Aviation

Boeing would suspend max 10 project if certification is delayed.

Avolon Commits to Ordering 40 Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

The aircraft is now being paused from the production line until Boeing and the FAA work on the required crew alerting system.

In one of the Q&A sections of Aviation Week magazine, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun stated that if Congress does not extend a regulatory deadline, the 737 Max 10 will enter service without any modifications to the 737 crew alerting systems.

Currently, Boeing has received 640 orders for Boeing 737 Max 10 aircraft, which compete with the Airbus A321 Neo. Boeing is looking for a regulatory deadline that will allow them to begin services. Even after the launch, a few airlines are eager to place more orders. If the airline does not receive clearance to launch the aircraft within the estimated time frame, further job growth at the Renton assembly plant may be curtailed.

Recently, three Chinese airlines placed the largest order to Airbus, valued $37 billion, for around 292 aircraft. Beijing indicates that it supports the Airbus brand in its home nation. However, Boeing is under pressure to release new aircraft while still maintaining its market presence.

Calhoun told Aviation Week editors at Boeing’s new headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, that the current MAX 10 design is a “all-or-nothing” package that regulators must accept as-is — without the safety update that some have pushed for.

The FAA told Boeing earlier this year that the Max 10 might not be certified by the end of the year. An airline must be certified before it can begin operations.

If Boeing does not receive certification, it will be required to install an alerting system in the cockpits of the Max 10s under laws that go into effect in 2023. That is, unless the US Congress grants a waiver.

Boeing Max has already begun flying and has received favourable feedback from airlines; in fact, Akasa India’s newest airline has made a fresh order, Boeing IAG has ordered over 50 aircraft, and Delta is in talks to acquire more. Boeing maintains regular contact with the regulator to ensure that Max aircraft receive proper flying, maintenance, and training.

Features :

Boeing 737 max has length 43.8 metres, or 143 feet 8 inches, making it two rows or 66 inches longer than the MAX-9.
230 passengers in a single-class configuration, 12 more than the MAX-9.
Doors at the mid-exit will be 4 inches wider to increase the exit limit rating.
a 3215 nm range. somewhat shorter (3,515nm) than MAX-8 and -9, but 265nm longer than -900ER (A321NEO range c4000nm)
MTOW is slightly higher, around 92,000 kg.
Leap-1B engine with potential thrust increase
Levered MLG that extends during takeoff by up to 24 cm (9.5 in) to avoid tail hit.
improved body shape to lower the possibility of tail hits.
More approaches and landings are possible at Flaps 40 thanks to a “enhanced flap design.”
Modifications to the maximum landing weight centre of gravity are made to prevent “tail tip” incidents.
Entry into service approx. 2023

Aviation

South Korea Introduces Cutting-Edge MRO Center for F-35 and IAI

Image: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.