Propulsion
* Factorial Inc., a supplier of solid-state battery technology, announced the shipment of its first solid-state lithium-metal battery cells for drone use to Avidrone Aerospace Inc., a Canadian developer of long-range, dual-use unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This milestone marks Factorial’s first shipment in the drone sector and the first flight
Business
* General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. Poway, California, was awarded a $99,292,613 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for hybrid-electric propulsion ducted fan next-generation intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance/strike unmanned aerial systems (GHOST). This contract provides for the advancement of the hybrid-electric ducted fan next-generation intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance/strike unmanned aerial systems to provide
Testing
* Hermeus, a venture capital-backed aerospace and defense technology company specializing in high-speed aircraft, announced the flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1 aircraft. This milestone is a significant step in Hermeus’ development of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft. With this flight, Hermeus demonstrated a rapid development pace, advancing Hermeus’ mission to operationalize
Propulsion
In a series of recent tests in New Mexico, the Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) program achieved several new records for transmitting power over distance. The team recorded more than 800 watts of power delivered during a 30-second transmission from a laser 8.6 kilometers (5.3 miles) away.
Testing
* Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Yamaha Motor) are conducting joint research to develop a medium-sized multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying a payload of 200 kilograms. The two companies have conducted a flight test of a hybrid-type medium-sized UAV equipped with a compact, lightweight
Propulsion
Brazilian company Nest Design Aerospace presented the ATD-150, described as the country’s first 100% indigenously designed jet-powered unmanned aircraft. The system has been developed specifically to serve as an aerial target for the Brazilian Armed Forces and is also being considered for export to international users. According to the
Propulsion
— ZeroAvia announced that it has signed an agreement with RVL Aviation which will see RVL operate Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft retrofitted with ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric, zero-emission ZA600 powertrain. Flights within the British Isles will commence once certification for the engine, airframe integration and planned services are obtained and all retrofit
Business
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards AFB, Calif., has awarded URSA Major Technologies Inc., Berthoud, Colorado, a $28,565,857 firm-fixed price contract for responsive space, hypersonic, and on-orbit propulsion. This new contract will follow-on work completed to mature advanced liquid rocket engines
Propulsion
A hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of Ukraine's Raybird unmanned aerial vehicle has completed a successful in-country test flight, marking a critical milestone in the push for cleaner, longer-range UAV operations. Developed by Ukrainian aerospace firm Skyeton, the Raybird was modified with a hydrogen fuel cell system that generates
Propulsion
Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii is testing novel energy technology to provide electrical power and hydrogen fuel in the kind of isolated and austere outposts the Air Force will need in the Pacific theater for its new Agile Combat Employment way of warfare. The technology, developed by a majority
Propulsion
A 50-kilogram hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicle developed by China recently completed a 30-hour continuous flight, setting a new domestic record for similar types of aircraft and reaching an internationally leading level in terms of endurance. The drone, jointly developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group Co (CAIG) under the Aviation
Propulsion
At the 2025 edition of the SOFINS exhibition dedicated to special forces, Aerix Systems presented a drone system based on omnidirectional propulsion technology, designed to operate in both complex civilian environments and demanding military contexts. This system, named AXS-µ1, builds on technologies developed for the Aerix T-6 platform. It combines