Aerospace

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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 ?

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

EHang

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.

Aerospace

Four Airbus A380 Superjumbos lined up to be scrapped

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In a strategic move aimed at reclaiming valuable resources from the iconic Airbus A380 aircraft, VAS Aero Services and Dr. Peters Group have announced a significant collaboration.

This partnership marks a milestone in aviation logistics and aftermarket services, with four of these colossal planes slated for teardown and redistribution of used serviceable material (USM).

The venture between VAS Aero Services, renowned for its expertise in aircraft dismantlement, and Dr. Peters Group, a prominent Germany-based investment fund management firm, underscores a commitment to sustainable aviation practices. This isn’t their first foray into scrapping A380s; their successful partnership has already seen the dismantlement of these aircraft, making them pioneers in this niche.

Under the agreement, the latest consignment brings the tally to eight A380s entrusted to VAS by Dr. Peters Group. Managing Director Christian Mailly of Dr. Peters Group emphasized the trust placed in VAS, citing their unparalleled capabilities in dismantlement and aftermarket sales network. It’s a strategic move in response to the growing demand for quality USM parts, particularly with the resurgence in reliance on the A380.

Notably, the teardown process will be carried out at various locations, optimizing the positioning of harvested parts to cater to different markets. While some parts will be positioned in Europe to support operators in the region and the Middle East, others will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. This meticulous strategy ensures efficient access to spare parts, benefiting MROs and airlines across these markets.

The decision to retire these A380s comes at a time when operators are reassessing fleet strategies amidst evolving market dynamics. Despite initial plans for quick retirement due to the emergence of more fuel-efficient alternatives, factors such as a rebound in long-haul demand and delays in new widebody deliveries have prompted operators to reconsider. The A380, with its unique capacity and capabilities, presents a practical solution for short-term capacity management.