MIDWEEK UPDATE 25 AUGUST 2021
COVID 19 REGULATIONS, INITIATIVES AND AEROCLUB NEWS
OUR CENTENARY YEARBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE FROM OUR NEW WEBSHOP
WWW.AEROCLUB.ORG.ZA/SHOP
The following events will take place under the rules controlling the number of people congregating together and are therefore not open to the general public.
28 AUGUST
Krugersdorp Fun Rally
27 - 29 AUGUST
SAMJA Top Gun RC Jet Championships. For more information contact Dean Grobbelaar at dean@aerialconcepts.co.za
28 AUGUST
SAPFA Secunda Speed Rally at Secunda Airfield. Contact Jonty Esser E-mail: jonty@promptroofing.co.za Cell: 082 855 9435
1 SEPTEMBER
EAA Chapter 322 virtual monthly meeting via Zoom Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674
4 SEPTEMBER
Steady Climb Fly in at Rhino Park. Contact Dawid 073 338 5200
11 SEPTEMBER
RV Day Fly-In to Kitty Hawk. For more information Contact Dawie Pretorius Cell: 082 804 6979
17 & 18 SEPTEMBER
EAA Silver Creek Fly-In and movie evening. Camping on the airfield. Contact Jeremy Woods Cell: 082 883 0436 or Neil Bowden Cell: 084 674 5674
23 to 26 SEPTEMBER
MISASA Africa Cup at Hotel Numbi in Hazyview. Contact Rob Mc Fie for more information Cell: 082 498 8590
24 SEPTEMBER
Peter Lawson Cup at Skydive Wonderboom.
24 & 25 SEPTEMBER
De Havilland 90th anniversary, a gathering of Tiger Moths at Queenstown Airfield. Contact Giel 082 555 4418 or Mark 082 921 2872
24 & 26 SEPTEMBER
POSTPONED TO 5 TO 7 NOVEMBER
EAA Sun 'n Fun at Brits airfield. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674
24 SEPTEMBER
Heritage Day. Great Train Race, vintage cars and aircraft at Heidelberg airfield. Contact Van Zyl Schultz Cell: 082 560 2275 or E-mail: vzs@mweb.co.za
ETHIOPIA ACQUIRES IRANIAN UAVS FOR TIGRAY WAR
Written by Justin Cronje
Plant SkySat satellite images analysed by Bellingcat.com identified two Mohajer-6 UAVs and a Ground Control Station (GCS) at Semara airport (now Ethiopian Air Force base) in north-eastern Ethiopia on 1 August. The GCS was then pictured when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited the air base days later.
The Mohajer-6, yet to be proven in combat, is the latest design in the Mohajer-series. It was unveiled in 2017 and entered production a year later, serving with Iran's Revolutionary Guards. It has an operational range of 200 km and 40 kg payload of two to four Ghaem-1, 5 or 9 precision-guided munitions. It has a 12-hour endurance with a maximum flight altitude of 5 500 metres. The nose of the lightweight UAV is fitted with an EOAS-I-18A forward-looking infrared (FLIR) turret.
Ethiopia's unmanned aerial vehicle inventory previously consisted of Israeli systems (Aerostar UAS and WanderB mini-UAS) however their status is unclear and they cannot be armed.
The Ethiopian Air Force has extremely capable combat aircraft (eight Su-25s, 12 Su-27s, ten MiG-23s and 15 MiG-21s) but air strikes with large munitions easily kills civilians, as seen in late June. The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) has an army of 162 000 and is equipped with mostly aging Soviet era infantry weapons, tanks and armoured fighting vehicles, artillery, air defence and logistic vehicles.
Ethiopia has acquired relatively little military hardware over the last five years, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, with acquisitions since 2015 including four PHL-03 rocket launchers from China, a dozen Bastion armoured vehicles from France/United States; half a dozen G120TP trainers from Germany, 75 Thunder armoured personnel carriers from Israel, several Pantsyr-S1 air-defence systems from Russia and 143 modernised T-72 tanks from the Ukraine. In addition, the United States donated a single C-130 Hercules transport to Ethiopia.
The nine-month-old Tigray War between the Ethiopian government and the now Tigray Defence Force has displaced over two million people and killed an unestablished number of people, potentially thousands. The United Nations Children's Fund says over 100 000 children could suffer life-threatening malnutrition and over 400 000 people live in famine conditions in Tigray. The war has caused a refugee crisis as 50 000 people have fled into neighbouring Sudan.
Mass reports of gender based violence and extrajudicial killings have taken place during the Tigray War with the Eritrean Defence Forces (EDF), in support of the Ethiopian government, attributed the main responsibility.
As the TDF attack from Mekelle in the North, the Oromo Liberation Army are attacking from the West, approaching the capital, Addis Ababa.
War crimes from both sides have been reported as the heavily armed conflict that began on 4 November 2020 ensued. Burned-out tanks, other military vehicles and scores of dead federal troops have largely been hidden from the world's cameras.
The Ethiopian government is now urging citizens to join the armed forces as the conventional-turned guerrilla TDF pushes beyond its own region.
Others talk about electric flight, Pipistrel is delivering it now! We are happy to announce that the first Pipistrel Velis Electro is flying in the USA.
We congratulate the new owner, the Florida Institute of Technology - the first American university to own and fly an electric plane. Their purchased Pipistrel Velis Electro took its first flight this week.
The Velis Electro is the world's first certified electric powered airplane, holding an EASA certification and it has not been flown in the United States until now.
Ivo Boscarol, CEO and founder of Pipistrel, says:
"We are happy and proud to announce that after the Taurus Electro and Alpha Electro, the Pipistrel Velis Electro is already the third serially-produced Pipistrel's electric aircraft model which now flies in the USA. Pipistrel will continue to work with the FAA to identify paths to recognize the EASA type-certification in the USA, to allow for commercial operations and pilot training with the Velis Electro - which is already possible in all EASA member states and countries where EASA validations are enabled."
Piper Aircraft has announced an order for twenty (20) Pilot 100i single-engine trainers from Pennsylvania and Delaware based flyGATEWAY Aviation Institute. The order was received on the third day of EAA AirVenture 2021. flyGATEWAY, a Liberty University Flight Training Affiliate, will begin taking delivery of their first fourteen aircraft in January of 2022. The remaining six (6) aircraft will be delivered later in 2022. The aircraft will be spread across flyGATEWAY's four locations and will support their Part 141 career pilot training program.
flyGATEWAY is a 501(c)(3) organization that was established in 2018. Since that time, flyGATEWAY has grown to three locations across PA and DE with a fourth location coming soon in Lancaster, PA in September 2021. With 35 flight instructors, 30 aircraft and 300+ flight students, flyGATEWAY has become the largest regional Part 141 flight academy in our area.
"We are extremely excited to work with one of the premier flight schools in the northeast. Their commitment to providing exceptional flight training that is accessible and more affordable is very well aligned with Piper's mission and commitment to the training industry", said Hans Stancil, Fleet Sales Director for North America.
"The Pilot 100i greatly increases our ability to deliver training efficiently and cost-effectively while working to cultivate an unmatched pilot pipeline for the airline industry," said Regis de Ramel, Board Chairman of flyGATEWAY.
EMBRAER'S ELECTRIC DEMONSTRATOR AIRCRAFT BEGINS FLIGHT TEST CAMPAIGN
On the journey to a net zero-carbon emissions future, another initiative of Embraer has reached a new stage with the beginning of the flight test campaign of the electric demonstrator aircraft. Developed to evaluate new technologies and solutions that enable 100% electric and more sustainable aeronautical propulsion, the demonstrator conducts tests at Embraer's facility in Gavião Peixoto, in São Paulo, Brazil.
This is another promising step in the successful scientific and technological cooperation that has brought together Embraer and two renowned providers of electric mobility solutions, WEG and EDP. The open innovation strategy has accelerated the development of the needed technologies to increase the future aircraft´s energy efficiency through the use and integration of electrical devices into an innovative propulsion system.
Power, performance, control, thermal management and operation safety were the primary features evaluated in these manned first flights. The goal is to demonstrate real flight conditions through results obtained from computational simulations, lab tests and ground integration of technology, which have taken place since the second half of 2019.
"The first flight of an aircraft is always an important milestone and the take-off of our first zero-emission electric aircraft also represents the relevant contribution of our teams and partners to the energy transition of the sector," said Luis Carlos Affonso, Vice President of Engineering, Technology Development and Corporate Strategy of Embraer. "We are committed to seeking solutions to enable the future of a more sustainable aviation and innovation will play a key role in this journey."
This technological cooperation project used an electric powertrain system from WEG and a set of batteries funded by EDP that were integrated into an EMB-203 Ipanema, an aircraft that is part of Embraer's history. In 2004, it became the world´s first aircraft certified and produced in series to fly on fuel from a renewable source (ethanol).
Embraer has a permanent technological development program, which has enabled efficiency gains in aircraft performance, reducing its consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Research in aeronautical electrification is part of a broader effort to explore a new generation of renewable energy and the transition to a net zero-carbon emissions future.
The knowledge acquired on the electric demonstrator aircraft tests will allow Embraer to develop innovative new products in line with the company's continuous search for a sustainable future. This is the case of eVTOL (electric vertical landing and take-off aircraft), also known as EVA (Electric Vertical Aircraft or electric vertical aircraft), developed by Eve, Embraer's Urban Air Mobility company.
HUNTINGTON BEACH PD PURCHASES THREE MD 530F HELICOPTERS
Sgt. Jeff Goodspeed, Huntington Beach Police Air Support Unit Supervisor, shared: "Since the 1970s we have trusted MD Helicopters as our platform. Yet, while our mechanics and pilots love our helicopters, we always look for what best fits our mission of patrol, lifeguard deployments, Bambi Bucket operations and other auxiliary duties. Over the last two years, we conducted exhaustive research of every possible helicopter that could meet our mission needs. We flew aircraft, contacted other police departments who flew those aircraft and interviewed helicopter manufacturer representatives to ensure we had a comfort level with the aircraft for both our pilots and our mechanics. When the City of Huntington Beach sent out an open bid for replacement helicopters, all the helicopter manufacturers we researched put in a bid. In the end, one platform stood out above all the others, the MD 530F."
He added: "Everyone here at the Huntington Beach Police Department is extremely excited to continue our 40-plus year relationship with MD Helicopters. Over the last year, MDHI has done a great job of answering all of our questions and concerns, making sure we have a platform that is ready to meet the needs of our mission for the next 20 years."
The MD 530F is the latest model in the proven single-engine line, delivering increased operational capabilities, greater mission versatility and superior performance. The updated helicopter incorporates an advanced NVIS interior designed to enhance safety during night-time patrol, surveillance and tactical operations. The enhanced certified glass cockpit features the Garmin G500TXi Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS), Howell Instruments Electronic Engine Instruments and Crew Alert Systems (EICAS) and Garmin GTN 750 Touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS.
In addition to its powerful Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650 shp turbine engine, extended landing gear and wire strike protection system, HBPD's MD 530F will be custom-configured with a full law enforcement package. In addition to the agreement to sell the department's current aircraft and spares, the comprehensive fleet replacement package includes a training program specifically tailored to the department's pilots and technicians. Delivery of the first aircraft will occur in the first quarter of 2022. The second and third aircraft will be delivered later that year.
Vitaly Markelov, Deputy Chairman of the ''Gazprom'' Management Committee and Andrey Boginsky, Director General of ''Russian Helicopters'' (part of Rostec State Corporation) signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement for the supply of certified domestic-made Mi-171A3 maritime helicopters.
The Mi-171A3 is the first domestically produced helicopter intended primarily for offshore operations (transportation of passengers and cargo over the sea). This helicopter was designed according to the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) standards.
Serial aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 13 tons. Mi-171A3 helicopter meets the increased safety requirements for flights over the water surface. In particular, it will be equipped with an emergency-resistant fuel system, an auto-activated emergency water landing system and external life rafts. Mi-171A3 will have installed an integrated flight and navigation complex for the most difficult weather conditions - a "glass cockpit" with digital navigation equipment.
The helicopter will be available in two configurations. The first is for transportation of up to 24 passengers and cargo up to 5 tons. The second is for search and rescue operations and will be additionally equipped with specialized equipment, including medical. If required, the operator will be able to convert the cargo and passenger helicopter to a search and rescue helicopter independently.
The Mi-171A3 prototype was presented at the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Show.
Kaman Corporation has announced that its subsidiary, Kaman Aerospace Group, Inc., has been selected by Transcend Air Corporation to build the Vy 400 high-speed vertical take-off and landing (HSVTOL) aircraft.
The high-speed Vy 400 travels over 400 miles per hour, making the journey from Manhattan to Boston in 36 minutes. Gregory Bruell, co-founder and CEO of Transcend Air said, "Because of the Vy's high speed, we can complete many more passenger trips per aircraft. The combination of that with VTOL is key to our revolutionary economics, and Kaman will be key to us scaling up production to meet the huge demand that our mass market fares will drive."
Russ Bartlett, Kaman's senior vice president and chief operating officer noted, "Viewed from our unique rotorcraft market experience as both a helicopter manufacturer and a major supplier to other aerospace manufacturers, the Vy 400's advantages in both civil and military applications are compelling." Bartlett continued, "Transcend Air has over 250 years of collective VTOL experience informing both the aircraft design and their go-to-market strategy. Kaman Aerospace Group has components and subsystems on nearly every rotorcraft flying today and we look forward to the opportunity to be part of this innovative aircraft with Kaman's singular blend of historical achievements and cutting-edge capabilities."
Peter Schmidt, co-founder and COO of Transcend Air, added, "The time is now for this aircraft. We are reaping the benefits of 50 years of advancements in technology since the pioneering of tilt-wing designs in the 1960s; including computerized fly-by-wire flight control, aero-acoustics, electric control-surface actuation, the Ballistic Recovery Systems whole-airframe parachute, low- and no-carbon sustainable aviation and with the addition of Kaman's collaboration to deliver at scale. On the day it is certified, the Vy 400 will simultaneously become the world's fastest helicopter and the world's fastest single-engine civil turboprop - with Kaman structures, subsystems and assembly making it possible."
Overair, Inc. ("Overair") has revealed the commercial design of its revolutionary Butterfly all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for advanced air mobility. Until now, Overair's rapidly growing team of engineers and technicians has been operating in stealth mode, integrating technologies from 20+ years of aerospace innovation led by Abe Karem, designer of iconic aircraft such as the Predator. Leveraging that legacy of the Department of Defence and privately backed technology, Butterfly is designed to be the most robust, efficient, and quiet aircraft in its class - a mobility workhorse that produces zero carbon emissions in flight.
Overair intends to commercialize Butterfly's competitive advantages to become a global leader in advanced air mobility, vertically integrating to meet demand as a manufacturer, maintainer and operator. "This is just a fundamentally different type of aircraft," says Ben Tigner, Overair CEO. "Butterfly is a transportation system optimized for safety, utilization, passenger experience and affordability. Our goal is to become a trusted part of our riders' daily routines and a trusted partner for the communities we serve."
Butterfly's novel design combines the low energy and maintenance costs of all-electric vehicles with the robust flight qualities of OSP, unlocking a reliable aviation solution over congested metropolitan areas. This combination will enable Overair to pass Butterfly's value to its customers through competitive pricing with today's ground transportation options.
Amid the rising focus on reducing aviation's carbon footprint, Overair expects to certify Butterfly with the FAA in 2025. Following certification, Overair will launch commercial operations in targeted US and South Korea markets, where Overair's strategic partner Hanwha Systems is leading the advanced air mobility revolution.
SOUTH AFRICA
A pilot and a passenger took off from a private airstrip on Falstaff farm in Hilton, near Queenstown, for a scenic flight. The aircraft took off in downslope in a south-easterly direction with a tailwind and was unable to maintain a positive rate of climb. The aircraft's right main landing gear made contact with the ground and the wheel assembly separated before impacting a perimeter fence, nosing over and coming to rest on the right side of the extended centre line.
The aircraft came to rest 95 metres (m) from the threshold of Runway 32 facing the opposite direction to the take-off position. The aircraft was destroyed while the pilot was fatally injured. The passenger sustained serious injuries.
The investigation revealed that the aircraft was probably rotated
prematurely due to a hazard (parameter fence) in its take-off path, resulting in the aircraft not attaining a positive rate of climb before crashing.
Russia, near Kubinka AFB: A United Aircraft Corporation prototype of the Ilyushin Il-112V military transport with three on board crashed in a wooded area near the Kubinka Air Base, Russia. All three on board were killed. Video footage of the last part of the flight show the aircraft in flight with a serious fire in the no.2 engine. The aircraft slowly began rolling right while losing altitude. The nose dropped while the aircraft rolled inverted at low altitude. The aircraft impacted trees and burst into flames.
Uzbekistan, District Sherabad, Surkhandarya: An Uzbekistan Air Force MiG-29 on a military intercept mission collided mid-air with an Afghanistan AF Embraer Super Tucano. The pilot ejected safely.
France, Courcelles, Doubs: A Humbert Tétras with one on board flying with 2 other planes, hit powerlines and crashed. The front of the aircraft was torn off. Nearby, the steel cable of the high-voltage line was cut. The pilot died in the crash.
USA, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport: A GEICO Skytypers North American SNJ-2 Texan with only the pilot on board crashed shortly after take-off from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, Pennsylvania, USA, killing the pilot. The aircraft was part of the GEICO Skytypers display team that was scheduled to perform at the Great Pocono Raceway Airport. This would be No. 3.
UK, Dunkeswell Airport, Honiton, Devon: A Boeing-Stearman N2S-4 with only the pilot on board landed on top of a Cessna aircraft at Dunkeswell. The 60-year-old pilot of the Stearman suffered minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.
USA, Bellefontaine Regional Airport, Bellefontaine: Midwest Corporate Air Inc Diamond DA42 Twin Star with two on board following a loss of engine power during take-off, the aircraft sustained unreported damage subsequent to impact with airport perimeter fencing at Bellefontaine Regional Airport (KEDJ), Bellefontaine, Ohio. The two pilots onboard the twin engine airplane were not injured.
Canada, Long Lake, Severn, ON: A Backcountry Super Cubs Mackey SQ2 with two occupants with amphibious floats, was conducting a take-off from Long Lake ON. As the aircraft climbed above the height of the trees adjacent to the lake, approximately 40 feet above the water, the left wing dropped abruptly and the aircraft entered a steep descent and impacted the water nose first. The occupants exited the aircraft after it overturned and were soon picked up by local boaters. There were no injuries. The aircraft was significantly damaged.
26 AUGUST 1959
French flyer Jacqueline Auriol, piloting the Mirage III, becomes the first woman to attain the speed of Mach 2.
She took up flying in 1946, got her pilot's license in 1948 and became an accomplished stunt flier and test pilot. Auriol was severely injured in a crash of a SCAN 30 in which she was a passenger in 1949-many of the bones in her face were broken-and spent nearly three years in hospitals undergoing 33 reconstructive operations. To occupy her mind she studied algebra, trigonometry, aerodynamics and other subjects necessary to obtain advanced pilot certification.
She earned a military pilot license in 1950 and then qualified as one of the first female test pilots. She was among the first women to break the sound barrier and set five world speed records in the 1950s and 1960s.
On four occasions, she was awarded the Harmon International Trophy by an American president in recognition of her aviation exploits. She passed away on 11 February 2000.
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