Aerospace

Embraer C390 and Mahindra Join Forces for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft Project

New Delhi, February 9, 2024 – Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra have officially announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the procurement of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft by the Indian Air Force as part of its upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project. The MoU was formalized at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi.

Embraer Make In India vision

Mr. Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are honored to unveil this MoU with Mahindra. India possesses a robust and diverse defense and aerospace sector, and we have chosen Mahindra as our partner to jointly pursue the MTA program.” He emphasized the significance of India for Embraer and highlighted their support for India’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ underscoring the collaboration’s role in strengthening ties between Brazil and India while fostering cooperation among nations of the Global South.

Embraer and Mahindra will work closely with the Indian Air Force to outline the subsequent stages of the MTA program and engage with the indigenous aerospace industry in India to kickstart the industrialization blueprint for the project.

Mr. Vinod Sahay, President of the Aerospace & Defence Sector at Mahindra, expressed pride in commencing this partnership with Embraer, emphasizing Embraer’s engineering prowess and the exceptional capabilities of the C-390 Millennium. He stated, “The C-390 Millennium stands out as the most advanced military airlifter available, and we are confident that this collaboration will not only enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force but also deliver an efficient industrialization solution aligned with the Make in India initiative.”

The MoU was signed by Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Defence Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra, specializing in armored transport and security-related products, including electronics.

Embraer organized a C-390 Millennium Day in New Delhi

Embraer has established a strong presence in India across defense, commercial aviation, and executive aviation sectors. In August 2023, Embraer organized a C-390 Millennium Day in New Delhi to deepen its engagement with the local aerospace industry, attracting significant participation from the Indian ecosystem.

The C-390 Millennium multi-mission tactical transport aircraft offers unparalleled mobility, blending high productivity and operational flexibility with low operating costs, making it an unrivaled choice.

Since its introduction into service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and more recently with the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the C-390 has showcased its capability, reliability, and performance. The current fleet of operational aircraft has accumulated over 11,500 flight hours, achieving an operational availability of approximately 80% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%, highlighting exceptional productivity in its class. The C-390 Millennium attained Full Operational Capability status by the Brazilian Air Force in 2023, demonstrating its ability to execute all designated missions.

To date, the C-390 Millennium has been selected by Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and most recently, South Korea.

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

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.