MRO's Archives - Page 43 of 118 - Aviation, Inflight and Aero Connectivity Consultants

Hong Kong to Utilize AireonFLOW for Traffic Management

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) of Hong Kong announced this week that it will roll out operational use of AireonFLOW for air traffic flow management. (Photo: Wilfred Y Wong / Getty Images)

The skies above Hong Kong are notoriously busy. In fact, Hong Kong International Airport—one of the world’s busiest hubs—hosts more than 35 arrivals and departures hourly while managing over 400,000 aircraft movements annually. To handle so many aircraft at once, The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) of Hong Kong announced that its air navigation service provider (ANSP) will begin utilizing AireonFlow for managing air traffic flow.

Collaborating with ANSPs across the world, Aireon has revolutionized air traffic control management through the creation of the world’s first global air traffic surveillance system. It has done this through the use of satellites and a space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance broadcast (ADS-B). Using satellites from Iridium Communications, its technology can collect data emitted by aircraft every half second and deliver it to air traffic controllers to use as they manage traffic flow.

AireonFlow is one of several of Aireon’s products designed to modernize air traffic control. This support tool allows ANSP to access data regarding aircraft positioning for flights beyond their Flight Information Region (FIR) and Area of Responsibility (AoR) without having to sign data-sharing agreements with other surrounding countries. It also helps air traffic controllers with flow management through increased prediction capabilities that stem from accurate surveillance data. This resource will allow Hong Kong’s ANSP to receive position updates on aircraft once per minute.

In addition to being home to one of the world’s busiest airports, Hong Kong’s geography brings a high level of overflight traffic (traffic which passes through Hong Kong’s airspace without touching down on its soil). Now more than ever, Hong Kong is in need of new technology to aid it as air travel markets across the world grow. While demand faltered significantly in eastern Asia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since made a strong rebound as more passengers take to the skies across the region.

As CEO of Aireon Don Thoma explained, “CAD Hong Kong is a leader in air traffic management and has been a strong proponent of space-based ADS-B since 2020, and we’re looking forward to seeing how CAD Hong Kong will reap operational efficiencies and safety improvements using our data.”

As demand for air travel returns and more aircraft take to the skies over Hong Kong, the country must ensure that its technological infrastructure can handle the over 1,100 daily flights its airport accommodates every day. The employment of AireonFlow will allow it to do this while modernizing the country’s air traffic control system.

The post Hong Kong to Utilize AireonFLOW for Traffic Management appeared first on Avionics International.

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Cyprus Airways Signs Up For FLYR’s AI Revenue Management System

This week, Cyprus Airways announced that it is deploying FLYR’s AI-based revenue intelligence and data platform. (Photo: Cyprus Airways)

Cyprus Airways this week inked a contract with FLYR to implement the California-based technology firm’s artificial intelligence (AI)-driven airline revenue management platform.

“Using FLYR’s AI-based solution, which feeds all available historical, competitive and ongoing data into deep learning algorithms to determine the optimal pricing strategy, Cyprus Airways will be able to dynamically optimize revenue 24/7,” Matt Brown, FLYR’s VP for growth, wrote in a post on the company’s website.

The system will allow the airline to “optimize revenue strategies across all flights and products, from fares to ancillary offerings,” according to a FLYR statement.

Cyprus Airways operates flights to Europe and the Middle East from its base at Larnaca International Airport.

Last year, the carrier said it would move to a “hybrid business model” that will see unbundled fares and ancillary revenue playing a central role going forward. “The airline has embarked on a digital transformation exercise to maximize its ancillary revenue,” FLYR noted.

The FLYR platform to be used by Cyprus Airways will also provide ancillary revenue management “to offer services such as seat selection and luggage purchases to customers based on their willingness to pay, in addition to fare family pricing that makes purchasing a bundle attractive to travelers,” FLYR said

In a video presentation on the revenue management solution, FLYR CEO Alex Mans noted the company is “already managing billions of dollars of revenue at major airlines across the globe.” He said data is often “an under-appreciated afterthought” for airlines setting flight ticket price points.

FLYR’s revenue management system examines “dozens of internal and external commercial data” sources, including historical data, to provide “ultra-confident forecasts” to an airline’s management, Mans added.

Jon Ham, head of analysis for FLYR, said the company’s revenue platform is designed to “fill gaps in legacy systems … FLYR’s deep-learning solution is more data efficient,” leading to “more impactful, strategic revenue decisions.”

Brown said that airlines using the platform are reporting a 7% revenue uptick and a 4 percentage point lift in passenger load factor within six months of implementation. It takes 12 weeks to implement FLYR’s revenue management system at an airline.

The platform will enable Cyprus Airways to “better predict customer demand and behaviors, allowing the airline to dynamically optimize revenue and maintain the most competitive position in the market,” FLYR stated.

Cyprus Airways plans to operate a fleet of four Airbus A320ceo aircraft this year, with the aim of growing the fleet to up to 11 aircraft by 2026.

The value of the Cyprus Airways-FLYR contract has not been disclosed.

The post Cyprus Airways Signs Up For FLYR’s AI Revenue Management System appeared first on Avionics International.

AEA Unveils 2022 Market Report

The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) released its 2022 year-end Avionics Market Report this week. Total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales for 2022 were reported as over $2.8 billion. (Photo: AEA)

The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), an organization dedicated to advocating for its member companies within the aviation industry, has recently unveiled its 2022 Year-End Avionics Market Report. This report shows that several records within the market have been broken as increasing avionics sales continue.

The AEA has 1,300 member companies across the world in 40 countries. Founded in 1957, the organization aims to provide education, communication, and advocacy for its members. Annually, the AEA releases a report that summarizes the avionics market and explores various trends that occurred throughout the year. This data is gathered partially through many of the AEA’s member companies, including Garmin, Honeywell Business and General Aviation, Collins Aerospace, Blue Avionics, and Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corporation. With 2022’s report now available, the organization highlights the record-breaking revenue in sales of avionics.

Across the entire world, avionics sales generated over $2.8 billion in 2022. This dollar amount is a 21.5% increase from 2021, making it the largest annual percentage increase in the report’s 11 year history. In the fourth quarter of 2022 (October, November, and December), the AEA noted that avionics sales increased by 31.2% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. This also breaks a record, as it is the largest quarterly year-over-year percentage increase in the report’s history. Fourth quarter 2022 also boasted impressive growth compared to the third quarter of 2022, seeing a 7.2% increase in revenue. Overall, this is the market’s 10th consecutive quarter of increasing sales.

In the first three quarters of 2022, retrofits accounted for just under half of total sales, at 44.2%, 47.3%, and 45% for the first, second, and third quarters respectively. However, by the fourth quarter, retrofits accounted for over half (55.6%) of avionics sales. Geographically, the United States and Canada were by far the largest markets for avionics. The two countries combined never accounted for less than 70% of total sales. In 2022 overall, the U.S. and Canada were responsible for 74.9% of avionics sales.

Despite the challenges the industry is experiencing, the avionics market is showing positive signs of strong growth. As Mike Adamson, President and CEO of AEA, explained, “We have seen yearly sales rebound the last two years despite supply chain constraints and a tight labor market. While it’s encouraging to see a record-breaking percentage increase in year-over-year avionics sales, the industry is still rebounding from the economic impact of the pandemic. The $2.8 billion in sales for 2022 falls short of the 2019 year-end sales when industry notched a record $3 billion just prior to the international health crisis, but we are trending in the right direction with positive gains over the past 10 quarters.”

As the aviation industry continues to recover from the pandemic, the AEA’s 2022 Year-End Avionics Market Report has demonstrated the industry’s resilience and continued growth toward pre-pandemic levels. While this report cannot be used to accurately predict future sales, it seems recovery and growth has been a consistent trend within the avionics market.

The post AEA Unveils 2022 Market Report appeared first on Avionics International.

OPINION: In-Flight Connectivity Trends to Watch For in 2023

According to David Helfgott, the CEO of SmartSky Networks, in-flight connectivity in 2023 is focused on enhancing the passenger experience beyond current capabilities. (Photo: SmartSky)

This article is contributed by David Helfgott, CEO of SmartSky Networks.

The in-flight connectivity landscape in 2023

The in-flight connectivity sector overcame significant milestones in 2022—with both Air-to-Ground (ATG) and satellite technologies seeing connectivity increasingly becoming a commodity for passengers. However, the distinctiveness of their capabilities means they are anything but a commodity. Many travelers want a reliable in-flight network as part of the experience and have shifted their focus from “Will there be Wi-Fi onboard?” to “What Wi-Fi will my flight provide?” Today’s passengers require strong connectivity for a wide range of online activities, from uploading work documents to sharing content on social media. Plus, reliable inflight Wi-Fi only serves to increase passenger satisfaction and retention.

As connectivity continues to develop, we will see passengers actively seeking flights that promise the most reliable network and deliver based on their personal experiences. Wi-Fi quality has a big role to play for passengers and also for improving situational awareness and optimizing aircraft operations—something we will see become a higher priority throughout 2023.

Developments in available technology: How to remain competitive

As many network providers adapt and upgrade their technology to elevate performance, aircraft operators have a variety of choices, with differing capabilities, for accessing reliable in-flight data. We may also see this competitiveness reflected in pricing, with many providers introducing discounts to lock in potential customers. Additionally, with many operators seeing the advantages of combining satellite and ATG, we believe hybrid installations will be a more common feature in 2023, catering to operators making both domestic and international flights.

As interest increases in bleeding-edge satellite technology, we expect more offerings by LEO and GEO satellite providers. With such variety available and upcoming, customers are faced with confusing options to decipher and will need to be educated about the specific network(s) that will best suit their operation and aircraft mission, alongside budget and other factors.

Connectivity beyond the cabin

This year, there will also be more emphasis placed on how connectivity can be used in-flight to optimize an aircraft’s overall operations and coordination of cockpit and flight operations. We expect more applications utilizing Aviation Data-as-a-Service (ADaaS), bridging the gap in communication between those in the air and those on the ground. ADaaS is a holistic term that encompasses the breadth of cloud-based software tools that work together to aggregate, process, and apply aviation data to give all users more insight about the safety, performance, and comfort of each flight, while improving efficiency, analytics, and capability.

An example is SmartSky’s Skytelligence, a neutral platform that provides access to essential aviation data from numerous sources via a data exchange for application developers and others in the industry to create new ways to streamline and optimize aviation operations. One Skytelligence-supported offering is SmoothSky, in partnership with IATA, which aggregates a variety of data sources to deliver real-time turbulence information, allowing pilots to adjust flight paths to improve safety and comfort and protect aircraft from turbulence-related damage.

There is significant potential in the power of ADaaS to benefit aviation. 2023 is a pivotal year for these technologies to shape how better knowledge of data can drive meaningful growth and enhanced services to transform the industry.

The post OPINION: In-Flight Connectivity Trends to Watch For in 2023 appeared first on Avionics International.

OPINION: Preventive Maintenance Strategies for Aerospace Parts Manufacturing

Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) technology is the leading approach that caters to the particular demands for material integrity in aerospace parts manufacturing. CNC methods automate the movement of machine tools based on a pre-programmed design to ensure accurate machining. (Photo: Juice Images/Getty Images)

This article was contributed by Eric Whitley, Director of Smart Manufacturing at L2L.

The global aerospace parts manufacturing market, valued at USD 851 billion in 2021, is expected to continue its growth in the coming years. Extraordinary attention to reliability and safety, with continually evolving design requirements, sets high expectations for parts manufacturing. Coping with the demands of the industry while sustaining competitive advantage requires a dependable, forward-looking maintenance strategy.

Essential Equipment in Aerospace Manufacturing

Aerospace manufacturing involves the fabrication of components for commercial aircraft, military-grade jets, spacecraft, and propulsion systems. Such applications expose parts to extreme conditions and stresses that require durable—yet lightweight—materials. On top of these factors, components require precise measurements that can withstand extreme conditions.

Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) technology is the leading approach that caters to the industry’s particular demands on material integrity. CNC methods automate the movement of machine tools based on a pre-programmed design to ensure accurate machining. The range of equipment with CNC capabilities can span turning, milling, drilling, or a combination of these fabrication procedures.

Multiple-axis CNC machining, such as a 5-axis CNC machine, allows the flexibility to achieve more intricate geometries if required. Accomplishing the same level of complexity using a simpler piece of equipment requires additional steps that reduce efficiency and introduce more potential for error.

More sophisticated equipment requires a broader range of tooling and integrated subsystems. As manufacturing processes become more accurate and efficient with advanced equipment, each piece of the more extensive system needs special care and attention to ensure reliable operations.

Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturers need to maximize value from the backbone of their operations at all times. Taking a piece of equipment out of service incurs substantial losses to a company in the form of reduced production capacities. A practical approach to mitigating failure is to get ahead of potential concerns.

It might seem impossible to monitor every component used within a production facility. Several CNC machines, for instance, are comprised of hundreds—if not thousands—of individual parts. The good news is that best practices continue to evolve and find their way to users and service providers, making sure that all stakeholders understand the habits they need to form, such as checking hydraulic fluids and grease pressure.

Preventive maintenance checklists are excellent starting points for assessing the state of a machine and any potential servicing needed. While specific assets may require specialized steps, procedures typically classify tasks according to evaluation frequencies—such as daily, quarterly, and semi-annual checkpoints.

Daily routines require condition inspections, such as ensuring working pressure levels for hydraulic systems, maintaining lubrication levels, and general housekeeping to clear out debris and filings.
Quarterly activities may focus on more substantial areas, including inspecting or replacing conveyor system parts, drive belts and cooling system filters.
Semi-annual checkpoints typically include oil-change procedures for lubricating systems, coolant flushing, leveling recalibration and cleaning out chucks and jaws.

Other activities, performed annually or as needed, include multi-axis alignment and calibration, motor inspections, and gearbox system examinations.

A good maintenance program is only effective if it enables flawless operation—one that can sustain continuous production. (Photo: Aerotech)

Inventory Management

Recent market challenges and supply chain disruptions highlight the importance of sustained business operations through parts availability. These learnings are more relevant than ever, especially to manufacturers that provide equipment for the aviation industry.

A good maintenance program is only effective if it enables flawless operation, one that can sustain continuous production. Having the right spare parts, tooling instruments and consumables on the shelf is essential for equipping maintenance teams to perform the required work assignments.

In a reactive approach to random or unforeseen failure, having a spare part on hand can spell the difference between an immediate fix and an extended waiting period. In such cases, critical spare parts should be stored nearby with easy access.

A Holistic Approach to Maintenance

It is vital to tackle maintenance with a strategic and holistic approach. Manufacturers should prioritize proactive strategies to keep factories at peak performance. However, contingencies need to be in place in the event of unplanned breakdowns, anticipating potential failure modes and countermeasures. The main challenge for manufacturers is optimizing resources in order to maximize reliability.

Modern tools in the industry aim to integrate several areas of a company into an empowered decision-making process. Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software, for instance, bridges the gap between maintenance demands and resource allocation.

Going back to the example of a 5-axis CNC machine, performance and conditional readings from the equipment can feed into the EAM program as data inputs. The comprehensive information is then translated into actionable insights and can be further automated to trigger procurement requirements and work scheduling.

In exploring innovations that take a more holistic approach to maintenance, recent ones also enhance communication between end users and manufacturers. Seamless information transfers—through secure channels—enable customers to share flight data directly with manufacturers. These developments allow manufacturers to better prepare for demands and provide a targeted strategy for supplying products and maximizing production schedules.

A preventive maintenance strategy enables aerospace parts manufacturers to sustain an advantage in a competitive industry. Specialized equipment requires unique maintenance standards to ensure performance. While the task is challenging, a well-guided strategy paired with the appropriate tools open opportunities for continuous improvement.

Eric Whitley is a leader in the manufacturing space. In addition to the many publications and articles Eric has written on various manufacturing topics, you may know him from his efforts leading the Total Productive Maintenance effort at Autoliv ASP or from his involvement in the Management Certification programs at The Ohio State University, where he served as an adjunct faculty member.

After an extensive career as a reliability and business improvement consultant, Eric joined L2L, where he currently serves as the Director of Smart Manufacturing and helps clients implement L2L’s pragmatic approach to corporate digital transformation.

The post OPINION: Preventive Maintenance Strategies for Aerospace Parts Manufacturing appeared first on Avionics International.

Bombardier Reports Strong Financial Results in 2022

“The 2022 results we are presenting today are a resoundingly positive culmination of a strong year,” said Bombardier CEO Éric Martel. (Photo: Bombardier)

Recently, Bombardier announced the details of its 2022 financial performance, touting success in all of its set metrics. Aided by strong demand, an increase in aftermarket services, and a strong product mix of various aircraft types, the manufacturer enjoyed a strong 2022 and looks optimistically to the coming years.

Éric Martel, Bombardier’s CEO, demonstrated his enthusiasm for the company’s financial performance when he explained, “The 2022 results we are presenting today are a resoundingly positive culmination of a strong year, and a testament to the team’s effort to execute in the fourth quarter. We exceeded commitments across the board, be it on deliveries, our growing aftermarket business and profitability,”

Bombardier is a major player in the aviation industry. Despite the end of the production of its popular commercial regional jets (Canadian Regional Jets or CRJs) after Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi purchased the program in June 2020, the corporation has an extensive list of business jets it currently offers the market. Most notably is Bombardier’s Challenger Series, which includes the 350, 650, 5500, 6500, and 7500 variants.

In 2022, Bombardier delivered 123 of these aircraft, which contributed to its $6.9 Billion in revenue for the year. This revenue is up 14% from 2022’s levels. In addition to aircraft sales and deliveries, aftermarket services played a significant role in the generation of this revenue. Aftermarket services (which mainly aim to support customers after a completed aircraft sale) include things like assistance in the re-marketing of Bombardier aircraft, assisting startup customers, performing maintenance services, and connecting customers with a worldwide parts network designed to deliver replacement parts to where they are needed quickly.

Bombardier’s high revenue levels are coupled with an equally successful profit. It reported an EBITDA (a metric that examines profitability before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of $930 million. This presents a stark increase of 45% from the previous year. With these profits, the company was able to repay $1.1 billion of debt with cash. This caused a drop in interest costs and a positive earnings per share (EPS) when combined with tax attributes on the company’s balance sheet.

Bombardier has reason to look toward 2023 optimistically. It expects this year’s revenue to exceed $7.6 billion. This increase in revenue will be supported by more aircraft deliveries (of which Bombardier currently anticipates 138) and the sustained growth of aftermarket services. It has already begun expanding this offering through the recruitment of technicians and the expansion of its service network.

Bombardier is also looking beyond this year and toward 2025. On March 23, 2023, the company will host Bombardier’s 2023 Investor Day. Company executives will provide insight into each of Bombardier’s focuses: defense, expanding its aftermarket services, and ESG objectives. As the aviation industry continues on the road to recovery, Bombardier’s financial success in 2022 indicates the strong increase of demand business aviation has seen as the industry returns to normalcy.

The post Bombardier Reports Strong Financial Results in 2022 appeared first on Avionics International.

SITA to Implement Facial Biometrics at Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport is coordinating with SITA and NEC to implement SITA’s Smart Path biometric facial recognition platform. (Photo: SITA)

Air transport technology firm SITA has been contracted to implement a “check-in-to-boarding” biometric facial recognition platform at Frankfurt Airport (FRA).

Participating passengers will not even have to use touchscreens, SITA said, with kiosks and gates throughout the airport able to recognize facial biometrics. Added biometric kiosks and scanning stations will be installed at FRA during the first half of 2023 to enable the end-to-end biometric experience.

SITA’s contract is with Fraport, the company that manages Frankfurt Airport.

“From enrollment at a kiosk or counter, to pre-security automated gates and self-boarding gates, passengers can use biometric technology to seamlessly pass through each stage of the journey by simply scanning their face,” SITA said in a statement announcing the project, which it said “breaks new ground in the development of digital travel by providing a true common-use biometric platform at all [Frankfurt Airport] terminals, open to all airlines operating at the airport.”

“Passengers can use biometric technology to seamlessly pass through each stage of the journey by simply scanning their face.” (Photo: SITA)

SITA’s Smart Path platform will be implemented at the airport. In a description of Smart Path on its website, SITA noted passengers can “easily check in luggage in as little as 15 seconds” using facial biometrics and then move through the airport using their faces as a sole form of identification.

SITA has partnered with NEC Corp., which is providing its NEC I:Delight facial recognition technology for the FRA project. “Powered by industry-leading contactless biometric solutions that make touchpoints touchless, NEC I:Delight shapes personalized experiences that are safe, secure and hygienic while being seamlessly enjoyable,” NEC said in a description of the platform.

SITA said FRA is a particularly appealing airport to implement facial biometrics because Lufthansa, the hub’s leading airline, is already using NEC I:Delight technology as part of the growing Star Alliance Biometrics program. Lufthansa is a founding member of Star and FRA is one of the global airline alliance’s primary hubs.

Star Alliance said the biometrics program “leverages face recognition technology to enable passengers to experience fast, accurate and seamless recognition at self-service baggage drop, security access, airport/airline lounges and boarding gates instead of using their passports and boarding passes.”

Star said passengers enroll once in the biometrics program and “can then use the service with any participating airline at any participating airport.”

The Star Alliance is seeking to implement facial biometrics with as many of its 26 member airlines at as many airports as possible. (Photo: SITA)

SITA’s project at Frankfurt Airport will utilize “the biometric identities of Lufthansa passengers enrolled on Star Alliance’s platform, enabling seamless identification of passengers without additional process steps across multiple participating airports and airlines.”

The Star Alliance is seeking to implement facial biometrics with as many of its 26 member airlines at as many airports as possible. “Key learnings from the Fraport project will be considered for further implementations across the [Star] network,” according to the air transport technology firm.

“With this implementation, Fraport is leading the industry in responding to shifting passenger demands for greater autonomy and convenience, while helping to maximize operational efficiencies,” SITA President – Europe, Sergio Colella, said.

The post SITA to Implement Facial Biometrics at Frankfurt Airport appeared first on Avionics International.

Joby Aviation Completes the Second Stage of the FAA Type Certification Process

Joby Aviation has completed the second stage in the type certification process, the company announced last week. (Photo: Joby Aviation)

eVTOL developer Joby Aviation has successfully completed the second stage in the type certification process, according to an announcement from the company last week. The Federal Aviation Administration requires companies to progress through five stages before receiving type certification for commercial passenger use of their aircraft. The first stage is defining the Certification Basis, while the second stage involves identifying the methods of demonstrating its Means of Compliance.

Joby claims that it is the first eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) developer to complete the second stage of the process. It was the first of the eVTOL companies to complete the first stage—its Certification Basis is published in the Federal Register. The team is working towards a launch date of 2025 for commercial passenger service.

In the company’s announcement, it clarifies, “It is typical for a small portion of the Means of Compliance to remain open to allow for further collaboration on minor design changes and improvements that may occur later in the certification process. With 94% of our Means of Compliance now accepted by the FAA, Joby considers the second stage essentially complete.”

Didier Papadopoulos, Head of Aircraft OEM at Joby Aviation, said, “Certification is an integral part of everything that an aerospace company does and with the achievement of this critical milestone, we’re now able to confidently focus our efforts on closing the remaining certification plans and completing the testing required to certify our aircraft,” in a statement.

Certification Plans is the third stage of the certification process, and Testing and Analysis defines stage four. The final stage of type certification is to “Show and Verify.” Joby’s team has made progress in stage three; they have submitted their first equipment-level qualification test plan to the FAA in addition to four area-specific certification plans.

Joby announced on Tuesday that it has started final assembly of its first company-conforming eVTOL aircraft. Manufacturing took place at the company’s facility in Marina, California. It is qualified as a company-conforming aircraft because it was created “in accordance with a released design and built according to a complete implementation of a quality management system,” according to the press release.

Joby has started final assembly of its first company-conforming eVTOL aircraft. (Photo: Joby Aviation)

“Joby’s Quality Management System, matured over a number of years, includes tracking and documentation of every part on the aircraft, configuration management of engineering drawings, environmental conditions during fabrication, and actions taken by manufacturing technicians,” according to a statement from the company.

Now, the team is starting installation of the wiring, actuation, electronics, and propulsion systems on its pilot production line. Joby’s objective is to start flight tests before July of this year.

The post Joby Aviation Completes the Second Stage of the FAA Type Certification Process appeared first on Avionics International.

Blade and BETA Conduct Test Flight of Piloted eVTOL Aircraft

Blade Air Mobility and BETA Technologies completed the first test flight of a piloted eVTOL aircraft in the greater New York City area. (Photo: Brian Jenkins/BETA Technologies)

This week, Blade Air Mobility and BETA Technologies completed the first test flight of a piloted eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft in the greater New York City area. BETA’s six-passenger ALIA-250 eVTOL performed this flight at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York.

“This demonstration is a big milestone in our transition from helicopters to electric vertical aircraft, and we are pleased that our partners at BETA have designed the right aircraft with the requisite range, capacity, and noise profile, for use in our key markets,” commented Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal.

An all-electric propulsion system powers BETA’s aircraft. It flew alongside a conventional helicopter during part of the test flight this week to highlight its noise profile—one-tenth of the sound decibel level of a helicopter.

Kyle Clark, BETA’s Founder and CEO, also commented on the announcement, remarking that this achievement is one more step towards delivering their eVTOL aircraft to support operations in urban markets worldwide. “We continue to progress our aircraft, flying real-life missions and gaining proficiency in the national airspace,” Clark stated.

In April 2021, Blade announced plans to purchase up to 20 of BETA’s ALIA aircraft for passenger service. Blade also entered into a partnership with eVTOL developer Wisk Aero in May 2021. Wisk intends to operate 30 of its eVTOL aircraft using Blade’s network of terminals in the U.S.

BETA also achieved several milestones in 2022. In March, two U.S. Air Force pilots became the first Airmen to fly an electric aircraft with military airworthiness approval. The flight was hosted at BETA’s hangar and testing facility in Plattsburgh, New York. In July,

In December, BETA partnered with the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and the FAA to conduct a 50-foot drop test on a full-scale battery system designed for an electric aircraft.

BETA Technologies is one of Air New Zealand’s partners for the Mission Next Gen Aircraft program. The companies are coordinating to make sustainable aviation a reality in New Zealand by developing the necessary technology and infrastructure. Other partners include Heart Aerospace, Airbus, Embraer, and Universal Hydrogen.

The post Blade and BETA Conduct Test Flight of Piloted eVTOL Aircraft appeared first on Avionics International.

UK Ministry of Defence Awards Contract to Thales and Schiebel for “Eye in the Sky” Uncrewed Air System

Thales and Schiebel will provide an uncrewed air system, or UAS, to the UK’s Ministry of Defence that can be used in more congested maritime environments. (Photo: Schiebel)

Thales and Schiebel recently announced that they have been granted a contract from the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence with the goal of delivering a rotary wing Uncrewed Air System (UAS). This aircraft will provide aerial surveillance for Royal Navy Warships alongside a plethora of other benefits.

Thales is a global technology company with operations across five continents. With 81,000 employees, the company strives to develop new technologies involving artificial intelligence, big data, quantum technology, connectivity and cyber security. The company develops $16.2 billion of revenue annually, leaving it with plenty of resources used to create new technological innovations. Its focus is on markets like defense, aerospace, and digital security—making its collaboration with the Ministry of Defence a promising venture.

Schiebel Group produces high-tech military and commercial products. Its team is focused on developing, designing, and producing the CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Air System.

Under the contract, Thales and Schiebel will provide a UAS that can be used in more congested maritime environments. Additionally, it will have quick launch capabilities coupled with a long range and high endurance. Traits like this will allow it to protect Royal Navy ships by giving them time to prepare a response to a multitude of situations that can occur on the seas during conflict.

Specifically, Schiebel will provide the Royal Navy with its CAMCOPTER S-100. With over 100,000 operating hours, this UAS has proven itself as reliable and a good tool for achieving important objectives. It has already been successfully employed in deck-launched operations and can operate in a wide variety of weather conditions with a range of 200 km (about 125 miles). It can also navigate automatically using GPS waypoints while still offering an option to be pilot controlled.

“The S-100 is the optimal UAS for a growing number of Navies worldwide and has proven its superiority and outstanding capabilities throughout its numerous operational deployments.” (Photo: Schiebel)

In addition to these operational features, the CAMCOPTER S-100 features a high-definition camera that sends images to its control station in real time. It also utilizes “fly-by-wire” technology, enabling it to complete many of its missions automatically, even in more complex electromagnetic settings.

The features the CAMCOPTER S-100 offers will provide the Royal Navy with modernized benefits. As Alex Cresswell, the CEO of Thales, explained in the announcement, “This is a significant milestone for the Royal Navy as it is an immediate enhancement to its operational capability, but it also supports their strategic transition to uncrewed technology in line with their Future Maritime Aviation Force strategy. I am pleased that our long tradition of supporting the Royal Navy’s ‘eyes and ears’ situational awareness capability continues with this latest contract.”

With this new contract, both Thales and Schiebel, along with the Ministry of Defence, will capitalize on their strengths. Thales and Schiebel’s years of experience—combined with the Ministry of Defence’s expertise in strategy—will help the Royal Navy modernize its technological infrastructure and strategy.

The post UK Ministry of Defence Awards Contract to Thales and Schiebel for “Eye in the Sky” Uncrewed Air System appeared first on Avionics International.

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