Tag Archives: Avgeek
ROLLS-ROYCE ULTRAFAN POWER GEARBOX TOPS WORLD AEROSPACE RECORD
Rolls-Royce announced today that its UltraFan® power gearbox has set a new world aerospace
record at its facility in Germany.
The gearbox has reached 87,000 horsepower or 64 megawatts – enough to power a city the size of
Bath, United Kingdom – on test at Dahlewitz, near Berlin. The power milestone was achieved as build
continues on the power gearbox that will be delivered for the actual UltraFan demonstrator engine,
UF001, later this year.
UltraFan, which is scalable for narrowbody or widebody aircraft, is a key element of Rolls-Royce’s
commitment to making travel more sustainable. Gas turbines will continue to be the bedrock of long-
haul aviation for many years, and UltraFan’s efficiency will help improve the economics of an industry
transition to more sustainable fuels, which are likely to be more expensive in the short-term than
traditional jet fuel. The first test run of the engine will be conducted on 100% Sustainable Aviation
Fuel.
Dr Holger Klinger, Sub-System Executive Power Gearbox, Rolls-Royce, said: “Reaching this record is
another great achievement that showcases the performance and durability of this key component for
our UltraFan programme. The power gearbox technology is central to the success of the next
generation of Rolls-Royce jet engines and I’m proud to see us pushing the engineering boundaries
again.”
The PGB is playing a central role for the UltraFan engine, helping to deliver excellent efficiency
levels over a wide range of thrusts. It has a planetary design, with each ‘planet’ capable of holding
the force of a Trent XWB engine at full throttle. It is designed to allow the turbine at the rear of the
engine to run at a very high speed while the fan at the front runs at a lower speed. This makes the
engine very efficient, making the UltraFan engine 25% more fuel efficient than the first generation
of Rolls-Royce Trent engines.
Development testing of the first prototype gearbox, focused on validation, endurance and reliability,
began in 2017 at the dedicated PGB test facility in Dahlewitz. During a rigorous test regime, the
power gearbox has since accumulated more than 650 testing hours and proven its capability of
managing the equivalent power of an entire grid of Formula 1 cars.
As well as high power testing, the PGB has been undergoing test on the facility’s Attitude Rig, which
simulates the effect of the gearbox being on the wing of an aircraft in flight, through phases such as
take-off, climb, banking and descent.
About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
- Rolls-Royce pioneers the power that matters to connect, power and protect society. We have
pledged to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in our operations by 2030. We joined
the UN Race to Zero campaign in 2020, and have committed to ensuring our new products
will be compatible with net zero operation by 2030, and all products will be compatible with
net zero by 2050. - Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and
leasing customers, 160 armed forces and navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear
customers. - Annual underlying revenue was £11.76 billion in 2020 and we invested £1.25 billion on
research and development. We also support a global network of 28 University Technology
Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research. - Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE:RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI:
213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).
AW109 Trekker-Rugged and Reliable
The AW109 Trekker is the new multi-role helicopter developed to provide the perfect solution for the most challenging missions in a variety of roles. Productiveness is guaranteed by outstanding performance, payload and a wide cabin space that enables quick role changes. The helicopter is ideally suited to a wide range of missions that require best-in-class lifting capability, alongside superior range and performance.
executive and private transport
MISSION READY
The AW109 Trekker combines excellent performance, the latest technology and high safety standards to provide customers an ideal combination of comfort and capabilities. The finest materials and the highest levels of craftsmanship give the helicopter a unique style and ensure passengers a pleasant journey.
OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY
The AW109 Trekker has a crash-resistant design for optimised safety and is equipped with modular state-of-the-art Genesys Aerosystems glass cockpit to allow a tailored fit to different customers’ needs: single or dual pilot, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The ergonomic cockpit design significantly reduces pilot workload.
EXCEPTIONAL CABIN FLEXIBILITY
The bright cabin boasts effective soundproofing and provides passengers with a quiet, safe and comfortable flight. Wide sliding doors on both sides guarantee easy access, whilst the extended baggage compartment has a high capacity for personal luggage.
medical and rescue services
MISSION READY
The AW109 Trekker is ideally suited to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions and para-public applications. Excellent Category A Class 1 performance capabilities ensure the AW109 Trekker can safely take-off and land from even very small areas. Best-in-class payload and performance facilitate fast and safe response to incidents whilst a spacious cabin provides an effective environment for efficient patient care.
(Photo: courtesy of Irene McCullagh)
OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY
The helicopter is equipped with a modular state-of-the-art Genesys Aerosystems glass cockpit to minimise pilot workload and ensure excellent situational awareness. High power margins and full crashworthiness provide maximum safety in all flight conditions.
EXCEPTIONAL CABIN FLEXIBILITY
The AW109 Trekker features a spacious and quickly reconfigurable cabin to accommodate 1 stretcher and 3/4 medical attendants or 2 stretchers and 2 medical attendants, with entire access to the patient. Large sliding doors ensure easy entry/egress, while the wide interior also accommodates a full suite of advanced life-support equipment.
utility
MISSION READY
The AW109 Trekker is the ideal solution for utility and aerial applications. Outstanding controllability, manoeuvrability and power margin ensure high level of safety in aerial work whilst the best-in-class sling load capacity even in ‘hot and high’ conditions maximises mission effectiveness.
OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY
The helicopter is equipped with modular state-of-the-art Genesys Aerosystems glass cockpit to minimise pilot workload and ensure excellent situational awareness. High power margin and full crashworthiness provide maximum safety in all flight conditions.
EXCEPTIONAL CABIN FLEXIBILITY
The spacious and flexible cabin layout is rapidly reconfigurable to meet all mission requirements and can accommodate up to 7 passengers. The large cabin allows rapid reconfiguration and can be fitted with specific role equipment such as rescue hoist and cargo hook to better fulfil the mission.
WEIGHTS (MGW)
Internal loads
3,175 kg 7,000 lb
WEIGHTS (MGW)
External loads
3,350 kg 7,385 lb
POWERPLANT
2 x Pratt & Whitney
Canada PW207C
OVERALL LENGTH*
12.96 m 42 ft 06 in
*Rotor turning
OVERALL HEIGHT
3.60 m 11 ft 09 in
ROTOR DIAMETER
10.83 m 35 ft 06 in
CAPACITY
Crew 1-2
Passenger 7-6
MAX CRUISE SPEED
(SL, ISA, MGW, MCP)
281 km/h 152 kt
HIGE (ISA, MGW)
4,609 m 15,120 ft
HOGE (ISA, MGW)
2,926 m 9,600 ft
MAX RANGE
(5,000 FT, ISA, MGW)*
833 km 450 nm
*with 634 kg usable fuel, no reserve
MAX ENDURANCE
(5,000 FT, ISA, MGW)*
4 h 20 min
*with 634 kg usable fuel, no reserve
The Kittyhawk Van’s RV fly-in 2021
After lasts years event was cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic, this past weekend saw the return of the almost now annual Kitty Hawk RV Fly-in with a number of Vans RVs flying in as well as other aircraft fixed wing and rotary.
Kitty Hawk Aerodrome was established as an Aero-Estate in 1995. This project has developed to its exciting status as an Aerodrome. The Kitty Hawk Aerodrome is completely divorced from all other developments and consists of hangar facilities, a small residential flat, clubhouse and a fuel bay.
The Van’s Aircraft, Inc. is an American kit aircraft manufacturer, founded by Richard “Van” VanGrunsven in 1973. Van’s RV series of aircraft, from the single-seat RV-3 to the latest RV-14, are all-aluminum, low-wing monoplanes of monocoque construction.
September 11th as you know was the 20th anniversary of terror attacks in the United States of America. Kitty Hawk held their event with all Covid 19 Regulations in place. Delicious breakfasts and lunches were served at the Kitty Hawk Aerodrome Club house, as well as a total of 79 RVs flying in for the day not counting other aircraft!
We look forward to next years event and hope that where the country stands with Covid 19 numbers the event will allow more victors and aircraft to fly-inn. To end of the day was a spectacular mass formation of RVs. Now this formation is getting bigger by the events that come by. What a treat!
Thanks to Pieter Cronje for the Awesome pictures of the day!
AIRLINK CONFIRMS SELECTION OF ROLLS-ROYCE TOTALCARE FOR ENGINE SERVICING
Rolls-Royce and Airlink have signed a TotalCare® service agreement for the AE3007 engines that power the South African airline’s fleet of Embraer ERJ135 aircraft. The agreement, which covers 28 aircraft, is an extension of service for a further 10 years, continuing the airline’s drive to maximise aircraft availability.
Airlink CEO, Rodger Foster, said; “Airlink and Rolls-Royce have worked hand in hand since the introduction of the ERJ135 to our fleet in May 2001. We operate 28 ERJs with a pool of 64 AE3007-A1/3 engines. We are proud of the phenomenal reliability we have achieved from these engines which have underpinned Airlink’s industry leading on-time performance, which has consistently been above 97%. Our TotalCare service agreement has been key to the management of engine maintenance costs and to ensuring the economic sustainability of the ERJ135 type for the foreseeable future. We are delighted at the dependability of the Rolls-Royce team and their engines.”
In 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Airlink carried more than 2 million customers on more than 63,000 flights. Airlink currently operates a reduced route network to more than 45 destinations in 12 African countries, whilst remaining agile to the effects of Covid-19 and associated travel restrictions. Airlink was proudly the most punctual South African airline for 2020; its year-to-date performance up to August 2021 has been 98.1% on-time.
“Our partnership with Airlink goes back to 2001 and this TotalCare extension is a testament to our strong working relationship and mutual trust of one another,” said Stewart Evans, Rolls-Royce, Vice President, Customers Europe Middle East & Africa, “I’m especially proud of the way both teams have worked closely together during the pandemic to manage maintenance costs effectively for both parties whilst enhancing our service offering at the same time. The entire team at Rolls-Royce is honoured to be able to serve Airlink and their customers for many more years to come.”
TotalCare is the flagship integrated engine service cover provided by Rolls-Royce. It is designed for predictive maintenance planning, as well as off-wing repair and overhaul activities for operators of Rolls-Royce aero engines. TotalCare transfers both time-on-wing and maintenance cost risks back to Rolls-Royce, as well as offering advanced engine health monitoring and future product enhancements.
Aircraft covered by TotalCare achieve higher availability, increased long-term residual values, and benefit from the global Rolls-Royce Care Network; a large, capable and competitive engine service network that caters for the needs of engines at every point in their lifecycle.
About Airlink
Airlink is an independent privately-owned, full-service premium regional airline, serving a comprehensive network of destinations throughout Southern Africa. The airline is the largest in Southern Africa when measured by flight movements and emphasises reliability of service whilst maximising choice and travel opportunities for its customers. Airlink has more than 50 commercial jetliners operating throughout Southern Africa. Airlink is a member of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and is IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit program) accredited.
The Spanish Air Force Receives Its First PC-21
The Spanish Ministry of Defence, through the General Directorate of
Armament and Material (DGAM) will deliver to the Spanish Air Force, the
Ejército del Aire, based in San Javier (Murcia), its first PC-21, and will
immediately integrate the world’s most advanced training system by Pilatus
to be part of the 792 Squadron, the Basic Training School in the Spanish Air
Force Academy. Pilatus will deliver a total of 24 PC-21s to Spain by June
2022, raising air force pilot training to state-of-the-art level.
A highly efficient training aircraft to provide advanced training of Spain’s future
military pilots to protect future generations: After a lengthy and exceptionally
professional evaluation, Pilatus prevailed over all the international competition
to win the contract with the PC-21 in 2020. The first PC-21 was handed over in
San Javier on 14 September 2021.
Brigadier General of the Air Force León-Antonio Machés, DGAM (Ministerio de
Defensa de España) Deputy Director General of Programs commented at the
handover: “We are very pleased to be able to integrate such an advanced
training system. Not only will the PC-21 revolutionise our pilot training and
take it to a whole new level, it will also allow us to reduce the cost of our pilot
training.”
André Zimmermann, VP Government Aviation at Pilatus, added: “We’re
delighted that the first PC-21 in the national colours will take to the Spanish
skies as of now. Spain – a renowned and highly professional air force – is
already the third air force in Europe to have opted for the world’s most
advanced training system and we are confident that others will follow Spain’s
example.”
First PC-21 training course from 2022
The air force will launch its first pilot training course in September 2022. The
PC-21 will provide Spain with not only the most technically advanced training
system, but a cost-effective, ecological training platform as well. Experience
with existing PC-21 customers shows that the budget for training a student
military pilot can be reduced by more than 50 percent with the PC-21. These
single-engine turboprops require far less fuel than comparable jet trainers.
Besides the actual aircraft, the PC-21 training system includes state-of-the-art
simulators, computer-based training and virtual reality tools. Pilatus thus
offers the most advanced, most powerful integrated training system currently
available on the market.
Rolls-Royce officially opens world’s largest and smartest indoor aerospace testbed
Testbed 80 to test the most efficient aero engines of today and the even more sustainable propulsion systems of the future
Rolls-Royce has officially opened Testbed 80, the world’s largest and smartest indoor aerospace testbed, in a ceremony with the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for the Department of Business Energy & Industrial Strategy, in Derby, UK.
The completion of the project is a major milestone after almost three years of construction and a £90m investment. With an internal area of 7,500m2, making it larger than a Premiership football pitch, Testbed 80 was designed with distinctive technologies and systems which are more capable and complex than any of our other testbeds. The testbed conducted its first run on a Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine at the test facility in Derby, UK earlier this year.
Warren East, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce, said: “Testbed 80 is the largest facility of its type in the world. However, it is not only big, it is also smart and features the most advanced testing technology we have ever used. As the new global hub of our testing capability, it will support the next stage of our UltraFan programme as we begin ground testing the first demonstrator in 2022. This incredible piece of infrastructure is a very visible sign of our commitment to this site and secures the future of Derby as the home of large engine development, continuing a history that began in the late 1960s with the RB211.”
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “This testbed here in Derby shows that the UK remains a global leader in aeroengine technology. I’m proud that we’re supporting Rolls-Royce’s development of the highly-efficient UltraFan engine, as well as investment in green and cutting-edge aerospace technology here in the UK that will create high-skilled, well-paid jobs for decades to come.
“As the civil aviation market recovers, the innovation of great British companies such as Rolls-Royce and the entire aerospace sector are central to our plans to build back better from the pandemic and end our contribution to climate change by 2050.”
Testbed 80 will support all three pillars of our sustainability strategy. Firstly, continuing to improve the efficiency of the gas turbine. The facility has been designed to test a range of today’s engines, including the Trent XWB and the Trent 1000, but will also have the capability to test the UltraFan® demonstrator, the blueprint for our next generation of engines. UltraFan will be 25% more efficient than the first Trent engine, and we will begin ground testing the demonstrator at the testbed in 2022.
Secondly, we are committed to promoting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), which can already be used as “drop-in” fuels in our existing engines. Testbed 80 has been designed to support this commitment – it is equipped with a 140,000-litre fuel tank (you could fill your car up almost 3,000 times with this amount of fuel) for different fuel types, including SAFs. Next year, we also plan to run our first UltraFan demonstrator test using 100% SAF.
Finally, in line with our ambition to pioneer novel, more sustainable technologies, the testbed is designed to have the capability to test the hybrid or all-electric flight systems of the future.
Part of the new technology development for Testbed 80 has been supported by the ATI’s PACE project, specifically for the UltraFan.
Rolls-Royce is pleased to have partnered with MDS Aero Support Corporation of Ottawa, Canada, for the design and construction of this facility.
Outgoing SANDF General Solly Shoke Parade
The 28th May 2021,saw the outgoing chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) General Solly Zacharia Shoke during a retreat parade at Thaba Tshwane, known to many as the military town of Pretoria.
Just to mention just some of his curriculum vitae In 1998, Shoke commanded the South African Development Community forces during Operation Boleas in Lesotho. He was the Director Personnel Acquisition from January 1999 to October 2000, when he was promoted to the rank of major general as the Chief Director Human Resources Support. He was promoted to Chief of the Army in 2004, and became Chief of the South African National Defence Force in May 2011.Solly Shoke was the longest serving Chief of the SANDF to date.
President Cyril Ramaphosa attened the parade during the hand over the command of the SANDF to Lieutenant-General Rhudzani Maphwanya as new chief of the South African National Defence Force.
A flag fly-past started proceedings by two Oryx Helicopters carrying both the South African National Flag and SANDF flag, a single 44 Squadron Casa 212 dropped skydivers from 44 Parachute Regiment. Different marching columns made their way onto the sports.
First of the Mass Fly pasts included a helicopter fly-past consisting of a Agusta A109LUH from 19 Squadron, four Oryx Helicopters and a 15 Squadron ‘Charlie’ Flight BK117.
Next was the Pelican Formation made up of a 35 Squadron C47TP Dakota and a 44 Squadron Casa 212.Followed then by the pointer formation of four Cessna 208As Caravans from 41 Squadron. It was then the return of 28 Squadron with two C130BZs.Major Sivu Tangana led a 9-ship formation of Pilatus PC7MKIIs from the Central Flying School, AFB Langebaanweg.
The final formation was the combat formation led by Colonel “Boerboel” Mashaba with two Gripens from 2 Squadron and three Hawks from 85 Combat Flying School. It was then time for Major Mohau “Dobaman” Vundla’s first Gripen solo display in Gauteng skies as he comes in as 2 Squadrons new Gripen display pilot!
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Springs De Havilland Fly – Inn 22 May 2021
After gracing the skies for 75 years, it was time to celebrate the life of the de Haviland Chipmunk.
The Chipmunk was the first post war aviation project conducted by de Havilland Canada. It performed its maiden flight on 22 May 1946 and was introduced to operational service that same year. During the late 1940s and 1950s, the Chipmunk was procured in large numbers by military air services such as the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Royal Air Force (RAF), and several other nations’ air forces, where it was often utilised as their standard primary trainer aircraft.
On Saturday 22nd May, the Classics Wings Collection based at Springs airfield in the east of Johannesburg put together a fantastic gathering of de Havilland aircraft based around South Africa., thus including Queenstown based de Havilland Dragon Rapide flown up by Captain Flippie Vermeulen. Not excluding 9 Chipmunks and a number of tiger moths adding to the De Haviland theme of former World War II trainers.
As per Covid regulations, visiting aviation enthusiasts and photographsmers were treated to flypasts from three Chipmunks and a Dragon Rapide. Laster in the day, possibly the biggest formation South Africa has seen of nine Chipmunks to date. One can think back of mass Harvard formations and lately the various kit built RV light sport aircraft in mass formations, and just recently at the Middleburg Air Week a few weeks back!
The Puma Energy Flying Lions led by Scully Levin flew in from Ermelo as they did a evening display the day before at the Presidents Trouphy Air Race (PTAR).Visitors to the field were treated to full aerobatic routine, even though being close to Oliver Tambo’s International Airport airspace!
A word of thanks to the organisers of the event ,a truly fitting tribute to the de Havilland Chipmunk. This weekend coming join us at the Harvard Day at Brakpan Airfield as well as another fly-inn at Springs Airfield. Where the Goodyear Eagles Pitts Specials are due to perform.
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Major-General Wiseman Simo Mbambo is appointed as Chief of the South African Air Force
From the President’s media release: Major-General Mbambo began his military career in Umkhonto we Sizwe, where, among other things, he served as a training instructor in the Kibaxe Camp in Angola and was Commander in Charge of the former MK Military Aviation Group that underwent training in the Soviet Union from 1987 to 1991.
He has served in several positions in the South African Air Force, including General Officer Commanding Air Force Base Waterkloof and Chief of Staff Air Operations Major-General Mbambo is currently Deputy Chief of Staff of the SANDF.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also announced that from 1 June 2021, Lieutenant-General Rudzani Maphwanya will take over as chief of the South African National Defense force SANDF from General Solly Shoke, who has been chief of the SANDF since 2011.
Air BP scores a hattrick of sustainable aviation fuel projects at three new locations in the UK
- Air bp has recently completed projects resulting in SAF supply to three UK locations: London Biggin Hill, Hawarden and Centreline FBO Bristol.
- Air bp has now supplied SAF to over 20 locations globally.
- These latest additions to Air bp’s growing list of SAF available locations demonstrates the importance of collaboration to help drive demand and meet industry lower carbon goals.
Air bp, the international aviation fuel products and service supplier, has recently supplied sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to three airports in the UK: dedicated business aviation airport, London Biggin Hill (BQH), Airbus owned Hawarden (CEG) airport in Flintshire, North Wales, which will be used for fuelling of the Beluga aircraft, and Centreline FBO, in Bristol (BRS). All three locations expect to have SAF available on an ongoing basis. These latest supply agreements demonstrate the importance of collaboration between fuel supplier, airport and customer in driving demand for SAF and ultimately help to meet the industry’s lower carbon goals.
The SAF supplied by Air bp is made from waste based sustainable feedstocks such as used cooking oil which is blended with traditional jet fuel. The SAF blend supplied is around 35% SAF and the SAF component provides a lifecycle carbon reduction of around 80% compared to traditional jet fuel it replaces.
Andreea Moyes, sustainability director, Air bp, said: “We are excited to see these ongoing commitments to SAF supply. Stakeholders’ willingness to invest in SAF and collaborate with us will help drive demand and deliver carbon reductions compared to the traditional jet fuel it replaces. We are committed to working with stakeholders to explore the viable sale and purchase of SAF, which we believe is one of the aviation industry’s key routes to reducing carbon emissions.”
Stephen Elsworthy, manager of fuel services at London Biggin Hill Airport, says: “By offering Air bp’s sustainable aviation fuel to all our customers and resident businesses, we are helping them to meet their sustainability goals too, and vitally, contributing to our industry’s aim for a net zero carbon future”.
Gus Paterson, chief operating officer of Centreline’s parent company Pula Aviation Services Limited, says “In response to growing demand, we’re delighted to be able to offer SAF to our customers and to support global efforts to decarbonise aviation. Air bp is fully committed to supporting its FBOs in understanding SAF and the impact and opportunities it can have for their business and ultimately identifying opportunities for SAF supply.”
Air bp was involved in fuelling the first SAF flight by an airline in February 2008 and since then has been enabling ground-breaking test flights and investing in sustainable alternative fuels.
