Phoenix, a blimp-aircraft hybrid, has first test flight
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/amp/phoenix-aircraft-test-flight-scli-gbr-intl/index.html
https://youtu.be/nHIOvld_I_g
press release:
A group of UK experts has successfully flown the first ever large-scale aircraft powered by variable-buoyancy propulsion. The Phoenix is designed to repeatedly transition from being lighter than air to being heavier than air so thrust is generated to propel the craft forward.
Variable-buoyancy propulsion is used in underwater remotely operated vehicles, but has never before been harnessed for large aircraft. The system means the uninhabited vehicle is self-sufficient in energy so could, in theory, be operational for an unlimited period of time, an innovation which could revolutionise the telecommunications industry.
The team behind the ultra-long endurance autonomous aircraft includes representatives from academia and industry. Andrew Rae, Professor of Engineering at the University of the Highlands and Islands Perth College UHI Campus, led the design of the aeroplane.
He explains: “The Phoenix spends half its time as a heavier-than-air aeroplane, the other as a lighter-than-air balloon. The repeated transition between these states provides the sole source of propulsion.
“The vehicle’s fuselage contains helium to allow it to ascend and also contains an air bag which inhales and compresses air to enable the craft to descend. This motion propels the aeroplane forwards and is assisted by the release of the compressed air through a rear vent.
“This system allows the Phoenix to be completely self-sufficient. The energy needed to power its pumps and valves is provided by a battery which is charged by lightweight flexible solar cells on its wings and tail.
“Vehicles based on this technology could be used as pseudo satellites and would provide a much cheaper option for telecommunication activities. Current equivalent aeroplanes are very complex and very expensive. By contrast, Phoenix is almost expendable and so provides a user with previously unavailable options.”
The prototype aeroplane, which is 15 metres long and has a wingspan of 10.5 metres, was flown successfully and repeatedly over a distance of 120 metres during indoor trials at the Drystack facility in Portsmouth in March. The test flight was the culmination of a three-year project to prove the viability of a variable-buoyancy powered aircraft.
The Phoenix team are now exploring collaborations with major manufacturers to take the technology to the next phase of development. The project has been part-funded by Innovate-UK, the UK’s Innovation Agency, through the Aerospace Technology Institute.
The University of the Highlands and Islands offers a range of aircraft engineering programmes and pursues research activities across the aerospace sector and in motorsport. The Perth College UHI Dunne Aeronautical Laboratory gives students access to state-of-the-art learning and research facilities in aerodynamics, propulsion and flight. These include a large flight simulator, gas-turbine rig and wind tunnels.
more info
https://phoenixuas.co.uk/ Read more...
[video] A New Gargantuan Drone Is Ready To Beam Internet From the Sky
Apr. 25, 2019 Release
SoftBank Corp.
SoftBank Corp. Develops Aircraft That Delivers Telecommunications Connectivity from the Stratosphere New business to be launched through HAPSMobile Inc.
SoftBank Corp. (“SoftBank”) today announced the launch of a High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) business through HAPSMobile Inc. (“HAPSMobile”), a joint venture between SoftBank and US-based company AeroVironment, Inc. With the aim of constructing a HAPS system that delivers telecommunications network connectivity from the sky for a global business, HAPSMobile developed “HAWK30,” an unmanned aircraft for stratospheric telecommunications platform system that flies at altitudes of approximately 20 kilometers.
HAPS refers to systems where unmanned objects such as aircraft flying in the stratosphere can be operated like telecommunication base stations to deliver connectivity across wide areas. By utilizing HAPS, SoftBank will be able to build stable Internet connection environments at locations unserved by telecommunication networks, such as mountainous terrain, remote islands and developing countries. Furthermore, by efficiently interconnecting with current telecommunication networks, SoftBank will be able to realize wide-area connectivity that spans both the sky and the ground to enable drone utilization, as well as contribute to the adoption of IoT and 5G. Since HAPS can provide stable telecommunications networks without being affected by situations on the ground, the technology is also expected to help assist rescue and recovery efforts during times of disasters.
“HAWK30”, the unmanned aircraft for stratospheric telecommunications
platform developed by HAPSMobile, measures approximately 78 meters long.
Powered by solar panels on its wings that house 10 propellers, “HAWK30”
can fly at speeds of approximately 110 kilometers per hour on average.
Since “HAWK30” flies at high altitudes above the clouds, its solar
panels are continually powered by sunlight. “HAWK30” can also be flown
for long periods that range up to a number of months since it takes
advantage of the stratosphere's climate, which sees winds that are
relatively gentle year-round.
he telecommunications network to be
delivered to the ground by “HAWK30” is expected to use a system that
does not interfere with the networks of terrestrial base stations.
Furthermore, smooth handovers between networks provided by terrestrial
base stations and by “HAWK30” will also be possible. As a result,
communication disruption will not occur even when a person using a
smartphone moves from a base station covered area to a “HAWK30” covered
area.
With a view to providing sky-based
telecommunications networks that utilize HAPS globally, HAPSMobile will
conduct research and development and flight tests while coordinating
with the relevant authorities in various countries and giving
consideration to business-related regulations. HAPSMobile is targeting
2023 for “HAWK30” mass production and service launch.
The HAPS business is being positioned as
an initiative for SoftBank's “Beyond Japan” strategy that takes insights
from successful businesses from Japan to the global stage. By providing
innovative services and deploying global businesses, SoftBank aims to
maximize corporate value.
More info:
https://www.hapsmobile.com/en/
Alphabet’s Loon and SoftBank’s HAPSMobile Form Strategic Relationship to Advance High Altitude Network Connectivity
Press releases:
Read more...
- Apr. 25, 2019
Release
SoftBank Corp.
Alphabet's Loon and SoftBank's HAPSMobile form strategic relationship to advance high altitude network connectivity HAPSMobile to Invest $125 Million in Loon
SoftBank Corp.'s HAPSMobile and Alphabet's Loon have formed a long-term strategic relationship to advance the use of high altitude vehicles, such as balloons and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), to bring connectivity to more people, places, and things worldwide. As part of the new relationship and HAPSMobile's financial and investment strategy, HAPSMobile has made a decision to invest $125 million USD in Loon. Loon has obtained the right to invest the same amount in HAPSMobile in the future. Furthermore, to strengthen the relationship, the companies are actively exploring commercial collaborations to accelerate the deployment of high altitude network connectivity solutions, with a focus on expanding mobile internet penetration, enabling internet of things (IoT) applications, and assisting in the deployment of 5G.Specifically, the companies have entered into formal negotiations on a number of areas of potential technical and commercial collaboration, including:- A wholesale business that would allow HAPSMobile to utilize Loon's fully-functioning vehicle and technology. Likewise, Loon would be able to utilize HAPSMobile's aircraft, which is currently in development, upon its completion.
- A jointly developed communications payload that is adaptable to multiple flight vehicles and various ITU compliant frequency bands.
- A common gateway or ground station that could be deployed globally and utilized by both Loon and HAPSMobile to provide connectivity over their respective platforms.
- Adapting and optimizing Loon's fleet management system and temporospatial SDN for use by HAPSMobile.
- Creating an alliance to promote the use of high altitude communications solution with regulators and officials worldwide.
- Enabling flight vehicles from each party to connect and share the same network connectivity in the air.
With the deployment of such technology, people will be reachable in areas where connectivity is lacking; such as mountainous terrain, remote islands, and developing countries.
Each company brings important and complementary strengths to the table. HAPSMobile, SoftBank's subsidiary, is a joint venture with AeroVironment, Inc. HAPSMobile has completed its development of HAWK 30, its aircraft-type stratospheric telecommunications platform. SoftBank is one of Japan's telecommunication carriers and has significant experience in network planning, operations, and bringing connectivity solutions to the market.
Loon brings technical leadership through an existing, fully-functioning high altitude vehicle and communications system that has already flown over 30 million kilometers and connected hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. In addition, Loon has nearly a decade of experience developing, launching, flying, and managing a high altitude platform.
High altitude network connectivity platforms operate in the stratosphere, which is above ground infrastructure, but below satellites, allowing fornear ubiquitous coverage that avoids ground clutter and significant latency issues. These advantages make such vehicles a promising solution for expanding mobile coverage to those who need it as well as IoT and 5G use-cases. HAPSMobile and Loon, cooperating with strengths and technology from each party, seek to provide next generation global connectivity and revolutionize the world's mobile networks.
Junichi Miyakawa, Representative Director & CTO of SoftBank Corp., also President & CEO of HAPSMobile Inc. said, “Building a telecommunications network in the stratosphere, which has not been utilized by humankind so far, is uncharted territory and a major challenge for SoftBank. Working with Alphabet's subsidiary Loon, I'm confident we can accelerate the path toward the realization of utilizing the stratosphere for global networks by pooling our technologies, insights and experience. Even in this current era of coming 5G services, we cannot ignore the reality that roughly half of the world's population is without Internet access. Through HAPS, we aim to eliminate the digital divide and provide people around the world with the innovative network services that they need.”
Loon CEO Alastair Westgarth said, “We see joining forces as an opportunity to develop an entire industry, one which holds the promise to bring connectivity to parts of the world no one thought possible. This is the beginning of a long-term relationship based on a shared vision for expanding connectivity to those who need it. We look forward to what the future holds.”
Astro Teller, Captain of Moonshots at X said, “From the very beginning, Loon's mission has been to connect the unconnected. While at X the team made incredible technical progress. We're delighted to now be cheering them on as they collaborate with SoftBank's HAPSMobile to bring the benefits of connectivity to more people around the world.”
What SpaceX's latest failure means for the rest of American spaceflight
miércoles, 24 de abril de 2019
The Crew Dragon's engine test anomaly this past weekend will have dramatic consequences over the next year, and beyond. The problem with failing in spaceflight is that your failures are extremely loud and incredibly public. Once again, SpaceX is at the forefront of the public eye, after a failed ...
http://flip.it/fUdo3B
Read more...
http://flip.it/fUdo3B
Controlling instabilities gives closer look at chemistry from hypersonic vehicles [feedly]
Controlling instabilities gives closer look at chemistry from hypersonic vehicles
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Controlling_instabilities_gives_closer_look_at_chemistry_from_hypersonic_vehicles_999.html
-- via my feedly newsfeed
Drop test proves technologies for Spanish reusable microlauncher [feedly]
Drop test proves technologies for reusable microlauncher
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Drop_test_proves_technologies_for_reusable_microlauncher_999.html
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http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Drop_test_proves_technologies_for_reusable_microlauncher_999.html
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Sky Power unveils new combustion engines for drones [feedly]
Sky Power unveils new combustion engines for drones
http://uasmagazine.com/articles/2019/sky-power-unveils-new-combustion-engines-for-drones
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http://uasmagazine.com/articles/2019/sky-power-unveils-new-combustion-engines-for-drones
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Will Dash 8 hybrid-electric X-plane hit the spot for green aviation? [feedly]
Will Dash 8 hybrid-electric X-plane hit the spot for green aviation?
https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2019/04/23/will-dash-8-hybrid-electric-x-plane-hit-the-spot-for-green-aviation/
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https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2019/04/23/will-dash-8-hybrid-electric-x-plane-hit-the-spot-for-green-aviation/
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Zipline launches the worlds largest medical drone delivery network in Ghana
Air Force Seeks 10-20% Maintenance Savings From Innovation
Two additive repair centers have already been established to focus on parts maintenance.
-- via my feedly newsfeed
Cabin Inspection Software Adding Functionality for New Components and Aircraft Types [feedly]
Cabin Inspection Software Adding Functionality for New Components and Aircraft Types
https://www.mro-network.com/maintenance-repair-overhaul/cabin-inspection-software-adding-functionality-new-components-and
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https://www.mro-network.com/maintenance-repair-overhaul/cabin-inspection-software-adding-functionality-new-components-and
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Van Horn Assures Blades Safe Following Fatal Crash
Van Horn Assures Blades Safe Following Fatal Crash
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2019-04-22/van-horn-assures-blades-safe-following-fatal-crash
Read more...
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2019-04-22/van-horn-assures-blades-safe-following-fatal-crash
What Elon said: Tesla CEO goes big on promises at Autonomy Day event
What Elon said: Tesla CEO goes big on promises at Autonomy Day event
https://newatlas.com/tesla-autonomy-day-elon-musk-quotes/59413/
Read more...
https://newatlas.com/tesla-autonomy-day-elon-musk-quotes/59413/
Restored Northrop N-9M Reported Down, Destroyed, in CA Accident [feedly]
Restored Northrop N-9M Reported Down, Destroyed, in CA Accident
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=980a936b-f361-4ea4-9f34-21a17783c18a
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http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=980a936b-f361-4ea4-9f34-21a17783c18a
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New matchbox-sized radar in its way into impaired people, or unmanned moving devices to detect objects in real time.
Radar provides detailed information about the size, distance and speed of moving objects. However, for close-range applications, the transmitted radio waves must have short wavelengths to pick up as much detail as possible about its immediate environment. Such sensors could help visually impaired people, and unmanned moving devices, to see by translating radar reflections into useful information.
“Current radar modules are large and bulky. They also lose out on key details because they operate using long radio wavelengths,” says Seifallah Jardak , who worked on the project under the supervision of Sajid Ahmed and Mohamed-Slim Alouini from KAUST and along with Tero Kiuru and Mikko Metso from VTT. “We wanted to develop a low-power, portable radar. Colleagues at VTT brought the necessary experience in millimeter-wave and hardware design, while I focused on the signal processing side and developed modular radar software,” explains Jardak.
Continue reading https://discovery.kaust.edu.sa/en/article/791/tiny,-fast,-accurate-technology-on-the-radar
Paper: https://repository.kaust.edu.sa/handle/10754/631876
video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/307220053
Lockheed Martin Inaugurates F-16 Production Line in Greenville, South Carolina
press release
GREENVILLE, S.C., April 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) hosted a ceremony to celebrate its new F-16 production line in Greenville, South Carolina. F-16 tooling and equipment previously in Fort Worth, Texas, has since been installed in a newly-refurbished hangar in Greenville, where the company will begin manufacturing F-16 Block 70 aircraft later this year.
"This is an exciting time as we celebrate another important milestone for the F-16 ‒ the world's most successful, combat-proven 4th generation fighter," said Michele Evans, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "The future is bright, and it begins right here in Greenville, South Carolina ‒ the new home of F-16 production."
Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70
Demand continues to soar for new production F-16s and F-16V upgrades. Bahrain became the first F-16 Block 70 customer in June 2018, Slovakia signed Letter of Agreement in Dec. 2018 for 14 Block 70 aircraft, and Bulgaria and the U.S. Government are currently negotiating Bulgaria's planned acquisition of new F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The U.S. State Department also recently approved the proposed sale of 25 new production F-16 Block 72 aircraft and F-16V upgrades for Morocco.
"This is a great day for Greenville and South Carolina," said U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. "We have the best workforce in the country and now we are going to build the most advanced F-16 ever right here in the Palmetto State."
"South Carolina's workforce is second to none, and the fact that Lockheed Martin continues to invest and put its faith in South Carolinians to build the newest F-16s in Greenville speaks volumes about our state and the company," said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. "Every person who calls South Carolina home should be proud that the F-16 is made right here in the Palmetto state."
More than 400 new jobs will be created to support the F-16 production line in Greenville. F-16 production also supports hundreds of U.S.-based Lockheed Martin engineering, procurement, sustainment and customer support jobs and thousands of U.S. supplier jobs. A significant portion of F-16 production occurs in the supply chain, which currently includes more than 400 U.S. suppliers in 41 states.
To date, 4,588 F-16s have been produced, and there are approximately 3,000 operational F-16s are in service today in 25 countries.
For additional information, visit: lockheedmartin.com/f16
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.
SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Read more...
Airbus and ZF to develop highly precise end-to-end autonomous driving solution
press release
Airbus Defence and Space and ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a system provider for mobility, are collaborating to enrich and complement ZF on-board system to enhance autonomous driving by using Airbus satellite derived information.
Under this collaboration, Airbus and ZF are combining their capabilities and expertise to offer a reliable end-to-end solution for self-driving and self-positioning vehicles. To answer the extreme level of accuracy required, Airbus provides its unique high precise Ground Control Points (GCPs), calculated using radar satellite imagery, to support the fusion of ZF sensor data such as Lidar and Radar. In addition, the GCPs serve as independent data source to improve and validate the accuracy of mobile mapping data.
Furthermore Airbus investigates generation of High Definition maps (HD maps) based on aerial and space borne approach, to complement ZF semantic cards. HD Maps are key to ensure the guiding route, as they build an important link between mobile mapping data and global positioning systems. They contain more information than just the road itself, as lanes, the radius of curves, lane widths, street signs, bridges, and buildings, as well as their distance from one another. Both remote sensed information GCPs and HD maps will be integrated as foundation layers into the “ZF AD Environment” – an enhanced HD maps solution ZF will present soon – where all needed information for autonomous driving will be implemented in a cloud based system.
Autonomous driving is a new, enthusing and challenging market for Airbus, as the highest level of autonomy requires the highest maps precision.
* * *
About Airbus
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018 it generated revenues of € 64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.
About ZF Friedrichshafen AG
ZF is a global technology company and supplies systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, enabling the next generation of mobility. With its comprehensive technology portfolio, the company offers integrated solutions for established vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF continually enhances its systems in the areas of digital connectivity and automation in order to allow vehicles to see, think and act. In 2018, ZF achieved sales of €36.9 billion. The company has a global workforce of 149,000 with approximately 230 locations in 40 countries. Read more...
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