Leonardo expands C‑27J Spartan footprint with Saudi Arabian Maritime Patrol order

Italy-based aerospace contractor Leonardo announced Monday that it will deliver four C-27J Spartan-derived Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence. The deal makes the Royal Saudi Naval Forces the 21st operator of the C‑27J platform worldwide and marks the first procurement of the MPA variant equipped for integrated maritime weapon systems.

Since its introduction, the C‑27J Spartan multi-mission tactical transport has accumulated more than 290,000 flight hours across a diverse user base spanning five continents. The aircraft’s blend of payload capacity, short‑take-off performance, and modern avionics has secured its reputation among air forces and coast guards alike. Leonardo says the new order underscores the growing demand for versatile, cost-effective platforms that can be re-tasked between transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, and now, maritime security missions.

Deliveries to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces are slated to begin in 2029, with the aircraft expected to operate from coastal bases to conduct anti-submarine warfare, surface‑target surveillance, search‑and‑rescue, and logistical support. The C‑27J MPA retains the full suite of avionics, navigation, communications, and self-protection systems of the Spartan Next Generation, while adding a modular weapons interface that can accommodate torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and depth charges as mission requirements dictate.

The MPA version achieves its multi-role flexibility by removing the mission‑management consoles usually installed for dedicated surveillance tasks, allowing the cabin to be rapidly reconfigured for transport, airdrop, or aeromedical missions. The same approach is already in service with the United States Coast Guard, which operates C‑27Js for maritime patrol and interdiction duties.

US military airlifts nuclear reactor modules to Utah for testing

The U.S. Department of War (DoW) and the Department of Energy announced on Sunday that a next-generation nuclear reactor, Ward250, had been successfully flown from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The transport, carried out by a C‑17 Globemaster aircraft, marks the first time a complete set of reactor modules has been moved by air for the purpose of commercial‑technology testing.

The eight modules comprising the Ward250 will be loaded onto three aircraft as part of “Operation Windlord.” After landing at Hill AFB, the modules will be forwarded to the Utah San Rafael Energy Laboratory in Orangeville, where they will undergo a series of performance, safety, and integration tests.

The operation was conducted in partnership with Valar Atomics, a private firm that developed the Ward250 design. The collaboration aligns with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump that called for a “modernized and resilient” American nuclear energy sector. The order encourages public-private partnerships and the rapid deployment of innovative reactor concepts.

In a press release, the DoW said, “The successful delivery and installation of this reactor will unlock significant possibilities for the future of energy resilience and strategic independence for our nation's defense, showcasing an agile, innovative, and commercial-first approach to solving critical infrastructure challenges. By harnessing the power of advanced nuclear technology, we are not only enhancing our national security but championing a future of American energy dominance.”

A press conference held at Hill AFB after the arrival featured Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Undersecretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, and Valar Atomics CEO Isaiah Taylor.

Study shows AI tools are increasingly influencing investment decisions

A new survey by cryptocurrency exchange Bitpanda UK reveals that artificial‑intelligence (AI) tools are becoming a prominent source of financial education for British adults. Almost half of those surveyed – 46 % – say they trust ChatGPT to explain crypto-related concepts, while 30 % turn to AI platforms for a basic understanding of digital assets. Of the latter group, more than half (54 %) say they subsequently used AI-generated research to make investment decisions.

The findings arrive as crypto ownership continues to rise in the United Kingdom. Bitpanda estimates that around 6.5 million Britons currently hold cryptocurrency, and a further 15 % intend to invest in the future. Yet the study also highlights a persistent knowledge gap: 45 % of respondents say they do not understand digital assets well enough to invest, and 46 % admit they have heard of Bitcoin but cannot explain what it is or how to purchase it legally in the U.K.

Younger investors lead the surge

The data points to a generational divide. Among 18‑ to 24‑year‑olds, 40 % have already invested in crypto – nearly double the national average. Their primary motivations are long-term wealth building (46 %), portfolio diversification (35 %), and saving for family or children (33 %). The willingness to experiment with emerging technologies appears to be driving the shift toward digital‑asset exposure.

Policy response lags market behavior

The U.K. government’s recently unveiled Financial Inclusion Strategy aims to broaden financial education in schools, but critics note that the curriculum remains heavily weighted toward traditional products such as savings accounts, pensions, and equities.

Kevan Edgerton, U.K. Country Manager of Bitpanda, commented: “The increase in people using unsolicited financial education services such as ChatGPT and AI means the U.K. isn’t getting the education it needs to be responsible with its crypto investments. By modernizing financial literacy to include digital assets, we can help more people invest confidently and with a long-term mindset. The future of finance is already here. Education needs to catch up.”

Work begins to add science instruments aboard NASA’s new ‘Flying Laboratory’

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., has initiated a critical design and analysis phase for its next-generation airborne science platform. [Full story]

American Airlines is Kentucky Derby-bound from 20 destinations

The countdown to race day is on, and getting to the track in Louisville, Ky. (SDF) is top priority for many travelers. To meet those needs, American is moving into the homestretch with nonstop flights connecting SDF to a record 20 destinations this year.

More flights to connect travelers to the action

American has added special flights to 13 destinations between April 30 and May 3, complementing existing service to seven destinations. These additional nonstop flights give travelers faster and more convenient flight options to show off their seersucker suits, spring dresses, and fashionable new hats.

American’s hubs, such as Charlotte (CLT), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Philadelphia (PHL), and Washington, D.C. (DCA), will see a combination of extra flights and larger aircraft operating to SDF on peak travel dates.

Compared to a traditional day at SDF, American will more than double the number of flights it operates on peak dates surrounding the marquee race. This means 41 arriving flights on April 30 and 46 departing flights on May 3.

Setting the pace with elevated travel experiences

From Los Angeles (LAX) and Santa Ana (SNA) in California, American will operate special flights to SDF with Airbus A321T aircraft.

NASA funds major overhaul on 42-year-old research jet

NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center is moving forward with a significant long-term maintenance project for one of its oldest research aircraft, a 1984 Gulfstream III, even as it relies on a sole-source contract to keep the plane’s aging engines running. [Full story]

US Special Operations Command explores market for new Small Cruise Missile

The U.S. Special Operations Command has launched a market research initiative to identify existing technologies for a new air-launched Small Cruise Missile. [Full story]