Aerospace

India to offer a make-in-Egypt proposal for 70 Tejas planes?

The Indian Tejas is roaring high in capacity and power, and now HAL is attempting to offer a Tejas fighter aircraft deal to Egypt. It also intends to establish production facilities in Egypt for the manufacture of light combat aircraft (LCA) and helicopters as it seeks export prospects in the Middle East and North Africa region. Egypt is looking for a fleet of 70 aircraft in the LIFT category.

According to reports, the Egyptian Air Force head is scheduled to visit India in the coming days to inspect manufacturing and maintenance facilities.

Egypt is primarily interested in being the first to market with a fighter training aircraft variant based on the Tejas trainer airframe. The airframe will be stripped of high-end sensors and avionics but will incorporate training-specific cockpit equipment like as a Wide Area Display (WAD) to be utilized as an Advance Jet Trainer for inexperienced pilots before they move to Squadrons. The LIFT category aircraft assists pilots in becoming qualified before flying other fighters such as the Sukhoi 30 MKI, Rafale, or F16 fighter aircraft. The LIFT category aircraft is used for both training and combat purposes.

It boasts the most powerful air force fleet among emerging countries. Egypt’s air force has a mixed fleet of aircraft from China, Russia, the United States, and Europe, and it has recently placed orders for French Rafael fighters and Russian 35 fighters. It currently has approximately 220 f 16 fighters, 24 rafale, 15 mriage, and 46 mig 29 fighters.

HAL has the option of pushing the HTT 40 Hindustan Turbo Trainer aircraft, although this is still in the works. However, it will be advantageous to obtain a starting level trainer aircraft. HAL is contemplating an initial programme similar to the US Air Force’s T-X programme for a new-generation trainer aircraft produced by the SAAB-Boeing collaboration.

HAL is working hard to increase the number of export orders for TEJAS, and it confidently displayed the aircraft flying display in the Dubai and Singapore airshows. The aircraft is built on a sturdy airframe that has undergone extensive testing and has good avionics support. Tejas is now being upgraded to the Mark2 level for the Indian Air Force, which includes the latest avionics and weapon deployment capabilities.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is the most promising potential customer, having bid for 18 light fighters with an option for another 18. This would be a welcome first export order for the Tejas.

HAL has provided the RMAF with the advanced Tejas Mark 1A fighter, which includes mid-air refueling, an AESA radar, electronic warfare (EW) capability, and the capacity to shoot BVR missiles. HAL is undergoing testing for the Malaysian-specified on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS).

There is a considerable possibility that Tejas will outperform the other fighter capabilities and win the contract from Malaysia, but its government purchasing agency has yet to make a decision.

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.