The latest farcical twist to the KC-X tanker saga saw the USAF procurement executive send confidential assessments to rival competitors, Boeing and EADS. What next for this aviation procurement soap opera and could a split buy be on the cards?

Are global airline alliances good or bad for the consumer? A recent debate at the Royal Aeronautical Society highlighted the pros and cons of these transnational giants.

On the 1-2 December in Brussels a high-level conference will take place organised by ASD/CEAS, the two umbrella bodies for aerospace/defence trade associations and professional organisations like the Royal Aeronautical Society. Uniquely then, it is an event where European aerospace stakeholders from industry, politics and research will meet to discuss the top-level strategic issues facing the sector, today and in the future.

Are we on the brink of new era of flying machines able to stay airborne for weeks, months or even years at a time? RICHARD GARDNER looks at ultra long endurance UAVs.