Boeing Planning upgrades to ensure the 777 remains competitive after the ‘X’ derivate enters service, p. 26; Airbus and Boeing wave off concerns about an order bubble as they ratchet up production, p. 28; NASA to see three separate spacecraft begin unprecedented exploration of dwarf planets and a moon, p. 29; Bristow and Agusta Westland aim to transform offshore flying operations with tiltrotor, p.32; Reports of China’s military budget are inflated, but spending may become more efficient, p.33; Merged United Airlines faces safety pressures in the midst of retirements, recalls and new hires, p. 34 Air Berlin attempting to regain profitability, but more support from shareholder Etihad may be need, p.35; Aviation to help change life on British island outpost of St. Helena when airport opens early next year, p.36; Bombardier’s larger CSeries makes confident debut in a program that has accelerated after difficulties, p.37; There has been significant progress in airline consolidation in some markets, but momentum is slowing, p. 39; Virgin Australia broadens its competitive scope by acquiring low-cost and regional carriers, p. 42; Cross-shareholdings fail to meld Air China and Cathay Pacific into anything like an integrated group, p. 43; H160 is Airbus Helicopters’ bet to try to retake firm hold on a market monopolized by Agusta Westland, p. 44; Darpa’s ACT program leads development of next-generation, all digital active phased arrays, p.46; USAF embarks on pricey upgrade to keep F-15 relevant into 2040s, under pressure from slow F-35 fielding, p.46; Counter stealth technologies proliferating to reduce effectiveness of radar cross-section reduction, p.49; South Korean fighter program progresses with Korean Air Lines/Airbus teaming to bid for KF-X deal, p.51; Despite recent failures, Israel hopes to achieve initial operational capability for Arrow in ’16, p.52; Development of certifiable data link for C2 of civil unmanned aircraft is entering the final stages, p. 53.
