This week in Midweek Updates
AAD air show will have something old and something new in the form of a Chinese airlifter.
AOPA seeks to limit aircraft tracking for airport fees.
Big presence and new products for Hensoldt at AAD 2024.
Check out the C-121A Constellation under restoration by Lewis Air Legends.
SAAF support a big focus for ExecuJet MRO at AAD 2024.
Britten-Norman announces unleaded fuel modification for piston engine Islanders.
Vertical's new VX4 prototype completes Phase 1 of piloted testing.
Hermeus celebrates groundbreaking for hypersonic engine and flight test facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
This week in history - A Captured German Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 V14, makes the first helicopter crossing of the English Channel.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Test Flight and Development Centre Airshow.
AAD AIR SHOW WILL HAVE SOMETHING OLD AND SOMETHING NEW IN THE FORM OF A CHINESE AIRLIFTER www.defenceweb.co.za
The air show component of AAD (Africa Aerospace and Defence) 2024 will see the SA Air Force (SAAF) in action with current and museum aircraft alongside a generous helping of other flying machines.
Come the 21 and 22 September weekend, aviation photographers and enthusiasts will - weather permitting - be in for no less than 40 displays a day at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof in Centurion, according to a provisional programme.
On the list are - from the SAAF - its Gripen and Hawk jet fighters and trainers; Agusta A109, Oryx and BK117 helicopters as well as the home-grown Rooivalk combat support rotorcraft and the Silver Falcons aerobatic team representing the current inventory. SAAF transports in the form of a C-130BZ and C-212 Aviocar will deliver troops and equipment for a “mini-war” demonstration set down for Saturday at 12h15.
The sharp-end of the SAAF in the form of its Swedish-built Gripens will be shown in a solo display by 2 Squadron, with an 85 Combat Flying School Hawk Mk120 also listed as a solo display. Other former warbirds down for solo displays are a privately owned Hawker Hunter and L-39.
The SAAF Museum, headquartered at what is now the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW) west of Waterkloof, kicks off the AAD air show on Saturday at 08h00, the provisional programme has it, with an opening parade in the form of a “Museum mass formo”. No participating aircraft details are listed. The Museum is also scheduled to put airworthy fixed and rotary winged aircraft aloft for separate displays during the course of Saturday and Sunday with a solo Alouette III display also on the menu.
A listed attention attractor is a People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Y-20 multi-role transporter, officially named Kunpeng in honour of a mythical Chinese bird and nicknamed “Chubby Girl” because of its appearance. One of the four-engine, high-wing transports was at the Egypt International Air Show earlier in September as the support aircraft for the Ba Yi aerobatic team. The Y-20 is said to have a 4 850-mile (4 200 nautical miles) range carrying 40 tons, shrinking to 2 800 miles (2 400 nautical miles) when fully laden.
Another in the head-turner category and listed for a Sunday display only is Menno Parsons' immaculate P-51 Mustang Sally.
Other displays listed, at the time of publication, include the Mwari from Paramount; Tiger Moths; the Goodyear Eagles Pitts Specials, Nashua Extras and Flying Lions Harvard aerobatic teams; Impala; Zimbabwe Air Force (ZAF) K-8; Beech 18; Magni gyrocopter; Gazelle; Huey; Navion display team; and the serenity of a hot air balloon on Sunday afternoon.
A highlight will be a FlySafair Boeing 737 formation with a SAAF Hawk. Other programme items to watch out for are a South African Police Service display and a mini cargo drop from a Piper X-Cub.
A mass formation of powered paragliders will be the first aircraft to fly for the air show ahead of the official start.
AOPA SEEKS TO LIMIT AIRCRAFT TRACKING FOR AIRPORT FEES
AOPA President Mark Baker urged the FAA to halt third-party use of aircraft tracking data for purposes that are counter to assurances given by the agency-and more recently reaffirmed by Congress-that the tracking data (known as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, or ADS-B) would be used for the limited purpose of increasing safety.
In a September 12 letter to FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker, Baker voiced concern that third parties have begun collecting ADS-B data to be used by public airports to levy fees on pilots, and asked Whitaker to “work with AOPA to ensure these practices are prohibited.”
Baker noted that while most general aviation aircraft have been equipped to transmit ADS-B data, the use of that data to impose new fees will discourage owners who have not yet equipped their aircraft from doing so. AOPA supported the ADS-B mandate, which took effect in 2020, based on the understanding it would be used only to help air traffic controllers keep aircraft safely separated. Pilots (including a majority of AOPA's 300,000 members) have collectively spent more than $1 billion equipping aircraft with ADS-B transmitters.
“We agreed to support the mandate, in large part, because of assurances received that ADS-B was to be used solely to modernize and improve air traffic safety,” Baker wrote. “Unfortunately, third parties continue to use ADS-B data for purposes other than what the equipage mandate was intended.”
AOPA recently urged officials responsible for several public airports in Florida, all of which have received substantial federal grants for airport improvements in the past decade, to halt proposals to automate the collection of fees based on ADS-B data.
“Moreover, we have received reports that federal agencies and others are using ADS-B data to track aircraft. This brings up a host of issues including invasion of privacy,” Baker wrote. He noted that the 2024 FAA Reauthorization law specifically prohibits the FAA from using ADS-B data to initiate investigations of pilots. “This language was specifically targeted to prevent the use of ADS-B data for other than its intended purpose and the overall message from Congress is clear. We will continue to pursue this issue and look forward to the FAA assisting in our efforts.”
Defence and security electronics company Hensoldt is gearing up to showcase its latest solutions - including several new products - at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo from 18 to 22 September.
At Air Force Base Waterkloof next week, Hensoldt will present its latest spectrum dominance, optronics and radar technologies, highlighting the company's local design and manufacturing capabilities.
“With solutions exported to over 45 countries, AAD provides a strategic platform to demonstrate Hensoldt South Africa's global presence while showcasing its commitment to South Africa as a home country,” the company said.
This year, Hensoldt will introduce several key products at AAD, including the new ARGOS-15 airborne imaging system. Building on the success of the ARGOS-II, deployed on over 30 platforms worldwide, the new-generation ARGOS-15 represents a leap forward in electro-optical solutions for modern defence applications, Hensoldt said. “With its lightweight design, cutting-edge thermal imaging, low-light and SWIR (short-wave infrared) cameras, and advanced image fusion capabilities, the ARGOS-15 offers unmatched situational awareness in diverse operational environments,” Hensoldt stated.
Other highlights include a new COMINT (communications intelligence) automation engine (an advanced software-solution for advanced signal analysis across its entire electronic warfare product suite), Bushbaby 200 electro-optical system for land-based surveillance, LP21C and LP19D-6 laser rangefinders for reconnaissance and target acquisition, and a preview of the new DL-6000 datalink. The latter provides secure, real-time high definition video and telemetry data exchange between multiple platforms, and will be officially launch at IDEX 2025.
“These products demonstrate Hensoldt's ability to provide best-in-class solutions for land, sea and air platforms, ensuring mission success and enhancing battlefield digitisation,” the company said.
With over 60 locally-developed products and a legacy of more than 50 years in South Africa, Hensoldt South Africa employs almost 800 people.
“AAD provides a platform to demonstrate how we translate local innovation into solutions that address the world's evolving defence and security needs. At Hensoldt South Africa, we are proud to showcase our solutions that not only meet the highest global standards but also contribute significantly to South Africa's defence industry and economy,” said Rynier van der Watt, Managing Director of Hensoldt South Africa.
In addition to its main stand (SPW15 on the flightline), HENSOLDT will host a Youth Development Programme (YDP) stand in Hangar 7, dedicated to raising awareness about careers in the defence industry and promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. The YDP team will host interactive activities for approximately 12 000 school learners, aiming to inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators and leaders in defence technology.
TAGSAADAAD 2024Africa Aerospace and DefenceHensoldtHensoldt South AfricaSouth Africa
CHECK OUT THE C-121A CONSTELLATION UNDER RESTORATION BY LEWIS AIR LEGENDS
Take a walk through the historic Lockheed C-121A Constellation "Bataan." The airplane has a long history serving in the Berlin airlift and as a VIP transport for General Douglas MacArthur.
#flywithaopa #aviation
SAAF SUPPORT A BIG FOCUS FOR EXECUJET MRO AT AAD 2024 www.defenceweb.co.za
Dassault Aviation subsidiary ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa will be taking part in the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show next week in support of the South African Air Force as well as to promote business aviation in the region.
ExecuJet MRO Services, which has its global headquarters at Johannesburg's Lanseria International Airport, recently won a contract to provide airframe heavy maintenance and component support for the South African Air Force's three Beechcraft King Airs. The maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company has already completed airframe heavy maintenance checks on two of these aircraft which will be delivered to the Air Force in time to be on static display at the show, which runs from 18 to 22 September at Air Force Baster Waterkloof. Besides completing airframe heavy checks, ExecuJet also touched up the aircraft paintwork, and refurbished the interior.
Up until late last year, the King Air fleet of four aircraft was grounded until the maintenance contract was finalised.
ExecuJet MRO Services also supports Falcon aircraft and various engine models for the South African Air Force.
In a statement, ExecuJet MRO Services said at AAD 2024 that it will showcase its capabilities in line and heavy maintenance, avionics installation and upgrades, AOG (aircraft on ground) support, engine overhaul and services, aircraft modification and component maintenance.
Partners Honeywell and FedEx will be on hand to meet with clients as well. ExecuJet MRO Services is an authorized avionics dealer and service centre for Honeywell engines and auxiliary power units (APUs). FedEx is ExecuJet's airfreight and logistics partner.
ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa is an authorised service centre for Dassault, Bombardier, Embraer, Rolls-Royce, and General Electric, and also carries out heavy maintenance on Hawker and Beechcraft aircraft. Business aviation plays a critically important role in Africa, a huge continent with relatively limited commercial air service, said Vince Goncalves, Regional VP Africa at ExecuJet MRO Services.
In addition to work for the SAAF, Goncalves noted: “We serve operators across the region and are Africa's largest business aviation MRO organisation, with 130 personnel, including 70 in engineering.”
BRITTEN-NORMAN ANNOUNCES UNLEADED FUEL MODIFICATION FOR PISTON ENGINE ISLANDERS
Britten-Norman is taking the next step on its journey towards sustainable aviation with the introduction of the Unleaded Fuel Modification for its BN2B-26 piston engine (Lycoming O-540-E4C5) Islander aircraft.
The three Lycoming-approved unleaded fuel specifications being included in this modification are ASTM D7547 (UL 91 & UL 94), DEF-STAN 91-090 (UL 91), and HJELMCO (91/96 UL).
In addition to reducing their environmental impact, operators of Islander aircraft who switch to unleaded fuels can potentially enjoy several benefits. These include cost savings on refuelling, reduced maintenance expenses, access to a wider range of fuel options, extended servicing intervals, and enhanced safety through the use of unleaded fuels.
The decision by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to phase out leaded AVGAS has further underlined the importance of transitioning to unleaded fuels.
The certification of these new fuel types for the Britten-Norman Islander through the introduction of the Unleaded Fuel Modification opens the door to further possibilities for novel and environmentally friendly fuel types in the future.
Mark Shipp, Technical Director and Head of Design at Britten-Norman, commented, “Britten-Norman is committed to delivering a sustainable future for aviation through our Green Futures initiative. This development is an important milestone for the hundreds of Islander operators who will be able to reduce their emissions through the introduction of unleaded fuels.”
VERTICAL'S NEW VX4 PROTOTYPE COMPLETES PHASE 1 OF PILOTED TESTING
Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company pioneering zero emissions aviation, has achieved another significant milestone. Its latest VX4 has completed the first phase of its piloted flight test programme at the Vertical Flight Test Centre.
During Phase 1, the VX4 prototype conducted multiple piloted tethered flights and ground runs, across 20 piloted test sorties, completing a total of 70 individual test points. Together, these tests simulated various aspects of flight and operational situations needed to validate the prototype's safety in real-world flight scenarios, including those outside of its expected operating conditions. By intentionally testing the aircraft's ability to handle failures, Vertical demonstrated the underlying safety of its design.
One of the most important tests successfully carried out included simulating the failure of one Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) - inoperative testing - while in piloted tethered flight, to ensure the aircraft responds correctly and continues to be safe while in flight conditions.
These tests have enabled Vertical engineers to collect and measure 35,000 flight and system parameters and verify that all systems are operating correctly and safely in different conditions ahead of further expanding the flight test envelope to piloted thrust borne flight.
Alongside Phase 1 testing, Vertical's engineers also completed more advanced low and high-speed taxi tests, including deliberately failing EPUs at high taxi speeds to confirm controllability and safety. This verified ground handling characteristics throughout the taxi envelope, as well as aerodynamic characteristics for increasing speed, while in a safe, ground test environment.
Vertical is continuing to work closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on expanding its Permit to Fly as it prepares for Phase 2 of testing which will see the VX4 prototype undergo piloted thrust borne flight tests.
Vertical is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype which will accelerate the VX4's flight test programme and demonstration capability. The company will take flight test learnings from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model.
HERMEUS CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING FOR HYPERSONIC ENGINE AND FLIGHT TEST FACILITY IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
Hermeus has selected Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida for its hypersonic engine test facility. Named HEAT (High Enthalpy Air-Breathing Test Facility), this facility will be Hermeus' largest and most technologically advanced test site to date and become a national asset for hypersonic testing. The site will also be the initial base for Hermeus' high-Mach flight test capabilities starting in 2026, expanding cadence and affordability of the nation's flight test infrastructure.
Hermeus announced their plans for the new facility at a groundbreaking ceremony at the Cecil Airport site. Hermeus executives and employees were joined by U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL- 04), U.S. Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05), State Sen. Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville), Mayor Donna Deegan, Florida Department of Commerce officials, JAXUSA officials, and other community leaders.
The HEAT facility will provide continuous high flow rate, high enthalpy and low-pressure conditions required for high-supersonic and low-hypersonic flight modelling. This capability will make the facility an important asset to more effectively test and field various hypersonic technologies - not only for Hermeus but also for the Department of Defence and its commercial partners.
Hermeus will test a variety of engines and propulsion subsystems at HEAT - from the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine to Hermeus' proprietary hypersonic Chimera engine. The facility will be built in phases with initial sea-level static engine tests starting before the end of 2024. Future phases of the facility will introduce continuous high-Mach vitiated air flow to simulate more flight-like high-Mach testing conditions on the ground.
“The United States is lacking in the capability to rapidly and economically test air-breathing hypersonic engines,” said AJ Piplica, Hermeus Co-Founder and CEO. “The few test facilities available have years-long waitlists and are prohibitively expensive. The commercially operated testing services that we will offer at our HEAT facility are more economical and responsive to dynamic test requirements and are better suited to match the ever-changing needs of the warfighter.”
Additionally, Cecil Airport will serve as the initial base for Hermeus' commercial high-Mach flight test service. Hermeus' autonomous Quarterhorse aircraft will depart from Cecil, ferry into the Eastern Range to conduct flight test operations, then return and land at Cecil. Services are expected to begin in 2026, quickly scaling capacity to a weekly test cadence to meet the demand signal of multiple government and commercial customers.
Hermeus expects to invest $135 million in the project and create more than 100 jobs over the course of the decade.
An artist's rendering of Quarterhorse Mk 2, Hermeus' next aircraft that will fly at supersonic speeds
As a former Naval Air Station, Cecil Airport has significant test infrastructure already in place, including multiple test cells and an aircraft hush house which Hermeus will inherit and build upon. Additionally, its location in Jacksonville, FL offers a strong aerospace workforce, access to airspace for hypersonic flight test, and proximity to Hermeus' headquarters in Atlanta, GA.
9 SEPTEMBER 1945
A Captured German Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 V14, makes the first helicopter crossing of the English Channel when it was moved from Cherbourg to RAF Beaulieu
The Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 Drache was a helicopter developed by Germany during World War II. A single 750-kilowatt (1,010 hp) Bramo 323 radial engine powered two three-bladed 11.9-metre (39 ft) rotors mounted on twin booms on either side of the 12.2-metre-long (40 ft) cylindrical fuselage. Although the Fa 223 is noted for being the first helicopter to attain production status, production of the helicopter was hampered by Allied bombing of the factory and only 20 were built.
The Fa 223 could cruise at 175 kilometres per hour (109 mph) with a top speed of 182 km/h (113 mph), and climb to an altitude of 7,100 m (23,300 ft). The Drache could transport cargo loads of over 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) at cruising speeds of 121 km/h (75 mph) and altitudes approaching 2,440 m (8,010 ft,)
After the war The US intended to ferry captured aircraft back to the US aboard a ship, but only had room for one of the captured Drachen. The RAF objected to plans to destroy the other, the V14, so Gerstenhauer, with two observers, flew it across the English Channel from Cherbourg to RAF Beaulieu on 6 September 1945, the first crossing of the Channel by a helicopter. The V14 later made two test flights at RAF Beaulieu before being destroyed on 3 October in a crash where the helicopter dropped 18 metres to the ground.
Zimbabawe, Masvingo Airport (FVMV): An AFZ helicopter crashed during an abortive take-off at Masvingo Airport, ending up on its side. There were no fatalities. The helicopter was destroyed. In some reports it is stated that the two pilots died in the crash.
Bulgaria, near Graf Ignatievo Air Base (LBPG): A Bulgarian AF Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Albatross crashed during display training near Graf Ignatievo Air Base (LBPG). Both pilots perished and the aircraft was destroyed. The airshow was cancelled.
Russia, Murmansk Oblast: On September 11, two private aircraft took off for Arkhangelsk: A Czech light-sports aircraft ATEC 321 Faeta NG (RA-3363G) and a BRM Aero Bristell NG5 (RA-2661G). However, five minutes after take-off, the pilot of the first aircraft reported to dispatchers that something had happened to the second aircraft and gave a MAYDAY signal. The Bristell NG5 crew reported that small arms fire had been opened on the aircraft. In connection with this, the pilots of both aircraft requested a change in the flight plan: the first decided to land at the Apatity airfield, and the second to return to the departure point. They landed safely 15 minutes later. No one was hurt. After landing, the Bristell commander reported damage to the wing and headlight.
Gaza Area, Philadelphi Corridor, Rafah region: An IDF Sikorsky UH-60A Yanshuf 3, operated by 123 Squadron, crashed when landing in the Philadelphi Corridor, Rafah region, Gaza area. Two occupants perished, seven were injured, of which one critically, and the helicopter received substantial damage.
