Aerospace

Russian Ilyushin Il-76 Military Cargo Plane Crashes, Four Dead

An Ilyushin Il-76 military cargo plane crashed and caught fire while landing near Russia’s western city of Ryazan on Friday, killing four of the nine people on board, the RIA news agency reported, citing local authorities. Five people were hospitalized with injuries, RIA said.

The Interfax news agency separately quoted Russia’s defense ministry as saying the plane had suffered an engine malfunction while on a training flight. The ministry gave no details of crew deaths.

Russian media are reporting the crash of a Russian IL-76 plane in Ryazan, Russia. RUS sources indicate 2 dead & 5-7 injured
Would not be surprised if this was an IL-78 tanker. Ryaza's Dyagilevo airbase is home to the 203 OAP, which operates several IL-78s and IL-78Ms pic.twitter.com/fdsGX7F3tw
— OPSEC? (@GuineaZoo_OPSEC) June 24, 2022
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The provincial authorities first stated that four crew members were killed and another five were hurt when the aircraft crashed into a field west of Ryazan. According to the Russian state news outlet Tass, one of the injured had later died.

Russia bans Pakistan’s flight to Toronto from using its airspace due to unpaid fees(Opens in a new browser tab)

In a video, at least one charred engine that had separated from the fuselage could be seen lying on some grass close to some houses, trees, and a road. There were many flaming aeroplane pieces scattered around the grassland.

Why is everything in Russia on fire?
Il-76 military aircraft in Ryazan catches fire and crashes, the 5th air crash in 6 days. pic.twitter.com/3CjKDSc9X0
— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) June 24, 2022
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The four-engine Il-76 was developed in the 1970s and is the primary heavy-lift freight aircraft for the air forces of the Soviet Union and Russia. Numerous other countries have also used the plane.

Footage of a crash of Russian Il-76 transport plane in #Ryazan, #Russia. Russians say this was an emergency landing. Huh? https://t.co/Lc72e3fKDo
— Churchill ?????? (@WarForDemocracy) June 24, 2022

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.