Aviation Week's Check 6 Podcast
Aviation Week & Space Technology editors take a look at some of the bigger-picture issues in the world of aerospace and defense.
Episodes
'We Happy Band Of Robots'—The Pentagon's New Command
Will Project Agincourt spur the new U.S. Autonomy Command to great things? Editors discuss the implications of the Pentagon's military autonomy efforts and the broader context of uncrewed systems in modern warfare. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Inside JetZero's Engine Search
Editors assess the progress of JetZero's blended wing body aircraft and explore its efforts to find the right powerplant that would suit both civil and military customers. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Questions Swirl Around MV-75 And Army Aviation
Ahead of AUSA, editors discuss the MV-75 and the U.S. Army's modernization plans, including long-range fires, air defense, space capabilities and the budget challenges shaping its next steps.
Can Airbus' A350F Upend Boeing In The Air Cargo Market?
Editors discuss the next-generation freighter market after first flight of the Airbus A350F and with Boeing's 777-8F in line to take off soon. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Breaking Down Boeing's Big F/A‑XX Win
Editors react to Boeing being announced as the winner of the U.S. Navy's F/A-XX contest ahead of Northrop Grumman and share their impressions of the next-generation tactical combat aircraft's design after a new rendering was released. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
What's The Buzz In Space Beyond Weapons—Ubiquitous Earth Observation And Launch Laments
Aviation Week Military Space Editor Vivienne Machi reflects on what we learned at AFA on space and the Iran war, as well as launch concerns for the Space Force and how that resonates with what Executive Editor for Defense and Space Robert Wall heard at World Space Business Week.
The Case Of The Missing Blackbird
Emergency podcast: A special Lockheed SR-71A has gone missing after being displayed in front of a NASA facility for more than 26 years. Meanwhile, the NASA administrator is dropping hints that a new X-plane is in the works that happens to look a lot like a Blackbird. What's going on here? Editors Robert Wall, Graham Warwick and Steve Trimble explain what's going on—as far as they know today. Sign
Why Tensions Have Flared Between Boeing And GE
Long-running tensions between Boeing and GE Aerospace over engines surfaced again, with 777X the cause du jour. Editors explain the dynamics at play and also discuss the 737 MAX ramp-up and what might happen if SPEEA technicians and professionals strike in the Seattle area come October. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Space Weapons Declassified, Gucci F-16s And More—What To Know About AFA
Editors discuss the news from last week's AFA gathering, addressing the Air Force secretary's bombshell weapons-in-space disclosure, new aircraft weapons concepts on show and so much more. Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support its defense customers, providing reliable, high performance military engines and systems for air and sea. Building on more t
The Sun Is Setting On The Boeing 747
Aviation Week's resident 747 experts Guy Norris and Jens Flottau discuss why Boeing's "jumbo jet" still matters and has outlasted predictions made decades ago. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
What To Expect At AFA
Editors gather on the eve of the AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference to discuss what the key themes will be at this year's event. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
The Heart Of The Engine: Inside GE Aerospace's New Deal
GE Aerospace's $12 billion acquisition of CPP has huge implications for the castings and aircraft engine sectors—Aerodynamic Advisory's Kevin Michaels joins Aviation Week editors to explain why. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Where Are CCAs Headed Next? U.S. Navy Carriers And Swedish Runways
Listen in as editors discuss Saab's collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) concept, Europe's evolving uncrewed combat aircraft strategy and the U.S. Navy's ambitious carrier-based CCA plans. Mission-critical defense systems demand unwavering reliability. Siemens delivers comprehensive solutions across engineering, manufacturing and lifecycle management. When precision matters most, trust Siemens. You
GPS Spoofing And Jamming: Can Civil Aviation Adapt?
Aviation Week's Graham Warwick offers a scathing assessment of U.S. regulators as a King Air crash earlier this year underscores concerns about the Global Positioning System. He is joined by Robert Wall and Joe Anselmo to discuss its vulnerabilities and the barriers to overcoming those.
Talking Malice, F/A‑XX & Naval Aviation Modernization
Editors talk Tailhook, covering the Navy's surprise unveiling of Malice, a new long-range air-to-air missile, future carrier deck operations, the use of uncrewed aircraft, hypersonic weapons and more. Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support its defense customers, balancing the current needs of the industry with the advanced capabilities needed for the
How The A321 Became Airbus' Sales Engine
Did Boeing's inaction open the door to Airbus' sales bonanza? United's plan to use XLRs on new transatlantic routes revives the question. Joe Anselmo, Jens Flottau and Christine Boynton are joined by regular columnist Richard Aboulafia, managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory, to discuss.
How New Dynamics Are Shaping The NRO And Military Space Efforts
Aviation Week's Military Space Editor Vivienne Machi discusses the latest developments with the National Reconnaissance Office, the Victus Haze rendezvous and proximity operations missions, and what awaits the new slate of U.S. defense and intelligence space leadership.
Not So Dog Days Of Summer
Listen in as our editors discuss good earnings, bad earnings, SpaceX, AI, the aftermarket, Boeing, an electric airplane and a Groundhog Day moment.
What Were The Golden Nuggets At SMD 26?
Robert Wall and Brian Everstine discuss the annual Space and Missile Defense Conference in Huntsville and focus on the major themes that emerged there.
Why MAX 7 Certification Is So Important For Boeing
Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Christine Boynton, Jens Flottau and Guy Norris discuss the long-awaited certification of the Boeing 737-7, the MAX type with the longest range, and also explore how airlines are coping after a tumultuous first half.
The Latest On Trump Force One, CCAs & More
Editors discuss the Pentagon's modernization priorities, including the Air Force's collaborative combat aircraft program, Air Force One modification issues and the Navy's efforts to advance a more modular missile defense architecture. Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support the Defense sector, providing reliable high performance, innovative military e
Is Commercial Aerospace In For A Rude Awakening?
A new survey reveals a widening gap between airline sentiment and the rest of the industry regarding a potential downturn. Listen in as editors are joined by consultants from McKinsey who share results from their research carried out in partnership with Aviation Week. Download McKinsey's white paper in partnership with Aviation Week as a PDF here
How Defense Stole The Show At Farnborough
Listen in to hear about Brontanax, GCAP, interceptors, howling Hongdus and more as Aviation Week defense editors break down what they learned at the Farnborough Airshow.
Explaining The Key Commercial Aviation Developments At Farnborough
Editors Christine Boynton, Jens Flottau and Guy Norris discuss the latest developments in NGSA technology, aircraft orders, Emirates' first 777Xs and more from the 2026 Farnborough Airshow. Watch Guy and Christine's video on GE's hybrid-electric milestone here
What To Know About GCAP's New Pal—Storm Fighter—And More
Editors unpack the Global Air & Space Chiefs Conference in London, breaking down the Storm Fighter CCA program, space launch infrastructure issues and more, plus what to expect from Farnborough Airshow.
What Do Engine Durability Fixes Mean For Next-Gen Propulsion?
As the Farnborough Airshow approaches, editors discuss how engine-makers are making headway with nagging durability problems while positioning for the all-important next-gen single aisle competition—and explain how the two play into each other. Thank you to our sponsor, Siemens. When aerospace leaders need trusted engineering and design solutions, they turn to Siemens comprehensive solutions. Fro
How Steve Parker Is Remaking Boeing's Defense Business
Listen in as Steve Parker, the CEO of Boeing's Defense, Space and Security division, explains the company's revised approach to bidding for contracts and shares program updates on the F-47, KC-46, MQ-28 and more ahead of the Farnborough Airshow. Thank you to our sponsor, Parker. With more than a century of aerospace expertise behind it, Parker is continuing to engineer the breakthroughs that lead
Check 6 With Accenture: Farnborough Stories To Watch
Listen in as Accenture's aerospace team identifies key trends to watch at this year's Farnborough Airshow in this sponsored podcast. Find out more about Accenture here
How Does GCAP Boost Change UK Defense?
Robert Wall and Tony Osborne dig into the UK's Defense Investment Plan, discussing how billions in new spending could reshape GCAP and airpower, electronic warfare and NATO strategy.
Has The A220 Been A Winner For Airbus? And Should They Stretch It?
Ten years after the C Series entered service, editors are joined by Richard Aboulafia to assess the success of what is now the A220 and explain why a decision to stretch it or not is such a conundrum for Airbus.
Inside DC's Reimagined Air & Space Museum
As Washington DC's Air & Space Museum turns 50, its director Chris Browne tells Aviation Week about its newest galleries and gives a sneak peek of what's on display ahead of their opening on July 1. Watch a video version of this episode on YouTube
The Rapidly Changing World Of Aerospace Test Cells | Sponsored By ACS
Is your legacy test infrastructure the biggest bottleneck in your electrification program? In this sponsored podcast ACS breaks down why "purpose-built" test cells are failing to keep pace with the pace of innovation—and how moving to a modular, flexible design is the key to accelerating the path to certification. Learn more here
Why Airbus And Boeing's CEOs See The Future Differently
Editors discuss what Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said in exclusive interviews that feature in the next issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine.
What's Next For CCAs After U.S. Air Force Downselect?
Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Steve Trimble and Brian Everstine explore the U.S. Air Force's award of Collaborative Combat Aircraft production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics. Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support the Defense sector, providing reliable high performance, innovative military engines, systems and services. Learn more at geaeros
MD-11 Crash—What Clues Were Missed?
Aviation Week's Sean Broderick and Guy Norris join Joe Anselmo to discuss new details released by the NTSB into the fatal crash of a UPS MD-11 last November including flaws in a Boeing safety analysis. Read Sean's story here, available for free through 2026: UPS Accident Probe Finds Trail Of Missed Clues
What's Next For The Luftwaffe After FCAS Collapse?
Aviation Week editors at the ILA Berlin Air Show ask what's next for the German Air Force fighter fleet after the collapse of the multinational FCAS program.
How Big Is The Crisis Facing Airlines?
Airline leaders from around the world converged on Rio last weekend for the IATA AGM at a time when the fallout from the Iran war is hitting the industry hard.
Why German Aerospace Is Booming
Aviation Week editors discuss how Europe is reshaping its military and commercial aviation sectors amid growing security concerns.
A Defining Moment For Blue Origin
As Blue Origin races to close the gap on SpaceX, a huge explosion on the launchpad has dealt the company a significant setback. Editors discuss how Blue will respond and implications for the broader launch market.
SpaceX—To The Nasdaq And Beyond
Editors discuss SpaceX's pitch for what will be the biggest IPO ever and what it could mean for the company.
Another Delay For 777X—How Bad This Time?
Bank of America analyst Ron Epstein joins Aviation Week editors to discuss the 777X program's long-term outlook after news that it will likely not be certified until 2027, and how Airbus will respond. Thank you to our sponsor, Siemens. When aerospace leaders need trusted engineering and design solutions, they turn to Siemens comprehensive solutions. From design to delivery, our solutions support
Orient Express—Traversing Europe's Defense Landscape
From the cancellation of RIAT to Turkey's newly announced ICBM, Aviation Week's Robert Wall and Tony Osborne navigate the evolving European defense scene. Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support the Defense sector, providing reliable high performance, innovative military engines, systems and services. Learn more at geaerospace.com/military-defense
Does Boeing Need China Anymore?
Editors are joined by guest columnist Scott Mikus, director of Melius Research covering aerospace, to discuss Boeing's strategic position in China following a 200-aircraft order from Beijing that disappointed Wall Street.
Are X-Planes Worth The Xtra Effort?
Aviation Week editors Guy Norris, Robert Wall and Graham Warwick discuss the state of X-planes, how they have historically performed and what challenge the next X-plane program should take on.
Twenty Years Ago He Was Bigger Than Elon Musk—Has Aerospace Learned From His Failure?
Vern Raburn's attempt to mass-produce low-cost airplanes was a flop. Was Eclipse the forerunner to today's air mobility ventures? Guest columnist Richard Aboulafia and retired editor Fred George join Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo and Graham Warwick to explore Raburn's legacy after his passing in late April. --- At Space Tech Expo USA, the Space Tech Challenge Awards, Roundtables, and STAR Pavilion
Space Planes, Space Control and Space Domain Awareness
Aviation Week editors discuss how space control is front and center for the U.S. Space Force, allied services and adversaries.
How Joby And Unither Are Pushing AAM Toward Real Operations
Aviation Week's Graham Warwick and Ben Goldstein examine Joby Aviation's piloted New York City demonstrations and Unither Bioelectronics' hydrogen-electric Robinson R44 flights in Quebec as advanced air mobility moves closer to real-world deployment.
Missiles, Marines, Missile Defense And More
Aviation Week editors discuss just how much missiles have become central to the Pentagon's modernization strategy, the status of Golden Dome's Space-Based Interceptor effort, and what we observed at the Modern Day Marine expo in Washington. --- Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support the Defense sector, providing reliable high performance, innovative
How's Business At Airbus And Boeing?
Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Michael Bruno, Jens Flottau and Guy Norris discuss recent earnings updates from Airbus and Boeing that saw the duopoly shrug off the Gulf War but note persisting supply chain issues. A freighter battle between the two is also heating up.
Dissecting Developments On MV-75, F/A-XX, B-21 And More
Editors reflect on a busy period for defense, sharing insights on Quad-A, Sea-Air-Space, Aviation Week's MALMS, the latest Pentagon budget figures, and everything else you need to know on air and missile modernization.
Aero Friedrichshafen Steps Up
Editors discuss developments in European business aviation after this week's Aero Friedrichshafen and the cancellation of the EBACE show.
At Space Symposium, NASA is Cool Again
Listen in as our editors discuss the buzz over Artemis II, the push for multiyear milspace predicaments and the return of nuclear reactors.
Quarterly Qhaos—How Hard Will Geopolitics Hit Commercial Aviation?
U.S. first-quarter earnings are typically a non-event, but not this year. Aviation Week editors look ahead to updates from airlines and OEMs and share what they will be watching for.
Reflections On The Dude 44 Rescue And Other Iran War Lessons
Aviation Week editors discuss the recent rescue operation of the Dude 44 F-15E crew, which marks a significant advancement in military innovation. --- From today's challenges to tomorrow's demands, Parker is helping shape the future of aerospace and defense. Email: DSD-info@parker.com.
Understanding The Revolution In Inflight Connectivity
Aviation Week editors covering commercial aviation and space convene to discuss how and why airlines are increasingly offering fast inflight Wi-Fi for free. Listen in to here Jens Flottau, Christine Boynton, Thierry Dubois and Robert Wall break it down.
Unpacking Trump's Gargantuan Military Air And Space Budget
Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Brian Everstine, Vivienne Machi and Steve Trimble delve into the winners and losers in the White House's $1.5 trillion defense spending plan. --- Today's aerospace and defense programs demand speed, precision, and resilience. A long-time trusted partner in the industry, Siemens empowers organizations to design, build, and sustain next-generation systems faster. Learn m
Can NASA's X-59 And Boom's Overture Really Deliver A New Era Of Supersonic Travel?
As NASA begins X-59 envelope expansion and Boom develops its first high speed engine, civil supersonic activity is at its highest since the retirement of Concorde in 2003. Aviation Week editors discuss the latest developments and the challenges that lie ahead.
NASA's New Moonshot
The new administrator shakes up the space agency with plans for lunar base and sunsetting SLS. Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo and Irene Klotz speak with Redwire Space President Michael Gold about the developments.
A Tale Of Two FALS—Airbus In Mobile And Boeing In Charleston
Editors are joined by AeroDynamic Advisory Managing Director Richard Aboulafia to discuss the progress of airliner production by Airbus in Alabama and Boeing in South Carolina.
What's Under The Ever-More Expensive Golden Dome—From Patriots To Hobbits
Aviation Week editors discuss the increase in projected Golden Dome costs and what the fiscal 2027 Pentagon budget request may tell us about the umbrella program.
The Impact Of The Iran War On Airlines
Conflict and fuel prices have battered air transport, but U.S. carriers are surprisingly confident. Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Christine Boynton, Jens Flottau and Lori Ranson discuss how the Iran war is affecting airlines in different regions and look ahead to potential ripple effects.
High-Energy Laser Weapons Reach New Heights
Aviation Week editors Robert Wall and Steve Trimble discuss the evolution of laser weapons that are now getting their first battlefield kills and are destined for new applications.
Heavy Lift And eVTOLs Put The 'Vertical' In Verticon
Aviation Week's Guy Norris and Tony Osborne are joined in Atlanta by vertical flight veteran Mike Hirschberg of H2 Advisors to discuss the highlights of this year's Verticon rotorcraft expo.
Rolls-Royce Wants A Piece Of The Next-Gen Narrowbody Market
Some 14 years after exiting the single-aisle engine market, Rolls-Royce is trying to get back into it, unveiling a new engine concept called the UltraFan 30—but can it break the CFM-Pratt duopoly? Editors are joined by guest columnist Scott Mikus, director of Melius Research covering aerospace, to discuss the dynamics in next-generation single-aisle propulsion.
How Iran War Tests Air Power, Gulf Hubs
Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Jens Flottau and Steve Trimble discuss the military operation in Iran, how it has disrupted commercial air travel and consider the ramifications for aviation.
High On CCAs, B-21, Space & More—The AFA Warfare Debrief
Listen in as Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Brian Everstine, Vivienne Machi and Guy Norris reflect on program updates and other highlights from the AFA Warfare Symposium. Thank you to our sponsor L3Harris. L3Harris' Red Wolf and Green Wolf deliver an unfair fight by combining speed, extended range and lethality through kinetic and non-kinetic effects: https://www.l3harris.com/all-capabilities/l3har
Aviation And Trump's Tariffs, Round Two
Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Michael Bruno and Jens Flottau are joined by consultant Kevin Michaels to break down President Trump's latest tariffs and where the pain will be felt in the aerospace supply chain.
Fuel Up For AFA Warfare Symposium
Editors preview AFA Warfare Symposium, setting the scene for key topics that will be on the agenda in Colorado. They touch on new leadership and shifting priorities, modernization efforts, and key programs like on-orbit refueling and tanker development.
Airbus Points The Finger At Pratt & Whitney
Editors are joined by Richard Aboulafia to discuss airliner production after Airbus shared its delivery targets for this year and Boeing updated its suppliers.
How Europe Learned To Start Worrying And Love The Bomb
Editors are joined by Agency Partners' analyst Sash Tusa to discuss the fallout of the Munich Security Conference and Saudi Arabia's World Defense Show. Key Topics: Overview of Recent Defense Events The Future of FCAS and European Defense Cooperation Germany's Nuclear Ambitions and European Security Insights from the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia's Defense Industrialization Effo
Jared Isaacman On NASA's Future
NASA is under new leadership with Jared Isaacman. Listen in as he answers questions from Aviation Week's Irene Klotz after eight weeks on the job in this special episode presented by Editor-in-Chief Joe Anselmo. --- Nominations are now open for the Space Tech Challenge Awards—could your solution be a winner? Find out more and apply here https://spacetechchallenge.aviationweek.com/ The Space Tech C
From TacAir To Transports—Defense At The Singapore Airshow
Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Chen Chuanren and Brian Everstine report from the Singapore Airshow, sharing what they've been hearing about different military programs in the evolving geopolitical environment.
Commercial Aviation Insights From The Singapore Airshow
Listen in as Aviation Week's Guy Norris, Jens Flottau and Adrian Schofield sit down at the end of Day Two of the 2026 Singapore Airshow to break down what has—and hasn't—happened in commercial aviation at the event.
Unpacking The Pentagon's New Strategy—Greenland, Golden Dome And Budget Implications
Listen in as Aviation Week's Robert Wall, Brian Everstine and Steve Trimble break down the Pentagon's new National Defense Strategy and what it means for the budget.
Shot Down—What the FCC's UAS Ban Means
The Trump administration has started the clock on a near-total ban of foreign UAS and parts in the U.S. The surprise blanket ban has the potential to dramatically effect American customers and contractors alike—and not necessarily in a good way. Listen to Aviation Week's Michael Bruno and Bill Carey who are joined by The Drone Girl, Sally French, to explain what is happening and what it means.
What Did SciTech Reveal About The Future Of Aerospace?
Listen in as Aviation Week's Guy Norris and Graham Warwick report back from their annual pilgrimage to AIAA SciTech, sharing news of future aerospace technologies they learned about at the aerospace research forum. They also hear from Clay Mowry, the head of AIAA.
Innovate, Compete, Win: Aviation Week's Space Tech Challenge 2026
Aviation Week's Robert Wall and Garrett Reim are joined by Russ Matijevich, space industry veteran and a judge in the Space Tech Challenge Awards. Nominations are now open for the awards—could your solution be a winner? Find out more and apply here: https://spacetechchallenge.aviationweek.com/ The Space Tech Challenge Awards connect execution-ready innovations with the government agencies, prime c
Does Airbus Deserve a B+ or a C-?
Airframers' 2025 delivery totals are in. Aviation Week's team grades Airbus, Boeing and the smaller OEMs on their production performance last year.
Trump Vs. Defense Industry
Analyst Byron Callan joins Aviation Week editors to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's attack on contractor profits and his plan to boost defense spending by 50%. Find out more about Aviation Week's Defense Conference here
Is The GCAP Fighter The F-35's International Successor?
Watch as Richard Aboulafia joins the podcast to discuss how 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for two next-generation fighter programs conceived in Europe: FCAS and GCAP. Subscribers can read Richard's column on the Global Combat Air Program here Find out more about Aviation Week's Defense Conference here
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