Our cover story in Flight International this week is Boeing's plans for a 777 successor, with a probable late-2012 launch of the next-generation of its hugely successful twinjet. Filling our opening spread, FlightBlogger Jon Ostrower has the exclusive. Our graphic shows the 777X concept, with the longest wingspan Boeing has produced.

In other news: the growing row over Europe's emissions legislation that, according to EADS, threatens Airbus's widebody backlog from Chinese carriers. Plus: the latest on the US Air Force's light air support contest, following its failed attempt to buy the Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano. We have more on China's defence spending plans and a two-page report from the first Abu Dhabi Air Expo. And we reveal the design of the Stratolaunch space launch vehicle.

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In our military training package, Arie Egozi examines Elbit's attempts to build a centre specialising in virtual training. The facility in Israel will eventually house eight full-dome, high-definition simulators for the Lockheed Martin F-16I. Stephen Trimble looks at how belt-tightening has hampered the USAF's plans to replace T-38 trainers.

We have a preview of the Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition in Shanghai with an analysis of China's business aviation marketplace. And there is a special cutaway poster of Gulfstream's family of corporate jets.

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Source: Flight International