Russia and China study new bomber development and measures to keep current fleets up to date. Stealth technology a big issue. China buys tankers from Russia.
http://aviationweek.com/defense/future-bombers-under-study-china-and-russia
Boeing, SpaceX to get $6.8 billion for commercial crew flights
Boeing gets USD 4.2 Billion, SpaceX USD 2.6 Billion from NASA for commercial crew flights.
http://aviationweek.com/space/boeing-spacex-get-68-billion-commercial-crew-flights
Texas UAV testing ground adds runway
Economic impact on Texas from UAV industry may be > 8,000 jobs, and that is with the FAA restrictions in place. Imagine the impact if the industry was given more leeway.
http://generalaviationnews.com/2014/09/16/uas-test-site-adds-runway/
TED Fellow Sergei Lupashin brings aerial photography down to Earth
Tethered drones for pictures from a spot above one's head. May also get around FAA restrictions. But how about the FAA backs off a bit so people can let drones roam free, and to places other than straight up?
http://blog.ted.com/2014/09/12/sergei-lupashin-brings-aerial-photography-down-to-earth/
Several airlines show off their new flying colours
Cool new color schemes on several commercial airlines. Article with lots of nice pictures...
FAA fiddles while canadian drones earn
Transport Canada grants commercial drone permits since 2010, leading to the new industry expanding there, creating jobs. In the US meanwhile the FAA continues to block.
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/FAA-Fiddles-While-Canadian-Drones-Earn222754-1.html
Saved by ultralight's ballistic parachute
Ultralight and glider collide in mid air over Germany, becoming wedged together, saved by ultralight's ballistic parachute. All survived!
Google looking at delivery via unmanned aerial systems
Google looks to unlock potential of delivery via UAS.
http://aviationweek.com/technology/google-looks-unlock-potential-delivery-uas
Tiny helicopters can't out-hover hummingbirds
Blades of tiny heli drones as efficient as an average hummingbird wing when spun. Spinning about twice as efficient as flapping. Best hummingbird wings (Anna's hummingbird wing), when spun, still 27% more efficient than heli blades.
http://www.futurity.org/hummingbirds-micro-helicopters-740052/
Exciting!
US Maven and Indian MOM Mars spaceships to orbit Mars on Sept 21 and 24 respectively. Exciting!
First flight in 1903...
I confess that in 1901, I said to my brother Orville that man would not fly for fifty years.
- Wilbur Wright
(First flight in 1903)
Government to probe airline fee structures
Turbulence ahead as airline fees are probed.
Tesla picks Nevada for its battery 'Gigafactory'
Apparently Tesla Motors has picked Nevada as location for its battery Gigafactory.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/09/03/tesla-gigafactory-nevada-carson/15029233/
Nominations for Aviation Week's Laureate Awards 2015
Nominations are open for Aviation Week's Laureate Awards 2015 - the 'Oscars' of the A&D industry! Nominations can be submitted online:
Mark my word...
Mark my word: A combination airplane and motorcar is coming. You may smile. But it will come.
-Henry Ford
Interesting quote
I have discovered that a screw-shaped device such as this, if it is well made from starched linen, will rise in the air if turned quickly.
-Leonardo da Vinci
Small UAV and drone market predicted to grow 12% annually through 2020
Technical progress and demand to drive, regulations may hinder growth.