LOS ANGELES - Each year, a few categories come and go within our list of the best aircraft of the last 12 months. This year, we added space flight. What once seemed like science fiction or merely the realm of aeronautic science is now becoming a commercial reality. This last year saw Virgin Galactic and SpaceX perform successful missions into space—and back. Expect more leaps forward in the next 12 months, write Danielle Cutler and M.D. Seaton for the Robb Report. Continue reading original article
The Intelligent Aerospace take:
June 4, 2019-The Robb Report's "Top 8" for the year had some technological heavy hitters in its lineup, including the Bombardier Global 7500, which it named as its Business Jet of the Year. The bizjet entered service in late 2018, and has since set distance and speed records in its segment.
In addition, the Bell Nexus was tapped as its VTOL Concept. Bell debuted its Nexus air taxi at the Consumer Electronics Show early this year. Bell says its aircraft will travel about 150 miles and have a top speed of around 150 mph.
Finally, Virgin Galactic was named the Spacecraft of the Year. Richard Branson's company flew to the FAA's definition of "space" for the first time with a human on board. For a full rundown on the selections, click on the "Continue reading original article" link above.
Related: Bombardier's Global 7500 business jet makes record-setting run
Related: Bell Helicopter unveils 'Nexus' air taxi at CES
Related: Virgin Galactic successful in sending humans to FAA definition of space for the first time
Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace
