Air Data News
• Ricardo Meier
Airbus has completed ground vibration testing on the A350F, validating the freighter’s aeroelastic and structural-dynamics models in a mandatory certification campaign. The milestone clears a key prerequisite for the aircraft’s subsequent flight-test program as Airbus advances development and certification of its new-generation freighter.
Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)
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Airbus has completed ground vibration testing on the A350F, validating the freighter’s aeroelastic and structural-dynamics models in a mandatory certification campaign. The milestone clears a key prerequisite for the aircraft’s subsequent flight-test program as Airbus advances development and certification of its new-generation freighter.
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A late-May incident at GKN Aerospace’s California window factory halted production after an overheating tank prompted fears of an explosion and the evacuation of roughly 50,000 nearby residents. The disruption has reduced window availability for both Boeing and Airbus commercial aircraft supply chains.
The Air Force’s B-52 engine modernization could incur higher costs and slip schedules, while separate fighter-engine programs face quality and reliability concerns. Production delays, material shortages and manufacturing weaknesses are prompting the service to consider new suppliers and manufacturers.
Boeing received a two-notch upgrade from BNP Paribas to Outperform, with the bank citing improving free cash flow, progress on aircraft certifications and easing defense risks. The shift comes as Boeing and Airbus report stronger delivery performance, although Airbus continues to lead in orders and total deliveries.
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The FAA has certified Boeing’s smallest 737 Max variant, allowing airlines to begin preparing the Max 7 for passenger operations. Certification removes a major regulatory hurdle, but carriers may still need months to incorporate the aircraft into schedules and operational plans.
Hisdesat selected Airbus and Thales Alenia Space to build SpainSat NG-III, while Eutelsat and Poland advanced cooperation on Europe’s IRIS² secure communications program. Separately, SES agreed to support Starlab’s commercial space station and provide multi-orbit connectivity across LATAM Airlines’ Airbus and Embraer fleet.
NHIndustries and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency have completed the first flight of the NH90 in its Software Release 3 configuration, also known as Block 1. The upgrade introduces Link 22 connectivity, improved sensors and enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities for NATO fleets.
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A chemical incident that halted production at a GKN Aerospace plant south of Los Angeles has intensified a global shortage of cockpit and cabin windows. Boeing, airlines and maintenance providers are limiting replacements to essential cases as lead times lengthen and prices rise across multiple aircraft programs.
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