miércoles, 8 de enero de 2020

Bell Reveals the City of the Future at CES 2020

http://news.bellflight.com/en-US/184550-bell-reveals-the-city-of-the-future-at-ces-2020

CES 2020 – Las Vegas (Jan. 6, 2020) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, reveals at CES a vivid look into the future of the smart city ecosystem. The Bell Nexus air taxi and the Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) – both groundbreaking technologies – will coexist to move people, products and information across connected cities.

"With a focus on the passenger experience, we revealed the technology and the vehicle that will revolutionize transportation in cities at CES 2019; this year, we're demonstrating what governing, operating, working and living in a smart city will look like," said Mitch Snyder, Bell president and CEO.

In a world where nearly 70 percent of the population will be living in urban areas by 2050 and cities are outgrowing their current transportations systems, the need for urban mobility solutions has never been greater. Fortunately, the transportation industry has reached an inflection point, and many of the world's top minds are working toward solutions for the optimal smart city design. Bell remains at the forefront of this pursuit with a clear mission of finding solutions to the infrastructure challenges of tomorrow's transportation networks.

These solutions and many smart city elements are on display in Bell's Nexus City on the CES show floor:

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) & Bell AerOS

Bell features its MaaS plans which look beyond the aircraft and demonstrate how to integrate MaaS into communities, making on-demand air mobility available to everyone--whenever they need it.

Bell's service is powered by Bell AerOS, a proprietary system running on Microsoft Azure created to manage fleet information, observe aircraft health, and manage throughput of goods, products and predictive data and maintenance. This digital infrastructure is prevalent in Bell's Smart City vision at the show and serves as another step in bringing connected mobility to the masses.

"Bell continues to lead the conversation beyond the aircraft to offer multi-modal transportation solutions and experiences within an interconnected digital network that will excite consumers, earn their trust and make their lives easier," said Snyder.

Nexus 4EX:

Bell showcases the evolution of the Bell Nexus--the Bell Nexus 4EX (Four for the number of ducted fans, E for Electric and X for experimental). The aircraft features Bell's signature powered-lift concept with four tilting ducted fans that can be configured as hybrid-electric or all-electric. Bell believes this design unlocks the key for all electric technology, but the vehicle will remain propulsion agnostic depending on customer needs.

"The vision for the Bell Nexus remains the same, but by taking a mature system level approach to design for an objective market vehicle, we believe this configuration unlocks a capable, certifiable and commercially viable product," said Snyder.

View Bell's vision for Connected Mobility here

Helicopters of the Future: Technology That Lets Pilots Focus on the Fight

Boeing Statement on 737 MAX Simulator Training

press release

Boeing is recommending 737 MAX simulator training in addition to computer based training for all MAX pilots prior to return to service of the 737 MAX. This recommendation takes into account our unstinting commitment to the safe return of service as well as changes to the airplane and test results. Final determination will be established by the regulators.

"Safety is Boeing's top priority," said interim Boeing CEO Greg Smith. "Public, customer and stakeholder confidence in the 737 MAX is critically important to us and with that focus Boeing has decided to recommend MAX simulator training combined with computer-based training for all pilots prior to returning the MAX safely to service."


BOC orders 20 A320neo. Spirit orders 100 A320neo

Crash: UIA B738 at Tehran on Jan 8th 2020, lost height after departure

sábado, 4 de enero de 2020

Russia says first hypersonic missiles enter service

NASA, South Dakota State students work on human-carrying drone

Bjorn’s Corner: Why e in ePlane shall stand for environment, Part 3.

Bjorn’s Corner: Why e in ePlane shall stand for environment, Part 2.

A visit to MAKS 2019 – an AvGeek bucket-list trip

Kelly Johnson Talks About His Greatest Creation, The SR-71 Blackbird, In This Must Watch, Uncut Interview

Russia’s S57 most advanced fighter jet crashes on training mission

First flight of Eurofighter in Kuwait Air Force configuration takes place

Latécoère To Buy Bombardier's Mexico Wiring Systems Biz

Indonesia Launches Domestically-built Armed UAV Program

Piaggio Wins Avanti Evo+ Order for the Italian Air Force

Chinese Counter-Drone Measure Disrupted GPS On Manned Aircraft

Airbus Overtakes Boeing As World's Top Planemaker

Lilium shows its electric air taxi pulling off some banked turns

viernes, 3 de enero de 2020

lunes, 16 de diciembre de 2019

Chelsea Embankment closed as World War II bomb found near River Thames | Metro News

Boeing suspends 737 MAX production starting in January due to certification moving into 2020

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-12-16-Boeing-Statement-Regarding-737-MAX-Production?sf226241718=1 


Boeing Statement Regarding 737 MAX Production

- Boeing suspends 737 MAX production starting in January due to certification moving into 2020
- Reduced production output enables prioritization of stored aircraft delivery
- No layoffs or furlough expected at this time


CHICAGO, Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Safely returning the 737 MAX to service is our top priority. We know that the process of approving the 737 MAX's return to service, and of determining appropriate training requirements, must be extraordinarily thorough and robust, to ensure that our regulators, customers, and the flying public have confidence in the 737 MAX updates. As we have previously said, the FAA and global regulatory authorities determine the timeline for certification and return to service. We remain fully committed to supporting this process. It is our duty to ensure that every requirement is fulfilled, and every question from our regulators answered. 

Throughout the grounding of the 737 MAX, Boeing has continued to build new airplanes and there are now approximately 400 airplanes in storage. We have previously stated that we would continually evaluate our production plans should the MAX grounding continue longer than we expected. As a result of this ongoing evaluation, we have decided to prioritize the delivery of stored aircraft and temporarily suspend production on the 737 program beginning next month.

We believe this decision is least disruptive to maintaining long-term production system and supply chain health. This decision is driven by a number of factors, including the extension of certification into 2020, the uncertainty about the timing and conditions of return to service and global training approvals, and the importance of ensuring that we can prioritize the delivery of stored aircraft. We will continue to assess our progress towards return to service milestones and make determinations about resuming production and deliveries accordingly.

During this time, it is our plan that affected employees will continue 737-related work, or be temporarily assigned to other teams in Puget Sound. As we have throughout the 737 MAX grounding, we will keep our customers, employees, and supply chain top of mind as we continue to assess appropriate actions. This will include efforts to sustain the gains in production system and supply chain quality and health made over the last many months.

We will provide financial information regarding the production suspension in connection with our 4Q19 earnings release in late January.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "should," "expects," "intends," "projects," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements relating to our future 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 expectations and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable when made, but 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 results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements, including the timing and conditions surrounding the return to service of the 737 MAX fleet, economic conditions in the United States and globally, general market and industry conditions as they may impact us or our customers, and our reliance on our commercial customers, our U.S. government customers and our suppliers, as well as the other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.


NASA says its X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology aircraft has been approved for final assembly

Self-Driving Mercedes Will Be Programmed To Sacrifice Pedestrians To S

Boeing suppliers bracing for production freeze of grounded 737 MAX | Article [AMP] | Reuters

New year, new sustainable goals in commercial aviation

Pontifications: MAX RTS, Emirates 777X order, Suspending 737 production, more

CR929 Partners Complete Latest Phase of Wind Tunnel Tests

IATA: Surge in 2020 Aircraft Deliveries will Challenge Capacity

NASA releases Martian water map for future astronauts

Kawasaki launches the world's first liquid hydrogen transport ship

Turkey is getting military drones armed with machine guns | New Scientist

Boeing hiring for key mechanic roles even as production cuts rumored

https://leehamnews.com/2019/12/16/boeing-hiring-for-key-mechanic-roles-even-as-production-cuts-rumored/

Boeing Weighs Suspending or Cutting Back 737 MAX Production

https://www.msn.com/en-us/finance/companies/boeing-weighs-suspending-or-cutting-back-737-max-production/ar-AAK9sma



viernes, 13 de diciembre de 2019

Is gender still holding women back in the aviation industry?

https://www.aerosociety.com/news/is-gender-still-holding-women-back-in-the-aviation-industry/

Modelo matemático de la Universidad de Córdoba para mejorar la eficacia del 43 Grupo de "apagafuegos"





Nota de prensa del Ejército del Aire



La Universidad de Córdoba inició en junio de 2018 el estudio de un modelo matemático de la dispersión en el suelo de las descargas de los aviones anfibios, conocidos popularmente como ´Apagafuegos´. El análisis de la huella de estos aviones permitió generar un modelo predictivo por el que las tripulaciones del 43 Grupo podrían determinar, antes de la ejecución de las descargas, qué superficie recibiría el impacto y con qué distribución espacial de concentración quedaría el fluido en la zona alcanzada por la descarga.

Los experimentos fueron realizados en el campo de tiro que el Ejército de Tierra tiene en Cerro Muriano (Córdoba), los días 11 y 12 de junio del año pasado. Para ellos se utilizó una malla formada por 203 tubos de medición en un área rectangular de 200 x 50 metros.

Este estudio contó con la colaboración del Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación y del Ministerio de Defensa, ambos representados por el Área de Defensa Contra Incendios Forestales de la Subdirección General de Política Forestal, así como por la Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) y el 43 Grupo de Fuerzas Aéreas.

La investigación, realizada por el laboratorio de incendios forestales de la Universidad de Córdoba, ha sido muy positiva para la eficacia de las operaciones de extinción de incendios forestales del 43 Grupo. Es más, durante la última campaña de incendios se han aplicado los conocimientos extraídos a las alturas de descarga.

Hay que destacar la utilidad de este modelo para guiar a las tripulaciones y hacer más efectivas sus descargas en los principales incendios de 2019, como los del Parque Natural de Tamadaba (Gran Canaria), Cadalso de los Vidrios (Madrid) o el que asoló la isla de Eubea (Grecia).

Predator B para el Ejército del Aire de España





Nota de prensa




Ayer han llegado a España, procedentes de los Estados Unidos, los primeros componentes del avión tripulado remotamente Predator B.

A bordo de un impresionante Antonov 124, el avión más grande del mundo, han atravesado el Atlántico partes del fuselaje y otros componentes de varias unidades de esta aeronave.

Todos estos componentes han sido desembarcados en la base aérea de Morón de la Frontera (Sevilla) con la ayuda de los miembros del Segundo Escuadrón de Apoyo al Despliegue Aéreo (SEADA), y en los próximos días llegarán a la base aérea de Talavera la Real (Badajoz) para prestar servicio en el Ala 23.

Está previsto que estos aviones tripulados remotamente (conocidos popularmente como drones) sean operados por el 233 Escuadrón y tengan su base de despliegue avanzado en el aeródromo militar de Lanzarote.

El Predator B es un avión de reconocimiento estratégico con una autonomía de más de 27 horas, y puede operar a más de 15 000 metros de altura. Su carga útil compuesta por un rádar y cámaras infrarrojas supera los 1700 kilogramos. Tiene más de 20 metros de envergadura. Van a ser utilizados en misiones de inteligencia, teniendo la capacidad de captar imágenes y vídeos.

La tripulación del Predator B está compuesta por un piloto y varios tripulantes, que han recibido durante los últimos meses la formación necesaria para poder operar esta aeronave.Esta formación está dividida en una fase nacional y otra en Estados Unidos. La nacional se realiza en centros de enseñanza del Ejército del Aire como son la Escuela UAS de Salamanca y el Centro Cartográfico de Cuatro Vientos.

Drone Seed: FAA Approves Rare Permit to Replant After Wildfires

press relase:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/faa-approves-rare-permit-to-replant-after-wildfires-300974150.html


video:
https://www.droneseed.com/videos?wix-vod-video-id=9bc395c264b24921b0442f8dabbf6b2b&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-k41lkt5q




more info
https://www.droneseed.com/



NASA's MAVEN Maps Winds in the Martian Upper Atmosphere that Mirror the Terrain Below and Gives Clues to Martian Climate

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasas-maven-maps-winds-in-the-martian-upper-atmosphere-that-mirror-the-terrain-below-and-gives-clues-to-martian-climate-300974301.html

Bell Autonomous Pod Transport 70 Wins Popular Science “Best of What’s New in Aerospace” Award





press release




Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announces that Popular Science recognized the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) 70 with a Best of What’s New Award in the Aerospace category for 2019. In 2018, Bell received a Best of What’s New Award in the Aerospace category for its Bell V-280 Valor Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator. This continued recognition validates Bell’s commitment to technology advancement and innovation in the aerospace industry.

"The Best of What's New is our celebration of the most impactful and exciting innovations of the year," says Popular Science Editor-in-Chief Joe Brown. "This expertly vetted collection lays the groundwork for a healthier, safer, and awe-inspiring future—in our homes, cities, outer space, and everywhere in between. We’re proud to bring you the Best of What's New 2019."

APT 70 is part of the eVTOL family of vehicles Bell is developing, capable of rotation and translation in flight to achieve high speeds and long-range flight. APT’s diverse mission capabilities allow it to serve many industries while keeping operations simple, efficient and fast. The vehicle’s true multi-copter payload capability with fixed wing speed and endurance enables the customer to save time, going faster, longer.




“The team continues to develop innovative technology to meet the transportation needs of the future,” said Scott Drennan, vice president, Innovation. “We are honored to be recognized by a leading industry voice like Popular Science, confirming the team’s hard work and dedication to advancing technology and expanding the scope of vertical lift.”

Bell announced the successful first autonomous flight of the APT 70 in August and recently carried 60lb payload with plans to expand to the maximum payload of 70lbs. The Bell team continues to develop technologies and expand the envelope to prepare the vehicle for entry into market.

To learn more, follow our progress on Bell’s social channels or visit us at bell.co/APT.

Lockheed Martin Announces Teaming Agreement with TC Energy on Innovative Flow Battery Technology





press release




BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today a teaming agreement with TC Energy in which the two companies will identify and develop large-scale, long-duration energy storage projects using GridStar® Flow, Lockheed Martin's innovative flow battery technology. This cutting-edge energy storage system is capable of storing six to 12 hours or more of energy and dispatching it as needed.




"We are thrilled to be partnering with TC Energy to bring long-duration energy storage to TC Energy projects in North America," said Dan Norton, vice president of Lockheed Martin Energy. "GridStar® Flow provides the durability, flexibility and safety necessary for project success, ensuring that TC Energy can customize systems to fit their needs and operate them for many years."

"We are excited to work with Lockheed Martin on this initiative, which exemplifies TC Energy's long history of embracing innovation and leading-edge technology in its operations," says Francois Poirier, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development & Strategy, and President, Power & Storage and Mexico. "This technology also strongly supports our commitments to sustainable development, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the energy value chains."

GridStar® Flow will enable TC Energy to address the growing requirements for large-scale, long-duration batteries to provide flexibility and resiliency as electric grids move away from fossil fuel generation and incorporate increasing levels of intermittent renewable energy.

Unlike conventional batteries, GridStar® Flow allows customers to optimally size power (megawatts) and energy (megawatt hours) independently and maintains its energy capacity without degradation throughout project life.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

About TC Energy
TC Energy and its affiliates deliver the energy millions of people rely on every day to power their lives and fuel industry. Focused on what we do and how we do it, we are guided by core values of safety, responsibility, collaboration and integrity. Our more than 7,000 people are committed to sustainably developing and operating pipeline, power generation and energy storage facilities across Canada, the United States and Mexico. TC Energy's common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. Visit TCEnergy.com and connect with us on social media to learn more.


SOURCE Lockheed Martin

Air France-KLM orders an additional 10 A350 XWBs;SKY 10 A321XLRs ; United Airlines 50 Airbus A321XLRs


https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/12/air-franceklm-orders-an-additional-10-a350-xwbs.html


https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/12/chiles-sky-orders-10-a321xlrs-to-expand-its-international-footprint.html


https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/12/united-airlines-orders-50-airbus-a321xlrs-for-transatlantic-route-expansion.html

Airbus acquires Seattle-area’s MTM Robotics





press release




Deal advances Airbus’ commitment to continued automation of its manufacturing line



Toulouse - Airbus has acquired industrial automation company, MTM Robotics, for an undisclosed sum. The move deepens Airbus’ commitment to expanding advanced robotics capabilities within its manufacturing processes. The MTM business will retain its current leadership and 40-person staff, as well as its facility in Mukilteo, Washington, near Seattle.


“We are pleased and excited to become a part of the Airbus family and look forward to further integrating our products and approaches into the Airbus industrialization chain, “said MTM founder, Mike Woogerd.


The acquisition is the latest chapter in a trusted, ten-year-plus relationship between the companies, with multiple MTM light automated robotics systems currently in use at Airbus manufacturing facilities. While MTM will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus Americas, Inc., headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, it will continue to serve other customers in the aerospace industry. Since 2003, MTM has deployed more than 40 aerospace manufacturing systems comprised of machines, tools, machine software, enterprise software and support throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.


The acquisition marks the latest step for Airbus in its industrialization roadmap, aimed at leveraging the time- and cost-saving benefits associated with using robotics in the manufacture and assembly of its commercial aircraft.


"The competitiveness of tomorrow will be determined by both designing the best aircraft and by building the most efficient manufacturing system, in parallel,“ said Michael Schoellhorn, Airbus Chief Operating Officer.“ Automation & robotics are central to our industrial strategy. We are very happy to welcome MTM Robotics as a family member and take a step forward on this exciting endeavour together."


“MTM perfectly fits Airbus’ ambition for engineering and innovative manufacturing solutions while maintaining agility,” explained Patrick Vigié, Head of Industrial Technologies at Airbus.


“Airbus and MTM Robotics each believe that tomorrow’s automation in aircraft manufacturing can and must be lighter, more portable and less capital intensive,” explained Vigié. “By joining our efforts and skills, we are well positioned to establish industrywide standards for the factory of tomorrow, “he said.

Why e in ePlane shall stand for environment, not electric.

https://leehamnews.com/2019/12/13/bjorns-corner-why-e-in-eplane-shall-stand-for-environment-not-electric-part-1/


https://leehamnews.com/2017/09/21/bjorns-corner-electric-aircraft-part-13/



jueves, 12 de diciembre de 2019

Honda Aircraft Company Begins Deliveries of HondaJet Elite to China

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/honda-aircraft-company-begins-deliveries-of-hondajet-elite-to-china-300972659.html

Aerospace Engineering Services Outsourcing Market Review 2014-2019 and Forecast to 2025

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aerospace-engineering-services-outsourcing-market-review-2014-2019-and-forecast-to-2025-300973357.html

Aerion Supersonic Selects Aernnova to Design and Develop Mid Fuselage for the AS2 Supersonic Business Jet

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aerion-supersonic-selects-aernnova-to-design-and-develop-mid-fuselage-for-the-as2-supersonic-business-jet-300972969.html



Fire Breaks Out On Russian “Admiral Kuznetsov” Aircraft Carrier at the Barents Sea port of Murmansk.

https://theaviationist.com/2019/12/12/fire-breaks-out-on-russian-admiral-kuznetsov-aircraft-carrier-at-the-barents-sea-port-of-murmansk/

FAA engineers objected to Boeing’s removal of some 787 lightning protection measures – The Seattle Times

miércoles, 11 de diciembre de 2019

Aerion Supersonic Selects GKN Aerospace as a Global Design and Manufacturing Partner

We're #MakingThingsFly supersonic with our partner @AerionCorp on their AS2 #supersonic business jet! 

Today, it was announced that @GKNAero will design the empennage and the electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for the AS2. 



https://www.gknaerospace.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2019/aerion-supersonic-selects-gkn-aerospace-as-a-global-design-and-manufacturing-partner/

Graphene takes off in composites for planes and cars

VIDEO: A340 limit at Bogota averted worse windshear incident

SkyGrid now apart of FAA's UAS low altitude airspace system

The assembly of the MC-21-300 fuselage to be tested with the Russian PD-14 engine was completed

BA To Trial 3D-Printed Parts

Un drone autonome pour surveiller le port de Dunkerque | Mer et Marine

FAA: No MAX certification until 2020; analysis forecast 15 more crashes if MCAS not fixed

https://leehamnews.com/2019/12/11/faa-no-max-certification-until-2020-analysis-forecast-15-more-crashes-if-mcas-not-fixed/

martes, 10 de diciembre de 2019

AERO Friedrichshafen to host electric aircraft competition on March 30 - 31 next year | Latest aviation events around the UK | Pilot Magazine

History of Long-Haul Flight Puts Qantas’ Project Sunrise into a Different Perspective

The most impressive aerospace innovations of 2019

All 100 innovations for Best of What's New 2019, this way. The most awesome aerospace innovations of this past year aren't just cool contraptions designed to cruise through air and space at breakneck speeds. They're hints at what might be mainstream in the future. From an experimental craft that ...

lee el artículo
https://flip.it/5PqdRh

lee el artículo + explora más en Flipboard
https://flip.it/v89UuV

Encuentra tus temas favoritos en Flipboard. Descarga la app aquí.
https://flip.it/q2c-.t

This Video Of The F-117 At Ronald Reagan Library Provides Interesting Details About The Story Of The Iconic Stealth Jet

Antarctic Chilean C-130 Flight With 38 On Board Disappears Over Drake Passage.

Flygskam’s Impact On Aviation

Air France-KLM Group steps up cooperation with Qantas Group

Chile’s SKY orders 10 Airbus A321XLR aircraft to expand its international footprint

First PD-14-powered MC-21 Takes Shape

World-first space debris removal mission to launch in 2025

EU reaches groundbreaking compromise to stop greenwashing of finance | Transport & Environment

Harbour Air makes history with electric-powered Beaver flight - Skies Mag

Volocopter First eVTOL Startup to Receive Design Organisation Approval by EASA

https://press.volocopter.com/index.php/volocopter-first-evtol-startup-to-receive-design-organisation-approval-by-easa


Bruchsal, 9. December 2019 – Urban Air Mobility pioneer Volocopter announced today that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) awarded the company Design Organisation Approval (DOA) following a series of thorough audits. The approval is a confirmation by EASA that Volocopter is performing its tasks as an aircraft manufacturer in a controlled and safe manner. As an approved Design Organisation, Volocopter has a competitive edge in development speed, while guaranteeing the highest safety standards. Volocopter is the first eVTOL startup on record to receive DOA with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) as scope of work worldwide.

EASA is the European Union's aviation authority and regulator, ensuring the highest level of safety protection. By awarding a DOA, EASA entrusts a growing range of responsibilities to Volocopter as per a set of rules and processes. The key effect of having a DOA is that EASA exercises surveillance to the organization as a whole, and the involvement can be reduced to fewer steps on the way to the final commercial certification. Consequently, product development can be conducted at a faster pace by the approved organization. Receiving EASA DOA thus proves to be a strong competitive advantage for Volocopter within the global context.

"Receiving this seal of approval from EASA is testament to our rigorously professional processes, world class team, and devotion to safety here at Volocopter," says Jan-Hendrik Boelens, CTO and Head of Design Organization of Volocopter. "Design Organisation Approval is a crucial step towards receiving commercial certification and brings air taxis ever closer!" says Florian Reuter, CEO of Volocopter.

EASA awards DOA to companies they have thoroughly audited with regards to their organisation, processes, resources, and staff expertise. Key aspects the agency checks before giving their seal of approval are clearly defined throughout certain processes that also need to be lived in everyday work, safety awareness, and the organisation. The audits ultimately serve to assess and decide whether a company can bring a safe aircraft to market.

The initial DOA approval obtained today will be continuously expanded with further privileges. These privileges can eventually include elements such as issuing approvals of changes or even issuing a permit to fly for its test aircraft allowing to conduct engineering and certification flight test of Volocopter's commercial air taxi. By obtaining a DOA approval Volocopter joins the ranks of Airbus S.A.S; Dassault Aviation, Leonardo S.p.A., BAE Systems, ADAC Luftfahrttechnik GmbH or Lufthansa Technik as Design Organisation.

Patrick Ky, Executive Director of the EASA "Awarding the first DOA with a scope of work for VTOL is a milestone for the industry. We are happy about the successful cooperation and the fact that our safety standards are now part of the rising eVTOL market."

Earlier this year EASA finalized and published the Special Condition VTOL, the world's first certification baseline specifically created for air taxis, under which Volocopter is in process to get its aircraft certified. 

 

About Volocopter GmbH

Volocopter is building the world's first sustainable and scalable urban air mobility business to bring affordable air taxi services to megacities worldwide. With the VoloCity, the company is developing the first fully electric "eVTOL" aircraft in certification to safely and quietly transport passengers within cities. Volocopter leads and cooperates with partners in infrastructure, operations, and air traffic management to build the ecosystem necessary to 'Bring Urban Air Mobility to Life'. 

In 2011, Volocopter performed the first-ever manned flight of a purely electric multicopter and has since showcased numerous public flights with its full-scale aircraft. The most notable have been the public test flights at Singapore's Marina Bay in October 2019 and the world's first autonomous eVTOL flight in Dubai 2017. Volocopter is also developing products for the logistics and precision agriculture space with their VoloDrone.

Founded in 2011 by Stephan Wolf and Alexander Zosel, Volocopter has 150 employees in offices in Bruchsal, Munich, and Singapore. The company is managed by CEO Florian Reuter, CTO Jan-Hendrik Boelens, and CFO Rene Griemens, and has raised a total of 85 million euro in equity. Volocopter's investors include Daimler, Geely, Intel Capital, Micron, BtoV, and Manta Ray Ventures.

Find out more at: www.volocopter.com

Muilenberg: Returning Max to service ‘will be an international decision’

https://davidlearmount.com/2019/12/07/muilenberg-returning-max-to-service-will-be-an-international-decision/

lunes, 9 de diciembre de 2019

FAA: Boeing Knowingly Installed Faulty 737 Parts | Commercial Aviation content from Aviation Week

Boeing faces a $4m fine for failing to ensure a supplier was delivering airworthy 737 slat tracks and then not rejecting them once the issue came to light. https://t.co/b4wTqFIIji

https://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/faa-boeing-knowingly-installed-faulty-737-parts

Interview: Jetpack Aviation raises $2 million to build flying motorcycle


https://newatlas.com/aircraft/david-mayman-interview-speeder-flying-motorcycle/


https://jetpackaviation.com/military-commercial-speeder/


https://jetpackaviation.com/recreational-speeder/



A world first - an autonomous baggage tractor tested in real conditions [video]






Press Release


In November 2019, Air France, CHARLATTE AUTONOM and Toulouse-Blagnac airport brought into service an autonomous tractor for transporting baggage between the baggage sorting area and aircraft. The testing in real conditions of this baggage tractor brings us one step closer to creating the smart airport of the future.
With the roll-out of smart, autonomous vehicles, air transport players aim to improve baggage flow performance and ramp safety at airport hubs. By automating traffic flows, operators can focus on decision-making and management actions, which saves time and efficiency when handling aircraft.

A co-innovation between air transport players 

The testing of this AT135 baggage tractor developed by the subsidiary of companies Charlatte Manutention and NAVYA, CHARLATTE AUTONOM, is the result of a close collaboration between several recognized air transport players, who have been working together to design the airport of the future.
TCR handles the tractor's daily maintenance requirements. The autonomous vehicle is supervised by agents from the Groupe 3S who have expertise in ground handling operations. Air France also shares its support and expertise with Toulouse-Blagnac airport by integrating its operations and infrastructure into the tests.

The tasks of the autonomous tractor 

Once the passengers' baggage has reached the baggage sorting area, the autonomous baggage tractor intervenes in the following way -
- An agent from Groupe 3S, an Air France subcontractor, places the baggage in containers connected to the autonomous tractor.
- The baggage tractor is a smart vehicle that moves autonomously around the airport to reach the Air France aircraft. Its destination is pre-programmed via a touchscreen by an agent from the Groupe 3S.
- As it nears the aircraft, the tractor stops and the agent takes control of the vehicle and subsequently loads the baggage in the aircraft hold.
- The vehicle returns to the baggage sorting area taking the same route in the reverse direction.


A smart electric tractor

To carry out its tasks and integrate ramp traffic, the vehicle is equipped with intelligent sensors that enable it to recognize its environment, position itself with great precision, detect obstacles at 360° and make decisions. Thanks to its sensors (Lidar, camera, GPS, odometer) and its autonomous steering software, the vehicle can move around the airport autonomously. The AUTONOM TRACT also communicates with the hub's traffic signals.

The autonomous electric baggage tractor has been operational at Toulouse-Blagnac airport since 15 November and has been able to navigate the environment autonomously thanks to specific authorizations.

For Vincent Euzeby, head of IT_&_Tech Innovation at Air France, “By facilitating the use of an autonomous baggage tractor and perfectly integrating it into its operational processes, Air France's ambition is to further optimize its operational performance and improve its customers' travel experience. This test is the first step to a more widespread roll-out of autonomous vehicles at our airports.
We are very proud of this world-first operation highlighting in real conditions the added value of our AT135 autonomous tractor, combining the expertise of Charlatte Manutention and NAVYA. The roll-out on a larger scale of autonomous vehicles should contribute to easing increasingly dense logistics flows”, added Bastien Devaux, CEO of CHARLATTE AUTONOM

 “This test is a concrete step to designing the Smart Airport, more innovative, connected and more efficient for our customers. It was only natural that this world first took place at Toulouse airport, the pioneer city of aviation”, added Philippe Crébassa, Chairman of the Executive Board of Toulouse-Blagnac Airport.
Discover this autonomous baggage tractor in video: https://youtu.be/V0OORhwtibQ

Saving the ozone layer drastically reduced climate change effects

https://newatlas.com/environment/montreal-protocol-reduced-climate-change-effects/


https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ab4874


https://youtu.be/HeV1EEttt74





TsAGI tested flutter model aircraft with simulated engine operation

“The advent of small-sized electric motors of sufficient power has made it possible to design and manufacture a dynamically similar model of a motor with a rotating rotor"


https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tsagi.ru%2Fpressroom%2Fnews%2F4605%2F

Revealed: A first image of Slon, the proposed new Russian super heavy freighter

http://www.rusaviainsider.com/revealed-first-image-slon-proposed-new-russian-super-heavy-freighter/


original press release (Russian written)
http://www.tsagi.ru/pressroom/news/4582/




related
http://www.rusaviainsider.com/russia-direct-1-billion-pd-35-engine-development/

Russian-produced landing gear to replace the Superjet 100’s French SAFRAN version in 2023

http://www.rusaviainsider.com/russian-produced-landing-gear-replace-superjet-100s-french-version-2023/

Sino-Russian CR929 engineering centre to be located in Russia

http://www.rusaviainsider.com/sino-russian-cr929-engineering-centre-located-russia/


https://aviationweek.com/aircraft-propulsion/moscow-host-craic-cr929-engineering-center



Watch SpaceX launch NASA cargo, including a Budweiser space beer experiment

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/05/watch-spacex-livestream-nasa-crs-19-cargo-rocket-launch.html

Mi-38 launched in the international market





press release




During the Dubai Airshow 2019, the Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) will make the first foreign presentation of its newest Mi-38 civilian helicopter. The rotorcraft featuring a luxury cabin will be showcased at the static exposition, and will also take part in the flight program.


The civilian version of the first serial Mi-38 helicopter was introduced last August at MAKS-2019 Moscow air show, where it was demonstrated to the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Cutting-edge technical solutions in the field of safety and comfort were used in the development of the helicopter interior. The engines of Mi-38 are located behind the main rotor transmission, instead of their traditional forward placement, which ensures the reduction in aerodynamic resistance and noise level in the cockpit, as well as increased the rotorcraft safety. In addition to its excellent flight performance, the competitive advantage of Mi-38 is its cost, which is lower than that of its foreign same-class peers.


The flight range of the transport version of the new Mi-38 helicopter is up to 1,000 kilometers (with additional fuel tanks). With its maximum takeoff weight of 15.6 tonnes, the helicopter can carry 5 tons of payload on board or on an external sling.

 Another novelty of the Dubai Airshow will be the light Ansat helicopter, which, following its European debut in Le Bourget, will be introduced to the Middle East. The corporate version of the rotorcraft will also take part in the flight program of the show. In this configuration, the helicopter can comfortably transport up to 5 passengers.


“Research and development effort, as well as experimental designing activity within the Mi-38 project was financed by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. The helicopter was originally designed to meet the toughest existing and potential standards of safety, environmental friendliness, land noise. The closest attention was paid to meeting the customers' needs in terms of flight performance, operational and economic parameters. Our engineers have performed a range of activities aimed at further expanding the operational capabilities and ensuring maximum versatility of the helicopter use. The improvements aimed at ensuring reliable and comfortable operation of the new rotorcraft in the conditions of hot climate and desert terrain should be of particular interest to operators in the Middle East,” noted the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov.

 "It is the first time in Russia's newest history that our civilian helicopters will be presented at a Middle East air show. The format and content of the participation of Russian Helicopters Holding Company in the Dubai Airshow demonstrate the new approaches of Rostec State Corporation to promoting Russian high-tech civilian products on foreign markets, which involves the support from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Russian Export Center, and leasing companies. We are confident that, in terms of its price and quality, Russian-made helicopters can be quite competitive in the world market and we expect that their demonstration will result in more actual contracts," said Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov.

 "Dubai Airshow will be the first foreign site for us to demonstrate our latest Mi-38, so we say that we are making the world premiere of this rotorcraft, as well as the debut of Ansat in the Middle East. The UAE sees the rapid development of its urban mobility sector, therefore, in addition to flight models, at our booth, we will present the VRT300 UAV, and a model of a light single-engine VRT500 helicopter will be showcased at our joint exposition with Tawazun, an Emirati Holding Company. It is no secret that UAE investors are interested in joining the project, and we expect to take the first actual steps in this area during the exhibition', said Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company Andrey Boginsky.

 Mi-38 can be operated in a wide range of climatic conditions including maritime, tropical and cold climates. The use of unparalleled technical solutions makes Mi-38 superior to other similar-class helicopters in terms of load capacity, seating capacity and main performance characteristics.
Light multi-purpose Ansat helicopter is equipped with two engines and can be used for passenger transportation, cargo delivery, environmental monitoring and as an ambulance aircraft. Ansat has successfully passed high-altitude tests, which proved that it is suitable for use in mountainous terrain at up to 3,500 meters of altitude, as well as climatic tests, which confirmed its operability in a temperature range between -45° and +50° С.

Light VRT500 helicopter and VRT300 UAV were developed by VR-Technologies Design Bureau and feature coaxial rotors, which ensure their high side wind resistance and small dimensions making them suitable for use in the restrained urban conditions.

 VRT500 features the largest passenger/cargo cabin in its class, with a total seating capacity of up to 5 people. The flight and technical parameters of the helicopter will allow it to speed up to 250 km/h, have a flight range of up to 860 km and carry on board up to 730 kg of payload.

Russian Helicopters and Pratt & Whitney Canada sign contract for powering VRT500 by PW207V engines





press release




At Dubai Airshow, VR-Technologies (part of Russian Helicopters Holding Company) and Pratt & Whitney signed a contract for fitting the cutting-edge light VRT500 helicopter with gas-turbine PW207V engines.

 PW207V is the advanced modification of PW200 family engines with the capacity of up to 700 hp designed for light-class rotorcraft. All in all, over 5 thousand powerplants of this type have been produced by now. They clocked more than 11 mln flight hours.



“PW200 family engines have shown excellent performance as reliable powerplants for helicopters. Currently they are being operated in more than 80 countries worldwide which should considerably simplify the certification of VRT500 and render its after-sales support more accessible and efficient. Russian Helicopters have a successful experience of cooperation with Pratt & Whitney Canada and I am sure that VRT500 project shall strengthen the partnership between the companies,” noted Andrey Boginsky, Director General of Russian Helicopters Holding Company.

 'The main component of any operating system is the engine. We are thrilled to announce VRT500 will be powered by PW200 engines, an engine and brand with a proven track record in safety, reliability, economy and ease of maintenance which of course is key for our helicopter operators' - said Alexander Okhonko, CEO of VR Technologies.

“Congratulations to VR Technologies for launching the VRT500 helicopter. We are proud that they have selected the PW207V engine. We look forward to working together to make this innovative platform a global success.” — Anthony Rossi, vice president, business development and commercial services, Pratt & Whitney.

 In order to be installed on VRT500 helicopter PW207V shall be adapted for powering single-engine rotorcraft with corresponding amendment of Type certificate.

 VRT500 is a light single-engine helicopter with coaxial rotor scheme and takeoff weight of 1,650 kg. The helicopter features the most spacious transport and cargo cabin in its class with a capacity of up to 5 passengers and is equipped with the state-of-the-art interactive avionics suite. Due to the embodied design solutions, this helicopter will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h, have a flight range of up to 860 km and take up to 730 kg of payload on board. The helicopter is developed in the following configurations: passenger, utility, cargo, training, VIP and EMS.

Ryanair withdraws three Boeing 737-800s after discovering cracks | Latest aviation news and events | Pilot Magazine

jueves, 5 de diciembre de 2019

Air France and the Solar Impulse Foundation call for solutions for the future of sustainable aviation | Air France - Corporate

Ryanair cuts planned capacity and jobs, blames 737 MAX delays


https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ryanair-hldgs-boeing/ryanair-cuts-planned-capacity-and-jobs-blames-737-max-delays-idUSKBN1Y81MR

Bombardier on track to meet 2019 Global 7500 business jet delivery targets: executive


https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bombardier-jets/bombardier-on-track-to-meet-2019-global-7500-business-jet-delivery-targets-executive-idUSKBN1Y82ML

Brazilian investor group Abradin files complaint against Embraer-Boeing deal

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-embraer-m-a-boeing-investors/brazilian-investor-group-abradin-files-complaint-against-embraer-boeing-deal-idUSKBN1Y72OY

WTO compliance decision poses new risks for Airbus, US customers - Leeham News and Analysis