This week in Midweek Updates
Airbus Southern Africa celebrates 30 years with major helicopter milestones.
SAAF high on the agenda at Wonderboom Aerospace Indaba.
SAAF flag flown high at AFB Ysterplaat 4×4 & Outdoor Show.
World Leaders in Aeronautics, Defence and Aerospace to attend the Marrakech Air Show
Northrop Grumman's deep sensing and targeting technology goes airborne to advance vision for the US Army.
With new rule, FAA is ready for air travel of the future.
Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus inaugurate C295 final assembly line in Vadodara, India.
Cessna Citation Ascend continues to progress through certification program, will deliver with latest update of Garmin G5000 avionics suite.
This week in history - The Soviet probe Luna 2 crashes onto the Moon,
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - SAPFA SA Landing Championships North Regions Brits Airfield 2024
AIRBUS SOUTHERN AFRICA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS WITH MAJOR HELICOPTER MILESTONES
Dean Wingrin www.defenceweb.co.za
As Airbus Southern Africa celebrates its 30th anniversary in South Africa, Nam-Binh Hoang, Managing Director of Airbus Southern Africa, has highlighted Airbus' deep commitment to Africa and its thriving Southern African operations.
The Airbus Group, one of the world's largest aerospace companies, operates across three primary divisions: Commercial Aircraft, Defence and Space, and Helicopters. The commercial aircraft sector is renowned for models such as the A320, A350 and the giant A380, whilst the Defence and Space division delivers military aircraft like the C295 and Eurofighter, as well as satellite systems for communication and Earth observation.
Airbus Southern Africa, headquartered at Grand Central Airport in Midrand, Johannesburg, has been a pivotal hub for supporting helicopter operations across the continent for the past 30 years. With a workforce of over 80 people, the facility provides vital services to more than 60 operators managing a fleet of over 300 helicopters in Africa. Airbus Southern Africa's capabilities extend far beyond just selling helicopters; they provide maintenance, pilot and technician training, spare parts, and a range of technical services, ensuring operators can keep their fleets in the air rather than on the ground.
Speaking at the recent Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition, Hoang highlighted the significance of two Airbus helicopter models: the H125 and the H145. The H125, which Hoang calls “the Workhorse of Africa,” has achieved over 50 million flight hours globally and is highly regarded for its power and reliability, particularly in Africa's challenging 'hot and high' environments. Its versatility has made it the top choice for law enforcement, firefighting, and commercial aviation operations across the continent. The H145, meanwhile, is a twin-engine light helicopter that has found favour in both civilian and military sectors and has achieved over 7 million flight hours.
One of the facility's most recent and exciting developments is the installation of a state-of-the-art H125 helicopter simulator, the first of its kind in Africa. This flight simulator, located at the Midrand facility, offers training to pilots, particularly in emergency procedures and special operations such as aerial work. Hoang noted that the simulator will soon be certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, marking a major milestone in Airbus's commitment to enhancing pilot skills across the region. The simulator allows operators to train locally in South Africa, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming overseas travel.
Airbus Southern Africa's close collaboration with State owned Denel has been vital to supporting the South African Air Force (SAAF). The partnership focuses on maintaining and improving the serviceability of the Oryx helicopter fleet, crucial for troop deployments and protection missions. Recent improvements in fleet serviceability, particularly during South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployments, reflect the combined efforts of Denel and Airbus.
“We are proud to partner with Denel in maintaining the SAAF Oryx fleet. Our collaboration has significantly contributed to the improved serviceability of the fleet, which plays a critical role in supporting troops on the ground,” Hoang said.
In a significant boost to law enforcement capabilities, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is acquiring 12 H125 helicopters under a framework contract. To date, five helicopters have been ordered, with three delivered last year and two more expected by the end of 2024. These helicopters, renowned for their performance in Africa's demanding environments, are deployed not only for law enforcement but also for various public safety missions, including search and rescue. The H125 is also in service with police forces in Namibia and Botswana, indicating its position as a helicopter of choice for law enforcement agencies across the region.
In addition to helicopter operations, Airbus's commercial aircraft division is also expanding its presence in South Africa, with a focus on promoting aviation safety and upskilling local airline staff.
Airbus Southern Africa is dedicated to the region's growth. Hoang said of the company: “We are here to stay, and we are proud of the impact we have made over the last 30 years. Our continued investment is proof of our belief in Africa's future.”
SAAF HIGH ON THE AGENDA AT WONDERBOOM AEROSPACE INDABA
Initially billed as a two-day event, with the first day covering Defence Aviation, the second day was intended to cover General Aviation and commercial aviation opportunities. However, the two topics were covered and ran concurrently at separate venues at Wonderboom on Thursday.
The South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD) stated the event demonstrated the South African Air Force's (SAAF's) commitment to advancing aerospace capabilities while engaging industry stakeholders. Further, the SAAF “shared some insights on various challenges they are facing and allowed industry to voice their own views regarding their current relationship with the SAAF and a way forward that will enable, create and develop strong working relationships moving forward.”
Although industry turnout was unexpectedly low, there was strong participation from Safomar Aviation, Denel Aeronautics, Starlite Aviation, Hensoldt South Africa, Incomar, Tau Aerospace, Leonardo South Africa and Century Aerospace.
The opening address was delivered by Major General Elma de Villiers, Chief Director Air Policy and Plans (CDAPP) at the SAAF. de Villiers highlighted the SAAF vision to enable “effective air and space power, through innovation in the theatre of operations.” Five key objectives for the SAAF at the current moment are combat readiness, overall wellness, sustainability, space power and for the SAAF to become the best in its class. The current mission of the SAAF is to, through consistent innovation, “provide deployable, multi-role air and space capabilities in service of our country.”
Three panel discussions took place, chaired by industry expert and programme director James Kerr. Discussions centred on the aviation maintenance organisation (AMO)/maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) landscape within the logistics requirement of the SAAF, training and capacity building, and the design and development capability, as well as success stories in South Africa's military and defence aviation.
SAAF Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Marelele gave a brief on training and capacity building within SAAF Logistics, while Lieutenant Colonel P F de Beer briefed the indaba on design and systems expertise within the SAAF.
While expectations for the Indaba were high, the closing remarks saw Safomar CEO Shai Shalem express disappointment in the industry turnout, as less than 10 companies were present. Shalem proceeded to reflect on his over 30 years of experience within the industry and called out Armscor and the SAAF for their mistakes and bad policies, which have led to maintenance delays and decreased fleet availability.
SAAF FLAG FLOWN HIGH AT AFB YSTERPLAAT 4×4 & OUTDOOR SHOW www.defenceweb.co.za
The South African Air Force (SAAF) made a big impression on those who attended last weekend's 4×4 & Outdoor Show at Air Force Base Ysterplaat, with various static displays and a two-hour flying programme featuring fast jets and helicopters.
Saturday 19 October featured a busy midday flying display, which began with a pair of Silver Falcons PC-7 Mk IIs, followed by a Hawk Mk 120 (fresh from a Cape deployment for Exercise Ibsamar the previous week), Super Lynx naval helicopter, BK 117, and Netcare 911 Bell 407 air ambulance (which conducted a simulated medical rescue). The highlight for many was a display by the Gripen fighter jet, two of which arrived from Air Force Base Makhado on Friday 18 October. The Sunday air display followed a similar schedule, with more than half a dozen SAAF aircraft taking part.
“Despite AFB Ysterplaat being a small airbase, the intimate setup worked in favour of the audience. The close proximity of the aircraft to the crowd line allowed for an immersive experience, and the relatively modest turnout made for a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere,” Flightline Weekly reported.
The SAAF also had a number of displays covering capabilities and careers, amongst others. The SAAF Career Exhibition showcased the wide range of career possibilities within the SA Air Force, with members representing various mustering's sharing their experiences, duties, and training regimens, giving the public an inside view of the day-to-day life of SA Air Force personnel.
An aircraft simulator from 5 Air Servicing Unit (at Air Force Base Waterkloof) drew large crowds into the exhibition stall during the event. Offering visitors a unique, hands-on experience, the simulators allowed people to feel the thrill of piloting an aircraft without ever leaving the ground.
In addition to the career exhibition, the SA Air Force Museum and the Friends of the Museum had a prominent stall, providing an engaging look into the rich history of the SA Air Force. Visitors were treated to stories and memorabilia from past missions, aircraft, and airmen who have contributed to South Africa's aviation legacy. The stall also encouraged public support for the museum's ongoing preservation efforts and highlighted the important role that history plays in shaping the future of the SA Air Force.
Historic aircraft from the museum also made an appearance, offering a nostalgic look at the history of aviation in South Africa. These aircraft were on static display for the public to admire up close, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see these iconic machines firsthand, Captain Nobuhle Mohami reported for AFB Ysterplaat.
“By combining the forward-looking career exhibition with a nod to the proud history of the SA Air Force, this aspect of the event was not only a platform to showcase the careers but also a celebration of the past, present, and future of the SA Air Force,” Mohami stated.
“The exhibition also provided a great platform to showcase the SA Air Force's values - Excellence in all we do, Integrity, Service before self, and Human dignity. The SA Air Force's slogan, 'Free The Eagle,' echoed throughout the event, inspiring attendees to think beyond their limits and explore the vast opportunities offered by the SA Air Force.”
NORTHROP GRUMMAN'S DEEP SENSING AND TARGETING TECHNOLOGY GOES AIRBORNE TO ADVANCE VISION FOR THE US ARMY
Phase two of Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE: NOC) Deep Sensing and Targeting (DSaT) system was successfully demonstrated at Vanguard 24, an annual capstone experiment hosted by the U.S. Army. DSaT gathers space-based data for long-range precision fires while airborne, helping bridge specific capability gaps and future warfighting requirements by expanding mission effectiveness and standoff range for Army platforms.
During the test event, Northrop Grumman: Combined multiple space-based sensor data to provide targeting intelligence to the Army while in flight to achieve deep strike objectives. Utilized tactical radios for Line of Sight and Beyond Line-of-Sight communications to seamlessly integrate into existing and future networks. Incorporated automation and intelligence analysis services to improve the efficiency, accuracy and speed of the mission. Northrop Grummans Deep Sensing and Targeting Technology Goes Airborne to Advance Vision for the US Army.
The DSaT system, housed on a civilian aircraft (right), was successfully showcased at Vanguard 24, aligning with the Army's Global 6500 Jet Trainer (left). Vanguard provides a venue to test emerging technologies, tools and concepts that address specific capability gaps and future warfighting requirements.
Pablo Pezzimenti, vice president, integrated national systems, Northrop Grumman: “DSaT demonstrates our capability to move data at the speed of future warfare to best support the warfighter's targeting needs while not bound by land or sea. Delivering space-based data to an aircraft enhances the flexibility to process, exploit and distribute intelligence for faster decision making when every moment matters.”
Leveraging Northrop Grumman's tactical edge portfolio, DSaT provides intelligence collection reaching beyond the visual line of sight of local sensors and integrates data into a civilian aircraft. Sponsored by the Department of the Army Headquarters G-2's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Task Force, phase two of DSaT aligns with the Army's High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) platform to provide a deep sensing capability for the warfighter. When combined with HADES, DSaT is positioned to support a mission roadmap that offers a complete solution for ISR and target nomination.
WITH NEW RULE, FAA IS READY FOR AIR TRAVEL OF THE FUTURE
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is ready for powered lift, which will be the first completely new category of civil aircraft since helicopters were introduced in the 1940s. Powered lift operations include air taxis, cargo delivery and a variety of operations within urban and rural areas.
The agency today issued a final rule for the qualifications and training that instructors and pilots must have to fly aircraft in this “powered-lift” category, which have characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters. The rule also addresses their operational requirements, including minimum safe altitudes and required visibility. The rule is the final piece in the puzzle for safely introducing these aircraft in the near term. The opportunities for the use of powered lift operations are far reaching, from transporting passengers in urban areas and short-haul operations such as air ambulance services and cargo operations to potentially serving smaller communities over time.
“The FAA will continue to prioritize the safety of our system as we work to seamlessly integrate innovative technology and operations. This final rule provides the necessary framework to allow powered lift aircraft to safely operate in our airspace,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “Powered lift aircraft are the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years and this historic rule will pave the way for accommodating wide-scale Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations in the future.”
The FAA previously determined it could certify powered-lift using existing regulations and updated other regulations so air taxis could be used commercially. Last year the agency released a blueprint for how Urban Air Mobility vehicles will operate, which is a key element in maturing the overall AAM concept.
A new pilot-training and qualifications rule was needed because existing regulations did not address this new category of aircraft, which can take off and land vertically like a helicopter and fly like an airplane during cruise flight. The rule provides a comprehensive framework for certifying the initial cadre of powered-lift instructors and pilots.
The rule makes changes to numerous existing regulations and establishes a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) with new requirements to facilitate instructor and pilot certification and training. Applies helicopter operating requirements to some phases of flight and adopts a performance-based approach to certain operating rules. Allows pilots to train in powered-lift with a single set of flight controls; legacy rules require two flight controls - one for the student and one for the instructor.
TATA ADVANCED SYSTEMS AND AIRBUS INAUGURATE C295 FINAL ASSEMBLY LINE IN VADODARA, INDIA
As a major milestone for India's Aerospace & Defence industry, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for the Airbus C295 aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat in India. TASL and Airbus are partnering for the pioneering 'Make in India' project to deliver 56 C295 aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi and the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón in the presence of N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.
Providing a major boost to the Government of India's 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) programme, this is the first instance of the private sector setting up an aircraft FAL in India. The inauguration comes three years after the IAF formalised the acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace their legacy AVRO fleet. As per the contract, 40 units will be manufactured and assembled in partnership with TASL at this FAL, while 16 will be delivered to the IAF in 'fly-away' condition from Airbus' final assembly line in Seville, Spain. To date, a total of six aircraft have already been delivered.
The FAL will integrate manufacturing of detail parts and related tooling, sub-assemblies, major component assemblies, tools, jigs and testers. The production of components of the C295 aircraft have already started in the Main Component Assembly (MCA) facility in Hyderabad. The parts for the first C295 aircraft to be made in India have been shipped to the Vadodara FAL, where the aircraft will be assembled and then delivered to the IAF.
The first 'Make in India' C295 will roll out of the Vadodara FAL in September 2026, which will be a milestone for the Indian aerospace industry; and shall ramp-up to deliver 40 aircraft to the IAF by August 2031, as required by the IAF contract.
India has become the largest customer for the C295, with the acquisition of 56 aircraft. The C295 'Make in India' programme will produce more than 85% structural and final assembly of 40 aircraft along with the manufacturing of 13,000 detail parts in India, for which 21 special processes have been certified and 37 India-based suppliers, both from the private and public sectors, have been onboarded.
For Airbus, India is a strategic resource hub where the company is expanding its industrial footprint with aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering design and development, MRO support, pilot and maintenance training as well as academic collaboration to foster human capital. Airbus invests more than $1 billion every year in a robust and comprehensive supply chain in India for components and services, generating more than 15,000 jobs. Additionally, Airbus India's own engineering and digital centres in Bengaluru contribute to all the commercial and helicopter programmes of Airbus globally.
CESSNA CITATION ASCEND CONTINUES TO PROGRESS THROUGH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM, WILL DELIVER WITH LATEST UPDATE OF GARMIN G5000 AVIONICS SUITE
Textron Aviation today announced the Cessna Citation Ascend continues to progress through its certification program and will be equipped with the latest enhancements to the Garmin G5000 avionics suite. This flight deck will provide pilots with significant technological advances when it enters into service, expected to be in 2025.
The Ascend program includes two test articles - Prototype (Proto) and P1 - which have accumulated nearly 600 flight hours through more than 200 flights.
"Citation business jets are renowned for their superior performance and productivity,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president of Global Sales & Flight Operations. “Including the Garmin G5000 in the Citation Ascend demonstrates our continued commitment to designing and delivering the best aviation experience for our customers. We can't wait to see this aircraft deliver to customers.”
The Ascend is designed to bring a new cockpit, improved performance and a luxurious cabin to the midsize business jet market. The aircraft's state-of-the-art avionics, autothrottles, high payload capacity and impressive range offer customers reduced pilot workload and the ability to do more and go farther.
When equipped with the latest Garmin G5000 avionics suite, the Ascend will feature an array of new advanced features and technology from Garmin, including Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS) shown on the primary flight displays, that couples with Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) to support approach minima as low as 150 ft (46 m). SVGS provides a continuous, geo-spatially correct depiction of the external scene topography, including obstacles, augmented by the display of the runway.
SVT enhancements include a 3D exocentric view of the SafeTaxi® airport environment to aid situational awareness while taxiing. SVT also displays 3D building footprints including hangars, terminals and towers, taxiways, aprons, signs and other markings to help reduce runway incursions by providing guidance while taxiing at airports contained in the SafeTaxi database. The enhancements also support pilot situational awareness by increasing topographical clarity, sharpening water and terrain boundaries, improving obstacle and powerlines display and enhancing runway and airport sign depictions. SVT introduces multiple viewpoints for the first time and integrates with the new Taxiway Routing feature that allows the flight crew to use the touchscreen controller to enter taxi routes, which then provides guidance on the 2D navigational maps or 3D SVT depictions - particularly at large, unfamiliar and complex airports during low visibility conditions.
The Ascend can utilize the standard automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) In capability for Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS). CAVS increases pilots' traffic awareness and assists pilots in maintaining separation from preceding aircraft equipped with ADS-B out during visual approaches to landing. Runway Occupancy Awareness (ROA) utilizes Surface Indications and Alert (SURF-IA) and ADS-B data to provide alerts when attempting a take-off or landing on an occupied runway.
For qualifying regions, the GDL 60 Datalink offers high-bandwidth data exchange and connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LTE networks. The GDL 60 features the ability to complete automatic wireless database downloads over network connections while the aircraft is powered off. Additionally, enhancements to the optional GDL 69A allow the Garmin G5000 suite to access more SiriusXM Weather products.
The G5000 integrated avionics suite features three landscape-oriented flight displays with split-screen capability, allowing pilots to simultaneously view maps, charts, checklists, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), flight plan information, weather and more, increasing situational awareness for the flight crew. It also includes Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) and fully automatic advanced weather radar and ADS-B Out compliance and allows for future growth and expansion through software updates.
14 September 1959
The Soviet probe Luna 2 crashes onto the Moon, becoming the first man-made object to reach it
Luna 2 originally named the Second Soviet Cosmic Rocket and nicknamed Lunik 2 in contemporaneous media, was the sixth of the Soviet Union's Luna programme spacecraft launched to the Moon, E-1 No.7. It was the first spacecraft to reach the surface of the Moon, and the first human-made object to make contact with another celestial body.
The spacecraft was launched on 12 September 1959 by the Luna 8K72 s/n I1-7B rocket. It followed a direct path to the Moon. In addition to the radio transmitters sending telemetry information back to Earth, the spacecraft released a sodium vapour cloud so the spacecraft's movement could be visually observed. On 13 September 1959, it impacted the Moon's surface east of Mare Imbrium near the craters Aristides, Archimedes, and Autolycus.
Prior to impact, two sphere-shaped pennants with USSR and the launch date engraved in Cyrillic were detonated, sending pentagonal shields in all directions. Luna 2 did not detect radiation or magnetic belts around the Moon.
Sudan, Al-Fashaga Al-Kubra, Gedaref State: A Crop Protection Sudan Antonov An-2 while landing at the local airstrip after an agricultural spraying flight the plane hit a tuk tuk with 15 people on board. Of the occupants of the tuk tuk 4 died and 8 others were injured. The 3 crew members, composed of Ukranian and Sudanese nationals were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its right wing and propeller.
Nigeria, 1 km from FPSO Nuim Atan, Gulf of Guinea: An East Wind Aviation Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopter, 5N-BQG, impacted the sea c 1 km from FPSO Nuim Atan in block OML 123 south of Calabar, Cross River State. There were eight persons on board, all are presumed dead. Four bodies have been recovered so far. The helicopter, contracted by Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), was en-route from Port Harcourt Nigerian Air Force Base ('PH NAF Base' / DNPM) to the Nuim Atan Offshore Installation.
Russia, Malaya Ovsyanka, Semenovsky urban district, Nizhny Novgorod region: A Kazan Ansat-GMSU air ambulance helicopter (RA-20101) made an emergency landing in a wooded area near Malaya Ovsyanka, Semenovsky urban district, Nizhny Novgorod region. On board were two pilots, doctor, nurse and a female patient. In the accident, everyone except the patient received injuries of varying severity.
Brazil, Santa Branca, SP: The Embraer EMB-121A1 Xingu II, PT-MBU, crashed in a forested area near Santa Branca, SP, Brazil, killing all five on board. The five people on the aircraft were all company employees: the captain, copilot, a doctor, a nurse and a mechanic. It was a transfer flight returning from Florianópolis. It was raining heavily at the time of the accident.
Haiti, Port-au-Prince: A Sikorsky S-61 helicopter operated for the United Nations heading towards the city of Les Cayes came under fire at a distance of 7 nautical miles southwest of the city center, at an altitude of approximately 800 feet, forcing the crew to turn around. The aircraft landed safely at Toussaint Louvre International Airport in Port-au-Prince. The crew members and the fifteen occupants on board suffered no bodily harm.
Australia, Belimbla Park, E of Oakdale, NSW: A Cessna 182P Skylane and a Jabiru UL-450 (19-4079) crashed following a midair collision over Belimba Park, east of Oakdale, New South Wales. Both aircraft crashed to the ground, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants.
Bahamas, Ragged Island: A twin-engine drug-carrying aircraft crashed at Ragged Island. There was a post-crash fire. Both occupants died. A number sequence, painted on the tail, seems to be a false registration. National Security Minister Wayne Munro said the twin-engine plane had no flight plan and that investigators had been unable to identify the remains of two people found at the crash site.
SAPFA SA Landing Championships North Regions Brits Airfield 2024
