July 20, 2017 - No. 058 In This Issue uAvionix Drone ADS-B Technology Adapted for General Aviation Russia To Boost Share of Domestic Aviation Technology on National, International Markets Concept Demonstration Explores Robotic Aviation Refueling System Elbit Awarded Contract To Develop F-35 Display Replacement New £65 million centre to spearhead UK research in digital aviation technology Thales Delivers First Level D Qualified Full Flight Simulator in China The weather app dominating the field of aviation with over 26 million downloads Airports have one year to comply with IATA Resolution 753 Airbus selects Stratasys to 3D-printed polymer serial flying parts for A350 XWB aircraft SpaceX targets 24-hour first stage rocket re-use turnaround by 2018 uAvionix Drone ADS-B Technology Adapted for General Aviation uAvionix and ForeFlight have announced the release of Scout, a portable, dual-band ADS-B receiver in a small form-factor that delivers inflight weather and traffic information to ForeFlight's Mobile app. Scout can be positioned on any window surface using a flexible ball-joint and suction cup mounting system, and plugged into a power source. The system can be powered using any 5 volt Micro-USB power source, including existing USB chargers installed in aircraft or rechargeable USB batteries. Scout is the latest example of uAvionix's vision of enabling General Aviation with technologies developed for the drone market. "Every aircraft - whether manned or unmanned - is inherently safer with ADS-B," said Christian Ramsey, President of uAvionix. "The ability to see and avoid weather and other traffic should be something that all airspace users can take advantage of. Our partnership with ForeFlight on Scout is a significant moment in the availability of this safety technology to pilots everywhere." "We are excited to bring Scout to market in collaboration with uAvionix," said Tyson Weihs, ForeFlight co-founder and CEO. "We want every pilot flying with the benefits of ADS-B In. The combination of an ADS-B In solution with ForeFlight makes flying safer and we believe has led to a meaningful reduction in weather related incidents and accidents. We are delighted to now offer - for those pilots and operators on a limited budget - a low-cost option that will increase the number of pilots who can fly with this essential safety-enhancing capability. Inflight weather and traffic delivers better situational awareness and leads to better decision making." Users can connect their iPad or iPhone directly to Scout's integrated Wi-Fi network and receive inflight subscription-free ADS-B weather and traffic information displayed exclusively on the ForeFlight Mobile app. Scout supports up to four devices as well as Cockpit Sharing, a feature that enables users to easily share routes between all devices on Scout's network, allowing for a co-pilot or CFI to follow-along and monitor weather and traffic. Scout supports the full range of FIS-B weather and data, including animated regional and CONUS NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, AIR/SIGMETs, PIREPs, winds and temps aloft, TFRs, NOTAMs, and SUA information. Scout can also receive air-to-air traffic information from ADS-B Out equipped aircraft and re-broadcast traffic information (ADS-R and TIS-B) from FAA ground towers. Over-the-air firmware updates are delivered through ForeFlight Mobile and completed in a short period of time. http://www.uavexpertnews.com/2017/07/drone-ads-b-technology-adapted-general-aviation/ Back to Top Russia To Boost Share of Domestic Aviation Technology on National, International Markets ZHUKOVSKY (Russia) (Sputnik) - Russia intends to increase the percentage of its domestically- produced aviation technology available on both the national and international markets, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday. "Our plans are to increase the percentage of the Russian aviation technology on the domestic and global market. In order to achieve that, we should improve not only their quality and reliability but also to develop a system of the after-sale service," the president said. Putin criticized the nation's current approach, under which Russia is actively purchasing foreign aviation technology. "I believe this approach must be changed, we have spoken with our companies' CEOs many times that the Russian aviation technology must have an advantage if it does not cede to or is better than foreign analogues," the president said. The Russian leader added that the issue would be discussed by the government commission on import substitution. The remarks were made during the president's visit to the exhibition of the 13th International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2017 that kicked off on Tuesday and will last through Sunday. https://sputniknews.com/russia/201707181055660339-russia-aviation-markets-technology/ Back to Top Concept Demonstration Explores Robotic Aviation Refueling System Could a robotic, unmanned refueling system limit rotary-wing aircraft time on the ground and remove Soldiers from isolated fueling stations? A Limited Initial Capabilities Demonstration was performed by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center to test that theory. The demonstration unveiled a new science and technology, or S&T, effort designed by the Center's Aviation Development Directorate and Operational Energy Lab called Autonomous & Robotic Remote Refueling Point, or AR3P. The event presented stakeholders with a potential material set of solutions, proof of concept, and demonstrated the technical feasibility of an autonomous robot refueling operation. The project's goal is to enable Army Aviation manned rotary-wing aircraft to address current and emerging range and endurance requirements, as well as refueling challenges created by the non- contiguous battlefield. By using self-aligning robotics, articulated arms and sensors, the system would support a Quick Hook-Up, ultimately reducing the aircraft's time on the ground. The robotic, unmanned system would also increase safety by removing Soldiers from the fueling station - a location that could put them at risk of enemy targeting. "One of the most useful activities of the S&T enterprise is to conduct concept demonstrations like the AR3P," said Layne Merritt AMRDEC's chief engineer for Aviation Development. "For relatively little investment, we can demonstrate the technical viability of a new concept like unmanned or unattended Forward Area Refueling Point operations and at the same time identify possible challenges and considerations that would need to be addressed in a full S&T or acquisition program." The AR3P concept uses an isolated FARP approach which seeks to provide an autonomous, unmanned refueling capability using existing technologies. These technologies include Aviation Ground Support Equipment, sensors, energy efficient sustainment equipment, aircraft components with minor modifications and aircraft refueling interfaces and equipment. A majority of the robotic package comes from commercial off-the-shelf materials, but the fuel port system is an AMRDEC-designed solution. Use of additive manufacturing assisted in the rapid prototyping of this S&T project. Merritt explained examples of technical challenges include size, weight, power, robotic control, detectability and durability. "It makes sense for us to fill this need," said AR3P Project Lead, Will Nikonchuk. "We address target acquisition and engagement all of the time as the aviation and missile research and development community. That is what AR3P does." Nikonchuk reported at the demonstration that the project is currently addressing Technical Risk areas in Phase 2 and hopes to establish a framework for future funding. Phase 3 includes aircraft modification and flight testing of a Mosquito Test aircraft, while the final, Phase 4 will feature a flight test of an Apache AH-64 at the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate at Fort Eustis, Va. http://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2017/07/19/concept-demonstration-explores-robotic-aviation- refueling-system/ Back to Top Elbit Awarded Contract To Develop F-35 Display Replacement Lockheed Martin awarded development contracts recently to upgrade F-35 Lightning II avionics under the future Technical Refresh 3 (TR3) effort. Plans call for introducing new hardware during F- 35 production Lot 15 in the 2020s. In early June, Elbit System of America announced a contract from Lockheed Martin to develop a panoramic cockpit display unit to replace the fighter's current L3 Aviation Products cockpit display. During the Paris Air Show later that month, Harris Corporation said it had a contract from Lockheed Martin to improve the F-35's data storage, display processing and throughput capabilities. The TR3 avionics system upgrade is part of the F-35 Block 4 follow-on modernization program; it will be added during the Block 4.2 increment, according to the Pentagon's Office of the Director for Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E). In the early stages of planning, Block 4 will provide U.S. Air Force F-35As with increased capability beginning in Fiscal Year 2021, according to Lt. Gen. Jerry Harris, Air Force deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements. The planned improvements include integrating additional weapons on the F-35 and upgrading its electronic warfare, datalink and radar systems, he stated in testimony to the House Armed Services Committee in February. "The Air Force is placing great importance on the hardware upgrade planned as Technical Refresh 3," Harris added. "Technical Refresh 3 will add an improved integrated core processor, an improved panoramic cockpit display, a more capable aircraft memory system as well as other classified hardware changes." In May, the Naval Air Systems Command awarded Lockheed Martin a $19.8 million contract modification, which "procures work on the aircraft memory system and panoramic cockpit display in order to alleviate diminishing manufacturing sources constraints projected under F-35 production Lot 15," according to the Department of Defense notification. The expected completion date of the contract is March 2019. L3 says its existing Large Area Avionics Display (LAAD) for the F-35 is the largest ruggedized active matrix liquid crystal display ever developed for use in a military aircraft. The new panoramic cockpit display will have the same dimensions as the LAAD-20 inches by 8 inches overall, divided electronically into two 10-by-8 inch, side-by-side screen elements, according to Lockheed Martin, which plans to finalize the display design in late 2018. Elbit Systems of America described it only in general terms as "a high-definition, high-performance large area touch-screen display that integrates and displays flight and mission information on a single screen." Through its Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems joint venture, Elbit Systems of America supplies the F-35's current helmet-mounted display system (HMDS). The front panel of the existing cockpit display includes a bezel with controls that allow for inputs from the HMDS and other sources, Lockheed Martin said when asked if the HMDS and new head-down panoramic cockpit display will be interoperable. Harris will supply an aircraft memory system (AMS) and a panoramic cockpit display electronic unit (PCD EU) based on open-architecture, commercial off-the-shelf technology. The AMS is a solid-state mass storage device for F-35 avionics subsystems. "It is the repository for avionics operational flight programs, mission and theater data, prognostics and health data, audio, display video, and aircraft parametric data," Harris said. The PCD EU serves as a processor for the panoramic cockpit display. Harris started technology development of TR3 components in June. There will be a system qualification phase in early 2019, followed by a five-year production contract, the company said. The Elbit Systems of America and Harris contracts are independent, sub-system developments, Lockheed Martin said. The panoramic cockpit display and the PCD EU will be linked by a cable, however, and use a common display driver interface. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2017-07-19/elbit-awarded-contract-develop-f- 35-display-replacement Back to Top New £65 million centre to spearhead UK research in digital aviation technology It has been announced today that a new £65 million Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) will be built at Cranfield University to spearhead the UK's research into digital aviation technology. Once constructed, DARTeC will provide research facilities unprecedented in Europe. The Centre will address such research challenges facing the aviation industry as: * the integration of drones into civilian airspace * increasing the efficiency of airports through technological advances * creating safe, secure shared airspace through secure data communication infrastructures * increasing the reliability and availability of aircraft through self-sensing, self-aware technologies Game-changing technologies such as a virtual air traffic control tower and next-generation radar technologies on the University's licensed airport will also provide a Civil Aviation Authority-approval route that promises increased efficiency, flexibility and capacity. Funding for DARTeC will be provided from a consortium of leading aerospace and aviation companies including Thales, Raytheon, SAAB, Monarch Aircraft Engineering Limited, Boeing UK and Aveillant - as well as Cranfield University. The Centre is also benefiting from £15.5m of funding from the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), a scheme led by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, said: "This is a fantastic example of business, academia and Government coming together to create world- leading research facilities. Together with the Aerospace Integration Research Centre and the University's own airport, the construction of DARTeC will see Cranfield offering the leading aerospace and aviation research facilities in Europe. "The research at Cranfield will develop solutions for the aviation sector in the 21st century through collaboration between universities, business, government and regulatory authorities." Principal Investigator for DARTeC and Director of Transport Systems, Professor Graham Braithwaite, said: "The Digital Aviation and Research Technology Centre will greatly advance the application of new innovative technology within the air transport sector. Here at Cranfield, we are shaping the future of airports, aircraft, airspace and airlines, through the power of our research capabilities. The implementation of new novel technologies has the capacity to transform the way air transport operates, bringing greater efficiency and heightened safety." Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: "The UK's world-renowned leadership in science, research and innovation is helping to solve a range of national and global challenges, and the breadth of the projects funded today means this will continue. "Through our Industrial Strategy and £4.7 billion investment for research and development, we're ensuring we capitalise on the great work taking place in universities across the UK and remain at the forefront of innovation." This is one of nine projects announced as part of the current round of UKRPIF funding. David Sweeney, HEFCE's Director of Research, Education and Knowledge Exchange and Chief Executive Designate of Research England, said: "I am delighted that we are able to support these nine projects that will deliver high class facilities and world leading research, enabling UK universities to continue to tackle major national and global challenges, and make a significant contribution to economic growth." https://www.internationalairportreview.com/news/37037/65-million-centre-cranfield-uk-digital- aviation-technology/ Back to Top Thales Delivers First Level D Qualified Full Flight Simulator in China As part of its ever growing presence in the Chinese aerospace market, Thales announces the level D qualification of the very first EC135 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The Thales Reality H EC135 helicopter simulator is housed in the Aviation Safety facilities, Haite Group's flight training centre in Tianjin. Haite Group is a leading comprehensive aviation technology service provider in China. It is headquartered in Chengdu and has a listed company Haite High-Tech Co., Ltd and more than 40 other subsidiaries With the addition of Thales EC135 Full Flight Simulator (FFS), the Haite Training center in Tianjin will be instrumental in meeting the increasing demand for helicopter pilot training in China, offering unrivalled training packages to Emergency Medical Services and commercial operators for both training new pilots and gearing up existing pilots in complex and demanding missions. The Thales Reality H helicopter flight simulator is already in service around the world and was chosen for the first time in China because it provides operational efficiencies and high quality mission-oriented training to pilots. This high-fidelity FFS features an extended visual display of 240°x80° field of view, combined with high-resolution geospecific imagery from the ThalesView™ image generator and an efficient and user-friendly Instructor Operating System (IOS). Its unique and revolutionary all-electric motion system, HexalineTM provides the most realistic motion cues while requiring less power and very low maintenance. These innovative modelling technologies create a completely immersive environment that make the Reality H the most realistic and efficient training tool on the market to support helicopter operators' key priorities of safety and mission success. "This new level D qualification of the Reality H full flight simulator by the CAAC follows the qualifications by EASA and CASA in Europe and Australia and proves once more that it is the most advanced mission training device in the world. The fantastic demand for highly skilled pilots in China, the fastest growing helicopter markets in the world means there is a constant need for the best and most thorough training and simulation systems. The significant expertise of Thales in terms of international simulation standards and regulation will position Haite as a leader on the helicopter pilots training market in China." Benoit Plantier, Thales Vice President , Training & simulation activities About Thales Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets. With 64,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales reported sales of €14.9 billion in 2016. With over 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design and deploy equipment, systems and services to meet the most complex security requirements. Its exceptional international footprint allows it to work closely with its customers all over the world. Thales in China Thales provides innovative solutions for China's infrastructure (backbone for the country's growth). With more than 30 years' development in China, Thales has been a trusted partner for Chinese aviation and urban rail transportation industries. In China, Thales employs 1,300 employees, among which 95% are Chinese nationals. About Haite Group Haite Group is a leading comprehensive aviation technology service provider in China. It is headquartered in Chengdu and has a listed company Haite High-Tech Co., Ltd and more than 40 other subsidiaries. The main businesses of Haite includes the R&D and manufacturing of airborne equipment, aviation test equipment and high-end equipment; testing and maintenance of aviation machine and electronic equipment; aero-engine maintenance; aircraft overhaul and modification; pilots, flight attendants and maintenance personnel training; aviation leasing; IC chip manufacturing; general aviation services; and gas turbine engineering etc. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12352279/thales-delivers-first-level-d-qualified-full- flight-simulator-in-china Back to Top The weather app dominating the field of aviation with over 26 million downloads As the weather is a crucial factor for pilots, it should be of little surprise to learn that weather apps are greeted with an element of enthusiasm from those working in the aviation industry. A crowded marketplace has ensured that there are numerous weather apps available now making it hard for anything new to break through the white noise. However, MyRadar has somehow become very popular within a relatively short time with over 26 million downloads. ACME AtronOmatic, the software application development company behind the app found a route to success by actively engaging with those in the aviation industry to understand their requirements. The knowledge gained enabled them to provide web-based flight-tracking services and custom mobile applications that provided value to those that needed it. Pilots are finding MyRadar useful because of its the features are bespoke to be aviation specific. This app is capable of tracking IFR flights and can show the ATC-assigned flight paths of those flights on the map. Moreover, this weather app is provided with Airmets and Sigmets, TFRs and Eco Tops. By showing the high-definition radar and all other aviation features on the charts, this weather app provides its users with maximum clarity. Information is also displayed detailing the impact of weather on a user's flight or how the weather is going to affect the flight which they are tracking. Another intriguing aspect of the MyRadar weather app is that the aviation charts are offered for an affordable annual fee. But, more importantly, all of the other flight features included in the app are free of any charges. The MyRadar is weather app that is quick and easy to use despite much of the complex content. Since the animated weather radar is displayed around the location of the operator, the user is also able to understand quickly and easily the nature of weather that is expected on the journey ahead. Upon loading the app, the corresponding location will pop up displaying the animated weather. In that way, MyRadar is an app of no-frills application. MyRadar enables the user to overlay the flight schedule of an aircraft on the map. This is another aspect that has made the app highly appealing to pilots. Since the app displays animated weather, one can correctly say whether there will be rain on his way ahead or the rain may go away. Using the app one can also find out how fast will be the rain. The users of MyRadar are also able to post interesting as well as informative photos of the weather that prevails in their area. For the more technically aware the app also provides Airmets and Sigmets, Echo Tops, and TFRs - as well as the ability to track IFR flights and show their ATC-assigned flight paths on the map. As for anyone outside of the AV geeks and pilots circle, the pinch and swipe display that offers the ability to zoom in on a two mile stretch of weather is impressive. Meanwhile, techies curious to know what goes under the hood will probably have figured out that your smartphones gyros and GPS handles your location. According to flight attendant, Heather Poole, nervous fliers have also been known to use MyRadar to understand when to expect turbulence, how bad it might get, and how long it would last. Poole revealed this along with a few other interesting tales in her book Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crashpads, Crew Drama, and Crazy Passengers at 35,000 Feet. After chatting to My Radar's Brad Anderson on my podcast and how he is using mobile technology to change the world, I learned there is no such thing as just another weather app. With over 26 million downloads completely under tech radar, it's to see why AV and storm geeks are embracing this unique weather app. https://thenextweb.com/contributors/2017/07/18/myradar/#.tnw_DVjblrRj Back to Top Airports have one year to comply with IATA Resolution 753 International Air Transport Association (IATA) Resolution 753 comes into effect in June 2018, giving airports just one year to ensure their baggage handling systems are compliant. * IATA Resolution 753 comes into effect in June 2018 * Airports must provide a record of the baggage custody changes * Resolution provides incentive for investment in technology and better passenger experience The resolution aims to reduce the number of lost or delayed pieces of baggage by keeping track of them at every stage of their journey, by maintaining a strict 'chain of custody' as bags are handed over during the various phases of travel. This will lead to a better customer experience and reduce the costs involved in tracing, retrieving and delivering missing or delayed bags. To comply with IATA Resolution 753, airports must monitor the acquisition and delivery of bags at the three specified events: aircraft loading, arrivals inject and transfers inject. IATA members have committed themselves to prove the chain of custody by: demonstrating delivery of baggage when custody changes, demonstrating acquisition of baggage when custody changes, providing an inventory of baggage upon departure of a flight and exchanging these events with other airlines as needed. The resolution is already having a positive impact on the passenger experience at many airports. As we approach June 2018, airlines are launching systems that provide real time notification to passengers about their bags. Passenger service apps provide push messages when a passenger's bag has been checked and loaded, as well as providing the bag tag number and the reclaim carousel number when the passenger arrives at their destination. The new regulations are driving investment in technology that not only enables compliance with the resolution, but also improves passenger experience. Over recent years, many airports have commissioned modern baggage handling systems, as they are able to track the progress of a bag through the airport. In BEUMER Group baggage handling systems, high level controls, scanners and the baggage reconciliation system can tell where the bag has been, which security level it scanned through and when it was discharged for loading. The data is kept in the information system from which the airport or airline can pull the necessary information to convey to the passenger. Off-loading and passenger acquisition of inbound bags presents a major challenge. Off-loading for passenger reclaim puts great demand on automatic tag reading (ATR) technology, leading airports to adopt new approaches such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Video Coding Systems (VCS) that allow an operator to manually resolve tag reading from a remote location. Another technology for tracking baggage efficiently is RFID tags, which offer a higher read rate. They are still readable even if crumpled or wet and the price for a tag can be justified by the reduction in baggage having to be routed for manual encoding, if it can't be read automatically. The challenge is that the airline has to pay the higher cost per tag, but airports are the main beneficiary. Airports are complex environments, with some having as many as 30 different scanner technologies and conveyors or claim carousels that are not designed for attaching scanner arrays, making it harder to establish that they have the infrastructure to support Resolution 753. Despite this, they must be able to demonstrate compliance by June 2018. Even with the challenges, IATA Resolution 753 should be welcomed by airlines, airports and travellers alike. It is driving investment in technologies that will accelerate the reduction in baggage mishandling rates, which have been falling since 2007. This means a tangible benefit for all parties: fewer passenger complaints, as well as faster reconciliation and flight readiness for departing flights. https://www.internationalairportreview.com/news/37154/airports-one-year-comply-iata-resolution- 753/ Back to Top Airbus selects Stratasys to 3D-printed polymer serial flying parts for A350 XWB aircraft Airbus has chosen Stratasys Direct Manufacturing to manufacture 3D-printed polymer components for its A350 XWB aircraft programme. As part of the arrangement, Stratasys will employ its FDM technology and ULTEM 9085 material to 3D-print non-structural parts, including brackets, and other components used for system installation. The 3D-printed parts will enable Airbus to achieve enhanced supply chain flexibility and cost- competitiveness. The company will also be able to reduce material consumption and waste. "Our expertise in building parts ready for installation on the aircraft, along with our unique process controls and quality procedures, will allow Airbus to improve competitiveness leveraging on the technical benefits of 3D printing." In addition, Stratasys will be able to print and deliver various parts on demand to Airbus, bringing improved reactivity, shorter turnaround times and reduced inventory costs. Stratasys Direct Manufacturing CEO Joe Allison said: "Our expertise in building parts ready for installation on the aircraft, along with our unique process controls and quality procedures, will allow Airbus to improve competitiveness leveraging on the technical benefits of 3D-printing." In 2014, Stratasys' ULTEM 9085 material had been qualified for applications in the production of flying components on Airbus aircraft. Last week, the company announced that its new 3D printing solution for certifiable aircraft interior components was selected by China-based Western Tool & Mold. Western Tool & Mold will use Stratasys' Fortus 900mc aircraft interiors (AI) certification solution to produce aircraft cabin components that meet the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification requirements. http://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/newsairbus-selects-stratasys-to-3d-print-polymer- serial-flying-parts-for-a350-xwb-aircraft-5876478 Back to Top SpaceX targets 24-hour first stage rocket re-use turnaround by 2018 In a talk at the ISS R&D conference on Wednesday, Elon Musk shared some more insight into SpaceX's path to fast and full rocket reusability. The company hopes to achieve its 24-hour turnaround window for used Falcon 9 rockets sometime next year, he said, and there is already "a technical path in place to achieving that." Some of its reuse efforts aren't immediately bearing fruit in terms of lowering costs, however - Musk revealed that refurbishing the Dragon capsule it flew for a second time during the most recent ISS resupply mission cost "almost as much - maybe more" than building a new one from scratch. That should improve over time, however, as SpaceX gets better at refurbishing the cargo craft. Next time around, it should be able to shave a few percentage points off the cost of refurbishment, he said, which makes it sound like in the case of the capsule at least, there's still lots of work to be done for rapid reflight capabilities. Meanwhile, Musk said that SpaceX is getting closer to being able to recover the fairing, a nosecone that sits atop the rocket to protect the payload during launch. The company managed to land one of those earlier this year, and Musk said that they're now "quite close" to being able to land it and recover the component as well. The fairing, including all of its integrated systems, is a $5 or $6 million piece of equipment, he noted. "Imagine if we had a $6 million pallet of cash falling through the sky," Musk said he tells his staff. "Would we try to catch it? I think the answer is yes." Fairing recover is on track for either the end of this year, or the beginning of next, Musk added. Between the boost stage, and the fairing, this would make SpaceX's launches about 80 percent reusable, and he also noted that "for a lot of missions, we could even bring the second stage back, so we're going to try to do that." Rapid and full rocket reusability is a basic necessity for making Mars missions viable, Musk later commented, which is why it's such a crucial part of SpaceX's pipeline. https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/19/spacex-targets-24-hour-first-stage-rocket-re-use-turnaround- by-2018/ Curt Lewis