Tag: production

GE Aerospace Targets Major Fighter Engine Production Expansion

Aviation Week reports GE Aerospace is working to overcome supply chain bottlenecks and introduce broad production system improvements to accelerate fighter, trainer, and helicopter engine assembly. The transformation comes amid what the company describes as a “resurgence in demand” for engines powering advanced fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, along with a new wave of fighter trainers, prompting changes across GE facilities and its wider supply chain.
Full Story (Aviation Week)

Air Force Greenlights General Atomics FQ-42A CCA for Production

Unmanned Systems Technology reports, “General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has received a production contract from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for the FQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The initial order is a significant milestone, beginning the delivery of production aircraft to the warfighter. GA-ASI designed, developed and flight-tested FQ-42A on an accelerated schedule unlike any fighter in recent history.”
Full Story (Unmanned Systems Technology)

Navy Clears MQ-25 Stingray for Initial Production Phase

Defense One reports, “The Navy’s drone tanker, the MQ-25A Stingray, is cleared for low-rate initial production—just weeks after a production-ready model took its first flight. “MQ-25 reached Milestone C, which is huge because now we have inflight refueling that is unmanned…it’s a great capability,” Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said at the end of an hourslong Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Tuesday.”
Full Story (Defense One)

Northrop Invests Big to Fast-Track B-21 Production

Breaking Defense reports, “Northrop Grumman will invest $2.5 billion of its own cash to accelerate production of the B-21 stealth bomber, with $200 million in investments slated to be executed this year, its chief executive said. The Air Force and Northrop in February finalized an agreement to increase the B-21 production rate by 25 percent, but CEO Kathy Warden’s comments on a financial earnings call today mark the first time the company has revealed what it plans to spend in order hit the ambitious goal.”
Full Story (Breaking Defense)

Boeing’s Strong Delivery Pace Continues Through October

Reuters reports, “Boeing said on Tuesday that it delivered 53 jets in October, bringing its total for the year to 493, and received 15 new orders last month. The U.S. planemaker delivered 39 of its best-selling 737 MAX jets, including nine to Southwest Airlines and five to Irish budget airline Ryanair. It delivered one 737 NG to be converted into a P-8 maritime patrol plane for the U.S. Navy. Boeing also delivered 13 widebody jets: seven 787 Dreamliners, two 777 freighters and four 767s.”
Full Story (Reuters)

GE Aerospace Raises 2025 Profit Forecast on Robust Aftermarket Demand

Reuters reports GE Aerospace raised its 2025 profit forecast on Tuesday, projecting a strong finish to the year on robust demand for aftermarket maintenance services due to a shortage of new jets. The jet-engine maker also lifted its growth forecast for LEAP engine deliveries to more than 20% in 2025. Shares of the company were up nearly 3% in premarket trading.
Full Story (Reuters)

Virgin Galactic on Track for Production of New Spaceplanes

Space News reports, “Virgin Galactic says production of its new suborbital spaceplanes remains on track to allow commercial flights to begin in the middle of next year as it contemplates restarting ticket sales. The company spent much of a May 15 earnings call talking about the technical progress it has made in the assembly of its first Delta-class vehicles, or SpaceShips, in areas such as structures, propulsion and avionics.”
Full Story (Space News)