"Introducing Skyryse's Luna: The World's Most Intelligent Helicopter"
https://youtu.be/X6riQG3G9z0
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World, meet Luna. She just successfully conducted the world's first fully autonomous end-to-end flight without a pilot's hands on the controls in a modified, FAA-approved helicopter. https://t.co/73IYyy6R7L https://t.co/0HcmvdZZMj
Introducing the E-Fan X, a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator that is 30 times more powerful than its predecessor
Chelsea Embankment closed as World War II bomb found near River Thames | Metro News
lunes, 16 de diciembre de 2019
Boeing suspends 737 MAX production starting in January due to certification moving into 2020
https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-12-16-Boeing-Statement-Regarding-737-MAX-Production?sf226241718=1
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Boeing Statement Regarding 737 MAX Production
- Boeing suspends 737 MAX production starting in January due to certification moving into 2020
- Reduced production output enables prioritization of stored aircraft delivery
- No layoffs or furlough expected at this time
CHICAGO, Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Safely returning the 737 MAX to service is our top priority. We know that the process of approving the 737 MAX's return to service, and of determining appropriate training requirements, must be extraordinarily thorough and robust, to ensure that our regulators, customers, and the flying public have confidence in the 737 MAX updates. As we have previously said, the FAA and global regulatory authorities determine the timeline for certification and return to service. We remain fully committed to supporting this process. It is our duty to ensure that every requirement is fulfilled, and every question from our regulators answered.
Throughout the grounding of the 737 MAX, Boeing has continued to build new airplanes and there are now approximately 400 airplanes in storage. We have previously stated that we would continually evaluate our production plans should the MAX grounding continue longer than we expected. As a result of this ongoing evaluation, we have decided to prioritize the delivery of stored aircraft and temporarily suspend production on the 737 program beginning next month.
We believe this decision is least disruptive to maintaining long-term production system and supply chain health. This decision is driven by a number of factors, including the extension of certification into 2020, the uncertainty about the timing and conditions of return to service and global training approvals, and the importance of ensuring that we can prioritize the delivery of stored aircraft. We will continue to assess our progress towards return to service milestones and make determinations about resuming production and deliveries accordingly.
During this time, it is our plan that affected employees will continue 737-related work, or be temporarily assigned to other teams in Puget Sound. As we have throughout the 737 MAX grounding, we will keep our customers, employees, and supply chain top of mind as we continue to assess appropriate actions. This will include efforts to sustain the gains in production system and supply chain quality and health made over the last many months.
We will provide financial information regarding the production suspension in connection with our 4Q19 earnings release in late January.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "should," "expects," "intends," "projects," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements relating to our future financial condition and operating results, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable when made, but that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements, including the timing and conditions surrounding the return to service of the 737 MAX fleet, economic conditions in the United States and globally, general market and industry conditions as they may impact us or our customers, and our reliance on our commercial customers, our U.S. government customers and our suppliers, as well as the other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
NASA says its X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology aircraft has been approved for final assembly
. Here's more about NASA's efforts to quiet the plane's boom.
Is gender still holding women back in the aviation industry?
viernes, 13 de diciembre de 2019
Modelo matemático de la Universidad de Córdoba para mejorar la eficacia del 43 Grupo de "apagafuegos"
Nota de prensa del Ejército del Aire
La Universidad de Córdoba inició en junio de 2018 el estudio de un modelo matemático de la dispersión en el suelo de las descargas de los aviones anfibios, conocidos popularmente como ´Apagafuegos´. El análisis de la huella de estos aviones permitió generar un modelo predictivo por el que las tripulaciones del 43 Grupo podrían determinar, antes de la ejecución de las descargas, qué superficie recibiría el impacto y con qué distribución espacial de concentración quedaría el fluido en la zona alcanzada por la descarga.
Los experimentos fueron realizados en el campo de tiro que el Ejército de Tierra tiene en Cerro Muriano (Córdoba), los días 11 y 12 de junio del año pasado. Para ellos se utilizó una malla formada por 203 tubos de medición en un área rectangular de 200 x 50 metros.
Este estudio contó con la colaboración del Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación y del Ministerio de Defensa, ambos representados por el Área de Defensa Contra Incendios Forestales de la Subdirección General de Política Forestal, así como por la Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) y el 43 Grupo de Fuerzas Aéreas.
La investigación, realizada por el laboratorio de incendios forestales de la Universidad de Córdoba, ha sido muy positiva para la eficacia de las operaciones de extinción de incendios forestales del 43 Grupo. Es más, durante la última campaña de incendios se han aplicado los conocimientos extraídos a las alturas de descarga.
Hay que destacar la utilidad de este modelo para guiar a las tripulaciones y hacer más efectivas sus descargas en los principales incendios de 2019, como los del Parque Natural de Tamadaba (Gran Canaria), Cadalso de los Vidrios (Madrid) o el que asoló la isla de Eubea (Grecia).
Predator B para el Ejército del Aire de España
Nota de prensa
Ayer han llegado a España, procedentes de los Estados Unidos, los primeros componentes del avión tripulado remotamente Predator B.
A bordo de un impresionante Antonov 124, el avión más grande del mundo, han atravesado el Atlántico partes del fuselaje y otros componentes de varias unidades de esta aeronave.
Todos estos componentes han sido desembarcados en la base aérea de Morón de la Frontera (Sevilla) con la ayuda de los miembros del Segundo Escuadrón de Apoyo al Despliegue Aéreo (SEADA), y en los próximos días llegarán a la base aérea de Talavera la Real (Badajoz) para prestar servicio en el Ala 23.
Está previsto que estos aviones tripulados remotamente (conocidos popularmente como drones) sean operados por el 233 Escuadrón y tengan su base de despliegue avanzado en el aeródromo militar de Lanzarote.
El Predator B es un avión de reconocimiento estratégico con una autonomía de más de 27 horas, y puede operar a más de 15 000 metros de altura. Su carga útil compuesta por un rádar y cámaras infrarrojas supera los 1700 kilogramos. Tiene más de 20 metros de envergadura. Van a ser utilizados en misiones de inteligencia, teniendo la capacidad de captar imágenes y vídeos.
La tripulación del Predator B está compuesta por un piloto y varios tripulantes, que han recibido durante los últimos meses la formación necesaria para poder operar esta aeronave.Esta formación está dividida en una fase nacional y otra en Estados Unidos. La nacional se realiza en centros de enseñanza del Ejército del Aire como son la Escuela UAS de Salamanca y el Centro Cartográfico de Cuatro Vientos.
Drone Seed: FAA Approves Rare Permit to Replant After Wildfires
NASA's MAVEN Maps Winds in the Martian Upper Atmosphere that Mirror the Terrain Below and Gives Clues to Martian Climate
Bell Autonomous Pod Transport 70 Wins Popular Science “Best of What’s New in Aerospace” Award
press release
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announces that Popular Science recognized the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) 70 with a Best of What’s New Award in the Aerospace category for 2019. In 2018, Bell received a Best of What’s New Award in the Aerospace category for its Bell V-280 Valor Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator. This continued recognition validates Bell’s commitment to technology advancement and innovation in the aerospace industry.
"The Best of What's New is our celebration of the most impactful and exciting innovations of the year," says Popular Science Editor-in-Chief Joe Brown. "This expertly vetted collection lays the groundwork for a healthier, safer, and awe-inspiring future—in our homes, cities, outer space, and everywhere in between. We’re proud to bring you the Best of What's New 2019."
APT 70 is part of the eVTOL family of vehicles Bell is developing, capable of rotation and translation in flight to achieve high speeds and long-range flight. APT’s diverse mission capabilities allow it to serve many industries while keeping operations simple, efficient and fast. The vehicle’s true multi-copter payload capability with fixed wing speed and endurance enables the customer to save time, going faster, longer.
“The team continues to develop innovative technology to meet the transportation needs of the future,” said Scott Drennan, vice president, Innovation. “We are honored to be recognized by a leading industry voice like Popular Science, confirming the team’s hard work and dedication to advancing technology and expanding the scope of vertical lift.”
Bell announced the successful first autonomous flight of the APT 70 in August and recently carried 60lb payload with plans to expand to the maximum payload of 70lbs. The Bell team continues to develop technologies and expand the envelope to prepare the vehicle for entry into market.
To learn more, follow our progress on Bell’s social channels or visit us at bell.co/APT.
Lockheed Martin Announces Teaming Agreement with TC Energy on Innovative Flow Battery Technology
press release
BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today a teaming agreement with TC Energy in which the two companies will identify and develop large-scale, long-duration energy storage projects using GridStar® Flow, Lockheed Martin's innovative flow battery technology. This cutting-edge energy storage system is capable of storing six to 12 hours or more of energy and dispatching it as needed.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with TC Energy to bring long-duration energy storage to TC Energy projects in North America," said Dan Norton, vice president of Lockheed Martin Energy. "GridStar® Flow provides the durability, flexibility and safety necessary for project success, ensuring that TC Energy can customize systems to fit their needs and operate them for many years."
"We are excited to work with Lockheed Martin on this initiative, which exemplifies TC Energy's long history of embracing innovation and leading-edge technology in its operations," says Francois Poirier, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development & Strategy, and President, Power & Storage and Mexico. "This technology also strongly supports our commitments to sustainable development, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the energy value chains."
GridStar® Flow will enable TC Energy to address the growing requirements for large-scale, long-duration batteries to provide flexibility and resiliency as electric grids move away from fossil fuel generation and incorporate increasing levels of intermittent renewable energy.
Unlike conventional batteries, GridStar® Flow allows customers to optimally size power (megawatts) and energy (megawatt hours) independently and maintains its energy capacity without degradation throughout project life.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
About TC Energy
TC Energy and its affiliates deliver the energy millions of people rely on every day to power their lives and fuel industry. Focused on what we do and how we do it, we are guided by core values of safety, responsibility, collaboration and integrity. Our more than 7,000 people are committed to sustainably developing and operating pipeline, power generation and energy storage facilities across Canada, the United States and Mexico. TC Energy's common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. Visit TCEnergy.com and connect with us on social media to learn more.
SOURCE Lockheed Martin
Air France-KLM orders an additional 10 A350 XWBs;SKY 10 A321XLRs ; United Airlines 50 Airbus A321XLRs
https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/12/air-franceklm-orders-an-additional-10-a350-xwbs.html
https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/12/chiles-sky-orders-10-a321xlrs-to-expand-its-international-footprint.html
https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/12/united-airlines-orders-50-airbus-a321xlrs-for-transatlantic-route-expansion.html
Airbus acquires Seattle-area’s MTM Robotics
press release
Deal advances Airbus’ commitment to continued automation of its manufacturing line
Toulouse - Airbus has acquired industrial automation company, MTM Robotics, for an undisclosed sum. The move deepens Airbus’ commitment to expanding advanced robotics capabilities within its manufacturing processes. The MTM business will retain its current leadership and 40-person staff, as well as its facility in Mukilteo, Washington, near Seattle.
“We are pleased and excited to become a part of the Airbus family and look forward to further integrating our products and approaches into the Airbus industrialization chain, “said MTM founder, Mike Woogerd.
The acquisition is the latest chapter in a trusted, ten-year-plus relationship between the companies, with multiple MTM light automated robotics systems currently in use at Airbus manufacturing facilities. While MTM will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus Americas, Inc., headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, it will continue to serve other customers in the aerospace industry. Since 2003, MTM has deployed more than 40 aerospace manufacturing systems comprised of machines, tools, machine software, enterprise software and support throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The acquisition marks the latest step for Airbus in its industrialization roadmap, aimed at leveraging the time- and cost-saving benefits associated with using robotics in the manufacture and assembly of its commercial aircraft.
"The competitiveness of tomorrow will be determined by both designing the best aircraft and by building the most efficient manufacturing system, in parallel,“ said Michael Schoellhorn, Airbus Chief Operating Officer.“ Automation & robotics are central to our industrial strategy. We are very happy to welcome MTM Robotics as a family member and take a step forward on this exciting endeavour together."
“MTM perfectly fits Airbus’ ambition for engineering and innovative manufacturing solutions while maintaining agility,” explained Patrick Vigié, Head of Industrial Technologies at Airbus.
“Airbus and MTM Robotics each believe that tomorrow’s automation in aircraft manufacturing can and must be lighter, more portable and less capital intensive,” explained Vigié. “By joining our efforts and skills, we are well positioned to establish industrywide standards for the factory of tomorrow, “he said.
Why e in ePlane shall stand for environment, not electric.
Honda Aircraft Company Begins Deliveries of HondaJet Elite to China
jueves, 12 de diciembre de 2019
Aerospace Engineering Services Outsourcing Market Review 2014-2019 and Forecast to 2025
Aerion Supersonic Selects Aernnova to Design and Develop Mid Fuselage for the AS2 Supersonic Business Jet
Fire Breaks Out On Russian “Admiral Kuznetsov” Aircraft Carrier at the Barents Sea port of Murmansk.
FAA engineers objected to Boeing’s removal of some 787 lightning protection measures – The Seattle Times
Aerion Supersonic Selects GKN Aerospace as a Global Design and Manufacturing Partner
miércoles, 11 de diciembre de 2019
We're #MakingThingsFly supersonic with our partner @AerionCorp on their AS2 #supersonic business jet!
Today, it was announced that @GKNAero will design the empennage and the electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for the AS2.
Press release: https://t.co/fnJUb1Pyrk https://t.co/AcpR6USees
VIDEO: A340 limit at Bogota averted worse windshear incident
VIDEO: A340 limit at Bogota averted worse windshear incident http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/video-a340-limit-at-bogota-averted-worse-windshear-462755/
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The assembly of the MC-21-300 fuselage to be tested with the Russian PD-14 engine was completed
FAA: No MAX certification until 2020; analysis forecast 15 more crashes if MCAS not fixed
AERO Friedrichshafen to host electric aircraft competition on March 30 - 31 next year | Latest aviation events around the UK | Pilot Magazine
martes, 10 de diciembre de 2019
The most impressive aerospace innovations of 2019
All 100 innovations for Best of What's New 2019, this way. The most awesome aerospace innovations of this past year aren't just cool contraptions designed to cruise through air and space at breakneck speeds. They're hints at what might be mainstream in the future. From an experimental craft that ...
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This Video Of The F-117 At Ronald Reagan Library Provides Interesting Details About The Story Of The Iconic Stealth Jet
EU reaches groundbreaking compromise to stop greenwashing of finance | Transport & Environment
Volocopter First eVTOL Startup to Receive Design Organisation Approval by EASA
https://press.volocopter.com/index.php/volocopter-first-evtol-startup-to-receive-design-organisation-approval-by-easa
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Bruchsal, 9. December 2019 – Urban Air Mobility pioneer Volocopter announced today that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) awarded the company Design Organisation Approval (DOA) following a series of thorough audits. The approval is a confirmation by EASA that Volocopter is performing its tasks as an aircraft manufacturer in a controlled and safe manner. As an approved Design Organisation, Volocopter has a competitive edge in development speed, while guaranteeing the highest safety standards. Volocopter is the first eVTOL startup on record to receive DOA with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) as scope of work worldwide.
EASA is the European Union's aviation authority and regulator, ensuring the highest level of safety protection. By awarding a DOA, EASA entrusts a growing range of responsibilities to Volocopter as per a set of rules and processes. The key effect of having a DOA is that EASA exercises surveillance to the organization as a whole, and the involvement can be reduced to fewer steps on the way to the final commercial certification. Consequently, product development can be conducted at a faster pace by the approved organization. Receiving EASA DOA thus proves to be a strong competitive advantage for Volocopter within the global context.
"Receiving this seal of approval from EASA is testament to our rigorously professional processes, world class team, and devotion to safety here at Volocopter," says Jan-Hendrik Boelens, CTO and Head of Design Organization of Volocopter. "Design Organisation Approval is a crucial step towards receiving commercial certification and brings air taxis ever closer!" says Florian Reuter, CEO of Volocopter.
EASA awards DOA to companies they have thoroughly audited with regards to their organisation, processes, resources, and staff expertise. Key aspects the agency checks before giving their seal of approval are clearly defined throughout certain processes that also need to be lived in everyday work, safety awareness, and the organisation. The audits ultimately serve to assess and decide whether a company can bring a safe aircraft to market.
The initial DOA approval obtained today will be continuously expanded with further privileges. These privileges can eventually include elements such as issuing approvals of changes or even issuing a permit to fly for its test aircraft allowing to conduct engineering and certification flight test of Volocopter's commercial air taxi. By obtaining a DOA approval Volocopter joins the ranks of Airbus S.A.S; Dassault Aviation, Leonardo S.p.A., BAE Systems, ADAC Luftfahrttechnik GmbH or Lufthansa Technik as Design Organisation.
Patrick Ky, Executive Director of the EASA "Awarding the first DOA with a scope of work for VTOL is a milestone for the industry. We are happy about the successful cooperation and the fact that our safety standards are now part of the rising eVTOL market."
Earlier this year EASA finalized and published the Special Condition VTOL, the world's first certification baseline specifically created for air taxis, under which Volocopter is in process to get its aircraft certified.
About Volocopter GmbH
Volocopter is building the world's first sustainable and scalable urban air mobility business to bring affordable air taxi services to megacities worldwide. With the VoloCity, the company is developing the first fully electric "eVTOL" aircraft in certification to safely and quietly transport passengers within cities. Volocopter leads and cooperates with partners in infrastructure, operations, and air traffic management to build the ecosystem necessary to 'Bring Urban Air Mobility to Life'.
In 2011, Volocopter performed the first-ever manned flight of a purely electric multicopter and has since showcased numerous public flights with its full-scale aircraft. The most notable have been the public test flights at Singapore's Marina Bay in October 2019 and the world's first autonomous eVTOL flight in Dubai 2017. Volocopter is also developing products for the logistics and precision agriculture space with their VoloDrone.
Founded in 2011 by Stephan Wolf and Alexander Zosel, Volocopter has 150 employees in offices in Bruchsal, Munich, and Singapore. The company is managed by CEO Florian Reuter, CTO Jan-Hendrik Boelens, and CFO Rene Griemens, and has raised a total of 85 million euro in equity. Volocopter's investors include Daimler, Geely, Intel Capital, Micron, BtoV, and Manta Ray Ventures.
Find out more at: www.volocopter.com
FAA: Boeing Knowingly Installed Faulty 737 Parts | Commercial Aviation content from Aviation Week
lunes, 9 de diciembre de 2019
Boeing faces a $4m fine for failing to ensure a supplier was delivering airworthy 737 slat tracks and then not rejecting them once the issue came to light. https://t.co/b4wTqFIIji
Interview: Jetpack Aviation raises $2 million to build flying motorcycle
A world first - an autonomous baggage tractor tested in real conditions [video]
Press Release
In November 2019, Air France, CHARLATTE AUTONOM and Toulouse-Blagnac airport brought into service an autonomous tractor for transporting baggage between the baggage sorting area and aircraft. The testing in real conditions of this baggage tractor brings us one step closer to creating the smart airport of the future.
With the roll-out of smart, autonomous vehicles, air transport players aim to improve baggage flow performance and ramp safety at airport hubs. By automating traffic flows, operators can focus on decision-making and management actions, which saves time and efficiency when handling aircraft.
A co-innovation between air transport players
The testing of this AT135 baggage tractor developed by the subsidiary of companies Charlatte Manutention and NAVYA, CHARLATTE AUTONOM, is the result of a close collaboration between several recognized air transport players, who have been working together to design the airport of the future.TCR handles the tractor's daily maintenance requirements. The autonomous vehicle is supervised by agents from the Groupe 3S who have expertise in ground handling operations. Air France also shares its support and expertise with Toulouse-Blagnac airport by integrating its operations and infrastructure into the tests.
The tasks of the autonomous tractor
Once the passengers' baggage has reached the baggage sorting area, the autonomous baggage tractor intervenes in the following way -- An agent from Groupe 3S, an Air France subcontractor, places the baggage in containers connected to the autonomous tractor.
- The baggage tractor is a smart vehicle that moves autonomously around the airport to reach the Air France aircraft. Its destination is pre-programmed via a touchscreen by an agent from the Groupe 3S.
- As it nears the aircraft, the tractor stops and the agent takes control of the vehicle and subsequently loads the baggage in the aircraft hold.
- The vehicle returns to the baggage sorting area taking the same route in the reverse direction.
A smart electric tractor
To carry out its tasks and integrate ramp traffic, the vehicle is equipped with intelligent sensors that enable it to recognize its environment, position itself with great precision, detect obstacles at 360° and make decisions. Thanks to its sensors (Lidar, camera, GPS, odometer) and its autonomous steering software, the vehicle can move around the airport autonomously. The AUTONOM TRACT also communicates with the hub's traffic signals.The autonomous electric baggage tractor has been operational at Toulouse-Blagnac airport since 15 November and has been able to navigate the environment autonomously thanks to specific authorizations.
For Vincent Euzeby, head of IT_&_Tech Innovation at Air France, “By facilitating the use of an autonomous baggage tractor and perfectly integrating it into its operational processes, Air France's ambition is to further optimize its operational performance and improve its customers' travel experience. This test is the first step to a more widespread roll-out of autonomous vehicles at our airports.”
“We are very proud of this world-first operation highlighting in real conditions the added value of our AT135 autonomous tractor, combining the expertise of Charlatte Manutention and NAVYA. The roll-out on a larger scale of autonomous vehicles should contribute to easing increasingly dense logistics flows”, added Bastien Devaux, CEO of CHARLATTE AUTONOM
“This test is a concrete step to designing the Smart Airport, more innovative, connected and more efficient for our customers. It was only natural that this world first took place at Toulouse airport, the pioneer city of aviation”, added Philippe Crébassa, Chairman of the Executive Board of Toulouse-Blagnac Airport.
Discover this autonomous baggage tractor in video: https://youtu.be/V0OORhwtibQ
Saving the ozone layer drastically reduced climate change effects
TsAGI tested flutter model aircraft with simulated engine operation
“The advent of small-sized electric motors of sufficient power has made it possible to design and manufacture a dynamically similar model of a motor with a rotating rotor"
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tsagi.ru%2Fpressroom%2Fnews%2F4605%2F
Revealed: A first image of Slon, the proposed new Russian super heavy freighter
Russian-produced landing gear to replace the Superjet 100’s French SAFRAN version in 2023
Sino-Russian CR929 engineering centre to be located in Russia
Watch SpaceX launch NASA cargo, including a Budweiser space beer experiment
Mi-38 launched in the international market
press release
During the Dubai Airshow 2019, the Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) will make the first foreign presentation of its newest Mi-38 civilian helicopter. The rotorcraft featuring a luxury cabin will be showcased at the static exposition, and will also take part in the flight program.
The civilian version of the first serial Mi-38 helicopter was introduced last August at MAKS-2019 Moscow air show, where it was demonstrated to the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Cutting-edge technical solutions in the field of safety and comfort were used in the development of the helicopter interior. The engines of Mi-38 are located behind the main rotor transmission, instead of their traditional forward placement, which ensures the reduction in aerodynamic resistance and noise level in the cockpit, as well as increased the rotorcraft safety. In addition to its excellent flight performance, the competitive advantage of Mi-38 is its cost, which is lower than that of its foreign same-class peers.
The flight range of the transport version of the new Mi-38 helicopter is up to 1,000 kilometers (with additional fuel tanks). With its maximum takeoff weight of 15.6 tonnes, the helicopter can carry 5 tons of payload on board or on an external sling.
Another novelty of the Dubai Airshow will be the light Ansat helicopter, which, following its European debut in Le Bourget, will be introduced to the Middle East. The corporate version of the rotorcraft will also take part in the flight program of the show. In this configuration, the helicopter can comfortably transport up to 5 passengers.
“Research and development effort, as well as experimental designing activity within the Mi-38 project was financed by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. The helicopter was originally designed to meet the toughest existing and potential standards of safety, environmental friendliness, land noise. The closest attention was paid to meeting the customers' needs in terms of flight performance, operational and economic parameters. Our engineers have performed a range of activities aimed at further expanding the operational capabilities and ensuring maximum versatility of the helicopter use. The improvements aimed at ensuring reliable and comfortable operation of the new rotorcraft in the conditions of hot climate and desert terrain should be of particular interest to operators in the Middle East,” noted the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov.
"It is the first time in Russia's newest history that our civilian helicopters will be presented at a Middle East air show. The format and content of the participation of Russian Helicopters Holding Company in the Dubai Airshow demonstrate the new approaches of Rostec State Corporation to promoting Russian high-tech civilian products on foreign markets, which involves the support from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Russian Export Center, and leasing companies. We are confident that, in terms of its price and quality, Russian-made helicopters can be quite competitive in the world market and we expect that their demonstration will result in more actual contracts," said Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov.
"Dubai Airshow will be the first foreign site for us to demonstrate our latest Mi-38, so we say that we are making the world premiere of this rotorcraft, as well as the debut of Ansat in the Middle East. The UAE sees the rapid development of its urban mobility sector, therefore, in addition to flight models, at our booth, we will present the VRT300 UAV, and a model of a light single-engine VRT500 helicopter will be showcased at our joint exposition with Tawazun, an Emirati Holding Company. It is no secret that UAE investors are interested in joining the project, and we expect to take the first actual steps in this area during the exhibition', said Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company Andrey Boginsky.
Mi-38 can be operated in a wide range of climatic conditions including maritime, tropical and cold climates. The use of unparalleled technical solutions makes Mi-38 superior to other similar-class helicopters in terms of load capacity, seating capacity and main performance characteristics.
Light multi-purpose Ansat helicopter is equipped with two engines and can be used for passenger transportation, cargo delivery, environmental monitoring and as an ambulance aircraft. Ansat has successfully passed high-altitude tests, which proved that it is suitable for use in mountainous terrain at up to 3,500 meters of altitude, as well as climatic tests, which confirmed its operability in a temperature range between -45° and +50° С.
Light VRT500 helicopter and VRT300 UAV were developed by VR-Technologies Design Bureau and feature coaxial rotors, which ensure their high side wind resistance and small dimensions making them suitable for use in the restrained urban conditions.
VRT500 features the largest passenger/cargo cabin in its class, with a total seating capacity of up to 5 people. The flight and technical parameters of the helicopter will allow it to speed up to 250 km/h, have a flight range of up to 860 km and carry on board up to 730 kg of payload.
Russian Helicopters and Pratt & Whitney Canada sign contract for powering VRT500 by PW207V engines
press release
At Dubai Airshow, VR-Technologies (part of Russian Helicopters Holding Company) and Pratt & Whitney signed a contract for fitting the cutting-edge light VRT500 helicopter with gas-turbine PW207V engines.
PW207V is the advanced modification of PW200 family engines with the capacity of up to 700 hp designed for light-class rotorcraft. All in all, over 5 thousand powerplants of this type have been produced by now. They clocked more than 11 mln flight hours.
“PW200 family engines have shown excellent performance as reliable powerplants for helicopters. Currently they are being operated in more than 80 countries worldwide which should considerably simplify the certification of VRT500 and render its after-sales support more accessible and efficient. Russian Helicopters have a successful experience of cooperation with Pratt & Whitney Canada and I am sure that VRT500 project shall strengthen the partnership between the companies,” noted Andrey Boginsky, Director General of Russian Helicopters Holding Company.
'The main component of any operating system is the engine. We are thrilled to announce VRT500 will be powered by PW200 engines, an engine and brand with a proven track record in safety, reliability, economy and ease of maintenance which of course is key for our helicopter operators' - said Alexander Okhonko, CEO of VR Technologies.
“Congratulations to VR Technologies for launching the VRT500 helicopter. We are proud that they have selected the PW207V engine. We look forward to working together to make this innovative platform a global success.” — Anthony Rossi, vice president, business development and commercial services, Pratt & Whitney.
In order to be installed on VRT500 helicopter PW207V shall be adapted for powering single-engine rotorcraft with corresponding amendment of Type certificate.
VRT500 is a light single-engine helicopter with coaxial rotor scheme and takeoff weight of 1,650 kg. The helicopter features the most spacious transport and cargo cabin in its class with a capacity of up to 5 passengers and is equipped with the state-of-the-art interactive avionics suite. Due to the embodied design solutions, this helicopter will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h, have a flight range of up to 860 km and take up to 730 kg of payload on board. The helicopter is developed in the following configurations: passenger, utility, cargo, training, VIP and EMS.
Ryanair withdraws three Boeing 737-800s after discovering cracks | Latest aviation news and events | Pilot Magazine
Fans and aircraft from all over Europe join the Electric Fly-In | World Air Sports Federation
viernes, 6 de diciembre de 2019
Air France and the Solar Impulse Foundation call for solutions for the future of sustainable aviation | Air France - Corporate
jueves, 5 de diciembre de 2019
WTO compliance decision poses new risks for Airbus, US customers - Leeham News and Analysis
Russia plans scientific projects for super heavy rocket apart from lunar landing - sources
lunes, 2 de diciembre de 2019
Polish firm's drones, from lifesaver to invisible model, take to the skies
Polish firm's drones, from lifesaver to invisible model, take to the skies http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Polish_firms_drones_from_lifesaver_to_invisible_model_take_to_the_skies_999.html
Read more...
Houthi Rebels Claim To Have Shot Down Saudi Apache Gunship And Wing Loong UAV in Yemen.
Viking Signs US$42.6M Contract with Ministère des Transports du Québec for Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) on its Canadair CL-415 Aerial Firefighters
press release
Viking Air Limited of Victoria www.vikingair.com, British Columbia has signed a contract valued at US$42.6M with the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) for the Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) for eight of its Canadair CL-415 aerial firefighters. With execution of the contract, MTQ becomes the launch customer for the Viking Avionics Upgrade Program for the Canadair CL-415 amphibious aircraft fleet.
The first of MTQ’s eight CL-415 aircraft to be modified through the Viking AUP will become the prototype for the program and will undergo modification and upgrade activities at Viking’s AUP integrator, Cascade Aerospace, in Abbotsford, British Columbia. This process will comprise the design, installation, testing and certification of the Pro Line Fusion® integrated avionics system in collaboration with Collins Aerospace as the component OEM.
After program certification, MTQ’s remaining seven CL-415 aircraft will also undergo the avionics upgrade to their specific configuration at Cascade’s facility.
Gregory Davis, Viking’s vice president of Customer Service & Product Support commented, “We are extremely proud to collaborate with Ministère des Transports du Québec on the modernization of their CL-415 aerial firefighter fleet. By working together with dedicated Canadair operators such as MTQ, we are securing the future of this great aircraft all over the world.”
‘’As an original launch customer for both the Canadair CL-215 and CL-415, the Ministère des Transports du Québec has always been actively engaged in the development of the CL platform,” said Dan Seroussi, Viking’s director of Programs. “We are excited to be working with MTQ to further enhance the Canadair CL-415 through our AUP and deliver the best evolution of the aircraft for the future.”
About the Viking Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP):
To face challenges with supportability and end-of-life components inherent with aging technology, the AUP utilizes modern and reliable COTS systems that will easily interface with specialized mission equipment. The system is designed as a complete integrated solution for a harmonized cockpit that will not only meet current regulatory requirements, it will also address future operational and technical requirements over a 25+ year horizon.
A key component of the AUP is the introduction of the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion® integrated avionics system, a FAR/Part 25 certified scalable software-based system. The avionics suite’s core configuration includes Flight Director, Flight Management System (FMS) coupled with SBAS-GPS and LPV capability, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), ADS-B Out, Synthetic Vision, crew alerting system display indicators, and a multi-functional keyboard panel with dual cursor controls providing an alternative to touch screen commands. A SATCOM system, multiband radio, Weather Radar, datalink and Auto-Pilot are few of the available options to further enhance and customize the avionics system based on operator requirements.
The AUP will initially be offered as an upgrade to operators of CL-215T or CL-415 who can select either a complete modification including the supply and installation of the avionics suite, or as a parts kit for installation by an approved Maintenance Repair Organization.
About Ministère des Transports du Québec:
The ministère des Transports of Québec has the mission to ensure the sustainable mobility of people and goods throughout Québec with efficient and safe transportation systems that contribute to the development of Québec. As part of this mission, the Direction générale du service aérien gouvernemental (DGSAG) plays a key role in fighting forest fires. The DGSAG operates a fleet of fourteen air tankers, including eight CL-415 aircraft, making the DGSAG the second largest operator of this type of aircraft in Canada. All of its planes are at the disposal of the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) and the ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs to coordinate forest firefighting activities in Québec. Its fleet is also used to provide assistance in Canada and in other parts of the world. Read more...Airbus celebrates the 100th A220 aircraft produced
press release
Airbus has celebrated the 100th A220 aircraft produced for a customer during a ceremony at the aircraft programme’s headquarters in Mirabel, Canada. The aircraft, an A220-300, destined for Riga, Latvia-based airBaltic, features a brand new and comfortable cabin layout with 149 seats plus a modernised livery.
The A220 Family is assembled at Airbus’ main Final Assembly Line in Mirabel and more recently, also at the programme’s second assembly line in Mobile, Alabama. The world’s first A220 (formerly called the C Series) was delivered in June 2016 to A220-100 launch operator SWISS.
airBaltic became the A220-300 launch operator when the Latvian airline received delivery of the first ever A220-300 three years ago, on 28 November, 2016. airBaltic has since then re-ordered A220-300 aircraft twice – bringing its firm order to 50 aircraft to become the current biggest European A220 customer. The airline now operates a fleet of 20 A220-300 aircraft.
In an extremely competitive market, the aircraft’s unequalled fuel efficiency and excellent performance has been instrumental to airBaltic which has an all-A220 fleet as the backbone of its new business plan. airBaltic is operating its A220 fleet to various European and Russian destinations as well as to the Middle East. It currently operates the longest flight on an A220 – a 6.5-hour flight from Riga to Abu Dhabi.
Initially designed and delivered as the Bombardier C Series, the A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market; it delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and widebody passenger comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. The A220 brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, along with significantly lower emissions and a reduced noise footprint. The A220 offers the performance of larger single-aisle aircraft.
Close to 100 A220s are in operation with six operators on four continents. At the end of October 2019, the aircraft had received 530 firm orders from over 20 customers worldwide.
Houthi Rebels Claim To Have Shot Down Saudi Apache Gunship And Wing Loong UAV in Yemen.
Inside Larry Page’s Turbulent Kitty Hawk: Returned Deposits, Battery Fires And A Boeing Shakeup
Don't Expect To See Large Electric Planes Until At Least 2040 - Simple Flying
viernes, 29 de noviembre de 2019
Indian Air Force Wants Home-Grown AWACS To Double As Tanker | Livefist
jueves, 28 de noviembre de 2019
Disney Testing SUV-sized X-Wing Drones to Fly Over Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
GUTMA And ASTM International Sign MOU On Drone Standards | The Promise of Urban Air Mobility
Global standards organization ASTM International and the Global Unmanned Traffic Management Association (GUTMA) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at helping air traffic managers leverage standards to integrate drones into airspace systems worldwide.
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=0f1f902c-8aa1-4e52-b3bc-53d7e588bf9d
related
The Promise of Urban Air Mobility
https://www.astm.org/standardization-news/?q=features/promise-urban-air-mobility-nd19.html
Lockheed Martin Expands Latin American Presence with Chilean Office, Announces New Appointment
press release
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has announced its registration of an office in Chile and the appointment of Patricia Tobar as a senior manager for Business Development, with responsibility for supporting business pursuits across Latin America.
The developments represent an expansion of the company’s presence on the continent, which is growing as Lockheed Martin strengthens its presence and partnerships in the region.They complement existing facilities Mexico, Brazil and Colombia – where Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, provides maintenance and training for the more than 150 Black Hawk helicopters that operate in five countries across the continent. The company is also pursuing several naval missions, building on its current integration of the combat management systems for the Chilean Navy’s Type 23 Frigates.
Lockheed Martin’s presence in Latin America dates back more than 50 years, beginning with the C-130 Hercules tactical airlifter that currently serves 11 nations, including Chile. Three Latin American countries operate P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, with Chile recently completing a major fleet upgrade. Chile also operates more than 40 of the world’s most successful, proven fighter, the F-16.
“It’s our mission to deliver innovative solutions to help keep people safe. We’re excited to grow our presence in the region and Patricia’s appointment helps us work even more closely with our customers across Latin America to understand their needs and deliver for them,” said Andy Winns, Lockheed Martin International’s chief executive for Latin America.
Patricia Tobar’s previous experience includes nine years working in the defence sector in Chile and Colombia, as well as three years as Defense and Security Officer for the British Embassy in Santiago.
Meanwhile in Australia...
https://news.lockheedmartin.com/lockheed-martin-appoints-steve-froelich-vice-president-rotary-mission-systems-operations-australia-new-zealand-programme-executive-air6500
Binter Receives Its First E195-E2
https://www.embraercommercialaviation.com/news/binter-receives-its-first-e195-e2/
press release
Binter of Spain celebrates the incorporation of the first E195-E2 at a ceremony at our São José dos Campos facility last night. In addition to executives from the airline, some 30 Binter employees attended the event. They were chosen to fly to Brazil to participate in the delivery as part of Binter’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
The lively reception included a performance by the Meninos do Morumbi, Brazil’s most famous youth dance troupe. The ensemble has danced at venues around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall in London. Their music was even featured for a show on the Disney Channel.
The carrier, with routes serving the Canary Islands, Africa, Spain and Portugal, is the first European airline to fly our biggest E2.
First voyage for spaceship Orion
press release
Plum Brook, Sandusky, Ohio, 26 November 2019 – The Orion spaceship took off on board a Super Guppy aircraft from the Kennedy Space Center on Sunday, November 24: destination the world’s largest thermal vacuum chamber, owned by NASA. This is where the hot test phase of several months will begin for the spacecraft. The Super Guppy landed at Mansfield, Ohio. The transfer to Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio, is scheduled for Tuesday, November 26th.
A team of engineers and technicians from Airbus, the European Space Agency (ESA), Lockheed Martin and NASA are ready to put the spacecraft through simulations of extreme space conditions.
"With the tests, we will show that the spacecraft's systems work as planned and at the same time ensure safe operation for the astronauts on future missions - both on the ground and on board," says Matthias Gronowski, Chief Engineer for the European Service Module that Airbus is building for NASA on behalf of ESA.
The tests will be conducted in two phases in the world's largest vacuum chamber at NASA's Glenn Test Center in Plum Brook, Ohio. First there will be a 63-day thermal test. Orion's electrical systems will be switched on and operated under vacuum and in temperatures which simulate the environmental conditions in space.
During this phase, the spacecraft will be exposed to extreme temperatures from about minus 115 to plus 75 degrees Celsius to reproduce the conditions the spacecraft will be exposed to, when in direct sunlight and in shadow in space.
The second phase is an electromagnetic compatibility test, which lasts about 14 days. Each electronic component emits a kind of electromagnetic field that can affect the performance of other nearby electronics. These tests ensure that the spacecraft's electronics function properly while operating.
"This is a very important milestone for the journey to the Moon," says Gronowski. "The international team has been working towards this goal for three years now, and in recent months we have mechanically and electrically connected the Crew Module (astronaut capsule) and the European Service Module at Kennedy Space Center. What matters now is that we can show that the service module works under the extreme conditions of space," Gronowski continues.
After successful testing, Orion will return to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where further tests and preparations for integration with the new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket will start before the launch of Artemis I at the end of 2020.
ESA's European Service Module will provide propulsion, power, air and water for the astronauts, as well as thermal control of the entire spacecraft. The first launch - without astronauts - is planned for the end of 2020. Artemis I will travel once around the Moon and back to Earth. Airbus in Bremen is already building the second Orion Service Module, with which astronauts will fly to the Moon and back to Earth for the first time (2022 / 2023).
* * *
About Airbus
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018 it generated revenues of € 64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide. Read more...
Pilatus PC-21 Chosen For Spanish Air Force Training Requirement
Brand-New PC-12 NGX an Early Success – Three Aircraft Sold on Day One of NBAA-BACE 2019
https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en/news-events/media-release/brand-new-pc-12-ngx-an-early-success-three-aircraft-sold-on-day-one-of-nbaa-bace-2019
related:
The World’s Best Turboprop – Better Than Ever: Pilatus Reveals the PC-12 NGX
https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en/news-events/media-release/the-world-s-best-turboprop-better-than-ever-pilatus-reveals-the-pc-12-ngx
Pilatus Delivers 1,700th PC-12 to Jetfly Aviation
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Ishka : Shared patterns: An analysis of 737s grounded over pickle forks
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Flydubai 737 crash not triggered by 'pitch-up' illusion
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Could drone deliveries help the environment? Let’s unpack that
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-11-17/drone-deliveries-environment-trucks
Drones delivering packages could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions — depending on how and where they’re deployed. Above, a Wing Hummingbird drone
Boeing 737 MAX 10 Makes its Debut
https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130578
Read more...
RENTON, Wash., Nov. 22, 2019 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] marked a key milestone as thousands of employees gathered for the debut of the first 737 MAX 10 at the company's Renton, Washington factory. During a ceremony, Boeing leaders highlighted the team's accomplishments and recognized their efforts in completing production of the newest member of the 737 MAX family.
"Today is not just about a new airplane. It's about the people who design, build and support it," said Mark Jenks, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. "This team's relentless focus on safety and quality shows the commitment we have to our airline customers and every person who flies on a Boeing airplane."
The 737 MAX 10, the largest variant of the MAX family, can seat up to 230 passengers and offers the lowest seat-mile cost of any single-aisle airplane ever produced. The airplane will now undergo system checks and engine runs prior to first flight next year.
"I'm honored to take this airplane on its first flight and show the world what you've put your heart and soul into," 737 Chief Pilot Jennifer Henderson told the employee crowd.
The 737 MAX 10 currently has more than 550 orders and commitments from more than 20 customers around the globe.
"Today is not just about a new airplane. It's about the people who design, build and support it," said Mark Jenks, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. "This team's relentless focus on safety and quality shows the commitment we have to our airline customers and every person who flies on a Boeing airplane."
The 737 MAX 10, the largest variant of the MAX family, can seat up to 230 passengers and offers the lowest seat-mile cost of any single-aisle airplane ever produced. The airplane will now undergo system checks and engine runs prior to first flight next year.
"I'm honored to take this airplane on its first flight and show the world what you've put your heart and soul into," 737 Chief Pilot Jennifer Henderson told the employee crowd.
The 737 MAX 10 currently has more than 550 orders and commitments from more than 20 customers around the globe.
Boeing reveals bigger 737 MAX 10 model, despite MAX family being grounded for over 250 days
PICTURES: China’s newest aircraft carrier docks at Hainan
jueves, 21 de noviembre de 2019
1-ton delivery drone secures flight testing contract with US Gov http://uasmagazine.com/articles/2091/1-ton-delivery-drone-secures-flight-testing-contract-with-us-gov
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MiG Corporation negotiated with potential buyers of the Export version of MiG-35 at Dubai Airshow 2019
World’s first electric air race announces eight teams to contest inaugural race
Press release
Tuesday 19 November, Dubai: Eight teams have been announced to contest the world’s first electric air race, Air Race E, in the fall of 2020.
The teams will make history when they line up on the grid in their custom modified electric race planes, to fly wing-tip-to-wing-tip in what will be a significant milestone for the aviation industry.
Air Race E CEO and Founder, Jeff Zaltman, asserts the series will be a unifying platform for the development of cleaner, faster and more technologically advanced electric aircraft. The racing series will provide a testbed for innovation and accelerate the journey towards electric commercial travel.
Speaking from the Dubai Airshow, Zaltman said, “These eight teams really are at the cusp of innovation in the electric aviation space and will play an important part in creating cleaner future air travel. We’re proud to provide them with a platform to put their technology to the test and see far reaching benefits to the aviation industry as a whole as we edge closer to making commercial electric flight a reality. We can’t wait to see them take to the air next year and we encourage sponsors to continue to get involved and support more teams vying to take part.”
Air Race E made the announcement today from the Dubai Airshow where the world’s first electric race airplane has been unveiled on a display in association with the series’ Official Founding Partner, Airbus. The plane belongs to the UK team, Team Condor, led by Martyn Wiseman of North Yorkshire. Together with his crew, Martyn has spent the past few months converting the Cassutt aircraft into a fully-electric racing machine, utilising a Contra Electric twin motor and contra-rotating propeller powertrain.
Team Condor will be competing with seven other teams from throughout Europe and North America to take the inaugural Air Race E title at a host venue to be announced in the coming months.
The race will be the first in a series of head-to-head international air races, showcasing the skills, expertise and ingenuity of the best pilots and engineers from around the world. Unlike similar racing events which operate on a time trial basis, Air Race E events will see eight planes fly simultaneously around a tight 5km circuit at just 10m above the ground and at speeds of up to 450kph – faster than any land-based motorsport.
The customised electric motors will enable the planes to fly with a max continuous power set at around 150kW, according to the electric formula. Teams will make use of lithium batteries installed under the fuselage of their planes to provide power for five minutes of high intensity racing and around 10 minutes of reserve flying at reduced power.
The teams are as follows:
Team Beta Technologies Racing (USA)
Team Leader: Kyle Clark
Team Leader: Kyle Clark
Team Blue-BETA Racing, based in Vermont, USA, is a partnership between propulsion and control system company BETA Technologies and, the advanced composites company, Blue Force Technologies, with Kyle Clark who’s the CEO and team leader of BETA.
Having already put an eVTOL in the air while also designing and building the world’s largest electric aircraft to have flown, Blue-BETA is now turning their attention to developing a plane for Air Race E.
Their plane, which is currently known as BB-23, will feature a battery system comprised of pouch-type lithium ion cells assembled into a pack with a custom battery management system, derived from their eVTOL program.
Team Outlaw (Canada)
Team Leader: Scott Holmes
Team Leader: Scott Holmes
Team Outlaw is bringing experience from formula one air racing to the new electric sport of Air Race E. With pilot and Team Leader Scott Holmes in the cockpit, the Canadians are adapting their 1993 Cassutt to be able to fly with electric power.
Scott has had his pilot’s licence since he was just 17-years-old and began racing at Reno and with Air Race 1 in 2016, competing at the World Cup in Thailand and the China Cup in Wuhan.
Based at Villeneuve Airport in Edmonton, Scott has a close-knit team backing him on the project to turn his plane ‘Outlaw’, so named because it doesn’t follow many of the airworthiness standards in Canada, into an electric air racer.
His crew includes; Bob Holmes, Kelly Green, Michelle Holmes, Eldon Gjesdal, Brian Murray and Karen Holmes. His development engineers are Roslynn Ricard, Seth Itow, Eric Tischer and Thomas Lockwood.
Having designed, built and modified racing airplanes for many years, Air Race E is business as usual for Team Outlaw, who have support from Precizion Services, Energy Efficient Homes, Arkk Engineering and ViScan Inspection Services.
Team Scramasaxe (France)
Team Leader: Eric de Barberin-Barberini
Team Leader: Eric de Barberin-Barberini
Based at Aérodrome de Cuers-Pierrefeu in the south east of France, Team Scramasaxe is led by Eric de Barberin-Barberini, a former fighter pilot who has set five aviation world speed records in his aircraft, Shark.
Team Scramasaxe, named after a short sword used in the early French Middle ages, is looking forward to the challenge of electric air racing, mixing new technology, speed and competition.
During the development phase, Eric is working alongside fellow team members Didier Ledoux, Frederic Maunier and Henri Giordano to build a plane which is derived from his award-winning Shark Ultra Light.
Currently named ‘Scramasaxe E project’ in prototype, modifications include a tricycle landing gear incorporating a retractable front wheel, while the air foil will be modified to sustain speeds as high as 500km/hr.
Team Möbius (USA)
Team Leader: Carl Copeland
Team Leader: Carl Copeland
Team Möbius, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is led by Carl Copeland, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of MμZ Motion whose company produces custom, high-performance motion solutions for the robotics market.
With a life-long passion for aviation and aerospace, Copeland recognized a significant opportunity to bring his knowledge and expertise to Air Race E, linking up with fellow aviation enthusiast and pilot, Christopher Williams.
Initially for the first year of Air Race E, Möbius – named after the möbius strip infinity loop - plans to modify an existing formula one racer to use with their electric power system.
Their plane is still in the very early stages of development and has yet to be given a name, but the intention is to use a new type of electric motor, designed by MμZ Motion, that is smaller and lighter than current electric motors.
In the future Möbius hopes to introduce a more customized aircraft with innovative profiles, control mechanisms and advanced propeller designs.
Team Hangar-1 (Germany)
Team Leader: Adrian Schmer
Team Leader: Adrian Schmer
Based at facilities in Oldenburg-Hatten and Leer-Papenburg in northern Germany, Team Hanger-1, named in conjunction with their main sponsor Flugwerft Hangar-1 GmbH, is led by the company’s CEO Adrian Schmer, SEP and aerobatics instructor.
Schmer’s team working on the developments of their plane, Eline Tjaden, Chris Höland, Jakob Møller and Ingo Seidl, are self-confessed aviation junkies excited by the challenge of Air Race E.
They have a concept for their aircraft and are currently looking at the options of modifying a Cassutt IIIM or Sonerai I Formula Vee plane, integrating an electric engine made by Geiger Engineering, to become their eventual racer. It will be called ‘Skyflash One’, named after their aerobatic flight school ‘Skycrobatics’.
The ‘Hangar-1 Crew’, as they are affectionately known, are also working on their business plan to look for technical partners for the team.
Team Allways Air Racing (USA)
Team Leader: Casey Erickson
Team Leader: Casey Erickson
Team AllWays Air Racing is based in California, USA and has pilot and captain Casey Erickson at the helm. She is a certified flight instructor and has flown many different types of aircraft, including commercial fixed wing, helicopter and sUAS aircraft, and also has a private glider rating.
Having piloted in aerobatics competitions, she was side-lined by a back injury, so in 2008 started racing in the biplane class at Reno. Casey also owns a formula one air race plane.
After talking to a number of different aircraft designers, Casey and her team decided to work on a derivative of the Snoshoo, an American home-built formula one racer designed by Alan VanMeter and AJ Smith. The Allways Air Racing Snoshoo SR1.1 will be named ‘The Gulf Oil Racer’ and is being developed at Redlands Airport, near San Bernadino.
Casey is being supported by a team that includes AJ Smith, who built the airframe and carbon fibre shell, Craig Catto, who built the tail group and prop, and Grove Aircraft, who built the landing gear and braking system. Bobbi Graham and Jason Cowls will also be involved.
The team is still in the initial assembly phase and plans to have a completed aircraft to begin engine runs in early spring 2020.
Team NL (Netherlands)
Team Lead: Rick Boerma
Team Lead: Rick Boerma
When Dutchman Rick Boerma heard about Air Race E and their exciting project, his first option was to launch his own team. So, along with a group of engineering graduates, Team NL is building a new aircraft for the race, completely from scratch.
Boerma, a life-long aviation fanatic, started flying gliders at the age of 14 and, while studying aerospace engineering at university, began to dream of designing and building his own aircraft.
Now, that dream is turning into a reality, development has begun of the as yet unnamed plane, which has adopted the moniker ‘Fanta’ due to its orange colour. The aircraft will feature a conventional low-wing design with two electric motors that power two contra-rotating propellers.
Team Condor Racing (UK)
Team Leader: Martyn Wiseman
Team Leader: Martyn Wiseman
Martyn Wiseman, managing director of Condor Aviation International, is the leader of Team Condor, based in Barlby, North Yorkshire, England.
Born and raised in Zambia, Martyn has been involved in aviation for over 20 years, initially as a hobby and, more recently, as a professional operation. His company specialises in R&D and aircraft modification and will use Air Race E as a platform to showcase their skills, as they help to develop green aviation technology.
For their electric air racer, Team Condor has used an existing airframe, completely revamping the engine cowling to incorporate items such as a contra-rotating propeller system, electric motors, inverters and radiators.
At their team headquarters, where they have their own airfield with 600m runway, their attention is currently focused on the battery technology and how they can integrate this into the aircraft.
Martyn has a strong group supporting the developments of White Lightning, with principal engineer Dean Speight;senior design engineer Oliver Riddle being helped by Charlotte Jennings; assistant design engineer and Benas Laurinavicius, undergraduate engineer.
They have also had input from local work placement students and apprentices, who have provided an invaluable contribution to the project, while sponsorship backing comes from Potenza Ltd, Contra Electric Propulsion and Teesside University.
Air Race E remains open for parties to register their interest in entering or sponsoring a team or hosting a future race.
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