Aerospace

GE eyes multi-billion dollar engine deal with India for fighter jet programs

While the design of the aircraft manufacturing is rapidly progressing under the AMCA and TEDBF project. Now, the engine manufacturer is promising to provide HAL with the technology. In order to participate in the Indian future fighter lead design manufacture, GE is now prepared to express its interest.

General Electric (GE), a major American aerospace engine manufacturer, has submitted an application to the Pentagon asking for permission to jointly produce and share engine technology with India. The Pentagon has brought up the matter with the appropriate authorities, and the proposal is moving quickly as a result of the urgency displayed by GE, which is eager to expand its business in India with a multi-billion dollar engine deal for Indian fighter jet programs.

A military turbofan engine built by General Electric Aviation is known as the GE F114. Current applications include the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and other military aircraft. It was initially created for the F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft.

The modular design of the F114 engine makes maintenance and repair simple. It is able to travel at supersonic speeds and has a maximum thrust of about 29,000 pounds. Additionally, the engine is equipped with cutting-edge technologies like an afterburner for improved performance and a digital engine control system.

Overall, the GE F114 engine is a strong and dependable engine that has been instrumental in the development of numerous military aircraft.

For the Indian Navy’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) fifth-generation fighter programs, GE has requested authorization to jointly build a 110kn engine based on its F414 engine.

For the 4.5+ Gen Tejas MkII fighter program in India, GE intends to jointly produce a baseline F414 engine that generates a 98kN class of thrust. Moreover, GE wants to create an upgrade core that can provide 110-120kN Class of thrust for the AMCA and TEDBF Program.

For each fighter program over its life cycle, GE estimates a massive deal for 400 engines from India alone, with up to 1000 engines being produced locally in India. Due to the Tejas Mk1A program, GE has an advantage over its rivals in India. GE is eager to fend off offers from Safran and Rolls-Royce by providing engines that are not only economical but also include Transfer of Technology (ToT) for domestic production.

Aerospace

India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN

Coutresy : Boeing planes

India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.

Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.

For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.

Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.

FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.

Aerospace

Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?

Courtesy : Tony Fernandes (Linked in Story)

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating as AirAsia Group, recently paid a visit to the facilities of COMAC on April 2, 2024, and was thoroughly impressed by what he witnessed.

C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders

COMAC, known for its homegrown aircraft, has launched two promising jets: the ARJ21 and the C919 aircraft. Both aircraft are gaining popularity in the Chinese market, with the C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders from various airlines.

Fernandes expressed his admiration for COMAC’s achievements in aircraft manufacturing, acknowledging the immense challenge it entails. His visit underscored the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third option when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.

During his tour, Fernandes was delighted by the innovation and technology evident in COMAC’s aircraft production and the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.

He noted that many Western companies have shifted away from prioritizing loyalty and customer service, opting instead for short-term gains and a narrow definition of success.

Last month, COMAC embarked on an international tour, showcasing demonstration flights to neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Fernandes believes that the positive impression left by COMAC during his visit opens up new opportunities for collaboration.

Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements

The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and long-term vision align closely with AirAsia’s ethos, making collaboration with COMAC appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership grounded in trust and a shared commitment to success.

Indonesia and China have already collaborated in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.

In his statement, Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements and genuine desire for long-term partnership, highlighting the absence of ego and a genuine willingness to succeed together. He marveled at COMAC’s fully automated, AI-driven factory, a testament to their dedication to innovation and efficiency.

Fernandes criticized Western firms for prioritizing short-term gains over loyalty, customer service, and long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers’ needs and collaborating to achieve success.

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).