Aviation

Boeing issued immediate response on 16 B737 MAX customers

Boeing will 'very shortly' increase 737 MAX manufacturing to 38 per month.

Boeing issued immediate response on 16 B737 MAX customers: Boeing has recommended on Friday to 16 of its customers to address a potential production issue related to an electrical power system in certain 737 MAX airplanes before operating them.

The 737 MAX was grounded worldwide in March 2019 after two crashes killed 346 people and was grounded worldwide for more than 20 months. Regulators in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Brazil and other countries recertified the plane to fly after Boeing changed an automated flight-control system that caused the crashes.

Boeing said that the recommendation was made “to allow for verification that a sufficient ground path exists for a component of the electrical power system.” Further, Boeing said it also informing their customers of specific tail numbers and provides direction on appropriate corrective actions.

Boeing did not specify which are the 16 airlines grounded again, but the largest operators of 737 MAX are Southwest Airlines, United, and American Airlines are definitely impacted.

FAA released statement in twitter:

.@Boeing recommends operators of some 737 MAX airplanes temporarily remove them from service to address a potential electrical issue. The FAA will ensure the issue is addressed. Passengers should contact airlines about possible flight delays and cancellations. pic.twitter.com/i6r1fcP5RR
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) April 9, 2021
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Shares of Boeing fell slightly, about 1.4% in early trading Friday following the announcement.

Aviation

India Launches Its Medium-Lift Class Helicopter Program, chooses New Engine

India’s longstanding need for a Medium Helicopter may soon become a reality as the country has fully ramped up its engine development efforts. This new helicopter is set to replace the Russian-built models currently in service and will play a crucial role across various scenarios for the Indian Armed Forces.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-power engine named Aravalli.

This new engine will power the upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being designed and developed by HAL.

Named after the majestic Aravalli mountain range in India, the Aravalli engine symbolizes the country’s drive for self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in critical engine technologies. This cutting-edge engine will be instrumental for the IMRH, a versatile 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant tailored for the Indian Navy.

The IMRH is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian armed forces over the next decade. With its first flight expected in 3 to 4 years, the IMRH is anticipated to begin induction by 2030, with plans to integrate between 300 to 400 units, and potentially more in the future.

The IMRH is envisioned as a highly versatile multi-role helicopter that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian military. The DBMRH, designed for naval operations, will also face the challenges of high-altitude environments in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas of strategic importance due to their proximity to the China border.

In addition to its military applications, the Aravalli engine is projected to enter the civil market, serving roles in offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The long-term vision includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities to further extend the engine’s utility and support the aviation industry.

This collaboration between HAL and SAFHAL builds on their successful history of working together on the Shakti engine, which powers several HAL helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the Light Utility Helicopter. The proven success of this partnership lays a strong foundation for the development of the Aravalli engine, setting the stage for a new era in India’s helicopter capabilities.