This week in Midweek Updates
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 record numbers at world's greatest aviation celebration.
Beechcraft King Air special “Crimson Edition” unveiled in honour of 60th anniversary.
Florida Institute of technology takes delivery of four Pilot 100i Aircraft.
Archer Aviation showcases midnight aircraft at its high-volume manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia.
Boeing, Antonov to collaborate on defence projects.
Global Combat Air Programme partners unveil new concept model of next generation combat aircraft.
Leonardo launches M-346 capability enhancement programme.
Lilium partners with leading global airport operator Groupe ADP to expand infrastructure network for the Lilium Jet.
This week in history - One-eyed pilot Wiley Post lands after completing the first solo flight around the world .
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 Heavy Metal at Boeing Plaza.
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2024
RECORD NUMBERS AT WORLD'S GREATEST AVIATION CELEBRATION
Comment from EAA CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton: “This year's tag line was 'Inspiring the Future of Aviation' and AirVenture 2024 certainly did that in countless ways. The mix of innovation, history, excitement, and fun that is a hallmark of Oshkosh was present throughout the grounds and made the event a memorable one, filled with numerous 'Only at Oshkosh' moments in the air and on the grounds.”
Attendance: Approximately 686,000 - Highest total on record! (Previous: 677,000 - 2023). Comment from Pelton: “Over the past decade, and especially since 2020, we have seen AirVenture move to another level, as we maintain the heart of the event and while adding programs and activities that appeal to aviation enthusiasts of all interests. Kudos to our dedicated volunteers and staff who plan and adjust to make it work.”
Total aircraft: More than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin. At Wittman alone, there were 16,780 aircraft operations in the 11-day period from July 18-28, which is an average of approximately 113 takeoffs/landings per hour when the airport is open.
Total showplanes: 2,846 including: 1,200 vintage aircraft, 975 homebuilt aircraft, 337 warbirds, 154 ultralights and light planes, 82 aerobatic aircraft, 65 seaplanes and amphibians, 23 rotorcraft, and 10 balloons.
Camping: More than 15,000 sites in aircraft and drive-in camping accounted for more than 40,000 visitors.
Volunteers: Nearly 6,000 contributing in excess of 250,000 hours.
Commercial exhibitors: 861 (record number).
Forums, Workshops, and Presentations: More than 1,600 sessions hosted during the week at 65 venues.
Social Media, Internet and Mobile: More than 23.9 million people were reached by EAA's social media channels during AirVenture, with engagement of 3.7 million; Total social media video views: 17 million (up 149 percent over 2023); Nearly 45,000 social media followers gained; In addition, more than 142,000 hours of AirVenture live streaming and on-demand videos were viewed during the event.
International guests: A total of 2,581 attendees registering at the International Visitors Tent from a record-setting 98 countries outside the U.S., a 9 percent increase over 2023. As a significant number of international visitors do not officially register at the tent when they arrive, the actual international visitor total is much higher.
The Gathering shines: The EAA Aviation Foundation's annual event to support its aviation education programs attracted more than 1,000 people and raised a record $2.8 million dollars that will be focused on EAA's mission of growing participation in aviation.
Media: 836 media representatives on-site, from six continents.
Economic impact*: $170 million for the five counties in the Oshkosh region (Winnebago, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Brown). * - based on 2017 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh economic impact study
What's ahead for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 (July 21-27, 2025)? Comment from Pelton:
3. “We've already received plenty of ideas for next year and a little bit later this summer, we'll begin reviewing what might be possible for 2025. Our annual goal is to create a gathering of people and airplanes that is found nowhere else in the world, and continue to improve the experience for EAA members and visitors.”
BEECHCRAFT KING AIR SPECIAL “CRIMSON EDITION” UNVEILED IN HONOR OF 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced a special edition 60th anniversary option for the iconic Beechcraft King Air 260 and 360 turboprops to celebrate the aircraft's proud history of being the best-selling business turboprop family in the world. The new “Crimson Edition” King Air features a striking new interior and a vibrant red and silver exterior paint scheme, inspired by six decades of legendary Beechcraft customers and operators. The order book is open for the special edition aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2025.
“The Crimson Edition of the King Air provides customers with an immersive experience that pays tribute to the turboprop's renowned legacy, while also featuring modern luxuries and upgrades that showcase the aircraft's ongoing evolution,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience. “We're honoured to celebrate a prestigious aircraft that is beloved by so many customers around the world.”
The King Air series aircraft has long been a customer favourite since its introduction in 1964. The legendary turboprop is synonymous with unwavering reliability, exceptional performance and unparalleled versatility, earning the trust and preference of operators worldwide.
One of the first noticeable attributes of the new “Crimson Edition” King Air is the iconic Beechcraft “B” on the aircraft's tail. The exterior paint scheme showcases a metallic-like crimson, silver and black paint scheme. The aircraft's new boarding step has hidden fasteners that create a sleeker appearance for entry, and its graphite silver finish perfectly matches the new exterior and interior.
The special-edition interior is inspired by the King Air's proud history, seamlessly integrating a number of Beechcraft elements like the familiar “B” logo on lower sidewalls and the aft cabin bulkhead panel. The dark leather seats feature Alcantara accent panels and crimson accent piping, while also bringing together subtle design elements to signal the aircraft's diamond anniversary. Charcoal carpeting is highlighted by crimson arcs that complement the aircraft's exterior striping, elevating its luxurious ambience.
“It's a visually stunning design and one we believe will surpass customer expectations,” Tannahill said. “This edition offers customers the best flying experience they expect while paying homage to the King Air's proud, successful history.”
More than 7,800 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers around the world since 1964, making it the best-selling business turboprop family in the world. The worldwide fleet has surpassed 64 million flight hours in its 60 years, serving roles in all branches of the U.S. military and flying both commercial and special mission roles around the world.
FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY TAKES DELIVERY OF FOUR PILOT 100I AIRCRAFT
Piper Aircraft, Inc. is proud to announce the delivery of four new Piper Pilot 100i aircraft to Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) in Melbourne, Florida. These four aircraft are part of the eight scheduled for delivery this year. Florida Tech currently operates an all-Piper fleet of Archers, Seminoles, and Warriors.
“At Florida Tech, our students learn by doing, and we are eager to get them into the cockpits of these cutting-edge Piper Pilots to start learning with our amazing flight instructors,” said Dr. John Nicklow, President of Florida Tech. “What makes all of this even more meaningful is that a dozen of our alumni working at Piper helped build these planes. It's a high-flying example of the power of a Florida Tech education in action.”
During an open house at Florida Tech last year, the Piper team conducted a full day of demonstration flights with the Pilot 100i. Florida Tech representatives, including student pilots and certified flight instructors, had the opportunity to experience the aircraft firsthand. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the aircraft's ease of flight, user-friendly design, and impressive avionics.
“It's an honour to continue supplying planes to our long-term Flight School Alliance member, Florida Tech. Their program is one of the best, and we know from firsthand experience as we have multiple Florida tech graduates working at the Piper factory,” stated Ron Gunnarson, VP of Marketing, Sales & Customer Support. “We are proud that Piper trainers are known for their ease of use and reliability, and we know that is what makes us the top choice for flight schools' training needs, in addition to our outstanding customer support.”
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series - the M700 FURY, M500, and M350 - offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit the company's website at www.piper.com
ARCHER AVIATION SHOWCASES MIDNIGHT AIRCRAFT AT ITS HIGH-VOLUME MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN COVINGTON, GEORGIA.
Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) provided an update on the construction progress of its high-volume manufacturing facility in Covington, GA, reaffirming an expected 2024 completion date.
In preparation for this facility's completion, last week Archer showcased its Midnight aircraft at Atlantic Aviation's new terminal at DeKalb-Peachtree Municipal Airport. Guests included government officials from Georgia's Office of the Governor, Georgia's Congressional Offices, the City of Atlanta, Georgia's State Legislature, the Federal Aviation Administration and other local governments.
Archer completed the first build phase earlier this year-inclusive of grading and foundation work and is nearing completion of phase two-the erection of the exterior walls and roof. Phase three-interior fit out, and phase four-equipment load in and power on, are on track to be completed in the coming months.
Once complete, this facility will be nearly 400,000 square feet and will support Archer's planned production of up to 650 Midnight aircraft annually, which would make it one of the largest manufacturing facilities by volume in the aviation industry. Archer's buildout is taking place in close partnership with Stellantis, with the companies continuing to progress their plans to mass-produce Archer's Midnight aircraft together.
Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer, said, “Thanks to the hard work of the Archer and Stellantis teams, we're tracking towards completing this manufacturing facility by the end of the year. Once complete, we'll focus on ramping production up to 650 aircraft a year-our goal is to be the first in the eVTOL industry to achieve scaled manufacturing.”
Midnight, Archer's electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, represents the potential for a significant step change for aviation. Built around Archer's proprietary electric powertrain, Midnight is designed to offer passengers a sustainable, low-noise and safe alternative to ground transportation:
Travels at speeds up to 150 mph, turning hour-long ground commutes into minutes in the air; Designed for back-to-back flights of 20-50 miles with minimal charge time in between; 100x quieter than a helicopter at cruising altitudes-nearly inaudible from the streets below; Redundant systems across the aircraft allowing Archer to target similar levels of safety as commercial airliners; Designed to carry a pilot, up to four passengers and carry-on luggage.
Archer is a leader in the electrification of aviation. We are designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft that are necessary to power the next great transportation revolution.
BOEING, ANTONOV TO COLLABORATE ON DEFENCE PROJECTS
Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Antonov Company today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities to collaborate on defence-related projects.
“We're pleased to continue working with the Antonov Company to support Ukraine development and economic growth,” said Ted Colbert, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “This agreement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to find more opportunities to work with Ukrainian industry, which was underscored by our signing of the Ukrainian Defence Industry Compact earlier this year.”
Boeing and Antonov Company today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities to collaborate on defence-related projects.
The areas of potential collaboration identified in the agreement consist of training, logistical support and overhaul services for tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which includes the ScanEagle. In addition, the companies will also explore opportunities for Antonov to provide engineering support to Boeing.
“A strong, innovative, and efficient defense industry is key to sustainable economic development and national security, and we are extremely excited to collaborate with Boeing,” said Ievhen Gavrylov, CEO of Antonov Company. “This agreement brings a whole new level of opportunity to implement the latest and most effective solutions - in addition to the possibility of future projects with Boeing in the aerospace and defence industry.”
GLOBAL COMBAT AIR PROGRAMME PARTNERS UNVEIL NEW CONCEPT MODEL OF NEXT GENERATION COMBAT AIRCRAFT
The three nations of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) - UK, Italy, and Japan - have unveiled a new concept model of their next generation combat aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow.
Exhibiting at the show together for the first time, the three GCAP government partners and their lead industry partners BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) will showcase the significant strides they are making to progress the delivery of a next generation combat aircraft.
Engineers from across BAE Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are working together under a collaboration agreement on the design and development of the future combat aircraft using a range of innovative digital tools and techniques, including computer based modelling and virtual reality to evolve the aircraft's design during its concepting phase.
Herman Claesen, Managing Director, Future Combat Air Systems, BAE Systems, said: “In the 18 months since the launch of the Global Combat Air Programme, we've been working closely with our industrial partners in Italy and Japan under the collaboration agreement, and also with the three governments, to understand and align requirements for a next generation combat aircraft. “The new model, unveiled at Farnborough International Airshow, shows notable progress in the design and concepting of this future fighter jet. We'll continue to test and evolve the design, as we move closer towards the next phase of the programme.”
The combat aircraft, set to be in service in 2035, will be one of the world's most advanced, interoperable, adaptable and connected fighter jets in service, boasting an intelligent weapons system, a software-driven interactive cockpit, integrated sensors and a powerful next generation radar capable of providing 10,000 times more data than current systems, giving it a battle-winning advantage.
GCAP is a strategically important partnership, bringing together the governments of the UK, Italy and Japan, and their respective industries, to collaborate on shared military and industrial objectives in the delivery of a next generation combat air capability.
The programme is hugely significant for the security, political and economic prosperity of each nation and through effective knowledge and technology transfer will help to evolve and deliver important sovereign combat air capability in each nation, for generations to come.
GCAP is set to employ tens of thousands of skilled people across the UK, Italy and Japan, growing industrial skills and technologies for the future.
At Farnborough International Air Show, Leonardo has announced the launch of a comprehensive capability enhancement package for the M-346 integrated training system including the aircraft's core avionics, navigation/identification, mission equipment and ground training capabilities. The move reflects the training needs to align pilot's skills to the evolution dictated by modern multi-domain battlefields, combat air technology, and information management.
This latest development leverages the inherent growth capability embedded into the M-346 design as well as ten years of proven in-service experience with leading air forces across geographies and is an integral part of the broader organisational digitization roadmap initiative, fully consistent with Leonardo's longer-term strategy. As such, both training and fighter variants will benefit from these enhancements to deliver even greater capabilities to the market for a wide spectrum of applications, while implying significant margin for further developments in the future. The 'M-346 T Block 20' and 'M-346 F Block 20' are the designations for the new standard.
The new Block 20 standard will not be limited to the platform itself, but rather to the entire system including the ground-based training system and shall be enabled by the widespread implementation of digitalization powered by AI.
The Block 20 standard cockpit will feature two large area displays, one per each seat, replacing the existing six multi-functional displays, plus a low-profile head-up display. These will be combined with a new digital video and data recorder and a new augmented reality helmet mounted display. The new cockpit will align the human-machine interface to those of the most sophisticated and future frontline combat air systems, with advantages in terms of quality training (i.e. look & feel plus a high-fidelity immersive environment) and situational awareness in operational missions. The 'M-346 Block 20' will also benefit from new navigation, weapon management, flight management system, IFF - Identification of Friend or Foe - transponder.
Specifically for the M-346 F variant, further critical capability enhancements include an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar featuring fire control radar capability, integration of new weapons for both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles in addition to a built-in missile datalink.
The whole Ground Based Training System (GBTS) holistic approach to training (multi-media and classroom course, flight/mission simulation, virtual and live/constructive training) will step up to the new standard via virtual reality support and AI applications.
Moreover, stronger digitization will also result into a key enabler for more efficient technical support thanks to the implementation of the virtual maintenance and the “connected fleet”, an extremely high performing infrastructure, which uses Advanced Data Analytics and High-Performance Computing to enhance the Integrated Logistic Support services.
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, said: “Training represents a core area of expertise at Leonardo and the M-346 integrated training system is the backbone of our value proposition to ensure fighter pilots are well prepared to face modern and complex air challenges, today and in the future. As we are fully involved into next generation combat air developments, this latest progress of the M-346 testifies that we're making sure the most appropriate training solutions are thoroughly embedded in this commitment. We strongly believe the type's constantly evolving features will continue to deliver second-to-none benefits for users in its market segment, both for training and operational / light fighter roles, making it an ideal candidate for the future of fighter training in Europe and in other geographies.”
Marco Zoff, Leonardo Aircraft MD, commented: “Delivering unending enhancements for the M-346 has been part and parcel of our DNA over years, and we're excited with today's announcement showing how the M-346 is and will stay at the forefront of technology. We've made significant investments into a 360° digital transformation to deliver state of the art products and services. These are also materialising into these greater capabilities the M-346 will bring. We look forward to demonstrating the advanced features and possibilities of the Block 20 standard for both training and combat missions, as we work to integrate the new solutions into this true training and operational ecosystem.”
With more than 100 aircraft delivered to major operators worldwide and over 120,000 flight hours logged in operational service with customers and through the unique training capabilities delivered by the International Flight Training School - IFTS in collaboration with the Italian Air Force, the M-346 has established itself as the most complete training system for fighter pilots and is meeting emerging needs for cost/effective combat operations. The latest advancements allow for its superior advantages and characteristics to evolve further to the benefit of existing and future operators.
LILIUM PARTNERS WITH LEADING GLOBAL AIRPORT OPERATOR GROUPE ADP TO EXPAND INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK FOR THE LILIUM JET
Groupe ADP and Lilium N.V. (NASDAQ: LILM), a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), today announced a partnership to collaborate on infrastructures for the Lilium Jet in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Groupe ADP, which operates and develops 23 airports around the globe with its two major partners TAV Airports and GMR Airports, will work with Lilium to make its vertiports accessible to Lilium's customers.
Groupe ADP strongly believes in the future of AAM and gathered the key stakeholders of the ecosystem to make it happen. As an integral part of the Pioneers 2025 innovation roadmap, Groupe ADP is proud to deliver the first vertiport network in Europe for eVTOL aircraft like the Lilium Jet on its airports' premises and with a strong foothold in Paris.
Groupe ADP is developing in particular comprehensive vertiports at two prominent airports in the Paris region - Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Le Bourget (home of The Paris Airshow) -, as well as a temporary site in the heart of Paris in 2024. Groupe ADP's vertiports will significantly bolster the Lilium network in France and establish Paris as an important regional hub for Lilium Jet operators. In addition to their flagship locations in France, Groupe ADP operate an extensive network of international airports around the world including key sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and India. These sites will be crucial for operators of the Lilium Jet as they work to bring regional electric aviation to passengers starting in 2026.
Sebastien Borel, CCO of Lilium, said: “It is becoming increasingly clear that some of the very first eVTOL flights will happen in France and this partnership brings that milestone closer into view.” He continued, “Groupe ADP has an impressive portfolio of airports, both in France and around the world in markets that will be key to Lilium's commercial operations.”
Edward Arkwright, Deputy CEO of Groupe ADP, said: “As a pioneer in developing infrastructure for advanced air mobility and a global airports operator, we are thrilled to officialise the work we have been conducting with Lilium to ensure the development of new services by eVTOL in the Paris region and worldwide.”
22 JULY 1933
One-eyed pilot Wiley Post lands after completing the first solo flight around the world. Post pioneers the early development of a pressure suit and proves the value of navigating instruments, especially the automatic pilot.
Born on 22 November 1898 Wiley Hardeman Post (November 22, 1898 - August 15, 1935) was an American aviator during the interwar period and the first pilot to fly solo around the world.
Known for his work in high-altitude flying, Post helped develop one of the first pressure suits and discovered the jet stream. On August 15, 1935, Post and American humourist Will Rogers were killed when Post's aircraft crashed on take-off from a lagoon near Point Barrow in the Territory of Alaska.
Post's aviation career began at age 26 as a parachutist for a flying circus, Burrell Tibbs and His Texas Topnotch Fliers, and he became well known on the barnstorming circuit. On October 1, 1926, Post was badly injured in an oil-rig accident when a piece of metal pierced his left eye. An infection permanently blinded him in that eye, and he typically wore an eyepatch thereafter. He used the settlement money to buy his first aircraft.
On 15 August 15, Post and his friend Rogers left Fairbanks, Alaska. , for Point Barrow became uncertain of their position in bad weather and landed in a lagoon to ask for directions. On take-off, the engine failed at low altitude, and the aircraft, uncontrollably nose-heavy at low speed, plunged into the lagoon, shearing off the right wing, and ended up inverted in the shallow part. Both men died instantly. Post is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, section 48, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
USA, Roy, SW of Ogden-Hinckley Airport (OGD/KOGD), Ogden: The aircraft, a Piper PA-34-220T Seneca III, Registration N134MG, sustained substantial damage subsequent to impact with residential terrain in Weber County at Roy in the vicinity of Ogden-Hinckley Airport (OGD/KOGD), Ogden, Utah. The two occupants onboard the twin-engine airplane received minor injuries. ATC recording obtained from LiveATC.net, appears to show accident aircraft using the callsign "Rock 30" declaring that "they do not have a right gear indication ..." They request a fly by inspection. Tower directs them to continue inbound for runway 3, intending to bring them over taxiway A and inspection from the tower. At the time the pilot reported at least 2 hours of fuel. Approximately 1 minute and 20 seconds later, tower directs them to fly over taxiway A. The tower then reports that the right main gear appears down. The pilot then states that they will enter left traffic. Tower then asks them to make right traffic "if they can." The pilot then reads back that they will enter right traffic. The tower then asks if it's ok for the pilot to climb to 5,500' and enter a racetrack hold while waiting for the fire department to arrive. The pilot reads back the instructions. Tower then works on clearing the airspace for accident aircraft. Approximately 4 minutes later, tower requests that N134MG makes left traffic around airport for F35 landing at Hill Air Force Base just to the south. The pilot reads back the instructions. Approximately 6 minutes later, the pilot reports that they need to land immediately. Tower issues landing clearance for runway 3 which the pilot reads back. About this time ADS-B data shows the airplane slowing from 98 knots ground speed to 88 kts ground speed. About 30 seconds later, the pilot reports that they are unable to make the runway and that they are "going to land right here." Tower acknowledges and advises the pilot that landing will be at his own risk. ADS-B data shows that the airplane continues to decelerate from 80 kts to last data point of 74 kts ground speed while descending at 384 ft/min.
AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 Heavy Metal at Boeing Plaza
