Bell Textron's new facility in Wichita, Kan., will support the company's prototype projects for the US Army's Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft and Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft programs. "I look forward to seeing Bell contribute to our strong aviation industry as a defense and commercial leader," said Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.
Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown was sworn in as the 22nd Air Force chief of staff Thursday. "Today is possible due to the perseverance of those who went before me," said Brown, who is the first Black person to serve in the position.
The UK is seeking international partners as it pursues the development of a sixth-generation fighter aircraft dubbed Tempest. Rolls-Royce, MBDA UK, Leonardo UK and BAE Systems are all part of the program, but "there is room for a broad range of other partnerships," British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said.
The process to solicit companies to work on the project to replace NATO's fleet of airborne early warning and control AWACS planes has begun. Analysts predict US companies such as Boeing and Northrop Grumman will most likely be chosen as leads, while European firms will probably be tapped for upgrades, support and maintenance work.
Volga-Dnepr has received its first Boeing 777 cargo plane, part of a leaseback agreement with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise that covers a total of three 777s. Volga-Dnepr says the new aircraft will enable "more sustainable and efficient service to its customers."
EAG is developing a hybrid-electric passenger aircraft, with demonstration flights planned for 2024 and a $5 billion production price tag. The aircraft will have a capacity for 70-plus passengers.
Experienced satellite manufacturers such as BlackSky, AAC Clyde Space and Tyvak International are cautioning newcomers against a race to the bottom when it comes to price, stating a satellite's performance is more important than discounting. "I don't think that we're at a point yet where we can see the volume driving the price down," said Craig Clarke of AAC Clyde Space.
The US and Taiwan are in negotiations for SeaGuardian drones, a first of its kind deal that would require US congressional approval, according to sources. The Trump administration is in support of expanding US military drone sales abroad, although some in Congress say advanced drones should be sold only to select allies.
A group of Republican lawmakers, led by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., and House Armed Services Committee ranking member Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, are calling for additional funding for the Department of Defense to cover rising program costs attributed to the coronavirus pandemic. "DOD cannot redirect money from other crucial priorities to cover these costs," the lawmakers said.
The US State Department has lifted its blanket advisory urging Americans to reconsider all international travel due to the coronavirus and returned to country-specific warnings. "With health and safety conditions improving in some countries and potentially deteriorating in others, the Department is returning to our previous system of country-specific levels of travel advice," the agency said.