January 18, 2023 - No. 003 In This Issue : Maxwell, NASA’s e-Plane, Is Running Out of Runway : Top 10 Aircraft Manufacturers in the World in 2021 : Electronics manufacturing firm looks to larger office space for growing Plano workforce : Top 10 Aircraft Manufacturers in the World in 2021 : Meeting Certification Requirements Is the Cornerstone of Success for Air Taxis : UT Arlington, Texas A&M Partner to Advance Aerospace Manufacturing in Texas : Top Austin, TX Aerospace Companies Maxwell, NASA’s e-Plane, Is Running Out of Runway The X-57's first flight is imminent, but it won't be airborne long EDD GENT07 JAN 20235 MIN READ This artist's concept of NASA's X-57 Maxwell aircraft shows the plane's envisaged final design featuring a smaller wing and 14 electric motors. NASA ELECTRIC AIRCRAFTELECTRIC AIRPLANENASAEVTOLSX-PLANE An experimental, potentially revolutionary all-electric airplane designed by NASA will soon be taking its first test flight, which will mark a major milestone for battery-powered aviation. However, the program already appears destined to fall short of its lofty goal to exploit the unique features of electric propulsion to rewrite the design rules for modern aircraft. Its time and funding has nearly run out. Part of the agency’s storied X-plane program, the X-57 Maxwell set out with the ambitious goal of tackling two grand challenges in aerospace engineering simultaneously. Not only did it aim to show that an airplane could be powered entirely by electricity, it also planned to demonstrate the significant gains in efficiency and performance that could be made by switching from two large engines to many smaller ones evenly distributed across the wings—a configuration known as a “blown wing.” The plan was to demonstrate both of these propositions through a series of increasingly advanced test vehicles. Ultimately though, the complexity of the first challenge, compounded by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw timelines repeatedly pushed back. As a result, the project’s leaders say it no longer has the funding to progress to the latter stages of the program. “It turned out to be actually a pretty tall order to work through all of those airworthiness, and qualification, and design challenges.” The first iteration of the X-57, a modified Tecnam P2006T light aircraft whose gas-powered engines have been replaced with electric motors, will take flight this coming spring or possibly summer. (As of early January, NASA is still unclear as to precisely when that maiden voyage will be. NASA officials Spectrum contacted could only narrow the timeframe down to “first half of 2023.”) That will be a significant achievement, making the X-57 one of just a handful of electrically powered aircraft to get off the ground. But the team say they plan to wrap up flight testing by the end of the year and will no longer be building more advanced designs featuring novel wing configurations and distributed propulsion, such as the blown wing. “We tried to do a very ambitious thing. Trying to do a new type of airframe and a new motor project is not very typical, because those are both very, very challenging endeavors,” says Nick Borer, deputy principal investigator for the X-57 project at the NASA Langley Research Center. “The agency funds a lot of different things and they’ve been very generous with what they’ve provided to us. But there are priorities at the top and eventually, you’ve got to finish up.” The project’s ultimate goal was to take advantage of the benefits of electric propulsion to reimagine the design of aircraft wings. For instance, in the case of that blown wing: the large number of motors and props on the leading-edge force air at high rates over the wing, which can generate significant lift even at low speeds. This makes it possible to take off from shorter runways and can also allow you to shrink the size of the wing, reducing drag and boosting cruise efficiency. The design is difficult to achieve with conventional combustion engines, because they are relatively heavy and become increasingly inefficient as they are scaled down in size. The same is not true of electric motors though, which means it’s relatively simple to switch from several large motors to many smaller ones distributed along the wing. The current iteration of the X-57, pictured here, is powered by two electric motors and is based at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.CARLA THOMAS/NASAThe final design iteration of the X-57 had six small electrically powered propellers across the front of each wing. The wings themselves would be only 40 percent of the size of a conventional P2006T wing. The design also featured two larger motors mounted on the tips of each wing, which would further reduce drag by counteracting the vortices normally produced at the end of each wing. Because the high lift generated by the smaller propellers along the leading edge would only be needed at take-off, these were designed to fold up once at cruising altitude to further reduce drag. “The whole idea of an X-plane is to do something that has never been done before, and so I think it is just normal to expect that there is a learning curve.” Altogether these aerodynamic innovations would slash the planes’ power consumption at cruise by as much as a third, according to Borer. Electric motors are also about three times more efficient in terms of their power-to-weight ratio compared to gasoline-burning ones, he adds, so combined these design changes were expected to lead to a roughly fivefold reduction in energy requirements while flying at cruise speeds of around 280 kilometers per hour. Switching to electric propulsion turned out to be more complicated than envisioned. The team had to completely redesign their battery packs in 2017 to avoid the risk of catastrophic fires. The high voltages and power levels required for electric aviation also posed significant complications, says Borer, requiring several iterations of the systems designed to protect components from electromagnetic interference. Early on in the project they also found that state-of-the-art transistors able to withstand high power levels couldn’t tolerate the vibrations and temperatures involved in flight. This was resolved only recently by switching to a newer generation of silicon carbide MOSFET modules, says Sean Clarke, principal investigator for the X-57 project at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. “It turned out to be actually a pretty tall order to work through all of those airworthiness, and qualification, and design challenges,” he says. This led to delays that will mean the more ambitious goals of the project may not come to fruition, but Borer hopes that others will be able to pick up from where they left off. The team has been regularly publishing their findings and data as they’ve progressed, he says. They are also actively contributing to standards for electric aviation and are working with regulators to help develop aircraft certification processes. “We’re pushing out everything that we can,” says Borer. The X-57’s custom-made battery packs installed in the aircraft’s cabin provide all the aircraft’s power, rather than the JET A/A-1 fuel that powers most aviation today. LAUREN HUGHES/NASA This information sharing has already borne fruit. NASA’s main subcontractor for the project California-based Empirical Systems Aerospace has been able to commercialize the X-57’s battery pack design, and the agency has a technology-transfer agreement with Virginia-based electric-aircraft designer Electra, which involved the team sharing information on their aerodynamic innovations. The company that NASA initially contracted to build their electric motors, Joby Aviation, has also gone on to develop their own electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and is today one of the leaders in the industry. This is the beauty of a publicly funded effort like the X-57, says Sergio Cecutta, founder and partner at SMG Consulting, who covers the electric-aviation industry. Unlike a private development effort, he says, all of the advances and lessons that have come out of the project will be in the public domain and can spread throughout the industry. And while it may not have achieved its most ambitious goals, Cecutta says it has done exactly what was intended, which was to remove some of the roadblocks holding back electric aviation. “The whole idea of an X-plane is to do something that has never been done before, and so I think it is just normal to expect that there is a learning curve,” he says. “In the end, you want to lay the groundwork for the industry to become successful, and I think on that metric, the X-57 has been a successful project.” Maxwell, NASA’s e-Plane, Is Running Out of Runway Photos That Showcase the Durability of American Aircraft During World War II • WORLD WAR II • AIRCRAFT • MILITARY VEHICLES Dec 14, 2022 Rosemary Giles, Guest Author Note: Important graphics included in the original article. Photo Credit: 1. PhotoQuest / Getty Images 2. Samuel Goldstein / Keystone Features / Getty Images (Colorized by Palette.fm) Given the numerous theaters American aircraft flew in throughout World War II, it’s no wonder the majority suffered extensive damage at the hands of the enemy. The following photos show the destruction sustained by various aircraft while in combat, as well as details regarding just how the Americans went about constructing and repairing their aerial vehicles, from production to secret operations. Production of American aircraft during World War II American assembly lines during World War II were impressive in all areas, but none more so than in the aircraft sector. Although the United States was manufacturing its own aircraft before the conflict began, it increased production to an impressive rate from 1939-45. Members of an American Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress crew look at their damaged bomber following a raid on Debrecen, Hungary, September 1944. (Photo Credit: Mondadori / Getty Images) Lt. Charles Easey of the 12th Air Division looking at the damage sustained by his Republic P-47 Thunderbolt after action over northern Italy, October 1944. (Photo Credit: Mondadori / Getty Images) In 1939, the US produced 3,000 aircraft, and by the end of World War II, 300,000 had left assembly lines. Over the course of just six years, the country’s aircraft industry became its most productive sector, in part because automobile manufacturers changed their day-to-day to support the war effort. They did this by producing various aircraft parts. Lt. Quentin Aanenson inspects the damaged undercarriage of his Republic P-47 Thunderbolt after being hit by flak on an anti-tank mission against German forces in Normandy, August 1944. (Photo Credit: Haywood Magee / Picture Post / Hulton Archive / Getty Images) US Marine Corps torpedo bomber hit by flying shrapnel after the Japanese launched shells toward the air strips on Bougainville, March 1944. The 400 holes in the aircraft were repaired, and it was ready to fly the next morning. (Photo Credit: G.W. Circle / National Archives / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain) Most notably, America produced the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and B-29 Superfortress, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt and the North American P-51 Mustang. All were heavily used in each theater of the war. “Keeping them flying” Ground crews were instrumental in maintaining the many types of American aircraft flown during World War II, which involved everything from repairing damage sustained in battle to making alterations so they operated more effectively. Although their job was typically reduced to “keeping them flying,” it was much more complex. Ground crews working on an aircraft damaged in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 1941. (Photo Credit: CORBIS / Getty Images) Lt. Louis Zamperini examines damage to the fuselage of his Consolidated B-24 Liberator, May 1943. The large hole was caused by a cannon shell fired from a Japanese-flown Mitsubishi A6M Zero, which scored three other hits before Zamperini’s aircraft managed to fly back. (Photo Credit: PhotoQuest / Getty Images) Mechanics underwent three steps of training: basic, technical and unit. They would select a specialty, after which they’d undergo extensive training to become either a welder, metal worker or propeller specialist. Beginning in 1943, every American airman had to wear a special patch on their uniform to indicate what their technical specialty was. Airman with the Eighth Air Force inspects a gaping hole in the wing of the Martin B-26 Marauder Idiot’s Delight II after it returned from battle against German forces in France, September 1943. (Photo Credit: Samuel Goldstein / Keystone Features / Getty Images) In most cases, the crewmen would be transferred to a squadron once their training was complete, and they were able to focus on repairs and maintenance. They traveled with their units to their intended operational theater, which some were able to choose. Other mechanics were sent to work at depots or in mobile repair units. Air Service Command On a much larger scale than individual squadron mechanics, the Air Service Command, as it was known during World War II, played a major role in the repair of American aircraft operated by the US Army Air Forces. Essentially, its role was to manage the storage and distribution of supplies needed to repair and maintain aircraft operating in the many theaters of the conflict. Navigator Tom Trainer stands with pilot Jim Davis next to the Martin B-26 Marauder Miss Emily, which was damaged during a mission, 1942. (Photo Credit: Hulton-Deutsch Collection / CORBIS / Getty Images) Damaged Boeing B-17C Flying Fortress on the tarmac at Hickam Field after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 1941. (Photo Credit: Hulton Archive / Getty Images) While its members operated out of the US, it was also responsible for controlling the many air depots outside of the country’s continental limits. Throughout the war, however, what the Air Service Command controlled fluctuated greatly, as officials realized it was better for an individual unit commander to have control over their resources. Extensive damage sustained to the nose of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress after being shot by anti-aircraft artillery during bombing runs over Germany. (Photo Credit: USAAF / Interim Archive / Getty Images) Airmen checking a damaged Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress in Italy following a raid on Debrecen, Hungary, September 1944. (Photo Credit: Mondadori / Getty Images) The Air Service Command had many bases in the US, which were used for a variety of purposes, including the training of 5,000 men to repair aircraft as part of a top-secret project. This work was done out of its base at Brookley Army Air Field, Alabama. Operation Ivory Soap While most aircraft were maintained by standard ground crews, there were special fleets used in the Pacific Theater to keep them in the fight. Operation Ivory Soap was a classified project, which saw six Liberty ships converted into repair vessels. Douglas C-47 Skytrain being dismantled at an Air Service Command salvage depot, as sufficient parts for repair couldn’t be obtained, 1944. (Photo Credit: Photo12 / UIG / Getty Images) These large vessels were specifically used to repair the B-29, as the aircraft was at the heart of the American forces’ island hopping strategy in the Pacific during World War II. These repair ships meant aircraft conducting long distance missions away from Allied airfields had somewhere to land for repairs, refueling and rearmament. Lt. W.J. Hoelle surveying the damage to the wing of a Lockheed P-38 Lightning in North Africa, 1943. (Photo Credit: European / FPG / Getty Images) In addition to Liberty ships, there were also 18 Aircraft Maintenance Units used to repair smaller fighter aircraft, helicopters and amphibious vehicles on auxiliary aircraft repair ships. The first Aircraft Repair Unit was deployed in October 1944, with the remainder of the fleet sent into the field by February 1945. More from us: The Most Unusual Aircraft to Ever Take to the Skies Unfortunately, regardless of the attempts made to repair American aircraft, there sometimes wasn’t anything that could be done about the heavy wear they faced during aerial combat. By the end of World War II, it’s estimated the American forces lost nearly 95,000 aircraft, of which 52,951 were destroyed or severely damaged during combat or missions in the field. That being said, their engineering was such that many allowed for their pilots to safely return to base, despite their damage. Photos That Showcase the Durability of American Aircraft During World War II Top 10 Aircraft Manufacturers in the World in 2021 In 2021 so far, the top 10 aircraft manufacturers are Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Boeing, Raytheon Technologies (fka United Technologies), Northrop Grumman, General Electric, Safran, Leonardo, Bombardier, and United Aircraft Corporation. It's been a tough year for aircraft manufacturers, given that air travel has significantly dropped over the past year in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. However, these top 10 companies have managed to keep going, and have maintained their spot as some of the world's best. Continue reading to find out all the basic facts about these aircraft manufacturers, including how much they're making in revenue, their most popular models, and much more! Our rating takes into account a number of factors including the company’s opportunity for growth in 2021 and how prominent they are in the aircraft industry. Lockheed Martin F-22 Roptor 1. Lockheed Martin A long-time giant of the air industry, Lockheed Martin is likely the #1 position for aircraft manufacturers in 2021, due to their massive revenue. In 2020, they made an estimated $65.4 billion USD in revenue. Even in spite of the pandemic, this is still their largest year of revenue to date. Lockheed Martin is an aerospace and technology company, who as well as making aircraft, also specialize in military-grade security, with around 78% of their annual revenue is derived from US military contracts. They do not make commercial aircraft - only military and security aircraft. Their most prominent models are the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, built-in collaboration with NASA, and the F22 Raptor, which is exclusively used by the US air force. The SR-71 is one of the highest-flying planes to have ever been built - i.e., it can fly at a much higher altitude than standard military aircraft. They also built the first-ever 'stealth' aircraft, the F117, also known as the 'nighthawk'. The company has approximately 114,000 employees as of 2021, and delivers approximately 500 aircraft to buyers per year. One of its most popular models, the F-16, has an average lifetime of around 8,000-10,000 flight hours. Lockheed Martin plans to continue to expand the production of the F-35, one of their most popular models in 2021 which services 13 nation's air forces, after winning a $2.5 billion contract in June 2021, despite complaints that the model is too expensive to keep running. Airbus A-380 2. Airbus Airbus SE is a European company and the world's biggest airliner manufacturer. They also manufacture military aircraft and helicopters, though the vast majority of their business dealings are in commercial airliner manufacturing. They began exclusively as an airliner company, though began to manufacture military-grade aircraft in the 1990s. For a long time, Boeing was the biggest company manufacturing airliners, but Airbus SE has overtaken them in recent years. The company is largely based in France, though also has offices and production lines all across the world, including in Canada and The U.S. The first-ever digital fly by wire airliner plane was manufactured and sold by Airbus, hence why they are one of the best-renowned companies now for making airliners. Fly by wire means having an electronic interface for the pilot instead of manual controls. Airbus made approximately $78.9 billion in revenue in 2020, though some of these sales are expected to have dropped off slightly in 2021 due to the lack of airliner requirements during the pandemic. In 1972, Airbus released the A300, which was the first aircraft to have the digital fly-by-wire interface, as well as a double engine and double aisle within the aircraft. The A320 was built shortly after using a similar design, and this model is still one of the world's most popular airliner aircraft to this day! This model has an approximate lifespan of around 120,000 flight hours. It is also considered to be one of the safest models of airliner in the world, given its long and reliable history of flying. Other models of theirs which have 0 recorded passenger fatalities are the A350 and the Airbus A380. As of 2020, Airbus SE have approximately 131,000 employees across the world. Their 12,000th aircraft to ever be manufactured was given to the American airline Delta Airlines in 2019, and they average at around 20 aircraft per month currently, largely due to the pandemic. They intend to at least double this number by Q4 as travel begins to pick up again following the relaxation of Coronavirus restrictions. Boeing 747 3. Boeing Perhaps one of the most recognizable names in the aircraft manufacturing industry, Boeing is an American corporation that sell commercial airliner aircraft as well as weapons systems, satellites, and rockets. In 2020, Boeing had a revenue of approximately $58.16 billion, and has over 143,000 employees across all locations. They began in Seattle by William Boeing in 1916, and quickly became one of the biggest airliner companies around. In 2018, it was the second largest defence contractor on the planet. It also exports more than any other company in the United States. Boeing is well known for their 747, 737, and other Dreamliner models, which are among some of the most popular airliner models in existence. Unfortunately, in 2017, the 737 models were all grounded as a result of two fatal crashes. They have since fixed the issues with this model and are now flying again. Since then, the company hasn't been on top of the airliner industry in the same way they used to be. Despite the crashes, they do have other models which have had zero passenger fatalities - the ever-popular 747, and the 787 Dreamliner, for instance. Sadly, in 2021, the company began to slow the production of the 787 due to forensic investigations into the quality of the planes. There have been multiple reported issues with the model, such as electrical problems and gaps around the forward pressure bulkhead. Despite this, the company continues to push on in other areas in order to maximize revenue in 2021. They have just sold a new fleet of 737 aircraft to the British airline company, Ryanair, after a few months of delay. With travel now picking up again after pandemic restrictions are being lifted, they're likely to continue building back their reputation in the coming year. 4. Raytheon Technologies Another US based aerospace and military defence company, Raytheon, is based in Massachusetts. In 2020, the company merged with United Technologies. Their 2020 revenue was $56.68 billion. It has approximately 180,000 employees, one of the highest among any of the aircraft manufacturers mentioned in this article. According to reports, over 60,000 of these employees are engineers, which is set to see them grow potentially bigger than some of the other companies on this list. Its most prominent customer, like many of the aircraft manufacturing companies on this list, is the US military. The company manufactures a variety of goods including military aircraft, cybersecurity methods after their acquisition of Websense, components for weapons, and much more. One of Raytheon’s most interesting and notable qualities isn’t actually the aircraft that they manufacture, but their unparalleled diversity training. Following the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, Raytheon Technologies implemented a strict training for all employees which relied on critical race theory and educated employees on how to check their privilege. In a radical move, it also saw them support the defunding of the police in America and reparations for slavery. Following the merger of Raytheon Company and United Technologies, the Raytheon Technologies company no longer makes entire aircraft. Most of its role, however, does involve engineering systems and engines to develop aircraft, particularly in a military setting. At the minute, this mostly focuses on making aircraft more sustainable, as air travel is currently one of the most heavily polluting industries on Earth. The company is currently pouring its efforts into creating GTF engines with better fuel economy, as well as the creation of a hybrid engine plane which uses half electricity and half fuel to travel. They’re also working on creating an efficient ‘sustainable aviation fuel’, a form of biofuel which will be used exclusively for powering aircraft. This is particularly pressing in the commercial air travel industry, as the huge airliners require an incredible amount of fuel. 5. Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman is a well established military aircraft manufacturer based in Virginia, United States, and sells both aircraft and weapons. The company operates multinationally and sells to over 25 allied militaries worldwide. In 2020, the company had a revenue of $36.7 billion. Typically, they average around $30 billion per year. Northrop has over 90,000 employees, falling a little short compared to the giants such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin. On eight separate occasions, they have been the recipient of the Collier Trophy, which is presented by the National Aeronautic Association for achievements in aeronautics and aircraft. This is an impressive feat considering the company was only founded in 1994! One of these was for the Grumman X-47B, the first unmanned and autonomous aerial vehicle to be used in the US Navy. The most exciting project on Northrop's horizon at the minute is the development of the B-21 Raider, in association with the US Air Force. It is a heavy bomber vehicle which will be able to drop bombs from long range. It is also anticipated to be able to carry nuclear weapons as well as standard bombs. Recently, they have also begun working on a "hypersonic weapons centre of excellence", which will be a new factory in its Elkington, Maryland location which sees the design, production, and correct installation of hypersonic missiles and other weapons. They also recently signed a contract with NASA to explore a fairly experimental studio apartment, complete with enough space for three aircraft, which will go into the Earth's orbit. 6. General Electric GE Aviation is based near Cincinnati, Ohio, and boasts a small 48,000 employees. It is a part of the General Electric family, which is also known for making cars and home appliances. In the 2020 financial year, GE Aviation made a revenue of $22.04 billion USD. General Electric Aviation do not make their own aircraft, however, they do supply engines, computers, and much more to the big aircraft manufacturers. This means that their customers include many of the other companies on this list - Lockheed Martin, for instance, and Airbus. The vast majority of their revenue is derived from making engines for commercial airliner planes. One of their most notable inventions is the GEnx, a commercial engine designed specifically for the Boeing Dreamliner range (the 747 and 787). It is also their fastest selling engine ever designed! Other popular models of engine by General Electric Aviation include the GP7200, built in collaboration with Raytheon Technologies, which provides the Airbus A380 with the most fuel efficient engine currently available on the market. They are also heavily present in the military side of aviation, however. Similar to their work on commercial engines, they manufacture jet engines to be fitted into military aircraft. Some of their latest and best work includes the invention of the Adaptive Cycle engine, which allows military aircraft to travel further, quicker, and longer. The airflow within the engine changes automatically according to the pilot’s flight style at any given moment. In a similar way to their competitor Raytheon Technologies, General Electric Aviation is also looking to fix the issue of a lack of sustainability within the commercial airline industry. They are currently looking to develop their own sustainable aviation fuel. 7. Safran Safran is a French company whose revenue in 2021 thus far has been $19 billion. This is a little smaller than most of the other competitors in this list, though Safran have still done pretty well for themselves, standing up to the potentially oversaturated American market. The company is the result of a merger between SNECMA, an aircraft manufacturer, and SAGEM, a security firm, in 2005. They now no longer manufacture their own aircraft frames, but instead focus on engines, avionics, airplane interiors, electrical systems, and much more. Safran SA is considered a world leader of navigation systems for both commercial airliners and military aircraft. The company employs around 81,000 people, making it a fairly mid-range company on this list. Most recently, Safran won a contract with Singapore Airlines to outfit their fleet of Boeing 777-9 fleet with carbon brakes and wheels. The French army currently uses 390 of Safran’s unique M88 engines. One of the most interesting things about Safran is that they are specialists in interiors as well as engine and systems components, unlike many of the other companies on this list. For instance, the Boeing 777-200LR which is currently being used by Crystal AirCruises, has an interior entirely designed by Safran SA, right down to the in-flight entertainment systems! Eurofighter Typhoon 8. Leonardo Leonardo Company hails from Italy, and in 2020, had a revenue of 13.4 billion Euros. They are a multinational company, though remain mostly based in Italy. In 2018, Leonardo was the eighth largest military contractor in the world. Founded in 1948, making them one of the oldest corporations on our list of top 10 aircraft manufacturers, the company has around 50,000 employees to date. This company designs and manufactures commercial and military aircraft, as well as helicopters. The company built the Eurofighter Typhoon, a military fighter jet, in collaboration with Airbus and BAE systems. As of 2020, there were just over 500 of them in the world. They are used primarily by European militaries such as the British Army, though also have some customers in the Middle East, including the armies of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. They also specialize in cyber security, working with governments and high-level corporations to install security equipment, computers, control panels, etc. Leonardo even provides exclusive flight training for both their Eurofighter and helicopters - this is something which specifically sets them apart from their competitors. Like many of the aircraft manufacturers on our list, they also provide space services, such as satellite technologies, parts for Mars rovers, and laser transmitters. Bombardier 9. Bombardier Bombardier is perhaps one of the most well-known names in aviation and aerospace, despite operating at a much lower revenue than the majority of the other companies listed in this article. The company’s revenue totalled $6.5 billion in 2020. They are a Canadian company who formerly manufactured a wide variety of transportation, such as trains and commercial airliner aircraft. However, the company now primarily focuses on building business/private jets, making them a unique company in comparison to their peers who mainly focus on military or commercial aircraft design. Strangely, Bombardier started life as a snowmobile manufacturer, and gradually worked their way up until they began designing and producing buses, trains, airliner planes, and military ground vehicles. In recent years, one of their most prominent aircraft efforts has been the C-series commercial airliner plane. The aircraft had a rocky few years, however, failing to meet demand and being accused of selling below market price due to Canadian government subsidies. Following this, Airbus took on the design after acquiring a 50.01% stake in the model, and they now own the aircraft. It has been renamed the Airbus A220. The company’s efforts now lay primarily in their private jet business. They have three main jet ‘families’ - the Global, Learjet, and Challenger, all of which are top sellers in the private jet industry. Earlier this year, Bombardier announced that they would retire from manufacturing the Learjet, their smallest jet, as the market demand for them was no longer there. The wealthy are now buying bigger jets, meaning they will focus on their Global and Challenger models. Tupolev 10. United Aircraft Corporation Perhaps the most controversial airline manufacturer on this list is the United Aircraft Corporation, a state-owned Russian firm that produces military and commercial aircraft. In 2018, their reported revenue was $6 billion. There have not since been any figures released, though it is suspected that they are still a giant within the world of aviation and aerospace. The company has 100,000 employees, and the vast majority of its military aircraft are made exclusively for the Russian military. However, they do also supply to the Chinese army. Their first commercial plane to ever fly was the Sukhoi Superjet 100, which was a joint project with Boeing and Sukhoi. Despite the various sanctions placed on Russia by other governments in the West, the United Aircraft Corporation remains relatively unaffected and continues to sell its commercial and cargo aircraft to Western nations and companies. For instance, one of its major clients is DHL, which use the Tupolev Tu-204C for the bulk of their international cargo shipments. In July 2021, the company teased a new military aircraft via their Twitter account, which is said to be a major international competitor. Strangely, the corporation announced it via a ‘meme’ which involved an image from the TV show The X Files. Reportedly, with the backing of funds from a UAE investment firm, they are also working rapidly to develop a supersonic commercial airplane which will rival the original Concorde. They'll have to develop it fast, though, as there's hot competition from competing companies such as Virgin Galactic. Final Thoughts Our top 10 wasn’t necessarily ordered by revenue, as is evident by the fact that Airbus had a higher revenue than Lockheed Martin, for instance, but instead takes into account a number of factors including how many aircraft are being produced and how many employees the company has. In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the vast majority of the corporations and businesses on this list have been operating at a loss. Most countries have banned or limited travel in some form since March 2020, and while the world is beginning to open up again, the travel industry won’t get back on its feet properly until at least 2022. Our top pick was Lockheed Martin due to its impressive portfolio and huge revenue, mainly thanks to its military dealings. The company making the largest amount of commercial aircraft per month/year is Airbus, who average just over 800 planes per year, while Lockheed Martin are probably the biggest manufacturers of military-grade aircraft. Top 10 Aircraft Manufacturers in the World in 2021 Electronics manufacturing firm looks to larger office space for growing Plano workforce Virtex expects to add about 100 employees to its existing 165 when it occupies new office space at 2801 E. Plano Parkway. Economic development leaders in Plano expect 2023 to be a strong year for the city.(Vernon Bryant / Staff Photographer) By Alexandra Skores 2:59 PM on Jan 9, 2023 — Updated at 6:09 PM on Jan 9, 2023 An Austin-based electronics manufacturing firm is working on plans to move into bigger offices in Plano to add nearly 100 jobs to its existing 165-person workforce. Plano City Council was expected to vote Monday night on an economic development agreement that would award a $470,900 cash grant to Virtex to aid with the move into 65,000 square feet of office space at 2801 E. Plano Parkway beginning in February. The company will vacate its 45,000-square-foot office at 3601 E. Plano Parkway. “The move provides additional floor space, equipment and manpower that will significantly increase our production capacity and enable us to manufacture more products to meet the growing demands of our current and future customers,” said Tim Vendal, general manager of Virtex’s facility. The project has been in the works since July. Virtex serves the military; aerospace, space and satellite markets; and industrial and medical markets. It operates offices in Austin, Plano, New Jersey, Virginia, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Mexico. “It’s big for us to be targeting redeveloping, expansion and retention, especially in these times,” said Doug McDonald, Plano’s director of economic development. The company plans more than $2 million in improvements to the new office space, McDonald said. Virtex has around 150 employees. McDonald said he expects 2023 to be a strong economic development year for Plano. “We’re seeing, at least here in Plano, that the economy is still strong and people are still looking around and looking to come here,” McDonald said. “I think we’ll have a pretty good rebound in 2023.” Electronics manufacturing firm looks to larger office space for growing Plano workforce Meeting Certification Requirements Is the Cornerstone of Success for Air Taxis Jaunt Air Mobility Continues to Make Strides Vertiko Mobility network is building an air taxi network in Quebec using the Jaunt Journey eVTOL. The goal is to have five vertiports constructed by 2026 and begin service in 2027. (Photo: Business Wire) • • December 20, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time DALLAS & MONTRÉAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Martin Peryea, EVP, and GM of Electric Air Mobility of the AIRO Group, continues to lead Jaunt toward success in the emerging world of eVTOL players. "The eVTOL [electric vertical takeoff and landing] industry in 2022 has demonstrated that the market for air taxis is indeed coming, and the regulatory community is facing the challenges head-on," says Peryea. “Expansion and growth across all segments of the AIRO Group are structured to meet our vision of building a thriving middle-market aerospace company. Our strategic path for the Jaunt Journey continues to be on course with our goal of certifying by 2027.” In 2022, the FAA redefined the certification rules for eVTOLs to include the powered-lift category. According to the FAA, the revised definitions represented an important step in making commercial air taxi's a reality. In tandem, rules for certifying pilots for powered-lift aircraft and new operational requirements were also defined. More recently, FAA Administrator Billy Nolen stated the agency did not expect operations by eVTOLs until early 2025 and said, "At any rate, it won't happen until the safety piece has been satisfied." "Entering into this market, having certified several aircraft, the design of the Jaunt Journey was based on bringing the proven SRC [Slowed Rotor Compound] technology to market with a clear certification path as a rotorcraft," said Peryea. The powered lift does not impact Jaunt in certifying as a rotorcraft, as Parts 27 & 29 already address vertical takeoff and landing requirements. Regarding safety, Jaunt's proprietary SRC technology allows the aircraft to land via autorotation or by gliding in a controlled fashion should there be an unexpected total loss of propulsion. The pilot of the Jaunt Journey will be able to choose a safe landing spot and have complete control of the aircraft during descent. No ballistic parachute is required. "Jaunt is one of the most uniquely positioned companies in the eVTOL world. The fundamental aircraft technologies of the Slowed-Rotor Compound (SRC) have been proven over the past quarter century. The world-class team now has the backing of the highly respected AIRO Group and tie-ups with impressive global partners. Perhaps most importantly, there are already existing rotorcraft airworthiness standards for the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and Transport Canada (TCCA) under which the Jaunt Journey can be certificated. There's a lot of hard work ahead of Jaunt, but the company is well-positioned to meet its goals," wrote Mike Hirschberg, Executive Director of The Vertical Flight Society. The company is very confident about the SRC system's technology maturity and its technology partners' ability to meet Part 29 requirements, which will also comply with the EASA Special Condition for VTOL (SC-VTOL) for "Category Enhanced." Compared to the requirements of Part 23 and Part 27, Part 29 requires that flight critical systems meet the requirements of the probability of catastrophic failure of less than 10-9 per flight hour. Jaunt has continually moved forward with its unique aircraft design and market strategy amongst some of the best-known eVTOL companies like Joby, Archer, and Eve, according to the AAM Reality Index 2022 published by SMG Consulting. During the past year, Jaunt garnered two influential business advisors in Calin Rovinescu, former president and CEO of Air Canada, and Mitch Garber, a global technology and growth capital advisor. More significantly, Jaunt Air Mobility merged with AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. adding depth to leadership and expanding aerospace markets in avionics, drones, and training. Advancing Systems and Design Jaunt continues to make strides in developing the overall technology and systems capabilities of the all-electric Jaunt Journey. L&T Technology Services began providing end-to-end engineering support in structural design analysis and certification. On the military front, Jaunt was selected out of 200 entrants for the US DoD High-Speed VTOL Challenge investment via the AFWERX program. Jaunt developed three concepts that bring the speed and capabilities of a fixed-wing aircraft combined with VTOL through Jaunt's highly efficient, patented SRC technologies. Benefits of these unique technologies include minimal aircraft downwash for operations, overall acoustic signature reductions, and lower operational costs with high availability rates. Moving Advance Air Mobility (AAM) Globally From operators to infrastructure partners, Jaunt continues to grow globally. Jaunt signed Letters of Intent with Vertiko Mobility, Mint Air Co. LTD, and others not publicly disclosed. Vertiko Mobility is a Québec-based company. Its mission is to reconnect Québec's regions to its urban centers by building a network of vertiports spanning the province along with local large-city networks. Vertiko intends to purchase 71 Jaunt Journey eVTOLs initially. Eric Cote, president of Jaunt Canada, commented, "We are pleased about our partnerships in Canada and are in numerous discussions with operators worldwide. The market demand will require many eVTOL companies, and the excitement builds for the Jaunt Journey as customers truly understand our technology." Mint Air of South Korea signed an LOI for 40 aircraft to serve the Korean air taxi market. Avports signed on with Jaunt's Access Skyways infrastructure alliance to support the integration of eVTOL aircraft with airports and the aviation ecosystem. Avports is an American-owned and based airport manager and operator. Looking to 2023 "Our goals for 2023 are ambitious", says Simon Briceno, Chief Commercial Officer for Jaunt. “Expansion and growth across all segments of the AIRO Group are structured to meet our vision of building a thriving middle-market aerospace company. Our strategic path for the Jaunt Journey continues to be on course with our goal of certifying by 2027." About Jaunt Jaunt Air Mobility is a transformative aerospace company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with design and manufacturing located in Montréal, Canada. Jaunt is building the next generation of eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) and hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft for faster, quieter, and safer travel over urban areas, moving people and cargo. Jaunt is the global leader in developing Slowed Rotor Compound (SRC) technology. The Jaunt Journey is the world's first electric aircraft combining helicopter and airplane flight capabilities. Jaunt has teamed with Tier 1 aerospace partners to develop the Journey and work with global operators to provide this new form of travel. Jaunt offers the most operationally efficient aircraft with a zero-carbon footprint. Jaunt is a recognized global brand of AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. "("AIRO""). AIRO is a mid-tier aerospace and defense company offering industry-leading technology and services in Electric Air Mobility, Advanced Avionics, Commercial Drones, and Training, uniquely capable of addressing a broad spectrum of aerospace markets. For more information, visit www.jauntairmobility.com and www.theairogroup.com. Meeting Certification Requirements Is the Cornerstone of Success for Air Taxis UT Arlington, Texas A&M Partner to Advance Aerospace Manufacturing in Texas From Lockheed Martin to NASA to SpaceX, Texas is a hotbed of aerospace activity. Now UT Arlington and Texas A&M want to make that hotbed even hotter—by collaborating to advance the state's aerospace defense manufacturing community. [Photo: Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station] BY DAVID SEELEY • AUG 11, 2022 From Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth to NASA in Houston to SpaceX’s first commercial launch site in South Texas, the Lone Star State is already a hotbed of aerospace activity. But now UT Arlington and Texas A&M have signed an agreement to advance the state’s aerospace defense manufacturing community even further. The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and UT Arlington have signed an agreement to increase their collaboration to strengthen the state’s leadership in the sector, the universities announced this week. There are already 138,515 people employed in Texas in aerospace, aviation, and defense jobs, working for 1,739 establishments and driving $3.3 billion in total wages, according to the Texas Economic Development Corporation. And both UTA and Texas A&M have been doing their part. UTA holds the cooperative agreement for Texas with the National Institution of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which provides the funding for its local affiliate, the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC). TMAC connects manufacturers with technology, contract opportunities, and competitive solutions. At Texas A&M, TEES powers a public-private research collaborative called the Secure America Institute—which connects industry, governments, and academia to ensure U.S. manufacturing resilience, especially in the country’s defense industrial sector. Applying advanced tech and workforce training Scott Terry, director of community and small business initiatives at Texas A&M’s Secure America Institute, sees workforce training and smart tools as key factors in moving Texas forward in the sector. “Working with our strategic partners at TMAC will enhance the development of the aerospace defense manufacturing community through the application of advanced technology and workforce training,” Terry said in a statement. “By infusing smart manufacturing tools and processes into the manufacturing industrial base, we can solidify Texas’ leadership role in the global manufacturing economy.” Both SAI and TMAC are working to build Texas’ manufacturing industrial base by implementing advanced manufacturing technologies and driving workforce training. Their goal: improving quality and delivery lead time for Texas manufacturers to bolster their profits and sustainability. ‘Boots on the ground’ support for sector companies across Texas TMAC’s interim executive director, Rodney Reddic, believes the new agreement will bolster aerospace manufacturing across Texas. “The partnership with TEES will allow TMAC to reach additional manufacturers across the state through the many workshops and seminars sponsored jointly,” Reddic said in the statement. “TMAC will provide boots-on-the ground field staff support for the delivery of advanced manufacturing technology services, cybersecurity services, and workforce training.” Partnering with schools to create the aerospace ‘workforce of the future’ In addition to their efforts in supporting manufacturers, SAI and TMAC will collaborate to work with K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and industry partners to develop advanced manufacturing tech workforce training. The goal of this effort? Nothing less than “to help create the aerospace industrial base workforce of the future.” UT Arlington, Texas A&M Partner to Advance Aerospace Manufacturing in Texas Top Austin, TX Aerospace Companies (18) Wilder Systems Inc. • AEROSPACE ROBOTICS • • Austin, TX • • 19 Total Employees • • 3 Benefits Wilder Systems is an industrial services company that delivers Robots as a Service for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. We are focused on dual-use aerospace applications for both commercial and military which includes robotic drilling into aircraft, defastening, sealing, non-destructive inspections, and even a robotic aircraft wash system. Our mission is to lead the way towards a 'lights-out' future where the majority of aerospace manufacturing tasks are performed by modular, autonomous robots. HIRING NOW • Developer + Engineer 2 SEE ALL 2 JOBS Applied Research Laboratories at University of Texas at Austin • AEROSPACE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CLOUD HARDWARE SOFTWARE • • Austin, TX • • 900 Total Employees • • 34 Benefits Applied Research Laboratories, The University of Texas at Austin (ARL:UT) advances the mission of our parent university of education, research, and public service. Through fundamental research, innovative science, and applied engineering, ARL:UT makes significant contributions in support of national security. We are proud that many of our contributions have a direct and positive impact for those who protect us through their military service. An integral part of a top-tier research university, ARL:UT builds upon a 75-year history of world-class research and expertise for the Department of Defense and other sponsors supporting their critical and ongoing quest to maintain the technological advantage that is critical to our nation. We maintain a top-quality research staff with deep technical expertise that provides multi-disciplinary research and unbiased guidance to the government and tackles complex and challenging problems. Our strong commitment to student employment and programs provides support to the next generation of scientists and engineers and helps to shape the future of defense research. We value diversity in our staff, in our multi-disciplinary research, and in our approach to innovation. We are committed to having an atmosphere where everyone we employ or with whom we interact is respected. HIRING NOW • Developer + Engineer 2 • Design + UX 1 SEE ALL 3 JOBS Umbra Space • AEROSPACE HARDWARE SOFTWARE • • Austin • • 85 Total Employees • • 49 Benefits Umbra builds next-generation space systems that observe the Earth in unprecedented fidelity. Our mission: Deliver global omniscience. To stay ahead of climate change, geopolitical risk, and other major crises and issues, we need a global understanding of what is changing, where, and how fast. Umbra provides easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, which is an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers to create the solutions that inform, inspire, and address our planet’s most pressing needs. We’re helping to create a brand new industry that has never meaningfully existed before. HIRING NOW • Developer + Engineer 1 SEE ALL JOBS Hubs • 3D PRINTING AEROSPACE AUTOMOTIVE • • Chicago, IL • • 200 Total Employees • • 7 Benefits Hubs is an online manufacturing platform that provides engineers with on-demand access to a global network of manufacturing services. Users can easily upload their design, instantly receive a quote, and start production at the click of a button. Founded in Amsterdam in 2013, Hubs has raised over US$30 million and produced more than 7 million parts, using various manufacturing technologies, including CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding and sheet metal fabrication HIRING REMOTELY • Sales 1 SEE ALL JOBS Slingshot Aerospace • AEROSPACE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOFTWARE • • Austin, TX • • 30 Total Employees • • 33 Benefits Slingshot Aerospace, Inc. aims to change the way organizations across industries leverage data from earth and space with its situational awareness technologies. The company empowers organizations to quickly navigate, analyze, and leverage data from different sources - such as satellites, airplanes, drones, and ground-based sensors - and applies advanced analytics, machine learning, and collaboration tools to provide clarity in complex environments. Launched in 2017 and based in Austin, TX, and Los Angeles, CA, Slingshot Aerospace seeks to help government, commercial, and emergency management customers build a safer and more sustainable world. CesiumAstro • AEROSPACE HARDWARE SOFTWARE • • Austin, TX • • 100 Total Employees • • 31 Benefits We build high-throughput, plug-and-play phased array communication payloads for space and airborne platforms. Cesium’s full-stack, multi-mission hardware and software products enable a diverse range of commercial and defense objectives. Full-system engineering design is at the heart of every Cesium product. We deliver high-performance solutions under rapid development timelines. Applied Aeronautics • AEROSPACE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTERNET OF THINGS ROBOTICS • • Austin, TX • • 20 Total Employees • • 25 Benefits Applied Aeronautics designs and builds affordable, long-range drones for government, emergency response and commercial customers around the globe. Our tailored drones can be found in over 55 countries and on every continent with everyone from the US Government and NASA to Boeing. Urban Sky • AEROSPACE BIG DATA INTERNET OF THINGS ANALYTICS BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE • • Denver, CO • • 8 Total Employees • • 12 Benefits Urban Sky is revolutionizing the earth observation industry. We're a new venture-backed stealth startup that's pioneering an entirely new category of high-altitude vehicle we call the 'Microballoon.' Our small, reusable high-altitude balloons will capture the highest resolution, freshest, lowest cost broad area earth observation data in the world. HyperSciences • AEROSPACE • • Austin, TX HyperSciences is a platform technology company that is solving some of the most challenging problems in tunneling, energy drilling, transportation, aerospace, and materials production. Companies Hiring Remotely in Austin, TX Sierra Space AEROSPACE • AUTOMOTIVE • HARDWARE • INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY • ROBOTICS • 4 Offices • 1,700 Employees 144 SIERRA SPACE JOBS VIEW SIERRA SPACE’S PROFILE Ursa Major AEROSPACE • Berthoud, CO • 270 Employees 16 URSA MAJOR JOBS VIEW URSA MAJOR’S PROFILE Wilder Systems Inc. AEROSPACE • ROBOTICS • Austin, TX • 17 Employees 1 WILDER SYSTEMS INC. JOB VIEW WILDER SYSTEMS INC.’S PROFILE SkyGrid • AEROSPACE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BLOCKCHAIN • • Austin, TX Powering the next generation of aviation Built on AI and blockchain, SkyGrid takes a smarter approach to solving airspace management for drones, air taxis, and other unmanned aircraft. BAE Systems • AEROSPACE • • Fully Remote Slingshot Aerospace • AEROSPACE • • Austin, TX • • 50 Total Employees Flyboy Aviation Analytics • AEROSPACE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTERNET OF THINGS NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING • • Houston, TX • • 4 Total Employees Ruthless Armor INC • 3D PRINTING AEROSPACE HARDWARE WEARABLES ENERGY • • CEDAR PARK, TX • • 5 Total Employees The idea of my technology is behind the platform of Quantum mechanics and liquid tech technology and liquid armor is the base to build on and expand with other emerging technologies and market technology and combining them with caution and expansion . By creating quantum levitation it also allows a magnetic wave field present in the design. Skyways • AEROSPACE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COMPUTER VISION MACHINE LEARNING • • Austin, TX • • 5 Total Employees The genesis of Skyways starts in early 2017 after years of frustration with the traffic in Silicon Valley. Why are we all stuck on the ground, bumper to bumper? Seeing tremendous growth in unmanned aviation along with new advances in energy storage and electric propulsion, an opportunity was born to create a new form of transportation. With an amazing team of engineers and based near Austin TX, we joined YCombinator in the summer of 2017. We haven't stopped working since then. Albedo • AEROSPACE • • Fully Remote Fassen Inc. • AEROSPACE CLOUD PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE • • Spring, TX • • 2 Total Employees • • 7 Benefits Fassen is a startup focused on welding quality programs & project controls. We offer the industrial construction and fabrication industry effective tools to manage their work. We focus on People, and how they build things. Building things is a process of connecting stuff. Our mission is to help People connect more & waste less. Fassen develops tools to create clear stories for creators about their work, and clear stories for managers about the status and quality of every connection – from conception to completion. Our products provide tradesmen the information they need to perform their work faster, better, and with less waste. Our Services empower coordinators with real-time progress, and documentation at the press of a button. Firefly Aerospace • AEROSPACE • • Cedar Park, TX Firefly is developing a family of launch and in-space vehicles and services that provide industry-leading affordability, convenience, and reliability. Firefly’s launch vehicles utilize common technologies, manufacturing infrastructure and launch capabilities, providing LEO launch solutions for up to ten metric tons of payload at the lowest cost per kg in the small-launch class. Combined with Firefly’s in-space vehicles, such as the Space Utility Vehicle and Blue Ghost Lunar Lander, Firefly provides the space industry with a single source for missions from LEO to the surface of the Moon or beyond. Firefly is... Top Austin, TX Aerospace Companies Curt Lewis