Aviation

Boeing, Nammo Complete Long-Range Ramjet Artillery Test

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Norwegian defense and aerospace company Nammo has further shown the practicality of one of the U.S. Army’s modernization priorities: long-range precision shots.

The successful test-firing of a ramjet-powered artillery projectile by Boeing and the Norwegian defence and aerospace company Nammo has further shown the practicality of one of the U.S. Army’s modernization priorities, long-range precision shots.

A Boeing Ramjet 155 projectile was shot out of a cannon on June 28 during a test at the Andya Test Center in Norway, and its ramjet engine successfully ignited. It displayed stable flight due to carefully managed engine combustion.

The Andya long-range test comes after years of ramjet technology research, development, and testing by Boeing and Nammo, including more than 450 static or short-range tests.

In an effort to jointly develop and construct the following generation of boosted artillery projectiles, Boeing Phantom Works and Nammo have been collaborating. The Ramjet 155 projectile development and maturation contract was given to the Boeing-Nammo team in July 2019 as part of the XM1155 programme of the US Army. A Phase II technology development contract was given to the group in May 2021.

Ramjet 155 uses a supersonic projectile moving forward in an engine that uses only that forward velocity to compress the air pulled in combustion. The initiative, which is thought of as a cross between guided artillery and missiles, has as its goal the development of a universal round that can be used in both L39 and L58 cannons. In the upcoming months, more testing and demonstrations of the technology are planned as the team continues to refine and develop it.

International aerospace and defence business Nammo has its main office in Norway. Nammo is a top manufacturer of rocket motors, shoulder-fired systems, and speciality ammunition with more than 2,700 people, 28 production sites, and a presence in 12 countries.

Aviation

Aeroflot Buys Used Planes for Spare Parts Amid Sanctions

In the face of ongoing Western sanctions that have severely impacted Russia’s aviation industry, Aeroflot, the country’s largest airline, has devised a strategic plan to bolster its fleet’s spare parts inventory.

The airline is set to acquire five Boeing 737-800BCF freighters from Atran Airlines, a move that will allow it to dismantle the aircraft for critical components. The planes, which will be transferred to Aeroflot’s low-cost subsidiary Pobeda, will not be converted into passenger jets but instead will be stripped for valuable parts to support existing operations.

United Airlines Brings Holiday Cheer with Free North Pole Flights

Aeroflot’s plan to purchase these Boeing 737-800BCF freighters comes as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions, which have crippled the Russian aviation sector. With the sanctions restricting access to essential aircraft parts and spare components, Aeroflot is exploring alternative ways to maintain and repair its fleet.

Instead of converting the freighters from cargo to passenger planes, a process deemed “unreasonably expensive” under current sanctions, the airline intends to focus on extracting high-value components such as engines, landing gear, avionics, and other essential systems.

The deal will be structured in a way that allows Aeroflot to indirectly purchase the freighters through an insurance settlement with the aircraft’s lessor, AerCap.

Top 10 World’s Busiest Airports of 2024

The Russian government’s insurance company will reimburse the aircraft’s value, and the planes will then be leased back to local operators. This method circumvents some of the restrictions imposed by international sanctions while ensuring that the airline gains access to the necessary components to support its fleet.

By dismantling the aircraft for spare parts, Aeroflot aims to secure critical resources for the ongoing maintenance of its existing fleet. Components from the Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, such as engines and avionics, are expected to be reused in other aircraft within Aeroflot’s network, ensuring that the airline can keep its operations running smoothly