“The STRATFI program plays a critical role in advancing emerging American technologies and we are thrilled to receive this significant investment,” said John Piasecki, CEO of Piasecki Aircraft. “This new funding will allow us to demonstrate ARES’ unique tilt-duct configuration, which enables seamless transition between hover and fixed-wing forward flight — a technological leap that would address critical aerial challenges faced by the U.S. military. The STRATFI test program will also fund the demonstration of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology for VTOLs, including our forthcoming PA-890 compound helicopter. Demonstration of the PA-890 would be a world-first for electric aviation and would usher in a new era of clean vertical flight.”

MightyFly has been awarded a U.S. Air Force innovation contract to develop its autonomous loading and unloading system. The company, an innovative leader in autonomous hybrid eVTOL cargo aircraft, has recently been awarded a lucrative Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract worth $1.25 million by AFWERX.

AFWERX is a United States Air Force program with the goal of fostering a culture of innovation within the service.

In a significant leap toward sustainable aviation, Pipistrel, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has announced that the Velis Electro, the world’s first type-certified electric aircraft, has been selected by the U.S. Air Force for its Agility Prime program (AFWERX).
Agility Prime, the service’s cutting-edge, vertical lift initiative, explores the operational and training potential of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for various mission-critical purposes, including training and operations…