General Aviation Thread

[John Fedup]

Well an electric aircraft managed a 9 minute flight at 3500 feet. Clearly a work in progress but it is a start. Too bad LM never delivered on their compact fusion reactor. Really can’t see battery technology being the solution, maybe hydrogen fuel cells, but hydrogen gas its issues as well.

Electric Commuter Aircraft 'Alice' Has Flown For The First Time

After months of delays, Alice's first flight could be a major step toward future electric-powered air travel.

www.thedrive.com

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Well an electric aircraft managed a 9 minute flight at 3500 feet. Clearly a work in progress but it is a start. Too bad LM never delivered on their compact fusion reactor. Really can’t see battery technology being the solution, maybe hydrogen fuel cells, but hydrogen gas its issues as well.

Electric Commuter Aircraft 'Alice' Has Flown For The First Time

After months of delays, Alice's first flight could be a major step toward future electric-powered air travel.

www.thedrive.com

Yes, batteries are incredible heavy. Another disadvantage compared to traditional fuels is that the batteries stay heavy during the whole flight.

 

[Ananda]

All business-first class long haul (cross Pacific or Atlantic) supersonic flight, according to some calculation can be workable. Singapore Airlines already ditch economy class and put economy premium as lowest class on their ultra long haul flight between Singapore-New York. Thus some segment of market do willing to pay more premium for direct long haul flights.

Depends on economics of the supersonic flights this new breed can churn, it is actually can be workable business model. Seems Japan Airlines already see the calculation, and decided to give it a try. At least this pre-order (bit slightly advance then LOI), is shown serious calculation has been done.

Previous media publication from Overture developer talk on their tech reducing sonic boom. Thus reducing noise pollution assides carbon pollution. Anyway most of the flights for cross ocean will be across unpopulated waters. Thus in theory, they can get away during most flight times on supersonic boom problem.

 

[FormerDirtDart]

All business-first class long haul (cross Pacific or Atlantic) supersonic flight, according to some calculation can be workable. Singapore Airlines already ditch economy class and put economy premium as lowest class on their ultra long haul flight between Singapore-New York. Thus some segment of market do willing to pay more premium for direct long haul flights.

Depends on economics of the supersonic flights this new breed can churn, it is actually can be workable business model. Seems Japan Airlines already see the calculation, and decided to give it a try. At least this pre-order (bit slightly advance then LOI), is shown serious calculation has been done.

Previous media publication from Overture developer talk on their tech reducing sonic boom. Thus reducing noise pollution assides carbon pollution. Anyway most of the flights for cross ocean will be across unpopulated waters. Thus in theory, they can get away during most flight times on supersonic boom problem.

I'm going to withhold even the slightest bit of enthusiasm until they have completed flight tests (which haven't even begun) with their XB-1 subscale flight demonstrator (now two years behind schedule?) and have progressed significantly through production of the first full size prototype. I do not believe they have even identified any engines that will meet the requirements of the aircraft.

 

[2007yellow430]

This isn’t going to happen, or if it starts, it will die quickly. The cost of each of those flights will be way too much. Maybe it might work for private but never commercial. The Concorde never made a profit, as i recall. Same thing here.

Art

 

[swerve]

IIRC Concorder made an operating profit, but never paid for the aircraft, let alone the development cost.

 

[2007yellow430]

IIRC Concorder made an operating profit, but never paid for the aircraft, let alone the development cost.

That’s no profit. Cash may have been a little positive but they never paid for the plane nor development costs. That spell loss to me. (Undergrad degree was in accounting, now a lawyer).

Art

 

[John Fedup]

IIRC Concorder made an operating profit, but never paid for the aircraft, let alone the development cost.

To a certain extent, few aircraft had development costs paid for, the propulsion technology was derived from military programs. Commercial airframe design benefited from government research as well along with government subsidies…just ask Boeing and Airbus.

 

[swerve]

That’s no profit. Cash may have been a little positive but they never paid for the plane nor development costs. That spell loss to me. (Undergrad degree was in accounting, now a lawyer).

Art

I thought that was what I said.

The airlines made a profit. They didn't pay for the aircraft. They were given by the governments, which paid for the development & manufacture. So the poor taxpayers subsidised the rich gits who flew across the Atlantic at Mach 2.

Nice engineering, but a commercial disaster.

 

[Ananda]

I do not believe they have even identified any engines that will meet the requirements of the aircraft.

Perhaps they are not showing to public yet, however to get Airline like JAL willing to get involved as potential customer, I suspect they already shown draft economics calculation. This usually the case, as any big airline will not going to hook up on new airliner unless they already see preliminary economics calculation.

This means usually the developer already talk with potential airline the economic of operating and maintain the plane, including the engine consumption. No airline going to bear any development costs. Airline only calculating operating economics, to see which business model that can match.

So any aircraft developer will find other sources for RnD costs, either through direct private placement, market investors or quasied government support/subsidized. Either way there's no airline wiling to beared RnD costs. Airline business is already work on slim margins for decades. RnD has to be supported by either government or private investors.

This is still preliminary, but part of any aircraft development. Getting early commitment from airlines as customers work both ways. From Airlines getting as early customers usually getting better prices, from developer/OEM means can shown to potential investors or even government their aircraft already make sense for certain business models.

Off course it is not guarantee the project will in the end fly commercially, but it is part of business development stages. Means this project already getting enough traction for next stage. For any new aircraft project (whether from big existing OEM or upstart ones), it means extension on life cycle.

 

[John Fedup]

A private company has demonstrated a new engine that can transition from turbojet mode to Ramjet mode during a three month test period. Transition occurs in seconds. Amazingly the development was accomplished in two years albeit an existing turbojet engine was part of the system. The RAMjet components (15%) were 3d printed.

Engine Tests Move Hypersonic Aircraft Closer to First Flight

Hermeus’ engine successfully shifted from turbojet to ramjet power during trials at Notre Dame Lab.

www.defenseone.com

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

A LATAM Airlines jet collided with a firetruck on the runway as it was taking off from the airport in Peru's capital Lima on Friday, resulting in the death of two firefighters, the carrier said.


LATAM Airlines Perú (formerly LAN Perú S.A.) is an airline based in Lima, Peru. It is a subsidiary of LATAM Airlines Group, which owns 49% of the airline. It operates scheduled domestic and international services in and from Peru.



Here some videos of the accident.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1593742602561781760

LATAM Airlines plane crashes on Peruvian runway, two firefighters dead

A LATAM Airlines jet collided with a firetruck on the runway as it was taking off from the airport in Peru's capital Lima on Friday, resulting in the death of two firefighters, the carrier said.

www.reuters.com

And Thai Airways starts to consider to return the A380 into service.

Thai Airways considering return of the A380

Thai Airways considering return of the A380 The increase in passenger demand is prompting Thai Airways to investigate the possibility to re-introduce the Airbus A380 in the fleet. ...

www.scramble.nl

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

On 23 November, Kuehne+Nagel took delivery of its first of two B747-8Fs. The aircraft will not be operated by the logistic giant themselves but are owned and operated by Atlas Air under a long-term agreement. Sadly this aircraft, registered N862GT (67149), seems to be the semi-final Boeing B747 to be ever built.

Kuehne+Nagel welcomes 1st B747-8F

Kuehne+Nagel welcomes 1st B747-8F On 23 November, Kuehne+Nagel took delivery of its first of two B747-8Fs. The aircraft will not be operated by the logistic giant themselves but ar...

www.scramble.nl

Russian aircraft manufacturer United Aircraft Corporation has released a video showing the repainting of MC-21-300 73054 (MC.0004) from the manufacturer's livery into this cool looking livery of Rossiya. Rossiya is one of launch-customers for the MS-21. UAC and Rossiya will use the third prototype to train flight- and ground crews in preparation for the entry into service of the MC-21 with the airline.

UAC paints 1st MC-21 in airline-livery

UAC paints 1st MC-21 in airline-livery Russian aircraft manufacturer United Aircraft Corporation has released a video showing the repainting of MC-21-300 73054 (MC.0004) from the m...

www.scramble.nl

COMAC is closing in on delivering its first C919 to launch customer China Eastern Airlines. The C919 flew for the first time on 5 May 2017 and was certified by the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority on 29 September 2022. The manufacturer is still in the process of obtaining certification from major other civil aviation authorities like the FAA and EASA. Without this, the C919 will be limited to only operate within china and china's vassal states.

1st C919 close to delivery

1st C919 close to delivery COMAC is closing in on delivering its first C919 to launch customer China Eastern Airlines. The first production aircraft, currently registered B-001J (1...

www.scramble.nl

 

[Ananda]

Put it here, as this is history in making. End of era as the last 747 coming out from production line. Before Boeing close the production lime of 747 for good. Last 747 is one year after last A380 rolling out Airbus line. Thus officialy now no large double decker Airliner being build.

 

[John Fedup]

Can't help but think the 747-8F freighter with its front cargo hatch would be a useful backup for some strategic airlift flights, especially with no C-17 replacement in sight. A sad day for aviation, the 747 was the gold standard for "wide body".

 

[Terran]

Can't help but think the 747-8F freighter with its front cargo hatch would be a useful backup for some strategic airlift flights, especially with no C-17 replacement in sight. A sad day for aviation, the 747 was the gold standard for "wide body".

The USAF looked at an idea like it but the loading and unloading process requires an airfield and infrastructure which limits its military applications for roll on roll off. It’s fine for shipping logistics but military very large payloads often require roll on roll off. When they don’t aircraft like the A330MRTT can do the job.

 

[John Fedup]

The USAF looked at an idea like it but the loading and unloading process requires an airfield and infrastructure which limits its military applications for roll on roll off. It’s fine for shipping logistics but military very large payloads often require roll on roll off. When they don’t aircraft like the A330MRTT can do the job.

Agree, the 747F has limitations for many military applications but it can be useful for personnel and as you suggest, logistics support. In any event, there will be 747s available from CRAF should the need arise.

 

[Terran]

Agree, the 747F has limitations for many military applications but it can be useful for personnel and as you suggest, logistics support. In any event, there will be 747s available from CRAF should the need arise.

The 747’s personal transportation capabilities are more or less matched by 777 and 787s. This is part of why 747 8i hasn’t gotten a lot of airline orders it’s also why the A380 bet by Airbus was a poor move. Outside of the large hub model of aviation the direct flight model with smaller aircraft just is more efficient.
The smaller twin jets have the range and capacity plus they are cheaper to operate. The 747 8F is a great machine, yet most of the cargo could be handled by freighter 777, 767, A330F and A350F. Tankers like the A330MRTT and KC46 both have passanger compartment rapid conversions.
This said the 747 8F is likely to remain flying in high demand for sometime with plenty of spare parts and upkeep. The Last potential dedicated military missions would be as Presidential aircraft like the VC25B. Reporting from The Warzone also seems to indicate the USAF wants a E4C to replace the E4B Looking glass doomsday birds. Though now it seems like they will have to source used 747 8s or compromise and buy a twin jet.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

A great day for Chin....i mean Indonesian aviation.
The first Comac ARJ-21 is delivered to Transnusa, an Indonesian low-cost airline now owned and controlled by chinese companies.
In the past Transnusa operated the ATR42, ATR72 and Fokker 50, but now they got this hightech 100% chinese designed airliner which is absolutely not a MD-80 copy with Ukrainian wings.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1604478373866004481

Transnusa has 'the honour' to become the first foreign airline operating the ARJ-21. The ARJ-21 is certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and probably now also by the Indonesian DSKU, but it is not certified by CASA, EASA or FAA. It is to be expected that like the Xian MA-60, the ARJ-21 will only be exported to Third World countries and china's allies.

 

[Ananda]

Add on @Sandhi Yudha posts.

Indonesia LCC Transnusa Airlines, now also part owned by CALC (China Aircraft Leasing Company), officially begin operating ARJ-21 700 which is China COMAC Regional Jet. Become first export customers of the type.

Profil Transnusa, Maskapai RI Pemborong 30 Pesawat Made in China

Perusahaan maskapai Transnusa memborong 30 pesawat udara buatan perusahaan China, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd (COMAC). Berikut profilnya.

www.cnnindonesia.com

This arlines begin operational mostly in Eastern Indonesia with ATR turboprop. Now with new money from new shareholders, it is going to be domestic and regional ASEAN LCC. They will operate combo A320 and ARJ-21. I suspect A320 will be use in Western Indonesia and ASEAN routes, While ARJ-21 will be use on leaner routes in Central and Eastern Indonesia.

From what I gather they already order 10+10 A320 and 30+30 ARJ-21. Eventough using MD-80/Boeing 717 desain, ARJ-21 claim to be provide more economics costs per seat due to better engine and construction materials.

It is to be expected that like the Xian MA-60, the ARJ-21 will only be exported to Third World countries and china's allies.

I'm not going to discount them now yet. They are doing more sophisticate on marketing their Airliners from MA-60 timeline before. MA-60 basically AN-26 derivatives. ARJ-21 can be said further development from Boeing 717/MD80/90 with better materials. It will be hard to gain market entry in Euro zone, ANZAC, North America, Jepang and ROK. However if they can gain enough maret in Third World nation, they can get enough economics scale and more importantly spreading their support infrastructure Internationally. That's where the Duopoly actual stength.

I see this is part of their strategic preparation work for C919 and CR929 later on.