This week in Midweek Updates
Sling Aircraft Project H2 - the dream of hydrogen flight.
All SAAF rotary wing maintenance contracts underfunded.
Air Tractor gaining ground in Africa.
Electra reveals design for EL9 ultra short hybrid-electric aircraft.
TAI Hurjet's showcased in Egypt.
Nigeria's M-346FA delivery timeline set.
The Italian Coast Guard adds an ATR42 Maritime Patrol to its fleet.
Bell celebrates 100 Bell 505s sold in Europe with four new orders in the United Kingdom.
This week in history - The Zeppelin LZ-104 "Das Afrika-Schiff" makes a 6,757 km journey through Africa in 96 hours (average speed 71 km/h).
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - SAAF Museum Pretoria Open Day 02.03.2024 Part 2 Statics and Displays
SLING PROJECT H2 - THE DREAM OF HYDROGEN FLIGHT
From the same team who bought you the e-Sling, we are excited to introduce this year's Cellsius Aero focus students! Together with their sponsors, freelancers and mentors from previous years, these youth are more motivated than ever to celebrate their first flight next summer as part of Project H2!
Their goal is to enable sustainable aviation. That's why they are the first student team to build an aircraft powered by hydrogen. They are using our latest kit aircraft, the Sling High Wing. Thanks to the high energy density of hydrogen, their hope is to achieve market-ready performance:
2 hours of cruising flight - Their H2 Sling will fly for a total of two hours.
200 km - Thanks to a range of 200 km, the whole of Switzerland can be reached from Zurich.
0g CO 2 - A hydrogen aircraft that does not emit CO 2.
Many in-house developments of components enable them to achieve the highest compatibility and the lowest possible weight - two crucial factors in maximising the efficiency and range of the aircraft. At the same time, they are committed to the highest safety standards. Every component, from the inverter to the modular battery, has been intensively tested to meet the demanding requirements of aviation.
Their innovative drive train is made up of numerous technical sub-modules that must work together seamlessly and precisely to get their aircraft into the air. These individual components that are installed in their system include: Their new drive is installed in our Sling High Wing aircraft kit. To ensure that it fits perfectly, modifications are made to the airframe. The drive train is specifically tailored to the airframe.
The heart of their drive train is a hydrogen fuel cell with 92 kW of power. It supplies the energy needed for a flight from hydrogen. In order to operate the fuel cell under all environmental conditions, various components are needed to regulate pressure, temperature and humidity.
The gaseous hydrogen is carried on board the aircraft in several pressure tanks at 700 bar. This allows them to achieve a flight time of two hours. To absorb power peaks during take-off or a go-around, they will install a modular battery system with a total capacity of 5.8 kW. The batteries are liquid-cooled and can be recharged by the fuel cell during flight.
An efficient and powerful electric motor is essential for their aircraft to take off. The radial flux electric motor developed in partnership with E+A is a special development that is optimally tailored to their requirements.
To operate the AC motor with batteries and a fuel cell, a power converter is required. They developed this themselves so that it fits perfectly with their motor and their requirements.
Specifications:
Power Electronics:
DC/DC efficiency: 95%
Inverter efficiency: 98%
Liquid cooling
The Battery:
Capacity: 5.8 kW
Continuous power: 35 kW
Voltage: 756 V
The Motor:
Power: 105 kW
The Fuel Cell:
Power: 100 kW
Weight: 120 kg
The Pressure Tank:
Tank weight: 45 kg each
Pressure: 700 bar
Capacity: 2 kg each
ALL SAAF ROTARY WING MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS UNDERFUNDED
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
None of the maintenance contracts in place for the South African Air Force's (SAAF's) five helicopter types are fully funded. This is according to a presentation Armscor prepared for the Portfolio Committee on Defence on 13 November, detailing the status of maintenance contracts for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
With regard to the eleven-strong Rooivalk attack helicopter fleet, multiple maintenance contracts with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Denel Aeronautics are underfunded. The fixed cost contract covering March 2024 to end March 2027 (R1.015 billion) is only funded to the tune of R216 million.
A R1.48 billion additional on demand contract for August 2024 to end March 2027 is funded to the tune of R66 million. Similarly, an on-demand cost contract (R450 million for August 2023 to end March 2026) has a funded value of R96 million.
Armscor's presentation revealed that the Rooivalk cannon reliability improvement project (R33 million) was fully funded, with cannon flight testing undertaken successfully at the Test Flight and Development Centre at Air Force Base Overberg.
For the Oryx transport helicopter fleet, Denel Aeronautics has multiple maintenance contracts in place, but all are partially funded at present. A fixed cost support contract running from December 2022 to end March 2027 is funded to the tune of R314 million, out of R700 million required. Another R700 million on demand maintenance contract for the same period has R52 million in funding allocated. A R350 million on demand contract (August 2023 to August 2026) is partially funded (R193 million). Similarly, a Joint Operations support contract running to end March 2027 is partially funded (R34 million out of a required R700 million). Financial authority is outstanding on this latter contract.
Armscor stated that “fixed costs to the value of R88 965 220 for the period spanning six months from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024 still to be funded for Support to the SAAF.”
Leonardo South Africa is responsible for A109 airframe support for the 24-strong fleet, of which only two are serviceable, Armscor said, “mostly due to long lead times of spares.” A fixed cost contract (December 2022 to end March 2025) is partially funded (R19 million out of R125 million required). Similarly, a R125 million on demand contract for the same period is funded to the tune of R16 million. Another on demand contract (November 2023 to end March 2025) is R46 million funded out of R108 million required.
On the contract funding status, Armscor noted that, “all funds have been committed. Additional funding required for further commitments.”
Safran Helicopter Engines is responsible for A109 engine maintenance, with two contracts in place. Order KP471181 (November 2022 to end March 2025) is partially funded (R5.7 million of R100 million required), as is order KP471236 (November 2023 to end March 2025) - R19 million out of R94 million required.
Maintenance funds for the eight BK 117s are in short supply, with the product support and on demand contracts with Airbus Helicopters running from May 2024 to April 2027 funded to the tune of R42 million out of R300 million required.
With regard to the Super Lynx airframe support contracts with Leonardo (March 2024 to end March 2027), the contractor “is performing well” but only R43 million has been funded out of R226 million required. LHTEC is responsible for engine repair and overhaul and has two support contracts concluding at the end of June 2025. These are both underfunded.
AIR TRACTOR GAINING GROUND IN AFRICA
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
As the Air Tractor agent for Africa, AG Aviation Group is seeing tremendous growth on the continent, with snowballing interest from governments and private companies for firefighting, agricultural and defence applications.
Henry Nel, AG Aviation's Head of Department Technical, told defenceWeb that the company has been the Air Tractor agent across Africa for the last fifteen years and, over the last several years, has been offering more than just aircraft sales. AG Aviation provides pilot and technician training for a complete package-it has a full Air Tractor 802 flight simulator-the only one in Africa.
As business picks up after the COVID-19 pandemic, AG Aviation is marketing Air Tractor far and wide, for example, participating in the Nampo agricultural show and Aero South Africa exhibition. For the first time, the company took part in the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show at Air Force Base Waterkloof in late September, displaying an Air Tractor 502XP. This is a high-performance version of the AT502 with an 867 hp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140AG turboprop. Also showcased was the Kitplanes for Africa Explorer aircraft, which can be used for initial tailwheel training and fitted with the Ag Pilot X system to teach the basics of crop spraying. As the company focuses on training as a big part of selling new aircraft, AG Aviation provide complete Air Tractor Pilot and Engineer Training approved by Air Tractor International on all models. AG Aviation Group is also in partnership with Flight Safety International to provide Pratt & Whitney PT6A training at its Stellenbosch, South Africa facility.
With offices in Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, AG Aviation has sold over 100 Air Tractor aircraft in Africa and recently delivered aircraft to Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Algeria. The latter's Tassili Travail Aerien acquired six for firefighting and agriculture. They also signed a five-year maintenance and parts contract.
AG Aviation is promoting the Air Tractor range for agriculture, firefighting, pest management (vector control), mining, logistics supply, oil spill response, and surveillance. Excalibur Mining, for example, operates 15 Air Tractor 502s for prospecting/geo surveying.
Air Tractors can be fitted with surveillance gimbals, whereas the AT-802U, introduced in 2009, is a dedicated military model that can carry a 3 600 kg payload on 11 hardpoints, including Mk 82 bombs, Hellfire missiles, M260 rocket launchers, and GAU-19 Gatling guns. The useful load is 4 000 kg after armour has been fitted.
According to Air Tractor, the AT-802U is protected by cockpit and engine armour, self-sealing fuel tanks, and armoured glass windscreens and windows. It can be fitted with various sensors, such as a retractable L-3 Wescam MX-15Di sensor pod, ROVER video downlink, satellite communications, and secure radios. A Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine provides 1 600 hp, giving a maximum speed of 394 km/h.
L3Harris Technologies has chosen the AT-802U as the platform for the Sky Warden multi-mission aircraft for the Armed Overwatch programme of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Seventy-five aircraft are being built for SOCOM.
In Africa, the Egyptian Air Force operates a dozen AT-802U aircraft acquired from the UAE.
Also, for the military market, Air Tractor has developed an aerial refuelling solution for helicopters, the FuelBoss A2, based on the AT-802 platform. The FuelBoss carries 4 000 litres of fuel. “Slower speeds, reduced wake turbulence, and low entry cost on an AT-802 will expand the mission capability of any helicopter fleet with refuelling booms to disrupt traditional air-to-air helicopter refuelling,” the company said.
ELECTRA REVEALS DESIGN FOR EL9 ULTRA SHORT HYBRID-ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT
Electra today revealed the design of its groundbreaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric product aircraft, a nine-passenger piloted aircraft built for the electric future that redefines air travel without airports, emissions, or noise. Electra now enters the development phase of the EL9 backed by over a year of successful flight testing of its EL2 Goldfinch two-seat prototype, proving the technology's readiness for the future of electric aviation.
Electra's innovative EL9 hybrid-electric propulsion system with blown lift technology enables ultra-short takeoffs and landings in soccer field-size spaces previously limited to helicopters and eVTOLs, but at one-third the cost and with the improved safety and reliability of a fixed-wing aircraft. This unlocks thousands of new locations for direct air service, including small regional airports or unconventional sites like grass fields or parking lots, offering seamless point-to-point regional connectivity for both passengers and cargo. The EL9 aircraft operates with far lower emissions and noise than conventional planes, while its hybrid-electric power system provides extended range and inflight battery recharging, with no ground charging stations required.
“Today's reveal of the EL9 showcases the dedication of our incredible team and partners,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “This aircraft is more than a new design-it's the gateway to a cleaner, quieter, and more affordable future for regional travel. With the EL9, we're not just making sustainable aviation a reality, we're redefining how people and cargo move through Direct Aviation, a new category of safe and seamless travel that brings air mobility closer to where we live, work and play.”
The EL9 combines blown lift technology with distributed electric propulsion using four independent battery packs and a small turbine-powered generator that drives eight electric motors distributed along the wing to provide high lift at low airspeeds. The aircraft can take off and land in as short as 150 feet, and cruises at 175 knots. With range and payload to fly missions that matter, the EL9 will carry nine passengers with baggage or 3,000 pounds of cargo for 330 nautical miles, and has a maximum ferry range of 1,100 nautical miles with IFR reserves. It will be certified for IFR and flight into known icing conditions. While the EL9 will be equipped with two pilot crew stations, Electra's Safe Single Pilot technology with fly-by-wire controls will enable ease of precision landings for a single pilot.
Electra has over 2,100 orders for the EL9 from 52 operators worldwide, representing more than $8 billion in market value. The first test flights are planned for 2027, with certification and service entry anticipated in 2029 under FAA Part 23 regulations.
The EL9 design was presented at Electra's headquarters in Manassas, Virginia, to an audience of more than 300 guests, including leaders from the aerospace industry, partners, customers, government officials, media, and friends.
TAI HURJET'S SHOWCASED IN EGYPT
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has set its sights on expanding the market for its Hürjet trainer aircraft that has recently concluded its successful series of test flights.
The Hürjet is scheduled for deliveries starting in 2026 initially targeting potential customers in North Africa and Europe. TAI confirmed that they are in closer talks with potential export customers as the aircraft continues to achieve significant milestones.
The Hürjet designed to replace the Turkish Air Force's aging T-38 trainer fleet, recently successfully broke the sound barrier, marking an important achievement for Turkey's first indigenous supersonic jet aircraft.
Turkey's Airforce has placed an order for 17 Hürjet trainers. Most of the airframes have already been produced. The Hürjet features an advanced mission computer, a modern cockpit, and a human-machine interface designed to minimize conversion time to current and future Turkish fighter aircraft.
TAI, GE Aerospace and Turkish Engine Industries (TEI) recently signed an MoU to integrate the F404 powerplant into the newer Hurjet variants, as well as performing local assembly, maintenance, repair and overhaul in Turkey.
NIGERIA'S M-346FA DELIVERY TIMELINE SET
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) anticipates receiving the first of the 24 jets in early 2025, with six units already in production. Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, confirmed the delivery schedule following his mid-October visit to Leonardo's facilities in Italy. The initial batch of three aircraft is expected to be handed over next year, with the full complement set to arrive by 2026. Abubakar emphasized the necessity of establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria to ensure long-term support for the M-346 fleet
The M-346FAs are set to replace the aging Dassault Alpha Jet A/E fleet currently in use by the NAF. As part of the deal, Leonardo will provide not only the aircraft but also comprehensive training, support, and munitions. The business will also see Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced defence systems supplying avionics, PESA radar, and munitions.
In addition to reviewing the M-346FA program, Abubakar discussed a follow-on purchase of 10 more AW109 Trekker helicopters. The NAF already operates two of these skid-equipped helicopters and expects the next batch by early 2026. These helicopters will be utilized for various missions, including combat search and rescue and medical evacuation.
THE ITALIAN COAST GUARD ADDS AN ATR42 MARITIME PATROL TO ITS FLEET
Leonardo has signed a contract with the General Command of the Port Authorities - Coast Guard for the supply of an ATR42-600 Maritime Patrol (MP) aircraft. The acquisition forms part of the General Command's plan for renewal of its fleet of aircraft, which already includes three MPs based on the ATR 42-400 and the ATR 42-500.
The ATR 42 MP, developed and produced on the basis of the ATR 42-600 turboprop regional aircraft platform, is an aircraft perfectly expressing Leonardo's capabilities in terms of both platform and systems. The aircraft is equipped with multi-domain sensors and state-of-the-art research and communication systems, and is capable of transmitting and receiving information in real time, thereby optimising operations along the entire chain of command.
The ATR42 MP will be integrated into the Corps' aeronautical fleet to fulfil the multiple roles assigned to the Coast Guard, including maritime patrolling all along Italy's coastline and in international waters, carried out with the aid of the advanced technological equipment integrated into its fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
Already in service with versions specially designed for other Italian government operators, the aircraft is equipped with Leonardo's ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) modular mission system. ATOS manages the vast spectrum of aircraft sensors, combining the information received in a comprehensive tactical situation and presenting the results to operators in the most appropriate format to offer an excellent and constantly updated scenario of the situation, also in complex operations.
The aircraft integrates the reliability, maintainability, low life cycle cost and comfort of the ATR 42-600 from which it derives, while offering the crew a level of ergonomics that increases its efficiency and effectiveness during maritime patrol, search and identification, and SAR (search and rescue) missions, in the fight against drug trafficking, piracy and smuggling, and in the protection of territorial waters: missions that typically last more than 8 hours.
BELL CELEBRATES 100 BELL 505S SOLD IN EUROPE WITH FOUR NEW ORDERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today a signed purchase agreement for the 100th Bell 505 in Europe to be delivered to private operator, Adam Fawsitt. This sale is one of four Bell 505 purchase agreements signed at European Rotors 2024, all for private operators based in the United Kingdom.
“We're proud to reach our 100th sale of the Bell 505 in Europe and thrilled to celebrate this milestone here at European Rotors,” said Robin Wendling, managing director, Europe, Commercial Business. “This achievement serves as a testament to the regional demand for the aircraft's technology, versatility and performance. The Bell 505 has been instrumental to Bell's growth in Europe.”
“As an aircraft owner looking for a modern single-engine turbine aircraft, I selected the Bell 505 for its incredible performance, advanced avionics, modern technology and great looks. I've enjoyed working closely with the Bell team and their United Kingdom Independent Representative, HelixAv to specify my perfect helicopter, and look forward to flying the 100th Bell 505 in Europe,” said Adam Fawsitt.
Earlier at Farnborough Air Show 2024, Bell announced multiple new Bell 505 orders to operators in Spain, Switzerland, Estonia and the United Kingdom. Bell also announced that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified the Garmin's GFC™ 600H flight control system on the Bell 505, enabling European customers to leverage autopilot capabilities for this platform.
The Bell 505 boasts a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg) and incorporates proven dynamic components, advanced aerodynamic design and avionics, a dual channel FADEC Safran Arrius 2R engine and best-in-class value.
20 NOVEMBER 1917
The Zeppelin LZ-104 "Das Afrika-Schiff" makes A 6,757 Km journey through Africa in 96 Hours (average speed 71 Km/H).
Zeppelin LZ 104 (construction number, designated L 59 by the German Imperial Navy) and nicknamed Das Afrika-Schiff ("The Africa Ship"), was a World War I German dirigible. It is famous for having attempted a long-distance resupply mission to the beleaguered garrison of Germany's East Africa colony.
On 4 November 1917, after a 29-hour flight from Friedrichshafen under the command of Hugo Eckener, the airship arrived at Yambol in Bulgaria (spelled 'Jambol' in German sources), the last available airbase before flying over two thousand miles across the Mediterranean and Entente-held Africa. At Yambol Kapitänleutnant [Lieutenant Commander] Ludwig Bockholt, a regular German naval officer, met the Zeppelin. He would be commander for the mission, code named China-Sache, loosely translated as "China Show"[4] or "China Matter."
It would be impossible to resupply the airship with hydrogen gas upon its arrival in Africa, and it was decided that no return trip would be made. Instead, it was planned that every part of the ship be cannibalized for use by Lettow-Vorbeck's bush army. The outer envelope would be used for tents, muslin linings would become bandages, the duralumin framework would be used for wireless towers, and so on. In addition to its own structure, L 59 carried 15 tonnes (15 long tons; 17 short tons) of supplies. The cargo included machine guns plus spares and ammunition, food, medical supplies, a medical team and Iron Cross medals.
L 59 continued on over Sudan, only to be turned back on 23 November 1917, with the ship 125 miles (201 km) due west of Khartoum when she received an "abort" message. It returned to base the morning of 25 November 1917, having travelled over 4,200 miles (6,800 km) in 95 hours, or nearly four days in the air. When it entered its shed at Yambol, the Zeppelin had enough fuel remaining for another 64 hours flight.
Belize, near Frank's Eddy Village: An abandoned Cessna 210 Centurion, with false registration N117MS, was found by Belizian law enforcement officers near Frank's Eddy Village. The airplane had been used for transporting drugs.
Slovenia, Gancani: A Cessna 172M Skyhawk from Letalski Centre Maribor crashed, killing all three on board. Weather at the departure airport LJMB was fine. However, weather forecast for northeastern Slovenia was poor with freezing fog and limited visibility. The aircraft had recently undergone major repairs due to a hard landing. This is the second accident from Letalski Centre Maribor with a completely destroyed aircraft this year.
USA, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP/KPSP), Palm Springs, CA: A Cirrus SR22T GTS G7 platinum, N828PS, experienced a runway excursion and nosewheel collapse during a landing attempt on runway 31R at Palm Spring International Airport (PSP/KPSP), Palm Springs, California. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. Preliminary information indicates that the local controller had issued a caution to N828PS for wake turbulence due to departing commercial flight. During landing, the right wing contacted the runway surface and the airplane came to rest on the right side of the runway.
SAAF Museum Pretoria Open Day 02.03.2024 Part 2 Statics and Displays
