Samwise Aeronautical Mechanics
Monday, May 18, 2026
Two Navy EA-18G Growlers Collide at Idaho Airshow; All Four Crew Eject Safely
Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies 2026 air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho on May 17. Video shows the aircraft making close contact before departing controlled flight, appearing nearly entangled before both crews ejected simultaneously. All four aviators ejected safely and were reported in stable condition. The incident occurred two miles northwest of the base; the airshow was immediately halted and the base placed on lockdown. The Navy has opened a formal investigation into the collision. The aircraft are assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 based at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.
Sources: FlightGlobal
Leeham News Launches Airliner Structures Series, Starting With Materials Science Fundamentals
Leeham News and Analysis has launched a new series titled “Airliner Structures” to examine how airframe design and materials science interact in modern commercial aircraft. Part 1 establishes the fundamentals: structural engineering success is as critical as aerodynamic efficiency for any aircraft program. The series follows Leeham’s completed Blended Wing Body study, where structural challenge was identified as a primary design obstacle. Björn Fehrm surveys the materials landscape—from legacy aluminum alloys to carbon fiber reinforced polymers—tracing how advances in material properties have driven the largest transformations in airframe structural design over seven decades. Future installments will examine specific structural configurations and load analysis methods.
Sources: Leeham News
Iridium to Acquire Aireon Space-Based ADS-B Surveillance Network for $367 Million
Satellite communications specialist Iridium has agreed to acquire the Aireon space-based air traffic surveillance network for $366.7 million, combining satellite connectivity with the ADS-B tracking system hosted on its constellation. Iridium currently holds a minority stake; the deal acquires the remaining 61 percent from air navigation service providers Nav Canada, AirNav Ireland, and the UK’s NATS. The transaction, expected to close in early July, will add approximately $100 million in annual service revenues. Air navigation providers will sign extended data service agreements through 2035. Aireon provides global aircraft tracking over oceans and polar regions using ADS-B receivers aboard Iridium NEXT satellites.
Sources: Aviation International News
GE Aerospace and Emirates Sign $300 Million GE90 and GP7200 Piece-Part Repair Agreement
GE Aerospace and Emirates have signed an agreement to develop piece-part repair capability for the GE90 and Engine Alliance GP7200 powerplants, supporting expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Center in Dubai. The deal, valued at $300 million, extends repair capabilities that reduce reliance on replacement hardware. The GE90 powers the Boeing 777 family; the GP7200—a joint GE and Pratt & Whitney product—powers the Airbus A380. Piece-part repair techniques extend component life by restoring worn turbine and compressor dimensions rather than replacing parts outright, reducing shop visit costs and improving engine availability. The agreement expands EEMC’s role as a major overhaul facility for large turbofans.
Sources: Aviation Week
GKN Aerospace Joins Anduril UK Team for British Army Project NYX Apache Autonomous Wingman
GKN Aerospace has been confirmed as the airframe manufacturing partner for Anduril UK’s team in the British Army’s Project NYX Autonomous Collaborative Platform competition. GKN will lead structural design and integration, drawing on its aerostructures expertise and Isle of Wight manufacturing base. The programme will develop autonomous aircraft designed to operate alongside AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, extending combat reach and survivability in contested airspace. Anduril UK serves as lead systems integrator; Archer Aviation provides eVTOL expertise. Project NYX’s Phase 2 selection signals UK defence investment in uncrewed air combat systems built using advanced composite and metallic airframe structures.
Sources: ASD News
GE and Pratt & Whitney Clear Key Development Gates for Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion Engines
GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney have cleared separate development milestones for their competing Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion engines, the variable-cycle turbofans intended to power the Boeing F-47 sixth-generation fighter. GE confirmed completion of an assembly readiness review for its XA102 design on May 11, verifying supply chain readiness and manufacturing process maturity for prototype build. Pratt & Whitney completed a full digital-model technical assessment of its XA103 on May 8. The U.S. Air Force also revealed it is studying non-afterburning NGAP derivatives for supporting mission roles. GE expects the Air Force to award funding for the next NGAP development phase later in 2026.
Sources: FlightGlobal
GKN Aerospace Targets Broader Additive Manufacturing Rollout Across GEnx, GE9X and Rolls-Royce Engines
GKN Aerospace is extending its additive manufacturing programme beyond the proven fan case mount ring into a broader range of engine components, building on delivery of more than 600 additively produced FCMRs for Pratt & Whitney geared turbofans since 2023. Full-rate production of the FCMR—equipping the PW1500G and PW1900G—was achieved in 2025. GKN’s annual report identifies the component as the first of many planned technology insertions across programs with GE Aerospace and Rolls-Royce, including the GEnx (Boeing 787) and GE9X (777X). GKN also produced a near-two-metre titanium engine case for the CFM RISE open-fan demonstrator using additive fabrication.
Sources: FlightGlobal
Curated by JD · samwise.agency