Airbus A400M first test flight with SAF - one step forward to a more sustainable military aviation

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) test flight campaign has been launched by the Airbus A400M programme team with the Military Air Systems unit of the Defence and Space division this summer. In military aviation, Airbus advances its commitment to cleaner skies after a first test flight with a load of 29% SAF in one of its engines was successful.

Airbus A400M first test flight with SAF - one step forward to a more sustainable military aviation

For this first flight, we are using a type of SAF called HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) which is made of residuals of oils, vegetables and fats, and also free of aromatics and Sulphur, so it is very efficient and good for the engines. It is a drop-in fuel, so there is no need to modify the engines´ systems and there are no technical limitationsexplained Ana Belén Blanco, Technical Leader for SAF in A400M

Over the years, MSN4 has been used for a variety of testing. It was important for, among other things, the development and certification of AAR capabilities as a tanker and receiver as well as for cargo and parachute drops since it was made such that the cargo hold was instrumentation-free and completely usable for aerial delivery or additional fuel tanks (CHT). After approximately 2,000 flight hours and this first flight with SAF, the MSN4 will "retire" after only six more flights, which is a well-deserved milestone.

One of the MSN4's engines, especially engine number 2, hit the runway with a combined load of 29% SAF, or "Grizzly 4," as the aircraft is known among the team.

To better understand the behaviour of the fuel system feeding a single engine, SAF's use for this first test flight was restricted to one engine.

During the flight, we performed a close comparison between engine number 2, the one using SAF, and the other 3 engines using standard fuel Jet A1, so we had a very good opportunity to compare the performance of the different fuels. The results we got confirmed that using this blended SAF does not affect engines or aircraft performance, so the A400M can receive the whole potential of it in terms of environmental benefitsaid César González, Flight Test Engineer at Airbus Defence and Space

The aeroplane, which departed from the San Pablo plant runway in Seville and travelled for more than an hour before safely landing back in Seville, took off for the North of Huelva.

A400M Flight Test

SAF is a tried-and-true alternative fuel that, when compared to conventional fuel, can cut life cycle CO2 emissions by up to 85%. This first SAF-powered A400M flight proved that the aircraft and its TP400-D6 engines, which had never been tested with SAF before, comply with the new fuel specifications with a blend of 50% certified SAF for a more environmentally friendly military aviation.

This flight is a significant step forward, and relying on the expertise of our parent companies, we are confident that TP400-D6 robust design will enable us to reach the highest SAF standards said Stephan Schlisske, Head of Design Organisation of Europrop International

This first flight represents a step toward the 100% SAF certification that Airbus and EuroProp International, which is in charge of the TP400-D6 turboprop's engine design, development, production, and support, have agreed to establish jointly.

This first flight of an A400M using SAF is a first step in our division that creates the momentum to progress steadily and persistently at an efficient pace along this path towards sustainability. In order to move forward, more flight tests with SAF are planned for the coming months for the C295 and the A330 MRTT, which will soon join the A400M in this fascinating race towards sustainable military aviationsaid Rocío Gutierrez Alonso, Chief Engineer of A400M Power Plant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD0Vs7Cbqkc

Furthermore, preliminary conversations are being held between Airbus, OCCAR, and the A400M Nations to create a path for the certification and operational use of 100% SAF in aircraft.

SOURCE: AIRBUS

COVER: AIRBUS

"Gremlins"- a programme operated by DARPA (the Defense Department's Advance Research Projects Agency), is apparently the moniker given to specific drones - that are inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) featuring digital flight and navigation controls.

It is specifically made to be collected mid-mission by a transport aircraft that has been modified. Its potential uses include signal jamming, communication interception, and the search for and destruction of targets. Additionally, they might have explosives for kamikaze strikes.

Dynetics

The Defense Department plans to order roughly 1,000 of the Gremlins, which is expected to cost less than $800,000.

The US military intends to build an aerial aircraft carrier specifically for the Gremlins project in order to transport them. They could use a modified C-130 transport plane, which has bomb racks under its wings that can hold up to four drones. These drones would be deployed with the assistance of a small squadron. However, recovering them airborne after a mission seems to be challenging.

The Dynetics X-61 Gremlins

The Dynetics X-61 Gremlins is an unmanned aerial system that Dynetics is currently testing.

Wikipedia

The X-61 was developed as part of the DARPA Gremlins initiative to show off a cheap, recoverable UAV with digital flight and navigation controls. After accomplishing its mission, it is designed to be collected in midair by a modified transport aircraft.

The Williams F107 turbofan engine powers the X-61A, which has a range of payload capabilities that include electro-optical sensors, infrared imagers, electronic warfare systems, and weaponry.

We Are The Mighty

Up to eight X-61As can be controlled simultaneously by a controller in the mothership or on the ground thanks to the semi-autonomous nature of the UAV.

As a result, the Gremlins project's contractor, Dynetics, intends to create a specific recovery system that would be installed atop the C-130's cargo ramp.

When a Gremlin flies back to the mothership, the cargo ramp opens and the recovery system lowers a boom out of it. This boom releases a pod on a ten-metre-long tether, and that pod clamps onto a short engagement arm which pops out of the top of the Gremlin itself. A successful capture shuts off the Gremlin’s engine. A winch then hoists the drone on board. This arrangement should be able to pull eight Gremlins an hour out of the airSOURCE

TechEBlog

Specifications

CAPACITY 65.7 kgLENGTH13 ft 9 inWINGSPAN11 ft 5 inMAXIMUM SPEEDMach 0.6POWERPLANT1 × Williams F107 turbofan engineRANGE560 kmWikipedia

For a second test next summer, Dynetics is modifying its software. The testing will include Gremlins stacked with different payloads while they simulate different circumstances on the battlefield.

The modified aerial aircraft carrier and other aircraft will be able to interact with the Gremlins while in flight thanks to software being developed by DARPA for this purpose under the name "Collaborative Operations in Denied Environment."

On January 17, 2020, the X-61A completed its first free flight. The main parachute did not open during the recovery after the successful takeoff, and the aircraft was lost. The remaining four aircraft are still operational.

A specially outfitted C-130 Hercules cargo plane successfully recovered an X-61A from mid-air in October 2021, according to a DARPA announcement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akBrzrFTPSA

It is intriguing to contemplate how current naval and aerial warfare would evolve if the Navy were to construct a fully operational airborne aircraft carrier.

SOURCE: SOFREP | Wikipedia

COVER: SOFREP | (The U.S. National Archives/picryl)

SpiceJet on Thursday announced the reintroduction of 'SpiceLock', a unique service that allows passengers to lock their desired fare for 48 hours without the name, thus allowing passengers to plan their journey without worrying about fares getting expensive, availability of seats or finalising co-passengers.

The fare locking service enables customers to reserve bookings so that the selected flight doesn't sell out and the fare doesn't go up while they finalise their travel plans.

The service can be availed with or without a name, making it extra safe and convenient. Passengers flying on both domestic and international flights operated by SpiceJet can now enjoy this service with assured seat and price protection.

SpiceJet re-introduces the option to lock fares for 48 hours with SpiceLock.

Passengers flying on both domestic and international flights operated by SpiceJet can now enjoy this service with assured seat and price protection.

The service is applicable for flights where the travel date is at least seven days from the booking date on the domestic sectors and 15 days for international flights. Customers can opt for SpiceLock by paying the nominal fee starting at Rs 99.

While the government has removed the cap on airfares, many airlines have come out with different offers to attract passengers.

With inputs from Business Standard)

India is concerned about a U.S. decision to provide a sustenance package for Pakistan's fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft, the Indian defence minister told his U.S. counterpart on Wednesday.

The U.S.-built aircraft are a critical part of the military arsenal of Pakistan, whose arch-rival India worries that the fleet could be used against it by its neighbour.

Last week, the U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of sustainment and related equipment to Pakistan in a deal valued at up to USD 450 million, with the principal contractor being Lockheed Martin Corp.

India concerned about the US decision to provide a sustenance package for Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets

It also included modifications and support of aircraft and engine hardware and software as well as repair and return of the jets and engine spares, classified and unclassified software and software support among others.

The deal, however, would not enhance “any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions” for the aircraft which is Pakistan Air Force’s main fighter. Besides the F-16 package, Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF) has recently been boosted by Chinese J-10C aircraft.

Now, military and foreign policy experts are afraid that the F-16 fleet support from the US, which was suspended in 2018 by former President Donald Trump, will aid India’s bitter enemy in challenging the Indian Air Force.

https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1570028844555571200

"I conveyed India’s concern at the recent U.S. decision to provide a sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet," Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on Twitter following what he called a "warm and productive" telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.

Singh's ministry said the two also reviewed U.S.-Indian defence cooperation and reiterated their commitment to further strengthen military-to-military ties.

Pakistan, which like India is nuclear-armed, has relied heavily on Chinese-made jets, but the F-16s remain the most effective and advanced in its fleet.

India and Pakistan have gone to war on three occasions. In 2019 they engaged in an aerial battle over the disputed region of Kashmir, during which India said it had shot down a Pakistani F-16 after one of its jets was brought down. Pakistan denied that one of its F-16s was downed.

Besides the F-16 package, Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF) has recently been boosted by Chinese J-10C aircraft.

In 2019, Pakistan used the same aircraft to target India after the Balakot strike and used American-supplied AIM-120 C-5 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile), to shoot down then Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s MiG 21 Bison.

Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter jet is a twin-engine, 4.5th generation fighter aircraft that can operate from ground bases and aircraft carriers. On the other hand, the US-based Lockheed Martin developed F-16, a fourth-generation, single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft. The two aircraft are almost similar regarding the dimension of length.

Apart from Pakistan, the US has sold F-16s in many countries like Bahrain, Belgium, Egypt, Taiwan, Denmark, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Thailand, Turkey, etc. However, South Asia remains a highly volatile region.

(With Inputs from Reuters)

Tata Group's Air India has unveiled a comprehensive transformation plan focusing on five-key pillars -- customer service, operations, tech, reliability, and hospitality -- to increase its domestic market share to 30% in the next five years.

The airline also plans to increase its international markets share and put it on a path to sustained growth, profitability, and market leadership. Air India is also adopting proactive maintenance and refining flight schedules to enhance on-time performance.

Air India has named the revival plan as "Vihaan.AI", which in Sanskrit signifies the dawn of a new era, with identified objectives for Air India over the next five years. The plan has been unveiled a month before the 90th anniversary of Air India (previously Tata Airlines) founder J R D Tata piloting the first flight of the airline that would become Air India.

Air India unveiled Vihaan.AI - a comprehensive transformation plan for the next 5 years

Air India says the aim is by 2027 to emerge as a “world-class global airline with an Indian heart - the absolute best in class in customer service, in technology, in the product, in reliability and inspitality.”

Over the next five years, Air India will strive to increase its market share to at least 30% in the domestic market while significantly growing the international routes from the present market share.

Along with two other Tata airlines—AirAsia India and Vistara—the group’s cumulative domestic market share is already over 20%. Air Asia India and Vistara have a share of 4.6% and 10.4%, respectively.

Over the coming days and weeks, the management team will engage employees across regions, departments, and locations through a series of physical and hybrid sessions.

Along with two other Tata airlines—AirAsia India and Vistara—the group’s cumulative domestic market share is already over 20%.

As part of Vihaan.AI's transformational plan, it has prepared a detailed roadmap with clear milestones focusing on dramatically growing both its network and fleet, developing a completely revamped customer proposition, improving reliability and on-time performance, and taking a leadership position in technology, sustainability, and innovation, while aggressively investing behind the best industry talent.

While the immediate focus of the airline remains on fixing the basics and readying itself for growth (Taxiing Phase), the more medium-to-long term focus will be on building for excellence and establishing scale to become a global industry leader (Take Off & Climb phases).

"This is the beginning of a historic transformation for Air India, and the dawn of a new era. We are laying the foundation for a brave new Air India, with a renewed sense of purpose and incredible momentum. Vihaan.AI is our transformation plan to make Air India the world class airline it once was, and that it deserves to be again. We are absolutely focussed on being recognized as a world-class airline serving global customers, with a proudly Indian heart.The transformation has already started - a slew of initiatives in areas like refurbishing cabins, serviceable seats, in-flight entertainment systems are already underway. We are also adopting proactive maintenance and refining flight schedules to enhance on-time performance. Our fleet expansion will involve a combination of both narrow-bodied and wide-bodied aircrafts to cater to varied network needs. The excitement and shared commitment to drive Vihaan.ai is palpable across the organisation and stakeholders will recognise the changes as the new face of Air India emerges."Campbell Wilson, CEO, Air India

ALSO READ - Air India to revamp its fleet by leasing 30 aircraft in the upcoming months

Recently, Air India announced an aggressive expansion plan with the induction of six Boeing 777-200 aircraft and 25 Airbus A320 Neos by the first quarter of next year. These aircraft will result in Air India offering premium economy haul flights for the first time. These aircraft, which will enter service in late 2022, will increase its fleet by over 25%.

ALSO READ - Airbus, Boeing compete to get Air India’s deal

The Tata group is also negotiating a deal for around 200 narrowbody and widebody jets from Airbus and Boeing.

ALSO READ - Air India prepares to add more than 200 aircraft; the most significant order in a long time

The Tata group is also negotiating a deal for around 200 narrowbody and widebody jets from Airbus and Boeing.

ALSO READ - Air India gets CCI’s approval to acquire the entire stake in AirAsia India

The Tata group has already received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to merge AirAsia India with Air India. 

In July, Air India had a market share of 8.4% in the domestic market.

ALSO READ - The merger of Air India-Vistara to have clarity soon

Tata group and joint venture partner Singapore Airlines are discussing the road map for Vistara, but no decision has been taken yet on a merger with Air India. A Singapore Airlines spokesperson said: “We do not comment on any confidential discussions that we may or may not be having with our partners.”

ALSO READ - Tata Sons to raise USD 4 billion to infuse fresh capital into Air India

The Tata Group is also planning to raise USD 4 billion to infuse fresh capital into Air India and refinance costly debt. In July, Air India had a market share of 8.4% in the domestic market.

Heart Aerospace, a Swedish manufacturer of electric aircraft, has shown substantial design modifications to its first electric aircraft and announced the addition of new minority owners Air Canada, one of North America's leading airlines, and Saab, a Swedish aerospace and military business.

Heart Aerospace

The ES-30, a new design for the company, is a regional electric aircraft with a seating capacity of 30 passengers. It replaces the ES-19, which had 19 seats. It is powered by battery-powered electric motors, which enable the aircraft to fly quietly and without producing any emissions.

Heart Aerospace has received investments from Saab and Air Canada totalling USD 5 million. Air Canada has also placed a purchase order for 30 ES-30 aircraft in addition to its investment.

We are thrilled to have two such strong partners as Saab and Air Canada join our mission to electrify regional air travel. Growing up in Sweden, Saab is synonymous with aerospace, and our partnership will not only support our programme, but help us to become a part of the proud Swedish aerospace heritage. Air Canada is a strategically important partner with one of the world’s largest networks operated by regional turboprops, and as a progressive, future leaning company said Anders Forslund, founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace

The ES-30 includes a spacious flat-floor cabin with three comfortable seats per row, a galley, and a bathroom. The enormous external baggage and freight compartment will be supplemented with cabin storage and overhead bins, giving airlines more network flexibility.

This underlines our commitment to innovative technology and solutions for sustainable aviation. Heart is a pioneer within commercial electric aviation and we look forward to contributing to the future of aviation with our experience of developing solutions at the forefront of technologysays Micael Johansson, Saab’s President and CEO

Micael Johansson | Saab

A reserve hybrid configuration of two turbo generators running on sustainable aviation fuel will also be included in the aircraft. It can also be employed during cruises on longer flights to supplement the electrical power provided by the batteries. The reserve-hybrid system is designed to secure reserve energy requirements without reducing battery range.

Altogether, with usual airline reserves, this offers the aircraft a fully electric range of 200 kilometres, an extended range of 400 kilometres with 30 passengers, and the flexibility to fly up to 800 kilometres with 25 passengers.

The ES-30 is an electric airplane that the industry can actually use. We have designed a cost efficient airplane that allows airlines to deliver good service on a wide range of routes. With the ES-30 we can start cutting emissions from air travel well before the end of this decade and the response from the market has been fantasticsaid Anders Forslund

Anders Forslund | Aerospace Testing International

Reconfirmed orders for the improved ES-30 model of Heart Aerospace's ES-19 electric aircraft come from United Airlines and Mesa Air Group, who had placed orders for 200 electric aircraft with an option for an extra 100 aircraft.

From the beginning Heart and United have been on the same page – with an acute focus on safety, reliability, and sustainability. Heart’s exciting new design which includes expanded passenger capacity from 19 to 30 seats, and a state-of-the-art reserve-hybrid engine is the type of revolutionary thinking that will bring true innovation to aviationsaid Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines

Scott Kirby | World War Zero

It's anticipated that the ES-30 will go into service in 2028.

SOURCE: Heart Aerospace

COVER: Heart Aerospace