Breaking Defense
• Michael Marrow
Pratt & Whitney has licensed Hermeus to build the F100-PW-229 for its Quarterhorse Mk 2 while advancing the F135 Engine Core Upgrade for the F-35 Block 4. Separately, the U.S. Air Force approved development of the B-52J re-engining program and authorized low-rate production of its new AESA radar.
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Pratt & Whitney has licensed Hermeus to build the F100-PW-229 for its Quarterhorse Mk 2 while advancing the F135 Engine Core Upgrade for the F-35 Block 4. Separately, the U.S. Air Force approved development of the B-52J re-engining program and authorized low-rate production of its new AESA radar.
Brazilian investigators say a Gol Boeing 737-800 should have executed a go-around during its night approach to Recife after crosswind and rain sharply worsened on short final. The aircraft drifted beyond the runway edge, prompting scrutiny of crew decision-making and approach stability during deteriorating conditions.
Air Astana now expects to receive its delayed Boeing 787 aircraft beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026, extending the timeline for the Kazakhstan-based carrier’s widebody fleet plans. The revised delivery schedule could affect capacity planning, network growth and aircraft deployment decisions.
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The U.S. Navy is moving multiple uncrewed and advanced-weapon concepts toward operational use: Boeing received a $562 million contract for three MQ-25A Stingrays, Castelion secured a potential $200 million Blackbeard production order, and Textron Aviation and Merlin unveiled a pilotless SkyCourier military resupply concept.
Boeing plans to power up the lead VC-25B presidential transport aircraft later this year, with the first flight scheduled for 2027, according to a U.S. Air Force general. Boeing is under contract to deliver two aircraft for the Air Force One replacement program.
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Boeing is advancing another contract offer to the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace as it works to avert a strike. The company is highly motivated to protect its slow 737 MAX production recovery and maintain certification progress on the MAX 10 and 777X.
Boeing and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace have reached revised terms on a four-year contract after members rejected the company’s earlier offer. The agreement still requires approval from the union representing roughly 17,000 engineers and other professional employees, leaving the outcome uncertain.
Radia’s WindRunner concept pairs an exceptionally large airframe with an ambitious vision for specialized, high-volume cargo. The history of Boeing’s never-launched freighter highlights the commercial and development risks involved in creating a market around highly specialized airlift capacity.
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