Hydrogen propulsion and the race to replace jet fuel
Hydrogen propulsion for aircraft is advancing fast, with fuel cell and combustion approaches competing to replace jet fuel.
Aviation technology analysis with Vector. Electric aircraft, avionics advances, eVTOL certification, satellite connectivity, and the engineering innovations shaping the future of flight.
Hydrogen propulsion for aircraft is advancing fast, with fuel cell and combustion approaches competing to replace jet fuel.
Reliable Robotics is pursuing FAA certification to fly unmanned Cessna Caravans for cargo, using remote pilots and triple-redundant systems.
The Garmin GFC 500 autopilot brings attitude-based digital flight control and stability protection to legacy piston aircraft at a total installed cost of $15,000–$30,000.
The Garmin GI 275 drops a solid-state glass display into a standard round gauge cutout, giving legacy aircraft modern instrumentation without a full panel retrofit.
Archer Aviation's Midnight eVTOL enters late-stage FAA conformity testing while Garmin and hydrogen propulsion milestones signal real progress in aviation tech.
Electra Aero's hybrid-electric blown-lift aircraft promises 150-foot takeoffs, 500-mile range, and nine-passenger capacity using existing small airports.
Hydrogen fuel cells may replace avgas in aviation, with flight-tested technology and a realistic timeline stretching from 2029 for regional aircraft to the late 2030s for GA.
The Garmin G3X Touch Certified brings experimental-market glass panel technology to legacy aircraft for under $25,000 installed.
Electra's EL9 combines 1950s blown-lift aerodynamics with modern electric motors to create a 9-seat hybrid that takes off in 150 feet.
Garmin Autoland lets any passenger press one button to land a turboprop or light jet safely during pilot incapacitation.
NASA's X-59 QueSST aims to replace the sonic boom with a soft thump, potentially ending the 1973 ban on civil supersonic flight over land.
Joby and Archer are deep into FAA powered lift type certification under the new SFAR—here's what the milestones actually mean for pilots.
ADS-B In delivers free traffic and weather data to your cockpit, but only pilots who understand its limitations get the full benefit.
How Garmin's GFC 700 autopilot and Electronic Stability Protection are measurably reducing fatal loss-of-control accidents in general aviation.
Joby Aviation leads the eVTOL certification race with over 70% of FAA requirements complete and a full Part 23 type certificate in sight.
Starlink is bringing low-latency broadband to aircraft, transforming cockpit connectivity from airlines to business jets.
A realistic look at who is actually flying electric airplanes today, from certified trainers to eVTOL prototypes.