South African National Defence Force advances with C-390 acquisition process.
Subtle trends at AAD 2024.
Ghana Air Force officers complete ATC training in South Africa.
US military withdrawal from Niger completed.
Embraer delivers the seventh C-390 Millennium to the Brazilian Air Force.
Chimes Aviation Academy expands fleet with Tecnam.
Bell Nexus 4EX (concept design).
Buiqui Aerospace partners with Tecnam to add 50 new aircraft to its fleet.
This week in history - The United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command establishes the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS)
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - CompAire A2A Shoot
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE ADVANCES WITH C-390 ACQUISITION PROCESS
Embraer, a global leader in the aerospace industry, is proud to announce the spotlight appearance of its C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, held at Waterkloof Air Force Base, September 18-22.
As one of the world's premier defence and aviation showcases, AAD provides a strategic platform for Embraer to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of the C-390 to a global audience of defence, aviation experts and political authorities.
At this edition, Embraer had the pleasure of presenting all the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium to the president of South Africa, the Honourable President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Defense, Mrs. Angie Motshekga. This new generation aircraft also attracted great interest from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which had the opportunity to evaluate it.
“Embraer recognizes the professionalism and dedication of the SANDF during the ongoing selection process to renew its fleet of legacy transport aircraft as the C-390 is a strategically important aircraft that offers outstanding versatility, range, and speed. We are confident that it is well suited to meet the needs of the South African National Defence Force as well as other government authorities”, said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO, Embraer Defence & Security.
“South African National Defence Force has had the opportunity to evaluate the C-390 Millennium and we appreciate the wide range of capabilities and technology that we've experienced. SANDF has shown interest in the C-390 Millennium, as it advances in the necessary steps for the selection of the much-needed strategic lift capability for the SANDF.” said the South African National Defence Force.
The aircraft is particularly appreciated for its capability to carry up to 26 tons of cargo at high speed and perform a wide spectrum of missions anytime in the most demanding operational conditions. Since 2019, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated its operational efficiency for its end users, performing tactical troop, cargo, vehicles, and equipment transport, medical evacuation, disaster management, humanitarian aid, quick crisis response, search and rescue, aerial refuelling and firefighting.
As the most advanced aircraft in its category, the C-390 is equipped with a modern avionics' suite and a state-of-the-art mission software for unrivalled mission success. The C-390 Millennium, already a proven workhorse, has been selected by Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, South Korea and Czech Republic.
SUBTLE TRENDS AT AAD 2024
James Kerr www.defenceweb.co.za
The African Aerospace & Defence (AAD) exhibition took place between 18 and 22 September 2024 at Air Force Base Waterkloof outside Pretoria. The expo was well organised and success all round for all who participated.
AAD 2024 indicates a few subtle changes that can be indicative of trends into the future. The most impressive change is the increased visibility and involvement of government decision makers. In AADs of the past it was expected that the Minister of Defence & Military Veterans (MoDMV) would make a fleeting visit to the opening ceremony. AAD 2022 saw the involvement increase slightly with a short visit by the then Minister of Public Enterprises to inspect Denel's stand, and a visit by the Minister of Police. 2024 has seen a change in involvement by government. The MoDMV and both deputies were significantly visible.
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Military Veterans visited AAD 2024. Various other ministries also attended. The biggest change for the aerospace and defence sector is that the President of South Africa visited AAD and interacted with exhibitors. This indicates positive potential into the future. The departing tongue-in-cheek comment made by the president that the Minister of Finance should visit maybe indicates a changing stance on funding for re-equipping South Africa's defence capabilities. Hopefully with a large component of local products.
It was noticeable on the local defence industry front that there is an increased level of co-operation between companies. There was a rise in displays that highlighted multiple products integrated into product systems. This shows that the South African defence industry (SADI) system integrator pool is increasing. This has significant benefit for the country. There is now a pool of suppliers that can bring complex systems to market. The integration companies could be seen promoting product capabilities of partners. The downside of this is that these partners did not have an independent presence at the show.
It does seem as though there was a slight reduction in the number of exhibitors. AAD still needs to release the final participation figures. The perception of reduced exhibitor numbers has been constant over the last four to five AAD expos. The AADs in the early 2010s filled six full hangers with exhibitors. We have reduced to exhibitors that could fill a maximum four hangers. The size of AAD is maintained with exhibitors distributed over more hangers and the flightline apron, but the amount still seems smaller.
Local new developments were limited. The new developments that were launched did give good food for thought, and there are some vibrant sectors in the South African defence industry (SADI). The drone/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector is robust. This is seen in companies presenting solutions. The Milkor 380 UAV was a stand out, but not to be outdone, Denel presented a new rotary wing medium lift UAV solution with significant potential. Smaller companies like Avior Labs and newcomer ShadowfaxUAS released new offerings at AAD.
The international presence shift was very noticeable, with a sizable increase in BRICS and other Global South solution participants. This trend has been increasing over several AAD events. The significant factor to be noted is that the products on display can no longer be seen as second-rate products. The capabilities on display by this group of participants shows that there is a growing defence related design and development capability internationally.
One aspect experienced with the change in global defence exhibitors is that the foreign stands were not approachable by non-delegation elements. People manning the stands were not interested in engaging walk-on questions. Maybe the language barrier is a major issue. This could be easily addressed for future exhibitions. However, this may be more that there is a laser focus on unlocking business, and this is achieved through the formal delegation interactions only. There seems to be limited opportunity for smaller SADI members to engage in integrated projects with these international entities.
The lack of a US military presence was expected based on political issues but the lack of US company exhibitors was noticeable. The reduction in participation by the US was matched by EU and UK companies. Many things can be read into this trend, but the major element is that companies from these countries do not see the possibility of unlocking business on the African continent. AAD is not just for South Africa, but it is one of few opportunities for sub-Saharan countries to engage with defence equipment suppliers on the continent.
Congratulations to defenceWeb for keeping everyone informed with the daily magazines. This is a positive trend that should be kept into the future.
Lastly, there is a noticeable change in energy in the South African defence industry. Let's hope it translates to local business into the future.
Well done Team AAD Expo.
Written by James Kerr, Orion Consulting CC, which provides Market Entry Strategy and Bid & Proposal services to the Aerospace & Defence related industry and assists international SME mission system product suppliers to gain traction in South Africa.
GHANA AIR FORCE OFFICERS COMPLETE ATC TRAINING IN SOUTH AFRICA
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
Eight officers from the Ghana Air Force (GAF) have completed their basic air traffic control (ATC) course at Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) in South Africa.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe, commended them for their “excellent performance”, the GAF said in a statement. Bekoe interacted with the officers when they visited the Ghana Air Force Headquarters on 10 September 2024.
During the visit, Bekoe noted that he had closely monitored their progress throughout the course. He encouraged them to maintain exemplary conduct and to share their newly acquired knowledge with colleagues to ensure the smooth execution of the mandate of the Ghana Air Force.
Their course covered, amongst others, Aerodrome Control Rating, Approach Control Procedure and Approach Control Radar Rating.
The officers were sent to South Africa in October 2023. Sending them off last year, Bekoe said, “I believe that the exposure you will gain on this course will enhance your skills and enable you to tackle challenging situations with a global perspective. This will enable you to perform your duties effortlessly in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel.”
US MILITARY WITHDRAWAL FROM NIGER COMPLETED
The US Department of Defence and Niger's defence ministry have announced that the withdrawal of US forces and assets from Niger is complete, in line with the timeline for complete withdrawal by 16 September. www.defenceweb.co.za
US Africa Command on 15 September said the withdrawal process began on 19 May following the mutual establishment of withdrawal conditions and continued with the withdrawal of US forces and assets from Air Base 101 in Niamey on 7 July 2024, and Air Base 201 in Agadez on 5 August 2024.
Additionally, the US Africa Command Coordination Element, consisting of a two-star General Officer and staff, has departed from Niger.
“The effective cooperation and communication between US and Nigerien armed forces ensured that the safe, orderly, and responsible withdrawal was completed without complications, by the mutually decided date of 15 September 2024,” Africom said, adding that over the past decade, US troops have trained Niger's forces and supported partner-led counterterrorism missions against Islamic State and al Qaeda in the region.
The first deployment of US troops to Niger was in 2013 when 100 military personnel were deployed and operated from a military base at Niamey airport which was shared with France. Washington later built one of its largest drone bases in Africa in Agadez-Niger.
Since Air Base 201 was commissioned in 2019, it had been a major military asset to the US in the Sahel. Information gathered from the base has been essential in tracking and fighting insurgent groups operating in the region.
In addition to the drone base, the US also supported Niger with military aid before the military coup of 2023.
The US is now trying to establish new security cooperation agreements and considering countries such as Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Benin for American reconnaissance UAVs.
EMBRAER DELIVERS THE SEVENTH C-390 MILLENNIUM TO THE BRAZILIAN AIR FORCE
The delivered C-390 will be operated by the First Squadron of the First Transport Group (1º/1º GT) at Galeão Air Force Base in Rio de Janeiro. · The C-390 fleet worldwide has logged more than 14,000 flight hours with a mission completion rate above 99%
Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, September 27, 2024 - Embraer, a global leader in the aerospace industry, delivered today the seventh C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft to the First Squadron of the First Group (1º/1º GT) at Galeão Air Force Base in Rio de Janeiro. This milestone comes as the Brazilian Air Force celebrates five years of service for the C-390, performing a wide spectrum of military and humanitarian missions across the globe.
“Over the past five years, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated operational qualities, reliability, and versatility, performing the most demanding missions anytime, anywhere, with the Brazilian Air Force. With the delivery of this brand-new aircraft, we are proud to contribute even more to the operational success of the FAB's missions”, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security.
Since becoming operational with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the C-390 Millennium has proven its capacity, reliability, and performance. From transporting supplies in the midst of the COVID crisis, participating in international missions and exercises to performing aerial refuelling, repatriating Brazilian citizens and fighting wild fires, this game-changer aircraft continues to prove its versatility.
With a maximum payload of 26 tons, a top speed of 470 knots, and state-of-the-art systems, the C-390 is the best aircraft in its class. Its powerful engines, large cargo hold equipped with a rear ramp and robust landing gear enable it to carry out the most demanding missions, including from unpaved runways. A true strategic asset for its end users, the C-390 Millennium can perform a wide range of military and civilian missions such as transport of cargo, personnel and vehicles, peacekeeping operations, special operations, humanitarian support, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, air-to-air refuelling, and disaster management.
Thanks to its leading performance, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, the C-390 was selected by several nations, including Brazil, Portugal, The Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic and South Korea.
The current fleet of aircraft has accumulated more than 14,000 flight hours, with a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category.
CHIMES AVIATION ACADEMY EXPANDS FLEET WITH TECNAM
Tecnam and Chimes Aviation Academy have announced the purchase of four P2010 TDI aircraft, powered by the Continental CD170 engine. This new acquisition will allow Chimes Aviation Academy to enhance its pilot training and provide students with a modern platform.
Chimes Aviation Academy is one of the largest flying training organisations in India. With 2 airbases, 22 aircraft, full in-house maintenance, 600+ alumni, 144 cadets trained under the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, CAA has established itself as the premium FTO in India with over 16 years of flying excellence. With an additional 90 aircraft on order, expected to be operational by 2030, this expansion will strengthen CAA's market share and enhance its ability to meet the growing demand for qualified pilots.
The “Twenty-Ten” is equipped with advanced avionics based on the state-of-the-art Garmin G1000 Nxi, enhancing the mission accomplishment through Electronic Stability & Protection and Synthetic Vision, significant safety features when flying over the Alps region and during IFR training typical missions of the ATO.
BELL NEXUS 4EX CONCEPT DESIGN
At the Consumer Electronics Show 2020, January 7-10, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Bell revealed a full-scale mock-up of their second Nexus urban air mobility (UAM) aircraft, called the Nexus 4EX (4 ducted propellers, all electric, experimental).
The Nexus 4EX an eVTOL passenger concept design aircraft that is flown with one pilot and holds four passengers with luggage. The aircraft is planned to be flown autonomously in the future. The estimated cruise speed is 150 mph (241 km/h), has a range of 60 miles (97 km) and weighs 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg). The aircraft has four ducted propellers, one main high wing, fixed tricycle wheeled landing gear and one rear rudder. Bell is offering the flexibility for customers who request hybrid-electric power trains and the range for that aircraft would be greater than 150 miles (241 km).
The Nexus 4EX has the flexibility to be 100% powered by electricity using batteries as a power source or if the customer needs more range, the aircraft can be outfitted with a hybrid-electric power system. The first Bell Nexus model has been renamed as the Nexus 6HX (6 ducted propellers, hybrid-electric power train, experimental).
The top goals for the Bell Nexus program are safety, accessibility and sustainability.
Safety: Safety is top concern for Bell, using distributed electric propulsion (DEP) and sensors which can determine when before parts will fail.
Accessibility: Accessibility includes affordable advanced air mobility for the public and also allowing people of any age, weight or height to be able to fly in the aircraft.
Sustainability: Meaning, the aircraft needs to have clean power and have low a noise signature.
Bell has also announced they will be making urban air mobility software, called AerOS (an app to request air taxi flight service), a comprehensive fleet management system (including aircraft health and charge status) and will be in the business of running their own aerial ride sharing program. Bell has also stated they are still an Uber Elevate partner using their Nexus aircraft for Uber Air urban air mobility (UAM), now called advanced air mobility (AAM).
Bell's complete advanced air mobility system will use artificial intelligence to anticipate ridership demand allowing early positioning of aircraft to meet the air taxi need, to project maintenance servicing times and to efficiently fly the aircraft through air routes in urban areas, avoiding all obstacles, including other aircraft. Bell also plans to offer their on-demand air taxi app to any other company to operate their air taxi flight services.
Bell has concluded that manufacturing the Nexus, maintaining the aircraft and operating the Nexus eVTOL as one company will not only make financial sense but increase safety because all the data, experience and know-how will be under one roof. Bell plans on making three to four eVTOL prototypes before allowing production models fly with revenue paying passengers. Currently there are 70 Bell employees working on Nexus program.
For safety, the Nexus has distributed electric propulsion (DEP), having multiple motors and propellers distributed on the aircraft, that even if two ducted propellers fail, the aircraft can still land safely. Even though a total power failure is possible with any aircraft, Bell states with DEP and the redundancies in the Nexus 4EX flight systems, that a power failure would never happen.
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.
10 SEPTEMBER 1942
The United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command establishes the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), an organization of civilian women pilots who ferry military aircraft from factories to airfields to free male pilots for combat duty.
The Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), never numbering more than 28, was created in September 1942 within the Air Transport Command, under Nancy Harkness Love's leadership. WAFS were recruited from among commercially licensed women pilots with at least 500 hours flying time and a 200-hp rating. (Women who joined the WAFS actually averaged about 1,100 hours of flying experience.)
Their original mission was to ferry USAAF trainers and light aircraft from the factories, but later they were delivering fighters, bombers and transports as well.
South Africa: about 12 km from Heidelberg, Gauteng: A de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth experienced an engine failure and made an emergency landing about 12 km from Heidelberg, next to the R42, Gauteng. The pilot suffered some scratches and bruises and the aircraft received substantial damage. ''I saw this happen. Engine out after take-off with a bit of altitude. Pilot made a perfect forced landing but the wind was blowing around 20knts. Just before he came to a stop the wind blew the Tiger Moth over. Pilot was unharmed thankfully.''
USA, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC/PANC), AK: A Beechcraft 200 Super King Air, N924AC, experienced a nose gear malfunction and landed with the nose gear retracted at runway 7L at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC/PANC), Anchorage, Alaska. The seven occupants and a dog were not injured. The intended destination was Merill Field (MRI/PAMR) and the aircraft diverted to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC/PANC) so that Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) could respond.
Brazil, Osasco, São Paulo: A Brazilian airship ADB-3-3 (US Model 138S) from Airship do Brasil crashed in Osaco - São Paulo. The Airship descended over houses, appearing to be in an emergency situation. During the flight, an electric command booster malfunctioned, leading to an inadvertent actuation, which resulted in a collision with the ground. The nacelle got stuck on the roof of some houses in the city of Osasco, in the São Paulo region. There were only two crew members, both with minor injuries. They were rescued by the São Paulo firefighters and transferred to an emergency unit by ambulances. Initially, it was reported that one of the victims had been removed by the Military Police's Águia helicopter, but hours later, the information was retracted.
USA, Lakeway Airpark (3R9), Lakeway, TX: A Cirrus SR22 GTS G3 Turbo crashed in a residential area of Lakeway Airpark (3R9), Lakeway, Texas. One of the two occupants suffered serious injuries and the aircraft was written off. ADS-B data suggests the aircraft was on approach to runway 34 when it conducted a go-around from about 50 ft over the runway threshold. The airplane clipped trees and impacted terrain, tearing the engine off.
USA, NW off Provo Airport (PVU/KPVU), Provo, UT: A Cirrus SR22 was on right downwind-to-base for runway 13 at Provo Airport (PVU/KPVU), Provo, Utah, when it stalled/spun and crashed into Utah Lake, Provo. Both occupants perished and the aircraft was written off. The CAPS was deployed but arrived too late to be effective.
USA, near First Flight Airport (FFA/KFFA), Kill Devil Hills, NC: A Cirrus SR22 G6 crashed in a wooded area when approaching runway 21 at First Flight Airport (FFA/KFFA), Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The five occupants perished and the aircraft was destroyed. ADS-B data suggests the airplane was on its second approach to land on runway 21 when it crashed. The recorded weather at KFAA, at 1710 (about 8 minutes before the accident), included: winds 170 at 6 knots, gusting 14 knots. 10 miles visibility, no clouds under 12,000 ft (CLR), temperature 26.9° C, dew point 20.1° C, and an altimeter setting of 29.84 inches of mercury.
Russia, 5 km from the Bychye, Mezensky District, Arkhangelsk: A Robinson 44 helicopter went missing near Arkhangelsk, with two people on board. The helicopter was flying from the village of Bychye to the village of Karandashevskaya in the Primorsky District of the Arkhangelsk Region. It did not respond to communication and did not arrive at the specified time. The helicopter took off without permission to use airspace and disappeared from radar at around 16:30. It was eventually found 5 kilometres from the village of Bychye. The helicopter was found during a flight around the area. Rescuers also reported that they saw the bodies of two dead people at the scene. According to preliminary data, the helicopter crashed after it hit the treetops.
France, Écouflant, near Angers, Maine-et-Loire: A bystander in Écouflant, near Angers, Maine-et-Loire, suffered serious injuries when hit by an ultralight that took from a private field. The 64-year-old man was filming the microlight as it took off from private land. He positioned himself in the path of the aircraft and was hit by the propeller. The victim was seriously injured was taken to Angers hospital. The pilot was not injured.
