Aviation
First A380 Dismantling project completed : TARMAC Aerosave
TARMAC Aerosave, the leading aircraft storage, maintenance and recycling company in Europe, has just completed the first ever A380 dismantling project, a pioneering operation that was announced a year ago. Already recognised as the expert in storage for this superjumbo jet, TARMAC Aerosave is bringing the three other major areas of competence in the Pyrenean group to bear on this aircraft: transition, recycling and very soon maintenance, a B check being announced for March.
TARMAC Aerosave has completed the first A380 dismantling project, which was launched at the beginning of this year. TARMAC Aerosave managed this project in collaboration with the aircraft owner, the German Dr Peters company, and the end of life manager, the American company VAS Aero Services for the sale of the spare parts.
This A380 benefited from the TARMAC Aerosave’s exclusive eco-responsible services (cold-cutting, lubricating, draining, selective sorting) which made it possible to recycle over 90% of the overall mass. Spare parts are thus now available on the pre-owned market. A second dismantling project is under way.
It is now time to analyze the feedback after this operation, which required the development of new processes and made-to-measure tools. The complex dismantling of all of the parts required all of the expertise of TARMAC Aerosave in the design of cradles and fuselage-moving equipment.
During the dismantling phase for heavy parts at height, personnel safety procedures were strengthened.
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Future A380 storages and transitions
Since it is TARMAC Aerosave’s first activity, other aircraft of this type are currently in storage and in transition. The French group is in fact offering its hangars and parking areas that have been specially built for the A380, on its site at Tarbes. The same capacity is being developped in Teruel (Spain). Maintaining them in operational condition makes it possible for them to re-enter service at any moment.
Since 2007, 560 aircraft from all manufacturers, out of a total of 850 stored, have re-entered service.
TARMAC Aerosave is announcing that a B Check will take place in March 2020.
Already certified for all types of maintenance on commercial airplanes, TARMAC Aerosave is adding this service to its “one-stop-shop” offer. For A380’s, TARMAC Aerosave also has expertise in cabin modification and technical uprating based on the manufacturer’s latest recommendations
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(Implementation Service Bulletins)
TARMAC Aerosave’s transition centre is now able to ensure all types of operations relating to management of an airplane withdrawn from service and throughout its life cycle. This is the only service of this type on offer worldwide.
“We are very proud of these industrial successes, obtained with the largest airplane currently in service in the world. TARMAC Aerosave is pursuing its goals in innovation and adaptation in the air transport market, anticipating its customers’ needs and the evolution of environmental standards.” says Patrick Lecer, President of TARMAC Aerosave.
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.