January 25, 2021 - No. 07 In This Issue : Boeing planning to debut 100% biofuel planes by 2030 : Carbon-Free Aircraft Propulsion Means Greener Skies : Swansea University and Faradair Aerospace strengthen relationship for UK aerospace revival : EASA: Boeing 737 MAX meets ungrounding conditions : BWI Marshall Airport Innovative Program Provides Social Distancing Info for Passengers : Protium Secures Funding to Develop Pathway for Infrastructure for Worlds First Commercial Hydrogen Flights : Air France chooses Michelin as its exclusive tire supplier : Hartzell Awarded STC for Talon Prop on Two-Seat Extra 300L : MecFab Enterprises Joins Lödige Industries in Bid to Expand Operations : Sikorsky-Boeing team releases details of its revolutionary helicopter : SpaceX Starship SN9 could take flight as soon as today Boeing planning to debut 100% biofuel planes by 2030 Boeing Co has unveiled plans to deliver commercial aircraft capable of using 100% biofuel by 2030. Using existing technologies under current regulations, it can only use biofuel blends of up to 50%, EURACTIV’s media partner, edie.net, reports. Boeing is striving to halve emissions by 2050 and sees biofuels playing a key role in meeting the target In a statement released late last week, the US-based plane manufacturer said that changes will need to happen across the fields of jet system engineering and global regulation for the new innovation vision to be realised. On the former, there are currently no jet systems capable of being fuelled by 100% biofuel that are both large enough to support a commercial aircraft and cost-competitive with traditional systems. On the latter, current international fuel specifications permit blends of up to 50% biofuel, with the rest being conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Boeing has already completed one commercial flight using 100% biofuel. It used a FedEx 777 Freighter to deliver the pilot project in 2018. To scale up the technology, it will also need to firm up plans for biofuel sourcing. Potential derivatives include vegetable oil, sugar cane and domestic waste. Each potential source comes with its own safety considerations – and with considerations around the environmental sustainability of the supply chain. Vegetable oil and sugar cane, for example, if unsustainably produced, could exacerbate existing land use issues such as biodiversity loss, soil erosion and food security. Speaking to Reuters, Boeing’s director of sustainability strategy Sean Newsum said the biofuel planes will help the firm achieve its commitment to halve emissions by 20205. The commitment has been made by all other major global plane makers. Notably, Boeing planes due to enter serve should still be operating through to the early 2050s. Newsum told reporters that reducing emissions to help tackle climate change is “a tremendous challenge; the challenge of a lifetime”. Aside from alternative fuels, Boeing is planning to reduce the weight and drag of new aircraft to reduce fuel consumption and, by extension, emissions. The firm seems to see hydrogen fuels and electric aircraft playing a smaller role in its strategy than some others in the sector. Airbus, for example, is striving to operate commercial hydrogen flights by 2035 and has already unveiled three potential aircraft designs. The airspace of the future The announcement from Boeing came shortly after Shell pulled out of a joint venture to develop a low-carbon aviation fuel plant in the UK. Spearheaded by fuel developer Velocys, the waste-to-jet-fuel plant was granted planning permission last year and is also being backed by British Airways. Shell said in a statement that it was exiting the project after agreeing to jointly fund another plant in Canada, which developers claim could produce more than double the fuel using less than half the waste. Velocys had been hoping to begin construction in 2022 and production in 2025, but Shell’s departure could leave a funding gap. Boeing’s news also came shortly after nine UK-based organisations formed a new ‘Aerospace of the Future’ Consortium in response to the Government’s Industrial Strategy. Under the Strategy, UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) has been supporting businesses to develop technologies, processes and systems to decarbonise and modernise aviation. The Consortium comprises Thales, Cranfield University, Cranfield Airport Operations, Inmarsat, Altitude Angel, Ocado Group, Blue Bear, Satellite Applications Catapult and Connected Places Catapult. Collectively, these organisations will explore emerging technologies like freight-carrying drones, urban air vehicles and hybrid-electric regional aircraft. They will also accelerate the deployment of interim solutions – planes which are quieter, lighter and lower-emission. UKRI has allocated £125m from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund to support the new consortium. This figure is expected to be more than matched by industry contributions. “At this very challenging time for the international aviation industry, it is a great testament to the UK’s drive and ambition that we have had such a strong response to the first funded Future Flight competition,” UKRI’s challenge director for Future Flight, Gary Cutts, said. “The breadth, quality and creativity of the bids have been exceptional and the economic and social benefits offered are very significant. The projects we are now launching will position the UK strongly to drive the third revolution in aviation.” https://www.euractiv.com/section/aviation/news/boeing-planning-to-debut-100-biofuel-planes-by-2030/ Carbon-Free Aircraft Propulsion Means Greener Skies Aviation is one of the backbones of the modern world, moving people and goods around the planet in a method that far outpaces other transportation options. The industry’s carbon footprint has long been criticized, however, with increasing calls for improved efficiency and reduced emission in aircraft. The results of a recently concluded five-year, $2 million project led by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Boeing for NASA could have major implications on aircraft design and performance for decades to come. “We were able to develop a high-performing low-weight inverter that allows for electrified propulsion, something NASA has identified as a goal for the next generation of flight,” said Fred Wang, the Condra Chair of Excellence in Power Electronics in UT’s Tickle College of Engineering. “This allows for greater fuel efficiency while the switch to electrified propulsion also drastically reduces the amount of pollution produced, which is a real win–win.” In a significant technological advance, the team’s inverter is the first of its kind capable of operating at a megawatt level using cryogenic cooling. The team showed that the technology is scalable to much larger sizes, crucial for widespread adaptation. At its most basic level, the inverter that Wang and his team developed helps turn energy into physical movement within aircraft engines. Critically, it does so at a rate of more than 99 percent efficiency, meaning there’s almost a one-to-one ratio of energy used to propulsion produced. Cryogenic cooling—which can be accomplished without added weight by using liquified natural gas or liquid hydrogen—makes the inverter a natural fit for future superconducting motors, further improving the efficiency of the system. With the volatile nature of fuel costs playing an oversized role in the relative success of airlines, aircraft, and routes, that efficiency is especially important. NASA has been developing future aircraft technology to make large reductions in aircraft energy use, emissions, and noise. One concept that builds on the new technology is the N3-X future hybrid-wing body electric airplane, which employs a turboelectric distributed propulsion system. This aircraft is equipped with two wingtip-mounted superconducting generators and multiple superconducting motors to run fans mounted on top of the fuselage—all of which is dependent on the new UT–Boeing technology. “To enable us to develop NASA’s turbo-electric propulsion for large transport aircraft, pure superconducting electric machine development along with a cryogenically cooled inverter is one of the most essential technologies,” said NASA Technical Monitor Benjamin Choi. “In collaboration with Boeing, the UT team has successfully demonstrated a megawatt-level cryogenic inverter, and this great achievement has paved the way for the feasibility of using superconducting machines for NASA’s mission-critical electrical propulsion for large transport aircraft.” The project’s NASA team received one of the agency’s highest achievement awards for its role in developing the new technology. Wang said the project is just the latest example of research UT has done with Boeing to meet those goals, noting that the two have almost 15 years of working together on improving aircraft and their systems—work that has impacted global air commerce. “People around the world are really putting an emphasis on the environment, and companies like Boeing are looking to see how they can make things better,” said Wang. “Aviation is a vital part of our interconnected word, both economically and socially. Making it better for the environment allows that to continue, but in a way that benefits everyone.” Joining Wang on UT’s team are Min H. Kao Professor Leon Tolbert, Blalock-Kennedy-Pierce Professor Ben Blalock, Associate Professor Daniel Costinett, and Research Assistant Professor Ruirui Chen, all from the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. https://news.utk.edu/2021/01/25/carbon-free-aircraft-propulsion-means-greener-skies/ Swansea University and Faradair Aerospace strengthen relationship for UK aerospace revival Aero-engineering interns/graduates to support BEHA aircraft design team Swansea University and Faradair Aerospace are to expand their relationship with the British company’s commitment to bring back large-scale aircraft production to the UK and deliver 300 home-designed, sustainable aircraft for regional air mobility and special missions by 2030. The enhanced collaboration will see the University’s Bay Campus become a training ground for engineers and interns as Faradair develops new technologies for use on its clean-sheet Bio Electric Hybrid Aircraft (BEHA). Neil Cloughley, Founder and CEO of Faradair said. “Swansea has been part of this programme for four years now and we are delighted to reinforce our position in making Swansea a long-term partner of this world-leading aviation initiative, and thus Wales, a long-term partner in BEHA’s success. We plan to have 30 engineers based at the Bay Campus working on BEHA developments by the end of 2021 and there will be opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students also.” Dr Ben Evans, Associate Professor in Aerospace Engineering at Swansea University, said: “The partnership we have established, providing aerodynamic design support to Faradair for their BEHA aircraft, is an exciting opportunity for Swansea University. It will allow us to use our world-leading aerodynamic modelling, high performance computing and design optimisation technologies on an aircraft set to transform the world of civil aviation.” “The BEHA will be a clean and quiet aircraft for the 21st century that could have a major impact to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation whilst better connecting smaller, regional airfields across the UK and beyond. It also provides Swansea University’s students with an amazing chance to work alongside an innovative company and great graduate employment opportunities,” he added. The widened partnership with Swansea University follows Faradair’s announcement in December that it had attracted a strong consortium of global partners for the BEHA*, an aircraft specifically designed for low cost, quiet, environmentally friendly flight – qualities that enable it to deliver Air Mobility as a Service (AMaaS) for all. In line with UK Government ambitions for sustainable air transport, the British-designed and built BEHA will emerge in hybrid electric/ turbine configuration, but engineered for evolution into a fully electric net zero commercial aircraft when power generation technology delivers the power density levels required for an 18-seat utility aircraft. The ambition is to deliver an initial portfolio of 300 Faradair-owned BEHAs between year 2026 and 2030. Of these, 150 aircraft will be built in firefighting configuration, 75 as quick change (QC, passenger to cargo) aircraft, deployed at general aviation airfields globally, and 50 as pure freighters. The final 25 aircraft will be demonstrated in non-civilian government roles, including logistics, border and fisheries patrol, and drug interdiction. Talks are now advancing at pace with investors and aircraft finance organisations to enable the full programme of development to scale up and meet the target objectives. Meanwhile, Faradair is building its executive and engineering team, and expects to make further announcements early in 2021. https://www.suasnews.com/2021/01/swansea-university-and-faradair-aerospace-strengthen-relationship-for-uk-aerospace-revival/ EASA: Boeing 737 MAX meets ungrounding conditions The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has discussed its decision to unground the Boeing 737 MAX at a hearing held by the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee. EASA authorities announced last week that the model would be re-certified in Europe this week, following in the footsteps of countries such as the US, Brazil and Canada. The Boeing 737 MAX was initially grounded in March 2019 after the Lion Air Flight and Air Ethiopia crashes, which killed a total of 346 people. During the hearing, EASA executive director Patrick Ky assured the TRAN Committee that EASA found that the Boeing 737 MAX met the four conditions for the resumption of operations. Conditions included the complete understanding of the accidents’ root causes, the implementation of design changes, an independent review of safety criteria by EASA and updated pilot training. “This belief has been built after an extensive work during almost 20 months by a team of 20 people, including flight test pilots and engineers, [as well as] human factor specialists,” said Ky. “We performed a certain number of audits on site and we did a number of simulator sessions and human factor evaluation involving airline flight crew on top of our own test flight pilots.” According to Ky, the solutions implemented by Boeing after the global grounding of the 737 MAX increased the level of safety in the design, especially regarding the manoeuvring characteristics augmentation system (MCAS). https://www.airport-technology.com/news/easa-boeing-737-max-meets-ungrounding-conditions/ BWI Marshall Airport Innovative Program Provides Social Distancing Info for Passengers Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has launched a pilot program using innovative technology to provide social distancing information and assessment for customers at a security checkpoint. The project uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology and sophisticated software from partner CrowdVision to monitor, analyze and report on physical distancing at the airport’s B security checkpoint. The system notifies customers when social distancing is adequate and encourages greater physical separation if needed. “Safe, healthy travel remains our priority,” said Ricky Smith, executive director of BWI Marshall Airport. “Since the outset of the pandemic, BWI Marshall Airport has implemented many measures to help protect passengers and employees. This innovation provides real-time data on passenger flow so we can notify travelers and manage separation.” Under the pilot program, LiDAR-enabled sensors analyze passenger movements at the B checkpoint in real-time, counting people and measuring their speed and direction of movement. The motion analytics software calculates physical distancing information and provides easy-to-understand notifications for passengers and airport management. When passengers are providing good physical distancing, the system generates a positive message at the B checkpoint monitor. If passengers are too close together for too long a period of time, the system presents a reminder of social distancing guidelines. “Our software solution helps BWI Marshall Airport improve their passengers’ travel experience and, more importantly, keeps them safe and gets them flying again,” said Mike Cunningham, president of CrowdVision. BWI Marshall Airport was among the first global airports to use LiDAR to monitor and report on security wait-times to help improve the passenger experience. LiDAR is the same laser-mapping technology used in autonomous vehicles. The technology uses safe, invisible pulsated laser light to detect objects, both in motion and at rest. Wait-time information produced from the system has been displayed at the airport’s four security checkpoints and the BWI Marshall Airport website since 2019. “The use of LiDAR technology to promote social distancing helps keep our customers safe and gives them comfort and confidence as they travel through BWI Marshall,” Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Greg Slater said. “This innovative system is another way we’re focusing on the health and safety of the public, our partners and our MDOT team.” As more people return to travel during the COVID-19 recovery, the BWI Marshall Airport terminal remains closed except for ticketed passengers and employees. Face coverings are required in the airport. Other health and safety initiatives at the airport include enhanced cleaning and sanitation, hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the terminal, protective barriers at customer-facing locations, and physical distance markers in high-traffic areas. Health and safety information is provided on information displays and overhead announcements. https://www.aviationpros.com/airports/press-release/21207123/baltimorewashington-international-thurgood-marshall-airport-bwi-bwi-marshall-airport-innovative-program-provides-social-distancing-info-for-passengers Protium Secures Funding to Develop Pathway for Infrastructure for Worlds First Commercial Hydrogen Flights Protium Green Solutions, the UK‐based green hydrogen energy services company, has secured a significant grant for Project HEART from the UK Government as part of the latest Future Flight Challenge in partnership with Blue Bear Systems and ZeroAvia. Blue Bear Systems is the leading supplier of innovation and products in unmanned systems, and ZeroAvia is a US-based innovator and leader of decarbonizing commercial aviation. Other consortium members include Britten-Norman, LoganAir, Inmarsat, Highlands & Islands Airport, Weston Williams & Partners, Fleetondemand and Edinburgh Napier University. The grant has been awarded as part of the UK Government’s Future Flight program, funded by UK Research and Innovation as part of the Government’s modern industrial strategy, which invites businesses and innovators to take part in or source partners for revolutionizing aviation as part of a £125 million challenge. The project commenced in December 2020 and will take 12-14 months to be completed. Protium will use the funds to determine the optimal methods for safely and commercially producing, storing, and distributing green hydrogen for aviation activities, with support from its consortium partners. The consortium will examine the potential of a hydrogen powered 19-seater, 500-mile range aircraft. Blue Bear will also work with Britten-Norman and Loganair to develop automated flight solutions with the use of ‘digital co-pilots’ and to consider the potential to increase the automation of ground vehicles in the chosen airports. The project will finish in Q1 2022, with the consortium partners looking to a potential follow-on bid for the Phase III of Future Flight, which would result in the construction and operation of the world’s first operating zero emission 19-seater commercial aircraft, with dedicated green hydrogen infrastructure. ZeroAvia, the leading innovator in decarbonizing commercial aviation, has previously been involved with similar projects, having received a £2.7 million grant last year to support in the project’s development and principal technology to enable practical, zero emission aviation in commercial aircraft. The grant represents another landmark milestone for Protium and follows shortly after receiving a £70,000 grant from the Department of Business, Energy, Industrial Strategy this month. The grant was provided for the HyLaddie project, which will determine how to incorporate innovative hydrogen combustion technology for Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery. In Q4 last year, Protium also signed a green hydrogen fuel switching feasibility assessment with a renowned UK manufacturer, as well as a Heads of Terms agreement with horticultural engineering firm, CambridgeHOK. Furthermore, in Q3 last year Protium and ZeroAvia signed a Heads of Terms agreement, allowing the companies to join forces to work closely with aviation organisation to develop and expand green hydrogen infrastructure across the UK. Commenting on the announcement, Chris Jackson, CEO of Protium, said, “This could lead to a significant breakthrough for not only the aviation sector but also the fuel cell and renewable energy industry. This is a brilliant example of industries working collaboratively to achieve net zero targets and together, with the consortium, we have a real opportunity to pave the way for sustainable, emission-free air travel. We’re delighted to be working on this ground-breaking project.” https://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/hydrogen/protium-secures-funding-to-develop-pathway-for-20210125 Air France chooses Michelin as its exclusive tire supplier Air France has renewed its trust in Michelin and has selected the French group as the exclusive tire supplier for its aircraft fleet. The Michelin Group will equip the company’s short-, medium- and long-haul aircraft[1] with new or retreaded tires notably produced at the Saint Doulchard plant in Bourges, France. Air France’s aircraft will be equipped with the most modern aircraft tires, such as Radial Michelin® AIR X tires incorporating NZG (Near Zero Growth) technology. Designed to guarantee a constant tire diametre, this technology provides aircraft tires with greater durability and exceptional resistance. [1] Excluding Boeing 787 A long-term partnership focused on innovation and the development of ever more sustainable aviation Pioneers in the field of French aviation and historic partners, Air France and Michelin have always shared a common DNA: innovation at the service of performance and safety. Between 2010 and 2020, the partnership has enabled Air France to benefit from all the latest technologies developed by Michelin. Over the next ten years, both groups will continue to work together and steer the field of innovation towards a shared ambition, to reduce the carbon footprint. Michelin takes an active part in European research programmes and is working on breakthrough technologies to continue to lighten its tires and associated systems and to mechanically reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on each flight. Air France and Michelin will also extend their partnership to digital and other services. Michelin will offer Air France even more ambitious solutions such as its innovative recycling channels, its high-performance ecological resins and its 3D metal and plastic printing expertise. This broadening of the partnership’s scope is made possible by Michelin’s recent diversification of its areas of activity and know-how. These initiatives will help Air France achieve the ambitious sustainable development objectives it has set, including a 50% reduction in its CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 2030. More than just a supplier, the Michelin Group is a long-standing partner of Air France. We are delighted to be equipping our aircraft with tires Made in France and to be extending our collaboration to new fields of innovation. This new agreement paves the way for ambitious projects that will enable us to accelerate the reduction of our environmental footprint, which is one of Air France’s priorities. Géry Mortreux, EVP Engineering & Maintenance at Air France We are honoured by the trust Air France has placed in us by choosing Michelin as its trusted partner for the next ten years. This commitment naturally includes equipping its entire fleet with high-performance tires. Guaranteeing a high level of safety in extreme conditions and a large number of landings, MICHELIN tires are particularly well suited to new-generation aircraft. Lighter in weight, they also offer significant fuel savings, helping to make aviation even more sustainable. This partnership will also enable us to explore new growth areas for both our groups, beyond the supply of tires. Mauro Sponza, Director of Aeronautical Activities at Michelin https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=269416 Hartzell Awarded STC for Talon Prop on Two-Seat Extra 300L PIQUA, OHIO, USA, January 25, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Hartzell Propeller recently received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its specially designed three-blade high performance Talon prop for installation on Extra 300L two-seat aerobatic aircraft. The Talon features an enhanced aerodynamic design coupled with Hartzell’s state of the art ASC-II™ resin transfer carbon fiber process. Mike Goulian Testimonial The Talon’s launch customer was Michael Goulian, who has been flying the propeller on his single seat Extra in air shows for several years. “I have made a living flying Hartzell props in aerobatic shows and very competitive air races for years,” Goulian said. “My flights with Hartzell’s Talon showed an increase in performance, while also contributing to crisper execution of the aerobatic maneuvers that are the hallmark of my show. The smoothness and responsiveness of this propeller is second to none,” Goulian added. Performance Boost The 78-inch diameter Hartzell Talon replaces the standard wood core three-blade propeller to provide a 2.5 percent increase in takeoff acceleration, five percent decrease in takeoff distance, and a five percent increase in climb performance. Hartzell’s blade technology results in low weight, low inertia, higher durability, and low life cycle costs. The Talon consists of a unique monocoque structure of advanced composite material, consisting of carbon fiber laminates integrated into a co-molded stainless-steel shank. The outboard half of the leading edge is protected with a co-molded electroformed nickel erosion shield. The Talon is available from prop shops, FBOs, or direct from the Hartzell Top Prop sales program. List price for the prop, spinner and STC paperwork is $29,301. Time Between Overhaul (TBO) is six years or 1,000 hours, whichever occurs first. Kevin Coleman Testimonial Aerobatic pilot Kevin Coleman recently completed his first flight with the new Hartzell Talon on his aerobatic Extra. “Climbing out, it felt really smooth, which those of you who’ve flown a big pumped-up motor know that they’re not always smooth. This is definitely the future of aerobatic airplanes right here,” Coleman said. “It is beautiful the way Hartzell designed these blades. Going into aerobatics, it definitely has more pull. It just goes harder. It gets out of the hole faster which is really good for aerobatics. It has good braking,” he added. The Extra 300L is a Lycoming AEIO-540-powered two-seat aerobatic aircraft, with low-mounted wing and shorter fuselage. More Extra 300L aircraft have been produced than any other model. Its wing is mounted at the bottom of the fuselage. The 300L is certified under FAA and European Joint Aviation Authorities regulations. About Mike Goulian Michael Goulian is one of North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilots and recognized aviation professionals. Throughout his 30-year career, Goulian has devoted himself to excellence in the air, and in business. Growing up at his family’s flight school, Michael learned at an early age those values that have defined his career: hard work, dedication, and an unwavering focus on the pursuit of perfection. About Kevin Coleman Kevin Coleman is one of the younger pilots on the airshow circuit, flying an Extra 300 SHP with a roll rate of 400 degrees per second and +/-10g capabilities. He is a second-generation pilot and air show performer, flying his first show at only 18, and took lessons and aerobatic training with late aviation and aerobatic legend Marion Cole at age 10. Since then, Coleman has logged more than 2,500 hours, has flown at the Red Bull Air Races, and has earned a spot on the U.S. Advanced Aerobatics Team. About Hartzell Propeller Hartzell Propeller is the global leader in advanced technology aircraft propeller design and manufacturing for business, commercial and government customers. The company designs next generation propellers with innovative “blended airfoil” technology and manufactures them with revolutionary machining centers, robotics, and custom resin transfer molding curing stations. Hartzell Propeller and sister companies, Hartzell Engine Technologies LLC, Quality Aircraft Accessories, and AWI-AMI (Aerospace Welding Minneapolis, Inc., and Aerospace Manufacturing, Inc.) form the general aviation business unit of Tailwind Technologies Inc. For more info on Hartzell Propeller, go to www.hartzellprop.com. https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/534930830/hartzell-awarded-stc-for-talon-prop-on-two-seat-extra-300l MecFab Enterprises Joins Lödige Industries in Bid to Expand Operations Sydney/Paderborn, January 25, 2021 – Lödige Industries, a leading provider for material handling systems based in Germany, has joined forces with MecFab Enterprises. With branches in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, MecFab is specialized in plant manufacturing and maintenance at airports. With the acquisition, Lödige Industries is significantly expanding its offering in Australia. MecFab offers a wide range of services on airports, especially in the air cargo sector, with a high degree of focus on carrying out specialist maintenance of freight handling equipment, repairing and maintaining non-motorized GSE (Rolling Stock) and fabrication of various equipment for airport operations, such as access stairs and platforms. MecFab Enterprises has carried out numerous major upgrades to TV’s, ETV’s and Hoists for clients such as Qantas Airways, Dnata Air Services and Menzies Aviation. MecFab has recently completed an upgrade to the Dnata Sydney Cargo Facility ETV and is currently carrying out major upgrade works to the Qantas Sydney Container Park Facility. MecFab and Lödige have a history of cooperation and have already worked alongside each other for several years. For example, in 2018, they worked together on a cargo terminal of airport services provider dnata in Brisbane, where MecFab delivered the truck dock for the project. Currently, both companies are collaborating on an automated parking system in Sydney for a luxury residential building called “The Lennox Parramatta”. The parking system with six levels, offers space for 330 vehicles. MecFab Enterprise is installing the various lift and turntable systems to transport vehicles inside the system. Mark Cutts and Michael Dolso, founders of MecFab Enterprises, elaborate on joining forces with Lödige Industries: “Very early on we realized the shared vision between our two companies to be best-in-class while delivering to our clients’ specific needs. Both companies have reputations for excellence in our fields and joining forces will increase our ability to support Australia’s air freight and express courier markets. Now that the Lödige/MecFab alliance is secured we will be able to exponentially expand our services, bringing cutting edge engineering and material handling technology exclusively to our customers." Mark and Michael will both retain their positions as directors at MecFab Enterprises and look forward to the joint future. Philippe De Backer, CEO of Lödige Industries, sees the acquisition as the pinnacle of a highly successful partnership: “Over the last few years we have increased our activities in the Australian market and recognized a significant area of opportunity in both air freight and express handling systems as well as automated parking. MecFab is the ideal partner to support us in realizing these opportunities.” Nicholas Tripptree, managing director of the Lödige Industries subsidiary in Asia Pacific, explains why this in particular is very important for the company: "The quality of their work is excellent, matching our own high quality standards. All MecFab locations in Australia include fully equipped workshops and are able to carry out a wide range of projects from major overhauls to simple repairs. Integrating MecFab into the Lödige Industries organization offers a multitude of possibilities and will bring tremendous value to our clients in Australia." https://www.aviationpros.com/gse/gse-mx-reman-refurb-overhaul/press-release/21207112/ldige-systems-gmbh-mecfab-enterprises-joins-ldige-industries-in-bid-to-expand-operations Sikorsky-Boeing team releases details of its revolutionary helicopter On Monday, Sikorsky and partner Boeing has released details of its revolutionary helicopter for the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition, known as FLRAA. Boeing says the new aircraft, named DEFIANT X, will be the fastest, most maneuverable and most survivable assault helicopter in history. Combined with the team’s unsurpassed experience in mission systems, training and sustainment, it will revolutionize the way the Army meets threats in 2035 and beyond. “DEFIANT X will revolutionize the way the Army meets threats in 2035 and beyond,” the Sikorsky-Boeing team said. “We are ready to deliver unparalleled capabilities backed by proven technologies that will truly transform the Army’s mission today – with room to grow and adapt to the missions of tomorrow,” said Andy Adams, Sikorsky vice president of Future Vertical Lift. “DEFIANT X not only includes the transformational aircraft, mission systems and revolutionary sustainment solution, but also leverages Sikorsky’s and Boeing’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.” With its rigid coaxial rotor system and pusher propeller, DEFIANT X incorporates Sikorsky X2 Technology™ to operate at high speeds while maintaining low-speed handling qualities. This critical capability provides soldiers with increased maneuverability and survivability in high-threat air defense environments, allowing them to penetrate enemy defenses while reducing exposure to enemy fire. “DEFIANT X is purpose-built for a modernized Army that requires expanded reach, survivability and lethality,” said Steve Parker, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift. “This weapon system will give soldiers unequaled technological advantage and connectivity over adversaries in a multi-domain battle space.” DEFIANT X will revolutionize the Army’s air assault capability with limited changes in tactics, techniques, procedures, training and infrastructure while maintaining the Black Hawk helicopter footprint and tight formation capability flown today. The U.S. Army also said that FLRAA will provide the Joint Force with an aircraft that possesses increased speed, range, survivability, and maneuverability to allow the Army to retain overmatch against enemy forces in ever-changing environments. It will provide power projection from relative sanctuary with significantly increased range, speed, mobility, and payload capabilities over current Army and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) aircraft. This medium lift, tactical assault and medical evacuation capability will augment the Army’s H-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter fleet to provide Combat Aviation Brigades with long-range, high-speed options that are survivable in contested environments. FLRAA will provide the Army and Joint Force with an advanced vertical lift aircraft that possesses advanced technologies to support MDO from 2030 and beyond. https://defence-blog.com/news/army/sikorsky-boeing-team-releases-details-of-its-revolutionary-helicopter.html SpaceX Starship SN9 could take flight as soon as today The latest SpaceX Starship prototype could finally get off the ground Monday from Elon Musk's rocket development facility on the Texas Gulf coast. Musk's new Mars rocket iteration, which is identified by the serial number SN9, underwent a series of test fires and had a few of its engines swapped out earlier this month in preparation for a high-altitude test flight. Now closures of local roads and airspace around the Boca Chica, Texas, facility indicate we could see a launch attempt as early as later Monday, although it seems weather may be a little more favorable Tuesday or later in the week. SpaceX has been testing and tweaking its Starship design over the past two years, beginning with a series of low-altitude "hops." The first successful flight of significant altitude came last month when SN8 reached approximately the same altitude where commercial jets do much of their cruising. The milestone was then followed by a fall back to Earth and a new landing maneuver that seemed to succeed in orienting the rocket, but alas SN8 came in too fast and met a spectacular and explosive end. We could still get lucky and see the sequel to the ordeal of SN8 Monday, but scrubs and delays have been part of the routine in Starship's development process. Heck, I I've already updated this post several times. Whenever SN9 flies, we'll be sure to carry the video here. Stay tuned. https://www.cnet.com/news/spacex-starship-sn9-could-take-flight-as-soon-as-today/ Curt Lewis