Aerospace

Pratt & Whitney has tested a largely additively manufactured engine. The TJ150 demonstration consolidated more than 50 hot-section components, shifting attention towards repeatable print quality, inspection, post-processing, and production economics.

Thunder brings hybrid-electric propulsion into autonomous military rotorcraft development programmes. Anduril and Archer must now turn commercial eVTOL methods into an aircraft that can carry military payloads, survive demanding missions, and remain supportable.

BAE Systems has unveiled a modular sixth-generation fighter helmet demonstrator. Project Intuity combines wide-area display technology, head tracking, spatial audio, and future autonomy interfaces within a wearable system that must also satisfy protection and certification requirements.

GCAP’s engine demonstrator is approaching a decisive ground-testing programme milestone. Rolls-Royce, Avio Aero, and IHI are converting more than 100 subscale tests into a shared propulsion, electrical-power, cooling, and manufacturing architecture.

Protector has cleared another major hurdle towards operational strike capability. Qualification of Paveway IV and Brimstone 3 now shifts attention towards production configuration, weapons availability, ground infrastructure, training, and fleet support.

Japan has begun formal testing of its XEC-2 electronic-warfare aircraft. The campaign will test mission systems, electromagnetic compatibility, crew workload, and the support model required for a four-aircraft fleet.

Boeing still targets 2028 delivery for both VC-25B presidential aircraft. Wiring, structures, secure systems, power, cooling, and certification continue to drive cost and schedule pressure.

Canada’s expected GCAP observer status opens a serious workshare debate. Ottawa gains early programme access, while funding, technology rights, production roles, and procurement remain unresolved.

Honeywell is prioritising factory investment as defence component demand rises. A $500 million programme targets navigation, missile actuation, electronic warfare, supplier resilience, and production yield.