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News -- July, 2007
Blended Wing takes to the sky 31 July
 The
innovative Boeing Blended Wing Body (BWB) research aircraft --
designated the X-48B -- flew for the first time last week at NASA's
Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The 21-foot wingspan, 500-pound unmanned test vehicle took off for the
first time at 8:42 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time on July 20 and climbed to
an altitude of 7500 feet before landing 31 minutes later.
"We've successfully passed another milestone in our work to explore and
validate the structural, aerodynamic and operational efficiencies of
the BWB concept," said Bob Liebeck, BWB program manager for Boeing
Phantom Works, the company's advanced R&D unit. "We already have
begun to compare actual flight-test data with the data generated
earlier by our computer models and in the wind tunnel."
The X-48B flight test vehicle was developed by Boeing Phantom Works in
cooperation with NASA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to
gather detailed information about the stability and flight-control
characteristics of the BWB design, especially during takeoffs and
landings. Up to 25 flights are planned to gather data in these
low-speed flight regimes. Following completion of low-speed flight
testing, the X-48B likely will be used to test the BWB's low-noise
characteristics, as well as BWB handling characteristics at transonic
speeds.
Two X-48B research vehicles have been built. The vehicle that flew on
20 July is Ship 2, which also was used for ground and taxi testing.
Ship 1, a duplicate of Ship 2, completed extensive wind tunnel testing
in 2006 at the Old Dominion University NASA Langley Full-Scale Tunnel
in Virginia. Ship 1 will be available for use as a backup during the
flight test program.
Three turbojet engines enable the composite-skinned research vehicle to
fly up to 10,000 feet and 120 knots in its low-speed configuration.
Modifications would need to be made to the vehicle to enable it to fly
at higher speeds. The unmanned aircraft is remotely piloted from a
ground control station in which the pilot uses conventional aircraft
controls and instrumentation while looking at a monitor fed by a
forward-looking camera on the aircraft.
The Boeing BWB design resembles a flying wing, but differs in that the
wing blends smoothly into a wide, flat, tailless fuselage. This
fuselage blending helps to get additional lift with less drag compared
to a circular fuselage. This translates to reduced fuel use at cruise
conditions. And because the engines mount high on the back of the
aircraft, there is less noise inside and on the ground when it is in
flight.
While a commercial passenger application for the BWB concept is not in
Boeing's current 20-year market outlook, the Advanced Systems
organization of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' (IDS) is closely
monitoring the research based on the BWB's potential as a flexible,
long-range, high-capacity military aircraft.
"The BWB concept holds tremendous promise for the future of
military aviation as a multi-purpose military platform in 15 to 20
years," said Darryl Davis, Boeing IDS Advanced Systems vice president
and general manager of Advanced Precision Engagement and Mobility
Systems. "Its unique design attributes will result in less fuel burn
and a greatly reduced noise footprint, which are important capabilities
to offer our Air Force and mobility customers."
Source: Boeing
Mangold takes London air race 29 July
American Mike Mangold (USA/Team Cobra) soared to victory in the sixth leg of the Red Bull Air Race World Series in London winning the race with a time of 1:25.82 minutes.
Mangold beat Britain’s Paul Bonhomme (Team Matador) by just over one second and completed a superb run at speeds of up to 400 km/h (250 mph) and forces of up to 10G, racing through the air gates in the low level course stretched out along the River Thames in front of The O2 arena. This is Mangold’s second victory of the season after his win in Istanbul. Mangold also achieved the fastest lap of the day in his semi final race against Besenyei with a time of 1:24.79 minutes.
Following the race the ever gracious Mangold tipped his hat to his rivals: “The other 11 pilots are some of the most professional aviators out there. It’s a real honour to fly with these guys.”
Bonhomme is still leading the championship with 31 points followed by Mangold with 30 points.
The pilots benefited from improved weather conditions on Sunday after days of high wind and turbulence. Calmer skies allowed for higher speed and faster times.
The event was sold out with some 35,000 spectators turning up to watch the action.
In the consolation race for third place, Hungarian Peter Besenyei (Team Red Bull) beat Alejandro Maclean (ESP/MRT).
Air Race site
Cirrus launches LSA
Cirrus Design has shown off a light sport aircraft prototype at
Oshkosh. Called the SR Sport, the little twin seater is a modified
version of an existing aircraft developed by German maker Fk
Lightplanes.
Cirrus Design
Fk Lightplanes
AirVenture
Eclipse unveils light jet
Eclipse has unveiled a concept very light jet at AirVenture.
It says: The ECJ is the result of an aggressive just over six month
development schedule from design to first flight. Initial design kicked
off in mid-January of this year, with first flight occurring on July 2.
To date, the aircraft has accumulated just under 30 flight hours. The
ECJ has flown at speeds up to 250 knots and altitudes up to 25,000 feet
and successfully demonstrated gear and flap operation since its very
first flight. The ECJ has also conducted initial flutter testing,
pre-stall testing, engine restart, and other flight envelope expanding
test points.
Eclipse’s ECJ program is designed to help the company analyze demand
trends within the growing single-engine jet marketplace, and gain
customer insight on potential future aircraft products and designs. The
initiative is modeled after the automobile industry’s concept cars,
which showcase advanced styling and technology to assess customer
reactions to new car designs which may or may not eventually be
produced and gauge the potential market size.
“The Eclipse Concept Jet will allow us to obtain real, quantifiable
data that looks objectively at this developing category,” said Vern
Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “While today we have no
production plans for the ECJ, we are constantly evaluating markets for
future Eclipse products. As evidenced by the Eclipse 500 in the twin
turbofan segment, our sole focus is the design and manufacture of
aircraft that drive significant improvements in customer value and
hence, create or expand very large markets. We are anxious to reveal
the potential of this emerging category, and our opportunity to add
real value to it.”
The ECJ is estimated to cruise at a top speed of 345 knots and its
service ceiling will be 41,000 feet, yet needs no more than 2,200 feet
of runway to take off or land. The aircraft’s range is estimated to be
1,250 nautical miles. A unique element of the ECJ’s aerodynamic design
is its empennage, which features an external mounted engine pod and
V-Tail vertical surfaces that create exceptional aerodynamic, weight,
and operational benefits.
Full release
Concept jet web site
Big day for Qantas
Qantas has done its best to break all records for the number of media
releases in one day, launching a new logo, a premium economy
international service and new business class airport lounges, among
other things.
The logo has been the subject of a surprising amount of speculation,
and carries on where the old design left off. “The differences are
subtle but distinctive, in keeping with the gradual evolution of the
logo since it first appeared on one of our aircraft in 1944,” Executive
General Manager John Borghetti said.
The premium economy service begins on international routes in February
and is modeled on the service offered by other carriers, with bigger
seats and a higher level of service.
It is also launching new business class lounges for domestic passengers.
The firm has also announced upgraded entertainment for passengers on
its A380 fleet, which should start in service from August 2008. It
promises:
Wide screen monitors in all cabins with digital picture and sound quality;
Audio and video on demand with over 100 on demand movies, 350
television selections, 500 audio CDs, 30 PC style games, as well as a
selection of audio books and radio channels;
Lonely Planet destination and arrival guides;
Language tutorials;
Deloitte Leadership Academy;
Online duty free shopping;
Moving maps, text news and weather;
An intuitive state-of-the-art graphic user interface allowing customers
to easily navigate through entertainment options or use the in-seat
communications;
Wireless connectivity throughout the aircraft;
In-seat access to email and the internet, telephone and SMS;
USB and RJ45 ports as well as PC power for all seats; and
An external camera giving a pilot’s eye view of take-off, landing and cruising.
Qantas
Sikorsky turns to China
Sikorsky Helicopters has outsourced more of its production to China –
its S-76C++ airframes are to be made by Changhe Aircraft Industries.
The company says: Changhe will build and deliver S-76C++ helicopter
airframes for Sikorsky together with AERO Vodochody in the Czech
Republic. With the new agreement, Changhe is now a supplier for
Sikorsky's three largest commercial helicopter programs. Changhe
manufactures tail pylons for Sikorsky's S-92A helicopter, and in
October 2006 signed the first MOU production agreement to supply
airframe components and assemblies for Sikorsky's Schweizer 300CBi
aircraft, which are used worldwide for pilot training, transportation,
aerial photography, airborne patrol and many other purposes.
Sikorsky
Bell tiltrotor reaches 200
Bell Helicopter says the 609 civilian tiltrotor has reached the 200 hour mark in the flight test program.
Michael Cuppernull, BAAC managing director said that the program
currently has two aircraft in flight test, with two more in the plans.
"The third prototype is tentatively scheduled to fly next year and the
fourth sometime later in 2008," Cuppernull stated.
To date the first 609, based at Bell's XworX facility in Texas, has
flown to all corners of the flight envelope, including speeds up to 304
KTAS in full airplane mode, as well as rearward and sideward flight in
35kt in helicopter mode. Pilots are also probing handling qualities at
altitudes up to 25,000 ft. Also recently a third generation software
package has been installed which will help further refine operations of
the flight control system.
The 609 is on track to achieve both FAA and European certification in 2010, with initial customer deliveries in 2011.
Bell
Also…
Bell is offering a DVD-based training program for emergency
service/first-response agencies on the use of rotary wing aircraft in a
crisis.
See this link
New blades for Eurocopter
Eurocopter has commissioned a much-enlarged rotor blade plant in Germany, its second in recent months.
The company says: During a ceremony in the presence of various
representatives of political authorities, suppliers and programme
managers, Bert Stegkemper pointed out the importance of this industrial
investment, which marks a further milestone in Eurocopter’s global
production process optimisation for all helicopter programmes after the
extension of the rotor blade shop in La Courneuve near Paris in 2006.
“Following
Eurocopter’s enormous commercial success on a global scale, both the
EC135 and EC145 programmes are subject to high increases in orders, as
part of civil and military procurement. Therefore, we need to enlarge
our capacities for serial production and maintenance in short-term up
to 40%,” Stegkemper stated in his inauguration speech.
Eurocopter
Engineer training opportunities lost
From The Australian newspaper: Australia needs to take a longer term
view of the skills shortage based on the quality of its aerospace
engineers and not just the need to fill shortfalls, a leading educator
has warned.
RMIT vice-chancellor Margaret Gardner said government policy had yet to
get to grips with the need for Australia to prepare itself in an
industry that increasingly sought to source the best expertise from
around the world.
Full story
Honda & GE team up to build engines 23 July
 Honda
Aero will establish its corporate headquarters and what it claims will
be a state-of-the-art jet engine manufacturing plant in Burlington,
North Carolina (USA), adjacent to the Burlington-Alamance Regional
Airport. It will produce advanced jet engines developed and marketed by
GE Honda Aero Engines.
The latter company is a joint venture between GE and Honda, established
in 2004 for the development of jet engines in the 1000 to 3500 pounds
thrust class.
Production at the new engine plant will begin in late 2010 with the HF120 turbofan engine in the 2000-pound thrust class.
It will employ 70 people when the plant reaches its initial production
plan of 200 engines per year within about 12 months of production
start-up. The company will invest approximately US$27 million for
construction of the headquarters and manufacturing facility, including
equipment.
“This is a major step forward for our company, as we move to establish
the home of our jet engine manufacturing operations here in
Burlington,” said Fumitaka Hasegawa, president and CEO of Honda
Aero. “Just as our partnership with GE has created this
class-leading engine, this facility reflects an important new
partnership between Honda and North Carolina.”
The HF120 is a higher thrust successor to Honda’s original HF118
prototype engine, which has accumulated more than 4000 hours of testing
on the ground and in-flight as part of the HondaJet project.
Honda research on jet engine technology started in 1986, with
development of the HF118 engine beginning in the late 1990s. GE-Honda
collaboration on the HF120 began in early 2005.
HondaJet link
Cessna LSA gets green light 13 July
From Cessna: Cessna will proceed with its Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)
program and will unveil a full scale mock-up and program details at the
Experimental Aircraft Association’s Air Venture in Oshkosh, on July 22.
“After conducting extensive market research, it is clear to us there is
a great need for this aircraft as we strive to drive down the cost of
flying and learning to fly,” said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO
Jack J Pelton. “We believe this aircraft will make a major contribution
to stimulating new pilot starts and will encourage already-licensed
pilots to continue to fly because it will be more affordable.
“We have developed a business case that makes sense; we have
incorporated several innovative features into the design; and we
believe we can deliver the finest aircraft in the category, combined
with our extensive customer service, flight training and distribution
networks, at an attractive price,” Pelton said.
Ed's
note: The plane has been christened the Skytracker and Cessna is now
taking orders. The company has set up a website for the machine, priced
around $US110,000 (Au$125,000).
See this link
 
China keen on Wing in Ground craft
 A
new low-altitude Wing-In-Ground aircraft (WIG), especially suitable for
maritime transportation, has been developed by scientists from Tongji
University.
The plane can fly as low as 0.5 to 5 meters from the ground, hitting
speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. It has the capacity to bear
weight of up to 4 tons on takeoff.
"It's as safe as ships, although five or six times faster," said
associate professor Xu Zhengyu, vice-president of the research team.
"And it can carry much more weight than ordinary airplanes while
costing half as much and using half as much fuel."
Xu said the plane could also be flown for military use and border control.
According to Li Jun, another member of the team: "Unlike slow-speed
cargo ships and high-priced airplanes, it could become a first-rate
vehicle for maritime transportation. And its low altitude can increase
its safety factors. There won't be serious casualties even if it falls
into the sea. Also, it could be a good vehicle for sightseeing among
islands."
Tongji University is reportedly planning to develop a 50-seat WIG by
2013, with 200 prototypes capable of carrying 200 to 400 tons scheduled
for 2016 or 2017.
Taking advantage of the aerodynamics of the ground effect, which adds
extra lift when flying at very low altitudes, the aircraft can fly
close to the water's surface. This cuts back at least one-third on fuel
consumption, compared with standard airplanes of the same size, because
the plane can benefit from air buoyancy.
The WIG has been listed as one of three types of aircraft given the
green light in the general aviation field by the State Commission of
Science Technology and Industry for National Defense, Xu said.
"However, the Civil Aviation Administration of China has yet to confirm
aviation regulations at such low altitudes, which may become a
problem," Li added.
"We have a long way to go before it is launched into operation, but WIG will have a bright future without doubt," Li said.
Report: China Daily
Also see this link for a WiG offered for sale
Final A300 takes to the sky
Airbus delivered its final production A300 yesterday, to Fedex, some 35
years after the model first flew. The first of the wide-body
generation, it causxed quite a stir when launched in the early 1970s.
The company says: Nearly forty years ago the Airbus adventure started
with the A300B, an innovative response to airlines’ requirements. In
1972 the world’s first widebody twin-aisle commercial aircraft
performed its maiden flight, the first steps towards changing the face
of modern aviation.
The A300B and its followers, the A300-600 and the A310, had a rather
slow start, but as their reputation for economy and reliability spread
among airlines, they went on to become market leaders in short to
medium haul passenger operations, and the best selling freight aircraft
ever. With more than 820 aircraft sold, the A300/A310 Family ultimately
included variants, new build and converted freighters, combis, air
tankers, military and VIP transport, and Airbus’ fleet of five
A300-600ST Belugas.
More
Dreamliner is launched 8 July
From Boeing: Boeing debuted the technologically advanced and
environmentally progressive 787 Dreamliner in a celebration attended by
employees, airline customers, supplier partners and government and
community officials.
The 787 Dreamliner Premiere was broadcast live in nine different
languages via satellite to more than 45 countries and webcast via
www.boeing.com and www.newairplane.com. Distinguished journalist and
best-selling author Tom Brokaw served as the master of ceremonies for
the event.
Approximately 15,000 people attended the Premiere at the Everett,
Wash., final assembly factory. More than 30,000 participated via
two-way satellite into the event in Everett from Japan, Italy and
locations in the United States. As many as 90 other locations around
the globe involving 787 customers, partners and many Boeing employees
also chose to download the event live or watch it pre-recorded and host
their own viewing event.
In all, the 787 Premiere potentially reached 100 million or more
viewers, making it one of the largest corporate TV and Internet
broadcasts in history.
"This has been a wonderful and exciting day to celebrate this
breakthrough airplane with our customers, employees, supplier partners
and our communities," said Scott Carson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
president and CEO. "We are gratified that the 787 has been so strongly
validated in the marketplace by our customers. Their response is proof
that the Dreamliner will bring real value to our airline customers,
passengers and the global air transportation system."
More
Plus…
Qantas has announced it is to buy 20 more Boeing 787 aircraft and
convert 20 purchase rights into options for the new generation
Dreamliner.
The additional aircraft will take Qantas’ existing order of the
Dreamliner to 85 –- 65 firm aircraft and 20 option aircraft. Qantas
also has a further 30 purchase rights for the Boeing 787.
Plus…
Flight testing of the Boeing 787 could begin as early as next month as
Boeing remains on track with its fastest big-jet production program
ever.
Boeing expects to deliver its first 787 to launch customer ANA in May
next year, with Qantas getting its first plane in July-August.
“We are getting really focused on the start of the flight test program,
which will happen sometime, we think, late August or early September,”
787 program chief Mike Bair told journalists at last weekend’s rollout
of the new plane.
“But I think as all of you know, we don’t schedule first flights: the airplane flies when it’s ready.
“If you put a firm date on the calendar then I think you do something
you don’t want to do, so we’re pretty careful about how you approach
the first flight of a brand new airplane.”
More (Jogjaaero)
Plus…
Boeing said on Thursday its commercial plane orders for the year stood
at 580, on a par with last year’s record-breaking performance, but
trailing rival Airbus.
The Chicago-based plane maker, which unveiled its 787 Dreamliner on
Sunday, reported 36 new orders in the past week — 35 for 787s and one
for a private 787 jumbo from an unnamed customer.
Sikorsky reaches half billion
From Sikorsky: Sikorsky has confirmed customer positions for more than
50 S-76D helicopters, the next production model of the S-76 helicopter,
which would result in aircraft deliveries in excess of US$500 million
if all these are converted to delivery contracts.
“This level of customer commitment to the S-76D reflects both the
superior customer service offered by the S-76 helicopter team, as well
as the performance enhancements offered by the S-76D configuration,”
said Mark Hammond, S-76D program manager. The S-76D is on track for
initial certification in late 2009.
The S-76D offers a more than 1,000-lb. increase in useful load and
extended range performance over the S-76C+TM aircraft currently fielded.
Queen to open helo museum wing
Queen Elizabeth II will visit the UK’s Helicopter museum on July 20, to open a conservation and engineering hanger.
Museum website
America gets a Virgin
Aero-News net: Virgin America received approval from the US Department
of Transportation Wednesday to begin selling tickets in advance of
their launch later this summer. The airline intends to begin service
this August, with specific dates for tickets sales and first flights to
be announced in the weeks ahead.
More
US to supply Afghan air force
Reuters: The United States will provide six helicopter gunships to
Afghanistan's fledgling air force in August this year, part of a plan
to supply 186 aircraft to the country, the head of the Afghan air force
said on Thursday.
"We will be supplied with 186 aircraft, such as reconnaissance planes,
helicopters, helicopter gunships and fixed-wing planes," General Abdul
Wahab Qahraman told Reuters.
More
Cirrus joins jet age 5 July
Cirrus Design has announced a new five-seat very light jet project, which appears to be some way off taking to the air.
However the company is taking US$100,000 deposits for those who want to be early in the queue.
The five-seater craft is to be fitted with the firm’s distinctive airframe parachute system.
Very little other detail has so far been released. Pricing would need
to be in the US$2-3million range to be competitive and it’s unlikely
we’ll see a customer deliveries before 2010.
Cirrus Design
See below for more pics
India to buy new jet fleet
From the Defence Dept, India: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
headed by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has cleared the process
for the procurement of 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA)
for the Indian Air Force. During its meeting here today, the DAC
debated various issues related to the initial purchase, transfer of
technology, licensed production and life time maintenance support for
the 126 MMRCA and gave the final go-ahead for the project.
Air taxis take off in Europe
Europe is following trends in the USA, with the air taxi business
taking off in a big way, with several major operators starting up
recently. No doubt makers of very light jets will be rubbing their
hands with glee.
See this story on a recent conference from Business Wire
Ground effect vehicle launches
 The
Moller company in the USA, which already had its corporate hands full
developing its VTOL M400 Skycar, is offering its M200 ground-effect
vehicle for sale.
It runs no less than 10 mini rotary engines,
burning an ethanol and water mix, and is designed as a low-flying
craft, spending most of its time at around 10 feet off the ground.
Prices are expected to be US$125,000-plus depending on the volume
ordered.
See the video here
Easier aircraft registration
From the CASA Briefing:
CASA has streamlined many of the procedures that must be followed when
registering an aircraft or transferring registration. The changes cut
down the size of registration forms by up to three pages, make them
easier to fill in and eliminate a number of requirements for
documentation. The requirement to routinely provide certified true
copies of documents to provide proof of identity or eligibility when
making aircraft registration applications has been removed. Instead of
having to send in documents to CASA, applicants can now state they
comply with the eligibility requirements and that no false or
misleading statements have been made. CASA will still require certified
documents in some cases, such as during registration audits or when
additional proof is required. The changes mean registration
applications can now be sent by email and fax, as well as through the
post.
Details
Plus…
A set of proposed rules to cover the use of night vision goggles in
specialised helicopter operations has been released by CASA. A notice
of proposed rule making for Civil Aviation Order 82.6 establishes
operational and airworthiness standards and requirements for the use of
night vision goggles. A trial of the goggles - limited to emergency
medical services, search and rescue, marine pilot transfer, police and
aerial fire fighting - has been underway since earlier this year. CASA
has been working closely with the Helicopter Association of Australia
on both the proposed rules and the trial. Under the proposed rules
night vision goggles will only be available to holders of air
operator's certificates and will require an approval from CASA. They
will also be limited to specific types of helicopter operations.
The aviation industry is being asked to comment on the draft night
vision goggle rules, with the comment period closing on 16 July 2007.
Full details
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