This week in Midweek Updates
PJ Aviation it's almost that time of the year that many companies close for the holidays.
SAAF Rooivalks returns from the DRC.
GAMA releases third quarter 2024 aircraft shipment and billing report.
Tunisia receives another C-130 Hercules from the US.
SAAF adds 40 technical ground crew to personnel strength.
Sierra Nevada's Rapcon-X ISR jet makes first flight.
SkyDrive and SAI Flight unveil plans for commercial electric air taxi routes in South Carolina, confirm pre-order of 10 eVTOL aircraft.
Diamond Aircraft further expands in Middle East with mew Abu Dhabi flight school and DA50 delivery.
This week in history - First flight of the Vickers Vimy
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - MX2 A2A Shoot
PJ AVIATION IT'S ALMOST THAT TIME OF THE YEAR THAT MANY COMPANIES CLOSE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
So, you're not going away these holidays? Why not make use of the opportunity of more available time to upgrade your panel.
Herewith a suggestion of what you can start with: Upgrade your old steam gauge engine instruments and fit a single 80mm round lightweight Kanardia Emsis engine monitoring system with DAQU sensor box. The Emsis is low cost and uses extremely low power consumption (2.5W at 12V) and has unbelievably bright display with wide read angle, customised to meet your exact requirements.
Now, instead of many engine sensors wires coming through the firewall, they go to the DAQU box on the firewall with just a single ethernet cable routed to the EMSIS on the panel. The DAQU has a huge internal sensor library, so you don't have to change sensors.
Now that you've created spare instruments panel holes, why not fill one of them with the HORIS PFD. The Horis AD-AHRS is an electronic device which employs several state-of-the-art sensors and combines them into a small super bright PFD display. It can serve as a standalone PFD display, and it may be used as primary instrument or as a perfect backup. 57mm & 80mm versions are available.
Please keep in mind that many of our suppliers will be closing for the festive season. To avoid any disruptions, we kindly ask you to place your orders as early as possible. Imported items, such as aircraft instruments or other equipment, typically take about two weeks to arrive in South Africa. If you're looking to receive stock before the year wraps up, please place your order now.
SAAF ROOIVALKS RETURNS FROM THE DRC
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
The three South African Air Force (SAAF) Rooivalk attack helicopters serving with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been flown back to South Africa after years of inactivity.
On 27 November, a chartered Silk Way Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 (4K-AZ101) loaded up the first Rooivalk in Goma (UNO 817/671) and flew it to Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria.
The aircraft took off from Waterkloof on 28 November and arrived back in South Africa on 30 November after a second stop in Goma. It arrived in Goma once again on 1 December and was back in Pretoria on 2 December, presumably fetching the second and third airframes (672 and 674/UNO 816)
The Rooivalks have not flown since August 2022 as neither the South African Air Force (SAAF) nor the United Nationals peacekeeping mission in the DRC (Monusco) had the funds to fly them in support of the UN's Force Intervention Brigade.
It is believed that the Rooivalks will be sent by road to Denel Aerospace for maintenance and repair, as Denel is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Rooivalks were first deployed to the DRC in October 2013 and flew their first ever combat mission on 4 November that year with the UN Force Intervention Brigade, attacking an M23 rebel base near the Rwandan border and destroying a 14.5 mm gun position. Dodging small arms and 14.5 mm fire, two Rooivalks fired multiple 70 mm rocket salvos against rebel positions and scored one direct hit on an ammunition bunker.
The following day, 5 November, the M23 group called an end to its 20-month rebellion, saying it would disarm and pursue peace talks, and then surrendered two days later. “We believe M23 had to retreat because of the Rooivalk,” then South African defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said at the time.
Over the following years, Rooivalks fired thousands of rockets and 20 mm cannon rounds in support of Monusco activities, and became the attack helicopter of choice for UN soldiers, who would request the Rooivalk over the Mi-24.
With the Monusco mission expected to completely exit the DRC by the end of 2024 and funding falling short for South Africa's contribution to the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), it appears there was little reason to keep the Rooivalks in the Central African country when they have not been serviceable, and where high humidity and harsh environmental conditions exacerbate corrosion - the aircraft are apparently in very poor condition and in urgent need of repair and overhaul.
Rooivalks not being airworthy has been suggested as contributing to South African National Defence Force casualties, such as several incidents in which unescorted Oryx helicopters were hit by small arms fire - resulting in fatalities - and South African troops being killed by mortar fire as they lacked air support.
In November, Armscor told the Portfolio Committee on Defence that multiple maintenance contracts with Denel Aeronautics for the Rooivalk are underfunded. The fixed cost contract covering March 2024 to end March 2027 (R1.015 billion) is only funded to the tune of R216 million.
A R1.48 billion additional on demand contract for August 2024 to end March 2027 is funded to the tune of R66 million. Similarly, an on-demand cost contract (R450 million for August 2023 to end March 2026) has a funded value of R96 million.
Armscor's presentation revealed that the Rooivalk cannon reliability improvement project (R33 million) was fully funded, with cannon flight testing undertaken successfully at the Test Flight and Development Centre at Air Force Base Overberg.
However, some of the R739 million in United Nations reimbursements received for the Monusco mission will be spent on Oryx and Rooivalk maintenance, as well as upgrading of other prime mission equipment.
GAMA RELEASES THIRD QUARTER 2024 AIRCRAFT SHIPMENT AND BILLING REPORT
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) published the Third Quarter 2024 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The general aviation aircraft manufacturing industry's results through the third quarter of 2024 show an increase in the overall value of aircraft shipments and increased shipments of piston airplanes, business jets and turbine helicopters, with turboprops and piston helicopters shipments in line with the first nine months of 2023.
"The health of our industry remains stable, which allows our companies to invest in technology and innovation that drives improved safety and sustainability for all civil aviation sectors. With new sessions and assemblies of governments set to convene shortly in both the U.S. and Europe, GAMA will continue to make the case to government leaders about the essential nature of the general and business aviation industry. Our message is simple and direct: we are ready to work with leaders on constructive policies to support the continued growth and societal health of countries and communities globally through business and general aviation products and operations,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO.
Aircraft shipments through the third quarter of 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, saw piston airplanes increase 7.5% with 1,221 units, turboprops were in line with 435 units, and business jets increase 10.1% with 501 units. The value of airplane deliveries through the third quarter of 2024 was $17.3 billion, an increase of 20.5%.
Helicopter shipments through the third quarter of 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, saw piston helicopter in line with 156 units, and turbine helicopter increase 1.9% with 478 units. The value of helicopter deliveries was $2.7 billion.
GAMA's complete 2024 third quarter report can be found at gama.aero.
The 2024 year-end shipment and billing report will be published on February 19, 2025, during GAMA's State of the Industry Press Conference in Washington D.C.
TUNISIA RECEIVES ANOTHER C-130 HERCULES FROM THE US
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
The Tunisian Air Force has taken delivery of another surplus C-130H Hercules transport aircraft from the United States - the third since 2021. The aircraft (TS-MTO) was formally handed over during a ceremony at Sidi Ahmed Air Base in Bizerte on 18 November. High-ranking officials from both Tunisia and the United States attended the event, including Tunisian Minister of National Defence Khaled Sehili, US Ambassador Joey Hood, Chief of Staff of the Tunisian Air Force General Mohammed Hajem, and Lieutenant General Jason Hinds, the Deputy Commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Africa.
“The delivery of this aircraft, valued at a total of 36 million Tunisian dinars ($12 million), continues the US government's commitment to expanding the Tunisian Air Force's air transport capabilities,” the US Embassy said.
The latest C-130H to join the Tunisian Air Force is officially received during an 18 November ceremony. “This delivery is part of the US-Tunisian joint strategy to increase the Tunisian Ministry of Defence and the Tunisian Air Force's ability to provide peace and security in the region and globally. Enhanced Tunisian air transportation capabilities advance our shared interest in peace operations. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate jointly in the future,” Hood said.
“We value our relationship with the Tunisian Armed Forces and we're grateful for Lieutenant General Hajem's leadership,” said Hinds. “The interoperability of aircraft like the C-130H allows us to operate, exercise and learn from each other.”
During his visit, Hinds discussed regional security concerns with Hajem, continuing collaboration, and the upcoming African Air Chiefs Symposium scheduled for February 2025. The symposium will provide a forum for both nations' air chiefs to join with others from across the continent to share learning experiences and identify opportunities to cooperate and collaborate.
Hinds also visited the Tunisian Air Force Flight Training Academy at Sfax Air Base where he was briefed on the Tunisian T-6C pilot training programmes and toured their new T-6C Simulator Facility. Tunisia ordered eight T-6C trainers in 2020, with deliveries concluding three years later.
Since 2020, US Air Forces Africa has developed and executed security cooperation programmes that have delivered nearly $100 million in training and equipment to the Tunisian Air Force. US Africa Command said that since 2011, the US has invested over $1 billion in security cooperation with Tunisia, including more than $160 million in 2023. This support has enabled Tunisia to participate in UN Peacekeeping Operations, engage in humanitarian missions, and become a regional security hub. Additionally, US counterterrorism programme have bolstered Tunisia's security forces, reducing terrorist threats and enhancing border surveillance. The United States has also contributed to significant infrastructure projects in Tunisia, including airports, dams, and water systems, Africa Command said.
The Tunisian Air Force now has four C-130H and one C-130B Hercules in service (in May, C-130H TS-MTM was officially received from the United States at Al Aouina Air Base). These join two C-130J-30 Super Hercules, which were delivered in April 2013 and January 2015. Ten other Hercules are in storage or preservation.
In February, the second of two C-130s arrived in Singapore for upgrading by ST Engineering Defence Aviation Services (STEDAS). They are being fitted with Honeywell's Cockpit Display System Retrofit (CDSR), which is available in three-display and five-display options with large format LCD displays, flight controls, air data and altitude censors.
SAAF ADDS 40 TECHNICAL GROUND CREW TO PERSONNEL STRENGTH www.defencweb.co.za
The ground crew component of the SA Air Force (SAAF) is 40 artisans better off following official reclassification as artisans. The coming of age - as it were - from apprenticeship to artisan was marked by a 21 November parade at the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW), previously Air Force Base (AFB) Swartkop, the oldest operational base in the force.
The transition from apprentice saw the men and women based at nearby 68 Air School in Lyttelton, as per information supplied by the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) Directorate Corporate Communication (DCC), “reclassified” as artisans after an 18 month technical apprenticeship. The 40 successful “spanner swaaiers [swingers in English]” are essential components of the ground crews keeping aircraft serviceable, along with registered MROs (maintenance, repair and overhaul) organisations and companies. The artisans completed formative and “summative” assessments before a final trade test with theory, verbal and practical parts.
They will take up duties at 10 SAAF Air Servicing Units (ASUs) nationally putting their training to work in trades ranging from aircraft mechanic through to painter, safety equipment fitter, radio and instrumentation technicians as well as general electrics, electronic communication and ground radar specialists.
Nineteen aircraft mechanics will find themselves at 1, 2, 3 and 6 ASUs with 17 and 21 Squadrons as well as 85 Combat Flying School (CFS) benefitting from the newly acquired artisans' skills. 5 ASU will boost the skills available in safety equipment fitting, armourers, structures, instrumentation, ground communication and general electronics in addition to 1, 2, 3 and 6. Two bases - Hoedspruit and Overberg - along with Air Force Station (AFS) Port Elizabeth [Gqeberha] - will also have added technical personnel strength.
SIERRA NEVADA'S RAPCON-X ISR JET MAKES FIRST FLIGHT
SNC announced the successful first flight of its RAPCON-X aircraft solution this month. The milestone marks a significant step forward for the aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (A-ISR) platform, which has been selected for the U.S. Army's Theater Level High Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne ISR (ATHENA) project. The RAPCON-X Bombardier Global 6500 jet took its inaugural flight from Hagerstown, Maryland.
“Today is a monumental day for SNC, the dedicated team at our Hagerstown campus and our valued customers. What started as a dream just three years ago has now become a reality, thanks to the willingness of our owners, Eren and Fatih Ozmen, to invest ahead of the need, and their confidence in our shared vision,” said Tim Owings, executive vice president of SNC's MST business area. “SNC's pivot to creating a rapidly configurable jet ISR capability is a ground-breaking development that will revolutionize how our customers plan and execute ISR missions.”
RAPCON-X was designed using model-based systems engineering (MBSE), significantly reducing the time required to integrate new and different systems and capabilities. The aircraft features a functional mission interior that can be easily reconfigured for specific mission requirements without costly aircraft redesign. SNC's family of systems approach also empowers the company to apply its scalable RAPCON-X design to other types of aircraft, including the Bombardier Challenger 650 and King Air 350ER aircraft.
“SNC's RAPCON-X team worked tirelessly to create an open architecture, aerial ISR solution that gives the warfighter the advantage required to win the near-peer fight,” said Josh Walsh, vice president of programs for Mission Solution and Operations. “I am extremely proud of our workforce and the progress we've made. This flight is proof of SNC's readiness to support these critical customer missions and our ability to rapidly configure and deploy mission-specific solutions.”
Rapid configurability means the aircraft is swiftly adapted to specific recon missions by quickly switching out on-board equipment to match tactical needs - particularly for higher altitudes and longer endurance. In its baseline configuration, RAPCON-X can collect and process signals intelligence, electro-optical reconnaissance and ground moving-target signatures. It also includes key technologies such as SNC TRAX® software that connects RAPCON-X with all net-enabled platforms in the battlefield.
“Our clear commitment to open architecture maximizes both capability and schedules,” said Tim Harper, vice president of business development. “RAPCON-X is a quick reaction capability built to program-of-record standards utilizing modular hardware and software. This allows SNC to deliver the right solution to our customers every time."
The aircraft's first flight comes ahead of future ATHENA testing for SNC's contractor-owned-contractor-operated (COCO) contract to deliver ISR services including aircraft, pilot, flight and maintenance operations and logistics support.
SKYDRIVE AND SAI FLIGHT UNVEIL PLANS FOR COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC AIR TAXI ROUTES IN SOUTH CAROLINA, CONFIRM PRE-ORDER OF 10 EVTOL AIRCRAFT
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) manufacturer based in Japan, SAI Flight (*2), one of the largest private jet charter companies in South Carolina, and Greenville Downtown Airport, the state's busiest general aviation hub, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop innovative business opportunities utilizing the cutting-edge SKYDRIVE (*3) eVTOL aircraft. The collaboration will focus on advancing air-cargo, air-taxi, and emergency service use cases, paving the way for a new era of efficient and versatile intra-community air travel.
Under this agreement, the three organizations will collaborate to develop real-life use cases for the eVTOL, originating from Greenville Downtown Airport with collaborative support of both the Greenville City Economic Development Corporation and the Greenville Area Development Corporation. They are working closely with local and state governments, as well as local businesses, to design practical routes such as to the city centre and the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, that will enhance travel options for community residents and visitors. This positions Greenville as a leader among state airports in the integration of Advanced Air Mobility solutions.
Since establishing its U.S. base in January 2023, SkyDrive has been actively expanding into the American market. With a strong presence in South Carolina, SkyDrive has collaborated closely with the state government, major airports, and key stakeholders, including airline companies, to forge strategic partnerships for the commercial adoption of its eVTOL technology. Building on these efforts, a new alliance with SAI Flight and Greenville Downtown Airport marks a significant step forward, as they work together on identifying, developing, and commercializing practical air routes within the Greenville community, paving the way for the future of Advanced Air Mobility in the region.
SAI Flight Services, based at Greenville Downtown Airport, will lead as the primary service provider, overseeing operations and maintenance. With its expertise and commitment to excellence, SAI aims to ensure seamless, reliable service for all eVTOL operations, solidifying its position as a key player in the future of Advanced Air Mobility.
SAI Flight, one of South Carolina's largest private charter operators, has made a strong commitment to the future of air mobility by placing a pre-order for 10 eVTOL aircraft.
SAI Flight, the top private jet charter and management company in South Carolina, has committed to a pre-order of 10 SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft. With its Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate, SAI Flight is uniquely positioned to integrate eVTOL services into its existing operations, offering on-demand, flexible air mobility solutions. This move underscores SAI's dedication to pioneering the future of advanced air travel, as they prepare to lead the way in adopting cutting-edge eVTOL technology.
As the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina, Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) is uniquely positioned to lead the way in supporting short, medium, and long-range eVTOL routes. With its strategic location and forward-thinking approach, GMU is poised to become a central hub for the future of Advanced Air Mobility, actively exploring the requirements to accommodate a diverse range of innovative air travel solutions.
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT FURTHER EXPANDS IN MIDDLE EAST WITH NEW ABU DHABI FLIGHT SCHOOL AND DA50 DELIVERY
On the occasion of Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024, Diamond Aircraft announces a contract for the acquisition of two DA40 und one DA42 aircraft by Abu Dhabi's newly-founded 'Project Aviation' flight school, as well as the delivery of the first DA50 RG to the UAE.
We are thrilled by the rapidly growing popularity Diamond Aircraft is enjoying in the UAE and wider Middle East region, especially in the private market,” said Jane Wang, Director Sales, Marketing, and Flight Ops at Diamond Aircraft Austria.
“We'd like to wish Project Aviation the utmost success as they embark on their exciting new endeavor and thank them for placing their trust in Diamond Aircraft. With so many Diamond aircraft already proving their mettle in flight schools across the region, we know they have made the right choice.”
Diamond Aircraft's single-engine DA40 and twin-engine DA42 piston aircraft are used worldwide by preeminent flight schools to train the next generation of pilots. Powered by jet-fuel for maximum efficiency and sustainability, and featuring state-of-the-art Garmin glass-cockpit avionics, they provide the best flight training performance characteristics and safety record in the industry.
“The Diamond DA40 and DA42 align perfectly with Project Aviation's goal to offer premium-quality flight training in the best-equipped training aircraft on the market,” said Abdulla Al Zaabi, Project Aviation's founder and owner. “We're looking forward to taking receipt of the aircraft next year.”
Further to the purchase of the DA40 and DA42 aircraft, Al Zaabi also recently took delivery of a brand new DA50 RG aircraft for private use, becoming the UAE's first owner of Diamond Aircraft's newest aircraft model.
“The Diamond DA50 RG is proving a real pleasure to fly - including on the flight from Austria to the UAE, which I can safely say was the trip of a lifetime,” said Al Zaabi. “Since collecting the plane in October, I've already logged over 40 hours flight time making trips to Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere in the region.”
The single-engine DA50 RG features an all-carbon-fibre airframe, a powerful 300hp CD300 jet-fuel engine, retractable landing gear, and an extra-large cabin that can seat up to five passengers with ample space left over for extra luggage.
30 NOVEMBER 1917
First flight of the Vickers Vimy
The Vickers Vimy was a British heavy bomber aircraft developed and manufactured by Vickers Limited. Developed during the latter stages of the First World War to equip the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the Vimy was designed by Rex Pierson, Vickers' chief designer.
Only a handful of Vickers Vimy aircraft had entered service by the time the Armistice of 11 November 1918 came into effect, so the type did not serve in active combat operations during the war.
During the interwar period the Vimy set several records for long-distance flights, the most celebrated and significant of these being the first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, performed by John Alcock and Arthur Brown in June 1919. Other record-breaking flights were made from the United Kingdom to destinations such as South Africa and Australia. The Vimy continued to be operated until the 1930s in both military and civil capacities.
South Africa, Location: Rheenendal, Western Cape: A MicroWings impacted open field terrain in Rheenendal, Western Cape. The pilot sustained serious injuries. ZU-DWY is a 75% replica of the original J-3 Piper Cub.
Ecuador, La Libertad, Santa Elena: An FAE Diamond DA20C-1 Eclipse belonging to Ecuador Air Force's Escuela Superior Militar de Aviación, ESMA (Spanish for Military Superior Aviation School) experienced an engine failure and crashed during a forced landing on a street in La Libertad city (on the corner of Eleodoro Solórzano Avenue and Calle 18 street). Both occupants perished and a motorcycle driver was hurt and the aircraft was written off.
Russia, Salavat, Bashkortostan: The An-2 aircraft (RA-40935) of the Rusavia airline took off on the Ufa-Salavat-Ufa route for the purpose of aerial photography. Permission for the flight was available. There were two pilots and an aerial photography operator on board. At an altitude of 300 meters in the Salavat area, the aircraft came under fire; the An-2 was confused with a Ukrainian drone. A siren was turned on in the city, and security at a local oil refinery immediately opened fire on it. The crew immediately reported the shelling to dispatchers. The pilots reported no fuel leaks and that they were returning to the departure airfield. After 40 minutes, the aircraft made a safe landing in Ufa. The Rusavia plane (RA-40935) that came under fire received three bullet holes while flying over the territory of Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat at an altitude of 300 meters on Tuesday evening. There, it was confused with a Ukrainian drone, and plant security opened fire on it. As a result of the hit, the plane leaked fuel. That evening, the An-2 was on a scheduled flight from Ufa with its onboard navigation lights on, circling a heating main in Salavat to take digital infrared aerial photographs commissioned by an aerogeophysical company.
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