Aerospace

Electric R44 Completes First Airport-to-airport Flight

A fully electric-powered Robinson R44 helicopter made a historic first flight between two airports.

A fully electric-powered Robinson R44 helicopter made a historic first flight between two airports. The 21-nm flight from Thermal, California’s Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport to Palm Springs International Airport took place on Saturday at 11 a.m. local time. Ric Webb, the CEO of OC Helicopters, and Martine Rothblatt, the CEO of Lung Biotechnology’s parent company United Therapeutics, piloted the electric R44 aircraft.

Boeing to shift 150 finance and IT jobs to India from the US(Opens in a new browser tab)

The electric R44 project is a joint effort between Tier 1 Engineering and Lung Biotechnology. Following the delivery of transplantable organs by electric and sustainable fuel-powered fixed-wing aircraft to airports near hospitals, the plan is to use electric-powered helicopters and eVTOLs for short-distance flights from airports to hospitals.

The e-R44 utilizes a novel quick-swap technology for its helicopter battery packs, allowing for return trips without the need for a recharge. A battery pack swap takes 15 minutes, whereas a full recharge takes 1 hour. The cross-country route for today’s historic flight was determined by FAA approval.

United Invests Another $15 Million in Electric Flying Taxi Market with Eve(Opens in a new browser tab)

Lung Biotechnology is dedicated to providing transplantable organs with a zero-carbon footprint. It is entirely possible to save patients’ lives while also ensuring the survival of the planet. Today’s historic inter-city electric helicopter flight demonstrates that with today’s technology, many organ transport distances can be covered by electric aircraft.

Source:

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.