Tag: air and space

Aerospace tech startup lets you design your own personal aircraft

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The dream of personal flight has always felt just out of reach, until now. A company called AltoVolo has unveiled something that might make it real: the world’s first eVTOL configurator.

That might sound technical, but it’s actually simple. “eVTOL” stands for electric vertical takeoff and landing. Think of a small, quiet aircraft that lifts off like a helicopter but flies forward like a plane, all powered by electric or hybrid engines instead of noisy fuel-burning ones.

And a configurator? It’s a tool that lets you design your own version online, choosing colors, materials and other personal details. Put the two together, and you’ve got something quite remarkable: the ability to design your own flying vehicle from your laptop.

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THE WORLD’S FIRST FLYING CAR IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

With AltoVolo’s world-first online configurator, you can design every detail of your Sigma eVTOL. (AltoVolo)

A new kind of personal aircraft

AltoVolo’s aircraft is called the Sigma, and it’s unlike anything on the market. It’s a three-seater hybrid-electric vehicle that combines quiet operation with long range. The Sigma can fly about 500 miles, reach speeds over 220 mph and is more than 80% quieter than a helicopter.

That quietness isn’t just about comfort; it’s what makes urban air travel possible. Imagine small aircraft quietly taking off from rooftops or open fields, connecting cities and towns without the noise pollution we associate with helicopters today.

Safety is built in, too. The Sigma can keep flying even if one of its small electric jet engines fails, and it carries a ballistic parachute for emergencies. It’s compact and light, just under 16 feet wide and weighing a little over 2,100 pounds, making it easier to operate and store than you might expect.

The Sigma is over 80% quieter than a helicopter combining sleek hybrid-electric power with quiet performance. (AltoVolo)

From concept to customization

The idea of customizing your own aircraft might sound futuristic, but AltoVolo’s online configurator makes it surprisingly accessible.

Like building your own car online, you can choose colors, seat materials, interior details and even the stitching on your seatbelts. Founder and CEO Will Wood says the company’s goal isn’t to compete on price but on experience and technology.

“Much like you’d expect from a supercar brand, we’re focused on performance and refinement,” he explained.

The first 100 Sigma models will be limited editions, offering special finishes and materials that won’t appear on later production units.

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Taking flight before you take off

AltoVolo isn’t stopping at online design. They’ve built a high-fidelity flight simulator that mirrors the Sigma’s cockpit exactly, right down to its carbon fiber and soft leather interior.

Customers can train in the simulator and even use those hours toward a pilot’s license. The simulator gives them a chance to “fly” their customized Sigma before ever leaving the ground.

And for everyone else? The company is sharing flight footage from its simulator on YouTube, so people can see how the Sigma handles in the air.

“For AltoVolo, opening our order book is a major milestone in bringing the Sigma to life,” Wood tells CyberGuy. “Having early customers make an initial financial commitment shows us real demand. In turn, we are able to raise capital to finalise the product, progress certification and prepare for production. Presenting the flight simulator has been a useful catalyst. Allowing customers to fly in a simulated environment really helps them realise how easy this type of aircraft will be to fly.”

An exclusive community for early Sigma owners shapes the future of personal air travel and sustainable innovation. (AltoVolo)

Innovation you can feel

One of the most interesting details about the Sigma is something you can’t see: the sound inside the cabin. AltoVolo’s engineers are working to reduce vibration and interior noise, creating a calm, smooth flight experience.

At the same time, they’re experimenting with a synthesized soundscape, a gentle background tone that changes with the aircraft’s power use. It helps pilots sense how the vehicle is performing and adds a cinematic touch to the flying experience.

It’s part science, part art and a hint at how human-centered this design really is.

Future pilots can train in a realistic Sigma cockpit simulator and even log hours toward a license. (AltoVolo)

The path to certification

The Sigma will benefit from new U.S. aviation rules called MOSAIC, which simplify the process for certifying small, advanced aircraft. This means the Sigma can be sold as a light sport aircraft, lowering costs for both the company and future pilots. Certification is also underway in Europe and the UK, which could make global operations possible in the next few years.

Building a community around flight

Buying a Sigma isn’t just about owning an aircraft; it’s about joining a new kind of community. AltoVolo wants Sigma owners to become collaborators, helping to shape the product and the future of urban flight. The company is also planning a global service and support network, including maintenance and training centers, to make ownership practical for people beyond traditional aviation circles.

What this means to you

For most of us, flying still means boarding a big plane at a crowded airport. But companies like AltoVolo are trying to change that. The Sigma represents a future where small, efficient aircraft could handle regional travel, connecting towns, suburbs and cities in new ways. It’s the kind of innovation that could one day make air travel as personal as driving. And while it’s still very early, AltoVolo’s new configurator makes the dream of personal air travel feel a bit more real.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

AltoVolo’s Sigma may not replace your car anytime soon, but it gives us a glimpse of what’s coming: a world where flight is cleaner, quieter and designed around the individual. It’s a preview of how the future of travel might not be on the road at all, but instead in the air.

If you could design your own aircraft, where would your first flight take you? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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November 11, 2025
America’s ‘BAT’ man unveils tech built to outsmart a Chinese first strike

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Analysts say China has developed a chilling strategy for fighting a war with the United States: destroy America’s fighter jets before they ever leave the ground.

In nearly every modern conflict, disabling enemy aircraft on the ground has been the first move. When Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites earlier this year, it began by destroying Iranian runways — grounding Tehran’s air force before it could take off. Russia and Ukraine have done the same throughout their ongoing war, targeting airfields to cripple enemy aircraft. And when India clashed with Pakistan, the opening salvos hit Pakistani air bases.

Beijing has taken that lesson to heart. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has spent years building an arsenal of long-range precision missiles — including “carrier killers” like the DF-21D and DF-26 — capable of destroying U.S. aircraft carriers and striking American airfields across the Pacific. The goal: keep U.S. air power out of range before it can even launch.

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Shield AI unveils its X-BAT AI fighter jet.

Now, a U.S. defense technology firm says it has built a way to fight back. Shield AI, based in San Diego, has unveiled a new AI-piloted fighter jet designed to operate without runways, without GPS, and without constant communication links — an aircraft that can think, fly, and fight on its own.

Shield AI says the jet, called X-BAT, can take off vertically, reach 50,000 feet, fly more than 2,000 nautical miles, and execute strike or air defense missions using an onboard autonomy system known as Hivemind. It’s designed to operate from ships, small islands, or improvised sites — places where traditional jets can’t. The aircraft’s dash speed remains classified.

“China has built this anti-access aerial denial bubble that holds our runways at risk,” said Armor Harris, Shield AI’s senior vice president of aircraft engineering, in an interview with Fox News. “They’ve basically said, ‘We’re not going to compete stealth-on-stealth in the air — we’ll target your aircraft before they even get off the ground.’”

The jet launches vertically, and three X-BATs can fit in the space of one legacy fighter or helicopter.

According to Harris, the U.S. has spent decades perfecting stealth and survivability in the air while leaving its forces vulnerable on the ground. “The way to solve that problem is mobility,” he said. “You’re always moving around. This is the only VTOL fighter being built today.”

X-BAT’s Hivemind autonomy allows it to operate in denied or jammed environments, where traditional aircraft would be blind. The system uses onboard sensors to interpret its surroundings, reroute around threats, and identify targets in real time. “It’s reading and reacting to the situation around it,” Harris said. “It’s not flying a pre-programmed route. If new threats appear, it can reroute itself or identify targets and then ask a human for permission to engage.”

That human element, he emphasized, remains essential. “It’s very important to us that a human is always involved in making the use of lethal force decision,” Harris said. “That doesn’t mean the person has to be in the cockpit — it could be remote or delegated through tasking — but there will always be a human decision-maker.”

3 X-BAT fighter jets can fit in the space of one traditional fighter jet or helicopter, according to the company. (Shield AI )

Shield AI says X-BAT will be combat-ready by 2029 and is designed to deliver fifth- or sixth-generation performance at a small fraction of the cost of manned fighters. The aircraft’s compact footprint allows up to three X-BATs to fit in the deck space of a single legacy fighter or helicopter, giving commanders more flexibility in launching sorties from limited space.

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The AI fighter jet is designed to be able to vertically take off from sea, mobile or tight ground space. (Shield AI )

While Shield AI isn’t disclosing specific numbers, the company says X-BAT is priced in the same range as the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, the next generation of autonomous wingmen meant to fly alongside — and eventually ahead of — manned fighters. Costs vary depending on mission systems and configurations, but the company’s goal is to scale production to keep the jet affordable and sustainable throughout its lifecycle, breaking what it calls the traditional “fighter cost curve.”

The company estimates the aircraft will deliver about a tenfold improvement in cost per effect compared to legacy fifth-generation jets, including the F-35, while remaining “affordable and attritable” enough to be risked in high-end combat.

Designed with a potential Indo-Pacific conflict in mind, which would require maneuverability on small island chains. (Shield AI )

Shield AI is in discussions with both the Air Force and Navy about integrating X-BAT into future combat programs and with several allied militaries exploring joint development opportunities.

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Harris said the company views X-BAT as part of a generational shift toward distributed airpower — one that mirrors what SpaceX did in space. “Historically, the United States had a small number of extremely capable, extremely expensive satellites,” he said. “Then you had SpaceX come along and put up hundreds of smaller, cheaper ones. The same thing is happening in air power. There’s always going to be a role for manned platforms, but over time, unmanned systems will outnumber them ten-to-one or twenty-to-one.”

For Harris, that shift is about restoring deterrence through flexibility. “X-BAT presents an asymmetric dilemma to an adversary like China,” he said. “They don’t know where it’s coming from, and the cost of countering it is high. It’s an important part of a broader joint force that becomes significantly more lethal.

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October 25, 2025
Scientists spot skyscraper-sized asteroid racing through solar system

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Astronomers have reportedly discovered a skyscraper-sized asteroid moving through our solar system at a near record-breaking pace.

The asteroid, named 2025 SC79, circles the sun once every 128 days, making it the second-fastest known asteroid orbiting in the solar system.

It was first observed by Carnegie Science astronomer Scott S. Sheppard Sept. 27, according to a statement from Carnegie Science.

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A skyscraper-size asteroid, named 2025 SC79, was discovered in September, hidden in the sun’s glare. (Carnegie Science)

The asteroid is the second known object with an orbit inside Venus, the statement said. It crosses Mercury’s orbit during its 128-day trip around the sun.

“Many of the solar system’s asteroids inhabit one of two belts of space rocks, but perturbations can send objects careening into closer orbits where they can be more challenging to spot,” Sheppard said. “Understanding how they arrived at these locations can help us protect our planet and also help us learn more about solar system history.”

The celestial body is now traveling behind the sun and will be invisible to telescopes for several months.

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Sheppard’s search for so-called “twilight” asteroids helps identify objects that could pose a risk of crashing into Earth, the statement said.

The work, which is partially funded by NASA, uses the Dark Energy Camera on the National Science Foundation’s Blanco 4-meter telescope to look for “planet killer” asteroids in the glare of the sun that could pose a danger to Earth.

The NSF’s Gemini telescope and Carnegie Science’s Magellan telescopes were used to confirm the sighting of 2025 SC79, Carnegie Science said.

The fastest known asteroid was also discovered by Sheppard, who studies solar system objects including moons, dwarf planets and asteroids. and his colleagues in 2021.

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That one takes 133 days to orbit the sun.

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October 24, 2025
Living in giant moon glass spheres could be our future

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One day, we might see glowing cities of glass scattered across the Moon’s surface, shining softly under Earth’s light. NASA is teaming up with Skyeports, a California-based company, to explore how lunar dust could be turned into massive glass spheres strong enough to live in. These futuristic, transparent habitats could become the first real homes for astronauts on the Moon.

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INSIDE NASA’S FAST-TRACK PLANS FOR LUNAR NUCLEAR POWER AND NEW SPACE STATIONS TO OUTPACE GLOBAL RIVALS

Skyeports’ vision begins with melting lunar dust in microwave furnaces to create durable glass. (Skyeports)

Turning moon dust into homes

Skyeports has developed a way to transform lunar dust, known as regolith, into durable glass that can be shaped into massive spheres. Using a microwave furnace, the regolith melts and expands like a bubble before cooling into a hard, transparent shell. These spheres could one day serve as living and working spaces for astronauts.

The innovation lies in building directly on the Moon using local materials. No costly shipments from Earth are required. The same pipes used to blow the molten glass will become entrances, while 3D printers inside the spheres will create furniture and fittings using lunar materials.

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The spherical glass design evenly spreads pressure, forming strong, transparent habitats that can withstand micrometeorites and extreme lunar conditions. (Skyeports)

Self-healing and solar-powered living

The planned glass spheres go far beyond simple shelters. They are designed as self-sustaining ecosystems. The glass can repair small cracks caused by micrometeorites or moonquakes, and built-in solar panels will allow each habitat to generate its own energy.

Inside, temperature layers could create condensation to support plant growth. This would produce oxygen, water and food, making each sphere a self-contained life-support system.

The science behind the glass sphere design

The spherical shape is more than a design choice. It evenly distributes pressure, giving the structure incredible strength. By adding elements like titanium, magnesium and calcium, the glass becomes even tougher and stronger than steel.

Dr. Martin Bermudez, CEO of Skyeports, shared that current prototypes are only a few inches wide, but future spheres could stretch up to 1,640 feet across. His long-term vision is a network of glass cities connected by transparent bridges across the lunar landscape.

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NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts program supports this research as part of its push to prepare for long-term human life on the Moon under the Artemis mission. (Skyeports)

Future plans to test glass sphere habitats on the moon

This concept is part of NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts program, which funds forward-thinking projects that could transform future missions. With the Artemis program aiming to return humans to the Moon soon, finding safe and sustainable habitats is a top priority.

The Skyeports team plans to test the glassblowing technique in a thermal vacuum chamber, followed by parabolic flight experiments that simulate microgravity. Future trials are scheduled aboard the International Space Station to see how the process performs in real space conditions. If all goes well, tests on the lunar surface could happen within the next few years.

What this means for you

The idea behind these lunar glass spheres reaches far beyond space exploration. It represents a new approach to sustainable design, one that could reshape how we build on Earth. The same techniques could lead to eco-friendly, energy-efficient buildings for our own planet’s future. If these glass structures can protect astronauts from extreme lunar conditions, they might inspire a new generation of sustainable architecture here at home.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

NASA’s partnership with Skyeports feels like the start of something big. It shows that life beyond Earth is moving from imagination to reality. The mix of science, design, and creativity behind these glass habitats could be the first real step toward building lasting communities on the Moon. Humanity is learning how to move from exploring space to actually living there.

Would you choose to live in a glass city on the Moon if you had the chance? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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October 23, 2025
Space startup unveils 1-hour orbital delivery system

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A Los Angeles-based aerospace startup called Inversion Space has unveiled Arc, its first flagship spacecraft designed to deliver supplies from orbit back to Earth in record time. The reusable reentry vehicle can transport up to 500 pounds of mission-critical cargo to nearly any point on the planet in less than an hour. Founders Justin Fiaschetti and Austin Briggs launched the company in 2021 with a bold vision: to build a space-based logistics network. During an event at the company’s factory, they described Arc as the next evolution of global delivery, one that starts in orbit, not on the ground.

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How the Arc spacecraft delivers cargo from orbit to Earth

Standing about 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide, Arc is roughly the size of a large tabletop. It’s a lifting-body vehicle, meaning it can steer as it reenters the atmosphere. Instead of needing a runway, Arc lands safely under parachutes, using non-toxic propellants that make it safe to handle immediately after landing. The spacecraft features a cross-range of approximately 621 miles, allowing it to target wide landing zones. It can stay in orbit for up to five years, ready to return to Earth when needed. That flexibility means the spacecraft could one day drop off medical supplies, drones or military equipment at hard-to-reach locations.

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Inversion Space unveils its Arc reentry vehicle designed for rapid orbital delivery. (Inversion Space)

Inversion’s Ray mission tested key systems in orbit, paving the way for Arc’s full development. (Inversion Space)

Why Arc’s hypersonic speed could change aerospace testing

Beyond rapid delivery, Arc doubles as a hypersonic testing platform. It can reach speeds over Mach 20, endure extreme heat and survive massive g-forces. Those capabilities have caught the attention of U.S. defense agencies, which are eager to improve hypersonic flight testing. Inversion’s participation in the Kratos-led MACH-TB 2.0 program highlights the growing military interest in Arc’s reusable design. “Fully reusable and capable of precise landings for rapid recovery, Arc makes hypersonic testing faster, repeatable, and more affordable,” the company said.

Arc could deliver mission-critical cargo anywhere on Earth in under an hour. (Inversion Space)

What Inversion learned from its first spacecraft, Ray

Before Arc, Inversion launched a smaller demo craft called Ray on SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission. Ray weighed about 200 pounds and successfully tested propulsion, avionics and solar power systems in orbit. Though a short circuit prevented reentry, it provided valuable data that led to Arc’s development. Ray’s success convinced the company to push forward with full-scale testing. Inversion has already completed dozens of drop tests and built a full-scale Arc prototype. The startup also partnered with NASA to refine the vehicle’s thermal protection system for reentry.

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How Arc strengthens defense and emergency logistics

Inversion sees Arc as a bridge between space logistics and national defense. The spacecraft could deliver mission-critical cargo to remote, damaged or denied environments where traditional transport would take days. As Fiaschetti put it, the goal is simple: make a difference the moment it lands. By combining maneuverability, reusability and speed, Arc could reshape both emergency response and battlefield supply chains. It’s not just about moving packages, it’s about delivering readiness.

Engineers at Inversion Space test Arc’s reentry systems as the spacecraft moves closer to flight readiness. (Inversion Space)

What this means for you

If Arc succeeds, it could redefine emergency logistics on Earth. Imagine doctors receiving vital medical kits from orbit after a natural disaster, or soldiers getting urgent supplies in minutes instead of hours. Arc could also accelerate scientific research, enabling faster delivery of experimental payloads or orbital materials. For everyday people, this technology represents the next step toward on-demand space infrastructure, where the line between space and Earth logistics begins to blur.

The reusable Arc spacecraft maneuvers through Earth’s atmosphere using parachutes for safe landing. (Inversion Space)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Inversion Space’s Arc is more than a spacecraft; it’s a bold attempt to turn orbit into a delivery zone. With reusable systems, hypersonic capability and a focus on safety, it might just reshape how we think about time, distance and access.

Would you trust a spacecraft to deliver emergency supplies to your neighborhood in under an hour? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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October 14, 2025
Pilots test first-of-its-kind cockpit alert system that detects possible collisions on runways

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Engineers are in the final testing phase of a cockpit alert system they say could prevent close calls on the runway.

Honeywell Aerospace’s “Surface Alert System,” or “SURF-A,” can detect when a rogue aircraft gets in the way of another plane that has been cleared for takeoff or landing. The system gives pilots two aural alerts when an unauthorized aircraft enters the runway on a collision course with the authorized aircraft. The first alert sounds 30 seconds before a collision, and the second alert sounds 15 seconds before a collision.

“It sounds like such a small amount of time, but things happen so rapidly, and 15 to 30 seconds is actually a very, very large margin when you’re moving at the speeds that we’re moving in an aircraft like this,” Honeywell Test Pilot Doug Rybczynski said.

The aural call-out includes an automated voice that says, “traffic on runway.”

“It’s a very good, I would say direct, call out,” Rybczynski said.

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SURF-A gives pilots two aural warnings when they are on a collision course with another plane during takeoff and landing. The first alert sounds 30 seconds out from collision, and the second alert sounds 15 seconds out. (Honeywell Aeroscpace)

The Honeywell crew flew from the Kansas City Downtown airport in Missouri to Topeka, Kansas. On Test Flight 757’s approach to Topeka, a Honeywell crew member parked a smaller Gulfstream aircraft at the end of the runway, triggering the SURF-A alert system. After hearing both alerts, the pilot performed a “go-around” maneuver.

The demonstration simulated a 2023 close call at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. In that scenario, a FedEx B767 was cleared to land in poor conditions. As the FedEx plane got closer, the pilots noticed a Southwest Airlines B737 lined up on the runway below them. The FedEx pilots were able to perform a last-second go-around maneuver to avoid a collision, but Honeywell says the SURF-A system, which wasn’t around at the time, would have given the pilots an additional 28 seconds of notice.

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SURF-A relies on Federal Aviation Administration-mandated technology called “Smart X,” and it has been around since 2008. It lets pilots know if they are taking off on a taxiway, and if they are coming in for a landing too fast or too high.

Honeywell started developing the SURF-A system in 2020 when the aviation industry noticed more close calls happening on runways. Using “ADS-B” Out technology, a GPS system that makes an airplane’s position known to other pilots, engineers were able to determine the trajectory of planes that are on a collision course.

Engineers on board Honeywell Test Flight 757 have been developing SURF-A since 2020. (Fox News)

In 2024, the FAA reported 1,664 runway incursions, which is when an aircraft enters a runway without clearance. Seven of those involved two planes on a collision course.

The FAA has reported 657 runway incursions so far in 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported 1,664 runway incursions in 2024. Seven of them involved planes on a collision course. (Fox News)

“Shockingly, I think for a lot of passengers, there’s not an alert system available today to let you know that you’re about ready to run into another aircraft on the runway,” Thea Feyereisen, Honeywell Aerospace Distinguished Technical Fellow, said.

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The FAA said the best way to eliminate runway incursions is to improve airport infrastructure by adding edge lights, pavement markers, signage, and by making taxiways less complicated. Since 2021, the FAA has given nearly $12 billion to airports across the country to improve airport infrastructure.

Honeywell engineers say pilots are ultimately the last line of defense to prevent runway incursions. (Fox News)

However, Feyereisen said pilots are ultimately the last line of defense.

“Pilots have a shared destiny on the aircraft,” Feyereisen said. “The pilot can be doing everything correct, but on a path to disaster.”

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Honeywell Aerospace is pitching the prototype to major airlines, and hopes to have the system certified by September. Engineers said the system could be added to commercial flights in early 2026.

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August 31, 2025