Must read – Page 3
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In depthUS manufacturers ramp solid rocket motor production amid surging munitions demand
After years of decline left the US aerospace industry with just a single independent producer of rocket motor engines to power critical missiles, a global surge in munitions purchases has spurred major defence manufacturers to develop new production capacity.
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NewsSouthwest’s board overhaul continues with six new directors and Gary Kelly’s ‘accelerated’ retirement
In a settlement with minority stakeholder Elliott Investment Management, Southwest Airlines is appointing six new directors to its board and accelerating the retirement of executive chairman Gary Kelly.
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In depthBoeing will not ‘walk away’ from financially challenged defence contracts, Ortberg says
Despite punishing financial losses on several military contracts, with no end in sight, Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg says his company remains committed to delivering on its full portfolio of defence programmes.
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In depthFAA finalises rule establishing new class of ‘powered lift’ aircraft to enable commercial air taxis
Clearing the way for a new class of “powered lift” aircraft to get off the ground, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 22 October released a finalised rule outlining operational and pilot-training requirements for the burgeoning electric air taxi sector.
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PodcastAirline Business Podcast: Why are airlines talking about aircraft delivery delays again?
The team examines the impact of more bad news on aircraft delivery delays, as Boeing grapples with strike action from machinists
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NewsMilitary operators increasingly turn to business jets for specialty missions
Drawn by reliability and affordability, militaries are increasingly turning to business jets to fill niche roles within their aviation fleets including intelligence collection and electronic warfare.
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AnalysisAero Vodochody confident of further export deals as L-39NG is rebranded Skyfox
Aero Vodochody has renamed its L-39NG the L-39 Skyfox as it prepares to step up deliveries of the updated single-engine jet trainer to initial customers Vietnam, Hungary and local operator LOM Praha.
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In depthNATO partners near launch of next phase for NGRC rotorcraft project
A group of NATO members driving the development of a next-generation military rotorcraft are in the coming weeks expected to sign an agreement that will pave the way for the project’s concept design phase to begin in 2026.
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NewsBoeing to cut 10% of workforce and end 767F production, while delaying 777X
Boeing plans to lay off roughly 17,000 workers, delay its first 777-9 delivery and end 767 Freighter production, part of a plan to restructure its business around “core” products and keep afloat amid a crippling machinists strike and numerous other business challenges.
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In depthUS government subpoenas Saab regarding Brazilian Gripen acquisition
A decade after Saab signed a contract with Brasilia to provide the Brazilian air force with Gripen E/F fighters, the US government is investigating the deal for unspecified reasons.
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In depthCan the US Air Force actually make its disposable fighter jets at an affordable price?
The service is betting much of its future on developing and fielding large numbers of so-called “attritable” combat jets that cost a fraction of traditional fighter aircraft. But can that goal actually be achieved?
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NewsUS Navy affirms commitment to fielding sixth-generation fighter
While the US Air Force is walking back its commitment to developing a manned sixth-generation combat fighter, the navy’s top officer says her service remains committed to fielding a new aircraft under its F/A-XX programme.
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In depthCould the US Air Force restore electronic attack fighter capability?
The US Air Force has not operated a dedicated offensive electronic-attack fighter since 1998 when the service retired its EF-111 Ravens, but service leaders now appear to be embracing electronic warfare as a central aspect of modern air combat operations.
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AnalysisHow last C-2 Greyhound squadron stepped up to support US Navy aircraft carriers
The US Navy’s last unit to operate the veteran C-2 Greyhound carrier onboard delivery aircraft has been busier than ever in 2024, due to operating restrictions placed on the replacement Bell-Boeing CV-22B tiltrotor.
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NewsNTSB calls for ‘urgent’ attention to 737 rudder system problem
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued “urgent recommendations” to address an actuator problem that could cause rudder control systems on some Boeing 737NG and 737 Max to jam.
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In depthDozens of jets returning from desert exile as pilot attrition eases across US regional industry
Dozens of regional jets that have been sitting in the Arizona desert are returning to commercial service as regional carriers take advantage of a temporary reprieve in pilot attrition.
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NewsPentagon releases test footage of new B-21 stealth bomber in flight
Officials with the US Air Force and Northrop Grumman say a test version of the next-generation stealth bomber is currently flying up to two sorties per week, with two more examples being used for ground testing.
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NewsHow Ukraine turned mobile phone microphones into an air defence network
After enduring wave after wave of cheap suicide drones bombarding its cities, Ukraine found a novel solution for detecting and tracking the low, slow uncrewed aerial vehicles: microphones that can identify the airborne threats based on their audio signature.
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NewsBoeing halts supplier shipments and hiring as strike continues
Boeing will ask suppliers to stop shipping most parts to its Pacific Northwest aircraft assembly sites and is considering furloughing employees as part of a broader plan to save cash amid an ongoing machinists’ strike.
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In depthUS Air Force to shake up fleet modernisation programmes in coming months
The service’s top civilian official says the US Air Force soon plans to announce major changes to its most-significant new aircraft development programmes, including to its sixth-generation air superiority platform, a low-observable tanker and low-cost autonomous fighters.