Category: blog

Airbus and Koniku Inc

Airbus and Koniku Inc. embark on disruptive biotechnology solutions for aviation security operations

Airbus and Koniku Inc. have made a significant step forward in the co-development of a solution for aircraft and airport security operations by extending research activities to include biological hazard detection capabilities, as well as chemical and explosive threats.

The disruptive biotechnology solution, which was originally focused on the contactless and automated detection, tracking and location of chemicals and explosives on-board aircraft and in airports, is now being adapted in light of the COVID-19 crisis to include the identification of biological hazards.

Based on the power of odour detection and quantification found in nature, the technical solution, developed to meet the rigorous operational regulatory requirements of aircraft and airport security operations, uses genetically engineered odorant receptors that produce an alarm signal when they come into contact with the molecular compounds of the hazard or threat that they have been programmed to detect.

Airbus and Koniku Inc. entered into a cooperation agreement in 2017, leveraging Airbus’ expertise in sensor integration and knowledge of ground and on-board security operations within the aviation and defence industries, as well as Koniku’s biotechnology know-how for automated and scalable volatile organic compound detection (via their Konikore™ platform).

With in-situ testing planned for Q4 2020, Airbus is demonstrating its ability to accelerate traditional research cycles in a real-time environment in order to develop and bring to market a game-changing, end-to-end, security solution at convincing scale and speed, thereby contributing to the continuous improvement of security in the air transport ecosystem, while increasing operational efficiency and improving passenger experience.

Embraer’s new, enhanced Phenom 300E receives ANAC, EASA and FAA approval, achieving triple-certification

Embraer’s new, enhanced Phenom 300E receives ANAC, EASA and FAA approval, achieving triple-certification

Embraer Executive Jets announced that the new Phenom 300E — the fastest and longest-ranged single-pilot jet, capable of reaching Mach 0.80 — was granted its Type Certificate by ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil), EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). The new Phenom 300E is the most enhanced version of the Phenom 300 series, which was the most delivered business jet series in the 2010s. With its modern, clean-sheet design, best-in-class performance, exceptional comfort and excellent utility, the new Phenom 300E sets the standard for the light jet category.

The new Phenom 300E achieved its certification goals with an intracontinental range of 2,010 nautical miles (or 3,723 km, considering NBAA IFR reserves with 5 passengers), a high-speed cruise of 464 ktas, a maximum payload of 2,636 lb (1,196 kg), a take-off distance of only 3,209 ft (978 m) and an unfactored landing distance of 2,212 ft (674 m). In addition, the new Phenom 300E received both avionics upgrades and enhancements that lowered cabin noise levels.

“The triple-certification by ANAC, EASA and the FAA reaffirms the position of the Phenom 300 series as the best light jet ever made, offering the ultimate experience in business aviation,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “Phenom 300E owners can be assured of the jet’s performance, with our ongoing commitment to unparalleled technology, safety and comfort.”

The enhanced Phenom 300E will be available for delivery starting in the second quarter. The aircraft offers more speed and is now capable of reaching Mach 0.80. It also received an avionics upgrade to include a runway overrun awareness and alerting system (ROAAS), predictive windshear, Emergency Descent Mode, PERF, TOLD, and FAA Datacom, among others. Embraer is the first and only OEM in business aviation to develop and certify a runway overrun awareness and alerting system (ROAAS).

In the cockpit, pilot and co-pilot seat tracking has been increased almost 40%, providing additional legroom. The cockpit enables single-pilot operation and offers the advanced Prodigy Touch Flight Deck, based on the acclaimed Garmin 3000 avionics suite. The avionics enhance situational awareness with clear information about speed, altitude, fuel, engine performance and other flight parameters. Additionally, the Phenom 300E offers 4G connectivity via Gogo AVANCE L5.

Commercial1

Boeing and UK Civil Aviation Authority to Partner on Innovation Hub

Boeing and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as part of the CAA’s Innovation Sandbox project. The Innovation Sandbox is intended to help foster collaboration between industry and regulators, with the goal of shaping future regulation of the aviation and travel industries in the UK.

The Innovation Sandbox enables participants to work with the CAA to test and trial innovative aviation solutions in a safe and controlled environment, with a focus on solutions outside the existing scope of regulations. It is part of CAA’s newly formed Innovation Hub and acts in an advisory capacity, separate from the regulatory approval function of the CAA.

Steve Nordlund, vice president and general manager of Boeing NeXt, said: “We share the goal of promoting innovation and emerging technologies. At Boeing NeXt, we are working to lay the foundation for a future mobility ecosystem in which autonomous and piloted vehicles can safely coexist. Test-and-learn projects like those we’ll undertake with CAA are invaluable in that regard.”

Frédéric Laugère, Innovation Services Lead at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Unlocking the potential for safe, everyday beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations by unmanned aircraft is a key element of our innovation work. Boeing’s planned input in our regulatory sandbox will look to help address some of the key outstanding issues and will help significantly in driving this work forward. Boeing’s significant experience in all areas of aviation means it is well placed to not only drive forward unmanned flight but also consider how BVLOS operations will impact all areas of aviation.”

Sir Martin Donnelly, president of Boeing Europe and managing director of Boeing UK and Ireland, said: “This partnership reflects our continued commitment to the future of UK and global aerospace. It comes shortly after our investments in UK start-up companies through our ATI Boeing accelerator and is a sign of Boeing’s recognition of the UK’s great strength in innovation.”

Boeing’s work under the MOU will fall primarily into four categories:

  • Development and review of a safety case to enable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) above 400 feet
  • Exploration of minimum requirements for detect and avoid (DAA) solutions as part of a layered safety case
  • Assessment and evaluation of current DAA solutions against these requirements
  • Development of a proposed set of operational procedures to support BVLOS operations

The company will also perform a series of test flights to evaluate the projects listed above. The MOU is currently slated to last through 2020.

Heli-news2

Japan Coast Guard orders two more H225 helicopters

Japan’s largest Super Puma operator, Japan Coast Guard (JCG), has placed a new order of two H225 helicopters. This follow-on order brings JCG’s Super Puma fleet to 15, comprising two AS332s and 13 H225s. The new helicopters will be utilised for territorial coastal activities, security enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in Japan.

“We thank the Japan Coast Guard for its continued confidence in the H225,” said Guillaume Leprince, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “The H225 is well regarded as a reference in search-and-rescue operations and security enforcement, and we are certainly happy to see these helicopters effectively deployed in Japan through the years. We have delivered three new H225 to JCG in the recent months, within schedule, and are committed to fully supporting its existing fleet, as well as its upcoming deliveries, ensuring high availability for its operations.”

The JCG’s H225s are covered by Airbus’ HCare Smart full-by-the-hour material support. This customised fleet availability programme allows JCG to focus on its flight operations whilst Airbus manages its assets.

Anthony-Pecchi

Heli-news1

Airbus Helicopters mobilizes to keep customers flying in service of the COVID-19 crisis
As COVID-19 continues its spread around the globe, stressing healthcare systems and disrupting daily life and business operations, many of Airbus’ helicopter customers have found themselves on the front lines of their countries’ efforts to combat the virus, helping hospitals and governments provide air medical transport and other critical services.

Encompassing emergency medical services (EMS), para-public and military fleets, these customers need Airbus Helicopters now more than ever to keep business running so that they can continue to perform their life-saving missions. Airbus Helicopters has been doing everything it can to ensure that the availability rate of the different French SAMU aircraft, the helicopter emergency medical services who have been working tirelessly in the recent weeks, stays at almost 100 percent.

Adapting helicopter cabins to protect crews
Airbus Helicopters has mobilized its teams to inform operators of the new and existing solutions for separating the cockpit from the cabin.

“Many EMS operators and militaries are transporting COVID-19 patients while lacking the means to isolate the cockpit from the cabin to protect the crew,” says Stefan Bestle, EMS marketing manager at Airbus Helicopters. “But a solution exists for certain aircraft in the form of cabin cockpit isolation, which provides a barrier between the infected or possibly infected patients and the flight crews, thereby increasing the level of protection.”

The company has already identified and communicated options available in local markets for the H135/H145 as well as the AS332/H225 fleet. Additional solutions for AS365/H155/H175 are under final approval and will be included in the next days. Solutions for the intermediate single engine helicopters are currently under exploration. It has also communicated technical information concerning the ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems on Airbus helicopters. (Information Notice 3492-I-25 accessible via AirbusWorld or T.I.P.I.)

In addition, Airbus Helicopters has issued guidance about how to properly clean and disinfect helicopters, workspaces and tools that have been contaminated by COVID-19, including processes to be followed and disinfection material to be used. (Information Notice 3476-I-12 accessible via AirbusWorld or T.I.P.I.)
Armée de l’air, Sebastien Bozon – AFP, Frederick Florin – AFP, SAMU 21 – CHU Dijon Bourgogne