Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30&nbsp;years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.

Defense Correspondent

Chris Pocock

Czech engineering company PBS and Ukrainian engine designer Ivchenko Progress signed a memorandum of understanding&nbsp;to develop a compact turbojet for small UAVs and cruise missiles this week at Le Bourget. The AI-PBS-350 will produce 765 pounds of&nbsp;thrust but weighs only 112 pounds.&nbsp;Measuring&nbsp;only 9.7 inches long and 11.5 inches in diameter, it will feature a four-stage axial compressor and a single-stage axial turbine.
PBS manufactures eight small turbojets and a turboprop engine&nbsp;used for UAVs, microjets such as the&nbsp;Sonex Aircraft SubSonex kit-built single-engine jet, and helicopters. It also makes APUs and environmental control systems and has been cooperating with Ivchenko since 2006.&nbsp;“We will learn from each other on this new high-level engineering project,” said Marek Fiala, PBS director of marketing.
Ivchenko is based in Zaporizhzhia, one of the cities most heavily attacked by Russia&nbsp;during the war against Ukraine. Ivchenko general director Ivor Kavchenko told AIN that his factory had suffered damage, like many others, but it continues to operate. The company employs 3,000 people and because it is designated an essential industry, only 100 of them have left to join the military.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

PBS and Ivchenko Sign MoU To Develop Small Turbojet Engine

A partnership between PBS and Ivchenko aims to build a new turbine engine for small UAVs and cruise missiles.

PBS and Ivchenko Sign MoU for Small Turbojet

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

"Supply chain is affecting a lot of things right now."

Engines Leaders Rev Up for 2025

Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer has also made its first passenger demonstration flights in Thailand

EHang Seeks Higher-performance eVTOL Electric Propulsion Systems

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Trading update reports strong demand in the commercial airliner engines sector

Rolls-Royce Confirms Closure of Electric Propulsion Unit

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

RTX company Pratt & Whitney Canada is part of the government-backed INSAT program

Hydrogen Combustion Test To Start on PW127XT Turboprop Engine

Companies signed a new memorandum of understanding to expand their collaboration

ZeroAvia and PowerCell Agree To Scale Up Fuel Cell Partnership

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Paris Air Show 2023

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Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer has also made its first passenger demonstration flights in Thailand

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Norway's Skydive Voss, Dovetail Electric Aviation and Scandinavian Seaplanes will conduct flight tests

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