LA-8 from NASA: Producing Open eVTOL Data

The NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, is studying how electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operate and interact with an electric-propulsion system as several of these aircraft move toward certification.

The LA-8 is a part of NASA's Advanced Urban Air Mobility Test Beds project, which was started to establish a baseline for comprehending the aerodynamics of current and future aircraft in the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector, which includes the full range of electric aircraft from short-haul urban to regional flights.

The Langley Aerodrome No-8

At the NASA Langley Research Center, the Langley Aerodrome No. 8 (LA-8) is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft with distributed electric propulsion that is utilized for both free flight and wind tunnel testing. The goal of the LA-8 project is to provide a low-cost, modular test platform for advanced air mobility technologies, such as electric urban and short-range flight.

NASA

New electric VTOL and short takeoff and landing (STOL) designs may quickly have their aerodynamic, acoustic, and flight dynamics analyses verified using the techniques utilized on the LA-8. The flight vehicle will also be utilized to develop test procedures for FAA flight vehicle airworthiness certification and to create reliable, fault-tolerant flight control algorithms.

This particular aircraft doubles as both a wind tunnel and flight dynamics model. he idea is to obtain useful data that can be used to perfect modeling toolssaid David North, Unmanned Aerial Systems Section Lead at NASA Langley

The tricycle landing gear on the LA-8 consists of an inverted V-shaped frame for the back landing gear and a vertical strut at the front of the aircraft. About 80% of the model is constructed using nylon and polycarbonate 3D printers, allowing engineers to quickly alter the wings, the fuselage, and add other model components like propellers and computer systems. The flexibility of the aircraft's primary parts enables swift configuration adjustments to take other designs into consideration.

eVTOL.news

Technical papers for conferences sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) as well as summaries posted on the NASA Technical Reports Server have all been published so far on the LA-8 program (NTRS). The early development work on the drone is highlighted in "Design and Fabrication of the Langley Aerodrome No. 8 Distributed Electric Propulsion VTOL Testbed."

The emerging class of eVTOL aircraft has considerable, even transformative market potential. That said, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed before the full market potential of eVTOL aircraft can be realizedsaid Ray Jaworowski, senior aerospace analyst, Forecast International

Analysts agree that this innovative, environmentally friendly method of aviation travel has potential despite the difficulties. According to Fortune Business Insights, the market for eVTOL aircraft will be worth $5.4 billion by 2021. The market is anticipated to increase to $23.21B by 2028.

The vast majority of data from eVTOL developers is not publicly available. Some companies don’t have the resources to generate the data necessary to build accurate models. Others, like Joby Aviation, Archer and Beta Technologies have the resources to hire analysts and modelers, but are not sharing that dataNorth said

As a result, NASA Langley is accumulating information that is accessible to everyone, including the makers of eVTOL aircraft, authorities, and the general flying public. The potential uses for eVTOL are vast and diverse, despite issues with profitability, regulation, and operations.

SOURCE(s): NASA | eVTOL.news

COVER: ResearchGate

Indian aviation regulator DGCA on Friday removed the 50% cap restrictions on SpiceJet flights. From winter schedule, which kicks in from October 30th - 25th March 2023, SpiceJet airline can operate with full capacity.

This comes after DGCA extended restrictions on SpiceJet to operate only 50 per cent of departures till October 29, 2022.

The airline’s services were capped at half its approved schedule after a string of air safety incidents in the summer, when the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also put the carrier under enhanced surveillance comprising audits and safety checks.

DGCA lifts 50% cap on SpiceJet flights.

"The airline is complying with all the directions emanating from audits/checks. Hence, the restrictions on them will not be extended further and they are allowed to operate flights without any restrictions.”Arun Kumar, the Director General of DGCA.

Over 21,941 flights on domestic routes will be operated every week in the winter schedule. The number of weekly flights is expected to be 1.55% lower than 22,287 flights that operated in the previous winter schedule.

According to a PTI report, in the upcoming Winter Schedule 2022, 21,941 departures per week have been approved from 105 airports. Out of these 105 airports Deoghar, Shimla and Rourkela are the new airports proposed by the scheduled airlines.

Scheduled airlines will operate 21,941 flights on domestic routes every week in the winter schedule starting from October 30.

Out of the total 21,941 departures, the maximum will be by IndiGo at 10,085 followed by SpiceJet at 3,193.

Air India will have 1,990 departures, Vistara (1,941), Air Asia (1,462), Go Air (1,390), Alliance Air (1,034), Akasa Air (479), Fly Big (214) and Star Air (153).

Amazon is leasing new aircraft and adding a new partner to its Amazon Air delivery network.

The e-tail giant is leasing 10 Airbus A330-300s through aircraft lessor Altavair. The aircraft, which will be maintained and operated by new Amazon Air partner Hawaiian Airlines, and are scheduled to take flight in late 2023.

During the past two years, the company has added more aircraft to its global fleet, which currently features more than 110 planes.

Amazon Air has been operating a fleet of Boeing aircraft, and this is for the first time that the e-commerce giant is inducting aircraft from Airbus.

Amazon Air has been operating a fleet of Boeing aircraft.

"The endorsement of our freighters by Amazon speaks volumes about the market value of the A330 and the position Airbus wide-bodies are gaining in the cargo market.Amazon has built a reputation around delivering their goods to our doorsteps with extraordinary speed and consistency, and we’re very proud that our aircraft are trusted to become a key link in that remarkable logistics chain.”Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

Airbus has noted that the aircraft are currently being transformed from passenger units to freighters by Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW).

The 10 leased Airbus A330-300s will be the first A330 freighter conversions to operate in the U.S. when they enter the Amazon Air network in late 2023.

At the same time, the company will also begin phasing out some older aircraft whose tenure are nearing expiration. In addition, the new Airbus A330-300s will also be the newest and largest aircraft flown by Amazon Air.

The first of their A330-300P2F aircraft is expected to join the Amazon Air fleet in late 2023.

"These A330s will not only be the first of their kind in our fleet, but they’ll also be the newest, largest aircraft for Amazon Air, allowing us to deliver more customer packages with each flight.Additionally, we are bringing on a new partner, Hawaiian Airlines, which will maintain and operate these aircraft on our behalf."Sarah Rhoads, VP, Amazon Global Air, said in a corporate blog post.

Amazon operated its own budding air fleet since 2016. During the onset of the pandemic, they reportedly leased 12 Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft for a total of more than 80 aircraft in its fleet. Now, Amazon Air’s global network of planes totals more than 110. Rather than add to that number, Amazon said the new Airbus editions are meant to phase out older models still operating in its fleet.

With inputs from chainstoreage.

Air India on Friday, October 21 appointed Henry Donohoe as the head of its safety, security and quality functions, stated a press release. The Tata group has been working on reviving Air India's fortunes and is also implementing the long-term transformation plan 'Vihaan.AI'.

ALSO READ – Air India unveils Vihaan.AI – a comprehensive 5-year transformation plan

The company has prepared a detailed roadmap titled, ‘Vihaan.AI’ focusing on five key pillars including exceptional customer experience, robust operations, industry-best talent, industry leadership, and commercial efficiency and profitability.

Air India picks Henry Donohoe as the head of its safety, security and quality functions

Donohoe, an Irish national, will take over as the head of Air India's Safety, Security and Quality function from November 7. He has extensively worked with various international carriers in the past. He started his career at Aer Lingus in 1978 and became its Chief Pilot before going on to head key departments including Safety, Quality, Flight Operations and Engineering.

"Donohoe then spent seven years with Emirates Airline in various safety roles, ultimately as Divisional Senior Vice President Flight Operations and Primary Crisis Director," PTI quoted the release. Most recently, Donohoe served as Senior Vice President of Safety, Security, Compliance & Emergency Response at Norwegian Air.

"Even as we pursue our Vihaan.AI ambitions, including the tripling of our fleet, safe and secure operations remain Air India's number-one priority. We are therefore delighted to welcome someone of Henry's experience and calibre to the Air India family, and look forward to his contribution to our Safety, Security and Quality functions."Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India

At the airline, he was responsible for the integration of multiple AOCs and Safety, and security & compliance departments under a single entity, among other initiatives. He has also served on the IATA Safety Committee and Flight Safety Foundation Board of Governance.

After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata Group in January this year.

ALSO READ - Air India preparing to compete with the leading airlines of the world

During the 75th Anniversary of Supersonic Flight Ceremony at the 2022 Aerospace Valley Open House, Air Show & STEM Expo, a new supersonic corridor was announced.

The Aviation Geek Club

This supersonic tunnel was dubbed in honor of the valiant group who helped push humanity to new heights of success. In the newly dubbed "Bell X-1 Supersonic Corridor," Maj. Alex "Brick" Shuler, an F-22 Test Pilot, became the first pilot to breach the sound barrier.

A trip down the memory lane

Chuck Yeager, who was born on February 13th, 1923, in Myra, West Virginia, joined the US Army in September 1941, just after finishing high school, and was enlisted in the Army Air Corps.

The Aviationist

Yeager was chosen to pilot the Bell X-1, a classified experimental aircraft designed to test the human pilot's capabilities and the fixed-wing aircraft's resistance to the extreme aerodynamic forces of supersonic flight. He rode the X-1 while attached to a B-29 mother ship on October 14, 1947, over Rogers Dry Lake in southern California, reaching a height of 25,000 feet (7,600 metres). Yeager became the first person to break the sound barrier when the X-1 launched independently to 40,000 feet (12,000 meters), which is equivalent to an altitude of 662 miles (1,066 kilometers) per hour.

Yeager flew in an F-15 Eagle to mark the 50th anniversary of his historic X-1 flight in 1997 when he was 74 years old.

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, California

Maj. Shuler, who is currently a test pilot for the F-22 at Edwards Air Force Base, would hold the incredible honor of becoming the first pilot to break the sound barrier in a new era of supersonic flying.

F-22 Test Pilot Maj. Alex “Brick” Shuler | The Aviation Geek Club

This is the only base where I have been stationed where you can go out and do a supersonic test and then come home and have your wife complain that you sonic boomed the house. When I request instead of the High Altitude Supersonic Corridor, I will request the Bell X-1 Supersonic Corridor. I think it will be cool to say on the radioMaj. Shuler jokingly explained

We are proud of our past collaboration and resiliency successes, and we look forward to building on our historic past to advance aviation technology and innovation both at Edwards Air Force Base and everywhere else- Brig. Gen. Matthew Higer, Commander, 412th Test Wing said.

A group of Airmen demonstrated that the sound barrier was not impenetrable less than a month after the Air Force became a separate service. They broke Mach 2 through 6 above Edwards AFB during the following 15 years thanks to continuing collaboration between the Air Force, NASA, and other contractors, and their accomplishment signaled the start of a new era in aviation.

The High Altitude Supersonic Corridor is officially dead. We rename that chunk of airspace, that critical piece of our infrastructure in the test and training environment in honor of the team of Big A Airmen whose collective individual contributions join into something much powerful than they could have ever imaginedBrig. Gen. Matthew Higer

Thousands of young students had the opportunity to witness the innovative spirit of forerunners like Charles Yeager, Jack Ridley, Robert Cardenas, and Jack Russell still permeate the remote area of the Mojave Desert where they made history shortly after the first sonic boom in the renamed Bell X-1 Supersonic Corridor sounded above Edwards.

F22 Raptor | Representative | Source

We are going to use the supersonic corridor every week to go out and do envelope expansion missions, we got new hardware we are putting on the F-22. This jet is our air dominance fighter that we will be using for the next decade. There is a lot of work left to do. Hopefully, we can inspire the next generation to study hard and build the next thing- he further added.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: NASA

Varun Berry has been appointed chairman of Go First (formerly Go Air), weeks after he was named vice chairman and managing director of Wadia Group flagship Britannia, said people with knowledge of the matter.

Berry, 61, who was a director at the carrier, will steer the company in a challenging environment for aviation ahead of plans to tap the capital market. He succeeds group promoter Nusli Wadia, 78, who becomes chairman emeritus. Ben Baldanza, the former CEO of US carrier Spirit Airlines, will continue as vice chairman of GoAir, having come on board in March last year.

Almost 10 years since Wadia handpicked Berry as CEO to transform sluggish biscuit maker Britannia into a profitable foods company, he has emerged as the patriarch's key strategist. Berry is also expected to play a significant role in other Wadia Group entities such as Bombay Dyeing.

Varun Berry appointed as the chairman of Go First

As chairman of Go First, Varun Berry will work with the top management team, said people with knowledge of the matter. Berry declined to comment on his group role while Nusli Wadia was unreachable for comment.

ALSO READ - Go First to postpone IPO again till November

Go First has been deferring its planned initial public offering (IPO) to raise INR 3,600 crore due to the weak consumer sentiment on aviation stocks, buffeted by the pandemic and surging jet fuel costs.

ALSO READ – Go First files for IPO at INR 3,600 crore valuation

Berry will also handhold new Britannia CEO Rajneet Kohli, formerly of Jubilant FoodWorks, who has been mandated to use his e-commerce experience to make the foods major a digital data-driven company.

Vice chairman Berry will continue to handle marketing for Britannia and additionally focus on government relations, diversity, inclusion and corporate social responsibility, an area Britannia could do a lot more, he has said. Jeh Wadia, the younger son of Nusli Wadia, had been at the helm of affairs at the carrier since its inception in 2005 before stepping down as MD in March 2021.

As chairman of Go First, Varun Berry will work with the top management team

ALSO READ – Go First plans to launch the IPO by July after months of deliberation; mulls inducting more aircraft

The airline plans to convert its entire fleet of Airbus A320 Neos and Airbus A320 Ceos to Airbus A321 Neos. The airline currently has 52 A320 Neos and 6 A320 Ceos in its fleet.

Go First plans to take deliveries of 10 aircraft per year until 2023-24 and another 72 aircraft will be delivered between 2023-24 and 2026-27.

ALSO READ – Go First grounds over a fifth of its fleet due to delayed deliveries of engines by Pratt & Whitney

Go First has also grounded more than a fifth of its fleet due to delayed deliveries of aircraft engines by Pratt & Whitney. The airline has grounded about a dozen of its 57 planes for weeks as it awaits delivery of the upgraded versions of the PW1100G geared turbofan engines which power the A320neo aircraft.

(With Inputs from The Economic Times)