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Boeing, Nammo Conduct Successful Ramjet 155 Artillery Tests : Facts to know

The Ramjet 155 Extended Range Artillery Projectile, developed by Boeing and Nammo, has successfully completed ground-fire testing, enabling long-range precise shots, which is one of the US Army’s top modernization goals.

Artillery is a type of heavy military ranged weapon that can fire explosives with a range and strength well beyond that of infantry weapons. Early artillery development centred on the ability to penetrate defensive walls and fortifications during sieges, resulting in large, stationary siege engines.

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There are three ways to increase the range of artillery shells fired from a barrel:

  • Rocket-assisted projectiles provide additional ‘push’ from a small rocket motor integrated into the projectile’s base, enhancing and maintaining the projectile’s velocity.
  • Base bleed: employs a small pyrotechnic charge at the projectile’s base to deliver enough combustion products into the low-pressure zone behind the projectile’s base, which accounts for a significant percentage of the drag.
  • Ramjet-assisted: Similar to rocket-assisted, but using a ramjet instead of a rocket motor; a ramjet-assisted 120-mm mortar projectile is expected to have a range of 22 miles (35 km).

The ramjet rocket motor technology developed by Nammo has completed a successful testing and development phase. During the development process, more than 300 completed rocket motor tests provided valuable feedback. The corporation now believes that the technology is well on its way to maturity and stability, as well as meeting performance goals.

Nammo is also working on the following projects: The 155mm HE-LR (long range) is one among them: A guided rocket-assisted projectile with a range of 70-85 kilometres. The first prototypes were recently tested, and work is nearing completion.

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The 155MM HE-ER is the final product (extended range). This cannon has a range of more than 40 kilometres. In contrast to its siblings, it is constructed using traditional technology with the addition of a base bleed section that greatly reduces drag and hence increases range.

While less stunning than the others, it has the potential to have a significant influence on modern armies, effectively doubling their attack range.

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Ramjet motors are currently being considered for use in artillery and missile systems, according to the business. Ramjet motors may now be fired from any L39 or L52/L58 artillery cannon, and have shown to be reliable in terms of ignition and in-house flight.

Nammo and Boeing have teamed up on a project to produce ramjets for 155mm artillery. Armed forces will gain from Boeing/experience Nammo’s in terms of increased range and a reduced demand for more expensive rockets. Furthermore, a common, survivable round design for both L39 and L52/L58 guns will reduce logistical challenges.

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How does it work ? 

The first part of a ramjet is its diffuser (compressor) in which the forward motion of the ramjet is used to raise the pressure of its working fluid (air) as required for the combustion of fuel. It is then passed through a nozzle to accelerate it to supersonic speeds. This acceleration gives the ramjet forward thrust.

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A ramjet is much less complex than a turbojet in so far as it comprises an air intake, a combustor, and a nozzle but no turbomachinery. Normally, the only moving parts are those in the turbopump, which sends the fuel to the spray nozzles in the combustor (liquid-fuel ramjet). Solid-fuel ramjets are simpler with no need for a fuel system.

A team from Boeing and the Norwegian company Nammo has conducted successful ground-fire tests of its Ramjet 155 Extended Range Artillery Projectile – a technology to enable long-range precision fires, one of the U.S. Army’s key modernization priorities.

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Airbus to add A321 production capabilities in Toulouse

The tests, led by Nammo and conducted during the months of January and March in Norway, validated gun-launched survivability and performance predictions, and expanded Ramjet 155’s employment envelope.

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Since 2019, Boeing Phantom Works and Nammo have been working together under a strategic partnership to jointly develop and produce the next generation of boosted artillery projectiles to meet the Army’s long-range, precision-fire priorities. Ramjet 155 uses an engine in which the air drawn in for combustion is compressed solely by the forward motion of the projectile at supersonic speeds. The program builds on the success of Boeing’s Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) programs and addresses range, accuracy and volume of fire gaps between current artillery systems and those operated by potential adversaries.

Did you know these 10 incredible facts about Honda jet ?

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aerospace

China is secretly testing its next-generation medium combat helicopter Z21

China is secretly testing its next-generation medium combat helicopter Z21

China consistently keeps aviation enthusiasts surprised with its advancements in fighter jets and other aircraft. Leading the pack in Asia, China continuously pushes boundaries in developing domestically-built aircraft.

Recently, images circulating on the internet reveal China’s latest creation, the Z-21 helicopter. Resembling its predecessor, the Z-10, this helicopter boasts enhanced fighter capabilities. The emergence of these images sparks questions regarding the fate of plans to acquire Russian-made Ka-52K attack helicopters, particularly the naval version.

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Observing the helicopter in flight, it shares design elements with the Harbin Z-10, notably in the front fuselage and cockpit canopy. The wing stubs for weapon mounts exhibit similar shapes, though with less pronounced angular features. With a tandem seating arrangement, the Z-21 also draws comparisons to the Mil Mi-28, featuring an elongated body with five rotor blades and weapon bays on its sides.

The unveiling of the Z-21 has triggered speculation about its potential role in future military operations. Analysts suggest that beyond its firepower, its introduction could signal significant technological advancements. There’s particular interest in whether China will incorporate a ‘manned-unmanned teaming’ system akin to later Apache models, enabling the Z-21 to control armed drones for reconnaissance and attacks, reducing risks to the helicopter itself.

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The emergence of the Z-21 underscores China’s increasing military prowess and its commitment to developing cutting-edge weaponry. Its deployment and capabilities will be closely monitored, especially concerning regional security dynamics.

The helicopter presents a significant challenge to American-built Apache and other medium helicopters, boasting superior capacity for flying at higher altitudes and more powerful speed and combat capabilities, thus enhancing its effectiveness on the battlefield. On the other hand, amidst ongoing Indian border tensions, this aircraft is poised to play a crucial role in surveillance along the sensitive China border and beyond.

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Qantas Airbus A330 Makes Safe Landing After Engine Blowout

Woman spends tortuous three months trying to resolve huge Qantas errors

A Qantas Airbus A330 Aircraft, flight number QF781, has landed safely without incident in
Perth after the passengers on the Perth-bound flight reported hearing a ‘loud bang’ from one
side of the twin-engined plane engine. The Airbus A330 aircraft made a priority landing at
Perth Airport around 9:37pm local time on 25 March, arriving approximately 52 minutes
behind schedule.


Upon landing, emergency services met with the aircraft on the tarmac. However, the aircraft
taxied to the gate without assistance, with the passengers disembarking normally.
The ‘loud bang’ heard by passengers happened due to a mid-air engine blowout, therefore
resulting in the pilots having to manually shut off the affected engine, together with
requesting a priority landing into Perth Airport. Qantas also added in a statement that the
Airbus A330 aircraft was designed to operate with one engine too.

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Qantas QF781 is a daily scheduled flight from Melbourne to Perth, utilising the Airbus A330
on the route. The Aircraft in question is VH-EBA, an approximately 21 years aircraft,
equipped with 2 GE CF6 engines according to airfleets.net. The Airbus A330 have been a
frequent regional workhorse in Qantas’ fleet, connecting major australian cities with major
destinations within Asia. the Airbus A330 is also used on high-density domestic routes,
similar to QF781, from Melbourne to Perth.

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Engine Issues – Should you be concerned?


While engine issues are highly uncommon due to the stringent checks and quality control on
each component within the engine, there might still be exceptional occasions where such
incidents happen. However, while recognising the risks of dual engines, Aircraft
Manufacturers and Organisations have actually came up with standards so as to ensure that
an aircraft can also land on a single engine, similar to what we saw on QF781.


One of the most well known standard is Extended-range Twin-engine Operations
Performance Standards (ETOPS) which is an acronym for twin-engine operation in an
airspace further than one hour from a diversion airport at a designated one engine
inoperable speed. This ensures that twin-engined aircraft could safely operate routes over
water or remote land without an alternative airport near the flight path, which once required
aircraft with 3 or 4 engines to fly on that route.

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In this case, the Airbus A330 has been certified to fly ‘Beyond ETOPS 180’, and have
received ETOPS 240 certification, which is a certification to enable the twin-engined aircraft
to fly for up to a maximum of 240 minutes with 1 engine inoperative in a cruise condition.
Currently, most twin-engined widebody aircraft in operation would generally have an ETOPS
certification of at least ETOPS 180, with the new Airbus A321LR also having ETOPS 180
certification, therefore enabling the narrowbody to fly long haul flights.

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Aerospace

Boeing CEO Resigns Amid 737 MAX Crisis, Ignites Management Overhaul

Boeing CEO Resigns Amid 737 MAX Crisis, Ignites Management Overhaul

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has announced his resignation amidst the ongoing 737 MAX crisis, signaling a significant top management shakeup at the aerospace giant.

While Calhoun will continue leading the company until the end of 2024, his decision comes amid mounting pressure following a series of setbacks, including the recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight. This departure coincides with the retirement of Boeing Commercial President and CEO Stan Deal, who is succeeded by Stephanie Pope, the current Chief Operating Officer.

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The announcement, made by Larry Kellner, boeing products chairman, outlines a broader restructuring within the company’s leadership. Steve Mollenkopf, a Boeing director since 2020 and former CEO of Qualcomm, will take over as chairman and lead the board in selecting a new CEO. This strategic move comes at a critical juncture as boeing airplanes
faces intense regulatory scrutiny and production constraints due to safety and quality issues.

The market’s initial response to the news was positive, with Boeing’s shares rising by 2 percent before regular trading. However, the boeing aircraft company stock had experienced a significant decline earlier in the year, reflecting investor concerns about boeing distribution aviall the ongoing challenges and uncertainties surrounding the 737 MAX program.

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Calhoun stressed the company’s commitment to transparency, safety, and quality in a letter to employees.“We must continue to respond to this accident with humility and complete transparency. We also must inculcate a total commitment to safety and quality at every level of our company,” he said.

“The eyes of the world are on us, and I know we will come through this moment a better company, building on all the learnings we accumulated as we worked together to rebuild Boeing over the last number of years.”

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Airbus and Boeing wants to buy Spirit Aerosystem

Airbus and Boeing wants to buy Spirit Aerosystem

In the dynamic landscape of aerospace manufacturing, two industry giants, Airbus and Boeing, are eyeing a significant acquisition: Spirit aerosystems.

With Airbus confirming its interest in acquiring parts of the Spirit Aerosystems business, the spotlight shifts to Northern Ireland, where Spirit operates a major wing manufacturing facility for the Airbus A220.

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Employing over 3,000 individuals, Spirit AeroSystems stands as one of Northern Ireland’s foremost manufacturing enterprises, underscoring its pivotal role in the region’s economy. However, the potential acquisition has taken an intriguing turn with Boeing also entering the fray, signaling its intent to engage in talks regarding the purchase of Spirit.

While boeing erp system interest in Spirit is clear, it’s unlikely that the aerospace giant would retain the parts of the business dedicated to supplying airbus. In contrast, Airbus sees an opportunity to strengthen its foothold in the industry by potentially acquiring select assets from Spirit.

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In a recent interview with CNBC, Airbus’s chief financial officer, Thomas Toepfer, acknowledged the possibility of acquiring certain work packages from Spirit. Although the discussions are in nascent stages, Toepfer emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable relationship with Spirit, highlighting their collaborative efforts to enhance performance in recent months.

On the other hand, boeing official confirmation of ongoing discussions underscores its commitment to aviation safety and quality. With the potential reintegration of boeing spirit aerosystems into boeing distribution inc aviall operations, both companies envision a strategic alignment aimed at optimizing efficiency and upholding excellence in aircraft production.

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