Audi, Airbus And Italdesign Test Flying Taxi Concept [video]

https://youtu.be/CmwFwautgNU

Press release

• A 1:4 scale model will be performing test flights at the Amsterdam Drone Week

Moncalieri, Italy, 27 November 2018.

Italdesign performed a few minutes ago the first test flight of a 1:4 scale model of Pop.Up Next, the modular, multimodal, future mobility concept, developed in collaboration with Airbus and Audi, at the Amsterdam Drone Week, November 27 to 30.

Italdesign world-premieres Pop.Up’s first operational model, inside the exhibition’s flying arena. Once a day, until November 29, the 1:4 scale model will perform a test flight in fully autonomous mode. Capsule and ground module will simulate an on-ground trip to reach the air module; then the capsule disconnects from the ground module, connects to the air module that will fly crossing the 80 meter-length of the arena, to reach another ground module, waiting at the opposite side and then conclude the exhibition.




The main aim of the dynamic scale model is two-fold:

1. To provide an objective demonstration that the project which began in 2017 with Pop.Up, and has continued this year with Pop.Up Next, is proceeding as promised and entering the next development phase. More specifically, the primary purpose of this model is to test the base functionality which will allow perfect alignment of the various modules during docking of the capsule with the drone or the ground module.
2. Confirmation, strengthening and field validation of the key modularity concept, which is the core of the Pop.Up philosophy. This concept, which falls within Italdesign’s pioneering approach in the search for innovative solutions, makes the Pop.Up project unique within the world of eVTOL (electrical vertical take off & landing) vehicles being developed to meet future urban mobility requirements.

“With this project, which began with Airbus in 2017, we will demonstrate in practical terms that future mobility will no longer be a playing field for individual companies, each operating in their own specific sector, but will rather become the melting point of know-how, technologies and professional expertise from a wide range of sectors – automotive, aerospace, urban planning, social sciences – to name but a few – Jörg Astalosch, CEO of Italdesign, said. “Future mobility, is an as-yet unexplored sector which, as well as the technical challenges of developing the vehicles, will require a lot of work in the sectors of infrastructure, regulations, relations with city municipalities, services… Together with Airbus and Audi, we are convinced that our joint project, Pop.Up, made an important step to find better solutions for urban mobility in megacities”.

In keeping with its tradition as an innovative company and creator of futuristic ideas, Italdesign is taking concrete steps to deal with the problem of future urban mobility, which is already becoming relevant. To do so, it has incorporated a new Mobility Solutions division within its organisation and strategic plan, alongside with the more traditional style, engineering and vehicle-production business units, to operate with 360° approach to future mobility, smart cities and with different means of transportation. The 1:1 static model of Pop.Up Next, world-premiered at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, is displayed inside the exhibition as well.

 

More info:

https://www.urdesignmag.com/technology/2018/11/27/audi-airbus-italdesign-flying-taxi-concept/ 

https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/audi-airbus-and-italdesign-test-flying-taxi-concept-11019

 

https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/audi-airbus-and-italdesign-test-flying-taxi-concept-11019

 

About Amsterdam Drone Week
AN EVENT BY AND FOR THE DRONE INDUSTRY
Amsterdam Drone Week is a co-created events festival, that unites the brightest and most creative minds of the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Industry, showcases the latest technology and helps unlock the potential of drones and discovery of new applications. For the duration of one week, this umbrella event connects the entire UAS value chain through a diversity of events around drone regulations, new technology and future solutions. 

EMS Brüel & Kjaer, primer laboratorio acreditado por ENAC en el mundo para el control del ruido de aeronaves en entornos aeroportuarios

Nota de prensa

 

• Este tipo de ensayos acreditados generan un impacto notable en términos de protección medioambiental

 

La Entidad Nacional de Acreditación (ENAC) ha otorgado al  Laboratorio de Monitorado de EMS Brüel & Kjaer la primera acreditación para realizar ensayos de monitorización de los niveles de ruido ambiental en el entorno aeroportuario según la norma ISO 20906, en concreto de los aeropuertos Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas y Barcelona-El Prat, gestionados por AENA. Se trata de una primera acreditación no solo a nivel nacional, sino también internacional, ya que el laboratorio es pionero en desarrollar esta actividad de manera acreditada en todo el mundo.

 

El ensayo acreditado consiste en determinar el ruido producido por los aviones en el entorno de un aeropuerto conforme a la norma internacional ISO 20906. Para ello, el laboratorio cuenta con una red de estaciones fijas de medida de niveles sonoros y condiciones meteorológicas o TMRs (Terminales de Monitorado de Ruido), que se ubican en puntos estratégicos en las inmediaciones del aeropuerto o en localidades próximas, por las que sobrevuelan los aviones en sus operaciones de despegue y aterrizaje. Estas terminales remiten telemáticamente los resultados de medición para ser recibidos, finalmente, en los servidores de cada aeropuerto.

Este tipo de ensayos acreditados generan un impacto notable en términos de protección medioambiental. María Jesús Ballesteros, Directora Técnica del laboratorio de monitorado de EMS Brüel & Kjaer, explica que "son una herramienta de información pública y vigilancia de los niveles de contaminación acústica producidos por las operaciones aeronáuticas en el entorno de los aeropuertos."

Además, añade, que "la acreditación ha supuesto una garantía en la calidad de los ensayos, avalada por una entidad externa a la propia empresa, lo que supone un aumento en la calidad y la confianza en los resultados para terceras partes."

Garantías de los laboratorios acreditados

La acreditación de ENAC constata la competencia técnica del laboratorio frente a este tipo de ensayos, lo que supone, entre otros, que el laboratorio dispone de personal cualificado, que cuenta con las instalaciones y los equipos necesarios, que estos equipos están calibrados y adecuadamente mantenidos, que sus ensayos o calibraciones se ejecutan utilizando métodos y procedimientos técnicamente válidos, y que su actividad está sometida a un estricto control de calidad.

 

Todo ello se lo han demostrado a ENAC, el único organismo designado en España para realizar este tipo de evaluaciones, mediante un riguroso proceso de auditoría en el que intervienen expertos técnicos en cada área técnica acreditada y de acuerdo a criterios establecidos y reconocidos internacionalmente.

 

 obre ENAC
 La Entidad Nacional de Acreditación – ENAC – es la entidad  designada por el Gobierno para operar en España como el único Organismo Nacional de Acreditación, en aplicación del Reglamento (CE) nº 765/2008 del Parlamento Europeo que regula el funcionamiento de la acreditación en Europa.

ENAC tiene como misión generar confianza en el mercado y en la sociedad evaluando, a través de un sistema conforme a normas internacionales, la competencia técnica de laboratorios de ensayo o calibración, entidades de inspección, entidades de certificación y verificadores medioambientales que desarrollen su actividad en cualquier sector: Industria,  Energía, Medio Ambiente, Sanidad, Agricultura y Alimentación, Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Transportes, Telecomunicaciones, Turismo, Servicios, Construcción, etc. Contribuye, así, a la seguridad y el bienestar de las personas, la calidad de los productos y servicios, la protección del medioambiente y, con ello, al aumento de la competitividad de los productos y servicios españoles y a una disminución de los costes para la sociedad debidos a estas actividades.

La marca ENAC es la manera de distinguir si un certificado o informe está acreditado o no. Es la garantía de que la organización que lo emite es técnicamente competente para llevar a cabo la tarea que realiza, y lo es tanto en España como en los 100 países en los que la marca de ENAC es reconocida y aceptada gracias a los acuerdos de reconocimiento que ENAC ha suscrito con las entidades de acreditación de esos países.

 

www.enac.es

 

Japan is considering buying up to 100 F-35 for more than $8.8 billion

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Japan_mulling_purchase_of_100_US_stealth_fighters_report_999.html

RUAG Space signs MOA with Australian rocket company Gilmour Space

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/RUAG_Space_signs_MOA_with_Australian_rocket_company_Gilmour_Space_999.html

GMV leads an ambitious campaign of space robotics trials

http://www.robodaily.com/reports/GMV_leads_an_ambitious_campaign_of_space_robotics_trials_999.html

Pontifications: Transitions, clearing the decks and turmoil at Airbus [feedly]

Pontifications: Transitions, clearing the decks and turmoil at Airbus
https://leehamnews.com/2018/11/26/pontifications-transitions-clearing-the-decks-and-turmoil-at-airbus/

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Air France to reduce Airbus A380 fleet

Air France to reduce Airbus A380 fleet
https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/air-france-klm-group/air-france/to-reduce-airbus-a380-fleet/

US Army orders Saab’s ULCANS | 1st European FCAS contracts to be issued in 2019 | K-SAAM to be deployed in 2019

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/us-army-orders-saabs-ulcans-1st-european-fcas-contracts-to-be-issued-in-2019-k-saam-to-be-deployed-in-2019-041133/

Thales set to repair the Navy’s ALFS | Belgium buys MQ-9B SkyGuardian | India opts for the Igla-S VSHORAD

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/thales-set-to-repair-the-navys-alfs-belgium-buys-mq-9b-skyguardian-india-opts-for-the-igla-s-vshorad-041117/

Binter, of Spain, Will Receive its First E195-E2 in 2019

press release




Embraer announced that Binter Canarias, of Spain, will receive its first E195-E2 jet in the second half of 2019, becoming the first European customer of the E-Jets E2’s largest model. The airline signed a firm order with Embraer for three E195-E2s. The contract also includes purchase rights for two additional aircraft of the same model. This agreement was previously announced as a Letter of Intent (LoI) with an “undisclosed customer” at the Farnborough Air Show 2018, in July. With all options being exercised, the contract has a list price of USD 342 million. The order was included in Embraer’s third quarter backlog of 2018. The airline will configure the aircraft with 132 seats in a very comfortable single-class layout. “Embraer is proud to welcome Binter to the expanding base of E-Jets operators in Europe,” said Martyn Holmes, Vice President, Europe, Russia & Central Asia, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “Embraer’s E2 family is the quietest, cleanest and most fuel efficient next-generation single-aisle aircraft family in the world. Compared to the regional jets currently utilized by Binter, the E195-E2 will provide greater operational flexibility with more seats, more range and unmatched passenger comfort, with lower operating costs.” “At Binter we have always believed in offering our customers quality service and, for us, fleet modernization is paramount,” said Binter’s Vice President, Rodolfo Núñez, who recalled that the airline will celebrate its 30 years in 2019, with a very modern fleet. “We are convinced that the E195-E2 is the ideal aircraft model for our operations,” he said. Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats. The Company has 100 customers from all over the world operating the ERJ and E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,400 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft.

Embraer successfully completes KC-390 troop unloading and evacuation tests

press release



São José dos Campos, Brazil, November, 21, 2018 – Embraer successfully completed the troop unloading, evacuation by hatch and evacuation tests through the front and rear doors of the KC-390 multi-mission medium airlift recently held at Brasília Air Force Base, in Brazil. The tests complied with the requirements for achieving the Final Operational Capability (FOC), which is the subject of the final military certification of the aircraft, due to occur in the last quarter of 2019. The tests were supported by the Brazilian Air Force as well as the Brazilian Army and involved approximately 370 military personnel. “By completing this important stage of the testing campaign toward final military certification with excellence, the KC-390 demonstrates compliance with the industry's most stringent operating and safety standards,” said Walter Pinto Junior, vice-president of the KC-390 Program. Embraer KC-390 is a tactical airlift designed to set new standards in its category while presenting the lowest life-cycle cost of the market. It can perform a variety of missions such as cargo and troop transport, troop and cargo air delivery, aerial refueling, search and rescue and forest fire fighting.

Unmanned Systems: CODE Demonstrates Autonomy and Collaboration with Minimal Human Commands

(image from PR)

press release

• Ground and flight tests highlight CODE-equipped UASs’ ability to collaboratively sense and adapt to locate and respond to unexpected threats and new targets

In a recent test series at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, DARPA’s Collaborative Operations in Denied Environment (CODE) program demonstrated the ability of CODE-equipped Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) to adapt and respond to unexpected threats in an anti-access area denial (A2AD) environment. The UASs efficiently shared information, cooperatively planned and allocated mission objectives, made coordinated tactical decisions, and collaboratively reacted to a dynamic, high-threat environment with minimal communication.

The air vehicles initially operated with supervisory mission commander interaction. When communications were degraded or denied, CODE vehicles retained mission plan intent to accomplish mission objectives without live human direction. The ability for CODE-enabled vehicles to interact when communications are degraded is an important step toward the program goal to conduct dynamic, long-distance engagements of highly mobile ground and maritime targets in contested or denied battlespace.

“The test series expanded on previously demonstrated approaches to low bandwidth collaborative sensing and on-board planning. It demonstrated the ability to operate in more challenging scenarios, where both communications and GPS navigation were denied for extended periods,” said Scott Wierzbanowski, DARPA program manager for CODE.

During the three-week ground and flight test series in a live/virtual/constructive (LVC) environment, up to six live and 24 virtual UASs served as surrogate strike assets, receiving mission objectives from a human mission commander. The systems then autonomously collaborated to navigate, search, localize, and engage both pre-planned and pop-up targets protected by a simulated Integrated Air Defense System (IADS) in communications- and GPS-denied scenarios.

“The demonstrated behaviors are the building blocks for an autonomous team that can collaborate and adjust to mission requirements and a changing environment,” said Wierzbanowski.

The DARPA team also has advanced the infrastructure necessary to support further development, integration, and testing of CODE as it transitions to future autonomous systems.

Achievements include incorporation of third-party autonomy algorithms into the current software build, the creation of a government repository and lab test environment for the CODE algorithms, and the successful demonstration of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory White Force Network capability to provide constructive threats and effects in an LVC test environment.

CODE’s scalable capabilities could greatly enhance the survivability, flexibility, and effectiveness of existing air platforms, as well as reduce the development times and costs of future systems.

Further development of CODE and associated infrastructure will continue under DARPA until the conclusion of the program in spring 2019, followed by full transition of the CODE software repository to Naval Air Systems Command.

Image Caption: CODE artist’s concept

Space Tango Unveils ST-42 for Scalable Manufacturing in Space for Earth-Based Applications

press release



Company Announces Plans for Autonomous, Robotic Low Earth Orbit Platform Facilitating Development of New Sectors in the Space Economy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (NOVEMBER 15, 2018) – Space Tango, a leader in the commercialization of space through R&D, bioengineering and manufacturing in microgravity, today announced ST-42, a fully autonomous robotic orbital platform designed specifically for scalable manufacturing in space. Launching in the mid 2020’s, ST-42 aims to harness the unique environment of microgravity to produce high value products across industries; from patient therapeutics to advanced technology products that have the potential to revolutionize industries here on Earth. ST-42 is an extension of the International Space Station’s (ISS) capabilities, and NASA’s creation of a robust commercial marketplace in low Earth orbit (LEO).



ST-42 will bring the economics of production in orbit into reality coupling autonomy with the reduced cost and larger number of launch vehicle providers. Space Tango expects the platform to be at the forefront of new breakthroughs in knowledge discovery, therapeutic solutions and manufacturing, and to provide the required capabilities for creation of new biomedical and technology product sectors in the commercial Space economy.

While early modules will be focused on technology applications and materials production, ST-42’s initial design will incorporate features that address Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP). These regulations are enforced by the FDA and are a critical component in the production of patient therapeutics that Space Tango intends to establish as a capability on orbit within the platform. In addition to harnessing microgravity to create the next billion-dollar LEO market sectors, ST-42’s leap forward in the design of autonomous manufacturing capabilities has the potential to change the current paradigm and approach of multiple industries.


This platform is the logical extension of [our] work and will create a new category of capabilities for LEO commercialization in the space economy.

“With our TangoLab product line on the ISS, Space Tango has begun to pinpoint the applications and understand the unit economics of building high value products in microgravity for Earth,” said Twyman Clements, president and CEO of Space Tango. “This platform is the logical extension of this work and will create a new category of capabilities for LEO commercialization in the space economy. Our experienced team has crafted not only a vision for the future of manufacturing in space but procedures, partnerships and tangible plans for executing ST-42.”

Development of LEO opportunities for a variety of commercial applications continues to gain steam and will be a growing part of the modern economy. Estimates from Morgan Stanley predict that the revenue generated by the global space industry, which today consists mainly of satellites that leverage only one aspect of LEO as the vantage point of Space, will increase to $1.1 trillion or more by 2040, up from $350 billion in 2016. This illustrates the enormous potential of the expanding Space Economy and the opportunity for the creation of new markets that will drive further commercial applications that will benefit Earth.

About Space TangoSpace Tango provides improved access to microgravity through their Open Orbit platform for research and commercial manufacturing applications that benefit life on Earth. The Company believes the microgravity environment is a new frontier for discovery and innovation. Space Tango is focused on creating a new global market 250 miles up in low Earth orbit and envisions a future where the next important breakthroughs in both healthcare and technology will occur off the planet. Recognized for their expertise in microgravity design and operations, Space Tango believes that by exploring with industry and educational partners of all kinds, we can improve life on Earth and inspire the next generation to continue to expand the horizon of this new frontier. For more information, visit www.spacetango.com.

Airbus Plans Tweak to Fend Off Boeing's New Mid-Size Jet

European company to offer shorter-range version of wide-body

Mid-market U.S. plane also likely to face enhanced A321

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-26/airbus-plans-a330neo-tweak-to-fend-off-boeing-s-new-mid-size-jet

https://seekingalpha.com/news/3412093-airbus-prepares-fend-boeing-797

Wendelstein 7-X fusion reactor keeps its cool en route to record-breaking results [feedly]

Scientists toiling away on the cutting edge Wendelstein 7-X nuclear fusion reactor in Germany have pulled together results from their latest round of testing, with a few records to be found amongst them. Following a series of upgrades, the team is reporting the experimental device has achieved its highest energy density and the longest plasma discharge times for device of this type, marking another step forward in the quest for clean fusion power.

.. Continue Reading Wendelstein 7-X fusion reactor keeps its cool en route to record-breaking results  


https://newatlas.com/wendelstein-7-x-nuclear-fusion-records/57394/

NASA's InSight lands on Mars and its calendar is full till 2020

InSight Is Catching Rays on Mars

Jet Propulsion Laboratory-Hace 3 horas

NASA's InSight has sent signals to Earth indicating that its solar panels are open and collecting sunlight on the Martian surface. NASA's Mars ...

Pence Hails NASA's InSight Mars Landing Success (& Other Reactions)
Space.com-Hace 7 horas

Touchdown on Mars! NASA Lands Its InSight Spacecraft
WIRED-Hace 9 horas

Nasa's Mars InSight probe touches down on red planet
Completo-The Guardian-Hace 8 horas

NASA's InSight lands on Mars and its calendar is full till 2020
Opinión-The Indian Express-Hace 2 horas

Mars InSight probe has landed; NASA awaits signals
Completo-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette-Hace 6 horas

More info:

https://mars.nasa.gov/insight/

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/insight/main/index.html

New study examines practicality of spraying aerosols into the atmosphere to combat climate change

https://newatlas.com/spraying-aerosols-atmosphere-climate-change/57379/

Combating the effects of climate change by spraying aerosols into the atmosphere is a contentious topic, with many rightfully pointing out the risk of unintended side effects of such large-scale climatic intervention. But with the heads of so many governments around the world still firmly stuck in the sand on the realities of climate change, the prospect of increasingly desperate times calling for increasingly desperate measures becomes more and more conceivable. But putting aside the issues of should we or shouldn't we, or the prospects for success or failure, would such an approach even be practically achievable? A new study says yes.

.. Continue Reading New study examines practicality of spraying aerosols into the atmosphere to combat climate change 

Airlines face crack down on use of ‘exploitative’ algorithm that splits up families on flights | The Independent

Algorithms used by airlines to split up those travelling together unless they pay more to sit next to each other have been called "exploitative" by a government minister.

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/airline-flights-pay-extra-to-sit-together-split-up-family-algorithm-minister-a8640771.html?amp&__twitter_impression=true

Aciturri starts the industrialization of detail parts for the EWIRA flight demonstrator

https://www.aciturri.com/en/press-media/news/industrialization-detailparts-ewira-flight-demonstrator

The Road to FCAS

https://world.eurofighter.com/articles/the-road-to-fcas

Thales Alenia Space Proceeds With Stratobus Airship Design

http://aviationweek.com/space/thales-alenia-space-proceeds-stratobus-airship-design

Hybrid Propulsion Pushing Pace Of Electric Aircraft Development

http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/hybrid-propulsion-pushing-pace-electric-aircraft-development

Airbus Reveals Plans for All-New Narrow-Body, Re-Engined A350 - Bloomberg

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-21/airbus-reveals-plans-for-all-new-narrow-body-re-engined-a350

Pilot Report: Piper Diesel Archer | General Aviation News: Aviation International News

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2018-11-21/pilot-report-piper-diesel-archer?utm_content=80272528&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-26333067#

Germany, France eye first contract for new fighter jet in early 2019 | Article [AMP] | Reuters

https://uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUKKCN1NQ1ON

Boeing, Jeju Air Announce Order for up to 50 737 MAX Airplanes - Nov 19, 2018

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-11-19-Boeing-Jeju-Air-Announce-Order-for-up-to-50-737-MAX-Airplanes

Boeing and SparkCognition to Launch Joint Venture SkyGrid - Nov 20, 2018

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-11-20-Boeing-and-SparkCognition-to-Launch-Joint-Venture-SkyGrid

New company will build AI- and blockchain-powered airspace management software platform

First flight of the 777X scheduled for 2019; delivery in 2020

First Boeing 777X Flight Test Airplane Comes Together https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-11-20-First-Boeing-777X-Flight-Test-Airplane-Comes-Together

Narrowbody routes edge closer to middle of market, suggest data - Runway GirlRunway Girl

https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2018/11/20/narrowbody-routes-edge-closer-to-middle-of-market-suggest-data/

New Dedicated USAF F-35A Demo Team Announced for 2019 Airshow Season

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New Dedicated USAF F-35A Demo Team Announced for 2019 Airshow Season // The Aviationist
https://theaviationist.com/2018/11/21/new-dedicated-usaf-f-35a-demo-team-announced-for-2019-airshow-season/

New F-35A Demo May Transition from Heritage Flight to Solo F-35A Demo. The U.S. Air Force has posted limited information about a new F-35A Demonstration Team for the upcoming 2019 airshow season. The information appeared today on the official USAF Air Combat Command Aerial Events page. This web page hosts official information about the various […]
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ANALYSIS: Italy combines capabilities for future tiltrotor

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ANALYSIS: Italy combines capabilities for future tiltrotor // Flight Global HEADLINES
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-italy-combines-capabilities-for-future-til-453505/

As part of its Clean Sky 2 initiative, the EU is funding two parallel projects to develop high-speed rotorcraft: the Airbus Helicopters Racer and Leonardo Helicopters Next-Gen Civil Tiltrotor (NGCTR).
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Corrosion concerns ground Ju-Air's remaining Ju 52s

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Corrosion concerns ground Ju-Air's remaining Ju 52s // Flight Global HEADLINES
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/corrosion-concerns-ground-ju-airs-remaining-ju-52s-453810/

Swiss regulators have grounded two remaining Junkers Ju 52s operated by Ju-Air over airworthiness concerns, three months after a fatal accident involving another of its aircraft.
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Bombardier to cut 490 jobs in Belfast

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Bombardier to cut 490 jobs in Belfast // Flight Global HEADLINES
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bombardier-to-cut-490-jobs-in-belfast-453820/

Bombardier plans to cut 490 jobs at its UK facility in Belfast as part of wider efforts to restructure the Canadian manufacturer s aerospace activities.
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Lockheed tapped mitigate F-35 processor obsolescence | Finland’s H-X contest completes 1st phase | Global Hawks will soar above Japan

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/lockheed-tapped-to-mitigate-f-35-processor-obsolescence-finlands-h-x-contest-completes-1st-phase-global-hawks-will-soar-above-japan-041101/

Lockheed begins manufacture of X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology aircraft

https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2018-11-16-Supersonic-Commercial-Travel-Begins-to-Take-Shape-at-Lockheed-Martin-Skunk-Works-R

Virgin Orbit's "flying launchpad" completes first captive carry flight

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Virgin Orbit's "flying launchpad" completes first captive carry flight // Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine
https://newatlas.com/virgin-orbit-captive-carry-flight-test/57301/

Virgin Orbit's Cosmic Girl took to the skies over Southern California on November 18, 2018 carrying a 70-ft-long (21-m) rocket for the first time. The specially modified 747-400 "flying launchpad" with the LauncherOne small-satellite booster under its port wing took off from Victorville, California on an 80-minute test flight designed to assess the take-off, landing, and low-speed handling and performance of the integrated aircraft and carbon-fiber two-stage rocket.

.. Continue Reading Virgin Orbit's "flying launchpad" completes first captive carry flight

Category: Aircraft

Tags:

Flight

Test Flights

Virgin Orbit


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NASA selects Mars 2020 rover landing site

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NASA selects Mars 2020 rover landing site // Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine
https://newatlas.com/nasa-selects-mars-2020-site/57302/

After five years, NASA's Mars 2020 rover mission has a landing site penciled in. From a list of 60 candidate sites, the space agency has chosen Jezero Crater as the touchdown point for the nuclear-powered unmanned explorer designed to seek out places where life might once have existed and collect soil and rock samples for return to Earth via a future mission.

.. Continue Reading NASA selects Mars 2020 rover landing site

Category: Space

Tags:

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New Atlas Audio


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Aurora Flight Sciences Reveals Solar-High Altitude PseudoSatellite

http://auroraliveweb.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/APR-365-Aurora-Announces-Odysseus-Nov-14-2018.pdf

https://newatlas.com/odysseus-haps-solar-powered-aircraft/57263/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eErLcDqINyE

Exoplanet discovered around neighbouring star

Astronomers have discovered a planet around one of the closest stars to our Sun. Nearby planets like this are likely to be prime targets in the search for signatures of life, using the next generation of telescopes. The planet's mass is thought to be more than three times that of our own, placing...

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Boeing’s automatic trim for the 737 MAX was not disclosed to the Pilots

https://leehamnews.com/2018/11/14/boeings-automatic-trim-for-the-737-max-was-not-disclosed-to-the-pilots/

China’s SF Express To Use 5-Ton Pilotless An-2 copy

Research by Ryan Wang

Chinese freight company SF Express plans to use pilotless Avic Y-5B biplanes, based on a 70-year-old Soviet design, in an air delivery setup to be running by 2023.

read more

http://aviationweek.com/awinbizav/china-s-sf-express-use-5-ton-pilotless-biplanes

China, Russia To Cooperate On CR929 Engine

http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/china-russia-cooperate-cr929-engine

Arkia Israeli Airlines takes delivery of world’s first A321LR

press release




Arkia Israeli Airlines takes delivery of world’s first A321LR

Hamburg, 14th November 2018 – Tel Aviv based ARKIA Israeli Airlines which is majority owned by Jordache Enterprises, has taken delivery of its first A321LR becoming the launch operator of the world’s most flexible and capable large single aisle aircraft ever.


The A321LR is the latest version of the best selling A321 Family and allows operators the flexibility to fly Long Range (LR) operations of up to 4,000nm (7,400km) and to tap into new long haul markets, which were not previously accessible with single aisle aircraft. The new LR cabin configuration allows airlines to offer each passenger more space and premium products for widebody comfort.

Powered by Leap CFM motors, Arkia’s A321LR fleet will be configured with 220 seats in a single class layout.

ARKIA Israeli Airlines receives its first A321LR from Hamburg, Germany The A321LR and its derivative aircraft family members are the world’s best-selling single aisle aircraft with over 6,100 orders from 100 customers since its launch in 2010. It has pioneered and incorporated the latest technologies, including its new generation engines and the industry's reference cabin design, delivering 20 percent fuel cost savings alone. The A320neo also offers significant environmental benefits with nearly 50 percent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.

MIURA is the new PLD Space rocket’s commercial brand

Press release

http://pldspace.com/new/2018/11/13/pld-space-miura/

Since today, MIURA is the new PLD Space rocket's commercial brand

After several years of growth and surpassing milestones, PLD Space has decided to rename its microlaunchers with the main objective of transmitting the corporate spirit of the company in the design of the rockets. MIURA reflects the company's philosophy:  strength, courage and energy through passion and hard work. The numerical nomenclature, 1 and 5, is based on the classic system in the space sector in which the number signifies the quantity of motors on the rocket's first stage.

When in 2011 PLD Space was founded, its co-founders, Raúl Torres and Raúl Verdú, decided to name the company's first technological development ARION. In classic Greek mythology, ARION is a divinely-bred, extremely swift immortal horse, endowed with speech. In that moment, the founders thought it was an adequate name to help PLD Space grow and secure a better position within the special sector. However, as the company has consolidated in the sector, PLD has decided to re-establish the brand with a name that better describes the company and its long-term goals. The objective is to provide PLD Space with a corporate image of the project that faithfully reflects its spirit, the origin of the company, and the institutional support that surrounds the project. All this in order to position the company in a booming sector that is changing rapidly. These values ​​and principles are summarized in MIURA, as seen in the logo (specially designed for PLD Space) and company colours.

MIURA 1 is a suborbital microlauncher able to reach an apogee of 150 km. The first launch is scheduled for Q3 2019 from the INTA's Experimentation Center "El Arenosillo", which will carry a payload from the German institute ZARM. Simultaneously, the company will continue developing the necessary technology to launch satellites around the Earth, aiming for the first launch of MIURA 5 in Q3 2021.

DARPA, Army select companies to develop hypersonic missile propulsion

http://www.spacedaily.com/m/reports/DARPA_Army_select_companies_to_develop_hypersonic_missile_propulsion_999.html

Market for 3,300 satellites worth $284 Billion over next decade

http://www.spacedaily.com/m/reports/Market_for_3300_satellites_to_be_built_and_launched_worth_284_Billion_over_next_decade_999.html

UAS Magazine – The Latest News on Unmanned Aerial Systems - DHS explores machine learning to improve drone detection

http://uasmagazine.com/articles/1950/dhs-explores-machine-learning-to-improve-drone-detection

UK firm sees future for visually pleasing 3D printed aircraft interiors

https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2018/11/12/uk-firm-sees-future-for-visually-pleasing-3d-printed-aircraft-interiors/

TsAGI tests MC-21-300 basic airplane for maximum load at landing

TsAGI press release



Landing an aircraft is not only a difficult maneuver, but also is a real strength test. At this moment, the frame and landing gear of the aircraft is forced by inertial load from the aircraft weight, fuel, passengers, baggage, the jet loads from the runway, as well as aerodynamic forces. That is why landing dynamics strength tests are very important.

In mid-October, scientists of the Zhukovsky Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) conducted certification static tests of the new generation MC-21-300 basic airplane for the maximum load at landing.

The basic airplane was first tested at 67% of the design load; in later stages it was raised to 90%. To define calculated values in this case, scientists used a reserve factor of 1, 5. The landing gear, fuselage tail section and wing centre section were subjected to the maximum load.

The tests had positive results: basic elements of the construction withstood required design loads. The resulting data will be used to issue a conclusion on the aircraft strength and to lift the restrictions on the parameters of the flight.

The next important step is to conduct certification static testing on the fuselage for maximum torsion. The aircraft can perform such a maneuver in flight through the influence of continuous lateral turbulence.

The MC-21-300 is a new generation aircraft with a capacity of 163 to 211 passengers and targets the largest segment of the aviation market. The aircraft provides passengers with a significant new level of comfort, due to the largest fuselage diameter in narrow-body aircraft. The aircraft is superior to existing counterparts in terms of flight-technical characteristics and efficiency. The major contributor to the enhancement of flight-technical characteristics of the aircraft is the wing made of polymer composite materials, a first-in-the-world, developed for narrow-body aircraft with a capacity of over 130 passengers. The use of composites in the MC-21 design exceeds 30% and is unique for this category of aircraft.

Preferred landing site for ExoMars 2020 rover mission revealed

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/ExoMars/Oxia_Planum_favoured_for_ExoMars_surface_mission

Wind farms have cascading impacts on ecosystems across trophic levels

Abstract


Wind farms are a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels for mitigating the effects of climate change, but they also have complex ecological consequences. In the biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats in India, we find that wind farms reduce the abundance and activity of predatory birds (for example, Buteo, Butastur and Elanus species), which consequently increases the density of lizards, Sarada superba. The cascading effects of wind turbines on lizards include changes in behaviour, physiology and morphology that reflect a combination of predator release and density-dependent competition. By adding an effective trophic level to the top of food webs, we find that wind farms have emerging impacts that are greatly underestimated. There is thus a strong need for an ecosystem-wide view when aligning green-energy goals with environment protection.

Continue reading: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-018-0707-z#Abs1

also in Popular Mechanix
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a24749526/turbines-apex-predator-study/

Indonesia says situation facing crew of doomed Lion Air jet not in flight manual | Article [AMP] | Reuters

https://uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUKKCN1NH101?__twitter_impression=true

Airbus says China will need +7,400 new aircraft in the next 20 years. Embraer says 1,390 new 150 seaters

China will need more than 7,400 new aircraft in the next 20 years

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/11/china-will-need-more-than-7-400-new-aircraft-in-the-next-20-year.html

Embraer Projects Market Demand of 1,390 New Jets with up to 150 seats for China

https://embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1206474-embraer-projects-market-demand-of-1-390-new-jets-with-up-to-150-seats-for-china

Bombardier Reports 3rd Q 2018 Results, Sale of Non-Core Assets and Strategic Actions to Streamline the Company and Drive Productivity

Bombardier's PR

• Earnings(1) up 48% year over year to $271M on $3.6B revenues
• Free cash flow usage(2) improved by $125M, 25% year over year
• ~$900M net proceeds expected mainly from the sale of non-core assets: Q Series program and Business Aircraft’s flight and technical training activities(3)
• Global 7500(4) certified by Transport Canada and the FAA; on track for entry into service before year end
• Enterprise-wide productivity initiatives launched, expected to generate $250M in annual recurring savings by 2021(3)
• 2018 guidance(3) updated: Revenues ~$16.5B; EBIT(1) ~$1B; and free cash flow(2) breakeven ±$150M, including net proceeds from Downsview sale
• 2019 guidance(3) provided: Revenues targeted to grow by ~10%; EBIT(1) targeted to increase by ~20% with improved cash generation

continue reding:

https://www.bombardier.com/en/media/newsList/details.binc-20181108-bombardier-reports-third-quarter-2018-results--ann.bombardiercom.html

The Airbus H125 at the top of the world

Flying in the Himalayan mountains is no picnic, yet the pilots and helicopters that carry out thousands of mountain rescues annually play an essential role there. Every year, people come to Nepal to experience one of Earth’s most extreme environments. Mount Everest, at 29,029 feet (8,848 m), draws high-altitude climbers and trekkers. With no road transportation to Lukla’s TenzingHillary Airport – the staging point for Everest expeditions – air transport is the only way travelers can make the trip from Kathmandu—or be evacuated back. Flights are a technical feat, as the majority of rescues are at altitudes from 12,000 to 17,000 feet. Many more take place from Everest’s Base Camp 2, at 21,000 feet (6,400 m). continue reading: https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/stories/H125Topoftheworld.html

Opinion: When A Near-Accident Requires Deeper Investigation

http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/opinion-when-near-accident-requires-deeper-investigation

Avic’s J-31 Fighter Is a Winner After All

http://aviationweek.com/defense/avic-s-j-31-fighter-winner-after-all

Tecnam at Zhuhai International Air Show: Anhui Lantain International Flight Academy places order for 30 aircraft

Tecnam's PR







The order was signed today at the bi-annual Zhuhai International Air Show (also known as Airshow China).

Xie Chunqui, Chairman, ALIFA said: “Our company have selected TECNAM P2006T Twins and P2010 Ptwenty Ten’s models to replace our legacy fleet of training aeroplanes. Our all new state-of-the-art TECNAM aircraft will not only enable us to provide our Cadets with the very best training fleet but will also support our aspirationsto fulfil our ambition to establish ALIFA as a world-class Flight Training Organization”.

The Tecnam P2010 P Twenty Ten is the first new single engine, high wing, four-seat aircraft from Tecnam that brings together an advanced technology all carbon fibre fuselage with a metal wing and stabilator.

The P2006T Twin is the world’s most reputable twin engine aeroplane. It will enable the delivery of complex Flight Training and will enable ALIFA students to complete MEP training in a faster and more efficient manner.

Walter Da Costa, Tecnam Global Sales and Marketing Director said: “We are so proud to partner with the “Anhui Lantian International Flight Academy”. ALIFA have a well-earned reputation for delivering flight training to an exceptional standard and we are honoured to be key partner in the future development of China’s next-generation of commercial airline pilots”

More info on P2010 SEP four seater:
https://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/p2010/

More info on P2006T SEP four seater:
https://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/p2006t/



About Anhui Lantian International Flight Training School (Website in development):

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/lqg2kMVmsciy10uJgcmJtg

About LUSY

Liaoning United-Air Shenyan Aircrfat Company (LUSY) was established in 2014 by Mr. Bai Yang who is a well-known business magnate in China and the CEO of the Liaoning Pacific Group. On behalf of TECNAM, LUSY produces the twin P2006T the single engine four seater P2010 and the P2008JC two seater. The manufacturing line has the capacity to build 60 aircraft per year involving both single and twin engine to support the market needs. Further, LUSY has involved with AIRBUS Helicopters operating EC130, EC135 and EC155 for surveillance purpose and police training. LUSY also holds 145 maintenance center for Airbus Helicopters and now involved in obtaining 145 and 147 for fixed wing.

http://www.tecnam.cn

1. Name of the people on the above photo:
2. Chairman, General Manager and Chief Pilot of Guizhou, Julan Flying Club, Mr Hou.
3. General Manager of LUSY, Ms Guo Jing.
4. Global Sales & Marketing Director of Tecnam, Mr Walter Da Costa.
5. COO of Tecnam, Mr Giovanni Pascale.
6. Chairman of Anhui Lantian International Flight Training School, Mr Xie Chungui.
7. Head of CAAC Northeast Regulatory agency, Mr Hou.

Boeing, Safran Joint Venture to Start Operations -

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-11-09-Boeing-Safran-Joint-Venture-to-Start-Operations

- Boeing and Safran secure regulatory approvals to begin their joint venture for designing, building and servicing Auxiliary Power Units

CHICAGO and PARIS, Nov. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Safran [EPA: SAF] have received regulatory approvals for a joint venture so they can begin designing, building and servicing aircraft Auxiliary Power Units (APUs)—onboard engines that are primarily used to start the main engines and power aircraft systems while on the ground and, if necessary, in flight. The companies also named Etienne Boisseau as Chief Executive Officer of the joint venture.

The agreement establishes a partnership between two of the world's leading aerospace companies to work together on APU products and expanded service capabilities to benefit customers and industry. Both companies have a 50 percent stake in the joint venture. The initial team will perform design work in San Diego, Calif.

"Safran is proud to launch this joint venture with Boeing in order to offer state-of-the-art APUs and enhance customer value. Together, we are committed to delivering innovative, highly technological and cost-competitive solutions to global customers. We are confident this joint team will provide first-class products and services within the best integrated industrial organization," said Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran.

The joint venture combines Boeing's customer and airplane knowledge and Safran's experience designing and producing complex propulsion systems.

"We are open for business and excited to offer even more value to our customers throughout the lifecycle of their investment. This joint venture strengthens Boeing's vertical capabilities as we continue to expand our services portfolio. By making strategic investments that accelerate our growth plans, we also are providing our customers with expanded, innovative services solutions," said Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Global Services.   

In addition to Etienne Boisseau, others nominated to the joint venture's leadership team include:

    Linda Hapgood, Chief Operating Officer

    Erin Morrissey, Chief Financial Officer

    Joan Inlow, Chief Technology Officer

The name of the joint venture as well as the location of the future headquarters and production and service facilities will be announced at a later date.

Safran currently supplies a wide range of components to Boeing commercial and defense programs, including as a partner to produce CFM's LEAP-1B engine for the 737 MAX (through CFM International, a 50/50 JV between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE). Boeing and Safran also are partners in MATIS, a joint venture in Morocco producing wiring products for several airframe and engine companies.

UAS Magazine – The Latest News on Unmanned Aerial Systems - Micro-weather forecasts for UAS will be tested in New York

http://uasmagazine.com/articles/1949/micro-weather-forecasts-for-uas-will-be-tested-in-new-york

Four Specially-Marked Typhoon Jets Celebrate Eurofighter Fleet’s 500,000 Flying Hours Mark

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Four Specially-Marked Typhoon Jets Celebrate Eurofighter Fleet's 500,000 Flying Hours Mark // The Aviationist
https://theaviationist.com/2018/11/09/four-specially-marked-typhoon-jets-celebrate-eurofighter-fleets-500000-flying-hours-mark/

The Eurofighter fleet has passed the 500,000 flying hours mark, an achievement celebrated by applying special markings to four jets of the four partner nations. The fleet of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft has passed the 500K flying hours milestone, Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH confirmed today. "Passing the 500,000 flying hours milestone underscores the fact that today Eurofighter […]
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Watch Slovenian Air Force Pilatus PC-9M Turboprops Perform Mock Dogfights, Fly Ultra-Low Level And Drop Bombs

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Watch Slovenian Air Force Pilatus PC-9M Turboprops Perform Mock Dogfights, Fly Ultra-Low Level And Drop Bombs // The Aviationist
https://theaviationist.com/2018/11/09/watch-slovenian-air-force-pilatus-pc-9m-turboprops-perform-mock-dogfights-fly-ultra-low-level-and-drop-bombs/

Interesting video shows PC-9M advanced training and close air support turboprops at work. Something you don't see every day. The Slovenian Air Force Pilatus PC-9M Swift, also called Hudournik in Slovenia, is a single engine tandem-seat turboprop Light Attack Aircraft. Stationed in Cerklje ob Krki Airbase, about 80 km to the east of Ljubljana and belonging […]
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DARPA asks for counter-hypersonic weapons proposals

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DARPA asks for counter-hypersonic weapons proposals // Flight Global HEADLINES
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/darpa-asks-for-counter-hypersonic-weapons-proposals-453522/

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is asking companies to submit ideas for counter-hypersonic weapons as part of its Glide Breaker programme.
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Ryanair aircraft seized at Bordeaux Airport in order to recover illegal state aid paid

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Ryanair aircraft seized at Bordeaux Airport in order to recover illegal state aid paid // Aviation24.be
https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/ryanair/aircraft-seized-bordeaux-airport-recover-illegal-state-aid-paid/amp/

Yesterday (8 November) at 18:00 (UTC +1), a bailiff commissioned by the county council came to Bordeaux Airport and seized a Ryanair Boeing 737 (EI-EBG) on the tarmac over unpaid debts. In 2008/2009, Ryanair received subsidies from the department of Charente to provide flights from Angoulême – Cognac Airport to London. In 2014, the European Commission (EC) […]

The post Ryanair aircraft seized at Bordeaux Airport in order to recover illegal state aid paid appeared first on Aviation24.be.


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Tecnam Deems Airshow China 2018 A Success

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Tecnam Deems 'Airshow China 2018' A Success // Aero-News Network
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=62acde38-9e17-40fb-ac41-6b2db385c065

Anhui Lantain International Flight Academy Places Order For 30 Training Aircraft Tecnam and its local aerospace partner Liaoning United-Air ShenYan Co. Ltd (LUSY) announced today an order for a fleet of 30 aeroplanes from the Anhui Lantian International Flight Academy (ALIFA).
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Finland and Norway are telling airline pilots to be ready to fly without GPS, and some think Russia is up to something

https://www.businessinsider.es/finland-norway-tell-pilots-to-fly-without-gps-and-some-blame-russia-2018-11

Reports of GPS interference related to Russian military activities have been reported in the past.

British firms hitch onto China's aerospace boom as Brexit looms | Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-airshow-britain-idUSKCN1NE0VO

ATR and Air NZ to investigate hybrid regional aircraft

 http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/atr-and-air-nz-to-investigate-hybrid-regional-aircra-453490/

CR929 Schedule May Be Optimistic, UAC Says

http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/cr929-schedule-may-be-optimistic-uac-says

PICTURE: Comac powers-on third C919 in push for year-end flight

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PICTURE: Comac powers-on third C919 in push for year-end flight // Flight Global HEADLINES
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-comac-powers-on-third-c919-in-push-for-year-453497/

Comac has achieved power-on for its third C919 flight test prototype, as it continues to work towards achieving a first flight for the aircraft by the end of the year.
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Bombardier shifts focus away from commercial aircraft

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Bombardier shifts focus away from commercial aircraft // Flight Global HEADLINES
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bombardier-shifts-focus-away-from-commercial-aircraf-453473/

Though the CRJ programme remains under Bombardier's wing, company executives made clear on 8 November that Bombardier's focus has shifted away from commercial aviation.
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NASA Leads Urban Air Mobility ‘Grand Challenge’ Discussion With Industry

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=81e7b9ab-3f62-4f87-8749-d3cc68bfd67d

Planned hybrid airship will combine aspects of planes, blimps and helicopters

https://newatlas.com/plimp-model-j-airship/57154/

It was just last year that we heard about the Plimp, a sort of plane/blimp/helicopter hybrid drone manufactured by Egan Airships. As was hinted at then, the Seattle-based company has now officially announced that it's working on a passenger-carrying variant known as the Model J.

.. Continue Reading Planned hybrid airship will combine aspects of planes, blimps and helicopters

Category: Aircraft

Tags:

Airships

Blimp

Hybrid


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Longview Aviation Capital Corp. Acquires Dash 8 Program from Bombardier Inc. | Longview Aviation Capital

https://www.lvav.ca/sites/lvav.ca/files/docs/longview_dash_8_news_release_november_8_-_final.pdf

TsAGI develops advanced heavy transport aircraft with innovative wing and fuselage layaout

TsAGI's press release




Specialists of the the Zhukovsky Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI ) continue testing the heavy transport aircraft, the integrated circuit model. The advanced aircraft has an alternative advanced layout— the collocation of wing and fuselage. It will make the best use of the aircraft inside and improve its aerodynamic efficiency.

At first the scientists carried out “off-screen” tests with the aircraft in motion at high altitudes away from the water surface. The tests proved the control response effectiveness and the influence of the model’s main elements — the engine nacelles, nose, and wing tips characteristics. The results will be used to further improvement the aerodynamic layout.

Ground-effect tests are scheduled in the near future. The next scheduled phase of experimentation will be visualization of the airfoil flow on the airplane model.

The advanced heavy transport aircraft of integrating circuit is designed for intercontinental transportation (up to 6 thousand km) of a large volume of cargo (up to 500 tons), including standard containers. They will be placed in a wing cell and loaded via flap doors in the front sections of the aircraft’s central part.

The aircraft is planned to be used on existing runways. Such an aircraft flies primarily at an altitude of 3-12 mabove water, ice or land. These surfaces create a screen effect, which increases the aerodynamic quality. It results in an increase in range and fuel (natural compressed gas) economy.

Such an aircraft could be used for heavy transport, both domestic and international.

ESA's gravity mapper reveals relics of ancient continents under Antarctic ice

https://youtu.be/2YcAAyUPId4

ESA's press release




It was five years ago this month that ESA’s GOCE gravity-mapping satellite finally gave way to gravity, but its results are still yielding buried treasure – giving a new view of the remnants of lost continents hidden deep under the ice sheet of Antarctica.

A research team from Germany’s Kiel University and the British Antarctic Survey published their latest GOCE-based findings this week in the journal Scientific Reports.

Dubbed ‘the Formula one of space’, the GOCE (Gravity field and Ocean Circulation Explorer) mission orbited Earth for more than four years, from March 2009 to November 2013. This sleek, finned satellite with no moving parts was designed around a single goal: to measure the pull of Earth’s gravity more precisely than any mission before.

GOCE flew at an altitude of just 255 km, more than 500 km nearer than a typical Earth observation satellite, to maximise its sensitivity to gravity.


In its last year in orbit, with its supply of xenon propellant holding out well, GOCE was manoeuvred down still lower, to just 225 km altitude, for even more accurate gravity measurements. The propellant keeping it resistant to air drag was finally spent in October 2013, and it reentered the atmosphere three weeks later.

GOCE’s main output was a high-fidelity global gravity map or ‘geoid’, but the mission also charted localised gravity gradients – measurements of how rapidly the acceleration of gravity changes – across all directions of motion, down to a resolution of 80 km.

The team from Kiel University and BAS has converted this patchwork of 3D gravity measurements into curvature-based ‘shape indexes’ across the different regions of our planet, analogous to contours on a map.

The study’s lead author Prof Jörg Ebbing from Kiel University comments, “The satellite gravity data can be combined with seismological data to produce more consistent images of the crust and upper mantle in 3D, which is crucial to understand how plate tectonics and deep mantle dynamics interact.”


In combination with existing seismological data, these gravity gradients show high sensitivity to known features of Earth’s ‘lithosphere’, the solid crust and that section of the molten mantle beneath it.

These features include dense rocky zones called cratons – remnants of ancient continents found at the heart of modern continental plates – highly folded ‘orogen’ regions associated with mountain ranges and the thinner crust of ocean beds.

The new window into the deep subsurface offered by this data offers novel insights into the structure of all Earth’s continents, but especially Antarctica. With more than 98% of its surface covered by ice with an average thickness of 2 km, the southern continent largely remains a blank spot on current geological maps.


“These gravity images are revolutionising our ability to study the least understood continent on Earth, Antarctica,” says co-author Fausto Ferraccioli, Science Leader of Geology and Geophysics at BAS.

“In East Antarctica we see an exciting mosaic of geological features that reveal fundamental similarities and differences between the crust beneath Antarctica and other continents it was joined to until 160 million years ago.”

The gravity gradient findings show West Antarctica has a thinner crust and lithosphere compared to that of East Antarctica, which is made up of a mosaic of old cratons separated by younger orogens, revealing a family likeness to Australia and India.

These findings are of more than purely historic geological interest. They give clues to how Antarctica’s continental structure is influencing the behavior of ice sheets and how rapidly Antarctica regions will rebound in response to melting ice.


ESA’s GOCE mission scientist Roger Haagmans adds, “It is exciting to see that direct use of the gravity gradients, which were measured for the first time ever with GOCE, leads to a fresh independent look inside Earth – even below a thick sheet of ice.

“It also provides context of how continents were possibly connected in the past before they drifted apart owing to plate motion.”

All Qatar Airways flights will now benefit from real-time tracking as becomes first airline to launch GlobalBeacon

https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/qatar-airways/qatar-airways-becomes-first-airline-to-launch-globalbeacon-further-enhancing-passenger-safety/

No Boeing, No Airbus; Iran Air Will Buy Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100

According to the spokesman, Tehran needs to establish commercial relations with those aircraft manufacturers that are not dependent on the supply of components from the United States and the granting of licenses by the US government.

continue reading: https://eurasiantimes.com/irans-national-airlines-iran-air-buy-russian-sukhoi-superjet-100/

Brussels Airlines is gradually phasing out Sukhoi SuperJet 100’s

https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/lufthansa-group/brussels-airlines/gradually-phasing-out-sukhoi-superjet-100s/

http://www.rusaviainsider.com/brussels-airlines-not-renew-ssj100/

EASA issues an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) following the accident of an AW169 helicopter in the United Kingdom

EASA's press release




EASA issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD), following the tragic accident which occurred in the United Kingdom on 27 October 2018 to an Leonardo AW169 helicopter.

The information available so far indicate that while the helicopter was on a take-off phase at low forward speed, a loss of yaw control was observed; an investigation is on-going to identify the root cause of the accident.

EASA AD requires, as a precautionary measure, a one-time visual inspection of the tail rotor servo-actuator installation and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s), and to report inspection results to Leonardo.

This AD must be considered an interim action, further mandatory action may follow owing to investigation progress.