Tech

Boeing’s Software Advances Enable Future Manned-Unmanned Refueling

Boeing has used a digital F/A-18 Super Hornet and MQ-25 Stingray to develop its manned-unmanned teaming technology.

Testing reveals that the software is developing for prospective use by the US Navy in the future, including the possibility of deploying the teaming capability on F/A-18 Block II and III Super Hornets.

A Boeing-led team used the platforms’ current communications links to practically simulate an F/A-18 pilot controlling an unmanned MQ-25 to release a refuelling drogue and refuel the Super Hornet in a simulator lab.

The upgraded software is an evolution of earlier experiments conducted by Boeing. To further demonstrate Boeing’s preparedness to provide this capability to the Navy, test teams not only changed the software but also brought in hardware and datalinks that were already set up on both platforms to run the finished product.

Pilots will have more flexibility when refuelling from larger distances because to the software developed by Boeing, which will drastically shorten the time it takes for an F/A-18 to communicate with a MQ-25.

“MUM-T refuelling was intended to be as realistic as possible,” stated Juan Cajigas, the director of the Advanced MQ-25 programme. Aerial refuelling resembles a ballet performed by two aircraft joining forces. The ability for a single pilot to safely and effectively oversee the operations is a significant advancement in aerial refuelling technology.

Tech

China Developing Jet to Travel Anywhere in Two Hours

China is making remarkable strides in aviation technology with its ambitious plan to develop a hypersonic passenger jet, capable of flying at speeds that could revolutionize air travel.

The cutting-edge aircraft, dubbed the “Nanqiang No 1,” aims to reach speeds up to six times faster than the legendary Concorde, potentially transporting passengers to any destination on the globe in under two hours.

This futuristic project has already undergone rigorous testing at a state-of-the-art laboratory in Fujian Province. Reports from China indicate that the unmanned prototype is expected to weigh just 500 kilograms, showcasing a sleek and lightweight design optimized for speed. The jet is projected to cruise at an astonishing Mach 6, or six times the speed of sound, which would set new standards for commercial flight.

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The key to achieving such mind-blowing speeds lies in a sophisticated engine design. The “Nanqiang No 1” will utilize a combination of turbofan, rocket, and ramjet engines, pushing the boundaries of what current aviation technology can handle. Early renderings of the aircraft reveal a “MUTTER” engine configuration, which includes two air-breathing ramjet engines, a small rocket engine, and two turbine engines. china 6th generation fighter While there were initial doubts about the feasibility of this engine setup, computer modeling and early lab tests have demonstrated the MUTTER system’s ability to surpass Mach 6.

Though several nations are exploring supersonic and hypersonic flight technology, China’s pursuit of a passenger jet capable of reaching hypersonic speeds puts it at the forefront of this race. Supersonic jets, which travel faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1), are being explored by various aerospace companies worldwide, but China’s vision to push beyond supersonic into the hypersonic realm represents a bold leap into the future of air travel.

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With the potential to redefine how people traverse the globe, China’s hypersonic passenger jet could make long-haul flights obsolete, allowing travelers to reach far-flung destinations in a matter of hours. The country hopes to see the technology realized and operational for tourist use within the next decade, marking a new chapter in aviation history.