Zenith STOL Took Off And Landed In Under 50 Feet and Takes Top Honors In New Zealand Competition
Video: https://youtu.be/RSc__x0rO9k
Photos from Zenith's press release
A Zenith STOL, expertly piloted by Deane Philip, was the winner of the New Zealand Bush Pilot Championships in Omaka, New Zealand, on Saturday, February 3, 2017, with a take-off distance of just 12.6 meters (41 feet) and a landing roll of 14.7 meters (48 feet). Continue reading in:
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=e8fe9339-ec82-471e-8291-86842e60dbda
or Zenith Press Release: http://www.zenith.aero/profiles/blogs/stol-champion-2018
Deane Philip (above), of Christchurch, New Zealand, has been flying for five years and has logged 570 hours in his Zenith STOL over that time. When asked how he practices for the STOL competitions, Philip explains that "every take off and landing is a focused precision attempt. All of my flying is off-airport and the places we land and take-off from you need to be on point. Even when leaving and arriving at my home field I use the runway threshold line as a target point to continually hone my skills. An average outing will consist of 10 to 20 off field landings instead of just flying from A to B. This is the type of flying where the Zenith STOL truly excels."
Flying in New Zealand is ideal for perfecting off-airport flying skills, whether beach landings (top) or mountain top ridges (bottom). Check out Deane's YouTube video channel for more great STOL flying videos from New Zealand.
Congratulations also to Chris Anderson for taking second place with his Zenith STOL in the national competition.
Deane's STOL CH 701 is powered by a 130-hp Viking engine (Honda conversion). and Chris Anderson's Zenith STOL is powered by a 120-hp Rotax 912ULS "big bore EFI" engine.
First introduced in 1986, the STOL CH 701 aircraft was developed as an “off-airport” short take-off and landing kit aircraft to fulfill the demanding requirements of both sport pilots and first-time builders. With the STOL CH 701, designer Chris Heintz combined the features and advantages of a “real” airplane with the short-field capabilities of an “ultralight” aircraft. With form following function, the aircraft features fixed leading-edge slats for high lift, full-span flaperons (both ailerons and flaps), an all-flying rudder, and durable all-metal construction. Read more about the unique design features of the Zenith STOL aircraft.
While the basic design has remained the same, many significant improvements have been introduced over the years, including a higher useful load, easier and quicker build kits, and more detailed drawings and step-by-step assembly instructions. The popularity of the original CH 701 has grown over the years as this design has proven itself exceptionally well in the field, and the original design has expanded into the STOL CH 750 and four-seat CH 801 aircraft (all based on the original CH 701 design). Last year, Zenith Aircraft introduced the latest variant, the STOL CH 750 Super Duty, with increased cabin size and higher load carrying capability.
Zenith Aircraft kits have become significantly easier and quicker to build over the years as final hole size match-drilled parts and assemblies have become available, thanks to CNC manufacturing and SolidWorks design software. New kits take just a few hundred hours to assemble, requiring just simple skills and tools to put together.
The sixth annual event, officially called the "Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Championships," is a precision landing STOL Takeoff and Landing competition, held annually at Omaka Airfield, Blenheim, New Zealand.
Read more...
Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 Prepares For Entry Into Service
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=2bfd25f9-2f93-4afd-aa9f-e51fab6b4d66
Will First Fly For Qatar Airways Powering The Airbus A350-1000
The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine, the latest and most powerful variant of the Trent XWB is appearing at the Singapore Airshow as it prepares for entry into service with Qatar Airways.
Related:
Rolls-Royce and Thai Airways International sign testbed agreement
http://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/yr-2018/07-02-2018-rr-and-thai-airways-international-sign-testbed-agreement.aspx
Rolls-Royce and Singapore Airlines sign Trent 1000 and Trent 700 contracts
http://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/yr-2018/08-02-2018-rr-and-singapore-airlines-sign-trent-1000-and-trent-700-contracts.aspx
Shark skin-inspired designs that improve aerodynamic performance
Abstract
There have been significant efforts recently aimed at improving the aerodynamic performance of aerofoils through the modification of their surfaces. Inspired by the drag-reducing properties of the tooth-like denticles that cover the skin of sharks, we describe here experimental and simulation-based investigations into the aerodynamic effects of novel denticle-inspired designs placed along the suction side of an aerofoil. Through parametric modelling to query a wide range of different designs, we discovered a set of denticle-inspired surface structures that achieve simultaneous drag reduction and lift generation on an aerofoil, resulting in lift-to-drag ratio improvements comparable to the best-reported for traditional low-profile vortex generators and even outperforming these existing designs at low angles of attack with improvements of up to 323%. Such behaviour is enabled by two concurrent mechanisms: (i) a separation bubble in the denticle's wake altering the flow pressure distribution of the aerofoil to enhance suction and (ii) streamwise vortices that replenish momentum loss in the boundary layer due to skin friction.
Continue reading in Royal Society Publishing or in Harvard University webpage Read more...
Piper Receives Largest Trainer Order in Company History from Fanmei Aviation Technologies
PR
VERO BEACH, Fla., February 7, 2018 – Piper Aircraft, Inc. has received an order for 152 aircraft from Fanmei Aviation Technologies, Piper Aircraft’s exclusive dealer in China. This is the largest single trainer order received by Piper Aircraft in company history. Fanmei Aviation Technologies is a subsidiary of Sichuan Fanmei Education Group co. Ltd which is a leading provider of aviation education in China.
The historic seven-year purchase agreement includes 100 Archer TX single engine trainers, 50 multiengine Seminoles, one Seneca and one Piper M350. Deliveries begin in March with the first aircraft going to the Fanmei Flight School in Sichuan province.
“We are very excited to have Fanmei Aviation Technologies in our Dealer Network,” said Piper’s Asia Pacific Sales Manager, Jeremy Prost. “Fanmei Education Group has a great vision for the future of General Aviation in China and we believe that this vision and commitment will work in pair with Piper’s 80 years of aircraft manufacturing experience to supply high quality aircraft and support to Chinese customers.”
“The agreement and cooperation with Piper Aircraft is the key element for our general aviation roadmap,” said Don Li, President of Fanmei Aviation Technologies. “Everything else was already in place, including a quality training program with committed staff and outstanding facilities, and now we have added to our fleet, in my opinion, the premier training aircraft in the world with the Piper Archer and Seminole, which will help prepare our students for their continued success after graduation. In addition, as the exclusive Piper dealer in China, we look forward to serving our customers in the fast-growing general aviation market, not only with excellent Piper aircraft, but also with our most dedicated high-quality services.”
“Just as we are making history with receiving this large order, so is Fanmei by establishing a prestigious pilot development program to meet the growing need for exceptionally trained airline flight crews. This is a wonderful opportunity for both organizations as we work collectively to help address the global pilot shortage.” said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott.
About the Archer TX
The Archer TX includes the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics package which incorporates modern processing power that supports faster map rendering and smoother panning throughout the displays. Saving valuable time in the cockpit, the displays initialize within seconds after start-up, providing immediate access to frequencies, flight plan data and more. Also included is the Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) (GRS 77), an Aspen Electronic Standby System (EFD-1000), a solid state 3-axis Magnetometer (GMU 44), Dual IFR Enroute/Approach and WAAS Certified GPS systems and Nav/Comm (16 watt) radios (GIA 63Ws), an Electronic Engine Indication System (EIS), a Mode S Transponder with ADS-B in / out capability (GTX 345), Digital Audio Panel (GMA 1347), Traffic Information Systems (TIS), and Terrain and Obstacle Mapping round out the standard equipment on the TX. The Archer TX comes standard equipped with a 180 hp Lycoming engine, offers 128 ktas / 237 km/h cruise speed. An optional fuel injected Lycoming IO-360-B4A engine is also available.
About the Seminole
The Seminole includes the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics package which incorporates modern processing power that supports faster map rendering and smoother panning throughout the displays. Saving valuable time in the cockpit, the displays initialize within seconds after start-up, providing immediate access to frequencies, flight plan data and more. Also included is the Air Data Computer (GDC 74A), Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) (GRS 77), an Aspen Electronic Standby System (EFD-1000), a solid state 3-axis Magnetometer (GMU 44), Dual IFR Enroute/Approach and WAAS Certified GPS systems and Nav/Comm (16 watt) radios (GIA 63Ws), an Electronic Engine Indication System (EIS), a Mode S Transponder with ADS-B out (GTX 335R), Digital Audio Panel (GMA 1347), Traffic Information Systems (TIS), and Terrain and Obstacle Mapping round out the standard equipment on the TX. The Seminole, equipped with two 180 hp Lycoming engines, has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,800 pounds, a max speed of 162 kts and ceiling of 15,000 feet.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600, M500, M350 and Matrix – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance and value. The Twin Class Seneca V and Seminole balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in twin-engine aircraft. The Trainer Class Warrior, Archer TX, Archer DX, Arrow, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
Related:
Pacific Rim Debut of M600 Begins During Singapore Airshow
http://www.piper.com/pacific-rim-debut-of-m600-begins-during-singapore-airshow/
Sikorsky Qualifies Weapons System for Digital Black Hawk Helicopter
PR
SINGAPORE, Feb. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) company, has completed qualification to military standards of a comprehensive weapons system for S-70M / S-70i™ Black Hawk helicopters. Fully integrated with the aircraft's existing avionics, the system allows either pilot to place munitions quickly from forward firing guns, rocket pods and laser-designated air-to-ground missile launchers onto static or moving targets with high accuracy.
"Sikorsky has vastly simplified the complex task of placing rounds onto a target from standoff distances by calculating the complex ballistics required for effective airborne gunnery," said Bill Gostic, Sikorsky vice president of Global Military Systems & Services. "Once the weapons interfaces and electro-optical infrared sensor are integrated with the Black Hawk helicopter's existing controls and displays, international militaries can add external wings and weapons of choice in less than three hours to perform a range of medium attack missions."
In 2017, Sikorsky concluded a six-year development program of the weapons system, including two years of live fire tests at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Sikorsky's independent Qualification Assurance Board recently verified and validated the weapons system's effectiveness and conformance to operational safety, airworthiness and firing accuracy.
Weapons are carried by two external wings supporting four weapons stations, which can support any combination of fixed forward 50-cal (12.7mm) gun, 7- or 19-shot Hydra 70 rocket pods, or Hellfire™ air-to-ground missiles. Additionally, the qualified configuration features pilot-controlled fixed forward or crew served flex fire 7.62-mm mini-guns mounted to both cabin windows.
Once integrated for weapons delivery, the armed Black Hawk aircraft can be configured to perform a variety of medium attack missions:
- Attack, armed escort, fire suppression: Carry full external weapons load, with ammunition pallets and auxiliary fuel tank inside the cabin
- Troop transport and assault: Seat up to 10 troops and two window gunners with external wings (no ammunition pallets inside the cabin)
- Anti-armor: Carry up to 16 laser guided missiles.
To engage with guns and rockets, the weapons system presents continuously updated targeting symbology to each pilot's helmet mounted display. By following the cues on the display, the pilot can maneuver the aircraft and engage the target. The system also provides target designation for laser-guided HELLFIRE missiles.
Available from Sikorsky, the Black Hawk weapons system can be tailored to customer preferences. Read more...
Airbus signs Declaration of Intent with A400M Launch Customer Nations
PR
- Serves as a milestone to help mitigate programme risks going forward
- Agreement defines framework for mutually binding contract amendment in 2018
Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) has signed a Declaration of Intent (DoI) with the A400M Launch Customer Nations (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Luxemburg) defining the framework for achieving a mutually binding contract amendment later in the year.
Airbus, European defence agency OCCAR and the Customer Nations have agreed to work on a number of contractual elements including a revamped delivery plan as well as a roadmap for the development and completion of military capabilities for the A400M.
The DoI, finalised today, represents an important step towards reaching a contractually binding agreement with OCCAR and the Launch Customer Nations in 2018 to mitigate risks and to ensure the future of the programme. OCCAR is managing the A400M programme on behalf of the seven Launch Customer Nations.
This Declaration of Intent provides a new baseline on which to evaluate the A400M contract.
An increase to the Loss Making Contract provision on the programme, which may be material, is under assessment for the Full Year 2017 results which will be disclosed on
15 February 2018. With a clear roadmap in place, the remaining exposure going forward would be more limited.
“This agreement with our customers is an important step to further mitigate risks remaining on the A400M programme. I thank the nations for their support in this complex effort and hope for their continued engagement until we sign a mutually beneficial contract amendment,” said Tom Enders, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus. “On this basis, Airbus remains committed to the A400M and to providing our customers’ air forces with the best-ever military transport aircraft. However, since its inception in 2003, this programme has suffered not only from a number of operational issues but, more importantly, under a flawed contractual set-up and insufficient budget which resulted in significant losses for Airbus as prime contractor. We have a good chance to stop or at least reduce the bleeding now and deliver the capabilities our customers need.”
In February 2017, Airbus called upon the Launch Customer Nations to engage in discussions with respect to readjusting the contractual set-up of the A400M, one of Europe’s most important and largest joint defence collaboration programmes ever.
During a Ministerial conference on 30 March 2017 in Madrid, the Launch Customer Nations expressed their willingness to support such a dialogue and to enter into contract adjustment discussions with Airbus.
Since then, Airbus and OCCAR have set up a number of working groups assessing areas requiring adjustments such as delivery planning as well as the military capabilities development roadmap, the results of which have led to today’s DoI.
In view of the ongoing confidential discussions required to reach binding terms, both parties have agreed to refrain from further comment.
Related: Airbus says ‘new deal on A400M’ with buyers will limit future losses (by removing and delaying capabilities) https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/airbus-says-new-deal-a400m-buyers-will-limit-future-losses/ Read more...
Lockheed Martin's JASSM®-ER Declared Operational on F-15E Strike Eagle
PR
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) – Extended Range (ER) achieved full operational capability on the F-15E Strike Eagle, flown by the U.S. and allied nations' air forces.
With completion of integration and the fielding of JASSM-ER's Suite 8 Operational Flight Program, the F-15E Strike Eagle becomes the first Universal Armament Interface (UAI)-compliant platform to field JASSM-ER. UAI-compliant aircraft feature standardized interfaces to support future weapon integration.
"Fielding on the F-15E Strike Eagle expands JASSM-ER's mission flexibility," said Jeffrey Foley, program director of Long-Range Strike Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "With its greater than 500 nautical-mile standoff range and planned block upgrades currently in work, JASSM-ER provides an impressive tactical advantage for U.S. and allied warfighters."
Baseline JASSM was the first missile ever to be integrated onto a UAI platform. The U.S. Air Force Seek Eagle Office led the F-15E Strike Eagle JASSM-ER and JASSM integration.
Armed with a penetrating blast-fragmentation warhead, JASSM-ER and JASSM can be used in all weather conditions. They share the same powerful capabilities and stealth characteristics, though JASSM-ER has more than two-and-a-half times the range of JASSM for greater standoff distance. These highly accurate cruise missiles also employ an infrared seeker and enhanced digital anti-jam GPS to dial into specific points on targets.
Effective against high-value, well-fortified, fixed and relocatable targets, JASSM-ER is also integrated on the B1-B and currently in the process of integration on the F-16C/D and the internal bay and wings of the B-52H. JASSM is integrated on the U.S. Air Force's B-1B, B-2,
B-52, F-16 and F-15E. Internationally, JASSM is carried on the F/A-18A/B, F-18C/D and F-16 Block 52 aircraft. Produced at the company's manufacturing facility in Troy, Alabama, more than 2,150 JASSMs have been delivered. Read more...
The 1st Italian F-35B to remain at Pax River for 3 months to complete the electromagnetic environmental effects certification
Saab offers naval Gripen, tech transfer, to India | BMC to manufacture Altay tank engine | Sikorsky-Rheinmetall team to enter German heavy-lift comp
[video] Celebrating a decade of Columbus
One space lab, five spacecraft, 10 years of success. Nearly a decade ago, the Columbus laboratory set sail for humanity’s new world of space. Shortly afterwards, the first Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) arrived at the International Space Station as the most reliable and complex spacecraft ever built in Europe. Continue reading: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Columbus/Live_celebrating_10_years_of_European_space_science
Video: https://livestream.com/accounts/362/events/8030424/videos/169894469
Read more...
Dream Chaser cleared to visit space station in 2020
PR
https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-nasa-dream-chaser-launch-window/
First Launch to International Space Station Slated for Late 2020
SPARKS, Nev. , February 07, 2018 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) received NASA’s Authority to Proceed for the Dream Chaser spacecraft’s first mission, with a launch window for late 2020. The mission will provide cargo resupply to the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services Contract 2 (CRS2).
“SNC has been successfully completing critical design milestones as approved by NASA, and having a timetable for the first launch is another important step achieved for us,” said Fatih Ozmen, owner and CEO of SNC. “The team has worked so hard to get to this point and we can’t wait to fulfill this mission for NASA.”
Key Mission Capabilities:
- Delivers up to 5,500 kg (12,125 lb) of pressurized and unpressurized supplies and scientific research payloads
- Remains attached to the space station for extended periods so crew can transfer cargo and perform science laboratory operations
- Flying laboratory that allows scientists to send commands, receive data in real-time
- Powered payload science experiments can operate continuously during the mission
- Critical science is conducted from the pressurized cabin (crew-tended or autonomous)
- Unpressurized cargo/experiments are transferred to or from the space station via robotic operations
- Returns up to 2000kg of cargo via pinpoint landing at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) for immediate post-landing handover to customer, maximizing the integrity of data collected on-orbit
“The Dream Chaser is going to be a tremendous help to the critical science and research happening on the space station,” said Mark Sirangelo, executive vice president of SNC’s Space Systems business area. “Receiving NASA’s Authority to Proceed is a big step for the program. We can’t wait to see the vehicle return to Kennedy Space Center to a runway landing, allowing immediate access to the science payloads being returned from the station.”
About Sierra Nevada Corporation Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is a trusted leader in solving the world’s toughest challenges through advanced engineering technologies in Space Systems, Commercial Solutions, and Defense and National Security. Honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, SNC’s Space Systems business area designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft and satellite solutions, space habitats and environmental systems, propulsion systems, precision space mechanisms and subsystems, and SNC’s celebrated Dream Chaser® spacecraft. With more than 25 years of space heritage working with the U.S. government, commercial customers, and the international market, SNC has participated in more than 450 successful space missions and delivered 4,000+ systems, subsystems and components around the world. For more information, visit www.sncorp.com. Read more...
WSU researchers build -300ºF alien ocean to test NASA outer space submarine
PR: https://news.wsu.edu/2018/02/07/wsu-builds-nasa-alien-ocean/
ULLMAN, Wash. – Engineers know how to design submarines on Earth, but building one gets a lot trickier when the temperature drops to -300 Fahrenheit and the ocean is made of methane and ethane.
Washington State University researchers are working with NASA to determine how a submarine might work on Titan, the largest of Saturn’s many moons and the second largest in the solar system. The space agency plans to launch a real submarine into Titan seas in the next 20 years.
The researchers re-created a Titan ocean in a laboratory. They have published a paper on their work in the journal, Fluid Phase Equilibria.
Titan is of particular interest to researchers because it is similar to earth in one important way, it holds liquid. Unlike almost anywhere else in the solar system, the moon’s surface includes oceans, rivers and clouds, and like on earth, it can rain. But, instead of water, the hydrological cycle is based on methane.
Because of the possible lessons it could provide here on Earth, NASA has been studying Saturn and its moons for more than a decade with data collected from the Cassini spacecraft.
The submarine that the agency is designing will have to operate autonomously. It will need to study atmospheric and ocean conditions, move around sea beds, and hover at or below the surface. The engineering is even trickier because, unlike the nearly homogeneous water in earth-based oceans, the concentration of ethane and methane can vary dramatically in the Titan oceans and change the liquid’s density properties.
NASA invitation
Ian Richardson, a former graduate student in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, got the chance to tackle how NASA might build a submarine for the extreme conditions. In WSU’s cryogenic lab, which studies materials at very cold temperatures, Richardson re-created the atmosphere of Titan and tested how a small heated machine might work under such conditions.
Richardson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from WSU, has had a longtime interest in space and space exploration technologies. He was WSU’s first-ever recipient of a NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship, which included an internship at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. It was while working as an intern on a separate problem that a NASA scientist approached him with the problem of designing a submarine for Titan.
“My research just took a right turn, and I went with it,” said Richardson. “It’s a crazy experiment, and I never thought I would have had this opportunity. It’s been a very fun and challenging experimental design problem.”
Simulating Titan seas
The WSU research team built a test chamber that housed the liquid mixture at very cold temperatures to simulate the seas of Titan. They added a two-inch, cylinder-shaped cartridge heater that would approximate the heat that a submarine would create.
One of the biggest challenges for researchers was understanding bubbles in the Titan seas. Add a submarine powered by a heat-producing machine into the very cold Titan liquid, and nitrogen bubbles will form. Too many bubbles would make it hard to maneuver the ship, see, take data and manage ballast systems.
Shooting video at -300 degrees
The next big problem, said Richardson, was getting a video in difficult conditions. Their study was conducted at 60 pounds per square inch of pressure and nearly -300 degrees Fahrenheit. Richardson’s group engineered a solution using an optical device called a borescope and video camera that could withstand the low temperatures and high pressures to visualize what was going on within the test chamber.
“Those aren’t the friendliest conditions,” he said. “You have to come up with creative solutions.”
The researchers succeeded and took video footage of ethane-methane rain and snow. The group also studied the freezing temperatures for methane and ethane lakes and determined that, because of a small amount of nitrogen in the liquid, the lakes freeze at lower temperatures than would be expected: 75 Kelvin, or -324 degrees Fahrenheit, instead of 90.5 Kelvin.
“That’s a big deal,’’ said Richardson. “That means you don’t have to worry about icebergs.”
The researchers are looking to continue the work with NASA to update the Titan Submarine design.
Super wood could replace steel
New process could make wood as strong as titanium alloys but lighter and cheaper
Date:February 7, 2018
Source:University of Maryland
Summary:Engineers have found a way to make wood more than 10 times stronger and tougher than before, creating a natural substance that is stronger than many titanium alloys.
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