Midweek Updates 28 March 2024
Compiled by Willie Bodenstein
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This week in Midweek Updates
SA Air Force Museum's Korean War Hall re-opens.
RV Bits made in SA Gust Locks and Wheel Chocks.
Boeing secures contract for six MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters.
The Connie is coming to Sun 'n Fun 50th.
“Turning the Tide - 1944” 80-Year Commemoration at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024.
Another important milestone in H55's path to product certification.
Joby widens USAF partnership, will deliver two eVTOL aircraft to MacDill AFB.
Uavionix releases new Av-30-E software version 2.4.1 for experimental aircraft.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents.
This week in history
Bonus video - SAC Training at Kittyhawk
5 to 7 ANR National Championships - Brakpan Airfield - 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 Cell: 071 220 1245
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 Cell: 071 220 1245
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
SA AIR FORCE MUSEUM'S KOREAN WAR HALL RE-OPENS
www.defenceweb.co.za
This week the Korean War Hall of Remembrance at Swartkop Air Force Base Museum in Pretoria was opened after a substantial upgrade. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Dong-Han Yang and Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, jointly officiated.
According to Commander Chulwoo Park, Defence Attaché at the Korean Embassy, his visit to the museum last year prompted the renovation of the Korean War Hall, for which he was appointed lead coordinator. Soon after, the Ambassador called upon the Korean Ministry of National Defence and a range of other entities, including the South African Air Force (SAAF) and both countries' war veterans' associations.
The SAAF approved the project in October last year, following the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs allocating a budget for renovating the hall.
Commander Park said he hoped the Korean War Hall will be used not only as a memorial space to honour the sacrifices of Korean War veterans and their families, “but also as an important history education site.”
Ambassador Dong-Han Yang and Lieutenant-General Wiseman Mbambo unveiled a plaque inside the Collective Heritage Display Hall at the museum on Wednesday 20 March.
A key feature of the display is a replica Korean temple gateway, built by a local firm Tetra Cubic, under the guidance of its chief executive Mr Deokjo Kim. The original gateway in the display hall was incorrect, having been based on a photograph of two South African servicemen apparently taken in Japan during the Korean War. SAAF Museum historian Warrant Officer (WO1) Andy Taylor explained that the South African airmen participating in the Korean War were routed from South Africa through Tokyo and back.
The crisis he referred to was the June 1950 incursion of North Korean forces across the 38th Parallel, established as the border between the two Koreas after World War II. This prompted the United Nations to call upon member states to assist the Republic of Korea.
In August 1950 South Africa, as a founding member state, agreed to send a volunteer force of the combat-hardened 2 Squadron “Flying Cheetahs” that was subsequently attached to the United States Air Force (USAF) 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing.
The squadron was equipped with American supplied F-51D Mustang aircraft, later replaced with F-86 Sabre jets. By January 1953, when the Mustangs were phased out, the South Africans had lost 74 of them. Of the 22 Sabres delivered to 2 Squadron between January and July 1953, six were lost. All the remaining aircraft were returned to the USAF.
South African Air Force F-51Ds in Korea.
Still, action in Korea introduced the SAAF to jet aircraft and in 1956 it took delivery of the Canadian-built Canadair CL-13B Sabre Mk 6. In the hall, a refurbished cockpit section from a Sabre Mk 6 is on display.
Ambassador Dong-Han Yang noted in his address that “a total of 826 soldiers were dispatched from South Africa to Korea,” of whom 36 died or were missing in action during the war.
The renovated display contains a roll of honour of all the South African personnel who served in the Korean War from September 1950 to December 1953.
Having visited the Korean War Memorial site at the Union Buildings shortly after his arrival in Pretoria in January this year, the Ambassador also inspected the renovations at the SAAF museum. He regarded the museum as the spiritual home of the South African Air Force.
“I hope that today's friendship, which began over 70 years ago, will lead to further cooperation in the future,” he concluded.
RV BITS MADE IN SA GUST LOCKS AND WHEEL CHOCKS
These are super lightweight and strong and I can print it with the registration number on it. I have recently designed a Gust Lock assembly that I also do mainly with a 3D printer. Here I use PET-G as filament as it is strong and can take the heat and the sun.
Tests and actually using it showed that it is easy to use and can be used on the ailerons, elevators and rudders of most light aircraft.
Feel free to contact me for more information
jan@rvbits.com
083 279 6572
BOEING SECURES CONTRACT FOR SIX MH-47G BLOCK II CHINOOK HELICOPTERS
The U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) has awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a contract to produce six remanufactured MH-47G Block II aircraft as a part of the Army's modernization efforts. With the deal valued at $271M, Boeing has 42 MH-47G aircraft under contract with USASOAC.
“The Chinook has been a key player in the special operations domain for many years. USASOAC and international allies have used the unique capabilities of the Chinook to complete the most daring missions around the globe,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, cargo programs. “With the modernized MH-47G, USASOAC soldiers are well-suited to meet today's challenging environment.”
As special operations requirements have become increasingly complex, the heavy-lift helicopter has adapted to meet those changing needs. The MH-47G Block II program not only supports the warfighters needs today but enables the Chinook to be battle-relevant well into the future.
“With the new and improved MH-47G Block II aircraft, USASOAC is not only receiving the most capable Chinook helicopter, they are also provided the flexibility to add additional upgrades as their needs evolve over time,” McBryan added.
The VC-121A is more commonly recognized by its commercial aircraft name, Constellation, or simply Connie. With its graceful lines, distinctive tri-tail design, and extensive service with numerous airlines, the Connie is among the most recognized aircraft ever built.
Bataan is a Connie with a long career of military and NASA service, was later nearly scrapped after years of outdoor display, and was recently extensively restored to airworthiness by the San Antonio, Texas-based Air Legends Foundation, which currently operates it.
MacArthur Bataan is scheduled to arrive at Lakeland Linder International Airport on Tuesday, 9 April during the SUN 'n FUN airshow, and fly in the show again on Wednesday, April 10th. After static display on Thursday, 11 April and Friday 12 April it will depart after its appearance in the air show on Saturday 13 April. Don't miss it!
EAA will pay tribute to the heroes and sacrifices made during the Normandy landings on D-Day (6 June1944), and throughout the year 1944, with an 80-year “Turning the Tide” commemoration at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 on 23 - 24 July.
“As the number of veterans from WWII who are still with us are dwindling, it is important to commemorate the events of 1944, and the importance of the campaigns in both Europe and the Pacific to preserve freedom,” said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This year's programming during AirVenture week will connect the human events and aviation history of that year so those of us today have a better understanding of those times.”
A collection of C-47s from the D-Day Squadron will be on display as part of the commemoration. The Squadron features a fleet of unique C-47 aircraft from throughout the United States. Many of these aircraft will be part of a commemorative mission to Europe in May and June 2024. The C-47 played a vital role in transporting more than 13,000 paratroopers to Utah Beach for the Normandy landings. Afternoon air shows on 23 24 July will feature warbirds from both the Pacific and European theatres, including the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team. The team will be jumping from their own C-47 using traditional round canopy parachutes, reminiscent of the paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who risked their lives in Normandy.
The Theatre in the Woods presentation on the evening of Tuesday, July 23, will focus on 1944 as well. The presentation will be split into two parts: the first will retell the story of 1944, while the second part will go into detail about the aircraft. More details about the presentation, including guests, will be announced as they are finalized.
Additional aircraft that played key roles in 1944 have also been invited to participate, and EAA and EAA Warbirds of America continue to plan activities as part of the commemoration.
H55, a pioneering leader in electric aviation, is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its pursuit of certifying its electric motor technology. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has agreed to H55's Compliance Check list (CCL) for its electric motor and motor controller, demonstrating the safety and performance of the entire electric propulsion management system (EPS).
This achievement follows closely on the heels of H55's previous success in gaining approval for its battery packs and energy management systems. These two significant achievements position H55 as the first company to satisfy all certification requirements for the entire EPS which includes the motor, motor controller, battery modules and energy management systems. These certifications are tailored for general aviation and commuter applications with the first set of systems being integrated into certified flight trainers which will soon enter the market.
Headquartered in Switzerland, H55 is at the forefront of electric aviation, specializing in electric propulsion, battery storage, and energy management solutions. With a commitment to safety, performance, and sustainability, the company is committed to enabling the aviation industry to reach et Zero emissions, offering cutting-edge technologies for a greener and more efficient future of air travel.
The newly established agreement with EASA marks another important achievement in H55's mission to revolutionize clean aviation. It is a crucial step in securing formal certification of H55's complete electric propulsion system and an important recognition by the certification authorities on the reliability and capabilities of the company's propulsion solutions.
Aircraft will be used by the U.S. Air Force for test and training; Four Joby aircraft are now committed to US Air Force bases as part of the company's $131M contract with the DoD
MacDill AFB is home to the U.S. Special Operations Command (“USSOCOM”), U.S. Central Command (“CENTCOM”), and units from the Air Mobility Command (“AMC”), along with numerous logistics-oriented units. Personnel will test and train with the aircraft based at MacDill AFB, on base and in the surrounding area.
Joby delivered its first aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base in California in September 2023, with a second aircraft expected to be placed on the base this year. At Edwards, the Joby team is working closely with the 412th Test Wing on testing and experimentation that will inform future operational testing at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida.
Joby's Agility Prime contract includes the provisioning of up to nine aircraft total to the U.S. Air Force and other federal agencies. In 2020, Joby became the first eVTOL developer to receive military airworthiness approval for its pre-production prototype aircraft.
At MacDill AFB, Joby will be working directly with DoD operational units for the first time, enabling units to carry out representative logistics missions and test use cases in personnel transport, casualty evacuation, and support of security forces. Initial evaluations have demonstrated that the low maintenance requirements and operating costs, high speed, and low acoustic footprint of eVTOL aircraft like Joby's can enable a diverse array of DoD use cases. Joby will continue to train USAF pilots and maintainers, and other government partners, on this new category of electric aircraft.
“The early investment and vision by the US government in this critical technology is proving foundational as we continue our path toward commercial passenger service. We're grateful to our partners at the Department of Defense for their ongoing support and continued leadership in adopting eVTOL technology,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby. “We're looking forward to working with units at MacDill Air Force Base as we further explore the potential use cases for our aircraft, demonstrating its capabilities in realistic settings.”
“This work will provide Joby with valuable early operational experience, while providing the USAF with firsthand understanding of the performance of our aircraft and its potential applications,” added Bevirt.
Joby's electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions.
“The Agility Prime team is very excited to progress through a novel acquisition approach,” said Lt Col John Tekell, Agility Prime Branch Chief. “These two aircraft at MacDill AFB allow the program to take the next steps in learning to maximize the operational opportunity of eVTOLs.”
U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army aviators, ground crews and program managers have made multiple visits to Joby's manufacturing and flight test facilities in Marina, CA for ongoing flight training and mission analysis regarding potential logistics, medical, and personnel transport applications of the aircraft.
Joby's longstanding partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) dates back to its 2016 engagement with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), which granted the Company early funding as well as access to test ranges and expertise that have aided its aircraft development program. Since then, Joby has expanded its work to include the AFWERX Agility Prime program, with Joby's current and previously completed work with the DoD representing a total potential contract value of $163 million, the largest in the industry.
Joby announced in February that it has completed the third of five stages of the type certification process required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for commercial service.
UAVIONIX RELEASES NEW AV-30-E SOFTWARE VERSION 2.4.1 FOR EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT
uAvionix, the industry leader in avionics solutions for safe and efficient flying, has announced the release of AV-30-E software version 2.4.1 which provides pilots more robust safety, efficiency, and in-flight interoperability.
Ryan Braun, Managing Director for Crewed Aviation at uAvionix, expressed his excitement about the release, stating, “Staffed by both technology providers and pilots, uAvionix has a keen awareness of our customer needs. We understand the importance of workload reductions, capability improvement and ongoing safety enhancements, and are cognizant of the significant cost to retrofit legacy aircraft. This upgraded software offers pilots features that easily and affordably bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern avionics, which has always been the value that uAvionix strives to deliver.”
Key enhancements of the AV-30-E Software Version 2.4.1 include:
1. Support for the new AV-APA, an AV-30 accessory, which seamlessly installs in an aircraft and offers more robust heading control, improved navigation accuracy, and improved interfaces for flight plans
2. Improved attitude calculations and performance
3. Streamlined and more intuitive transponder control interface and display panel options
4. Increased safety measures including additional carbon monoxide safety warnings and expanded density altitude capabilities
AV-30-E Software Version 2.4.1 is now available free of charge to all experimental aircraft owners at www.uAvionix.com. The update process details, including installation, post-installation calibration and check-out procedures, are included in the Service Bulletin 2.4.1. A Pilot's Guide and Quick Reference Guide are also available.
Supported legacy autopilots will initially include the S-TEC System 20, 30, 40, and 50, making this adapter an essential addition for pilots seeking to modernize their aircraft's avionics suite. Additional legacy autopilot models are expected in the future along with the AV-HSI for instrumented approaches. Sales for certified aircraft will follow the completion of FAA certification efforts.
uAvionix continues to lead the aviation industry in providing cutting-edge, operator-efficient avionics solutions. The AV-APA joins the ranks of their successful product lineup, which includes groundbreaking ADS-B, Display, and Portable technologies aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency for pilots worldwide.
16 MARCH 1911
The first certificate of airworthiness awarded to an airplane in Britain is signed by Mervyn O'Gorman, superintendent of the Balloon Factory at Farnborough, covering the Farman III Type Militaire purchased by the British Army during the second half of 1910.
The Voisin brothers built another aircraft, to be called the Farman II, incorporating refinements of the design to Farman's specification. Voisin later sold this aircraft to J.T.C. Moore-Brabazon.[4] Brabazon subsequently exported the aircraft to England, where it became known as the Bird of Passage. This episode angered Farman, and caused him to sever his association with Voisin in early 1909 and start aircraft construction for himself.
South Sudan, Yida Airstrip: A South Sudanese Air Force Antonov An-26 cargo plane crashed during landing at Yida Airstrip, South Sudan. Of the four crew members and three passengers, three persons suffered minor injuries. According a Ruweng Administrative Area official statement foggy/hazy weather could have been a causal factor in the accident. Photos and videos of the aftermath indicate that the left-hand main gear had collapsed with a fire erupting in the area of the left-hand wing. The fire quickly engulfed the aircraft.
Germany, South of Steißlingen, Kontanz, Baden-Württemberg: A Focke-Wulf FWP-149D suffered a technical issue shortly after take-off from Radolfzell-Stahringen Airport (EDSR) Kontanz, Baden-Württemberg, and made an emergency landing in a field south Steißlingen. The pilot was not injured and the aircraft received substantial damage.
USA, near Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST/KSGJ), St. Agustine, FL: A Mooney M20K 252 TSE crashed in a wooded area about three minutes after departure from runway 13 at Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST/KSGJ), St. Agustine, Florida. The two occupants perished and the aircraft was destroyed. The ATC recording suggests the aircraft was returning to the departure airport due to an open door.
Colombia, near Yarumal, Antioquia: A Beechcraft C90 King Air, performing an ambulance flight, crashed under unknown circumstances near Yarumal, Antioquia. The two pilots, a medical doctor and a nurse died and the aircraft was destroyed. ADS-B data ends at ~11000 feet altitude (not corrected for baro) in seemingly normal descent.
Indonesia, Paniai H99 Helipad, Nabire, Papua: A Bell 206L-1 LongRanger II was shot at when it was about to depart from Paniai H99 Helipad, Nabire, Papua. Two police officers guarding the helipad were killed but the helicopter was able to depart. After landing eleven bullet holes were discovered.
SAC 2023 Training Camp Kitty Hawk Airfield
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