Midweek Updates May 2024Google Banner Ad This week in Midweek Updates Exercise Flintlock 2024 gets underway in West Africa. Canada's SkyHawks, USAF A-10 Demo team confirmed for Oshkosh. Airbus achieves Eurodrone's preliminary design review. Airbus Helicopters to support Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale helicopter fleet. Pipistrel Velis Electro serial number 100 enters service. Eve Air Mobility unveils teaser video of first eVTOL. Cessna Citation Ascend program advances with successful certification tests and extensive flight testing. This week in history - The first pilotless radio-controlled aerial bomb was tested. Worldwide Incidents and Accidents. Bonus video - Mach Loop Wales a must visit      EXERCISE FLINTLOCK 2024 GETS UNDERWAY IN WEST AFRICA www.defenceweb.co.za Approximately 1 300 participants from nearly 30 international and African nations have come together for Exercise Flintlock 2024, which officially got underway on 13 May in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire. "The Ghana Armed Forces is proud to be hosting this exercise, the biggest of its kind in Africa, for the second time running," said Ghana Armed Forces Brigadier General Kweku Dankwa Hagan, Representative of Chief of Army Staff - Ghana. "And I believe this is an indication of the healthy and enduring partnership we have strived to establish and constantly developing over the years." In Cote d'Ivoire, US Special Operations Command Africa Deputy Commander, US Army Colonel Michael George expressed gratitude to Ivorian partners for serving as hosts for the third consecutive year, the second iteration alongside Ghana. US Ambassador to the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, Jessica Davis-Ba, emphasized how the close collaboration efforts throughout the year enhanced the relationship between the US and Ivoirian Special Operations Forces.  According to the US military, Exercise Flintlock is designed to strengthen collective security, enable greater cross-border collaboration between African partners, reinforce military bonds and trust of the civilian populace, as well as augment tactics, techniques, procedures, and skillsets to address common threats. Exercise Flintlock is US Africa Command's premier special operations forces exercise. This year's edition will conclude on 24 May. In the leadup to Flintlock, US Special Operations Command Africa, special operation forces from the United Kingdom Ranger Regiment, and the Ghana Armed Forces held a combined training event in in April. Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers took part, allowing US Special Operations Command Africa and Ghanaian troops to practice calling in close air support. Ghana and the United States have long joined forces to combat terrorism and piracy. Cooperation is even more important due to democratic backsliding elsewhere in Africa and the growing threat of extremism on the continent.   Two big additions to the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 lineup were confirmed in the past week, as the Canadian Armed Forces SkyHawks skydiving team and the U.S. Air Force A-10 Demo Team committed to performances during The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration.  Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force's A-10 Demo Team - marking its final season of air show performances - will be at Oshkosh on July 22-25. The Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the Warthog, has long been a favorite on the air show circuit. The demo team is based at Davis-Monthan AFB and commanded by Maj. Lindsay "MAD" Johnson, who flies the aircraft at air shows throughout the country.  AIRBUS ACHIEVES EURODRONE'S PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW The Eurodrone programme has successfully performed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR). Led by Airbus Defence and Space as prime contractor, this major programme milestone has been completed with OCCAR and representatives of the four customer nations (France, Germany, Italy and Spain) in the presence of the three Major Sub-Contractors (MSC), Airbus Defence and Space Spain, Dassault Aviation and Leonardo.  "Performing the Preliminary Design Review for the development of Eurodrone represents an important step forward for this key European defence programme", said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space. "It shows a real joint effort and collaborative spirit from all industrial partners and the Customer community to ensure European sovereignty and independence in this critical segment of unmanned long endurance ISTAR capability." Provided with innovative cutting-edge technology and designed to become one of the main pillars of any future combat air system, the Eurodrone will be an indispensable capability to facilitate international conflict prevention and crisis management, ensuring operational superiority to the nations, especially in the context of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.  AIRBUS HELICOPTERS TO SUPPORT SÉCURITÉ CIVILE AND GENDARMERIE NATIONALE HELICOPTER FLEET Airbus Helicopters and Babcock have been awarded a contract to support 48 EC145s operated by the French Ministry of Interior. The 12 year contract that starts this year was signed with the Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique (DMAé), the organisation in charge of maintenance for aircraft operated by the French government. The contract covers the 33 EC145s operated by the Sécurité Civile and the 15 EC145s operated by the Gendarmerie air forces that are spread across 41 bases in France, including five bases in French overseas territories. The contract covers technical support (including industry technical representatives working on site), supply of spare parts, logistics solutions (transport of spares and stock management), technical data management and software support. Airbus Helicopters and Bacock will ensure that the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie EC145s are available for their critical missions serving the French population. Securité Civile and Gendarmerie EC145s are used for search and rescue, emergency medical services and fire fighting missions. The Gendarmerie EC145s are also engaged in law enforcement operations. Airbus is also committed to the renewal of the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie's fleet of helicopters. Sécurité Civile already operates four new H145s ordered in 2021, which are also supported by Airbus Helicopters and Babcock. In late 2023, a contract was signed for 42 H145s for the French Ministry of Interior (36 for the Sécurité Civile and six for the Gendarmerie). Aircraft deliveries will start in 2024.  Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the completed production of its 100th Velis Electro, the world's first type-certified electric aircraft, marking a significant milestone. Velis Electro serial number (S/N) 100 has been delivered to valued customer Green Aerolease, a French sustainable aircraft rental business with ambitions to accelerate the environmental transition of the aviation industry across Europe through its turnkey rental service. "The Velis Electro leads the journey towards more sustainable flight solutions, and the entry into service of S/N 100 is a notable achievement," said Gabriel Massey, President and Managing Director of Pipistrel. "Powered by over 15 years of expertise in electric flight, this aircraft brings a more environmentally-friendly option to flight schools with unbeatable cost-efficiency." Green Aerolease has also taken delivery of its first Pipistrel Explorer, a versatile two-seat combustion engine aircraft capable of both day and night visual flight rules (VFR) operations. The additional purchase, also available for rental through Green Aerolease, demonstrates the company's confidence in the manufacturer's capabilities to deliver superior aircraft across the light sport category, specifically designed for the flight training market. "The unrivaled efficiency and connectivity that aviation offers can be realized more quietly and sustainably thanks to aircraft such as the Velis Electro," said Charles Cabillic, Founder of Green Aerolease. "We're proud to support Pipistrel as it enables the transition to the future of flight." Velis Electro S/N 100 will be operated in Germany by Green Aviation Hub, a recently appointed German dealer for Pipistrel's authorized distributor Finesse Max. The Velis Electro was certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2020 followed by numerous other regulatory agencies. The aircraft is currently in service in over 30 countries worldwide.  Eve Air Mobility ("Eve") (NYSE: EVEX; EVEXW) today unveiled a teaser video of its first full-scale eVTOL non-conforming prototype as it continues production of the aircraft at its facility in Brazil. Eve released the video on its social media channels and will continue to share more updates on its progress in the coming months. Eve is uniquely positioned having been spun out of Embraer-X, Embraer's business and innovation accelerator. Through its relationship, Eve is able to take advantage of Embraer's more than 50 years of experience of developing, designing and certifying aircraft as it develops its eVTOL. Additionally, customers will also benefit from having access to an already established global network of service and support locations, critical to ensuring reliable, safe and efficient operations. Eve's eVTOL aircraft utilizes eight dedicated propellers for vertical flight and fixed wings to fly on cruise, with no change in the position of these components during flight. The latest concept includes an electric pusher powered by dual electric motors that provide propulsion redundancy with the goal of ensuring the highest levels of performance and safety. While offering numerous advantages including lower cost of operation, fewer parts, optimized structures, and systems, it has been developed to offer efficient thrust with low sound. Last year, the company announced that its first eVTOL production facility will be located in the city of Taubaté, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The company has begun assembly of its first full-scale eVTOL prototype which will be followed by a test campaign. Eve has letters of intent for nearly 3,000 eVTOLs and the aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2026.   CESSNA CITATION ASCEND PROGRAM ADVANCES WITH SUCCESSFUL CERTIFICATION TESTS AND EXTENSIVE FLIGHT TESTING The Cessna Citation business jet family is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company. The newest Citation is designed to bring a new cockpit, improved performance and a more luxurious cabin to the midsize business jet market. The aircraft's state-of-the-art avionics including autothrottle, high payload capacity and impressive range offer customers reduced pilot workload and the ability to do more and go farther. "With the prototype aircraft's successful completion of rigorous certification tests and over 350 flight test hours, we are confident in the development progress of the Citation Ascend," said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. "The success of the program to date highlights the skill and commitment of our teams in designing and delivering the best aviation experience for customers." The Citation Ascend prototype aircraft has successfully completed testing that includes: Extreme hot and cold weather testing, ensuring aircraft systems are functional and operational at extreme temperatures, bird strike, braking performance, tire burst, and cockpit and cabin window static and residual strength. The aircraft's systems simulator test rig, known as an "Iron Bird," continues to make strides in its development and support of the program advancement. Leveraging unique Textron Aviation engineering and manufacturing techniques, the test system incorporates the design of the aircraft's avionics, electrical and engine control systems to support pilot familiarization and flight scenarios. The Citation Ascend features Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, nearing certification by Transport Canada Civil Aviation, are designed to deliver improved fuel efficiency, increased thrust and longer time-on-wing for eligible customers. The engine uses new materials and technology - including a more efficient high-pressure compressor and an enhanced single stage high-pressure turbine module. The PW545D engines are also equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), enabling the new autothrottle technology and ensuring they operate at their maximum efficiency and with reduced pilot workload.   The first pilotless radio-controlled aerial bomb was tested March 1917 It was actually a small aircraft that was designed to fly radio-guided for 50 miles (80 km) with 308 pounds (140 kg) of bombs aboard.  Professor Low an eccentric scientist employed by the UK's Air Ministry put together a monoplane made of wood and tin, using the lower wing from a biplane and, scrounged from another aircraft, an oversized propeller driven by a 35 horse-power engine. There was one radio control for up and down, and another for left and right. Control was achieved using gyroscopes developed by Elmer Sperry of the Sperry Gyroscope Company. Built during and shortly after World War I intended for use as "aerial torpedoes" an early version of today's cruise missiles the "flying bombs" were to have been used against Zeppelins. During the test flight it shot into the air, looped the loop and crashed yards from the lorry that launched it via a pneumatic catapult. Iran, Dzmar forest, Iranian Azerbaijan: An Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) Bell 212, operated by the VIP Squadron, carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raissi has crashed in foggy weather in the forest area of Dzmar between the villages of Uzi and Pir Dawood. Among the occupants were the Iranian President, the Imam of Juma Tabriz, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Governor of East Azarbaijan. The President had just visited the opening of the Qiz Qala Si dam. USA, Oakland County, Oxford, MI: The aircraft, a Diamond DA20-C1 Eclipse, Registration N383CA, sustained unreported but apparent minor damage subsequent to the forced landing to open field terrain in Oakland County at Oxford, Michigan. The two pilots onboard the single engine airplane were not injured during the incident. Argentina, General Pico Airport (GPO/SAZG), LP: An attempted to hand-prop a Piper (Chincul) PA-28-181 Archer II of the Aeroclub General Pico for a private flight at General Pico Airport caused the aircraft to move unattended. It rolled along for some metres colliding against with a parked Cessna A188B AGwagon LV-BGT The crop-duster received damages on a wing and fuselage because of the Archer's propeller, and suffered fuel leak. A woman was taken to hospital, although it is not clear if she was on board the Archer. The young pilot was preparing to go on an "Epiphany flight" with a passenger. Due to a mechanical problem, the Piper Archer PA-28 was unable to start, so the pilot decided to get out and start the propeller by hand. This caused the plane to quickly take off with the pilot running trying stop the aircraft. The passenger was still inside. The plane crashed into a Cessna A188 Ag Wagon, which was a couple of metres away "with full tanks" to go to work. The woman, who was a passenger, tried to quickly get out of it, but in desperation she placed her foot incorrectly on the "stirrup" and injured her ankle; she was transported to the Gobernador Centeno hospital.  Mach Loop Wales a must visit  Google Banner Ad |
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