MIDWEEK UPDATE 2 DECEMBER 2020

Compiled by Willie Bodenstein











COVID 19 REGULATIONS, INITIATIVES AND AEROCLUB NEWS



THE PERFECT GIFT - THE AERO CLUB CENTENARY YEARBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE



The Aero Club, as part of its Centenary, had planned for a Centenary Year Book to be released in 2020, as part of the wider celebration plan. The book has now been completed covering a rich 460-page (with around 1800 illustrations) compendium of Recreational Aviation in SA through the last 100 years, under the expert guidance of John Illsey as the editor, with input from our membership from all our sections.

The books are now available and printed in Novalite (Leather), Hard Cover & Soft Cover versions, from the Aero Club Website Shop, or from the Aero Club office.

Delivery Options are collection at the Rand Airport Aero Club office, or door to door courier service anywhere in SA. Courier costs will range between R 100 to R 150 per book, dependent on location. Volume purchases are also available should this be required.

Pricing:
- Novalite (Leather) Bound Book - R 500
- Hard Cover Book - R 400
- Soft Cover Book - R 300

https://www.aeroclub.org.za/shop/






MORE PRIZES ADDED - THE CHOCK NORRIS AVIATION THEMED PHOTO CONTEST

VOTE NOW FOR DECEMBER WEEK ONE FINALISTS


Vote forDecW1.1


Vote forDecW1.2

How to Enter:
Entering your aviation related photo is easy and simple. All images must be emailed to pilotspost@gmail.com with the following detail included:
Your name,
Email address,
Telephone number,
Where the photo was taken,
Phone used,
A theme name of the photo (Optional).

Due to the large amount of entries we expect, Pilot's Post will not acknowledge your entry!!

Entry Rules:
1. When entering the competition and by sending your photo to Pilot's Post, you explicitly grant the publication of your submitted photograph at Pilot's Post team's discretion without any remuneration or obligation to you.
2. Submitted photos must be resized to be less than 1 megabyte in size. If full-size photographs are required, the Pilot's Post team will request them from you.
3. Only photos taken with cell phones will be accepted.
3. All submissions must have an aviation theme.
4. Photo submissions may be cropped and / or resized only. Any other form of photo alteration or manipulation is not allowed and will be disqualified.
5. You may submit up to three entries per week.

Judging:
1. The Pilot's Post team will select the 2 best photos submitted every week and add them into our "Midweek Update" published every Thursday morning, where our readers will then cast their votes by simply clicking the link below the photo of their choice.
2. At the end of each month, a complete article will be published on Pilot's Post to include the weekly photo submissions with the most reader votes. Our readers will then again have the opportunity to cast their votes by simply clicking the link below the photo of their choice. The photo with the highest number of votes will then be judged the Winner of the Month.
3. A prize of a set of Chock Norris personalised Aircraft Chocks with leather storage bag valued at R500
and
a voucher from the Pilot Shop valued at R200.00 will be awarded to each monthly winner
and
a soft cover copy of the Aero Club of South Africa's Centenary Yearbook valued at R300.00 donated by Chapter 322 of the EAA of SA

Eligibility:
The Pilot's Post "Chock Norris 2020" aviation related photo competition is open only to photographers resident in South Africa as our prizes are not transferable and can only be redeemed in South Africa.



EAA CHAPTER 322
With our MACH program (Member Awards for Chapter Help) your membership could win you a trip to Oshkosh!
Click on the link below today to renew or join!


or for EAA membership information go to
www.eaa.org.za



FLY-IN TO RHINO PARK ON SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER 2020

Franz Smit and David Le Roux of PilotInsure have started what to me is a fine initiative, to raise funds to assist aviators who have been financially compromised by the demise of airlines due the Covid lockdowns and the collapse of the tourist industry due to border closures and other issues beyond the control of the crews. They have named this project 'Steady Climb'



On hearing of this project, Alan Stewart, EAA Member and owner of Panorama Flight School and airfield spontaneously donated a thousand Rand. Similarly, Ray Scott who owns Tranquillity Spa and Lodge donated a voucher for 2 for two nights with dinner bed and breakfast as well as a lion and cheetah experience. I am a regular visitor to Tranquillity in my Cessna 170, to this very aviation friendly lodge 11nm north of Cullinan



I hope our EAA members will support the fly-in and arrive in swarms of aircraft or drive there. Rhino Park Airfield (Bronkhorstspruit) is listed in Waze and on Google Maps. Our Nigel Musgrave will be acting as Safety Officer and will be listening out on the airfield frequency of 135.6Mhz. Co-ords S25°50'00" E28°32'24" with elevation 4780' on the 850m tarred runway 09/27
Neil Bowden has suggested that EAA'ers should arrive in aviation attire from amusing to formal, as long as you raise a smile. There will be a substantial prize for the winner, probably bragging rights for the rest of the day!
Karl Jensen





The following events will to take place under the rules controlling the number of people congregating together and are therefore not open to the general public.

5 - 6 DECEMBER
Sports Aerobatics Club of SA Ace of Base
Contact Annie Boone email
chunge@mweb.co.za

5 DECEMBER
PilotInsure Rhino Park Fly Inn. Contact Franz Smit
084 979 8632

16 DECEMBER
Witbank Aeronautical Association Fun Rally and Fly-In
Enter the rally at: www.speedrally.co.za



30 JANUARY 2021
SAPFA Rand Airport challenge
Contact Frank Eckard E-mail: frank.eckard@mweb.co.za Cell: 083 269 1516

30 JANUARY 2021
SAPFA AGM at Rand Airport after the rally
Contact Rob Jonkers E-mail: rob@aerosud.co.za cell: 082 804 7032

30 & 31 JANUARY 2021
Sport Aerobatic Club Gauteng Regionals Vereeniging Airfield
Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za





TECNAM P2010 TDI ACHIEVES EASA TYPE CERTIFICATE



After the live-streaming world premiere held in May 2020, which introduced the P2010 TDI to the market, Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM SpA® has announced the achievement of the Type Certificate for the P2010 TDI.

The P2010 TDI certification is just the latest achievement of Tecnam's continuous development and innovation programs, adding the Diesel/JetA1 engine to the already-wide range of choice of Avgas and Mogas-powered TECNAM aircraft.

The P2010 airframe, with its wide, composite, sleek fuselage design and the all-metal wing and stabilator, has proven to be the perfect platform to match the Diesel engine performances and capabilities. The consolidated comfort, accessibility, safety and reliability of the "P Twenty-Ten" are now accompanied by the flexibility granted by the use of Diesel/JetA1 fuel and the extremely low operating costs provided by the dual FADEC-controlled Continental engine.

Along with the 180 hp Avgas/Mogas and 215 hp Avgas engines, certification of the 170 hp TDI widens the range of choice for P2010 customers. This latest engine development brings the aviation market unbeatable fuel efficiency and performance: the turbo Diesel/JetA1 powerplant offers an outstanding cruise-fuel burn that ranges from 4.5 USG/hr (17 litres/hr) at 55% power, to 7 USG/hr (27 litres/hr) at 75% power. This provides consistent performance up to 8,000ft and allows operations up to 18,000ft, raising the P2010 to "new heights" (for which an optional oxygen system is provided). Moreover, the standard P2010 fuel tanks ensure an unrivalled range in excess of 1,000nm and endurance of up to 15 hours, all monitored through the state-of-the-art standard G1000NXI avionics package.

The TECNAM design team has paid particular attention to maintaining the P2010 series characteristics of great comfort, low noise and minimal vibration. Some of the many options available include premium leather interiors with electric seats; the GFC-700 autopilot, which ensures smooth and precise autopilot operations; and the additional safety that can be provided by the Garmin GTS-800 TAS system.

The P2010 TDI is a culmination of all the very latest technologies, where Tecnam's ability to manage both metal and composite components have shaped a unique solution in terms of efficiency, load-carrying structure and unique Italian style. The fuselage and vertical fin, entirely made of pre-peg carbon fibres, provide the best use of space, while wings, horizontal tail and rudder, as well as all the load-carrying structures, are built with 70 years' experience of light alloy structures.

Flight safety is self-evident in the latest certification requirements, followed by the electrically operated, adjustable-height seats with 26G-capable crashworthiness. Flying experience is the ultimate with the Garmin® G1000® NXi glass cockpit and GFCTM 700 autopilot, entirely integrated and tuned around the Continental TM CD-170 engine.

Continental's JetA1/Diesel-powered 170 HP engine offers ease of flying with its single-lever control, full FADEC, electronic engine monitoring and redundant safety features.

The CD-170 is the newest design and also the highest-horsepower engine in the CD-100 series, well-proven with more than 6,000 engines delivered and over 7.1 million service flight hours.



MILESTONE AVIATION DELIVERS FIRST S-92 TO CAVERTON HELICOPTERS



The Milestone Aviation Group Limited, a GECAS company and the global leader in helicopter leasing, has announced that it has recently delivered a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter to Caverton Helicopters Limited. This marks the first S-92 to be operated by Caverton and the first to be operated by a wholly locally owned African company.

The deal will support a recently awarded deep offshore support contract to Caverton for helicopter logistics services, mainly crew change activities. In addition to the helicopter, Milestone will also provide Caverton with a comprehensive training and "Entry into Service" package to support the phasing-in of this new type into its fleet.

Michael York, head of Emerging Markets at Milestone, said, "The S-92 continues to be the workhorse of the offshore sector and through this transaction, we are not only cultivating a new operator for this aircraft type but expanding its footprint which is critical for the industry. This is the sixth aircraft Caverton is leasing from Milestone, complementing the three (3) AW139s and two (2) S-76C++ helicopters and the team has worked hard to put together a creative training program and 'Entry into Service' package for them. These packages are key differentiators for Milestone and illustrate the depth of service capability we offer: bringing tailor-made solutions to our customers with certainty of execution. Milestone is proud to have been selected by Caverton as their leasing partner in this transaction."

Rotimi Makanjuola, MD/ Accountable Manager of Caverton Helicopters said "The introduction of the S-92 onto our fleet marks a significant milestone for the company and further demonstrates our commitment to meet the service requirements of our clients and grow our scope of capabilities as a Nigerian operator. This is yet another testament to our continued success as the leading indigenous aviation logistics service provider in West Africa. Becoming an S-92 operator will undoubtedly enable the company to expand into service provision for clients that require additional payload and extended range for their missions, which the S-92 efficiently and safely provides. We are grateful for the strong support provided by Milestone and our partnership together has been instrumental in getting the S-92 into our fleet."

"Sikorsky is proud to welcome Caverton to the S-92 helicopter family and values our longstanding relationship with Milestone," said Sikorsky's Vice President, Commercial Systems & Services, Audrey Brady. "We are confident this aircraft will support the demanding needs of Caverton's offshore oil and gas transportation missions with its industry-leading safety and reliability record."



B-52 BOMBER PREPARING TO FLY INTO 2050



When the United States Air Force (USAF) launched its legendary Boeing-built B-52 bomber in the 1950's, it's likely no one envisioned that the aircraft would still be flying today - nor that the USAF would decide to continue its operations until at least the 2050's. But that's the current plan for the 76 B-52H aircraft still in operation, the most recent of which were built in the 1960's.

The B-52 Stratofortress - a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber - has played a key role in deterring enemy aggression from the Cold War and Vietnam War to Desert Storm and the global war on terror.

Now as the current fleet surpasses 50 years of service, the USAF recently decided to re-engine the B-52 as part of the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP). Doing so will outfit these legendary aircraft with commercial off-the-shelf, in-production jet engines that will extend the life of the aircraft, reduce maintenance, boost fuel efficiency, increase range, improve diagnostic equipment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Collins Aerospace has been part of the B-52 since the first version took flight in the 1950's. Rohr Aircraft Corporation, one of Collins' heritage companies, produced parts of the plane's propulsion system for what was then Boeing's cutting-edge new bomber, the B-52. As the B-52 advanced from the first "A" model to the current "H" model that started flying in the 1960's, Collins Aerospace expanded its manufacturing innovations to modify the original parts to accommodate increased electrical power generation and engine thrust. Over the years, the company supplied not just the nacelles and struts, but also the fuel pod tanks and aft fuselage structure.

"We've been on every B-52 variant to date, producing 5,952 nacelles and 2,976 struts over the years," said Marc Duvall, president, Aerostructures, Collins Aerospace. "We understand nacelles and how to efficiently and accurately manufacture them to the Boeing and Air Force standards and schedules. And beyond manufacturing, Collins has the service and repair network to keep these components flying as the B-52 mission extends toward its centennial celebration."

It's critical to the USAF that its suppliers provide the safest and most capable components available. Collins Aerospace's proven designs and on-time delivery rates have demonstrated maximum fleet readiness for not only military aircraft, but also commercial and business jet aviation.

In recent years, Collins Aerospace was a supplier in two other major USAF re-engine programs: the Lockheed C-5 and Boeing KC-135. The company provided the new C-5M with struts for the replacement engine along with inlets, fan cowls and core cowls for the nacelle that were adapted from an existing program. For the Boeing KC-135, the company provided inlets and fan cowls for approximately 425 aircraft.



AIRBUS: HELICOPTER INDUSTRY SALES DOWN BY 40-50%



The global helicopter industry has seen a downturn in new aircraft sales of 40 to 50 percent in 2020, according to new figures from Airbus Helicopters, thanks to the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Airbus's sales figures run closer to a 25- to 30-percent drop in terms of units, Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even told journalists during a media conference call, allowing the manufacturer to gain an increased share of the shrinking civil market.

"The competition is more impacted [by the Covid crisis] than us," he said. Even pointed to the continued success of the light twin H145 - boosted by the certification this year of a five-bladed variant that provides operators with an increase of 330 pounds (150 kilograms) in useful load over the previous version of the type - and "good momentum" in sales of its new medium H160.

The OEM is continuing to meet its target of 15 to 20 bookings a year for the H160, said Even, allowing it to develop an order backlog of 40 to 50 aircraft. Along with anticipated government and military demand, Airbus is aiming to ramp up to 40 orders a year over the next three years.

At the other end of the scale, light helicopter sales are suffering. "When it comes to the light helicopters, the Ecureil [known as the AStar in North America] - we had already observed this in 2008/2009, the previous [economic] crisis - VIP, tourism, utilities are directly impacted by this crisis, so we see a reduction in volume."

In terms of the reduction in bookings, Even said Airbus isn't seeing cancelled orders - just deferred decisions from customers. "They're shifting the potential decision to buy a new helicopter," he said. "It means that helicopters are flying, helicopters are delivering missions that are still required and needed - and sometimes more than ever, when it comes to medical service in this Covid period."

Airbus's figures in terms of flight activity make for better reading than the bookings, with an average reduction in flight hours of about 15 percent over 2019.



RUSSIAN HELICOPTERS DELIVERS FIRST ANSAT TO A CLIENT IN EUROPE



The Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) has delivered a first Ansat helicopter to a client in Europe. The operator of the rotorcraft, which is equipped for medical operations, is the Ministry of Interior of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is the first of three helicopters under the delivery contract.

Ansat for Bosnia and Herzegovina comes with a medical module equipped with a stretcher and a medical shelf. The helicopter cabin has place for transporting one patient and two chairs for accompanying doctors. Equipment configuration includes a system for artificial lung ventilation, tele-ECG allowing to monitor cardiac activity in real time and various other equipment for the evacuation of patients of varying severity. The delivery set includes five seats, which can be installed instead of the medical module and carry seven passengers in the helicopter cabin. The helicopter also comes with active vibration control system.

The delivery contract of three helicopters to Bosnia and Herzegovina also included the training of three technicians and two pilots of the customer in the Kazan Helicopters Aviation Training Centre. The program included training in the design and maintenance of the airframe, power plant and systems of the Ansat helicopter for aircraft technicians, as well as theoretical training, classes on the new Ansat simulator and practical flight training for pilots. The cadets successfully passed the exams and received documents that confirm their qualifications. The Aviation Training Centre will provide further multi-stage training of flight and technical personnel as more helicopters are delivered. During the next two years, four more pilots and six technicians will go through training.

Ansat is a light multipurpose twin-engine helicopter. Its serial production is deployed at Kazan Helicopters. Its design allows converting it into a cargo version or into a passenger rotorcraft that can lift up to seven people. Ansat is certified for use in the temperatures ranging between -45°? and +50°? and in high mountains. In 2019, the Federal Air Transport Agency certified an increase in the airworthiness of Ansat's fuselage to 16,000 flying hours. In 2020, the Russian aviation authorities certified Ansat for installation of an emergency floatation system and isolation units for transporting patients with coronavirus disease. It also received a more advanced and ergonomic medical module. Several main components of the helicopter received approval for the increase of their airworthiness restrictions.



THE NEXT STEPS FOR BELL'S ELECTRICALLY DISTRIBUTED ANTI-TORQUE



From the creation of the first certified commercial helicopter to introducing tiltrotor technology, Bell's iconic legacy consists of revolutionary ideas that have disrupted industries. Today we continue this pursuit for coveted vertical lift products, evident through our unveiling of Bell's Electrically Distributed Anti-Torque (EDAT), an unconventional tail rotor with innumerable opportunities.

In a Vertical Flight Society online webina Bell's Program Director for Light Aircraft, Eric Sinusas, shared potential applications for this latest innovation. "I think it has potential to potentially replace traditional tail rotors," Sinusas said. "There are benefits to the system that the conventional system just does not have innately."

This unprecedented technology was revealed in February 2020, sparking global interest from rotorcraft community and technology aficionados for its ingenuity. Since then, Bell continues to test the unique concept, which includes four electrical motors driving a fixed-pitch, rpm-controlled fan capable of operating speeds around 6,000 to 7,000 rpm. "I think we can say that we have successfully proven the concept… it works," Sinusas says. "Now we're into the phase of optimization and we're fine-tuning the performance characteristics, pushing the envelope further."

"The fans are driven by generators run off the tail rotor drive, with wires to the electrical motors replacing the complex tail rotor shaft and gearboxes running through the tail boom. This eliminates the cost of maintaining the tail rotor shaft."

With growing global intrigue, Bell can't wait to showcase this aircraft in action and continue exploring new technology to offer our customers enhanced flight experiences.



PNG LNG ADDS H145 FOR PAPUA NEW GUINEA OPERATIONS



ExxonMobil has signed a contract for two Airbus H145 helicopters to support the PNG LNG Project* in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The aircraft will be based at the Hides Gas Conditioning Plant (HGCP) in Hela Province of the PNG Highlands and will be used to transport personnel and equipment in support of PNG LNG Project operations.

In addition to its reliability and superior economics, the new H145's "hot and high" performance was critical to its selection for use in an environment requiring routine operations at an altitude of 5,400ft in temperatures up to 35ºC.

The sale is the first by Airbus Helicopters to ExxonMobil and the first order in the oil and gas sector for the new H145 in the Asia Pacific region.

Ben Bridge, Executive Vice President Global Business, for Airbus Helicopters said "It's an honour to win the confidence of a safety and performance focused customer like ExxonMobil for operations in PNG's highly demanding operational environment. The new H145 has made a strong start in the market and it's clear that it has a great future across multiple market segments."



FRENCH NAVY SELECTED FALCON 2000 ALBATROS



During a visit to the Dassault Aviation plant in Seclin, in northern France, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, announced the upcoming notification of a contract for the "Albatros" Maritime Surveillance and Intervention Aircraft (AVSIMAR) program, which will be based on the Dassault Aviation Falcon2000LXS.

In accordance with the multiyear military spending bill, the contract will involve an initial order for 7 aircraft, with deliveries to start in 2025, out of a planned total of 12. Dassault Aviation and the dozens of French companies associated with the Falcon programs would like to thank the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, the French defence procurement agency (DGA) and the French Navy for once again expressing their confidence in us.

The Falcon 2000 Albatros will feature a multifunction radar under the fuselage, a high-performance optronic turret, observation windows, a SAR (Search & Rescue) kit release system and dedicated communication systems. In line with the aeronautical maintenance transformation policy initiated by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, the Albatros contract commits Dassault Aviation to a guaranteed availability clause, favouring industrial support in close cooperation with Navy personnel for 10 years.

"The Falcon 2000 Albatros is a high-performance aircraft equipped with a mission system and sensors of the latest generation. From the Falcon 20 of the U.S. Coast Guard to the Falcon 2000MSA of the Japanese Coast Guard, as well as the Falcon 200 Gardian and 50M of the French Navy, we have extensive experience in maritime surveillance, in addition to our long experience in maritime patrol with the Atlantique", said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. "Several countries have shown interest in these aircraft, which provide an effective response to the considerable challenges of homeland protection and maritime security and government action at sea: fighting pollution and trafficking, surveillance of borders and exclusion zones, fisheries policing, search and rescue at sea, etc. It is only fitting that France, which has the world's second largest exclusive economic zone, should be at the forefront in the use of this type of aircraft."

The first Falcons on which the program will be based will be manufactured in France. The remainder will be produced in India as part of the offset arrangements related to the 2016 Indian Air Force Rafale contract. The conversion of the 12 Falcon 2000LXS aircraft into the Albatros configuration will all be carried out in France.

Over the past 50 years, Dassault Aviation has modified many Falcon aircraft to adapt them for maritime surveillance, medical evacuation, cargo transport, calibration, intelligence-gathering, training, etc. These multi-role aircraft represent approximately 10% of the Falcon fleet in service. French government services operate Falcon 10, 200, 50, 900, 2000 and 7X aircraft and will soon add the Falcon 8X aircraft in a strategic intelligence version under the Archange program.

These multi-role Falcon aircraft are a perfect example of the dual civil/military know-how of Dassault Aviation: they benefit from the cutting-edge technologies developed for our fighter aircraft and, at the same time, they take advantage of the industrial processes used in the highly competitive business jets market.



COLLINS AEROSPACE AND BOOM SUPERSONIC SIGNED STRATEGIC COLLABORATION AGREEMENT



Collins Aerospace Systems has signed a collaboration agreement with Boom Supersonic to advance nacelle technology on Boom's forthcoming flagship supersonic airliner, Overture. Overture will be the world's fastest airliner and is designed and committed to industry-leading standards of speed, safety and sustainability.

Collins Aerospace engineers will work in concert with Boom to develop inlet, nacelle and exhaust system technologies that enable fuel-burn reduction and cutting-edge acoustics for cleaner and quieter supersonic flight. They will do this via lightweight aerostructures and variable nacelle geometry. Collins Aerospace has been providing innovative nacelle technology for more than 70 years, including development of the first commercial variable fan nozzle for high-bypass-ratio geared turbofan (GTF) engines.

"Through improved acoustics and lightweight materials systems, we can provide the next generation of supersonic propulsion systems with the nacelle technologies that not only enable higher performance and lower fuel burn, but also quieter operation," said Marc Duvall, president, Aerostructures, Collins Aerospace. "Having completed 19 nacelle certification programs over the past decade, we're uniquely positioned to collaborate with Boom Supersonic to create new propulsion-system solutions that will be key enablers of Overture's success."

The combined engineering team will be exploring the development of advanced acoustics and variable inlet and exhaust technologies required to minimize aircraft noise for passengers and airport communities while enhancing performance.

"Boom is taking an all-encompassing approach to sustainability - from our commitment to make Overture 100% carbon neutral to minimizing community noise and emissions, we're dedicated to making mainstream supersonic travel environmentally and economically sustainable," said Blake Scholl, Boom founder and CEO. "We are leveraging Collins' experience in developing more fuel efficient and noise attenuating technologies for nacelles to help us develop Overture as an environmentally responsible supersonic jet."

Boom's mission is to make the world dramatically more accessible by making supersonic travel mainstream. Overture is in its design phase with plans to finalize the configuration and begin building the first airliner while XB-1 is flying supersonic. Boom will roll out the first completed Overture aircraft in 2025, with entry into service planned for 2029.



BUNDESWEHR ORDERS 31 NH90 HELICOPTERS FOR SHIPBORNE OPERATIONS



NHIndustries is pleased to announce the signature of the contract between NHIndustries and the NATO Agency NAHEMA, acting as the contracting authority on behalf of the German Bundeswehr, for the procurement of 31 NH90 multi-role frigate helicopters (MRFH) for shipborne operations.

The Sea Tiger will represent the German configuration of the NH90 NFH helicopter and will be employed for the German Navy's advanced shipborne operations from 2025. The helicopters will replace the elderly Sea Lynx Mk88A fleet, which entered into service in the 80s; it represents a further confirmation of the choice already made by the German Armed Forces to operate NH90 as onshore and offshore tactical troop and naval transport helicopter.

The Sea Tiger is, among others, equipped with a state-of-the art Naval Mission System, specifically developed for the most demanding maritime warfare scenarios, encompassing active dipping sonar, passive sonar buoys, weapons and the Leonardo LEOSS-T latest-generation electro-optical system with laser target designation capabilities.

"The new sensors on board provide a substantial increase in the helicopter's mission capabilities and clearly position the NH90 as one of the world's most advanced ASuW/ASW platform for shipborne operations in challenging maritime conditions." said Giorgio Gomma, general manager of the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA). "This latest configuration concentrates the excellence of the European industry and set the ground for the future naval NH90s. We are proud to be part of the evolution of the European Defence Forces." was commonly shared by Nathalie Tarnaud-Laude, president and Claudio Nittoli, managing director of NHIndustries.

Moreover, the use of the same NH90 platform by the German Army (NH90 TTH) and by the German Navy (NH90 NFH) will enable extensive synergies in terms of support, logistics and training.

NH90 is well suited for operations in the most demanding conditions and has been combat-proven in many theatres of operation worldwide. To date, 100 naval NH90 helicopters have already been delivered to six nations and have completed over 70,000 flight hours in search and rescue, coastguard, antidrug, humanitarian and military operations.





ZIMBABWE



Zimbabwe, Dabuka in Somabula, Gweru: An Air Force of Zimbabwe SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 on a training flight from Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base with two occupants crashed near Gweru. The aircraft apparently was trying to return to the base after having experiences unspecified problems. Both occupants died in the crash.

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa: The front pane of the captain's windshield of an Embraer ERJ-145LR operated by Want Jet cracked following a bird strike after take-off from Kinshasa.

USA, Philadelphia: A Republic Airways Embraer ERJ-170 operating on behalf of Delta Airlines, was climbing out of New York when the crew stopped the climb at FL250 and subsequently performed an emergency descent to 10,000 feet due to the loss of cabin pressure. The crew advised they had a bleed air valve issue losing both bleeds and no further assistance was needed. The aircraft diverted to Philadelphia for a safe landing on runway 27L about 40 minutes after leaving FL250.

Russia, Volgograd International Airport: Russian Customs Mil Mi-8MTV-1 with three on board impacted a lighting mast while taxiing on the apron at Volgograd International Airport, Russia. The tail boom broke and rotor blades were severed in the accident. There were no fatalities.

Venezuela, Caño Amarillo, Catatumbo: The Venezuelan National Guard found a Grumman G-1159 Gulfstream II jet that had been set on fire on a clandestine airstrip in Catatumbo, Venezuela. Near the aircraft several drums of jet fuel were found. The aircraft likely had been used to transport narcotics.

USA, Deltaville, Middlesex County, VA: A Beechcraft V35 Bonanza with only the pilot onboard on a private flight impacted a residential structure and the terrain in northwest Deltaville, Middlesex County, Virginia. The sole pilot onboard received fatal injuries and the airplane was partially consumed by the subsequent fire. There were no reported injuries on the ground.

Nepal, Nuwakot: An Aerospatiale AS 350B2 Ecureuil operated by Kailash Helicopter Service Pty with six onboard was damaged in a bird strike resulting in an emergency landing. Some passengers sustained minor injuries. The nose was damaged and one windscreen destroyed.

Mexico,Maravilla, Tenejapa, Chiapas: A burnt Cessna 402C was found by peasants in Maravilla, Tenejapa, Chiapas. It had been used for transporting drugs.

Panama, Panama City Albrook-Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport: A Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II operated by SkyMaxx upon landing, suffered the collapse of its landing gear. The aircraft suffered damage to engines, propellers and nose landing gear while the fuselage damaged. There were no injuries.

USA, near Easterwood Field Airport, College Station, TX: Following a loss of engine power, a Cessna 182C Skylane operated by Flowers Production Co Inc with two occupants force landed at open field terrain in Bryan, in the vicinity of Easterwood Field Airport College Station, Texas. The airplane sustained unreported damage and the two occupants onboard were not injured during the incident.

Israel, near Mishnar HaNegev, N of Be'er Sheba: An Israel Air Force Grob G-120A-I light trainer aircraft with two occupants impacted an open field near Be'er Sheba, Israel, and was completely destroyed by the post-crash fire and the two occupants were fatally injured.

USA, North Perry Airport Hollywood, FL: Following a loss of engine power, a Lancair Legacy FG experienced an apparent approach stall and subsequent impact with airport terrain during an attempted return to the point of departure at North Perry Airport (HWO/KHWO), Hollywood, Florida. The airplane was destroyed in the accident and the sole pilot onboard received fatal injuries.

USA, Scott County near Valley City, IL: A Van's RV-6A operated by Amber Air LLC with only the pilot on board experienced a forced landing in open farm field terrain in Scott County near Valley City northeast of Pittsfield Penstone Municipal Airport (PPQ/KPPQ) which is located in Pittsfield, Illinois. The airplane came to rest inverted, sustaining severe damage to engine and propeller, tail plane and fin. The sole pilot onboard was not injured during the incident.





1 DECEMBER 1925



The Boeing Airplane Co. delivers the first of 10 FB-1 s to the Navy. This one-seat land biplane is the Navy version of the Army PW-9 fighter. The last will be delivered 22 December.

The Boeing Model 15 was a single-bay biplane with wings of unequal span. The lower wing had a reduced span and chord. Both wings were tapered. The wings had a wooden structure with a fabric covering while the fuselage had a welded steel tube fuselage, also with a fabric covering. It had a braced tail unit with a variable-incidence tail-plane that could be controlled in flight.

Powered by a 435hp Curtiss D-12 inline engine, the Model 15 made its maiden flight on 2 June 1923 with Captain Frank Tyndall at the controls. It was given the Air Corps designation XPW-9, and after early tests at the Boeing factory, was sent to the Army for trials. The Army ordered two more prototypes on 28 September 1923 and these were delivered on 1 May 1924.

The US Navy was also interested in the new fighter. Early in 1925 the Navy ordered sixteen Model 15s, giving them the designation Boeing FB-1. The first of these aircraft was delivered on 1 December 1925, but only 10 of the 16 were completed as FB-1s. The FB-1 was almost identical to the Army PW-1, with the same split axle undercarriage. They were not equipped for carrier use and instead went to the US Marine Corps.

Nine of the ten FB-1s were deployed to China as part of the USMC Expeditionary Force that was sent in June 1928 to help protect the International Settlement in Shanghai at a time of increasing anti-foreign sentiment in China.

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