TM350 - A real time traffic monitor like no other.
SAPS rotorcraft and UAV acquisitions in Armscor supply chain queue.
Boeing T-7A Red Hawk triples progress.
Gulfstream G650 And G650er Surpass 1 million flight hours.
Boeing awarded contract for seven additional MH-139A helicopters.
Eve Air Mobility named a member of Japan's Advanced Air Mobility Public-Private Committee.
Gulfstream G700 earns EASA Certification.
This week in history - First flight of the Blackburn Buccaneer
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents.
Bonus video - Test Flight and Development Centre Airshow
TM350 - A REAL TIME TRAFFIC MONITOR LIKE NO OTHER
FUNKE Avionics, a German aero-space supplier, introduced the TM350 at Aero Friedrichshafen 2024. It is a compact avionics module for airspace surveillance and proximity warning to increase situational awareness. The TM350 detects Mode S, Mode A/C, ADS-B and FLARM® signals and makes the evaluation available via standardized interfaces for cockpit displays, external displays and commercially available tablet and mobile phone APPs.
The TM350 decodes transmissions from other aircraft in order to generate a picture around the aircraft. The various possible interfaces, as well as the possible settings, are configured via a simple and intuitive WIFI browser interface. The TM350 can be connected to extended squitter-capable transponders to form a fully-fledged ADS-B IN/OUT system, in which its own position is broadcast and that of other aircraft is received and evaluated. TM350 can also be expanded with a full FLARM® receiver to monitor so-equipped glider traffic.
Traffic monitoring is done in near real time, without internet, and in evaluating threats, employs a precision barometric altimeter and 72 channel GNSS receiver.
Whilst ADS-B and Flarm traffic transmit position, altitude and heading directly, Mode C and S transponders are not providing spatial information, so range to these targets is approximated by signal strength.
Threat classification is configured into Caution and Alarms zones, determined in project EVA with the UK ATC authority NATS. The zone boundaries are dynamically adjusted according to a target's approach rate. A ground switch can disable warnings.
The TM350 can be connected to different apps (such as Easy Cockpit, SkyDemon, ForeFlight, VFRnav) with simple configuration via WiFi browser interface with 2 parallel channels.
4 configurable RS232 interfaces with different protocols are available for hard wired connections to glass cockpits.
Warnings can be both audio into the aircraft intercom system and Left/Right panel mounted LEDs.
Weighing only 250g and just 115 x 56 x 25mm, the TM350 can be fixed mounted or portable. The power supply accommodates 11 to 30VDC. FUNKE is able to supply all the antennae and wiring harnesses if required. In most cases, no holes in the aircraft skin are necessary.
SAPS ROTORCRAFT AND UAV ACQUISITIONS IN ARMSCOR SUPPLY CHAIN QUEUE www.defenceweb.co.za
When it comes to feet on the ground, Minister Bheki Cele's SA Police Service (SAPS) can successfully point to recruiting thousands, while he and National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, are depending on Armscor for the acquisition of helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Armscor is managing three tenders for the SAPS, with one - ECAC/2023/117 - for a "troop carrier" helicopter and the other two - ECAC/2023/116 and ECAC/2023/118 - for unmanned aerial vehicles.
In February defenceWeb asked for more information on all three including load capacity, service and repair for the rotorcraft as well as flight endurance and equipment, for example infrared cameras, to be fitted on the UAVs and the number sought. Was training for future SAPS UAV operators also part of the tender was a further question.
This publication was informed Armscor cannot respond on any of these tenders in view of the currently underway supply chain management processes.
The closing date for the troop-carrying helicopter bid was 5 March 2024. Armscor has overseen the procurement of multiple new helicopters for the SAPS Air Wing, with Business Day reporting seven are being acquired for R400 million. So far, three Airbus Helicopters H125 light utility rotorcraft has been delivered to the SAPS.
One who took a closer look at the SAPS tenders was James Kerr of Pretoria-based Orion Consulting. He is of the opinion the three-week timeline for submission of bids is short when taking the complexity of the tenders into account.
On the proposed helicopter acquisition, he notes it is an opportunity for "some newer SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises) to get some alliance with an international OEM (original equipment manufacturer)". This is in line with Armscor's stated intent of advancing broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) via SMMEs with the time factor making it difficult to prepare as a compliant commercial off the shelf (COTS) based proposal.
Securing single rights for any product submission as well as DIP (defence industrial participation) and NIP (national industrial participation) need corporate approval, which takes time, more so if a foreign entity is involved, the specialist market entry strategy and proposal service supplier to the South African aerospace and defence industries said.
The SAPS, meanwhile, has a number of its own tenders out. One of those, issued on 10 May, is for the armoured conversion of Nissan Patrol 5.6 V8 LE Premium or similar vehicles for a period of two years for the Special Task Force. Bids close on 10 June.
Armscor continues to focus mainly on tenders for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and has a number out at present, primarily for the Navy. Tender ENLS/2024/19 calls for the procurement of maintenance spares for the support vessel SAS Drakensberg for the 2024/25 financial year. Closing date is 23 May. Tender EARO/2024/22 seeks alternator and maintenance spares for SA Navy frigates, with a closing date of 28 May. Further frigate work will come in the form of new exhaust flaps for the frigates, under tender EARO/2024/23, which has a closing date of 28 May.
For the Army, tender EWSD/2024/18 seeks the conversion of Toyota Land Cruisers to armoured 6×6 configuration for the Special Forces (closing date 14 May). Tender ELWS/2024/10 was issued on 29 April and seeks the procurement of E-Class spares for Olifant MK1A and armoured recovery vehicle systems, with a closing date of 20 May.
BOEING T-7A RED HAWK TRIPLES PROGRESS
The Boeing [NYSE: BA] T-7A Red Hawk achieved three recent milestones, propelling the advanced pilot trainer for the U.S. Air Force forward.
Climate Chamber Test: T-7A aircraft APT-3, one of five engineering and manufacturing development aircraft, underwent rigorous testing at Eglin Air Force Base, enduring temperatures ranging from -25°F to 110°F. This test evaluated the aircraft system's performance, including propulsion, hydraulic, fuel, electrical, secondary power, environmental control, and overall operations in extreme environmental conditions. The aircraft has since returned to St. Louis for testing.
Escape System Test: Boeing and the Air Force conducted a dynamic sled test in February at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. The test focused on design enhancements in the Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, ACES 5 ejection seat and Pacific Scientific EMC's canopy fracturing system to reduce the risk of injury. During the test, the team implemented variable timing to slow down the ejection seat, using the drogue chute and investigated canopy fracturing system patterns. The team is now preparing to move forward with the next round of development testing.
Flight Control Law: Boeing completed development in February of a new software flight control law and since then, has flown the aircraft more than 10 times, reaching 25-degree angle of attack. Additionally, three of those flights demonstrated the aircraft's ability to achieve fine tracking while in high angle of attack, a key capability for pilot training. Incorporation of control law 17.5 clears the path for the Air Force to start high angle of attack and departure resistance testing at Edwards Air Force Base.
"The T-7A Red Hawk is poised to revolutionize pilot training, delivering enhanced safety, performance and adaptability, and completing these three milestones shows significant progress in the program's development," said Evelyn Moore, vice president and program manager, T-7 Programs. "We will continue with flight testing and the next round of escape system testing throughout this year and into 2025."
While the T-7A Red Hawk continues to progress in testing and flight completions, Boeing is also building a new production line for low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the T-7A. The company is slated to load the first forward and aft fuselages for LRIP midyear as suppliers are already underway developing parts for production.
GULFSTREAM G650 AND G650ER SURPASS 1 MILLION FLIGHT HOURS
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. recently announced the award-winning Gulfstream G650 and G650ER surpassed 1 million flight hours. With more than 560 aircraft in service worldwide, the high-performing fleet continues to deliver on its reputation as one of the most iconic aircraft programs in business aviation.
When the G650 entered service in 2012, followed by the G650ER in 2014, the aircraft redefined business aviation. The G650 earned the 2014 Robert J. Collier Trophy for its performance, safety and efficiency innovations, and continues to set industry standards. In 2022, the aircraft completed a flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a business-jet industry original equipment manufacturer first.
"We could not be more pleased that the G650 program - synonymous with business aviation excellence - has been serving our customers for over a decade," said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. "This milestone is a true testament to our precision manufacturing, state-of-the-art design, world-class Gulfstream Customer Support, and commitment to continuously improve our customers' operating experience."
Together, the G650 and G650ER have achieved more than 125 city-pair speed records, and the G650ER holds the record for the farthest fastest business jet flight in history. Both aircraft feature a flexible, award-winning interior that provides the Gulfstream Cabin Experience with 100% fresh air, an ultralow cabin altitude and abundant natural light from 16 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows for up to 19 passengers.
Just last year, Gulfstream and Honeywell released the Primus Epic Block 3 avionics upgrade for the G650 and G650ER, providing even more tools to help pilots make informed safety decisions during all phases of flight. The enhancements include multiple new and improved features that build upon existing Gulfstream PlaneView II flight deck visual, communication, alerting and navigation systems.
The G650 can fly up to 7,000 nautical miles/12,964 kilometers at Mach 0.85 and 6,000 nm/11,112 km at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. The G650ER can fly up to 7,500 nm/13,890 km at Mach 0.85 and 6,400 nm/11,853 km at Mach 0.90. Both aircraft have a near-supersonic maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925, a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 feet/15,545 meters and have earned Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) validation for steep-approach landing operations.
BOEING AWARDED CONTRACT FOR SEVEN ADDITIONAL MH-139A HELICOPTERS
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $178M contract to produce seven MH-139A aircraft and provide sustainment and training support. This order brings the total number of aircraft under contract to 26.
"Building the Grey Wolf fleet and paving the way towards full rate production is a critical step in supporting the Air Force's modernization priorities," said Azeem Khan, MH-139 program director. "Delivering on these commitments and getting more capability into the hands of our customers is important to their mission protecting vital national assets."
The award comes on the heels of the first production aircraft taking its initial flight in December 2023. With the first production aircraft currently undergoing additional testing and other aircraft in various stages of production, Boeing is on track to deliver the first LRIP aircraft to the Air Force this summer.
The MH-139 is a multi-mission helicopter designed for patrol, search and rescue, and troop and cargo transport. Based off the proven Leonardo Helicopters AW139 and fitted with custom military equipment by Boeing, the MH-139 incorporates advanced state-of-the-art technology that allows operators to complete missions quickly, quietly, efficiently and safely.
EVE AIR MOBILITY NAMED A MEMBER OF JAPAN'S ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY PUBLIC-PRIVATE COMMITTEE. Eve Air Mobility ("Eve") (NYSE: EVEX; EVEXW) has been named a member of Japan's Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Public-Private Committee. The committee is responsible to evaluate and make recommendations to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism on AAM regulations & policies for Japan.
Established in 2018, the committee is made up of selected members discuss the development of various AAM services such as passenger transportation, scenic flights, and air ambulance services throughout Japan.
"The Japanese government and the private sector have been proactive in working together to develop the Advanced Air Mobility market and clarify the regulatory framework needed to make it a reality. We are honoured to become a member of the Japan AAM Public-Private Committee and help advance this work," said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility. "We look forward to helping understand and define a business model that not only enables eVTOL flights in Japan, but also advances the overall mobility ecosystem."
Prior to Eve being selected, the company presented an overview of how it could support and contribute as a member of the committee. With the most diverse customer base in the industry, Eve would bring its global perspective and expertise to help contribute to the advancements being made to develop the AAM industry in Japan. Eve's official induction into the Japan Advanced Air Mobility Public-Private Committee will help Japan public's knowledge of Eve and help continue to advance the company's reputation in the country.
"Eve is committed to establishing and helping safely scale the AAM ecosystem in Asia Pacific region," said Bordais. "We are looking forward to continued partnership with our partners in Japan as we move toward entry into service in 2026. With the recent announcement of up to 50 eVTOL aircraft by AirX, Japan's largest public helicopter air charter service, Eve continues to expand its relationships in the country."
Eve has continued to advance the development of its eVTOL aircraft. The company has begun construction of its full-scale prototype and is on schedule to begin testing the aircraft in 2024. Featuring a lift+cruise design to minimize moving parts and reduce potential cost of ownership, Eve's eVTOL features eight lift rotors to assist in takeoff and landing and one push rotor for cruise. With a range of up to 100km (60 miles) and traveling at speeds of 100 knots, Eve's aircraft currently leads the industry with 2,900 orders.
In addition to developing its eVTOL aircraft, Eve will offer its customers access to an existing worldwide network of service centers through its relationship with Embraer, one of the world's largest manufacturers of aircraft. The company is also developing several solutions to support its customers on Day 1 ranging from flight operations solutions and network optimization to data management and eVTOL health monitoring.
GULFSTREAM G700 EARNS EASA CERTIFICATION
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today announced the all-new Gulfstream G700 has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification, following the aircraft's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification on March 29.
"The Gulfstream team is proud to add EASA to our growing G700 certification accomplishments," said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. "During the flight test program, we took the G700 across the globe, and the response to the aircraft's cabin size, flexibility and performance has been outstanding. This EASA certification unlocks G700 deliveries for many more of our international customers, and we are excited to see our next-generation fleet grow around the world."
Before FAA certification, Gulfstream announced G700 performance enhancements for range, speed and cabin altitude. The aircraft's range increased to 7,750 nautical miles/14,353 kilometers at Mach 0.85 or 6,650 nm/12,316 km at Mach 0.90, gaining 250 nm/463 km at both speeds over original projections. The G700's maximum operating speed increased from Mach 0.925 to Mach 0.935, making it the fastest in the Gulfstream fleet. Its cabin altitude, already the lowest in business aviation, was reduced to 2,840 ft/866 m while flying at 41,000 ft/12,497 m, providing even more comfort for passengers.
In addition, the G700's FAA certification confirmed two additional performance improvements, giving customers even more operational flexibility and airport availability: a balanced field length takeoff distance of 5,995 ft/1,829 m and a landing distance of 3,150 ft/960 m (standard ISA day, sea level), both shorter than originally announced.
The G700 features the most spacious cabin in business aviation and includes options for a grand suite with expanded lavatory or the industry's largest ultragalley. It can be configured with up to five living areas and features whisper-quiet noise levels, 20 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows and 100% fresh, never recirculated air.
"We appreciate the support and partnership of the EASA G700 certification team in reaching this achievement," said Burns.
30 APRIL 1958
FIRST FLIGHT OF THE BLACKBURN BUCCANEER
The Blackburn Buccaneer is a British carrier-capable attack aircraft designed in the 1950s for the Royal Navy (RN). Designed and initially produced by Blackburn Aircraft at Brough, it was later officially known as the Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer when Blackburn became a part of the Hawker Siddeley Group, but this name is rarely used.
The Buccaneer was originally designed in response to the Soviet Union introducing the Sverdlov class of light cruisers. Instead of building a new class of its own cruisers, the Royal Navy decided that it could address the threat posed via low-level attack runs performed by Buccaneers, so low as to exploit the ship's radar horizon to minimise the opportunity for being fired upon. The Buccaneer could attack using nuclear weapons or conventional munitions. During its service life, it would be modified to carry anti-ship missiles, allowing it to attack vessels from a stand-off distance and thus improve its survivability against modern ship-based anti-aircraft weapons.[2] The Buccaneer performed its maiden flight in April 1958 and entered Royal Navy service during July 1962.
Primary user of the Buccaneer was the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and the South African Air Force. A total of 211, including 2 prototypes, were built
Mauritania: Atar: A Mauritania Force Aérienne République Islamique de Mauritanie SIAI-Marchetti SF.260EU military aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances in Atar. Both pilots died in the crash. The aircraft was said to have been operating from the Base Arienne 210 Atar by the Ecole Militaire de l'Air.
USA, West of Highway 168N, near Highway 412, 14km E of Walnut Ridge, AR: A Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee Challenger experienced an engine failure and made a forced landing in a farm field west of Highway 168N, near Highway 412, about 14km east of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. The sole pilot was not injured and the aircraft was not damaged.
Uruguay, near Marindia, Canelones: A Pipistrel Virus SW 121 experienced an engine failure and came to rest nose down in a wooded area after the activation of the BRS emergency parachute near Parque de los Pájaros, Marindia, Canelones. The instructor and student pilot were not injured and the aircraft received relative minor damage.
