Aviation

Man Opens Plane’s Emergency Door to Get Fresh Air in South-Western China, Detained

A 25-year-old man was detained and fined for mistakenly opening the emergency exit gate of the flight before takeoff to get fresh air. The incident took place at the Mianyang airport situated in the South-western part of Sichuan China. The cops detained the man and fined him around 70,000 yuan (11,000 US dollars).

During the interrogation, Chen (accused), who was travelling from the island of Hainan reportedly told the cops that he was feeling ‘stuffy’ and wanted some fresh air. The incident happened on the midnight of April 28 and 29. According to reports, the 25-year-old was unaware of the emergency door and he mistakenly opened it. However, as soon he pulled the door, the escape slide got activated.

Related image

According to PTI, Beijing, Chen claimed his mistake and said “Because it was so stuffy, so hot on the plane, I just pushed down on the window handle beside me. When the door fell out, I panicked.”

Chen has been detained for 15 days with a fine of around 500 Yuan. The aeroplane also reportedly said it will alert the passengers about the safety precautions before the take-off.

However, as per the reports it was not the first time that such a dramatic incident took place. In April 2016, a man, a bulldozer by profession was travelling in the flight for the first time opened the emergency exit door accidentally.

Aviation

India Launches Its Medium-Lift Class Helicopter Program, chooses New Engine

India’s longstanding need for a Medium Helicopter may soon become a reality as the country has fully ramped up its engine development efforts. This new helicopter is set to replace the Russian-built models currently in service and will play a crucial role across various scenarios for the Indian Armed Forces.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-power engine named Aravalli.

This new engine will power the upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being designed and developed by HAL.

Named after the majestic Aravalli mountain range in India, the Aravalli engine symbolizes the country’s drive for self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in critical engine technologies. This cutting-edge engine will be instrumental for the IMRH, a versatile 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant tailored for the Indian Navy.

The IMRH is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian armed forces over the next decade. With its first flight expected in 3 to 4 years, the IMRH is anticipated to begin induction by 2030, with plans to integrate between 300 to 400 units, and potentially more in the future.

The IMRH is envisioned as a highly versatile multi-role helicopter that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian military. The DBMRH, designed for naval operations, will also face the challenges of high-altitude environments in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas of strategic importance due to their proximity to the China border.

In addition to its military applications, the Aravalli engine is projected to enter the civil market, serving roles in offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The long-term vision includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities to further extend the engine’s utility and support the aviation industry.

This collaboration between HAL and SAFHAL builds on their successful history of working together on the Shakti engine, which powers several HAL helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the Light Utility Helicopter. The proven success of this partnership lays a strong foundation for the development of the Aravalli engine, setting the stage for a new era in India’s helicopter capabilities.