Pilatus has unveiled the updated PC-24, featuring improved range and payload capacity. With over 1,000 modifications made to the structure, the aircraft now offers significantly more flexibility for customers.
Firefly Aerospace has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit to conduct a trade study on its capabilities for rapidly launching Elytra vehicles and supporting missions beyond Geosynchronous Orbit, referred to as xGEO.
Firefly Aerospace has announced the selection of three educational payloads for launch as part of its DREAM program. The program, established in 2019, aims to make space attainable for everyone and provide opportunities for students to develop an interest in STEM fields.
Firefly Aerospace has expanded its manufacturing facilities in Briggs, Texas, to support the production of Northrop Grumman's Antares 330 and the Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV). The company has added two new test stands and installed state-of-the-art machinery, including a new Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine.
Pilatus closed its 2023 financial year with record results, driven by high demand and successful product launches. Despite supply chain challenges, the company delivered 148 aircraft and saw significant growth in sales and operating income.
Pilatus has delivered its first New South Wales Ambulance PC-24 to Australia, marking a significant milestone for the organization's aeromedical operations. The aircraft will operate in challenging environments, including remote areas with limited access to medical facilities.
Firefly Aerospace has been selected by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) as a launch provider with its Alpha rocket. As part of the Streamlined Launch Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract (SLIC), Firefly will support NRO launches from both Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral, with a 10-year ordering period valued at up to $700 million.
Pilatus will take over RUAG Aerostructures Schweiz AG's workforce and machinery from the second quarter of 2024. This acquisition stands in line with the Swiss government's strategic goals for RUAG International.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service RFDS has ordered an aeromedical PC-24, highlighting the aircraft's suitability for remote medical transport. Pilatus reports that regular training is essential to ensure readiness at all times.
Pilatus has agreed to acquire the maintenance operations from Aero Centers Epps, with the goal of safeguarding continuity and quality of its award-winning services on the southeast coast of the USA. Founded in 1965, Epps Aviation has been an Authorized Pilatus Sales and Service Center since 1996.
Firefly Aerospace is preparing to launch its Alpha FLTA004 Fly the Lightning mission, which will deploy an Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) payload developed by Lockheed Martin. The mission aims to demonstrate rapid delivery of on-orbit capabilities for U.
Pilatus's P-2 played a pivotal role in the filming of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, starring in a memorable chase scene. According to Jacques Bourret, the aircraft was chosen for its resemblance to the Messerschmitt Bf 109.
Firefly Aerospace has been selected to develop an analytical framework for aggregated on-orbit spacecraft hubs in support of DARPA's 10-Year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) capability study. The framework will enable the creation of scalable spacecraft hubs that can host and service spacecraft across cislunar space, providing responsive tasking for a wide range of services such as refueling, delivery, and transport.
Pilatus has selected Daniel Hirscher, a model aircraft painter, to create unique color schemes for its PC-21 trainer. Hirscher, who is self-employed and runs his own paint company, uses airbrush techniques to bring his designs to life.
Firefly Aerospace has completed the first hot fire test for its Miranda engine, a critical milestone in the development of its propulsion system. The test was conducted at Firefly's rocket test and production site in Texas and validates the design of the engine's startup sequence and transient conditions.
Pilatus is supporting OpenSky's ambitious vision to develop the Japanese market for private and business travel. The company has partnered with OpenSky to offer fractional ownership of its fleet, allowing individuals and companies to use aircraft for personal travel.
Pilatus has partnered with Swiss artist Adrian Gander, aka 'Anoy', to create eye-catching color schemes for the PC-12 and PC-24 demo aircraft. Anoy's designs were selected from 150 submissions, featuring striking color schemes inspired by Swiss landscapes.
Firefly Aerospace has closed a third tranche of Series C funding, valuing the company at $1.5 billion pre-money. The round is being led by existing investors AE Industrial Partners and new investor Mitsui & Co.
Firefly Aerospace has agreed to deliver Fleet Space's Seismic Payload for Interplanetary Discovery (SPIDER) on its second lunar mission in 2026. The Blue Ghost lander will provide power and communications, enabling SPIDER to capture seismic data from the lunar surface.
Ornge Air Ambulance Service has ordered twelve new Pilatus PC-12 single-engine turboprop aircraft to modernize its fleet and provide essential air medical services to Ontario citizens. The upgrade is part of a long-term partnership with Pilatus, Breaking Defense reports.