FROM THE INSTITUTE
As a member of the AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026 Guiding Coalition, it was clear to Tracy Elving that a nuanced discussion about artificial intelligence had to kick off the forum. When asked about the core value of AI, some on the Guiding Coalition felt that it could provide solutions to ambitious technical challenges, while others argued it could enable engineers to do higher order tasks. A lack of consensus created a provocative opportunity.
Tag: Performance
Boeing 777-9 to Begin Takeoff Performance Tests at Edwards AFB
Aviation Week reports, “Boeing 777-9 certification tests reached a key stage on Aug. 14 with the return of WH001, the first 777X development aircraft, to Edwards AFB, California, for the start of takeoff performance testing.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
GA-ASI Partners with Saab to Enhance AEW&C System Performance on MQ-9B
Unmanned Systems Technology reports, “General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Saab have partnered to integrate an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system onto GA-ASI’s MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft. To validate the new capability, flight demonstrations are planned for 2026. GA-ASI’s MQ-9B line includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models, the United Kingdom’s Protector, and the new MQ-9B STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) model currently in development.”
Full Story (Unmanned Systems Technology)
Fully Focused James Webb Space Telescope Beats Expectations
BBC News reports that NASA released the first properly focused image from the James Webb Space Telescope. NASA engineer Lee Feinberg said they have now managed to fully focus the observatory on a test star, and the pin-sharp performance is even better than expected. However, NASA cautioned that a lot of work still remains before the telescope can be declared operational. The star used for the test image is “a generic, anonymous star” with the right level of brightness. ESA Science & Exploration Senior Advisor Mark McCaughrean said the “spike” structures were a function of the design of the James Webb Space Telescope’s primary mirror. He said the shape of the 18 hexagons imprints a faint diffraction pattern that makes bright stars look like “spiky snowflakes,” giving images of the observatory a very distinctive look.
Full Story (BBC News)