South African Air Force hosts presentation of Colour Parade.
SAAF - A-Darter practice missiles to be delivered this month.
Regent reveals progress on full-sale Seaglider prototype.
With 25+ aircraft delivered; Elixir aircraft production is booming.
Pilatus receives prestigious Living Legends of Aviation Award.
Daher underscores its relationship with France's Army Light Aviation (ALAT) on the military service's 70th anniversary.
Toyota To Invest $500 Million in Joby Aviation.
Lilium powers on first Lilium Jet in significant milestone towards first flight.
This week in history - An Air Force SR-71 Blackbird ), flies 5,447 miles (8,771 km) from London to Los Angeles in a world record 3 hours 47 min 39 seconds.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Seaplane Base AirVenture 2009 to 2019
SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE HOSTS PRESENTATION OF COLOUR PARADE
Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, presided over a Colour Parade at Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW) on Friday 4 October, highlighting the achievements of the SAAF, including the recent establishment of the Space Command Section.
The presentation of Colour Parade is a military tradition wherein base or unit colours (flags) are formally presented.
The parade was led by Brigadier General Nicholas Molomo. Under his command, the troops demonstrated drilling techniques with military precision while the SA Air Force Band provided live music.
In his speech, Mbambo spoke about the values and traditions of the SA Air Force. He emphasised the importance of unity, dedication, and service, and honoured past members' legacies.
Mbambo explained that the Air Force Colours represent “the very essence of our service,” adding that they capture the heart and soul of the SA Air Force, representing its history, achievements, and commitment to safeguarding South Africa. He reiterated the core values of the SA Air Force: excellence, integrity, service before self, and human dignity, and acknowledged the crucial support from families and communities.
Mbambo called on those in attendance to “reflect deeply on the core values that bind our integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to duty.”
“The symbolic heritage of SAAF must be demonstrated without an ounce of doubt and hesitation. And through this ceremony, we undoubtedly showcase the gravitas and pedigree of enhancing the historic legacy of SAAF and as well the future endeavours of our organisation,” said Mbambo.
He touched on the newly established Space Command Section, marking the Air Force's progression in air and space power, saying “In light of celebrating our traditions and heritage, let us also continue to embody the Air Force's Vision: Projecting effective Air and Space power through innovation in the theatres of our operations.”
“Following the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition, we can confidently say that the Air Force is soaring to greater heights through its recently established Space Command Section,” Mbambo told the parade, in line with its 'Free the Eagle' slogan.
“The SAAF Free the Eagle Timeline is our key focus. I have given my command to the SAAF at large. It is loud and clear: Break down everything that holds back innovation in the SAAF, march forward with determination and kick away old stereotypes and hurdles that seek to hinder us to explore, and trailblaze new paths into Air and Space Power. I totally agree with Albert Einstein who posited 'We cannot solve the current problems with the same mindset that created them.'”
“In the SAAF today, we must propel ourselves to a different mindset that will enable us to present novel proposals that will deliver solutions for what we are facing. The sentimental values in various aspects of our organisation that do not extricate us from our current quagmire must be interrogated continuously. The SAAF leadership and the members of the SAAF at large - the timeline to Free the Eagle does not allow us to procrastinate anymore,” Mbambo concluded.
SAAF - A-DARTER PRACTICE MISSILES TO BE DELIVERED THIS MONTH
The much-delayed delivery of Denel's fifth-generation Denel V3E Agile-Darter (A-Darter) short-range air-to-air missile (SRAAM) to the South African Air Force (SAAF) will begin in October with training missiles, while operational A-Darters are expected in March or April of next year.
The A-Darter is a short-range dogfighting weapon (some seven kilometres range) but with some outstanding features. The missile has a high off-boresight capability, which means the missile can detect a target at 180 degrees from the heading of the launch aircraft.
Further, the A-Darter has Lock on Before Launch (LOBL) and Lock on After Launch (LOAL) capability, which means that the initial lock is achieved while the missile is still on the aircraft's wingtip and the Lock on After is engaged by the A-Darter's optical seeker head after the missile is fired.
The seeker is an Imaging Infrared (IIR) dual colour optical head which can detect between chaff and flares and the target. The missile can handle 80 Gs. Even if the missile is fired at a target coming from the front, and it passes the pilot, the missile will make a U-turn and follow the target.
The missile uses a fragmentation warhead with a proximity fuse from RDM (Rheinmetall Denel Munition) as well as an electronic safety and arm device which prevents the warhead detonating prematurely, as well as actuators and other items coming from RDM in South Africa.
Denel Dynamics in 2006 began development of the A-Darter in collaboration with Brazil. After delays due to state capture and other issues at Denel, Armscor and the South African Air Force decided to create an assembly line and establish a Manufacturing Baseline (MBL) which means everything is ready to mass produce the item, apart from one subsystem outstanding.
A committee has been formed to work air force to air force, government to government, so that Brazil can manufacture the missile, but it's not clear if Brazil will end up doing so. At present, manufacturing will be done in South Africa for SAAF Gripen C/Ds.
There was an attempt to get the A-Darter qualified on the new SAAB Gripen E, but although this was unsuccessful, the project is being resurrected.
Denel is contracted to deliver eight practice missiles, 21 trainer missiles, and 41 operational missiles to the SAAF for its Gripen C/D fighters.
REGENT REVEALS PROGRESS ON FULL-SALE SEAGLIDER PROTOTYPE
Regent Craft is progressing with hardware and systems integration for the first full-scale prototype of its all-electric Viceroy seaglider, the company announced on October 1 during the UP Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas. The Rhode Island-based manufacturer expects to begin sea trials with people on board later this year, with the first flights to follow in early 2025.
“We're moving more quickly than any other advanced electric mobility platform to create the world's first passenger-carrying seaglider,” said Regent co-founder and CEO Billy Thalheimer. “We've proven seagliders can successfully float, foil, and fly-the integration phase is a major moment that brings us closer to experiencing float, foil, and fly firsthand. I'm looking forward to getting on board myself.”
The Viceroy is a wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft designed to carry a dozen passengers on regional coastal trips of up to 180 miles, soaring just above the water's surface at speeds of up to 160 knots. It operates in three modes: floating on its hull near a dock, slowly foiling on hydrofoils, and flying at high speeds within one wingspan of the water's surface.
Because WIG craft operate exclusively over water, they are classified as maritime vessels and are therefore regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard. In August, the U.S. Coast Guard approved Regent's navigational safety risk assessment, clearing the company to begin testing its full-scale prototype in Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay and the Rhode Island Sound.
Regent has been developing high-speed, zero-emissions seagliders since 2020, and the company spent the last 18 months testing a quarter-scale prototype. It unveiled a full-scale mockup of the Viceroy in April 2023. In addition to the Viceroy, Regent is developing a 100-passenger electric seaglider called the Monarch that it says will offer a range of 350 miles.
To mass-produce its seagliders, Regent plans to open a manufacturing facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, with support from the state government. On September 30, Regent announced that the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation had awarded additional incentives to support the company's expansion in the state. Regent will receive $1 million under the First Wave Closing Fund Act and another $3 million under the Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit Act. According to Regent, the 255,000 sq ft factory will create 300 jobs over the next decade.
Prospective operators have signed provisional sales agreements for more than 600 of Regent's seagliders, and its order book is currently worth about $9 billion, according to Regent. Most recently, on September 26, Regent announced an order from UrbanLink Air Mobility for 27 Viceroy seagliders, which the charter start-up intends to operate commercially in South Florida and Puerto Rico beginning in 2027.
“Our partnership with Regent further advances our mission to bring zero-emission regional travel to the U.S., with a specific focus on the Miami and San Juan markets,” said UrbanLink founder and chairman Ed Wegel.
Earlier this year, UrbanLink placed an order for 20 Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft that it plans to use for commercial air taxi flights connecting locations such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Marco Island. The company also recently partnered with Ferrovial Vertiports to develop ground infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft in South Florida, including landing sites and aircraft charging stations.
“This order perfectly complements our previous commitment to electric sea vessels, all of which will seamlessly integrate with our all-electric eVTOL jets, expanding our reach and enhancing connectivity across the regions we serve,” said Wegel. “By embracing these innovative, zero-emission modes of transportation-whether by sea or air-we're not only shaping the future of travel but also taking meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable environment for generations to come.”
According to Regent, seaglider operations in Miami could serve more than 4 million passengers annually. The company recently conducted a survey of Miami residents in which 88% of respondents said they would be interested in using an electric seaglider for regional travel between coastal destinations.
WITH 25+ AIRCRAFT DELIVERED; ELIXIR AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION IS BOOMING
Elixir Aircraft announces that it has delivered more than 25 aircraft, the serial number 26 being delivered to the aircraft rental company Locavion (France). With the objective to deliver one aircraft per week by the end of the year, Elixir Aircraft continues the ramp up of production in order to meet demand, which consist of over 200 orders and pre-orders.
At the same time, the Sarasota plant in Florida, designed for the re-assembly of American aircraft, is scheduled to open during 2025.
Elixir Aircraft is present at AirVenture with two 100 and 140 hp aircraft from its Elixir range. A large part of the sales and customer support team made the trip to meet North American customers. Set up in the heart of the area dedicated to certified manufacturers, close to the main entrance, Elixir Aircraft displays its ambitions for the American market.
As schools around the world renew their fleets, the 4th generation Elixir aircraft has already won over some twenty European customers, including the Airbus Flight Academy school, which operates several examples.
Elixir Aircraft has delivered more than 25 aircraft, the serial number 26 being delivered to the aircraft rental company Locavion (France).
To keep pace with its accelerating production, Elixir Aircraft is expanding its 3 French sites in La Rochelle. A 15,000 m2 facility will be built there in 2026.
At the same time, Elixir Aircraft is preparing to open its American facility in 2025. Located at the Sarasota Bradenton airport in Florida, it will be mainly devoted to the initial reassembly of aircraft delivered to American customers. Over 200 Elixir aircraft have been ordered (firm orders and pre-orders) by the American market. Around 200 people will be employed in Sarasota, bringing the company's total workforce to 400.
PILATUS RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS LIVING LEGENDS OF AVIATION AWARD
Together with other members of the management representing the Pilatus Team, Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, accepted an award for notable achievement in aviation at the "Living Legends of Aviation Europe Awards”. Pilatus is immensely proud to receive this extremely prestigious award.
For the fourth time, the "Oscars of Aviation” were presented as part of the "Living Legends of Aviation Europe Awards” at the spectacular Scalaria Event Resort on Lake Wolfgang, Austria. The event honours companies and personalities who have made a significant contribution to aviation and aerospace.
In this special setting, Markus Bucher and the Pilatus Team accepted the "Sam B. Williams Technology Award” for the company's untiring efforts to produce unique, world-class aircraft. The award was presented by Gregg G. Williams - the owner, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Williams International: a leading developer and manufacturer of gas turbine engines. At the ceremony, Pilatus was honoured with a video depicting the company's achievements. Hollywood star Morgan Freeman, who is a passionate aviator himself, provided the voice for the video.
Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, is thrilled with the award: "On behalf of the entire Pilatus Team I would like to thank the organizers, and especially Gregg Williams, for their confidence and for this exceptional honour! The award is an important recognition for our years of commitment, and for the work we do as a team every day - it also spurs us on to achieve further heights of success!”
The "Living Legends of Aviation” organization was created in 2003 - with the aim of celebrating the second century of aviation and honouring the outstanding achievements of pilots, industry representatives, astronauts and record holders. While the American edition takes place in Los Angeles every spring, the European event is held at the spectacular "Scalaria” Event Resort on Lake Wolfgang in Austria. The "European Legends” include famous names such as Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin, and Felix Baumgartner, who is widely known for his space jump.
DAHER UNDERSCORES ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH FRANCE'S ARMY LIGHT AVIATION (ALAT) ON THE MILITARY SERVICE'S 70TH ANNIVERSARY
The Daher Aircraft division participated in this month's 70th anniversary celebration of France's Army Light Aviation (ALAT), highlighting the military service's utilization of TBM turboprop-powered aircraft in its transportation, liaison and support missions.
The milestone was marked by a symposium and flyby last week on the Army base of the 5th Combat Helicopter Regiment (RHC) in Pau, southwestern France. This event brought together representatives of France's armed forces, government officials, as well as families of ALAT personnel, and was overseen by the French Army Chief of Staff, General Pierre Schill. During the celebration, Daher highlighted the company's maintenance, engineering, logistics and support services for military operators, as well as exhibiting its Kodiak 100 utility aircraft.
TBM 700s are flown by the ALAT, with eight of them based at Rennes-Saint-Jacques Airport and operated by the Army's Aircraft Detachment.
“Daher was honoured to participate in the ALAT's 70th anniversary because of the close ties we have with the French Army Aviation - which is one of the most active users of our TBM airplanes,” said Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft. “The celebration also was an opportunity to reiterate our commitment to ensuring the maintenance of the ALAT's TBM fleet in operational conditions for flight safety and aircraft availability, as well as our capability to meet its future operational needs.”
The TBM 700 was selected by the ALAT in the early 1990s to support the French Army's transport missions. TBM 700As - the cornerstone version of the TBM aircraft family - were ordered in 1992, with deliveries occurring between February 1995 and year-end 1999. It was supplemented in 2000 by TBM 700B versions with a wide door.
This fleet is maintained by Daher under a full operational support contract, renewed for the fourth time in 2021 for a period of seven years.
In 2010, the French Government's DGA defence procurement agency selected Daher to carry out the avionics renovation of all TBM 700s operated by the French armed forces - including those in service with the ALAT. This modernization, which was completed in June 2014, included installation of the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit avionics suite with a digital autopilot, accompanied by upgrades to meet civil and European airworthiness certification standards.
TOYOTA TO INVEST $500 MILLION IN JOBY AVIATION
Investment to be made in two equal tranches, with the first targeted to close later this year and the second in 2025; Funds will support certification and commercial production of Joby's electric air taxi; Investment terms to include plans to establish a manufacturing alliance for the first phase of commercialization; Will bring total investment from Toyota Motor Corporation in Joby to $894 million
Toyota Motor Corporation Operating Officer Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa and Joby Aviation's Founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, strengthen their relationship with Toyota's announced $500M investment in Joby, marked by a formal signing ceremony at Toyota's North American regional headquarters in Plano, Texas. Toyota Motor Corporation Photo
Toyota City, Japan, and Santa Cruz, CA, Oct 02, 2024 - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota; NYSE: TM) and Joby Aviation, Inc. (Joby; NYSE:JOBY), a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced that Toyota will invest an additional $500 million to support the certification and commercial production of Joby's electric air taxi, with the aim of realizing the two companies' shared vision of air mobility.
The investment, which will be made in two equal tranches, is subject to standard regulatory approvals and certain other conditions, finalization of collaborative and commercial agreements and, with respect to the second tranche, the finalization of terms related to a strategic alliance focused on commercial manufacturing and certain other conditions. The investment, which will bring Toyota Motor Corporation's total investment in Joby to $894 million, will be made in the form of cash for common stock, with the first tranche targeted to close later this year and the second in 2025. Further details of the investment are available via the companies' regulatory filings with the SEC.
“Today's investment builds on nearly seven years of collaboration between our companies,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby Aviation. “The knowledge and support shared by Toyota has been instrumental in Joby's success and we look forward to deepening our relationship as we deliver on our shared vision for the future of air travel.”
Joby continues to make important progress towards commercialization, recently rolling its third aircraft off its pilot production line in Marina, California, and breaking ground on an expanded facility in California that will more than double the Company's manufacturing footprint. In August 2024, it confirmed that the fourth of five stages of the type certification process is now more than one-third complete on the Joby side.
“With this additional investment, we are excited to see Joby certify their aircraft and shift to commercial production,” said Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa, who signed the agreement as the Operating Officer on behalf of Toyota Motor Corporation. “We share Joby's view that sustainable flight will be central to alleviating today's persistent mobility challenges.”
Toyota's additional investment reflects the continued aim of Toyota Motor Corporation's founding family, starting with Kiichiro Toyoda down to present-day Chairman Akio Toyoda, to realize the dream of air mobility for personal or daily travel as part of its transformation into a mobility company.
Since 2019, in addition to monetary investments, Toyota has been investing time and human resources to share its knowledge of the Toyota Production System via process planning, manufacturing method development, and tooling design. Toyota engineers now work side-by-side with the Joby team in California, and, in 2023, the two companies signed a long-term agreement for Toyota to supply key powertrain and actuation components for the production of Joby's aircraft.
Toyota's relationship with Joby began through an initial investment made by Toyota Ventures, the early-stage venture capital arm of Toyota that explores and identifies disruptive technologies and companies for investment opportunities and provides support for portfolio companies. Toyota Motor Corporation subsequently completed investments totalling $394 million.
LILIUM POWERS ON FIRST LILIUM JET IN SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE TOWARDS FIRST FLIGHT
Lilium N.V. (NASDAQ:LILM), a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), has completed the first systems power-on milestone of its revolutionary all-electric Lilium Jet. The successful test procedure on the first in-production Lilium Jet, MSN 1, represents a significant achievement on the path to first flight and certification. This test confirms that the aircraft is being built in accordance with Lilium's platform design and the flight systems are functioning correctly.
At power-on, high-voltage (900 Volts) is applied to the aircraft and converted to supply the low-voltage electrical and avionics systems - including cockpit display, flight controls, communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. This milestone corresponds to the customary power-on acceptance test procedure used in conventional commercial aircraft manufacturing.
Stephen Vellacott, Lilium CTO, commented: “Power-on is an important quality gate in the production process of any commercial aircraft. The two Lilium Jets now on our final assembly line, and those to come, will be conforming aircraft, built to the specifications of our design organization, according to documented processes and in line with established aerospace procedures. When it comes to aircraft production, process control, repeatability, traceability, and above all safety is paramount. Achieving this first power-on milestone demonstrates that we're on track.”
MSN 1 is due to become Lilium's lab test aircraft, or “ironbird”. It will be a fully functional aircraft and key asset for the certification program, being used to prove safety of flight and compliance with airworthiness requirements. The second Lilium Jet, MSN 2, also currently in final assembly, is the first aircraft that Lilium intends to fly with a pilot on board in early 2025. Production of MSN 3 fuselage is underway at the supplier. Lilium intends to fly a total of six test aircraft up to type-certification and entry into service, targeted for 2026.
In August this year, Lilium successfully completed the first phase of electrical integration testing at the company's dedicated electrical power system lab (EPSL), a test rig that replicates the Lilium Jet's full powertrain, from battery pack to engine, outside the aircraft in a controlled test environment. Lilium has so far successfully tested several core electrical functionalities at the EPSL, including high voltage distribution, low voltage conversion and distribution, health reporting, and charging systems.
13 September 1974
An U. S. Air Force SR-71 Blackbird 61-17972, flown by Captain Harold B. “Buck” Adams (pilot) and Major William C. Machorek (reconnaissance systems officer), flies 5,447 miles (8,771 km) from London to Los Angeles in a world record 3 hours 47 min 39 seconds at an average speed of 1,435.59 mph (2,311.74 km/h).
The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a retired long-range, high-altitude, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed and manufactured by the American aerospace company Lockheed Corporation. The SR-71 has several nicknames, including "Blackbird" and "Habu".
The SR-71 was developed as a black project reconnaissance aircraft during the 1960s by Lockheed's Skunk Works division, initially as a bomber variant of the Lockheed A-12, requested by Curtis LeMay, before the program focused solely on reconnaissance.
American aerospace engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the aircraft's innovative concepts.[2] The shape of the SR-71 was based on the pioneer "stealth" Lockheed A-12, with its reduced radar cross-section, but the SR-71 was longer and heavier, to allow for more fuel, and a crew of two in tandem cockpits
India, Bavdhan area, Pune District, Maharashtra: A Cessna U206G Stationair 6 II experienced a runway overrun while landing in adverse weather conditions at Campo Alegre Airfield (SKMH), Guanía, and came to stop in some bushes. The pilot, intended to pick up a patient, was not injured and the aircraft received minor damage.
USA, near Meadows Field Airport (BFL/KBFL), Bakersfield, CA: A Cirrus SR22 GTS X G3 Turbo experienced engine issues and the pilot activated the CAPS. The aircraft crashed in a field near Meadows Field Airport (BFL/KBFL), Bakersfield, California. The pilot suffered serious injuries and the aircraft received substantial damage.
Haiti, 1,7 km E of Les Cayes Airport (CYA): A Cessna 404 crashed shortly after takeoff from Les Cayes Airport (CYA). ADS-B data indicate that the aircraft took off from runway 08 at 16:00 UTC. It began a right-hand turn until it lost altitude. Photos from the scene show the aircraft came to rest inverted among trees. The aircraft was destroyed and all occupants have reportedly died.
USA, near Bar V K Airport (T38), Bolivar, TX: The Boeing-Stearman E75 Kaydet impacted trees during/after initial take-off from the Bar V K Airport (T38), Bolivar, Texas. The aircraft was observed climbing out, when it started sinking back toward the ground. It touched down hard then bounced back in the air. It continued south striking one tree with its right wing, then after yawing 180 degrees, the left wing became tangled in another tree which brought it down adjacent to that tree. Both occupants exited the aircraft on their own, shortly afterward. They were taken to hospital(s) with unspecified injuries.
USA, Meadows Field Airport (BFL/KBFL), Bakersfield, CA: Following an inflight pilot incapacitation event, the aircraft, a Beechcraft C90A King Air, Registration N6077X, was not damaged subsequent to the runway overrun during an emergency landing to Runway 12L at Meadows Field Airport (BFL/KBFL), Bakersfield, California. One pilot was seriously injured and the passenger onboard, who landed the twin-engine airplane, was not injured.
