Business & Military

I have argued many times in the past that in order for commercial space operations to succeed, they need to be given the opportunity to fail. The truth is, aviation did not grow up in a bloodless environment. Many died learning the lessons that we take for granted today. Commercial spaceflight may indeed have to […]

Lockheed Martin Flight Services is stepping up UAS awareness with its recently introduced unmanned traffic management (UTM) service. Aimed at increasing situational awareness when it comes to sharing the airspace with commercial drone operations, UTM includes an evolving set of functions and services — including a simplified and automated UAS NOTAM filing process, online graphics […]

Spike Aerospace has been working since 2011 to develop a supersonic jet for the business market, and recently they released an updated version of their design concept. The design now features a modified delta wing, and eliminates the tail surface. The two engines, which previously were depicted side-by-side atop the tail section, now are placed […]

A rocket-drive theory that was discussed at a scientific meeting this week has the Internet buzzing, but critics say the research is flawed and violates well-established laws of physics. The electromagnetic-drive research was presented by Martin Tajmar, a professor for Space Systems at the Dresden University of Technology in Germany, at a meeting of the […]

It would appear the latest political gambit to reform pilot medical regulations will die Wednesday when the House extends existing funding for highway projects and gets ready to go on summer holiday. CNN reported House Speaker John Boehner told members Tuesday the House would vote on a three-month extension rather than consider a Senate bill […]

Watching the last-minute machinations over legislative efforts to eliminate or at least curtail the Third Class medical requirement reminds me of arguments I used to have with my Dad when I was kid and wanted something forbidden. When all the logic a 10-year-old could summon seemed to be backing the old man into a canyon […]

Airbus recently debuted its Bluecopter technology demonstrator, with a public demo at its facility in Donauworth, Germany. The aircraft already has logged more than 28 hours, testing out new technologies that aim to improve fuel efficiency and the ability to fly quietly. “With Bluecopter, we have met our goals of decreasing fuel consumption by as […]

Reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank made some progress in Washington over the weekend, winning support from a Senate vote in a rare Sunday session. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association has been lobbying for reauthorization of the bank, which expired June 30, saying the bank’s loan guarantees help GA manufacturers to close transactions with non-U.S. buyers. […]

The Commemorative Air Force continued its aggressive fundraising campaign to restore That’s All, Brother, the C-47 that led the D-Day invasion. The historic aircraft, on display this week at AirVenture, drew continuous crowds of visitors who wanted the chance to take a peek inside and learn more about its history. view on YouTube

As the world’s largest democracy and free market, India may become a fertile place to expand general aviation. And according to S. P. Shukla, head of Mahindra’s aerospace division, it’s already happening. In this AVweb podcast, Shukla said Mahindra’s acquisition of Airvan will allow the company to expand GA both to the personally owned aircraft […]