Aerospace

Is India’s VVIP Aircraft the world’s most advanced after the B747 of the US Air Force one?

As we all know, the United States president’s aircraft, the Air Force One, is one of the most famous planes in the world; similarly, many aircraft are used by country’s VVIPs, such as presidents and prime ministers. However, these aircraft are not typical because they have been flown under privilege flying with special support from the country’s defense agency.

The air traffic control call sign for any special extra section flight flown by the Indian air force for the president of India, vice president, or prime minister is Air Indian One. The unit in charge of directing the mission is a special aircraft based at Air Force Station Palam.

The Air India One was once an Air India Boeing 747-400 that transported the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister. This was a passenger flight type that was later turned into a special flight for international visits. Because of the high cost of maintenance and the high fuel consumption of these aircraft, the government decided to change its fleet. Also, because Air India will no longer be a private entity after 2021, the government decided to change its fleet and own its own private plane, which will be controlled by the Indian Air Force. Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), which has experience servicing Boeing 777 series aircraft for Air India’s commercial fleet, will maintain them under an unique contract.

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The Indian government began selecting new aircraft in 2016, and the Boeing 777-300ER was chosen as the SESF (VVIP transport). The new aircraft, which feature specifically designed liveries, will begin service in October 2020, replacing Air India’s Boeing 747-400s. The newly admitted aircraft, unlike the 747s, are military vessels that are technically owned and operated by the Indian Air Force.

The 777-300ER’s onboard electronics include around 238 miles of wire, making it no ordinary airliner (twice the amount found in a normal 777). Heavy shielding is required to protect wires and critical devices from the electromagnetic pulse caused by a nuclear explosion.

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Two ex-Air India planes (VT-ALV and VT-ALW, now K7066 and K7067, respectively) were modified with missile defense and countermeasures equipment, including LAIRCM self-protection suites (SPS). Previous Air India 747s were equipped with missile defense and countermeasures equipment, including self-protection suites for large aircraft infrared countermeasures (LAIRCM) (SPS).

Air Force One, a new Boeing 777 aircraft. The planes are equipped with encrypted satellite communication systems, advanced navigation aids, an advanced missile warning system, a missile deflecting shield, and electronic countermeasures to protect them from ground-based or aerial threats, as well as flares and glares to fool the missile. They can travel vast distances without the requirement for air-to-air refueling (which is a feature on some of them).the VC-25 As though they had never been used before in their service)

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The executive enclosure on the Indian Air Force aircraft features an office and a bedroom. All other passengers on Air India One must carry color-coded identity cards with them at all times. Inside, the plane will contain a meeting area, a VVIP cabin, a medical facility, and seats for additional dignitaries and personnel. This aircraft can fly continuously for 17 hours after being refuelled.

Because Boeing has experience with business jets, it has previously modified most commercial aircraft into VVIP private planes for a variety of countries, not just the Air Force. Boeing has its own security upgrade system for defense. These planes are capable Any countermeasure defensive system can be installed according to the clients’ needs. The Boeing 777 aircraft is one of the greatest in the world, with a big capacity in terms of range and the ability to transport a significant number of people.

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In the event of an emergency, the plane will be able to refuel in the air. The ‘Air India One’ can reach a top speed of 559.33 mph thanks to its twin GE90-115 engines. Both planes are like strong forts flying through the sky. ‘Air India One’ is estimated to cost Rs 8,458 crore. These new aircraft, like Air Force planes, will have a limitless range of flight and be capable of flying around the world at the same time.

In the event of an attack, the tailored aircraft can also conduct a counter-offensive, similar to Air Force One’s military systems. The Boeing 777 has a system in place to identify missiles and jam questionable radar frequencies. Whether it’s electronic jammers for anti-missile defense or communication jammers, Air India One will be close behind, with military security systems and facilities for medical emergencies and comfort.

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.