Aerospace

Philippines Considering Swedish Gripen C Over India’s Tejas Offer

The Philippines is currently contemplating the acquisition of the Swedish Gripen C fighter jet instead of accepting India’s offer of the Tejas aircraft. This decision marks a significant shift in the country’s defense procurement strategy and is attributed to several key factors.

For the second time in a row, HAL has already lost a tender for the Malaysian Air Force fighter aircraft contest. HAL has provided the Philippine defense department with a light utility helicopter, thus the country and HAL already have good ties. However, the Philippines may be uninterested in the Tejas aircraft.

HAL is improving its Tejas Mark2 aircraft, which may see some foreign demand due to its latest avionics, fighting capabilities, mid-air refuels, and other features. Tejas aircraft is also the most cost-effective option for any defense force.

Firstly, the Gripen C, manufactured by Saab, is renowned for its advanced capabilities and superior performance in aerial combat. The aircraft boasts cutting-edge avionics, a powerful engine, and a robust weapons system, making it a formidable choice for the Philippine Air Force (PAF). Gripen C’s proven track record in international operations and its compatibility with NATO standards further bolster its appeal.

The main factors influencing the PAF’s decision-making process are looked at in this analysis, with a focus on the cost-effectiveness and advantages of the Gripen C/D over the HAL Tejas. Stockholm is offering a group of Gripen C and D fighters (single- and two-seat versions) that have been modified with fifth-generation electronics and are known informally as standard “C+” aircraft. The aircraft might be used or even brand-new like Croatia was offered to replace its MiG-21s.

The cost-effectiveness of the available solutions is a key factor to take into account because of the PAF’s financial limitations. Due to its reduced pricing compared to the HAL Tejas, Saab’s supply of used Gripen C/D aircraft presents an appealing prospect. By choosing the Gripen C/D, the Philippines may expand its fleet of fighter aircraft while still staying within its budgetary constraints, significantly enhancing its defense capabilities.

Gripen C’s emphasis on cutting-edge technology, especially its electronic warfare capabilities and network-centric warfare characteristics, is in line with the Philippines’ goal of creating an up-to-date, technologically advanced armed forces. The Philippines can greatly improve its defense capabilities by procuring the Gripen C, protecting its national security and territorial integrity.

Related Topics:Philippines Swedish Gripen C Tejas

Dawal

He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry. He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

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.