Aviation

Boeing Delivers Four MH-139A Test Helicopters to U.S. Air Force

The U.S. Air Force has received four MH-139A Grey Wolf test aircraft from Boeing

The U.S. Air Force has received four MH-139A Grey Wolf test aircraft from Boeing [NYSE: BA] as it gets ready to replace its ailing UH-1N helicopter fleet.

Based on the reliable commercial AW139 helicopter, the Grey Wolf is a multi-mission aircraft with the ability to transport security personnel and government officials as well as safeguard intercontinental ballistic missiles. For 80 helicopters, training systems, and related support equipment, Boeing was awarded a $2.4 billion contract in September 2018.

In comparison to the UH-1N Huey it replaces, the Grey Wolf is a more advanced, adaptable aircraft, delivering more range, speed, and endurance, according to Mark Cherry, vice president, and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift. “I am pleased of our team for helping us reach this milestone, which is a fantastic first step in a long series of Grey Wolf deliveries, along with our partner Leonardo.

While Boeing is in charge of the helicopter’s post-delivery assistance and post-purchase maintenance, Leonardo manufactures the helicopter at its facility in northeast Philadelphia.

Boeing has the most advanced military rotorcraft in the world, and the company is known for developing advanced solutions that deliver proven capabilities. Boeing has 60 years of experience and a global fleet of over 2,500 aircraft, including the AH-6 Little Bird, AH-64 Apache, V-22 Osprey, and H-47 Chinook, as well as in-development entrants such as the MH-139A Grey Wolf and DEFIANT X.

Aviation

Airbus Plans Cockpit Toilet to Make Single-Pilot Operations a Reality

In a bold move aimed at cutting costs, Airbus is exploring the possibility of installing a potty-style toilet right behind the Captain’s seat on its A350 long-haul aircraft. According to the reports from paddleyourownkanoo.com

This proposal is part of the ongoing effort to implement Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO), a concept that could revolutionize the aviation industry by reducing the number of pilots required on ultra-long-haul flights.

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Currently, on long flights, two pilots stay in the cockpit while the others rest in a separate compartment. However, under eMCO, one pilot could be alone in the cockpit for up to three hours while the other sleeps. The goal is to reduce crew costs and improve airline efficiency, as fewer pilots would be needed for these flights.

But this proposal has raised concerns from pilot unions, who worry about safety and the challenges of single-pilot operations. To address the issue of bathroom breaks, Airbus suggests installing a radio-equipped toilet in the cockpit, allowing the pilot to use it without leaving their seat.

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If the pilot needs to use the toilet, the second pilot would have to be woken up, terminating the eMCO process temporarily.

If successful, Airbus plans to begin testing this system on its A350 aircraft as soon as 2027, with single-pilot operations possibly being introduced on freighter Airbus A320s within the next five years.