Tech
First Airbus helicopter flight with 100% sustainable aviation fuel
![Fly Blade to operate helicopters to beat infamous Bengaluru traffic; here's the price per ticket](https://jetlinemarvel.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pm_38_557_557608-5yf6qfdgcj.jpg)
Marignane, 9 November 2021– An Airbus H225 has performed the first ever helicopter flight with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) powering one of the Safran Makila 2 engines. The flight, which took place at the company’s headquarters in Marignane, marks the start of a flight campaign aiming to assess the impact of unblended SAF on the helicopter systems in view of certifying the use of SAF blends that exceed today’s 50% limit.
“While all Airbus helicopters are certified to fly with up to a 50% blend of SAF mixed with kerosene, it is our Company’s ambition to have its helicopters certified to fly with 100% SAF within the decade. Today’s flight is an important first step towards this goal”, said Stefan Thome, Executive Vice President, Engineering and Chief Technical Officer, Airbus Helicopters.
The flight campaign, which follows earlier unblended SAF bench tests performed by Safran Helicopter Engines at its Bordes plant, will provide further understanding of the technical challenges associated with the use of 100% SAF. The H225 test helicopter flew with an unblended SAF derived from used cooking oil, provided by TotalEnergies, which offers a net 90% CO2 reduction compared to regular jet fuel.
“SAF is an important pillar of Airbus Helicopters’ decarbonisation strategy because it provides immediate CO2 reduction with no negative impact on the performance of the helicopter,” Thome added. “I thank our partners Safran Helicopter Engines and TotalEnergies for their important collaboration in making today’s flight a reality. Further cooperation among all industry stakeholders is essential to overcome the challenges associated with implementing SAF widely and to make real progress in reducing the aviation industry’s CO2 emissions”.
what makes the Apache so deadly? this is why.
In order to drive the deployment of biofuels, Airbus Helicopters has launched a SAF User Group dedicated to the rotary-wing community. The company has also started using SAF for training and test flights at its French and German sites.
@AirbusHeli @SafranHCEngines @TotalEnergies #H225 #SAF #Sustainability
![](https://jetlinemarvel.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/600x100-1.webp)
Aerospace
China’s Fighter Jets Turn Wings into Autonomous Drones
![China's Fighter Jets Turn Wings into Autonomous Drones](https://jetlinemarvel.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/J-20_at_Airshow_China_2016.jpg)
In a striking display of aerospace innovation, Chinese engineers have reportedly tested a groundbreaking “combiner” blended-wing stealth aircraft with detachable drone wings.
This transformative technology, reminiscent of fictional “combiner” Transformers, was showcased during a test flight at an undisclosed airport near the Mu Us Desert’s southern edge.
The stealth fighter, equipped with powerful twin-engine turbofans and a sleek delta-wing design, demonstrated unprecedented versatility. During the flight, segments of its wings detached, seamlessly transforming into two separate “flying wing” drones powered by electric fans.
This capability marks a significant leap in aerial warfare, enabling the fighter to deploy autonomous drones mid-flight for strategic operations.
Future stealth fighters will prioritize integration with drones
Yang Wei, chief designer of China’s J-20 stealth fighter, emphasized that future iterations will prioritize seamless integration with drones. The development includes plans for a two-seater variant of the J-20 to enhance operational coordination with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reflecting China’s strategic focus on combined arms tactics.
The next-generation stealth fighter design integrates two drones directly into the aircraft’s delta wing structure, departing from earlier attempts that fixed drones to wingtips.
This innovative “rear edge docking configuration,” connecting leading edges of the drones to the fighter’s trailing edge, enhances stability during separation. However, it poses challenges such as managing significant changes in the aircraft’s center of gravity and aerodynamic balance.
FCC-100 flight control computer ensures precise control
To address these complexities, Du’s team developed advanced algorithms capable of analyzing and compensating for disturbances like wind changes during drone separation. Both the fighter and the drones utilize the cutting-edge FCC-100 flight control computer from Northwestern Polytechnical University, ensuring precise control and maneuverability.
While specific details about the test flight date remain classified, the project signifies remarkable advancements in aircraft stability and control. These developments pave the way for practical applications in future combat scenarios.
Chinese scientists are also exploring additional technologies like plasma stealth and advanced airflow management to further enhance the capabilities of their next-generation fighters.
-
Travel1 week ago
Air India to Expand US Operations with Three New Routes After a Decade
-
Travel2 weeks ago
Why We Should Avoid These Stamps in a Passport
-
Airlines1 month ago
Investigations Reveal Fake Chinese Titanium in Boeing and Airbus Jets
-
Tech4 weeks ago
China’s CATL Plans 1,800-Mile Electric Plane Launch by 2027
-
Airport3 days ago
Top 10 Largest Airports in the World by Size
-
Aerospace4 weeks ago
China’s Fighter Jets Turn Wings into Autonomous Drones
-
Airlines4 days ago
Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes
-
Defence3 weeks ago
Boeing Enhances Chinook with New Engines and Block II Upgrades at $96 Million