Aviation

Russia Launches New Yak-130M Combat Training Aircraft

At the International Military-Technical Forum “ARMY-2024,” PJSC Yakovlev, a subsidiary of Rostec State Corporation’s PJSC UAC, introduced the Yak-130M, a significantly upgraded version of the Yak-130 combat trainer.

This modernization effort, led by Yakovlev PJSC, is focused on enhancing the aircraft’s combat capabilities to increase its appeal in the global market, particularly for buyers looking for a more cost-effective alternative to heavier, more expensive aircraft.

The upgraded Yak-130M boasts a substantial increase in its armament payload, including advanced air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weapons equipped with satellite and laser guidance systems. These enhancements effectively russia commercial aircraft transform the Yak-130M into a versatile light fighter while retaining its primary role as a combat trainer.

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The new model aims to attract international customers interested in a multi-role aircraft that combines training and combat functionalities in a single platform. The design documentation for the Yak-130M prototypes has already been completed under a research and development contract commissioned by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The assembly of the first prototype is currently underway at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, with a total of three prototypes planned. Some of the innovative technologies featured in the Yak-130M are already undergoing testing on existing prototypes, including the one showcased at the “ARMY-2024” forum.

The Yak-130M is equipped with advanced systems that significantly enhance its operational capabilities. These include the 130R airborne radar, the SOLT-130K optical locator, the “President-S130” onboard defense suite, and the KSS-130 communications unit. These upgrades ensure that the Yak-130M can be effectively used for both training and combat missions, even in adverse weather conditions and around the clock.

Vladimir Artyakov, Deputy General Director of Rostec State Corporation, expressed optimism that the modernized Yak-130M would attract international buyers who prioritize cost-effectiveness without compromising on combat readiness. The aircraft’s enhanced features and multi-role capabilities position it as a strong contender in the global defense market, particularly among nations seeking a light-attack aircraft with dual training and combat functions.

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.