Aerospace

ALL-NEW GULFSTREAM G800 MAKES FIRST FLIGHT.

Industry’s Longest-Range Aircraft Demonstrates Program Maturity, Launches Flight-Test Program.

Today, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. reported that the brand-new, ultra long-range Gulfstream G800 had completed its first flight safely. This signified the official beginning of the flight-testing phase and company’s longest-range aircraft. The G800, which was announced in October 2021, is the newest member of Gulfstream’s next-generation fleet to take flight and move closer to customer deliveries.

The G800 took off from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 9:00 am and arrived there two hours later. The aircraft completed the journey using a combination of sustainable aviation fuel, continuing with Gulfstream’s dedication to sustainability leadership in the aviation.

Gulfstream President Mark Burns stated, “We altered the game once again for our industry when the first G800 test aircraft rolled out at our announcement last fall. Gulfstream is able to build on its successes and create aircraft that go beyond client expectations ,because of its close customer relationships. With Gulfstream-designed aerodynamics and cabin technology, the G800 pushes the boundaries of performance even further. We expect that our customers will enjoy from the longer range at higher speeds in our exceptional cabin environment.

The G800’s advanced high-speed wing, designed by Gulfstream, and brand-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines allow it to travel 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km) at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm (12,964 km) at Mach 0.90 with class-leading fuel efficiency. The G800 also features the latest in Gulfstream cabin technology and comfort, such as hand-crafted ergonomic seats, a high-definition circadian lighting system, 100% fresh air that is never recirculated, the lowest cabin altitude in the industry, a plasma-ionization air purification system, and 16 of the largest windows in the business. The G800 includes up to four living areas, or three living areas with a crew compartment, and it is able to accommodate up to 19 passengers.

The G800 is equipped with Gulfstream’s latest Symmetry Flight Deck and dual head-up displays with the new Combined Vision System, which integrates imagery from the Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision System, further enhancing safety and pilot situational awareness.

“In the last decade, we’ve announced eight new aircraft, all strategically timed to capitalise on market demand,” said Burns. “The G800 is generating a lot of interest, and this first flight brings us even closer to delivering a Gulfstream for every mission.”

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.