jueves, 28 de septiembre de 2017

Check out the United Arab Emirates' plans for building a Martian city—on Earth

To prep for the one that will actually be on Mars, naturally. The government of the United Arab Emirates recently declared intentions to build a city on Mars in the next century or so. Their first step? A prototype city on Earth. This week officials launched the Mars Science City project, which w...

http://flip.it/C..CXy

Enviado a través de Flipboard, tu revista personal.
Consíguela gratis para mantenerte al día con las noticias que te interesan.

NASA is teaming up with Russia to put a new space station near the moon. Here's why.

We all like having options. At the International Aeronautics Congress in Adelaide, Australia, representatives of NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos announced that they had signed an agreement to work together on venturing into deep space, with the first conceptual goal being a deep space...

http://flip.it/gKe.fM

Enviado a través de Flipboard, tu revista personal.
Consíguela gratis para mantenerte al día con las noticias que te interesan.

Airbus is working on a 7,000nm A330-900



----
Airbus is working on a 7,000nm A330-900 // Leeham News
https://leehamnews.com/2017/09/28/airbus-working-7000nm-a330-900neo/

The full article requires a Paid Subscription and LogIn. If you are are Paid Subscriber, please Log In with your User Name and ID. If you wish to become a Paid Subscriber, please go to our Sign-Up page.


----

Read in my feedly.com

Airbus is on the hunt for flying car startups to join its accelerator programme with hardware investor Hax



The firms want to find companies that will help shape "the future of urban air mobility", including the likes of autonomous airborne vehicles, which Airbus is exploring itself, having introducing a flying car concept earlier this year. Continue reading http://www.cityam.com/272798/airbus-hunt-flying-car-startups-join-its-accelerator

General Atomics sets UAS record with flight in civilian airspace



General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. last month flew a 1,075-nautical mile round trip—the longest by an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in Class A civilian airspace—from its new Flight Test and Training Center near Grand Forks, North Dakota. http://www.uasmagazine.com/articles/1757/general-atomics-sets-uas-record-with-flight-in-civilian-airspace

USAF leaders discuss ideas to address pilot shortage



http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsusaf-leaders-discuss-ideas-to-address-pilot-shortage-5936175




The US Air Force (USAF) has hosted a discussion on how to address aircrew crisis, which has left the service short of more than 1,500 pilots.

PassengerDrone launches two-seater electric manned aircraft





https://youtu.be/IStmyk3R3Hc



https://youtu.be/V3pi4HfQ0Gc



September 29, 2017 – Passenger Drone, is proud to announce the launch of the world’s most advanced, state-of-the-art, autonomous manned aerial vehicle.



Slightly larger than a small car, the industry leading, Passenger Drone has the potential to change the traditional means of commuter transportation. Utilizing its easy to use touch-screen, passengers simply select their destination, sit back and relax, as the drone takes over, eliminating stressful commutes with the ability to travel up to 80 km/h.

The aircraft commenced flight testing in early May 2017 and for the last few months has performed intensive testing with different simulated payload weights, simulated engine failures and different control modes. In August 2017 first manned flights with passengers onboard took place and the results and passenger feedback is overwhelming – the Passenger Drone is very easy to fly in both manual and autonomous modes and it shows amazing stability and maneuverability.



Equipped with 16 electric engines (unlike the internal combustion engines of traditional helicopters), it’s a low noise, high speed, and economical mean of transportation which emits zero emissions. Its engine system sheds the complexity of most quad-copters providing enhanced safety, performance, greater payload and range, and less noise than anything else available on the marketplace.

The vehicle’s structure is composed of lightweight and strong carbon fiber composites, specially created for Passenger Drone. The avionics, stability systems and electrical control systems have been custom designed specially for the PassengerDrone.

Potential for change

The social and economic benefits of such a vehicle are numerous. In cities around the world, traffic congestion costs commuters millions of hours every year and billions of dollars in lost productivity. The average travel time to work in the United States is 25.4 minutes, representing almost an hour every day, and just under two weeks annually. In 2016, the total cost of congestion to all drivers in the U.S. was $300 billion (including environmental costs), and that total is expected to rise by 50 percent over the next fifteen years. In many global megacities, the situation is far worse.

Leading Innovation

Passenger Drone’s industry advantages include its VTOL capabilities, the redundancy of 16 individual motors, quadruple redundant stability system as well as state of the art custom designed avionics with leading aviation industry features. Over time, VTOLs have the potential to become the go-to form of daily transportation surpassing that of owning a car. Air travel has historically been seen as an expensive proposition, due in great part to the small volume of production seen in today’s aerospace industry. Mass production of the Passenger Drone could potentially revolutionize traditional notions of transport.



Lightweight, Safe and Reliable

Passenger Drone is run strictly on FIBRE OPTICS. With the exception of the main power cables, there is not a single wire in the entire aircraft. From the connection between the control joystick, main control CPU, engine controllers and the navigation screens, everything is communicated by LIGHT.

First in it’s class for safety, reliability, and security the drone should be practically foolproof. The 16 individual rotors are all powered separately ensuring stability, cohesion, and redundancy.

Market Segment

With the launch of PassengerDrone and few other similar projects in 2017 there is a completely new market segment forming in aviation market – the electric VTOL ( Vertical Takeoff and Landing) Manned Aerial Vehichles . We are proud to join the MAV club alongside some of the largest companies in the world (Uber, Airbus, Google, Daimler and many others) who are working in the same direction.





Abu Dhabi to set Mars Science City, the largest space stimulation city ever built



press release




Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, have launched the Mars Science City project.

The AED 500 million-City will cover 1.9 million square feet, making it the largest space stimulation city ever built and will provide a viable and realistic model to simulate living on the surface of Mars.

The project, which was unveiled at the annual meetings for the UAE government in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, encompasses laboratories for food, energy and water, as well as agricultural testing and studies about food security in the future. The science city will also boast a museum that displays humanity’s greatest space achievements, including educational areas meant to engage young citizens with space, and inspire in them a passion for exploration and discovery.

The walls of the museum will be 3D printed, using sand from the Emirati desert.

At the meetings, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, "The UAE seeks to establish international efforts to develop technologies that benefit humankind, and that establish the foundation of a better future for more generations to come. We also want to consolidate the passion for leadership in science in the UAE, contributing to improving life on earth and to developing innovative solutions to many of our global challenges."

He continued, "The UAE is a great country with vision and understanding of the challenges we face and the rapid changes our world is experiencing. We believe in the potential of space exploration, and in collaborating with global partners and leaders in order to harness the findings of this research and movement that seeks to meet people’s needs and improve quality of life on earth."

"The new project is another step in the UAE’s leading contributions to the global science movement; we seek to set an example and motivation for others to participate, and contribute, to humanity’s march into space," he concluded.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said, "We have great confidence in our national work teams, and Emirates Mars Mission prove that our youth are trustworthy and capable of achieving national ambitions."

The Mars Science City project falls within the UAE’s objectives to lead the global scientific race to take people to Mars, and is part of the Mars 2117 Strategy, launched during the fifth World Government Summit, which seeks to build the first settlement on Mars in the next 100 years.

This project will include advanced laboratories that stimulate the red planet’s terrain and harsh environment through advanced 3D printing technology and heat and radiation insulation. It seeks to attract the best scientific minds from around the world in a collaborative contribution in the UAE to human development and the improvement of life. It also seeks to address global challenges such as food, water and energy security on earth.

The plan for the Mars Science City project include an experiential element which will involve a team living in the stimulated red planet city for one year. It is hoped the experience will form an important reference model for future innovation around sustaining life in a hostile planetary environment. A range of experiments are to be devised which will lead to innovation around self-sufficiency in energy, water and food.

The Mars Science City structure will be the most sophisticated building the world, and will incorporate a realistic simulation environment replicating the conditions on the surface of Mars.

The city will consist of several domes, with innovative construction techniques providing support for the structures. A team of Emirati scientists, engineers and designers, led by a team from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and Dubai Municipality, will carry out the project, in cooperation with internationally renowned architects Bjarke Ingels.

miércoles, 27 de septiembre de 2017

Iberia presenta “Zero Cabin Waste”, un nuevo proyecto que cuida del medioambiente


La Organización Mundial del Turismo nos insta a viajar, disfrutar y respetar.


Madrid, 27 de septiembre de 2017

Hoy, 27 de septiembre, es el día mundial del Turismo. Este año se hace especial hincapié en promover el Turismo Sostenible, social y ambientalmente. Por ello, la Organización Mundial de Turismo, bajo el lema “Viaja, disfruta, respeta”, nos invita a todos, empresas y turistas, a ser responsables.

Iberia se ha sumado a esta iniciativa y presenta hoy su proyecto más innovador en materia de gestión de residuos, mediante la creación de un modelo de gestión sostenible: Zero Cabin Waste.

En un vuelo se generan 1,43 kg (IATA) de residuos de media por pasajero. ¿Qué se hace con ellos? Iberia, Ecoembes, Gate Gourmet, Ferrovial Servicios, Biogas Fuel Cell y ESCI-UPF se han unido en este proyecto pionero de larga duración –está previsto que finalice en diciembre de 2019- para crear este modelo de gestión sostenible para los residuos de catering generados en los aviones.

El objetivo del proyecto es reducir en un 5% los residuos generados a bordo y reciclar 4.500 toneladas de residuos, lo que permitiría evitar emitir alrededor de 4.340 toneladas de emisiones de CO2 al año, el equivalente a 340 vuelos entre Madrid y Barcelona.

Juntos conseguiremos unos vuelos más sostenibles y un planeta más feliz.

https://youtu.be/LggGmFsfuE0





DARPA seeking information on innovative drone sensing, neutralization technologies



“Keeping warfighters safe from small unmanned air systems requires knowing that one or more is coming and removing their potential as a threat while they’re still at a safe distance,” Jean-Charles Ledé, a program manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office (TTO), said. “This RFI aims to help DARPA stay abreast of the latest technologies that could provide those capabilities, and integrate some of the most promising ones into an eventual MFP technology demonstration system.”

continue reading
https://homelandprepnews.com/stories/24392-darpa-seeking-information-innovative-drone-sensing-neutralization-technologies/

DJI Managing And Monitoring Drone Traffic



DJI, the leader in unmanned technology, outlined its regulatory approach to ensuring the safe growth of drone traffic in two white papers delivered Saturday at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Drone Enable conference in Montreal.

Continue reading:
http://www.uavexpertnews.com/2017/09/managing-and-monitoring-drone-traffic/

DJI's white paler: https://www.dropbox.com/s/pwuwlrbkol6c9c9/FINAL%20DJI%20UTM%20white%20paper.pdf?dl=0

Commercial UAV Expo Europe Moves to Amsterdam



Following its inaugural show in Brussels, Belgium, in June, Commercial UAV Expo Europe is coming to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, next year. https://unmanned-aerial.com/commercial-uav-expo-europe-moves-amsterdam

Bombardier: May 'bitterly disappointed' as US tariff puts jobs at risk



Theresa May is “bitterly disappointed” by a US decision to impose a punitive tariff on exports of passenger jets built by one of Northern Ireland’s biggest employers, Downing Street said.

The US Department of Commerce ruled in favour of Boeing in its legal battle with Bombardier, prompting fears in Northern Ireland that aerospace jobs in the region could be in peril. Continue Reading https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/sep/27/punitive-export-tariff-placed-on-planes-made-in-northern-ireland

Cracks in Ryanair’s lowest cost model



Ryanair has canceled 2,000 flight over the last few weeks. The background is a lack of pilots, after a change of holiday accounting period.

The cancellations come against a backdrop of pilots leaving for other companies (notably Norwegian) and an EU ruling in favor of Ryanair’s flight crews... continue reading: https://leehamnews.com/2017/09/27/cracks-ryanairs-lowest-cost-model/

​BAE optimistic about fighter-borne directed energy weapons



The chief technologist of BAE Systems is optimistic about fighter aircraft carrying directed energy weapons in the not-too-distant future, as he also discusses other emergent technologies. Continue reading https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bae-optimistic-about-fighter-borne-directed-energy-441554/

[video] Clean Sky BLADE laminar flow demonstrator makes first flight!

Video:
https://youtu.be/SUjmL74GFAk 




Clean sky Press Release:

Clean Sky’s Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe (BLADE), led by Airbus, was flight-tested today between Tarbes and Toulouse. The Demonstrator aims at bringing about a 50% reduction of wing friction and up to five percent lower CO2 emission. It is the first test aircraft in the world combining a transonic laminar wing profile with a standard aircraft internal primary structure.



BLADE is part of Clean Sky’s Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft programme within the EU Horizon 2020 research & innovation vision.

Airbus Press Release:

  • Aiming to bring a 50% reduction of wing friction and up to five percent lower CO2 emission
  • First test aircraft in the world combining a transonic laminar wing profile with a standard aircraft internal primary structure

Airbus’ A340 laminar-flow “BLADE” test demonstrator aircraft (A340-300 MSN001) has made its successful maiden flight for the EU-sponsored Clean Sky “Blade” project. The aircraft, dubbed “Flight Lab”, took off from the Tarbes aerodrome in southern France at local time 11:00, and after a series of successful tests it landed at Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse Blagnac. The overall flight time was 3hrs/38mins.

The BLADE project – which stands for “Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe” – is tasked with assessing the feasibility of introducing the technology for commercial aviation. It aims to improve aviation’s ecological footprint, bringing with it a 50% reduction of wing friction and up to five percent lower CO2 emission. Airbus’ A340 Flight Lab is the first test aircraft in the world to combine a transonic laminar wing profile with a true internal primary structure.

On the outside the aircraft is fitted with two representative transonic laminar outer-wings, while inside the cabin a highly complex specialist flight-test-instrumentation (FTI) station has been installed. The extensive modifications to the A340-300 test-bed aircraft took place during the course of a 16-month working party in Tarbes, with the support of numerous industrial partners across Europe. Today’s first-flight marks the kick-off of the Blade flight-test campaign to explore the wing’s characteristics in flight.

“We began by opening the flight envelope to check that the aircraft was handling correctly,” explains Airbus Flight-Test Engineer, Philippe Seve, who was on board the flight. “We achieved our objective to fly at the design Mach number, at a reasonable altitude and check everything was fine. We also checked that the FTI was working as expected, to identify further fine-tuning for the next flights.”

In the run-up to the start of this flight-testing phase, a small team of 10 specially trained pilots, test engineers and flight test engineers had prepared for this milestone for several months, spending time in a simulator and familiarising themselves with the FTI systems to be installed on the Airbus flight-test aircraft. Moreover, on equipment installation side, a working party of 70 people performed the FTI installation inside the aircraft, while teams from Bremen, Germany and Broughton, UK worked externally on the outer wings, with a team from Stade Germany, installing a pod containing infrared cameras on the fin.

On the wings, there are hundreds of points to measure the waviness of the surface to help Airbus’ engineers ascertain its influence on the laminarity – which is the first time that Airbus has used such a testing method on an aircraft. Other ‘firsts’ are the use of infrared cameras inside the pod to measure wing temperature and the acoustic generator which measures the influence of acoustics on laminarity. In addition, there is also an innovative reflectometry system, which measures overall deformation in real-time during flight.

A key goal of Blade is to be able to measure the tolerances and imperfections which can be present and still sustain laminarity. To this end, Airbus will simulate every type of imperfection in a controlled manner, so that at the end of the campaign the tolerances for building a laminar wing will be fully known. The flight Lab will perform around 150 flight hours in the coming months.

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme could face cost increases



The Project on Government Oversight (POGO) has revealed that provisions of $700bn-worth defence authorisation bills could increase the risk of cost increases for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme. Continue reading http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsf-35-joint-strike-fighter-programme-could-face-cost-overruns-says-pogo-5934922

martes, 26 de septiembre de 2017

Cape Air firms delivery schedule for first 20 of 100 Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft



Tecnam announced the conclusion of an agreement with U.S.-based commuter airline Cape Air on delivery schedule for the first 20 of 100 Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft.

Negotiations were concluded following an extensive review of the configuration, direct and indirect cost analysis of the P2012 by key members of both the Cape Air and Tecnam leadership teams, including Dan Wolf – CEO and Founder, Jim Goddard – Senior Vice President, Fleet Planning & Acquisitions and Mike Migliore – CFO of Cape Air. The contract was signed by Paolo Pascale, CEO, Amedeo Fogliano, CFO and Walter Da Costa, Global Sales Director on behalf of Tecnam.

The production of the next-generation 11 seat P2012 Traveller has been much anticipated by many airlines, who have been demanding a replacement for the hundreds of ‘heritage’ airplanes in the FAR23/CS23 category currently in service around the world.

Cape Air has been a key partner in the development of the Traveller, along with Lycoming engines and Garmin avionics. EASA and FAA certification is on track for 2018, with an initial delivery of the first 20 airplanes beginning in January 2019.

Several pre-orders for the Traveller have been received from operators worldwide, including Argentina, Russia, Australia and Europe, which will quickly establish the P2012 as the perfect aircraft for regional airlines operating short-haul routes.

“It’s a historic day for Tecnam. We are so proud to have fulfilled the needs of Cape Air, one of world’s largest regional airline operators. Our response has been to produce not only a beautiful aircraft but one which enables operators to offer better and modern service along with reduced operating and maintenance costs. We warmly welcome Cape Air to the Tecnam family, and thank the board for their trust”, said Paolo Pascale, Tecnam CEO

“What we asked of Tecnam was not easy, but they gave us a real solution for our future needs in a changing industry. We are now able to offer our passengers a modern and stylish twin-engine aircraft ideal for small community air service in the U.S. and abroad. We look forward to having the aircraft in service. Tecnam has created a great product that is both innovative and beautiful. We are confident the Traveller will delight our communities and customers” said Dan Wolf, Cape Air CEO.

The Tecnam P2012 Traveller, designed by Professor Luigi Pascale, first flew on July 21st, 2016. Tecnam is aiming for EASA and FAA certification by 2018. Since the maiden flight, the prototype has accumulated more than 250 flight hours. P2012 serial number 002 has been configured as a “Conforming Production Aircraft’, and will be the template for P2012 customer production aircraft.

Equipped with latest avionics from Garmin, the new G1000 Nxi and powered by two modern 375 HP Lycoming piston engines, the Tecnam P2012 Traveller has been designed from the start to be a very versatile and flexible aerial platform, offering multi-role opportunities including VIP, cargo, parachuting, medevac and amphibious.

More information on the P2012 Traveller at http://p2012.tecnam.org

About Cape Air

Now in its 28th year, Cape Air is one of the largest independent regional airlines in the United States, serving 39 cities in the US, Caribbean, and Micronesia. The employee-owned company, based in Hyannis, Massachusetts, has grown from three flights a day between Provincetown and Boston in 1989 to a fleet of 91 aircraft, 525 flights a day and service to 686,000 passengers annually. Cape Air has been recognized as “One of the Top Ten Small Airlines in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler.

New Multirotor Drone Flight Record

The Skyfront Tailwind UAV flew for a total of 4 hours and 34 minutes, around 10 times longer than many battery-powered drones. http://www.uavexpertnews.com/2017/09/multirotor-drone-flight-record/

https://youtu.be/H8mqOl_gr4k




Spike Plans To Fly Unmanned Supersonic Demonstrator This Month



The SX-1.2 is an unmanned scaled proof-of-concept aircraft that will help validate the control and stability of the S-512 at low speeds. https://www.bjtonline.com/business-jet-news/spike-plans-to-fly-unmanned-supersonic-demonstrator-this-month

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft’s New 20-Year 2017-2036 Market Forecast Shows Strong Opportunities for the 60- to 150- Seat Segment




Bombardier Commercial Aircraft today released its 20-year Market Forecast for the 60- to 150-seat segment. According to this new 2017-2036 Market Forecast, the 60- to 150-seat seat segment will be a catalyst to further growth, market penetration and airline profitability.

“The outlook for our markets is strong,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are the only manufacturer with a solution for any type of business model in the 60- to 150-seat segment, and we are well positioned to capture the value from the exciting opportunities outlined in this Market Forecast.

“In addition to showing general market dynamics, our forecast focuses on how airlines are changing the way that assets are evaluated,” added Mr. Cromer. “Airlines are shifting their primary metric for network and fleet optimization strategies from ‘cost’ to ‘profit’. With this thinking in the forefront, more airlines are investing in right-sized aircraft that maximize their profits.”

The complete market is seen as 12,550 aircraft worth U.S. $820 billion, based on 2017 list prices. The 100- to 150-seat segment will represent 70 per cent of the revenues, 6,800 aircraft valued at $580 billion, followed by the 60- to 100-seat segment with 5,750 deliveries worth $240 billion.

After a trend to take larger aircraft in the recent years, airlines will look at taking smaller aircraft in the future. Some of the conclusions that this new Market Forecast is drawing include the fact that revenue growth is just one part of the profitability equation, and the traditional pursuit of reducing cost-per-seat with large aircraft is not necessarily yielding more profit for airlines. A focus on cost-per-seat instead of yield-per-passenger have resulted not only in lower profits for airlines but also in poor passenger experience.

In some regions, even heavy discounting can’t fill oversized planes, while in other regions, overbooked flights are generating outrage amongst passengers. Profit contribution will be transitioning from a network-wide basis to per-passenger basis. With the objective of increasing the profitability per passenger, airlines start investing in right-sized aircraft based on market demands.

The forecast says small regional aircraft (20-60 seats) segment erosion will have a rippling upgrading effect; large regional aircraft (60-100 seats) will continue to dominate short-haul (up to 500 nm/926 km) routes; and small single-aisle aircraft (100-150 seats) will increase point-to-point flying on short- to medium-haul sectors and will allow airlines to fly new and thin routes at a profit. The forecast predicts that 86 per cent of the current fleet in this segment will retire by 2036.

North America and Europe will continue as the largest markets for new aircraft. Together they will take delivery of 5,700 aircraft or 46 percent of deliveries.

The forecast divides the world into nine geographical regions – North America, Europe, Greater China, East Asia and Oceania, Latin America (including Mexico), Russia and CIS, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East. There will be a strong demand for large regional aircraft from Asia/Pacific owing to growth, and renewal demand from Europe and North America. Key markets for the small single-aisle aircraft segment are North America, Europe and Greater China.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, we posted revenues of $16.3 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Boeing, Qatar Airways Announce Order for Two 747-8 Freighters and Four 777-300ERs



EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways announced an order today for two 747-8 Freighters and four 777-300ERs (Extended Range), valued at $2.16 billion at list prices.

The orders were previously unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

The airline also received the first of its 747-8 Freighters at a delivery ceremony attended by His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister.

"The addition of our very first 747-8 Freighter is a significant moment for our Cargo division, and a welcome addition to our 20-strong cargo fleet of wide-body aircraft," said His Excellency Mr. Al Baker. "As the world's third-largest cargo operator, Qatar Airways continues to invest in fleet expansion, with a second 747-8F due to be delivered in November. This reflects our confidence in Boeing to continue to deliver an outstanding product that meets our exacting standards. We expect no less than perfection, and we are confident that Boeing will continue to deliver that."

Today's announcement is the latest milestone in Qatar Airways' relationship with Boeing. The carrier became a launch customer for the 777X in 2013, was the first to operate the 787 in the Middle East and has 20 737 MAX airplanes on order.

"We are proud of our strong, enduring and growing partnership with Qatar Airways and we truly appreciate the value its business has brought to Boeing, its employees, suppliers and our communities," McAllister said. "As one of the world's largest international cargo carriers, it is heartening that Qatar Airways has selected the 747-8 Freighter to meet the needs of its growing cargo operations and to see the important role the 777-300ER continues to play in its long-haul fleet."

Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of nearly 100 Boeing widebody airplanes and has more than 100 additional Boeing airplanes on order.

The 747-8 Freighter gives cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large freighter airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. It is optimized to provide greater revenue cargo-carrying capability than the 747-400, offering 16 percent more cargo volume while keeping its unique nose door.

The 777-300ER has the highest schedule reliability of any twin-aisle airplane flying today. It is the flagship of the world's elite airlines.

Germany and Norway place firm order for fleet of five NATO-owned Airbus A330 MRTT tankers



Order to be placed by NSPA through OCCAR under EDA initiative

Madrid, 25 September 2017 – Airbus Defence and Space has received a firm order for five Airbus A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transports from Europe’s organisation for the management of cooperative armament programmes – OCCAR – on behalf of NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) and funded by Germany and Norway.

The order follows the announcement on 29 June of a Memorandum of Understanding under which the two nations would join Netherlands and Luxembourg in the European/NATO Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) programme.

A contract amendment signed at the OCCAR headquarters in Bonn, Germany today adds five aircraft to the two previously ordered by Netherlands and Luxembourg and includes four additional options to enable other nations to join the grouping. It includes two years of initial support.

The programme is funded by the four nations who will have the exclusive right to operate these NATO–owned aircraft in a pooling arrangement. The aircraft will be configured for in-flight refuelling, the transport of passengers and cargo, and medical evacuation flights.

The first two aircraft have already been ordered to be delivered from Airbus Defence and Space’s tanker conversion line at Getafe near Madrid and all seven are expected to be handed over between 2020 and 2022.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) initiated the MMF programme in 2012. OCCAR manages the MMF acquisition phase as Contract Executing Agent on behalf of NSPA. Following the acquisition phase, NSPA will be responsible for the complete life-cycle management of the fleet.

Airbus Defence and Space Head of Military Aircraft Fernando Alonso said: “This new order further demonstrates the A330 MRTT’s position as the world’s premier tanker/transport aircraft. But it also firmly establishes the MMF as one of Europe’s most important collaborative programmes and a model for the future European defence projects which are expected to be launched in the coming years.”

About Airbus

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2016, it generated revenues of € 67 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, and is one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

UAE embraces the future with the world’s first concept flight of the Autonomous Air Taxi (Volocopter)


Press release

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended the maiden concept flight of the Autonomous Air Taxi (AAT), a vehicle that will be used for the world’s first self-flying taxi service set to be introduced by Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA).

The two-seater AAT, capable of transporting people without human intervention or a pilot, has been supplied by Volocopter, a Germany-based specialist manufacturer of autonomous air vehicles. The test flight was held at a location near the Jumeirah Beach Park.

“After the remarkable success of the first driverless metro in the region, we are glad to witness today the test flight of the Autonomous Air Taxi,” said HH Sheikh Hamdan. “This is another testament to our commitment to driving positive change. We are constantly exploring opportunities to serve the community and advance the prosperity and happiness of society.”

He further said that adopting advanced innovative technologies and applications that help to enhance services for the community is key to topping global competitiveness rankings.

“Encouraging innovation and adopting the latest technologies contribute not only to the country’s development but also build bridges into the future,” he added

His Highness stressed the importance of the transportation sector, which he said is a vital driver of the development process and an indicator of the level of advancement of the nation. He hailed the remarkable progress achieved in this sector through a number of landmark projects that have maintained the highest international standards while remaining true to the principles of environmental sustainability. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group; HE Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future; and HE Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority also attended the test flight.

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA said: “The Autonomous Air Taxi has a variety of unique features that include top security and safety standards, and multiple redundancies in all critical components such as propellers, motors, power source, electronics and flight controls. It is also fitted with optional emergency parachutes, nine independent battery systems, and a battery quick-charge and plug-in system, which takes two hours to reach full charge in the prototype version, a time that will be significantly reduced in the production version.”

Powered by clean electricity and featuring low noise levels, the AAT is an environmentally-friendly vehicle. Its current prototype version has a maximum flight time of approximately 30 minutes at a cruise speed of 50 km/h, and a maximum airspeed of 100 km/h. All these features will evolve in the production vehicles. The AAT measures about two meters in height, and the diameter of the rotor rim, including propellers, is just over seven meters.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan was briefed about the integration of the AAT with public transport systems such as the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transit modes and taxis. The briefing also covered the procedures for making the AAT service available to the public through a smart mobility app. The app will allow customers to book flights, receive booking reference details and track the route of the AAT.

Over the next five years, the RTA will collaborate with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that the operational requirements for implementing AAT services are put in place. These requirements include developing laws and policies governing certification of the aircraft and AAT operations at an Emirate and Federal level, defining aerial routes and corridors, designing and locating take-off and landing points, setting standards for official operators of AAT services in Dubai, identifying the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, and specifying security and safety standards for the AAT.

Al Tayer revealed that the RTA has appointed US-based JDA Aviation Company, an autonomous air-vehicle safety specialist, to oversee preparations for AAT flights and manage safety. The trial operations and the process of developing legislation for this type of vehicles will stretch across five years, during which comprehensive operational, security and safety measures will be put in place, noted Al Tayer.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan pressed the operation button to launch the first AAT and watched its flight in the sky. He also watched aerial shots transmitted by the airborne taxi on monitors, and reviewed the process that the RTA will follow to track the flight of the AAT. His Highness then posed for photos with the project teams from the RTA and Volocopter.

Smart Mobility
Commenting on the event, Al Tayer said, “The trial run of the AAT reflects the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the world’s smartest city. It is also part of the RTA's efforts to introduce autonomous transportation services after conducting rigorous tests for these vehicles in Dubai’s climatic conditions. The move also reflects the Dubai Smart Autonomous Mobility Strategy’s target for autonomous transport to account for a quarter of total journeys in Dubai by 2030.”

Al Tayer commended the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority’s efforts to develop a legislative and operational structure as well as specifications and standards for operators of such vehicles in the Emirate. He praised the two organisations for their efforts to put comprehensive legislation in place before the official start of commercial AAT operations. Such a legislative and operational structure will be the first of its kind worldwide.

Australian Government to establish national space agency

press release

The Turnbull Government has committed to establishing a national space agency to ensure Australia has a long-term plan to grow its domestic space industry.

Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the establishment of a space agency is one of the key issues being examined by the Expert Reference Group appointed to review Australia’s space industry capability.

“The global space industry is growing rapidly and it’s crucial that Australia is part of this growth,” Minister Cash said.

“A national space agency will ensure we have a strategic long-term plan that supports the development and application of space technologies and grows our domestic space industry.”

“The agency will be the anchor for our domestic coordination and the front door for our international engagement.”

Former CSIRO Chief Dr Megan Clark is chairing the Reference Group, and its review is well advanced.

The Reference Group has sought views from across the country from industry, government and society, which will be used to inform our plan to expand this important and exciting sector.

The Reference Group has received almost 200 written submissions in response to its issues paper, and more than 400 people have been consulted through roundtables in each state and territory.

Meetings have also been held with key stakeholders, including the state and territory governments.

Feedback from the extensive consultation process has overwhelmingly shown the need for the establishment of a national space agency.

The Reference Group will now develop a charter for the space agency for inclusion in the wider strategy being brought forward by the end of March 2018.

Boeing Sees Growing Demand for New Airplanes in Southeast Asia

20-year outlook projects 4,210 new airplanes needed, valued at $650 billion

SINGAPORE, Sept. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] projects a demand for 4,210 new airplanes, valued at $650 billion, over the next 20 years in Southeast Asia.

The company presented its Southeast Asia Current Market Outlook (CMO) today during a briefing at Boeing's regional headquarters in Singapore. The annual report forecasts the region will continue its strong annual traffic growth at 6.2 percent, outpacing the world's average growth rate by 1.5 percent.

"Southeast Asia continues to be one of fastest growing markets in the world – and a key focus area for Boeing – as the region accounts for more than 10 percent of the total global demand," said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

"Driven by fierce competition and growing passenger demand, airlines in Southeast Asia need the most capable, flexible, economical and passenger preferred airplanes available," added Keskar. "With their new technologies, superior capabilities and advanced efficiencies, the continued orders for the 737 MAX, including the new 737 MAX 10, as well as the 787 Dreamliner, demonstrate the value Boeing's airplanes are providing to airlines in region."

Single-aisle airplanes, such as the 737 MAX family, will account for more than 70 percent of new deliveries. As in previous years, the low-cost business model continues to be a main driver of traffic growth in Southeast Asia, growing to more than 50 percent of the total Southeast Asian market by the end of the forecast period.
New Airplane Southeast Asia Deliveries Through 2036

Airplane type
Total new deliveries
Dollar value
Regional jets
40
<$5B
Single-aisle
3,230
$370B
Small widebody
610
$170B
Medium/Large widebody
320
$110B
Freighters
10
<$5B
Total
4,210
$650B



Boeing projects a worldwide demand for 41,030 new airplanes over the next 20 years. Boeing's Current Market Outlook is the longest running jet forecast and regarded as the most comprehensive analysis of the aviation industry. The full report can be found at www.boeing.com/cmo.

Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty

Certain statements in this release may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "forecasts," "projects," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements relating to our future plans, business prospects, financial condition and operating results, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions about future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict.

Many factors could cause actual events to differ materially from these forward-looking statements, including economic conditions in the United States and globally, general industry conditions as they may impact us or our customers, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any such statement, except as required by law.

Boeing, Turkish Industry Establish Aerospace Initiative



Turkish Airlines announces intent to order 40 787-9 Dreamliners



NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines today announced the airline's intention to order 40 787-9 Dreamliners. The order will be reflected on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website once finalized.

"The 787 Dreamliner is the most technologically advanced airplane in the world," said M. İlker Aycı, chairman of the board and the executive committee, Turkish Airlines. "Our intent to purchase these Dreamliners is to meet the demand for wide-body airplanes at the 3rd Airport, further strengthen our fleet capacity on the 100th anniversary of the Republic and to enhance passenger satisfaction."

"Turkish Airlines is a great partner, and we value their confidence in us and the 787 Dreamliner," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister.

Boeing and the Turkish government also announced the Boeing Turkey National Aerospace Initiative, which is designed to support the growth of the Turkish aerospace industry, in conjunction with the targets set by Turkey's Vision 2023, and strengthen Boeing's presence in the market.

"Boeing's relationship with Turkey spans more than 70 years and we have outstanding long-term partnerships," said Ray Conner, Boeing vice chairman. "Working together with Turkey, we are now taking our collaboration to the next level, which will accelerate the growth of the Turkish aerospace industry while achieving Boeing's long-term objective to expand its presence in the marketplace."

The initiative outlines a strategic framework that aligns Boeing investment and programs with the government, Turkish airlines, aerospace service companies and industry suppliers in the areas of research, engineering and skills development. It reflects Boeing's confidence in the long-term outlook for Turkey as a significant market and a leading global industry participant.

Boeing has maintained a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey since the 1940s. Boeing is a provider of commercial jetliners to Turkish airlines and a significant and trusted partner of the Turkish aerospace industry.

COMAC eyes 750 orders for C919 jet


http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2017-09/16/content_32065375.htm

The C919 has secured 600 orders from 24 customers both domestic and foreign and "We expect to receive more than 100 new orders for the C919 from some Chinese companies in the coming months," said Xu Pei, deputy chief of the marketing division of COMAC

USAF provides new detail on KC-46 issues



The US Air Force’s Boeing KC-46 tanker is facing three outstanding issues as it moves through testing, including a boom scraping problem that could pose serious risk to the tanker’s aircrew. Continue reading https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-provides-new-detail-on-kc-46-issues-441405/

TsAGI has started testing Active Flow- Loads & Noise control on next generation wing




press release




Specialists of the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute named after Professor N.E. Zhukovsky (TsAGI, a member of the National Research Center “Institute named after N.E. Zhukovsky”) together with their European colleagues started a series of experiments under the AFLoNext EU project.

Studies of flow control techniques on a wing section of a civil aircraft in landing conditions take place in the largest TsAGI wind tunnel. To control the flow, the scientists use actuators based on two different the pulsed jet approaches.

At the present stage, the TsAGI’s experts together with delegations of the partner companies Airbus, DLR, Fraunhofer and NLR assembled and prepared a model for testing, adjusted the measuring equipment and the developed flow control systems, adapted the systems for collecting and processing information obtained during the experiments, and started aerodynamic tests. In this case, the large-scale model of a wing compartment acts as a demonstrator where the aerodynamic effectiveness of the developed actuator approaches is validated.

“The problems under consideration and the ways to solve them are challenging and largely advanced. If the project shows positive results, the experience and the technologies developed can be exploited for the needs of the domestic aviation industry,” said Ph.D., Head of sector of the Department for Aerodynamics of Aircraft and Missiles of TsAGI and Leader of TsAGI team in the AFLoNext project Vitaly Sudakov.

AFLoNext (“2nd Generation Active Wing” — Active Flow- Loads & Noise control on next generation wing") is a research project funded in the framework of the 7th EU Framework Programme under the Grant Agreement No. 604013, in which 40 organizations participate including TsAGI. The main goal of the research is to develop technologies to improve aerodynamic characteristics of next-generation civil aviation aircraft based on innovative developments in the field of airflow control systems. The project was launched in 2013.

More info about this wing:
http://www.aflonext.eu/

 http://www.aflonext.eu/files/presentations/AFLONEXT_Presentation_ICAS2016_City%20University.pdf

Airbus Installs First 3D Printed Titanium Part On Series Production Commercial Aircraft



Press release:



Arconic and Airbus Achieve 3D Printing First


Airbus installs first 3D printed titanium part on series production commercial aircraft; Part manufactured by Arconic

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arconic (NYSE: ARNC), a global technology, engineering and advanced manufacturing leader, announced today that Airbus and Arconic have achieved a 3D printing first—the installation of a 3D printed titanium bracket on a series production Airbus commercial aircraft, the A350 XWB. Arconic is 3D printing these parts for Airbus’s newest widebody aircraft at Arconic’s additive manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas.

“Arconic is proud to partner with Airbus to advance aerospace additive manufacturing,” said Jeremy Halford, President of Arconic Titanium and Engineered Products. “Our comprehensive capabilities, from materials science leadership to qualification expertise, helped make this achievement possible. We look forward to continuing to advance the art of the possible in additive for aerospace.”

This first installation of a 3D printed titanium part on a series production Airbus commercial aircraft marks a milestone for additive manufacturing in aerospace. While airplane makers have been using 3D printed parts for quite some time, largely for components inside the cabin, equipping airframes with metal parts produced via additive manufacturing is new. In addition, Airbus’s installation of this 3D printed titanium bracket on a series production commercial airplane, as opposed to a test airplane, marks a significant step forward in the qualification of more complex 3D printed parts for production aircraft. 3D-printed parts, including metal printed cabin brackets and bleed pipes, are already flying on Airbus A320neo and A350 XWB test aircraft.

This 3D printed titanium bracket is part of an ongoing partnership between Airbus and Arconic. Last year, Arconic announced three agreements with Airbus to produce titanium and nickel 3D printed parts for commercial aircraft, including the A320 platform and A350 XWB. These agreements draw on Arconic’s cutting-edge 3D printing technology capabilities, including laser powder bed and electron beam processes.

About Arconic

Arconic (NYSE: ARNC) creates breakthrough products that shape industries. Working in close partnership with our customers, we solve complex engineering challenges to transform the way we fly, drive, build and power. Through the ingenuity of our people and cutting-edge advanced manufacturing techniques, we deliver these products at a quality and efficiency that ensures customer success and shareholder value. For more information: www.arconic.com. Follow @arconic: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

PAL-V Plans 'Flying Car' (roadable gyrocopter indeed) Circumnavigation


A PAL-V vice president plans to fly around the world in his personal "flying car", though no firm date has been set to begin the attempt. continue reading http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=9ecd53ab-c0ec-4be3-9493-999880008854

Hyperloop One gets a fresh injection of cash: Hyperloop One Closes Series B-1 Round of $85 million



press release



Hyperloop One Closes Series B-1 Round of $85 million

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21, 2017 -- Hyperloop One, the only company in the world that has built a full-scale Hyperloop system, today announced the closing of its Series B-1 round of $85 million. This brings the total financing raised by Hyperloop One to $245 million since its founding in 2014.

"We are so fortunate that our new and existing investors share our vision of making Hyperloop the world's first new mode of transportation in over a century. We initially targeted $50 million and ended up raising $85 million instead," said Shervin Pishevar, Executive Chairman and co-founder of Hyperloop One. "We've proven that our technology works and that Hyperloop One is the only company in the world that has built an operational Hyperloop system. As we move towards the commercialization of our technology, we'll continue to work with governments and embrace public-private partnerships to reimagine transportation as we know it."

Our new and existing investors in this round include Caspian VC Partners as a part of Summa Group and OurCrowd.com. With the completion of the world's first full scale Hyperloop One test this past summer, Hyperloop One will now focus on the commercialization and development of the most promising routes around the world. Hyperloop One has been in detailed discussions for several months with a number of governments around the world about developing Hyperloop One projects and has already successfully completed feasibility studies in Dubai, the United Kingdom, Russia and the United States. Additionally, advanced discussions to demonstrate the Hyperloop One technology have taken place with the governments of the Netherlands and Finland.

Following the success of the Hyperloop One Global Challenge, which identified promising new Hyperloop routes around the world, the company will work closely with the winners and finalists to determine the feasibility of their proposed routes. As a direct result of the Global Challenge, Hyperloop One and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), with support from AECOM, announced last week it will enter a first of its kind public-private partnership to begin a feasibility study in Colorado.

"The success of the Hyperloop One Global Challenge demonstrated that there's a tremendous amount of interest in bringing Hyperloop to life. We're encouraged by our continued discussions with governments and private partners to explore opportunities for Hyperloop One systems around the world," said Rob Lloyd, CEO of Hyperloop One. "With strong interest at the local and federal level, we remain optimistic about commercializing our Hyperloop One technology and bringing Hyperloop to the world in just a few short years."

"I'm excited to see how far we've come in the past year, not just on the technology, but on our path to commercialization," said Brent Callinicos, COO and CFO of Hyperloop One. "The fact that we have made so much progress with governments around the world speaks to the transformative nature of Hyperloop One's technology and the material transportation and societal benefits it unlocks. The demand expressed by investors in this round highlights how far we've come in such a short period of time."
About Hyperloop One

Hyperloop One is the only company in the world that has built a full-scale Hyperloop system. Our team has the world's leading experts in engineering, technology and transport project delivery, working in tandem with global partners and investors to make Hyperloop a reality, now. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company was co-founded by Executive Chairman Shervin Pishevar and President of Engineering Josh Giegel, and is led by CEO Rob Lloyd. For more information, please visit www.hyperloop-one.com.

ARCA's revolutionary aerospike engine completed and ready for testing



ARCA Space Corporation has announced its linear aerospike engine is ready to start ground tests as the company moves towards installing the engine in its Demonstrator 3 rocket. Designed to power the world's first operational Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO) satellite launcher, the engine took only 60 days to complete from when fabrication began... continue reading http://newatlas.com/arc-aerospike-linear-engine-complete/51431/


Press Release:


Demonstrator 3 aerospike engine ready to start tests




The ground test stand and aerospike engine for the Demonstrator 3 rocket are ready for tests at ARCA Space Corporation. The effort was completed in 60 days since the start of fabrication. The system will perform a series of ground tests that will ultimately qualify the engine for flight. After the ground tests, the same engine will be integrated into the Demonstrator 3 rocket that will perform a suborbital space flight up to an altitude of 120 km above the New Mexico desert. It will be the first ever flight of a linear aerospike engine and the first ever space flight of an aerospike engine. The engine, with a sea level thrust of 4.2 tons, uses hydrogen peroxide 70% as monopropellant. Despite low energy propellant, the rocket is able to reach space due to the use of an extremely lightweight tank and high efficiency aerospike engine. Full press release here.   

NASA Tests First 3-D Printed Rocket Engine Part Made with Two Different Alloys


An image from a microscope reveals how the two metals, copper alloy and Inconel, mix and interlock to form a strong bond created by the innovative 3-D printing process during manufacturing of the igniter prototype.

Credits: NASA/UAH/Judy Schneider

NASA press release




Engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, tested NASA's first 3-D printed rocket engine prototype part made of two different metal alloys through an innovative advanced manufacturing process. NASA has been making and evaluating durable 3-D printed rocket parts made of one metal, but the technique of 3-D printing, or additive manufacturing, with more than one metal is more difficult.

“It is a technological achievement to 3-D print and test rocket components made with two different alloys,” said Preston Jones, director of the Engineering Directorate at Marshall. “This process could reduce future rocket engine costs by up to a third and manufacturing time by 50 percent.”

Engineers at Marshall, led by senior engineer Robin Osborne, of ERC, Inc. of Huntsville, Alabama, supporting Marshall's Engine Components Development and Technology branch, low-pressure hot-fire tested the prototype more than 30 times during July to demonstrate the functionality of the igniter. The prototype, built by a commercial vendor, was then cut up by University of Alabama in Huntsville researchers who examined images of the bi-metallic interface through a microscope. The results showed the two metals had inter-diffused, a phenomenon that helps create a strong bond.

A rocket engine igniter is used to initiate an engine’s start sequence and is one of many complex parts made of many different materials. In traditional manufacturing, igniters are built using a process called brazing which joins two types of metals by melting a filler metal into a joint creating a bi-metallic component. The brazing process requires a significant amount of manual labor leading to higher costs and longer manufacturing time.

“Eliminating the brazing process and having bi-metallic parts built in a single machine not only decreases cost and manufacturing time, but it also decreases risk by increasing reliability,” said Majid Babai, advanced manufacturing chief, and lead for the project in Marshall’s Materials and Processes Laboratory. “By diffusing the two materials together through this process, a bond is generated internally with the two materials and any hard transition is eliminated that could cause the component to crack under the enormous forces and temperature gradient of space travel.”

For this prototype igniter, the two metals – a copper alloy and Inconel -- were joined together using a unique hybrid 3-D printing process called automated blown powder laser deposition. The prototype igniter was made as one single part instead of four distinct parts that were brazed and welded together in the past. This bi-metallic part was created during a single build process by using a hybrid machine made by DMG MORI in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The new machine integrated 3-D printing and computer numerical-control machining capabilities to make the prototype igniter.

While the igniter is a relatively small component at only 10 inches tall and 7 inches at its widest diameter, this new technology allows a much larger part to be made and enables the part’s interior to be machined during manufacturing—something other machines cannot do. This is similar to building a ship inside a bottle, where the exterior of the part is the “bottle” enclosing a detailed, complex “ship” with invisible details inside. The hybrid process can freely alternate between freeform 3-D printing and machining within the part before the exterior is finished and closed off.

“We’re encouraged about what this new advanced manufacturing technology could do for the Space Launch System program in the future,” said Steve Wofford, manager for the SLS liquid engines office at Marshall. “In next generation rocket engines, we aspire to create larger, more complex flight components through 3-D printing techniques.”

Lockheed Martin's laser weapon takes down 5 drones in live-fire demonstration

In new Atlas: http://newatlas.com/lockheed-martin-athena-laser-seapon-test/51429/


In video:
https://youtu.be/hNsUtZmWgdg
 



In press release:

Upgraded Lockheed Martin Laser Outguns Threat in Half the Time



WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) prototype laser weapon system proved that an advanced system of sensors, software and specialized optics can deliver decisive lethality against unmanned aerial vehicle threats.


In tests conducted with the U.S. Army's Space and Missile Defense Command in August, the 30-kilowatt class ATHENA (Advanced Test High Energy Asset) system brought down five 10.8' wingspan Outlaw unmanned aerial systems at the Army's White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. ATHENA employed advanced beam control technology and an efficient fiber laser in this latest series of tests of the prototype system. Click here to see a video of the testing.

"The tests at White Sands against aerial targets validated our lethality models and replicated the results we've seen against static targets at our own test range," said Keoki Jackson, Lockheed Martin's Chief Technology Officer. "As we mature the technology behind laser weapon systems, we're making the entire system more effective and moving closer to a laser weapon that will provide greater protection to our warfighters by taking on more sophisticated threats from a longer range."

Lockheed Martin partnered with Army Space and Missile Defense Command on a cooperative research and development agreement to test ATHENA.

The system defeated airborne targets in flight by causing loss of control and structural failure. Lockheed Martin and the Army will conduct post mission reviews, and data collected will be used to further refine the system, improve model predictions and inform development of future laser systems.

ATHENA is a transportable, ground-based system that serves as a low-cost test bed for demonstrating technologies required for military use of laser weapon systems. Lockheed Martin funded ATHENA's development with research and development investments. It uses the company's 30-kilowatt Accelerated Laser Demonstration Initiative (ALADIN) that provides great efficiency and lethality in a design that scales to higher power levels. ATHENA is powered by a compact Rolls-Royce turbo generator.

Lockheed Martin is positioning laser weapon systems for success on the battlefield because of their speed, flexibility, precision and low cost per engagement. For additional information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/laserweaponsystems

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

jueves, 21 de septiembre de 2017

U.N. aviation agency to call for global drone registry



The United Nations’ aviation agency is backing the creation of a single global drone registry, as part of broader efforts to come up with common rules for flying and tracking unmanned aircraft.

While the International Civil Aviation Organization cannot impose regulations on countries, ICAO has proposed formation of the registry during a Montreal symposium this month to make data accessible in real time, said Stephen Creamer, director of ICAO’s air navigation bureau

continue reading http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49193&catid=74&Itemid=30

New TSA boss says better screening process, tech to speed up airport security lines



“Every time I visit a checkpoint, I learn a little bit more about what the processes are that we use,” said Pekoske, whose background includes a long career at the Coast Guard that culminated in him serving as the organization’s second-in-command. “It’s really an opportunity for me as the new guy to introduce myself ... and talk to them about the priorities I have for the TSA.” https://www.dallasnews.com/business/dfw-airport/2017/09/20/new-tsa-boss-says-better-screening-process-tech-speed-airport-security-lines

Boeing, Japan Airlines Announce Order for Four 787-8 Dreamliners



SEATTLE, Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Japan Airlines (JAL) announced an order today for four 787-8 Dreamliners. The order, which was previously listed on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website, attributed to an unidentified customer, is valued at more than $900 million at current list prices and will expand JAL's Dreamliner fleet to 49 airplanes.

"This order for additional 787 Dreamliners, is a key part of our strategy as we look to bolster our existing route network and strengthen our position ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo," said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines. "The superior noise performance of the 787 will play a critical role in meeting our commitment for quieter operations within our domestic network going forward."

Japan Airlines currently operates the second largest 787 Dreamliner fleet in the world, with 34 airplanes. The carrier is expected to receive its 35th Dreamliner, a 787-9 later this week. With this new order, Japan Airlines' 787 fleet include 29 787-8s and 20 787-9 airplanes.

"We are honored to partner with Japan Airlines once again as they further expand their world-class fleet with additional 787 Dreamliners," said Kevin McAllister, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "JAL has been able to successfully grow its business over the years, while generating healthy profits due to the efficiency and reliability of their 787 fleet."

Japan Airlines became the first airline in the world to take delivery of a 787 powered by fuel-efficient General Electric GEnx engines in 2012. In addition, JAL was one of the first airlines to launch new routes with the 787, as it launched its Boston and San Diego routes with the Dreamliner that same year.

The 787 Dreamliner family is being operated on more than 530 routes, with 150 brand new nonstop routes planned or in service since the airplane began commercial service in 2011. To date, 69 customers worldwide have placed orders for 1,278 airplanes, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history.

Pilatus PC-6 Production To End In 2019


Pilatus is ceasing production of its PC-6 Porter multirole aircraft, which has been produced without interruption since 1959. Production will end in early 2019.
read more

Singapore Airlines Returns to Ultra-Long-Haul Flying. Ready?



Singapore Airlines’ ultra-long-haul route from Newark to Singapore — discontinued a few years ago — was truly a legendary flight. On the wings of an Airbus A340-500, it clocked in just shy of 19 hours westbound, making it the longest regularly scheduled flight in the world. But when fuel prices rose, Singapore Airlines was forced to get rid of the inefficient A340-500s, and the ultra-long routes with them... continue reading http://www.airlinereporter.com/2017/09/singapore-airlines-returns-ultra-long-haul-flying/

[biggest aircraft] Stratolaunch Aircraft complets First Phase of Engine Testing







The Stratolaunch team is proud to announce that our aircraft is one step closer to providing convenient, reliable, and routine access to low Earth orbit.

We hit another important milestone this week by completing the first phase of engine testing. For the first time we started the aircraft’s six Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines.

Engine testing was conducted with a build-up approach and consisted of three phases. First as a ‘dry motor,’ where we used an auxiliary power unit to charge the engine. Next, as a ‘wet motor,’ where we introduced fuel. Finally, each engine was started one at a time and allowed to idle. In these initial tests, each of the six engines operated as expected.


It has been a busy, exciting, and productive several months since the aircraft left the hangar for the first time and began ground and flight line testing.


The team completed fuel testing, testing all six fuel tanks to ensure proper operations. Each of the six fuel tanks were filled independently to ensure proper operations of fuel mechanisms and to validate the tanks were properly sealed.

In addition to fuel testing, we began testing the flight control system. So far we have exercised the full limits of motion and rate of deflection of control surfaces on the wing and stabilizers.

Building up to this week’s engine tests, prerequisite testing of the electrical, pneumatic, and fire detection systems were completed successfully.

Over the next few months, we will continue to test the aircraft’s engines at higher power levels and varying configurations, culminating to the start of taxi tests.

As we work toward that milestone, we look forward to sharing additional details on the aircraft’s journey.

 press release

Text and image credits: Strato Launch press release