Aviation

Boeing, U.S. Navy Demonstrate Manned-Unmanned Teaming with Super Hornet Flight Tests

Boeing Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet successfully demonstrated command and control of three unmanned aerial vehicles for the first time.

– A Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet test jet controls three unmanned aerial vehicles

– The software development, connectivity to the fighter and flight tests were completed in less than six months. Manned-unmanned teaming is a key capability for the U.S. Navy

ST. LOUIS, 15 JULY 2022 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the United States Navy have completed a series of MUM-T flight tests in which a Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet successfully demonstrated command and control of three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

To collaborate with the UAVs, Boeing system engineers linked Block III’s auxiliary processor, known as the Distributed Targeting Processor – Networked (DTP-N), with a third-party tablet. Boeing created new software loads for the DTP-N that are specifically designed for running the third-party tablet and transmitting commands. In less than six months, the software development, tablet connection to the fighter, and all flying testing were completed.

“Block III Super Hornet is delivering on its promise of hardware that is ready to receive future software,” said Ben LeGrand, Boeing head of Mission Systems. “With modest modifications, Block III Super Hornet will integrate third-party systems and software.”

On the demonstration, Boeing collaborated with the F/A-18 & EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265), Air Test and Evaluation Squadrons (VX) 23 and 31, the Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division at China Lake, Calif., and a third-party vendor. During the test flights, F/A-18 pilots entered commands into the tablet, which were then processed and relayed by the Block III hardware. During two weeks of testing, the UAVs carried out all directions supplied by F/A-18 pilots.

“This successful MUM-T demonstration is an important step toward the Navy’s concept of Distributed Maritime Operations.” It demonstrates the capability of unmanned ideas to broaden and extend the Navy’s reach,” said Scott Dickson, Boeing’s director of Multi-Domain Integration. “As part of a Joint All-Domain Command and Control network, teams of UAVs executing ISR missions commanded by the latest Super Hornets equipped with network-enabled data fusion and enhanced capabilities would provide significant information advantage to warfighters across the Joint Force.”

The F/A-18 is an industry leader in the development and installation of the hardware and computing power required for future digital capabilities and expansion, boasting the largest digital touch screen in any fighter cockpit. The demonstration’s auxiliary processor adds significant computing power to the F/mission A-18’s processing suite.

“Future fighter pilots will be the quarterbacks of the sky, directing directives and controlling unmanned aerial vehicles from the integrated Block III touch-screen cockpit,” said Mark Sears, Boeing vice president and programme manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G programmes. “The Block III Super Hornet is a bridge to the future and a risk reduction for the Navy, which is already delivering on teaming, networking, and interoperability.”

Aviation

Airbus Enhances A350 Cabin with 10-Abreast Seating

Airbus has announced a new partnership with Jiatai Aircraft Equipment, a Chinese aircraft seating manufacturer, to supply upgraded economy-class seats for the A350 widebody series.

This collaboration, unveiled at the 2024 Airshow China, focuses on developing a newly designed economy seat tailored for the A350‘s New Production Standard (NPS) cabin.

One of the key features of the NPS cabin is the ability to accommodate 17-inch wide economy seats, compared to the previous 16.5-inch wide seats that airlines were limited to in the A350’s earlier configurations.

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This change is made possible by the expanded space in the NPS cabin, which is 35 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the previous version. This extra space is achieved by slightly moving the cockpit wall forward and shifting the rear pressure bulkhead back by one frame.

The wider cabin allows airlines to add up to 30 extra economy seats without compromising comfort. For airlines opting for a 3-4-3 seating layout, the 17-inch wide seats are an excellent choice for a more comfortable passenger experience. However, some airlines, such as Iberia, may choose to retain a 9-abreast layout with wider seats for added comfort.

The NPS cabin also offers enhanced flexibility for airline operators. One major advantage is the ability to easily switch between a 9-abreast and 10-abreast seating configuration without requiring significant downtime for aircraft reconfiguration. Airlines can use the same seat rails, tracks, and IFE interfaces, making the transition smoother and quicker.

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In addition, the design of the floor attachments and air-conditioning systems has been optimized for 10-abreast seating, meaning airlines can upgrade their cabins without needing to make substantial modifications to the aircraft’s structure.

Though it’s still unclear when Jiatai’s economy-class seats will be officially added to the A350’s Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) catalogue, the collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the A350’s cabin offerings.

With this partnership, Airbus is providing more seating options for airlines, ensuring that they can meet diverse customer needs while improving overall operational efficiency.