Alphabet's Wing unveils a string of prototype designs for larger drone deliveries

The wing is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. that develops drone-based freight delivery technology. The company completed their first real-world deliveries in 2014. It has operations in Australia, the United States, and Finland.

Over the past six years, Wing developed its aircraft specifically designed for small parcel delivery. It has now unveiled a series of new prototype aircraft designed to handle a variety of payloads- from a pill bottle to a piece of furniture.

According to Wing CEO Adam Woodworth, the idea is to match the package size with the drone size to limit costs, energy, and materials expended.

Just as the ideal vehicle for carrying a ton of gravel would be a dump truck rather than a sedan, the ideal aircraft to carry a bottle of medication is not the same as the best one to deliver a gallon of milk, and neither is suited to deliver a refrigeratorWoodworth wrote in a blog post

The latest set of drones, all in the prototype phase, features a smaller option to transport prescription medicine weighing up to 0.6 lbs, and a larger one to carry packages no heavier than 7 lbs.

What is common though, is that all the designs have the same basic design- some propellers to lift vertically, others to propel the aircraft forward and fixed wings to increase lift and efficiency while in flight.

Representative | SlashGear

We can have tiny planes for pharmaceutical delivery, big planes for shipping fulfillment, long range aircraft for logistic flights, and dedicated hovering platforms for delivery in cities. Adam Woodworth

The company is working on a modular approach for its "library"- which would feature these different sets of models and can be tailored according to the operational requirements as and when required.

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

Aligned by a core set of capabilities–efficient flight, precision delivery, optimized airframes, and autonomous navigation–each of these designs is suited to a different use. These aircraft represent a more efficient approach to multimodal delivery that is safer and more sustainable tooAdam Woodworth

Specs

Dezeen

Length1.3 mSpeed104.4 km/hWingspan1 mRoundtrip Distance20kmWeight without package5.5 kgPackage weight1.2kgwing

No timeline on the possible entry of these drones into commercial service has been issued by the company yet.

Drone delivery although limited by regulatory constraints, is slowly catching up with Wing commencing deliveries in some suburbs of Dallas-Fort Worth earlier this year-an expansion from significant operations in Australia.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: CNET

SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Dubai was delayed on Monday, July 11 after the Boeing B737 Max aircraft's nose wheel malfunctioned, Directorate General of Civil Aviation officials said.

Monday's incident is at least the ninth incident of technical malfunction in a SpiceJet aircraft in 24 days.

On July 6, the DGCA issued a show-cause notice to SpiceJet following eight incidents of technical malfunction in its aircraft since June 19. The aviation regulator said the budget carrier had "failed" to establish safe, efficient and reliable air services.

SpiceJet flight delayed after nose wheel malfunction, 9th incident in 24 days

It further said, “Poor internal safety oversight and inadequate maintenance action (as most of the incidents are related to either component failure or system-related failure) has resulted in degradation of the safety margins.” 

ALSO READ - The turbulence continues for SpiceJet with recent incidents on its Dubai and Mumbai bound flights

On Monday, July 11 the Boeing B737 Max aircraft with registration number VT-SZK operated the Mangaluru-Dubai flight, DGCA officials noted. After the aircraft landed, an engineer did a walk-around inspection and found the nose wheel strut was compressed more than usual, they said.

The airline sent another aircraft from Mumbai to Dubai to operate the return Dubai-Madurai flight

The engineer, therefore, decided to ground the aircraft. The airline sent another aircraft from Mumbai to Dubai to operate the return Dubai-Madurai flight, they stated.

Asked about the matter, a SpiceJet spokesperson said, "On July 11, 2022, SpiceJet flight SG23 operating from Dubai to Madurai was delayed due to the last minute technical issue. Alternate aircraft was arranged immediately which brought passengers back to India."

"Flight delays can happen with any airline. There has been no incident or a safety scare on this flight," the spokesperson added. 

ALSO READ - SpiceJet flight makes emergency landing after smoke detected inside cabin

On July 11 the Boeing B737 Max aircraft with registration number VT-SZK operated the Mangaluru-Dubai flight

On July 2, a SpiceJet flight heading to Jabalpur returned to Delhi after the crew members observed smoke in the cabin at around 5,000 feet altitude. This was one of the nine incidents reported in 24 days.

ALSO READ - FIR filed against SpiceJet Chairman Ajay Singh; the airline calls it a “bogus complaint”

Amid cases of technical issues, SpiceJet airline's Managing Director Ajay Singh on July 11 was booked in Gurugram for allegedly duping a businessman worth crores of rupees on the pretext of allotting him company shares. The complainant -- Amit Arora -- has claimed that Singh has similarly defrauded others.

On July 12, the airline company said the complaint of alleged fraud filed by an individual against airline's Chairman Ajay Singh was "completely bogus" and a defamation suit will be filed against the complainant.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday, July 12 announced that Jharkhand is set to get three more airports. He also said that 14 new air routes will be made available in the state to increase connectivity.

Scindia, who accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Jharkhand, said the new airports will come up at Bokaro, Jamshedpur and Dumka. Earlier in the day, Modi inaugurated the Deoghar airport among other projects.

ALSO READ - PM Modi to inaugurate Deoghar Airport on July 12

"Jharkhand will soon have five airports. After Ranchi and Deoghar, we will set up airports in Bokaro, Jamshedpur and Dumka. Also, 14 new air routes will be introduced in the state to increase connectivity.India had 74 airports in the past 70 years. During the last eight years, 67 new airports have been established taking the total to 141, including heliports and water domes."Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation

The new routes include Dumka-Ranchi, Dumka-Kolkata, Bokaro-Patna, Bokaro-Kolkata, Deoghar-Patna and Deoghar-Kolkata, he said. The Deoghar airport will soon be connected to Ranchi, Patna and the national capital Delhi.

Daily direct flights from Delhi to Deoghar starting July 25

The new Deoghar Airport in Jharkhand will be connected to Delhi via direct to and fro flights starting July 25, the Ministry of Civil Aviation informed in a tweet.

https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1546515686528167937

IndiGo announces flight services between Delhi and Deoghar effective from July 30, 2022.

"This flight is in addition to the Kolkata-Deoghar route that was inaugurated today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. IndiGo will be the first airline to operate from Deoghar, which will boost connectivity to Jharkhand and nearby regions," the official statement by IndoGo read.

As a key step to provide direct connectivity to Baba Baidyanath Dham, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the much-awaited newly-built Deoghar Airport on July 12. It has been constructed at an estimated cost of around INR 400 crore.

IndiGo announces flight services between Delhi and Deoghar effective from July 30, 2022.

The Terminal Building of the airport is equipped to handle over five lakh passengers annually. IndiGo will operate the maiden flight from the airport to Kolkata today. 

The airport is ready to become operational as two flight run trials have been successful, officials earlier said. The Indian low-cost airline IndiGo recently announced that it will start flight operations between Jharkhand’s Deoghar and Kolkata from July 12. The Deoghar-Kolkata flights will operate four times each week from July 12.

When operational, the airport will be the second of international standards in Jharkhand after the Birsa Munda international airport in Ranchi and will provide air connectivity to Jharkhand, northern West Bengal, and south-eastern Bihar.

Elbit Systems has launched a state-of-the-art, and what the company calls, an innovative Helicopter Vision Suite that would help pilots "own the weather".

The Elbit X-Sight new Helmet Mounted Display

Elbit Systems

Touted to help pilots see through the body of an aircraft, much like a F-35 pilot, the new suite provides them with a real-time, clear, coloured wide field of view, during day and night, in challenging weather and visibility.

The X-Sight integrates a sophisticated sensor array, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered mission computer and a unique Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) system.

The Elbit X-Sight features the following:

the recently introduced X-Sight HMD system for helicoptera new AI-powered mission computer for real-time data fusion and machine learning of obstacles and threats as well as for running operational applicationsan integrated array of sensor systems combining the innovative Xplore radar with the operational BrightNite multi-spectral payload-this includes both day and Infra-Red cameras for thermal vision

The innovative "Xplore"

"Xplore" is a compact, sophisticated airborne radar that can be installed onboard an aircraft enabling flight during all visibility.

Elbit Systems new Xplore Aircraft Radar | Elbit Systems

Installed on the helicopter’s nose the integrated sensor array (BrightNite and the Xplore radar) provides a wide-angle view of the flight path and generates a synthetic picture of flight route terrain, providing advanced warning of obstacles, such as power lines and antennas, enabling low altitude flight even in zero visibility.

The Add-Ons

The AI-powered mission computer fuses the sensors’ information with preinstalled maps, and flight and mission data, presenting on the visor of the X-Sight HMD a real-time colour picture that includes an Augmented Reality overlay indicating obstacles, threats, the flight path and additional flight and mission information.

Elbit Systems

The enhanced user interface allows pilots to easily switch between operational applications at the touch of a button-from day flight to night flight to flight during heavy fog, landing pad analysis, obstacle mapping, collision alert and others.

The X-Sight helmet-mounted display reportedly has a 100×50 field of view and a range of 2,000 meters (6,561 feet).

Elbit Systems

Developed to support the Future Vertical Lift program and the Israeli Air Force helicopter fleet, it features an open architecture in full compliance with U.S. military standards for both hardware and software, offering increased flexibility for both users and partners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rMK6p6r0rs

SOURCE(s)

COVER: Elbit Systems

IndiGo has started disciplinary proceedings against the aircraft maintenance technicians who went on mass sick leave during the last five days to protest against low salaries, sources said on Tuesday, July 12.

The airline has asked the technicians concerned to report to the airline's doctor, along with necessary medical documents, so that the carrier can verify if they were actually sick, sources mentioned.

In an email sent to one such technician who took sick leave on July 10, IndiGo said that such an absence without any prior notice impacts the operations of the airline.

IndiGo initiates disciplinary action after several technicians call in sick

"Therefore…you are directed to meet our company doctors immediately along with necessary medical documents to substantiate your medical condition," it mentioned.

The airline did not respond to PTI's request for a statement on the matter. The email said that since the airline has not been able to get in touch with the technician, he should urgently take an appointment with the company doctor.

In case he does not make the appointment, the airline will conclude that he is "voluntarily staying away from work and treat it appropriately".

IndiGo said that such an absence without any prior notice impacts the operations of the airline.

During the last five days, a sizeable number of the airline's aircraft maintenance technicians went on sick leave to protest against their low salaries, and very few reported for their night shifts at the Delhi and Hyderabad airports.

A mail written by IndiGo’s aircraft maintenance technicians (AME) to the management was accessed by TOI. It said that AMEs undergo a specialized course and are paid around INR 20,000 to INR 30,000 a month. Trainees who are contracted for 12 months are paid INR 8,000 a month.

However, IndiGo on Monday, July 11 said it will "rationalise" the salaries of its aircraft maintenance technicians and remove "anomalies caused by the pandemic", according to internal communication.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the aviation industry as a whole including IndiGo has been through an unprecedented challenging period over the last 30 months.The technicians’ commitment towards the airline has remained steadfastly consistent through this rather difficult period. I am apprised of a few of your concerns about salary increases and I understand that during the last two years we have not been able to revise your compensation in accordance with historical levels.have reviewed this with our Leadership and our HR Group and I am pleased to share that we have agreement on rationalizing the anomalies caused by the pandemic. The letters reflecting this rationalization will be issued to you over the next two weeks and will be with effect from August 1, 2022."S C Gupta, Senior Vice President (Engineering), IndiGo

ALSO READ - 55% of IndiGo domestic flights delayed due to crew calling in sick; DGCA seeks explanation

On July 2, around 55% of IndiGo's domestic flights were delayed as a significant number of its cabin crew members took sick leave, with sources saying they ostensibly went for an Air India recruitment drive.

IndiGo had slashed the salaries of a large section of its employees when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak.

With more than 50% of the market, IndiGo continues to hold a commanding advantage over other Indian airlines despite the current circumstances.

New airline Akasa Air, revamped Jet Airways and Tata group-owned Air India have started hiring processes and this has created a churn in the aviation industry, with many employees looking for greener pastures.

With more than 50% of the market, IndiGo continues to hold a commanding advantage over other Indian airlines despite the current circumstances. IndiGo has never been the type to become overly complacent with the number one ranking and has constantly developed new tactics to stay on top.

ALSO READ - IndiGo reinstates pilots and crew salaries by 8% from August 1

In what can be termed as a major way forward toward sustainable aviation, the European Parliament approved draft EU rules on Thursday (7 July) to greatly increase the amount of green jet fuel used in the aviation sector.

Under plans formulated by the European Commission in July 2021, aircraft refuelling at EU airports will be obliged to use kerosene mixed with less polluting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The percentage of SAF in the mix would increase at roughly five-year intervals.

Representative | USA Today

The proposed rules, although not final yet, will have to be agreed upon by negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states. The proposals were originally put forward by the European executive commission last year and if approved, would be the first of their kind to be implemented.

We heard you when you called for climate action, and we are working as much as we can to achieve a truly green EuropeSøren Gade- the Danish lawmaker responsible for directing the file through Parliament

Reportedly, the suppliers will be required to blend a minimum of 2% of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into their kerosene from 2025, rising to 85% in 2050. This is more ambitious than the target of 63% by 2050 originally proposed by the Commission.

Expanding the SAF feedstock base

 SAFs were earlier limited to e-fuels and second-generation biofuels from EU-approved feedstocks as listed in the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive. The Parliament then voted to exclude palm oil by-products and food crops, including palm fatty acid distillates (PFAD), intermediate crops, and palm or soy-derived distillates.

Representative | Honeywell

Passengers can now trust that the ramp up of sustainable fuels in the coming years will not occur at the expense of food supplies for people or animals, nor damage our environmentA4E - a trade association representing major European airlines, said in a statement

Airlines, on the other hand, weren't exactly pleased with the higher levels of blending mandated by the parliament as that could possibly send the airfares over the roof.

Representative | Robb Report

Because SAFs, and especially e-fuels, will remain significantly more expensive than conventional jet fuel in the coming years, it is key that targets remain reasonable and that policy-makers work to limit the cost of the energy transition for passengersA4E

Negotiations between the Parliament and Council are expected to start in September, following which the agreed proposals will become law.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: Aerotime Hub