Bjorn’s Corner: Supersonic transport revival, Part 4

August 31, 2018, ©. Leeham News: In the last Corner we discussed supersonic lift wave drag and how suddenly the length aspect ratio is more important than wingspan aspect ratio. Now we talk about the problem of going… Read More

The Muddle of the Market aircraft (No, this isn’t a typo)

Subscription Required Introduction Aug. 30, 2018, © Leeham News: As time goes by, the Middle of the Market airplane appears to have become the Muddle of the Market. Boeing can’t seem to close the business case on its… Read More

Pontifications: Boeing aid to Jet Airways uncommon but not unusual

Aug. 27, 2018, © Leeham News: Boeing is giving financial help to India’s Jet Airways, according to a news report. This doesn’t come as a surprise. Jet Airways has 225 737 MAXes on order (50 direct, the rest… Read More

Additive manufacturing: Huge potential, big barriers

Subscription Required Introduction Part 1 appears here. By Dan Catchpole August 27, 2018, © Leeham News: For all its potential, additive manufacturing faces significant hurdles before it can deliver on advocates’ assertions that the technology will revolutionize the… Read More

Bjorn’s Corner: Supersonic transport revival, Part 3

August 24, 2018, ©. Leeham News: In the last Corner we discussed how supersonic wave drag can be higher than any other drag for a blunt fuselage trying to fly at supersonic speeds. If we try to fly… Read More

Can an Airbus A321XLR kill NMA’s business case? Part 2

By Bjorn Fehrm Subscription Required Introduction August 23, 2018, © Leeham News.: Last week we examined the areas which limit the capabilities of the Airbus A321LR from addressing a larger part of what is called the Middle of… Read More

Analysis: Bombardier continues to improve Q400 model

By Olivier Bonnassies Aug. 21, 2018, © Airfinance Journal: Bombardier Commercial Aircraft is gradually introducing more features in its Q400 turboprop aircraft as the Canadian manufacturer continues to see appetite in the 70-90-seat market. Improvements under development include… Read More

UTC Aerospace Systems sees big benefits from additive manufacturing

Subscription Required Introduction By Dan Catchpole August 20, 2018, © Leeham News: There is a fundamental tension in aerospace’s DNA. UTC Aerospace Systems’ executive Paula Hay is leading the aerospace supplier’s adoption of additive manufacturing. (Image via LinkedIn)… Read More

Pontifications: Workforce shortage hurts entire supply chain

Aug. 20, 2018, © Leeham News: A growing shortage of workers is exacerbating pressure on suppliers as they struggle to meet current aircraft production rates, even as Airbus and Boeing want to raise them even more. Add to… Read More

Bjorn’s Corner: Supersonic transport revival, Part 2

August 17, 2018, ©. Leeham News: In the last Corner we outlined several challenges facing a supersonic airliner or business jet. We will now go through these challenges one by one. We start with the aerodynamic challenge.