September 6, 2023 - No. 037 In This Issue : Fake spare parts supplied to fix top-selling jet engines : Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 aircraft deemed airworthy by FAA : Airbus Wing of Tomorrow vs. Boeing Transonic Truss Braced Wing : NASA is developing a supersonic jet with Boeing... : MRO Provider Eyes Ethiopian Opportunity : Spirit Airlines Contends With A320neo ‘Gliders’ As It Plans Schedule : Northrop Grumman Test Flies Jam-Proof GPS : 5G Concerns Fizzle With Uneventful July 1 Power Boost : Poland plans to manufacture up to 80 per cent of the fuselage structure of the modernised F-16... Fake spare parts supplied to fix top-selling jet engines It’s unclear how many fake parts have been installed or how many planes are affected Published: September 01, 2023 00:16 European aviation regulators have determined that an obscure London-based company supplied bogus parts for repairs of jet engines that power many older-generation Airbus SE A320 and Boeing Co. 737 planes. Manufacturing partners General Electric Co. and Safran SA have been assisting in the probe of allegedly faked certification documents and unapproved parts for CFM56 engines that were distributed by London-based AOG Technics Ltd, according to the companies, public regulatory filings and letters to operators viewed by Bloomberg. “Numerous Authorised Release Certificates for parts supplied via AOG Technics have been forged,” the European Union Aviation Safety Agency said in a statement in response to Bloomberg queries. In each case, the organisation identified as the manufacturer “confirmed that they did not produce the certificate, and that they were not the originator of the part”, EASA said. The spread of undocumented or potentially faked parts into the engine supply chain is rare and treated with utmost urgency in an industry where every component requires verified provenance to ensure aircraft safety - it’s impossible to know whether uncertified parts will be as durable under stress. Manufacturers and regulators sounded the alarm weeks ago, triggering a global scramble to trace parts supplied by AOG Technics and identify affected aircraft. It’s unclear how many fake parts may have been installed or how many aircraft might be affected. The CFM56, the world’s best-selling jet engine, is installed on thousands of narrow-body planes that are a staple of the global fleet. EASA told operators this month to quarantine parts that are backed by false documentation. It said on Thursday that to date, AOG Technics had failed to provide detail on the actual origin of the questionable parts. “The documentation of parts is a very critical issue,” said Klaus Mueller, a senior adviser at AeroDynamic Advisory and a former senior executive at MTU Aero Engines AG and Deutsche Lufthansa AG’s maintenance arm. “The industry is taking this topic very, very seriously.” Regulator warnings Middleman like AOG Technics supply parts to third-party engine-repair shops working on in-service commercial aircraft. New engines from CFM International, the GE-Safran manufacturing venture, wouldn’t be affected by the issue, nor would the CFM56’s successor, the CFM Leap, which is used on the latest A320neo and 737 Max narrowbodies. Still, the matter creates a new headache for airlines and lessors that discover suspect parts on their aircraft. Maintenance and repair shops are grappling with labour deficits, a global shortage of aircraft and engine parts and months-long waits for shop visits. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority said in an August 4 safety notice that it was investigating “a large number of Suspect Unapproved Parts” supplied through AOG Technics. Some components with false airworthiness release certificates were found on engines fitted to aircraft registered in the UK, the filing said. CFM has unearthed 72 falsified airworthiness certification documents spanning 50 part numbers supplied by AOG Technics for the CFM56, according to a spokesman for the manufacturer. Two falsified documents for components of GE’s CF6 engine, an earlier wide-body powerplant, were also found, he said. “We proactively alerted our customers and maintenance shops, and we continue to work with our customers to assess the authenticity of documentation for parts they acquired directly or indirectly from AOG Technics,” CFM said in response to Bloomberg queries. Cease-and-desist The company at the center of the controversy isn’t an approved vendor for CFM or GE, the CFM spokesman said. GE and Safran each sent cease-and-desist letters to AOG Technics, he said. AOG Technics didn’t respond to calls and messages from Bloomberg. Its website describes the company as a “leading global aircraft support provider” and a source of new and “serviceable” parts for a variety of engines that power 737 and A320 models. The company said it had warehouse operations in London, Frankfurt, Miami and Singapore. According to the UK’s Companies House website, AOG Technics was incorporated in 2015 and is majority owned by 35-year-old Jose Zamora Yrala, whose nationality is listed as British on some forms and Venezuelan on others. The company listed current assets of 2.58 million pounds ($3.27 million) as of February 2022. Bloomberg News was unable to reach Yrala. Letters to operators In a July 28 letter to all CFM56 customers that was seen by Bloomberg, CFM said Paris-based Safran had filed suspected unapproved parts notifications with EASA after a maintenance shop questioned the authenticity of documents provided by AOG Technics for a new CFM56 part. After determining the document was falsified, CFM and the engine shop searched through other records provided by AOG and found “significant discrepancies” with EASA certificates and shipment documents, according to the letter. Three days later, GE sent a separate “All Operators Wire” to CF6 customers and maintenance shops, alerting them to “a recently identified falsified certification document” related to the sale of several CF6 engine parts with the same part number. The information was shared “as a precaution while GE and FAA investigations progress”, the letter said. Europe’s regulator issued its notice of suspected unapproved parts days later, asking aircraft owners, operators, maintenance organisations and parts distributors to inspect their records for parts obtained directly or indirectly from the London firm. “If a part with a falsified ARC is already installed, then it is recommended that the part be replaced with an approved part,” EASA’s August 4 filing said, referring to the authorised release certificate which identifies the approved originator of the part. It added that the European safety agency “might take further action” as a result of the ongoing investigations. An EASA official said on Wednesday that the agency was continuing to monitor responses to determine whether any further actions were needed. The UK’s CAA had no immediate comment. The FAA didn’t respond to requests for comment. Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 aircraft deemed airworthy by FAA The US-based company will use the aircraft to display the technology that will later be used in its Overture supersonic airliner. By Noah Bovenizer Boom Supersonic will conduct the first test flight of the XB-1 over the Mojave desert. Credit: Boom Supersonic Supersonic airliner manufacturer Boom Supersonic has received an experimental airworthiness certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its technology demonstrator aircraft the XB-1 as it continues ground testing. The company is hoping to build the world’s fastest airliner, the Concorde-like Overture, and is using the XB-1 aircraft to demonstrate the tech that will be used when building the final airliner. In addition to receiving the FAA certificate, the XB-1 has begun taxi testing at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California and recently received letters of agreement from the relevant airspace authorities for flights over the Mojave desert and letters of authorisation for its two test pilots. Founder and CEO Blake Scholl said: “The recent progress made towards XB-1’s first flight reflects the team’s collective efforts to build and safely fly the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet.” The smaller demonstration aircraft is 71 feet long with a carbon composite and titanium fuselage housing three General Electric J85 engines capable of a combined maximum thrust of 12,300 pounds. VIDEO: Boom Supersonic has been taxi testing the XB-1 ahead of its first flight First rolled out in October 2020, the XB-1 has since been moved from Boom’s hangar in Centennial, Colorado for testing in Mojave, CA where Chief Test Pilot Bill “Doc” Shoemaker and test pilot Tristan “Gepetto” Brandenburg are also expected to fly it for the first time. Shoemaker said he was looking forward to flying the aircraft at the historic site: “It’s fitting that XB-1 is now progressing toward first flight at the Mojave Air & Space Port, home to more than 50 first flights and other significant aviation events.” Upgraded landing gear and supersonic engine intakes have been installed on the aircraft since it was first unveiled in Colorado. News of the XB-1’s progress comes only a few months after the US company confirmed a number of key suppliers for the Overture aircraft, including Spanish manufacturers Aernnova and Aciturri who will work on the wing structure and empennage respectively. Despite not yet constructing the aircraft, Boom Supersonic has already received backing from major players in the aviation industry with American Airlines, United, and Japan Airlines all placing pre-orders for the Overture aircraft. Airbus Wing of Tomorrow vs. Boeing Transonic Truss Braced Wing The First Airbus Wing Of Tomorrow prototype. 19/08/2023 , Written by: Nick Harding In the ever-evolving world of aviation, manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to create more efficient, eco-friendly, and high-performance aircraft. Two major players in this industry, Airbus and Boeing, have recently unveiled their respective advancements in wing technology: the Airbus “Wing of Tomorrow” and the Boeing “Transonic Truss Braced Wing.” These cutting-edge designs promise to reshape the future of aviation by offering increased fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved performance. In this article, we will delve into the key features and advantages of each design, as well as the potential impact they may have on the aviation industry. Airbus Wing of Tomorrow (WoT) The Airbus “Wing of Tomorrow” concept represents a holistic approach to wing design, focusing on aerodynamics, materials, and manufacturing techniques. One of the standout features of this design is the implementation of a blended wing body (BWB) configuration, which eliminates the clear distinction between the fuselage and wings, resulting in a smoother and more integrated shape. This novel design allows for better aerodynamic efficiency and increased lift-to-drag ratio. Furthermore, Airbus has incorporated advanced materials such as carbon composites, which offer not only a reduction in weight but also increased strength and durability. The “Wing of Tomorrow” also integrates smart technologies, including embedded sensors that monitor structural health in real-time, enhancing maintenance procedures and overall safety. The Wing of Tomorrow static demo box leaving the AMRC Broughton, loaded onto a wing transporter to be shipped down to Filton, Bristol the same day. Boeing Transonic Truss Braced Wing (TTBW) Boeing Transonic Truss Braced Wing (TTBW) Boeing’s response to the future of wing design is the “Transonic Truss Braced Wing.” This design introduces a revolutionary approach by incorporating a truss structure on the upper side of the wing, which provides additional support and stability, reducing the wing’s weight and allowing for higher aspect ratios. This truss structure effectively mitigates the aerodynamic challenges associated with longer wings, particularly in the transonic flight regime. The design also emphasizes fuel efficiency by optimizing lift distribution across the span of the wing, resulting in reduced drag and improved overall performance. Moreover, the Transonic Truss Braced Wing integrates advanced wingtip technology to further enhance aerodynamic efficiency, minimizing the formation of drag-inducing vortices. A rendering of the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing X-66A aircraft in NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator livery. (Boeing image) (PRNewsfoto/Boeing) A Comparative Overview Both Airbus’ “Wing of Tomorrow” and Boeing’s “Transonic Truss Braced Wing” are remarkable feats of engineering, but they approach the challenges of future aviation from slightly different angles. Airbus focuses on the blended wing body concept, promoting smoother aerodynamics and integrating state-of-the-art materials for enhanced performance and structural integrity. Boeing, on the other hand, addresses the transonic flight regime’s challenges through its truss-braced approach, prioritizing stability and fuel efficiency. In terms of fuel efficiency and emissions reduction, both designs aim to contribute significantly to the aviation industry’s sustainability goals. The reduced weight, improved aerodynamics, and advanced technologies incorporated into each design collectively result in decreased fuel consumption and subsequently reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Potential Industry Impact The introduction of these advanced wing designs by Airbus and Boeing signals a paradigm shift in aviation technology. The aviation industry has been under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and operate more sustainably, making these innovations particularly timely. As airlines seek to optimize operational costs and governments implement stricter emissions regulations, aircraft manufacturers must deliver solutions that align with these goals. Both the Airbus “Wing of Tomorrow” and Boeing “Transonic Truss Braced Wing” have the potential to transform how aircraft are designed, manufactured, and operated, setting new standards for efficiency, performance, and environmental impact. Conclusion In the competitive world of aviation, Airbus and Boeing continue to drive innovation by introducing groundbreaking wing designs that promise to revolutionize the industry. The Airbus “Wing of Tomorrow” and Boeing “Transonic Truss Braced Wing” showcase distinct approaches to addressing the challenges of future flight. While Airbus emphasizes the blended wing body and advanced materials, Boeing takes a truss-braced approach to enhance stability and fuel efficiency. These designs are not only about engineering excellence but also about shaping the future of aviation sustainability. As the industry moves towards greater environmental responsibility, these wing innovations represent significant strides toward achieving a more eco-friendly and efficient aviation landscape. As these designs become a reality and start to take flight, their impact on the aviation sector and the world at large will be closely watched, shaping the course of air travel for years to come. NASA is developing a supersonic jet with Boeing that will be so fast, that by the time you’re halfway through watching ‘Oppenheimer’, it would have already flown you from New York to London by Sayan Chakravarty Image - NASA NASA is developing a supersonic passenger aircraft that will reportedly have a top speed of Mach 4 (~3000mph), which will not make it twice as fast as the Concorde but also faster than the legendary SR-71 Blackbird spy plane that was designed with a top speed of Mach 3.2 (around 2500mph). NASA claims that the proposed supersonic jet will cut down the travel time from New York to London to under one and a half hours. Typically, flights to New York take around eight to nine hours as the current crop of large passenger jets cruise at around 600mph. For comparison, the iconic Concorde that retired two decades ago could maintain Mach 2 (1,348 mph). A concept by NASA. There were several reasons that led to the demise of the Concorde, with the sonic boom being one of the major hurdles. Supersonic air travel is banned in many countries because of the devastating sonic boom caused when the speed of sound is broken. This includes the US, which prohibits supersonic travel for civil aviation. However, researchers have been working for decades to develop technology that can successfully mitigate sonic booms. Nasa’s Quesst Mission is one such research project, which includes the development of an experimental quiet supersonic aircraft known as the X-59. The NASA X-59 jet on the runway at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California. Image – Lockheed Martin NASA announced its plans for the development of the supersonic passenger jet earlier this week after recognizing fifty established transoceanic routes that connect important cities, especially over the North Atlantic and Pacific. The issue of breaking the sound barrier and causing a sonic boom is not relevant while flying over oceans. “Since the U.S. and other nations prohibit supersonic flight over land, the studies’ findings covered transoceanic travel, including high-volume North Atlantic routes and those crossing the Pacific,” the US space agency said in a statement. The Concorde flying at Mach 2 To move forward with the development of the supersonic jet, NASA will issue two year-long contracts to aerospace firms to develop concept designs and roadmaps as part of its Advanced Air Vehicles Program. As for the first contract, Boeing will be leading a team, joined by other companies including Exosonic, GE Aerospace, Georgia Tech Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory, and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies.The second contract will go to Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, which will collaborate with Blue Ridge Research and Consulting, Boom Supersonic, and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies. Both teams will explore things such as airframe, power, propulsion, thermal management, and materials designs required for flying at Mach 4. They will also create un-trademarked designs for concept vehicles. “The design concepts and technology roadmaps are really important to have in our hands when the companies are finished,” said Mary Jo Long-Davis, manager of NASA’s Hypersonic Technology Project. “We are also collectively conscious of the need to account for safety, efficiency, economic, and societal considerations. It’s important to innovate responsibly so we return benefits to travelers and do no harm to the environment.” MRO Provider Eyes Ethiopian Opportunity Alex Derber August 31, 2023 The Ethiopia-based independent MRO will perform maintenance on Boeing 737 classic and NG aircraft types. Ethiopia will have its first privately owned aircraft maintenance provider after One MRO Service received its license from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, according to local media reports. News outlet Ethiopian Monitor says One MRO has received a certificate to perform maintenance on Boeing 737 Classic and NG aircraft types. It added that the Addis Ababa-headquartered company currently provides maintenance for Nigerian carriers, but plans to build an MRO facility in Ethiopia to target local, privately owned airlines. One MRO will compete with state-owned Ethiopian MRO, which supports its flag carrier parent, Ethiopian Airlines, as well as third-party customers. One MRO lists services including line maintenance, AOG recovery, engine replacement and aircraft structural repairs. The commercial airline customers listed on its website are Nigerian carrier Max Air and Sky Mali. Ethiopian MRO also offers these services, but has a much broader range of capabilities stretching to heavy maintenance on the Airbus A350, Boeing 737, 767, 777 and 787, and De Havilland Canada Dash 8 series. It can also perform overhauls of CFM56-7B and PW150 engines. Its customers in the region include ASKY Airlines, Malawi Airlines, Tchadia Airlines, RwandAir, Jambojet and Zambia Airways. Ethiopian MRO’s facility includes a closed-door hangar to accommodate one widebody; a closed door hangar that fits two widebodies or four narrowbodies; an open-door hangar that fits three narrowbodies; and a hangar for two Dash 8 turboprops. Spirit Airlines Contends With A320neo ‘Gliders’ As It Plans Schedule Aaron Karp August 15, 2023 Credit: Markus Mainka/Alamy Stock Photo Spirit Airlines is willing to be creative with route frequencies, particularly as it contends with its exposure to the latest Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine issue and ongoing air traffic control constraints, Vice President for Network Planning John Kirby says. The Florida-based ULCC typically likes to operate routes daily to maximize aircraft utilization, but the carrier has not had a full fleet lately. Speaking Aug. 14 at the TakeOff North America Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Kirby said Spirit is “open to doing less-than-daily” frequencies on routes where it makes sense from a utilization and demand standpoint. Up to 13 Spirit engines are in the group of the initial 200 engines Pratt & Whitney has identified for accelerated inspection due to a manufacturing matter affecting turbine discs. As a result, seven Airbus A320neo aircraft were removed from Spirit’s scheduled post-Labor Day service. Spirit is the largest operator of GTF-powered neo-family aircraft in the U.S., with the highest number of engines produced during the 2015 to 2021 period in question, CEO Ted Christie said on a recent earnings call. The airline already had seven aircraft out of service because of previously disclosed unscheduled neo engine removals. Kirby told the TakeOff North America audience there is a “good story” to tell regarding Spirit catching up on staffing post-pandemic. “But now we're getting hit with this aircraft [engine] issue,” he said. Spirit “lovingly refers” to the parked A320neos as “gliders,” Kirby said. The airline can fly less-than-daily frequencies on a route “a couple different ways,” Kirby continued, adding: “I always like to start daily, because I think it gives you a good insight as to what days will be the strongest. And if we see weakness, we'll adjust." Kirby added: "The other thing we like to do is we combine markets [with an aircraft]. We don't like to leave planes sitting on the ground. So, we'll operate four days a week to one destination and three days a week to another.” Northrop Grumman Test Flies Jam-Proof GPS By Russ Niles Published: July 5, 2023 Updated: July 6, 2023 Northrop Grumman says it’s successfully flight tested a jam-proof navigation system to replace the current gear on military aircraft. Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) / Inertial Navigation System (INS) Modernization, known as EGI-M, was installed on a Cessna Citation and put through its paces in May. The core of the system is something called an M-Code capable GPS receiver that can “quickly transmit positioning, navigation and timing information” in “GPS-contested and GPS-denied environments.” The new systems are designed to drop in to replace existing GPS systems and the first aircraft to receive them will be F-22s and E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, but eventually all fixed and rotary wing platforms will get the upgrade. The EGI-M capability developed by Northrop Grumman enables our warfighters to navigate accurately and precisely through hostile and contested environments.” 5G Concerns Fizzle With Uneventful July 1 Power Boost By Russ Niles Published: July 5, 2023 It would appear concerns over 5G interference with radio altimeters have faded away. The deadline for telecom providers to crank up the power on 5G antennas near airports came and went on July 1 and the widespread disruptions and cancellations forecast by some did not appear to materialize. Only Delta responded to lightreading.com when asked for comment on the deadline. “We expect minimal operational impact,” the airline said in an email response. At the request of the FAA, telecoms agreed to reduce power from 5G transmitters near airports until July 1 to allow time for 5G retrofits or replacements. The non-event passed just a couple of weeks after Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg fretted that 5G presented “a real risk of delays or cancellations.” Most airlines have completed 5G-resistant retrofits on their fleets although Delta still has about 20 percent of its planes to upgrade. That the deadline passed in summer is helping to minimize the impact since it’s only a problem in low-visibility landings. Delta said it would schedule its noncompliant planes for fair-weather destinations when possible to avoid delays and cancellations. Poland plans to manufacture up to 80 per cent of the fuselage structure of the modernised F-16 Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft By: Maksim Panasovskyi | 31.08.2023, 12:48 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here! Polish company Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Mielec announced the successful production of the first fuselage structure for the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet. In the future, the plant plans to significantly increase production volumes. Here's What We Know PZL Mielec is part of the American Lockheed Martin. The day before, the company officially announced the production of the first fuselage design for the modernised Block 70/72 (Viper) level F-16 fighter. At the moment, the Polish plant is capable of producing approximately 50% of the aircraft's fuselage structure. However, in the future the company intends to increase this figure to 70-80%. PZL Mielec wants to reach this level by the end of next year. Polish specialists were trained in the USA at the Lockheed Martin plant. Production was set up in a "historical hangar", which has been modernised. Previously, Iryda combat trainer aircraft were built there. Source: PAP, PZL Mielec Curt Lewis