Samwise Aeronautical Mechanics
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
DLR Completes Initial Flight Tests of AI-Controlled Morphing Wing on Proteus UAV
Germany’s DLR aerospace centre has completed initial flight tests of its HyTEM (Hyperelastic Trailing Edge Morphing) composite wing on the Proteus unmanned aerial vehicle at Cochstedt. The morphing system replaces conventional flaps and ailerons with 10 span-distributed actuators, enabling seamless profile adjustment without gaps. An AI algorithm continuously detects deviations from a pre-trained aerodynamic model and adjusts actuator positions in real time, reducing profile drag while maintaining full control authority. The trials validated basic airworthiness and system integration. A follow-on campaign targeting 70 kg aircraft mass to verify scalability is planned for later in 2026 under the UAdapt unmanned wing programme.
Sources: FlightGlobal
B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program Clears Critical Design Review
The U.S. Air Force confirmed on 4 May that the B-52J Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) passed its critical design review, clearing the path toward modifying the initial aircraft. Representatives from the Air Force, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce completed a technical assessment confirming the F130 meets all performance requirements for B-52H airframe integration. The F130, a low-bypass turbofan derived from the BR725 engine powering the Gulfstream G650ER, will replace eight Pratt & Whitney TF33 powerplants across 76 operational bombers. Initial operating capability is projected for 2033. The review covered full CERP scope, including nacelle integration and associated structural modifications.
Sources: FlightGlobal
IAI Completes Primary Structural Work on First A330-300 Converted Freighter
Israel Aerospace Industries has completed primary structural modifications on the first A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion, with the aircraft removed from jigs and a maiden flight expected within weeks. The A330-300BDSF programme, inducted in 2024, required a forward main-deck cargo door, floor reinforcement, and structural strengthening throughout the fuselage. The current milestone marks completion of all primary structural work, including upper-shell fitting and revised tie-down provisions. Certification is targeted for end of 2026. The programme competes with conversion offerings from ST Engineering and HAECO as demand for widebody freighter capacity sustains conversion activity.
Sources: FlightGlobal
Airbus Confirms Historic A220 Order with AirAsia at Mirabel as Production Expansion Advances
Airbus held a ceremony on 6 May at its Mirabel, Quebec, assembly site to announce a landmark order for the A220 regional jet, with Capital A’s AirAsia confirmed as customer for up to 150 aircraft. The announcement is the largest single commitment in the A220 programme’s history and validates the type’s economics for high-frequency Southeast Asian operations. Airbus and the Quebec government also unveiled new assembly capacity investments at Mirabel intended to support a production increase to 13 aircraft per month by 2028. The Mirabel site was recently expanded with a new delivery centre as the company works to close the gap between its record backlog and current delivery rates.
Sources: FlightGlobal
Qatar-Donated 747-8i Completes Flight Testing for Air Force One Bridge Role
A former Qatari Boeing 747-8i, modified by L3Harris to serve as the VC-25B Bridge presidential aircraft, has completed flight testing ahead of operational entry this summer. L3Harris used 3D scanning and specialised tooling to integrate executive communications and classified mission equipment into the airframe. The Air Force indicated that the bridge programme also accelerated work on the two purpose-built Boeing VC-25Bs, which are now expected in 2028, one year ahead of schedule. The conversion involved extensive avionics integration, structural reinforcement for mission equipment mounting, and military airworthiness certification across all modified systems.
Sources: FlightGlobal
NTSB Documents Confirm Engine Fuel Cut-Off Preceded China Eastern 737-800 Fatal Crash
NTSB documents released under the Freedom of Information Act confirm both engines of the China Eastern 737-800 that crashed in Guangxi province in 2022 had fuel supply cut off seconds before impact, killing all 132 aboard. A flight data graph shows the fuel cut-off switches moved to the off position during otherwise normal flight, with no restoration before the aircraft entered a 29,000 ft descent. China’s CAAC has issued no causal findings four years after the accident, well beyond the one-year timeline under ICAO Annex 13. NTSB correspondence with Chinese counterparts, portions redacted, reflects U.S. pressure for greater disclosure on the cause.
Sources: FlightGlobal
Curated by JD · samwise.agency