US Army Receives a Status Update for Its Blackhawk Replacement

Bell Textron recently demonstrated a virtual prototype of its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), designated as the MV-75, to the US Army. This will be the first tangible product from the six-year-old FLRAA program. They will later be converted to Flight Training Devices (FTDs), with user feedback being used for design improvements along the way.

Scouts Gain Access to the Fundamentals of Aviation and Aerodynamics

Scouting America (aka Boy Scouts of America) has updated its Aviation Merit Badge, allowing the youth to explore everything from aerodynamics to industry careers through hands-on education. The badge is now the first in the organization’s collection to feature an interactive online resource guide.

Large-Scale Prototype Succeeds In Full-Wing Forward Flight

Horizon Aircraft, Canadian-based developer of hybrid eVTOL aircraft, announced its Cavorite X7 large-scale prototype successfully completed a flight during which it transitioned from vertical takeoff to full-wing horizontal forward flight, a major step in the development of the aircraft.

YFQ-42A Prepares for Flight Testing in Summer 2025

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently announced that its test vehicle for the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, officially designated the YFQ-42A, has entered ground testing. The ‘fighter drone’ is slated to take flight this summer.

Also: Whistleblower’s Family Settles, Boeing Aircraft Tires, Horizon X7 eVTOL, Falcon 9 Record

The P-51C Mustang previously owned by beloved actor and military aviator Jimmy Stewart recently finished up an eventful weekend at the Indiana County-Jimmy Stewart Airport (IDI) and is making its way to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. A glider with two persons on board made what was called a spectacular emergency landing in the Eisack River in Bolzano in northeastern Italy on May 10, 2025. The two were uninjured and were able to exit the glider and make it safely to shore. The Bolzano Fire Department was alerted immediately and dispatched its water rescue unit to the site. No, it’s not April 1… a Polish aviation start-up recently unveiled a Star Wars-inspired flying bike by announcing its first successful flight. To bring it all together, at the controls for the maiden flight was an Imperial scout trooper. The Airb

Sites Noted On Interactive Map Increased From <20 In 2021

4Air, provider of a range of sustainability-related aviation solutions, announced its interactive map depicting locations where Sustainable Aviation Fuels are available has expanded from less than 20 in 2021 when it was launched, to now over 100 locations worldwide.

Also: Blackhawk’s Replacement, Supersonic Flight, Archer 1Q/25, Long-Range VTOL Program

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy released an update on progress being made with proposed FAA drone rules controlling Beyond Visual Line Of Sight or BVLOS operations and restricting UAS operations at a fixed facility site. These were sent on May 13 to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review. RVL Aviation has inked a deal with ZeroAvia to fly what may be the ‘world’s first’ zero-emission cargo service. The operator will utilize Cessna Grand Caravans retrofitted with the hydrogen-electric ZA600 power plant. Zero-emission flights will be launched in the British Isles, but not before the partners are able to tick all certification and integration boxes. The partnership between DoorDash and Wing has for the first time introduced residential food delivery to Charlotte, North Carolina, as it expands operat

Boeing Subsidiary Signs Five-Year Research Contract

Boeing-owned Wisk Aero recently signed a long-term contract with NASA to research the integration of autonomous aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This is an expansion of the partnership established in 2020 to explore autonomous urban air mobility (UAM) operations.

An Amazing Experience Awaits The Chosen Few...

Oshkosh, to us, seems the perfect place to get started on watching aviation recover the past couple of years... and so ANN is putting EXTRA effort and resources into our coverage of Oshkosh 2025... just a little under 90 days hence. We are now undertaking the process to seek talented stringers to help us present Oshkosh and the sport and general aviation community to the world around us. If you ever thought about joining us, this is THE year to do it. IF YOU want to be a part of this unique adventure, speak up NOW, rather than later, because we're going to be looking for the best volunteer folks we can find and are planning to do so ASAP. You've been warned (grin)....

Also: Tentative AirVenture Airshow Lineup, Supersonic Flight Regs, Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide, Boeing Deal

The sport aircraft business can be a tough one... especially when Mother Nature decides you need special attention -- and not in a good way. The folks at London-Corbin Airport's Kolb Aircraft reached out to ANN early yesterday to let us know that they were all safe and accounted for but that their manufacturing facility was pretty much wiped out. The final World War II flying boat has completed its tedious trek across Arizona, arriving in Tucson in preparation for its permanent home in the Pima Air and Space Museum. This aircraft, the Philippine Mars, was dismantled for transport after its last flight in February. Three Montana Army National Guard members are facing criminal trespassing charges after authorities say they landed a Black Hawk helicopter on private property to collect elk antlers. The penalty is a $185 fine. The inciden