Aviation
Handling 969 Flights in 24 Hours, Mumbai Airport Sets New World Record
MUMBAI: Creating a new world record for single-runway operations, Mumbai airport handled 969 take-offs and landings in 24 hours on Friday. It broke its own record of 935, said a Mumbai International Airport Ltd spokesperson (MIAL).
Mega cities such as New York, London, Dubai and Delhi have airports with two or more runways that operate simultaneously. Though Mumbai has two runways, they criss-cross each other, so only one runway is used at a time. Technically this puts Mumbai in the single-runway airport category. So it’s in the league of busy single-runway secondary airports of cities like London (Gatwick, Stansted airports), Istanbul (Sabiha Gokcen airport) and major airports of smaller cities like San Diego (US), Fukuoka (Japan) and Xiamen (China).
Mumbai handles over 900 airline flights per day. The record high air traffic movement (take-offs and landings) happen on days when the number of unscheduled flights-charter aircraft, private aircraft-go up, like it did on Friday. These flights are banned during the morning and evening peak hours, so when the load goes up during non-peak hours, new records are set. “We hope to cross 1,000 aircraft movements per day soon,” the MIAL official said.
In civil aviation, the norm is to record time in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, same as GMT) and Indian Standard Time is five-and-a-half hours ahead of UTC. The feat was achieved from 5.30am on Friday to 5.30am on Saturday.
Mumbai’s demand for air travel coupled with land-shortage (which means it will never have a parallel runways) has forced the private airport operator, the government-run air traffic control and airline pilots to eke out every second worth of efficiency from the 12,008 feet long main runway 27. The runway has a declared capacity to handle 46 take-offs and departure in an hour. Twice on Friday-once in the morning and once in the evening-the runway handled 50 movements in 60 minutes.
Kapil Kaul of Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), a global aviation consultancy firm, says: “Gatwick is the only single-runway airport in the world that routinely handles more than 50 flight movements in a given hour. All others are 42 or less. Mumbai has the second highest as it crosses 50.”
Aerospace
Comparison between F-35A and F-15Ex
The F-35A and the F-15EX are both advanced aircraft developed by renowned aerospace companies, Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively. Each aircraft boasts a distinct set of features and capabilities, making them well-suited for specific roles within modern air warfare. Let’s compare these two remarkable aircraft in terms of their primary functions, specifications, capabilities, and support.
Indonesia Announces Commitment to Acquire Boeing F-15EX(Opens in a new browser tab)
Primary Functions & costs
The F-35A, designed jointly by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, has a wide range of primary roles. It excels at stealthy, all-weather strike missions, close air support, air superiority, maritime strike, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and command and control operations. Its estimated price is roughly $80 million, with a flying cost per hour of less than $24,000, and its anticipated procurement is for 2025.
On the other hand, The F-15EX, developed by Boeing, serves as a cutting-edge aircraft with primary functions focused on air superiority and targeted strikes in less or uncontested airspace. Its estimated price is roughly $80.3 million, with a flying cost per hour of less than $27,000, and its anticipated procurement is for 2025.
specifications
The F-35 A is a single-seater aircraft with impressive characteristics that is Equipped with a powerful Pratt & Whitney F135 engine. It can fly with a maximum takeoff weight of 65,918 lb (29,900 kg), with a fuel capacity of 18,250 lb. The aircraft measures 51.4 ft (15.7 m) in length, 35 ft (11 m) in wingspan, and 14.4 ft (4.4 m) in height. It has a combat radius of 670 miles and a top speed of Mach 1.6 at altitude. The service ceiling of the F-35A is 50,000 feet.
F-15 offers flexibility with a crew capacity of 1 or 2 individuals and is Powered by 2 General Electric F110-GE-129 engines. The maximum takeoff weight is an impressive 81,000 pounds (37,000 kg), supported by a fuel capacity of 13,550 lb. The aircraft spans 63.8 ft (19.446 m) in length, with a wingspan of 42.8 ft and a height of 18.5 ft (5.64 m). It achieves a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 at altitude and has a combat radius of 1,100 miles, with a service ceiling of 60,000 ft.
Radar cross-section & Weaponry
The F-35 A design is robust; in contrast to its 8,000-hour design life, its service life has been evaluated to reach 24,000 hours. The F-35A has an extremely low radar cross-section, at 3.8mm, which reduces its radar profile. It can transport a range of US and NATO air-to-air and ground weaponry, with an internal weight capacity of 5,700 pounds in stealth mode and 22,000 pounds in exterior “beast mode,” including a 25mm cannon.
US approves sale of 35 F-35A fighters to Germany for $8.4 billion(Opens in a new browser tab)
The F-15EX has a design life of 8,000 hours, although testing over 30,000 hours has shown it to be robust. It is relatively large on radar compared to the F-35 A due to its greatest radar cross-section of 42.8 feet. With a total weight of 29,500 pounds distributed among nine external stations, the aircraft is equipped with all US air-to-air and ground armaments, including a 20mm cannon.
Major differences from Earlier Versions
Multiple software and processor updates have been made to the F-35A. Progress includes improved weapon capability and electronic warfare systems. The current version, known as Block 3F baseline, is moving towards Block 4, with software and weapon improvements planned twice yearly in 2024.
The F-15 has undergone advancements since 2001, including the addition of digital fly-by-wire technology, enhanced display coding, and Suite 9 avionics. With a passive-active Warner survivability system, its cockpit display is similar to that of the T-x trainer and Eagle trainer.
Congressional support
Major constituencies like Texas, California, Georgia, and Florida have been vocal in their support for production, demonstrating the congressional leadership’s backing. In Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, notable bases and installations house or support the F-35A. In order to demonstrate its broad reach, Lockheed has distributed F-35 subcontracts to all 50 states.
Regions in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Washington are actively supporting production, which has significant congressional support. North Carolina, Oregon, and Georgia all have significant institutions that support F-15 operations. Boeing’s wide influence is evident, with business conducted in all 50 states.
In conclusion, while both the F-35A and the F-15EX are cutting-edge innovations in military aircraft, they excel in different domains. The F-15EX is a strong option for uncontested airspace situations due to its focus on air superiority and focused strikes, remarkable performance, and cost-effectiveness. While the F-35A’s stealth capabilities and versatile design make it suitable for a variety of tasks. Both are remarkable aircraft with their own strengths and capabilities, catering to different mission profiles and strategic objectives.
Aerospace
UAE reportedly seeking a role in KF21 fighter jet
The Financial News, a South Korean daily, said on Thursday that the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Council had sent a letter to South Korea’s Office of National Security explaining Abu Dhabi’s desire in direct cooperation on the development of the KF-21.
Surprisingly, the letter allegedly requested that Abu Dhabi replace Indonesia’s investment in the program.
South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae Takes To the Air(Opens in a new browser tab)
Indonesia holds a 20% shareholding but has failed to meet its financial obligations. Jakarta, which had planned to purchase up to 50 KF-21s, joined the program in 2010 but fell behind on payments in 2017, owing an estimated $557 million by July 2022. In May, Jakarta attempted to assuage Seoul’s fears by announcing a revised payment schedule.
The KF-21 Boramae’s stealth capabilities are a crucial feature. The aircraft is equipped with modern stealth technology such as a low-observable design, radar-absorbent materials, and internal weapon carriage.
These features lower the radar cross-section of the aircraft, making it more difficult to detect and track hostile radars. The KF-21’s stealth characteristics increase its survivability and allow it to more effectively infiltrate opposing defenses.
The UAE’s alleged interest is not surprising. After all, Abu Dhabi pledged $30 billion in South Korean businesses, including defense, in January. The affluent Arab kingdom inked a $3.5 billion contract with South Korea for the Cheongung II KM-SAM air defense missile system in January 2022, the largest-ever arms export transaction for Seoul at the time.
As these multibillion-dollar investments in the South Korean industry illustrate, the UAE would have little issue repaying Indonesia’s debt to the Boramae programme. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi would surely be interested in co-producing the fighter since it would aid in the development of its domestic defence sector through significant technology transfers, which Seoul has proven to be generous with.
The UAE has halted talks with the US over a record sale for 50 fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth planes in late 2021 due to differences over American preconditions and Emirati cooperation with China.
The KF-21 Boramae is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K afterburning turbofan engines. These engines provide the necessary thrust for the aircraft’s high-performance capabilities. The F414 engines are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and ability to operate in various environmental conditions. They enable the KF-21 to achieve the supersonic speeds and maneuverability required for air combat scenarios.
On the other hand, India, China, and Turkey are already in the process of developing their own Fifth Generation Fighter Jet. Turkey has already exhibited it and is awaiting the final engine selection for their 5th generation fighter plane. Americans are looking forward to the 6th generation fighter jet, which will be the most advanced in terms of engine thrust and weapons technology.
Most countries are working together to develop collaborative efforts to build their own fighter plane.
Airlines
Russia has started branding the SJ-100 short-haul aircraft
Russia has recently initiated a branding campaign for the SJ-100 short-haul aircraft, which has been developed by Yakovlev PJSC, a notable Russian aerospace company. The primary focus of this branding effort is to highlight and emphasize the aircraft’s use of 100% Russian domestic components.
After being barred from Western nations, Russia intends to debut its smaller aircraft, the SJ-100, in a significant way on the global market. The SJ-100 will face off against the Boeing 737-7, Embraer E195, and Airbus A220. For countries like Indonesia, China, India, Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, and those that are allies of Russia, the SJ-100 is a potential aircraft for operation.
Russian-Made Combat Trainer Aircraft Joins Iran’s Air Force(Opens in a new browser tab)
This branding effort is remarkable for various reasons. First and foremost, it demonstrates Russia’s dedication to showcase its domestic aerospace capabilities. Russia’s choice to highlight the use of only 100% Russian components in the branding of the SJ-100 short-haul aircraft is of the greatest strategic significance. In addition to showcasing Russia’s aerospace capabilities, this branding campaign also makes a strong impression on potential customers from other countries.
From an economic standpoint, Russia’s focus on using domestic components aligns with the global trend towards supply chain resilience and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers. The SJ-100’s incorporation of Russian-made components not only assures international buyers of its quality and performance but also presents an opportunity for economic development in their own countries. This can lead to the creation of jobs, the growth of local industries, and the transfer of technology and expertise.
Finnair Reveals Summer Schedule With 50+ European Destinations(Opens in a new browser tab)
Recently, The Yakovlev JSC-built SJ-100 Superjet made history by successfully completing its first flight in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia. The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade acknowledged this significant development, adding that the test flight verified the plane’s overall stability, steady functioning, and stable handling.
The ability to implement and install their own design solutions and technologies, such as avionics, gear, auxiliary power units, electric power supply systems, air conditioning, fire prevention, and other systems, was demonstrated by Russian developers and producers.
The SJ-100 is a modern regional jet designed to offer exceptional performance and comfort for both passengers and operators. With a length of approximately 29 meters and a wingspan of around 27 meters, the spacious and comfortable cabin is designed to enhance the passenger experience. with modern amenities and ergonomic seating arrangements. During its first flight climbed to heights of up to 3000 metres and reached speeds of 343 kilometres per hour.
-
Airlines1 week ago
United Airlines Discover Fake engines parts on several aircrafts
-
Airlines1 week ago
British Airways Launches Fully-Funded Pilot Training Program for 60 Applicants
-
Airlines6 days ago
Boeing India to open its largest facility outside the US in Bengaluru
-
Airlines2 weeks ago
Akasa Air moves court against 43 pilots who quit without any notice