Aerospace

Airbus has successfully tested a firefighting kit on the A400M.

During a flight test campaign in Spain, Airbus successfully tested a removable firefighting demonstrator kit on the A400M new generation airlifter. @AirbusDefence #A400M #FireFighter

Getafe, 26 July 2022 –During a flight test campaign in Spain, Airbus successfully tested a removable firefighting demonstrator kit on the A400M new generation airlifter.

The testing was done in daylight, with a minimum operational height of 150 feet, flight speeds as low as 125 knots, and drops of up to 20 tonnes of water from the current tank in less than 10 seconds.

The campaign’s major goal is to validate the drop water quantity and time, as well as the A400capacity M’s to perform this new function with the kit.

The prototype was developed and tested in close coordination with the Spanish Air Force’s 43rd Group, as well as European authorities in firefighting operations and the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO).

“The creation of this firefighting equipment is an integral element of our journey to help create a more sustainable and safer society, not only through our activities but also via our goods.”

“We are confident that the A400M will play a critical role in combating the ever-increasing threat posed by wildfires and assisting in the restoration of social and environmental systems,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.

The Airbus firefighting solution created for the A400M is a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) kit that requires no modification to the aircraft and therefore is interchangeable to any aircraft in the A400M fleet.

The water is stored in a fixed tank in the cargo hold, and retained by two independent doors. These doors are connected to two flood pipes, so when the discharge is triggered, the water is expelled through two sections at the end of the ramp.

The introduction of this RORO solution allows a rapid reaction to unforeseen fires and reconfiguration of the aircraft to any of its other roles.

Due to its low level flight capability and maneuverability at low speeds, the A400M can accurately drop payloads of water at very low heights, down to 150ft.

In the future, in addition to the development of the production version of this kit, Airbus will analyze this operation also in night time conditions, reinforcing the efficiency and effectiveness of the mission.

To download audiovisual material to complement this announcement please click here.

@AirbusDefence #A400M #FireFighter

Aerospace

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

Image:Boeing

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.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

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.