Hensoldt helped to safeguard Gauteng over the festive season.
Drone technology boosts border security over festive season.
Nuuva V300 takes off with successful first flight.
Goodyear to Celebrate 100 Years of Airship Flying at AirVenture 2025
B-29s to Again Reunite at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.
ZeroAvia invited to join second round of UK CAA's Hydrogen Sandbox Challenge.
Daher Aircraft delivers the first TBM 960 “birddog” airplanes to Conair in support of wildfire air attack missions.
Bell announces new manufacturing facility for the U.S. Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.
This week in history - Bell Aircraft Corporation is founded in Buffalo, New York
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Aerobatics SAC Judges Trophy 2024 Heidelberg Airfield
HENSOLDT HELPED TO SAFEGUARD GAUTENG OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON www.defenceweb.co.za
A Cessna Caravan aircraft equipped with Hensoldt's Argos-II intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) gimbal took to the skies during the festive season to combat crime in Gauteng.
Flying primarily at night, the aircraft went aloft to provide actionable intelligence on criminal activities, including illegal mining and vandalism of critical infrastructure such as the main fuel-supply line from KwaZulu-Natal. The aircraft also responded to general incidents reported by the public through the 10111-emergency number.
01 The initiative was a collaboration between Hensoldt, Bidvest Protea Coin, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private entities. Hensoldt sponsored the Argos system, which was integrated onto the Caravan. Bidvest Protea Coin coordinated the operation, while fuel and operational costs were sponsored by FNB, Nedbank and Engen.
Hensoldt said the key to the operation's success lay in the Argos airborne observation system - a 15-inch class gimbal integrated beneath the aircraft's fuselage. Equipped with high-definition infrared cameras, the Argos-II can identify criminal activity, monitor unusual indicators like fires and provide precise geolocation data on a high-resolution map via its onboard mission system.
“The Argos is ideal for this mission, which requires extended flight endurance, offering high-definition cameras, thermal imaging and advanced processing capabilities. The thermal imaging feature enables clear visuals in total darkness, while daylight and SWIR [short wave infrared] cameras add versatility during daytime, foggy, or hazy conditions. Its ability to pinpoint locations further enhance its effectiveness,” Hensoldt said in a statement.
“This initiative aligns with our motto, 'detect and protect,' and we are proud to see our technology making an impact locally,” said Sunette van Rensburg, Head of Sales for Hensoldt South Africa's Optronics division. “While the Argos-II is globally deployed on over 34 platforms across more than 22 countries, we are delighted to see its capabilities harnessed here in South Africa.”
Globally, Argos is used by agencies such as the Belgian Federal Police and Germany's Thuringia and Federal Police forces. In South Africa, during Cape Town's “Eye-in-the-Sky” programme, a Cessna 337 equipped with the Argos-II supported crime prevention and assisted fire services during the 2021 Table Mountain fires. Its rapid response capabilities and wide-area coverage earned it the nickname “powerful flying CCTV camera.” Beyond law enforcement, the Argos supports infrastructure monitoring, biodiversity research, and other missions, Hensoldt said.
The use of drone technology has boosted South Africa's border security efforts, with operations at ports of entry this festive season having been improved as a result.
DRONE Speaking at a briefing on Friday on the Border Management Authority (BMA) festive season operations, Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the use of drones at five ports of entry on a pilot basis made an immediate and visible impact.
Schreiber said the piloting of new technology, including drones and body cameras, has demonstrated the power of digital transformation to secure and enhance border management.
NUUVA V300 TAKES OFF WITH SUCCESSFUL FIRST FLIGHT
Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the successful first hover flight of the Nuuva V300, a long-range, large-capacity hybrid-electric VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) unmanned aircraft. This milestone marks an advancement in the development of advanced, sustainable and versatile unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The Nuuva V300 is designed to carry a 600-pound payload over a range of up to 300 nautical miles and is capable of operating from paved or unimproved surfaces. The aircraft is engineered to load cargo through the nose of the fuselage, simplifying the process for operators and allowing for multiple payload configurations. Built to support a capacity of more than 100 cubic feet, it can hold up to three cargo pallets or be loaded with loose cargo, enhancing its utility for a variety of logistics needs.
“We are thrilled to witness the Nuuva V300's first flight, a demonstration of our leadership in emerging technology and advanced air mobility, as well as our commitment to multi-purpose aviation solutions,” shared Kriya Shortt, President & CEO of Textron eAviation. “The Nuuva V300's unique capabilities and robust design will not only transform logistics but also play a crucial role in commercial and defense missions such as search and rescue, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and ship-to-shore deliveries.”
NUUWA “Today's milestone is a testament to the hard work and innovative spirit of our team at Pipistrel,” added Gabriel Massey, President & Managing Director of Pipistrel. “The Nuuva's first flight demonstrates Pipistrel's strength in electric propulsion and dedication to advancing the aviation industry through our active involvement in research programs and our successful collaboration with regulatory agencies, including our recent operational authorization from the Italian Civil Air Authority (ENAC).”
Equipped with a zero-emission electric vertical take-off powertrain and a separate dedicated cruise propulsion system, the Nuuva V300 will provide unparalleled flexibility and runway independence. The aircraft is powered by in-house developed proprietary battery systems, ensuring efficient, sustainable and cost-effective performance. This unique combination of technologies will enable the Nuuva V300 to operate in a wide range of environments.
The Nuuva V300 is remotely monitored by an operator at the ground control station, developed in cooperation with Textron Systems, a fellow Textron Inc. company, enabling fully automatic point-and-click operations. Textron Systems has decades of experience designing, manufacturing and fielding uncrewed command and control systems, including millions of operational UAS flight hours in support of several U.S. Army Programs of Records.
The aircraft, which is equipped with automatic Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight capabilities, will transition from vertical to forward flight on its wings and follow the most recent flight plan until landing. The first air vehicle is powered by a fly-by-wire, triple-redundant flight control system supplied by Honeywell.
To support the continued expansion of the aircraft's flight envelope, a second Nuuva V300 air vehicle will also join the flight program in 2025. This addition will further enhance the aircraft's performance and ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and reliability.
GOODYEAR TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF AIRSHIP FLYING AT AIRVENTURE 2025
Goodyear will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its famed airships by bringing two of them to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2025. The 72nd EAA fly-in convention is July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Goodyear The appearance of two airships marks a unique occurrence in the more than 50 years that Goodyear has brought its blimps and airships to Oshkosh. “There is no aviation event more 'blimp-worthy' than EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and to have two of Goodyear's airships over the grounds will make this year unforgettable,” said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “We have seen the excitement that Goodyear's presence at Oshkosh has created throughout the years, whether it is flying during the air shows or even parked as a memorable photo opportunity on the grounds.”
Current plans are for the airships to participate in flying activities during the week, in both the afternoon and night air shows. When not flying, at least one of them is scheduled to be parked near the EAA Aviation Museum during the duration of its stay. Exact schedules will be released when they are finalized. “Goodyear Blimps have been a symbol of aviation innovation and adventure for a century,” said Michael Dougherty, chief pilot, Goodyear Airship Operations. “We can't think of a better place than EAA AirVenture Oshkosh to celebrate our 100-year milestone with aviation enthusiasts from around the world.”
Although Goodyear's aviation efforts began in 1910 with the creation of its aeronautics department, the first branded airship flights in 1925 marked the start of a legendary icon. The first blimp with a lighted sign came in 1930, while the initial aerial broadcast flights over the Rose Bowl began in 1955. The Goodyear airships moved into their most recent era beginning in 2011 with the debut of the semi-rigid Zeppelin NT (New Technology) airships that are used today. Goodyear's airship participation at Oshkosh began in 1971 when America made an appearance at the EAA fly-in. Since then, it has been a regular visitor to the gathering, with its last appearance in 2021.
B-29S TO AGAIN REUNITE AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2025
The world's only two flying examples of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress will be back this summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, July 21-27, supporting the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and post-war aviation technology.
The two B-29s have made only about a half-dozen joint public appearances since first flying together at Oshkosh in 2017. Three of those appearances have taken place at EAA AirVenture, including in 2024.
“As AirVenture is the world's largest annual gathering of warbirds, bringing these two iconic aircraft together is another of those 'Only at Oshkosh' moments,” said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “These airplanes are big favorites wherever they appear separately, but together they will make the occasion even more unforgettable.”
As currently scheduled, each airplane will spend time featured on EAA's Boeing Plaza. FIFI will be on display on July 21-23, while Doc will take centerstage for display on July 24-27. The airplanes are also scheduled to make a formation flight at the beginning of the July 23 night air show. When not on display at Boeing Plaza, flight experiences on Doc July 21-23 will be based at Appleton International Airport, approximately 20 miles north, while FIFI will be in Appleton for flight experiences on July 24-27.
FIFI is owned and operated by the Commemorative Air Force's B-29/B-24 Squadron of Dallas, Texas. It was acquired by the CAF in the early 1970s when a group of CAF members found it at the U.S. Navy Proving Ground at China Lake, California, where it was being used as a missile target. The airplane was rescued and restored, then flew for more than 30 years until 2006, when the chief pilot made the decision to ground it pending a complete powerplant re-fit. After an extensive four-year restoration that included installing four new custom-built hybrid engines, FIFI returned to the sky in 2010 and has since traveled coast to coast. More information on flight experiences will be available soon at https://www.airpowersquadron.org/.
Doc was built in 1944 and for many years was part of a squadron known as the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in upstate New York at Griffiss Air Force Base (hence, the name Doc). The airplane was retired in 1956 as the jet bomber age began and it also sat as a target for Navy training missions in China Lake until 1998. A restoration group took possession of the airplane from the U.S. government and hauled it back to Wichita, Kansas, in pieces in 2000. After 16 years and more than 450,000 volunteer hours, Doc made its first flight after restoration in July 2016, 60 years after it had been retired. Flight experience information for Doc at Oshkosh is available at https://www.b29doc.com/rides/. Doc is owned and operated by Doc's Friends, Inc., a non-profit based in Wichita.
ZEROAVIA INVITED TO JOIN SECOND ROUND OF UK CAA'S HYDROGEN SANDBOX CHALLENGE
Zeroavia has been invited to join the UK Civil Aviation Authority's extended and expanded Hydrogen Challenge programme.
Working with the CAA, ZeroAvia will explore the necessary safety and regulatory requirements for commercial adoption of hydrogen as it looks towards the certification of its ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain for up to 20 seat aircraft. This work with the regulator includes exploring safe hydrogen fuel storage, distribution and refuelling practices at airfields and on aircraft. It complements ZeroAvia's efforts to certify its first full hydrogen-electric engine - the ZA600 designed for up to 20 seat planes - with the CAA.
ZeroAvia's participation in the first round of the Sandbox Challenge included investigating the development, design & testing of the ZA600, and furthering the operational understanding and safety requirements of hydrogen in aviation.
ZEROAVIA The next stage of the Hydrogen Challenge will see the development of new designs of cutting-edge aircraft that use hydrogen fuel cell power systems and remotely piloted systems to drive down carbon emissions. It will also examine changes to airport infrastructure, include new scientific research by some of Britain's leading aeronautical institutes, and support flight trials, safety assessments, and demos.
Paul Harper, Director of Airworthiness and Certification, ZeroAvia said: “Our experiences in the first round of the Hydrogen Challenge have been extremely positive. We are working diligently towards the certification of our first full hydrogen-electric powertrain the ZA600 with the CAA, and this programme will help us prepare the wider ecosystem for flying zero-emission using hydrogen.”
Tim Johnson, Director of Communications, Strategy and Policy, UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “These trials keep the UK on course to be a world leader in hydrogen propulsion. We are working with some of the most innovative companies and minds to better understand this technology and how it might be introduced safely in the aerospace sector. In doing so, it offers the potential to enable a more sustainable aerospace system and support UK economic growth.”
The news of ZeroAvia's inclusion in the CAA programme coincides with another regulatory development, with the company receiving a G-1 issue paper for its 600kW electric propulsion system from the FAA in the U.S.
ZeroAvia has already extensively tested a prototype of the ZA600 hydrogen-electric engine aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft at its UK base. The company has an engineering partnership with Textron Aviation as it looks to secure a supplemental type certificate for the Cessna Grand Caravan as the launch airframe for the ZA600.
ZeroAvia has also performed advanced ground tests in the US and UK for the key building block technologies for the ZA2000 system, including cryogenic tanks or LH2 and proprietary high-temperature PEM fuel cell and electric propulsion systems. The ZA2000 will support up to 80 seat regional turboprop aircraft such as the ATR 72 and the Dash 8-400.
DAHER AIRCRAFT DELIVERS THE FIRST TBM 960 “BIRDDOG” AIRPLANES TO CONAIR IN SUPPORT OF WILDFIRE AIR ATTACK MISSIONS
The utilization of Daher's TBM and Kodiak aircraft families in multi-mission duties has expanded with deliveries of two new-production TBM 960s as “birddog” airplanes for the Conair Group Inc.'s operations in fighting wildfires.
Conair's selection of the TBM 960 - which was made following this Canadian-based company's in-depth analysis of 50 aircraft types - marks the TBM's first application in wildfire air attack operations, which involves the airplane's continuous deployment over a fire to monitor the affected area, assess risks, and strategize airtanker drops of water/retardant.
Among the many advantages cited by Conair in its choice of the pressurized, turboprop-powered TBM 960 are the aircraft's superior performance, modern design standards, advanced technology, high reliability and strong support from Daher as the OEM (original equipment manufacturer).
The first TBM 960 ordered by Conair was delivered last October from Daher Aircraft's production facility and TBM final assembly line in Tarbes, France, followed by the second airplane this month.
DAHER “Conair can count on the full resources of our Daher Care support organization, along with the backing from our extensive multi-mission expertise that we've acquired through operations of the TBM and Kodiak aircraft families around the world,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of the Daher Aircraft division.
As wildfire air attack missions are highly demanding, the TBM 960's designed-in safety and situational awareness benefits for Conair's operations include: Daher's digital e-copilot® technology for electronic stability, under-speed protection, and an emergency descent mode; the EPECS single-lever, dual-channel digital control for the engine and propeller; the advanced doppler radar system that detects lightning and turbulence; and the aircraft's HomeSafe™ emergency autoland system.
Daher TBM 960s for Conair's wildfire firefighting operations
Matt Bradley, Conair's President & CEO, stated: “We are planning for our future by selecting the TBM 960 in the modernization of our birddog fleet. Modernizing with the TBM 960 ensures our birddog aircraft aren't grounded when needed the most due to a lack of spare parts, increased maintenance, or obsolescence.”
Conair is retrofitting its TBM 960s with avionics and equipment specific to wildfire operations, enabling them to provide tactical and strategic direction for aerial firefighting aircraft that operate overhead of the wildfires. During the 2025 fire season, both TBM 960s will deploy in Canada, with a government agency Air Attack Officer in the right seat and a Conair pilot in the left. The Air Attack Officer communicates with all pilots of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft involved in aerial firefighting, along with the ground crews - ensuring safe and effective operations.
Mike Benson, the Director of Business Development at Conair, said the company's legacy fleet of birddog aircraft are reaching the end of their lifespans given the demanding conditions in which they operate on a continuous basis, including turbulence, heat, smoke and fluctuating elevations.
“The new TBM 960s offer key advantages for aerial firefighting response,” Benson added. “They are fast, keeping pace with large airtankers; offer superior visibility, providing crews with the ability to observe aircraft in a crowded airspace; are able to fly low and slow, showing airtankers where to place drops on a wildfire; and can be converted into multi-role platforms if desired by our government agency partners - incorporating the technologies used to map wildfires or provide search & rescue capability.”
Conair's TBM 960 birddog duties will build on the TBM aircraft family's proven multi-mission applications, which include military/government transportation and liaison, along with flight test support and aerial cinematography - both of which benefit from the ability to install payloads on the aircraft's two underwing hardpoints.
The other turboprop-powered airplane in Daher's product line - the unpressurized Kodiak utility aircraft - is used extensively around the globe in multi-mission duties that range from humanitarian flights, environmental monitoring, medical evacuation and law enforcement to firefighting support, public safety and parachute operations.
Two Kodiak versions are in production at Daher Aircraft's Sandpoint, Idaho industrial facility: the cornerstone Kodiak 100 and the longer-fuselage Kodiak 900, both of which offer STOL (short takeoff and landing) capability from off-airport locations and backcountry strips, along with long loiter times. Kodiak 100s also have the engineered-in capability to be float-equipped for operation on land and water. Today, some 100 aircraft from the Kodiak 100/Kodiak 900 families are utilized for multi-mission duties worldwide, logging a combined total of approximately 35,000 flight hours annually in such service. As of December 31, 2024, a total of 365 Kodiak and 1,243 TBM aircraft had been delivered to international owners and operators, with the global fleet accumulating nearly three million flight hours.
BELL ANNOUNCES NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY FOR THE U.S. ARMY'S FUTURE LONG RANGE ASSAULT AIRCRAFT
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced a facility site selection today to support production of the U.S. Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). The new 447,000 sq. ft. factory, located in the Denton County region of Fort Worth, Texas, will be dedicated to FLRAA component manufacturing. Bell plans to begin facility modification and equipment installation and achieve facility readiness for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) by 2028.
"Bell is committed to establishing future manufacturing locations to deliver the first fielded aircraft by the early 2030s and do our part to revolutionize U.S. Army aviation,” said Lisa Atherton, President and CEO, Bell. “This facility also represents a strong economic partnership with the State of Texas, the City of Fort Worth, Northwest ISD, and Denton County. Their support has made it possible for Bell to significantly expand our footprint in North Texas and provide revolutionary capability to our nation's warfighters.”
“The Army is committed to delivering the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft providing the speed, range, and endurance needed to conduct effective air assault, MEDEVAC and resupply missions for future Large Scale Combat Operations,” Brig. Gen. David Phillips said. “It is great to see our industry partners share in that commitment by investing in state-of-the-art facilities to produce the Army's first 'born digital' aircraft weapon system."
BELL Following the U.S. Army's FLRAA contract award in December 2022, Bell has established several new state-of-the-art facilities to instantiate innovative manufacturing processes driving affordability, schedule and performance. As Bell and the FLRAA team work through the EMD phase, Bell's focus will be on continued design maturation and prototyping.
The U.S. Army's new long-range assault aircraft will fly twice as far and twice as fast as the current fleet. By utilizing mature tiltrotor technology coupled with an innovative digital engineering approach and a modular open systems approach, it will be the most reliable, affordable and high-performing long-range assault aircraft in the world.
Bell Aircraft Corporation is founded in Buffalo, New York
Bell's first military the ill-fated YFM-1 Airacuda
Larry (Lawrence) Bell, a high school dropout in 1912, joined his brother in the burgeoning aircraft industry at the Glenn L. Martin Company. By 1920 Bell was vice president and general manager of Martin, by now based in Cleveland. Feeling that he deserved part ownership, in late 1924, he presented Martin with an ultimatum. Mr. Martin refused, and Bell quit.
In 1928 he was hired by Reuben H. Fleet at Consolidated Aircraft, in Buffalo, New York where he was guaranteed an interest in the company. In 1935 Fleet decided to move Consolidated Aircraft to San Diego and Bell stayed behind to establish his own company, the Bell Aircraft Company, on 10 July 1935.
Bell's first military contract followed in 1937 with the development of the ill-fated YFM-1 Airacuda, an unconventional bomber-destroyer powered by two Allison-powered pusher propellers. Bell also developed the Reaction Control System for the Mercury Spacecraft, North American X-15 and Bell Rocket Belt.
Helicopter development began at Bell Aircraft in 1941 with the Bell Model 30 first flying in 1943. Bell Helicopter became the only part of Bell Aircraft still producing aircraft when Bell was purchased by the Textron Corporation. That part of Textron is now known today as Bell Helicopter. After a series of successful helicopter designs, the UH-1 Iroquois became the most famous helicopter of the War in Vietnam and Bell Helicopter still designs and manufactures helicopters today.
South Africa, Near Polokwane Airport: The helicopter was enroute to Zimbabwe with a planned fuel stop at Polokwane Airport. A Dellaria Leasing Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV crashed roughly one mile from the airfield under unknown circumstances. The pilot, who was the only occupant of the helicopter, was fatally injured.
Zimbabwe, 5 km E of Guinea Fowl: An Air Force of Zimbabwe Hongdu K-8 Karakorum crashed near Gweru. The pilot did not survive.
USA, Norton Sound, Approx 34 miles SE of Nome, AK: A Bering Air Flight BRG445, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, crashed while en-route from Unalakleet (PAUN/UNK) to Nome (PAOM/OME), Alaska.
The flight took off from runway 33 at UNK at 14:39 LT (23:39 UTC). It turned left on course and started tracking 287° over the water of Norton Sound toward OME. The aircraft climbed to an IFR filed cruising altitude of about 8,000 feet. The descent to OME was started about 15:11.
The last ADS-B datapoint captured by FlightRadar24 was at 15:16:34 while the aircraft was descending through 5300 feet, at about 38 nm from OME.
According to the US Coast Guard, the wreckage was been found on sea ice in the Norton Sound approximately 34 miles (54.7 km) SE of Nome, Alaska. The pilot and 9 passengers did not survive.
Brazil, Barra Funda region, SP: A A Beechcraft F90 King Air crashed shortly after take-off from Campo de Marte Airport (RTE/SBMT), São Paulo. The aircraft came down on Avenida Marquês de São Vicente, Barra Funda, São Paulo, and burst into flames as it skidded down the road after hitting a bus.
Both occupants perished and the aircraft was destroyed. Also, six people on the ground were injured.
The aircraft had taken off from runway 30 at SBMT at 10:16. It made a left-hand turn and began losing altitude until it impacted the road
Central African Republic, N'Délé Airport (NDL): An Antonov An-26 suffered a runway excursion at N'Délé Airport (NDL). Two persons were injured.Photos from the accident indicate the left-hand main gear had collapsed and there was substantial damage to the left-hand wing and no.1 prop.
