Aviation
10 Interesting facts about Qatar Airways : Jetline Marvel
1. The world’s first commercial passenger flight powered by a fuel made from natural gas.
On October 12, 2009, a Qatar Airways Airbus A340-600 conducted the world’s first commercial passenger flight using a mixture of kerosene and synthetic gas-to-liquids (GTL) fuel, produced from natural gas, on its flight from London’s Gatwick Airport to Doha.
A Qatar Airways aircraft completed the world’s first commercial passenger flight powered by a fuel made from natural gas.
The historic journey from London Gatwick to Doha took over six hours and was operated with an Airbus A340-600 aircraft using Rolls-Royce Trent 556 engines.
2. In May 2017, Qatar Airways became FIFA Partner and 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups official sponsor.
After the end of Emirates contract with FIFA, Qatar Airways was announced that it has an Official Partner and the Official Airline of FIFA as part of a sponsorship package lasting until 2022. Upcoming events sponsored by Qatar Airways will include the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™.
As an Official Partner of FIFA, Qatar Airways will have extensive marketing and branding rights at the next two FIFA World Cups, with an expected audience reach of more than two billion people per tournament. It will also have visibility at competitions such as the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the FIFA Futsal World Cup and the FIFA Interactive World Cup, the world’s largest online gaming tournament.
3. Qatar Airways has an oryx, the national animal of the State of Qatar, as its logo.
Everybody has seen the purple Oryx on Qatar Airways fin. The national animal of Qatar was completely extinct from the wild in 1972 but was reintroduced to the wild starting in 1982. Initially two herds were used to reintroduce the Oryx back. One from a Zoo in Phoenix, Arizona and another one from a “private collection” in Saudi Arabia.
The programme kicked off in Oman and then was further extended to the UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. After 25 years the Oryx has spread across the Arabian Peninsula and is only listed as “Vulnerable”, which has to be considered as a big success.
4. As of May 2014, the company is fully owned by the Qatari government.
Qatar Airways, one of the Gulf’s “big three” carriers, has become fully state-owned after the nation’s sovereign wealth fund bought out private shareholders.
The Qatar Investment Authority has bought the stakes owned by its former Prime Minister and other shareholders, CEO Akbar Al Baker said.
The purchase took place last July, but has only recently been revealed. It is understood that 50% of the airline was formerly in private hands. The cost of the deal was not announced.
5. Qatar has its own many subsidiary company in its umbrella.
Qatar Airways has many divisions including:
- Qatar Aircraft Catering Company
- Doha International Airport
- Qatar Airways Holidays
- United Media Int
- Qatar Duty Free
- Qatar Aviation Services
- Qatar Distribution Company
- Qatar Executive (private jet).
6. Qatar Airways has ordered 37 A350-1000s.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, welcomed the arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft to Qatar, as part of a special Demonstration Tour by Airbus. The visit was the first stop by the advanced aircraft to 12 destinations throughout the Middle East and Asia Pacific, designed to showcase the aircraft’s exclusive features to airlines and passengers. The arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft comes just a month before Qatar Airways will become the global launch customer for the world’s very first A350-1000.
7. Qatar has one of the World’s Largest Business Lounge at Doha.
After commencing full operations at its new hub, Doha in 2014, Al Mourjan Business Lounge for Qatar Airways’ Premium passengers opened in July 2014. Al Mourjan Business Lounge is about 10 times the size of an Olympic size swimming pool and the Lounge access is for Qatar Airways and one-world first and business class passengers only.
Two-and-a-half acres in all, Al Mourjan consists of many individual spaces, all comfortable and pleasant to look at.
Qatar Airways says that entry into the Al Mourjan lounge is reserved for its own, as well as Oneworld alliance, First Class and Business Class passengers, while Qatar Airways Economy Class passengers can purchase lounge access for 450 Qatari riyals, or about $120 US.
8. Qatar has the world’s longest flight from Doha to Auckland it cross 10-time zones
The daily service from Doha to Auckland which is due to take off on December 3rd, 2016, is going to be the longest flight on earth. The distance between Qatar’s capital and the biggest city in New Zealand is 14,536 kilometres. The flight attendants are going to announce an estimated flight time of 18 hours and 30 minutes.
Not many aircrafts are able to perform such ultra-long flights and the only suitable candidate is the 777-200LR. Take a guess what the “LR” stands for? Yes, you are right! It stands for “Longer Range”. The big difference are the additional fuel tanks, lighter landing gear and raked wingtips.
9. Qatar Airways has formally joined Oneworld, becoming the first of the major Gulf carriers to join one of the global alliances.
The Doha-based carrier joins after just a one-year accession period and becomes the alliance’s 13th member. It is the second Middle Eastern member of Oneworld, alongside Royal Jordanian Airlines.
“We are convinced the time is right clearly right…and Oneworld is clearly the best alliance,” said Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker during a joining ceremony at Doha’s new Hamad International airport on 29 October.
10. Qatar airways has one of the mixed largest fleet in the world and Qatar Executive is the largest G650ER operator in the world.
Qatar Airways is the national carrier of the State of Qatar. Currently undergoing rapid expansion, Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world.
Current Fleets Passenger and Cargo both handling 212 aircraft which includes
- 39 Airbus A320s
- 23 Airbus A350-900s (2 leased LATAM aircraft)
- 30 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- 40 B777-300ERs
Corporate Jet Subsidiary Qatar Executive (12 aircraft)
And fleet on order includes-
- 100 Boeing 777Xs (including options)
- 8 Boeing 777-300ER
- 55 Airbus A350s
- 30 Boeing 787s
- 3 Boeing 777F
- 80 Airbus A320neo Family (including options)
- 1 Airbus A380
- 8 Airbus A330 Freighter options
- 60 Boeing 737 MAX
- 8 (20 firm and 40 options) and
- 30 Gulfstream G500 and G600 aircraft and the flagship G650ER.
Aerospace
HAL Plans Batch Upgrades for Sukhoi-30MKI Fleet
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace and military firm, is planning a significant modernization programme to improve the capabilities of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft fleet. This massive project, which is set to begin in fiscal year 2026-27.
The cockpit of the Sukhoi-30MKI has been completely redesigned as the main point of this upgrade effort. In a state-of-the-art makeover, new-generation touch widescreen checks will replace the present cockpit displays. This improvement is expected to improve pilot situational awareness, data visualization, and control over the aircraft’s systems, leading to a more responsive and accessible interface.
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The addition of a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system produced locally for the programme is critical to the upgrade plan. In electronic warfare settings, this radar technology is critical for improving targeting precision and performance. It improves the Sukhoi-30MKI’s ability to operate effectively in difficult operational conditions by improving detection and tracking capabilities.
Along with the radar update, the mission control computer—a crucial part of the aircraft’s avionics suite—will also see significant advancements. Given the updated Sukhoi-30MKI’s powerful radar system and new display infrastructure, these improvements are crucial to guaranteeing seamless integration and top performance.
Additionally, the modernization programme anticipates an improved arsenal of weaponry that may include advanced electronic defenses and ammunition. A powerful asset in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, this improvement will considerably increase the aircraft’s combat effectiveness.
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The modernization project planned by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) represents a significant stride in India’s quest for enhanced air combat capabilities and technological self-reliance. With the comprehensive redesign of the Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft fleet, encompassing cutting-edge cockpit displays, an indigenous AESA radar system, and an upgraded mission control computer, the Indian Air Force is on track to secure a formidable edge in contemporary aerial warfare.
This strategic initiative not only strengthens the Sukhoi-30MKI’s capabilities but also underscores India’s commitment to innovation and defense technology development.
In the pursuit of its ambitious upgrade plan, HAL, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, places a pivotal emphasis on successfully securing the much-needed approvals and financial sanctions from both the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
This visionary project, if granted the necessary green light, is set to unfold over the course of multiple years, signifying a long-term commitment and dedication to a transformative goal. The overarching objective is nothing short of remarkable: to meticulously convert the entire existing fleet of Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft into the cutting-edge Super-30 variant, with the ambitious deadline set for the year 2034. The meticulous execution of this grand undertaking will proceed at a steady and methodical pace, with an annual target of transforming 20 to 25 aircraft.
Aerospace
Comparison between F-35A and F-15Ex
The F-35A and the F-15EX are both advanced aircraft developed by renowned aerospace companies, Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively. Each aircraft boasts a distinct set of features and capabilities, making them well-suited for specific roles within modern air warfare. Let’s compare these two remarkable aircraft in terms of their primary functions, specifications, capabilities, and support.
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Primary Functions & costs
The F-35A, designed jointly by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, has a wide range of primary roles. It excels at stealthy, all-weather strike missions, close air support, air superiority, maritime strike, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and command and control operations. Its estimated price is roughly $80 million, with a flying cost per hour of less than $24,000, and its anticipated procurement is for 2025.
On the other hand, The F-15EX, developed by Boeing, serves as a cutting-edge aircraft with primary functions focused on air superiority and targeted strikes in less or uncontested airspace. Its estimated price is roughly $80.3 million, with a flying cost per hour of less than $27,000, and its anticipated procurement is for 2025.
specifications
The F-35 A is a single-seater aircraft with impressive characteristics that is Equipped with a powerful Pratt & Whitney F135 engine. It can fly with a maximum takeoff weight of 65,918 lb (29,900 kg), with a fuel capacity of 18,250 lb. The aircraft measures 51.4 ft (15.7 m) in length, 35 ft (11 m) in wingspan, and 14.4 ft (4.4 m) in height. It has a combat radius of 670 miles and a top speed of Mach 1.6 at altitude. The service ceiling of the F-35A is 50,000 feet.
F-15 offers flexibility with a crew capacity of 1 or 2 individuals and is Powered by 2 General Electric F110-GE-129 engines. The maximum takeoff weight is an impressive 81,000 pounds (37,000 kg), supported by a fuel capacity of 13,550 lb. The aircraft spans 63.8 ft (19.446 m) in length, with a wingspan of 42.8 ft and a height of 18.5 ft (5.64 m). It achieves a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 at altitude and has a combat radius of 1,100 miles, with a service ceiling of 60,000 ft.
Radar cross-section & Weaponry
The F-35 A design is robust; in contrast to its 8,000-hour design life, its service life has been evaluated to reach 24,000 hours. The F-35A has an extremely low radar cross-section, at 3.8mm, which reduces its radar profile. It can transport a range of US and NATO air-to-air and ground weaponry, with an internal weight capacity of 5,700 pounds in stealth mode and 22,000 pounds in exterior “beast mode,” including a 25mm cannon.
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The F-15EX has a design life of 8,000 hours, although testing over 30,000 hours has shown it to be robust. It is relatively large on radar compared to the F-35 A due to its greatest radar cross-section of 42.8 feet. With a total weight of 29,500 pounds distributed among nine external stations, the aircraft is equipped with all US air-to-air and ground armaments, including a 20mm cannon.
Major differences from Earlier Versions
Multiple software and processor updates have been made to the F-35A. Progress includes improved weapon capability and electronic warfare systems. The current version, known as Block 3F baseline, is moving towards Block 4, with software and weapon improvements planned twice yearly in 2024.
The F-15 has undergone advancements since 2001, including the addition of digital fly-by-wire technology, enhanced display coding, and Suite 9 avionics. With a passive-active Warner survivability system, its cockpit display is similar to that of the T-x trainer and Eagle trainer.
Congressional support
Major constituencies like Texas, California, Georgia, and Florida have been vocal in their support for production, demonstrating the congressional leadership’s backing. In Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, notable bases and installations house or support the F-35A. In order to demonstrate its broad reach, Lockheed has distributed F-35 subcontracts to all 50 states.
Regions in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Washington are actively supporting production, which has significant congressional support. North Carolina, Oregon, and Georgia all have significant institutions that support F-15 operations. Boeing’s wide influence is evident, with business conducted in all 50 states.
In conclusion, while both the F-35A and the F-15EX are cutting-edge innovations in military aircraft, they excel in different domains. The F-15EX is a strong option for uncontested airspace situations due to its focus on air superiority and focused strikes, remarkable performance, and cost-effectiveness. While the F-35A’s stealth capabilities and versatile design make it suitable for a variety of tasks. Both are remarkable aircraft with their own strengths and capabilities, catering to different mission profiles and strategic objectives.
Aerospace
UAE reportedly seeking a role in KF21 fighter jet
The Financial News, a South Korean daily, said on Thursday that the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Council had sent a letter to South Korea’s Office of National Security explaining Abu Dhabi’s desire in direct cooperation on the development of the KF-21.
Surprisingly, the letter allegedly requested that Abu Dhabi replace Indonesia’s investment in the program.
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Indonesia holds a 20% shareholding but has failed to meet its financial obligations. Jakarta, which had planned to purchase up to 50 KF-21s, joined the program in 2010 but fell behind on payments in 2017, owing an estimated $557 million by July 2022. In May, Jakarta attempted to assuage Seoul’s fears by announcing a revised payment schedule.
The KF-21 Boramae’s stealth capabilities are a crucial feature. The aircraft is equipped with modern stealth technology such as a low-observable design, radar-absorbent materials, and internal weapon carriage.
These features lower the radar cross-section of the aircraft, making it more difficult to detect and track hostile radars. The KF-21’s stealth characteristics increase its survivability and allow it to more effectively infiltrate opposing defenses.
The UAE’s alleged interest is not surprising. After all, Abu Dhabi pledged $30 billion in South Korean businesses, including defense, in January. The affluent Arab kingdom inked a $3.5 billion contract with South Korea for the Cheongung II KM-SAM air defense missile system in January 2022, the largest-ever arms export transaction for Seoul at the time.
As these multibillion-dollar investments in the South Korean industry illustrate, the UAE would have little issue repaying Indonesia’s debt to the Boramae programme. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi would surely be interested in co-producing the fighter since it would aid in the development of its domestic defence sector through significant technology transfers, which Seoul has proven to be generous with.
The UAE has halted talks with the US over a record sale for 50 fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth planes in late 2021 due to differences over American preconditions and Emirati cooperation with China.
The KF-21 Boramae is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K afterburning turbofan engines. These engines provide the necessary thrust for the aircraft’s high-performance capabilities. The F414 engines are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and ability to operate in various environmental conditions. They enable the KF-21 to achieve the supersonic speeds and maneuverability required for air combat scenarios.
On the other hand, India, China, and Turkey are already in the process of developing their own Fifth Generation Fighter Jet. Turkey has already exhibited it and is awaiting the final engine selection for their 5th generation fighter plane. Americans are looking forward to the 6th generation fighter jet, which will be the most advanced in terms of engine thrust and weapons technology.
Most countries are working together to develop collaborative efforts to build their own fighter plane.
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