This week in Midweek Updates
New bosses for AFB Bloemspruit units.
Minister Motshekga told the SAAF is critical to national security.
Piper M700 Fury™ achieves TCCA type certification.
Lockheed Martin Iconic Hercules airlifter celebrates 70th anniversary.
Sebastien Heintz, CEO of Zenith Aircraft Company, is set to be honoured with induction into the EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame.
Successful handover of the L-39NG to the first customer.
Serbia acquires 12 Rafale fighters.
BAE Systems and L3Harris deliver first EC-37B compass call aircraft to the US Air Force.
Joby demonstrates autonomous flight in United States Air Force 'Agile Flag' exercise.
This week in history - The Bell X-2 research aircraft is flown by Captain Iven C. Kincheloe to a new altitude record of 126,200 ft (38,466 m).
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Almost Fifty Visitors to Chapter 322's Aug 2024 Fly In
NEW BOSSES FOR AFB BLOEMSPRUIT UNITS
AIR FORCE BASE (AFB) BLOEMSPRUIT, THE SA AIR FORCE (SAAF) HELICOPTER CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE, HAS NEW COMMANDERS FOR ITS TWO FLYING UNITS www.defenceweb.co.za
Lieutenant Colonel Omphile Mutloane is the new Officer Commanding Rooivalk combat support helicopter unit 16 Squadron, while 87 Helicopter Flying School (HFS) is now in the capable hands of Lieutenant Colonel Zanele Vayeke, taking over from Lieutenant Colonel Olebogeng Modisaesi.
Before handing command of the squadron to Mutloane, outgoing Officer Commanding Lieutenant Colonel Mashaole Ramoipone told the change of command parade on 16 August that the squadron worked hard to meet internal and external deployment obligations, thanking air- and ground crews for their efforts - often beyond the call of duty.
“We are free in the air, we navigate our destiny as well as we fly safe and fly smart because we don't wing it, we plan it thoroughly and keep looking up,” he is reported as telling the parade.
Mutloane joined the SAAF in 2005 and qualified as a pilot on the PC-7 in 2007. He subsequently became an Oryx and A109 pilot. In 2015 he joined the Silver Falcons aerobatic display team, executing 96 public air displays until 2017. In 2018 he was selected as Team Leader, executing 52 air displays until the end of the 2019 air show season. In 2022, after the grounding of the team and the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, Mutloane was sent back to Central Flying School to re-establish the SA Air Force's aerobatic display team capability. He was transferred back to the helicopter line in March 2020. He completed three operational tours in the Democratic Republic of Congo as an Oryx pilot, and one tour in Mozambique as an A109 commander. He subsequently converted onto the Rooivalk, and became Officer Commanding 16 Squadron in July 2023.
Vayeke gained a measure of media exposure when it became public knowledge that she commanded the rotary-wing component of the SAAF contribution to June's presidential inauguration at Pretoria's Union Buildings as the first black female Officer Commanding 87 HFS.
Ad Astra magazine's Sergeant Tshimolloyabotshelo Matsha has her saying: “This may be a male-dominated field, but that does not mean I and other ladies in the SAAF do not have a space to command the cockpit, the airspace is also our kingdom and we proudly fly through it with no fear or favour. We make it look easy, just to lay a firm foundation for those who are coming after us, we are born for this, and the thrill is ours to win as well, we remain passionate, that is why we enjoy serving. We fly because it releases our minds from petty things while we concentrate on the adrenaline because although the engine is the heart of an aircraft, we, as pilots, are the soul”.
Vayeke joined the SAAF in January 2004 and qualified as a pilot in march 2008. She subsequently qualified on the Oryx and served as an Oryx co-pilot in Durban until December 2011. Transferred to 17 Squadron in January 2012, she served as safety officer and then Flight Commander. She later served as the operations office manager and later completed the A109 officer candidate course. She qualified as a commander in June 2015 and in June 2017 qualified as an Oryx commander.
In early 2021 she was transferred to Central Flying School, completing her instructor's course on the PC-7. She was in 2023 transferred to 87 HFS to complete her helicopter instructor conversion course on the A109. In January 2024, she was appointed as Officer Commanding 87 Helicopter Flying School. Some of her career highlights include being the first black female to command both the A109 and Oryx, and being the first black female to command 87 HFS.
Her predecessor Lieutenant Colonel Olebogeng Modisaesi was OC 87 HFS for four years, logging over three thousand flying hours in the SAAF rotary wing Agusta A109 and Oryx medium transport workhorses.
MINISTER MOTSHEKGA TOLD THE SAAF IS CRITICAL TO NATIONAL SECURITY www.defenceweb.co.za
SA Air Force (SAAF) Chief, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, was the second chief of an SA National Defence Force (SANDF) service to host Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga on her current familiarisation tour.
Welcoming the minister and her entourage, including deputy ministers Richard Hlophe and Bantu Holomisa to the officers' mess at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof, Mbambo is reported as underscoring the “indispensable role” of the SAAF and its “critical importance to national security”.
“Emphasising the financial demands and complexities inherent in maintaining and advancing the air force,” Captain Ally Rakoma reports the three-star “humbly” requesting the Minister's support, funding and time to ensure successful outcomes in various initiatives.
“This plea reflects a deep commitment to enhancing the air force's strategic capabilities, effectiveness and its pivotal contribution to the nation's air defence,” the SAAF communication officer wrote of the visit earlier this week following a similar call to SA Army headquarters.
SAAF Chief Director Air Policy and Plans, Major General Elma de Villiers, provided what is termed “an insightful overview of the SAAF's capabilities, its mission and Constitutional mandate, shedding light on the critical responsibilities that uphold the nation's airspace security”.
Calling the visit “pivotal” Rakoma sees it “fortifying the bond between the Ministry and the SANDF celebrating their indispensable role in safeguarding and shaping our nation's destiny”.
As far as is known Motshekga still has to meet SA Military Health Service (SAMHS) Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Peter Maphaha; SA Navy (SAN) Chief, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, and stops at what are called “critical divisions” with logistics and joint operations named.
The engagements, according to Department of Defence (DoD) Head of Communication (HoC) Siphiwe Dlamini, will introduce democratic South Africa's third woman defence and military veterans minister to “the full spectrum of the entire defence portfolio”. First stop was SA Army headquarters on Monday, 26 August, with a scheduled end date to her tour of 17 September.
PIPER M700 FURY™ ACHIEVES TCCA TYPE CERTIFICATION
Piper Aircraft today announced that its new M700 FURY single-engine turboprop has been awarded type certification by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). The validation also includes Flight into Known Icing (FIKI) approval. The first M700 FURY delivery into Canada is scheduled for this quarter, with additional international deliveries this year into EASA, the U.K. and Brazil as those certifications are obtained.
The Piper M700 FURY is designed and manufactured by Piper Aircraft Inc., a company with over 85 years of general aviation history.
As the fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper's history, the M700 FURY boasts a maximum cruise speed of 301 ktas and a maximum range of 1,424 nautical miles. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 engine, it combines exceptional performance with advanced safety features, including the certified FIKI system and HALO Safety System, featuring Garmin's Emergency Autoland. This makes the M700 FURY an ideal solution for private owners and special missions that require speed, range, and the ability to operate in challenging weather conditions.
“The first international certification of the M700 FURY with FIKI from TCCA is a crucial part of the overall value proposition of the M700 FURY, as well as a key safety feature for operators,” said John Calcagno, President & CEO of Piper Aircraft. “This certification not only validates our commitment to safety and performance, but also opens new markets for this exceptional aircraft.”
Having FIKI certification is particularly valuable in regions like Canada, where icing conditions are frequently encountered, enabling year-round operations and improved mission reliability.
With the TCCA certification secured, Piper Aircraft is actively pursuing additional international validations, with deliveries to other global regions scheduled to begin later this year. This strategic expansion underscores Piper's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of pilots and operators worldwide.
LOCKHEED MARTIN ICONIC HERCULES AIRLIFTER CELEBRATES 70TH ANNIVERSARY
South Africa was one of the early customers to acquire the aircraft, with the first ones landing at AFB Waterkloof in January 1963.
Lockheed Martin recently also released a press statement on New Zealand having acquired the first of five C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
The C-130J has recently reached the 3 million flight hour milestone.
SEBASTIEN HEINTZ, CEO OF ZENITH AIRCRAFT COMPANY, IS SET TO BE HONORED WITH INDUCTION INTO THE EAA HOMEBUILDERS' HALL OF FAME
This accolade celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation. The ceremony will take place on October 16 at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
As the son of aircraft designer Chris Heintz, Sebastien has continued and expanded his father's legacy. His leadership has propelled Zenith to become a leading name in the kit aircraft industry and garnered respect and admiration from industry peers.
Other EAA honourees this year include Dave Goulet (posthumous), Quad City Ultralight Corporation co-founder: Ultralights Hall of Fame; Dave and Jeanne Allen (posthumous), aircraft restorers: Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame; Linda Meyers Morrissey: International Aerobatic Club Hall of fame; and Frank Strickler, Warbirds of America.
SUCCESSFUL HANDOVER OF THE L-39NG TO THE FIRST CUSTOMER
The first customer, Vietnam, has successfully completed the SAT (Site Acceptance Test) of L-39NG trainer aircraft. The six L-39NG aircraft have thus successfully passed the final acceptance test with the Vietnamese Air Force, during which they were fully assembled, all their functions verified and flown by a factory pilot on site. Vietnam is the first user of the L-39NG aircraft to receive the aircraft in partnership with Aero's shareholder Omnipol.
“The final step of the handover of the aircraft, called SAT, takes place directly at the customer's site and is directed by a joint team of around ten specialists from Aero and Omnipol,” says Victor Sotona, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Aero, adding: “I am extremely pleased that the final assembly and flight of the six L-39NGs went well, and our aircraft can now fully serve as a training platform for fighter pilots as well as a tactical platform fulfilling a wide range of missions for the Vietnamese Air Force.”
The delivery of finished L-39NG aircraft to the customer has several prescribed phases and steps. Once all the specified requirements have been met in the so-called FAT (Factory Acceptance Test), which means the factory level acceptance test at the Aero plant, the aircraft can be delivered to its destination. Here, the so-called SAT (Site Acceptance Test) is carried out, which is the process by which the machine is tested and accepted by the customer. The purpose of the SAT is to ensure that the aircraft is correctly installed and configured and is ready for operation.
The customer also receives the appropriate theoretical and practical training kit with the completed L-39NG aircraft, which also includes a simulation training system or manuals for pilots and mechanics. The manual for the L-39NG is tens of thousands of pages long and serves as a guide for technicians during repairs, including information on the necessary tools and their use. Pilots have an equally comprehensive manual that details procedures for various flight manoeuvres and situations.
Approximately 400 supplier companies are involved in the production of the L-39NG, with about 65% of the suppliers coming from the Czech Republic. The assembly of one L-39NG aircraft requires approximately 14,000 parts, 17,500 rivets and 31,000 hours of labour.
The L-39NG platform, combining modern avionics systems, an efficient jet engine and excellent flight characteristics, currently enables both Western and Eastern configurations and meets the requirements for comprehensive and cost-effective training of future pilots of fourth and fifth generation aircraft such as the F-16 and F-35. In addition to pilot training, the L-39NG is also suitable for light combat and reconnaissance missions. The contract for the purchase of 12 L-39NGs was awarded by Omnipol, which co-owns Aero, to Vietnam in 2021, making it the first customer.
AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the development, production, maintenance and modernization of military and civil aircraft and is the largest aircraft manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers in the world. In the field of its own aircraft, Aero is a permanent partner of a number of military air forces and has a strong position in the market for military trainer and light combat aircraft. With 11,000 aircraft produced in its 100 years of existence, hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft still in service with dozens of military operators and a number of demo teams, and especially with its new L-39NG aircraft, Aero has established itself as a leader in the global jet trainer market. In the civil aviation sector, Aero works with major aircraft manufacturers on a wide range of projects and is a partner in several risk-sharing programs, where it is responsible not only for the manufacture and assembly of aircraft assemblies, but also for their development.
SERBIA ACQUIRES 12 RAFALE FIGHTERS
In the presence of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, the Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, Éric Trappier, today signed in Belgrade with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, Bratislav Gašic, a contract for the purchase of 12 Rafale
In the presence of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, the Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, Éric Trappier, today signed in Belgrade with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, Bratislav Gašic, a contract for the purchase of 12 Rafale to equip the Air Force and Air Defence of the Serbian Armed Forces.
This contract reflects the importance of the bilateral relationship between France and Serbia, and testifies to the determination of both Presidents to make this partnership a success. Once again, it confirms the Rafale as an essential vector of national sovereignty.
“On behalf of Dassault Aviation and its partners, I would like to thank the Serbian authorities for the confidence they have placed in us by choosing the Rafale, and assure them of our total commitment to making its integration into the Serbian Armed Forces a success. Serbia's decision to equip itself for the first time with a Dassault aircraft confirms the Rafale's operational superiority and its proven excellence in serving the sovereign interests of a nation”, declared Éric Trappier.
BAE SYSTEMS AND L3HARRIS DELIVER FIRST EC-37B COMPASS CALL AIRCRAFT TO THE US AIR FORCE.
BAE Systems and L3Harris Technologies delivered the first of 10 EC-37B Compass Call aircraft to the U.S. Air Force for formal combined developmental and operational testing. The next-generation system evolves the Air Force's 40-year mission of employing electromagnetic attack (EA) capabilities in support of U.S. and coalition air, surface, and special operations forces.
Mission system prime BAE Systems produces the Compass Call Airborne Electromagnetic Attack mission system at its Hudson, New Hampshire facility. The system disrupts enemy communications, radars and navigation systems, and suppresses enemy air defences by preventing the transmission of essential information between adversaries, weapon systems and command-and-control networks.
Platform integration prime L3Harris integrated the EC-130H Compass Call mission system into a modern Gulfstream G550 business jet at its Waco, Texas aircraft missionization centre. The EC-37B has increased speed, endurance and high-altitude operation for improved survivability and range to deliver EA effects.
“The delivery of the first EC-37B Compass Call is a major milestone for our customer's electromagnetic attack capabilities,” said Dave Harrold, Vice President and General Manager, Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack, BAE Systems. “We take pride in delivering this critical EW capability to keep the U.S. at the vanguard for defence and deterrence.”
“Our team accomplished the incredible challenge of migrating the Compass Call mission equipment from the much larger EC-130H and fully integrating it into the Gulfstream G550 platform,” said Jason Lambert, President, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, L3Harris. “As the Air Force sunsets its 40-year-old EC-130H fleet, the cutting-edge EC-37B will empower the customer to continue serving its vital electromagnetic warfare mission for generations to come.”
JOBY DEMONSTRATES AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT IN UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 'AGILE FLAG' EXERCISE
During the exercise, Joby's team, which includes the autonomy division of Xwing acquired by Joby in June of this year, operated a fully autonomous Cessna 208B Grand Caravan for more than 3,900 miles of flight between military bases and public airports across California and Nevada.
The aircraft autonomously transported essential components to restore the operational readiness of various Air Force assets, flying between 9 locations in a dynamic operational environment. The aircraft, while monitored by a safety pilot, completed a fully autonomous taxi, take-off, and landing at each location during the exercise without requiring on-the-ground infrastructure, including numerous sites that had not been previously visited by the aircraft.
Joby also showcased its ability to remotely supervise the aircraft using a laptop and a satellite communications terminal, both of which are transportable in a single backpack.
Maxime Gariel, Autonomy Lead at Joby, commented: “We were pleased to continue demonstrating the capabilities of our autonomy technology during Agile Flag 24-3, where we completed dozens of fully autonomous aerial missions and showcased an ability to perform rapid resupply. We look forward to continuing to work with the U.S. Air Force as we further develop the suite of technologies that could enable greater automation or full autonomy, first on the Caravan and then on numerous other aircraft types.”
Earlier this year, the Xwing team participated in 'Agile Flag 24-1', a similar exercise, completing more than 2,800 miles of fully autonomous flight and demonstrating the ability to integrate autonomous aircraft into congested airspace as well as night operations, sloped runways, and landing at airports with no infrastructure.
“The return on investment for the U.S. Air Force with this technology is significant. By using it to handle smaller cargo, we can preserve cargo aircraft for more critical tasks like transporting large parts or engines," said Col. Max Bremer, Air Mobility Command Special Access Program management officer. “This not only enhances the overall capability of the cargo fleet but also ensures they are used where they are most needed.”
The Caravan's autonomous capabilities are enabled by a suite of technologies developed by the Xwing autonomy team, which joined Joby in June 2024, and the aircraft has completed more than 300 fully autonomous flights since 2020.
Joby's acquisition of Xwing's autonomy division and continued development of autonomy technology demonstrates the Company's commitment to developing next-generation technologies which have the potential to continue to improve safety and widen access to commercial flight. Joby also expects the technology to play an important role in accelerating the execution of existing contract deliverables with the U.S. Department of Defence and expanding the potential for future contracts.
7 SEPTEMBER 1956
Born on 2 July 1928 Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe Jr. was an American who was Interested in aviation from a very young age, he graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1945 and attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Upon graduation from college, Kincheloe received his commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and entered flight training. After earning his pilot wings in August 1950, he spent a year as a test pilot, flying the F-86E at Edwards Air Force Base, California, was promoted to first lieutenant, and transferred to Korea in September 1951.
During the war, he was assigned to the 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, he flew F-80s on thirty combat missions and F-86s on 101 combat missions, downing five MiG-15s (becoming an ace and earning the Silver Star) before returning to the U.S. in May 1952. At this time, he had reached the rank of captain.
After the war he continued as a test pilot participating in the Bell X-2 program, in which he set an altitude record of 126,200 feet (38,470 m) in 1956. For this suborbital flight above most of the atmosphere, he became known as "The First Spaceman". He was selected for the Air Force's program to put a man in space but was killed in a plane crash in 1958.
USA, near Greensbro/High Point-Piedmont Airport GSO: A Beechcraft A35 Bonanza, Registration N711LB, sustained unreported damage subsequent to impact by an occupied motor vehicle following a forced landing to major roadway terrain northeast of Piedmont Triad Airport. One of the two occupants onboard the airplane received minor injuries when the airplane was struck by the motor vehicle. There were no other reported injuries.
Germany, Baden-Baden, Baden-Württemberg: A Piper PA-28-181 Archer II experienced an engine failure and made an emergency landing on a grassy area in the middle of Baden-Baden, Baden-Württemberg. Both occupants were not injured and the aircraft received no damage apart from the engine. A day later, after several engine test runs and no findings, the aircraft departed the field and flew back to its Home Base Airport Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden EDSB.
Israel, near Kfar Glikson: A Tecnam P2002 Sierra light sport aircraft crashed while preforming a Go Around attempt near Kfar Glikson. One occupant died in the crash, another sustained light injury. The airplane touched a dirt road on an uphill off airport landing attempt, tried to go around but stalled then crashed into a parking plane (Cub Crafters Carbon Cub SS registration No.4X-HSR) causing the parking plane substantial damage, then crashed into an oak tree and came to rest.
USA, near Johnson Creek Airport (3U2), Yellow Pine, ID: The 206 attempted a landing at Johnson Creek RWY 17 with a 15-20 knot tailwind, the initial touchdown point was near midfield, three long bounces ensued, at which point the pilot attempted a go around near the end of the runway. The pilot pitched up aggressively which caused the left wing to drop and the plane to bank left, it disappeared into the trees and moments later crashed into the mountain killing both occupants.
Russia, c 20 km W of Nikolaevka, Kamchatka Krai: A Mi-8 helicopter operated by Vityaz Aero with twenty-two onboard struck rising terrain at an elevation of 900 m after taking off from the Vachkazhets volcano in Kamchatka Krai, Russia. The helicopter was returning to the Vityaz Aero Aerodrome, located in Nikolaevka, close to the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy. There were no survivors.
USA, near Troutdale Airport (TTD/KTTD), Fairview, OR: A Cessna 421C Golden Eagle crashed shortly after take-off into several residential houses near Troutdale Airport (TTD/KTTD), Fairview, Oregon. A huge post-crash fire ensued. After some initial radio transmission difficulties, the flight was cleared for take-off from runway 25 and upon request by the pilot, a flight around the pattern was approved. After take-off the tower controller asked for the pilot's intentions as he was flying at 1700 feet, which was 'well above the VFR altitude restrictions for the Gresham-Troutdale area'. The pilot subsequently radioed to the tower controller that he was experiencing 'handling problems'. The controller later cleared the aircraft to land on any runway. Both occupants and a person on the ground perished and the aircraft was destroyed.
Almost Fifty Visitors to Chapter 322's Aug 2024 Fly In
