Aerospace & Defense Technology - February 2026

Overview

The February 2026 issue of Aerospace & Defense Technology magazine offers a comprehensive overview of advances, innovations, and trends shaping the aerospace and defense sectors, highlighting cutting-edge technologies, manufacturing breakthroughs, and system developments critical to military and aerospace applications.

Feature Articles and Manufacturing Spotlights

A major focus of this issue is the advancement of composite bonding technologies for aerospace structures. An in-depth feature on plasma surface activation demonstrates how this non-mechanical, solvent-free treatment enhances the adhesion strength and durability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates, a material increasingly used in next-generation aircraft. Through collaborations involving NASA Langley Research Center and prominent aerospace firms like Boeing and the University of Washington, atmospheric-pressure plasma jets (APPJ) have been shown to increase surface wettability and resistance to delamination without damaging structural integrity. This aligns with growing industry needs for scalable, inline manufacturing processes that improve joint strength while maintaining lightweight performance.

Complementing this, another spotlight delves into pyrovalve alternatives for modern missile and munitions launchers, reflecting ongoing efforts to increase reliability and intelligence in weapon systems. Further, aerospace aluminum laser welding advances are examined, underscoring innovations that enhance material performance vital for the future of flight.

The issue also explores the evolution of avionics through model-based design shaping electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) systems, signaling how software-driven design methodologies accelerate development cycles while ensuring safety and effectiveness in emerging urban air mobility platforms.

RF and Communication Technologies

A significant technical feature focuses on RF-over-Fiber (RFoF) technology as the backbone for next-generation military and aerospace networks. The article explains how RFoF architectures merge the advantages of radio frequency signal processing with fiber-optic transmission—offering increased bandwidth, interference immunity, and low-latency performance. This bridging technology is pivotal for systems requiring secure, robust communications over extended distances, supporting applications from communications intelligence to radar and electronic warfare.

Additionally, NASA’s demonstration of pioneering space communications technologies further exemplifies innovation in aerospace communications, highlighting progress towards more efficient and reliable data links in harsh space environments.

New Products and Industry Innovations

The New Products section introduces several cutting-edge solutions recently released in the aerospace and defense sectors:

• Pickering Interfaces launched a compact 12-slot LXI/USB modular chassis with hybrid PXI compatibility, simplifying modular test and measurement setups without the need for dedicated controllers.

• Curtiss Wright introduced the PacStar® Universal Smart Chassis, enabling tactical communications by combining compute, route, and switch modules from different series into a single compact unit that optimizes power, size, and weight.

• GAÏA Converter unveiled its GRD-50A-M series integrated power supplies designed for high reliability in demanding military and aerospace environments, fully compliant with MIL-STD standards.

• LEMO released the OPTIMA M Series Single Pair Ethernet connectors delivering 2.5 Gbps data rates in lightweight, space-constrained applications such as UAVs and defense electronics.

• Pacific Defense presented the ultra-wideband software-defined radio transceiver SDR4320VP supporting frequencies up to 18 GHz and programmable waveforms, beneficial for electronic warfare and signals intelligence missions.

• Microchip Technology introduced a radiation-tolerant CAN FD transceiver designed specifically for space applications, offering higher data rates (up to 5 Mbps) with robust communication features suited to satellites and spacecraft.

• CMC Electronics expanded its flight-ready InGaAs detector product line, providing enhanced optoelectronics for aerospace and military systems in the near-infrared spectral range.

• Renishaw developed the XK20 alignment laser system integrating advanced measurement technology suitable for machine tools and precision stages, improving manufacturing accuracy.

• VersaLogic Corp announced rugged M.2 expansion cards ensuring reliable connectivity under extreme temperatures and operational stresses, suited for industrial, defense, transportation, and medical applications.

• Smalley introduced Nestawave™, a novel compact wave spring delivering high load and travel, ideal for aerospace applications requiring space-efficient power solutions.

• Wolf Advanced Technology launched the NVIDIA IGX Thor family of rugged computing modules, combining advanced GPU architectures with enterprise-grade ruggedization for AI and high-performance computing at the tactical edge.

• ADL Embedded Solutions released the ADL-AI2500 fanless edge AI platform built on NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX, offering robust AI inference capability in a small, rugged form factor suitable for challenging environments.

Industry Developments and Application Briefs

The magazine presents updates on major defense programs, notably the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (PEGASUS), where the first modified Bombardier Global 6000 jet equipped for signals intelligence has arrived in Germany. This milestone paves the way for system integration and qualification phases essential to developing modern airborne ISR capabilities.

Additional application briefs cover varied topics such as augmented reality tools developed with DARPA funding to enhance soldier safety and performance on the battlefield, NASA’s hypersonic testing through rainfield simulation and carbon fiber 3D printing for advanced aerospace research, and the critical importance of SAE aerospace standards in certifying metal seals.

The issue also includes curated podcast highlights that delve into topics ranging from virtual twins transforming aerospace design, additive manufacturing advances in support of the U.S. Navy, scaling domestic drone battery production, to sealing solutions enabling hydrogen-powered flight.

Subscription and Publication Information

Published by SAE Media Group with a strong focus on aerospace and defense technologies, the magazine is delivered nine times annually, combining detailed technical coverage with industry insights, product news, and forward-looking perspectives.

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In summary, the February 2026 issue of Aerospace & Defense Technology magazine underscores the sector’s rapid technological evolution—highlighting innovations in composite manufacturing, advanced communications, embedded AI computing, precision hardware, and integrated defense systems. Through expert reports, product launches, and collaborative research updates, it provides aerospace and defense professionals with vital knowledge to advance next-generation capabilities critical to national security and aerospace exploration.