African country acquires BOYGA ammunition drop drone from Turkey.
Nigerian Air Force confirms 50 new aircraft are on the way.
SSASS Holdings locally producing multirole fixed wing VTOL UAVs.
Textron Aviation delivers first Cessna Skycourier Combi, providing even more flexibility and versatility to the twin-engine utility turboprop.
Mozambique defence minister thanks SAMIM for Cabo Delgado contribution.
Saudi Arabia orders four additional Airbus A330 MRTTs.
CAF Buckeye wing and PT-26 "Queen Mother" to be featured at Warbirds in Review.
Southwest Airlines signs memorandum of understanding with Archer Aviation to develop operational concepts for air taxi network.
This week in history - Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin is born in Baden, Germany.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Dead Stick Landing Scheibe Tandem Falke SF28A
AFRICAN COUNTRY ACQUIRES BOYGA AMMUNITION DROP DRONE FROM TURKEY www.defencewb.co.za
An undisclosed African customer has acquired BOYGA ammunition drop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Turkey's STM. STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret AS) said the first export contract for the BOYGA has been concluded with an unnamed African country, with deliveries scheduled for completion in 2024.
BOYGA is the newest member of STM's tactical mini UAV product family, and is able to deploy an 81 mm mortar round “with full accuracy thanks to its advanced ballistic estimation algorithm. BOYGA can be used effectively in counter-terrorism and asymmetric warfare settings, and has a 30-minute airtime while laden with mortar ammunition,” the company said. The BOYGA platform can reach altitudes of 3 000 meters and has a mission range from 6.5 to 10 km, while its 17 kg weight allows it to be transported by a single operator.
The integration of the ammunition system was carried out in collaboration with MKE (Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation), which mainly produces equipment for the Turkish Armed Forces, such as the ammunition for small arms and heavy weapons, artillery systems, aerial bombs etc.
BOYGA entered Turkish Armed Forces service in 2022, where, according to STM, it has been actively involved in the fight against terrorism, cross-border operations and international exercises, most recently, the EFES-2024 Exercise, “during which it hit the designated targets with pinpoint accuracy.”
“The Ukraine-Russia war has once again shown how these drones and ammunition-dropping UAVs are a game-changer in the field. BOYGA provides users with significant advantages in the field, making use of its indigenous software, its specially developed ammunition and its prediction algorithm. BOYGA can hit targets with full precision from high altitudes, making it difficult to be detected by the enemy,” said Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM.
Güleryüz added that the KARGU rotary wing loitering munition system is part of its mini tactical UAV family and since the KARGU was taken into Turkish military service in 2018, it has been exported to more than ten countries. “Then, two years ago, we put TOGAN into the service of our Army as the reconnaissance member of our UAV family, and subsequently exported it to two African countries.
“Most recently, in 2023 we concluded a contract for the first export of ALPAGU, our fixed-wing loitering munition system (strike UAV). In the wake of all these achievements, we have entered into a contract for the first international sale of BOYGA to an African country, thus achieving significant success in exporting all members of our tactical mini UAV family, which we have developed and which have proven themselves successfully in the field. We are also in talks for further exports of our UAVs, which are proving to be surprisingly effective in the field, and have increased our production capacity in the field of mini UAVs to meet the demands of our army and friendly and allied nations.”
NIGERIAN AIR FORCE CONFIRMS 50 NEW AIRCRAFT ARE ON THE WAY
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed plans to acquire 50 new aircraft in the next year, from combat jets to attack helicopters. Chief of Air Staff, Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, speaking during the opening of new aviation facilities in Katsina State on 18 June, said the aircraft include 12 Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, 24 Leonardo multirole M-346 jets, 12 Leonardo Helicopters AW109 multipurpose helicopters, and two Airbus C295 transport aircraft.
The NAF expects to receive the aircraft by 2025. The acquisition is part of the government's efforts to modernise the Nigerian military and enhance its ability to tackle security challenges in the country. The new aircraft will be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations against insurgents and criminals.
Previous announcements from the NAF indicate it plans to also acquire two AW109 Trekker helicopters from Leonardo Helicopters, two King Air 360 twin turboprops from Textron Aviation, four DA 62 surveillance aircraft from Diamond Aircraft, six T-129 helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries, and three Wing Loong II unmanned aerial vehicles from Chengdu.
The NAF received the last of its four DA 62 aircraft in October 2023, and these are fitted with Hensoltd Argos II HDT electro-optical gimbals. Since the first arrived in February 2023, they have been deployed to operating theatres in support of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in troubled areas within the country. It is also understood that three Wing Loong IIs have been delivered, and that the first King Air 360ER arrived from Textron Aviation in November 2023.
The first T-129 was taken into service in February this year and allocated to the Nigerian Air Force's 115th Special Operations Group at Port Harcourt. The unit currently operates a mix of Mi-24P, Mi-24V and Mi-35 heavy assault/attack helicopters, together with Airbus Helicopters EC135s for observation and reconnaissance. The remaining four T-129s will be received from Turkish Aerospace Industries by year-end.
The Nigerian Army, meanwhile, is acquiring 12 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters from MD Helicopters and last week received two of three Bell UH-1H 'Huey' helicopters for its new aviation wing.
Meanwhile, the NAF earlier this month said it achieved a maintenance-related milestone with an in-country 4800 hours maintenance inspection on a Dornier 228 aircraft for the first time. “This level of scheduled maintenance on the Do 228 aircraft, previously performed by foreign Maintenance Repair Organizations (MROs), was completed at a significantly cheaper rate and with reduced aircraft downtime,” the NAF said.
Air Vice Marshal Olanrewaju Oyename previously said that the inspection of the aircraft (NAF 031), began in May 2021 but faced several delays, primarily due to challenges in acquiring necessary spare parts. “This is history, and you made it happen. This is the first PDM [Periodic Depot Maintenance] on a NAF aircraft conducted entirely by NAF personnel in the First Engineering Unit of the NAF at the Premier NAF Base in Kaduna,” he said.
Commanding Officer of 30 Engineering Wing, Wing Commander Micheal Aransiola, explained that the 4 800-hour inspection was the highest level of maintenance carried out on the Do 228 aircraft. He then detailed the five-phase processes of the PDM as follows: Phase I involved acceptance, documentation and docking; Phase II included paint stripping and removal of components; Phase III focused on repairing discrepancies; Phase IV involved reinstallation of components and operational checks; and Phase V concluded with ground checks, taxi checks, and a Functional Check Flight.
New and refurbished assets are being used by the NAF to fight insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and oil theft. Earlier this month Abubakar highlighted the achievements of the Nigerian Air Force over the past year, in spite of challenges posed by Nigeria's harsh economic realities, including high youth unemployment, increasing inflation, and multi-dimensional poverty.
“The NAF, so far, has achieved modest yet significant progress in fighting insurgency, terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other criminal activities in the country,” he said. For example, NAF assets during Operation Hadarin Daji on 15 June eliminated over 80 terrorists at a hideout in Katsina State, along with 45 motorcycles.
“The strikes became necessary following intelligence that terrorists numbering over 100 were reported burning houses at a settlement about 5 kms away from Gidan Kare Village. Overhead the village at about 8.30pm, several houses were observed to be on fire with the entire village in pandemonium. Moments later, 12 motor cycles were seen departing the village and trailed along a footpath out of the village to a location near Gidan Kare Village and Kuka Shidda Camp, where they joined up with a large number of their cohorts. Other terrorists were also observed arriving the location from different directions, an indication that the location was a massing up point with the terrorists likely planning to further attack nearby villages,” the NAF stated.
“Having been presented such a rare opportunity, authorization was sought, obtained and the location was immediately struck at exactly 9:40pm, with over 80 terrorists confirmed eliminated and about 45 motorcycles burnt down, while few surviving terrorists were observed fleeing or limping off. Further intelligence received after the strike also revealed that the terrorists were closely linked with notorious terrorist's kingpin Yusuf Yellow and his close associate Rabe Imani. These strikes, along with others before now, have no doubt disrupted terrorists activities in the area.”
SSASS HOLDINGS LOCALLY PRODUCING MULTIROLE FIXED WING VTOL UAVS
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
South African company SSASS Holdings (Solutions, Sensors, Aircraft, Software and Services) is assembling fixed wing vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at its new Centurion facility for surveillance, monitoring and other tasks.
SSASS CEO Dean Polley, exhibiting at the Aero South Africa exhibition at Wonderboom airport last week, told defenceWeb that his company opened a new premises in Centurion in September last year and is assembling its SR series fixed wing aircraft with a quadcopter component for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). Transitioning to horizontal flight gives far greater range than pure VTOL aircraft.
SSASS offers a range of UAV solutions, but its largest and most important types are its SR series, offered for aerial surveillance and monitoring, surveying, mapping and photogrammetry, agriculture and farming, law enforcement and other roles.
The SR-50 is the largest in the series with a 4.8 metre wingspan, 15 kg payload, 82 km/h speed and 50-100 km control range. The SR-50E electric version has a 4.5 hour endurance while the SR-50H petrol version can fly for ten hours.
In the middle is the SR-25E with a 4.2 metre wingspan, 10 kg payload, 3.5-hour endurance, 70 km/h speed and 50-100 km control range. On the smaller side is the SR-10E with a 2.4 metre wingspan, 1.5 kg payload, three-hour endurance, 70 km/h top speed and 10 km control range.
Each aircraft is built to order in line with client specifications and can be fitted with multiple payload options in a quickly detachable payload pod. Payload options range from mapping systems to electro-optical/infrared cameras with object tracking etc. For military applications, although the aircraft are designed for use in non-combat security and surveillance roles, they do facilitate the installation and integration of select weapon systems that could be used in supporting ground troop operations if required.
SSASS completed tests flights of its first SR-25E in February, and has a first local client for the model, which is fitted with a RIEGL miniVUX-1UAV laser scanning system but the open payload bay can accommodate a multitude of customised payload applications - the client has three payload options.
Airframes are manufactured in China and the avionics are sourced from uAvionix Corporation in the United States, with assembly and customisation in South Africa. Total lead time from order to delivery of an aircraft is six to eight weeks, including airframe manufacture, payload integration, and testing.
The avionics supplied by uAvionix Corporation include the George G3 autopilot, truFYX GPS, SkyLink radio systems, pingRX Pro ADS-B receiver and a ping200X Mode S ADS-B transponder. What differentiates the SR series from other platforms is the separation of the command and control (C2) radio link from the data and gimbal control radio link. The onboard SkyLink air radio system is seamlessly integrated with the George autopilot and is paired with the SkyStation ground radio system. This provides a Control and a Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) link which is unique to unmanned systems. Multiple SkyStations can be deployed to support network and frequency roaming on the SkyLine C2 network.
With the 10 Watt radio, UAV communications range is 160 km, but if the radios are connected to Starlink satellite, communications range could be unlimited, and the aircraft could be flown from anywhere.
In addition to UAVs, SSASS brought to Aero South Africa 2024 its UAV mobile operations vehicle, which contains a fully configured ground control station. It also displayed its various avionic components - SSASS is a reseller of Sagetech micro transponders, and supplies these for the locally manufactured Milkor 380 UAV - the largest such aircraft designed and built in Africa.
SSASS sees a bright future for UAVs, especially as artificial intelligence and automation make them more accessible, and prices continue to come down. One new innovation Polley sees promise in is the 'drone in a box'. On the SSASS display stand at Aero South Africa was a DJI Dock 2 'drone in a box' - a self-contained UAV launching system complete with weather station and power supply. An operator can install the box and leave it until connecting from anywhere in the world to either launch and fly the drone manually or autonomously - on day one of Aero SA 2024, SSASS flew a 'drone in a box' mission from 40 km away.
The UAV can be automatically launched to perform pre-programmed surveillance routes, for example, and when it's done it returns to the box and charges up for the next mission through wireless induction charging. Endurance is 35-40 minutes and range 7 km. In South Africa, one of the first applications is deployment in a residential estate in Johannesburg.
Polley told defenceWeb the 'drone in a box' solution would be ideal for mining surveillance - one client manually flies UAVs to detect illegal miners every night, but the operators require an armed guard as there have been attacks on them. Using a 'drone in a box' solution would reduce the risk and staff required and reduce overall costs, he said.
TEXTRON AVIATION DELIVERS FIRST CESSNA SKYCOURIER COMBI, PROVIDING EVEN MORE FLEXIBILITY AND VERSATILITY TO THE TWIN-ENGINE UTILITY TURBOPROP
Textron Aviation today announced the delivery of the first Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine utility turboprop equipped with a Combi interior conversion option. The aircraft was delivered to Everts Air, an Alaskan-based Part 135 operator serving passenger, cargo and charter needs throughout Alaska. Everts also operates Part 121, providing cargo and on-demand charter throughout North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean Islands.
“The Cessna SkyCourier's new Combi option demonstrates the aircraft's ability to meet the versatile mission profiles of our customers around the world,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, Sales and Flight Operations. “We are grateful that longtime Cessna customers like Everts Air recognize the value in our products as business tools and their capability in serving customers.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted certification for the SkyCourier Combi interior configuration in May 2024. The recently certified option adds more flexibility to the 19-seat passenger variant of the aircraft by allowing operators to modify the interior to accommodate passengers and cargo at the same time. In addition to the existing gravel kit and full freighter conversion options, the Combi conversion expands the aircraft's utility for diverse global markets and a wide variety of missions, catering to customers such as government bodies, law enforcement, armed forces, businesses and charitable groups.
The aircraft will join the Everts Air Alaska 135 fleet, which also includes a Cessna SkyCourier freighter variant and six Cessna Caravans.
“I look at the Cessna SkyCourier as a next generation aircraft for Bush Alaska,” said Robert W. Everts, owner of Everts Air. “The SkyCourier Combi will allow us to be flexible and serve the unique needs of citizens in remote communities. Along with offering the reliability of a Cessna, the aircraft is highly adaptable and the ultimate solution for air freight and passenger support in Alaska.”
MOZAMBIQUE DEFENCE MINISTER THANKS SAMIM FOR CABO DELGADO CONTRIBUTION
The end of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) has been officially noted by that country's defence minister.
The regional bloc mission started operations in the east African country's Cabo Delgado province in 2021 with an end date of July 2024. Troop contributing countries were Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. At some stage a Namibian detachment joined the mission with no official mention of it by the regional bloc.
Botswana was the first to exit in May followed by Lesotho and South Africa, with President Cyril Ramaphosa extending the SANDF deployment to Mozambique to year-end on the day it was set to end.
Cristovao Chume, Mozambique Minister of National Defence, and SAMIM Head of Mission Mpho Molomo, led a closing ceremony on 4 July in Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado province.
Chume is quoted on a SAMIM social media site as saying the multi-national regional bloc force was part of “significant progress” made in destroying terrorist bases and reducing the number of terrorist attacks. SAMIM also assisted in returning “normal functioning” to public and private institutions, the resumption of economic activities and free movement of people and goods in areas where ASWJ (Ansar al-Sunna Wa Jamma) was active.
The SADC commitment was also evident, according to Chume, in “a significant improvement to the security situation in general”.
“Progress in the fight against terrorism is a victory for all SADC countries. The SAMIM mission has played a major role in addressing the threat posed by terrorism in the region,” said Chume, describing the mission as an example of regional solidarity for the African continent, and a strategy for solving African problems.
Chuma noted that despite the destruction of the terrorist bases and a resumption of economic activity, some terrorists are still roaming parts of Cabo Delgado, wreaking havoc among the population.
With SAMIM officially no longer part of efforts to contain terror activities, this will become a FADM (Forcas Armadas de Defese de Mocambique) responsibility with support from a Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) contingent
The last South African unit on active service in Mozambique was Makhanda-based 6 SA Infantry (SAI) Battalion. It arrived in the east African country last November and its 1 500 personnel returned to South Africa last month (June). At the time of publication there was no information available on what SA National Defence Force (SANDF) elements remained in Mozambique and what taskings are assigned them. Similarly, the SADC has not made any information known about the SAMIM stand-down or how long it will take.
SAMIM was set up operationally in mid-2021 as a regional bloc peace initiative to rid Cabo Delgado of ASWJ/Islamic State insurgents, active since 2017. Fourteen months after activation as a full military force it transitioned to a multi-dimensional mission undertaking combined operations with police, correctional services and civilian input and participation.
Chikondi Chidzanja, a doctoral researcher at Stellenbosch University's Conflict, Peacebuilding & Risk Unit (CPRU), wrote that SAMIM's withdrawal has been criticised for being premature while others have questioned the SADC's competence while accusing it of turning away from a terrorist threat on its doorstep.
“Mozambique took a long time to admit to the presence of an insurgency and to label it as such in meetings with the SADC. When it first sought outside help, it turned to private military companies (PMCs) such as the Dyck Advisory Group (DAG) and Russia's Wagner Group in late 2019. Both of these companies proved unable to contain the insurgency and took heavy casualties. When Mozambique looked for international support, it prioritized a bilateral engagement with Rwanda, which sent troops in 2021, earlier than the SADC. Even when SAMIM finally was formed, its troops were relegated to peripheral areas away from strategic locations in Cabo Delgado. Rwanda was assigned to the primary strategic areas for its operations. The optics did not favour SAMIM,” Chidzanja noted.
Instead of Mozambique assuming greater responsibility and ownership as SAMIM withdraws, it has allowed Rwanda to deploy an additional 2 000 troops. Initially, in 2021, Rwanda had sent a 1 000-person contingent of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP). That force has grown to approximately 4 500.
During its time, SAMIM marked some important achievements, including liberating villages from the grip of terrorism, dismantling terror bases and securing roads for the free movement of humanitarian aid, according to Chidzanja.
Could SAMIM have been better?” he asked. “In hindsight, yes, it could have been more proactive in its engagement with stakeholders. Critics have correctly pointed out that much of the SAMIM mission was shrouded in secrecy with little information made available to the public. However, given the circumstances, resources and the ad hoc nature of SAMIM, this was perhaps the best they could have done.
“SAMIM operated in a hostile environment in which the host country had different priorities from that of a regional force. The environment itself is crowded with other players that were accorded primary tasks in strategic areas while the regional force was on the periphery. In such an environment there is little a regional standby force can achieve in the long term. Of course, the lessons learned will serve the future interventions in the region. If factors such as its mandate, the relationship with the host country and lack of understanding of the nature of ad hoc interventions are comprehensively understood, then SAMIM did its part to advance peace support operations in the region. SAMIM exemplifies the principle of 'African solutions to African problems.'” As the peace operations landscape is rapidly changing, the SADC's approach serves as an example of the adaptive peace paradigm allowing for sustainable interventions,” he concluded.
SAUDI ARABIA ORDERS FOUR ADDITIONAL AIRBUS A330 MRTTS
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ordered four additional Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft for the Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force (RSAF). The first of these aircraft will enter into conversion at the beginning of 2026; they will enter into service and join the RSAF in 2027 to carry out air-to-air refuelling and transport missions.
“This new order demonstrates the high level of customer satisfaction with the A330 MRTT”, said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space. "This is the third contract signed by Saudi Arabia for the A330 MRTT, making the RSAF one of the largest MRTT operators in the world".
The contract also includes a logistics support package with spare parts, training services and service support for the new four aircraft.
All the RSAF A330 MRTT are configured with hose and drogue pods, boom system and also refuelling receptacle, which allows the A330 MRTT to be refuelled from boom-equipped tankers.
As part of this contract, Airbus signed in January 2024 an Industrial Participation (IP) agreement with GAMI (General Authority for Military Industries) for the development and growth of the industrial ecosystem in the region in support of Vision 2030, a Saudi-government programme that aims to diversify the country's economy.
This agreement also includes the transfer of technology and knowhow of the RSAF A330 MRTT to local companies. SAAMS, the joint venture created between SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military industries) and Airbus, will be the main vehicle for industrial localisation.
The A330 MRTT is the most capable new-generation tanker and transport aircraft with 90% market share outside the USA with 82 orders from 15 countries in Europe, Asia, America and Oceania.
CAF BUCKEYE WING AND PT-26 "QUEEN MOTHER" TO BE FEATURED AT WARBIRDS IN REVIEW
At this year's EAA AirVenture, Dave Holden, Danielle Reese, and Kevin Korterud will present the story of the PT-26 Queen Mother in Warbird Alley July 27, 2024 at 10 a.m. on the EAA AirVenture grounds in Oshkosh, Wis.
Military student pilots go through three stages of flight training: Primary, Basic, and Advanced. In the late 1930s, American military pilots were still getting their primary flight training in biplanes, even though Basic and Advanced trainers were low-wing aircraft. Fairchild Aircraft Company saw the need for a different aircraft that was better suited to train new pilots. Fairchild designed the M-62, a low-wing trainer with a tandem cockpit and fixed landing gear. The prototype first flew in May 1939. In a competition against seven other designs, the M-62 won the U.S. Army's initial contract for 270 primary trainers. The Army designated the airplane the PT-19.
Meeting the Army's demand for the M-62 was no small feat. With its vision, Fairchild brought in over two dozen subcontractors, including woodworking shops, furniture stores, a hosiery plant, and a foundry. The company also licensed the airplane's manufacturing to Aeronca, Howard Aircraft, St. Louis Aircraft, and Fleet Aircraft of Canada, showcasing a remarkable display of collaboration and unity.
The final version of the M-62 design was known as the PT-26. It was powered by a 200-horsepower Ranger engine and featured an enclosed canopy. The aircraft was initially built for export to Canada under the Lend-Lease program and later produced under license by Fleet Aircraft Company in Fort Erie, Ontario. It was a British tradition to name training aircraft after colleges. For example, the AT-6 Texan was called the "Harvard" in Britain, and the PT-26 was known as the "Cornell." Over 8,000 pilot cadets trained with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) were Americans.
The Buckeye Wing's assigned PT-26 was manufactured in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1943, and an unknown ferry pilot brought the aircraft to Canada. Nearly 80 years later, the Commemorative Air Force acquired it, and it was assigned to the Buckeye Wing on May 24, 2022. This aircraft underwent a significant restoration in 2002 and is now sporting the RCAF livery.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ARCHER AVIATION TO DEVELOP OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS FOR AIR TAXI NETWORK
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop operational plans for electric air taxi networks utilizing Archer's eVTOL aircraft at California airports where Southwest® operates. Archer Aviation is a leading manufacturer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Southwest Airlines Co. and Archer Aviation Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop operational plans for electric air taxi networks utilizing Archer's eVTOL aircraft at California airports where Southwest® operates. (Graphic: Business Wire)
Southwest Airlines Co. and Archer Aviation Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop operational plans for electric air taxi networks utilizing Archer's eVTOL aircraft at California airports where Southwest® operates. (Graphic: Business Wire)
Southwest is the Golden State's largest air carrier, operating at 14 airports across the state. Archer Midnight aircraft is designed to transform urban travel, replacing 60-to-90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10-to-20-minute electric air taxi flights. The goal of Archer's aircraft is to offer a safe, low-noise, cost-competitive transportation option with no direct emissions.
Southwest and Archer intend to collaborate on a concept of operations that lays the foundation for integrated electric air taxi networks that would support California airports and the surrounding communities that Southwest serves. This collaboration will include partnering with Southwest employees and respective unions, including SWAPA, to maintain and improve efficient operations. This is a key step toward potentially offering Southwest customers an airport transport service that saves time by streamlining the door-to-door passenger journey.
“Southwest is eager to explore the convenience Archer's air taxis could provide Customers flying Southwest at airports in busy urban areas,” said Paul Cullen, Vice President Real Estate at Southwest Airlines. “We've proudly served as California's largest carrier for nearly 25 years, and integrating Archer's electric aircraft into the travel journey potentially gives us an innovative opportunity to enhance the experience of flying Southwest. We look forward to collaborating with Archer as we assess future commercial activities in California and other Southwest locations.”
“Archer's collaboration with Southwest to introduce air taxis in California showcases our state's dedication to climate innovation and advanced technology,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development. “This initiative is designed to help revolutionize clean transportation with zero-direct emission and affordable options, enhancing the passenger experience, and supporting California's climate action goals.”
“With Archer's Midnight aircraft, passengers will be able to fly above traffic to get to the airport faster,” said Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer. “By putting together Southwest's impressive network of airports in California and their frequent intrastate flights with our planned network, Southwest customers could someday complete door-to-door trips like Santa Monica to Napa in less than three hours.”
Archer and Southwest plan to collaborate over the next few years as eVTOLs take flight. Combining Archer's aircraft and planned urban air mobility network with Southwest flights could offer an enhanced experience for the first and last miles of the customer travel journey.
Archer is a leader in the electrification of aviation. The company is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft that are necessary to power the next great transportation revolution. Archer's goal is for its proprietary technology to deliver unprecedented connectivity to the people and places across the most congested cities in the world.
8 JULY 1838
Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin is born in Baden, Germany. The first large-scale builder and pioneer of rigid dirigible balloons, Zeppelin made his first balloon ascent while serving as a volunteer and observer for the Union Army in America's Civil War
Born on 8 July 1838 Ferdinand spent his childhood with his sister and brother at their Girsberg manor near Konstanz, where he was educated by private tutors.
In 1853 he left to attend the polytechnic at Stuttgart, and in 1855 he became a cadet of the military school at Ludwigsburg and then started his career as an army officer in the army of Württemberg.
Von Zeppelin served as an official observer with the Union Army during the American Civil War. During the Peninsular Campaign, he visited the balloon camp of Thaddeus S. C. Lowe shortly after Lowe's services were terminated by the Army. Von Zeppelin then travelled to St. Paul, MN where the German-born former Army balloonist John Steiner offered tethered flights. His first ascent in a balloon, made at Saint Paul, Minnesota during this visit, is said to have been the inspiration of his later interest in aeronautics.
He passed away on 8 March 1917 (aged 78) at Charlottenburg, Germany.
South Attica, Kroon Airfield, De Wildt, Gauteng: A Micro Aviation Bat Hawk crashed under unknown circumstances on approach to Kroon Airfield, De Wildt. One of the two occupants was injured and was taken to a hospital and the ultralight received substantial damage.
Japan, Sky Port Kitami, Hokkaido: A female student of Aviation Club, Kitami Institute of Technology suffered injury of two vertebral fractures due to a crash landing of a glider (non-powered) upon the runway at Sky Port Kitami (Kitami District Temporary Operation Site) on her solo flight. The aircraft receive no apparent damage. JTSB launched an investigation as an aircraft accident next day. The only aircraft registered by Kitami Institute of Technology is Alexander Schleicher ASK13 (JA2469, c/n 13513), but the Aviation Club had a record with activity with Alexander Schleicher ASK21 (JA2288, c/n 21046) in their old blog. A video on the scene next morning shows a T-tail glider sitting beside the runway which suggests ASK21.
Poland. Gdynia-Babie Doly Airport (QYD/EPOK): A Polish Air Force Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Bielik, operated by 41.BLSz, crashed into the ground during a training flight for an airshow at Gdynia-Babie Doly Airport (QYD/EPOK). The pilot perished and the aircraft was destroyed.
USA, North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45), FL: A Piper PA-28-161 Warrior II crashed into a body of water at the departure end of runway 27L at North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45), West Palm Beach, Florida. Both occupants were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. ADS-B data shows the aircraft on approach to runway 27L at 14:08 local time. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office stated that the accident happened 'just before 14:15', while the FAA stated the accident happened on take-off about 14:50 hours. Unconfirmed reports suggest the aircraft stalled and spun during a go-around attempt following a loss of engine power.
France, Saint Crépin / Crête de Ceillac: A Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 DM flying from Aspres sur Buëch in the South of France, took off on 10th July, and was not found till 2 days later in the afternoon of 12th July around 16:00 LT due to the remoteness of the area. Both occupants perished and the glider was written off.
