Aerospace

IAF’s Sukhoi-30, Mirage-2000 crash near Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior; one pilot dead

Two Indian Air Force fighter jets collided in midair, according to press reports from India. The aircraft was participating in defense exercises when it lost control after possibly colliding with another aircraft’s wing.

Two fighter jets, a Sukhoi Su-30 and a Mirage 2000, crashed on Saturday near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, killing one Indian Air Force pilot. The pilot of the Mirage passed away after being critically wounded in the collision, while the two Su-30 pilots only suffered minor wounds.

The wreckage of the wrecked plane was discovered in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, and Bharatpur, Rajasthan.

Two pilots on a single Sukhoi were saved successfully, and the remains of a third pilot were discovered. Which aircraft pilot perished in the mid-air accident is still a mystery.

“This morning, an IAF mishap involving two fighter aircraft occurred close to Gwalior. The plane was engaged in a routine operational training flight mission. Three pilots were involved, one of whom suffered fatal injuries. To find out what caused the mishap, a probe has been ordered “IAF stated.

#BreakingNews
Two #IAF planes crashed in #Morena, MP and a chartered plane crashed in #Bharatpur, #Rajasthan. Aviation accidents are not so common, what went wrong?#planecrash #Mirage2000 #pilots pic.twitter.com/ZLtn8OfgUC
— World conflicts Monitoring Center (@WorldBreakingN9) January 28, 2023
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About Dassault Mirage 2000

The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a fourth-generation jet fighter with a single engine that is made by Dassault Aviation in France. It had its first flight in 1978 and joined the French Air Force service in 1984. Since the 1980s, the Mirage 2000 has been flown by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

It has been deployed in a variety of conflicts, notably the 1999 Kargil War in India, in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. In reaction to a terrorist incident in India in February 2019, the IAF employed Mirage 2000 aircraft to carry out airstrikes in Pakistan. The Tejas, a locally produced aircraft, will gradually replace the Mirage 2000 in the Indian Air Force.

About Sukhoi Su 30

The Sukhoi Su-30 is a twin-engine, two-seat, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. It is a long-range air superiority fighter and is considered one of the most advanced aircraft of its kind in the world. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has operated the Su-30MKI variant since 2002. It is a heavily-modified version of the Su-30, developed specifically for the IAF.

The Su-30MKI is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and is equipped with a variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, bombs, and a 30mm cannon. It also has advanced avionics, including a multi-mode radar and a jamming system.

The Su-30MKI has played a significant role in the IAF’s operations, including during the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan. The IAF has more than 200 Su-30MKI aircraft in service and is the mainstay of the Indian airforce and will continue to serve in the next decade as well.

#Bharatpur
A fighter aircraft crashed in Bharatpur’s Nagla Dida in Rajasthan on Saturday.#planecrash pic.twitter.com/pvBho4lN6S
— Rachit Arora (@rachitarora29) January 28, 2023

During the crash, the Su-30 had two pilots while the Mirage 2000 only had one. Initial reports indicate that both pilots are secure, and IAF helicopter is en route to the third pilot’s location, according to defense sources.

Due to a large number of locals there, it was difficult to identify the debris that had fallen 150 feet, making this a highly rare catastrophic event in Indian aviation history. Both pilots were taken to the hospital for additional treatment. India also intends to replace all of its Mirage aircraft with Tejas Innovative aircraft by the year 2025.

In order to determine whether or not there was a mid-air collision, the IAF has requested a court of inquiry. During the crash, the Su-30 had two pilots while the Mirage 2000 only had one. Initial indications indicate that two pilots are safe, while an IAF chopper is en route to the third pilot’s location, according to defense sources.

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.