FutureFlight

Reliable Robotics has teamed with NASA to improve the safety of remotely-piloted aircraft in the National Airspace System using FAA primary surveillance radar data. Specifically, the partners wanted to explore the use of existing radar infrastructure for automated detect-and-avoid systems on board autonomous aircraft. 

Electric aircraft developers promise to revolutionize the aviation industry by replacing gas-guzzling turbine engines with more environmentally friendly, battery-powered propulsion systems that produce zero emissions while boasting significantly lower operating costs. 

Joby Aviation could soon be the first eVTOL air taxi developer to operate its aircraft on U.S. Air Force bases. The California-based company has received a $55 million contract extension from the USAF’s Agility Prime program, bringing the total potential value of the contract up to $131 million. As part of the agreement, Joby will deliver up to nine of its five-seat air taxis to the USAF. The first two aircraft are expected to arrive at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California by early 2024.

For two years, Whisper Aero has been quietly developing what it says will be the quietest and most efficient propulsion system on the market. Upon closing a $32 million Series A funding round last week, the company finally broke its silence to reveal some details about its ultra-low-noise thrusters. 

Magpie Aviation says it has successfully demonstrated the world’s first automated aircraft tug, or “aerotow,” connecting two airplanes mid-flight. In theory, the company says the aerotowing concept could enable large electric passenger airplanes to fly farther by connecting with smaller, uncrewed airplanes packed full of batteries.

Electro.Aero has signed partnership deals with Aerovy Mobility, Altaport, Greenstar Aviation Partners, and Skyportz covering software, leasing, and infrastructure development. The Australian company is already delivering charging equipment to several eVTOL aircraft developers.

New aerostructures require composite materials for lighter aircraft structures that have more versatile uses and are suitable for lower-cost, high production rates. This is the focus of an extended technology partnership between thermoplastics specialist Solvay and GKN Aerospace.

Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Prescott, Arizona, had the opportunity to test out Reliable Robotics’ voice communication system for remotely piloted, highly autonomous aircraft. Researchers with Reliable Robotics visited ERAU's Air Traffic Control laboratory earlier this month to demonstrate the company’s autonomous flight and remote piloting capabilities using the university’s virtual simulators. During the demonstration, students took on roles of remote pilots and air traffic controllers to simulate communications in busy airspace.

The UK’s Britten-Norman and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) have signed a heads-of-terms agreement to merge and start delivering hydrogen-powered regional airliners in 2026. The company aims to achieve certification for both converted and new-build examples of the nine-seat Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.

A £7 million "loan investment" from South Yorkshire's regional government is expected to underwrite Hybrid Air Vehicles' plans to establish a production facility for its Airlander 10 hybrid-electric airship at Doncaster in the UK. The company still needs to raise at least £100 million to start construction of the facility.