Aviation

Airbus to provide 42 satellite platforms and services to Northrop Grumman for the US Space Development Agency program.

Northrop Grumman has received a contract from Airbus U.S. Space & Defense to supply 42 satellite platforms as well as assembly, integration, and test (AIT), launch and space vehicle commissioning support services in order to fulfil the Tranche 1 Transport Layer prototype constellation (T1TL) award from the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA).

By providing guaranteed, durable, low-latency military data and connectivity globally to a full variety of defence applications, the Transport Layer will act as the framework for SDA’s National Defense Space Architecture. By aiding with this crucial endeavour, Airbus U.S. is demonstrating its dedication to the ongoing growth of its Florida facilities and investment in the Space Coast in support of US Government and commercial space missions.

The Airbus U.S. solution, which is based on the flight-tested ARROW platform, improves upon its commoditized satellite bus architecture by offering more power and a larger payload accommodation. For the Northrop Grumman payload and upcoming U.S. Government missions, this modular design provides a scalable 300–500 kilogramme bus.

“The SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer is a critical national security program, and we are honored to support Northrop Grumman and the Space Development Agency,” said Rob Geckle, President and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space and Defense. “This award underscores Airbus U.S.’s mission to develop and deliver, in the U.S., technology critical to the U.S. warfighter,” he added.

Airbus One Web Satellites (AOS), a joint venture between Airbus U.S. and One Web in Merritt Island, Florida, will assemble the highly customizable spacecraft platform that Airbus U.S. has built utilising its cutting-edge production line. Right now, One Web receives up to two satellites every day from this route. Through its advanced manufacturing and supply chain strategies, AOS achieves this market-leading outcome. Of the 648 satellites that were ordered by One Web, this factory has already manufactured more than 400.

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc., with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and operating under a Special Security Agreement (SSA), provides advanced solutions to address the most demanding U.S. defence, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Airbus U.S., a long-time partner of the U.S. government, uses top-tier satellite, laser communication, rotary, and fixed wing systems to support the missions of its National Security-focused customers.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.