jueves, 6 de febrero de 2020

Continúan las pruebas del kit de reabastecimiento en vuelo del C-295

nota de prensa

El Ala 35, con base en Getafe (Madrid), y la empresa Airbus han trabajado juntos durante las últimas semanas para continuar con las pruebas de la versión de reabastecimiento en vuelo del avión de transporte militar C-295, que está desarrollando esta empresa aeronáutica.

Para ello se han realizado varios vuelos de ensayos a distintas velocidades poniendo a prueba el nuevo equipamiento y sus diferentes configuraciones según las velocidades a las que se desarrolla la maniobra.

Tras estos vuelos se han podido sacar conclusiones muy útiles para que el equipo de ingenieros de Airbus pueda seguir desarrollando el sistema. Hay que destacar que ha sido la primera vez que se hacen contactos con trasvase de combustible real de un avión a otro utilizando el nuevo equipamiento.

El grado de dificultad en los vuelos de ensayo siempre es alto, puesto que se trata de realizar maniobras que nadie antes ha volado. Cabe destacar que debido al comportamiento del avión, la operación ha sido bastante buena y sencilla, siempre dentro de los límites de dificultad inherentes a un vuelo de ensayo.

The Spanish Air Force Buys PC-21 Training System Including 24 Aircraft

press release

The Spanish Air Force, Ejército del Aire, is the third European air force to opt for the Swiss-produced PC-21, the Next Generation Trainer. Pilatus has committed to delivering a total of 24 PC-21s to Spain. The single-engine turboprop trainer aircraft will replace the Casa C-101 jet trainers used since 1980.

The Ministry of Defence was looking for a new, highly efficient training platform to provide advanced training for Spain's future military pilots tasked with protecting future generations. After a long and extremely professional evaluation, Pilatus beat several prestigious competitors to win the tender with the PC-21. The contract, which is worth over 200 million euros, was signed yesterday evening with the Spanish Dirección General de Armamento y Material (DGAM). Comprising an integrated training system, the order includes simulators developed and produced by Pilatus, spare parts and logistics support in addition to the PC-21 aircraft.

Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of Pilatus, is enthusiastic about this major order from Spain: "As a small Swiss aircraft manufacturer I'm delighted at our repeated success in winning through over large, international competitors. This result is proof that, with our PC-21, we can deliver the very best training system in the world."

Pilot training starts in 2021

The PC-21 will provide Spain with the most advanced training system currently on offer, and will also deliver a cost-effective, ecologically viable training platform. Experience with existing PC-21 customers has shown that the cost of training for a military pilot can be reduced by over 50 percent with the PC-21. These single-engine turboprop aircraft require much less fuel than any comparable jet trainer.

Oscar J. Schwenk commented further: "I'm delighted to see us win a new air force to add to our existing customer portfolio. We shall provide Ejército del Aire with the first-class customer service they are entitled to expect from Pilatus. Bienvenidos a Pilatus y muchas gracias por elegir el PC-21 – viva España!"

About the PC-21 success model

For years, people believed that single-engine turboprops would never replace jet trainers. But with defence budgets coming under increasing pressure, air forces are looking for new ways of managing and maintaining their complex systems in mission-ready condition. Seeking to support this change, Pilatus developed performance-related services specifically tailored to the PC-21 Training System. The goal is to ensure an affordable product to match the performance criteria defined by air force customers. That is achieved by providing a highly sophisticated and integrated service package in line with current air force requirements.

Prestigious air forces around the world have chosen the cost-effective, highly efficient training platform created by Pilatus. They are the proof that the PC-21 is the training system of the future. Since 2006, with the order for Spain, Pilatus has already sold 235 PC-21s to nine air forces – including Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, France and Australia.

AI, drones and sustainability in commercial aviation? We’ve done the talking, 2020 is a time for action

  1. Adopt AI and ML - it will transform predictive maintenance strategies
  2. Stay alert to drone technology - it will soon be a part of daily MRO
  3. Sustainability targets must now be considered a priority
continue reading

A bioinspired Separated Flow wing provides turbulence resilience and aerodynamic efficiency for miniature drones

Abstract

Small-scale drones have enough sensing and computing power to find use across a growing number of applications. However, flying in the low–Reynolds number regime remains challenging. High sensitivity to atmospheric turbulence compromises vehicle stability and control, and low aerodynamic efficiency limits flight duration. Conventional wing designs have thus far failed to address these two deficiencies simultaneously. Here, we draw inspiration from nature's small flyers to design a wing with lift generation robust to gusts and freestream turbulence without sacrificing aerodynamic efficiency. This performance is achieved by forcing flow separation at the airfoil leading edge. Water and wind tunnel measurements are used to demonstrate the working principle and aerodynamic performance of the wing, showing a substantial reduction in the sensitivity of lift force production to freestream turbulence, as compared with the performance of an Eppler E423 low–Reynolds number wing. The minimum cruise power of a custom-built 104-gram fixed-wing drone equipped with the Separated Flow wing was measured in the wind tunnel indicating an upper limit for the flight time of 170 minutes, which is about four times higher than comparable existing fixed-wing drones. In addition, we present scaling guidelines and outline future design and manufacturing challenges.

Continue Reading:




Airlander (hybrid air vehicle half blimp half aircraft) will be hybrid-electric

press release

HAV announces Airlander 10 hybrid-electric engine option


Facing today's simultaneous challenges of connecting more and emitting less, Hybrid Air Vehicles remains committed to our vision: to be the future of zero-carbon aviation.

The technology at the heart of the Airlander 10 creates significant efficiency in flight. In the base configuration of the aircraft, which has four combustion engines, Airlander 10 will deliver up to 75% reduction in emissions over comparable aircraft in a wide range of roles. No other aircraft is able to deliver Airlander 10's capability while simultaneously reducing emissions by this degree. We remain, however, committed to delivering the most efficient aircraft for all of our customers' needs.

To that end, we are currently developing electric engines with the goal to deliver a hybrid-electric Airlander 10 within five years. This will provide a 90% reduction on emissions over other aircraft in mobility and logistics applications while offering operational flexibility in service. For example, this aircraft will be able to transport up to 90 passengers over a maximum all-electric range of 350km. The hybrid-electric mode significantly extends this range.

Having flown a prototype Airlander that had emissions up to 75% lower than other large aircraft, we set out our vision for Airlander to be the future of zero-carbon aviation. Today, it is no longer necessary to explain to people why decarbonizing aviation is important. We believe that our ability to offer our customers ultra-low emissions aircraft in standard and hybrid-electric configurations by 2025 is a very strong statement of our commitment and a major step to achieving this goal.

Tom Grundy CEO

During all-electric operation, Airlander 10 will cruise at 50 knots, with the ability to cruise at up to 70 knots in hybrid-electric mode. On an example route such as Liverpool to Newcastle (approximately 200km), 90 passengers could travel point to point in two hours with 90% lower emissions than other aircraft, while also enjoying a quiet, comfortable cabin.

With work in progress to develop electric motors through our E-HAV1 programme and assessment underway for control systems and power storage solutions, our technology and engineering team is ready to deliver a hybrid-electric configuration for Airlander 10 within the next five years.

Mike Durham Technical Director



related:
The Airlander 10 production design features numerous changes improving efficiency, reducing drag, maximising functionality, and providing improved maintainability.

https://www.hybridairvehicles.com/news-and-media/overview/insights/a-closer-look-at-the-updated-airlander-10-design/

De Havilland Canada Team on the Way to Singapore Airshow 2020

De Havilland Canada Team on the Way to Singapore Airshow 2020 to Showcase Product and Service Offerings for Customers in the Asia-Pacific Region

Will host media briefings at.12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11 and 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12

Toronto, February 4, 2020 – De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is ready to reaffirm its commitment to customers in the Asia-Pacific region during the upcoming Singapore Airshow. A Dash 8-400 aircraft, which is one of two recently delivered to leasing company TrueNoord, will be a feature of the airshow's static display. The aircraft is configured with 86 seats and will be operated by PAL Express, an airline under the banner of Philippine Airlines, the flag carrier of the Philippines.

The exhibited aircraft, along with a demonstration of Expliseat's ultra-light TiSeat E2 in De Havilland Canada's Chalet, will re-inforce the availability of "extra capacity" options for the Dash 8-400 aircraft that are suitable for the Asia-Pacific region. Depending on aircraft configuration, the TiSeat E2 reduces in-flight weight by 300 to 1,000 lbs. and offers up to 1 per cent in fuel savings, while preserving passenger comfort.

De Havilland Canada will host media briefings on Tuesday, February 11 at 12 p.m. and Wednesday, February 12 at 11 a.m. (local time) in the Changi Exhibition Centre - Media Center Room 3.

"We are excited to be participating in our first Singapore Airshow as De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, and to be showcasing a Dash 8-400 aircraft owned by TrueNoord and operated by PAL Express," said Todd Young, Chief Operating Officer, De Havilland Canada. "Our teams will be available to demonstrate how the Dash 8-400 aircraft's unmatched performance and operational flexibility offer our customers the versatility of turboprop economics with jet-like performance."

The Dash 8-400 aircraft can be adapted to meet many business models. With industry-leading passenger amenities, operating costs and environmental footprint, the Dash 8-400 aircraft is the pinnacle of the modern turboprop. The aircraft's low fuel consumption and low maintenance costs, in combination with its productivity and performance attributes, make it an ideal aircraft for a wide diversity of airlines around the globe.

De Havilland Canada will be located in Chalet CD19 during the Airshow which runs from February 11-16, 2020.

About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited

With its acquisition of the Dash 8 aircraft program, Longview Aviation Capital has proudly relaunched De Havilland Canada, one of Canada's most iconic brands. De Havilland Canada's portfolio includes support to the worldwide fleet of Dash 8-100/200/300/400 aircraft, as well as production and sales of the Dash 8-400 aircraft. With its low carbon footprint and operating costs, industry-leading passenger experience and jet-like performance, the Dash 8-400 aircraft, which seats up to 90 passengers, is the environmentally responsible choice for operators seeking optimal performance on regional routes. https://dehavilland.com

Photos and images relating to De Havilland Canada's participation in the Singapore Airshow will be available at https://dehavilland.com

De Havilland, Dash 8, Dash 8-100/200/300 and Dash 8-400 are trademarks of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited.