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Aerospace

China displays its top 10 domestically made aircraft with pride, and they are incredible.

China proudly displayed 10 aircraft that it had built domestically.

Airbus has confirmed that it will work with France, Germany, and Spain to build the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

At the 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, south China, China has begun its most anticipated airshow.

At this airshow, China showed off the numerous types of aircraft it uses for various performances, demonstrating that it has advanced its aerospace industry. This plainly demonstrates that China rarely defends any overseas assistance for the defense sector.

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China has demonstrated the efficacy of air defense. It included the C919 aircraft, the most anticipated commercial aircraft, as well as the trainer aircraft, fourth and fifth-generation fighter jets, electronic warfare aircraft, marine aircraft, four-engine cargo aircraft, and amphibian aircraft on display at the 2022 China Airshow.

Let’s check each aircraft in order.

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No 1, Hongdu JL-8

A two-seat intermediate jet trainer and light attack aircraft, the Hongdu JL-8 (Nanchang JL-8), often known as the Karakorum-8 or K-8 for short, was created in the People’s Republic of China by China Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation. Currently, this aircraft is in service with the PLA Air Force, Pakistan Air Force, Egyptian Air Force, and Myanmar Air Force in 4 nations, including China.

No 2, Hongdu JL-10

The Hongdu JL-10 is a supersonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft created by the Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation. It was formerly known as the Hongdu L-15 Falcon (HAIC). It is employed by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). On March 13, 2006, this aircraft was first flown by the air forces of China and the United Arab Emirates. Before they take the control of highly developed fighter jets like the J 10 and J 17, rookie pilots are trained on these aircraft.

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The aircraft is used to train pilots for the J-10, J-11, Su-27, and Su-30 fighter aircraft. The jet trainer’s domestic model is known as JL-10, and the L-15 name solely applies to export versions of the aircraft. The Hongdu Aviation Industry Group produces it. The aircraft is used to train pilots for the J-10, J-11, Su-27, and Su-30 fighter aircraft.

No 3, Harbin Z-20.

The Harbin Aircraft Industry Group manufactures the medium-lift utility helicopter known as the Harbin Z-20 in China. Its first flight took place on December 23, 2013, and its maximum takeoff weight around 10 tonnes. that first began in 2006, The domestic WZ-10 turboshaft engine, which produces 1,700–2,000 shp and is comparable to the most recent Black Hawk engine, the GE T700, is thought to power the Z-20.

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The Z-20 helicopter can hold 12 to 15 fully armed soldiers. It has a payload capacity of roughly 5 000 kg. Both inside and externally, it is capable of supporting about 1 000 kg. It can carry a variety of loads, including externally underslung vehicles and artillery pieces.

No 4, CAIC Z-10.

Chinese designers created the CAIC Z-10 medium attack helicopter for the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force. Although its primary purpose is anti-tank warfare, it also has secondary air-to-air combat capabilities. The Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation Kamov created this Helicopter, which made its debut in December 2012 and completed its first flight on April 29, 2003. Currently, China is the sole country using this aircraft as its primary operator, and 180 aircraft have been produced so far for military use.

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No 5, AVIC AG600.

The newest aircraft to join China’s armed forces. This aircraft plays a significant role in China’s defence industry since it can make many sorties when it is needed, such as in a conflict zone or during a rescue operation. Large amphibious aircraft called the AVIC AG600 Kunlong was created by AVIC and put together by CAIGA. It is one of the largest flying amphibious aircraft, having a 53.5 tonnes MTOW, and is propelled by four WJ-6 turboprops. After five years of development, assembly began in August 2014, it was unveiled on July 23, 2016, and it took off on December 24, 2017, from Zhuhai Airport. It is certified in 2021, and deliveries should begin in 2022. This aircraft Designed by AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute.

No 6, Xian Y-20.

The People’s Republic of China’s Y-20 Kunpeng is a sizable military transport aircraft that was created by the Xian Aircraft Industrial Corporation. The first flight took place on January 26, 2013. The 3D printing technology is being used for the first time on the Y-20 freight aircraft to expedite the development and reduce production costs. It is also the third airplane in the world to employ model-based definition technology. Six Y-20s make up the 11-aircraft PLAAF fleet.

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The maximum takeoff weight of this aircraft is approximately 220,000 kg. It is powered by four Shenyang WS-20 turbofan engines, each of which generates 140-kilo Newtons of thrust. This aircraft can cruise at a speed of 630 km/h and has a ferry range of up to 10,000 km.

No 7, Comac C919.

Chinese aircraft company Comac created the narrow-body airliner known as the Comac C919 for commercial use. In 2008, the development program was introduced. The first prototype went into production in December 2011, and it was finished on 2 November 2015 and had its first flight on 5 May 2017. On September 29, 2022, the Civil Aviation Administration of China certified the aircraft as being airworthy. There have been 971 aircraft orders so far, the majority of which have come from Chinese airline operators.

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No 8, Chengdu J-10.

It is built by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and is a medium-weight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft featuring fly-by-wire flight controls that can operate in all weather conditions (CAC). This aircraft made its first flight in 1998, entered service in 2005, and is now exclusively utilized by two nations, namely China and Pakistan. China had produced almost 550 aircraft as of 2021.

One of China’s key fighter jets for defense is this aircraft. It is capable of mid-air refueling, can carry a variety of weaponry, and has an upgraded radar scanner and advanced cockpit electronics.

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No 9, Chengdu J 20.

For the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation developed the twin-jet all-weather stealth fighter aircraft known as the Chengdu J-20. The J-20 is a development of the J-XX program from the 1990s and is intended to be an air dominance fighter with precision strike capability.

The J-20 is the third operational fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft in the world after the F-22 and F-35. It made its maiden flight on January 11, 2011, and it entered service in March 2017. Under the internal bay, various weapons can be carried.

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With a maximum takeoff weight of 37,000 kilograms and a fuel capacity of 12,000, this aircraft can fly 5,500 kilometers. It also features two Shenyang WS-10C afterburning turbofans, each generating 142 Kilo newtons thrust. The rate of clime for  j20 is 304 meters per second. It has Thrust-vectoring technology, pitch, roll, and yaw adjustments, as well as the ability to quickly flee an enemy zone, which are all features of this aircraft.

No 10, Shenyang J-16.

Chinese advanced fourth-generation tandem-seat twinjet multirole strike fighter, known as the Shenyang J-16, was developed from the Shenyang J-11.

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Since its introduction in 2015, China has produced about 245 aircraft. Two Chinese Shenyang WS-10A turbofan engines power the J-16, which has an AESA radar. Through the increased usage of composite materials, weight is decreased. Radar-absorbent paint has been applied on J-16 units to lessen their radar signature.

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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

The LCA Tejas Aircraft Crash: Understanding the Reasons – Air Marshal GS Bedi’s Perspective

The LCA Tejas Aircraft Crash: Understanding the Reasons - Air Marshal GS Bedi's Perspective

Air Marshal GS Bedi, a renowned fighter jet pilot and experienced crew member, recently participated in a YouTube interview with Def Talks hosted by Aadi. During the interview, he provided insights into the recent Tejas aircraft crash in Rajasthan, which marks one of the first crashes involving an aircraft from the Tejas family since its production commenced 20 years ago.

Numerous questions have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding the Tejas aircraft crash and the potential causes of failure. Air Marshal Bedi adeptly addressed these concerns by outlining possible scenarios that could have led to the crash. His expertise shed light on the complexities involved in such incidents and provided valuable perspective on the aviation community’s understanding of the event.

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At the outset, Tejas lacked a simulator and a trainer aircraft for initial training. However, pilots were provided with simulation trials before flying the Tejas aircraft. Initial reviews indicated stability during flight, with the aircraft maintaining a straight glide. However, there was an incident where the aircraft experienced an engine malfunction, prompting the pilot to eject safely.

Pilot Safe Ejections

The decision to eject was made as a precautionary measure, considering the aircraft’s low altitude and steep descent angle. With the aircraft’s altitude dropping rapidly, attempting to balance and land it was deemed too risky. Ejecting ensured the pilot’s safety, as deploying a parachute at such low altitudes could have been disastrous.

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He chose to eject to ensure a safer distance from the ground. The aircraft is at an angle of less than 3 degrees during the approach. At a height of 100 meters, the aircraft is nearly 20 times its length away from the ground. This means the touchdown point will be approximately 4 kilometers ahead.

However, as the altitude decreases, the approach becomes too short due to the rapid descent rate. Consequently, the pilot opts to eject rather than attempt to stabilize the aircraft for a ground landing. If he had not ejected, there’s a high probability that his parachute would have deployed at that low altitude.

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LCA Tejas engine Issue

Investigations revealed the engine malfunction was likely due to lubrication issues or other technical faults. Such split-second decisions underscore the potentially catastrophic outcomes that can result from technical failures.

The pilot involved was highly experienced and well-trained for airshow displays, suggesting timely decision-making. Nevertheless, accidents can stem from technical glitches, human errors, or unforeseen circumstances like bird strikes.

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Air Marshal Bedi emphasized the importance of pilots being trained for emergency situations, including ejecting from the aircraft when control is lost. Despite advancements in technology, technical issues remain unpredictable, necessitating ongoing learning and improvements in aircraft systems.

Today, the Tejas mk1A aircraft completed its inaugural flight at the Bangalore station, marking the dawn of a new, advanced version of the Tejas aircraft. This iteration boasts enhanced avionics and improved aircraft structure.

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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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