Namibia acquires Y-9 transport aircraft from China.
Turbotech - high technology aeronautical propulsion solutions.
Japan's National Police Agency becomes new Airbus H160 operator.
Boeing announces fourth quarter deliveries.
History-making Beechcraft T-6C Texan II sale supports the U.S.-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership, advances U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific Region.
Bell completes wind tunnel testing efforts to validate revolutionary Stop/Fold jet transition capability.
Lockheed Martin approves use of synthetic aviation turbine fuels for F-35 Fleet.
Evia Aero confirms order for hydrogen-powered Islander aircraft.
This week in history - 3 January 1964 - A United States Air Force B-52D Stratofortress carrying two Mark 53 nuclear bombs loses its vertical stabilizer in turbulence during a winter storm and crashes on Savage Mountain near Barton, Maryland.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Sport Aerobatics Regionals Klerksdorp 2023
NAMIBIA ACQUIRES Y-9 TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT FROM CHINA The Namibian military has taken delivery of two Shaanzi Y-9E transport aircraft from China, becoming the first export customer for the type. The aircraft were delivered in late November (departing China on the 11th and arriving in Namibia on the 17th) and officially handed over during a ceremony on 16 December at Grootfontein that was attended by Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba.
The aircraft registration numbers are NAF-1962 (commemorating the birth year of the nation's defence chief, Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas) and NAF-1990 (the year of Namibia's independence).
“The acquisition of these medium transport aircraft will greatly contribute to improving and strengthening the operational capabilities of the Namibian Defense Forces and their readiness to respond swiftly to any situation requiring the deployment of our soldiers, both in peacetime and wartime,” Mbumba is reported as saying. “We are aware that we live in a world where peace is not guaranteed. Therefore, as an independent nation, we must maintain and enhance our capability to defend our territorial integrity.”
“Namibia values its all-weather friendship with the People's Republic of China. Therefore, the Namibian Defence Force's engagement with Chinese companies, such as CATIC [China Aeronautic Technology and Import Corporation], is a win-win relationship in which both countries stand to benefit,” the president said.
Air Vice-Marshal Teofilus Shaende, the commander of Namibia's air force, said the aircraft will be crucial for humanitarian and military transport work. “With this aircraft in our arsenal, it will greatly enhance the Air Force's abilities to take on various military airlift and air transportation operations and subsequently to carry out state missions for nonmilitary purposes, especially considering that the Republic of Namibia is geographically large and characterized by different types of terrain; these aircraft are crucial to reach all corners of the country. For example, with devastating yearly droughts causing food shortages in communities, the Air Force will be able to airlift and deliver drought relief items and food for humanitarian relief aid.”
Vice President of China National Aero-Technology, Lyu Li, said, “This accomplishment stands as a testament to the exceptional reliability and robust performance of the aircraft. Moving forward, CATIC remains resolutely committed to honouring its cooperative obligations by delivering comprehensive after-sales services. We will spare no effort to ensure the efficient operation and sustained reliability of aircraft throughout their lifecycle, thereby enabling the Namibia Air Force to utilize them with absolute assurance and satisfaction.”
Namibia's air force has a relatively small transport aircraft fleet, operating two Harbin Y-12s and one Antonov An-26. It has sourced much of its military aircraft from China, including four K-8 trainers, six F-7NM fighters, and two Y-12 transports. Other aircraft in its fleet include four O-2A Skymasters, and on the rotary wing side two Mi-8T, one Cheetah, three Chetak, three Mi-25 and one H425 helicopters.
The Y-9 is based on the earlier Y-8, which is itself a copy of the Antonov An-12. Officially entering service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 2012, the Y-9 is designed to fulfil various roles, including troop transport, cargo delivery, and medical evacuation. It can accommodate up to 106 paratroopers or carry a payload of approximately 25 tons, with a maximum capacity reaching 30 tons under certain conditions.
The aircraft is powered by four WoJiang WJ-6C turboprop engines, each delivering about 5 100 horsepower, and features advanced avionics for enhanced operational capabilities. Notably, the Y-9's cargo bay is equipped with modern handling systems and can also support the transportation of light military vehicles, making it a versatile asset for logistical operations in both military and humanitarian missions
The Y-9 features a more spacious cargo cabin and improved operational range compared to the Y-8. It has a length of 36 metres, a wingspan of 38 metres, and a maximum takeoff weight of 65 tonnes. Top speed is 660 km/h and cruising speed 560 km/h.
TURBOTECH - HIGH TECHNOLOGY AERONAUTICAL PROPULSION SOLUTIONS
TURBOTECH IS A FRENCH COMPANY OFFERING “HAUTE PERFORMANCE” PROPULSION SYSTEMS FOR AVIATION INDUSTRY ACTORS LOOKING FOR EFFICIENT AND ECO-FRIENDLY FLIGHT SOLUTIONS.
Turbotech is the first company in the world to introduce regenerative turbines for aeronautical applications, supported by a strong partnership with the French manufacturer Le Guellec, to develop the key technology of micro-tubes heat exchangers.
Its optimised heat exchanger technology lowers the environmental impact of the turbine and makes the regenerative turbine the best solution for the future of aero-propulsion.
Turbotech designed the regenerative turbine from scratch and it combines all the advantages of a turbine engine with very low fuel consumption. A regenerative turbine is a turbine engine equipped with a heat exchanger, capable of recovering the heat normally wasted in exhaust gases and reinjecting it into the combustion chamber, leading to a dramatic fuel burn reduction.
The idea of using a heat exchanger in turbines is not new, but the real challenge was to apply it to the aviation industry sector and its need for a very light, compact and reliable heat exchanger. Turbotech has managed to develop an exceptionally performant microtube heat exchanger, thanks to 10 years of research & development.
JAPAN'S NATIONAL POLICE AGENCY BECOMES NEW AIRBUS H160 OPERATOR
The National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan has taken delivery of two Airbus H160 helicopters, making it the first para-public operator of the type in Japan. The first H160 was delivered at the end of last year, with the second delivery in January.
“We are very proud of the delivery of the first public service version of the H160 to our long-standing customer in Japan. This is the culmination of two years of outstanding work and dedication of the teams in France and Japan,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “The unique capabilities of these brand-new aircraft will contribute to expanding the envelope of the NPA's wide-ranging law enforcement missions.”
The H160 is one of the world's most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the highest levels of operational safety while providing unmatched comfort for rotorcraft in its class. Capable of performing wide-ranging missions including law enforcement, offshore transportation, search and rescue, private and business aviation, and emergency medical services, the H160 has entered into service in Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, U.K., U.S. and many other European countries.
BOEING ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER DELIVERIES
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today major program deliveries across its commercial and defence operations for the fourth quarter of 2024.
HISTORY-MAKING BEECHCRAFT T-6C TEXAN II SALE SUPPORTS THE U.S.-VIETNAM COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, ADVANCES U.S. INTERESTS IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION
Textron Aviation Defence today announced the arrival of five Beechcraft T-6C Texan II Integrated Training System (ITS) aircraft in support of the Vietnam Air Defence Air Force (ADAF) pilot training program at Phan Thiet Airbase
The historic delivery of the first of 12 T-6C Texan II ITS aircraft highlights the on-time fulfillment of the inaugural Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program established between the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the ADAF. Contracted in August 2022, the full fleet of 12 T-6C aircraft is anticipated to be delivered by mid-2025.
Textron Aviation | Delivery of Cutting-Edge Training Aircraft Expands U.S.-Vietnam Security Cooperation (Photo: Business Wire).The Beechcraft T-6C Texan II is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.
“It's an honor to support the United States and its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam as together they focus on a prosperous, open, resilient, and peaceful Indo-Pacific Region,” said Travis Tyler, President and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense LLC. “We also welcome the Vietnam Air Defense Air Force as the 14th nation to place its confidence in the T-6 Texan II and we celebrate the arrival of the T-6C at Phan Thiet Airbase.”
The initial USAF FMS contract award features three T-6C ITS aircraft, site survey, ground support equipment, two spare engines, spare parts, personal life support equipment, external fuel tanks and pylons, aircraft ferry, program support and country specific technical orders. Subsequent contract awards increased the ADAF fleet of T-6C aircraft to twelve.
The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the world's premier military flight trainer. Backed by more than 90 years of experience delivering more than 250,000 aircraft worldwide, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II's low acquisition, operating and sustainment costs enable global air forces to fast-track pilot production. With an installed base that more than quadruples its closest competitor, the family of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has been the world's number one Integrated Training System (ITS) for more than 20 years. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II capitalizes on an active production line with an industry-leading Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) rating of 10 as well as a proven supply chain and the affordability of 85 percent parts commonality with the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine. To date, the global fleet of more than 1,000 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has surpassed 5 million flight hours across 14 nations and two NATO flight schools.
A vital asset, the T-6 empowers global pilot training across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flight Training program in Canada, the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB, Texas and the U.S. Air Force Aviation Leadership Program as well as the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard, the Hellenic Air Force, the Argentine Air Force, the Israeli Air Force, the Royal Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, Mexican Navy, the Mexican Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Colombian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, Tunisian Air Force and the Vietnam Air Defence Air Force.
BELL COMPLETES WIND TUNNEL TESTING EFFORTS TO VALIDATE REVOLUTIONARY STOP/FOLD JET TRANSITION CAPABILITY
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has completed wind tunnel testing at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University in support of the DARPA Speed and Runway Independent Technology (SPRINT) program. This test phase follows successful evaluation of the Stop/Fold rotor system using the Holloman High Speed Test Track (HHSTT) in New Mexico in 2023.
Building upon the previous folding rotor testing, the wind tunnel program validated the stability and control of the aircraft through the rotor fold and unfold sequence in flight. Together, these two critical risk reduction tests prove the concept is ready to move ahead into a flight demonstration as part of the DARPA SPRINT program.
“After completing folding rotor transition testing on the sled at Holloman Air Force Base last year, we're thrilled to have now completed this next phase of testing,” said Jason Hurst, executive vice president, Engineering, Bell. “Bell's advanced Stop/Fold family of systems will revolutionize the speed, range and survivability of vertical lift aircraft to enable operations in contested environments. We are excited to be part of another aviation milestone with this breakthrough technology.
Bell is currently in Phase 1B of the DARPA SPRINT program. The SPRINT program intends to design, build and fly an experimental aircraft (X-Plane) to demonstrate enabling technologies and integrated concepts necessary for a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence for the next generation of air mobility and air combat platforms.
Bell's scalable Stop/Fold configurations combine modern jet speed with runway independence, offering next-generation capabilities that will transform the battlefield for the nation's warfighters. The ability to leverage available runways for maximum payload and range, along with robust vertical lift, empowers Agile Combat Employment (ACE) from nearly any location-delivering a clear strategic advantage, particularly in the Indo-Pacific theatre. In an environment with limited runways, vast distances, and a contested battlespace, this aircraft provides the essential speed and range to meet mission demands. This unique combination of capabilities is also ideally suited for Special Operations, enhancing speed, reach, and survivability for our most challenging and sensitive missions.
LOCKHEED MARTIN APPROVES USE OF SYNTHETIC AVIATION TURBINE FUELS FOR F-35 FLEET
Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently approved the use of synthetic aviation turbine fuels (SATF) in the F-35 Lightning II. The new fuel sources will improve readiness by reducing reliance on the extended supply chain.
“Lockheed Martin is committed to ensuring the F-35 is always ready for any customer mission,” said Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin. “Adding new fuel sources helps make this happen by diversifying the supply chain while maintaining operational excellence. As the cornerstone of the joint fleet, the F-35 will continue to lead the U.S. and allied air dominance mission for decades to come."
The approval allows F-35s to operate with synthetic blends at currently approved limits of up to 50 percent, depending on the type of raw materials and production pathway, combined with conventional jet fuel.
Lockheed Martin completed comprehensive technical and strategic analysis to ensure SATF meets the strict performance and reliability standards required for the F-35's complex, high-demand missions.
The integration of SATF supports the Department of Defence's objectives for energy substitution and diversification while enhancing energy resilience and operational flexibility.
SATFs are derived from various raw materials, including fossil-based sources such as coal and natural gas, as well as renewable or sustainable sources like waste oils, agricultural residues and other non-fossil-based sources.
More than 1,100 F-35s are currently operational around the globe, and the fleet has surpassed 971,700 flight hours. F-35s operate from 33 bases worldwide, including 10 nations operating on home soil. As adversaries advance and legacy aircraft age, the F-35 is critical to maintaining air dominance for decades to come.
EVIA AERO CONFIRMS ORDER FOR HYDROGEN-POWERED ISLANDER AIRCRAFT
German regional airline start-up Evia Aero has agreed to buy 15 new Britten-Norman Islander aircraft that it intends to convert to run on hydrogen power. Under a letter of intent signed in early January, the nine-passenger twin turboprop aircraft are due to be delivered in 2027 and will then by converted using the fuel cell-based powertrain being developed in the UK by Cranfield Aerospace Solutions.
Bremen-based Evia Aero intends to use the Islanders to provide direct scheduled services connecting smaller communities across northern Europe as an alternative to long car or train journeys, or flights via busy hub airports. These could include such as Chemnitz in the Saxony region of Germany.
Under its 2022 agreement with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions covering the delivery of 10 conversion kits. It had aimed to have the aircraft in service in 2025 with a range of up to around 250 kilometers (136 nm).
Production plans at Britten-Norman were disrupted in early 2024 by financial challenges that led to the UK company being sold by administrators to private equity group 4D Capital Partners. In September 2023, Britten-Norman opened its manufacturing site at Bembridge in southern England after relocating production of the Islanders from Romania.
Prior to that move, Britten-Norman had not delivered a new-build Islander since November 2020 but the modernized Bembridge facility has capacity to produce up to 16 aircraft each year. The company said it aimed to achieve an annual output of 8 aircraft by the end of 2025. It also produces utility versions of the Islander, and a military version called the Defender 4000.
EVIA In 2022, Evia Aero signed a letter of intent of intent with Eviation for 25 of its all-electric Alice regional airliners. The U.S. manufacturer has been aiming to certify the nine-passenger model in time to start deliveries in 2027, but the current status of its agreement with Evia Aero is unconfirmed.
On January 14, Evia Aero also announced the appointment of Axel Trampnau, a former executive with Lufthansa and Germania, as its director of finance and controlling. As he moves to the airline's operational management team, his place on its advisory board has been taken by Vanessa Haumberger, who is a managing partner with strategy and communications group Gauly, and a former executive with Munich Airport.
3 JANUARY 1964
A United States Air Force B-52D Stratofortress carrying two Mark 53 nuclear bombs loses its vertical stabilizer in turbulence during a winter storm and crashes on Savage Mountain near Barton, Maryland. This is known as the 1964 Savage Mountain B-52 crash. Only two of the five crewmen survive. The bombs are recovered two days later.
Japan, Kohnan Airport (RJBK): The left wing of a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee was partially burnt while refuelling gasoline at the west apron of Kohnan Airport. A sport utility vehicle beside the airplane was consumed by fire. Fire was extinguished 20 minutes later. The man performing refuelling was the pilot just arrived from a training flight, and he sustained non-life-threating burnt injury and was transported to the hospital.
USA, near Little Mountain, SW of Rock Springs, WY: A Piper PA-24-250 Comanche went missing in mountainous terrain and was located near Little Mountain, southwest of Rock Springs, Wyoming, after an extensive search. The sole pilot perished and the aircraft was destroyed.
Belgium, near Nameche: A Belgian Air Component NHIndustries NH90 TTH (callsign ARES501) struck some power lines during a low-level practicing flight. It made a precautionary landing in a field near Nameche, some distance from where the lines got hit. Also, a power outage occurred in the nearby villages of Bonneville and Maizeret, because the power line got clipped. The four occupants were not injured and the helicopter received minor damage to the nose cone.
