US firm awarded contract to build CH-53K helicopter facility in Israel

The U.S. Department of War announced Friday that Exyte US Inc., headquartered in Albany, N.Y., has secured a firm‑fixed‑price contract to design and construct “bed down” facilities for CH‑53K heavy‑lift helicopter in Israel. The award is valued at $96,248,142 and is slated for completion by March 23, 2029.

The contract was announced through an Internet-based solicitation that attracted four bids. After evaluation, Exyte US was selected for the contract work to be performed at a base in Israel. Fiscal 2026 Foreign Military Sales (Israel) funds for $96,248,142 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Middle East District, is managing the contract.

Scope of work

The project involves a Design-Bid-Build, new construction of the CH-53K Bed-down site in Israel. The project includes the construction of Operational Level (O-Level) and Intermediate Level (I-Level) Hangars, associated support spaces, airfield improvements, grading and drainage improvements, and supporting infrastructure to support the bed down of CH-53K aircraft.

Maintenance Hangar Details

The O-Level Maintenance Hangar area will serve as a maintenance campus and will facilitate the general aircraft maintenance between missions.  This Hangar is designed to provide protected space for the maintenance of one CH-53K aircraft and additional storage/shelter for three partially folded CH-53K aircraft. The O-Level campus will also include parking spaces for up to ten aircraft, a Wash Pad, an Aircraft Rinse Pad, a Combat Depot, and a Chaff/Flare Locker.

The O-Level Hangar will provide space and equipment necessary to support the new CH-53K for the following functional areas:

• Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Bay
• Aircraft Storage Hangar Bay
• Aircraft Maintenance Administration
• Aircraft Maintenance Tool Room
• Hazardous Storage / Hazardous Waste
• Support Equipment Storage

The I-Level Maintenance Hangar and Depot-Level maintenance facility comprises two I-Level Maintenance Hangar bays to provide general aircraft maintenance and is designed to provide protected space for aircraft maintenance of two CH-53K aircraft.

The I-Level Hangar will provide space and equipment necessary to support the new CH-53K mission for the following functional areas:

• Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Bays
• Warehouse / Ground Equipment
• Hazardous Waste Area
• Blade Repair Shop
• Building Complex
• Parts Storage / Tool Room
• Facilities Complex
• Office Complex
• Engine Complex

CH-53K for Israel

In 2022, Lockheed Martin announced it would produce 12 CH-53K heavy lift helicopters for Israel under a U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales agreement.

This production announcement was for the first four of 12 aircraft for Israel and was on the heels of a contract to produce nine more aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps. The signed letter of offer and acceptance between the U.S. Government and Israel states that deliveries of the baseline aircraft were planned for 2025.

The CH-53K helicopters will replace the Israeli Air Force (IAF) fleet of modified CH-53D Yasur helicopters, which have been in Israel’s inventory for over 50 years. The all-new CH-53K delivers modern state-of-the-art capabilities that result in improved survivability, safety, and reduced aircrew workload over its predecessor, making it the perfect fit for the demanding IAF mission. Also, with a reduction in support equipment footprint compared to the legacy fleet, the CH-53K will mean reduced operating costs.

The aircraft are manufactured at Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford, Conn.

Starfighters Space moves to Critical Design Review for STARLAUNCH I rocket

Starfighters Space, Inc., the operator of the world’s largest fleet of commercial supersonic aircraft, announced Friday that it will proceed to a Critical Design Review (CDR) for its STARLAUNCH I rocket. The milestone follows a series of subsonic and supersonic wind‑tunnel tests that validated the vehicle’s separation dynamics and aligns the program with engineering support from GE Aerospace.

STARLAUNCH I is being developed as a suborbital vehicle capable of carrying payloads to altitudes of roughly 45,000 feet for air‑launch into space. The rocket is intended to enable short-duration microgravity missions and to serve as a pathfinder for future air-launched concepts. The vehicle will be released from one of Starfighters’ modified supersonic aircraft, which can be configured in-flight as a first-stage lifting platform for a variety of payloads.

The upcoming CDR, a structured program milestone, will provide an integrated review of the vehicle’s design baseline, system interfaces, verification plans, and key risks before full-scale fabrication and testing begin. Starfighters expects the review to focus on configuration control, manufacturability, and test readiness, as well as a verification sequence that moves from ground validation through drop‑testing to flight evaluation.

The wind‑tunnel campaign demonstrated that the rocket maintains aerodynamic stability during separation from the carrier aircraft under both subsonic and supersonic conditions. Based on those results, Starfighters has begun procurement of an instrumented demonstrator to be flown underwing, allowing real-world assessment of separation dynamics.

GE Aerospace, a long-time partner, will participate in the CDR to lend its expertise in propulsion integration and program discipline. The aerospace firm previously contributed engineering analysis and flight‑test support for STARLAUNCH’s early development phases and will continue to aid risk reduction as the project advances.

US Space Force requests parabolic‑flight services for summer cadet program

The United States Space Force (USSF) has released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry input on the provision of parabolic‑flight services for the Space Delta 1, Detachment 1 “Azimuth” summer training program.

The initiative, hosted at the United States Air Force Academy, offers senior military cadets a hands‑on introduction to physical operations in the space domain, including neutral‑buoyancy training, microgravity experiments, and rocket construction.

The RFI, released Friday, outlines a prospective contract that could span up to five years—one base year followed by three optional one-year extensions and a final fourth‑year option.

The core requirement is a fleet of aircraft capable of executing 15 parabola flights each summer, delivering a mix of Martian (0.38 g), Lunar (0.16 g), and zero‑gravity (0 g) profiles. Each flight is expected to carry roughly 25 cadets and last about four hours, inclusive of transit, pre-flight briefings, the parabola sequence, and post-flight debriefs.

RFI respondents are asked to submit capability statements that illustrate innovative approaches to delivering parabolic‑flight services.

The flights will originate and conclude at Colorado Springs Airport in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The USSF Space Delta 1, Detachment 1 Azimuth program is a unique summer space education and training program for military cadets hosted at the U.S. Air Force Academy. It offers an immersive introduction to physical operations in the space domain. The program includes academics, industry and military visits, neutral buoyancy, microgravity, and rocket building.

Cadets experience the effects of lunar, Martian, and microgravity by flying in a modified aircraft and conducting demonstrations and research in simulated space environments.

The need for parabolic flight services is growing.

Aircraft Boost Access to Reduced‑Gravity Research

In January, NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California issued a market‑research RFI aimed at expanding the agency’s Flight Opportunities program. The RFI seeks input from commercial and academic entities capable of providing Parabolic Flight Services that deliver microgravity and reduced‑gravity environments for technology testing and scientific experiments.

NASA’s Flight Opportunities program traditionally relies on a fleet of modified agency aircraft that fly a series of steep climbs and dives—known as “parabolas”—to create short bursts of weightlessness lasting up to 25 seconds or more. While these flights have supported a range of research, from fluid dynamics to human physiology, the agency is now looking to diversify its options.

FBI revamps maintenance process for Cessna aircraft fleet

The Federal Bureau of Investigation plans to enter into a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) contract to secure comprehensive overhaul services for the Lycoming engines that power their fleet of Cessna G1000 aircraft. [Full story]

KC-390, new air-refueling tanker for the US and allied nations

Northrop Grumman Corp. and Embraer announced on Thursday that they will work together to evolve a multi-mission KC-390 Millennium aircraft to provide advanced tanking capabilities for the United States Air Force and allied nations. Together, the two companies will address the need for an agile combat tanker capability for the warfighter.

• The companies are joining forces to combine their insights and experiences to rapidly advance the initiatives required to deliver a next-generation air-refueling system.
• Drawing on the companies’ extensive expertise in aircraft design, development, and production with systems integration and industry-leading manufacturing capabilities, this collaboration sets the stage for the development of the KC-390 Multi-Mission Tanker for the U.S. and allied air forces and shapes the requirements for future aerial logistics architectures.
• Key features will include an advanced autonomous aerial refueling boom, enhanced communications, situational awareness, and survivability options, as well as adaptable mission systems. These improvements will expand the range of aircraft supported by KC-390 refueling operations and broaden its mission scope in operational environments.

Details on the KC-390 Millennium:

“The KC-390 Millennium stands out as the most capable aircraft in its class, engineered to perform complex missions in the most demanding environments,” Northrop Grumman and Embraer said in a press statement. Designed and built in the 21st century to withstand current and future threats, this multi-mission medium airlift and tanker jet delivers superior performance, operational flexibility, and cost efficiency. Its capabilities include aerial refueling, agile combat employment, and rapid response across a wide range of mission profiles.

The standard tactical transport version of the KC-390, Embraer’s C-390 Millennium, also had news to share on Thursday.

C-390 Maintenance Facility in India

Embraer and Mahindra Group have plans to work towards establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the C-390 Millennium upon selection in the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. The two companies signed a strategic cooperation agreement in October 2025 to produce the C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft in India. This collaboration aims to support the Indian Air Force's MTA program, with plans to establish local manufacturing, strengthening the 'Make in India' initiative.

Embraer says the C-390 Millennium is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class, offering a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and higher speed and range than other medium-sized military transport aircraft. It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. The aircraft can operate from temporary or unpaved runways and may be configured for air-to-air refueling, both as a tanker and as a receiver.

The air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania have selected the C-390 Millennium.

The proposed MRO facility will provide comprehensive in‑country maintenance and sustainment for the C‑390 fleet, supporting high levels of operational readiness and availability. The initiative reinforces the companies’ joint commitment to positioning the C‑390 Millennium as a strong solution for India’s future medium transport aircraft requirements.

The proposed MRO capability is expected to deliver a full spectrum of services, including base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections and testing, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and training.

While the primary objective of the MRO is to support the Indian Air Force fleet, Embraer is also evaluating the potential for India to serve as a regional MRO hub, providing sustainment services for other C-390 Millennium operators in the future.

Boeing lands major order from Vietnam carrier for up to 40 Dreamliners

The Boeing Company and Sun PhuQuoc Airways announced Wednesday that the new Vietnam-based carrier has ordered up to 40 787 Dreamliner jets to serve as the backbone of its widebody fleet. The airline will leverage the ultra-efficient, long-range 787 Dreamliner to connect international travelers to its Vietnam hub at Phu Quoc International Airport.

"Our partnership with Boeing establishes a strong foundation for building a world-class airline that operates in sync with the tourism and resort ecosystem Sun Group has developed," said Dang Minh Truong, chairman of Sun Group, the airline's Vietnam-based parent company. "We selected the Boeing 787-9 not only for its superior operational performance, but because it is the most suitable aircraft type to realize our vision of bringing Phu Quoc to the world and bringing the world to Phu Quoc."

With a range of 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 kilometers), the 787-9 will position Sun PhuQuoc Airways to efficiently connect Phu Quoc with major cities and other tourist destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America.

The 787 Dreamliner delivers superior comfort to passengers with the largest windows of any widebody airplane flying today and air that is pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, allowing passengers to arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed.

"We are excited to work with Sun PhuQuoc Airways as they join other global airlines in flying the 787 Dreamliner, which connects the most countries of any widebody fleet," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787-9's unmatched range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort will give the airline flexibility to open new long‑haul markets, lower operating costs and contribute to local tourism growth."

Since airlines began flying the 787 Dreamliner family in 2011, the global fleet has helped launch more than 535+ new nonstop routes globally and carried more than 1.2 billion passengers, further enhancing connectivity and expanding global travel options.

With Southeast Asia poised for significant air travel growth over the next 20 years, Vietnam is expected to be the region's fastest-growing aviation market with annual passenger growth of nearly 8% by 2030.

All aboard Allegiant Flight 925, a special trip to Dollywood theme park

On Tuesday, Las Vegas-based airline Allegiant announced the launch of a unique themed flight experience, Flight #925: Destination Dollywood. Vacationers flying from Orlando/Sanford (SFB), Fla., to Knoxville, Tenn. (TYS) on Allegiant flight #925 – numbered as a tribute to Dolly Parton's hit song "9 to 5" – will step away from their everyday routines and be invited to celebrate the best of life as Allegiant and Dollywood Parks & Resorts light up the skies and the Smokies with rides, giveaways, music, food and laughter.

The flight takes off on Nov. 6, featuring unique Dollywood-themed experiences on the ground and in the air. Additionally, passengers who purchase park admission can enjoy a special experience just for them at Dollywood on Nov. 7.

"Guests aboard flight #925 will enjoy a fast—and fun—way to reach the Smokies, where they can experience NightFlight Expedition, our brand-new adventure coaster, along with our award-winning Christmas festival featuring more than six million lights," said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts president. "We're excited to welcome our Orlando-area friends with several exclusive, behind-the-scenes park experiences to add even more memories to their Smoky Mountain vacation."

From the moment they arrive at the airport in Sanford and throughout the journey to Knoxville, passengers will enjoy themed gate celebrations, live entertainment direct from Dollywood, trivia, themed food and drinks, exclusive merchandise commemorating the experience, and more. Flight #925 passengers who book Dollywood admission tickets will also receive complimentary exclusive ride time, special treats, reserved seating, and more surprises during the park's award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas show.

More announcements are on the horizon, and Allegiant will share additional details and surprises as the flight date approaches.