliners with six prospective European operators. Reporting the deals at the ILA air show in Berlin on June 10, the German start-up also announced a partnership with drone manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, which will use Vaeridion’s battery technology.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)

As Aerospace Prioritizes AI, Aviation Experts Ask, “What Problems Are We Trying to Solve?”

FROM THE INSTITUTE
The first Forum 360 panel at AIAA AVIATION Forum asked a simple question when it comes to AI’s growing role in aerospace: What problems are we trying to solve? That conversation featured several answers from experts representing major aerospace OEMs, defense primes, and the U.S. Air Force’s main research lab that set the tone for the rest of the week’s programming.

Navy Air Boss to AIAA AVIATION Attendees: Build Reliability, Safety, and Right‑to‑Repair into the Next Generation of Airpower

FROM THE INSTITUTE
When U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Doug (V8) Verissimo stepped onto the plenary stage, he wore his operational flight suit rather than a more formal Navy uniform. “This uniform is where our warfighters exercise the equipment, the technology, the advancements,” he told the room of aerospace engineers, research scientists, and executives from industry, academia and the services. “It’s the part of the job that keeps me up at night, that these systems and capabilities function as advertised.”

Uganda Airlines Signs Boeing Deal for 10 New Aircraft

Aerospace Global News reports, “Uganda Airlines has signed an agreement with Boeing for the supply of ten aircraft, including passenger planes and freighters. The deal, reported to be worth $985 million, will see the East African carrier accelerate a fleet modernisation plan that will allow it to serve more markets across Africa, Europe and the Middle East.”
Full Story (Aerospace Global News)