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
http://blogmickey.com/2019/11/disney-will-fly-x-wing-drones-over-star-wars-galaxys-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
https://www.techapeek.com/2019/11/27/pilatus-pc-21-chosen-for-spanish-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
https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en/news-events/media-release/pilatus-delivers-1-700th-pc-12-to-jetfly-aviation
Ishka : Shared patterns: An analysis of 737s grounded over pickle forks
miércoles, 27 de noviembre de 2019
Flydubai 737 crash not triggered by 'pitch-up' illusion
Turkey Tests F-16s And F-4s Against S-400 Radars In Defiance Of U.S. Sanctions Threats - The Drive
martes, 26 de noviembre de 2019
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
"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
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 Leader: Kyle Clark
Team Leader: Scott Holmes
Team Leader: Eric de Barberin-Barberini
Team Leader: Carl Copeland
Team Leader: Adrian Schmer
Team Leader: Casey Erickson
Team Lead: Rick Boerma
Team Leader: Martyn Wiseman
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) announces £9m UK government grant for the development of electric flight
- Development of hybrid-electric propulsion into commercial aviation takes a significant step forward
- UK set to lead the world with the first commercial passenger flights using electric aircraft
- Industry-leading innovators: Denis Ferranti, Rolls-Royce, Cranfield University, Delta Motorsport, Britten-Norman and WMG (University of Warwick) collaborate with CAeS
CAeS, a leading aircraft integrator in green commercial aviation, has received the backing of the UK Government for a project to develop electric aviation. Project Fresson has received a grant of £9 million to design, manufacture and integrate a hybrid-electric propulsion system into a 9-seat Britten-Norman (B-N) Islander aircraft, which is typically used on short flights such as island-hopping routes. The grant is provided through the ATI Programme: a partnership of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), the Department for Business, Energy & Industry Strategy, and Innovate UK to maintain and grow the UK’s competitive position in civil aerospace design and manufacture.
Mark Scully, Head of Technology for Advanced Systems & Propulsion at the ATI, said: “Project Fresson brings together a great partnership to develop innovative technology for a sustainable all-electric air transport solution for isolated islands. The partners’ ultimate goal of delivering the first commercial passenger-carrying all-electric aircraft service in the UK will mark a significant breakthrough for all-electric propulsion.”
Industry collaboration will fuel green transport revolution
The Project Fresson team includes UK businesses: Rolls-Royce, who will be supplying the power management system; the Denis Ferranti Group, supplying the electric motors; Delta Motorsport, providing battery packs; WMG (University of Warwick), who will perform battery testing and characterisation, and Britten-Norman, the aircraft OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) providing the baseline aircraft and aircraft data/design support. CAeS parent Cranfield University will be researching key technology solutions vital for the 30-month project.
Paul Hutton CAeS CEO, said: “The results of this exciting electric aircraft demonstrator project can be rapidly developed into an EASA/CAA (European Aviation Safety Agency/Civil Aviation Authority) certified modification kit, enabling the UK to lead the way with the first passenger-carrying sub-regional aircraft capable of all-electric flight. The strength of the industrial partners involved in this project, are underpinned by the world-class aerospace/manufacturing research capabilities of Cranfield University. This is going to accelerate our green transport revolution.”
The Fresson project supports Rolls-Royce’s commitment to making aviation more sustainable. This electric flight technology demonstrator enables Rolls-Royce to introduce a new concept in aircraft-level power distribution control that optimises all the elements of the power and propulsion system.
Alan Newby, Rolls-Royce, Director, Aerospace Technology & Future Programmes said: “We are excited to be involved in this project, which combines our commitment to support the de-carbonisation of aviation with our ability to solve complex problems with pioneering solutions. Project Fresson is another valuable opportunity for us to remain a leader in delivering the electrification of flight, an important part of our sustainability strategy.”
Professor Iain Gray, Cranfield University Director of Aerospace, said: “Cranfield University is recognised around the world for its Aviation Systems Integration capability and is focussed around research and development of zero-emission technologies. We are pleased to be a technology partner on Project Fresson which is at the forefront of turning the commercial use of electric aircraft into a reality.”
Following the demonstrator project, CAeS will go on to certify the modification through EASA to obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate. This will then be immediately available in the global market, allowing the current operators of the 400+ B-N Islanders to convert their aircraft reducing operating costs and their carbon footprint.
William Hynett, Chief Executive of Britten-Norman, said: “At Britten-Norman we are committed to innovation which we support through a dedicated Research & Development team. Our team is looking forward to working closely with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and its other partners in driving forward this industry-leading green initiative programme for the electrification of the Islander.”
“Our aircraft makes an ideal launch platform for this programme due to its renowned reliability and adaptability. We remain highly enthusiastic about the prospects of bringing this important capability to our vitally important short-sector market.”
In follow-on phases of CAeS’s green aircraft strategy the intention is to design and implement a similar modification, this time to a larger existing 19-seat sub-regional aircraft type, continuing with partners to design and build a new 19-seat aircraft. The design of the new aircraft will be optimised for emission-free propulsion, making use of the certified propulsion systems architecture from the earlier phases.
About Cranfield Aerospace SolutionsCAeS is a long-established aerospace company with whole aircraft concept design and EASA/CAA aircraft Design Organisation (DOA) and aircraft Production Organisation (POA) approvals. These capabilities and broad ranging approvals have been built up over more than twenty years, due to being sought out by all the major global aerospace OEMs to carry out modification and demonstrator projects for them. The Company’s core strategy is focused on green aviation products, including: Electric Conventional Take Off and Landing (eCTOL) sub-regional aircraft and Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
About the ATI ProgrammeThe ATI Programme is a joint Government-industry investment to maintain and grow the UK’s competitive position in civil aerospace design and manufacture. The programme, delivered through a partnership between the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Innovate UK, addresses technology, capability and supply chain challenges.
About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
- Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions to meet our planet’s vital power needs.
- Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces, 70 navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.
- Annual underlying revenue was £15 billion in 2018, around half of which came from the provision of aftermarket services.
- In 2018, Rolls-Royce invested £1.4 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 29 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.
- The Group has a strong commitment to apprentice and graduate recruitment and to further developing employee skills.
About Delta MotorsportDelta Motorsport is an innovative and creative engineering business, based at the world-famous Silverstone circuit, in the heart of the UK’s high-performance technology cluster.
It focuses on three main product streams; battery systems, vehicle “platform” control and its in-house catalytic generator. Each is approached with the same robust but lightweight philosophy, honed through decades spent in the high-pressure motorsport sector.
Delta also has a vehicle engineering and integration capability that has seen it deliver many whole vehicle projects, for start-ups and OEMs alike. Its multidisciplinary team supports a wide range of sectors and its capability covers services from initial concept through to low volume production.
About Britten-Norman and the IslanderBritten-Norman is the UK’s only EASA A2 approved aircraft manufacturer. Britten-Norman have designed and built aircraft and aircraft systems for over 60 years. The Britten-Norman Islander is one of the world’s most successful and enduring aircraft designs.
The aircraft’s international acclaim is attributed to its exemplary performance as a high capacity, multi-role, high frequency, rough terrain, short take-off and landing platform.
About WMGWMG is a world leading research and education group transforming organisations and driving innovation through a unique combination of collaborative research and development, and pioneering education programmes.
As an international role model for successful partnerships between academia and the private and public sectors, WMG develops advancements nationally and globally, in applied science, technology and engineering, to deliver real impact to economic growth, society and the environment.
WMG’s education programmes focus on lifelong learning of the brightest talent, from the WMG Academies for Young Engineers, degree apprenticeships, undergraduate and postgraduate, through to professional programmes.
An academic department of the University of Warwick, and a centre for the HVM Catapult, WMG was founded by the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya in 1980 to help reinvigorate UK manufacturing and improve competitiveness through innovation and skills development.
Dubai Air Show 2019 - Day 1
lunes, 18 de noviembre de 2019
Tensions Rise After NASA Watchdog Report Finds 'Unnecessary’ Payment to Boeing
http://flip.it/cuBZTQ
Boeing's press release Boeing Statement Regarding OIG Report on NASA’s Commercial Crew Program https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-11-18-Boeing-Statement-Regarding-OIG-Report-on-NASAs-Commercial-Crew-Program
US aviation fatalities increased by 13% in 2018, NTSB says
https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20191114.aspx
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/16/us/us-aviation-fatalities-increase-2018-trnd/index.html
Airbus Announces A New Eurofighter Typhoon ECR/SEAD variant
https://theaviationist.com/2019/11/13/airbus-announces-a-new-eurofighter-typhoon-ecr-sead-variant/
Read more...World’s first electric race plane unveiled at Dubai Airshow
press release
- The world’s first electric race plane has been unveiled on day one at the Dubai Airshow, showcasing custom modified technology built by one of the racing teams set to take part in the inaugural Air Race E event next year.
- Air Race E, a pioneering electric air racing motorsport series headed by international air racing promoter Jeff Zaltman, revealed the fully electric race plane on display at the airshow, in association with the series’ Official Founding Partner, Airbus.
- Power: 150 kW max continuous
- Battery: ~20kWh
- Aircraft type: Cassutt Racer (modified)
- Engine type: Fully electric
- Wing span: 4.6m
- Length: 4m
- Weight: 375kg
Aston Martin Wings Series takes flight
press release
Aston Martin has a long and proud association with aviation and in particular the Royal Air Force. Three of its four UK manufacturing locations are situated on former RAF stations at Gaydon, Wellesbourne and St Athan, where a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility has just been built inside ex-MOD Super Hangars.
This heritage and strong connection to the RAF has led Aston Martin to bring its aviation projects together under “Aston Martin Wings”, an exciting programme which will see Aston Martin’s bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin deliver further limited edition models linked to aviation over the coming years.
The inspiration for Aston Martin Wings was the Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows edition. Built in 2017 after a Q by Aston Martin: Commission from Aston Martin Cambridge, these special cars contained exquisite details linked directly to the aircraft, for example each of the Vanquish S Red Arrows built contained switchgear made from the undercarriage leg of a Red Arrows Hawk aircraft. Just ten examples of the cars inspired by the Red Arrows were produced, with nine sold to customers before “Red 10” was raffled, raising an astonishing £1.46 million for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Another aviation project was the V8 Vantage S Blades Edition, named after the famous British aerobatics team. Featuring bespoke styling and interior tailoring, all five Blade Edition Aston Martins were delivered to customers during a very special day at Sywell Aerodrome where each new owner was treated to an aerobatic flight experience with The Blades.
During both World Wars, Aston Martin’s factories were called upon to build aircraft components, most famously for the Spitfire and Mosquito in WW2. The V12 Vantage S “Spitfire 80”, again commissioned by Aston Martin Cambridge through Q by Aston Martin, celebrated one of the most iconic designs in British history and the 80th anniversary of the Supermarine Spitfire’s first flight. Now in the hands of eight proud owners, the Duxford Green-painted cars are easy to identify as they bear the trademark Spitfire yellow pinstripe on the side strakes and deck lid.
Aston Martin President and Group CEO, Andy Palmer, has very close links to the RAF and is in fact an Honorary Group Captain in 601 Squadron, Royal Air Force. He said: “Aston Martin will always be synonymous with aviation, from our wings logo to the heritage of our manufacturing sites across the UK. The Vanquish S Red Arrows edition was a great success for everyone concerned and I look forward to seeing our future aviation-related special editions.” Read more...
Banning private jets in the UK? Facts to consider
https://blueskynews.aero/issue-533/Banning-private-jets-in-the-UK-Facts-to-consider.html
https://blueskynews.aero/issue-533/NBAA-and-IBAC-renounce-calls-for-restricting-UK-airport-access-for-business-aircraft.html
How Major Helicopter Manufacturers Are Preparing for the Urban Air Mobility Market - Avionics
miércoles, 13 de noviembre de 2019
How Major Helicopter Manufacturers Are Preparing for the Urban Air Mobility Market - Avionics
Flight simulation of new arrival procedure concepts promises a 5% increase in runway capacity, and reduced noise | EUROCONTROL
EUROCONTROL and Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) used full motion flight simulators to evaluate the feasibility of "Secondary Runway Aiming Point (SRAP)" and "Increased Glide Slope (IGS)", concepts focused on capacity and environmental benefits.
SRAP permits 'light wake' category aircraft to fly a final approach above the approach profile of heavier aircraft flying to the primary runway threshold; this enables them to avoid the wake vortex of the larger aircraft, and should result in an increase in runway throughput of up to 5%.
Crucially, the noise contour of the aircraft on approach to the SRAP moves towards the airport, reducing noise. The approach glide slope to the SRAP could be a normal "3-degree" slope or an increased glide slope (IGS) to maximise benefits.
Background
The two concepts being evaluated are part of our contribution to the SESAR solution "Enhanced arrival procedures", which focuses on mitigating noise and adapting wake avoidance procedures. Both concepts have already been successfully trialled in a number of real-time simulations.
The solution has been developed within SESAR 2020 project PJ02 "Increased runway and airport throughput", which seeks to tackle capacity challenges at major airports.
EUROCONTROL is leading the project, working with partners to develop operational solutions and advanced air traffic control (ATC) tools.
Here Are Some Exclusive Shots Of The Four New Su-35S Flankers Delivered To The Russian Knights Yesterday.
USAF Research Lab builds an ‘open source’ jet engine in 13 months
Bell To Tout 525 with Mock-up at Dubai Airshow
SB1Defiant completes initial test flight as a fully-configured aircraft
#SB1Defiant completes initial test flight as a fully-configured aircraft. The Defiant will provide the @USArmy the ability to fly faster, farther and with greater maneuverability for future missions. https://t.co/ILS1STDqK7
(https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1194646212693110785?s=03)
737 MAX Progress Report / Boeing's Statements
CHICAGO, Nov. 11, 2019 -- Boeing's priority remains the safe return to service of the MAX and supporting our airline customers through this challenging time. We are working closely with the FAA and other regulatory authorities as we work towards certification and safe return to commercial service, and we are taking the time to answer all of their questions. With the rigorous scrutiny being applied, we are confident the MAX will be one of the safest airplanes ever to fly.
While the FAA and other regulatory authorities will determine the timing of certification and return to commercial service, Boeing continues to target FAA certification of the MAX flight control software updates during this quarter. Based on this schedule, it is possible that the resumption of MAX deliveries to airline customers could begin in December, after certification, when the FAA issues an Airworthiness Directive rescinding the grounding order. In parallel, we are working towards final validation of the updated training requirements, which must occur before the MAX returns to commercial service, and which we now expect to begin in January.
There are five key milestones Boeing must complete with the FAA before return to service:
- FAA eCab Simulator Certification Session: A multi-day eCab simulator evaluation with the FAA to ensure the overall software system performs its intended function, both normally and in the presence of system failures. COMPLETED
- FAA Line Pilots Crew Workload Evaluation: A separate, multi-day simulator session with airline pilots to assess human factors and crew workload under various test conditions.
- FAA Certification Flight Test: FAA pilots will conduct a certification flight(s) of the final updated software.
- Boeing Final Submittal to the FAA: After completion of the FAA certification flight, Boeing will submit the final certification deliverables and artifacts to the FAA to support software certification.
- Joint Operational Evaluation Board (JOEB) Simulator Training Evaluation: The Joint Operational Evaluation Board (JOEB), a multi-regulatory body, conducts a multi-day simulator session with global regulatory pilots to validate training requirements. Following the simulator session, the Flight Standardization Board will release a report for a public comment period, followed by final approval of the training.
Boeing and the FAA successfully concluded the first of these milestones this past week, and are now working towards the FAA line pilots evaluation and the FAA certification flight test.
At each step of this process Boeing has worked closely with the FAA and other regulators. We're providing detailed documentation, had them fly in the simulators, and helped them understand our logic and the design for the new procedures, software and proposed training material to ensure that they are completely satisfied as to the airplane's safety. The FAA and other regulatory authorities will ultimately determine return to service in each relevant jurisdiction. This may include a phased approach and timing may vary by jurisdiction.