Aviation
Boeing to Display Newest Jet at Farnborough Airshow in 2022
- Largest 737 MAX to make international debut, joining 777X jet in flying display
- Airplanes to fly overseas on sustainable fuel; Boeing to unveil sustainability tool
- CH-47 Chinook, P-8A Poseidon, FA-18E/F among defense platforms on display
- Wisk Aero’s pilotless, all-electric air taxi to make European debut
Boeing [NYSE: BA] will fly the newest and largest members of its 737 MAX and 777X airplane families at the Farnborough International Airshow this month and present new tools in the push toward more sustainable and autonomous flight.
The 737-10, making its international debut, will join the 777-9 in the daily flying and static display. The airplanes, each one the most fuel-efficient in its class, will fly to the show on a blend of sustainable aviation fuel, which Boeing sees as a major lever for further reducing carbon emissions. The company also will unveil a modeling tool that will provide actionable insights on strategies the aviation industry can use to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Another decarbonization strategy is electric propulsion and Boeing’s joint venture Wisk Aero will make the European debut of its all-electric vertical-takeoff-landing (eVTOL) air taxi. The “Cora” development vehicle is pilotless, helping to advance autonomous capabilities in aviation. Boeing will highlight other autonomous capabilities at the show, including its MQ-25 uncrewed aerial refueler and Airpower Teaming System (ATS).
“In the four years since the last Farnborough Airshow, the world has seen the critical social and economic role that aerospace and defence plays. We are excited to reconnect with our colleagues at Farnborough as we address together the need for a more sustainable future and take concrete steps to enable innovation and clean technology,” said Sir Michael Arthur, president of Boeing International. “We look forward to sharing the progress we are making.”
Below are some of Boeing’s highlights scheduled for the airshow starting on July 18, 2022.
Commercial Airplanes
The 737-10 will be on the show grounds July 18-21. The largest member of the 737 MAX family will provide operators with more capacity, greater fuel efficiency and the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane. The 737 MAX family, which has received more than 3,300 net orders, leverages advanced aerodynamic design and highly-efficient engines to reduce fuel use and emissions 20% and the noise footprint 50% compared to airplanes they replace.
The 777-9, which is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, will be at the airshow July 18-20. Based on the most successful twin-aisle airplane – the 777 – and advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, the 777-9 will deliver 10% better fuel use, emissions and operating costs than the competition. The 777X family has more than 340 orders from leading operators around the world.
Defense, Space & Security
Boeing’s exhibit will highlight its highly capable military helicopters, including the CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache, and mobility and surveillance aircraft such as the P-8A Poseidon, E-7 Wedgetail and KC-46A Pegasus.
Boeing also will display some of its newest, most digitally-advanced programs, including the T-7A Red Hawk trainer and ATS. In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense corral is expected to display the FA-18E/F, F-15E, P-8A, AH-64E and CH-47F.
Defense, Space & Security
Boeing’s exhibit will highlight its highly capable military helicopters, including the CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache, and mobility and surveillance aircraft such as the P-8A Poseidon, E-7 Wedgetail and KC-46A Pegasus.
Boeing also will display some of its newest, most digitally-advanced programs, including the T-7A Red Hawk trainer and ATS. In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense corral is expected to display the FA-18E/F, F-15E, P-8A, AH-64E and CH-47F.
Global Services
Boeing will highlight its customer-centric services business that is focused on keeping the world’s fleet flying safely, efficiently and sustainably by pairing OEM expertise with data-driven innovation. This includes showcasing parts, modifications, digital, sustainment, and training solutions offerings, as well as an expansive global supply chain, maintenance and logistics network.
Sustainability
Boeing will present its vision for a sustainable aerospace future that is grounded in collaboration, technical research, data and extensive testing of technologies including sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen and electric power.
Autonomy
Boeing will highlight autonomous platforms such as MQ-25, ATS, and Wisk Aero’s Cora.
The company is building on decades of engineering experience to accelerate autonomous capabilities, which can enable sustainable and accessible modes of transportation as the world confronts a growing population and aging infrastructure. Boeing has made significant investments in California-based Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility company and developer of the first all-electric, self-flying air taxi in the U.S. Wisk’s configuration is an important differentiator within the eVTOL market as the independence of its lift and thrust rotors is expected to support simplicity and certification of the go-to-market vehicle.
Aviation
South Korea Introduces Cutting-Edge MRO Center for F-35 and IAI
South Korea is set to make waves in the aerospace industry with the establishment of a cutting-edge Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub for F-35 fighter jets and IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) aircraft.
Central to this initiative is the specialization in converting Boeing 777-ERSF, colloquially known as the “Big Twin,” from passenger to freighter configurations. Under the terms of the agreement, IAI will spearhead the conversion of six B777-300ER and B777-200LR aircraft annually, commencing in 2024. This strategic move is in response to the anticipated surge in demand for wide-body freighter aircraft capable of long-haul flights.
Furthermore, South Korea’s forward-looking vision extends beyond aircraft conversion, with plans to establish a Lockheed Martin F-35 maintenance, repair, and overhaul depot at Cheongju Air Base by 2027. This strategic move not only enhances the operational readiness of South Korea’s air force but also positions the nation as a regional hub for F-35 maintenance expertise.
In preparation for this expansion, thirty Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) engineers and technicians are slated to undergo intensive maintenance training in the United States in 2025, a testament to South Korea’s commitment to fostering local expertise and talent.
IAI’s visionary approach to certification and collaboration underscores the potential for transformative change. With plans for the 777-300ERSF certification process set to unfold in Israel, followed by the rigorous scrutiny of regulatory agencies such as the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the stage is set for the ‘Big Twin’ to soar to new heights of success.
In partnership with esteemed entities like STK and Incheon International Airport Corporation, this collaboration promises to unleash a wave of benefits, amplifying the resilience and competitiveness of the Korean aviation sector while catalyzing job creation and economic prosperity.
Aviation
Lockheed Martin Expresses Interest in Joining AMCA Project
Lockheed Martin, a leading global aerospace and defense company, is demonstrating its dedication to strengthening collaborations with India’s research, industry, and academic sectors. With its rich experience in the aerospace industry and renowned for building some of the world’s most advanced jets, Lockheed Martin is now exploring opportunities to contribute to India’s aerospace sector, potentially providing a significant boost to aerospace technology in the country.
Randy Howard, Vice President of Global Pursuits at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, recently underscored their interest in exploring “advanced transfer of technology opportunities” with Indian partners, signaling a proactive approach towards fostering technological exchange and advancement in the aerospace domain.
India has been at the forefront of fighter jet development since the 1970s, having produced its own cost-effective fighter jets and combat helicopters, while continually upgrading to maintain competitiveness on a global scale.
Lockheed Martin stands as a dominant force in the aircraft industry, renowned for developing cutting-edge planes like the F35 and F22, some of the most advanced fighter jets globally. They’ve also contributed to projects like the South Korean KF21 aircraft for defense purposes through collaborations.
Now, Lockheed Martin has set its sights on India’s defense sector manufacturing processes, expressing interest in partnering with India on its most anticipated project, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), likely to be a 5th generation fighter jet for the Indian military.
Their proposed collaboration could involve a spectrum of advanced technologies, including the Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS), a life-saving technology that intervenes to prevent ground collisions, thus significantly enhancing flight safety for Indian pilots.
Lockheed Martin is extending its expertise to design and develop an indigenous cockpit for the F-21 fighter jets, which India is procuring. This collaboration with Tata also includes the development of fighter jet wings. Established in 2023, this partnership adopts a “Ground Floor Design” strategy aimed at equipping India with an in-depth comprehension of 5th-generation cockpit technology and Man-Machine Interface (MMI) systems.
As India’s Fighter jet program advances with finalized aircraft frame and engine prototypes, Lockheed Martin has expressed interest in joining the project. They see a groundbreaking opportunity in cooperative 5th Generation Fighter Development, potentially expediting the AMCA program’s progress through technology and expertise sharing.
Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is keen on collaborating on large-wing, jet-powered UAV platforms, which could enhance India’s unmanned aerial capabilities.
While discussions are ongoing, and specific collaboration details await finalization, this initiative represents a potentially transformative stride in India’s aerospace self-reliance journey and Lockheed Martin’s strategic engagement with the Indian market.
Aviation
Can Airline Seat Cushions Be Used As Life Jackets?
In the event of an aircraft ditching into water, there’s a common question: Can aircraft seats serve as an alternative to life jackets for flotation? The answer lies in understanding their respective functions.
While seat cushions can provide some buoyancy in water, they are not intended nor certified to function as life jackets. Their primary purpose is to offer cushioning for passengers during flight. On the other hand, life jackets are meticulously engineered to keep individuals afloat in water, equipped with buoyancy materials, secure straps, and reflective elements for visibility. They offer numerous advantages over mere cushions.
While a seat cushion might offer temporary assistance in staying afloat, it’s not a dependable substitute for a proper life jacket during an emergency. It’s crucial to utilize approved safety equipment when near bodies of water. A life jacket, designed to keep a person buoyant for extended periods, offers the rigidity needed for prolonged flotation and allows for easy movement of the arms to navigate effectively.
What fabric is used in aircraft seats?
Seats are meticulously designed to fulfill multiple purposes, ensuring passenger comfort, safety, and protection from unforeseen circumstances like fires and accidents. A typical design incorporates an aluminum frame with blocks of polyurethane foam affixed to it. Additionally, a layer of fire-resistant fabric, such as Kevlar or Nomex, is often applied over this framework, topped with a layer of cloth or leather.
Leather seats, while luxurious, are more expensive compared to traditional cloth seats. The majority of fabrics used in seat upholstery contain at least 90% wool fiber, with the remainder typically consisting of polyamide (nylon). Wool stands out as the primary fiber chosen for commercial airline seating fabric due to its desirable properties and suitability for such applications.
What is the lightest economy seat?
In recent times, airlines have been downsizing seat dimensions to accommodate more passengers, resulting in reduced cushion length and leg space. This contrasts with earlier times when airlines offered more generously cushioned seats and ample amenities.
According to Recaro Seats Company, their SL3710 model represents the lightest economy class seat available, weighing in at a mere 8 kg (17.6 lb.), setting a new standard in aircraft seating.
For individuals weighing more than 350 pounds, fitting into a standard economy-class seat can be a challenge due to the narrower dimensions. Economy seats, also referred to as “coach,” “standard,” or “main cabin” seats, typically range from about 40 to 48 centimeters in width, further emphasizing the need for more accommodating seating options.