All articles tagged with #flight testing
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Anduril
Anduril's YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft has begun flight testing, marking a rapid development from design to flight in just 556 days, with a focus on autonomy, mass production, and collaboration with the U.S. Air Force to enhance air superiority and adapt to evolving threats.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by NASA (.gov)
NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft is preparing for its first flight, with safety as a top priority. The aircraft features advanced systems like extensive data recording, digital fly-by-wire controls, multiple backup systems, and comprehensive safety measures including life support, ejection seat, and emergency restart capabilities. The initial low-altitude test will verify system integration before progressing to higher speeds and altitudes, ensuring a safe and successful flight.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by af.mil
The U.S. Department of the Air Force successfully conducted the first flight of the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, developed with General Atomics, marking a significant milestone in rapid, innovative airpower development aimed at deploying modular, uncrewed aircraft alongside advanced manned fighters. The program emphasizes speed, competition, and open-system architecture to enhance combat capabilities and operational flexibility.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Air Current
Emirates airline President Sir Tim Clark revealed that Boeing's 777X flight test program has stalled as the company focuses on resolving production quality issues and developments with the 737 Max. Clark expects the first of Emirates' 205 777X aircraft to arrive by the second quarter of 2026, despite ongoing challenges with the FAA.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CBS News
The U.S. Air Force has released photos of the B-21 Raider in flight as it undergoes testing at Edwards Air Force Base, moving closer to deployment as the next nuclear stealth bomber. The B-21, designed with advanced stealth technology and digital systems, is set to become the backbone of the U.S. bomber fleet, with plans to build 100 units. The aircraft, which can be piloted or unpiloted, aims to be highly survivable in future conflicts and difficult for adversaries to detect.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by USA TODAY
The U.S. Air Force has released the first in-flight photos of the B-21 Raider, its newest nuclear stealth bomber, which is currently undergoing flight testing in California. The B-21, capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional payloads, is set to replace the B-1 and B-2 models and will be primarily based at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. The aircraft is on track for deployment next spring, with at least 100 units expected to be produced.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NASASpaceflight.com
SpaceX is preparing for Flight Three with the rollout of Ship 28 to Suborbital Pad B. Ship 28 will undergo engine testing and upgrades, while Booster 10 has received its Hot Stage Ring and is being staged for rollout. The testing campaign for Ship 28 and Booster 10 is expected to be condensed, with a focus on cryo proof, engine spin prime, and static fire tests. SpaceX is aiming for a short preflight test campaign to support future missions, such as NASA's Human Landing System campaigns. The Orbital Launch Pad and Orbital Tank Farm are also undergoing upgrades to improve efficiency and loading capability. Future flights will involve additional ships and boosters, with plans for a new version of the Starship. The construction of a new High Bay at the production site will further increase SpaceX's ship and booster production capacity.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Defense News
The U.S. Air Force's first T-7A Red Hawk trainer aircraft has arrived at Edwards Air Force Base in California for intensive flight testing. The T-7, designed to train new fighter and bomber pilots, will undergo tests to measure its aerodynamic flutter, flying qualities, and load-bearing capabilities. Two more Red Hawks are expected to arrive at Edwards in the coming months. The T-7 program has faced delays due to issues with the escape system and flight control software, with initial operational capability now expected in spring 2027.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Debrief
NASA's experimental X-59 aircraft, designed for low-noise supersonic flight over land, is preparing for its first flight in 2024. Built by Lockheed-Martin Skunk Works, the aircraft aims to reduce the intensity of sonic booms caused by breaking the sound barrier. The X-59 is made up of components from existing aircraft and will gather data on people's reactions to reduced sonic booms during flight. NASA plans to share the findings with regulators to potentially adjust rules prohibiting commercial supersonic flight over land. Safety remains a top priority, and the team is working towards meeting the 2024 launch goal.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Fox Business
Boeing's T-7A Red Hawk trainer aircraft, developed in collaboration with Saab, successfully completed its first flight with the US Air Force (USAF). The flight, which lasted over an hour, validated key aspects of the aircraft and demonstrated its capabilities. Boeing will provide 351 T-7A Red Hawks and 46 simulators to the USAF as part of a $9.2 billion contract. The aircraft will replace the T-38 planes currently used for training, improving pilot training for the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Yahoo Finance
Joby Aviation has received a Special Airworthiness Certificate for the first aircraft built at its Pilot Production Line in Marina, California, allowing flight testing to begin. The aircraft is expected to become the first ever electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to be delivered to a customer. Joby plans to begin commercial passenger operations in 2025 and recently partnered with Delta Air Lines to provide emissions-free travel.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Robb Report
Venus Aerospace is developing a hypersonic aircraft called Stargazer that can carry about a dozen passengers and travel at Mach 9, or 6,905 mph, at an altitude of 170,000 feet. The aircraft will use a rotating-detonation engine that burns 20% less fuel than a conventional engine. The company recently successfully tested a prototype at its Spaceport Houston headquarters. Stargazer will take off with conventional jet engines and transition to rockets once it reaches altitude. The company will begin hypersonic flight testing with a 20-foot drone that it hopes will reach Mach 5 before building the Stargazer prototype. Other firms, including Sierra Space and Hermeus, are also pursuing hypersonic aircraft concepts.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Air & Space Forces Magazine
Boeing and the US Air Force are expected to begin developmental flight testing of the T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer this summer after resolving issues with the ejection seats. The program was delayed in December due to problems with the seats, which did not behave as expected in tests with pilot manikins representing the smallest class of potential pilots. Boeing has built five T-7As and continues to fly T1 and T2 to gather data, but the other aircraft are awaiting clearance to fly. The Air Force plans to build 94 T-7s over the next five fiscal years at a cost of $2.205 billion.