Aviation

Interesting facts about Qantas airlines Project Sunrise – Non-stop flight Newyork to Sydney – 2019

Interesting facts about Qantas airlines Project Sunrise

The first non-stop commercial airline flight from New York to Sydney has landed after 19 hours 16 minutes in the air.A total of 49 passengers and crew were on the flight, which was used to run a series of experiments to assess health and well-being onboard. Data from these experiments will be used to help shape the crew rostering and customer service of Qantas’ ultra long haul flights in the future – including Project Sunrise.

Tests ranged from monitoring pilot brain waves, melatonin levels and alertness, to exercise classes for passengers.

Cabin lighting and in-flight meals were also adjusted in ways that are expected to help reduce jetlag, according to the medical researchers and scientists who have partnered with Qantas.

Fast Facts

– QF 7879 non-stop flight from New York to Sydney will take around 19-and-a-half hours subject to wind and weather conditions on the day. Distance between New York and Sydney is 16,200 kilometres. This compares to a travel time of 22 hours and 20 minutes on the current New York to Sydney via Los Angeles flight.

– The flight will be operated by a brand new Boeing 787-9, registration VH ZNI, named “Kookaburra”

– Months of flight planning has gone in to determining the optimum flight path, including running daily plans to establish wind and weather patterns

– Four pilots will be on rotation throughout the flight. Two additional pilots will be in the cabin, having flown the aircraft to New York. Total flight hour experience on the aircraft is 67,000.

– The aircraft will operate with a maximum fuel load of approx. 101,000kg. Projected fuel remaining upon landing is approximately 6,000kg which translates to about 90 minutes of flight time.

– Maximum take-off weight for a 787-9 is 254,000kg. QF 7879 JFK to SYD will depart at 233,000kg take-off weight with the same amount of fuel 101,000kg that Qantas departs Perth to London flights with.

– Nearly half of the aircraft weight on take-off is fuel. The other is aircraft, passengers and bags.

– Flight will travel at 85% the speed of sound which is around 930 kilometres an hour. Cruising altitude will start at 36,000 feet for the first few hours and then as the aircraft weight reduces with fuel burn, the cruising altitude will increase to 40,000 feet.

– Pantry galley weight will be 1,500kg’s (food, trolleys etc.)

Findings on crew wellbeing will be shared with the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority to help inform regulatory requirements associated with ultra-long-haul flights over 20 hours.

Follow Qantas 7879 New York to Sydney non-stop including a live update from the cockpit on Flightradar24.

Pilot and Cabin Crew research – in partnership with the CRC for Alertness, Safety, and Productivity
• The primary aim of the research is to examine the sleep cycles and alertness of pilots and cabin crew during extended flight duty to establish optimum crew work and rest patterns.
• Four pilots and six cabin crew will be involved in the data collection, wearing activity monitors and completing sleep diaries and rest and alertness logs.
• Pilots will wear EEG (electroencephalogram) brain monitoring equipment for the duration of the flight to tack brain activity and monitor alertness during their “on” times and sleep during their “rest” periods.
• Pilots will also provide researchers with urine samples from before, during and after the flight which will track melatonin levels to establish individual body clock timing.
• Cameras will be mounted in the cockpit for the flight duration to record alertness cues and operational activities.
• The pilots have spent time in the 787 flight simulator to ensure the EGG brain monitoring equipment doesn’t interfere with aircraft systems and standard operations.

Passenger research – in partnership with University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre
• The aim of the research is to identify strategies to reduce jetlag and promote inflight health.
• Passengers will be fitted with wearable device technology to track movement and light exposure.
• Customers will experience a difference in food and beverage menus and service timings to encourage body clocks to adjust to the destination time zone.
• Specific times will be allocated for out of seat movement and activities.
• Passengers will keep a daily log for a week prior to the flight, during the flight and for two weeks after the flight and will note how they feel throughout the study.
• Passengers will complete a test on an iPad, similar to a game of “Whack a Mole”, to gauge reaction time and attention.

Aircraft comparison

Osprey is faster than Chinook helicopter ?

In this article, we’ll delve into two distinct military aircraft that have played essential roles in United Air Force defense. Both aircraft have unique characteristics in terms of usage and flying capabilities. One is capable of vertical takeoff and flies like an aircraft, while the other is a helicopter with two tandem rotors. Let’s explore each of these aircraft in detail.

The speed of helicopters can vary depending on several factors such as their design, engine power, payload, and mission requirements. Generally speaking, the Osprey (specifically referring to the V-22 Osprey) is faster than the Chinook helicopter.

The V-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft, meaning it can take off and land vertically like a helicopter but also tilt its rotors forward to fly like an airplane. This design allows the Osprey to achieve higher speeds compared to conventional helicopters. The cruising speed of the V-22 Osprey is around 241 knots (277 mph or 446 km/h).

On the other hand, the Chinook helicopter, such as the Boeing CH-47 Chinook, has a cruising speed typically around 170 knots (196 mph or 315 km/h). While the Chinook is a highly capable and versatile helicopter known for its heavy-lift capabilities and reliability, it generally operates at lower speeds compared to the Osprey.

The comparison between an Osprey and a Chinook helicopter involves contrasting two distinct aircraft with different designs, capabilities, and purposes:

MV-22 Osprey details:

The Osprey has garnered significant controversy since its inaugural flight, primarily stemming from issues associated with its tiltrotor design. These challenges have led to several incidents and crashes, resulting in the tragic loss of pilots and crew members and prompting multiple groundings of the aircraft.

However, efforts are underway to address these technical issues swiftly, with plans to rectify the problems and resume flights promptly. Despite these setbacks, the Osprey remains crucial in operational contexts, offering enhanced capabilities for transporting both cargo and crew members, underscoring its pivotal role in various missions.

Except for the United States and Japan, no other country has been granted authorization to utilize the Osprey aircraft. Its unique design and specialized nature, being built in the United States, likely necessitate governmental permission for export to other nations.

The Osprey stands out for its groundbreaking design and innovation, featuring the ability to transition from vertical to horizontal rotor positions while also generating thrust like a conventional aircraft.

MV-22 Osprey:
- The MV-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft, meaning it can take off and land like a helicopter but fly like a fixed-wing aircraft once airborne.
- It’s primarily used for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), troop transport, cargo transport, and aerial refueling.
- The Osprey has a unique ability to combine the vertical lift capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a turboprop aircraft.
- It can carry up to 24 troops or 20,000 pounds of internal cargo and has a top speed of around 315 miles per hour (507 km/h).
- The Osprey is utilized by the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, and other military forces around the world.

Boeing CH-47 Chinook:

The Chinook helicopter stands as a testament to unparalleled engineering and innovation, making it one of the most distinctive aircraft ever constructed. Since its inception, no other nation has attempted to replicate its singular design, owing to the extraordinary precision and aerospace technology required for its construction. This helicopter, revered as an engineering marvel, has become a staple in major battlegrounds, renowned for its exceptional capacity to transport troops and cargo to any destination. Remarkably versatile, it operates seamlessly on both land and water surfaces, boasting an integrated floating system that enhances its capabilities even further.

Selected countries have been granted permission to utilize the Chinook helicopter, showcasing its global appeal and strategic importance. Furthermore, ongoing development efforts are underway to enhance the speed and carrying capacity of the next version of this iconic aircraft. Renowned for its exceptional safety record, the Chinook stands as one of the safest helicopters in operation today, with a remarkably low incidence of crashes. Its versatility is unmatched, making it an invaluable asset for operations in diverse terrains and environments.

Boeing CH-47 Chinook:
- The Chinook is a tandem rotor helicopter, known for its distinctive twin-rotor design.
- It’s a heavy-lift helicopter primarily used for troop transportation, artillery emplacement, battlefield resupply, and various other missions.
- The Chinook has a rear loading ramp for cargo and troops, making it well-suited for quick loading and unloading.
- It can carry up to 55 troops or 24,000 pounds of cargo internally and has a top speed of around 170 miles per hour (274 km/h).
- The Chinook is widely used by the U.S. Army and various other military forces worldwide, including the UK, Canada, and others.

Comparison:

Design: The Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft, while the Chinook is a tandem-rotor helicopter.
Speed and Range: The Osprey has a higher top speed and longer range compared to the Chinook due to its fixed-wing aircraft capabilities.
Payload Capacity: The Chinook generally has a higher payload capacity for both troops and cargo compared to the Osprey.
Versatility: While both aircraft are versatile in their own right, Osprey’s ability to take off and land vertically as well as fly at high speeds over long distances gives it a unique advantage in certain scenarios. However, the Chinook’s ability to carry larger payloads makes it better suited for heavy lift operations.
Cost and Maintenance: Maintenance and operating costs may vary between the two aircraft, with tiltrotor technology typically being more complex than traditional helicopter designs.

These are the Top 10 best US airlines of 2024

In an era where air travel plays an integral role in connecting people and places, the quality of airline service can significantly impact travelers’ experiences.

As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of aviation, insights into the performance and reliability of different carriers become invaluable. Enter WalletHub’s comprehensive analysis, offering a glimpse into the 10 best US airlines of 2024. Join us as we embark on a journey through the clouds, exploring the top performers.

Best airlines of 2024

Alaska Airlines (68.07 out of 100): Anchoring the list is Alaska Airlines, celebrated for its consistency and customer satisfaction. With a score of 68.07, Alaska Airlines sets the standard for excellence in the skies.
SkyWest Airlines (65.96): Following closely behind is SkyWest Airlines, recognized for its operational prowess and reliability. With a score of 65.96, SkyWest secures its position among the elite.
Spirit Airlines (65.69): Surging into third place is Spirit Airlines, renowned for its affordability and expansive route network. Despite its low-cost model, Spirit Airlines earns acclaim with a score of 65.69.
Delta Air Lines (61.56): A stalwart of the industry, Delta Air Lines maintains its reputation for superior service and efficiency. With a score of 61.56, Delta continues to soar above the competition.
United Airlines (51.96): United Airlines occupies the middle ground, offering a balance of convenience and comfort to travelers. With a score of 51.96, United remains a dependable choice for domestic and international flights.
JetBlue Airways (51.6): JetBlue Airways, known for its focus on customer experience and amenities, secures its place in the top 10 with a score of 51.6.
Hawaiian Airlines (48.3): Transporting passengers, Hawaiian Airlines earns accolades for its hospitality and island-inspired service. With a score of 48.3, Hawaiian Airlines embodies the spirit of aloha.
American Airlines (46.52): Despite facing challenges, American Airlines maintains its presence among the top performers with a score of 46.52, showcasing resilience in the competitive aviation landscape.
Frontier Airlines (43.57): Frontier Airlines offers budget-conscious travelers a gateway to the skies with its affordable fares and diverse destinations. With a score of 43.57, Frontier Airlines secures its place in the top 10.
Southwest Airlines (36.03): Rounding out the list is Southwest Airlines, renowned for its no-frills approach and extensive route network. With a score of 36.03, Southwest Airlines remains a popular choice for travelers seeking simplicity and value.

Aviation

South Korea Introduces Cutting-Edge MRO Center for F-35 and IAI

Image:IAI

South Korea is set to make waves in the aerospace industry with the establishment of a cutting-edge Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub for F-35 fighter jets and IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) aircraft.

Central to this initiative is the specialization in converting Boeing 777-ERSF, colloquially known as the “Big Twin,” from passenger to freighter configurations. Under the terms of the agreement, IAI will spearhead the conversion of six B777-300ER and B777-200LR aircraft annually, commencing in 2024. This strategic move is in response to the anticipated surge in demand for wide-body freighter aircraft capable of long-haul flights.

Furthermore, South Korea’s forward-looking vision extends beyond aircraft conversion, with plans to establish a Lockheed Martin F-35 maintenance, repair, and overhaul depot at Cheongju Air Base by 2027. This strategic move not only enhances the operational readiness of South Korea’s air force but also positions the nation as a regional hub for F-35 maintenance expertise.

In preparation for this expansion, thirty Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) engineers and technicians are slated to undergo intensive maintenance training in the United States in 2025, a testament to South Korea’s commitment to fostering local expertise and talent.

IAI’s visionary approach to certification and collaboration underscores the potential for transformative change. With plans for the 777-300ERSF certification process set to unfold in Israel, followed by the rigorous scrutiny of regulatory agencies such as the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the stage is set for the ‘Big Twin’ to soar to new heights of success.

In partnership with esteemed entities like STK and Incheon International Airport Corporation, this collaboration promises to unleash a wave of benefits, amplifying the resilience and competitiveness of the Korean aviation sector while catalyzing job creation and economic prosperity.