Light Aircraft Manufacturer CubCrafters Tests Electric Lift Augmentation to Enable Slower Flight for Short Field Operations
In an effort to extract additional lift from the wing of their light aircraft, CubCrafters is testing electric ducted fans mounted to a slat on the wing’s leading edge. This system, known as the Electric Lift Augmenting Slat (ELAS) is intended to augment existing lift during takeoff and landing. By enabling flight at slower speeds, the aim is to further reduce the already strong short-field performance of their aircraft models.
NASA Releases New X-59 Photo as Test Flights Top 55,000 Feet
A newly released image shows NASA’s X-59 from above, highlighting the airframe designed to eliminate sonic booms. Recent flights have exceeded 55,000 feet and have approached 900 miles per hour.
CFM’s Open Fan Engine Clears Key Milestones, with Flight Tests Targeting Late-2020s
CFM International completed critical design reviews for its Open Fan engine. Flight tests are on track this decade, with efforts aimed at achieving 20% better fuel efficiency than today’s engines.
AW609 Civil Tiltrotor: 3 Things to Know About Leonardo’s Path to 2027 Entry Into Service
Leonardo’s AW609 tiltrotor targets 2027 civil certification as three milestones, including a flying next-generation prototype, demonstrate progress toward certification.
