US Special Operations Command seeks Starlink service integration for AC‑130J Ghostrider

The United States Special Operations Command and the Air Force Special Operations Command have issued a Sources‑Sought announcement as part of a market survey aimed at identifying secure, ruggedized satellite‑communication solutions for the AC‑130J “Ghostrider” gunship.

The Request for Information (RFI) document released this week calls for vendors capable of integrating SpaceX’s Starlink/Starshield constellation into the aircraft to provide reliable beyond‑line‑of‑sight connectivity for a range of networked mission systems.

The RFI does not constitute a solicitation for bids, quotes, or proposals. It primarily serves as a research tool to gauge industry capability and inform future acquisition strategies. While no contract is promised, respondents will be evaluated against a set of six criteria that reflect the unique operational demands of special‑operations aerospace platforms.

Key evaluation criteria

1. Ruggedized, removable installation – Solutions must be suitable for semi‑permanent mounting on the Ghostrider, employing off‑the‑shelf secure aviation SATCOM terminals that can endure the full flight envelope of global special‑operations missions. A roll‑on/roll‑off (RORO) capability is also sought.
2. Compatibility with other C‑130 variants – Designs should be readily adaptable to the broader C‑130 fleet, supporting both operational deployments and test‑and‑evaluation activities.
3. Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) efficiency – Proposals must minimize SWaP while delivering the required network performance in harsh environments.
4. Network reliability and performance – The system must enable secure, global connectivity with high download/upload speeds and low latency, essential for time‑critical mission data.
5. Open‑source interfaces and architecture – Vendors are expected to employ open‑source frameworks to ensure seamless integration with current and future Special Operations Force platforms.
6. Support and third‑party collaboration – Respondents must offer 24/7/365 secure‑operations support and demonstrate willingness to work with third-party integrators to expand capability.

The RFI also requests product literature, recent project summaries—preferably those involving the Department of War—and any relevant experience supporting the Department of Homeland Security. The information gathered will inform how the Starlink/Starshield network can be hardened for military use, addressing concerns such as encryption, anti‑jamming, and resilience against cyber threats.

EHang reaches new heights with historic cross-strait eVTOL flight

EHang Holdings Limited, a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility, has achieved a milestone in urban air transportation by completing the first cross-strait pilotless eVTOL flight over China’s Qiongzhou Strait. The EH216-series electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft traveled 22 kilometers from Nanhai Mingzhu Island in Haikou City, Hainan Province, to Xuwen Port in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, in just 18 minutes— slashing travel time by approximately 70–80% compared to traditional ferry services.

The flight, announced on Wednesday, marks a critical step in validating the capabilities of autonomous eVTOL technology for overwater operations. The EH216-series, designed for two passengers, is powered by a high-energy solid-state battery co-developed with partner Inx Energy. The battery’s performance during the mission, which involved navigating complex maritime conditions, underscores its reliability in challenging environments. EHang highlighted the achievement as a foundation for advancing low-altitude mobility networks between Hainan and Guangdong, two provinces pivotal to China’s broader AAM development strategy.

“This flight demonstrates the stability and adaptability of our technology in real-world scenarios, including cross-strait transportation, island tourism, and maritime logistics,” stated EHang in a press release. The company emphasized that the success could accelerate inter-provincial connectivity and support longer-range flights within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a hub for technological and economic integration.

The Qiongzhou Strait flight follows extensive testing by EHang and its partners in diverse conditions, including high-altitude environments, extreme temperatures, typhoons, and overwater bodies.

DraftKings ends bonus rewards for Bronze-level customers

DraftKings, a sports betting and daily fantasy sports platform, announced Tuesday an update to its Dynasty Rewards loyalty program that will alter how users earn Crowns—a key component of the platform’s rewards system. The change, set to take effect on Jan. 3, will impact users with Bronze Status in the program.

Starting on the specified date, users with Bronze Status will no longer earn Crowns through standard play, such as regular fantasy sports contests or sports betting wagering. However, they will retain the ability to earn Crowns via eligible promotions, featured offers, and other time-limited opportunities. DraftKings emphasized that these promotional avenues will remain a core part of the Dynasty Rewards experience, allowing users to accumulate Crowns through targeted activities.

Crowns are bonus credits that can be used in place of real money to bet on DraftKings Sportsbook & Casino.

The Dynasty Rewards program, designed to incentivize user engagement, assigns status tiers (including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and higher levels) based on wagering activity and spending. Crowns serve as a metric within the program, unlocking benefits such as exclusive promotions, entry into special contests, and other rewards. While the update specifically affects Crown accumulation for Bronze-tier users during standard play, the platform noted that existing promotions will continue to provide earning opportunities.

The company stated that its rewards structure is periodically reviewed to align with user behavior and business goals, though no further details about future adjustments were provided.

Users are encouraged to review their Dynasty Rewards status and explore available promotions to maximize Crown earnings amid the changes.

Cessna Citation Ascend marks entry into service with first retail delivery

Textron Aviation Inc. celebrated a significant milestone on Tuesday as the first retail customer took delivery of the Cessna Citation Ascend, the newly launched mid-size business jet. This event marks the aircraft’s official entry into service, following its announcement in 2023 and Federal Aviation Administration type certification in November.

A New Standard in Midsize Jets

The Citation Ascend distinguishes itself with a redesigned cockpit, enhanced performance capabilities, and a luxurious, flat-floor cabin designed to accommodate up to 12 passengers. Built to meet evolving demands in the business aviation sector, the jet emphasizes efficiency, comfort, and advanced technology.

Enhancing the Pilot Experience
At the heart of the Citation Ascend’s innovation is its Garmin G5000 avionics suite, a feature aimed at reducing pilot workload and improving safety. Key components include autothrottle technology with flight-envelope protection, three 14-inch ultra high-resolution displays supporting split-screen functionality, and dual flight management systems. The cockpit also integrates synthetic vision technology, which provides real-time terrain and obstacle visualization, and a satellite transceiver enabling in-flight diagnostics and satellite calls.

Designed for Performance and Comfort
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, the Citation Ascend delivers a maximum true airspeed of 441 knots and a range of 1,940 nautical miles (3,593 kilometers) with four passengers onboard. It also boasts a full fuel payload of 900 pounds (408 kilograms), supporting versatility for both business and leisure travel.

Passenger comfort is prioritized through an advanced acoustic treatment system, creating a quiet cabin environment comparable to a highway-driven vehicle. The flat-floor design enhances usability, while the aircraft’s unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit streamlines preflight operations and reduces ground noise.

China Aircraft Leasing Group expands partnership with Airbus aircraft order

China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) has finalized a firm order for 30 A320neo aircraft with Airbus, further solidifying its long-term collaboration with the European aircraft manufacturer. This agreement marks CALC’s fifth order with Airbus, elevating its cumulative aircraft commitments to Airbus to 282 units, of which 203 are A320neo models.

Mike Poon, executive director and CEO of CALC, emphasized the partnership’s mutual growth in a press release, stating, “We are proud to grow alongside Airbus and to continue providing our airline customers worldwide with high-value, modern aircraft solutions.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus’s executive vice president of Sales for Commercial Aircraft, noted that CALC, a valued partner since its first order in 2012, exemplifies “long-term confidence in the A320 family and the future of aviation.”

The A320neo aircraft family, the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft series with over 19,000 orders globally, is designed to deliver enhanced efficiency. The latest iteration, the A321neo, offers extended range and operational flexibility. The aircraft features advanced aerodynamics and fuel-efficient engines, resulting in a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation narrow-body jets.

Environmental sustainability remains a key focus for Airbus, which notes that the A320 family can operate using up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The company has set a target to achieve 100% SAF compatibility across its fleet by 2030, aligning with global efforts to decarbonize the aviation sector.

This transaction underscores Airbus’s strong position in the single-aisle market, particularly in comparison to competitors like Boeing’s 737 MAX.

DCNewsroom blog marks 15 years covering aviation and technology

The DCNewsroom blog celebrated its 15th anniversary on Dec. 28, 2025, having published over 1,200 articles spanning aviation, government, industry, space exploration, and stock market developments. Since its launch in December 2010, the platform has established itself as a reliable source for technology-driven news, with a particular emphasis on aviation innovations and safety.

A Legacy of Aviation Coverage - Aviation has remained the cornerstone of DCNewsroom’s reporting throughout its history. Over the years, the blog has chronicled significant milestones, accidents, and advancements in the industry, offering readers in-depth analysis and updates. From experimental aircraft debuts to federal safety investigations, its coverage reflects the evolving landscape of flight technology.

Top Stories Through the Years - Looking back, several stories stand out as pivotal moments in the blog’s 15-year history:

2014 and 2015: Early highlights include the tragic Cirrus aircraft crash off Virginia’s coast and the debut of the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, a milestone for private aviation. In 2015, DCNewsroom also reported on Lufthansa’s pilot-controlled taxiing system demonstration, a precursor to modern fuel-efficient runway technologies.

2020: The introduction of the Beechcraft King Air 360 marked a renewed focus on regional aircraft innovation, emphasizing versatility and safety for commercial and private operators.

2023: Multiple stories dominated the annual list, including an NTSB report revealing that a pilot and passenger were in an “aircraft not to be flown,” highlighting ongoing safety concerns. The year also saw coverage of Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70’s first flight in Greenville, South Carolina, and the U.S. Marshals Service’s acquisition of a Boeing 737 for prisoner transport. Additionally, the Air Force’s potential inclusion of taildragger aircraft in its Test Pilot School underscored efforts to preserve vintage flight training methods.

Expanding Horizons - While aviation remains central, DCNewsroom has broadened its scope to include breakthroughs in space exploration, government contracts, and financial market trends. The blog’s commitment to diverse technological sectors has attracted a global readership seeking nuanced insights.

As DCNewsroom enters its 16th year, it pledges to maintain its aviation focus while expanding coverage of emerging technologies.

With its milestone achieved, the blog aims to continue bridging the gap between technical advancements and public understanding, ensuring readers stay informed in an era of rapid innovation.

Your next restaurant bill could help fund a future vacation

Everyday expenses are gaining new significance, not budget-draining guilty pleasures. They have the potential to build wealth. Let me explain.

Consider a routine dinner outing costing $45.45. With a 30% tip (because the waiter didn’t spill wine on your shirt), the final bill comes to $59.08. While this may seem like a minor, forgettable transaction, financially savvy individuals see opportunity.

What if, instead of letting that $59.08 vanish into the void, you duplicate the purchase? Here’s the twist: Buy dinner for you, and dinner for your future self.

By depositing that same total, $59.08, into a high-yield savings account with a 3.4% annual percentage yield, the sum could grow to approximately $60.44 in one year, earning $1.99 in interest. I know, it’s not earth-shattering, but it’s like getting a free appetizer. Over five years, with annual compounding, it would rise to about $70.50, generating over $12 in passive income.

This example embodies a principle often echoed by entrepreneur and rapper Jay-Z: “If you can’t buy it twice, you can’t afford it.” The quote underscores financial resilience—not whether you can make a single purchase, but whether you can do so without jeopardizing your stability. When spending is balanced with saving, even modest amounts can contribute to long-term growth. The true power lies in consistency and compound interest.

The magic isn’t in the $59—it’s in the habit.

“It’s not your salary that makes you rich, it’s your spending habits,” Charles A. Jaffe

Over decades, repeated deposits of everyday expenses can accumulate significantly, especially when interest compounds daily or monthly.

Do this every time you splurge, and watch your savings turn into the buffet of your dreams.

Ultimately, transforming small, routine expenses into savings highlights a broader truth: financial security isn’t built solely through major investments, but through mindful, repeatable habits. With discipline and the right tools, compound interest can turn daily choices into lasting wealth—proving that in personal finance, every dollar has potential.

You don’t need to stop eating out. You just need to let your money have a side hustle.

Bon appétit—and happy saving.