Mwari demonstrates operational impact in Mozambique.
The world's first flydrive vehicle, passed its first MOT (APK), marking 4 years of road certification.
Textron Aviation earns FAA approval for Safety Management System in aircraft design and manufacturing.
Electra conducts multiple flight demonstrations of ultra short aircraft for U.S. military.
Indonesian Air Force orders four Airbus H145 helicopters.
Boeing completes first flight of UK E-7 Wedgetail.
Buiqui Aerospace partners with Tecnam to add 50 new aircraft to its fleet.
Leonardo celebrates the 100th delivery of the TH-73A thrasher to the US Navy.
This week in history - Boeing completed production of the 1,000th 747 commercial transport.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Just Aircraft Highlander Flight AirVenture Oshkosh 2024
Mozambique's military is the launch customer for Paramount's Mwari multi-role aircraft, and deployed the aircraft operationally in northern Mozambique in December 2022. Since then, the aircraft has played a key role in counter insurgency operations, providing reconnaissance and surveillance support.
After accumulating a substantial 400 flying hours, the first Mwari deployed in Mozambique has returned to Paramount's aircraft production facility at Wonderboom Airport for its major OEM (original equipment manufacturer) inspection (C check).
On most aircraft, the C check is typically carried out every 20-24 months or after a specified number of flight hours are flown, in this case 400. It entails inspecting systems, cleaning and servicing and conducting minor structural inspections.
As part of its contract with Mozambique, Paramount completed pilot training with air crews from Mozambique. The company said that new groups of crew members started their training with Paramount last week.
Mozambique ordered three Mwari aircraft, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) subsequently bought six. Paramount is optimistic about the Mwari's prospects in the armed overwatch market, noting that global air capability spending will reach over $476 billion over the next five years, with the Armed Overwatch/Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) market estimated to provide $32.3 billion of opportunities.
The Mwari is the first new clean-sheet manned military aircraft in South Africa since the Rooivalk attack helicopter. First flight of the Experimental Demonstrator (XDM) was in July 2014, followed by the Advanced Demonstrator (ADM), which was built for testing weapons and mission systems.
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 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).
THE WORLD'S FIRST FLYDRIVE VEHICLE, PASSED ITS FIRST MOT (APK), MARKING 4 YEARS OF ROAD CERTIFICATION
The PAL-V Liberty, the world's first FlyDrive vehicle (flying car), has successfully completed its first Ministry of Transport (MOT) periodic inspection, 4 years after its groundbreaking road certification. The MOT milestone follows the PAL-V Liberty's historic approval as the first flying vehicle to be road-legal, solidifying its position as a pioneer in both the aviation and automotive industries.
In 2020, the PAL-V Liberty received its European road certification, marking a revolutionary moment in transportation history. This approval allowed the FlyDrive vehicle, which can seamlessly transition from aircraft to car, to be driven on public roads. Now, after driving on the European roads for four years, the PAL-V Liberty has proven again to meet the most stringent safety and roadworthiness standards, as confirmed by its first MOT inspection.
The MOT is an essential part of ensuring vehicles maintain optimal road safety, and passing the inspection demonstrates that the PAL-V Liberty continues to perform reliably as a car while remaining ready to take to the skies. As a flying car, the PAL-V Liberty combines the best of both worlds-offering the freedom of flight and the convenience of road travel, all in one innovative mobility solution.
“We are thrilled to announce the successful MOT of the PAL-V Liberty, which underscores our unique capability to design and produce safe, reliable, and sustainable FlyDrive solutions for B2B, B2G and private customers,” said Robert Dingemanse, CEO of PAL-V. “Four years ago, we made history with our road certification, and today we continue to lead the FlyDrive Mobility solution market globally.
PAL-V now concentrates on finalizing the last stage of air certification (compliance demonstration), in order to offer the first PAL-V Liberties to its many professional and private customers in its orderbook, who are eager to experience the freedom and effectiveness of PAL-V's FlyDriving solutions.
TEXTRON AVIATION EARNS FAA APPROVAL FOR SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN AIRCRAFT DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that the company has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of the company's new Safety Management System (SMS) implementation plan to support the design and manufacturing of Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft.
This approval builds on the company's previously FAA-accepted and approved SMS program supporting the maintenance and support of iconic Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft, and underscores the company's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of product quality at every level of operations.
“With a longstanding commitment to safety and quality in manufacturing, Textron Aviation has been designing and manufacturing industry-leading Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft for more than 95 years,” said Todd McKee, senior vice president, Integrated Supply Chain. “This FAA approval is a testament to our commitment to product safety at every level of operation. Together, we are setting new standards in the aviation industry, ensuring that safety and quality are at the forefront of everything we do.”
“This FAA approval is a testament to our commitment to product safety at every level of operation. Together, we are setting new standards in the aviation industry, ensuring that safety and quality are at the forefront of everything we do.” Todd McKee, senior vice president, Integrated Supply Chain
A Safety Management System is a systematic approach to managing product safety, encompassing organizational structures, accountabilities, policies and procedures. Textron Aviation's new SMS program includes a voluntary reporting tool that allows employees, customers or suppliers to anonymously report aircraft quality risks or hazards directly to the company's SMS Committee. This committee evaluates the risk based on the information provided, investigates the causes and plans a response. Based on the findings and solutions, processes and tools are updated, ensuring continuous improvement in safety and quality standards.
“By integrating the insights and expertise of our employees, customers and suppliers into our SMS, we not only enhance our ability to identify and mitigate risks but also strengthen the collaborative continuous improvement of our products and services,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering. “This collaborative approach is in line with our mission to empower our collective talent to design and deliver the best aviation experience for customers.”
Textron Aviation recognizes the importance of leveraging the diverse perspectives and expertise of its employees and stakeholders to effectively address potential challenges and enhance overall safety and operational performance. By fostering a culture of open communication and teamwork, Textron Aviation encourages all parties to participate actively in identifying risks or hazards and to work together to develop innovative solutions.
ELECTRA CONDUCTS MULTIPLE FLIGHT DEMONSTRATIONS OF ULTRA SHORT AIRCRAFT FOR U.S. MILITARY
Electra today announced successful flight demonstrations of its hybrid-electric Ultra Short prototype for military stakeholders. The demonstrations, held at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico and at Felker Army Airfield at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, showcased the aircraft's dual-use capabilities for logistics operations in austere environments.
The Ultra Short aircraft's unique ability to take off and land in extremely short distances from minimally prepared areas was a focal point of the demonstrations. This enables rapid and flexible resupply missions in contested environments where traditional airstrips may be unavailable or compromised. The demo flights included take-offs and landings from grass fields, demonstrating austere operations off-runway without the need for ground support infrastructure. Electra Chief Test Pilot Cody Allee flew tight 150-foot radius turns to showcase the aircraft's low-altitude, low-speed manoeuvrability, further emphasizing the plane's survivability in complex military scenarios.
The demos included a mobile power generation display, during which the pre-flight presentation equipment and sound system were powered directly from the airplane. As a mobile power generator, the production aircraft will offer over 600 kW of continuous power and more than 1 MW for short bursts, making it a versatile asset for a variety of military missions, from tactical insertions to medical evacuations. Electra's Ultra Short aircraft also provides significant operational energy advantages, with fuel consumption that is one-third that of helicopters performing similar missions. Electra's aircraft are positioned to support operations in remote locations with minimal infrastructure, potentially operating from ships and barges.
“AFWERX is committed to supporting the accelerated development of the dual-use Ultra Short technology. This aircraft's efficient, quiet, and sustainable operations align with military objectives for contested and expeditionary logistics,” said Jacob Wilson, AFWERX Agility Prime acting branch chief. “Its hybrid-electric propulsion system provides extended range and endurance, making it suitable for Agile Combat Employment missions in austere locations with compromised or nonexistent runways.
"These flight demonstrations mark a significant milestone for Electra as we show the capabilities of the technology in the real-world” said JP Stewart, Vice President and General Manager of Electra. “Our Ultra Short aircraft make it possible to operate from austere locations previously only reachable by helicopters, with 70 percent lower costs and very quiet operations. We're excited to collaborate with our government partners to deliver a new level of capability and operational energy efficiency that aligns with the future of defense logistics and mobility."
Electra continues to expand the Ultra Short aircraft flight envelope during the ongoing flight test campaign. The technology demonstrator is providing critical data to inform the development of Electra's nine-passenger piloted production aircraft, which is being developed under an active STRATFI contract with AFWERX.
INDONESIAN AIR FORCE ORDERS FOUR AIRBUS H145 HELICOPTERS
The Indonesian Air Force has placed an order for four Airbus H145 helicopters as part of its training modernisation programme. The order was announced during the Bali International Airshow taking place this week
Under the agreement between the Indonesian Air Force and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), Airbus will deliver the five-bladed H145s to PTDI, who will manage the reassembly and completion of the mission equipment and other customisation work at its facility in Bandung, Indonesia, for final delivery to the air force. These multi-mission helicopters will be deployed for military training and light search-and-rescue missions.
“We are honoured by Indonesia's selection of the country's first Airbus H145 for its new training fleet. We are fully confident that the highly versatile H145 will make a positive impact in enhancing its military pilot training and at the same time be a critical enabler for its search-and-rescue operations. With a trusted partner in PTDI, we look forward to working together in support of Indonesia's fleet,” said Vincent Dubrule, Head of Asia-Pacific, Airbus Helicopters.
“We are deeply honoured by the trust placed by the Indonesian Air Force through their order of the H145 helicopters as part of their training modernisation programme. This collaboration not only strengthens the long-standing partnership between PTDI and Airbus, but also showcases our commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions for national operational needs. Through this close partnership, PTDI will not only support the delivery of the H145 helicopters but will also enhance our capabilities in terms of integration and assembly at our facilities. We are confident that this cooperation will create new opportunities for the development of the national aerospace industry and further sustain the long-term relationship between PTDI and Airbus, which we continue to strengthen for a more advanced future,” said Gita Amperiawan, President Director, PT Dirgantara Indonesia.
Airbus Helicopters and Indonesia have an enduring relationship of close to 50 years dating back to 1976 when PTDI first obtained a licence to produce the NBO-105 helicopter. PTDI became a key supplier of Airbus H225's rear fuselage and main airframe in 2008, with full production in place in Indonesia by 2011. The two companies expanded the industrial cooperation in 2017, to include support and services dedicated for the Indonesian military fleet of helicopters, and most recently deepened the collaboration to explore the development of aerostructure production for the manufacturer's helicopter platform, helicopter completions, and enhancing local maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities.
BOEING COMPLETES FIRST FLIGHT OF UK E-7 WEDGETAIL
Currently unpainted, the aircraft is one of three 737 NG aircraft on British soil undergoing modification by a highly skilled team of over 100 people at STS Aviation Services in Birmingham.
"This safe and systematic Functional Check Flight is an important step for Boeing and the RAF as part of our rigorous and extensive testing and evaluation," said Stu Voboril, Boeing vice president and E-7 program manager. "Our team is committed to ensuring the E-7 delivers the safety, quality, and capabilities we've promised to our customer as we prepare for delivery of the UK's first E-7 Wedgetail to the RAF."
Group Captain Richard Osselton, RAF Programme Director for Wedgetail said, "Achieving the first flight of Wedgetail is a significant milestone, representing an outstanding effort from the RAF programme team, DE&S, Boeing and STS Aviation. We will now build on this success and look forward to continuing the Test & Evaluation phase as part of our preparations for the aircraft to enter into service."
DE&S Director Air Support, Richard Murray, said, "This first flight marks a significant milestone for the programme and for our team who have worked tirelessly with our partners to progress what is a hugely complex endeavour. We are moving forward and will be delivering this critical capability to the RAF."
The combat-proven E-7 detects and identifies adversarial targets at long range and tracks multiple airborne and maritime threats simultaneously with 360-degree coverage via the Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) sensor. It provides the warfighter with critical multi-domain awareness and command-and-control decision advantage.
"We're proud of the robust E-7 modification line we've stood up in the UK to deliver the RAF's future Airborne Early Warning & Control fleet," said Maria Laine, president of Boeing UK, Ireland and the Nordics. "We are committed to delivering this crucial capability to support the UK's national security and contribute toward regional stability."
The future UK E-7 fleet will operate from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, where Boeing's local suppliers and contractors are nearing completion of the infrastructure facilities to support its introduction into service.
The RAF participates in a tri-lateral agreement with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and U.S. Air Force (USAF) toward cooperative Wedgetail interoperability, capability development, evaluation and testing, sustainment, operations, training, and safety.
The RAAF, the Republic of Korea Air Force, and the Turkish Air Force currently operate the E-7. Boeing is also building two rapid prototype E-7 aircraft for USAF and in 2023, NATO announced the selection of the E-7 for its AEW&C mission. The growing global E-7 fleet provides mission systems interoperability, mission readiness and lifecycle cost advantages, as well as a common technical growth path to stay ahead of global threats.
Later this autumn, following a series of flight tests and further evaluation, the aircraft will depart to a paint facility to receive its RAF livery.
BUIQUI AEROSPACE PARTNERS WITH TECNAM TO ADD 50 NEW AIRCRAFT TO ITS FLEET
Tecnam today announced a partnership with Buiqui Aerospace, one of the most prestigious flight schools in the USA, with multiple bases in the US and Puerto Rico and strategic partnerships with major airlines and aviation universities.
The announcement of the partnership also coincides with the delivery of two (2) P2006T, one (1) P2010 Lycoming IO-360, one (1) P2010 TDI Gran Lusso and one (1) P-Mentor. The remaining aircraft will be delivered in batches within the second quarter of 2025.
With this acquisition, Buiqui Aerospace will fully transition to a modern and ultimate fleet of Tecnam trainers, allowing more students to begin and complete their training, creating exponential value for Buiqui Aerospace. Flying a Tecnam will give students access to state-of-the-art aircraft, providing them with an enhanced experience throughout their flight training and easing their transition into the cockpit of a commercial aircraft.
Buiqui Aerospace has also been appointed as a Tecnam Authorised Service Centre as its technicians have successfully completed mechanical training at Tecnam's base in Sebring, Florida.
LEONARDO CELEBRATES THE 100TH DELIVERY OF THE TH-73A THRASHER TO THE US NAVY
Leonardo celebrated a significant milestone with the 100th delivery of the TH-73A Thrasher helicopter to the United States Navy on September 17 at a ceremony in Northeast Philadelphia. Attendees included Vice Adm. Daniel L. Cheever, Commander, Naval Air Forces/Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering, Deputy Commandant for Aviation for the U.S. Marine Corps, along with a crowd of over one hundred dignitaries representing government, military, and nonprofit institutions.
In early 2020, the Navy selected the Leonardo TH-73A, an advanced Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) rated version of the commercial AW119Kx, to replace its aging fleet of TH-57B/C Sea Rangers as the primary training helicopter to produce the next generation of rotary and tilt-rotor pilots for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and selected allied nations.
“We're proud to continue to provide our contribution to the Navy as it aims at delivering the highest level of quality for their next generation naval aviators' training,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. “We're committed to sustaining this capability with our technology to make sure our partners' needs are met as frontline capabilities and operational requirements keep evolving.”
“We are thrilled to deliver the 100th TH-73 to our esteemed U.S. Navy partners,” said Clyde Woltman, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo Helicopters U.S. “This production milestone is a testament to all the collaboration and hard work between our organizations, and we remain focused on preparing for the fleet's readiness for decades to come.”
The TH-73A Advanced Helicopter Training System represents a pivotal modernization in Navy helicopter training technology, shifting from analog to digital avionics, and is projected to serve the U.S. Navy through 2050 and beyond. This enhanced training capability will help maintain the highest standard of military flight training with current and relevant training platforms. The TH-73A will facilitate a higher quality and more proficient naval aviator who will be ready to meet the operational challenges faced in the fleet.
“The advanced capability of the TH-73 Thrasher is a great training addition for our warfighters,” said Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever, Commander Naval Air Forces. “This means our newest Naval Aviators arrive ready to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win in war.”
TH-73A's advanced design, based on the IFR-certified variant of the commercial AW119Kx, sets it apart as the ideal selection for initial flight training with the capacity to support advanced operational maneuvers. The helicopter is powered by a robust Pratt & Whitney PT-6 engine and features dual safety and hydraulic systems, ensuring reliability and safety during all aspects of flight operations. With modern digital avionics provided by Genesys Aerosystems, the Thrasher excels in every maneuver within the Navy's training program and expanded the training syllabi, facilitating a seamless transition from fundamental flying activities to complex operational training.
10 SEPTEMBER 1993
Boeing completed production of the 1,000th 747 commercial transport, a 747-412, c/n 27068, delivered to Singapore Airlines and assigned civil registration 9V-SMU. The 747-400 was a major development of the 747 series.
The Boeing 747-400 is a large, long-range wide-body airliner produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes, an advanced variant of the initial Boeing 747. The "Advanced Series 300" was announced at the September 1984 Farnborough Airshow, targeting a 10% cost reduction with more efficient engines and 1,000 nautical miles [nmi] (1,900 km; 1,200 mi) of additional range.
Northwest Airlines became the first customer with an order for 10 aircraft on 22 October 1985. The first 747-400 was rolled out on January 26, 1988, and made its maiden flight on April 29, 1988. Type certification was received on 9 January 1989, and it entered service with Northwest on 9 February 1989.
Mali, Bamak-President Modibo Keita/Senou Airport (GABS): A National Airways Corporation, Beechcraft 1900D was substantially damaged as a result of a terrorist attack on the airport. The fuselage was riddled with bullets and it appears a motorcycle was set on fire underneath engine no.1.Several other aircraft were also damaged, including an Air Mali Boeing and the presidential Boeing BBJ. The crew were not at the airport at the time.
USA, DeLand Municipal Airport (DED/KDED), DeLand, FL: A Cessna 172L Skyhawk was departing runway 5 when the left wing collided with a skydiver at about 50 ft. The airplane subsequently returned and landed on runway 12. The skydiver sustained unknown injuries.
USA, Las Vegas Municipal Airport (LVS/KLVS), Las Vegas, NM: A Beechcraft B200 King Air struck an elk while landing on runway 14 and veered off the runway. The pilot, two cabin crew, and one passenger were not injured.
Italy, near Fivizzano, Apennine Mountains: A Yakovlev Yak-18T carrying three French nationals impacted a mountainside near Fivizzano, Apennine Mountains, Parma region. All three occupants perished and the aircraft was destroyed. The wreckage was located two days after the accident. One of the victims is Eric Gérard who joined Dassault Aviation in 1991 to work on the Super Étendard Modernisé, the Mirage 2000 and then the Rafale, before taking part in the development of the Falcon 8X. He presented the French manufacturer's aircraft at air shows around the world.
Germany, near Bamberg-Breitenau Airfield (EDQA), Bamberg, Bavaria: A Rolladen-Schneider LS4-b crashed under unknown circumstances at a gas station area and hit a car when approaching Bamberg-Breitenau Airfield (EDQA), Bamberg, Bavaria. The pilot suffered injuries and the glider received substantial damage.
Russia, Oka River near Pushchino airfield in the Serpukhov urban district: A private plane, Borey AeroVolga (RA-4440G), landed unsuccessfully in the Oka River in the area of the Pushchino airfield in the Serpukhov urban district. According to preliminary data, the pilot decided to land on the water, but forgot to retract the landing gear. Upon touching the water surface, the plane turned over and almost sank. There were three people on board - two men and a girl, they were not injured. According to eyewitnesses, all three were under the influence of alcohol.
Just Aircraft Highlander Flight AirVenture Oshkosh 2024
