Garmin Autoland Wins Collier
Garmin’s Autoland system won the 2020 Collier Trophy as the top technological achievement in aviation. It was up against some formidable competition, including the Bell V 280 Valor, Boeing Confident Travel Initiative, Reliable Robotics Remotely Operated Aircraft System (ROAS), SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon 2, U.S. Department of the Air Force Green Propellant Infusion Mission Team, and Yates Electrospace Corporation’s Silent Arrow. The system, which was certified in 2020 and is now available on several aircraft types, automatically detects pilot incapacitation and lands the airplane at the nearest suitable airport. Passengers can also activate the system with the press of a button. “Its ability to take over an airplane with a disabled pilot and land it safely will save many lives in the future. It’s a remarkable technical achievement and clearly merits the Collier Trophy,” said National Aeronautic Association Chairman Jim Albaugh.
Aerion Fails After Boeing Bails
Aerion Supersonic, which had been working on developing a supersonic business jet for 18 years, announced it was folding, saying there isn’t enough investor interest to fund the project. Although it attracted more than $11 billion in potential orders, the company said it couldn’t raise the $4 billion it said was necessary to get the project off the ground. It appears Boeing’s decision to drop its investment in Aerion played a role in the collapse. Aerion did not produce a proof of concept or prototype aircraft. All deposits are being returned. Meanwhile, United Airlines announced it would buy as many as 50 Boom Supersonic Overture airliners. The Mach 1.7 aircraft will carry up to 88 passengers with a range of 4250 nautical miles at 60,000 feet in a business class-style cabin.
