The NASA X-70 Fractal program, aero engines that power data centers, competition for a new Navy trainer jet, FAA digital air traffic control towers, and the end of floppy disks.
Aviation News
NASA Announces X-70 Program, Promises More Coming
The crewed X-70 Fractal subsonic jet is planned to be a “highly adaptable research platform… designed to accelerate the development and testing of advanced aviation technologies.” Specifically, “rapidly reconfigurable flight-control technology that will allow NASA to explore aircraft maneuverability in ways never before demonstrated in crewed flight. The aircraft can also accommodate up to 2,000 pounds of experimental payloads in internal and external locations, enabling a wide range of research and flight-testing opportunities.” NASA has not disclosed who is developing the X-70 or how far along the program is.
See also:
NASA Announces X-70 Experimental Aircraft to Advance Flight Research
List of X-planes
Old, Polluting Jet Engines Are Being Scavenged to Power Data Centers
Aero derivatives for stationary power generation are nothing new, but data center developers see them as a possible way to meet power needs quickly. Major companies currently producing such power generators include:
GE Vernova, delivering LM2500XPRESS packages to Crusoe’s data centers.
Siemens Energy sells the SGT-A05 and SGT-A35 families.
Mitsubishi Power sells the FT8, a derivative of Pratt & Whitney JT8 engines.
Baker Hughes packages aeroderivatives and recently received a major order from Dynamis Power Solutions.
ProEnergy converts engines such as the CF6-80C2 into its PE6000 units.
FTAI Aviation adapts the CFM56 into a 25 MW aeroderivative turbine.
We Now Know Why Sierra Nevada Corp Canned Its Navy Jet Trainer Bid
Under the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS), the U.S. Navy plans to replace its T-45 Goshawk jet trainers with planes that cannot land on carriers. Citing the risk associated with a firm-fixed-price contracting structure before design maturity, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has withdrawn from the competition.
Bidders for a Navy jet trainer replacement have steadily withdrawn. Lockheed Martin left first, in April 2026. In June, Boeing bowed out. Then Northrop Grumman left the competition in September, leaving only Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo with the Beechcraft® M-346N.
The Beechcraft® M-346N
FAA announces first US digital air traffic control towers in Florida and Alaska
Using advanced camera systems and digital displays, controllers have a continuous, 360-degree view of airport operations. This system is not designed to eliminate controllers, but instead to give them a better view of runways, taxiways, and the surrounding airspace. The FAA first implemented digital ATC towers at Bartow Executive Airport (KBOW) in Florida and Kenai Municipal Airport (PAEN) in Alaska. Five more regional airports plan to receive the system next.
See also:
FAA Plans to Retire Floppy Disks by 2028
Secretary Sean P. Duffy Begins Retiring Decades Old Floppy Disks from Air Traffic Control as Part of Ongoing Modernization Effort
Mentioned
Stories about Flying – A Center Controller Thinks About the Palm Beach Crash of Learjet N722BD.
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