jueves, 16 de febrero de 2023

US seeks to deflate Chinese balloon worries; as US jets intercept Russian aircraft

NATO debates raising defence spending target

Airbus reports Full-Year (FY) 2022 results

HOTR: China’s desire for aerospace self-sufficiency threatens Airbus, Boeing


By the Leeham News Team China's goal for C919 China's state-run aviation industry is working toward self-sufficiency because of sanctions. But it is these same sanctions that will make it difficult to achieve. Beijing wants to shift to... Read More


The Ins And Outs Of Curved Windshields On Airliners

Tecnam modifying first two Sentinel SMPs for undisclosed buyer

China sanctions Lockheed Martin and Raytheon over Taiwan arms sales

https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/china-sanctions-lockheed-martin-and-raytheon-over-taiwan-arms-sales/152103.article 


Beijing will prohibit the aerospace manufacturers from doing business in China and ban senior executives from entering the country, citing weapons sales to Taiwan.

First run of Tech TP ACHIEVE hybrid electric turboprop demonstrator | Safran

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/premier-essai-du-demonstrateur-turbopropulseur-hybride-electrique-tech-tp-achieve-2023-01-16 

Safran Helicopter Engines has successfully completed ground tests of a "more-electric" variant of its Tech TP turboprop engine at its Tarnos facility. The Ardiden 3-based technological demonstrator incorporates technologies from Clean Sky1 ACHIEVE project, resulting in more efficient and more sustainable operating modes.

Air India places record order for more than 800 LEAP engines | Safran

https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/air-india-places-record-order-more-800-leap-engines-2023-02-14 


Air India and CFM International have signed an agreement for the largest ever CFM LEAP engine order. CFM will exclusively power the airline's newly-announced fleet of 210 Airbus A320/A321neo and 190 Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft.

Air India's firm order for 800 LEAP engines includes 420 LEAP-1A, 380 LEAP-1B, plus spares. Air India also signed a CFM services contract.

HAL and Safran move forward in the partnership for the IMRH helicopter engine | Safran

Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have signed a workshare agreement for the joint development of the engine intended for the future 13-ton IMRH (Indian Multi-Role Helicopter) and its naval version DBMRH (Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter).



https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/hal-and-safran-move-forward-partnership-imrh-helicopter-engine-2023-02-15 

Airbus boosted defence and space revenues in 2022

Higher deliveries of military aircraft, including the A400M tactical airlifter, helped increase full-year revenues at Airbus Defence & Space by 11% to €10.2 billion ($10.9 billion) in 2022, although costs incurred by the loss of two satellites in December and delays to the Airane 6 launcher meant adjusted EBIT for ...


https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/airbus-boosted-defence-and-space-revenues-in-2022/152091.article 

Airbus shows off latest A321 final assembly line in former Toulouse A380 hall

Airbus decarbonisation targets validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

Airbus has received approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its greenhouse gas emissions near-term reduction targets.

https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-02-airbus-decarbonisation-targets-validated-by-the-science-based?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss 

Norwegian reports an operating profit (EBIT) of NOK 1,502 million for 2022

Norwegian has reported its results for the fourth quarter of 2022 and the preliminary full-year results for 2022. For the full year of 2022, Norwegian delivered an operating profit (EBIT) of NOK 1,502 million. The airline limits losses before tax (EBT) to NOK 80 million in a quarter characterised by seasonally softer demand, demonstrating Norwegian's […]


https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/norwegian-air-shuttle/norwegian-reports-an-operating-profit-ebit-of-nok-1502-million-for-2022/ 

[Australia] Classic Hornets still to be sold to private air combat company

https://australianaviation.com.au/2023/02/classic-hornets-still-to-be-sold-to-private-air-combat-company/ 

The Australian government initially announced its intention to sell the aircraft to Air USA – now rebranded as RAVN Aerospace – in March 2020, with initial delivery three or four years from that date.

What fighter pilot brains could tell us about space travel - Scimex

miércoles, 15 de febrero de 2023

Japan Says It Strongly Presumes China Sent Three Spy Balloons Into Its Airspace

Boeing Doubles Sustainable Aviation Fuel Purchase for Commercial Operations, Buying 5.6 Million Gallons for 2023

FAA chief launches safety review following several recent close calls

Boeing to Increase Sustainable Aviation Fuel Procurement for Commercial Flights, Acquiring 5.6 Million Gallons for 2023.

Babcock Australasia and IAI partner on drone solutions

https://australianaviation.com.au/2023/02/babcock-australasia-and-iai-partner-on-drone-solutions/ 


Under the memorandum of understanding, the two companies will execute local demonstrations of the IAI WanderB-VTOL and ThunderB-VTOL systems in front of local authorities and agencies.

Air New Zealand insists it put ‘safety first’ despite ambitious restart

United flight 1722: US to investigate Boeing 777's mysterious nosedive - BBC News

MiG-21 Jets Scrambled After Weather Balloon Is Detected In Romania’s Airspace

Boeing Jets Chosen by Air India for Sustainable Growth Strategy, with up to 290 Planes Selected

Air India, owned by Tata, to purchase 250 Airbus planes

NASA's "evolved structures" radically reduce weight – and waiting

Air India Goes On Boeing, Airbus Aircraft Buying Spree

martes, 14 de febrero de 2023

EC-036. Sillas Voladoras con Elisabeth Heilmeyer - Hablando de Aviones - Podcast en iVoox

https://www.ivoox.com/ec-036-sillas-voladoras-elisabeth-heilmeyer-audios-mp3_rf_83806397_1.html 

Descripción de EC-036. Sillas Voladoras con Elisabeth Heilmeyer

En esta conversación, Elisabeth Heilmeyer, presidenta de la Asociación de "Las Sillas Voladoras", comparte con todos nosotros sus experiencias ante las dificultades superadas para conseguir la licencia de vuelo de piloto de planeador después del accidente que la dejó en una silla de ruedas.

Una muestra de tenacidad, empeño y coraje, que le permite conseguir su licencia, desde que doblegó la resistencia de aquellos que deberían haberla apoyado. 

Air India Selects Up to 290 Boeing Jets to Serve Its Strategy for Sustainable Growth

Hawk joins the military metaverse

 What do you get if you cross the West’s most successful advanced jet trainer, with a bleeding-edge augmented reality (AR) helmet system? A revolution in flight training

 

https://www.aerosociety.com/news/hawk-joins-the-military-metaverse/ 

 

 

Video of Red 6's ground-breaking augmented reality (AR) helmet display, which superimposes virtual wingman, enemy aircraft, tankers for pilots to fly with in real airspace

https://youtu.be/cwpGpro9WQw 

Super Bowl flyover features all-women team of pilots

 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/super-bowl-flyover-features-all-women-team-of-pilots/

Multi-platform demonstration showcased interoperability among F-35, MQ-4C Triton, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and naval ships

press release


Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully demonstrated its gateway technology in a flight test that proved the ability to connect airborne platforms with naval assets. The first-of-its-kind demonstration was conducted with Naval Air Systems Command, Office of Naval Research, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific and BAE Systems.



“Our gateways provide an open, secure and resilient solution needed to enable information advantage for our customers,” said Ben Davies, vice president and general manager, network information solutions, Northrop Grumman. “This powerful combination expands the mission sets of maritime platforms to deliver a seamlessly connected fleet – a critical step as the U.S. Navy achieves its naval operational architecture to enable distributed maritime operations.”

Equipped on Northrop Grumman’s MQ-4C Triton Flying Test Bed, the airborne gateway shared fifth-generation sensor data to ground-based simulators that represented an F-35, an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, U.S. Navy Aegis class destroyers and carrier strike groups. The gateway integrated with Triton’s radar and artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to significantly enhance situational awareness across previously disconnected platforms. The addition of the gateway on Triton expands data sharing and will improve the warfighter’s ability to stay ahead of the adversary and make decisions faster across a vast and diverse environment.

“Triton’s altitude, persistence, and robust communication links make it an ideal candidate to host the Gateway system,” said Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager, global surveillance, Northrop Grumman. “This demonstration highlighted gateway technology enhancements to Triton that would enable information dominance across distributed maritime assets; including access to the F-35’s robust sensor suite and the E-2D’s battle management capabilities.”

Northrop Grumman recently demonstrated another gateway solution and also unveiled Australia’s first Triton. Northrop Grumman’s family of systems brings enhanced interoperability between joint and coalition forces across air and sea.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 95,000 employees define possible every day.

U.S. military says it recovers key sensors from downed Chinese spy balloon

 https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-military-says-it-recovers-key-sensors-downed-chinese-spy-balloon-2023-02-14/

Why The Boeing 777X Is The Perfect 747 Replacement

 https://simpleflying.com/why-the-boeing-777x-is-the-perfect-747-replacement/

[Unmanned Helicopters] Thales and Schiebel secure Royal Navy Peregrine contract

 https://euro-sd.com/2023/02/news/29612/thales-and-schiebel-secure-royal-navy-peregrine-contract/

[India] PM Unveils Light Utility Helicopter by HAL and Praises HAL's New Factory

 https://www.news18.com/news/auto/pm-unveils-light-utility-helicopter-by-hal-and-praises-hals-new-factory-7014517.html

 

 

Aero India 2023: HAL Unveils New Fighter Trainer

 Aimed at bridging the gap between existing trainers and basic fighters with supersonic capability, India’s government-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has unveiled a scale model of a next-generation jet trainer called the Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer (HLFT-42) at Aero India 2023, which runs from 13-17 February in Yelahanka, Bangalore.

https://euro-sd.com/2023/02/news/29634/aero-india-2023-hal-unveils-new-fighter-trainer/

Embraer showcases the C-390 Millennium at Aero India 2023

 https://embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1207159-embraer-showcases-the-c-390-millennium-at-aero-india-2023

Ilyushin to develop ultra-high capacity aircraft line

 https://www.ruaviation.com/news/2023/1/13/18180/

Boeing eyes strong aviation market growth in India

 https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/boeing-eyes-strong-aviation-market-growth-in-india/152041.article

[USA] Latest 'Object' Shoot Down Closes Midwest Airspace

 https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-02-13/latest-object-shoot-down-closes-midwest-airspace

"Exceptional" new catalyst cheaply splits hydrogen from seawater

 https://newatlas.com/energy/rmit-seawater-hydrogen/

Air India finalises deal with Airbus for buying around 250 planes

 Read more at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-finalises-deal-with-airbus-for-buying-around-250-planes/articleshow/97780065.cms

 

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/air-india-agrees-buy-250-jets-airbus-part-jumbo-order-sources-2023-02-10/

Un F-16 (X-62 VISTA) vuela más de 15h con una IA a los mandos

 https://blog.sandglasspatrol.com/un-f-16-x-62-vista-vuela-mas-de-15h-con-una-ia-a-los-mandos/

AIMEN lidera un proyecto internacional para la fabricación de piezas de aviones mediante fabricación aditiva láser-hilo

 https://www.aimen.es/sala-de-prensa/noticias/aimen-lidera-un-proyecto-internacional-para-la-fabricacion-de-piezas-de-aviones-mediante-fabricacion-aditiva-laser-hilo

ADDIFLAP desarrollará un nuevo concepto de flap track aplicando la fabricación aditiva basada en deposición de energía directa con hilo mediante procesado láser (W-DED-LB).


La nueva estrategia de fabricación afectará a toda la cadena de valor, mejorando el impacto medioambiental y la competitividad industrial mediante el ahorro de materias primas, la eficiencia energética y la optimización global.

El proyecto, en el que también participan AC2T-Austria y ASCO Industries, se desarrolla en el marco del programa H2020 y cuenta con presupuesto de 500 mil euros financiados por CleanSky 2 Joint Undertaking, con el apoyo de la Unión Europea.

O Porriño, 1 de febrero de 2023.- AIMEN Centro Tecnológico lidera el proyecto europeo ADDIFLAP que tiene como finalidad demostrar la viabilidad técnica de la fabricación de piezas de titanio para aeronaves a través de la deposición de energía directa con hilo mediante procesado láser (W-DED-LB). En concreto, se centrarán en el desarrollo de flap tracks, que son las estructuras sobre las que se colocan los sistemas hidráulicos que mueven los flaps de un avión en las maniobras de despegue, aproximación y aterrizaje.

Para alcanzar este objetivo, se desarrollarán modelos de simulación y sistemas de monitorización de proceso que optimizarán la estrategia de fabricación y permitirán reducir la distorsión final de las piezas y lograr la integridad estructural adecuada.

Además, se diseñará y fabricará un sistema de movimiento para los flaps basado en un concepto de superficies deslizantes usando materiales autolubricantes y sustituyendo el sistema actual de rodillos. Estas innovaciones contribuirán a disminuir las tareas de mantenimiento y la utilización de lubricantes.

De este modo, ADDIFLAP alcanzará su fase final demostrando el rendimiento del proceso W-DED-LB en un entorno de fabricación real, obteniendo la validación final de la estructura del flap track en condiciones dinámicas. Asimismo, se realizará la validación de un material autolubricante que permita el rediseño del sistema de carril-guía a través de un concepto de superficies deslizantes, bajo carga normal y varios ciclos de deslizamiento.

Esta nueva estrategia de fabricación afectará a toda la cadena de valor, mejorando el impacto medioambiental y la competitividad industrial: ahorro de materias primas, eficiencia energética y optimización global.

Las emisiones de CO2 del proceso W-DED se verán reducidas al 26% en comparación con el proceso de mecanizado por CNC (Control Numérico por Ordenador); y se espera un ahorro aproximado de un 60% en el titanio de deshecho que se produce mediante el proceso de mecanizado.

VISTA X-62 Advancing Autonomy and Changing the Face of Air Power - Feb 13, 2023

https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2023-02-13-VISTA-X-62-Advancing-Autonomy-and-Changing-the-Face-of-Air-Power 

The Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) VISTA X-62A, a one-of-a-kind training aircraft, was flown by an artificial intelligence agent for more than 17 hours recently, representing the first time AI engaged on a tactical aircraft.

lunes, 13 de febrero de 2023

Boeing Eyes $24 Million Logistics Center In India Ahead Of Major Air India Order

Embraer Features C-390 Millennium at Aero India 2023

Revolutionizing Air Power: Lockheed Martin’s VISTA X-62A Leads the Charge in Autonomous Flight

Boeing to Establish a New Logistics Hub in India Amid Significant Aircraft Deal

[Australia] Elderly pilot died at night flying to find missing family

https://australianaviation.com.au/2023/02/elderly-pilot-died-at-night-flying-to-find-missing-family/ 

Kenneth Anning, 84, ignored warnings not to fly in the dark before his Robinson R22 crashed into trees in North Queensland.

[USA] Rulemaking Begins for UAS Wireless Communications

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-02-13/rulemaking-begins-uas-wireless-communications 

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published a rule to enable wireless communications for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the 5,030- to 5,091-MHz band. It now seeks comment on whether measures are necessary to facilitate such communication on flexible-use wireless networks. Comments are due by March 9.

Green Fares: Lufthansa Group is the world’s first airline group to offer an own fare for more sustainable travel

The Lufthansa Group is further expanding its portfolio of sustainable travel offers and will be the world’s first airline group to offer a new product for more climate-friendly flying from February 15, 2023: The Green Fares.

The Green Fares will make it possible to fly more sustainably in the future with just one click, as the new fares already include offsetting of flight-related CO2 emissions.  


https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/lufthansa-group/green-fares-lufthansa-group-is-the-worlds-first-airline-group-to-offer-an-own-fare-for-more-sustainable-travel/

Some V-22 Osprey Tiltrotors Grounded To Implement Solution To Hard Clutch Engagements

 https://theaviationist.com/2023/02/13/some-v-22-osprey-tiltrotors-grounded-to-implement-solution-to-hard-clutch-engagements/

Why Aer Lingus Is Swapping Its Airbus A320 For The A330 On Several European Routes

 https://simpleflying.com/aer-lingus-swapping-airbus-a320-a330-routes/

Steep Dive: United Airlines Boeing 777 Descends To 775 Feet Above Pacific Ocean

 https://simpleflying.com/united-airlines-boeing-777-descends-775-ft/



Fourth airborne object shot down after overflying ‘sensitive sites’

 https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/fourth-airborne-object-shot-down-after-overflying-sensitive-sites/152021.article

US shoots down ‘octagonal’ flying object near military sites in Michigan | US military | The Guardian

domingo, 12 de febrero de 2023

China Says It’s Preparing To Shoot Down Unidentified Flying Object Near Yellow Sea

Comparing “Paper Airplanes:” The 777X Freighter Vs The A350F

London to Paris - Train vs Plane vs Bus

NASA celebrates Black history and space at Smithsonian event | Space

https://www.space.com/nasa-smithsonian-celebrates-black-history-space-achievements 


The Black History Month event Friday (Feb. 10) included astronauts, NASA directors and a discussion of why diversity matters, with high schoolers making up much of the audience.

Japan to replace attack, observation helicopters with drone fleet

https://www.defensenews.com/smr/defending-the-pacific/2023/02/09/japan-to-replace-attack-observation-helos-with-drone-fleet/ 

Japan has indicated it will give up its "obsolete" attack and observation helicopters in favor of unmanned systems, according to its defense buildup plans.

They will be replaced by "attack/utility," "miniature attack" and "surveillance" unmanned aircraft systems, according to the English-language version of Japan's defense buildup strategy released by the Defense Ministry in January.

Air India Order For 500 Airbus & Boeing Aircraft Reportedly Sealed

US fighter jet shoots down third airborne object over North America

Five injured after American Airlines plane crashes into shuttle bus at Los Angeles airport

https://www.aviation24.be/airports/los-angeles/five-injured-after-american-airlines-plane-crashes-into-shuttle-bus-at-los-angeles-airport/ 

An American Airlines plane collided with a shuttle on a taxiway at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Friday evening, injuring five people. The collision happened just after 22:00 local time as the American Airlines Airbus A321 plane was being towed from a gate and the bus was ferrying passengers between terminals. "The plane that […]

US Air Force looks into flying robotic multi-engine jet transports

With an eye to taking autonomous flight to the next level, the US Air Force has awarded a contract to Reliable Robotics to study how to turn multi-engine transport jets into robotic aircraft that can handle all aspects of a flight by themselves, from taxi to landing.

Continue Reading


https://newatlas.com/military/us-air-force-flying-robotic-multi-engine-jet-transports/ 

sábado, 11 de febrero de 2023

U.S. Navy Announces Aircraft and All-Female Crews for Super Bowl Flyover

Spanish ATC Speak Out Against Privatization Of 7 Airport Towers

US F-22s shoot down unidentified high-altitude object over Alaska

Continental identifies engine safety issue, recommends groundings and inspections

https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/continental-identifies-engine-safety-issue-recommends-groundings-and-inspections/152016.article 

Continental Aerospace Technologies has identified a safety issue with several types of its general aviation engines, and recommends that operators voluntarily ground the aircraft until they can be inspected.

Dutch Investigators Tie Putin to 2014 MH17 Disaster

Indonesian Navy Accepts First Genesys-Equipped CN-235 Aircraft

Uruguay negotiates with the US for the purchase of naval patrol aircraft and helicopters for US$30 million - The Rio Times

viernes, 10 de febrero de 2023

"El Ejército del Aire español armará sus drones Predator y estudia su despliegue en el Índico" en YouTube

Australia to remove Chinese-made cameras from defence sites

Germany to give Slovakia Mantis air defence systems

 https://www.spacewar.com/reports/Germany_to_give_Slovakia_Mantis_air_defence_systems_999.html 

Germany will give Bratislava two sets of the MANTIS air defence system to protect Slovakia's eastern border with Ukraine, the Slovak defence ministry said Thursday. "Slovakia will receive the systems free of charge and permanently," the ministry spokeswoman Martina Kakascikova told AFP. "The training of Slovak soldiers to use the system will begin in the coming months," Slovak Defence M

Airbus joins forces with New Zealand’s hydrogen ecosystem partners

 https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/stories/2023-02-airbus-joins-forces-with-new-zealands-hydrogen-ecosystem-partners

Airbus and Air New Zealand's partnership on hydrogen-fuelled aviation is entering a new phase by welcoming the country's key "hydrogen ecosystem" players. The resulting consortium will pave the way to further act upon New Zealand's – and also the wider aviation industry's – collective ambition towards decarbonisation.






Bjorn’s Corner: Sustainable Air Transport. Part 57. Summary

U.S. Air Force F-22 Shoots Down Second ‘High Altitude Object’ Over Alaska

Russia Denies Putin Involvement In MH17 Downing

54 Years Ago Today: The Story Of The Boeing 747's First Test Flight

FAA Urges Laser Manufacturers, Distributors to Add Warning Label to Not Shine Lasers at Aircraft

Boeing Donates 500,000 USD to Earthquake Recovery and Relief Efforts in Turkey

U-2 spy planes monitored Chinese balloon during USA transit

Analysts diverge on optimum timeframe for next Boeing aircraft launch

New consortium to enable zero emission aviation to take off in Aotearoa New Zealand

Collaboration of ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada Aims for 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel Readiness in PW127-Powered ATR Aircraft

Air New Zealand partners with Embraer on sustainability

French Military NH90 Helicopter Flown on 100% SAF

Bombardier Plans 12% Production Boost in 2023

Geely begins testing the largest eVTOL prototype ever flown in China

Skydweller Completes First Autonomous Flight - YouTube

Viajar en avión como sardinas el lata

"Como sardinas en lata" 🥫
Durante años la aviación se enfocó incansablemente en aumentar los límites de seguridad. 💡
Desde hace una década, el esfuerzo parece estar puesto en lowcostizar y, a la vez, rentabilizar cada cm².

https://issuu.com/spanishatcmagazine/docs/n_114_web_/38 

[Análisis y opinión] ¿Por qué los aviones de pasajeros seguirán teniendo forma de tubo? - Sandglass Patrol

jueves, 9 de febrero de 2023

Cirrus grounds its own SR22 and SR22T aircraft due to engine ‘issue’ | News | Flight Global

Cirrus Aircraft, maker of high-performance single-engine aircraft, has grounded its SR22 and SR22T models after "an issue" was discovered with its Continental Aerospace engines.


https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/cirrus-grounds-its-own-sr22-and-sr22t-aircraft-due-to-engine-issue/151993.article 

Universal Hydrogen Announces Strategic Agreement with Air New Zealand to Deliver True Zero Emission Solution for Regional Aviation


LOS ANGELES & AUCKLAND, New Zealand--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Hydrogen Co., whose mission is to make hydrogen aviation a near-term reality, today announced it has signed a strategic agreement with Air New Zealand as part of the airline's expanding Mission Next Gen Aircraft program. Air New Zealand has today named Universal Hydrogen to its long-term partner program as it seeks to find sustainable solutions for its fleet.

"As the second-largest turboprop operator in the world, Air New Zealand is a trendsetter for the industry"

Air New Zealand's Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin says the airline has bold sustainability goals that won't be met by a 'business as usual' approach. "Mission Next Gen Aircraft aims to accelerate the technology and infrastructure needed to decarbonize our domestic flights, by joining forces with the world's leading aircraft developers, innovators, and infrastructure providers. We want to be a leader in the roll out of zero emissions aircraft in New Zealand. Having Universal Hydrogen as one of our long-term partners will grow our collective understanding of zero emissions aircraft technology as it develops and will give them the confidence they are developing a product that's well-suited for our fleet."

Universal Hydrogen is developing a solution to convert existing regional airplanes to fly on hydrogen and to supply hydrogen to the fleet using a modular fueling approach, which eliminates the need for new airport infrastructure, speeds up the fueling operation, and reduces transfer losses throughout the hydrogen delivery chain. On completion of testing and certification, Universal Hydrogen's conversion kits could be installed in Air New Zealand's regional fleet.

"As the second-largest turboprop operator in the world, Air New Zealand is a trendsetter for the industry," said Paul Eremenko, co-founder and CEO of Universal Hydrogen. "We fully expect other airlines to follow in Air New Zealand's footsteps toward a true zero emissions solution for their fleets. We're thrilled to be selected alongside Air New Zealand's other long-term partners—Airbus, ATR, Embraer, and Heart Aerospace—to quickly address aviation's contributions to the climate crisis."

Universal Hydrogen Completes First Taxi Tests and Is Granted Experimental Airworthiness Certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration

Video
Universal Hydrogen Chief Test Pilot, Alex Kroll, takes our hydrogen fuel cell flying test bed out for its first round of taxi runs in preparation for its maiden flight. A 40+ seat Dash 8-300 regional airliner, this will be by far the largest hydrogen fuel cell-powered airplane to take to the skies.


Press release

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Hydrogen Co., whose mission is to make hydrogen aviation a near-term reality, today announced it was granted a special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to proceed with the first flight of its hydrogen-powered regional aircraft. The company also released video footage of successful first taxi tests of the aircraft, designed to evaluate ground handling qualities and the performance of the fuel-cell electric powertrain at low power settings and airspeeds.

"Today's milestones are essential, important steps to putting the industry on a trajectory to meet Paris Agreement obligations. The only alternative is curtailing aviation traffic growth to curb emissions."

The Dash 8-300 flying testbed has a megawatt-class hydrogen fuel cell powertrain installed in one of its nacelles. The powertrain is in a configuration that closely resembles the company's first product—a conversion kit for ATR 72-600 regional airliners—which is expected to be certified and in commercial passenger service starting in 2025. Notably, Universal Hydrogen's powertrain does not utilize a hybrid battery architecture—a major innovation—with all of the power transmitted directly from the fuel cells to the electric motor, significantly decreasing weight and lifecycle cost.

The FAA approval clears the way for the first flight of the Dash 8-300 flying testbed which will take place at Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington. The aircraft will be by far the largest hydrogen fuel cell-powered airplane to take to the skies, and second as a hydrogen-powered aircraft only to the Soviet flight test in 1988 of a Tupolev Tu-155 airliner with one of its jet engines converted to burn hydrogen.

Universal Hydrogen unveiled in December 2022 first operational tests of its modular hydrogen delivery system at its engineering center in Toulouse, France. Those tests demonstrated a pragmatic, near-term, and highly scalable approach to hydrogen delivery to airports and into the aircraft using a modular capsule technology. This eliminates the need for costly new infrastructure, with any airport capable of handling cargo being hydrogen-ready. It also eliminates transfer losses and significantly speeds up hydrogen fueling operations—both significant pain points for the zero-emissions fuel.

"We are simultaneously providing a pragmatic, near-term solution for hydrogen infrastructure and delivery, as well as for converting existing passenger aircraft to use this lightweight, safe, and true-zero-emissions fuel," said Paul Eremenko, co-founder and CEO of Universal Hydrogen. "Today's milestones are essential, important steps to putting the industry on a trajectory to meet Paris Agreement obligations. The only alternative is curtailing aviation traffic growth to curb emissions."


[Podcast]¿Es el aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez el peor del Mundo?

Ya sabemos que para hoy os habíamos prometido algo que se salía totalmente de lo habitual, una charla con el autor del que posiblemente sea el único poema que gira entorno a un autogiro, y que además tiene forma de autogiro, porque es un caligrama. Pero la actualidad manda… así que el episodio más literario del programa tendrá que esperar a la próxima entrega, dentro de dos semanas.


¿Cuál es esa actualidad que manda? Pues que ni más ni menos una periodista del Financial Times dice, en un artículo que hemos conocido por The Local, que el aeropuerto madrileño es el peor del Mundo. Y después de haber viajado, y haber tenido penosas experiencias en otros aeropuertos, esta aseveración nos parecía como poco cuestionable. Y más sabiendo que en diciembre se listaba este aeropuerto como el 12º mejor del mundo. Así que hemos tirado de contactos y hemos invitado a Miguel Sánchez, consultor especializado en aeropuertos y con amplia experiencia, nacional e internacional, a analizar los hechos que expone la periodista del Financial Times. ¿Es el aeropuerto Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez el peor del Mundo?


pd: Si la intro y la despedida os son familiares, que no os sorprenda. En un ejercicio de nostalgia podcasteril he hablado con Javier Lago para pedirle permiso y utlizar la introducción que hizo para el que, si no recuerdo mal, fue el primer podcast español sobre aviación: Remove Before Flight RBF podcast