AeroTime reports that Honeywell Aerospace expects nearly 10,000 new business jets to be delivered worldwide through 2035, driven by increasing wealth and demand for private air travel. The forecast points to “growing demand for fractional ownership and charter flights” as key factors attracting new customers to business aviation. The outlook signals continued opportunities for aircraft manufacturers as the market for private aviation expands.
Full Story (AeroTime)
Tag: October 2026
Sikorsky Advances Autonomous U-Hawk Helicopter Into Flight Testing
Defense Daily reports that Sikorsky has moved its unmanned U-Hawk helicopter into a formal flight test program, marking another milestone in the development of autonomous military cargo aircraft. Described as an unmanned version of the Black Hawk helicopter “optimized for autonomous cargo-carrying operations,” the U-Hawk is designed to transport supplies and equipment without an onboard crew. The program has also attracted growing interest from the U.S. Marine Corps as the military explores autonomous aircraft for future resupply missions.
Full Story (Defense Daily – Subscription Publication)
Reengaging the Next Generation: 36 AIAA Student Branches Reactivated
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA Student Branches provide students with opportunities to connect with the aerospace community, build their professional networks, develop leadership skills, and stay engaged with AIAA throughout their academic journey. This year, AIAA reached an exciting milestone with 36 student branches returning to active status. These reactivations represent renewed student interest, stronger connections with faculty and AIAA, and new opportunities for students to become involved in the aerospace community.
Engineering Analysis Confirms Orion Heat Shield Performance on Artemis II
SpaceNews reports that engineering studies have confirmed the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield performed as expected during NASA’s Artemis II mission, without the erosion observed during Artemis I. The findings represent an important step in validating the spacecraft’s thermal protection system for future crewed lunar missions. As SpaceNews reports, the heat shield performed “without the erosion seen on Artemis 1,” providing encouraging results for NASA’s ongoing Artemis program.
Full Story (SpaceNews)
Archer Demonstrates Midnight eVTOL in San Francisco Bay Area Flights
AeroTime reports that Archer Aviation has completed a series of piloted demonstration flights over the San Francisco Bay Area using its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The flights, part of Archer’s “No Roads” tour, included operations at Oakland International Airport and tested the aircraft’s capabilities in increasingly complex airspace. As AeroTime notes, the tour aimed to demonstrate Midnight’s ability to operate in “an urban area with a busy air corridor,” highlighting the potential for electric air taxis to ease transportation congestion in major metropolitan areas.
Full Story (Aerotime)
NASA Advances Plans to Deploy Three Helicopters on Mars
Space.com reports that NASA is accelerating development of three SkyFall helicopters designed to explore previously unseen regions of Mars. The aircraft are scheduled to travel aboard the nuclear-powered Space Reactor-1 Freedom spacecraft, with launch planned for 2028. According to the article, the mission will deliver the helicopters to Mars’ northern hemisphere during spring, a strategy intended to avoid seasonal dust storms. As Space.com explains, the spacecraft is “assigned the duty of dropping off the SkyFall entry capsule” carrying the three aerial vehicles.
Full Story (Space.com)
Video
Skyfall – Future Mission Concept for Next-gen Mars Helicopters and Exploration
(Aerovironment; YouTube)
Airbus Lands Record 75-Aircraft Deal with Aviation Capital Group
AeroTime reports that Airbus has secured an order for 75 A320neo family aircraft from U.S.-based leasing company Aviation Capital Group (ACG), marking the largest aircraft purchase in the lessor’s history. The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2032 and 2035, expanding ACG’s future fleet of fuel-efficient, single-aisle jets. AeroTime notes that the agreement includes “conversion rights to variants within the A320neo family,” providing flexibility as airline demand evolves. The deal brings ACG’s A320neo family orderbook to 115 aircraft.
Full Story (Aerotime)
The Conversations Aerospace Needs Right Now
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Institute’s technical leaders gathered at The MITRE Corporation outside Washington, DC, for our third annual CTO Summit on 9-10 September, and the conversation turned quickly to the promise and peril of artificial intelligence (AI) as it hurtles forward in aerospace engineering. The Summit saw a 30% increase in attendance as we heard from Department of War, Congressional staff, and think tank leaders about the need to accelerate the production of aerospace systems to serve growing demand across commercial, civil, and national security verticals.
Satellite Communications Restrictions Disrupt Ukrainian Drone Operations
SatNews reports that new speed restrictions affecting military Starshield satellite communications terminals in Ukraine have disrupted drone operations and battlefield connectivity. According to the publication, the restrictions caused “abrupt connectivity loss during active combat missions,” affecting unmanned aircraft and air defense operations. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk subsequently clarified that Starshield systems are controlled by the U.S. government, with speed and usage restrictions determined by military authorities rather than SpaceX. Ukrainian officials are working with U.S. and NATO partners to address the disruptions.
Full Story (SatNews)
Airbus Weighs A350 Production Increase Amid Strong Airline Demand
AeroTime reports that Airbus is considering expanding production capacity for its A350 widebody aircraft as airlines seek additional long-haul jets. Speaking in Toulouse, France, on 14 October, Airbus commercial aircraft chief Lars Wagner indicated that a decision could come soon, pending board approval. The company currently targets production of 12 A350s per month by 2028, but the proposed expansion would allow output to “rise further.” Airbus is also evaluating larger variants of the A350 and A220 aircraft.
Full Story (Aerotime)