Aerospace
Another milestone for two more Indian aircraft IJT & HTT 40
India has reached another milestone in the development of indigenous aircraft, as the HTT-40 earned its airworthiness clearance certificate from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification on June 6th. It is a basic turboprop trainer plane.
According to a HAL source, the production contract will be inked in October or November 2022. HAL has the potential to construct 24 aircraft per year at its plants in Nasik and Bangalore, and production may begin 18 months after the day of contract signature).
The HTT-40 is a tandem seat aircraft made entirely of metal and propelled by a 1,100 horsepower turboprop engine.
The HAL HTT-40 basic turboprop trainer has been certified by India. This paves the path for the aircraft to be inducted into the Indian Air Force in the future.
This aircraft has a gross weight of 2,800 kg, can carry up to 450 kg of fuel, and is powered by a single 834 kilo watt Honeywell turboprop engine.
The aircraft has a maximum speed of 400 km/h, a range of 1,000 km, and a ceiling height of 19,680 feet. This aircraft, too, can be armed with a gun, rockets, and bombs. As a basic trainer, it will replace the Indian Air Force’s retired HPT-32 Deepak.
The IAF issued a request for proposal to HAL in 2021 for 70 HTT40s with an option for 38 more. Production will take place in the manufacturing units in Bangalore and Nashik.
Another achievement by HAL is the successful demonstration of spins in IJT aircraft.
HAL’s Intermediate Jet Trainer, conceived and developed for stage II IAF pilot training, has successfully demonstrated the capacity to perform six turn spins to the LH and RH sides. The IJT, which was planned by HAL as a replacement for the IAF fleet’s ageing Kirans, had completed demonstration of its capabilities in terms of altitude and speed envelope, load factor, satisfactory stall characteristics, and limited weapons capability far sooner than required by the IAF.
The IJT, which was planned by HAL as a replacement for the IAF fleet’s ageing Kirans, had completed demonstration of its capabilities in terms of altitude and speed envelope, load factor, satisfactory stall characteristics, and limited weapons capability far sooner than required by the IAF. HAL will soon have cutting-edge trainers for IAF pilot stage I and II training.
Tell us what you think of both aircraft’s main accomplishments in the comments area.
Aerospace
Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India
InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.
Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.
This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.
At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.
Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.
Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Aerospace
Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?
The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.
The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.
On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.
When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.
One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility
Aerospace
China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft
The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.
The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.
It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.
To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.