martes, 25 de enero de 2022
Airbus’ deploys Beluga A300-600 ST fleet to serve industry’s outsized cargo transportation needs
Airbus has launched a new service to offer outsized freight transportation for customers worldwide. Key to bringing this to reality is the unique capability of its BelugaST ‘Super-Transporter’ aircraft, based on the A300-600 design. Today the five-strong aircraft fleet, which has hitherto been the backbone of Airbus’ inter-site transportation of large aircraft sections, is moving on from ‘in-house’ duties.
In their place Airbus is introducing six new-generation BelugaXLs – based on the larger A330-200 platform – to support Airbus’ ramp-up of its airliner production. For the BelugaSTs, this means that a new stage in their operational life can now begin in earnest – especially as the airframes still have plenty of available flight-hours remaining before reaching their original design service limits.
First mission: transporting an Airbus helicopter to Japan
The launch of the service took place during the last week of December 2021, when Beluga “No. 3” delivered a brand new helicopter from Airbus Helicopters’ manufacturing site in Marignane, France, halfway across the world to Kobe in Japan. Along the way, the Beluga stopped to refuel at various transit points – including Warsaw (in Poland), Novosibirsk (in Russia) and Seoul (in Korea). Notably, the whole helicopter could be accommodated inside the Beluga without any prior disassembly -- only needing its long rotor blades to be folded back.
New service dedicated for “outsized freight” customers
Over the years the Beluga fleet has occasionally been called upon over the years to transport outsized cargo (such as industrial machinery, complete space satellites etc.) ie. unrelated to its normal day-to-day job of transporting Airbus aircraft sections. With the new service, these five Belugas will be dedicated solely to transporting such cargo for commercially contracted customers. Typical industry sectors which would be served include: engine manufacturers; space industries; helicopter manufacturers; oil & gas and energy providers; machinery manufacturers; land vehicles and other military equipment; humanitarian supply distributors etc., to name a few.
Largest cross-section to open new markets
The Beluga benefits all possible market applications, since it possesses the world's largest interior cross-section of any transport aircraft, accommodating outsized cargo of up to 7.1m in width by 6.7m in height.
Phillippe Sabo, Head of ATI Air Oversize Transport at Airbus, notes: “The Beluga’s wider cross section will open up new markets and new logistical possibilities – which would not be feasible with other current airborne transport means. For example, customers could consider in their future manufacturing process to make larger parts to be transported whole without prior disassembly.” He adds: In the case of transporting helicopters, not having to dismantle them first really is a plus.”
Clement Beaunis, Project Leader of Airbus Beluga Transport, says: “The large dimensions accommodated are also attractive for satellite manufacturers for example, as they would like to design bigger ones in the future. In contrast, today they are constrained in size by the available transport means. The Beluga will relieve that constraint.”
Another ‘use-case’ is if an airline is facing an AOG situation due to an on-wing engine issue. Sabo explains: “The Beluga can bring a full engine-change kit directly to the airport allowing the AOG team to change the engine in a few hours. This is possible because the Beluga can transport the engine and inlet in a fully dressed configuration. Whereas with other air transport means the engine would first need to be partially dismantled, and would subsequently need around two days to reassemble and re-test.”
Dedicated airline to be created for worldwide operations
For the initial Beluga missions -- such as this first one to Japan -- Airbus’ in-house ‘airline’ Air Transport International (ATI) is using its own aircrew. However, in the near future, once Airbus has commissioned all six new BelugaXLs, the fully released BelugaST fleet will be handed over to a newly created dedicated subsidiary airline with its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and staff.
Sabo points out: “Whereas the ATI structure is inherently focused around the European network of Airbus’ plants, the new airline which we will create will be flexible and agile to address the needs of external markets. Moreover, it will have a worldwide scope and we will be organised for that around the globe.”
In addition, to better meet the demands of a truly international operation, the Belugas will be upgraded with a new generation Flight Management System (FMS) with ADS-B for enhanced intercontinental navigational capabilities.
New loading innovations for quick reactivity and short turnaround
To maximise the BelugaST’s reactivity and short turnaround capability required by its targeted international customer base, new loading techniques and equipment are being developed for the operation. To this end, an automated on-board cargo loader (OBCL) will enable missions from/to airports which do not have available any suitable loading/unloading platform, and for payloads weighing up to 20t. This OBCL – available from 2022 – will be transportable inside the aircraft (stored in front of the internal payload hold area) and be able to load and unload the payload autonomously.
For the initial Beluga missions -- such as this first one to Japan -- Airbus’ in-house ‘airline’ Air Transport International (ATI) is using its own aircrew. However, in the near future, once Airbus has commissioned all six new BelugaXLs, the fully released BelugaST fleet will be handed over to a newly created dedicated subsidiary airline with its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and staff.
Sabo points out: “Whereas the ATI structure is inherently focused around the European network of Airbus’ plants, the new airline which we will create will be flexible and agile to address the needs of external markets. Moreover, it will have a worldwide scope and we will be organised for that around the globe.”
In addition, to better meet the demands of a truly international operation, the Belugas will be upgraded with a new generation Flight Management System (FMS) with ADS-B for enhanced intercontinental navigational capabilities.
To complement the OBCL, and for the heaviest and longest cargo, a new redesigned transportable Outboard Platform (OP) is also under development. These OPs (at least six to start with) will be strategically pre-positioned at various airports around the world and be easily transportable prior to a mission at short notice.
The third loading innovation is the new Multi-Purpose-Pallet (MPP) recently developed and produced by Airbus at its sites in St Eloi and Nantes. Compatible with a range of payloads, the MPP, when it is already carrying the cargo, is raised by around five metres above the apron level and loaded through the Beluga’s nose opening using either the OBCL or OB described above. The MPP’s underside subsequently interfaces securely to the Beluga’s load-bearing floor attachment points. Notably, this inaugural mission to Kobe is another ‘first’ in that it marks the very first time that the MPP has been used for an operational mission -- following its recently-completed successful development-testing stage.
Civil Aviation Authority issues AirCar the Certificate of Airworthiness
press release
AirCar the dual-mode car-aircraft vehicle has been issued the official Certificate of Airworthiness by the Slovak Transport Authority, following the successful completion of 70 hours of rigorous flight testing compatible with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, with over 200 takeoffs and landings.
The challenging flight tests included the full range of flight and performance maneuvers and demonstrated an astonishing static and dynamic stability in the aircraft mode. The takeoff and landing procedures were achieved even without the pilot's need to touch the flight controls.
It took a team of 8 highly skilled specialists and over 100,000 manhours to convert design drawings into mathematical models with CFD analysis calculations, wind tunnel testing, 1:1 design prototype powered by electric 15KW engine to 1000kg 2-seat dual-mode prototype powered by 1.6L BMW engine that achieved the crucial certification milestone.
"AirCar certification opens the door for mass production of very efficient flying cars. It is official and the final confirmation of our ability to change mid-distance travel forever," said Professor Stefan Klein, the inventor, leader of the development team and the test pilot. "50 years ago, the car was the epitome of freedom," says Anton Zajac, the project cofounder. "AirCar expands those frontiers, by taking us into the next dimension; where road meets sky."
"Professor Stefan Klein is the world leader in the development of user-friendly Flying Cars. His latest (fifth) version is the pinnacle achievement in the new category of flying cars!" said Dr. Branko Sarh, Boeing Co. Senior Technical Fellow. "The automated transition from road vehicle into an air vehicle and vice versa, deploying/retracting wings and tail is not only the result of pioneering enthusiasm, innovative spirit and courage; it is an outcome of excellent engineering and professional knowledge," he noted after AirCar's first intercity flight last year.
"Transportation Authority carefully monitored all stages of unique AirCar development from its start in 2017. The transportation safety is our highest priority. AirCar combines top innovations with safety measures in line with EASA standards. It defines a new category of a sports car and a reliable aircraft. Its certification was both a challenging and fascinating task," said René Molnár, the director of the Civil Aviation Division (Transport Authority of Slovakia).
Klein Vision has already completed tests of a new powerful, lightweight, and efficient ADEPT Airmotive aviation engine and finalized drawings and technical calculations for the upcoming monocoque model with variable pitch propeller expected to reach speeds over 300km/h and range of 1,000km. "ADEPT Airmotive is proud to have our ecologically compliant engines selected to power this exciting and innovative project," said Richard Schulz – Founder, ADEPT Airmotive. "Klein Vision's AirCar is an engineering marvel, and we look forward our long-term cooperation!", added Raymond Bakker, the ADEPT Technical Director. The new production model is expected to be certified in 12 months.
lunes, 24 de enero de 2022
sábado, 22 de enero de 2022
viernes, 21 de enero de 2022
jueves, 20 de enero de 2022
miércoles, 19 de enero de 2022
lunes, 17 de enero de 2022
2022 Forecast: C919 EIS unlikely before 2023-24
- C919 is overweight, shortening range, and adversely affecting fuel economy.
- Commercial success of the C919 won’t be possible.
- ARJ21 lands first foreign operator, but it’s not an arm’s length deal.
Continue reading https://leehamnews.com/2022/01/17/2022-forecast-c919-eis-unlikely-before-2023-24/
Airbus, NTT, DOCOMO and SKY Perfect JSAT Jointly Studying Connectivity Services from High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS)
press release
TOKYO, JAPAN, January 17, 2022 – Airbus, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), NTT DOCOMO, INC. (DOCOMO) and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (SKY Perfect JSAT) jointly announced that they have begun studying the feasibility of collaborating on future high-altitude platform stations (HAPS)-based connectivity services as part of a future space-based wireless connectivity ecosystem.
Launched with a memorandum of understanding (MOU), the study aims to identify the early deployment requirements of a HAPS-based network. The collaboration will investigate the use of the Airbus Zephyr, the leading fixed wing, solar-powered, stratospheric unmanned aerial system (UAS), and the wireless communication networks of NTT, DOCOMO and SKY Perfect JSAT in order to test HAPS connectivity, identify practical applications, develop required technologies and ultimately launch space-based wireless broadband services.
In the global push to further advance 5G and eventually introduce 6G, initiatives are under way to expand coverage worldwide, including in the oceans and in the air, as well as remote and hard to reach areas. Such initiatives will include HAPS, which fly in the stratosphere about 20 km above the earth, and non-terrestrial network (NTN) technologies using geostationary-orbit (GEO) satellites and low Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites. HAPS networks are deemed to be a relatively easy solution for air and sea connectivity and an effective platform for deploying disaster countermeasures plus have many industrial applications. The provision of space-based radio access network services using NTN technologies, collectively called Space RAN (radio access network), is expected to support worldwide mobile communications with ultra-wide coverage and improved disaster resistance as well enhanced 5G and 6G. In addition, HAPS platforms can also interconnect to the nearest terrestrial network gateway and extend the reach of existing mobile services directly to end-user devices, providing service options including rural, emergency and maritime connectivity.
With the signing of the MOU, the four companies will discuss and identify possible future developments necessary to unlock future HAPS-based connectivity services, lobby for standardization and institutionalization of HAPS operations, and explore business models for commercializing HAPS services.
Specific themes will include the applicability of HAPS for mobile connectivity on the ground and base station backhaul,1 the performance of various frequency bands in HAPS systems, the technological considerations for linking HAPS with satellites and ground base stations, and the establishment of a cooperative system to test a network combining NTN technology, satellites and HAPS.
As separately announced on November 15, 2021, DOCOMO and Airbus successfully conducted a propagation test between the ground and a “Zephyr S” HAPS aircraft in the stratosphere, demonstrating the possibility of providing stable communication with such a configuration.
1 Base station backhaul refers to a fixed line that supports high-speed, high-capacity information transmission between a large number of wireless base stations in a mobile communications network and the core network.
About Airbus
Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.
About NTT
NTT believes in resolving social issues through our business operations by applying technology for good. We help clients accelerate growth and innovate for current and new business models. Our services include digital business consulting, technology and managed services for cybersecurity, applications, workplace, cloud, data center and networks all supported by our deep industry expertise and innovation. As a top 5 global technology and business solutions provider, our diverse teams operate in 80+ countries and regions and deliver services to over 190 of them. We serve over 80% of Fortune Global 100 companies and thousands of other clients and communities around the world. For more information on NTT, visit www.global.ntt/
About NTT DOCOMO
NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 82 million subscriptions, is one of the world's foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities ("+d" partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations.
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/
About SKY Perfect JSAT
SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation is a leader in the converging fields of broadcasting and communications. It is Asia’s largest satellite operator with a fleet of 16 satellites, and Japan’s only provider of both multi-channel pay-TV broadcasting and satellite communications services. SKY Perfect JSAT delivers wide range of entertainment through “SKY PerfecTV!”, the most extensive broadcasting platform in Japan with a total of 3 million subscribers. In addition, SKY Perfect JSAT’s satellite communications services, which cover Asia, Russia, Middle East, Oceania, North America and Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean regions, play a vital role in supporting communications infrastructures for mobile backhaul, government, aviation, maritime, oil & gas and disaster recovery. For more information, visit our corporate website (https://www.skyperfectjsat.space/en/) and Space Business website (https://www.skyperfectjsat.space/jsat/en/).
sábado, 15 de enero de 2022
Reusable scramjet launch system to pave way for hypersonic airliners
Australian company Hypersonix Launch Systems is not only looking to make the delivery of satellites into orbit cheaper and more accessible, but also greener. It is developing a reusable launch system powered by green hydrogen that would deliver small satellites into orbit without producing any carbon emissions or other noxious gases – and is eyeing off hypersonic airliners further down the line.
viernes, 14 de enero de 2022
jueves, 13 de enero de 2022
The Problem With 5G
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2022-01-11/problem-5g
At issue, the impact of wireless signals in the 3.7 to 3.98 GHz range bumping up against radar/radio altimeters that live in the 4.2 to 4.4 GHz environment, causing those altimeters to give potentially false readings to pilots and the various aircraft systems they support, endangering aviation safety, particularly during takeoff and landing in low visibility conditions
miércoles, 12 de enero de 2022
EMBRAER AND AERNNOVA ANNOUNCE NEW STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN ÉVORA - Aernnova Web
http://www.aernnova.com/en/embraer-and-aernnova-announce-new-strategic-partnership-in-evora/
– Under the terms of the partnership, Aernnova acquires Embraer industrial plants in Évora, Portugal, and a long term supply agreement is signed between both companies
Embraer and Aernnova, today announced a strategic partnership for Embraer Metálicas and Embraer Compósitos industrial units, located in the Aeronautical Industry Park of Évora, Portugal. The transaction contemplates the sale of all shares of company's wholly owned subsidiaries to Aernnova. Under the terms of the partnership, Aernnova assumes the operation of the industrial plants in Évora at the same time as it signs a supply agreement to secure current production packages for Embraer aircrafts. Évora facilities activity will add around US$ 170 million to Aernnova's revenues figure.
With 37,100 and 31,800-square meters respectively, and employing around 500 people, these facilities combine the most advanced technologies in both metallic and composite airframe construction with a high level of digitalization and automation of plant production processes. Among other activities both factories produce parts for wings, vertical and horizontal stabilizers for programs such as the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 business jets, the two generations of the E-Jets family of commercial jets and the multi-mission aircraft C-390 Millennium. Évora industrial units will constitute Aernnova's largest production center in the world.
This agreement strengthens the Aernnova's position as a tier 1 supplier for single-aisle aircraft, and improves its presence in the executive and defense aerospace markets. The industrial capacity at Evora plants will also allow Aernnova to further expand Evora current activities with new contracts either from Embraer or other aircrafts manufacturers.
"We are pleased to announce this partnership with Aernnova, a world renowned supplier in the aerostructures segment, which will allow for increasing the occupation level of the factories in Évora, to diversify its client base and to bring new business opportunities," said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer.
Mr. Ricardo Chocarro, CEO of Aernnova, said: "This deal is another step forward in Aernnova's growth strategy, further underlining the company's status as a global leader in the design and manufacturing of aerostructures. We plan to further develop the operations of the facilities, and establish Évora as a global aerostructure manufacturing benchmark, with the technical and commercial support of Aernnova group, and with the continuous commitment of the company to a digital and sustainable aeronautical industry"
The closing of the transaction is subject to the completion of certain conditions which the parties expect to accomplish in the first quarter of 2022.
lunes, 10 de enero de 2022
Teaming with Lockheed Martin for the KC-Y tanker competition
Pontifications: Teaming with Lockheed Martin for the KC-Y tanker competition https://leehamnews.com/2022/01/10/pontifications-teaming-with-lockheed-martin-for-the-kc-y-tanker-competition/
sábado, 8 de enero de 2022
South Korea grounds F-35s after malfunction forces emergency landing
South Korea grounds F-35s after malfunction forces emergency landing https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/South_Korea_grounds_F-35s_after_malfunction_forces_emergency_landing_999.html
NASA releases autonomous flight termination unit software to industry
NASA releases autonomous flight termination unit software to industry https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/NASA_releases_autonomous_flight_termination_unit_software_to_industry_999.html
viernes, 7 de enero de 2022
Bjorn’s Corner: Sustainable Air Transport, a deeper look. Part 1.
Bjorn's Corner: Sustainable Air Transport, a deeper look. Part 1. https://leehamnews.com/2022/01/07/bjorns-corner-sustainable-air-transport-a-deeper-look-part-1/
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