AFB Hoedspruit final South African stop for Russian Long Range Aviation delegation.
Seychelles, has commenced scheduled operations with its first Tecnam P2012 STOLs
Morocco to acquire Israeli spy satellites.
A U.S. Navy icon takes to the skies after a 17-year restoration.
VoltAero and Sigma Air Mobility to collaborate on advanced air mobility solutions with VoltAero's Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft.
USAF AC-130J gunship pummels Navy vessel during Rim of the Pacific exercise.
US military completes withdrawal from Air Base 201 in Niger.
Boeing delivers first MH-139A production aircraft to U.S. Air Force.
Bell's future long range assault aircraft enters Milestone B.
This week in history -
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 Heavy Metal at Boeing Plaza.
AFB HOEDSPRUIT FINAL SOUTH AFRICAN STOP FOR RUSSIAN LONG RANGE AVIATION DELEGATION www.defenceweb.co.za
A day ahead of exiting South Africa, a Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS - Vozdushno-Kosmicheskiye Sily) delegation spent time at Air Force Base (AFB) Hoedspruit in Limpopo as “part of reconnaissance” ahead of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) in September.
The Russian military aviation delegation, reported as coming from the ranks of VKS Long Range Aviation (LRA) by AFB Hoedspruit Corporate Communication, was led by Major General Sergei Kuvaldin, Deputy Commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
No information on possible VKS aircraft types and positioning at the bushveld base is provided in the AFB Hoedspruit posting which followed a visit to AAD venue AFB Waterkloof. As at the Centurion base, the Russians were met by SAAF Director Helicopter Systems, Brigadier General Alec Kitley. The one-star, along with base Acting Officer Commanding, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen King and Acting Officer Commanding Lowveld Airspace Control Sector, Lieutenant Colonel Liezle Hendricks, hosted the VKS LRA delegation which, among others, operates the Tu-160 long range bomber.
A visit by the Tu-160 to South Africa was on the agenda of the Russian delegation while at AFB Waterkloof. Designed more than 50 years go by the Tupolev Design Bureau, the Tu-160 is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing nuclear-capable heavy strategic bomber and airborne missile platform, two of which touched down at the SAAF transport centre of excellence base in October 2019.
Support for the historic non-stop 11 000 km (9 560 nautical mile) Tu-160 flight to South Africa came from an Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft and an Ilyushin Il-62 passenger jet, which preceded the long-range bombers by a few days.
If Russia does indeed bring Tu-160s back to South Africa for AAD 2024, they will again be supported by an An-124 and Il-62.
Elements of the United States Air Force (USAF) in the form of C-130 transport and refuelling variants have been at AFB Hoedspruit previously, on one occasion to tie in with an AAD and the other to provide humanitarian aid following flooding in neighbouring Mozambique.
It is assumed that the Russian visit to Hoedspruit on 25 July could have been to investigate the base as a backup landing site for its Tu-160s, as the Russian visitors were seen inspecting maps and charts of the base.
A Tu-160 visit would bolster the Russian presence at AAD 2024. A number of Russian defence companies will be taking part in the exhibition, with Aeroscan, Katod, Roscosmos Corporation, Rosoboronexport, Technodinamika, and United Aircraft Corporation confirmed as exhibitors.
Apart from Russia, other air forces taking part in AAD this year include the Zimbabwe Air Force and US Air Force. The United States had a large presence at AAD 2022, bringing Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, and Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk aircraft.
SEYCHELLES, HAS COMMENCED SCHEDULED OPERATIONS WITH ITS FIRST TECNAM P2012 STOLS
Tecnam announced today that Islands Development Company (IDC), airline based in the Seychelles, has commenced scheduled operations with its first P2012 STOLs delivered just one month ago.
Following aircraft acceptance and crew training in Italy, the aircraft was delivered via a challenging ferry flight across Africa to reach the Seychelles archipelago.
The P2012 STOL is the ideal platform for inter-island connections between Seychelles International Airport and the smaller airports on the surrounding islands. The P2012 STOL, with its 315m take-off run and 225m landing run, coupled with a certified 10° (17.5%) steep approach, ensures excellent performance even on the smallest runways in the archipelago, while maintaining twin-engine safety and excellent on-board comfort and accommodation.
Tecnam's innovative and modern design of an aircraft built with commuter passengers in mind will allow IDC passengers to experience the comfort and luxury of modern amenities and ergonomic design, providing a high level of service to their communities.
The P2012 STOL, which comfortably seats nine passengers with one or two crew, is a new generation, turbocharged, twin-engine, high wing aircraft. Its introduction to the Islands Development Company's fleet will offer experiences that discerning travellers expect, such as premium interiors, in-seat power, superior legroom and under-seat stowage.
Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam Managing Director, said: “From Alaska to Hawaii, from the Caribbean to the Seychelles, the P2012 is proving to be the aircraft of choice for many operators due to its modern design and low operating costs.”
Glenny Savy, IDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said: “The Tecnam P2012 STOL is a strategic addition to IDC's fleet. This versatile aircraft will enhance operations on all the islands managed by IDC, especially those with shorter airfields, improving accessibility and operational efficiency”.
MOROCCO IS ACQUIRING TWO SPY SATELLITES FROM ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES (IAI) IN A DEAL APPARENTLY WORTH $1 BILLION
IAI on 10 July announced a $1 billion contract with a foreign customer, but did not divulge other information other than to say the contract delivery would take place over five years.
www.defenceweb.co.za
Multiple media sources, including Moroccan news websites Le Desk and Le 360, reported Morocco as the buyer for two Ofek 13 reconnaissance satellites.
The new satellites will apparently replace two Airbus and Thales satellites, Le Desk and Le 360 reported, citing Israeli sources in Rabat.
The Ofek 13 uses synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology for day and night operation, giving a resolution of up to .5 metres.
Israel and Morocco reached an agreement on defence in 2021, covering intelligence and cooperation in military industries and procurement. In 2022, Morocco purchased the Barak MX air defence system from IAI for $540 million and Morocco has also acquired various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Israeli companies, including IAI's Heron I and systems from BlueBird Aero Systems.
A U.S. NAVY ICON TAKES TO THE SKIES AFTER A 17-YEAR RESTORATION
The Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls, Minn., announced that on 22 July 2024, its SB2C Helldiver returned to the sky, completing a 17-year restoration project.
The restoration team, led by Brandon Deuel, sought to return an aircraft that hadn't flown since 1945 to airworthy status.
The test flight was piloted by Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Colonel Ed Vesely, who has extensive experience flying the only other airworthy Helldiver owned and operated by the CAF and assigned to the West Texas Wing.
Two days after a successful flight test, Ray Fowler flew the airplane from Granite Falls to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. Then, on July 25, it was featured in the “Warbirds in Review” panel alongside Fagen Fighters' P-47D Chief Ski-U-Mah II.
VOLTAERO AND SIGMA AIR MOBILITY TO COLLABORATE ON ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY SOLUTIONS WITH VOLTAERO'S CASSIO ELECTRIC-HYBRID AIRCRAFT
The early development of advanced air mobility solutions using VoltAero's Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft will be explored in a wide-ranging agreement with Sigma Air Mobility, opening the potential for a route demonstration pilot project, along with the identification of services for Cassio in its air ambulance version.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was announced today during a press conference at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, bringing VoltAero's pioneering development of the Cassio airplane family and its company's unique parallel electric-hybrid propulsion system together with Sigma Air Mobility's expertise as a network operator.
The pilot project envisioned in the agreement will showcase the Cassio's capabilities in operational conditions, while also fostering local network growth and defining use cases. Its location will be announced later this year.
Also identified in the MoU is the joint opportunity to develop industry technical standards for airport recharging infrastructures, facilities and the related technologies; along with the potential collaboration on operating models, economics and decarbonization trends and metrics to further adjust growth plans.
“This perfectly-timed agreement enables VoltAero and Sigma Air Mobility to focus on realistic regional air mobility solutions with the Cassio aircraft and its parallel electric-hybrid propulsion system,” said Jean Botti, VoltAero's CEO & Chief Technology Officer. “It comes at a time when the aviation industry and transportation sectors are increasingly sceptical about all-electric solutions that raise more questions than answers for the future of air mobility.”
Christophe Lapierre, the CEO of Sigma Air Mobility, added: “The MoU aligns our two companies' extensive aviation expertise on a pragmatic and tangible path to market, validating Cassio operations and its infrastructure and ecosystem with a very local and streamlined pilot project.”
Lapierre added that regional air mobility represents a significant market opportunity in the 300-plus kilometre range, which has been largely under-addressed to date. Additionally, electric-hybrid CTOL (conventional take-off and landing) aircraft can more easily leverage existing infrastructure, while Cassio's fixed wing design with its dual propulsion system provides a simplified path to certification.
Sigma Air Mobility was started by the Luxaviation Group, a world-leader in business aviation across operations, FBO networks and services. With its worldwide footprint and vast operations experience, the focus has long been on sustainability, and how to provide effective actions to achieve net zero ambitions in the wider air transport industry. Sigma Air Mobility has explored all angles of the upcoming Air Mobility industry, and either developed from core expertise and assets or built key partnerships with respective leaders in each value chain segment, so Sigma Air Mobility projects today cover entire ecosystem in an end-to-end solution.
The Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family being developed by VoltAero is a highly capable and reliable product line for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private owners, as well as in utility-category service for cargo, postal delivery and medical evacuation (Medevac) applications. It will be produced in three versions: the five-seat Cassio 330; the Cassio 480 with six seats; and the 10-12-seat Cassio 600.
The parallel propulsion concept developed by VoltAero is unique: Cassio aircraft will utilize the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor in the aft fuselage-mounted hybrid propulsion unit for all-electric power during taxi, take off, primary flight (if the distance travelled is less than 150 km.), and landing. The hybrid feature - with the internal combustion engine - comes into play as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight. Additionally, this hybrid element serves as a backup in the event of a problem with the electric propulsion, ensuring true fail-safe functionality.
By integrating VoltAero's patented electric-hybrid propulsion system into the company's purpose-designed airframe, the Cassio aircraft will deliver an order of magnitude higher performance as compared to the current competition and provide significantly lower operational costs.
VoltAero will assemble the Cassio aircraft in a purpose-built facility that is being completed this August at the Rochefort Charente-Maritime Airport in France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
USAF AC-130J GUNSHIP PUMMELS NAVY VESSEL DURING RIM OF THE PACIFIC EXERCISE
RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime training exercise this year involved 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel.
It is the largest international maritime exercise and allows militaries the opportunity to test high-powered weapons in real-world scenarios.
A U.S. Air Force AC-130J gunship took part in battering and sinking a retired U.S. Navy vessel the d USS Tarawa during this summer's 2024 Rim of the Pacific exercise, according to explosive footage released by the Air Force.
“Sinking exercises give us a chance to sharpen our skills, learn from one another, and get real-world experience,” U.S. Navy Vice Adm. John Wade, RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force commander, said in the release. “Using advanced weapons and seeing the professionalism of our teams during these drills shows our commitment to keeping the Indo-Pacific region safe and open.”
The exercise allows nations to test and train weapons that can't be replicated in a simulation. The sinking exercises, dubbed SINKEXs, included units from Australia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and the U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy.
A New Mexico-based 27th Special Operations Wing crew manning the AC-130J bludgeoned the Austin-class amphibious transport dock Dubuque with cannon fire from the air as part of a live-fire sinking exercise last month.
US MILITARY COMPLETES WITHDRAWAL FROM AIR BASE 201 IN NIGER
The United States military has completed the withdrawal of its forces and assets from Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, in line with plans to fully exit the country by mid-September.
The US Department of Defence and Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Niger on 5 August said the withdrawal from Air Base 201 began on 19 May with signing of the Terms of Withdrawal.
Air Base 201, near Agadez in central Niger, was built to house unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at a cost of $100 million, and provided crucial intelligence about Islamist militant groups before the coup last year that subsequently told nearly 1 000 US military personnel to leave the country.
“Over the past decade, US troops have trained Niger's forces and supported partner-led counterterrorism missions against Islamic State and al Qaeda in the region,” US Africa Command said. “The effective cooperation and communication between the US and Nigerien armed forces ensured that this turnover was finished ahead of schedule and without complications.”
Niger's junta has given the US until 15 September to remove troops from its territory. US troops pulled out of Air Base 101 in Niamey last month. The final US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III departed Air Base 101 on 8 July.
The first deployment of US troops to Niger was in 2013 when 100 military personnel were deployed and operated from a military base at Niamey airport which was shared with France. Washington later built one of its largest drone bases in Africa in Agadez-Niger.
Since Air Base 201 was commissioned in 2019, it had been a major military asset to the US in the Sahel. Information gathered from the base has been essential in tracking and fighting insurgent groups operating in the region.
In addition to the drone base, the US also supported Niger with military aid before the military coup of 2023.
The US is now trying to establish new security cooperation agreements and considering countries such as Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Benin for American reconnaissance UAVs.
BOEING DELIVERS FIRST MH-139A PRODUCTION AIRCRAFT TO U.S. AIR FORCE
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first MH-139A Grey Wolf production aircraft to the U.S. Air Force. This aircraft, part of a Low-Rate Initial Production order in 2023 for 13 helicopters, will be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana.
“This aircraft will directly support ongoing U.S. Air Force modernization efforts,” said Azeem Khan, MH-139 executive director and program manager. “Delivering this asset for the MH-139A fleet is critical to the future of national security as the Grey Wolf will play a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear triad for decades to come.”
In 2024, the U.S. Air Force awarded an additional seven MH-139As to Boeing. With six Research, Development, Test and Evaluation aircraft already delivered, Boeing currently has 26 aircraft on contract.
With a 50% increase in speed and range and a 5,000 pound-lb. increase in max gross weight compared it is predecessor, the MH-139A can execute multiple mission sets. Combined with lower operating costs, increased reliability and improved maintainability, the aircraft provides improved capability and greater flexibility for the U.S. Air Force.
The MH-139A team consists of Boeing as the prime contractor and Leonardo as an original equipment manufacturer. Leonardo produces the baseline helicopter at its plant in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing is responsible for military equipment procurement and installation and post-delivery support of the aircraft.
BELL'S FUTURE LONG RANGE ASSAULT AIRCRAFT ENTERS MILESTONE B
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today the United States Army has approved the Milestone B decision for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), marking the beginning of the weapon system's Program of Record (PoR).
"This achievement marks a historic moment for both the U.S. Army and Bell,” said Ryan Ehinger, Bell's Senior Vice President and Program Director, FLRAA program. “Now that the program has Milestone B approval, the course is set for delivering transformational capability to the warfighter. The FLRAA team remains laser-focused on working in tandem with the U.S. Army to execute the next phase of Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD).”
The Milestone B decision is a part of the Major Capability Acquisition process and comes after years of the Bell team working alongside the U.S. Army and Bell's FLRAA teammates to decompose requirements, reduce risk and inform the weapon system acquisition. This includes the execution of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) ensuring integration and effectiveness of the aircraft's design including weapon system design, sustainment and system integrations that are integral to the U.S. Army's special mission requirements.
“This significant milestone is made possible by the years of hard work and sacrifice by Team FLRAA and our teammates throughout the Army and the Department of Defence,” said COL Jeffrey Poquette, FLRAA Project Manager. “We are poised to deliver a truly transformational aircraft for the Army. The hard work continues into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase where we will design, build and test FLRAA prototypes. It is certainly an exciting time for the program.”
Following the U.S. Army's FLRAA contract award in December 2022, Bell established several new state-of-the-art facilities and established several new innovative manufacturing processes to drive cost, schedule and performance to support the program's execution. As Bell and the FLRAA team enter into the EMD phase, Bell's focus will be on continued design maturation and prototyping.
The U.S. Army's new long-range assault aircraft will fly twice as far and twice as fast as the current fleet. By utilizing mature tiltrotor technology coupled with an innovative digital engineering approach and an open architecture, it will be the most reliable, affordable and high-performing long-range assault aircraft in the world.
11 AUGUST 1918
The first use of a parachute from a combat aircraft occurs when a German pilot escapes his burning Pfalz D.III after being attacked by a pilot from No. 19 Squadron RAF.
The first military use of the parachute was by artillery observers on tethered observation balloons in World War I. These were tempting targets for enemy fighter aircraft, though difficult to destroy, due to their heavy anti-aircraft defences.
While this type of unit worked well from balloons, it had mixed results when used on fixed-wing aircraft by the Germans, where the bag was stored in a compartment directly behind the pilot. In many instances where it did not work the shroud lines became entangled with the spinning aircraft. Although this type of parachute saved a number of famous German fighter pilots, including Hermann Göring, no parachutes were issued to the crews of Allied "heavier-than-air" aircraft.
USA, Oshkosh Regional Airport (OSH/KOSH), Oshkosh, WI: A Diamond DA 42NG Twin Star, N94NG, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident at Oshkosh Regional Airport (OSH/KOSH), Oshkosh, Wisconsin. All three occupants were not injured. Preliminary information indicates the aircraft flew a left downwind to runway 18R. It was instructed to make a base turn at mid field and land on the second half of the runway. The aircraft overshot the runway slightly and was still finishing its turn, as the left wing and left main gear impacted the runway in an apparent wing stall. The aircraft departed the runway and came to a stop in the grass to the right of the runway.
USA, Oshkosh Regional Airport (OSH/KOSH), Oshkosh, WI: The aircraft ground looped on landing.
Thailand, North of Best Ocean Airpark (VTSU), Samut Sakhon: A Zenair CH601XL Zodiac, HS-DEV, experienced engine problems after take-off and crashed into a residential building in Khok Ham during an attempted return to runway 34 at Best Ocean Airpark (VTSU), Mueang District, Samut Sakhon The sole pilot onboard perished in the accident. The purpose of the flight was to carry out a test flight following engine maintenance.
USA, Oxford County Regional Airport (81B), Oxford, ME: The aircraft sustained unreported damage subsequent to impact with airport fencing and terrain during a post maintenance test flight at Oxford County Regional Airport (81B), Oxford, Maine. The sole pilot onboard received unspecified injuries.
Taiwan, Gaoshu: A Sling Aircraft LSA crashed under unknown circumstances shortly after take-off in a plantation in Gaoshu. Both occupants suffered minor injuries and were taken to a hospital and the aircraft received substantial damage.
USA, Wittman Airport, Oshkosh: The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office reported in a social media post that firefighters, police, and NTSB personnel responded to an aircraft accident reported by tower controllers managing traffic at the busy airport. First responders found the aircraft in a farm field near the intersection of Old Knapp Road and Nekimi Avenue, "fully engulfed in fire."ADS-B data recorded by FlightAware shows a Lancair ES (N18BG) departed Hartford Municipal Airport in Hartford, Wisconsin, at 11:45 a.m. and flew northwest before turning east to approach the airport from the west. The final two ADS-B returns (recorded at approximately 16-second intervals) show the aircraft slowing to 95 and then 90 knots as it descended through 1,125 feet and turned toward the south, away from the airport. The final return, recorded at 12:13:33 p.m., shows the aircraft at 950 feet, descending at 375 feet per minute. There were no survivors.
