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.

Boeing and Air Astana seal deal for up to 15 additional 787 Dreamliners

The Boeing Company and Air Astana JSC announced on Tuesday that the airline has finalized an order for up to 15 787‑9 Dreamliner aircraft. The purchase, the largest single‑aircraft transaction in Air Astana’s history, will bring the carrier’s 787‑9 fleet to 18 planes when three of the new jets, slated for delivery through leasing arrangements, are added. The agreement follows a November commitment by Air Astana to acquire additional 787‑9s, which had been reported as a future purchase.

The Air Astana Group operates a total of 60 aircraft with an average age of 5.2 years. The fleet consists of Boeing 767, Airbus A321, Airbus A321neo, Airbus A321neo LR, Airbus A320ceo, and Airbus A320neo series aircraft.

Resume Direct Flights to Baku

On Wednesday, Air Astana announced plans to resume direct flights from Almaty to Baku and increase the total number of flights to the capital of Azerbaijan.

Starting March 15, flights on the Almaty-Baku-Almaty route will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays. From April, the frequency will increase to three times a week, and from May to four times a week: on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The new schedule provides daytime departure and arrival, which are more convenient for travel planning.

The airline is also increasing the frequency of regular flights on the Atyrau-Baku-Atyrau route three times a week: from March 18, flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays; from April, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The flight time is 3 hours 35 minutes from Almaty and 1 hour 25 minutes from Atyrau.

ATF looks at drones again for broad array of missions

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), a law‑enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, released a Request for Information (RFI) document on Tuesday seeking data from commercial vendors that develop, produce, or support small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). The agency’s objective is to lay the groundwork for a multi-year, category-based acquisition vehicle that would allow ATF—and, potentially, other federal entities—to procure a standardized, modular suite of drone capabilities for a broad array of mission sets.

Why the ATF is Turning to Drones

ATF’s mandate includes combating illegal firearms trafficking, explosives violations, arson, terrorism, and the illicit diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. To meet that mandate, the bureau conducts investigations and operational responses in environments that range from dense urban centers to remote, disaster‑stricken areas, and from indoor facilities to outdoor crime scenes.

Historically, ATF’s sUAS deployments have been driven by individual program needs—Special Response Teams, National Response Teams, field divisions, investigative units and training departments each selected platforms that best fit a narrow set of requirements. This ad‑hoc approach, while functional, has led to a fragmented fleet with varying levels of cybersecurity, interoperability, and sustainment support.

A New Acquisition Strategy

The RFI outlines an ambitious plan to replace that patchwork with a standardized, modular, and category-based national sUAS capability. Rather than purchasing vendor-specific solutions for each isolated use case, ATF intends to establish a common baseline of performance specifications—payload capacity, endurance, communication links, data‑handling, and cybersecurity posture—that can be applied across the federal government.

The period of performance for this contract shall consist of a base year and four option years. The specific dates for these periods of performance are as follows:

• Base Year: October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027
• Option Year 1: October 1, 2027 through September 30, 2028
• Option Year 2: October 1, 2028 through September 30, 2029
• Option Year 3: October 1, 2029 through September 30, 2030
• Option Year 4: October 1, 2030 through September 30, 2031

Timeline and Expectations

Interested companies have until March 31 to submit their responses to the RFI. The agency has not yet announced a date for a formal request for proposals (RFP), but the RFI is intended to shape the eventual solicitation by gathering market data on available platforms, costs, cybersecurity certifications, and support infrastructure.

[Editor’s notes: In 2022, ATF started a review of the agency's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and planning for future requirements.

In 2015, A Justice Department Inspector General announced that the ATF had spent approximately $600,000 on drones it never flew operationally.]

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]