A newly study by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers examined near-midair collisions between drones and aircraft. July 25, 2023, 11:15 AM With the number of small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS, aka drones) increasing, researchers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) have developed a new method to quantify close calls between them and piloted aircraft. In a paper published in the SAE International Journal of Aerospace, researchers from the university noted there were at least 24 near-midair collisions (NMACs) around Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (KDFW) between August 20 ..read more

Collins and its owner Raytheon have not commented on Safran's announced plan to acquire its actuation and flight control businesses. July 21, 2023, 11:34 AM Safran plans to acquire the actuation and flight control businesses of Collins Aerospace, the French aerospace group announced today. The company told analysts and investors it has made a cash offer based on a valuation of the Raytheon Technologies subsidiary of $1.8 billion. According to Safran, the sale is subject to regulatory approval by financial authorities and consultation with employee groups at both companies. Safran in ..read more

With the opening of its expanded facility, Collins Aerospace plans to develop more parts using the additive manufacturing process. July 21, 2023, 12:06 PM Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds helped cut the ribbon on the opening of Collins Aerospace’s expansion of its additive manufacturing center in West Des Moines, Iowa, yesterday. The $14 million expansion adds 9,000 sq ft to the center, which will enable Collins to explore development of additive manufacturing production for commercial and military aircraft engine components, supplementing manufacture of engine components already underway for ..read more

Reliable Robotics says the FAA has accepted its certification plans for a fully autonomous flight control system. July 20, 2023, 2:27 PM Reliable Robotics said the FAA has accepted its certification plans for the autonomous flight control system it plans to install on aircraft to enable remote-piloted operations under a supplemental type certificate (STC). According to Reliable Robotics, its system can enable fully autonomous gate-to-gate operations through continuous autopilot engagement and an advanced navigation system. “Continuous autopilot engagement” is a term the FAA has used ..read more

The European Clean Aviation program's No Ice Rotor consortium has been testing a protection system for Leonardo's new tilt rotor aircraft. July 20, 2023, 7:22 AM The No Ice Rotor consortium this week reported what it claims is a breakthrough in the development, testing, and integration of a novel ice protection system (IPS) for rotor blades. The group of companies have been working as part of the European Union-backed Clean Sky 2 project to develop more environmentally-sustainable aviation technology—initially for Leonardo's Next Generation Civil Tilt Rotor (NGCTR). This technology ..read more

Renewable fuels producer Twelve broke ground this morning in Washington State on its first commercial scale power-to-liquid SAF refinery. July 11, 2023, 2:26 PM Renewable Fuels producer Twelve broke ground today on the start of construction of its first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility. Located in Moses Lake, Washington, it will be the first commercial plant to utilize an ASTM-approved power-to-liquid (e-fuel) pathway for the production of SAF. It will use CO2 and water as its feedstock, converted through the use of renewable electricity. Scheduled to begin operations by mid-2024, the ..read more

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has invited funding proposals to develop the country's SAF production capacity, following a 2021 study. July 5, 2023, 10:55 AM Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency (Arena) this week pledged AU$30 million in funding to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the country. The open initiative invites proposals for commercial or pre-commercial SAF production, offering grants of AU$1 million and up to support engineering feasibility and project development activities or development of pilot scale and pre-commercial production facilit ..read more

Feam Aero is now able to support all airframes weighing more than 12,500 pounds with its latest round of authorizations. June 21, 2023, 11:24 AM Feam Aero recently earned an FAA Class 2 composite construction and Class 4 all-metal Part 145 repair station authorization, enabling the line maintenance provider to support all airframe types weighing above 12,500 pounds (gross takeoff weight). These expanded capabilities will provide air operators in the Florida region with a broader range of options and enhanced services at Feam Aero's main maintenance facility at Miami International Ai ..read more

Companies are investing in multi-pronged efforts to boost female involvement in engineering, but women still account for around one-fifth of the total. June 21, 2023, 11:00 AM The aerospace and defense industries suffer from a widely acknowledged skills deficit due to the struggle to recruit and retain talent—all the more reason then, over and above social equity considerations, to make it clear to 50 percent of the world’s population that the door is wide open to women. This Friday is International Women in Engineering Day, giving pause to the aviation sector to consider whether it is on the ..read more

Embraer's engineering team is exploring a variety of technologies to power aircraft of the future. June 21, 2023, 5:23 AM Having certified more than 20 aircraft since 2000, Embraer’s engineering team is moving ahead with a number of projects, although new clean-sheet aircraft designs don't top the list for now. The 3,500-strong centralized engineering operation supports all of Embraer’s business units, not just aircraft but also defense and maritime systems, according to Luís Carlos Affonso, senior v-p of engineering and technology.  “This is another part of our secret sauce,” he sa ..read more