MRO's Archives - Page 23 of 108 - Aviation, Inflight and Aero Connectivity Consultants

IFS and Lockheed Martin Form Enhanced Partnership

IFS, a provider of cloud-based enterprise applications, and Lockheed Martin have collaborated to form a strategic alliance aimed at assisting aerospace and defense entities in optimizing the benefits derived from their enterprise software investments. Their joint efforts also focus on updating equipment maintenance and support procedures while ensuring the readiness of assets for missions. (Photo: IFS)

IFS and Lockheed Martin recently announced a new partnership designed to strengthen their position in the marketplace by capitalizing on each of the organizations’ strengths. This partnership — one of several collaborations between the two companies — will promote various products and services that will assist aerospace and defense groups in modernizing both equipment and supporting technological infrastructure.

As a developer of cloud enterprise software for companies that manufacture, distribute, and maintain goods, IFS is positioned well to partner with Lockheed Martin. With a team of over 5,500 employees located across 80 countries, the company has used technology to innovate and reimagine the software producers and distributors need to keep operations running smoothly.

Lockheed’s role under the agreement is to use IFS software at Lockheed’s Innovation Demonstration Center at its Training and Logistics Solutions facility near Orlando, Florida. Furthermore, the two companies will coordinate bid processes for customer opportunities while sharing technology plans to better align their products for customers.

“At Lockheed Martin, we develop highly-tailored solutions to help our customers achieve their critical missions,” said Reeves Valentine, vice president of land and maritime solutions, at Lockheed’s Rotary and Mission Systems division. “Delivering digital tools with intuitive interfaces, streamlined workflows, and AI-powered features keeps our military ahead of evolving threats. This partnership with IFS combines both companies’ efforts to ensure our customers have the most innovative defense capabilities.”

The companies have collaborated in the past to support mutual goals. In May 2021, the United States Navy selected Lockheed Martin and IFS’ Naval Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (N-MRO) solution to streamline various platforms into one modernized logistics information system. That system, called Total Asset Readiness, utilized artificial intelligence (AI), digital-twin capabilities, and predictive analytics to help the U.S. Navy manage the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of over 3,000 assets ranging from aircraft to ships to land-based machinery.

The intuitive nature of the Total Asset Readiness interface was designed to help streamline workflows and save time. IFS was responsible for providing the program that powered the system, demonstrating the relevance to defense primes like Lockheed. Moving forward, both IFS and Lockheed believe the complementary nature of their products and services will allow them to further enhance the technological infrastructure of defense organizations and other customers.

The post IFS and Lockheed Martin Form Enhanced Partnership appeared first on Avionics International.

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Reliable Robotics and NASA Conduct Flight Tests to Advance Aircraft Automation Systems

Reliable Robotics and NASA conducted a series of flight tests to validate the use of existing primary surveillance radar (PSR) data from the FAA for detect-and-avoid capabilities. (Photos: Reliable Robotics)

Last month, Reliable Robotics and NASA announced that they had completed a series of flight tests to validate the use of existing primary surveillance radar (PSR) data from the FAA for improving safety in the airspace.

This past week, Reliable Robotics provided a demonstration of its remotely operated aircraft system during the Golden Phoenix readiness exercise at Travis Air Force Base (AFB). The aircraft conducted a mission that was automated, from auto-taxi and auto-takeoff to climbout and auto-landing, with an onboard test pilot.

Last August, Reliable Robotics received acceptance from the FAA for the certification basis associated with its autonomous aircraft navigation system. The FAA accepted the company’s G-1 issue paper for the autonomous platform that has already been demonstrated on the Cessna 208 Caravan.

Reliable Robotics develops innovative systems to enable remotely piloted aircraft. The team is doing this under an FAA certification program for a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The initial target platform for this innovation is the Cessna Caravan, although the technology should be adaptable for other aircraft in the future, said Robert Rose, co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics, in an interview with Avionics International.

Robert W. Rose, CEO and co-founder

The key objective of conducting these recent flight tests with NASA was to demonstrate a high-precision, high-integrity navigation system that enables automatic landing and take-off in addition to auto taxiing. While the first certification phase includes a pilot onboard, they are not required to interact physically with the controls. Instead, Reliable Robotics’ advanced system takes over the entire pre-flight process. The pilot’s role is primarily focused on monitoring the primary display system, without the need to manipulate the flight controls.

This technology brings us closer to a future where aircraft can operate entirely without pilot interaction, even during emergencies. Once this level of automation is achieved, discussions can be initiated on the possibility of relocating pilots to control centers on the ground. However, two critical factors need to be addressed to enable such a transition. Firstly, solving the communication challenge between the remote pilot and the aircraft is essential. This includes ensuring reliable interaction for situational awareness and providing the ability to issue instructions to the aircraft, especially when encountering unexpected conditions. For instance, the remote pilot may need to redirect the aircraft to avoid adverse weather conditions or alter the landing location in emergency scenarios.

Rose shed light on another crucial aspect of advancing aviation technology: detect-and-avoid (DAA) capabilities. Ensuring safe distances between aircraft to minimize the risk of mid-air collisions is of paramount importance. Reliable Robotics and NASA embarked on a collaborative test to address this challenge. “We’ve got folks that have been deeply engaged with RTCA Special Committee 228 for almost a decade now, and a great deal of experience in how this problem is very likely to be solved,” he remarked.

A key element in the equation is airspace surveillance. Reliable Robotics envisions a comprehensive solution that combines various components and sensor modalities, both onboard and off the aircraft. Leveraging existing surveillance radar systems maintained by the FAA and the Department of Defense, which air traffic controllers currently rely on for maintaining separation, has been a focal point of their efforts.

The test conducted with NASA involved feeding live radar data into a NASA facility and subjecting two aircraft to multiple encounter scenarios. These scenarios simulated approaching each other from different angles and speeds, simulating unintended near misses. Throughout the test, data from the FAA and DoD surveillance radar system was collected, alongside high-precision position information gathered onboard the aircraft. This data was subsequently cross-compared to evaluate the effectiveness of radar systems in ensuring separation.

This particular test served as an initial step in a lengthy process, with additional research and analysis still required. Reliable Robotics has invested significant effort in simulation and has been working on this challenge for several years. Their collaboration with MIT Lincoln Laboratory, which also focuses on detect-and-avoid, has provided valuable insights that have been incorporated into their work.

Assuming successful outcomes, the end goal is to publish a formal paper that establishes the suitability of ground surveillance radar equipment as a vital component in solving the detect-and-avoid problem. This research holds promise for further enhancing aviation safety and paving the way for more advanced automation in the skies.

Although some challenges arose during the flight tests, Rose commented that they met all of their objectives. “Everything went the way that we expected,” he said. “There’s still a lot more work that needs to be done, but we were excited to kick this work off.”

Looking ahead, the CEO of Reliable Robotics provided insights into the company’s strategic priorities for the coming years. He emphasized a two-phase approach to address the challenges at hand. While solving the detect-and-avoid and communication problems remains important, their primary focus lies in the first phase—developing an aircraft capable of autonomous flight. Rose stressed the significance of building a robust automated aircraft since it forms the foundation for subsequent advancements in airspace integration. While they are excited about ongoing work in DAA and communication domains, the majority of the organization’s efforts are currently concentrated on obtaining certification from the FAA. “The super focused area for the vast majority of our organization right now is getting this first step of certification through with the FAA,” he said.

This certification process involves detailed systems engineering, rigorous safety analysis, and comprehensive mapping of component failures. The team is dedicated to ensuring that the aircraft can effectively handle all potential failure scenarios. Extensive software development and the integration of additional hardware, including actuators, flight computers, and navigation sensors, are essential components of this process. Meeting FAA standards requires thorough qualification processes for each hardware component.

The journey ahead is substantial and will span several years, according to Rose. The primary objective for Reliable Robotics is to establish a reliable and robust platform through meticulous engineering and adherence to strict safety standards. This platform will serve as a strong foundation for subsequent advancements. Once the certified platform is achieved, the focus can shift to integrating communication systems and enhancing detect-and-avoid capabilities.

Rose highlighted additional benefits and safety improvements that can be realized through the integration of sophisticated automation into aircraft cockpits. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety enhancements in existing aircraft before transitioning to remote piloting capabilities. “I see this as a giant step forward for aviation, especially smaller aircraft and general aviation class aircraft like the Cessna Caravan, because many of these vehicles today are already operated [with a] single pilot and in more adverse weather conditions,” he explained. The introduction of highly sophisticated automation systems can play a vital role in mitigating risks and preventing accidents for aircraft that operate in conditions like night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

“Reliable Robotics is currently working with the Air Force under a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research contract to demonstrate flight performance and safety of remotely piloted aircraft in dynamic operating environments.”

The Reliable Robotics CEO pointed out that accidents in recent years involving the Cessna Caravan could have been averted with the assistance of automation. Implementing advanced technology in the cockpit can significantly enhance safety, saving lives in the process. The ultimate goal is to improve industry-wide safety standards by focusing on safety-enhancing technologies and leveraging the opportunities presented by automation.

An accident from last year was cited as an example, where a lack of precision in the approach contributed to a tragic outcome. Reliable Robotics’ system offers higher precision approaches than those commonly available at many airports today. By employing a navigation system with increased integrity and precision, pilots can safely conduct approaches all the way down to the ground, even in stressful and constantly evolving situations. This would greatly benefit pilots, especially in smaller general aviation planes, providing higher levels of assurance and reducing risks.

Rose shared personal experiences that underscored the need for such advanced automation systems. As a low-time pilot, he expressed concerns about inadvertently encountering IMC conditions and the limited options available to address such situations. He envisioned a system that could provide immediate assistance, allowing pilots to rely on the technology in critical moments. The Reliable Robotics system aims to prevent controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and loss of aircraft control (LOC), which are two of the leading causes of fatal accidents in small aircraft.

Reliable Robotics has made significant progress in its certification program with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its advanced automation systems. Rose highlighted the importance of establishing the certification basis for their groundbreaking technology, which was previously non-existent. Over the past four years, Reliable Robotics has worked closely with the FAA to define the means of compliance for their system.

The company’s CEO expressed optimism about the impending formal acceptance of their means of compliance by the FAA, which will be a major achievement. In addition to its current system, Reliable Robotics is also focused on future systems such as communications and detect-and-avoid capabilities. Extensive collaboration with the FAA has taken place over the years to develop standards, certification basis, and means of compliance for these systems.

Human factors play a significant role in the certification program, and Reliable Robotics has actively engaged with the FAA to address any concerns in this area. The ongoing interactions with the FAA regarding human factors have been fruitful, further strengthening the certification process, Rose said.

One aspect that distinguishes Reliable Robotics from others in the field is its strong adherence to existing regulations, FAA policies, and standards. They aim to minimize disruption and turbulence by working within the established framework. This strategy has proven successful in their collaboration with the FAA since it allows for a more manageable and cooperative certification process. Rather than seeking to create new policies or regulations, Reliable Robotics seeks to understand the FAA’s perspective and align its efforts accordingly.

An example of their collaborative approach is the development of auto-landing capabilities for small aircraft. While no precedent existed for Part 23 small aircraft, Reliable Robotics explored the auto-landing standards established for larger Part 25 multi-engine jets. They tailored these standards to suit the Part 23 category. “The FAA seems to be very appreciative of the fact that we’re trying to work within the system,” Rose said.

The post Reliable Robotics and NASA Conduct Flight Tests to Advance Aircraft Automation Systems appeared first on Avionics International.

Swoop Aero: Beyond Consumer Delivery

Swoop Aero is expanding its presence in the U.S. with support from Quickstep USA. The Australian drone logistics company aims to provide its Kite drone to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies through a recent Memorandum of Understanding. (Photo: Swoop Aero)

Swoop Aero, an integrated drone logistics company based in Australia, is expanding its presence in the U.S. with the help of Quickstep USA’s networks and expertise. The company, which already operates full-stack software and hardware logistics operations across four continents, recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Quickstep USA. The agreement aims to provide Swoop’s Kite drone to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.

During an interview with Avionics International, Swoop Aero CEO Eric Peck discussed the role of drones in security and defense, as well as the process of scaling drone usage in the U.S. for various purposes, including consumer delivery.

Medical deliveries and logistics form the foundation of Swoop Aero’s global operations. The company has successfully transported approximately 1.4 million medical items via drone. Peck explained their approach, stating, “We design, prototype, and manufacture the physical drone aircraft, and then code all the enabling software that allows us to deploy a drone logistics service at scale.”

Swoop Aero currently operates integrated drone service networks in six countries, including Malawi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, Australia, and New Zealand. They also have partners operating networks in the UK, Europe, and Singapore.

The fifth generation of Swoop Aero’s Kite aircraft is currently undergoing FAA certification. This certification will validate the drone’s safety for various operations such as search and rescue, data capture, and surveillance, in addition to package delivery.

“As an equity investor and manufacturing partner to Swoop Aero, we are delighted to bring their technology leadership to the world’s largest aerospace market. We believe the flexibility of their drone family and proprietary infrastructure has fantastic potential across the US defense and security market.” – Steve Osborne, Quickstep USA’s Vice President

In 2021, Swoop Aero and Iris Automation announced a new partnership to use both companies’ technology to create a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone navigation system. Swoop Aero planned to incorporate Iris Automation’s detect-and-avoid technology, Casia, onto their aircraft.

The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority granted approval to Swoop Aero in late 2022 for BVLOS operations in New Zealand. Swoop Aero announced in February of this year that it will partner with Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand to launch an integrated drone logistics network.

Peck emphasized that a key aspect of Swoop Aero’s business is their vertically integrated technology stack. He stated, “We own and develop every bit of our technology stack; we manufacture the vehicles and then deploy services with them.” To ensure supply chain security in their manufacturing process, the company has sought out high-quality partners and suppliers across multiple countries, including Australia, Europe, the United States, England, and Australia.

Quickstep Holdings, the parent company of Quickstep USA, serves as Swoop Aero’s primary composite manufacturing partner in Australia, with an assembly facility located in Melbourne. The relationship with Quickstep has strengthened as Swoop Aero has scaled up the manufacturing of their Kite drone.

As the organization has matured, Swoop Aero has started exploring other sectors beyond medical transport. They deploy a fleet of aircraft to provide a range of services, including search and rescue, disaster response, commercial mapping, monitoring, data collection, and long-range inspections of power lines and agricultural properties.

“Based in the cloud, and underpinned by the Swoop Aero Digital Twin, the fully integrated suite represents every core and supporting software application required to operate an unlimited fleet of drones from anywhere in the world.”

While Swoop Aero has established a presence in Europe, England, Africa, and Southeast Asia, their current focus is on the potential of the U.S. market and the Americas. The MoU with Quickstep is part of their strategy to further engage with the U.S. market, including the three primary countries within the trilateral security partnership known as AUKUS (Australia, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.).

Peck highlighted the long-standing use of autonomous or uncrewed systems in government, particularly in defense. Drones have been increasingly utilized for various operations beyond combat, such as humanitarian aid and disaster response.

Swoop Aero aims to offer a dual-use capability to government and defense sectors, leveraging the technology developed for commercial applications. By doing so, they can substantially reduce costs for organizations such as the Department of Defense in the U.S., the Australian Defence Force, and the Ministry of Defence in the UK. This approach allows them to provide access to the latest technology, which can be continuously updated wirelessly without the need for new acquisition programs.

In their pursuit of commercial drone logistics, Swoop Aero prioritizes the development of a product that attracts paying customers. This involves offering valuable services, ensuring efficient and safe operations, and using customer feedback to improve the technology and reintroduce it to the market. Peck likened their approach to an agile software development program, where they test and refine the product based on customer input while maintaining a strong aviation safety management structure.

There have been three significant challenges in Swoop Aero’s journey: the high economic cost of the technology, its maturity level, and regulatory obstacles. However, the affordability, reliability, and maturity of the technology have improved, meeting aviation safety standards. Regulators have kept pace with technological advancements, and there are upcoming bills and international efforts that aim to enable widespread commercial deployment of drone technology.

“I think early on in the development cycle, people were saying the regulators aren’t ready to actually deploy this service at scale,” he commented. “Our view at Swoop Aero, and my view as the CEO, is that the regulators have basically kept in line with the technology.”

Peck expressed confidence in the regulators’ alignment with the technology, noting that two bills with bipartisan support are expected to be passed through Congress in 2023 or early 2024, facilitating commercial deployment at scale.

The post Swoop Aero: Beyond Consumer Delivery appeared first on Avionics International.

FAA Certifies Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Antenna System for Dassault Falcon 7x

Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Ku-band Antenna System was granted a supplemental type certificate for use on Dassault Falcon 7x aircraft. (Photo: Satcom Direct)

Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Ku-band Antenna System was recently granted a supplemental type certificate (STC) for use on Dassault Falcon 7x aircraft. The certification allows operators across the world to implement this new technology onboard approved aircraft. It also enables them to take advantage of all the benefits of the updated system.

The antenna system is designed to provide reliable, high-speed connectivity for business and military aviation using Intelsat’s FlexExec service and FlexAir for business and government operations, respectively. Designed to be mounted on the tail of an aircraft, the system has two line-replaceable units (LRUs), which allows for simplified installation and future upgrades.

The system received an STC from the Federal Aviation Administration, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANCA) for all 7x aircraft. Satcom Direct worked closely with Dassault Aircraft Services to receive this certification. The system was already approved for Dassault Falcon 2000 LX/LXS/S and 900EXy/LX aircraft earlier this year.

(Photo: Satcom Direct)

The features and provided technological support for the system will help operators enhance and modernize their fleets. As Jim Jensen, founder and CEO of Satcom Direct, explained, “We are proud that Dassault recognizes the advantages delivered by the Plane Simple system and how it can enhance connectivity on the Falcon airframes. The STC makes the full Satcom Direct ecosystem of hardware, software, ground infrastructure, cybersecurity, and award-winning customer support immediately available to this set of Falcon owners.”

“We are raising the connectivity bar with this whole new class of antenna hardware that has been purpose-built for the business aviation sector,” Jensen added. “More importantly, it gives customers greater flexibility, cost-effective connectivity options, and a single resource to fulfill every connectivity need.”

Geoff Chick, senior vice president of Dassault’s worldwide service network, said Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Antenna System complements the design of Dassault’s Falcon aircraft. The system’s successful introduction to the Falcon 2000 LX/LXS/S is evidence of the complementary nature of Plane Simple and Dassault aircraft.

In January, Satcom Direct announced that it had installed the first Plane Simple Ka-band antenna on an SD Gulfstream G550. The Ka-band antenna includes two line-replaceable units (LRUs)—the tail-mount antenna and SD Modem Unit.

The post FAA Certifies Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Antenna System for Dassault Falcon 7x appeared first on Avionics International.

Echodyne Joins OneSky Future of Flight Program

Echodyne is the newest member of the OneSky Future of Flight Program. (Photo: OneSky/Echodyne)

OneSky recently announced Echodyne as a new member of the OneSky Future of Flight Program. This is a coalition of stakeholders in the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry working towards scalable AAM operations.

Echodyne’s MESA radar technology plays a crucial role in providing high-precision airspace data for the AAM industry, addressing the challenge of format and affordability. By miniaturizing large defense radar performance into a compact, commercially-priced format, Echodyne offers exceptional situational awareness to manufacturers and operators of small uncrewed vehicles as well as to UTM providers and ground stations.

The partnership aims to enhance operational safety and enable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations by integrating Echodyne’s radar data with OneSky’s UTM platform. The Future of Flight Program, with Echodyne as a key partner, envisions a collaborative effort to deliver total situational awareness for UAS operators and further advancements in airspace deconfliction.

In an interview with Avionics International, Michael Tornetta from OneSky and Leo McCloskey from Echodyne shed light on the collaboration and on their respective platforms. Check out our Q&A with Tornetta, Head of Sales and Strategic Growth at OneSky, and McCloskey, VP of Marketing at Echodyne, below:

Avionics: How does Echodyne’s MESA radar technology contribute to high-precision airspace data for the AAM industry?

Leo McCloskey, Echodyne: Airspace safety centers on situational awareness built upon data fidelity. Radar is the essential data foundation. No other sensor deconflicts both cooperative and noncooperative airspace traffic. The challenge is not the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry’s desire for high-performance radar, but rather format and affordability.

The primary hurdle for extending radar beyond traditional defense and national security applications has been largely fitness for market: AAM requires tracking hundreds of small objects at relatively close range, whereas traditional radar focuses on jets, missiles, and ships at great distance.

Echodyne’s innovative metamaterials electronic scanning array (MESA) technology is the first to miniaturize large defense radar performance into a compact, solid-state, commercially-priced format, delivering exceptional airspace situational awareness performance for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturers, ground stations, UAS traffic management (UTM) providers, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) mission operators. Echodyne’s MESA technology delivers national security radar performance at commercial prices.

What led Echodyne to join the OneSky Future of Flight Program?

McCloskey: The Future of Flight program represents the cooperative energy required to solve the highly complex challenge of ensuring safety when dozens, hundreds, even thousands of other novel aircraft operate in dense airspace over population. For this to be possible, a huge amount of data will need to be consumed by operators and autopilots.

UAS traffic management (UTM) as a concept is pivotal to airspace safety, with data fidelity creating ever safer and more numerous AAM operations. OneSky’s UTM platform is built on extraordinary data fidelity of operational areas, with the level of accuracy required to detail high performance radar data. We’re excited to contribute to OneSky’s Future of Flight vision.

EchoFlight radars on AATI (American Aerospace Technology Inc.) aircraft (Photo: Echodyne)

Could you discuss the specific benefits that Echodyne’s ground-based and airborne radar solutions bring to aircraft operators in terms of deconfliction capabilities?

McCloskey: Airspace safety is all about data fidelity. A “something is over that way” level of accuracy is grossly insufficient to the mission requirement of detecting, classifying, and tracking dozens and hundreds of small and large aircraft moving about in congested airspace. Echodyne radar brings defense- and national security-level accuracy to commercial markets in commercial formats for the first time.

The regulations that will outline performance requirements for industry remain uncertain and perhaps not as close as industry might like. Still, a few things are becoming clear:

It’s unlikely that small drones (<55 pounds) will have the payload or power capability for even the smallest radars, leading many to conclude the answer is a data utility that integrates sensors into UTM solutions for single screen flight management.
Larger aircraft for flying people and goods are highly likely to require much more sophisticated sensors on the aircraft, with operational safety also benefiting from ground sensors and UTM solutions.
Lifecycle management and maintenance of this infrastructure will be important, with clear benefits for solid-state radar like Echodyne’s.

In what ways does the integration of Echodyne’s radar data into the OneSky system enhance operational safety and enable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations?

McCloskey: Single pane of glass flight management is important for minimizing operator distraction. UTM represents the higher-level collection of all available data, from filed flight plans to data from lower-level components such as Remote ID, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), and radar. OneSky’s UTM precision aligns well with Echodyne’s data accuracy to provide operators with the data fidelity that ensures AAM mission safety and success.

“We seek out the key industry players that we feel provide the biggest value to these stakeholders.” (Photo: OneSky)

How does the Future of Flight program benefit from partnerships with innovative companies like Echodyne?

Michael Tornetta, OneSky: As the industry, regulatory environment, and our customers evolve, it will be imperative that our technology works “out of the box” with all the systems that will be part of the AAM/UAM (urban air mobility) ecosystem. Obviously, we can’t cover everything all at once, so we seek out the key industry players that we feel provide the biggest value to these stakeholders, and we start collaboration exercises as early as possible.

The rapport we build with our partners then extends to more collaborative business development, and as partners, we build on our combined success. This brings tremendous value to the end customers because now they have essentially two trusted advisors who double as their technology providers/vendors, and they can bonus off our combined experience and industry knowledge.

Can you explain how the combined systems of OneSky and Echodyne provide total situational awareness for UAS operators and enable more advanced airspace deconfliction?

Tornetta: One of the functions of the OneSky UAS Traffic Management (UTM) platform and OneSky Operations Center is to provide airspace visualization. The total air picture needs relevant GIS data, aeronautical information, weather data, etc. The next layer is to capture, display, and record what’s actually moving in the airspace. We can do this by pulling in data feeds from the drone’s ground control system (GCS) so we know where “you” are, but we need other data feeds to determine the heading and location of other aircraft.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) feeds from available sources, and surveillance tracks from systems like Echodyne’s help complete this air picture. The OneSky systems then provide alerts, warnings, and other capabilities to inform the flight authorization process.

Looking ahead, what are the future plans or developments that OneSky envisions through the Future of Flight Program, particularly in collaboration with Echodyne?

Tornetta: OneSky and Echodyne are just getting started. We have at least one customer in common right now and are teaming up on a handful of others for later this year.

I envision that we will continue to integrate more of the Echodyne portfolio of detect and avoid (DAA) products, as well as improve upon the existing integrations.

The post Echodyne Joins OneSky Future of Flight Program appeared first on Avionics International.

USAF Looks to Additive Manufacturing for Hypersonic Ground Testing

“The DoD’s HAPCAT facility produces harsh conditions in order to simulate the environment a hypersonic vehicle will experience in flight.” (Photo: Northrop Grumman)

The U.S. Air Force’s Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) in Tullahoma, Tennessee, wants additive manufacturing to aid the building of parts for DoD hypersonic test facilities, including Northrop Grumman‘s [NOC] Hypersonic Aerothermal and Propulsion Clean-Air Testbed (HAPCAT) plant in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., on Long Island.

The use of additive manufacturing is to facilitate hypersonic ground testing. While traditional building techniques use machining, additive manufacturing takes advantage of 3D models and advanced fiber materials to build items layer by layer.

“The DoD’s HAPCAT facility produces harsh conditions in order to simulate the environment a hypersonic vehicle will experience in flight,” AEDC said in a business notice. “Given the extreme environment, components of the facility must withstand high temperatures and pressures, necessitating novel designs and manufacturing techniques. Similarly, test articles must also withstand such conditions. Certain materials that can survive the high temperature and pressure in this environment are usually required for facility components as well as test articles. Active cooling techniques, such as internal water passages, are also often needed in order to manage the thermal loading of the component.”

“The use of exotic materials and active cooling techniques results in complicated and complex designs and manufacturing requirements for the facility components and test articles, which drive increased costs, schedules, and technical risks,” AEDC said. “New or improved techniques for designing and manufacturing facility components and test articles that reduce the cost, time, and technical risk would improve the DoD’s ability to conduct hypersonic ground testing at HAPCAT and reduce flight test risk of hypersonic vehicle development. On-site support of an AM capability would also provide the required support for rapid repairs and fabrications in a secure environment. This capability would also result in the ability to fabricate efficiently specialty test equipment specific to HAPCAT. The AM capability for HAPCAT would have the additional benefit of supporting testing at other DoD facilities that produce harsh conditions.”

AEDC said that it plans to award Northrop Grumman’s Elkton, Md., location–a legacy of Thiokol and Orbital ATK–a sole source, up to $9.8 million contract over five years for the additive manufacturing work at HAPCAT.

Last September, Raytheon Technologies beat Lockheed Martin and Boeing to win a more than $985 million contract for the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), and Northrop Grumman has said it will continue its partnership with Raytheon to build scramjet engines for HACM (Defense Daily, Sept. 22, 2022).

Northrop Grumman said it has been working with Raytheon since 2019 to build propulsion for Raytheon’s air-breathing hypersonic weapon designs. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has said that air-breathing hypersonic weapons have shown more promise than boost glide hypersonic weapons.

This article was originally published by Defense Daily, a sister publication of Avionics International. It has been edited. Read the original version here >>

The post USAF Looks to Additive Manufacturing for Hypersonic Ground Testing appeared first on Avionics International.

10 Challenges Facing Passenger Aviation

The airline industry is facing many obstacles that challenge the sustainability of their business models. In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic first caused widespread disruptions, passenger volumes dropped to historically low levels. With the worst of the pandemic over, many passengers have returned to the skies. But despite the recovery of demand, Avia Solutions Group reports that many impacts from both the pandemic and a difficult operating environment threaten the profitability of the industry.

Ten big challenges for passenger aviation sustainability over the next three years, according to Gediminas Ziemelis, Chairman of Avia Solutions Group

The chairman of Avia Solutions Group, Gediminas Ziemelis, shared his perspective on the 10 major challenges for passenger aviation sustainability in the coming three years. These include high market interest rates for airlines, higher insurance costs, supply chain disruptions, and ESG (Environment, Society, and Governance) requirements for greener aviation.

One difficulty the industry is still experiencing from COVID-19 involves maintenance. After passenger volumes plummeted at the onset of the pandemic, many airlines parked and stored parts of their fleet in an attempt to save money and avoid operating empty flights. This led to the widespread delay of scheduled MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) activities. More aircraft returning to the skies combined with accumulated demand for maintenance has led to delays, since many facilities are already at full capacity and simply cannot accommodate more aircraft.

More specifically, engine maintenance has the potential to cause widespread disruptions to airline operations. For example, LEAP engines, which power both the Airbus A320neo (LEAP-1A) and Boeing 737 MAX (LEAP-1B) have a 60% postponement rate for maintenance. Powering the latest generation of the most popular narrowbody jets in the global fleet, these delays could hinder the airline industry’s recovery and thus profitability.

Beyond maintenance, other airline actions taken in response to the pandemic have left lasting impacts on today’s industry. With record low demand, many airlines canceled their pilot cadet programs that streamline the process of getting new pilots trained and ready for flight. Facing strong recovery, airlines now lack the pilots they need to operate full schedules. In fact, some forecasts estimate that the industry will be short 300,000 pilots within the next 10 years, with India expected to be hit hardest by the shortage.

The debt carriers entered during the pandemic combined with a challenging current operating environment also jeopardizes airline profitability. As airlines struggled through 2020 and 2021, they took on additional debt to stay afloat. This resulted in a higher interest rate, which—when combined with today’s high fuel prices and fiercer competition—strained the financial resources of airlines across the world.

Limited resources will also damage the industry’s bottom line. Airlines’ unplanned costs are expected to increase dramatically as fewer resources make operations less reliable, leading to more delays and cancellations that passengers can receive compensation for. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, delays that left passengers eligible for compensation made up only 1.5% of all European flights, with an average compensation of €375. However, as a result of less reliable operations, this figure could reach 5%, which could result in €20 million being dedicated to accommodating passengers on delayed or canceled flights.

Though the worst of the pandemic has passed, today’s airlines are still facing the impacts of such a historic demand shock. Addressing these challenges, along with the new ones that a tough operating environment presents, will be key for the airline industry to continue on a path of recovery.

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5G-Connected Nokia Drone Platform Chosen for Nationwide Drone Network in Belgium

Nokia just announced a contract with Citymesh—a Belgian telecom operator—to supply the Nokia Drone Networks platform with 70 Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) units. (Photos: Nokia)

Nokia just announced a contract with Citymesh, a telecom operator based in Belgium, to supply the Nokia Drone Networks platform with 70 Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) units. These DiaB units will be deployed across Belgium at docking stations in 35 different emergency zones, covering the country with a 5G automated drone grid to accelerate mobilization of resources 24/7.

Immediately following a call to emergency services, a drone will be dispatched to gather information on the situation. The DiaBs can capture aerial footage and transfer it to control centers. Collecting information in the first 15 minutes after a call is critical; this ensures that first responders are better prepared to respond to an emergency.

In late 2020, Nokia—alongside Honeywell International as consortium lead—was selected as part of Project FACT (Future All Aviation CNS Technology), a research and development program initiated under the SESAR 2020 program, managed by the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) Joint Undertaking. The SESAR Joint Undertaking’s Project FACT featured the deployment of Nokia’s 4G and 5G wireless network infrastructure at an airport in Istanbul. Both low- and high-altitude air traffic data communications were tested using modified airliner and drone avionics.

Thomas Eder, Head of Embedded Wireless Solutions for Nokia, shared in an interview with Avionics, “Nokia and Citymesh maintain a longstanding partnership in Private Wireless with a proven track record.”

He added that the mission of Citymesh, which is supported by the Belgian government, “is to first revolutionize the public safety sector and later other industries with this nationwide network of drones. [It] is a great example of how strong partnerships can scale in commercial and operational success. The contractual framework between Nokia and Citymesh contains everything that is required to deploy and maintain a nationwide network of Drones in a Box: hardware, software, subscription, training, maintenance, service, and more.”

Nokia can leverage know-how in nationwide networks from deployment of DiaB units. Because of this, the company is well prepared to serve as a strong technology and service partner in projects like the nationwide drone network in Belgium.

In discussing what he sees as the key factors leading to Citymesh’s selection of Nokia’s Drone Networks platform, Eder explained that “Nokia’s approach to delivering a turnkey solution with all hardware and software components, including edge-cloud and network equipment, is an outstanding selling proposition.”

He commented that the Nokia Drone Networks platform has always been designed for remote operations. This makes it ideal for the use case that Citymesh had in mind. Another factor is that the hardware is made in Nokia’s own factory in Finland. “It could be important for the public safety sector, which may have geographic requirements for the origins of these devices,” he said.

Eder then remarked on the Nokia Drone Networks platform’s contributions towards enhancing emergency response capabilities. “Our Nokia Drone Networks platform leverages drone technology, 4G and 5G connectivity, and secure data analytics to enhance emergency response capabilities,” he noted. “By providing real-time situational awareness, remote monitoring, and efficient communication, it supports emergency responders in making informed decisions, improving response times, and ultimately saving lives.”

“If we look at today’s drone operations in emergency response operations, centralized remote operations are the ‘new kid on the block,’ but very much needed by first responders.”

“We’ve been impressed with Nokia as our partner for reliable wireless connectivity and an outstanding turnkey Drone-in-a-Box solution that we can customize to our specific needs.” – Hans Similon, General Manager, Citymesh Safety Drone

The open API framework of the Nokia Drone Networks platform, which allows for the integration of third-party applications, can expand the platform’s capabilities and enable a wider range of use cases beyond emergency response. Eder shared an example of this: “Picture the scenario where fire departments aim to utilize drones for rapid situational assessment during firefighting operations. By integrating their own incident management system with the Nokia Drone Networks platform through the open API framework, they can streamline their response efforts.”

“Through this integrated application, the fire department can swiftly deploy drones to collect real-time video feeds, thermal imaging, and other crucial data, which can be directly transmitted to the incident management system,” he explained. “This enables incident commanders to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively. The open API framework empowers the fire department to seamlessly integrate their own incident management system with the Nokia Drone Networks platform, thereby enhancing their first response capabilities.”

“By leveraging third-party applications, they can harness the platform’s real-time data collection and analysis capabilities, significantly improving situational awareness and facilitating effective decision-making in critical firefighting operations,” Eder added, explaining, “This example can be replicated in a similar way for our customers in the agriculture, energy, construction, and utilities verticals.”

The drones that will be deployed in Belgium are equipped with video and thermal cameras to conduct real-time aerial data collection. Eder commented that they will be remotely managed from five centralized operations centers and will be available to be deployed around the clock.

“With emergency services receiving over two million calls annually, this capability greatly enhances their ability to make informed decisions and optimize their response to emergencies,” he said. “This means faster decisions based on real-time data with less personnel onsite.”

Nokia’s other collaborations include efforts with Yellowscan and Rohde & Schwarz. Establishing a strong ecosystem and creating partnerships are important factors for achieving success, Eder remarked. “I am confident that our data collection platform capabilities will be further enhanced through partnerships in the application ecosystem,” he said.

Implementation of the 70 DiaB units will start this summer, according to Eder. “Based on the planning phase and previous projects, it has become evident that strong project management, intelligent geographical deployment decisions, training and the right partners are crucial,” he commented. “There is a notable parallel between Nokia’s network deployment business and the deployment of Drones in a Box with our Edge Cloud platform [Nokia MX Industrial Edge].”

He explained how the team is working to ensure scalability and reliability of the system in order to meet the demands of a nationwide deployment. “Redundant and distributed components within the software architecture will be deployed to enhance reliability, network connectivity, and operational readiness,” he said.

“Thorough testing under various scenarios and load conditions is conducted to identify and address any potential bottlenecks or performance issues; this is part of our standard operating procedures at Nokia. Proactive monitoring and maintenance are important to continuously monitor the system’s performance, detect anomalies, and promptly address any issues that may arise. Regular updates, patches, and security measures are key to ensure the system integrity and protection against vulnerabilities.”

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DOT Wants Public Input on AAM Acceptance in U.S. Skies

The U.S. Department of Transportation is calling for public input on safety challenges and general acceptance of AAM (advanced air mobility) operations in the airspace. (Photo: Eve Air Mobility)

To prepare a blueprint for advanced air mobility (AAM) operations in the U.S., the Department of Transportation is calling for public input on safety challenges and general acceptance of air taxis and other electric aircraft ferrying passengers short distances in the national airspace.

The Department of Transportation is required by law to invite public comment on advanced air mobility under the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act passed by Congress in 2022. DOT has formed an interagency working group to gather public comment in preparation for a national AAM strategy scheduled for publication in 2024, according to a request for information posted in the Federal Register on Wednesday.

“The purpose of the strategy is to ensure the federal government, in partnership with state, local, and tribal entities, is ready to work with and oversee the AAM industry, including developing new transportation options, amplifying economic activity and jobs, advancing environmental sustainability and new technologies, and supporting emergency preparedness and American competitiveness so that the United States continues to lead the world in aviation into the 21st century,” the RFI says.

DOT already has some idea of how AAM will debut and evolve as a transportation option in the U.S. AAM likely will begin as “piloted flights using traditional air traffic control procedures and existing regulatory structures,” the RFI says. The emerging field of transportation currently involves novel aircraft, many of them electric vertical take-off and landing designs, or eVTOLs.

“However, more ubiquitous and economical AAM operations are expected to require development of new technologies, procedures, and regulations that incorporate highly automated, unpiloted aircraft flying at lower altitudes with smaller areas of separation than in current operating environments,” according to the RFI. “Given the importance of safety and security to the success of a future AAM system, the DOT requests comments on safety challenges and related subjects.”

The burgeoning AAM industry foresees eVTOL aircraft expanding the reach and efficiency of current transportation networks by providing relatively short shuttle services between airports and urban centers. They also could augment the established network of helicopter-based medical evacuation and emergency response services. On the commercial side, eVTOL aircraft can rapidly transport cargo to job sites and provide “on-demand air services between regions without existing rapid, reliable transportation links,” the DOT says.

These aircraft could “provide new levels of accessibility, convenience and connectivity for people and cargo—and thus transform our nation’s transportation system to provide enhanced mobility for the traveling and shipping public,” according to the DOT.

Members of the public can submit comments to the DOT through July 17 by email at AdvAirMobility_IWG@dot.gov, through the federal government’s rulemaking portal, or by mail to the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, DC.

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Regulators and Operators Push for Increased Use of SAF

Regulatory bodies and operators across the world have shown significant commitment to increasing the use of SAF. (Photo: Avion Insurance)

In recent years, the aviation industry has turned its attention to sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF. This innovation involves using biomass to create a fuel with similar properties to traditional jet fuel, only with a lower carbon footprint. With SAF, items like corn gain, algae, oil, and a variety of residues from agricultural and industrial activities can be used to power aircraft with significantly lower carbon emissions. In recent months, regulatory bodies and operators across the world have shown commitment to this new fuel by taking measures to allow it to become more widespread.

This month, the United States and United Kingdom have begun discussing strategies to allow for increased development of SAF. The UK’s Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper is meeting the United States’ Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the SAF Investment Summit in Detroit, Michigan. Accompanied by representatives from both Canada (Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra) and Singapore (Minister of Transport S. Iswaran), all parties at the summit hope to find improved ways to encourage widespread adaptation of SAF. Important companies in the industry like Boeing and United Airlines are also attending.

International cooperation will be critical in the push for SAF. As Harper explained, “While an ocean separates, we’ve never been more aligned with the USA on the future of aviation and what that entails—whether it’s boosting jobs, opening new trade opportunities or delivering guilt-free air travel. This trip is a crucial part of our work to reduce emissions from aviation alongside the USA, Canada, and Singapore, and I look forward to meeting my counterparts and industry representatives.”

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) recently finalized an initiative to help make SAF more available to the airline industry in Europe. Under this legislation, by the year 2025, 2% of all fuel that suppliers sell needs to be SAF. This figure rises to 6% in 2030, 20% in 2035 and 70% by 2050. In addition to SAF requirements, 1.2% of fuel available is required to be synthetic fuel by 2030, and by 2050 this figure is required to rise to 35%.

These laws were developed to stimulate both the supply and demand of SAF. However, despite the reduced carbon emissions expected as a result of this regulation, some of the largest airlines in Europe have criticized the EU’s attempts to reduce the impacts of air travel. Air France-KLM has claimed that its own SAF goals are more ambitious than those set by the EU, while Lufthansa points out concerns regarding competition. While European airlines would be forced to use SAF (which is more expensive than traditional jet fuel), other carriers flying into European cities from outside of the EU’s borders would not be held to the same standards. This could put European airlines at a notable disadvantage.

While the EU’s attempts at increasing the presence of SAF in the industry have been met with opposition by several airlines, carriers in other parts of the world have already demonstrated acceptance of this new fuel. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has already begun planning its first flight using SAF made from CO2 through its partnership with Twelve, a carbon transformation company.

Under their partnership, Etihad will help accelerate the use of Twelve’s E-Jet fuel. This low-carbon fuel is created by a power-to-power liquids process, and will be utilized on a demonstration flight using one of Etihad’s aircraft.

This step will allow Etihad to operate more efficiently while minimizing its harmful impacts on the global climate. As Nicholas Flanders, Twelve’s co-founder and CEO, explained, “We are honored to partner with Etihad to work toward a supply of drop-in jet fuel made from air, not oil. Our E-Jet fuel allows airlines like Etihad to reduce emissions by up to 90% with their existing aircraft fleet, which will be critical to achieving the United Nations’ 2050 net-zero emissions target in aviation.”

Etihad’s partnership with Twelve will help it reach its sustainability goals. The carrier has already demonstrated its commitment to sustainable air travel with the development of its Etihad Greenliner Program in 2019, in which one of the company’s Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners was dedicated to finding sustainable solutions to air travel through collaboration with Boeing and General Electric.

Just about a year ago, United Airlines announced a purchase agreement with Neste for SAF. Neste makes its fuel from renewable waste and sustainably sourced residue raw materials. This agreement made United the first U.S. airline to sign an international purchase agreement for SAF.

With so many authorities and operators adapting SAF, it’s clear the aviation industry is moving towards more sustainable fuel sources to help minimize air travel’s impact on climate change. While there are many challenges associated with SAF that must be addressed, influential agencies within the industry have already demonstrated their commitment to this more sustainable fuel source.

The post Regulators and Operators Push for Increased Use of SAF appeared first on Avionics International.

Category Archives: MRO’s

Avionics: How does Echodyne’s MESA radar technology contribute to high-precision airspace data for the AAM industry?

What led Echodyne to join the OneSky Future of Flight Program?

Could you discuss the specific benefits that Echodyne’s ground-based and airborne radar solutions bring to aircraft operators in terms of deconfliction capabilities?

In what ways does the integration of Echodyne’s radar data into the OneSky system enhance operational safety and enable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations?

How does the Future of Flight program benefit from partnerships with innovative companies like Echodyne?

Can you explain how the combined systems of OneSky and Echodyne provide total situational awareness for UAS operators and enable more advanced airspace deconfliction?

Looking ahead, what are the future plans or developments that OneSky envisions through the Future of Flight Program, particularly in collaboration with Echodyne?