Aerospace

India’s HAL will build the Russian KA 226 helicopter in Karnataka.

Defence PSU The new Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) helicopter factory in Tumakuru, which spans 615 acres, is ready to begin phase-1 operations after establishing the manufacturing, structural assembly, final assembly-line facilities, helipad, flight hangar, ATC, equipping hangar, administrative building, and other facilities. According to HAL, the factory was constructed in accordance with industry 4.0 standards and is furnished with IT services and an Integrated Building Management System (IBMS), which serves as the operational hub of the entire campus and has complete control and oversight over all services.

A capacity of 30 LUHs per year has been built for phase-1 operations, and this can be increased to 60 choppers annually. Regarding the Ka-226, are awaiting approval from the MoD. This has a designated area within the Tumakuru facility. After the agreement is signed, a joint venture between HAL and Russian Helicopters will manufacture the Ka-226 in Tumakuru. According to a deal between New Delhi and Moscow, 200 helicopters will be purchased, 135 for the Indian army and 65 for the Indian Air Force, and some technology will also be transferred.

Although Nirmala Sitharaman, the defence minister, gave a preliminary assessment of the Ka-226 deal’s value of Rs 20,000 crore in the Lok Sabha, commercial negotiations have not yet started. According to the MoD, the LUH has received initial operational clearance (IOC), and HAL is scheduled to complete 12 limited series production (LSP) helicopters by 2023–2024—six for the army and six for the IAF. The first four are anticipated to be finished by the end of this fiscal year, while the remaining eight will be constructed in the next one.

The order for the first 12 LUH was worth between Rs 1,500 crore and Rs 2,000 crore, according to an earlier estimate by Madhavan. The cost may have increased from the early projections, but a revised estimate for the same was not immediately available. In addition, although the Karnataka government declared it has approved the HAL helicopter project in Tumkur with an investment of more than Rs 5,000 crore, there was no official confirmation on how much HAL has invested in the plant thus far. Tumakuru has plans for more expansion, An engine facility carbon filament manufacturing, and the second phase will see an engines facility, carbon filament and composites factory and other facilities come up.

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.