Aerospace

Airbus Helicopters H175 granted CAAC certification

The H175 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters has been approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

With a growing demand for super-medium helicopters, China is one of the most competitive markets in the world and will now be able to start receiving H175 deliveries. Chinese clients will receive four H175s in 2023.

CAAC issues brief statement on China Eastern 737 crash(Opens in a new browser tab)

According to Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, “the Chinese certification of the H175 is another great achievement in the continued successful partnership between Airbus Helicopters and the Chinese helicopter industry.” “The H175’s cutting-edge, state-of-the-art performances and reliability will help to give the Chinese people the ability to perform vital life-saving missions even in harsh environments.”

The C919 plane from China is given the go-ahead for mass production.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Airbus Helicopters is committed to collaborating with Chinese industry to expand the Chinese civil market with products like the H175 in order to further the interests of the Chinese people and the country’s economy. This commitment is necessary to maintain the growth of the Chinese helicopter market. The Airbus H175 is a helicopter in the super-medium size range that has been in service since 2015.

The finest answer for a variety of missions, including offshore crew changes, SAR, all public services, and private and business aviation, is provided by this aircraft since it combines great range with superior flight quality. Over 185,000 flight hours have been logged by the 53 H175s that are now in use across 13 different nations.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.