Tech

Airbus launches Mission+, the first Electronic Flight Assistant that maximises flight efficiency

Dubai, 16 November 2021 – Airbus’ Flight Operations subsidiary NAVBLUE has launched Mission+, the first Electronic Flight Assistant (EFA) that provides pilots with all the data and information that they need to perform their mission, via one modular digital solution.

This mission-centric approach integrates flight management data and documentation, cockpit check-list, navigation charts and airport maps, real time weather conditions, aircraft performance data – usually only available to pilots via multiple sources.

“For us pilots, the user experience offered here compares with moving from an old mobile phone and paper diary to the latest generation smartphone,” said Airbus Pilot Captain Olivier Aspe.

Accessible through an interactive display, Mission+ is the first EFA on the market to gather all information sources together with one single point of entry. For pilots this means an integrated interface that allows quick, easy and seamless navigation.

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In compiling data and information in this way, Mission+ is a significant upgrade from the current, widely used Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) and paper on-board cockpits. Pilot workload is optimised and the overall operational efficiency for the airline is improved.

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Mission+ has been developed in close cooperation with airlines from various regions around the world, incorporating their feedback. The solution ensures a flexible platform with optional modules that can be customised to airline specific requirements.

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.