Aerospace

Is India planning to purchase more Chinook helicopters?

Chinook is a one-of-a-kind Boeing helicopter that may be employed for a variety of tasks. In 2015, India ordered 15 helicopters, and in 2019, the IAF received the first four of Chinook helicopters, which are currently operating in diverse roles.

However, according to recent reports, the Indian Air Force has decided to cancel plans to purchase 48 additional Mi-17 V5 helicopters from Russia. Making the case for the Make in India programme. India continues to seek new big cargo helicopters. There is no apparent reason for the cancellation of the Mi 17 helicopter. It is possible that other nations boycott its trade, but the issue remains unclear.

India is also planning to develop its own multi-mission helicopter, which might take several years and cost a lot of money. Now, India may place a new order for the Chinook helicopter because it has proven its worth in the Indian Air Force. The Chinook helicopter recently carried cargo across the longest and nonstop route, demonstrating its worthiness for a variety of reasons.

On the other hand, most of the parts for the Boeing Chinook are designed and manufactured in India, and Boeing has improved its supply chain with over 160 partners in India, as well as a joint venture to produce fuselages for Apache helicopters. India accounts for $1 billion in annual sourcing. Boeing now employs 2,200 individuals in India, and its supply chain partners employ over 7,000 people.

The Chinook has unrivalled capability for transporting huge payloads to high altitudes, making it ideal for operations in the Himaalayas. The aircraft has been battle-tested in a variety of severe environments around the world, demonstrating its ability to operate in the various conditions that characterise the Indian subcontinent.

Let’s talk about the specifications.
The Boeing Chinook has a rotor diameter of 18.29 metres, a fuselage length of 15.49 metres, and a height of 5.68 metres. It has the capacity to transport up to 55 troops or around 10 tonnes of mixed cargo.

The Chinook’s Lycoming T55-GA-714A turbo shaft engines produce 3,529 kW of power. It has a 370-kilometer mission radius, a 2,254-kilometer range, and a maximum gross weight of 22,680 kilogrammes. It has a top speed of 302 kilometres per hour and a fuel capacity of 3,914 litters.

Take a look at the MI17 helicopter, which was developed in Russia on the other hand. It can transport 24 troops or four tonnes of cargo and has three crews: two pilots and one engineer. With a maximum take weight of 13,000 kg, It is powered by two Klimov VK-2500PS-03 turboshaft engines with a combined output of 1,800 kW. It has a top speed of 280 km/h, a range of up to 800 kilometres, and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet.

Considering both specs, the chinook has the advantage in terms of carrying passengers and cargo.

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Let’s have a look at the prices of both helicopters.

In comparison to the Chinook helicopter, the MI 17 helicopter has three times the payload. The Mi-17V5 helicopter is priced between US$ 16.4 and US$ 18.4 million. The chinook might cost up to $60 million dollars in the United States.

India has not made any final judgments regarding its new cargo helicopters. Let us know what you think about both helicopters in the comments section.

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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.

Aerospace

Four Airbus A380 Superjumbos lined up to be scrapped

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In a strategic move aimed at reclaiming valuable resources from the iconic Airbus A380 aircraft, VAS Aero Services and Dr. Peters Group have announced a significant collaboration.

This partnership marks a milestone in aviation logistics and aftermarket services, with four of these colossal planes slated for teardown and redistribution of used serviceable material (USM).

The venture between VAS Aero Services, renowned for its expertise in aircraft dismantlement, and Dr. Peters Group, a prominent Germany-based investment fund management firm, underscores a commitment to sustainable aviation practices. This isn’t their first foray into scrapping A380s; their successful partnership has already seen the dismantlement of these aircraft, making them pioneers in this niche.

Under the agreement, the latest consignment brings the tally to eight A380s entrusted to VAS by Dr. Peters Group. Managing Director Christian Mailly of Dr. Peters Group emphasized the trust placed in VAS, citing their unparalleled capabilities in dismantlement and aftermarket sales network. It’s a strategic move in response to the growing demand for quality USM parts, particularly with the resurgence in reliance on the A380.

Notably, the teardown process will be carried out at various locations, optimizing the positioning of harvested parts to cater to different markets. While some parts will be positioned in Europe to support operators in the region and the Middle East, others will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. This meticulous strategy ensures efficient access to spare parts, benefiting MROs and airlines across these markets.

The decision to retire these A380s comes at a time when operators are reassessing fleet strategies amidst evolving market dynamics. Despite initial plans for quick retirement due to the emergence of more fuel-efficient alternatives, factors such as a rebound in long-haul demand and delays in new widebody deliveries have prompted operators to reconsider. The A380, with its unique capacity and capabilities, presents a practical solution for short-term capacity management.