The Airbus C295 technology demonstrator of Clean Sky 2 makes its maiden flight | Airbus
Press release
Seville, 26 January 2022 – The Airbus C295 Flight Test Bed 2 (FTB2) has successfully performed its maiden flight from the Final Assembly Line in Seville. The aircraft now starts a flight campaign with the aim of testing the new semi-morphing wing, the new affordable flight control system, as well as a SatCom antenna embedded within the aircraft's fuselage.
"The first flight of the C295 FTB2 is a key milestone that represents an important step forward in the programme, following the successful integration of the new aero structures, power-on and ground tests. A few years ago this programme was just a dream of a more sustainable future for aviation. Today we are at the final stage and we finally made it fly" said Francisco Javier Sánchez Segura, Executive Vice President Engineering Airbus Defence and Space.
Based on the Airbus C295, the Flight Test Bed 2 is an in-flight demonstrator of the European Clean Sky 2 (CS2) and the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, where technologies related to CS2's future regional multimission aircraft are tested.
The modifications include new materials and technologies designed to achieve noise, CO2 and NOx emissions reduction. With these technologies applied in a future regional multimission configuration, up to 43% CO2 and 70% NOx reductions can be achieved in a typical Search and Rescue mission of 400 nautical miles, as well as 45% less noise during take-off.
The main modifications in the aircraft are a new high-efficiency semi-morphing wing, new dynamic winglets and a flat panel SATCOM antenna integrated within the top of the fuselage. In addition, innovative flight controls for primary control surfaces, including ailerons, flaps and flap tabs with improved aerodynamics, are capable of adjusting in-flight and contribute to a more efficient high lift system.
The new flight control system leverages digital control systems to optimise the aerodynamic shape of the wing in flight, while a new multifunctional flap has been completely redesigned and includes flap tabs in the trailing edge controlled by electro-mechanical actuators.
But the advantages also extend into the manufacturing process, not least with the use of advanced materials and manufacturing ranging from the use of Scalmalloy and additive manufacturing, to a new assembly method for the aero structures of the wing. A one shot assembly approach has been used for the new composite winglet and winglet tab, moving from the conventional ribs approach to a multi-spar integrated torsion box. Finally, jig-less methods have been used for the assembly of flaps and ailerons.
As a result, the C295 FTB2 brings improvements not only to the purely operational aspects of the aircraft, but helps introduce new improvement to the design and manufacturing process.
HD SPAIN / CESA S.A.U COORDINA EL PROYECTO EUROPEO NNEOS
nota de prensa
CESA coordina el proyecto europeo NNEOS (Nacelle cowl NExt generation Opening System) dentro del programa Clean Sky 2, para actividades de I+D en el campo de “Configuraciones Avanzadas de Motores y Aeronaves”. CESA desarrolla un innovador sistema de apertura del capó de la góndola basado en un accionamiento electromecánico que permitirá acceder por completo a los componentes del motor y la góndola y, como consecuencia, ayudará a mejorar drásticamente la mantenibilidad de todo el sistema.
El concepto NNEOS incluye tanto el accionamiento electromecánico (EMA) como su Unidad de Control Electrónico (ECU). El sistema en desarrollo será compacto, seguro, fiable y fácil de operar y podrá soportar las duras condiciones ambientales requeridas, como son las altas temperaturas durante el vuelo y las operaciones de mantenimiento.
Uno de los desafíos más importantes en el desarrollo del sistema NNEOS, son las restricciones de temperatura, tanto para el actuador electromecánico como para la unidad de control electrónico, pues se enfrentan a temperaturas de hasta 250ºC, sin degradación del rendimiento y la durabilidad del sistema.
Para minimizar la degradación del EMA se están desarrollando materiales de aislamiento especiales, aplicando soluciones de diseño de compensación térmica que permitan asegurar una lubricación y envolvente de trabajo adecuados entre los componentes que operan en un entorno tan extremo.
Para enfrentarse a este desafío, CESA y el Centro de Ingeniería de Energía Eléctrica de la Universidad de Canterbury (EPECentre) colaborarán para diseñar, desarrollar y probar un prototipo de motor sin escobillas. El motor resultante de esta colaboración se integrará en el sistema final junto con los demás componentes y subsistemas de alta temperatura. El EMA y la ECU se someterán a una validación final bajo condiciones de trabajo representativas.
La ECU contiene la electrónica capaz de leer la posición comandada y, como consecuencia, controlar el motor del EMA. Aunque la ubicación de ambas será diferente, a la ECU se le aplican también requisitos de temperatura de trabajo por encima de lo habitual. Además, se ha seleccionado una arquitectura sin sensores basada en un hardware simple y se ha desarrollado una secuencia automática de bloqueo/desbloqueo que permite minimizar la intervención humana en esta área crítica del actuador.
Por otro lado, el sistema de actuación NNEOS debe permitir el acceso del personal de mantenimiento para realizar procedimientos de inspección y reparación. Dado que los operadores tienen que trabajar debajo de la góndola, esta función se considera crítica para la seguridad, ya que un cierre involuntario de la góndola podría atrapar al operador debajo. Por lo tanto, las características de seguridad y fiabilidad son clave en este desarrollo.
Los principales desafíos que se están abordando son la fiabilidad de los componentes de alta temperatura, así como garantizar caminos de carga redundantes para eliminar cualquier punto de fallo crítico.
Cepsa e Iberia unen para desarrollar y producir biocombustibles sostenibles para la aviación (SAF)
- Las dos grandes compañías españolas se unen para desarrollar y producir biocombustibles sostenibles para la aviación (SAF) a gran escala, a partir de residuos, aceites usados reciclados u otras materias primas de origen vegetal sostenible (bios de 2ª generación
- El acuerdo, que también incluye a Iberia Express, contempla otras alternativas energéticas, como el hidrógeno renovable y la electricidad, para fomentar la movilidad sostenible en aeronaves y flotas terrestres (vehículos para el suministro, las operaciones de carga y descarga de equipajes, asistencia al avión y remolcado hasta la pista de despegue)
- Cepsa, uno de los líderes en el suministro de combustibles para la aviación del mercado en España, se convierte en un proveedor estratégico para el Grupo Iberia, que se asegura el acceso preferente a un combustible escaso (biojet), logrando así la aerolínea una ventaja competitiva tanto para clientes como para inversores (gracias a las mejores calificaciones en los índices de sostenibilidad)
- El Grupo Iberia está desarrollando su estrategia de sostenibilidad sobre tres pilares: operaciones más eficientes, una experiencia de viaje más sostenible para sus clientes y compromiso con la investigación y desarrollo de los combustibles sostenibles y otras tecnologías que contribuyan a la descarbonización del sector
Los presidentes de Iberia e Iberia Express y el consejero delegado de Cepsa han firmado hoy un acuerdo para avanzar en la descarbonización del sector aéreo, a través del desarrollo e investigación de combustibles de origen sostenible y otras alternativas energéticas como el hidrógeno renovable y la electricidad, para fomentar la movilidad sostenible de aviones y de la flota de vehículos que les prestan servicios en aeropuertos.
Para las tres compañías el desarrollo de los combustibles de origen sostenible (SAF) son una prioridad para continuar avanzando hacia una industria cada vez más baja en carbono y contribuir así a la consecución de la Agenda 2030. Este proyecto, que contempla la investigación y pruebas en vuelo con SAF, contribuye a los Objetivos para el Desarrollo Sostenible número 7 (Garantizar el acceso a una energía asequible, segura, sostenible y moderna), 8 (Promover el crecimiento económico inclusivo y sostenible, el empleo y el trabajo digno) y 13 (adoptar medidas urgentes para combatir el cambio climático y sus efectos).
Cepsa está trabajando en un ambicioso plan para dar un giro verde a todos sus negocios y convertirse en un referente de la transición energética en su sector. Además, la compañía cuenta con una amplia experiencia en este ámbito: lleva más de 10 años produciendo biocombustibles en sus centros industriales y desarrolla estudios pioneros a nivel mundial para convertir residuos y aceites usados en combustibles de origen renovable de alto valor energético.
Para Maarten Wetselaar, consejero delegado de Cepsa, “esta alianza muestra la apuesta de Cepsa por la sostenibilidad y la firme determinación de apoyar a nuestros clientes, dotándolos de soluciones viables que aceleren su transición energética. Como referente en el suministro de combustibles para el sector aéreo, compartimos con el Grupo Iberia el objetivo común de impulsar la descarbonización del transporte como herramienta de lucha contra el cambio climático”.
Como parte del Grupo IAG, Iberia e Iberia Express se han comprometido a lograr cero emisiones netas en 2050, y a operar un mínimo de un 10% de sus vuelos con combustibles de origen sostenible en 2030.
Para lograrlo, el Grupo Iberia está desarrollando su estrategia medioambiental sobre tres pilares: operaciones más eficientes −donde se incluyen todas las iniciativas de renovación de flota, reducción del consumo de combustible y electrificación de sus vehículos, entre otras−; una experiencia de viaje más sostenible para sus clientes −a través de la digitalización de servicios, la eliminación progresiva de plásticos a bordo, el desarrollo de su sistema de gestión de residuos y la compensación de la huella de carbono−; y su compromiso con la transición ecológica de la aviación, sobre todo, a través de su colaboración en la investigación y desarrollo de combustibles de origen sostenible.
“Para la descarbonización del sector aéreo es imprescindible el desarrollo, producción y distribución de los combustibles de origen sostenible a precios asequibles y en cantidad suficiente para abastecer a las aerolíneas. Confiamos en que este acuerdo con Cepsa contribuya a ese objetivo”, ha comentado Javier Sánchez-Prieto, presidente y CEO de Iberia.
Por su parte, Iberia Express, como aerolínea low cost de corto y medio radio dentro del Grupo Iberia, también apoyará desde su ámbito de actuación la transición hacia fuentes alternativas de propulsión de las aeronaves como parte de esta iniciativa. Para Carlos Gómez, CEO de Iberia Express, “es el momento de crear sinergias entre compañías que tenemos un mismo objetivo, poder desarrollar nuestra actividad y nuestras operaciones minimizando el impacto ecológico. Este acuerdo es un importante paso en este camino hacia un transporte aéreo más sostenible, en línea con nuestro compromiso conjunto con la descarbonización del sector”.
Combustibles sostenibles
Los biocombustibles para la aviación tienen un papel clave en la descarbonización del turismo y del transporte aéreo. En comparación con el combustible convencional, el SAF puede reducir las emisiones de la aviación hasta en un 80% respecto al queroseno convencional, durante todo su ciclo de vida, según la Asociación Internacional de Transporte Aéreo.
Además, aportan otros beneficios: impulsa la economía circular, aumenta la independencia energética (y, con ella, la seguridad de suministro), asegura el mantenimiento de un importante motor de la economía española (200.000 empleos de calidad) y puede utilizarse de manera inmediata sin necesidad de renovar la flota y aprovechando las infraestructuras de suministro actuales.
Para la consecución del objetivo de crecimiento cero de las emisiones de carbono, desde 2020, la Asociación del Transporte Aéreo Internacional (IATA) está impulsando el uso de biocombustibles sostenibles, entre otras iniciativas, por su significativa reducción de CO2.
Este acuerdo entre Cepsa y el Grupo Iberia está en línea con el conjunto de medidas Fit for 55 de la Comisión Europea, que incluye una iniciativa legislativa denominada ‘RefuelEU Aviation’, que pretende impulsar la oferta y demanda de biocombustibles de aviación en la Unión Europea, alcanzando un uso del 2% en 2025, del 5% en 2030 y del 63% en 2050.
James Webb Space Telescope reaches deep-space destination
Airbus’ deploys Beluga A300-600 ST fleet to serve industry’s outsized cargo transportation needs
Airbus has launched a new service to offer outsized freight transportation for customers worldwide. Key to bringing this to reality is the unique capability of its BelugaST ‘Super-Transporter’ aircraft, based on the A300-600 design. Today the five-strong aircraft fleet, which has hitherto been the backbone of Airbus’ inter-site transportation of large aircraft sections, is moving on from ‘in-house’ duties.
In their place Airbus is introducing six new-generation BelugaXLs – based on the larger A330-200 platform – to support Airbus’ ramp-up of its airliner production. For the BelugaSTs, this means that a new stage in their operational life can now begin in earnest – especially as the airframes still have plenty of available flight-hours remaining before reaching their original design service limits.
First mission: transporting an Airbus helicopter to Japan
The launch of the service took place during the last week of December 2021, when Beluga “No. 3” delivered a brand new helicopter from Airbus Helicopters’ manufacturing site in Marignane, France, halfway across the world to Kobe in Japan. Along the way, the Beluga stopped to refuel at various transit points – including Warsaw (in Poland), Novosibirsk (in Russia) and Seoul (in Korea). Notably, the whole helicopter could be accommodated inside the Beluga without any prior disassembly -- only needing its long rotor blades to be folded back.
New service dedicated for “outsized freight” customers
Over the years the Beluga fleet has occasionally been called upon over the years to transport outsized cargo (such as industrial machinery, complete space satellites etc.) ie. unrelated to its normal day-to-day job of transporting Airbus aircraft sections. With the new service, these five Belugas will be dedicated solely to transporting such cargo for commercially contracted customers. Typical industry sectors which would be served include: engine manufacturers; space industries; helicopter manufacturers; oil & gas and energy providers; machinery manufacturers; land vehicles and other military equipment; humanitarian supply distributors etc., to name a few.
Largest cross-section to open new markets
The Beluga benefits all possible market applications, since it possesses the world's largest interior cross-section of any transport aircraft, accommodating outsized cargo of up to 7.1m in width by 6.7m in height.
Phillippe Sabo, Head of ATI Air Oversize Transport at Airbus, notes: “The Beluga’s wider cross section will open up new markets and new logistical possibilities – which would not be feasible with other current airborne transport means. For example, customers could consider in their future manufacturing process to make larger parts to be transported whole without prior disassembly.” He adds: In the case of transporting helicopters, not having to dismantle them first really is a plus.”
Clement Beaunis, Project Leader of Airbus Beluga Transport, says: “The large dimensions accommodated are also attractive for satellite manufacturers for example, as they would like to design bigger ones in the future. In contrast, today they are constrained in size by the available transport means. The Beluga will relieve that constraint.”
Another ‘use-case’ is if an airline is facing an AOG situation due to an on-wing engine issue. Sabo explains: “The Beluga can bring a full engine-change kit directly to the airport allowing the AOG team to change the engine in a few hours. This is possible because the Beluga can transport the engine and inlet in a fully dressed configuration. Whereas with other air transport means the engine would first need to be partially dismantled, and would subsequently need around two days to reassemble and re-test.”
Dedicated airline to be created for worldwide operations
For the initial Beluga missions -- such as this first one to Japan -- Airbus’ in-house ‘airline’ Air Transport International (ATI) is using its own aircrew. However, in the near future, once Airbus has commissioned all six new BelugaXLs, the fully released BelugaST fleet will be handed over to a newly created dedicated subsidiary airline with its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and staff.
Sabo points out: “Whereas the ATI structure is inherently focused around the European network of Airbus’ plants, the new airline which we will create will be flexible and agile to address the needs of external markets. Moreover, it will have a worldwide scope and we will be organised for that around the globe.”
In addition, to better meet the demands of a truly international operation, the Belugas will be upgraded with a new generation Flight Management System (FMS) with ADS-B for enhanced intercontinental navigational capabilities.
New loading innovations for quick reactivity and short turnaround
To maximise the BelugaST’s reactivity and short turnaround capability required by its targeted international customer base, new loading techniques and equipment are being developed for the operation. To this end, an automated on-board cargo loader (OBCL) will enable missions from/to airports which do not have available any suitable loading/unloading platform, and for payloads weighing up to 20t. This OBCL – available from 2022 – will be transportable inside the aircraft (stored in front of the internal payload hold area) and be able to load and unload the payload autonomously.
For the initial Beluga missions -- such as this first one to Japan -- Airbus’ in-house ‘airline’ Air Transport International (ATI) is using its own aircrew. However, in the near future, once Airbus has commissioned all six new BelugaXLs, the fully released BelugaST fleet will be handed over to a newly created dedicated subsidiary airline with its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and staff.
Sabo points out: “Whereas the ATI structure is inherently focused around the European network of Airbus’ plants, the new airline which we will create will be flexible and agile to address the needs of external markets. Moreover, it will have a worldwide scope and we will be organised for that around the globe.”
In addition, to better meet the demands of a truly international operation, the Belugas will be upgraded with a new generation Flight Management System (FMS) with ADS-B for enhanced intercontinental navigational capabilities.
To complement the OBCL, and for the heaviest and longest cargo, a new redesigned transportable Outboard Platform (OP) is also under development. These OPs (at least six to start with) will be strategically pre-positioned at various airports around the world and be easily transportable prior to a mission at short notice.
The third loading innovation is the new Multi-Purpose-Pallet (MPP) recently developed and produced by Airbus at its sites in St Eloi and Nantes. Compatible with a range of payloads, the MPP, when it is already carrying the cargo, is raised by around five metres above the apron level and loaded through the Beluga’s nose opening using either the OBCL or OB described above. The MPP’s underside subsequently interfaces securely to the Beluga’s load-bearing floor attachment points. Notably, this inaugural mission to Kobe is another ‘first’ in that it marks the very first time that the MPP has been used for an operational mission -- following its recently-completed successful development-testing stage.
Read more...
Civil Aviation Authority issues AirCar the Certificate of Airworthiness
press release
AirCar the dual-mode car-aircraft vehicle has been issued the official Certificate of Airworthiness by the Slovak Transport Authority, following the successful completion of 70 hours of rigorous flight testing compatible with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, with over 200 takeoffs and landings.
The challenging flight tests included the full range of flight and performance maneuvers and demonstrated an astonishing static and dynamic stability in the aircraft mode. The takeoff and landing procedures were achieved even without the pilot's need to touch the flight controls.
It took a team of 8 highly skilled specialists and over 100,000 manhours to convert design drawings into mathematical models with CFD analysis calculations, wind tunnel testing, 1:1 design prototype powered by electric 15KW engine to 1000kg 2-seat dual-mode prototype powered by 1.6L BMW engine that achieved the crucial certification milestone.
"AirCar certification opens the door for mass production of very efficient flying cars. It is official and the final confirmation of our ability to change mid-distance travel forever," said Professor Stefan Klein, the inventor, leader of the development team and the test pilot. "50 years ago, the car was the epitome of freedom," says Anton Zajac, the project cofounder. "AirCar expands those frontiers, by taking us into the next dimension; where road meets sky."
"Professor Stefan Klein is the world leader in the development of user-friendly Flying Cars. His latest (fifth) version is the pinnacle achievement in the new category of flying cars!" said Dr. Branko Sarh, Boeing Co. Senior Technical Fellow. "The automated transition from road vehicle into an air vehicle and vice versa, deploying/retracting wings and tail is not only the result of pioneering enthusiasm, innovative spirit and courage; it is an outcome of excellent engineering and professional knowledge," he noted after AirCar's first intercity flight last year.
"Transportation Authority carefully monitored all stages of unique AirCar development from its start in 2017. The transportation safety is our highest priority. AirCar combines top innovations with safety measures in line with EASA standards. It defines a new category of a sports car and a reliable aircraft. Its certification was both a challenging and fascinating task," said René Molnár, the director of the Civil Aviation Division (Transport Authority of Slovakia).
Klein Vision has already completed tests of a new powerful, lightweight, and efficient ADEPT Airmotive aviation engine and finalized drawings and technical calculations for the upcoming monocoque model with variable pitch propeller expected to reach speeds over 300km/h and range of 1,000km. "ADEPT Airmotive is proud to have our ecologically compliant engines selected to power this exciting and innovative project," said Richard Schulz – Founder, ADEPT Airmotive. "Klein Vision's AirCar is an engineering marvel, and we look forward our long-term cooperation!", added Raymond Bakker, the ADEPT Technical Director. The new production model is expected to be certified in 12 months.
Silent Eagle: Boeing’s plan to make the F-15 a 'stealth' fighter
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