Latest Stories

Articles
Defense

Nadcap at 35 Still Defining Excellence in Aviation, Defense and Space Manufacturing

Celebrating its 35th year, the National Aerospace Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (Nadcap) continues to advance quality assurance and regulatory compliance for aviation, defense, and space OEMs and suppliers. This article summarizes how Nadcap accreditation works, its benefits for manufacturers, and its role in expanding additive manufacturing through industry-wide consensus.

Feature Image

Articles
Software

High-Performance Enclosure Systems for Aerospace and Defense Applications: Preparing for What’s Next

As mission-critical systems demand more processing power, real-time data movement, and multi-domain interoperability, rugged embedded systems are being transformed. Today’s military and aerospace applications increasingly demand the merging of AI computing, enhanced sensor interfaces, and cybersecurity. At the heart of this evolution is the 3U OpenVPX form factor, a modular, compact, and ruggedized hardware standard. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Articles
Materials

Selecting the Best Plastic for Spacecraft Applications

The purpose of this article is to present some design considerations when selecting plastics for use in spacecraft. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Articles
Defense

2025 RISING STAR AWARDS Aerospace and Defense Winner – Keshika Warnakula

Keshika Warnakula is a Senior Flight Mechanics Engineer at Syos Aerospace Limited and the winner of the 2025 Rising Stars Award Aerospace and Defense category. Read on to learn more about her via this interview.

Feature Image

Articles
Electronics & Computers

Managing Thermal Reliability at the Edge: The Critical Challenge DoD Isn’t Talking About

Computational power generates significant heat, and in the confined space of a UAV operating in harsh environmental conditions, thermal management becomes critical to mission success. But there’s a fundamental question the U.S. defense isn’t asking: how will we manage the heat? Read on to find out.

Feature Image

Articles
RF & Microwave Electronics

Analyzing Aircraft Antenna Placement and Performance with Unified Modeling and Simulation

Aircraft OEMs and suppliers are implementing unified modeling and simulation technology and processes, which enables them to combine their CAD model with multiphysics simulation within a secure, data-managed and collaborative computing environment. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Application Briefs
Manned Systems

Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle Rapid Capability Kit Upgrades

BAE Systems is investing in the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) to further expand capability options for soldiers. By using internal investment dollars and the modular chassis of the AMPV the company will collaborate to produce various technologically-advanced prototypes equipped with different capability kits. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Application Briefs
Defense

TRML-4D Radar for Ukrainian Air Defense

Hensoldt recently received a major order to supply radars to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense. As part of a comprehensive order package worth more than 340 million euros, TRML-4D high-performance radars and SPEXER 2000 3D MkIII shortrange radars will be delivered. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Application Briefs
Software

The World’s Largest Real Time EW Test Range

The U.S. Department of Defense faces an increasingly complex electromagnetic environment, in which rapid advances in radar and electronic warfare (EW) demand new tools for development, testing, and training. DARPA’s Digital RF Battlespace Emulator (DRBE) program took up this challenge, resulting in the development of the world’s largest high-fidelity, real-time virtual radio frequency (RF) test range. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Application Briefs
Aerospace

Vulcan Rocket Completes First National Security Launch for Space Force

United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur V rocket recently completed its first National Security Space Launch mission for the U.S. Space Force. Read on to learn more about it.

Feature Image

Briefs
Aerospace

U.S. Army Tests Innovative Autonomous Tactical Vehicle Prototype

In an effort to cut costs and improve supply delivery efficiency, the U.S. Army assessed the Overland AI ULTRA Fully Autonomous Tactical Vehicle prototype during exercise Agile Spirit 25 at the Combat Training Center, Vaziani Training Area, Georgia, in July. Read on to learn more about it.

Feature Image

Briefs
Materials

Researchers Discover New Materials That Could Enhance Fighter Jet Efficiency

Read on to learn more about a pioneering study that sets the stage for a new era in functional alloy design — faster, cheaper, and smarter.

Feature Image

Briefs
Aerospace

Could Metasurfaces Be The Next Quantum Information Processors?

Optics researchers in the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have created specially designed metasurfaces — flat devices etched with nanoscale light-manipulating patterns — to act as ultra-thin upgrades for quantum-optical chips and setups. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Products
Information Technology

New Products

See the new products, including Knowles Corporation's High Q Ceramic Core Inductors; HUBER+SUHNER's VITA 67.3 interconnect portfolio designed for use with its proprietary solderless MINIBEND® RF cable termination technology; Rohde & Schwarz's updated R&S FSWP for upcoming applications; VersaLogic Corp.'s expanded line of industrial temperature, rugged expansion boards; and more.

Feature Image

Articles
Manufacturing & Prototyping

Balancing Cost, Performance and Weight in Designing UAVs

The use of UAVs is increasing rapidly - including their use for delivery in highly populated areas by Amazon, DHL and other logistics firms, meaning the balance between cost and performance is becoming a more pressing concern. Read on to learn what this means.

Feature Image

Articles
Aerospace

The Future of EMI Shielding Is Lightweight, Flexible, and Ready for Flight

Modern military aircraft represent some of the most complex electronic environments ever engineered. These platforms integrate advanced avionics, radar systems, data links, and communication networks that must function seamlessly in hostile, high-frequency environments. In these mission-critical contexts, electromagnetic interference (EMI) poses a silent but serious threat that can degrade signal integrity, cause crosstalk between systems, or even lead to mission failure. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Articles
Test & Measurement

Redefining Modern US Navy Shipbuilding with Additive Manufacturing

For suppliers, embracing AM isn’t just about swapping out tools; it’s about rethinking the entire design process. Working to understand and prepare for AM-driven design and qualification changes is necessary to remain competitive in future U.S. Navy shipbuilding programs. This article will explain how new standards are driving qualification, supporting U.S. Navy construction goals and fleet readiness.

Feature Image

Articles
Manned Systems

Physical Designs by Artificial Intelligence

A quick spoiler alert: Using AI still requires well-considered human input to make it all happen and it demands digital manufacturing to do it quickly.

Feature Image

Articles
Unmanned Systems

Quality by Design: Imperatives for Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing

This article will provide pragmatic insights and best practices for balancing the connector design, manufacturing and testing requirements that are needed to meet evolving demands for product reliability and durability.

Feature Image

Articles
Aerospace

FibreCoat’s New Radar-Absorbing ‘Stealth’ Fiber Reinforced Composites for Spacecraft, Aircraft and Tanks

FibreCoat, the German materials startup, has developed a groundbreaking fiber reinforced composite that is capable of making aircraft, tanks and spacecraft invisible to radar surveillance. Read on to learn more about it.

Feature Image

Briefs
Software

New 3D Chips Could Make Electronics Faster and More Energy-Efficient

Researchers from MIT and elsewhere have developed a new fabrication process that integrates high-performance GaN transistors onto standard silicon CMOS chips in a way that is low-cost and scalable, and compatible with existing semiconductor foundries. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Application Briefs
Aerospace

New AFRL Chamber Enhances Equipment Performance in Extreme Environments

The Air Force Research Laboratory hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the new Research Environmental Chamber in May. The capability, part of AFRL’s Human Effectiveness Directorate, facilitates equipment and human performance evaluations with control over environmental extremes as well as close observation of subjects. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Application Briefs
AR/AI

A New AI-Powered Tool for Battlefield Medical Care

The Air Force Research Laboratory has selected BAE Systems to continue development and support deployment of the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Operations Kit through the new Force Optimization through Rapid-prototyping, Gear Enhancements & Innovative Technology program. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Application Briefs
Defense

A New Record for Optical Power Beaming

DARPA recognized the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory during their POWER Phase 2 Industry Day, for contributions to the Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay program, which shattered existing records for optical power beaming over distance. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Application Briefs
AR/AI

USSOCOM’s New Generative AI Tool

Legion Intelligence announced the enterprise-wide launch of Legion’s AI platform, SOFchat, to personnel across U.S. Special Operations Command. This marks the first enterprise-wide deployment of a Generative AI platform. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Application Briefs
Defense

Precision Strike Missile Increment 1 Achieves Milestone C Approval

The U.S. Army’s Precision Strike Missile Increment 1 program achieved Milestone C approval, signaling the program’s transition into the Production and Deployment phase. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image

Application Briefs
Sensors/Data Acquisition

Reconnaissance Vehicle Sensor Suite Upgrade

Teledyne FLIR Defense is developing a next-generation mounted reconnaissance technology for the M1135 Stryker’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) Sensor Suite Upgrade Program. Read on to learn more about it.

Feature Image

Briefs
Design

How Airbus Is Designing the Future of Combat Aircraft Cockpit Avionics

Read on to learn more about the Enhanced Pilot Interfaces & Interactions for Fighter Cockpit (EPIIC) project. The project aims to future-proof Europe’s defence capabilities by providing pilots the tools they need to optimize their work in the cockpit during military air operations.

Feature Image

Briefs
Physical Sciences

New Drone Will Mimic Albatross Flight

Albatrosses have 11-foot wingspans that carry them across oceans. But it’s how they use these wings that makes them world-class flyers, according to a University of Cincinnati aerospace engineering professor. UC Assistant Professor Sameh Eisa and his research partners hope to harness their amazing abilities for the next generation of drones. Read on to learn more.

Feature Image