The Airframer Bulletin

Lead story

Airbus targets 2029 German UCCA capability with Valkyrie

The company has prepared two Valkyrie aircraft with a sovereign European mission system for 2026 flights, aiming to deliver operational capability by 2029.

18 March

More news – Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Airframer

The Valkyrie is positioned as a multi-mission system for high-risk tasks.

The aircraft uses a twin-propfan fuel-cell electric configuration with 700 bar hydrogen tanks above the wing, supporting ventilation and refuelling compatibility, while avoiding early reliance on cryogenic storage.

Beyond Aero advances hydrogen jet after design milestone

Integration of propulsion storage and safety systems has supported certification alignment and progression into detailed design and validation planning.

18 March

More news – Beyond Aero One, Airframer

Megawatt-class motor generators will feed into the next phase of hybrid-electric engine integration.

Collins advances hybrid-electric SWITCH testing milestone

Rockford subsystem testing supports integration of megawatt-class components into Pratt & Whitney GTF hybrid-electric engine demonstrator.

18 March

More news – Electrical Power Systems

Joby attributes the speed of its transition from prototype to conforming aircraft to its vertically integrated development strategy.

Joby begins flight testing FAA-conforming aircraft for certification

FAA pilots are expected to travel to Joby’s Marina, California facility later this year to conduct Type Inspection Authorization testing.

18 March

More news – Joby S4, Airframer

Ivor van Dartel, CEO and co-founder of Vaeridion, Dr Florian Herrmann, Head of the Bavarian State Chancellery and Minister of State, Marie-Christine von Hahn, managing director of BDLI, and Markus Kochs-Kämper, CTO and managing director of Vaeridion, cut the ribbon at the event.

Vaeridion hangar advances Microliner towards first flight

The Oberpfaffenhofen facility strengthens industrial capability and supports battery systems production, propulsion testing and integrated flight preparation for electric regional aircraft.

18 March

More news – Vaeridion Electric Microliner, Airframer

Astronics supplies fuel tank access doors for 737 MAX

Production will take place at Astronics’ Clackamas, Oregon facility, which supports a range of aircraft systems including passenger service units and environmental controls.

18 March

More news – Boeing 737, Electrical Power Systems

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The week’s supply chain stories, new program links and directory additions.

Edition of 12 March

Dassault unveils Falcon 10X large-cabin jet in Bordeaux

The next-generation flagship Falcon has been introduced with an all-composite wing built using Hexcel materials alongside a wider cabin and ultra-long-range performance.

12 March

More news – Dassault Falcon 10X, Dassault 8X, Dassault 7X, Composite Materials, Airframer