U.S. Air Force (USAF)

By Graham Warwick
Australian startup MicroTau is working with Delta Air Lines to test its drag-reducing riblet film on the Boeing 767.
Emerging Technologies

By Brian Everstine
The decision to avoid carrier-representative landings means less engineering and faster development.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Graham Warwick
Renowned aircraft designer Darold Cummings explores questions raised by Boeing’s F-47 NGAD design.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Vivienne Machi
The U.S. Air Force and Viasat have reached a tentative resolution in a months-long lawsuit concerning a SDA-related contract award, court documents show.
Space Symposium

By Richard Aboulafia
The Trump administration’s next-generation military aircraft plans appear to be moving the U.S. away from global partnerships.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Brian Everstine
U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command has received the L3Harris/Air Tractor OA-1K Skyraider II.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
A new U.S. Air Force unit creating a proving ground for autonomous combat aircraft hopes to take flight within the year.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Brian Everstine, Vivienne Machi
Troy Meink, Trump's nominee for Air Force secretary, is looking to continue the service’s aircraft modernization push and increase the Space Force’s funding share.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Brian Everstine
Boeing has been awarded an $18.2 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to mature autonomous refueling.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Graham Warwick
Funding to help modify a glider to flight test ultraquiet, electric-ducted fans has been received by Whisper Aero .
Advanced Air Mobility

By Brian Everstine
Long-standing personnel and parts shortages are sidelining aircraft as service leaders call for more funding.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Graham Warwick
Multi-feedstock SAF production tested; Australian e-aircraft programs advance; ZeroAvia to study large hydrogen UAS; Vertiport design mitigates eVTOL downwash.
Emerging Technologies

By Irene Klotz
The Falcon 9 flight rate at Cape Canaveral SFS Space Launch Complex 40 is planned to be more than doubled by SpaceX.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
The Navy now has no target date for its T-45 replacement award as it continues studies for carrier landing practice.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Steve Trimble
The U.S. Air Force’s next fighter is finally in development, with Boeing in the driver’s seat for a program with aggressive schedule and cost targets.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
Secretary of the Air Force nominee Troy Meink told lawmakers the service’s fleet is “probably too small on the fighter and bomber side of the house.”
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Vivienne Machi
The USAF is debating whether to cancel a series of current and future contracts for the Space Development Agency and to use SpaceX-built assets instead.
Satellites

By Steve Trimble
Industry is being asked by the U.S. Air Force to submit ideas for a new countermeasure system that can defeat infrared-guided missiles and air vehicles.
Missile Defense & Weapons

By Graham Warwick
Sustainability and decarbonization were front and center at the two-day “Airbus Summit” held in Toulouse on March 24-25.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
The service is sending students to pilot-training schools before they fly on Air Force trainers in a bid to address the lingering pilot shortage.
Light Attack and Advanced Training

By Graham Warwick
ZeroAvia and Reliable Robotics are studying the integration of hydrogen-electric propulsion onto a Cessna with automation tech to make an uncrewed aircraft.
Advanced Air Mobility

By Brian Everstine
Gen. Thomas Bussiere is expected to be nominated as the U.S. Air Force's No. 2, Aviation Week has learned.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Michael Bruno
Boeing's win of the F-47 aircraft contract from the U.S. Air Force is already boosting sentiment in the company while rival Lockheed Martin is taking a hit.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Steve Trimble
Boeing has won a contract to develop the F-47 next-generation combat aircraft for the U.S. Air Force which throws a lifeline to the company’s struggling military aviation business.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Robert Wall
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.
Emerging Technologies