August 15, 2016

August 15, 2016

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DEFENSE

Nuclear Pursuits

By James Drew

COMMERCIAL AVIATION

Climbing Out

By Adrian Schofield

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DEFENSE

Nuclear Pursuits

Washington Just three months from the U.S. presidential election, the Air Force has capped the Obama administration's sweeping modernization of the nuclear triad of strategic submarines, bombers and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles by launching competitions to replace the LGM-30 Minuteman III and AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missile.

By James Drew

2829
COMMERCIAL AVIATION

Climbing Out

Auckland Malaysia Airlines' order for up to 50 Boeing narrowbody aircraft is the strongest statement yet that its revival is on track, and the prospect of further orders underscores the carrier's growing confidence. Just 10 months ago, the likelihood of such ambitious fleet moves seemed remote.

By Adrian Schofield

3839
ROTORCRAFT

Smarter Rotors

Washington Active control of helicopter rotor blades can increase performance and reduce noise and vibration, but it is no easy task. Routing power and signals to actuators that operate under high loads on a fast-spinning rotor to drive flaps or other devices that control individual blades is a challenge.

By Graham Warwick

4647
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE

Missile Zapper

Washington The U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) longtime pursuit of laser weapons for shooting down ballistic missiles as they launch will be reenergized this fall, when the organization selects two flying testbed aircraft to carry its low-power laser demonstrator program into the stratosphere.

By James Drew

AUGUST 1-142016 AUGUST 15-282016