jueves, 30 de enero de 2020
SpaceX Launches 60 Satellites For The Starlink Constellation
SpaceX Launches 60 Satellites For The Starlink Constellation
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=ff80b01f-bed0-48bb-934c-d57100c549af
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=ff80b01f-bed0-48bb-934c-d57100c549af
Kaman Advances UAS K-Max for Military, Commercial Ops [feedly]
Kaman Advances UAS K-Max for Military, Commercial Ops
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2020-01-28/kaman-advances-uas-k-max-military-commercial-ops
-- via my feedly newsfeed
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2020-01-28/kaman-advances-uas-k-max-military-commercial-ops
-- via my feedly newsfeed
NASA taps startup Axiom Space for the first habitable commercial module for the Space Station
NASA taps startup Axiom Space for the first habitable commercial module for the Space Station
http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2020/01/nasa-taps-startup-axiom-space-for-the-first-habitable-commercial-module-for-the-space-station/
http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2020/01/nasa-taps-startup-axiom-space-for-the-first-habitable-commercial-module-for-the-space-station/
Bell Revamps Nexus as Four-rotor eVTOL
Bell Revamps Nexus as Four-rotor eVTOL
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2020-01-26/bell-revamps-nexus-four-rotor-evtol
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2020-01-26/bell-revamps-nexus-four-rotor-evtol
Kremlin Confirms Su-57 Commitment as Foreign Orders Loom
Kremlin Confirms Su-57 Commitment as Foreign Orders Loom
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-01-28/kremlin-confirms-su-57-commitment-foreign-orders-loom
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-01-28/kremlin-confirms-su-57-commitment-foreign-orders-loom
Kaman Advances UAS K-Max for Military, Commercial Ops
Kaman Advances UAS K-Max for Military, Commercial Ops
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2020-01-28/kaman-advances-uas-k-max-military-commercial-ops
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2020-01-28/kaman-advances-uas-k-max-military-commercial-ops
Belgian study reveals that air crew are insufficiently informed about cosmic radiation risks
Belgian study reveals that air crew are insufficiently informed about cosmic radiation risks
https://www.aviation24.be/organisations/beca/belgian-study-reveals-that-air-crew-are-insufficiently-informed-about-cosmic-radiation-risks/
https://www.aviation24.be/organisations/beca/belgian-study-reveals-that-air-crew-are-insufficiently-informed-about-cosmic-radiation-risks/
More power and enhanced aerial work capabilities for the H125
press release
Up to +190kg of additional payload coming from engine power release
Anaheim, 28 January 2020 - Airbus Helicopters has announced a major performance increase on the H125 by making full use of the available power of Safran Helicopter Engines' Arriel 2D.
The aircraft's external and internal load lifting capabilities will increase by up to +140 kg, with a large part of it already available at low altitude and low external temperatures, while the hover ceiling OGE will be improved by more than 1,500 ft (up to 12,600 ft). These figures will be further increased when the H125 is equipped with the BLR Fast Fin® tail rotor enhancement and stability system, resulting in a total additional gain of up to +190 kg of external and internal load lifting capabilities and the hover ceiling OGE being improved by +2,300 ft (up to 13,400 ft) compared to the current H125 performance.
This extra power is expected to be certified this summer and will be included as a standard feature on all new-built H125s at no price increase. A retrofit solution will be available for all VEMD- equipped H125s (AS350 B3e) by the end of this year and will only consist of a simple VEMD software upgrade.
The H125 will also provide increased operational simplicity thanks to new options aiming to improve visibility and pilot awareness. All of them are to be showcased on the H125 at Airbus Helicopter's booth: a more compact and simplified instrument panel that reduces its surface area by 40% and incorporates a Garmin G500H TXI touch screen; a remote FLI solution developed by California-based AKV Inc. which will allow to display the main VEMD engine parameters on a smartphone or a tablet via a Bluetooth connection, while keeping external loads in sight, and two additional upper windows greatly improving upward visibility. Show-goers will also see how the Maximum Pilot View Kit, provided by Swiss Rotors Services, boosts the precision and safety of aerial work operations by considerably increasing the field of view of pilots.
"I am very happy to be presenting these new H125 features, which are the result of a continuous dialogue with our customers" declared Axel Aloccio, Head of the Intermediate Single Programme. "The extra power offered by the H125 raises the bar within the single engine helicopter market to reach levels never attained up to now by such platforms and confirms the superiority of the H125 in terms of payload and value for money. And our new options for the aerial work market segment will not only simplify our customer's daily missions, but more importantly, will further increase the safety of these very demanding operations".
With more than 4,000 helicopters in service with about 1,500 global customers, the H125 keeps leading the single engine helicopter market thanks to its high performance and multi-mission capacity. In the last 10 years 630 H125s have been delivered for aerial work, resulting in 74% market share. There are currently about 1,600 H125/AS350 helicopters dedicated to aerial work operations, having accumulated more than 10,6 Million flight hours.
Stay tuned for updates throughout the show by following us on Twitter: @AirbusHeli, @AirbusPress, Instagram @airbus_helicopters and Facebook. Showgoers can also download the Airbus Press news app available for Android and Apple devices to keep up with all of the news during the show.
Up to +190kg of additional payload coming from engine power release
Anaheim, 28 January 2020 - Airbus Helicopters has announced a major performance increase on the H125 by making full use of the available power of Safran Helicopter Engines' Arriel 2D.
The aircraft's external and internal load lifting capabilities will increase by up to +140 kg, with a large part of it already available at low altitude and low external temperatures, while the hover ceiling OGE will be improved by more than 1,500 ft (up to 12,600 ft). These figures will be further increased when the H125 is equipped with the BLR Fast Fin® tail rotor enhancement and stability system, resulting in a total additional gain of up to +190 kg of external and internal load lifting capabilities and the hover ceiling OGE being improved by +2,300 ft (up to 13,400 ft) compared to the current H125 performance.
This extra power is expected to be certified this summer and will be included as a standard feature on all new-built H125s at no price increase. A retrofit solution will be available for all VEMD- equipped H125s (AS350 B3e) by the end of this year and will only consist of a simple VEMD software upgrade.
The H125 will also provide increased operational simplicity thanks to new options aiming to improve visibility and pilot awareness. All of them are to be showcased on the H125 at Airbus Helicopter's booth: a more compact and simplified instrument panel that reduces its surface area by 40% and incorporates a Garmin G500H TXI touch screen; a remote FLI solution developed by California-based AKV Inc. which will allow to display the main VEMD engine parameters on a smartphone or a tablet via a Bluetooth connection, while keeping external loads in sight, and two additional upper windows greatly improving upward visibility. Show-goers will also see how the Maximum Pilot View Kit, provided by Swiss Rotors Services, boosts the precision and safety of aerial work operations by considerably increasing the field of view of pilots.
"I am very happy to be presenting these new H125 features, which are the result of a continuous dialogue with our customers" declared Axel Aloccio, Head of the Intermediate Single Programme. "The extra power offered by the H125 raises the bar within the single engine helicopter market to reach levels never attained up to now by such platforms and confirms the superiority of the H125 in terms of payload and value for money. And our new options for the aerial work market segment will not only simplify our customer's daily missions, but more importantly, will further increase the safety of these very demanding operations".
With more than 4,000 helicopters in service with about 1,500 global customers, the H125 keeps leading the single engine helicopter market thanks to its high performance and multi-mission capacity. In the last 10 years 630 H125s have been delivered for aerial work, resulting in 74% market share. There are currently about 1,600 H125/AS350 helicopters dedicated to aerial work operations, having accumulated more than 10,6 Million flight hours.
Stay tuned for updates throughout the show by following us on Twitter: @AirbusHeli, @AirbusPress, Instagram @airbus_helicopters and Facebook. Showgoers can also download the Airbus Press news app available for Android and Apple devices to keep up with all of the news during the show.
Is autonomy the future of aerial mobility?
Autonomous technologies are showing real promise in the development of more autonomous aircraft
https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/stories/autonomy-aerial-mobility.html
https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/stories/autonomy-aerial-mobility.html
Airbus C295 successfully performs wet contacts as a tanker
press release
The Airbus C295 tactical airlifter has successfully achieved its first wet contacts during an air-to-air (AAR) tanker flight test campaign. First dry contacts of this flight test took place in December 2019 and were achieved using a closed ramp configuration, 100ft hose and remote vision system. The wet contacts, conducted out of Seville, Spain, took place in January 2020, between one Airbus C295 aircraft in tanker configuration and a Spanish Air Force C295 acting as receiver at flight speeds between 100-130 knots.
In total, the aircraft fitted with the removable AAR kit, performed five wet contacts transferring a total 1.5 tons of fuel. Tests were conducted in day-light conditions.
Captain Gabiña, the Spanish Air Force pilot who participated on the test campaign, said: 'The degree of difficulty in flight test is always high since it involves performing manoeuvers that no one has done before. It should be noted that due to the positive behaviour of the aircraft, the operation has been good and straight forward'.
The flight test campaign also included night flight operations and the successful proximity test in pre-contact position with a Spanish Air Force F18 fighter at a flight speed of 210 knots.
The successful tests will expand the C295's trademark versatility for tactical operations to include refuelling missions for helicopters, transport and fighter aircraft.
The Airbus C295 tactical airlifter has successfully achieved its first wet contacts during an air-to-air (AAR) tanker flight test campaign. First dry contacts of this flight test took place in December 2019 and were achieved using a closed ramp configuration, 100ft hose and remote vision system. The wet contacts, conducted out of Seville, Spain, took place in January 2020, between one Airbus C295 aircraft in tanker configuration and a Spanish Air Force C295 acting as receiver at flight speeds between 100-130 knots.
In total, the aircraft fitted with the removable AAR kit, performed five wet contacts transferring a total 1.5 tons of fuel. Tests were conducted in day-light conditions.
Captain Gabiña, the Spanish Air Force pilot who participated on the test campaign, said: 'The degree of difficulty in flight test is always high since it involves performing manoeuvers that no one has done before. It should be noted that due to the positive behaviour of the aircraft, the operation has been good and straight forward'.
The flight test campaign also included night flight operations and the successful proximity test in pre-contact position with a Spanish Air Force F18 fighter at a flight speed of 210 knots.
The successful tests will expand the C295's trademark versatility for tactical operations to include refuelling missions for helicopters, transport and fighter aircraft.
Iberia suspende temporalmente sus vuelos con Shanghái
nota de prensa
- Desde este viernes y durante el mes de febrero
- Por la situación actual provocada por el coronavirus, que ha provocado una alerta sanitaria
Iberia ha decidido suspender temporalmente sus vuelos con Shanghái debido a la situación provocada por el coronavirus, que ha provocado una alerta sanitaria que la Organización Mundial de Salud ha evaluado ya como «riesgo alto», elevado a «muy alto» en el país asiático en el que surgió.
Esta suspensión de los vuelos tendrá efecto desde este viernes, cuando estaba previsto el próximo vuelo, y durante el mes de febrero.
A los clientes con billetes emitidos para volar en la ruta se les ha ofrecido el reembolso o cambio de fecha. Iberia está contactando con otras aerolíneas para buscar alternativas a los clientes que tengan que regresar a su lugar de origen.
Iberia seguirá monitorizando la situación provocada por el coronavirus, para decidir si es necesario prolongar esa suspensión, que se realiza por razones de causa mayor y por la seguridad de sus clientes y empleados.
miércoles, 29 de enero de 2020
Airbus, Air France, Safran, Suez and Total welcome advancements in favour of a sustainable aviation biofuel industry in France
https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/01/airbus-air-france-safran-suez-and-total-welcome-advancements-in-favour-of-a-sustainable-aviation-biofuel-industry-in-france.html
As the French Government presented the country's ambitions with regards to sustainable aviation fuel, in Toulouse, Airbus, Air France, Safran, Suez and Total acknowledge the launch of a new Call for Expression of Interest (CEI). The ambition presented set forth the conclusions of a working group which included government agencies and industrial partners, all of whom signed the Green Deal[1] in December 2017.
This CEI is a fundamental first step towards the emergence of a sustainable aviation fuel industry in France. It will allow investment projects in second generation sustainable aviation fuel production units in France to be identified, as well as supportive measures and incentives in favour of such investments.
The implementation of an economically viable and lasting industry is key for accelerating the use of sustainable aviation fuel and for reducing net CO2 emissions in air transport. Guaranteeing that all players maintain a competitive edge in a competitive environment and helping to lead the world forward.
For 18 months, industrial entities have been mobilised and are working alongside the government to promote the emergence of a sustainable aviation fuel industry in France. The initiative constitutes the first innovative partnership between public and private players in the industry. It sets forth the conditions for developing lasting industries in France in the following set of recommendations:
As the French Government presented the country's ambitions with regards to sustainable aviation fuel, in Toulouse, Airbus, Air France, Safran, Suez and Total acknowledge the launch of a new Call for Expression of Interest (CEI). The ambition presented set forth the conclusions of a working group which included government agencies and industrial partners, all of whom signed the Green Deal[1] in December 2017.
This CEI is a fundamental first step towards the emergence of a sustainable aviation fuel industry in France. It will allow investment projects in second generation sustainable aviation fuel production units in France to be identified, as well as supportive measures and incentives in favour of such investments.
The implementation of an economically viable and lasting industry is key for accelerating the use of sustainable aviation fuel and for reducing net CO2 emissions in air transport. Guaranteeing that all players maintain a competitive edge in a competitive environment and helping to lead the world forward.
For 18 months, industrial entities have been mobilised and are working alongside the government to promote the emergence of a sustainable aviation fuel industry in France. The initiative constitutes the first innovative partnership between public and private players in the industry. It sets forth the conditions for developing lasting industries in France in the following set of recommendations:
- Mobilise the necessary volume of raw materials for the aviation sector,
- Ensure that sustainable resources, especially sustainable resources sourced from the circular economy, are used to produce advanced sustainable aviation fuel,
- Ensure that the industry is economically viable for all actors in the value chain through appropriate incentive schemes,
- Use existing airport logistics distribution networks,
- Support and promote production diversification.
[1] Green Deals are initiatives sponsored by the Ministry of Ecological and Inclusive Transition in order to help those carrying out innovative projects which involve the environment and economics, and which contribute to an ecological transition.
martes, 28 de enero de 2020
lunes, 27 de enero de 2020
DARPA Scraps 'Phantom Express' Space Plane Project After Boeing Withdraws - Reports
more info about Phantom Express
China now world's second biggest weapons producer: researchers
China now world's second biggest weapons producer: researchers
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/China_now_worlds_second_biggest_weapons_producer_researchers_999.html
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/China_now_worlds_second_biggest_weapons_producer_researchers_999.html
New Boeing 777X Completes Successful First Flight
The new Boeing (NYSE: BA) 777X jetliner took to the skies today, entering the next phase of its rigorous test program. Based on the popular 777 and with proven technologies from the 787 Dreamliner, the 777X took off in front of thousands at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, at 10:09 a.m. local time for a three hour, 51 minute flight over Washington state before landing at Seattle's Boeing Field.
"The 777X flew beautifully, and today's testing was very productive," said Capt. Van Chaney, 777/777X chief pilot for Boeing Test & Evaluation. "Thank you to all the teams who made today possible. I can't wait to go fly your airplane again."
Capt. Chaney and Boeing Chief Pilot Craig Bomben worked through a detailed test plan to exercise the airplane's systems and structures while the test team in Seattle monitored the data in real time.
"Our Boeing team has taken the most successful twin-aisle jet of all time and made it even more efficient, more capable and more comfortable for all," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today's safe first flight of the 777X is a tribute to the years of hard work and dedication from our teammates, our suppliers and our community partners in Washington state and across the globe."
The first of four dedicated 777-9 flight test airplanes, WH001 will now undergo checks before resuming testing in the coming days. The test fleet, which began ground testing in Everett last year, will endure a comprehensive series of tests and conditions on the ground and in the air over the coming months to demonstrate the safety and reliability of the design.
The newest member of Boeing's market-leading widebody family, the 777X will deliver 10 percent lower fuel use and emissions and 10 percent lower operating costs than the competition through advanced aerodynamics, the latest generation carbon-fiber composite wing and the most advanced commercial engine ever built, GE Aviation's GE9X.
The new 777X also combines the best of the passenger-preferred 777 and 787 Dreamliner cabins with new innovations to deliver the flight experience of the future. Passengers will enjoy a wide, spacious cabin, large overhead bins that close easily for convenient access to their belongings, larger windows for a view from every seat, better cabin altitude and humidity, less noise and a smoother ride.
Boeing expects to deliver the first 777X in 2021. The program has won 340 orders and commitments from leading carriers around the world, including ANA, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines. Since its launch in 2013, the 777X family has outsold the competition nearly 2 to 1.
About the Boeing 777X Family
The 777X includes the 777-8 and the 777-9, the newest members of Boeing's market-leading widebody family.
Seat Count: 777-8: 384 passengers
(typical 2-class) 777-9: 426 passengers
Engine: GE9X, supplied by GE Aviation
Range: 777-8: 8,730 nautical miles (16,170 km)
777-9: 7,285 nautical miles (13,500 km)
Wingspan: Extended: 235 ft, 5 in. (71.8 m)
On ground: 212 ft, 8 in (64.8 m)
Length: 777-8: 229 ft (69.8 m)
777-9: 251 ft, 9 in (76.7 m)
For more information, please visit www.boeing.com/777X.
Bjorn’s Corner: Why e in ePlane shall stand for environment, Part 6.
Bjorn's Corner: Why e in ePlane shall stand for environment, Part 6.
https://leehamnews.com/2020/01/24/bjorns-corner-why-e-in-eplane-shall-stand-for-environment-part-6/
https://leehamnews.com/2020/01/24/bjorns-corner-why-e-in-eplane-shall-stand-for-environment-part-6/
Pontifications: Back to drawing board on NMA, Boeing’s CEO says
Pontifications: Back to drawing board on NMA, Boeing's CEO says
https://leehamnews.com/2020/01/27/pontifications-back-to-drawing-board-on-nma-boeings-ceo-says/
https://leehamnews.com/2020/01/27/pontifications-back-to-drawing-board-on-nma-boeings-ceo-says/
Polish carrier LOT acquires German airline Condor
Polish carrier LOT acquires German airline Condor
http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2020/01/polish-carrier-lot-acquires-german-airline-condor/
http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2020/01/polish-carrier-lot-acquires-german-airline-condor/
UAVOS's Robinson Unmanned Helicopter Extends Application Range
UAVOS has announced that it has unveiled its converted Robinson manned helicopter into unmanned aircraft R-22 as a cargo and farthest range delivery drone. It features a payload capacity of 180 kilograms or 400 pounds and a travel distance of up to 1020 km.
R-22 unmanned helicopter is designed for both cargo delivery and humanitarian / disaster relief applications. Failure to deliver vital equipment under austere operating conditions and timelines can incur substantial fiscal costs, making Robinson's all weather capabilities particularly valuable. This also opens up new possibilities for safely and efficiently transporting goods in a variety of industries.
Another is the disaster relief mission – where R-22 can bring food, fuel, water, supplies, medicine, communications and even electrical power to areas that are hard-hit by natural or man-made disasters.
The specific advantages that heavy-lift cargo R-22 unmanned helicopter represents:
R-22 unmanned helicopter is designed for both cargo delivery and humanitarian / disaster relief applications. Failure to deliver vital equipment under austere operating conditions and timelines can incur substantial fiscal costs, making Robinson's all weather capabilities particularly valuable. This also opens up new possibilities for safely and efficiently transporting goods in a variety of industries.
Another is the disaster relief mission – where R-22 can bring food, fuel, water, supplies, medicine, communications and even electrical power to areas that are hard-hit by natural or man-made disasters.
The specific advantages that heavy-lift cargo R-22 unmanned helicopter represents:
- Due to its long endurance capability (6 hours), and ability to operate in harsh weather conditions, in both land and maritime environments, the R-22 is a perfect solution for delivery missions;
- ability to operate in high winds, during weather-related disasters, and night operations;
- carry a cargo load of up to 180 kilograms or 400 pound;
- cargo dropping at specified location. R-22 can be used in numerous missions and scenarios requiring cargo delivery such as providing lifesaving measures (communication device, a bottle of water, floating device, etc.) in search and rescue (S&R) missions, dropping of essential material such as drugs in an epidemic situation, etc.;
- cargo delivery to the most remote parts of the Earth.
- transporting goods taken from a large cargo aircraft. That allows for a "pop-up" distribution center at an airport, where our R-22 can land, cargo handlers can unload the cargo and then R-22 backs haul cargo to the main logistics base transporting goods taken from a large cargo aircraft;
- all terrain capable.
Specifications of the Robinson UAS platform include:
Takeoff and landing: fully automatic
Level surface: 15x15 m
Maximum cruising speed: 160 km/h
Payload with full fuel tank: 40 kg
Max. takeoff weight: 635 kg
Operational range: 1020 km
Endurance: 6 h
Service ceiling: 4200 km
Related:
EASA Set To Publish Accepted Means of Compliance Proposals for eVTOL Certification
In mid-February, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) expects to publish proposals on the accepted means of compliance for new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft aiming for type certification under its new Special Conditions VTOL rules. At the same time, it will begin a public consultation on a Special Condition regulation for electric and hybrid propulsion systems used by these aircraft. continue reading…
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-24/easa-set-publish-accepted-means-compliance-proposals-evtol-certification
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-24/easa-set-publish-accepted-means-compliance-proposals-evtol-certification
Eviation's Electric Alice Aircraft Catches Fire During Ground Tests
Eviation's Electric Alice Aircraft Catches Fire During Ground Tests
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-24/eviations-electric-alice-aircraft-catches-fire-during-ground-tests
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-24/eviations-electric-alice-aircraft-catches-fire-during-ground-tests
Eviation's Electric Alice Aircraft Catches Fire During Ground ...
Aviation International News
A fire broke out during ground testing of Eviation's all-electric Alice aircraft on January 22 at Prescott Regional Airport in Arizona. The company ...
Analysts: Bombardier's Bizjet Unit Could Be Sold
Analysts: Bombardier's Bizjet Unit Could Be Sold
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-23/analysts-bombardiers-bizjet-unit-could-be-sold
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-23/analysts-bombardiers-bizjet-unit-could-be-sold
Analysts: Bombardier's Bizjet Unit Could Be Sold
Analysts: Bombardier's Bizjet Unit Could Be Sold
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-23/analysts-bombardiers-bizjet-unit-could-be-sold
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-23/analysts-bombardiers-bizjet-unit-could-be-sold
Saab Starts Production in Support of U.S. Air Force T-7A Programme
Saab is responsible for the development and production of the aft fuselage section for the advanced trainer, with seven aft units being produced in Linköping, Sweden for final assembly at Boeing's U.S. facility in St. Louis, Missouri.
"In little over a year since we signed the EMD contract, we are starting production of our part of the T-7A jet. This achievement is possible due to the great collaboration between Saab and Boeing, and it is an honour to be part of this programme for the United States Air Force," says Jonas Hjelm, head of Saab business area Aeronautics.
The work is being performed in Linkoping, Sweden, after which future production of Saab's part for the T-7A will be moved to our new U.S. site in West Lafayette, Indiana.
The Saab facility in West Lafayette is an important part of Saab's growth strategy in the United States, creating strong organic capabilities for the development, manufacturing and sales of its products.
Boeing is the designated prime contractor for the T-7A advanced pilot training system acquisition by the U.S. Air Force. Saab and Boeing developed the aircraft with Saab as a risk-sharing partner. Saab received the EMD order from Boeing, on September 18, 2018.
3 dead in Guatemala Red Bull aerobatics crash
Guatemalan Airshow Practice Session Results in Loss of Pilot and 2 Spectators
An Iranian passenger plane skidded off the runway onto a city street-- and nobody was hurt
An Iranian passenger plane skidded off the runway onto a city ...
CNN International-
Photos and videos from the scene on Monday in the Iranian city of Mahshahr show the Caspian Airlines plane grounded in the middle of the ...
sábado, 25 de enero de 2020
Boeing’s 777X, the world’s largest twin-engine jet, takes off in maiden flight
Boeing's 777X, the world's largest twin-engine jet, takes off in ...
CNBC-Hace 38 minutos
Boeing's 777X, part of a new generation of the wide-body aircraft, took off in its maiden flight — marking a milestone for the company struggling ...
Low cost UAV demonstrator: AFRL XQ-58A Valkyrie expands flight envelope in fourth test
https://afresearchlab.com/news/afrl-xq-58a-valkyrie-expands-flight-envelope-in-fourth-test/
viernes, 24 de enero de 2020
Aero Vodochody will double its revenues this year
press release
Revenues of the biggest Czech aircraft manufacturer, AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE, will almost double up to 5-6 bn CZK (200-240 mEUR) this year in comparison to 2019. Such growth of Aero's revenues will be strongly driven by new MRO businesses, ramp up on the A220 programme and start of industrialization of L-39NG new jet trainer and light attack aircraft.
During the last year, Aero signed several contracts with current L-39 Albatros operators for general overhauls and modernizations, the majority with the support of its strategic partner OMNIPOL. Currently, Aero has an unique order backlog on MRO of 35 aircraft from our customers in Middle Asia and Africa on L-39s, and from Czech Air Force on L-159s. "Based on signed contracts, our MRO and upgrade business will double this year and will generate more than 2 bn CZK revenues (80 mEUR). In our aerostructures business, we are ramping up too, mainly driven by a 50% increase of production of fixed leading edge for Airbus A220 to 73 aircraft shipsets. Our budget 2020, agreed with our shareholder, plans Aero returning to black numbers this year," said Dieter John, President and CEO of the company.
AERO Vodochody successfully continues in its main investment project, the new jet trainer and light attack aircraft L-39NG. "Our ground and flight test program runs full speed and the full trainer certification is targeted for the third quarter of 2020. The L-39NG industrialization concept is prepared, we will launch serial production this year and proceed in our sales campaigns which will also contribute to revenues growth," added Dieter John.
Early 2019, Aero has launched its mid-term transformation project Aero Fit For Future (A3F) which does optimize Aero´s operations and supply chain, increase the company´s efficiency and prepares it for strong growth. Part of it has been the streamlining of the workforce and the right sizing of the cost base. Aero released about 250 employees across all functions in 2019, which finished in May last year. Aero is now recruiting new employees for some specific key aviation profession. In last three months, the company recruited 30 new employees and currently it has more than 50 open positions.
AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE
AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the design, manufacturing, maintenance, overhaul and upgrade of military and civil aircraft and is the largest aviation manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aerospace companies worldwide. In the field of military aircraft, Aero has been a reliable long-term partner to many of the world's air forces and it has a strong position on the market of military training and light combat aircraft.
With a track record of 11.000 aircraft produced over the last 100 years, a broad coverage of 60 military operators and 15 demo teams, a huge existing fleet of L-39 Albatrosses and with a brand new aircraft, the L-39NG now, Aero is maintaining its positioning as a leader in the jet training market. In the field of civil aviation, Aero collaborates with the world's largest manufacturers in a diverse range of projects and is a full partner in several risk-sharing programmes, taking responsibility not only for the production and assembly of structures but also for its design and development.
Revenues of the biggest Czech aircraft manufacturer, AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE, will almost double up to 5-6 bn CZK (200-240 mEUR) this year in comparison to 2019. Such growth of Aero's revenues will be strongly driven by new MRO businesses, ramp up on the A220 programme and start of industrialization of L-39NG new jet trainer and light attack aircraft.
During the last year, Aero signed several contracts with current L-39 Albatros operators for general overhauls and modernizations, the majority with the support of its strategic partner OMNIPOL. Currently, Aero has an unique order backlog on MRO of 35 aircraft from our customers in Middle Asia and Africa on L-39s, and from Czech Air Force on L-159s. "Based on signed contracts, our MRO and upgrade business will double this year and will generate more than 2 bn CZK revenues (80 mEUR). In our aerostructures business, we are ramping up too, mainly driven by a 50% increase of production of fixed leading edge for Airbus A220 to 73 aircraft shipsets. Our budget 2020, agreed with our shareholder, plans Aero returning to black numbers this year," said Dieter John, President and CEO of the company.
AERO Vodochody successfully continues in its main investment project, the new jet trainer and light attack aircraft L-39NG. "Our ground and flight test program runs full speed and the full trainer certification is targeted for the third quarter of 2020. The L-39NG industrialization concept is prepared, we will launch serial production this year and proceed in our sales campaigns which will also contribute to revenues growth," added Dieter John.
Early 2019, Aero has launched its mid-term transformation project Aero Fit For Future (A3F) which does optimize Aero´s operations and supply chain, increase the company´s efficiency and prepares it for strong growth. Part of it has been the streamlining of the workforce and the right sizing of the cost base. Aero released about 250 employees across all functions in 2019, which finished in May last year. Aero is now recruiting new employees for some specific key aviation profession. In last three months, the company recruited 30 new employees and currently it has more than 50 open positions.
AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE
AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the design, manufacturing, maintenance, overhaul and upgrade of military and civil aircraft and is the largest aviation manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aerospace companies worldwide. In the field of military aircraft, Aero has been a reliable long-term partner to many of the world's air forces and it has a strong position on the market of military training and light combat aircraft.
With a track record of 11.000 aircraft produced over the last 100 years, a broad coverage of 60 military operators and 15 demo teams, a huge existing fleet of L-39 Albatrosses and with a brand new aircraft, the L-39NG now, Aero is maintaining its positioning as a leader in the jet training market. In the field of civil aviation, Aero collaborates with the world's largest manufacturers in a diverse range of projects and is a full partner in several risk-sharing programmes, taking responsibility not only for the production and assembly of structures but also for its design and development.
Airports lead the way on tackling Climate Emergency with ACI Europe’s Brussels Summit
Airports lead the way on tackling Climate Emergency with ACI Europe's Brussels Summit
https://www.aviation24.be/airports/airports-lead-the-way-on-tackling-climate-emergency-with-aci-europes-brussels-summit/
https://www.aviation24.be/airports/airports-lead-the-way-on-tackling-climate-emergency-with-aci-europes-brussels-summit/
Elbit Systems Successfully Demonstrates High-Altitude High-Precision Aerial Firefighting Solution
Press release
Using a computed launch of liquid pellets from high altitude, the HyDropTM system lifts the long standing restriction on nighttime aerial firefighting
Haifa, Israel, 21 January, 2020 – Elbit Systems completed a successful field demonstration of its patented Hydrop system, an innovative solution enabling high-altitude high-precision aerial firefighting. The field demonstration took place recently as part of an exercise led by the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority. During the exercise two Air Tractor aircraft from the Israeli Fire Fighting Squadron were directed to extinguish a burning field, from as high as 500 ft., more than four times higher than the average altitude of a standard aerial firefighting sortie. Using the HyDrop system each aircraft launched 1.6-tons of 140-gram liquid pellets in a computed ballistic trajectory, achieving a precise hit with saturation of 1-2 liter per 1 square meter.
Since 1953, aerial firefighting has been carried out using liquid cascade drop methods that require sorties to be conducted at an altitude of a 100-120 ft. in order to reduce liquid loss caused by the aerosol effect. Such low-altitude flights are restricted to daytime due to safety concerns and Civil Aviation regulations. The experience from around the globe clearly shows that restricting aerial firefighting to daytime severely degrades its operational contribution. Addressing this needs gap, Elbit Systems developed the Hydrop system that enables a high-precision computed launch of bio-degradable liquid pellets from 500-2,000 ft., altitudes that are safe and certified for night-flight by Civil Aviation.
With Helicopter, Fixed-wing and Heavy Lifter configurations, Hydrop integrates fighter aircraft avionics including a ballistic computer, command and control (C2) system and advanced display systems, together with liquid pellets stored in a specially designed airborne dispenser. The C2 unit navigates the aircraft to the drop point while the ballistic computer produces an accurate launch trajectory, taking into account aircraft velocity, altitude, GPS location, wind conditions and the weight and shape of the liquid pellets. In addition to lifting the restriction on nighttime aerial firefighting, this high-altitude system improves pilots safety and increases the effectiveness of aerial firefighting, during day and night, by eliminating the liquid loss caused by the aerosol effect.
The Hydrop system includes a pellets manufacturing machine (static or mobile). Housed in a standard 20'-container, the manufacturing machine can produces up to 10 tons of pellets per hour. The biodegradable pellets which can be filled with either water, foam or fire retardant, have been proved to have no harmful residues and their dropping has also been tested and found to be safe to crews on the ground.
U.S. Navy Now Jamming GPS Over Six US States and 125,000 Square Miles.
FAA Issues Advisory for Pilots: Large Military GPS Jamming Exercise in Southeast.
ESA and Airbus sign contract for Bartolomeo platform on the International Space Station
press release
New research platform scheduled for launch in March 2020
Bremen, 23 January 2020 – The Bartolomeo platform from Airbus gives new opportunities for research on the International Space Station (ISS). The European Space Agency ESA has now firmly booked a payload slot for a Norwegian instrument to monitor plasma density in the Earth's atmosphere.
The Bartolomeo platform - named after Christopher Columbus' younger brother - is currently in the final stage of launch preparation at Airbus in Bremen and is scheduled for launch to the ISS in March 2020. Bartolomeo is developed on a commercial basis by Airbus using its own investment funds and will be operated in cooperation with ESA.
The platform can accommodate up to 12 different experiment modules, supplying them with power and providing data transmission to Earth. Bartolomeo is suitable for many different experiments. Due to the unique position of the platform with a direct view of Earth from 400 kilometres, Earth observation including trace gas measurements or CO2 monitoring of the atmosphere are possible, with data useful for climate protection or for use by private data service providers.
The Multi-Needle Langmuir Probe (m-NLP) is an instrument from the University of Oslo and the Norwegian company Eidsvoll Electronics to measure ionospheric plasma densities. With its relatively low orbit, the ISS passes near the peak plasma density of the ionosphere. The m-NLP is currently the only instrument in the world capable of resolving ionospheric plasma density variations at spatial scales below one metre. It will gather valuable data from the equatorial and mid-latitude ionosphere, enabling study of the dynamic processes in this region in unprecedented detail. The Langmuir Probe will map plasma characteristics around the globe.
The mission is financed through the ESA PRODEX programme and supported by ESA's Directorate Human & Robotic Exploration. The payload is scheduled to launch on ISS resupply flight NG-14 in October 2020 and will be the first payload to be installed on the Bartolomeo Platform outside the European Columbus Module.
Together with UNOOSA (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs), Airbus is currently inviting tenders for further research opportunities on the platform, in particular to enable research institutions from developing countries to participate in scientific space research.
@ESA @Space_Station @ISS_Research @AirbusSpace #Bartolomeo
New research platform scheduled for launch in March 2020
Bremen, 23 January 2020 – The Bartolomeo platform from Airbus gives new opportunities for research on the International Space Station (ISS). The European Space Agency ESA has now firmly booked a payload slot for a Norwegian instrument to monitor plasma density in the Earth's atmosphere.
The Bartolomeo platform - named after Christopher Columbus' younger brother - is currently in the final stage of launch preparation at Airbus in Bremen and is scheduled for launch to the ISS in March 2020. Bartolomeo is developed on a commercial basis by Airbus using its own investment funds and will be operated in cooperation with ESA.
The platform can accommodate up to 12 different experiment modules, supplying them with power and providing data transmission to Earth. Bartolomeo is suitable for many different experiments. Due to the unique position of the platform with a direct view of Earth from 400 kilometres, Earth observation including trace gas measurements or CO2 monitoring of the atmosphere are possible, with data useful for climate protection or for use by private data service providers.
The Multi-Needle Langmuir Probe (m-NLP) is an instrument from the University of Oslo and the Norwegian company Eidsvoll Electronics to measure ionospheric plasma densities. With its relatively low orbit, the ISS passes near the peak plasma density of the ionosphere. The m-NLP is currently the only instrument in the world capable of resolving ionospheric plasma density variations at spatial scales below one metre. It will gather valuable data from the equatorial and mid-latitude ionosphere, enabling study of the dynamic processes in this region in unprecedented detail. The Langmuir Probe will map plasma characteristics around the globe.
The mission is financed through the ESA PRODEX programme and supported by ESA's Directorate Human & Robotic Exploration. The payload is scheduled to launch on ISS resupply flight NG-14 in October 2020 and will be the first payload to be installed on the Bartolomeo Platform outside the European Columbus Module.
Together with UNOOSA (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs), Airbus is currently inviting tenders for further research opportunities on the platform, in particular to enable research institutions from developing countries to participate in scientific space research.
@ESA @Space_Station @ISS_Research @AirbusSpace #Bartolomeo
Nordic Aviation Capital finalised order for 20 A220 Family aircraft
press release
Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the leading lessor of regional aircraft, signed at the end of 2019 a firm order for 20 A220 Family aircraft.
This latest order from NAC, counted in the 2019 order-book, is a huge endorsement and affirms the strong market demand for the state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient A220 Family.
"NAC's order for the A220 shows this aircraft is just as relevant in the regional world as it is in the mainline one," said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. "We are delighted to work with NAC going forward, we thank them for their confidence and congratulate them on their new offices in Limerick."
NAC is today the largest lessor of regional aircraft in the world, managing and owning 500 aircraft on lease to 78 airline customers in over 50 countries.
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% 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. At the end of December 2019, the A220 had accumulated 600 orders and over 100 aircraft in service with seven operators worldwide.
@Airbus #A220 #nordicaviationcapital
For further information about A220 family, please click https://www.airbus.com/aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a220-family.html.
Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the leading lessor of regional aircraft, signed at the end of 2019 a firm order for 20 A220 Family aircraft.
This latest order from NAC, counted in the 2019 order-book, is a huge endorsement and affirms the strong market demand for the state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient A220 Family.
"NAC's order for the A220 shows this aircraft is just as relevant in the regional world as it is in the mainline one," said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. "We are delighted to work with NAC going forward, we thank them for their confidence and congratulate them on their new offices in Limerick."
NAC is today the largest lessor of regional aircraft in the world, managing and owning 500 aircraft on lease to 78 airline customers in over 50 countries.
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% 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. At the end of December 2019, the A220 had accumulated 600 orders and over 100 aircraft in service with seven operators worldwide.
@Airbus #A220 #nordicaviationcapital
For further information about A220 family, please click https://www.airbus.com/aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a220-family.html.
[España] Un millón y medio de saltos en el aniversario del primer salto paracaidista del Ejército del Aire
Nota de prensa
video
El 23 de febrero se cumplen 72 años del primer salto paracaidista en el Ejército del Aire. Para celebrarlo, 114 militares pertenecientes a la Escuela Militar de Paracaidismo (EMP) `Méndez Parada´, situada en la base aérea de Alcantarilla (Murcia), han llevado a cabo un salto masivo desde la rampa de un A-400M del Ala 31.
Además, durante la mañana se han realizado varios saltos paracaidistas en distintas modalidades y aviones a cargo de la Patrulla Acrobática de Paracaidismo del Ejército del Aire (PAPEA) y del Escuadrón de Zapadores Paracaidistas (EZAPAC).
El paracaidismo militar en España tiene a su pionero en la figura del capitán Méndez Parada, que da nombre a la EMP y que en los años 20 del siglo pasado llevó a cabo los primeros cursos de paracaidismo en España. Murió heroicamente en accidente aéreo cerca de Getafe cuando, a punto de estrellarse el biplano que pilotaba acompañado de un soldado, le cedió a este su paracaídas para que pudiera salvar su vida.
En su honor y desde hace 72 años, la escuela en la que se adiestran todos los paracaidistas de las Fuerzas Armadas y Fuerzas y Cuerpos de seguridad del Estado, lleva su nombre. Desde su fundación, se han realizado ya casi un millón y medio de saltos paracaidistas.
La EMP cuenta con unas instalaciones para la enseñanza del paracaidismo, que se encuentran entre las más avanzadas del mundo. Dispone de una torre de lanzamiento y un simulador de descenso para apertura automática, inaugurados en el año 2005, que han permitido elevar la seguridad de los saltadores y disminuir el número de bajas para obtener la aptitud de cazador paracaidista.
Y para la enseñanza del paracaidismo en la modalidad de apertura manual, se pusieron en funcionamiento a principios del año 2007 dos simuladores: un simulador virtual que sirve para entrenar el vuelo con el paracaídas abierto, y el simulador de caída libre, coloquialmente conocido como túnel de viento.
jueves, 23 de enero de 2020
Boeing seeks to borrow $10 billion or more amid 737 MAX crisis
Boeing seeks to borrow $10 billion or more amid 737 MAX crisis
http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2020/01/boeing-seeks-to-borrow-10-billion-or-more-amid-737-max-crisis/
http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2020/01/boeing-seeks-to-borrow-10-billion-or-more-amid-737-max-crisis/
Bell Boeing CMV-22B Osprey (C-2A Greyhound replacement) Successfully Completes First Flight
press release
he first CMV-22B Osprey, built by Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, completed first flight operations at Bell's Amarillo Assembly Center. The CMV-22B is the latest variant of the tiltrotor fleet, joining the MV-22 and CV-22 used by the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force.
The U.S. Navy will use the CMV-22B to replace the C-2A Greyhound for transporting personnel, mail, supplies and high-priority cargo from shore bases to aircraft carriers at sea. Bell Boeing designed the Navy variant specifically for carrier fleet operations by providing increased fuel capacity for the extended range requirement. The mission flexibility of the Osprey will increase operational capabilities and readiness, in addition to ferrying major components of the F-35 engine.
"With the ability to travel up to 1,150 nautical miles, the CMV-22B will be a lifeline for our servicemen and women out at sea," said Kristin Houston, vice president, Boeing Tiltrotor Programs and director, Bell Boeing V-22 Program. "The quality and safety built into this aircraft will revolutionize the way the U.S. Navy fulfills its critical carrier onboard delivery mission."
Bell Boeing will deliver the first CMV-22B to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 in early 2020 for developmental test.
For more information on Defense, Space & Security, visit www.boeing.com. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense and @BoeingSpace.
he first CMV-22B Osprey, built by Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, completed first flight operations at Bell's Amarillo Assembly Center. The CMV-22B is the latest variant of the tiltrotor fleet, joining the MV-22 and CV-22 used by the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force.
The U.S. Navy will use the CMV-22B to replace the C-2A Greyhound for transporting personnel, mail, supplies and high-priority cargo from shore bases to aircraft carriers at sea. Bell Boeing designed the Navy variant specifically for carrier fleet operations by providing increased fuel capacity for the extended range requirement. The mission flexibility of the Osprey will increase operational capabilities and readiness, in addition to ferrying major components of the F-35 engine.
"With the ability to travel up to 1,150 nautical miles, the CMV-22B will be a lifeline for our servicemen and women out at sea," said Kristin Houston, vice president, Boeing Tiltrotor Programs and director, Bell Boeing V-22 Program. "The quality and safety built into this aircraft will revolutionize the way the U.S. Navy fulfills its critical carrier onboard delivery mission."
Bell Boeing will deliver the first CMV-22B to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 in early 2020 for developmental test.
For more information on Defense, Space & Security, visit www.boeing.com. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense and @BoeingSpace.
Moon, Mars and beyond: Space exploration highlights coming up in 2020
Moon, Mars and beyond: Space exploration highlights coming up in 2020
https://newatlas.com/space/space-exploration-launches-2020/
https://newatlas.com/space/space-exploration-launches-2020/
ARJ21 wins First Prize for 2019 State Scientific and Technological Progress Award
press release
The Awarding Ceremony of State Science and Technology Awards was solemnly held in Beijing on January 10th, 2020. The China-made regional jet ARJ21 won the First Prize for 2019 State Scientific and Technological Progress Award. This is the highest award that ARJ21 aircraft program has received so far.
The State Scientific and Technological Progress Award is one of the five State Science and Technology Awards established by the State Council, and is conferred on citizens or organizations that have made outstanding contribution in technical research, technological development, technical innovation, applying and disseminating advanced scientific and technological achievements, promoting the industrialization of high and new technology, or completing major scientific and technological projects, plans and programs. It is divided into the Special Prize, the First Prize and the Second Prize.
ARJ21 aircraft is the first self-developed turbofan regional jet with independent intellectual property right. The program was approved by the state in April 2002. ARJ21 aircraft completed its maiden flight on November 28th, 2008, and obtained Type Certificate (TC) from Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on December 30th, 2014. The first ARJ21 aircraft was delivered to Chengdu Airlines on November 29th, 2015, and successfully completed the maiden trip on June 28th, 2016, which breaks the situation of there being no China-made jets on Chinese airlines. With the development of ARJ21 aircraft, China has gone through the entire process of design, manufacturing, testing, flight test, batch production, delivery and operation of a jet, mastered the core technologies for the research and development of transport category civil jets, filled in the gap of the whole-course practice of transport category jets independently developed by China, achieved great improvement in the integrated innovation capability of transport category jets in China's aviation industry, and further solidified the foundation for the development of China's civil aircraft industry.
After more than ten years of arduous exploration and independent innovation, ARJ program team has established a systematic and complete civil aircraft airworthiness design and verification technology system for the first time in China; solved the technical problem of inter-system interconnection security evaluation; overcame the technical difficulties in special risk verification, such as both engine failure, tire burst, bird strike and engine rotor burst; made breakthroughs in analysis and test verification technologies in extremely complicated meteorological conditions such as icing, contaminated runway, crosswind, high temperature and extreme cold; acquired the knowledge of a number of key verification flight test technologies such as high horizontal tail aircraft stall, minimum lift-off speed, landing gear shimmy, flight control fault simulation and functional reliability; and filled in multiple gaps in China's aviation industry. The ARJ21 aircraft program has obtained 140 invention patents, proposed 59 international and national standards, 6,778 enterprise/industry standards, and won 117 provincial and ministerial scientific and technological awards.
ARJ21 aircraft program was launched on the basis that there is no civil aircraft model task in China for many years and there is serious brain drain, designers and managers have insufficient research and understanding of aircraft certification regulations and aircraft operation regulations, and there is almost no preliminary research, therefore the technology span is far greater than just one generation of aircraft. During the airworthiness certification phase, ARJ21 aircraft completed a total of 300 ground test items and 528 verification flight test items, accumulated 2,942 sorties of flight test and 5,258 flight hours, closed 398 airworthiness provisions, and completed 3,418 compliance reports.
As a "pioneer" for domestic commercial aircraft, ARJ21 aircraft has led to the formation of an airworthiness review system that complies with international standards and the airworthiness review capability of transport category civil jets. Enterprises, colleges and universities in many provinces and cities across the country has participated in the research and development of the program, which drives the development of the whole industry chain of "industry, university and research", and promotes the formation of an aviation industry cluster covering aircraft material suppliers, aircraft part suppliers, aircraft final assembly plants, maintenance and service providers, and aviation service providers.
The ARJ21 aircraft of Chengdu Airlines began to operate in the international round-trip route between Harbin and Vladivostok on October 26th, 2019, which was the first time for a China-made aircraft to fly abroad, and the commercial operation of ARJ21 aircraft has gotten a new leap. Up to now, a total of 22 ARJ21 aircraft have been delivered to customers, and the aircraft have successively operated in more than 37 routes in more than 38 cities, and carried more than 690,000 passengers.
Leonardo’s Falco Xplorer drone completes first flight
- The new Remotely-Piloted Air System (RPAS), the largest Leonardo has ever built, has successfully undergone its first test flight
- The Falco Xplorer offers persistent, multi-sensor strategic surveillance for military and civil customers, either as an integrated product or as a managed service
- Leonardo is a global leader in unmanned technology, with expertise across aircraft, sensors, mission systems and ground control stations
- Leonardo and the Italian Air Force's long-standing cooperative relationship is embodied by the technical and engineering support delivered by ITAF Test Flight Centre
Leonardo has announced the maiden flight of its new Falco Xplorer drone aircraft. Falco Xplorer S/N0001 took off from Trapani Air Force base on January 15, cruised over the Gulf of Trapani in a dedicated fly zone, for around 60 minutes and then returned to base, landing safely. The maiden flight is a significant milestone which has been achieved through technical and engineering support, at the test flight planning stages and with other related activities, by the Italian Air Force Test Flight Centre. The Remotely-Piloted Air System (RPAS), which combines endurance of over 24h with a max payload of 350kg, will now embark on a series of flight campaigns which will assess the aircraft's full range of capabilities including its integrated sensor system. These campaigns will also certify the Falco Xplorer against NATO's airworthiness STANAG 4671, dramatically expanding the territory over which it can operate.
The Falco Xplorer was first unveiled at last year's Paris Air Show. It has been designed to offer persistent, multi-sensor strategic surveillance to military and civil customers and can be procured as either an integrated system or as a fully-managed information-superiority service, flown and operated by Leonardo. With a maximum take-off weight of 1.3 tons and an operating ceiling above 24,000ft, the aircraft is an affordable and potent option for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).
Previous Falco variants have been chosen by the United Nations and Frontex, the European border and coastguard agency. The Falco Xplorer design draws on feedback from these and other Falco customers. It features a powerful sensor suite, which includes the Company's Gabbiano T-80 multi-mode surveillance radar, its SAGE electronic intelligence system, an automatic identification system for maritime missions and an Electro-Optical (EO) turret. An optional hyperspectral sensor will allow the Falco Xplorer to monitor pollution and agricultural development. The native satellite link capability allows for beyond-line-of-sight operations, while its open system architecture means that third-party sensors can be easily integrated. Not subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions and meeting the criteria for Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) class II, Falco Xplorer is readily exportable around the world.
The Falco Xplorer is designed by Leonardo, from the aircraft to its sensor suite, mission system and ground control station, making the company a 'one-stop-shop' for unmanned capabilities. Advantages of this approach include the ability to offer competitive pricing and the ability to draw on knowledge and experience from across the business to tailor a Falco Xplorer package to the precise needs of customers, whether in terms of technology or commercial arrangements.
Lockheed Martin Launches First Smart Satellite Enabling Space Mesh Networking
https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2020-01-16-Lockheed-Martin-Launches-First-Smart-Satellite-Enabling-Space-Mesh-Networking
Experimental nanosat payload developed in nine months tests new software-defined mission, on-board multi-core processing and orbital cloud communications
A new era of space-based computing is now being tested in-orbit that will enable artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud networking and advanced satellite communications in a robust new software-defined architecture. Recently, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) launched the Pony Express 1 mission as a hosted payload on Tyvak-0129, a next-generation Tyvak 6U spacecraft.
"Early on-orbit data show Pony Express 1 is performing its important pathfinding mission very well. Lockheed Martin's HiveStar™ technology on board will give our customers unparalleled speed, resiliency and flexibility for their changing mission needs by unlocking even greater processing power in space," said Rick Ambrose, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space. "This is the first of several rapid, self-funded experiments demonstrating our ability to systematically accelerate our customers' speed to mission while reducing risk from new technologies."
Pony Express 1, an example of rapid prototyping, was developed, built and integrated in nine months, and was funded completely by Lockheed Martin Research and Development funding. This orbital proving ground is validating payload hardware and software, and is packed with new technology that fits into a satellite the size of a shoebox. Some of the key technologies being flight-tested include:
HiveStar™ software validates advanced adaptive mesh communications between satellites, shared processing capabilities and can take advantage of sensors aboard other smart satellites to customize missions in new ways previously difficult to achieve in space.
A software-defined radio that allows for high-bandwidth hosting of multiple RF applications, store-and-forward RF collection, data compression, digital signal processing and waveform transmission.
3D-printed wideband antenna housing developed by Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technology Center.
Pony Express 1 is a dual-use payload that enables mesh networks in space through HiveStar™ and a second function that tests space to ground remote sensing. Future research missions this year, like Pony Express 2, will further advance cloud networking concepts among satellites, as well as validating Lockheed Martin's SmartSat™ software-defined satellite architecture which enables streamlined hosting of flexible mission apps. This mission consists of two 12U cubesats with faster, more capable ultra-scale processors that unlock in-orbit data analytics and artificial intelligence. Equipped with miniaturized cross-link and precision timing, Pony Express 2 is a trailblazer for autonomous teaming in space and true cloud networking.
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 Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc., a Terran Orbital corporation
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Irvine, California, Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc. is an industry leader, delivering optimized, end-to-end nano- and microsatellite solutions. Trusted by civil, defense and commercial organizations, the Company leverages expertise, low-cost operating infrastructure, and the limitless opportunities of satellite miniaturization to achieve timely and economical mission success. Through its global ground station network, Tyvak provides worldwide coverage for on-orbit operations around the clock. For more information, please visit https://www.tyvak.com/
U.S. Army and Air Force Team up for Multi-Domain Operations
https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2020-01-21-U-S-Army-and-Air-Force-Team-up-for-Multi-Domain-Operations
Two U.S. Air Force F-35s were integrated with the U.S. Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), providing an airborne sensor capability to successfully detect, track and intercept near simultaneous air-breathing threats in a test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The December 2019 test marked the first time F-35s were used as sensors during an IBCS live fire test against multiple airborne targets.
Linking F-35s to IBCS via the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) provided enhanced situational awareness and weapons-quality track data to engage airborne targets. The proof of concept demonstration used experimental equipment developed by Lockheed Martin, including the Harvest Lightning Ground Station and IBCS adaptation kit (A-Kit).
"The F-35's advanced sensors and connectivity enable it to gather, analyze and seamlessly share critical information with the joint fighting force to lead the multi-domain battlespace," said Greg Ulmer, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. "This test validated the F-35's capability to serve as an airborne sensor and extend the range of critical Integrated Air and Missile Defense interceptors."
"This test represents a major milestone for multi-domain operations by leveraging airborne assets to detect and track threats that can then be countered with ground-based effectors. This demonstrates a tremendous capability to defeat threats that are terrain masked or beyond ground-based sensor detection capabilities due to terrain and curvature of the earth," said Jay Pitman, vice president, Lower Tier Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
This test is the latest in a series of successful activities to demonstrate the F-35's role as the keystone of the joint force. Lockheed Martin is evolving technologies that connect, share and learn to create a holistic network that provides unprecedented situational awareness across the battlespace and enables Multi-Domain Operations.
For additional information, visit our https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/multi-domain-operations.html.
Two U.S. Air Force F-35s were integrated with the U.S. Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), providing an airborne sensor capability to successfully detect, track and intercept near simultaneous air-breathing threats in a test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The December 2019 test marked the first time F-35s were used as sensors during an IBCS live fire test against multiple airborne targets.
Linking F-35s to IBCS via the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) provided enhanced situational awareness and weapons-quality track data to engage airborne targets. The proof of concept demonstration used experimental equipment developed by Lockheed Martin, including the Harvest Lightning Ground Station and IBCS adaptation kit (A-Kit).
"The F-35's advanced sensors and connectivity enable it to gather, analyze and seamlessly share critical information with the joint fighting force to lead the multi-domain battlespace," said Greg Ulmer, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. "This test validated the F-35's capability to serve as an airborne sensor and extend the range of critical Integrated Air and Missile Defense interceptors."
"This test represents a major milestone for multi-domain operations by leveraging airborne assets to detect and track threats that can then be countered with ground-based effectors. This demonstrates a tremendous capability to defeat threats that are terrain masked or beyond ground-based sensor detection capabilities due to terrain and curvature of the earth," said Jay Pitman, vice president, Lower Tier Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
This test is the latest in a series of successful activities to demonstrate the F-35's role as the keystone of the joint force. Lockheed Martin is evolving technologies that connect, share and learn to create a holistic network that provides unprecedented situational awareness across the battlespace and enables Multi-Domain Operations.
For additional information, visit our https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/multi-domain-operations.html.