NETWORKS
Carriers increasingly targeting long-haul narrowbody flights across Atlantic
What could become a long-term trend of launching “skinny” routes between continents is emerging among airlines in North America and Europe.
Helicopters
SOCOM wants Block III Chinooks, even as US Army remains uncommitted to Block II fielding
US Special Operations Command officials are planning for the future while still procuring the Block II MH-47G variant of the Chinook heavy-lift type.
ENGINES
FAA targets PW4000 sensor flaw linked to tailpipe fires, in-flight shutdowns
An FAA proposed order comes after P&W issued service bulletins to address the concern.
Hypersonic
Stratolaunch logs third-known hypersonic flight with reusable Talon-A
The company hopes to use Talon-A as a test platform for maturing new hypersonic technologies.
Safety
Investigators concerned over privacy as analytical technology recreates MD-11F crash audio
While original audio is protected by law, computational techniques are capable of reconstructing close approximation.
Transports
MC-130Js destroyed in Iran could be replaced with ‘green’ Lockheed Martin transports
The potential option involves Special Operations Command completing modifications to bring in-production C-130Js to the MC-130J standard.
SURVEILLANCE
General Atomics flies MQ-9B for first time carrying Saab LoyalEye AEW radars
Combination is described as the ‘world’s first unmanned AEW solution’.
GE will introduce Leap-1B update this year to address cabin-smoke concern
Modification to address a problem arising during activation of a load-reduction device, is in the certification process.
Engines
Why GE is confident Leap turbofans can match CFM56 durability levels
High-pressure turbine updates will address a heat-induced durability problem affecting best-selling CFM International engines.
Safety
Jazz CRJ900 suffered wing-tip strike during go-around in gusting winds
Regional jet had been operating service to Fredericton from Toronto.
Close Air Support
Pentagon suggests OA-1K as alternative to used A-10s for undisclosed foreign government
An unnamed foreign government expressed interest in purchasing old A-10 attack jets, but the Pentagon is instead directing them toward L3Harris’ new Skyraider II armed crop duster.
Helicopters
Little Birds noticeably absent from SOF Week demonstration after Iran combat losses
A source within US Special Operations Command confirms that four of the Boeing rotorcraft were destroyed in Iran during a US mission to rescue a downed F-15E weapons officer.