Aerospace

Airbus’ C295 Flight Test Bed 2 takes to the skies for the first time.

The Airbus C295 Flight Test Bed 2 (FTB2) has completed its first fly safely.The aircraft will now embark on a flight program to experience the new semi-morphing wing, a new inexpensive flight control system, and a SatCom antenna implanted inside the fuselage. The technologies that will be used in CS2’s future regional multimission aircraft are being evaluated

New materials and technology are used in the improvements to reduce noise, CO2, and NOx emissions. In a typical Search and Rescue mission of 400 nautical miles, using these technologies in a future conditions multimission configuration, up to 43% CO2 and 70% NOx savings, as well as 45 percent less noise during take-off, can be realised.

“After the successful integration of the new aero structures, power-on, and ground tests, the first flight of the C295 FTB2 is a critical milestone that represents an important step ahead in the programme. This programme was once only a pipe dream for a more sustainable aviation future. We’ve finally made it fly,” stated Francisco Javier Sánchez Segura, Executive Vice President Engineering of Airbus Defense and Space.

A redesigned high-efficiency semi-morphing wing, new dynamic winglets, and a flat panel SATCOM antenna built into the top of the fuselage are the aircraft’s principal upgrades. Innovative flight controls for primary control surfaces, including as ailerons, flaps, and flap tabs with improved aerodynamics, can also be adjusted in flight, contributing to a more efficient high lift system.

As an outcome, the C295 FTB2 improves not just the aircraft’s purely quantitative features, but also the design and production process.

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Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

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Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.