Midweek Updates 3 April 2024Google Banner Ad This week in Midweek Updates Mwari displays its 'warrior spirit' during flight test. Eishkom will dust off mothballed Gripen fighters and use them to generate electricity. Zambia Air Force introduces Enstrom 480B, Bell 412 helicopters into service. Textron Aviation special missions Cessna Grand Caravans to be acquired to aid in Horn of Africa security. Tecnam P2012 STOl achieves EASA certification. Victory's Arsenal Theatre at Sun 'n Fun. The next chapter for Bell's H-1 helicopters begins. Rotor Technologies and Robinson Helicopter Company collaborate on uncrewed helicopter technology. This week in history - An Aeronca 15AC Sedan to set a time aloft record in 1949. Worldwide Incidents and Accidents. Bonus video - Extreme Skydive and Rietfontein Microflyers     6 ANR National Championships - Brakpan Airfield - Contact Leon Bouttell e-mail: Leon@lbaa.co.za cell: 076 294 1363 6 Robertson annual fly-in breakfast Robertson airfield. Contact: Alwyn du Plessis. E-mail: boeredata@breede.co.za Cell: 083 270 5888 6 EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA Auditorium. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com 6 & 7 SAC Eastern Cape regionals Wings Park airfield 17 to 20 AERO Friedrichshafen 30th anniversary. Contact E-mail: info@fairnamic.com Website: www.fairnamic.com 20 EAA Chapter 322 fly-in breakfast to Eagle's Creek airfield. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com 27 to 4 May Gauteng Gliding Championships. Magalies Gliding Club.  1 Witbank Aviation Society Breakfast Fly in. 4 SAAF Museum airshow at AFB Zwartkops. Contact Major Michael Church E-mail: mike.church172@gmail.com Cell: 072 720 0700 4 EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA Auditorium. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com 10 & 11 Queenstown Wings & Wheels. For more information contact 082 921 2879 11 Lowveld airshow at the Nelspruit airfield. Contact Willemien E-mail: willemein.hodgkinson@kishugu.com Cell: 079 499 5733 14 to 17 NAMPO Harvest Day Bothaville. Contact Wim Venter E-mail: wim@grainsa.co.za Tel: 086 004 7246 17 to 19 EAA Chapter 322 weekend fly-away to Pyramid airfield. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com 18 SAC Free State regionals at Tempe airfield 23 to 25 SAPFA President's Trophy Air Race at Louis Trichardt civil airfield (FALO). Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200 Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: race@sapfa.co.za Cell: 082 449 2531 23 to 27 NAC fly-away venue TBA. Contact Agnes Phillips E-mail: agnes.phillips@nac.co.za Cell: 082 893 3399 25 Tempe airshow Bloemfontein. Contact Conrad Botha E-mail: rowco24cc@mailbox.co.za Cell 082 465 4045  1 EAA Monthly Meeting at the EAA Auditorium Rand Airport. 1 Newcastle airshow. Contact Johan Pieters E-mail: Johan@champ.co.za Cell: 082 923 0078 1 SAA Museum Society Specialised Tour limited to nine adults Contact E-mail: events@saamuseum.co.za Cell: 076 879 5044 8 EAA South Africa Young Eagles day venue TBA Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com 15 Maputo airshow. Contact Gavin Neil E-mail: gavin@haps.co.mz 28 to 30 EAA Taildraggers fly-in to Warmbaths airfield. Richard Nicholson E-mail: Richard.nicholson1963@gmail.com Cell: 082 490 6227   MWARI DISPLAYS ITS 'WARRIOR SPIRIT' DURING FLIGHT TEST www.defenceweb.cp.za This is according to UK-based publication Flight Global, which recently had the opportunity to flight test the aircraft at Paramount's Wonderboom National Airport facility outside Pretoria. The AHRLAC (Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft), as it then was, first flew in 2014, after being developed by ADC, a Paramount and Aerosud partnership. A shareholders' legal dispute stopped the project in 2019 before Paramount assumed full control of the programme and resumed development. Mozambique is the Mwari's launch customer, receiving its first aircraft in late 2022. A year later, it had accumulated over 70 hours of flying on the type, which Paramount is hoping to sell to other African and European customers. Mozambique has ordered three aircraft, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) six.  The Mwari is the first new clean-sheet manned military aircraft in South Africa since the Rooivalk attack helicopter. The Mwari is marketed as a relatively inexpensive alternative to high-end military aircraft for surveillance, maritime patrol and counter-insurgency operations. It can also be used for training. The Mwari has been designed to easily perform multiple missions thanks to an innovative Interchangeable Mission Systems Bay (IMSB), located in the belly of the aircraft, providing near-endless sensor and payload options which can be integrated and be swapped out in less than two hours. Open-architecture and flexible systems allows for the quick and low-cost integration of new pods, avionics, cargo, special mission equipment, weapons and sensors. The IMSB can carry payloads up to 317 kg, and the Mwari can supply 400 kW of power for payloads. Six external hardpoints on the wings can carry up to 1 000 kg in total. The PT6 turboprop-powered Mwari has a service ceiling of up to 31 000 feet, and offers a maximum cruise speed of 250 knots, a mission range of up to 550 nautical miles with ordinance and an overall endurance of up to 6.5 hours. The aircraft also offers a short take-off and landing (STOL) capability, with retractable landing gear optimised for both semi and unprepared airstrips or sites. Sensors and equipment that have already been fitted to the aircraft include Hensoldt's Argos II electro-optical gimbal, Paramount Advanced Technologies' 420 sensor ball, Thales's Avni thermal reconnaissance system, Sysdel's MiniRaven radar warning receiver, and Reutech's ACR510 radio, amongst others. Future options could include a synthetic aperture radar (SAR). A pusher propeller configuration ensures debris is not kicked up into the sensor gimbal during take-off or landing. Weapons integration is taking place this year, by Paramount Aerospace Industries. The specifics of newly adopted mission and weapons systems will be disclosed at a later date. Production of Paramount's Mwari ISR aircraft. Mwari has been designed with portable production in mind. The aircraft could, depending on customer requirements, be exported in kit format for final assembly in customer countries and can easily integrate into supply chains around the world, enabling scalable mass production. Flight test Flight Global in late 2023 experienced the Mwari first hand, noting its purpose-built 'find, fix, finish' design, which includes a high wing and pusher design for excellent cockpit visibility - the weapon systems officer sits notably higher than the pilot, the publication noted. Its pilot flew a production representative aircraft three times, first from the rear seat, and then twice from the pilot's seat, exploring its performance limits, aerobatic abilities, and mission profile capabilities, including with its Argos II sensor gimbal. The testing, which also included a simulated forced landing, left "a big smile" on the test pilot's face. www.flightglobal.com/defence/we-fly-mwari-paramounts-low-cost-warrior-with-a-big-spirit/157104.article   Cory Spondent www.defenceweb.co.za With loadshedding an ever-present threat to South Africa, Eishkom has revealed daring new plans to generate extra electricity by making use of the powerful engines lying unused in half of the South African Air Wing's Gripen fighter fleet. Eishkom spokesperson Doubtful Makwena announced on 1 April (April Fools Day) that the state-owned electricity company has signed a landmark deal with the South African Air Wing to take 13 of its mothballed Gripen fighters out of storage and connect their powerful Volvo RM12 engines to the national electricity grid.  "Once we've removed all the mothballs and given them a good clean and service, we will plug the Gripens in to our grid - the electricity grid, not the grid we use at headquarters for Friday night braais," Makwena explained. "Instead of lying unused in some hangar collecting dust, they will once again be serving the nation." The spokesperson emphasised that safety protocols will be strictly followed, and the aircraft tied down securely to avoid taking off when full power is applied. "We don't want a repeat of the incident that led to a Gripen crashing through a wall during a ground test by the Air Wing," Makwena explained, adding that Eishkom has bought extra strength tow ropes from Midas to secure the aircraft. In the interest of safety, the Gripen's afterburner will not be used, except at lunch times when the Eishkom catering staff need to grill burger patties and boerewors rolls. Leftenant General Dullman Mamba, Chief of the South African Air Wing, told defenceWeb that the Gripen's engine functions pretty much exactly like the open cycle gas turbines Eishkom uses for emergency electricity generation. "So it just made perfect sense that we can fulfil our patriotic duty and add 1 500 megawatts to the grid, alleviating Eishkom's 2 000 megawatt shortage. We are in fact so proud of this initiative that we are amending our slogan from 'Free the Eagle' to 'Unleash the Power'." He added that the Air Wing still has 12 Gripens it can use for protecting the nation and displaying at air shows. In fact, a six-ship aerobatic formation of Gripens will be taking part in the upcoming Swartkop Air Show in May. In line with budget cuts and efforts to save fuel, they will be towed past the crowd by a precision tractor fleet.  ZAMBIA AIR FORCE INTRODUCES ENSTROM 480B, BELL 412 HELICOPTERS INTO SERVICE The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has taken into service a new rotary wing type - the Enstrom 480B - and expanded its fleet of Bell helicopters. During a ceremony at Air Force Base Lusaka on 25 March, two newly delivered Enstrom 480B turbine helicopters were inducted into service. ZAF Commander, Lieutenant General Oscar Msitu Nyoni said, "The Helicopters we are about to induct into service today will serve a multitude of crucial tasks, thereby contributing to our combat capabilities such as training of pilots, search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, reconnaissance operations, anti-poaching efforts in collaborations with our counterparts, the national parks and wildlife, and combating smuggling activities. "The Enstrom 480B helicopter will also be deployed in the crucial role of addressing food security by aiding in the surveillance of mealie meal smuggling and preventing mineral pilferage by illegal miners, who continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the general citizenry."  Two Bell 412EPs were handed over to the Zambia Air Force by Minister of Defence Ambrose Lufuma on 13 March at Air Force Base Lusaka. Nyoni said the aircraft were key in enhancing national defence and emergency response capabilities. He said the helicopters were a game-changer, offering strategic advantages in various scenarios, from military operations to disaster response. Two Bell 412 helicopters added to the Zambia Air Force fleet. The Zambia Air Force has four Bell 412EP helicopters on order, with the first two (formerly N412HS and N412TH) delivered at the beginning of March. These were built in 1996 and 1997 and most recently owned by Copter Lease of the United States. The United States in September 2023 announced an $80 million grant to Zambia for the supply of four Bell 412EPs. The Zambia Air Force has a substantial Bell/Agusta-Bell fleet, having operated many of their types over the decades. In 2021, three Bell/Agusta-Bell 412SP helicopters (AF717, AF718, and AF720) arrived from Italy and South Africa, joining a dozen surviving Agusta-Bell 205s. In March 2023, then Zambia Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Colin Barry, said the ZAF had concluded procurement procedures for a medium utility helicopter, which would be delivered in the coming months for troop movement, search and rescue, disaster relief, and other tasks: a second hand Bell 212 was delivered from the United States in June. The aircraft, AF721, was formerly operated by Era Helicopters in Canada and sold via US company Copter Lease LLC. Barry indicated another two helicopters would be subsequently acquired for medical support. Zambia operates a diverse range of helicopters, including half a dozen Mil Mi-171Sh and Mi-171E troop transport and assault helicopters delivered from Russia between 2015 and 2017. Zambia's defence ministry in February 2023 signed a contract for the two Enstrom 480B helicopters for training pilots and personnel - a training package is included in the deal. The helicopters are equipped with cargo hooks and hard points for cameras, as well as Garmin avionics and glass panels. One helicopter is supplied with a full glass cockpit and one with a hybrid glass and analogue panel to provide training with a flight deck similar to the gauge-equipped Mi-17s used as the mainstay of the fleet. South Africa's Safomar Aviation Group coordinated and assisted Enstrom in the sale to Zambia, including logistics, specifications, and configuration of the Helicopters.  Textron Aviation today announced the award of a contract by the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL, for two Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprop aircraft. The aircraft will be owned and operated by the Djiboutian Air Force (DAF). This acquisition is the third delivery order under a recently established indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract that allows up to $100 million U.S. dollars for the acquisition of Textron Aviation aircraft over a five-year period. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company. "The two special missions Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft will be Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance equipped to ensure the border sovereignty of the country of Djibouti," said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales for Textron Aviation. "This multiyear contract allows the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command to rapidly procure Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) aircraft and modifications from Textron Aviation for our Foreign Military Sale allies and partner nations. We are honoured to assist in advancing U.S. national security and foreign policy interests by providing our solutions under the IDIQ and we look forward to further cooperation with the U.S. Army."    Tecnam announced today that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded full type certification to the P2012 Traveller in its STOL variant. The P2012 STOL aircraft, specifically designed for Short Take Off and Landing operations, is engineered and tailored to operate from airports and airstrips characterized by extremely short runways and extreme operational constraints. The 18 months extensive certification campaign ensured impressive Take-off and Landing performance, while still maintaining a 99% commonality of parts with the standard P2012 Traveller series aircraft in an effort to enhance the P2012 STOL supportability and to provide a "fleet" option. Addressing the needs of a niche market that has been underdeveloped and unsupported for decades, with the P2012 STOL Tecnam once again provides a solution for operators seeking a modern, spacious, comfortable, safe yet stylish aircraft with outstanding STOL capabilities for their business. With the production aircraft already in the final stage of the assembly line, the P2012 STOL is ready for the first deliveries to customers filling an uncovered gap of the commercial aviation. The P2012 STOL is the only twin-piston aircraft with Short Take-Off and Landing capabilities that complies with the latest certification amendments. It offers a maximum gross weight of 3680 kg / 8113 lb with a useful load of 1284 kg / 2831 lb while maintaining a modern design, a wide and comfortable cabin and 11 seats. The cabin entrance and accommodation is enhanced by a wide single access door and a central aisle; moreover, a dedicated window for each of the 9 individual passengers, no bench/double seats and the best passenger amenities are provided such as USB ports, cabin air conditioning, individual fresh and hot air outlets, dedicated reading light, seat pockets and cup and mobile phone holders. The interiors design and the superb view granted by the "high wing" configuration provide a "best-in-class" experience for the flights to typical remote STOL destinations. The multi mission capability of the aircraft allows to exchange the STOL configuration from passengers' transportation to Cargo, Combi, or Air Ambulance within minutes, providing healthcare, assistance and serving communities worldwide. Mission accomplishment and flight safety enhancement pass through a modern cockpit with latest technology, including as a standard state-of-the-art G1000 NXi avionic system, GFC700 specifically tuned autopilot, and ADS-B IN/OUT. An active and connected flight deck (Bluetooth, flight stream, Iridium) and a toolbox of modern aids (Wx radar, storm scope, inset map, Synthetic Vision™) are provided to reduce workload and fatigue while increasing mission safety and effectiveness. From a comfort perspective the P2012 STOL offers a +34% wider cabin, +24% larger seat pitch, +188% higher luggage weight allowance and +303% better luggage volume when compared to the most known British STOL aircraft and does it all in accordance with the latest certification standards.  Among the annual Expo crowd favourites is Victory's Arsenal Theatre, a daily showcase of select "warbirds" - historic military aircraft - and the stories of those who flew them in harm's way. Each aircraft type to be featured played significant roles in WWII, Korea or other conflicts, and were made famous by the likes of the Doolittle Raiders, Tuskegee Airmen and other heroic pilots and crewmembers. Serving as the Victory's Arsenal Theatre master-of-ceremonies will be Ron Kaplan, former executive director of the National Aviation Hall of Fame and a contributing editor to Flight Journal Magazine. Based in Dayton, Ohio, Ron is also founder of the Ohio Air & Space Hall of Fame and Learning Centre and operates Warbird Aviation Art, hand-painting unit insignia and authentic WWII nose-art on flight jackets and aluminium for collectors worldwide.  The first Bell AH-1Z set to receive the Structural Improvement Electrical Power Upgrade (SIEPU) modification to be provided by Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc (NYSE:TXT) company, under a contract with the U.S. Marine Corps, has arrived at Bell's Amarillo Assembly Centre. SIEPU modifications optimize the aircraft to improve mission capabilities, aircrew safety, and interoperability by increasing the electrical power capacity on the aircraft and support the integration of additional cabin capabilities. SIEPU marks the start of the next chapter in the life of domestic H-1 helicopters, following the completion of the U.S. Marine Corps Program of Record in November 2022. "The Bell AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom provide the backbone of attack and utility aviation support in the various battlespaces in which they are used, so SIEPU comes at an important time for the future strategic implementation of this platform," said Mike Deslatte, Bell H-1 senior vice president and program director. "SIEPU will be immediately beneficial for today's operations, and also sets the H-1 up to quickly support future operational needs, some that may not even be conceived of yet." With SIEPU, H-1s will be able to upgrade to current weapons systems with next generation capabilities, including kinetic long-range munitions and air launched effects as well as new non-kinetic capabilities. These upgrades greatly extend reach and range while simultaneously enhancing standoff distance. While the H-1s have already demonstrated their capability to counter enemy unmanned aerial systems, SIEPU will also allow for there to be enough on-board power capacity for future weapons that are yet to be implemented. "We are confident that SIEPU will help the Marine Corps expand mission essential tasks with more mission flexibility," said Danielle Markham, SIEPU program manager. "The important thing is to make sure the H-1 is in a position to take advantage of those opportunities as they become available." Prior to arriving at the Bell Amarillo Assembly Center, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y completed datalink capabilities testing with the Marine Corps modifications at Camp Pendleton and testing with VMX-1 in Yuma. Bell plans to continue supporting the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom through the 2040s in alignment with the Marine Corps Aviation Plan.   The R550X is the first production uncrewed aircraft to be built on a Robinson platform. Capable of lifting heavy loads up to 1,200 pounds (550 kilograms) with no pilot onboard, the R550X is designed to conduct agricultural, utility, maritime, and cargo operations without exposing pilots to hazardous flight environments. The Spirit of New Hampshire, a static prototype of the R550X that was recently dedicated by New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, was on display at Heli-Expo from February 27 to February 29, 2024, alongside a Robinson R66 police helicopter. Visitors interacted with the R550X's synthetic vision, camera, and LIDAR systems, which offer 360-degree situational awareness even at night and low-visibility conditions.  "With a 50-year legacy of success, I am honoured to lead the company into the next 50 years of vertical flight," said Smith. "I look forward to working with more than 400 service centres and dealers and the more than 1,100 employees of RHC as we pursue new products, markets, partnerships, and technologies. The R550X is an important project for Robinson's customers and the future of light helicopters, where the adoption of digital systems and higher levels of automation will drive safety, mission capability, and scalability. At Heli-Expo, Rotor CEO Hector Xu and Smith celebrated milestones in the R550X program and plans to begin low-rate production. "David and I share a common product vision," said Xu. "Our collaboration will combine Rotor's technology with Robinson's dynamic and scalable supply chain to deliver the world's most capable commercial uncrewed VTOL." The Spirit of New Hampshire will continue its North American tour, with displays planned at AUVSI Xponential from April 22, 2024, in San Diego, CA (Booth 5325) and at VFS Forum 80 from May 7, 2024, in Montréal, Canada. Rotor Technologies, Inc. ("Rotor") is a developer of autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Rotor's mission is to make vertical aviation radically safer and more accessible using autonomy. Rotor's R550X is an uncrewed helicopter based on on the Robinson R44, that can be operated safely at night and low visibility for dull, dirty, and dangerous missions without an onboard pilot. With a payload capacity of 1,212 lbs (550 kg), the R550x is an ideal platform for aerial firefighting, crop dusting, aerial work, and cargo delivery. All of Rotor's aircraft are compatible with Cloudpilot, Rotor's on-demand piloting service that delivers autonomous flight capabilities via satellite and wireless connectivity. For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel-cell tanks, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient helicopters in the industry.    26 MARCH 1949  The Fullerton record was short lived. Inspired by the flight at Fullerton, later in 1949, Yuma, Arizona, decided to sponsor its own time aloft record attempt. The city needed publicity as it was experiencing economic hard times due to the 1946 closure of Yuma Army Air Field. Pilots Woody Jongeward and Bob Woodhouse piloted the City of Yuma, a Sedan borrowed from local owners, modified for the flight and painted with the slogan, "The City with a Future." The flight began on 24 August with the aircraft remaining in the Yuma area throughout, and ended after more than 1,124 hours, or nearly 47 days in the air, on 10 October. In 1997, the record-setting airplane was located and returned to Yuma; made airworthy again, it flew on 10 October 1999, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the record flight. The "City of Yuma" airplane and the refuelling car are now on display at City Hall in Yuma.    Japan, Karasu-cho, Tsu city, Mie prefecture: An ultralight plane suffered an overrun the runway for about 30 meters while landing at Ryus Sky Park, crashed into a nearby solar power plant, damaging the forward under side of the fuselage and some solar panels. No personal injuries. JTSB launched an investigation as a serious incident. USA, near Truckee Airport (TKF/KTRK), Truckee, CA: Narrative: A Daher TBM 700 airplane (marketed as a TBM 960), N960LP, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Truckee Airport, Truckee, California. Two fatalities are reported at this point. It appears the aircraft was executing the go-around/missed approach for runway 20 following the use of RNAV (GPS) Approach via the waypoint WUDPA. The ADS-B track data shows the aircraft stopped its descent at 6,500ft approximately half a mile to the north of the airport (which is the LP MDA minimum altitude) The aircraft appears to then climb to an altitude of only 7,200 feet while making a 180-degree turn overhead the airport to a bearing of 010 followed shortly by a left-hand stalling spiral into the crash location at nearly 11,000 feet per minute. Both occupants died. USA, Treasure Coast International Airport (FPR/KFPR), Fort Pierce, FL: A Piper PA-44-180 Seminole, crashed during a go around at Treasure Coast International Airport (FPR/KFPR), Fort Pierce, Florida. The aircraft, using callsign WCP643 "Whitecap 643", was operating on a training flight out of KFPR. The flight radioed Fort Pierce Tower that they wanted to do an ILS missed approach to runway 10R. One occupant perished and the other suffered serious injuries and the aircraft was destroyed. Austria, NE of Sölden, Tyrol: A German Cessna 172 Skyhawk disappeared from Austro Control's radar on Saturday around 11:45 LT northeast of Sölden, Tyrol, while en route from Rome, Italy to Bayern, Germany. A search was launched and the Aircraft has been found in the Schrankogel area at an altitude of 2800 Metres. The sole occupant did not survive. UK, Duxford Airfield (QFO/EGSU), Cambridgeshire: A Cirrus SR22T GTS G6 carbon (G-RGSK) suffered an accident while performing touch-and-goes at Duxford Airfield (QFO/EGSU), Cambridgehire. The sole pilot (and owner) died and the aircraft was destroyed. Flight data from FlightRadar24 shows the aircraft took off from Duxford at 13.21 and made two touch-and-goes. At 13.39, during the third touch-and-go the aircraft bounced twice, according to eyewitnesses. A video of the accident suggests that the aircraft stalled, with a left-wing drop. It hit the ground at a roll angle of about 100 degrees. The CAPS rocket ignited due to impact forces.  Extreme Skydive and Rietfontein Microflyers  Google Banner Ad |
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