January 7, 2026 - No. 01 In This Issue : BOEING SEEKS FAA EXEMPTION TO KEEP 777 FREIGHTER PRODUCTION ALIVE : Airbus starts operations at TransPark facility : Northrop Grumman tests fast-developed SMART motor, looks ahead to future applications : US Army to Overhaul 2,300 Most Versatile Combat Helicopters in the World : US Navy awards Skydweller $1.4M to develop next-gen all-electric aircraft propulsion : F-35 Availability Rates Remain Staggeringly Low as Maintenance Issues Persist: DoD Watchdog Blames Lockheed Martin : Boeing Gets $2 Billion Deal from Largest Air Force in the World to Re-Engine B-52 Bomber : The US Air Force’s AI-controlled F-16 will be equipped with the new PhantomStrike AESA radar : U.S. Air National Guard modernized C-130H Hercules fleet boosts tactical airlift capability. : What Boeing’s Flightradar24 deal means for your flight BOEING SEEKS FAA EXEMPTION TO KEEP 777 FREIGHTER PRODUCTION ALIVE Boeing has formally asked the FAA for an exemption from the 2017 ICAO fuel efficiency rules to continue producing the 777F (777-200LRF) beyond December 31, 2027, citing 777X certification delays and an urgent air cargo capacity gap. Boeing requests approval by May 1, 2026, to build up to 35 additional 777Fs until the 777-8F enters service. The exemption would also apply outside the U.S. The 777-8F targets entry into service in 2029-2030, much later than planned. The 777-9 passenger variant enters service first in 2027. ICAO rules would otherwise end 777F and 767F production in 2027. A fatal UPS MD-11F crash on November 4 led to the grounding of ~60 MD-11Fs. Boeing internally believes there's only a 50/50 chance the MD-11 returns. UPS and FedEx were already planning to retire the type. Airbus starts operations at TransPark facility The Standard Dec 21, 2025 Employees of Airbus Aerosystems Kinston give the thumbs up sign after Airbus acquired the former Spirit AeroSystems plant on Dec. 8. KINSTON — The giant European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has officially commenced operations at the North Carolina Global TransPark after completing its transaction with Spirit AeroSystems to acquire all of its industrial assets dedicated to commercial aircraft programs. Airbus welcomed more than 1,000 employees who worked at the former Spirit plant following the completion of regulatory approvals and closing the deal on Dec. 8, it said in a news release. The Kinston site, which now will operate as Airbus Aerosystems Kinston, is among a half dozen once owned by Spirit worldwide that now will be operated by Airbus, the company said. The Kinston operations are a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus Americas Inc. Located in the Global TransPark, the 500,000-square-foot production site will serve as a Center of Excellence for advanced composite manufacturing of the Airbus A350 aircraft fuselage and wing spar aerostructures. “We are proud to welcome our newest 1,000 employees to the Airbus family as we integrate the Kinston site into our growing U.S. footprint,” said Robin Hayes, chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America. “The aerostructures work being done in Kinston is vital to Airbus’ global industrial ramp-up, making the site a pace-setter for the A350 program.” “Airbus Aerosystems Kinston’s commitment begins and ends with an uncompromising dedication to safety,” said Daryl Taylor, senior vice president of operations for Airbus in North America. “The team will be hyper focused on ensuring an exceptional standard of quality that our partners and passengers trust. Airbus looks forward to being a strong community partner and employer of choice in North Carolina.” Airbus signed a definitive agreement in April with Spirit to acquire the Kinston sites and others involved in production activities for A350 fuselage sections, A220 wings and pylons, and components for the A320 and A220 families. The transition marks a significant step in Airbus’ strategy to enhance its industrial capabilities and strengthen its supply chain, said Florent Massou, executive vice president of operations for the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus. “This marks a special moment for all of us at Airbus,” he said. “We are proud to welcome over 4,000 new colleagues, with whom we will embark on a new chapter in our industrial operations by taking on activities of critical importance to our commercial aircraft programs.” Other sites that are part of the deal include: • Saint-Nazaire, France (A350 fuselage sections), joining as Airbus Atlantic Cadréan • Casablanca, Morocco (A321 and A220 components), joining as Airbus Atlantic Maroc Aero • Belfast, Northern Ireland (A220 wings and A220 mid-fuselage), becoming Airbus Belfast • Prestwick, Scotland (wing components for A320 and A350), becoming an affiliate named Prestwick Aerosystems. The production of A220 pylons will be transferred out of Wichita, Kansas, to the site of Saint-Eloi, Toulouse, France. Northrop Grumman tests fast-developed SMART motor, looks ahead to future applications written by Justin Davenport December 17, 2025 Note: See photos and video in the original article. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC), one of the largest space and defense contractors in the United States, is best known for its Space Shuttle and SLS solid rocket motors. However, it also manufactures a wide range of other solid rocket motors for space and defense applications. The company maintains and operates a program, the Solid Motor Annual Technology Demonstrator (SMART), to test new technologies and processes for building solid motors. SMART takes on more technical risk and includes processes and materials that are not traditionally part of solid rocket motor development. NGC develops and tests solid motors yearly for this purpose. Northrop Grumman’s SMASH!22 SMART motor test firing at Promontory, Utah, on Dec. 4, 2025. (Credit: Northrop Grumman) On Thursday, Dec. 4, NGC tested its latest SMART-developed motor at its solid motor manufacturing and testing facility in Promontory, Utah. The test took place at 1:00 PM MST (20:00 UTC). The motor was successfully tested for a nominal full-duration firing of 26 seconds, with only a minor issue reported: a fire extinguishing system that activated after a slight delay. Fortunately, this issue did not affect the motor or its performance. The Solid Motor Adaptable Scalable Half Time/Cost !22 (SMASH!22) motor, with a steel case measuring just over 0.5 m in diameter and just over three meters in length, produced over 100,000 N (22,500 lbf) of thrust during its test firing. SMASH!22, as well as the BAMM 2.0 motor, developed this year under the 2025 SMART demo program, took just eight months from a clean sheet to its critical design review, compared to the typical three-year gap between these milestones for solid rocket motors. SMASH!22 represents a low-cost, propellant-ready motor that was produced with robotic manufacturing processes, new case welding methods, and additively manufactured tooling. Tooling is typically a long-lead item, and the company is testing new ways to manufacture it more quickly. One new robotic manufacturing method specifically tested on the SMASH!22 motor was a method for spraying the liner in the rocket motor using automation, removing manual labor from the process. A 3D elastomer component was also tested, along with a new mandrel on which the case was wrapped. SMASH!22 is similarly sized to missile defense interceptors and target rockets, as well as sounding rockets for research. The SMASH!22 demonstrator is not, however, a replacement for existing motors; it is a demonstrator of emerging technology and manufacturing methods. This is the third year in a row that NGC tested a new motor for SMART, and the third test under the program, which first built and tested a motor in 2023. The program tests new technologies informed by customers to raise their technological readiness level, as well as to implement improvements and changes to manufacturing processes. The first SMART demo motor that was tested in 2023. (Credit: Northrop Grumman) The BAMM 2.0 motor is currently scheduled to conduct its test firing in the first quarter of 2026. The BAMM 2.0 motor will use additively manufactured tooling and components, including a hybrid metal-additively manufactured polymer propellant mold set and casting tool components. BAMM 2.0 will also test a lightweight nozzle structure, elastomer propellant cast interfaces, and an elastomer environmental seal. Each year’s configuration can be rapidly adapted to industry needs, and NGC is still evaluating the technologies and innovations to be tested for the 2026 SMART effort. When BAMM 2.0 is tested, it is scheduled to fire for 35 seconds while generating over 151,200 N (34,000 lbf) of thrust. BAMM 2.0 is 0.74 m in diameter, slightly wider than SMASH!22, but also slightly shorter than SMASH!22 at 3.28 m in length. Northrop Grumman is also expanding its supplier base for solid motors to fortify its supply chain, and new suppliers can deliver components for testing as part of their onboarding. For example, an alternative carbon-carbon supplier has provided material for testing on SMASH!22 and BAMM 2.0. US Army to Overhaul 2,300 Most Versatile Combat Helicopters in the World RFI outlines plan to overhaul up to 24 UH-60M Black Hawks annually from a 2,300-aircraft fleet By Karan Bhatta December 24, 20256 Mins Read Note: See photos in the original article. WASHINGTON— The US Army has begun planning for an overhaul program aimed at keeping its Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk fleet operational well beyond 2050. The effort, initiated through a formal Request for Information released on 19 December, reflects the service’s intent to sustain its primary utility helicopter as newer platforms enter service. The initiative is being managed from Washington, DC, and focuses on extending the life of more than 2,300 UH-60M helicopters currently operated by the US Army. Officials are assessing whether a long-term commercial production line could be established to support large-scale refurbishment and capability upgrades across the fleet. Photo: USAF US Army Plans UH-60M Helicopter Overhaul The Request for Information is a non-binding step designed to gather industry feedback before any formal procurement begins. Army officials have indicated that responses will help shape a potential Request for Proposal, which would define technical requirements and invite competitive bids. The proposed overhaul programme would involve full disassembly and inspection of each helicopter selected for refurbishment. Structural components would be repaired or replaced as needed, with specific attention given to corrosion control and fatigue mitigation to extend airframe life. According to the draft statement of work seen by FlightGlobal, the Army is seeking the capacity to upgrade between 12 and 24 UH-60Ms per year. The plan also allows for an unspecified number of HH-60M medical evacuation variants to be included under the same framework. The Utility Helicopters Project Office has stressed that the scope of the work is deliberately focused on essential tasks. Programme leadership expects that solution development and system integration will already be mature, allowing industry partners to concentrate on execution and efficiency. Photo: USAF Fleet modernization goals Beyond basic service-life extension, the US Army intends to modernise the UH-60M with new mission capabilities. A key focus is the integration of so-called launched effects, which would allow the helicopter to deploy uncrewed aerial systems while in flight. These launched effects are envisioned as small to medium uncrewed platforms capable of reconnaissance or strike missions. By deploying them from a Black Hawk, crews could gain situational awareness or offensive reach while remaining farther from ground-based threats. Flight testing has already demonstrated this concept using modified Black Hawks to deploy surrogate systems such as Anduril’s Altius uncrewed aircraft. Army planners view these capabilities as essential for maintaining relevance in future contested environments. Photo: Photo by Art Guzman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-us-army-helicopter-hovering-above-a-group-of-soldiers-8079181/ About the UH-60 Helicopter Black Hawk The UH-60M Black Hawk is a multi-mission military helicopter designed for combat, logistics, and humanitarian operations worldwide. Built by Sikorsky, it remains a core platform for the U.S. Army and allied forces. With continuous modernization through the Black Hawk Next program, the UH-60M is being prepared for service well into the 2070s, combining proven reliability with future-ready technology. A Proven Military Helicopter Built for Modern Warfare The UH-60M Black Hawk is the latest production variant of the Black Hawk family and serves as the primary medium-lift helicopter for the U.S. Army. It is designed to operate in high-threat, high-altitude, and high-temperature environments while maintaining consistent performance. Powered by twin T700-GE-701D engines and wide-chord composite rotor blades, the helicopter delivers increased lift, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced maintenance demands. Its maximum gross weight reaches 9,979 kg, enabling the transport of up to 12 fully equipped troops or 4,080 kg of internal or external cargo. With more than 15 million flight hours across global fleets, the UH-60M has demonstrated long-term durability in both combat and peacetime missions. Multi-Mission Operational Capabilities The UH-60M is engineered to support a wide range of mission profiles without extensive reconfiguration. Troop Transport and Utility Lift The aircraft supports internal and external cargo operations, including sling-load missions for supplies, vehicles, and firefighting equipment such as Bambi Buckets. Combat Assault Operations For armed assault roles, the helicopter can be fitted with crew-served door or window guns, armored flooring, and missile warning systems to enhance survivability in contested airspace. Search, Rescue, and Medevac The platform supports rescue hoists, electro-optical sensors, and advanced weather radar for combat search and rescue and humanitarian relief. The HH-60M Medevac variant functions as a modern airborne medical facility, optimized for rapid evacuation within the critical golden hour. Special Operations Support The UH-60M supports fast-rope insertion using a FRIES bar and can be equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks to extend range and endurance for special operations missions. Digital Cockpit and Advanced Survivability Systems The helicopter features an integrated digital avionics suite designed to reduce pilot workload and improve situational awareness. Key cockpit systems include: • Four multifunction displays • Digital moving map • Dual embedded GPS and inertial navigation systems • Fully coupled four-axis flight controls • Joint Variable Message Format data connectivity Survivability is enhanced through systems such as the Common Missile Warning System, laser warning receivers, upturned exhausts, and an Integrated Vehicle Health Management System that supports predictive maintenance and condition-based monitoring.Photo: By Alec Wilson from Khon Kaen, Thailand – 7222, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29383615 Black Hawk Next and Long-Term Modernization The Black Hawk Next program represents Sikorsky’s long-term modernization effort aligned with the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift strategy. Planned upgrades include: • Up to 50 percent increased engine power with improved fuel efficiency • A modular open systems digital backbone for rapid technology integration • Capability to deploy and manage networked launched-effect drones • Increased autonomy to support pilot workload reduction and optional uncrewed logistics missions • Simplified sustainment to lower lifecycle costs and improve readiness These enhancements ensure the UH-60M remains operationally relevant through decades of evolving mission requirements. Global Adoption and Operational Legacy The UH-60M serves as the backbone of medium-lift helicopter fleets for the United States and 27 allied nations. Its adaptability across air assault, command and control, medevac, VIP transport, and disaster relief roles has established it as one of the most versatile military helicopters in service. Sikorsky’s continued investment in safety, performance, and sustainment has positioned the UH-60M as a reliable and cost-effective platform for modern military operations. Photo:- CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=305375 Bottom Line The US Army’s Black Hawk overhaul initiative highlights a pragmatic approach to fleet management as aviation modernization continues. With more than 2,300 UH-60Ms in service and the first deliveries dating back to 2006, extending the helicopter’s operational life beyond 2050 will be critical to maintaining capacity and readineUS Army Moves to Extend UH-60M Black Hawk Service Beyond 2050 alongside emerging platforms. Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates. Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News US Navy awards Skydweller $1.4M to develop next-gen all-electric aircraft propulsion The Navy is funding Skydweller’s electric propulsion work amid broader experimentation with long-duration, solar-electric uncrewed aircraft. By Aamir Khollam Military Dec 25, 2025 01:34 PM EST Skydweller Aero solar-electric aircraft Skydweller Aero official website The U.S. Navy has awarded Skydweller a $1.4 million contract to support the development of next-generation electric propulsion technologies for all-electric aircraft, as the service continues to explore long-endurance uncrewed aviation concepts. The contract was awarded on Dec. 23 by the Office of Naval Research, which funds early-stage science and technology programs for the Navy. The effort is focused on propulsion research rather than the delivery of an operational aircraft, indicating continued experimentation with alternative power systems for future platforms. Skydweller has been demonstrating its long-duration aircraft for the Navy, giving the service an opportunity to assess how electric and solar-assisted propulsion could support extended airborne missions. Electric focus The Navy has been steadily investing in electric and solar-powered flight concepts, particularly for uncrewed systems designed to stay aloft for long periods. Through ONR-funded research and demonstration programs, the service has been examining how electric propulsion can support endurance-driven missions without relying on traditional fuel logistics. Recent Navy-backed experiments have explored the use of high-altitude, solar-electric aircraft as persistent airborne nodes for communications and sensing. In some concepts, such platforms could remain airborne for days while supporting networking roles such as data relay or wide-area monitoring, reducing dependence on satellites or forward-deployed assets. The Skydweller contract aligns with these efforts by targeting propulsion technology itself, rather than a specific aircraft or mission, suggesting the Navy is still evaluating how electric propulsion could be applied across multiple use cases. Skydweller platform Skydweller is developing a solar-electric aircraft optimized for long-duration flight, emphasizing endurance over speed or payload capacity. The aircraft design relies on large wing surfaces to generate solar power, paired with electric propulsion systems intended to support sustained operations at altitude. The Navy has previously observed demonstrations of the platform as part of broader evaluations of long-endurance uncrewed aircraft. Such systems are of interest for missions where continuous presence is more valuable than rapid response, including surveillance, communications relay, and maritime domain awareness. While Skydweller’s aircraft has been associated with experimental communications concepts, the Navy has not disclosed whether propulsion technology developed under the new contract will be tied to a specific operational role. Research stage At $1.4 million, the award reflects ONR’s role in advancing early-stage technologies rather than launching acquisition programs. The contract does not identify a program of record, deployment timeline, or follow-on testing plans. Instead, it underscores the Navy’s incremental approach to electric propulsion, using targeted research contracts to mature technologies before deciding whether and how to integrate them into future aircraft. As electric propulsion and energy-storage technologies continue to develop, research efforts like this one are expected to inform the Navy’s long-term planning for uncrewed and endurance-focused aviation systems. F-35 Availability Rates Remain Staggeringly Low as Maintenance Issues Persist: DoD Watchdog Blames Lockheed Martin North America, Western Europe and Oceania , Aircraft and Anti-Aircraft Military Watch Magazine Editorial Staff December-24th-2025 F-35 Fifth Generation Fighter Note: See photos in the original article. The U.S. Armed Forces’ fleets of F-35 fifth generation fighter aircraft operated by the Air Force, Marines, and Navy have continued to suffer low availably rates, which the Defense Department’s Office of the Inspector General’s latest report revealed remained at just 50 percent. Published on December 19, the report observed that although “the aircraft were not available to fly half of the time,” and the maintenance issues meant they didn’t meet “minimum military service requirements,” the Pentagon still paid the fighter’s primary contractor, Lockheed Martin, $1.7 billion without any economic adjustment. The report highlighted that the Pentagon “did not consistently hold Lockheed Martin accountable for poor performance related to F-35 sustainment,” for which the firm is responsible under existing contracts. F-35 Fifth Generation Fighters The F-35’s low availably rates and outstandingly high maintenance needs and sustainment costs have continued to attract considerable criticism, as pledges to improve them have consistently fallen far short of success. Availability rates of only around 50 percent are particularly outstanding when considering that the F-35 is the newest fighter type in the American fleet, with Cold War era F-15 and F-16 fleets having been kept available at far higher rates despite despite decades more wear on their airframes. This indicates that F-35 availability rates could fall significantly lower, possibly to around 35 percent, as the fleet starts to age and maintenance needs rise. The F-35’s relatively short airframe lifetime of just 8000 hours, compared to 20,000 hours for the new F-15EX fighter, makes it particularly prone to seeing maintenance requirements and sustainment costs rise significantly over its lifetime. F-35 Production at Fort Worth, Texas Pentagon reports have repeatedly highlighted that the F-35 suffers from poor reliability, and that its high operational costs could make it unaffordable in the numbers initially expected to be purchased. Previously commenting on the F-35’s low availability rates in September 2023, Chairman of the House Armed Services subcommittee on tactical air and land forces Rob Wittman stated that Capitol Hill’s patience for Lockheed Martin’s handling of the issue was “at the very end of what would be reasonable.” Referring to recent findings on the aircraft’s availability rates as “deeply concerning,” he exclaimed: “It’s a new aircraft — why is it at 55%?,” which was the figure for fleet availability at the time. With the life cycle costs of all planned and current F-35s combined expected to cost the Pentagon $1.3 trillion, the U.S. Air Force has been seriously considering deep cuts to planned orders for the aircraft. Issues with the F-35’s F135 engine have been one of the leading drivers of low availability rates. Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35A on Finnish Highway Although the F-35 has long suffered from a wide range significant shortcomings, the lack of any similarly advanced fighter types in production in the Western world has ensured the program has a total monopoly on supplying NATO-compatible fifth generation tactical combat jets. The fighter has, despite all drawbacks, retained overwhelming superiority over all other Western fighter types with the partial exception of the new ‘4+ generation’ F-15EX. The program’s future has become increasingly uncertain, however, as both China and the United States appear poised bring their first sixth generation fighters into service in the 2030s, with Lockheed Martin’s stock value notably having suffered after China unveiled its first sixth generation fighters in December 2024, specifically due to the highly possibility that this would reduce demand for the F-35 as it is left a generation behind. The Pentagon halved planned procurements of the fighters for 2026, and will continue to procure the aircraft at much reduced rates for the remainder of the decade. Chinese Ultra-Long Range Sixth Generation Fighter Prototype A recent primary issue with the F-35 program has been the mounting delays impeding efforts to modernise the aircraft to the Block 4 standard, despite significant reductions to the scope of upgrades that have amounted to a ‘watering down’ of Block 4 requirements. This follows a long history of watering down performance requirements to reduce the extend of delays. An audit of the program by the Government Accountability Office in September found that Block 4 now will “have fewer capabilities, will experience schedule delays, and will have unknown costs,” and that “Block 4 will now consist of “a subset of the original 66 … capabilities and those added in later years.” These delays come at a time when advances in Chinese air power have made the enhancement of the F-35’s capabilities an increasingly urgent priority. Boeing Gets $2 Billion Deal from Largest Air Force in the World to Re-Engine B-52 Bomber Each B-52H is currently powered by eight TF33 turbofan engines supplied by Pratt & Whitney, mounted in a distinctive dual-pod underwing configuration. By Kevin Derby December 27, 2025 Note: See photos in the original article. Photo: US Air Force ARLINGTON- Boeing has secured a contract valued at more than $2 billion to continue modernization work on the US Air Force’s B-52H strategic bomber fleet. The funding supports engine integration activities under a long-running propulsion upgrade program. The Washington D.C. Area remains central to program oversight as the US Air Force advances propulsion, radar, and mission system upgrades designed to keep the B-52 operational for decades beyond its original service life. Photo: By Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 61-1004 2nd Bomb Wing, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58159013 Boeing $2 Billion Deal for B-52 Bomber According to Flight Global, Boeing received US Air Force approval on December 23, 2025, for more than $2 billion in funding under the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program. The initiative has been underway since 2018 and represents a major step toward replacing the bomber’s legacy propulsion system. The latest contract specifically funds the integration of new engines on two B-52H aircraft, marking a defined milestone within the broader re-engining effort rather than a fleet-wide installation phase. Each B-52H is currently powered by eight TF33 turbofan engines supplied by Pratt & Whitney, mounted in a distinctive dual-pod underwing configuration. These engines have supported operations for decades, but no longer meet long-term efficiency and sustainment objectives. The new propulsion system is intended to improve reliability, reduce maintenance demands, and align the bomber with modern performance standards required for extended service. Photo: By Carlos Menendez San Juan – B-52 Stratofortress, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37272829 Critical Design Review and Technical Validation Funding approval followed the successful completion of a critical design review in December 2024 by propulsion supplier Rolls-Royce. The review assessed the engine system’s ability to meet performance requirements while remaining within defined cost and schedule parameters. Rolls-Royce secured the CERP contract in 2021, defeating rival bids from GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney. The selected engine is the F130, a military derivative of the BR725 commercial turbofan. Photo: Rolls Royce Engine Testing and Program Timeline Stand testing of the F130 began in 2023, using the B-52’s unique dual-pod engine arrangement to replicate operational conditions accurately. This testing approach is critical to validating integration with the aircraft’s existing structure. Rolls-Royce is expected to assemble more than 600 F130 engines for the program at its Indianapolis, Indiana, facility, underscoring the industrial scale of the effort. While the contract value exceeds $2 billion, the Pentagon will distribute the funds incrementally over the program’s duration, which is expected to run through 2033. Just under $36 million has been released immediately to support near-term test and integration work. The re-engining program forms part of a comprehensive service life extension that will redesignate the B-52H fleet as the B-52J. In addition to new propulsion, all 76 aircraft will receive an active electronically scanned array radar supplied by Raytheon, upgraded communications for conventional and nuclear missions, improved avionics, and redesigned crew compartments. Weapon system integration is also progressing, with emphasis on long-range air-to-ground strike missiles tailored for modern conflict environments. Photo: By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo – US Air Force, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68131933 Radar Testing and Operational Outlook Boeing recently delivered a B-52H equipped with the new AESA radar to the US Air Force for ground and flight testing. These tests are scheduled to continue through 2026, with a production decision for a fleet-wide radar upgrade expected later that year. Current projections place initial operating capability for the B-52J, including both the F130 engines and new radar, in 2033. This timeline remains 3 years later than the original target but aligns with updated planning estimates. Photo: By U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert J. Horstman – U.S. Air Force photo 060202-F-6809H-100, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=611530 Strategic Role The modernization program is central to plans to keep the B-52 in frontline service for at least another 3 decades. While the B-1B and B-2 bombers will be retired as next-generation systems enter service from Northrop Grumman, the B-52J is expected to retain an active operational role. The US Air Force operates 76 B-52H bombers with an average age of 64 years, based on data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Despite the fleet’s age, senior leaders have publicly discussed the possibility of the aircraft reaching 100 years of active service. Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates. Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News The US Air Force’s AI-controlled F-16 will be equipped with the new PhantomStrike AESA radar By Redaccion Zona Militar 26 December, 2025 On December 19th, the American company Raytheon announced that it had been awarded a new contract by the United States Air Force to equip its AI-controlled F-16s with the new PhantomStrike AESA radar, significantly expanding their operational capabilities. Also known as the X-62A Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA), the aircraft had already been upgraded from the Block 30 standard to incorporate avionics from the Block 40 variant, facilitating its use as a testing platform for the advanced software that pilots it. Raytheon’s President of Advanced Products and Solutions, Dan Theisen, stated the following: “Autonomous aircraft are poised to play a key role in helping the United States maintain air superiority, and Raytheon’s PhantomStrike radar is specifically designed for this purpose. This radar is revolutionary due to its use of GaN, fully air-cooled technology, and innovative manufacturing, all at a lower cost than other modern radars.” Regarding the PhantomStrike radar to be installed on the aircraft, the manufacturer emphasizes that it is the first of its kind to be air-cooled, specifically designed for long-range target detection and tracking. This is a significant advantage, given that its design allows it to operate without the need for a liquid cooling system on the aircraft, which would increase its weight. This also simplifies the associated integration tasks, both on the F-16 itself and on other combat platforms, including unmanned ones. Furthermore, the American company states that this new AESA radar not only offers operational capabilities that far surpass those of a conventional radar thanks to its multimode functionality and interleaved ground-air orientation, but it also does so at a cost roughly half that of previous models. It is also worth noting that these systems have a greater range and scanning speed than mechanically scanned radars, while also incorporating technologies that make them more resistant to enemy electronic interference for increased reliability. On the other hand, regarding the F-16 in question, it’s worth remembering that it’s being developed within the framework of DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program as a sort of laboratory for testing advanced AI algorithms with the fighter pilot acting as the sole pilot. As such, the platform had already made headlines on previous occasions after its participation in simulated air combat tests against US Air Force F-16 fighters, in which it had pilots on board with the ability to activate a kill switch in case of potential malfunctions. As expected, news of this test flight and the technological advancements achieved raised concerns among several of Washington’s geopolitical rivals due to their various implications, most notably China. Furthermore, a series of reports and analyses emerged at the time pointing to the Asian giant as one of the few countries with the capacity and intention to advance in acquiring similar capabilities, especially to equip its new drones. U.S. Air National Guard modernized C-130H Hercules fleet boosts tactical airlift capability. 26 Dec, 2025 - 8:36Defense News Aerospace 2025 The U.S. Connecticut Air National Guard has completed a full modernization of its C-130H Hercules aircraft, according to information published by the U.S. Department of War on December 23, 2025. The upgrades significantly improve performance and sustainment, extending the operational value of the 103rd Airlift Wing’s airlift fleet for future combat and mobility missions. The U.S. Connecticut Air National Guard has finalized a major upgrade to its C-130H Hercules tactical transport aircraft, completing a modernization effort that defense officials say sharply improves performance, efficiency, and long-term sustainment. According to information released by the U.S. Department of War on December 23, 2025, the 103rd Airlift Wing’s aircraft are now equipped with Rolls-Royce T56 Series 3.5 engines and NP2000 eight-blade propellers, a combination that brings the legacy airframe closer to the capabilities expected in today’s contested and high-demand operating environments. Airmen from the 103rd Maintenance Group, U.S. Air National Guard, open the hangar doors on a clear day to unveil a fully upgraded C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft equipped with NP2000 propellers and T56 3.5 engines. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War) The Lockheed C-130H Hercules, a long-serving tactical airlifter, has been the backbone of U.S. and allied air mobility since the 1970s. Designed as a rugged, high-wing, four-engine turboprop aircraft, it is optimized for medium-lift tactical operations from short and austere runways. The H-model represents a major production series of the C-130 family, integrating improved avionics, structural enhancements, and greater engine power over its predecessors. Technically, the C-130H has a maximum payload capacity of 19,050 kg (42,000 lb), with a maximum takeoff weight of 70,300 kg (155,000 lb). The aircraft typically cruises at 610 km/h (330 kt) and has a range of up to 3,800 km (2,050 nmi) when carrying a payload of 15,800 kg (35,000 lb). It operates at altitudes up to 10,000 m (33,000 ft) depending on load and mission configuration. Prior to the upgrade, the C-130H used four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines, each producing 3,207 kW (4,300 shp), paired with four-bladed metal propellers. The modernization now equips the aircraft with the T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade, which introduces improved turbine blades, seals, and advanced hot section components derived from the AE 2100 engine. These modifications reduce fuel burn by approximately 9%, enhance high-altitude thrust, and significantly reduce lifecycle maintenance costs. Alongside this, the new NP2000 propeller system replaces the traditional four-blade assembly with an eight-blade composite assembly. This upgrade provides better aerodynamic efficiency, more responsive electronic propeller control, and improved thrust. As a result, aircraft benefit from 10–17% shorter takeoff distances, reduced engine vibration, and lower noise levels, translating into increased safety, longer component life, and expanded mission flexibility in harsh or remote environments. These performance improvements enable the C-130H to operate with greater payloads on shorter runways, a critical factor in tactical deployments and humanitarian response operations. By consuming less fuel and delivering more power per engine, the aircraft can now support larger cargo loads or extend its range without aerial refueling - making it more capable in distributed operations under the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) doctrine. The aircraft’s cargo bay is 12.5 m long, 3 m wide, and 2.7 m high (41 ft × 10 ft × 9 ft) and can be configured to carry up to 6 standard 463L pallets, 92 passengers, or 64 paratroopers. It can also transport two tactical vehicles, light artillery, or be converted for aeromedical evacuation, carrying up to 74 litter patients and attendants. Thanks to its rear-loading ramp and STOL (short takeoff and landing) capability, the C-130H can operate from runways as short as 900 m (3,000 ft), including dirt or gravel strips. The platform supports a wide range of missions, including combat airlift, tactical resupply, airborne assault, search and rescue (SAR), disaster relief, and special operations. It can also be fitted with firefighting modules such as the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) for domestic emergency support. Some variants have been adapted for electronic warfare, psychological operations, and reconnaissance roles. In addition to propulsion and propeller improvements, many C-130H units have received avionics upgrades, including digital flight instruments, GPS/INS navigation systems, autopilot enhancements, and satellite communication (SATCOM), which improve situational awareness, interoperability, and flight safety in contested or degraded GPS environments. With these upgrades, the Connecticut Air National Guard now fields a fleet of modernized C-130H aircraft with enhanced payload capacity, improved fuel efficiency, improved field performance, and reduced maintenance burden - aligning it more closely with the C-130J Super Hercules in terms of operational capability, without requiring a full fleet recapitalization. In today’s evolving threat environment, where logistics resilience and forward-deployed mobility are essential to joint force operations, the upgraded C-130H provides a renewed tactical advantage. It remains a vital asset in global air mobility, capable of bridging the gap between strategic lift and front-line sustainment in high-intensity and humanitarian missions alike. What Boeing’s Flightradar24 deal means for your flight The aerospace giant secured access to live flight data from over 55,000 receivers to enhance its digital services and help airlines cut delays By Tega Egwabor Dec 24, 2025 11:24 am Photo credit: shutterstock.com/Sergey Denisenko Boeing has secured a significant data agreement with Flightradar24 that grants the aerospace manufacturer access to live and historical flight information from more than 55,000 ground receivers worldwide. The deal, announced on December 24, represents a strategic pivot toward higher-margin digital services that could reshape how airlines manage their operations without relying on new aircraft deliveries. The arrangement provides Boeing Global Services with comprehensive ADS-B signals including position data, altitude readings, speed measurements and precise timestamps. This granular coverage spans routes, airports and airspace globally, enabling pattern analysis at unprecedented scale. The data encompasses everything from taxi times to holding patterns, creating opportunities for sophisticated benchmarking and operational improvements. Advertisement What airlines gain from the technology Airlines operating in the United Kingdom, including British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair UK, stand to benefit substantially from the enhanced situational awareness this data provides. Carriers can refine block times, reduce missed connections and improve aircraft utilization by comparing planned schedules against actual performance. The technology enables faster detection of outlier events and more accurate estimates for taxi-out procedures and arrival sequencing. Major airports like Heathrow and Gatwick could see measurable improvements in operations through better visibility of arrival flows and pushback timing. This enhanced awareness supports slot adherence and reduces queue lengths, potentially translating to fewer delays and lower fuel consumption. The cost savings become particularly valuable during winter disruptions when weather events challenge normal operations. Privacy and security considerations While ADS-B technology broadcasts aircraft data rather than personal information, governance remains crucial for implementation. UK airlines will require clear data ownership agreements, robust access controls and comprehensive audit trails before integrating these systems. The technology must align with existing National Air Traffic Services procedures and airline platforms while maintaining strong security protocols. Compliance with UK GDPR regulations, thorough vendor risk assessments and reliable uptime service level agreements should form essential components of any procurement process. Airlines need assurance of system continuity during peak schedules when operational pressures reach their highest levels throughout the year. The economics of digital services Software and analytics typically generate higher profit margins than hardware manufacturing while remaining less dependent on delivery cycles. Boeing can structure pricing through subscriptions, per-aircraft fees or modular packages, with opportunities for revenue expansion as features grow. Investors should monitor service attachment rates, renewal percentages and backlog composition within Boeing Global Services to evaluate how this partnership contributes to more predictable cash flows. Airlines already purchase data tools from engine manufacturers and avionics companies, making integration across operations control, maintenance and finance departments critical for demonstrating value. If Boeing’s analytics successfully reduce turnaround times by minutes and decrease aircraft-on-ground incidents, switching costs naturally increase for carriers. While competing platforms exist in the marketplace, deep integration into airline processes and maintenance repair operations systems creates significant barriers to displacement. Challenges and monitoring points ADS-B reception quality varies by terrain and geographic region, potentially creating data gaps or latency issues in specific flight corridors. Airlines will need seamless interfaces with electronic flight bags, maintenance systems and operations platforms, along with comprehensive change management programs for flight crews and air traffic controllers. Maintaining clear data lineage, quality assurance processes and redundancy plans becomes essential for preserving trust during irregular operations when systems face maximum stress. Investors tracking this initiative should watch for announced airline partnerships, UK reference customers and published case studies demonstrating improvements in on-time performance, fuel efficiency and maintenance outcomes. Key metrics include attachment rates across fleets, usage intensity measurements and customer retention figures. Boeing Global Services commentary regarding sales pipeline development, cross-selling success with existing customers and new analytics modules will signal momentum as 2025 progresses. The partnership marks Boeing’s clear movement toward scalable digital offerings that support steadier aftermarket revenue independent of aircraft production cycles, positioning the company for growth in an evolving aerospace services landscape. Curt Lewis