August 20, 2025 - No. 34 In This Issue : Unlimited Class Withdraws From 2025 National Championship Air Races : Magnets cause complete AHRS failure : Boeing's Path to Recovery: Challenges and Opportunities in 2025 : US firm’s solid rocket motor with grain propellant tested, delivers increased performance : Sikorsky Begins Assembly of the First CH-53K Helicopter for Israel : Bombardier To Expand U.S. Service Centers In A Multi-Year Plan : Lockheed Martin to build 88,000-square-foot missile assembly facility in Courtland : Boeing's supersonic airliner, and answer to Concorde, spent years slowly rotting by Florida roadside : Spike Aerospace Advances Work on Supersonic Business Jet : Boeing’s Spirit AeroSystems Deal Expected to Close 4Q25 : China debuts next-gen tiltrotor rival to America’s V-280 Valor aircraft Unlimited Class Withdraws From 2025 National Championship Air Races Organizers look ahead to 2026 return in Roswell. Matt Ryan Tuesday, August 19, 2025 [Credit: Reno Air Racing Association] Key Takeaways: The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced Friday that the Unlimited Class will not participate in the 2025 National Championship Air Races, scheduled for Sept. 10–14 in Roswell, New Mexico, according to KOLO ABC 8. “The Unlimited Class is one of our most iconic, so we are obviously disappointed,” said Fred Telling, chairman and CEO of RARA, in a statement reported by KOLO. “While they won’t be able to join us for our inaugural year in Roswell, we look forward to working closely with the class after this event to ensure their accreditation and return at NCAR 2026.” Telling noted the decision carries added weight, given the Unlimited Class’s role in reviving the races in 1964, an effort that set the foundation for nearly six decades of competition. Unlimited Class spokesperson Steven Hinton said the decision was not made lightly. “The Unlimiteds are deeply woven into the fabric of air racing, and though we’re unable to participate this year, we look forward to working with RARA toward our return to the races in 2026,” Hinton told KOLO. While the class will forgo this year’s debut in Roswell, discussions are underway to support its return at next year’s event. Fans attending the 2025 races can expect the remaining six classes of competition, along with military and civilian airshow performances, a vendor and exhibitor midway, and static displays of historic aircraft. Magnets cause complete AHRS failure By General Aviation News Staff · August 14, 2025 This is an excerpt from a report made to the Aviation Safety Reporting System. The narrative is written by the pilot, rather than FAA or NTSB officials. To maintain anonymity, many details, such as aircraft model or airport, are often scrubbed from the reports. Complete AHRS failure with the exception of altimeter and airspeed. Caused by speaker in the baggage compartment (magnets). VFR conditions, loss of navigation and heading indicator, unreliable compass heading, impossible wind speeds indicated. Situation resolved when speaker/magnet removed from baggage area. Hoping the FAA can inform the public of failures caused by speakers and other common magnets near vital components and computers in modern aircraft. Outcome would have been completely different if the situation would have occurred in IMC conditions. Aircraft scheduled for pitot-static check out of abundance of caution, even though all systems are indicating back to normal. Primary Problem: Aircraft ACN: 2235756 When you click on the link it will take you to the ASRS Online Database. Click on Report Number and put the ACN in the search box, then click Search. On that page, click on “view only the 1 most recent report.” Boeing's Path to Recovery: Challenges and Opportunities in 2025 By Reneé Lerma | Journalist & Industry Analyst Mon, 01/06/2025 - 15:54Boeing faces significant challenges in 2025 as it strives to recover from a period marked by safety incidents, labor conflicts, and financial difficulties. Kelly Ortberg has returned as CEO, tasked with restoring Boeing's reputation and stabilizing the company after a series of setbacks that have damaged its image. In 2024, production of the 737 MAX was temporarily halted due to a machinist strike. Although production resumed by the end of the year, Boeing continues to face restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has been closely monitoring the company’s operations. These ongoing regulatory constraints, combined with quality issues that still need to be addressed, present a significant hurdle as Boeing aims to ramp up production to 38 units per month. Boeing has also taken steps to strengthen its supply chain by initiating the buyback of Spirit AeroSystems, one of its key suppliers. However, this move has not fully resolved the company's supply chain issues, as component shortages and logistical difficulties continue to affect its operations. The company’s ability to stabilize this area will be critical to its overall recovery according to A21. Financially, Boeing finds itself in a delicate position. In 3Q24, the company reported a US$5 billion loss and announced a 10% cut in its workforce to reduce costs. The company's primary financial goal is to stabilize by achieving a production rate of 38 units per month for the 737 MAX, which would help boost its revenues and improve its financial standing. The company is also grappling with delays in the production of the 777X, which has been pushed back until 2026. This delay will result in a significant loss of income over the next few years and affect Boeing's competitiveness against Airbus, which has gained ground with successful models like the A321neo and A350. Ongoing scrutiny by the FAA remains another significant challenge for Boeing. The agency’s close oversight limits the company’s ability to increase production and adds pressure to demonstrate that the necessary quality improvements have been implemented. This regulatory burden complicates Boeing's efforts to return to full production capacity. US firm’s solid rocket motor with grain propellant tested, delivers increased performance The successful test set the stage for a flight demonstration this fall. Updated: Aug 16, 2025 12:48 PM EST Prabhat Ranjan Mishra Ursa Major combined proven hardware, rapid production, and a mission-agnostic manufacturing line. Ursa Major AColorado-based company has conducted successful static fires for a new extended range variant of the solid rocket motor. Incorporated with Ursa Major’s Highly Loaded Grain propellant technology, the upgraded motor delivers increased performance. The test, conducted by Ursa Major in collaboration with BAE Systems, marks significant progress toward a flight test demonstration planned for fall 2025. Ursa Major claimed that its Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) technology enables longer-range missile capabilities while maintaining the original form factor. The latest upgrade delivers an enhanced range without increasing the motor’s size. Accelerating solid rocket motor capability “Our collaboration with BAE Systems to extend the range of the APKWS guided rocket demonstrates how Ursa Major is accelerating SRM capability through innovation and speed,” said Dan Jablonsky, CEO of Ursa Major. “These successful tests validate our approach and set the stage for a flight test this fall and our ramp to provide critical SRM production capacity.” The extended range variant of the solid rocket motor is for the APKWS laser-guidance kit. Combat-proven for over a decade, BAE Systems’ APKWS laser guidance kit redefines precision munitions by hitting targets with pinpoint accuracy and minimal collateral damage – delivering critical lethality when it matters most. Flexible design architecture Ursa Major claims that the next-generation motor has a flexible design architecture that supports reuse of manufacturing systems across multiple missile systems and integrates with Ursa Major’s Lynx Manufacturing System, a software-enabled, additive manufacturing production line that delivers scalability and speed without the bottlenecks of legacy industrial processes. By combining proven hardware, rapid production, and a mission-agnostic manufacturing line, Ursa Major is reshaping the solid rocket motor landscape, unlocking urgently needed capacity for the U.S. and its allies. This successful static fire comes after the announcement validating similar capabilities of both 10” diameter and 5” diameter SRMs, according to a press release. The motor is for the APKWS guidance kit, which transforms unguided 2.75-inch (70 millimeter) rockets like the Hydra 70 Mk 66 and others into precision-guided munitions (PGMs). Qualified on numerous U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) platforms, APKWS laser guidance kits provide affordable surgical-strike capability to multiple rotary-wing and fixed-wing platforms. Development, testing, and demonstrations are underway for unmanned (UAS) aircraft, as well as ground-based platforms, according to BAE Systems. The APKWS system bridges the gap between unguided rockets and larger anti-armor munitions with commonality across the U.S. military services – Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force. The APKWS system consistently delivers pinpoint accuracy for the highest lethality available against soft and lightly-armored targets at a lower cost than other systems. Ursa Major claimed that the latest test underscores the company’s ability to rapidly develop, test, and deliver propulsion systems that meet urgent warfighter needs. Sikorsky Begins Assembly of the First CH-53K Helicopter for Israel Dmytro Shumlianskyi August 16, 2025 09:39 A Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopter from the USMC during a flight. Photo credits: USMC News The American company Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky has begun the process of assembling the first CH-53K Pereh helicopter for the Israeli Air Force. This was reported by the Israeli Ministry of Defense on its Facebook page. 12 helicopters were purchased under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract signed between the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and the US government at the end of 2021. The estimated value of the deal was $2 billion. Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky has already received the cockpit and cabin sections of the first CH-53K Pereh helicopter for final assembly. Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky has begun the assembly of the first CH-53K Pereh Despite initial plans to begin deliveries in 2026, the first helicopter is currently expected to arrive in Israel in 2028. The CH-53K Pereh helicopters will be adapted to the operational needs of the Israeli Air Force and will provide up to three times the payload capacity of the existing outdated CH-53D Yas’ur helicopters, which Israel began operating in 1969. The CH-53K made its maiden flight in October 2015. The maximum takeoff weight of the new transport helicopter is 39.9 tons. It can carry cargo weighing up to 12.2 tons on an external sling. The CH-53K, powered by GE38-1B engines, is capable of reaching speeds of up to 315 kilometers per hour. The combat radius of the helicopter is about 200 kilometers. Bombardier To Expand U.S. Service Centers In A Multi-Year Plan Molly McMillin August 13, 2025 Credit: Bombardier Bombardier plans to expand its U.S. service centers and add additional centers in a multi-phase, multi-site initiative, the company announced. The expansions, which will “roll out over the coming years,” aims to meet increasing demand for Bombardier-backed services from a steady growing customer base, including entry-into-service of the Global 8000 business jet later in 2025. “Details on specific projects, timelines, and associated investments will be announced subsequently,” a Bombardier spokesperson told Aviation Week. “We’re currently engaged in multiple discussions and will keep you informed as developments take shape.” As a result of the expansions, Bombardier says it is prioritizing talent recruitment and workforce development. It also plans to expand its apprenticeship and talent programs in local communities to accelerate the recruitment of airframe and powerplant Technicians and other skilled workers. In the U.S., Bombardier operates service centers in Dallas, Wichita, Tucson, Arizona; Hartford, Connecticut; and Miami Opa Locka in Florida. It also operates a parts distribution center in Chicago and mobile response teams across 20 locations. Lockheed Martin to build 88,000-square-foot missile assembly facility in Courtland Lockheed Martin officials announced the construction of a new 88,000-square-foot Missile Assembly Building in Courtland. By Javon Williams Published: Aug. 13, 2025 at 1:03 PM CDT|Updated: Aug. 13, 2025 at 3:18 PM CDT COURTLAND, Ala. (WAFF) - Lockheed Martin officials announced the construction of a new 88,000-square-foot Missile Assembly Building in Courtland. In 2021, Lockheed Martin opened its Advanced Hypersonic Missile Production Facility. This facility supports critical defense programs for the Army, Navy and Missile Defense Agency. Currently 400+ employees, and that number is expected to grow following the new facility’s opening, slated for 2026. Officials say the building is being “purpose-built” for the Next Generation Interceptor Program and that they have developed a partnership with Florence City Schools’ Launch Program to support workforce and development in North Alabama. Lockheed Martin is building advanced defense systems in Courtland, but more importantly, we are investing in the future of the community. From workforce development and infrastructure upgrades to enhanced emergency services, our commitment extends beyond our facility. Real progress happens when industry and community grow together, and we are proud to help build a stronger, more resilient future for Courtland and the surrounding region. Next Generation Interceptor Program Vice President Sarah Reeves The new facility is slated to open in early 2026. Boeing's supersonic airliner, and answer to Concorde, spent years slowly rotting by Florida roadside Published on Aug 19, 2025 at 1:22 PM (UTC+4) by Henry Kelsall Last updated on Aug 19, 2025 at 8:02 PM (UTC+4) Edited by Emma Matthews Note: See photos in the original article. Boeing’s supersonic airliner and its answer to Concorde, the Boeing 2707, spent years slowly rotting by a Florida roadside after the US Government canceled the project. In response to Concorde, the American government sought to build its own version. This would be faster and carry more people than the Anglo-French airliner. Boeing won the contract for their 2707 Supersonic Transport (SST); however, just a few years later, America cancelled its SST program. A full-scale wooden mockup of the aircraft had been built by this point, and it spent years sitting in Florida before eventually being saved. The Boeing 2707 would have been faster than Concorde Had it come to pass, the Boeing 2707 would have been faster than Concorde and carried more people than its rival. Boeing said the aircraft would carry up to 300 passengers in its cabin, and fly at speeds of around Mach 3. The early design also featured a swing-wing mechanism. This swing-wing was eventually replaced by a more conventional design similar to Concorde’s. It was shown off to the public via a full-size mockup, complete with a mock ‘droop snoot’ nose. But in 1971, funding was pulled for the project, and no prototypes or production aircraft were ever built. From there on, the mockup of the 2707 had an interesting life, not only being left at the roadside, but also as part of a church. Boeing’s supersonic airliner was eventually saved from being scrapped Initially, the 2707 mockup was sold to the SST Aviation Exhibit Center in Kissimmee, Florida. It was displayed there from 1973 to 1981. The museum then closed, with the Faith World Church buying the building. Remarkably, they held services with the aircraft still standing above them. It served as an unusual backdrop to Church services until 1990. The mockup was then sold to aircraft restorer Charles Bell and was moved to Merritt Island, Florida. It soon became a photographic hotspot for tourists, having been left by the roadside. But it was in the sweltering Florida sun that the aircraft’s condition deteriorated, before it was finally saved again. Clemens Vasters – Boeing SST 2707 Mockup Front-Section, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons The Hillier Museum gave the aircraft a restoration and revamp. It spent 15 years on display before it was sold again to the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Now at the Museum of Flight’s restoration center at Paine Field, Boeing’s supersonic airliner has effectively come back home. While its latest restoration is a slow burner, the mockup is at least undercover and safe. The 2707 was not Boeing’s finest hour. But perhaps one day it will go on display again and serve as a reminder of when the world went supersonic mad. Spike Aerospace Advances Work on Supersonic Business Jet Company targets quieter, faster long-haul flights. Matt Ryan · Monday, August 18, 2025 [Credit: Spike Aerospace] Key Takeaways: Spike Aerospace says it is moving ahead with development of its S-512 Diplomat, a supersonic business jet in design for international routes. The company reported last week that engineers are conducting new studies to shape the jet’s aerodynamics, cabin layout and noise profile. The aim is to meet strict limits for supersonic flight over land, a hurdle that has limited previous high-speed designs. The S-512 project has gone through multiple design iterations since its introduction and is now centered on reducing noise while maintaining long-range performance. Spike officials say the jet is being engineered to fly from New York to Paris in less than four hours. “Our goal is to redefine long-distance travel for business and government leaders, offering the speed of supersonic with the comfort and discretion of a private jet,” company president, Vik Kachoria, said. The company said it is also recruiting engineers from a variety of established aerospace firms while also initiating partnerships with universities to support certification planning. Alongside the technical work, Spike launched a new website as part of a broader brand update. Spike Aerospace said it is positioning the S-512 as a faster option for business aviation while addressing concerns over noise and environmental effects that have challenged supersonic aircraft in the past. Boeing’s Spirit AeroSystems Deal Expected to Close 4Q25 By Teresa De Alba | Jr Journalist & Industry Analyst Mon, 08/11/2025 - 16:14Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Boeing’s US$4.7 billion all-stock acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, choosing not to proceed with a more extensive “phase 2” antitrust investigation. Announced on July 8, the CMA’s decision followed an initial review launched in June and eliminates a major regulatory obstacle for Boeing. The full text of the ruling is expected to be published soon. In a statement, Boeing expressed satisfaction with the outcome and noted that it is continuing to work through other regulatory processes. The deal remains under review by the European Commission and the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Spirit confirmed that the transaction is still on track to close in 4Q25. Spirit AeroSystems, the world’s largest independent manufacturer of aerostructures, was originally spun off from Boeing in 2005 to help the aircraft maker reduce debt. Since then, Spirit has remained a key supplier, producing over 70% of Boeing’s fuselages and providing major components for the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, and 777X programs. Boeing now seeks to reintegrate Spirit in an effort to streamline production, improve quality control, and address long-standing operational issues, including the 2024 737 MAX door plug incident involving Alaska Airlines. The company projects US$1 billion in annual cost savings by 2026 from the acquisition, primarily through reduced reliance on third-party suppliers and improved production efficiency. However, the CMA’s approval may overlook broader systemic implications. Spirit’s dual role as a supplier to both Boeing and Airbus has helped maintain balance in the aerospace supply chain. Folding Spirit into Boeing raises concerns about reduced supplier diversity and potential pricing power over critical components. Although Airbus has countered by acquiring Spirit’s UK-based operations—including facilities in Belfast—as part of an effort to maintain control over its supply chain, this asset split highlights a growing trend toward vertical integration. Industry analysts warn that if other manufacturers follow suit, the sector could see a wave of consolidation that limits innovation, drives up costs, and makes it harder for smaller suppliers to survive. The acquisition comes as Boeing continues to face mounting operational and reputational challenges, including supply chain disruptions and ongoing scrutiny over aircraft safety. Reacquiring Spirit is viewed as a way to regain tighter control over production and reduce inefficiencies that have plagued its output. Financially, Spirit has struggled in recent years, and its second-quarter results reflect continued volatility. For the period ending July 3, Spirit reported a net loss of US$631 million. This includes US$219 million in forward losses tied to key programs: US$100 million related to Airbus A220 production, US$58 million for the A350, and US$38 million for Boeing 787 components. Additionally, the company recorded a US$44 million charge for excess manufacturing capacity. Despite these losses, Spirit's revenue rose 10% year-over-year to US$1.6 billion, driven by increased production volume. It delivered airframe packages for 430 aircraft in the quarter, including 152 Boeing 737s—up from 336 total deliveries and just 58 737s in the same period last year. Spirit’s survival in recent quarters has been aided by financial support from both Boeing and Airbus. In July, Airbus provided an additional US$94 million in aid, bringing its total support to US$152 million as Spirit prepares to divest its Airbus-related work, most of which will be transferred to the European manufacturer. China debuts next-gen tiltrotor rival to America’s V-280 Valor aircraft The Chinese tiltrotor merges VTOL capability with fixed-wing performance, showing PLA ambitions for rapid transport and island operations. Updated: Aug 18, 2025 07:21 PM EST Aamir Khollam Note: See photos in the original article. China has flown the first prototype of a tiltrotor aircraft under development by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The aircraft combines vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with fixed-wing speed, reflecting Beijing’s growing interest in next-generation rotorcraft. Photographs show a design similar to the American V-280 Valor, featuring tilting rotors and fixed engines. Prototype details emerge The prototype includes a straight wing with a driveshaft allowing both rotors to be powered by a single engine if one fails. AVIC engineers also incorporated a T-tail and retractable tricycle landing gear. These features aim to enhance stability, safety, and flight performance. The aircraft’s cabin hangs below the wing, with small doors on each side and a larger right-side cabin door. Designers adopted new-generation tiltrotor technology used in the V-280 Valor, where only the front of the engine nacelle pivots. This reduces mechanical complexity and improves reliability compared with older tiltrotor designs like the V-22 Osprey, where the entire nacelle rotates. Analysts note the rudder on the Chinese model provides yaw control, unlike some European designs that rely solely on proprotors. The aircraft appears similar in size to the Leonardo AW609, with a pressurized cabin likely accommodating around 12 passengers. This places it in the small-to-medium tiltrotor class, far lighter than the 52,000-pound V-22 Osprey. Strategic and military implications The tiltrotor’s configuration highlights Beijing’s ambition to expand rapid transport and assault options for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Analysts suggest such aircraft could support long-range missions, cargo delivery to remote outposts, and maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific. China’s interest in tiltrotors signals a shift from conventional helicopters to more versatile platforms. The PLA could leverage the aircraft for operations from small island airstrips, amphibious assault ships, and other forward positions. This aligns with China’s broader strategy to assert control over disputed areas in the South China Sea. While technical specifications like range and payload remain undisclosed, the prototype’s successful flight indicates China may pursue operational capability in the next decade. Photos show multiple prototypes, suggesting parallel testing and iterative development. The tiltrotor program first appeared publicly as a model at the 2022 Zhuhai Airshow. Although earlier Chinese tiltrotor projects focused on civilian missions, this aircraft seems optimized for military use. Observers note AVIC’s program could be complemented by contributions from Hafei Aviation, a Harbin-based manufacturer specializing in helicopters and light aircraft. The flight testing also reflects global trends. The U.S., with the V-22 and V-280, has long demonstrated the operational value of high-speed, long-range vertical lift aircraft. China’s entry into this category suggests it aims to match or counter these capabilities in the Indo-Pacific theater. Curt Lewis