Helicopter operator Bristow Norway and Beta Technologies have started operational tests in Norway with the Alia CX300 electric airplane. Trials started on August 8 and will last several months using a “test arena” approved by the country’s civil aviation authority and air traffic management agency Avinor.

Joby Aviation is now preparing for final assembly of the first of several conforming examples of its four-passenger eVTOL aircraft intended for type inspection authorization flight testing. Announcing the milestone during an August 6 briefing on its second quarter financial results, the California-based company said the testing marks the fifth and final stage of the FAA type certification process.

Piasecki Aircraft is introducing a more robust variant of the Kargo medium-lift uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) it acquired from Kaman Air Vehicles earlier this year, the company announced on August 12. Called Kargo II, the new aircraft will be the same size as the original Kargo UAV but with a payload capacity of up to 2,000 pounds—more than three times the Kargo UAV’s maximum payload.

Drone developer Destinus has agreed to acquire artificial intelligence-backed avionics specialist Daedalean. The deal was announced on August 5 by the Switzerland-based companies with a reported cash-and-stock price tag of approximately $225 million when it closes by year-end.

NASA has launched a partnership with autonomous flight specialist Reliable Robotics to support the integration of large uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the U.S. National Airspace System. The new collaboration announced on August 5 under the Space Act Agreement will focus on scaling up UAS applications for cargo and air transportation operations.

Archer Aviation is stepping up its efforts to pursue defense applications for its aircraft with a pair of investments to boost its capability. On August 7, the company said it is buying the patent portfolio of rival eVTOL aircraft developer Overair and is recruiting “key talent” from the former Karem Aircraft spinoff. At the same time, Archer has acquired a manufacturing facility from Mission Critical Composites.

Second-quarter net losses at Eve Air Mobility spiked by 77% from $36.4 million to $64.7 million, with the company escalating work on its eVTOL aircraft ahead of an anticipated first test flight around the end of 2025. Reporting financial results on August 6, the Embraer-backed venture also disclosed that it is now evaluating an alternative electric propulsion system provided through a partnership with rival electric aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies.

Part 4 of Leeham News & Analysis five-part series examining the potential next generation of airliners planned for the coming decades is now online. This week, the report takes a closer look at aircraft projects 5 to 8 in shown in the diagram.