Midweek Updates 21 March 2024
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This week in Midweek Updates
SAC Regionals Western Cape Regionals 16 March 2024 results.
Bell awarded Nigerian AH-1Z Viper contract.
SpaceX's Starship 3 reaches new heights but lost on re-entry.
Zambia Air Force to host first ever Aviation Week Africa event.
Djibouti getting special mission Caravan aircraft.
LIFT Aircraft launches world's first eVTOL Pay-Per-Flight Experience.
Rocket City Wing helps Korean war veteran return to the sky.
Stratolaunch celebrates first powered flight of TA-1 test vehicle.
Mightyfly unveils its new 2024 Cento Aircraft, The third generation of the Mf100 Evtol, featuring autonomous delivery operations, efficient design and a larger cargo bay.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents.
Bonus video - A busy Saturday morning flying
23 Stellenbosch Airshow - Fashkosh. Contact Sam Cell: 082 828 4553 or Anton Cell: 079 873 4567
5 to 7 ANR National Championships - venue tbc - Contact Leon Bouttell e-mail: Leon@lbaa.co.za cell: 076 294 1363
6 Robertson annual fly-in breakfast Robertson airfield. Contact: Alwyn du Plessis. E-mail: boeredata@breede.co.za Cell: 083 270 5888
6 EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA Auditorium. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com
6 SAPFA ANR National Championships - venue TBA. Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: iaanmyburgh@gmail.com Cell: 082 449 2531
6 & 7 SAC Eastern Cape regionals Wings Park airfield
17 to 20 AERO Friedrichshafen 30th anniversary. Contact E-mail: info@fairnamic.com Website: www.fairnamic.com
20 EAA Chapter 322 fly-in breakfast to Eagle's Creek airfield. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com
20 Wonderboom airshow. Contact Chris Theodosi E-mail: chris@creativespacemedia.co.za
27 to 4 May Gauteng Gliding Championships. Magalies Gliding Club.
1 Witbank Aviation Society Breakfast Fly in.
4 SAAF Museum airshow at AFB Zwartkops. Contact Major Michael Church E-mail: mike.church172@gmail.com Cell: 072 720 0700
4 EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA Auditorium. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com
10 & 11 Queenstown Wings & Wheels. For more information contact 082 921 2879
11 Lowveld airshow at the Nelspruit airfield. Contact Willemien E-mail: willemein.hodgkinson@kishugu.com Cell: 079 499 5733
14 to 17 NAMPO Harvest Day Bothaville. Contact Wim Venter E-mail: wim@grainsa.co.za Tel: 086 004 7246
17 to 19 EAA Chapter 322 weekend fly-away to Pyramid airfield. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com
18 Parys airshow. Contact Chris Theodosi E-mail: chris@creativespacemedia.co.za
18 SAC Free State regionals at Tempe airfield
23 to 25 SAPFA President's Trophy Air Race at Louis Trichardt civil airfield (FALO). Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200 Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: race@sapfa.co.za Cell: 082 449 2531
23 to 27 NAC fly-away venue TBA. Contact Agnes Phillips E-mail: agnes.phillips@nac.co.za Cell: 082 893 3399
25 Tempe airshow Bloemfontein. Contact Conrad Botha E-mail: rowco24cc@mailbox.co.za Cell 082 465 4045
1 EAA Monthly Meeting at the EAA Auditorium Rand Airport.
1 Newcastle airshow. Contact Johan Pieters E-mail: Johan@champ.co.za Cell: 082 923 0078
1 SAA Museum Society Specialised Tour limited to nine adults
Contact E-mail: events@saamuseum.co.za Cell: 076 879 5044
8 EAA South Africa Young Eagles day venue TBA Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com
15 Maputo airshow. Contact Gavin Neil E-mail: gavin@haps.co.mz
28 to 30 EAA Taildraggers fly-in to Warmbaths airfield. Richard Nicholson E-mail: Richard.nicholson1963@gmail.com Cell: 082 490 6227
SAC REGIONALS WESTERN CAPE REGIONALS 16 MARCH 2024 RESULTS
BELL AWARDED NIGERIAN AH-1Z VIPER CONTRACT
Nearly two years after the sale was approved, Bell Textron has been awarded a $455 million contract for the production and delivery of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to Nigeria.
www.defenceweb.co.za
The US Department of Defence announced the sale on 12 March, stating the contract also includes engineering, programme management and logistics support. Work is expected to be completed in July 2028.
In April 2022 the US approved the possible sale of 12 Bell AH-1Zs to Nigeria for $997 million. The proposed deal included 28 T-700 GE 401C engines, 2 000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance sections, M197 20 mm guns, sighting systems, night vision equipment, technical and logistics support.
The US Department of State revealed that in August 2023, "Nigeria delivered the first payment for 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters worth a total of $997 million. The FMS [Foreign Military Sales] case includes an additional $25 million of funding allocated for Nigeria's AGI programme, which continues to train the AFN [Armed Forces of Nigeria] on developing targeting processes that are legally compliant with International Humanitarian Law."
On 19 December 2023, the US Department of Defence announced a contract awarded to Northrop Grumman for the production and delivery of an additional 32 "H-1 tech refresh mission computers in support of the AH-1Z aircraft for the government of Nigeria". Work is expected to be completed in June 2024.
The AH-1Z programme was originally launched in 1996 by the US Marine Corps; the AH-1Z first flew in December 2000. The Viper model features a 10 000 flight-hour airframe, higher rated transmission system, a new four-bladed tail rotor and drive system, upgraded landing gear and new foldable four-bladed hinge less and bearing less main rotor system. The new rotor configuration provides greater agility, a higher top speed, faster climb rate, and reduced vibration. Top speed is 370 km/h and cruise speed 260 km/h.
New avionics include a fully digital/glass cockpit with large multifunction liquid crystal displays and TopOwl helmet mounted displays. The TopOwl system has a day/night capability and its visor projects forward looking infrared or video imagery.
The AH-1Z is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C engines (1 800 shp each) that greatly increase its ordnance payload compared to older AH-1 models. The engines have infrared suppression systems to reduce the exhaust signature.
The AH-1Z's primary weapon system is the Hellfire missile, 16 of which can be carried. In addition, two AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles can be carried, together with rocket launchers. The helicopter's main gun is a 20 mm cannon.
Apart from the AH-1Zs, the Nigerian Army is acquiring 12 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters from MD Helicopters, and in November last year received the first of six T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries.
SPACEX'S STARSHIP 3 REACHES NEW HEIGHTS BUT LOST ON RE-ENTRY
Failures during these early test flights are normal. SpaceX's goal of these flight tests is to gather crucial data so that engineers can go back to the drawing board to improve ships for its future missions.
The third test flight occurred on SpaceX's 22nd anniversary. These early test flights are to get Starship to orbital speeds, velocities quick enough to allow the spacecraft to enter a stable orbit around Earth. Typically, such a feat requires speeds topping 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometres per hour). Starship reached its orbital speeds goal and did not aim to actually enter orbit on this flight.
www.defenceweb.co.za
Come April, dozens of local and international exhibitors are expected to take part in Zambia's first Aviation Week Africa event. This was launched on 15 December by Aviation Week Africa organisers and the Zambia Air Force (ZAF).
He acknowledged that Africa is yet to fully harness the potential of the skies and the immense value of collaboration between civil and military aviation, with multifaceted challenges including safety and airspace management to bolstering regional connectivity and responding swiftly to emergencies.
Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Week Africa, Helen Ngwira Mwamba, said she expected the event to attract well over 54 local and international exhibitors from the military and civil aviation sectors.
Aviation Week Africa will take place from 22 to 26 April. It will include a panel discussion, corporate social responsibility flights for under privileged children, career guidance workshops for the youth and aerobatic displays.
When Aviation Week Africa is held, the ZAF's new commander will be attending and supporting the event, as Barry was removed from his position in late December by President Hakainde Hichilema.
The President appointed Major General Oscar M Nyoni as Zambia Air Force Commander and elevated him to the rank of Lieutenant General while Brigadier General Arthur Kalaluka was appointed as Deputy Zambia Air Commander and Chief of Air Staff and promoted to the rank of Major General.
According to a ZAF statement, Nyoni is a seasoned pilot on a wide range of transport aircraft including the MA-60, Beech 1900 D and the Y-12. He has held several appointments in his 35 years of military service, notable ones being Vice Chief of Operations, Air Officer Commanding Air Transport Support Command (ATSC) now Tactical Air Mobility Command, Chief of Operations, Director International Sports Council and United Nations Liaison and his immediate past appointment Deputy Zambia Air Force Commander and Chief of Air Staff.
Handing over the reins on 3 January, Barry said, "I am humbled to have had the privilege of leading this extraordinary Force. The successes we achieved together were a testament to the dedication and professionalism of every member of the Zambia Air Force. As I pass the baton to Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, I am confident that the Air Force will soar to even greater heights under his leadership."
Barry served as Commander of the ZAF from 2021.
www.defenceweb.co.za
The Djiboutian Air Force will be receiving two Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprop aircraft for special mission use, including border patrols, after a contract award to Textron Aviation.
The contract was placed by US Army Contracting Command, Textron Aviation announced on 13 March.
"The two special missions Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft will be Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance equipped to ensure the border sovereignty of the country of Djibouti," said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales for Textron Aviation.
This acquisition is the third delivery order under a recently established indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract that allows up to $100 million for the acquisition of Textron Aviation aircraft over a five-year period.
The Djibouti contract follows the recent placement of delivery orders for three Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft two destined for the Peruvian Naval Aviation Force (Fuerza de Aviación Naval) and one the Ecuadorian Naval Aviation (Aviación Naval Ecuatoriana). With the addition of the two Cessna Grand Caravan EX for the Djiboutian Air Force, five aircraft have been ordered under the IDIQ contract, Textron Aviation said.
The United State has supplied Caravan aircraft to a number of African nations for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance duties. For example, in March 2022, Textron Aviation revealed it had been awarded a contract by ATI Engineering Services for four Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft for the Tunisian Air Force, with ATI to modify and equip the aircraft with an electro-optical/infra-red sensor, operator console, tactical radio, video data link and night vision compatible lighting.
The US Government previously provided grant aid funding for 14 Grand Caravan EX aircraft procured through Foreign Military Sale cases throughout Africa. ATI Engineering in 2020 was contracted to convert two Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft for the Rwanda Defence Force under the US military's African Partnership Flight initiative.
Cessna Caravans have been a popular choice of ISR aircraft amongst African countries, acquired either as donations from the United States or purchased outright.
The US military's Africa Command partners who already possess Grand Caravan EX aircraft include Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Kenya and Uganda.
Djibouti's Air Force operates about a dozen aircraft, including two MA60 transports, a Cessna 208 Caravan, two Let L-410 Turbolet VIP transports, five SA365Ns, a Eurocopter AS355, a Harbin Z9, a Mil Mi-8 and two Mil-Mi-24 attack helicopters.
LIFT AIRCRAFT LAUNCHES WORLD'S FIRST EVTOL PAY-PER-FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
LIFT Aircraft, the trailblazing leader in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, has made history with the launch of the world's first customer eVTOL flights. The announcement was made during another global "first" - a live broadcast flight on Good Morning America. As GMA's Rob Marciano piloted HEXA, he remarked, "This is amazing! This is the future of personal air transportation!"
LIFT's revolutionary pay-per-flight experiences are now available to the public. The company's inaugural mobile location will be operating through April 28 at Lakeland Linder Airport - home of the famed Sun N Fun Aerospace Expo, where LIFT will also be seen flying in air shows and allowing customers to fly during the renowned event (April 9-14). Customer flights will continue in Austin, Texas in May, with further expansion into additional cities to be announced in the near future.
Anyone can train and fly LIFT's aircraft, HEXA. The experience, which lasts approximately 2 hours and includes comprehensive ground training, allowing customers to familiarize themselves with the aircraft and its controls before flying the aircraft in a virtual reality flight simulator, offering a realistic preview of what's next. Once trained, participants pilot HEXA themselves, all under the guidance of experienced flight instructors - and all with no pilot's license required.
Flights can be booked through the company's newly revealed mobile app (Apple App Store and Google Play) or directly through the company's website (www.liftaircraft.com).
"We are incredibly excited to bring the future of personal aviation to life with the launch of our customer eVTOL flights," said Matt Chasen, CEO and Founder of LIFT Aircraft. "We're not just providing entertainment; we're offering the chance to step into a new era of mobility. We're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aviation."
Duane Hoffman, a spirited 90-year-old Korean War veteran, took to the skies once again, this time aboard a historic L-17B Navion with the Rocket City Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. It was a flight filled with memories and gratitude, marking a special chapter in Hoffman's remarkable life.
Reflecting on his naval service, Hoffman recounted tales of capturing dramatic aircraft landings on carrier decks, a job that demanded unwavering vigilance and quick reflexes. His experiences underscored the courage and resilience of those who served alongside him. In the wake of personal loss, Hoffman embarked on a quest to fulfil his bucket list, embracing adventure with gusto. From cruises to skydiving, he's seized every opportunity life presents, embodying a spirit of boundless exploration. As he contemplates future adventures, including the possibility of another skydiving escapade for his centenary, Hoffman's indomitable spirit serves as an inspiration to us all. His journey with the Commemorative Air Force reminds us to honour our heroes and cherish the freedom they've safeguarded.
Stratolaunch, LLC is pleased to announce it has successfully completed the first powered flight of the Talon-A test vehicle, TA-1. This first flight represents a major milestone in the development of the country's first privately funded, reusable hypersonic test capability.
Today was a great day for the Stratolaunch team. I am extremely proud of their perseverance to reach this point. The successful outcome of the test is a direct result of the team's technical prowess and professionalism
Concurrent to TA-1 testing, Stratolaunch is progressing on the manufacturing of TA-3, the second fully reusable vehicle in that Talon-A product line. The company is also beginning modifications to its additional launch platform, the Spirit of Mojave, a modified Boeing 747-400.
The company will hold a virtual press conference today, March 9 at 2:30 p.m. PST to review the initial results of the flight and take questions from members of the press. Interested media outlets can join the conference via Zoom by clicking here.
MightyFly unveiled yesterday the third generation of the Cento aircraft, an autonomous hybrid eVTOL cargo aircraft designed to carry one hundred pounds of cargo for six hundred miles.
The new eVTOL incorporates several novel features, including a sleek design that enables operational efficiency, the ability to accommodate a wide range of payload centre of gravity, autonomous centre of gravity determination, and a larger cargo bay.
At the event, MightyFly revealed several technical characteristics of its 2024 Cento, including: a tandem wing design to enable a large trim of the aircraft centre of lift; the use of structural conductors to increase reliability and reduce weight; a composite structure to reduce empty weight and increase payload capacity; a modular design to optimize maintenance; the use of the canard as landing gear to lower drag and drive efficiency.
The new eVTOL will also present improved operational efficiency through MightyFly's Autonomous Load Mastering System (ALMS) component, which will enable the aircraft to autonomously open and close its cargo bay door, receive and eject packages into and from the cargo bay opening, move and secure packages in the cargo bay via an internal positioning and locking system, and sense and compute weight and balance.
All of these tasks will be done autonomously, without requiring an operator to reposition the packages inside the aircraft, which will help minimize the ground operation resources required to run and operate the MightyFly autonomous aircraft. MightyFly is currently working with Agility Prime and Air Mobility Command in the development of the ALMS feature to solve the U.S. Air Force's most pressing autonomous aerial logistics needs.
Additionally, MightyFly's third generation aircraft has been designed to accommodate a relatively large range of payloads' center of gravity, which allows for a high degree of variance in cargo contents, densities, constitutions, loading order, and tie-down positions. This design attribute is expected to be a key technology differentiator for the Cento platform and its utility to be extremely valuable and competitive in the market.
The aircraft's cargo bay is significantly larger than its second-generation predecessor, the size of which was set based on extensive market research to optimize the number of packages for the 100 pounds payload capability. This enlarged cargo bay will allow the delivery of larger packages and goods, including the traditional cooler boxes used to transport donor organs for transplantation and blood bags. It will also benefit additional use cases and businesses in the industries of logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceutical, retail, automotive, and oil and gas, as well as organizations performing humanitarian and disaster relief work, and government's defence teams executing various logistics and resupply missions.
The unveiling event, hosted at MightyFly's headquarters in San Leandro, CA, also featured a few stationary demonstrations of the aircraft's capabilities to a crowd of partners, investors, potential customers, and government representatives.
"We are very excited to show everyone the tremendous work and ingenuity performed by the MightyFly team throughout the last year, and to unveil the 2024 Cento that couple's innovation with efficiency in design, maintenance, and operation, bringing to the world the key to transform the expedited logistics market," said Manal Habib, co-founder and CEO of MightyFly. MightyFly's new eVTOL will revolutionize industries such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare, and will transform life in rural and remote areas. "All of us at MightyFly are extremely excited to be working at the forefront of a new era of automation and innovation."
The event also included a presentation by one of MightyFly's investors, Tim Draper, Founding Partner of Draper Associates, who spoke about the tremendous potential of the 2024 Cento and autonomous eVTOLs to transform expedited logistics.
"How exciting to see the 2024 Cento come to life! A few months ago I saw the team working on its design and starting to manufacture its first parts. The vehicle you see today is a testimony of MightyFly's talent, creativity, innovation, and decades of industry expertise. This technology will help save lives and solve painful logistics needs of businesses around the globe," said Draper.
MightyFly concluded production of its third-generation aircraft in early January 2024 and will begin its aircraft qualification tests, which include a test plan previously followed for its predecessor aircraft, in February.
In the fall of 2024, MightyFly will publicly debut its autonomous cargo aircraft delivery flights in Michigan, demonstrating point-to-point autonomous delivery use cases to partners and potential customers.
The company is also scheduled to demonstrate its autonomous loading, unloading, and balancing of packages capability to the U.S. Air Force in early 2025 and to perform additional Proof of Concept (POC) programs.
6 JULY 2013
During that leg, the aircraft's batteries sustained thermal damage and took months to replace. A battery cooling system was installed and Solar Impulse 2 resumed the circumnavigation in April 2016, when it flew on to California. It continued across the US until it reached New York City in June 2016. Later that month, the aircraft crossed the Atlantic Ocean to the city of Seville. It stopped in Egypt before returning to Abu Dhabi on 26 July 2016, more than 16 months after it had left, completing the approximately 42,000-kilometre (26,000-mile) first circumnavigation of the Earth by a piloted fixed-wing aircraft using only solar power.
DRC, Butembo Airport (FZBM): A A Let L-410 suffered an accident on landing at Butembo. Initial information suggests two persons were injured.
Italy, Monte Rosa Summit, near Capanna Margherita Refuge above 4500 metres: An AgustaWestland AW139 rescue helicopter crashed on a snowy northern slope of Monte Rosa, on the Swiss-Italian border. The helicopter was on a rescue mission to the Capanna Regina Margherita refuge, located at an altitude of 4,554 metres. All 4 people on board (the pilot, alpine rescue technician, flight technician and dog handler) survived.
Ecuador, San Lorenzo, Esmeraldas: An Ejército Ecuatoriano (Ecuadorian Army) Eurocopter AS 550C3 Fennec, operated by Grupo de Aviación del Ejército No. 43, received 9 high calibre shots from the ground in a military operation as it was carrying out a reconnaissance flight over the area in which a drug processing laboratory had been identified near the northern Ecuadorian-Colombian border. No injuries were reported.
USA, near Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT/KPIT), PA: A Nextant 400XTi (built as Hawker Beechcraft 400A and refurbished in 2013) diverted to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT/KPIT), Pennsylvania, after one of the cockpit windshields cracked mid-flight. ADS shows that Nextant 400XTi took off from New Castle County Airport, DE (ILG/KILG), Delaware, at 19:08 LT, before heading north. The aircraft climbed to a max altitude of 17,250 ft. Thereafter, started to descend. The aircraft then turned south, before subsequently landing at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT/KPIT).
A busy Saturday morning flying
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