Boeing PhantomEye UAV Approaching First Flight

NASA/DOD UAV flight test partnerships seem to be the norm these days.  A couple years back NASA Dryden worked with Aerovironment to test another hydrogen-powered long-endurance high-altitude UAV.  That project proved that UAV flight testing can be every bit as challenging as manned flight test.  Let's see how this one goes.

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/33308/?SID=585da46c87dd1597971378e0800ebdb3

Cessna Citation M2 Is Now Flying

The Mustang Two had its very first flight.  This is always an exciting (and tense) moment for the crew as well as the company.  Current projections are that the business aircraft market will begin to pick up in the next 18 months.  Hopefully a few flights under their belts will put Cessna in line for expanded orders for the new plane.

http://corpjetfin.live.subhub.com/articles/Citation_M2_first_flight_201

Tejas LCA Moving from DT Into Production Test

As the configurations mature and production standards firm up, the tests performed on vehicle first flights are taking on more of a "production flight test" look.

(Photo Credit: Indian Defence Review)



http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-03-09/news/31139837_1_maiden-flight-national-flight-test-centre-test-director

Navy Testers Honored for "Pushing the Envelope"

These superstars represent multiple disciplines, and their work affects fighters, heavies, helicopters, flight instruction,... the whole gamut.  The flight test community is a tough place to impress anybody, because everybody involved is so good.  Congrats!

http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/26514

Gulfstream G-650 Moves Toward Certification

The link below provides a short rundown of what has been completed recently as the plane fills the last remaning squares in preparation for FAA certification.  It has been a long, sometimes traumatic program, but results appear promising.

http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2012-03-02/gulfstream-g650-getting-ready-final-testing