Aerospace

HAL, France’s Safran ink deal to develop helicopter engines.

U.S. Army Grounds Entire Fleet of Chinook Helicopters

According to the source on Friday saw the signing of a new joint venture agreement between France’s Safran Helicopter Engines and state-run aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), according to a statement from HAL. In the presence of Safran Group CEO Olivier Andriès, it was signed by Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Franck Saudo and HAL Chairman R Madhavan.

In order to meet the needs of future helicopters being developed by HAL and the defence department, including the 13-ton IMRH (Indian Multi-Role Helicopter), the new aero-engine company in India will be focused on the development, production, sales, and support of helicopter engines, according to HAL.

In both Indian and international markets, IMRH is anticipated to compete with Russian Mi-17 helicopters. According to HAL officials, the platform might have a sizable market given that approximately 40 air forces throughout the world have helicopters similar to the Mi-17.IMRH will be able to perform a wide range of tasks, including as transporting troops, leading assault operations, performing air maintenance, and anti-submarine warfare.

For several decades, Safran Helicopter Engines has been a valued partner. We now eagerly anticipate taking advantage of this chance to draw on HAL’s expertise in producing more than 15 different types of aircraft and helicopter engines to jointly co-develop and manufacture engines with a focus on IMRH and its naval variant, the deck-based MRH, as soon as possible, said Madhavan.

According to a HAL statement, HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines already work together on a number of projects, including the Shakti engine that powers several HAL-built helicopters, including the Dhruv, Rudra, and the light combat helicopter.

On July 5, a high-level delegation of Safran Group had met defence minister Rajnath Singh and briefed him on the firm’s upcoming projects in the country including the setting up of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad.

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.