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Worlds Ugliest Aircraft

Worlds Ugliest Aircraft's Passenger Aircraft unusual design

The Super Guppy 

Courtesy- WikipediaCourtesy: Wikipedia

The Aero Spacelines Super Guppy is a large, wide-bodied cargo aircraft that is used for hauling outsize cargo components. It was the successor to the Pregnant Guppy, the first of the Guppy aircraft produced by Aero Spacelines. Five were built in two variants, both of which were colloquially referred to as the “Super Guppy”

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The first, the Super Guppy, or “SG”, was built directly from the fuselage of a C-97J Turbo Stratocruiser, the military version of the 1950s Boeing 377 “Stratocruiser” passenger plane. The fuselage was lengthened to 141 feet (43 m), and ballooned out to a maximum inside diameter of 25 ft (7.6 m), the length of the cargo compartment being 94 ft 6 in (28.8 m). The floor of the cargo compartment was still only 8 ft 9 in (2.7 m) wide, as necessitated by the use of the Stratocruiser fuselage.

Creator: NASA/Kim Shiflett Copyright: For copyright and restrictions refer to http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/guidelines/index.html Information extracted from IPTC Photo Metadata. Orion Transport Fixture Fit-Checked in NASA's Super Guppy Aircraft ...

Worlds Ugliest Aircraft’s, NASA Orion Transport Fixture Fit-Checked in NASA’s Super Guppy Aircraft (courtesy NASA)

In addition to the fuselage modifications, the Super Guppy used Pratt & Whitney T-34-P-7 turboprop engines for increased power and range, and modified wing and tail surfaces. It could carry a load of 54,000 pounds (24,494 kg) and cruise at 300 mph (480 km/h).

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De-Havilland-DH-106-Comet-C4-aircraft

Courtesy: Wikipedia

Courtesy: Wikipedia

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The de Havilland DH.106 Comet was the world’s first commercial jet airliner. Early Comet models suffered from metal fatigue, causing a string of accidents. The redesigned Comet 4 series enjoyed a long and productive career of over 30 years.Was operated by Royal Aircraft Establishment Bedford on Nimrod AEW radar trials. The aircraft was later scrapped at Bedford.

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  McDonnell XF-85

McDonnell XF-85 Goblin

McDonnell XF-85 Goblin – Wikipedia

The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin was an American prototype fighter aircraft conceived during World War II by McDonnell Aircraft. It was intended to be deployed from the bomb bay of the giant Convair B-36 bomber as a parasite fighter. The XF-85’s intended role was to defend bombers from hostile interceptors, a need demonstrated during World War II. Two prototypes were constructed before the program was terminated.

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Transavia PL-12 Airtruk

File:AirTruk at Temora Airport October 2018.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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The Transavia PL-12 Airtruk is a single-engine agricultural aircraft designed and built by the Transavia Corporation inAustralia. The Airtruk is a shoulder-wing strut braced sesquiplane of all-metal construction, with the cockpit mounted above a tractor engine and short pod fuselage with rear door. The engine cowling, rear fuselage and top decking are of fibreglass. It has a tricycle undercarriage, the main units of which are carried on stub wings. It has twin tail booms with two unconnected tails. Its first flight was in 22 April 1965, and was certified on 10 February 1966The Airtruk is also sometimes known as the Airtruck. Because the name “Airtruck” was registered by the New Zealand companies Bennett Aviation Ltd and Waitomo Aircraft Ltd, for their PL-11, Transavia found another name for their PL-12 (“Airtruk”)

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The PL-11 Airtruck

Transavia Corporation - Wikipedia

Courtesy: Wikipedia

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The PL-11 Airtruck was in fact a successful crop-duster, appreciated by the pilots who flew it for a living. Only two were built, in New Zealand, but some of the 118 examples of its successor, the Australian Transavia PL-12 Airtruk, are still at work all over the world. The Airtruck and Airtruk were designed for a specific job—aerial application—rather than adapting a conventional airplane to the task. The pilot was placed high above both the engine and the chemicals hopper, rather than sitting between them waiting to be crushed in a crash, and the perch gave him a superb view for low-level maneuvering.

The Deux-Ponts

Bréguet 763 Deux-Ponts - Wikipedia

Courtesy: Wikipedia

If the Lockheed Constellation was a dolphin, the Deux-Ponts was a manatee. Yet it was an excellent airplane, flying for Air France, the French Armée de l’Air and a few smaller operators from 1952 through 1971. With two full passenger decks, it could seat 135 in a pinch, substantially more than its only double-deck competition, the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser—which in fact had only a partial lower deck configured as a cocktail lounge. But it was unpressurized and had a capacity far beyond what any airline of the time needed.

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Short Sturgeon SB3

Short Sturgeon - Wikipedia

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The Short Sturgeon was a planned British carrier-borne reconnaissance bomber whose development began during Second World War with the S.6/43 requirement for a high-performance torpedo bomber, which was later refined into the S.11/43 requirement which was won by the Sturgeon. With the end of the war in the Pacific production of the aircraft carriers from which the Sturgeon was intended to operate was suspended and the original reconnaissance bomber specification was cancelled

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Boeing – Phalcon 707

EL/M-2075 - Wikipedia

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The EL/M-2075 is a solid-state L-band conformal array radar system for use on a Boeing 707 and other aircraft. Phalcon, as the complete AEW mission suite is referred to, is intended for airborne early warning, tactical surveillance of airborne and surface targets and intelligence gathering. It also integrates the command and control capabilities needed to employ this information

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The system can be fitted to a number of aircraft, including the Boeing 707, Boeing 767, Boeing 747 series aircraft. Under a contract signed with Chile in 1989, the first Phalcon system to be installed was fitted to a former LanChile Boeing 707, and was first flown in 1993. In May 1994 the aircraft was delivered to the Chilean Air Force, where it is known as the Condor.

Avro Shackleton

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Courtesy: Wikipedia

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The Avro Shackleton was a British long-range maritime patrol aircraft for use by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the South African Air Force (SAAF). It was developed by Avro from the Avro Lincoln bomber, itself being a development of the famous wartime Avro Lancaster bomber. The type is named after the polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

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Entering service with the RAF in 1951, the Shackleton was used primarily in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) roles; it also became used as a search and rescue (SAR) platform and for performing several other secondary roles such as being a troop-transport. In later life, a small number of the RAF’s Shackletons were subsequently adapted for airborne early warning (AEW) duties, performing in this capacity until the type’s retirement in 1991. The Shackleton was also procured by South Africa, and would be operated by the SAAF between 1957 and 1984.

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RAF victor

The Handley Page Victor was a Britishjet-power edstrategic bomber, developed and produced by the Handley Page Aircraft Company, which served during the Cold War. It was the third and final of the V-bombers operated by the Royal Air Force(RAF), the other two V-bombers being the Avro Vulcan and the Vickers Valiant. The Victor had been developed to perform as part of the United Kingdom’s airborne nuclear deterrent. In 1968, the type was retired from the nuclear mission following the discovery of fatigue cracks, which had been exacerbated by the RAF’s adoption of a low-altitude flight profile to avoidinterception.

Classic Collections

GeeBee

The Gee Bee Model R Super Sportster was a special purpose racing aircraft made by Granville Brothers Aircraft of Springfield, Massachusetts at the now-abandoned Springfield Airport (Massachusetts). Gee Bee stands for Granville Brothers. The 1932 R-1 and its sister plane, the R-2, were the successors of the previous year’s Thompson Trophy-winning Model Z.

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hughes XH-17 , helicopter

Hughes XH-17 - Wikipedia

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The XH-17 “Flying Crane” was the first helicopter project for the helicopter division of Hughes Aircraft. The XH-17, which had a two-bladed main rotor system with a diameter of 134 feet (41 m), was capable of flying at a gross weight of more than 50,000 pounds (23,000 kg).

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How has Boeing’s B787 dreamliner turned into a nightmare?

Kamov Ka-226

Kamov Ka-226 - Wikipedia

Courtesy: Wikipedia 

The Kamov Ka-226 “Sergei” is a small, twin-engined Russian utility helicopter. The Ka-226 features an interchangeable mission pod, rather than a conventional cabin, allowing the use of various accommodation or equipment configurations. The Ka-226 entered service in 2002.

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‘No need to revamp the cockpit crew alerting system in B737 max 10’ – Boeing

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Boeing Dream Lifter

File:Boeing 747-400LCF Dreamlifter.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Who will win the Indian Navy’s new fighter jet contract? F/A 18 or Rafale

The Boeing 747 Dreamlifter (formerly Large Cargo Freighter or LCF) is a wide-body cargo aircraft. Cargo is placed in the aircraft by the world’s longest cargo loader. It is an extensively modified Boeing 747-400 and is used exclusively for transporting 787 aircraft parts to Boeing’s assembly plants from suppliers around the world.

The Beluga

File:AirExpo 2014 - Beluga 01.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Courtesy: Wikipedia

The Airbus A300-600ST (Super Transporter) or Beluga, is a version of the standard A300-600 wide-body airliner modified to carry aircraft parts and oversized cargo. It was officially called the Super Transporter at first, but the name Beluga became popular and has now been officially adopted.

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The BelugaXL delivers an “extra-large” role for its team of ...

Airbus The BelugaXL delivers an “extra-large” role for its team

In 1991 Aérospatiale and DASA, two of the major Airbus partners, formed a company to develop a replacement. The starting point was the design for the wide-body twin-enginedAirbus A300: the wings, engines, landing gear, and the lower part of the fuselage are the same as the A300 while the upper part of the fuselage is an enormous horseshoe-shaped structure 7.7 m (25 ft) in diameter

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They are ugly but their work contribution towards Aviation industries is Tremendous and Unique , We love this aircraft all time.

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Aerospace

 Retired Boeing 747 converted into incredible cafe in Thailand

 Retired Boeing 747 converted into incredible cafe in Thailand

A retired Boeing 747 has discovered an unexpected second act as a distinctive and alluring cafe in the bustling city of Bangkok.

Before being placed into storage in 2016, the 29-year-old jumbo jet was operated by Orient Thai Airlines. Two years later, in 2018, the carrier ceased operations. But the famous plane, known as the “queen of the skies,” has been given new life, entertaining tourists in Bangkok.

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The 747 Cafe is a creative and inventive landmark situated on Luang Phaeng Road in the Lat Krabang district. A dismantled aircraft that has been converted into a cosy dining space greets guests as they enter. Clients can enjoy beverages and delicious baked goods here, taking their time while enjoying their treats in cosy window seats that provide a distinctive view of the outside world.

A trip up to the second floor reveals the once-private cockpit of pilots, for those looking for a more luxurious experience. In addition to learning about the aircraft’s extensive history, visitors can explore this iconic location and perhaps even imagine the many trips it has completed.

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The 747 Cafe attracts tourists, curious locals, and aviation enthusiasts alike. It is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. This abandoned aviation marvel never fails to captivate the imaginations of those who venture inside, adding a sense of airborne nostalgia to the vibrant tapestry of Bangkok’s culinary scene as sunlight filters through its windows.

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Aerospace

Why Did India Place a Large Order for Tejas and Prachand Helicopters? Here are 5 Key Points

Why Did India Place a Large Order for Tejas and Prachand Helicopters? Here are 5 Key Points

India is poised to enhance its Defence capabilities with a significant procurement initiative. The Indian Government has approved the acquisition of 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (Mark 1A) and has also given the green light for the procurement of 156 Prachand Combat helicopters. Among these, 90 helicopters are designated for the Army, while 66 are allocated for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

This landmark decision represents the largest order in the history of the Indian Air Force. Both the Tejas aircraft and the Prachand helicopters are domestically produced, with a combined value of Rs 1.1 lakh crore.

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Presently, the Indian Air Force operates a fleet of 40 LCA aircraft. With this procurement, the defense arsenal is set to expand to 10 squadrons in the coming years, reaching a total of 220 LCA Mark aircraft.

Here are the five key points outlining India’s defense strategy for its indigenously developed aircraft:

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Establishing International Brand Presence:

India’s Tejas faces challenges in securing international orders due to a limited fleet of operational aircraft, raising concerns about its credibility in providing sustained customer service.

Notably, the Tejas aircraft participated in a recent Malaysian Air Force tender but narrowly missed securing the deal, which was ultimately awarded to a South Korean fighter FA-50 jet. Several factors contributed to Tejas losing the bid.

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The bolstering of the Air Force fleet not only elevates the credibility of the aircraft features but also augments the production of aircraft. This certainly captures the attention of new customers who consistently seek to validate the aircraft’s capabilities. Specifically, the Tejas aircraft has experienced a substantial increase in its flying hours, highlighting its robust strength and muscular prowess in contrast to other aircraft.

The integration of delta wings in Indian aircraft offers clear advantages over conventional counterparts; nevertheless, the actual effectiveness of this design can only be verified through real-world operations.

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Tejas Mark 2 Engine Procurement and Future Expansion:

India Teajs has received a significant offer to manufacture the GE 414 engine, presenting a substantial opportunity for the country’s defense sector. However, it’s crucial to highlight that this engine is designated for the Tejas Mark 2.

Additionally, the success of any fighter jet in the global market hinges on a robust foundation, especially when introducing upgraded versions. To ensure international competitiveness, it is imperative to continue operationalizing Tejas Mark 1, enhancing its reliability and performance for potential foreign exports.

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Phasing Out Outdated MiG-21 Fighter Jets:

India has made the strategic decision to decommission its entire fleet of aging MiG-21 fighter jets, colloquially referred to as “Flying Coffins” due to their notorious history of frequent crashes.

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The unreliability of these aircraft has been underscored by numerous incidents, with one particular occurrence involving the loss of control over the Pakistan border. Additionally, there have been recurrent operational failures with other aircraft, further accentuating their inadequacy within the context of the current technological landscape.

Introduction of New Tejas Mark 1 Aircraft:

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To address these challenges, India is in the process of phasing out the aging MiG-21 and MiG-27 aircraft from its defense service. The new Tejas Mark 1 aircraft is set to replace them, providing enhanced capabilities and bolstering the immunity of India’s defense operations.

Brand Promotion and Marketing for Indigenous Aircraft:

Recognizing the importance of user familiarity, India is actively promoting its self-developed aircraft, particularly after securing substantial orders for Tejas and Prachand. This not only showcases the strength of these aircraft in the international market but also establishes a benchmark for their credibility.

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Showcasing Capabilities at International Events:

India’s recent participation in the Dubai Airshow featured impressive displays of flying capabilities, highlighting the prowess of indigenous aircraft. The performance of the Indian-made Dhruvu Helicopter garnered attention, further elevating the profile of Indian aircraft on the global stage.

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Unique Features of Prachand Helicopter:

The Prachand helicopter, designed for battlefield deployment as an attack helicopter, stands out with its advanced weaponry and avionics. Positioned to compete with helicopters like the Apache, Turkish T129, and the European Tiger, Prachand emphasizes India’s capability to produce unique and technologically advanced military assets.

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Elevating Indigenous Products:

This strategic decision underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the nation’s defense capabilities while simultaneously fostering the growth of indigenous defense manufacturing.

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The initiative encompasses a comprehensive approach, ranging from neutralizing tanks and armored personnel carriers to enhancing the Indian Navy’s surface platforms, positioning them as primary offensive weapons. Notably, the introduction of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk 1A for both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army marks a significant stride.

Simultaneously, the upgrade of Su-30 MKI Aircraft, featuring the latest weapon integration and avionics, enhances its overall power. The entire process is set to be executed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), further promoting indigenous prowess.

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Additionally, the approval for the development of Medium Range Anti-Ship Missiles for the Indian Navy’s surface platforms underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing its indigenous defense capabilities.

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Afghanistan found helicopter that was buried in the sand 13 years ago

Afghanistan found helicopter that was buried in the sand 13 years ago

In Afghanistan’s Helmand province, the security forces recently found parts of an American helicopter that had been buried in the sand for 13 years. This discovery took place in the Behramcha district, highlighting the lasting traces of past conflicts in the area.

The helicopter parts, surprisingly still in good condition, were carefully hidden, emphasizing the efforts made to conceal this important military equipment.

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It is particularly amazing how well the helicopter parts have been preserved. The parts seem undamaged despite the passing of time and the hostile Afghan desert environment, suggesting a level of care and accuracy in the efforts to conceal this military legacy. There’s an air of intrigue to the story as it develops because the reasons for such careful concealment are still unknown.

The security command made the sensible decision to move the helicopter parts to the province of Kandahar for additional investigation after the initial discovery. This choice is indicative of a dedication to solving the mystery surrounding the buried aircraft, as specialists and investigators put in great effort to put the puzzle together. The examination could provide important information about the helicopter, its purpose, and the events leading up to its secret burial.

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South Korea selects the Embraer C-390 Millennium

South Korea selects the Embraer C-390 Millennium

C-390 is the winner of LTA-II program public tender to provide the Republic of Korea Air Force with new military transport aircraft. The country will be Asia’s first C-390 Millennium operator

Seoul, South Korea, December 04, 2023 – South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced Embraer’s C-390 Millennium as the winner of the Large Transport Aircraft (LTA) II public tender to provide the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) with new military transport aircraft. South Korea is the C-390 Millennium’s first customer in Asia.

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Per the finalized contract, Embraer is set to deliver an undisclosed number of C-390 Millennium aircraft meticulously tailored to meet the specific requirements of the ROKAF. The agreement extends beyond the aircraft itself, encompassing a spectrum of services and support, including training, ground support equipment, and spare parts. The financial value associated with this contract will be integrated into Embraer’s backlog during the final quarter of 2023.

The package includes a substantial allocation of C-390 Millennium components

In addition to the aircraft delivery, Embraer is committed to providing a comprehensive consortium and offset package. This package includes a substantial allocation of C-390 Millennium components to be produced locally by Korean partner companies. Furthermore, it involves the establishment of a local Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider.

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Bosco da Costa Jr., President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We welcome the Republic of Korea Air Force to the growing number of air forces operating the C-390 Millennium – the most modern military tactical transport aircraft.” Da Costa emphasized the aircraft’s consistent performance in various missions, highlighting its efficiency, serviceability, and speed. He also emphasized the collaborative commitment between Brazil and South Korea to enhance the capabilities of their aerospace and defense industries.

South Korea’s decision to opt for the C-390 Millennium makes it the seventh nation to choose this aircraft, following Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Renowned for redefining military airlift, the C-390 challenges conventional perspectives on current and future-generation platforms. Its design incorporates multi-mission capability, reliability, and interoperability.

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Since its operational debut with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and, more recently, with the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the C-390 has consistently demonstrated its capacity, reliability, and performance. The existing fleet has amassed over 10,800 flight hours, showcasing an operational availability of approximately 80% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%, underscoring exceptional productivity within its category.

C-390 Payload capacity of 26 tons

Distinguishing itself from medium-sized military transport aircraft, the C-390 boasts an impressive payload capacity of 26 tons and a higher flying speed at 470 knots. Its versatility enables a broad spectrum of missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian endeavors. Notably, the aircraft can operate on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil, and gravel. Additionally, the version equipped with air-to-air refueling capabilities, designated as the KC-390, has already demonstrated its prowess both as a tanker and as a receiver during aerial refueling operations.

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New UK Airline Ecojet Signs Deal For 70 ZeroAvia Engines

New UK Airline Ecojet Signs Deal For 70 ZeroAvia Engines

ZeroAvia announced that it has reached a deal with Ecojet, a recently established airline, for up to 70 engines that run entirely on hydrogen and emit no emissions.

In 2024, Ecojet, which wants to be the premier airline for green Britain, will start flying to and from Edinburgh using conventional aircraft. Later, it will convert its fleet to become the first ever electric airline in history.

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Once certified, the airline will retrofit its aircraft with ZeroAvia’s ZA600 engines to accomplish its goal. MONTE, ZeroAvia’s preferred ZA600 lessor partner, will collaborate with Ecojet to commercialize this innovative technology. By 2025, ZeroAvia hopes to have the ZA600 engine type certified.

The recently established airline has also placed a larger order for the more potent ZA2000 engine, which is intended for regional turboprops with up to 80 seats and a 2027 entry-in-service target. This will make it possible to fly planes like the Dash 8 400 and ATR72, which are already widely used on international regional routes.

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In collaboration with airports and other industry partners, ZeroAvia, Ecojet, and MONTE will determine and fund the initial routes for hydrogen-electric commercial operations. According to ZeroAvia analysis, domestic flights would have lower lifecycle carbon emissions per passenger than any other popular mode of transport available today, including fully occupied cars, domestic rail and coach travel, if they were powered by green hydrogen produced by wind energy in the UK.

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Air Force Drops Boeing from Consideration in ‘Doomsday Plane’ Contest

Air Air Force Drops Boeing from Consideration in 'Doomsday Plane' ContestDrops Boeing from Consideration in 'Doomsday Plane' Contest

Boeing confirmed on Friday that the U.S. Air Force eliminated Boeing from the competition to develop an E-4B Nightwatch replacement, reversing the competition to build the next generation of aircraft known as the “Doomsday Plane” because of its ability to withstand a nuclear war.

The E-4B Nightwatch, also referred to as the “Doomsday Plane,” is a modified Boeing 747-200B used in military operations. It is built to resist the electromagnetic pulse from a nuclear explosion and functions as the National Airborne Operations Centre. The aircraft is capable of conducting routine training and readiness missions while staying in the air for several days.

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Boeing and the Air Force were unable to agree on data rights and contract terms, according to Reuters. This was partly due to Boeing’s refusal to sign a fixed-price agreement that would have required it to pay for costs over a predetermined amount.

A major change in the military aircraft manufacturing landscape has occurred with Boeing’s removal from the ‘Doomsday Plane‘ competition. It’s unclear who will step up to take over Boeing’s position as the US Air Force works to update its aircraft and remain prepared for changing international threats.

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According to budget documents, the Air Force intends to continue developing SOAC with spending of $889 million in fiscal 2024 and $8.3 billion through fiscal 2028. Early in the 2030s, the E-4B is anticipated to reach the end of its operational lifespan.

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