August 27, 2025 - No. 35 In This Issue : ATSB issues PT6A uncommanded acceleration advisory after Lizard Island Cessna Caravan accident : Pratt & Whitney secures $2.9 billion contract to supply F135 engines for F-35 Lightning II fighters : Astro Mechanica’s supersonic engine design gets funding boost : Northrop Grumman advances F-35 production with automation and integrated assembly line : Hypersonic missile business eyes Sandoval County site for major project : “They Laughed Then Gasped”: China’s 3D-Printed Jet Engine Climbs 13,000 Feet on Debut Flight and Stuns Global Aviation Industry : First Piloted eVTOL Air Taxi Flight Between Two Public Airports | Joby : Textron Aviation pledges $2 million donation for WSU Tech expansion : Elon Musk’s Mars rocket gets radical fin redesign to prevent flight failures : $79.7M Contract Win: Boeing to Maintain and Repair Air Force’s E-4B Fleet : American helicopter manufacturer planning to invest in production in UkraineAmerican helicopter manufacturer planning to invest in production in Ukraine ATSB issues PT6A uncommanded acceleration advisory after Lizard Island Cessna Caravan accident The ATSB is advising operators of single-engine Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A powered aircraft to train pilots for uncommanded engine acceleration malfunctions, after 10 people were injured in a charter flight accident involving a Cessna Caravan on Far North Queensland’s Lizard Island last year. On 8 January 2024, the East Air-operated aircraft took off from Lizard Island for a planned flight to Cairns, with a pilot and nine passengers on board, an ATSB investigation report details. During the climb, the pilot heard a change in the engine and noted that the aircraft was accelerating. The gauges showed engine torque and temperature above the redline, and no indications for gas generator speed or fuel flow. Propeller revolutions were high but within the normal operating range. The pilot elected to return to land at Lizard Island. However, the uncontrollable excessive engine power led to a high speed approach, and the aircraft touching down long on the short runway. The pilot applied maximum braking, but the aircraft overran the end of the runway at 92 kt and continued across undulating sandy soil, and low vegetation, until its left wingtip struck the ground. The aircraft spun, flipped, and came to rest inverted, 127 m from the runway end. All ten occupants sustained minor injuries. “The ATSB investigation concluded the uncommanded engine acceleration was likely due to a malfunction of the engine’s fuel control unit,” ATSB Director Transport Safety Kerri Hughes said. Data provided by engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Canada indicated uncommanded engine acceleration events historically occurred more often than ‘roll back to idle’ malfunctions. “Pilots of PT6A turbine single engine aircraft are trained for ‘roll back to idle’ malfunctions, but not trained for uncommanded engine acceleration malfunctions,” Ms Hughes said. “Consequently, as demonstrated in this accident, there is limited awareness by pilots and operators of how to safely respond to an uncommanded engine acceleration event in aircraft powered by PT6A engines.” Subsequently, the ATSB has issued a safety advisory notice to single-engine PT6A-powered aircraft operators, encouraging them to consider the potential responses to an uncommanded engine acceleration malfunction for different phases of flight, to document appropriate actions, and to train pilots for such scenarios. “ATSB consultation with Cessna Caravan training organisations found that there was limited awareness of this type of event,” Ms Hughes said. “While not as immediately dire as an engine failure or roll back to idle, an uncommanded engine acceleration is alarming and requires prompt action to control the aircraft and prevent overstress of the engine and airframe.” Ms Hughes acknowledged changes made by the operator of the accident aircraft including publishing a temporary revision to its Quick Reference Handbook for the Cessna 208B to include an emergency item for unscheduled power increase during flight. “When faced with non normal or emergency scenarios for which there are no procedures, pilots are required to exercise judgement based on their experience, skills and knowledge,” Ms Hughes noted. “Operators should consider updating their procedures and providing appropriate training to ensure that their pilots are adequately prepared for such events.” Read the final report: Engine malfunction and runway overrun involving Cessna 208B, VH NWJ, Lizard Island Airport, Queensland, on 8 January 2024 Read the SAN: Uncommanded engine acceleration events on single-engine PT6A powered aircraft; Publication Date 22/08/2025 Pratt & Whitney secures $2.9 billion contract to supply F135 engines for F-35 Lightning II fighters By Defence Industry Europe Photo: Pratt & Whitney. The United States Department of Defense has announced the signing of a production contract with Pratt & Whitney, part of RTX, for the manufacture and delivery of a new batch of F135 engines for Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The agreement is valued at $2.9 billion and covers the production of 141 engines, which will be installed in the 18th production lot of the fighter jet. The recipients of the engines will include both the U.S. armed forces and international customers. Deliveries under the contract are scheduled to be completed by February 2028, with an initial tranche of $2 billion already allocated at the time of signing. So far, Pratt & Whitney has delivered more than 1,200 serial F135 engines, which together with F-35 aircraft are in service with 12 countries worldwide. The engines have logged over one million flight hours, increasingly in combat and operational missions across various regions. From 2028, the company expects to begin supplying upgraded engines designed to generate savings of around $40 billion over the lifetime of the global fleet. The F135 engine modernisation programme is one of two initiatives aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the F-35 Lightning II Block 4 and later variants. The second project, also under development by RTX companies, concerns the delivery of the EPACS power and cooling module. This programme has reached the prototype testing stage and is intended to increase electrical power supply for onboard systems, as well as support planned future modifications to the aircraft with improved cooling and energy capacity. US firm’s supersonic engine design that could be used in orbital launch gets funding boost Named Duality, Astro Mechanica’s engine is being designed to utilize a hybrid electric architecture. Updated: Aug 22, 2025 04:27 PM EST Prabhat Ranjan Mishra Astro Mechanica aims to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. UAV/Astro Mechanica ASan Francisco-based aerospace company’s supersonic engine concept has received new funding. Astro Mechanica has received an investment from United Airlines Ventures (UAV), the venture capital arm of United Airlines. Astro Mechanica’s engine design addresses the biggest economic challenge associated with supersonic flight: fuel efficiency. The company’s adaptive propulsion concept and advanced airframe design have the potential to unlock supersonic aircraft with near-term applications for national defense, orbital launch, and long-range cargo delivery. Adaptive engine concept for strategic military, commercial applications “Astro Mechanica is developing an adaptive engine concept for strategic military and commercial applications, addressing the challenging yet worthwhile pursuit of supersonic flight,” said Mukul Hariharan, Managing Partner at United Airlines Ventures. “UAV is excited to join Astro Mechanica’s renowned investment partners to support its exceptional management team as they advance their engine technology and progress towards their first aircraft prototype.” Hybrid electric architecture Named Duality, Astro Mechanica’s engine is being designed to utilize a hybrid electric architecture to optimize performance across a wide range of flight speeds and profiles, which would create an engine that would be efficient from takeoff to Mach 3+. With these changes, Astro Mechanica is developing the world’s first supersonic aircraft with transpacific capability. Investment reflects strong conviction in Astro Mechanica “We are excited to form this relationship with United Airlines Ventures (UAV). This investment reflects strong conviction in Astro Mechanica from an experienced and credible industry leader, and we appreciate UAV’s deep technical grasp of our novel high-speed propulsion technologies,” said Ian Brooke, CEO and founder of Astro Mechanica. “We look forward to working with them as an advisor and a collaborator as we move into flight testing for the next era of passenger travel.” The company revealed that Duality is being designed to separate the propulsion units from the turboshaft engine by using electric motors. This allows it to behave like a turbofan at slower speeds, a turbojet at faster speeds just below supersonic, and switch to a ramjet at very high supersonic speeds. Astro Mechanica aims to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. The company believes that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. United Airlines Ventures’ latest investment is expected to support Astro Mechanica’s innovations. To date, UAV has made more than 30 investments in companies developing technologies across aerospace, technology, energy transition, and more. Months ago, Astro Mechanica had revealed that while the goal is to build their own aircraft, the company is also planning to sell propulsion systems to other defense manufacturers. Not only can the team make aircraft go, like, super-fast, but because of the engine’s structure, it can also provide a ton of electricity. That could power things like EW and ISR. Northrop Grumman advances F-35 production with automation and integrated assembly line By Lukasz Prus (Defence Industry Europe) Photo: Northrop Grumman. Northrop Grumman is using advanced automation and robotics to maintain demanding production rates for the F-35 Lightning II while keeping a focus on quality and affordability. The company has been a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led industry team for the multi-role fighter since 2001, producing the centre fuselage and multiple mission systems. “We knew that automation and robotics would be key to meeting the F-35 program’s goal of continued high-volume production,” says Glenn Masukawa, vice president and F-35 programme manager at Northrop Grumman. “We also needed to be affordable, which implied a lot of cost reductions over time.” To meet production expectations, the company turned to the U.S. automotive industry for inspiration. “We teamed up with KUKA Systems North America, a Detroit-based automation technology company that specialized in integrating assembly lines for the automotive industry,” explains Scott Johnson, F-35 centre fuselage integrated product team lead. “We blended their understanding of automation and automotive production lines with our expertise in aerospace tooling. The resulting Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) represents the best production practices from both industries.” Located at the Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in Palmdale, California, the IAL incorporates more than 115 build stations and 22 automated systems. Now at full production, the system completes an F-35 centre fuselage every 30 hours, a production interval of 1.25 days, with more than 1,400 units delivered to date. Johnson highlights that the IAL produces all three F-35 variants — CTOL, CV, and STOVL — on the same line. “All three variants use the same base tooling,” Johnson says. “Our secret sauce, however, is Northrop Grumman’s very robust global supply chain.” Mechanics receive parts in custom “shadow boxes” designed for accuracy and efficiency. “This simple but very effective process means that we have near-perfect accuracy in installing the right part on the right jet,” says Masukawa. With nearly 100,000 employees and extensive U.S. manufacturing infrastructure, Northrop Grumman continues to invest heavily in its workforce and supply chain. The company has added over $13.5 billion in infrastructure and R&D, driving innovation in design, development and production to meet present and future security needs. Hypersonic missile business eyes Sandoval County site for major project By Matthew Narvaiz / Journal Staff Writer Aug 22, 2025 Updated Aug 22, 2025 Castelion Corp., a manufacturer of long-range, hypersonic missles, is eyeing Sandoval County for a large-scale project that could bring high-paying jobs to the region. A manufacturer of long-range, hypersonic missiles is considering building a major facility in Sandoval County, a decision that could generate hundreds of jobs and a multi-million dollar boost to the local economy. The company, California-based Castelion Corp., is looking at an area on a stretch of Paseo del Volcan and aims to build the facility on 1,000 acres of undeveloped land that state and local officials say could generate $659 million in its first phase of operation. Company officials said at least two other sites outside of New Mexico are in play, but did not disclose which ones. The three sites were whittled down from 40 initial locations across a dozen states, company officials said. It is unclear when the company could make its decision, although state officials said one could be made within the month. State Economic Development Secretary Rob Black said the expansion could mean high-tech jobs and advanced manufacturing “that keeps New Mexico on the map for national security and economic opportunity alike.” “This is a game changer if we win this project,” Black told the Journal. “Having a private sector company that represents really what is the next generation hypersonic missile systems building their facility here, building their equipment and their manufacturing here, will improve supply chain infrastructure for both defense-related industries (and) nondefense.” Indeed, if Castelion chooses New Mexico, it would be seen as a big victory. Government and company officials project that the first phase of the Castelion development would also bring with it an investment of more than $101 million and up to 300 jobs — including engineering, technician and executive roles — with annual salaries averaging over $100,000. Aside from the proximity to the state’s national labs, as well as New Mexico Tech and Spaceport America, the Trump administration’s focus on defense funding will likely be a boon for the company as it continues to grow. The Trump administration plans to spend more than $1 trillion nationally on defense. While the Defense Department’s budget request is slightly lower than last year’s, $150 billion in mandatory defense funding was also included in the reconciliation bill Congress passed over the summer. In New Mexico, the Department of Energy budget request asks for roughly $1 million more in New Mexico than the 2025 fiscal year. Castelion officials said they are working with the Department of Defense to rapidly scale up the production of hypersonics, which is a priority for the U.S. as its adversaries, like China, are rapidly developing and fielding the technology. In New Mexico, the company’s facility would manufacture and test next-generation hypersonic systems. The site would house multiple operations — from integration and manufacturing buildings to test sheds and office space — spanning anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 square feet, company officials say. The company, founded in 2022, was started by former SpaceX executives Bryon Hargis, Sean Pitt and Andrew Kreitz. Tech Crunch reported in July that the company, valued in the billions, is raising a $350 million Series B led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Altimeter Capital. The new round follows a $100 million Series A round that closed in January. To help incentivize Castelion, the Sandoval County commission on Wednesday will look to approve a 30-year, $125 million industrial revenue bond, or IRB, package that is essentially a payment in lieu of taxes. It will allow the company to free up money that it can use for construction and during operation. Wayne Johnson, Sandoval County manager, told the Journal on Friday that it has already secured the land needed between 29th Avenue and King Boulevard, near Paseo del Volcan, for Castelion’s operations. That includes nearly 467 acres the county purchased from Amrep, a landholder and developer, and another 550 acres it is leasing from the State Land Office. The land will ultimately be subleased to Castelion by the county, Johnson said. Black said Friday the Economic Development Department is considering both Job Training Incentive Program funds — which incentivize businesses to make new hires by paying a portion of the cost in wages for on-site or classroom training — and Local Economic Development Act money. He did not say how much either incentive would amount to. The state will also expedite additional support for road infrastructure along Paseo del Volcan, he said. “These are investments that we were planning to do, but this creates the justification to expedite those investments for better road service for the whole community, but in particular, for the development site as well,” Black said. Castelion officials said the tip-to-tail production of these hypersonics is an “inherently safe operation” and would not pose a risk to the community. Specifically, the project and site have to go through a Defense Department certification, and the plan has already been reviewed by Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory, they said. The project has been in the works for some time, with organizations like Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance and Sandoval Economic Alliance playing a key role in helping the company see New Mexico as a viable location for its operation. While the first phase is expected to have an immediate impact — company officials are targeting the third quarter of 2026 for initial operating capability — Castelion’s presence could grow to more than 1,000 workers over the next decade. Johnson compared the economic effect of this project to that of Intel when it first came to the area, saying this is “the type of game-changing impact” that could transform the area. “The county in particular, we’ve been able to meet all of the objectives to make this thing a reality,” Johnson said. “I believe we’ve got a good track record with the company, and I believe that puts us in a great position.” “They Laughed Then Gasped”: China’s 3D-Printed Jet Engine Climbs 13,000 Feet on Debut Flight and Stuns Global Aviation Industry China's successful test of its first fully 3D-printed turbojet engine marks a pivotal moment in aerospace technology, highlighting the potential for innovative manufacturing methods to reshape the global industry. Rosemary Potter 08/19/2025 4:50 AM32 Google News Illustration of China's first fully 3D-printed turbojet engine undergoing a successful test flight. • IN A NUTSHELL China successfully tests its first fully 3D-printed turbojet engine, marking a significant technological milestone. • The engine utilizes additive manufacturing and topology optimization to enhance strength and reduce weight. • This development positions China as a major player in global aerospace, challenging traditional manufacturing methods. • The technology promises faster prototyping and reduced production costs, with potential applications in UAVs and beyond. The landscape of aerospace technology is undergoing a transformative shift as China successfully tests its first fully 3D-printed turbojet engine. This achievement is not just a technological milestone but a significant strategic maneuver in the global aerospace arena. Utilizing additive manufacturing, the engine offers a glimpse into the potential future of aerospace design and production. This innovation also highlights China’s growing independence in a sector traditionally dominated by established players. As we explore this development, it becomes clear that the implications extend far beyond national borders, challenging existing paradigms and setting new standards in aerospace engineering. China’s Pioneering Achievement in Aerospace The successful test of China’s 3D-printed turbojet engine, capable of producing 353 pounds of thrust, signifies a groundbreaking advancement in aviation technology. This engine, crafted through innovative methods that combine additive manufacturing and multidisciplinary topology optimization, represents a new era in aerospace engineering. By utilizing computational models to optimize material distribution, this technique not only enhances structural integrity but also reduces overall weight. The result is an engine that overcomes the limitations of traditional manufacturing, showcasing complex designs that were previously unattainable. This advancement serves as a strategic pivot for China, reducing its historical reliance on foreign-manufactured engines. The ability to independently produce advanced turbojet engines addresses a crucial industrial vulnerability and positions China as a formidable competitor on the global stage. The potential of 3D printing to circumvent traditional manufacturing challenges, such as the intricate production of turbine blades, could significantly reduce development timelines and costs, further solidifying China’s role as a leader in aerospace innovation. A Technology with Expansive Applications The application of additive manufacturing in aerospace is not entirely new, with industry giants like GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney already incorporating 3D-printed components. However, China’s ability to produce an entire engine using such methods marks a distinct departure from previous practices. This capability, if scalable, could usher in a new era of aerospace innovation, redefining the boundaries of what is possible in engine design and production. One of the immediate applications of this technology lies in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The lightweight and efficient engine design is ideal for powering high-speed UAV operations. Despite the successful test flight, scaling this technology for mass production presents challenges, particularly in material science and certification processes. Overcoming these hurdles is essential for ensuring the reliability and longevity of such engines. Nevertheless, the transformative potential of this technology is vast, promising to reshape the aerospace industry and open new avenues for exploration and development. Global Implications for the Aerospace Industry The successful deployment of a fully 3D-printed turbojet engine by China has significant implications for the global aerospace sector. By demonstrating the feasibility of this technology, China is poised to lead a shift towards more innovative and cost-effective manufacturing methods. This development challenges traditional production paradigms and could influence how other nations approach engine manufacturing. As countries around the world begin to invest in additive manufacturing capabilities, the aerospace industry may experience heightened competition, driving further innovation and potentially reducing costs. The strategic implications are profound, as nations strive for self-sufficiency in aerospace technology, reducing dependencies on foreign components, and enhancing national security. This shift could accelerate technological advancements and lead to the development of new aircraft designs and capabilities, reshaping the future of aviation. Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities While the progress in 3D-printed engine technology is promising, widespread adoption faces several challenges. Scaling production to meet industrial demands requires addressing technical obstacles in material science and ensuring quality control. Consistent production quality and adherence to rigorous certification standards are essential for long-term success in this field. However, the opportunities presented by this technology are immense. As it matures, we can anticipate faster prototyping, reduced production costs, and greater design flexibility. The ability to produce complex components with unprecedented ease opens new possibilities for enhancing engine performance and efficiency. As China continues to refine this technology, the world watches with anticipation, eager to see its impact on the future of aerospace engineering and global power dynamics. As the aerospace industry stands on the brink of a technological revolution, a pressing question emerges: how will this innovative approach to engine manufacturing redefine the global landscape of aerospace technology and influence future developments? Joby Achieves the First Piloted eVTOL Air Taxi Flight Between Two Public Airports • Joby’s first eVTOL operations with other aircraft in FAA-controlled airspace • Builds on years of eVTOL testing and 40,000+ miles flown across its fleet • Flight continues to show Joby’s commercial market readiness Santa Cruz, CA – August 15, 2025 – Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), a company developing all-electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced it has successfully operated with other aircraft in FAA-controlled airspace by completing its first flight between two U.S. airports, Marina (OAR) and Monterey (MRY), California. The achievement is a major step as part of Joby’s commercial market readiness, highlighting key capabilities across safety, operations, air traffic control and certification progress. It’s a critical measure of the maturity of the Company’s path to commercialization as the flights also demonstrated the type of real-world service Joby intends to offer to the public. Joby’s flight time from OAR to MRY was approximately 12 minutes over 10 nautical miles, including 5 minutes in a hold pattern at MRY for air traffic spacing. The piloted flight included vertical takeoff, transition to wingborne flight, integration into the controlled airspace around MRY, and vertical landing. The milestone marks the first time a piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi has flown from one public airport to another. The flight also successfully demonstrated the team’s ability to conduct mobile flight tests and deliver full ground support operations away from home base in Marina. “Successfully flying from Marina to Monterey showcased operations of our aircraft integrated in the broader transportation network and further validated its performance to ensure we’re prepared for service on day one,” said Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby. “For years, our flight testing has validated our aircraft’s capabilities, and we’ve done this across a wide range of environmental conditions. As part of the natural progression of our flight test program, it was time to venture further, and there was no better place to visit first than our neighbors in Monterey.” These critical flight tests also provided developmental data related to the human factors of operating the aircraft at a controlled airport and in the enroute national airspace. In particular, Joby’s ability to integrate into controlled airspace was demonstrated when its aircraft successfully sequenced with other aircraft at Monterey Airport, including a holding pattern to accommodate another arriving airliner. Joby’s aircraft systems, pilot certification and training were on full display by adhering to the same air traffic control protocols as a major airline. This is also an important step in the Company’s certification efforts, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires aircraft to demonstrate they can operate in shared airspace by flying between multiple airports. On the heels of Joby’s planned acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business, the demonstration continues to show the Company’s commercial market readiness. The achievement builds on Joby’s long history of testing and development, including more than 40,000 miles flown across its fleet. Joby recently began final assembly of its first aircraft intended for Type Inspection Authorization flight testing, one of the last major steps in FAA certification. It plans to begin flight testing with FAA pilots early next year. Following certification, Joby is planning to launch commercial service domestically starting in Los Angeles and New York City. Video of the flight demonstration can be viewed here. About Joby Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi. Joby intends to both operate its fast, quiet, and convenient air taxi service in cities around the world and sell its aircraft to other operators and partners. To learn more, visit www.jobyaviation.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding the development and performance of our aircraft, the growth of our manufacturing capabilities, our regulatory outlook, progress and timing, including the expected timing for FAA flight testing; our business plan, objectives, goals and market opportunity, including initial launch markets; and our current expectations relating to our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, capital needs and growth of our operations. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “can have”, “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. All forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including: our ability to launch our air taxi service and the growth of the urban air mobility market generally; our ability to produce aircraft that meet our performance expectations in the volumes and on the timelines that we project; the competitive environment in which we operate; our future capital needs; our ability to adequately protect and enforce our intellectual property rights; our ability to effectively respond to evolving regulations and standards relating to our aircraft; our reliance on third-party suppliers and service partners; uncertainties related to our estimates of the size of the market for our service and future revenue opportunities; and other important factors discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 27, 2025, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 8, 2025 and August 7, 2025, and in future filings and other reports we file with or furnish to the SEC. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates and beliefs as of the date of this release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. Media Contact: Charles Stewart press@jobyaviation.com Investor Contact: investors@jobyaviation.com Textron Aviation pledges $2 million donation for WSU Tech expansion By Jeffrey Lutz Published: Aug. 13, 2025 at 8:03 AM CDT WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Textron Aviation pledged a $2 million gift to the WSU Tech Foundation to support the expansion of the National Center for Aviation Training The money is part of the launch of the Foundation’s $8 million capital campaign, called Accelerate. Innovate. Aviate. WSU Tech will name its new training hangar the Cessna + Beechcraft by Textron Aviation Hangar. “WSU Tech graduates are an essential part of our talent pipeline, and this expansion ensures more students are prepared to join us in designing and delivering the best aviation experience for our customers,” Textron president and CEO Ron Draper said. Since 2011, WSU Tech has grown from 3,700 to nearly 10,000 students, driven by both student interest and employer demand. The NCAT expansion project will add approximately 85,500 square feet of instructional space and is designed to serve an additional 1,450 students and trainees within its first three years. Construction is scheduled to begin this month, with classes beginning in January 2027. The facility will feature key training areas including emerging aviation training centers, advanced manufacturing training centers, a professional pilot training center and hangar and a high school Aviation Maintenance Technology Academy. It will also serve as a hub for industry partners to train and upskill their existing workforce. Elon Musk’s Mars rocket gets radical fin redesign to prevent flight failures These fins are said to be among the largest aerodynamic control surfaces ever built for a rocket. Updated: Aug 15, 2025 09:45 AM EST Mrigakshi Dixit Note: See photos in the original article. Elon Musk’s SpaceX has redesigned some parts of its colossal Mars-bound Starship to improve its stability and control. The most notable change is the removal of a landing fin from the Super Heavy booster, which will now use three redesigned grid fins that are 50% larger and stronger to improve vehicle control during descent. The announcement was made on Wednesday via a post on X, where SpaceX shared images revealing the complex, honeycomb-like surface of the new grid fins. The first grid fin for the next generation Super Heavy booster. The redesigned grid fins are 50% larger and higher strength, moving from four fins to three for vehicle control while enabling the booster to descend at higher angles of attack. pic.twitter.com/Nc6bavBHD8 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 13, 2025 Interestingly, these fins are said to be among the largest aerodynamic control surfaces ever built for a rocket. Weighing in on the redesign, SpaceX CEO Musk shared the company’s announcement on X, adding a characteristically concise comment: “Best part is no part.” Reports cite the development in the wake of recent test flight failures. Improving descent and catch To control the rocket’s position and flight path during descent and re-entry, grid fins manipulate the air passing through them. With their larger surface area and increased strength, the new grid fins will give the booster greater maneuverability to descend at a steeper, more controlled angle during the landing phase. The new fins are also being integrated into the booster’s recovery system. These redesigned parts will align with the launch tower’s catch arms, which are designed to grab the descending booster out of the air. SpaceX has added a new catch point to the booster and mounted the fins lower to align well with the tower’s arms. This change allows the tower to catch the returning rocket directly, eliminating the need for a landing pad. Reportedly, the lower position of the fins also protects them from the intense heat of the rocket’s engines. Moreover, the social media post mentioned that the fins’ internal parts, like the shaft, are now inside the booster’s main fuel tank for better protection. Previous failed attempts The path to Mars hasn’t been smooth for SpaceX and its ambitious Starship program. The redesign comes after the most recent failed test flight for the fully integrated rocket in May. After the test flight, the Super Heavy booster failed to return to its launchpad and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico instead. The main ship, meanwhile, continued its flight over the Indian Ocean before it too exploded. In another incident in June, the rocket’s upper stage exploded while on a test stand during preparations for SpaceX’s tenth Starship flight. The company is gearing up for its 10th orbital flight test, a critical demonstration of the new design. Reportedly, the next Starship launch attempt could occur as early as Saturday, August 16, with a launch window between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm local time. SpaceX typically keeps launch dates under wraps until closer to the time. It is based on maritime hazard warnings from the US, which cover the waterways and sea areas around SpaceX’s Starbase facility in southern Texas. “Navigation hazards from rocket launching activity may include, free-falling debris and/or descending vehicles or vehicle components, under various means of control,” the advisory noted, as the Independent reported. $79.7M Contract Win: Boeing to Maintain and Repair Air Force’s E-4B Fleet The Boeing Co., Defense, Space & Security, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for $79,737,087 E-4B Programmed Depot Maintenance #8. This contract provides for E-4B maintenance, repair and engineering issues. Work will be performed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska; and San Antonio, Texas, with an expected completion date of Dec. 21, 2026. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance funds in the approximate amount of $79,737,087 are obligated at time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA8134-25-F-0001). (Awarded Aug. 8, 2025) American helicopter manufacturer planning to invest in production in Ukraine 26.07.2025 03:12 The U.S. helicopter manufacturer, Bell Helicopter, considers investing in production in Ukraine. The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Economy, Environment and Agriculture Minister Oleksii Sobolev on Facebook, following a working meeting with the company’s representatives, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. “In my first week as Minister, I had several important meetings, where we discussed key tasks that we can continue working on for the benefit of all parties,” Sobolev wrote. In this regard, the Ukrainian official mentioned a working meeting with the U.S. helicopter manufacturer, Bell Helicopter, which is part of Textron, specializing in the production of modern military helicopters, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom. According to Sobolev, the American company is already planning to invest and launch production in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government is ready to support this initiative with effective instruments for investors. “The stage of technical consultations and assessments lies ahead, but this ambitious project could become a new phase in the development of defense industry partnership between Ukraine and the United States,” Sobolev emphasized. In addition, the newly-appointed minister met with the representatives of the diplomatic corps, and introduced them to the priorities of the merged ministry. As noted by Sobolev, he intends to strengthen international cooperation in attracting investments, supporting exports, returning Ukrainians from abroad, training new professions, etc. A reminder that earlier Ukrainian Economy, Environment and Agriculture Minister Oleksii Sobolev discussed progress in implementing the Ukraine Plan under the Ukraine Facility programme with a delegation of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST). Curt Lewis