Aviation
Stratolaunch: The world’s largest plane rolls out.
WASHINGTON — Stratolaunch, the company backed by billionaire Paul Allen to develop air-launch systems, rolled out its giant carrier aircraft for the first time May 31 in advance of ground and flight tests.
The aircraft moved out of its hangar at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California for the first time since construction of the giant plane began there several years ago. Two tugs towed the aircraft, resting on its 28-wheel landing gear, just outside the hangar to begin a series of tests.
“This marks the completion of the initial aircraft construction phase and the beginning of the aircraft ground and flight testing phase,” Jean Floyd, chief executive of Stratolaunch Systems, said in a statement about the rollout.
The aircraft’s test program will begin with fueling tests, where each of the plane’s six fuel tanks is independently filled to test their fueling mechanisms and check for leaks. The tanks will then be drained and the plane moved back into the hangar for weight and balance testing, according to a company fact sheet.
Stratolaunch then plans ground and engine tests, including taxi tests at the airport, in the “coming weeks and months,” Floyd said, before the airplane’s first flight. “This is a first-of-its-kind aircraft, so we’re going to be diligent throughout testing and continue to prioritize the safety of our pilots, crew and staff,” he said. “Stratolaunch is on track to perform its first launch demonstration as early as 2019.”
The Stratolaunch aircraft is the largest in the world by wingspan, measuring more than 117 meters from tip to tip. The plane weighs 226,800 kilograms empty, and 50 percent more when fully fueled. It can accommodate payloads weighing nearly 250,000 kilograms, attached to the wing segment between the twin fuselages.
Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, announced Stratolaunch in late 2011. The aircraft’s size was dictated by initial plans to launch medium-sized payloads using a version of SpaceX’s Falcon 9. The companies parted ways a year later, and Stratolaunch then signed a contract with Orbital Sciences Corp. (now Orbital ATK) to develop a new rocket also for medium-class payloads. That project, known as Thunderbolt, has also been set aside.
Stratolaunch is now focused on the growing demand for small satellites. In October 2016, the company announced a new partnership with Orbital ATK where the Stratolaunch aircraft will be used for launches of Pegasus XL rockets, potentially up to three on a single flight.
Floyd, in the statement, said Stratolaunch was also looking at other vehicles as it makes preparations for accommodating Pegasus rockets at its Mojave hangar. “We’re actively exploring a broad spectrum of launch vehicles that will enable us to provide more flexibility to customers,” he said, without identifying the vehicles under consideration.
The company, funded by Allen, has not disclosed how much money it has spent on the project to date. However, in a May 1 panel session here on ultra low-cost access to space, Floyd was asked if his company was ready to spend “hundreds of millions of dollars” on technologies to reduce launch costs. “Definitely yes, and we already have,” he responded.
Floyd, earlier in that panel, said that Allen’s investment in Stratolaunch was not motivated by any potential financial return. “His vision is to change the human condition,” Floyd said of Allen. “He’s not out to make a buck. He’s not out to get a return on investment.”
“I’m not saying he wants to lose money,” he added. “But Paul Allen has never talked to me about, ‘How much money am I going to make if I pull this off?”
Aviation
FAA rolling out new technology at four US airports
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to debut cutting-edge airfield surveillance systems at four prominent airports across the United States.
Austin-Bergstrom, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Dallas Love Field will spearhead the implementation of the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) by July 2024, marking a significant stride in runway safety enhancement efforts.
SAI revolutionizes air traffic controllers’ situational awareness by leveraging Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data. Through this innovative technology, controllers gain real-time and precise depictions of aircraft and vehicles navigating the entire airfield, irrespective of weather conditions.
Icons representing aircraft and ADS-B-equipped vehicles will populate an airport map, offering comprehensive coverage of runways, taxiways, hold ramps, and other critical areas.
This initiative is a pivotal component of the FAA’s accelerated surface safety portfolio, complementing other vital tools like Approach Runway Verification (ARV) and the Runway Incursion Device (RID). The proactive deployment of these technologies underscores the FAA’s unwavering commitment to fortifying runway safety and averting potentially hazardous incidents.
Beyond technological advancements, the FAA is taking multifaceted measures to bolster safety across the national airspace system. Initiatives include aggressive air traffic controller recruitment drives, enhancements to the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, and the deployment of upgraded tower simulator systems in numerous facilities nationwide by the end of 2025.
Additionally, the FAA is fostering collaborative efforts through regular runway safety action team meetings and investing substantially in runway lighting and surface improvements at airports of varying sizes.
Aviation
Boeing says 787 Dreamliner aircraft is safe
Boeing is standing firm on the safety and durability of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft despite mounting criticism and whistleblower allegations.
In response to concerns raised by whistleblowers and ahead of a congressional hearing, the aviation giant emphasized its rigorous testing protocols and asserted confidence in the integrity of its planes.
During a media briefing accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, boeing aircraft
reiterated its confidence in the safety of both the 787 and 777 aircraft models. Senior engineers showcased extensive testing procedures aimed at refuting claims that approximately 1,400 Boeing planes may be afflicted by significant safety issues. The company addressed specific allegations, including concerns about gaps in manufacturing processes that could lead to premature fatigue failure over time.
The upcoming Senate hearing is expected to feature testimony from Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who has publicly criticized boeing airplanes safety practices and alleged retaliation for speaking out. Salehpour’s claims, currently under investigation by the FAA, include allegations of workers resorting to extreme measures during assembly, such as “jumping on pieces of the airplane” to align them.
Boeing officials stressed that thorough inspections of nearly 700 in-service Dreamliner jets revealed zero airframe fatigue findings, even after six and twelve years of heavy maintenance inspections. These results have been shared with the FAA, according to Boeing’s chief engineer, Steve Chisholm. He emphasized that the materials used in the construction of the 787 were specifically chosen for their resistance to fatigue and corrosion.
In response to Salehpour’s accusations of shortcuts in assembly processes, boeing planes
acknowledged instances where shims were not of the proper size and where areas did not meet skin-flatness specifications. However, the company dismissed claims of excessive force during assembly, stating that such practices were not part of their standard procedures.
Aviation
How to Utilize American AAdvantage Miles for Etihad Flights
Are you eager to make the most of your American AAdvantage miles by exploring exotic destinations served by Etihad Airways? Look no further! This guide will walk you through the process of redeeming your AAdvantage miles for Etihad flights, ensuring you unlock the full potential of your rewards.
Etihad Airways’ partnership with American Airlines opens up a world of possibilities, allowing travelers to access a wider range of destinations and flight choices. jetnet american airlines What’s more, passengers can earn AAdvantage miles for their Etihad flights, enhancing the value of their travel experiences.
To start earning Etihad Guest miles, one convenient option is through credit card rewards. While Etihad doesn’t offer a U.S.-based cobranded credit card, you can seamlessly transfer rewards from renowned programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
Once you’ve accumulated your miles, it’s time to embark on your Etihad journey. But how do you ensure your flights are credited to your American AAdvantage account? concierge key american airlines Fear not, for the process is simple. After your Etihad flights, wait at least three days before requesting to add them to your AAdvantage account. Utilize the provided form, entering your AAdvantage number and the 13-digit ticket number. Additional information may be required, readily available on your boarding pass stub or ticket receipt.
Etihad Airways boasts an extensive network, particularly in North America, with flights to major cities including Boston, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Washington. Whether your wanderlust leads you to the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, or South Africa, Etihad can serve as your gateway to these captivating destinations.
Now, let’s talk redemption. If you’re eyeing the dream of using your AAdvantage miles for etihad airport, rest assured, the process aligns with the standard AAdvantage partner award chart. To provide clarity, consider these examples of one-way business aa pricing:
- From the United States to the Middle East and India for 70,000 miles
- Venture from the United States to Africa for 75,000 miles
For those seeking the epitome of luxury in first class
- Luxuriate in a flight from Abu Dhabi to London for 62,500 miles
- Indulge in a journey from Abu Dhabi to New York for 115,000 miles
With these redemption options, your AAdvantage miles can transform into unforgettable travel experiences aboard Etihad Airways.