All articles by Dan Thisdell
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AnalysisThe magic number that makes electric flight viable
Today’s attempts to fly on battery power rely on the same Lithium-ion technology that powers cells phones and automobiles; it can work, but to really get off the ground aviation will need a new generation of energy storage technology
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AnalysisWhy the sky is no limit for RAF’s space ambitions
Like its key allies, the UK is increasingly reliant on space-based assets for daily life in ordinary civil society and for the perfornance of its military forces. So, the Royal Air Force’s operating domain now extends from the ground to far beyond the atmosphere
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NewsRolls-Royce deepens partnership with Reaction Engines on cooling technology
A recent surge of interest in multi-Mach propulsion projects from Rolls-Royce is followed today by another technical partnership – which sees the aero-engine manufacturer deepen its partnership with Reaction Engines and its radical cooling technology.
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NewsSupersonic skies looking crowded with entry from Virgin Galactic
The crowded field of aspirants to reintroduce commercial supersonic flight has got another contender with a surprise revelation from Virgin Galactic of a proposed Rolls-Royce-powered Mach 3 delta wing jet – bearing a striking resemblance to Concorde.
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AnalysisDuxford holds keys to unlock funding for Faradair’s hybrid-electric workhorse
A bid to make the UK a leader in a new generation of quiet, low-carbon regional aircraft has got a fresh surge of momentum from a new plan to establish a general aviation-focussed business cluster near the Imperial War Museum’s Duxford airfield site, within the high-technology region around Cambridge University.
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NewsEliminating the aviation industry’s CO2 emissions: evolution or revolution?
Can CO2 emissions from aircraft be reduced or eliminated to stop the industry’s contribution to greenhouse gases? A FIA Connect discussion panel, hosted by FlightGlobal and Raytheon Technologies, thinks so - but it will be a long-haul journey.
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NewsSafety first in drive to unlock urban air mobility
To economically add a third dimension to local transport requires new technology - and a focus on creating “aviation grade” hardware.
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NewsKinectAir joins with VoltAero for on-demand service and eyes future fleet of Cassio aircraft
A French aircraft developer and US software innovator have joined forces around a common vision of clean, efficient regional air mobility; is this a new era for personal transport or a replay of the failed air taxi dream?
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NewsWhy mastering the Moon is vital before missions to Mars
Despite previous scepticism about renewed lunar exploration, the space industry increasingly believes a return to the Moon is a key part of any broader strategy.
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AnalysisForget batteries, is hydrogen the holy grail for carbon-free commercial aviation?
While full-electric power may be feasible for short-range urban air mobility designs, a different energy source will be required for larger commercial jets.
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AnalysisPandemic puts thrust levers to idle for big jet engine makers
For Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, GE Aviation and CFM International, a long downturn means de-tuning plans to ramp up the power
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NewsFor Virgin Orbit, partial success is major milestone
First attempt to fly Virgin Group’s satellite launch system ends after 9s with engine shutdown, but wealth of data and smooth run through ground operations routine offers encouragement
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NewsVoltAero reveals new configuration for hybrid-electric Cassio
A French bid to bring hybrid-electric propulsion to regional air transport from as early as 2022 has unveiled the production configuration of an aircraft family whose largest variant promises to carry 10 people over distances of around 650nm (1,200km).
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NewsCoronavirus delays European ADS-B deadline
European Commission pushes deadline for fitting precision flight-tracking technology back six months to December, while retrofits will have until June 2023.
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In depthAir traffic control ‘could slash global warming impact of contrails’
Small changes in cruise altitude could, for some flights, dramatically reduce a major contributor to aviation-induced climate change
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In depthPost-Brexit UK ‘needs global space strategy’
As Britain loosens its ties with Europe, it will find itself having to protect the space-reliant aspects of its national security and economic interests in a world characterised by an accelerating US-China space race
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In depthTarnished Max brand presents major challenge for Boeing
Facing its 737 Max crisis, Boeing is sailing in uncharted brand management seas
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NewsVoltAero gets off ground in hybrid power push
Noise and safety are two key points of novel push-pull hybrid power scheme for 4- to 9-seater
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NewsCan VIP services add another revenue stream for helicopter industry?
Can air taxi services help the helicopter industry ease the pain of a protracted downturn in its mainstay oil and gas business? The question understandably exercises leasing and finance specialists – but the answer, like so many attempts to identify clear trends in these turbulent economic times, depends on the balance between optimism and pessimism.
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NewsVolocopter nets €87 million in Series C funding round
German eVTOL maker says funding, expertise will support bid for commerical operations in two to four years