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The Airframer Bulletin

Aerospace manufacturing, week by week — reported by Airframer’s editors

All news ✕ Clear Jump to press releases ↓
Edition of 22 April Published every Thursday
Lead story

Saab ships first aft airframe for Boeing's T-7A trainer

The first delivery has been made from Sweden, but Saab's brand new facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA will undertake future production of the aft sections for the T-7A program.

21 April 2021
The first aft fuselage section for the T-7A Red Hawk program at Saab’s Linkoping facility.
The first aft fuselage section for the T-7A Red Hawk program at Saab’s Linkoping facility.

MightyFly gains backing for larger cargo drones

MightyFly says its cargo carrier will fly faster and at lower-cost than rival systems, and requires no airport infrastructure. It could be a leapfrog technology for rural and lesser developed regions of the world.

21 April 2021
More news – Airframer
Martin Wood, Weaving Director at Antich and Sons, pictured with one of the single rapier weaving looms used to create 3D woven multilayer textiles. Martin is arguably one of the most experienced weaving experts in the country having spent his entire career working on the technical side of weaving.

Project results in composite yarn-spinning technique

Antich and Sons' latest capability is the culmination of a three-year project which focused on creating stabilised, near-net shape preforms of variable thickness. These preforms will allow for efficient use of material.

21 April 2021
More news – Non-metal Materials

Solar Impulse 2 progresses towards autonomous flight

A recent flight from Spain saw Skydweller's development aircraft rise to an altitude of 16,000ft. Aircraft control, actuation and sensor technology systems have been tested, and fully autonomous testing is next.

21 April 2021
More news – Airframer
ASKA, the electric take off and landing flying car for consumers.

NFT reveals plans for flying car test flights by 2022

Dual energy sources, large wings, large propellers, and a six pack of batteries should ensure ASKA is as safe in the air as it is on the ground, says NFT. First flight is expected in 2022.

21 April 2021
More news – ASKA A5, Airframer
Norway’s first P-8A Poseidon aircraft arrives by rail car in Renton, Washington, ready for final assembly.

First P-8A fuselage for Norway joins the production line

Norway is expected to receive its first P-8 later this year. In total, five P-8s will eventually replace Norway's current fleet of six P-3 Orions and three Falcon 20s. The first fuselage has arrived in Renton.

21 April 2021
More news – Boeing 737, Airframer
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Edition of 15 April 2021

A321XLR production kicks off with arrival of centre wing box

Parts of the centre wing box are reinforced, such as the spars, frames and upper and lower panels. Its arrival in Hamburg, along with fuselage panels from TAI, marks the start of aircraft structural assembly.

15 April 2021
Edition of 8 April 2021

Accelerating demand sees Air Tractor pass delivery milestone

Mike Rivenbark is going to use his Air Tractor 502XP to spray crop protection products on farm fields of blueberries, corn, beans and vegetables. His aircraft is the 4,000th to roll off the Air Tractor lines.

7 April 2021
More news – Airframer