Aviation Week's Check 6 Podcast (news)

Aviation Week editors discuss the upcoming first flight test of NASA's Orion crew capsule which will move astronauts a little closer to Mars.

Direct download: Check_6_-_21_Nov_14.mp3
Category:news -- posted at: 6:35pm GMT

The State of Human Deep Space Exploration

Jim Asker and Frank Morring discuss this week's cover package including new system development, the proposed asteroid mission, the next robotic mission, commercial participation, the human life science involved, budgetary considerations, international cooperation, and our ultimate current goal: Mars. Listen all the way to the end when Frank gives his opinion on how likely a human trip to Mars really is.

Direct download: June_20.mp3
Category:news -- posted at: 11:12pm GMT

Airbus, the A350 and other musings from Toulouse

The annual Airbus Innovation Days are normally two days of briefings from senior Airbus executives. But this week’s formalities kicked off with an announcement by Airbus that Emirates has cancelled its order for 70 A350s. The next day, we went flying in MSN2, the second A350 test aircraft. In between we got updates on the various new engine options, both planned and proposed.

In this week’s Check 6 podcast, recorded at Airbus’ delivery center in Toulouse, I talked to Jens and Joe about what implications the Emirates cancellation could have on the A350 program. Some of you have speculated here aviationweek.com that Emirates could be looking at the Boeing 747-8i instead, but Jens explains why that’s unlikely.


We also discuss the progress of the A320neo and its slice of the total narrowbody pie. Finally, is a bubble really brewing?

Direct download: Check6_TLS.mp3
Category:news -- posted at: 2:56pm GMT

As Airbus draws closer to a decision on whether or not to re-engine its A330, Aviation Week editors discuss the implications for Airbus and its engine suppliers.

Direct download: Check624May.mp3
Category:news -- posted at: 9:15pm GMT

New Small UAVs, Their Rules and Tasers

The week before the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International conference, AvWeek editors get together to talk about some of the latest innovations and complications surrounding the UAV market.

Direct download: Check_6_5-9.mp3
Category:news -- posted at: 10:08pm GMT

What a Week in Space!

Aviation Week editors discuss SpaceX's suit against the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Sanctions on Russia over Ukraine, the merger of Orbital Sciences and ATK and how they're all related in our latest Check 6 podcast.

Direct download: 52_Check_6.mp3
Category:news -- posted at: 11:30pm GMT

R&D Investment Crisis

A squeeze on U.S. defense spending has caused Pentagon investment in research, development, test and evaluation spending to decline 28% since its peak in 2009, adjusting for inflation. The problem is the defense contractors aren't stepping in to make up the difference.

Direct download: 4-18_Check_6.m4a
Category:news -- posted at: 3:51pm GMT

Broadband Onboard

Broadband data is coming to airplanes in a big way. It will influence both passengers in the cabin and operations in the cockpit.

Direct download: 4-3-14_Check_6.m4a
Category:news -- posted at: 2:33pm GMT

Aviation Week's talk in-depth about the technologies being used in the search and what their limitations are. The discussion also delves into what the aircraft’s “black box” would reveal – and not reveal – if it were recovered.

Direct download: CheckSix0321POD.mp4
Category:news -- posted at: 9:14pm GMT

A panel of Aviation Week reporters talks about flight MAS370, air navigation and asset tracking, search and rescue, and more.

Direct download: MH370-MP3_File.mp3
Category:news -- posted at: 12:08pm GMT

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