Aerospace

Is Airbus planning to modify the A321XLR’s belly fuel storage?

This is how Airbus tests the new A321XLR flight with passengers traveling nonstop.

The Airbus A321XLR is one of the most long-range commercial aircraft in the narrow-body class, having recently demonstrated a nonstop 13-hour flight. The Authority, on the other hand, is unsatisfied with certain elements of the aircraft, which are likely to make the aircraft unsafe for some reason.

The first 13-hour test flight of the A321XLR was successfully accomplished.

The FAA previously suggested that essential adjustments be made to the aircraft’s over-the-rear fuel storage during any crash landing since this might result in the risk of catching fire and unsafe over-crash landing.

EASA has now expressed its support for the FAA regulation and requested the required changes for flight safety.

According to the EASA document, which was released on D, “EASA identified the need to prescribe special detailed technical specifications (dubbed Special Conditions) to ensure adequate occupant protection against the risks of external fire and burn-through, fuel vapor ignition, and fuel tank explosion, as well as to ensure crashworthiness of this fuel tank so that no fuel is released in sufficient quantities to start a serious fire in an otherwise survivable crash event.”

Since Boeing expressed concerns to regulators, the design of the integrated tank with a capacity of 19.200 litres has been the focus of attention. If the tank was penetrated by some portion, the close closeness to the landing gear could constitute a hazard during a hard landing. Furthermore, with passengers seated directly on top of the tank, cold fuel could have an impact on cabin comfort. Because the fuel tank and passenger seats are in the same location, there is less time for evacuation during the crash.

American airlines Insight view of A321XLR

The gasoline tank should be located in a specific aircraft fuselage location “that is not likely to collapse or rupture in a survivable crash event beyond the appropriate existing emergency landing conditions,” according to the agency.

The European authorities also advised that Airbus consider adding some extra fuselage design features, such as a bladder and crushable structure, which would “mitigate the effects of impact and scraping on the ground, including contact with obstructions”.

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According to EASA, installing compatible materials in this place would jeopardize the ventilation surrounding the fuel tank. It further stated that the tank could be vulnerable to external fire and that without adequate protection, people may not have enough time to flee.

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.