Aerospace

How GE Aerospace Powers the U.S. Army’s Cutting-Edge FLRAA : Flying Into the Future

The U.S. Army is working on a cool new aircraft called the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). It’s like a mix between a helicopter and an airplane – it can take off and land vertically, just like a world’s fastest helicopter , but it can also fly like an airplane. GE Aerospace is helping out by providing important parts, including a powerful network called the Digital Backbone. This network is like the brain of the aircraft, managing all the data traffic on board.

Fastest Military Helicopter

The Army wants fastest army helicopter the next generation of aircraft to be faster, cover more distance, be more agile, and easily integrate advanced mission equipment. GE Aerospace is excited to help with that. Right now, the Army has different types of fastest military helicopter for different jobs – like utility, cargo, and attack missions.

But they want the new aircraft to share common systems, which means using the same central computers for things like communication and navigation. This is made possible by Bell’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and Common Open Architecture approach for the digital backbone.

The Digital Backbone is a smart system that’s like a spinal cord with a nervous system, connecting all the different functions of the aircraft. It’s not just hardware; it has a built-in operating system. GE Aerospace has made the upgrade process simple, almost like adding or removing apps on a smartphone. This helps the Army because they can choose from different suppliers and capabilities without being tied to one specific vendor.

Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program

The Digital Backbone is crucial for FLRAA and the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program. It connects to other systems like the Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder and the Health Awareness System. The Health Awareness System keeps an eye on the aircraft’s behavior using analytics, giving early warnings to operators for preventive maintenance. This system has over 30 years of experience, making FLRAA reliable and easy to maintain with fewer logistical hassles.

Bell, the company overseeing FLRAA, praises GE Aerospace’s products for supporting new technologies and concepts. This gives the Army flexibility to explore different systems and capabilities while keeping costs reasonable and providing soldiers with the right tools for their missions.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.