Seattle-based Radian Aerospace, a company aiming to develop a reusable orbital space plane, announced on 25 September that it had successfully completed its first flight tests. These initial trials, referred to as “short hops,” were conducted at an undisclosed airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The tests involved the prototype PFV01, which was designed to evaluate the aerodynamics of the Radian One space shuttle.
06
Sep
Sep
A revolutionary nickel-titanium alloy is set to transform aviation by enabling aircraft wings to dynamically change shape during flight, optimizing their aerodynamics in real-time. This development, spearheaded by Xiaobing Ren and his team at the National Institute for Materials Science in Japan, introduces a new class of materials that combine the strength of steel with extraordinary flexibility. Unlike rigid structures, these materials allow for morphing surfaces, opening new possibilities for aircraft performance, fuel efficiency, and flight control.
11
Aug
Aug
In a bold stride toward making space travel more accessible, Virgin Galactic has unveiled its ambitious plan to increase the frequency of its spaceflights with the introduction of the new Delta-class spacecraft. While the VSS Unity could accommodate flights roughly once a month, these cutting-edge shuttles are designed to operate multiple times a week, paving the way for a global network of spaceports that will transform commercial space travel.
17
Jun
Jun
The “new Concorde” could carry passengers at five times the speed of sound, promising to revolutionize air travel. For now, the concept of the Sky Magnetar aircraft, which aims to rival NASA’s developments, remains purely theoretical.
23
May
May
Airbus has introduced an innovative aircraft known as the Racer, which stands out as a helicopter-plane hybrid. This pioneering technology, still in the demonstration phase, promises to revolutionize air travel with its unique design and performance capabilities. Unlike traditional aircraft, the Racer combines the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter with the speed of an airplane, potentially transforming various sectors of aviation.
25
Mar
Mar
In the two decades following the Concorde’s last journey, the quest for supersonic commercial flight has reignited with the emergence of the Boom Supersonic XB-1. This aircraft, dubbed “Baby Boom,” represents a significant leap towards the return of faster-than-sound air travel. Its first major tests took place at the Mojave Air & Space Airport in California, marking a pivotal moment in aviation history.