Space News

The privately funded Israeli moon lander has achieved lunar orbit.

Boeing has postponed the first flight of its crewed spaceship.

(post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

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737 Max

Interesting article on the 737 Max software issues.  I think it is telling that US flag carriers haven’t had any problems and that the accidents in Indonesia and Ethiopia involve local carriers whose pilot training may not have been as vigorous.

KC-46 woes

The Air Force, which just started taking deliveries of the KC-46 is now stopping, due to tools and trash being found in aircraft being delivered by Boeing.  This is stupid and Boeing needs to clean up its act (literally) ASAP!

F-15X

Is it a bad idea?

Is it a good idea?

Read both.  I tend to come down on the good idea side, but let me know what you think.

Boeing T-X

Boeing recently won the contract for the new USAF trainer.  Here is an article discussing whether or not the trainer will evolve into a lightweight fighter and attack aircraft a la the T-38/F-5.

Boeing

I think Boeing is an amazingly well-run company.  I think their decision not to compete with the A380 and instead develop the 787 was strategic genius.  However, I doubt the wisdom of developing a supersonic business jet.  I am just not sure the market is big enough to justify the investment.

Boeing’s transonic wing

Boeing is working on a “transonic wing” that will allow airliners to fly close to, but not exceed the speed of sound.  This would cut some longer flight travel times by a significant amount, at a much lower cost than a supersonic airliner.

737 Max

This report seems to indicate that Boeing screwed up. Not sure how you could install a new safety system and not brief pilots on the change.  I wonder if there is more to the story.

Congratulations Boeing

Congrats to Boeing (and SAAB) for winning the Air Force contract for the next generation jet trainer.

Maxes from here on out

Southwest airlines has taken delivery of their last 737-800.  From here forward all new aircraft will be 737 Max aircraft.