Tag Archives: #innovation

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FlyOnE to purchase 30 electric Smartflyer SF1 aircraft

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Swiss-based electric aircraft manufacturer, Smartflyer, has announced a major partnership with FlyOnE Sustainable Aviation.

Swiss-based electric aircraft manufacturer, Smartflyer, has announced a major partnership with FlyOnE Sustainable Aviation.

The agreement, formalised through a letter of intent, involves the purchase of 30 Smartflyer SF1 aircraft which will be operated across Australia.

The news follows FlyOnE’s successful investment campaign via the crowdfunding platform Birchal, where the company secured substantial backing.

FlyOnE has facilitated over 1,700 electric passenger flights and completed 1,000 missions using its fleet of electric aircraft. 

The electric aviation sector in Australia is in its early stages but gaining momentum as the country seeks to reduce carbon emissions and embrace sustainable technologies.

Companies such as FlyOnE are leading the way, establishing electric aircraft fleets and developing infrastructure, including a growing network of charging stations.

Australia’s vast geography and reliance on regional air travel present both challenges and opportunities for the industry.

While the current electric aircraft models are ideal for short-range flights, innovations in battery technology and hybrid solutions are helping to extend range capabilities, making electric aviation increasingly viable for remote areas and longer routes.

The Smartflyer SF1 is capable of all-electric missions and boasts range extension options up to 800km or five hours of endurance.

FlyOnE is also developing a network of charging sites across Australia.

CEO and founder of FlyOnE, Korum Ellis, said “The Smartflyer aircraft is uniquely suited to address Australia’s geographical aviation challenges, while still offering the lowest impact energy sources for our sustainable future.

“We’re excited to bring this amazing aircraft to the APAC region to shape the future of air transport and aviation solutions for the growing low-altitude economy.”


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The Vertical Aerospace VX4: A New Frontier in Urban Air Mobility

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Urban air mobility (UAM) is on the cusp of revolutionising how we travel, and one of the most promising contributors to this transformation is the Vertical Aerospace VX4. As part of the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) industry, the VX4 is a sleek and advanced aircraft designed to provide a zero-emission, faster, and more efficient alternative to traditional modes of urban transportation. This British innovation from Vertical Aerospace promises to play a crucial role in shaping the future of aviation.

Overview of Vertical Aerospace

Founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical Aerospace is a Bristol-based company with a mission to decarbonise air travel and reduce congestion in cities. The VX4 is the flagship project, which is geared towards making air taxis a viable part of daily life. Vertical Aerospace has partnered with several leading companies in aerospace and technology, including Rolls-Royce, Microsoft, and Honeywell, to integrate cutting-edge technologies into its design and operational framework.

Design and Capabilities

The VX4 is a fully electric eVTOL aircraft with a range of approximately 100 miles (160 km) on a single charge and a top speed of around 200 mph (320 km/h). Its design allows for vertical take-off and landing, much like a helicopter, but with significantly less noise and environmental impact.

The aircraft can carry up to four passengers plus a pilot, making it suitable for intra-city travel, air taxi services, or even intercity commutes. Its elegant and futuristic design is centred around sustainability, utilising advanced lightweight materials and an electric propulsion system to eliminate carbon emissions.

The Technology Behind the VX4

The VX4 employs multiple rotors to facilitate vertical take-offs and landings, allowing it to easily navigate congested urban environments. Once airborne, the aircraft transitions to fixed-wing flight, which offers higher efficiency compared to hover mode. This capability gives the VX4 a competitive edge over traditional helicopters, which are not as efficient in forward flight.

Safety is a key consideration in the development of the VX4, and it integrates multiple redundancy systems, ensuring that the aircraft can continue to operate even in the event of a system failure. Moreover, Vertical Aerospace is working closely with aviation regulators to ensure that the VX4 meets the highest safety standards.

Zero Emissions and Environmental Impact

One of the most significant advantages of the VX4 is its contribution to reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. Traditional aircraft are among the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and as cities become more congested, the need for environmentally friendly transport solutions is pressing. The VX4 is powered entirely by electricity, producing zero emissions during flight, making it an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional aviation.

Moreover, its quiet operation addresses noise pollution, a critical concern in densely populated urban areas. This combination of quiet and clean technology makes the VX4 an attractive solution for urban mobility challenges in cities looking to meet sustainability targets.

Potential Applications

While the idea of flying taxis may seem like a vision of the distant future, the technology behind the VX4 brings this concept closer to reality. With the ability to land and take off vertically, the VX4 could be used for a variety of applications, such as:

  • Air Taxi Services: Providing a quick and efficient alternative to ground-based transportation in large cities.
  • Medical Evacuations: Offering emergency medical services the ability to quickly transport patients without being hindered by traffic.
  • Corporate Travel: Businesses could use the VX4 to shuttle employees between offices or to meetings, cutting down on travel time and improving productivity.

Vertical Aerospace’s Partnerships and Progress

Vertical Aerospace’s strategic partnerships have been critical in advancing the VX4 project. In addition to working with established companies in the aerospace industry, the company has secured pre-orders from some of the world’s leading airlines, such as American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. This indicates a strong market demand for eVTOL aircraft and suggests a bright future for the VX4 in commercial aviation.

Furthermore, Vertical Aerospace has made significant progress in securing certification for the VX4. It aims to achieve type certification from aviation authorities such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This certification is crucial for commercial operations and demonstrates that the aircraft meets stringent safety and airworthiness standards.

Challenges Ahead

While the VX4 represents an exciting step forward in aviation, there are still several challenges that the company must address. Battery technology remains a limiting factor in the range and endurance of eVTOL aircraft. Though advancements are being made, current battery systems may not yet provide the energy density required for longer flights.

Additionally, regulatory approval processes can be lengthy, and gaining public acceptance for urban air taxis will require time, education, and transparent communication around safety and environmental benefits.

Conclusion

The Vertical Aerospace VX4 is a cutting-edge aircraft that encapsulates the future of urban air mobility. With its sustainable design, zero-emission electric propulsion system, and versatile applications, the VX4 is poised to reshape the way we think about transportation in urban environments. While there are challenges to overcome, Vertical Aerospace’s strategic partnerships and commitment to innovation place the company in a strong position to lead the eVTOL revolution.

As cities continue to grow and the demand for sustainable travel increases, the VX4 could soon become a common sight in the skies, offering a cleaner, faster, and more efficient way to navigate our ever-evolving urban landscapes.


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Textron Aviation Gets FAA Nod for Manufacturing SMS Plan

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Company has a voluntary reporting program for employees, suppliers, and customers

Textron Aviation received FAA approval for its safety management system (SMS) implementation plan covering the design and manufacturing of Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft. Approval of the implementation plan will build on its SMS program, which has already been accepted for maintenance and support of Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft. This FAA nod comes in advance of deadlines established under new regulations that require SMS for manufacturers, which have until November 28 to submit their SMS plan and until May 2027 to implement it.

Textron Aviation’s program includes a voluntary reporting tool for employees, customers, or suppliers to anonymously report quality risks or hazards to the company’s SMS Committee. The committee will evaluate the risk, investigate the cause, and plan a response, the Wichita airframer noted, adding that this ensures continuous improvements in safety and quality standards.

“By integrating the insights and expertise of our employees, customers, and suppliers into our SMS, we not only enhance our ability to identify and mitigate risks but also strengthen the collaborative continuous improvement of our products and services,” said Chris Hearne, senior v-p of engineering. “This collaborative approach is in line with our mission to empower our collective talent to design and deliver the best aviation experience for customers.”

The company underscored the importance of leveraging the diverse perspectives of its employees and stakeholders to foster a culture of open communication and teamwork.

“With a longstanding commitment to safety and quality in manufacturing, Textron Aviation has been designing and manufacturing industry-leading Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft for more than 95 years,” said Todd McKee, senior v-p of integrated supply chain. “This FAA approval is a testament to our commitment to product safety at every level of operation.”


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Archer Aviation Surpasses 2024 Flight Test Goal

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Archer Aviation’s eVTOL prototype, Midnight, completes more than 400 test flights.

Archer Aviation’s eVTOL prototype Midnight completed 402 test flights so far this year, surpassing its goal of 400 flights in 2024, the company announced Tuesday.

Over the past eight months, Archer has intensified its flight test operations in preparation for “for-credit” certification testing with the FAA. “When we first set our goal for 400 flights this year it was viewed as aggressive, but here we are in August already knocking it out,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer. “I’m proud of the Archer flight test team and the supporting groups that made it happen.”

According to the company, its test flights have focused on five key areas including transition flights, high-rate operations, landings, noise, and flight control laws. Each flight yields essential data that the team uses to assess and enhance aircraft loads, vibrations, performance and handling characteristics.

In addition to its testing success, Archer is moving forward with plans for eVTOL air taxi networks in major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York, where it will operate the Midnight aircraft in collaboration with Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.


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NASA, MagniX Unveil Electric Power Flight Demonstrator

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Air Tindi’s old Dash 7 is ready for its electric engine retrofit

NASA and MagniX unveiled the de Havilland Canada (DHC) Dash 7 aircraft that they’re preparing to retrofit with a hybrid-electric propulsion system as part of the agency’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) program.

“The Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project, in partnership with NASA, is a significant program to make electric flight a reality,” MagniX CEO Reed Macdonald said during the aircraft’s unveiling, which took place August 22 at King County International Airport (also known as Boeing Field) in Seattle.

NASA awarded Everett, Washington-based MagniX a $74.3 million contract in 2021 for the development of an electric propulsion system for the EPFD program. Seattle-based AeroTec, a longtime MagniX partner, is also supporting the project and will help to integrate the electric motors with the airframe at its flight test facility in Moses Lake, Washington, where the flight testing campaign will be based.

Canadian regional airline Air Tindi provided the 45-year-old turboprop, which the EPFD program partners have converted to an experimental testbed and emblazoned with fresh red-and-white livery featuring NASA, MagniX, and AeroTec logos and a traditional Air Tindi tail.

With the aircraft gutted and refurbished to flightworthy condition, the team is now preparing for the next phase of the program, in which they will swap out one of the four turbine engines with a MagniX Magni650 electric propulsion unit (EPU). Flight tests with the single engine replacement are scheduled to begin in 2026.

For the second phase of the flight testing campaign, the team will swap out another engine on the opposite side of the aircraft for a second Magni650 EPU. They expect this configuration to deliver a 40% reduction in fuel burn and emissions compared with the original four-turbine configuration.

“We’re going to lead the transition to the future of sustainable aviation with technology that at this point has matured, is being demonstrated, and [is] working,” Macdonald said. “The end result that we’re looking forward to is entry into service and commercial flight.”

Macdonald said MagniX anticipates the first commercial flight of an electric aircraft will happen on the eBeaver, a DHC-2 Beaver that MagniX retrofitted with an electric propulsion unit in partnership with Canadian seaplane operator Harbour Air. MagniX and Harbour Air achieved the world’s first flight of an all-electric commercial airplane in December 2019. The seaplane operator intends to electrify its entire fleet with MagniX’s powertrains. In April, Harbour Air signed a letter of intent covering the purchase of 50 Magni650 propulsion units.

Through the public-private partnership, NASA aims to accelerate the adoption of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft in commercial aviation, particularly when it comes to facilitating the FAA certification process. NASA’s learnings from the EPFD program will be made publicly available to benefit the broader aviation industry—with the exception of MagniX’s intellectual property around the Magni650 EPU, Ben Loxton, vice president of the EPFD program at MagniX.

“We at NASA are excited about EPFD’s potential to make aviation sustainable and more accessible to more U.S. communities,” said Bob Pearce, associate administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. “Hybrid electric propulsion on a megawatt-scale accelerates U.S. progress toward its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, benefitting all who rely on air transportation every day.”

MagniX wrapped up the preliminary design review for the Dash 7 retrofit in February, and in June, it completed baseline flight testing with the existing Pratt & Whitney PT6 engines. After replacing the engines with Magni650 EPUs, they will compare new flight data with the data collected during baseline testing to evaluate the powertrain’s performance. 

The Magni650 EPU completed the first phase of testing in April at the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) facility in Sandusky, Ohio. During the NEAT tests, the Magni650 was subjected to 800 volts, and its thermal performance was evaluated at environmental conditions up to 27,500 feet. MagniX is incorporating its own Samson batteries into the EPFD powertrain.

MagniX’s 650-kilowatt Magni650 EPU also powered the historic first flight of Eviation’s Alice nine-seat, all-electric commuter airplane in September 2022. The company’s 350-kilowatt Magni350 EPU also powered the first fully electric flight of a modified Robinson R44 helicopter, and its 500-kilowatt Magni500 motors have flown on two aircraft: a converted Cessna 208B Grand Caravan and the Beaver. In 2022, MagniX announced plans to develop hydrogen fuel cells to complement its portfolio of sustainable aviation power solutions.


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Textron Aviation Delivers 400th Cessna Citation Latitude

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Simmons Foods accepted the milestone delivery

Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation Latitude has hit a key milestone with the handing over of the 400th to Simmons Foods, a long-time Citation customer. The landmark delivery comes less than a decade after the midsize jet was certified in 2015.

Simmons Foods—a Siloam Springs, Arkansas-based, family-owned and -operated company since 1949—is adding the Latitude to its existing fleet of three Citations. The company uses the jets to manage operations across multiple locations, Textron Aviation said.

“Over the years, we’ve found that Citation jets mean business in every way. Our fleet of Citations has significantly enhanced our company’s operational capabilities, allowing us to serve our customers, employees, and farmers more effectively,” said Simmons Foods CEO Todd Simmons. “The Latitude’s performance and reliability are a natural fit for our business.”

The flat-floor, nine-passenger business jet has a 2,700-nm range, capable of flying nonstop between destinations such as New York and Los Angeles or Vancouver and Guatemala City.

“This milestone not only reinforces the Latitude’s status as the leader in the midsize jet segment but also underscores our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, setting new standards for comfort, efficiency, and performance in the aviation industry,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior v-p of global sales and flight operations at Textron Aviation.


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Gulfstream Aerospace Begins G400 Flight-test Program

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Large-cabin jet was announced in 2021

Gulfstream has officially begun the flight test program for its G400, successfully completing its first flight tearlier today. The large-cabin twinjet departed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (KSAV) at 9:04 a.m. and returned just under three hours later having reached a top speed of Mach 0.85 and an altitude of 41,000 feet. The flight was conducted using the manufacturer’s supply of blended sustainable aviation fuel.

The G400 was announced in 2021, along with the ultra-long-range G800, in a move that expanded the airframer’s product lineup to six models. Powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812GA engines, the G400 will be able to fly 4,200 nm at Mach 0.85. It features the advanced high-speed wing and winglet design as used by its G500 and G600 siblings, along with the Symmetry flight deck and predictive landing performance system.

Prospective customers can view full-scale cabin mockups of the airplane—which can seat up to 12 passengers—by visiting the OEM’s showroom at its Savannah headquarters or the company’s sales and design center in Los Angeles.

“The completion of the first flight marks a significant milestone for the G400,” said Gulfstream Aerospace president Mark Burns. “It demonstrates, yet again, the maturity of Gulfstream’s new aircraft programs and the advantages created by the intentionally designed commonalities shared across our next-generation fleet.”


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Gulfstream G700 Earns UK CAA Approval

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New Gulfstream flagship received FAA nod in March

ollowing its long-anticipated FAA approval in March and EASA certification in May, Gulfstream’s flagship G700 has received endorsement from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The Savannah-based airframer expects to deliver its first UK-registered G700 in the coming months.

Since the UK departed from the EU (Brexit) in 2020, this was the first time Gulfstream had to seek approval for one of its aircraft from the CAA. According to the manufacturer, the CAA took advantage of other authorities’ efforts to develop processes and requirements, easing the approval process.

“The UK CAA aircraft certification team was confident in the work conducted by the FAA and fully leveraged it,” a Gulfstream spokesperson , noting that the UK authority was well up to speed. “In fact, the UK team was able to support some of the FAA flight test activity in parallel and in full coordination with the FAA.”

“Earning the UK Civil Aviation Authority type certificate for the G700 is a significant accomplishment for Gulfstream as we continue to deliver this outstanding aircraft around the world. We are excited about our UK customers experiencing the maturity, amazing performance capabilities, and incredible cabin comfort the G700 provides,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns.

With this latest approval, the ultra-long-range G700 now holds 11 certifications, including the FAA and EASA, and the OEM has more in progress.


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Archer’s eVTOL Aircraft Factory Takes Shape in Georgia

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The start-up aims to produce 650 of the four-passenger Midnight vehicle each year

Archer Aviation has erected the walls of a 400,000-sq-ft factory in Covington, Georgia, where the Silicon Valley-based aircraft developer plans to mass-produce its four-passenger Midnight eVTOL air taxi. According to Archer, construction is on track for completion by the end of this year. 

In a statement issued July 31, Archer said it completed the first build phase, involving grading and foundation work, earlier this year. Phase two, the construction of the facility’s exterior walls and roof, is “nearing completion,” the company said. It is working towards completing FAA type certification in time for commercial operations to begin in 2025.

Located at Covington Municipal Airport some 40 miles east of Atlanta, the high-volume manufacturing facility will initially target a production rate of 650 Midnight aircraft per year. Eventually the company hopes to more than double the factory’s floorspace and ramp up production rates to around 2,300 aircraft per year. 

To help it achieve these ambitious and unprecedented production rates, Archer has partnered with European automotive group Stellantis, which formed in 2021 from the merger between carmakers Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot. Stellantis is also a major investor in Archer and has agreed to provide the company with up to $150 million in equity financing.

Thanks to the hard work of the Archer and Stellantis teams, we’re tracking towards completing this manufacturing facility by the end of the year,” said Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein. “Once complete, we’ll focus on ramping production up to 650 aircraft a year—our goal is to be the first in the eVTOL industry to achieve scaled manufacturing.” 

Last week Archer showed off an example of the Midnight aircraft to a group of government officials in a special event held at Atlantic Aviation’s new FBO at DeKalb–Peachtree Municipal Airport near Atlanta.


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New enhancements unveiled for Caravans

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WICHITA, Kansas — Textron Aviation has unveiled enhancements to the Cessna Caravan and Cessna Grand Caravan EX utility turboprop aircraft.

“A brighter, modernized flight deck with new backlit panels, along with other amenities designed to elevate the pilot experience, are the direct result of continuous conversations with customers,” company officials said.

One of the most notable changes are the new black cockpit panels, company officials said.

The Caravan will also have Electroluminescent Lighting panels to match current Grand Caravan EX models, providing additional backlight for greater visibility in dimly lit environments, officials added.

Other enhancements include:

  • A wider cockpit boarding ladder for easier access to the captain’s side of the aircraft
  • Four circular, adjustable air nozzles to replace the previous two rectangular cockpit air vents
  • Two USB-C charging ports to replace the 12V power adapter on the lower center pedestal of the cockpit
  • Two USB-C charging ports on the right-hand subpanel for the copilot
  • Standard power headset jacks (LEMO plugs) alongside the existing General Aviation plugs, offering greater flexibility in powering active noise cancelling headsets
  • Headset hooks underneath the cockpit glareshield

The enhancements, which are expected to be available in 2025, will be standard on all new Caravan and Grand Caravan EX aircraft.

More than 3,000 Caravans have been delivered around the world, according to Textron Aviation officials.