The VoloIQ aerospace project - Volocopter teams up with Microsoft to digitize commercial operations

The news of a collaboration between Volocopter and Microsoft was first made public in 2020 when Volocopter and Lufthansa Industry Solutions announced plans to develop the VoloIQ for autonomous aircraft operations using Microsoft Azure.

Volocity | Representative | Volocopter

The concept behind the VoloIQ is pretty simple- it aims at providing complete digital transparency and greater ecosystem efficiency in real-time. By utilizing this digital resource, Volocopter’s services and all the relevant process elements needed to realize this service will be user-friendly and digitally accessible for customers, pilots, operators, and stakeholders alike.

Touted to be the digital backbone for enabling the whole Volocopter Urban Air Mobility Services ecosystem, it will also serve as the brain for the company's air taxi services.

Aviation Today

Volocopter’s proprietary intelligent and integrated “Urban Air Mobility Software Platform” will run on Microsoft Azure and will enable the VoloIQ's flight and service support for Volocopter's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft-Volocity, Volodrone and VoloConnect), alongside ground infrastructure (VoloPort) support in real-time.

Volodrone | Representative | New Atlas

VoloIQ will use artificial intelligence to enable :

Global-scale air taxi operationsSeamless customer service (such as simple booking) and integration with smart cities, existing mobility providers, and new servicesIncrease safety and efficiency, decrease costs, and ensure a reliable and smooth user experience off- and onlineOptimize aircraft utilization and an increased lifetime for individual components

From the newest technologies to regulation, creating solutions to seamlessly address the cloud computing requirements for supporting continued advancements in aviation is a complex endeavor. We certainly see the potential a secure, robust, and efficient cloud platform could offer aerospace and urban air mobility operators. Working in collaboration with Volocopter, we will start to build the foundation for a commercial model for an aerospace cloud.Uli Homann— CVP of Cloud and AI at Microsoft

Uli Homann | Twitter

Furthermore, the VoloIQ's solid scope will streamline Volocopter's transition into an autonomous air taxi services provider when the time comes and bolster its efficient maintenance and infrastructure as soon as it becomes operational.

Having Microsoft on board as a project partner and investor is proof that the solutions Volocopter creates – like the VoloIQ – are pioneering and hold remarkable market potential. We're proud that Microsoft Azure is the one to provide a secure cloud and thus to ensure safety remains at the forefront of our operationssaid Alexander Oelling, Volocopter's Chief Digital Officer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw-CPfsoM8A

Volocopter plans to launch commercial flights in Paris and Singapore by 2024.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: Volocopter

InterGlobe Aviation, the operator of India’s largest airline IndiGo, on May 25 reported a consolidated net loss of INR 1,681.80 crore for the quarter ended March 2022 (Q4FY22), due to a surge in aircraft fuel expenses.

The company had posted a net loss of INR 1141.98 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. A Bloomberg poll had estimated a quarterly net loss of INR 978.30 crore on revenue of INR 8.000.30 crore for the quarter under review.

Revenue of the company jumped 29% from a year ago to INR 8,020.75 crore versus INR 6,222.95 crore logged in the same quarter last year. Its passenger ticket revenues came in at INR 6,884.70 crore, up 38.4% while ancillary revenues stood at INR 1,058.30 crore, up 18.8% compared to the same period last fiscal.

IndiGo reports a loss of INR 1,682 crore due to a surge in aircraft fuel expenses in Q4

Ebitdar (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and restructuring or rent cost) for the quarter fell 73.50% YoY to INR 171.80 crore from INR 648.30 crore. Ebitdar margin plunged 830 basis points to 2.1% from 10.4%.

Fuel expenses surged over 68% to INR 3,220.58 crore against INR 1,914.46 crore a year ago. Overall costs; however, rose 32% to INR 9,885 crore during the same period.

"This quarter has been difficult because of the demand destruction caused by the Omicron virus in the first half. Although traffic rebounded and demand was robust during the latter half of the quarter, we were challenged by high fuel costs and a weakening rupee.As we work to return the airline to profitability, we are focused on maintaining our cost leadership position and continuing to build the most efficient network in the region."Ronojoy Dutta, CEO, IndiGo

So far this year, Brent crude has surged 50% while in the March quarter it gained nearly 39%. Operating profit margin contracted sharply to 2.1% in the quarter from 10.4% a year ago.

Dutta further said that the company believes IndiGo is best positioned to maximise revenue in a recovering market.

The airline’s fleet, comprising 41 A320ceos, 143 A320neos, 56 A321neos, and 35 ATRs, operated a peak of 1,577 daily flights, including non-scheduled flights, during the quarter.

During Covid, IndiGo’s highest quarterly loss was INR 3,174.2 crore in Q1 FY 22.

The firm said it sees the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023 capacity to increase by around 150% while for the whole fiscal, it expects capacity to increase by around 55-60%.

As of 31 March, IndiGo had a total cash balance of INR 18,227.5 crore, while the airline’s total debt (including the capitalised operating lease liability) stood at INR 36,877.80 crore. During Covid, IndiGo’s highest quarterly loss was INR 3,174.2 crore in Q1 FY 22.

IndiGo's load factor (occupancy rate) in the quarter ending March was 76.7% as compared to 70.2% recorded in the quarter ending March during the last year, it said. Yields, a metric of profitability, increased 19.2% to INR 4.40.

The airline’s fleet, comprising 41 A320ceos, 143 A320neos, 56 A321neos, and 35 ATRs, operated a peak of 1,577 daily flights, including non-scheduled flights, during the quarter.

ALSO READ - After 7 quarters of losses, IndiGo reported a profit of INR 130 crore

InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, in February reported a standalone net profit of INR 130 crore for the quarter ending December 31, 2021, due to a rebound in travel demand during the holiday season, though fuel costs surged.

It reported a net loss of INR 620 crore in the year-ago period. Revenue from operations rose 90% to INR 9,295 crore as against INR 4,910 crore in Q3FY21.

Can commercial planes go supersonic?

The Canadian plane manufacturer, Bombardier, has now confirmed the launch of its new business jet, the Global 8000. Touted to restore supersonic passenger flights nearly two decades after Concorde’s retirement, the news comes as a ray of hope for all the supersonic travel buffs.

The world's first supersonic commercial aircraft, the Concorde flew for the first time in 1976 although planes could go supersonic only over the ocean back then. This kept the potentially lucrative overland routes off-limits thereby severely restricting supersonic travel's business prospects.

Bombardier

Reportedly, the news comes after a Global 7500 test vehicle broke the sound barrier during a demonstration flight last May, achieving speeds of more than Mach 1.015. Consequently, the G7500, which was accompanied by a NASA F/A-18 chase plane, became the first Transport Category airplane to fly supersonic with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)-according to Bombardier.

The Global 8000 aircraft leverages the outstanding attributes of the Global 7500 aircraft, providing our customers with a flagship aircraft of a new era Éric Martel, president and CEO of Bombardier, said in a statement made on Monday

Global 8000 | Bombardier

Tech and specs

Touted to be “the world’s fastest and longest-range purpose-built business jet”, the Global 8000 is projected to clock an unbeatable top speed of Mach 0.94—the fastest ever in business aviation.

Top speed0.94 MTake-off distance5760 ftLanding distance2237 ftMaximum operating altitude51,000 ftGE Passport Thrust18,920 lbf

Range

With an industry-leading range of 8,000 nautical miles, the Global 8000 business jet unlocks tens of thousands of popular city pair possibilities—including new ultra-long-range routes, such as Dubai to Houston, Singapore to Los Angeles and London to Perth, among many others.

STOL

Bombardier

The Global 8000 also delivers the longest range from even the shortest runways and in all weather conditions- all thanks to its innovative GE Passport engines and its revolutionary Smooth Fl?x Wing.

Source

The Smooth Flex-Wing is engineered like two wings in one: a high-lift wing for exceptional low-speed agility and a high-speed wing for unrivalled speed and range.

Representative | Bombardier

Cabin features

With a cabin altitude of 2,900 feet, the jet features the industry’s lowest cabin altitude to help feel more comfortable, especially on long-distance flights.

The Nuage seat is the first new seat architecture in 30 years with the industry’s first zero-gravity seating position designed for physical wellbeing and effortless comfort.

Bombardier

Bombardier’s Soleil lighting system is aviation’s first circadian rhythm-based cabin lighting fully integrated into the Flight Management System with a revolutionary Dynamic Daylight Simulation feature to help combat jet lag.

Bombardier

The cutting-edge nice Touch cabin management system is designed exclusively for the Global 8000 aircraft. Elegant and intuitive, the nice Touch system’s unique OLED touch dial control allows you to adjust a host of cabin settings quickly and comfortably.

Bombardier

Its been almost two decades since the Concorde was retired and the Global 8000 is one of the many projects ongoing in the industry aimed at increasing the speed of commercial aircraft.

According to Bombardier, the Global 8000 is scheduled to enter service in 2025.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5ANek3BinU&t=3s

SOURCE(s)

COVER: FlightGlobal

The road to providing a net zero-emissions infrastructure might be long but we are getting there. Urban Air Port (UAP) has been conducting a concept show in Coventry, UK of "Air One"- touted to be the world's first vertiport and as the highly successful event draws to a close, has chosen Osprey as one of its preferred partners to provide the charging for non-aeronautical vehicles at its vertiport sites.

Air One | Proactive Investors

Osprey, one of the UK’s leading charge point operators, will help facilitate a seamless, intermodal, zero-emission journey.

The event that spanned three weeks, saw Osprey providing several stations as a means ofdemonstrating on-site ‘charging as a service’. This will form a key part of UAP’s non-aeronautical revenue in the months ahead, which will be delivered through its digital platform and customer offering,‘Urban-Air Choice’ and the accompanying app.

To accomplish this, Osprey uses the latest technology to provide easy-to-use, accessible, rapid chargers, powered by electricity generated from 100% renewable sources. Furthermore, the chargers accept contactless and app payments and will be integrated into Urban-Air Choice on the UAP app.

Illustrative | Smart Home Charge

Our goal is to  provide agnostic ground infrastructure for EVTOL cargo and passenger air taxis, including ground transport, as demonstrated at Air One – A seamless, zero-emission, intermodal journey is now possible. We’re delighted to have Osprey join our Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem, the world’s strongest and most sustainable. We look forward to building holistic, viable and sustainable infrastructure solutions that can help us all achieve our net zero goalsRicky Sandhu, Founder & Executive Chairman at Urban-Air Port Ltd said

Ricky Sandhu | The Primrose Hill Magazine

The right Infrastructure, as is with anything, plays a huge role in the success of any industry. The two companies share a like-minded vision and aim to remove the main barrier to the success of the EV industry – infrastructure.

Representative | Auto Futures

We’re delighted to be partnering with Urban-Air Port to provide safe, reliable and accessible charging at its future sites. The eVTOL space is hugely exciting and is becoming increasingly relevant as the world looks to reduce its emissions in all forms of transport. From those electrifying the vehicles on our roads to our skies, we love collaborating with innovators in the EV world, and we look forward continuing to work with Urban-Air Port on its future exciting projectsIan Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging said

Representative | Agencia Infra

Although now in its infancy, UAP aims to deploy its multi-modal hub on a mass scale, creating a network of connectivity, while Osprey is building one of the UK’s largest vehicle charging infrastructure networks.

Furthermore, UAP also has plans of deploying Osprey’s innovative charging technology at several future sites throughout the UK.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: Industry Europe

The Honda Aircraft Company makes its presence at the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) 2022 held in Geneva and can be approached at Booth N61, Static AD9. The company will be showcasing recent developments such as the introductions of the updated HondaJet Elite S, HondaJet 2600 concept jet, and another annual crowning as the most delivered aircraft in its class.

Produced by the Honda Aircraft Company of Greensboro, North Carolina, United States-the Honda HA-420 HondaJet is a light business jet that made its maiden flight on December 3, 2003, and received its FAA type certificate in December 2015.

Aerospace Technology

Apparently, Honda managed to deliver 37 of its distinctive over-the-wing-engine-mount-configured HondaJet HA420s last year- the most in the very light jet category for the fifth consecutive year.

Additionally, the company delivered its 200th HondaJet in December-surpassing 100,000 fleet flight hours in January and receiving type certification last year from Thailand - the 14th country to approve the HA420. The company's sales and services spread over a wide geographic expanse including  Europe, North America, Latin America, Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East, India, Japan, and Russia.

Introducing the HondaJet Elite S

Aerospace Technology

Tech and specs

Touted to be the world’s most advanced light jet as the farthest, highest, and fastest flying aircraft in its class, the Elite S's expanded operational capability allows an extended MTOW of 200 lbs.

Features a seamless human-machine interface intended to replace traditional voice commands with text-based messaging for departure clearance and en-route services were available in the United States.

The "COM3" functionality allows the operator to disable the Datalink Mode of the radio and use it as a traditional 3rd VHF (comes with a selection of FAA Data Comm, ACARS, or CPDLC).

Representative | Aerospace Technology

The HondaJet Elite S has a range of 1437 nautical miles, making it the farthest-flying aircraft in its class. This is made possible by the Elite S's refined aerodynamics and increased fuel capacity, which maximizes range for longer trips.

The Over-The-Wing Engine Mount configuration creates a natural sound barrier, making for a more tranquil flight while significantly reducing ground-detected noise.

Pinterest

The HondaJet Elite S carbon composite fuselage is both stronger and lighter than the aluminium used by other aircraft in its class, letting it fly higher and faster while using less fuel.

Featuring greater automation to enhance operational safety, the Under-Speed Protection system available during both autopilot and manual flight prevent a stall condition by automatically adjusting aircraft pitch until a safe airspeed is restored.

In the event of a missed approach, Go-Around mode can be activated at the push of a button to lessen pilot workload as they prepare for the next flight phase.

The HondaJet Elite S features the largest cabin in class, with a fully-private lavatory and smartphone-controlled cabin environment.

Paramount Business Jets

The aircraft offers unmatched efficiency, keeping in line with the company's commitment to preserving the environment.

Maximum Cruise Speed at FL300422 KTAS (782 km/h)Maximum Cruise AltitudeFL430NBAA IFR Range (4 occupants)1437 nm (2661 km)Engine ManufacturerGE Honda / HF120Engine Output (Uninstalled Thrust)2050 lbf each derated from 2095 lbf eachBypass Ratio2.9Wing Span39.76 ft (12.12 m)Height14.90 ft (4.54 m)Length42.62 ft (12.99 m)Typical Configuration1 crew + 6 pax / 2 crew + 5 paxAlternative Configuration1 crew + 7 pax / 2 crew + 6 paxHondaJet

Introduced last May at the company’s first virtual product launch, the HondaJet Elite S features a full-service galley, private lavatory with an optional belted seat, and an industry-first Bongiovi sound system. Furthermore, the flight deck includes a customized Garmin G3000 avionics suite and FAA DataComm and ACARS have been added to replace traditional voice commands with text-based messaging.

Representative | Aviation Week

Taking HondaJet’s signature exterior profile to the next level, the Elite S livery introduces three new colour options and logos.

Representative | Reddit

Hideto Yamasaki, who is the new president and director, takes over after former president-Michimasa Fujino retired on March 31. Fujino led the design and development of the HondaJet and the launch of Honda Aircraft as a new business jet manufacturer and Yamasaki is carrying on that legacy moving forward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFPOEYdu2lA

SOURCE(s)

COVER: Hondajet

The manufacture of the Airbus "RACER" high-speed compound aircraft is rapidly gaining momentum at the manufacturer’s facility in Marignane, France, with the company planning for its maiden flight, possibly by the end of this year.

Airbus Helicopters Rapid and Cost-Efficient Rotorcraft (RACER)

Developed in the frame of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project involving 40 partners in 13 European countries, the Racer demonstrator was unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2017. Two years later, it passed its critical design review and achieved significant manufacturing leads by 2020.

Airbus

All the major components from the 40 partners have arrived for the final assembly of the aircraft in Marignane, while the main gearbox will be delivered by the Italian manufacturer-Avio Aero, in June.

The first assembly phase took place at Airbus Helicopters' site in Donauwörth, Germany, which involved the installation of several major components such as the canopy, the box wings, the fuel system, and the cowlings, and more.

Design | Tech | Specs

heliopsmag

The high-speed demonstrator is touted to be optimised for a cruise speed of more than 400 km/h (the average helicopter can reach a top speed of about 260 km/h) and aims at achieving the best trade-off between speed, cost-efficiency and mission performance. Powered by two Aneto-1X engines, one of which can be shut down while in cruise flight, the aircraft will register significant fuel savings, thanks to the innovative Safran eco-mode hybrid-electrical system.

The Aneto-1X engines are touted to provide 25% more power than similar-size engines.

The aircraft’s asymmetrical tailboom also helps to generate a lateral force, requiring less power from the propellers in hover flight.

Airbus

Weighing in at nearly 7-8 tonnes, the Racer is designed to cruise nearly twice as fast as a conventional helicopter and with a target range of 400 nm.

The central fuselage

Airbus

Designed and manufactured by Romania’s RoRCraft consortium and the aerospace company ROMAERO, the Racer lightweight airframe is a major achievement for the teams as this is the first time such an advanced hybrid helicopter structure, incorporating both metallic and composite primary structural elements, has been produced in Romania.

The side shells

RACER side shells | Airbus

 The Racer’s shell components, made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), have been manufactured in a highly automated process by a research team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Foundry, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV in Germany.

The wings

Illustrative | verticalmag

Optimised for aerodynamic efficiency, the patented “double wing” or “box wing” provides lift in cruise mode while enhancing safety around the demonstrator during ground operations

The landing gear

Airbus

Integrated inside the wing and fuselage with a movable-door system, the landing gear was conceived to minimize drag when retracted. When extended, the system will provide a large track for a safe landing.

Furthermore, the aircraft also features an “eco mode"- which Safran states, can reportedly result in a 15% reduction in fuel burn-when one of the two engines is placed in standby mode during cruise flight.

Reportedly, Airbus’ patented ‘Blue Edge’ rotor technology, together with the company's experience with advanced blade technology will help to reduce the noise footprint of the aircraft.

We are moving towards a first flight for the demonstrator in the second half of 2022, more towards the end of the yearBrice Makinadjian-the company’s chief engineer for the program, told AIN during a media briefing in Marignane, France, ahead of Heli-Expo 2022

According to him, the concept is scalable and is also fully applicable to military missions, but that apparently, falls outside the scope of the Clean Sky 2 initiative, which focuses purely on innovations in the civil sector.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: Source