March’s top stories: Missing Malaysia Airlines MH370, Facebook buys drones firm

World’s longest aircraft unveiled in UK

The world’s longest aircraft, HAV304, was unveiled at a hangar in Cardington, Bedfordshire, UK.

The 113ft-wide aircraft, known as HAV304, was originally developed for the US military, and was later abandoned due to budget issues.

The aircraft is being developed by Hybrid Air Vehicles, with plans to build it for passenger and cargo purposes.

No MH370 survivors expected, as Australian and Chinese teams spot new objects in south Indian Ocean

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that no survivors are expected from the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 jet, as Australian and Chinese aircraft search for objects picked up in satellite images of the southern Indian Ocean.

Najib Razak said in a statement that he had received a briefing from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), which presented new satellite data of the aircraft’s flight path from Inmarsat.

"Based on their new analysis, Inmarsat and AAIB have concluded that MH370 flew along the southern corridor, and that its last position was in the middle of the Indian Ocean, west of Perth," Razak said.

Airbus and Chinese university partner to explore 3D printing in commercial aviation

Airbus signed a cooperation agreement with North Western Polytechnical University (NPU) in China to indentify new ways of applying 3D printing technology in commercial aviation.

Under the partnership, NPU will manufacture test specimens of titanium alloy parts using its Laser Solid Forming technology according to Airbus specifications.

Samples will be measured and assessed by Airbus.

Facebook reportedly in talks to buy drone maker Titan Aerospace

Facebook is reportedly in discussions to acquire drone manufacturing firm Titan Aerospace for $60m, in order to provide internet access to consumers in developing countries.

Titan’s solar-powered drones can fly at altitudes of 65,000ft and remain airborne for five years.

The social networking site aims to build 11,000 of Titan’s ‘Solara 60’ model drones to offer beam internet connection in those parts of the world currently with irregular or no coverage, reported TechCrunch.

Airbus builds new test area to mimic surface of Mars

Airbus Defence and Space has built an extended Mars Yard test area at its Stevenage, UK site, in an effort to replicate the surface of the Red Planet.

The new extended Mars Yard will be used to test systems on the Europe’s first Mars rover that is scheduled to be sent to the planet in 2018.

The test area 30m x 13m will support the final development of autonomous navigation system.

Airbus signs $10bn deal to supply 70 jets to China

Airbus has signed a general terms agreement (GTA) to supply 70 aircraft worth more than $10bn to China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS), the state-owned purchasing agency.

The deal had been frozen due to a trade row between the European Union and nations outside it over carbon emissions tax. It includes 43 A320 family jets and 27 A330 aircraft.

Under the agreements, Airbus will fortify its mutually beneficial cooperation with Chinese aviation sector in a variety of fields that include promoting Tianjin as an Asian Centre for Airbus, as well as upgrading industrial cooperation in both scale and level.

Boeing to deliver first all-electric satellites by early 2015

Boeing Defense, Space & Security is on schedule to deliver the world’s first all-electric propulsion satellites later this year or by early 2015.

The company said it has met all the important production targets on its initial 702 small platform (SP) satellites. The milestones include completion of static qualification testing, verification and assembly of the primary structures for 702SP inaugural clients Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) and Eutelsat.

Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems vice-president and general manager Craig Cooning said that the company will be first to launch a commercial all-electric satellite, providing customers new flexibility and next-generation technology for increased performance.

Airbus establishes wholly owned subsidiary in India

Airbus is combining its operations in India with the creation of a wholly owned subsidiary, Airbus India, to manage the company’s activities spread across several sites around the country.

With customer facing centres in Delhi and Mumbai, the new Airbus India will include strategy, customer services and procurement teams in one organisation.

A maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) capability will also be set-up in the country at a later date.