Samwise Aeronautical Mechanics
Thursday, May 7, 2026
DARPA and Northrop Grumman Complete First Flight of XRQ-73 Hybrid-Electric ISR Demonstrator
DARPA revealed on May 6 that the XRQ-73 hybrid-electric uncrewed demonstrator completed its first flight on April 14 at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Developed by Northrop Grumman under the Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion Aircraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) program, the 567 kg tailless blended-wing-body aircraft features a drivetrain that burns gasoline or diesel to quietly generate electricity for electric propulsion motors. Built with Scaled Composites, the XRQ-73 is designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The SHEPARD program grew from the Great Horned Owl initiative, which sought to extend UAV endurance and payload capability. DARPA plans a full flight test campaign to evaluate hybrid-electric propulsion performance.
Sources: FlightGlobal
FAA Proposes Airworthiness Directive for A330 Lavatory Floor Fitting Corrosion
The FAA proposed an airworthiness directive on May 7 targeting all Airbus A330-841 and A330-941 airplanes following reports of corrosion on lavatory floor fittings at multiple locations. The proposal, responding to EASA AD 2025-0114, would require repetitive inspections of the affected floor fittings and applicable corrective actions. Replacement of each affected fitting is offered as an optional terminating action. The FAA additionally proposes limiting installation of affected parts under certain conditions and prohibiting lavatory installation on specific airplanes. If unaddressed, corroded fittings could cause lavatory module detachment, risking injury to cabin crew and passengers and reducing emergency evacuation capacity. Comments are due by June 22, 2026.
Sources: Federal Register
FAA Issues Directive Targeting Primary Structural Parts on Airbus Helicopters EC 155 B and B1
The FAA published a final airworthiness directive on May 7 for Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 helicopters, adopting EASA AD 2025-0191. The directive targets certain components classified as primary structural parts, the failure of which could result in loss of helicopter control. Required inspections and mandatory part replacement where defects are found are among the corrective measures specified. The EC 155 B1 is a twin-engine medium helicopter widely used in offshore energy, emergency medical services, and search and rescue operations. Comments on the final rule were accepted until June 22, 2026, with the directive effective immediately upon publication.
Sources: Federal Register
Vertical Aerospace Warns Valo eVTOL Certification Timeline at Risk After Transition Delay
Vertical Aerospace warned analysts on May 6 that late-2028 type certification of its Valo electric air taxi is under additional risk following a three-month delay in completing transition flights with its VX4 prototype. Poor weather over the British winter limited flight testing, pushing the milestone to April 14. Chief executive Stuart Simpson acknowledged the schedule risk but said 2028 remains the target and is absolutely achievable. The company closed an 850 million dollar funding package after the April transition success. A maiden sortie for the first of five pre-serial Valo certification aircraft is planned for early 2027, with two further ground-test assets to be built alongside.
Sources: FlightGlobal
Leonardo Holds to June Deadline for Aerostructures Joint Venture as Partner Seeks Incentives
Leonardo is awaiting a decision from its unnamed joint venture partner on the formation of a new aerostructures company, with an exclusivity window running until June 30. The Italian aerospace group's aerostructures division, which produces fuselage sections and composite structures for programs including the Boeing 787 and ATR aircraft, could treble in size through the deal. The prospective partner, widely reported to be a Saudi entity, requires domestic government incentives before committing. Due diligence has raised no issues, with one executive stating the companies could start tomorrow. Leonardo's chief executive said he expects the incentive process to conclude without affecting the June deadline, which the company views as firm.
Sources: FlightGlobal
AirAsia Places Record 150-Aircraft A220-300 Order, Urging Airbus to Develop A220-500
AirAsia placed the largest single order for the Airbus A220 on May 6, signing for 150 A220-300 jets in a deal valued at approximately 19 billion dollars at list prices. Announced at Airbus's Mirabel assembly facility in Montreal, the commitment reinforces production capacity at the Canadian plant, which builds the A220 using advanced composite and aluminum-lithium structural methods. Deliveries are scheduled to run from 2028 through 2039. AirAsia also urged Airbus to develop a higher-capacity A220-500 variant for medium-range routes. Airbus commercial aircraft chief Lars Wagner called the deal a massive vote of confidence in the Mirabel facility and the A220 program.
Sources: FlightGlobal
Pentagon Budget Would Push F-15EX to Full-Rate Production at Boeing's St. Louis Line
The Pentagon's fiscal year 2027 budget request would more than double planned F-15EX procurement, authorizing 24 aircraft annually in 2027 and 2028 to push Boeing's St. Louis facility to full-rate production. Current plans cover 268 total airframes, with FY2029 through 2031 forecasts rising to 28 to 36 jets per year pending Congressional approval. Boeing has confirmed it is expanding St. Louis assembly capacity to meet the target rate. The F-15EX features a digital fly-by-wire flight control system, new electronic warfare suite, and conformal fuel tanks integrated within the legacy airframe structure. The procurement increase is contingent on final FY2027 Congressional authorization.
Sources: FlightGlobal
Curated by JD · samwise.agency