R&D Breakthroughs in Electric Aviation: The Week in Aerospace

Heart Aerospace relocated its R&D hub to California to advance its Electric Aviation projects. Meanwhile, Honeywell announced new technologies to boost renewable SAF and specialized sensors for eVTOL in partnership with Lilium. Additionally, NASA’s DC-8 Airborne Science Lab officially completed its last flight and will now be used as an on-ground training tool at Idaho University.

Prepare to take off. This is the Week in Aerospace!

Drones: The Previously Unimaginable Is on the Horizon

DJI is the leading brand in the global consumer drone market, handling everything except military-grade drones. It has three primary divisions: consumer, agriculture, and enterprise. The company's drones are designed primarily for recreational use but are equipped with high-quality cameras suitable for professional use, providing users with an enjoyable experience, allowing them to capture photos and videos that can be shared on social media.

Heart Aerospace Unveils US R&D Hub for Hybrid-Electric Aviation

Heart Aerospace, a Swedish manufacturer of hybrid-electric airplanes, has inaugurated a new Research and Development (R&D) center in Los Angeles, California. This strategic decision signifies a crucial phase in the advancement of its inaugural regional hybrid-electric aircraft, the ES-30.

Building on Decades of Aerospace Experience

Chihuahua cluster’s triple helix model has been a key part of the organization since its inception. Representatives from the government, companies, and academia help form the cluster’s annual plan. We include them to see how we can support them and what capabilities they have. We also support businesses in non-economic ways by helping them source materials, tests, or measurements. 

Honeywell’s New Tech to Boost Renewable Aviation Fuel

Honeywell's latest hydrocracking technology is poised to elevate renewable aviation fuel (SAF) production from biomass, offering a 3-5% increase in output and a 20% reduction in costs and byproduct waste compared to other hydroprocessing methods. 

Aeroméxico Rejoins BMV, Eyes Wall Street IPO

Aeroméxico is preparing to return to the financial markets, with plans to commence trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) in June 2024. Although the exact date is unspecified, the company seeks an entry valuation exceeding MX$85 million (US$5.1 million).

Premium Air Travel Rebounds in Q1 2024: IATA

Premium class air travel, comprising Business and First Class, has experienced a resurgence in the first quarter of 2024, according to recent data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Premium class traffic contributed 20% to airline revenues during this period, with growth observed across various regions.

NASA's DC-8 Airborne Science Laboratory Completes Final Flight

NASA's DC-8 Airborne Science Laboratory, a cornerstone of aerial research for over three decades, has concluded its final mission. On May 15, the aircraft touched down at Idaho State University in Pocatello, marking the end of a storied era in scientific exploration. The transition will see the aircraft repurposed as a training tool for the university's Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program.

Pentagon, SpaceX Struggle to Stop Russia's Starlink Use

The Pentagon is intensifying its efforts with SpaceX to counteract the illicit acquisition and utilization of Starlink satellite internet terminals by Russian forces, which poses a threat to Ukrainian military operations, according to recent testimonies from US defense officials.

Honeywell to Provide Sensors for Lilium's Electric VTOL Jet

Honeywell announced its collaboration with Lilium to supply propulsion unit position sensors for the Lilium Jet. These sensors, known as "resolvers," are tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Lilium Jet, ensuring precise engine position detection for safe takeoff and operation.