Aviation

VSR700 tested at sea in full operational configuration

The VSR700 unmanned aerial system (UAS) was tested from a ship at sea for the first time in an operational form by Airbus Helicopters and the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). Beginning in the month of May, the VSR700 completed 80 totally autonomous takeoffs and landings from a civil ship with a helicopter deck while it was cruising off the Brittany coast in the west of France.

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A crucial feature of the VSR700 is its autonomous takeoff and landing capabilities, which are made possible by the Airbus DeckFinder system. This makes it possible for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to autonomously launch and recover with an accuracy of 10–20 cm during difficult operations under adverse climatic circumstances, independent of GNSS/GPS and regardless of degraded visual conditions.

This new test campaign comes after two sets of trials with the DGA that were carried out in late 2022 and early 2023 at the Levant Island test facility in the south of France. The SDAM prototype proved its use in a maritime setting during these experiments. A marine surveillance radar, an electro-optical sensor, and an AIS receiver together with the mission system created by Naval Group were evaluated along with the aircraft’s handling characteristics.

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Prior to flight testing on board a French Navy FREMM during the second semester of this year, the second VSR700 prototype will make its first flight as part of the following development steps.

Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.