Number 32 – 25 April 2024

“But how shall we educate men to goodness, to a sense of one another, to a love of truth and more urgently, how shall we do this in a bad time?” Daniel Joseph Berrigan

R1 Blackburn

(Information from Wikipedia)

The Blackburn R-1 Blackburn was a 1920s British single-engine fleet spotter / reconnaissance aircraft  developed to meet a naval requirement (Specification 3/21) for a carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft and gun spotting aircraft. Blackburn designed a new fuselage and used the wing and tail surfaces from the Blackburn Dart. The pilot sat in an open cockpit above the engine, a navigator sat inside the fuselage and a gun position was located at the rear of the fuselage cabin. The aircraft’s two-bay wings could fold for stowage aboard aircraft carriers, with the upper wing attached directly to the fuselage, which filled the interplane gap. Armament was a single forward-firing Vickers machine gun mounted externally to the left of the pilot, with a Lewis gun on a Scarff ring for the gunner.

Three prototypes were flown during 1922, leading to an initial production contract for 12 aircraft. The production aircraft were designated Blackburn I and the first deliveries to the Fleet Air Arm at Gosport began in April 1923. 18 more Blackburn Is were built in 1923–1924. Its first operational deployment was with No. 422 Fleet Spotter Flight, which deployed aboard HMS Eagle in the Mediterranean in 1923. A further order was placed for 29 Blackburn aircraft with the more powerful Napier Lion V engine, designated the Blackburn II. The upper wing was raised 22½ inches (0.57 m) to improve handling. A few Blackburn aircraft were used as dual-control trainers and all the Blackburn Is were converted to II standard before the type became obsolete in 1931, when they were replaced by the Fairey IIIF.

Those persons who correctly identified this week’s mystery aircraft: I was very lenient this week so any answer that included Blackburn was acceptable. Several answered Blackburn Dart.
P. Rossouw, Wouter van der Waal, Chris Moustakis, Ari Levien, Charlie Hugo, Steve Dewsbery, Willie Oosthuizen, Rahul Vala, Hilton Carroll, Jan Sime, Clint Futter, Andre Breytenbach, Bruce Harrison, Magiel Esterhuysen, Kevin Farr, Righardt du Plessis, Bruce Prescott, Pierre Brittz, Stuart Lane, Johan Venter, Barry Eatwell, Selwyn Kimber, Piet Steyn, Nigel Hamilton, Rex Tweedie, Andrew Peace, John Moen Aiden O’ Mahony, Danie Viljoen, Dave Lloyd, Sergio Antao, Ahmed Bassa, (32 Correct Answers).

Dealing with South Africa’s skewed labour laws

Over the past nine months I have had to deal with African Pilot’s previous graphic designer’s CCMA challenge to claim a full year’s salary after she resigned in writing in July 2023. Needless to say there were no grounds for this CCMA case and yet it was allowed to happen causing me considerable lost time, emotional challenges as well as significant cost since I had to defend this spurious attack on my business.

Thank goodness on Wednesday 24 April the CCMA dismissed her case, but unfortunately without costs and from my side after spending six days at the CCMA with a legal representative these were considerable. It seems that in the ‘New South Africa’ when an employee resigns in writing this is not the end of the story. As an employer, you need to ask the person if they really wish to resign and many other questions. In my research, the biggest obstacle to ‘creating jobs’ under cANCer rule is the so-called employee rights, even when these ex-employees are dishonest such as theft of company property, abuse of company privileges and so many other issues. After all this time and having chartered this course, I would like to offer my experience to any business that is faced with similar experiences when an ex-employee brings CCMA action against you or your company my advice. It is about time that ‘Business South Africa’ stands up against the thoroughly corrupt CCMA system and make a difference for the future of our country. Thanks. editor@africanpilot.co.za

Congratulations to these proud gentlemen for completing their B200 initial rating through Simuflight.

SAA is looking for investors and loans

South African Airways interim Chairman Derek Hanekom said on local broadcaster eNCA, “South Africa is seeking potential minority investors, access to capital markets and loan financing for South African Airways to expand more rapidly following the collapse of a previous equity deal. Hanekom said the airline had to revise its expansion plans after talks were scrapped and has now delayed opening more international routes to London, Frankfurt and North America. “If we are able to get capital from whatever source, then we may be able to expand more rapidly,” Hanekom said on eNCA. The airline is currently growing at a slow but sustainable rate, with no government subsidies, he added.

The South African government had planned to sell 51% of SAA to the Takatso group, made up of closely held Global Airways and private equity firm Harith General Partners before the deal was called off last month. The transaction would have resulted in an R3 billion cash injection for the airline, which had previously emerged from lengthy bankruptcy proceedings following years of state bailouts. Within the next financial year, SAA will grow its fleet from 13 to 21 aircraft, Hanekom said. He said the airline has added several routes into Africa and some international routes to Sao Paulo and Perth, Australia. Hanekom also said that the search for permanent executives for SAA and some of its units are underway.

27 April
Ekurhuleni East Flying Club fly-in breakfast at Springs airfield
Contact James E-mail secretary.eefc@gmail.com

27 April
Bill Harrop’s Dinosaur Derby night glow
Contact Jacquie Pastor Cell: 083 443 2662 E-mail: jacquie@balloon.co.za

27 April to 4 May
Gauteng Regional Gliding Championships at Magalies gliding Club
Contact Soaring Society of South Africa Website: www.glidercomps.co.za

Cessna 172 aircraft crash outside eMalahleni

A Cessna 172 aircraft reportedly crashed just after take-off at a local mine. SACAA communications manager Sisa Majola confirmed that a team from their Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) has been dispatched to the site ‘to collect evidence that will define the scope of the investigation’.

AIID was informed of an accident involving a Cessna 172 aircraft on a private flight between Mbombela and eMalahleni in Mpumalanga on Sunday. There were two pilots and two passengers on board the aircraft when the accident occurred. He confirms three of the occupants were fatally injured, while one sustained serious injuries and the aircraft was destroyed by fire. It appears that the tragedy happened just after take-off at 15h40 and it is said the aircraft crashed at a local mine. Legacy Emergency Medical Services, SAPS, and Emalahleni Fire Department were dispatched to the crash site. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is said to be investigating the crash.

Overweight Diamond crashes, killing all four aboard

The pilot rented the Diamond DA-40 with the intent to fly a multi-leg cross-county flight from his home base of Spanish Fork Municipal Airport / Woodhouse Field (KSPK) in Utah with three passengers. The planned route of flight comprised stops at Cedar City Regional Airport (KCDC) and four other airports before returning to SPK. The airplane departed KSPK on the first leg with about 40 gallons of fuel.

Recorded airport surveillance video at KCDC showed that the airplane landed at 16h15 and taxied to the self-serve fuel pumps. The pilot and passengers disembarked and the pilot refuelled the airplane, adding about 14 gallons of fuel. The pilot and passengers boarded the airplane for the next destination, Bryce Canyon Airport (KBCE) in Utah and taxied toward the runway.

A pilot-rated witness, who was driving westbound down Cedar Canyon, reported that he observed the airplane flying up the canyon and over the river at an altitude of about 300 feet above ground level. The witness stated that as the airplane was about to pass over his position, it turned left and then right, and its manoeuvres were ‘quick’ and ‘like a rocking motion.’ The witness added that the propeller appeared to be under power and not windmilling.

Another witness reported that he observed the airplane flying on an easterly heading over the highway at an altitude of about 200 to 300 feet AGL. The witness stated that, other than being low, the airplane did not appear to be in distress. The witness also stated that his vehicle’s windows were up, so he could not hear the airplane’s engine. After the airplane passed over the witness’ position, he looked in the mirror and saw the airplane ‘bank really hard to the south, back across the highway’ as if the airplane ‘were trying to turn around in the narrow canyon.’ The witness added that, at that point, the airplane’s wings were ‘almost completely vertical’ and that the airplane ‘did not look like it had enough speed to pull off this manoeuvre.’ The airplane hit mountainous terrain along the southern edge of the canyon about seven miles southeast of KCDC. A post-crash fire ensued. The pilot and three passengers died in the crash.

The weight of the airplane at the time of departure from KCDC was estimated to be about 128 pounds over the maximum gross weight (2,646 pounds). The airplane’s center of gravity (CG) was calculated using the passenger and seat locations in the most favourable position and was found to be outside of the manufacturer’s approved CG envelope. According to the performance information in the DA-40 Airplane Flight Manual and the assumed altitude and air density conditions, the airplane’s climb performance would have been about 300 feet per minute. The calculated density altitude at the time of departure was about 6,022 feet. The calculated density altitude at the accident location and the time of the accident was 7,203 feet.

Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire shot down with S-200 missile

Ukraine has claimed that it shot down a Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire-C bomber that crashed on Monday in the Stavropol region in southern Russia. If this is the case, it would be an unprecedented event, with Ukraine never having previously destroyed a Tu-22M3 or any other Russian long-range bomber in the air. Speaking exclusively to TWZ, Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), said that the Russian bomber was brought down by a Soviet-era S-200 (SA-5 Gammon) long-range surface-to-air missile.

A video that appeared on social media shows the aircraft spiralling toward the ground, in an apparent flat spin, with its rear fuselage on fire. Subsequent photos and a video show the wreckage of the bomber on the ground, still burning. Soon after imagery of the incident appeared, Ukraine claimed that it was behind the destruction of the bomber. The GUR said the Tu-22M3 in question was returning from a missile attack against Ukraine when it was shot down ‘at a distance of about 300 kilometres (186 miles) from Ukraine by the same means that were previously used to shoot down the Russian A-50 long-range radar detection and control aircraft.’ As a result of the damage, the bomber was able to fly to the Stavropol territory, where it fell and crashed.

Providing more detail, Budanov told TWZ that the Tu-22M3 was engaged at a distance of 308 kilometres (191 miles) from the S-200 battery. A video published by the GUR shows the interior of a command post within an air defence system, the implication being that this was the weapon used to bring down the Tu-22M3, or at least coordinate the operation. According to Ukrainian GUR spokesperson Andrii Yusov, a second Tu-22M3 was forced to turn around after the first one was attacked. It means that another series of missiles was not launched at Ukraine.

The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed that a Tu-22M3 crashed ‘In Stavropol territory, while returning to its base after carrying out a combat task. The ministry said that all four crew members ejected, in a statement quoted by the state news agency TASS. The same source said that three of the crew members were found alive on the ground, while a search for the fourth one was ongoing. The aircraft came down in an unpopulated area, with no casualties on the ground, the ministry added.

However, according to Vladimir Vladimirov, governor of the Stavropol territory, two crew members ejected (presumably successfully), a third was allegedly killed, whilst another is missing. The governor identified the crash site as being in the Krasnogvardeysky district, in the northwest of the territory. The Russian Ministry of Defence blamed a ‘technical malfunction’ for the incident, saying this was based on initial information and said the Backfire was not carrying munitions at the time of the crash.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Tu-22M3 may have been used to target the Dnipropetrovsk region last night. Overall, the Tu-22M3 has been heavily engaged in Ukraine, primarily launching Kh-22/Kh-32 series (AS-4 Kitchen) supersonic standoff cruise missiles. Based on the location of the incident, the aircraft was likely headed for the airbase at Mozdok in North Ossetia, which has been used to launch raids against Ukraine (as well as supporting previous operations in Syria). This base is located around 400 miles from the nearest Ukrainian border. As to the GUR’s reference to the A-50 Mainstay airborne early warning and control aircraft, this is intriguing, since Ukrainian officials have previously claimed the destruction of two examples of these aircraft while airborne.

Swiss crew aborts its take-off as four other airliners cross the runway at JFK

On 17 April, the day before a runway incursion at Reagan National Airport in Washington made headlines a Swiss Air crew aborted their take-off at JFK because there were four aircraft crossing the runway from which they had been cleared to take-off. “Swiss 17K heavy, rejecting take-off. Traffic on the runway,” the Swiss Air pilot reported to JFK Tower on ATC recordings compiled by VASAviation. Another controller on a different frequency cleared the other four aircraft to cross Runway 4L at roughly the same time as the Swiss heavy was starting its roll.

The Swiss pilot most likely spotted a Delta Boeing 767 that had just arrived from Nice, France crossing the runway on Taxiway H, which is about midway on the 12,079-foot runway. The Swiss plane was about a quarter of the way down the runway on its aborted take-off. Meanwhile, three other aircraft crews were told to cross the runway beyond that first Delta flight. After aborting the take-off, the Swiss flight exited the runway at Taxiway K3 and was allowed to turn around there and depart from that taxiway intersection to avoid having to taxi all the way back to the end of the runway, which would have required it to refuel. It took off six minutes after the abort.

Alaska Airlines ground stop lifted

On Wednesday morning last week the FAA grounded all Alaska Airlines flights due to problems with a computer system upgrade. The ground stop lasted for an hour before flights resumed but delays were expected throughout the day. Alaska Airlines confirmed that Wednesday morning during an upgrade to the system that calculates weight and balance there was an issue. The airline requested a ground stop for all Alaska and Horizon flights ‘out of an abundance of caution’ and this was instituted at 07h30. The issue was mitigated and the airline said the ground stop for Alaska and Horizon flights expired at 08h30.

Climate protesters close airport

After they got on the ramp in front of FBO and generally disrupted operations, twenty climate change protesters were arrested at Hanscom Field Airport in Bedford, Massachusetts. The airport was briefly closed while police were called to sort it all out and the result was that most of the 25 or so protesters ended up arrested and facing disorderly conduct charges. All were released, either on a promise to appear in court or after posting a bond. A group called Extinction Rebellion confirmed it was behind the protest and told WCVB News they were there for a ‘peaceful, non-violent, non-destructive act of civil disobedience’ over the airport’s bid to add 17 new business jet hangars at the airfield.

The group said protesters formed circles around the landing gear of aircraft and stood in front of them to prevent them moving on the ramp. They also blocked the doors of several FBOs to keep people from getting out to the ramp. The protest was aimed at Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey who they said ran on environmental protection ticket. “She has allowed this expansion to happen while she sits silently and passively, pretending to be on the side of climate,” Jamie McGonagill, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion Boston, told the TV station. Healey’s office told the station the hangar proposal is under environmental review.

Progress at Van’s Aircraft

According to Clyde Hamstreet in a 12 April 2024, video update, almost 85% of Van’s Aircraft customers have renewed their contracts at the revised prices. That was the first of three points from the video that provides hope for the future of Van’s Aircraft. Second, Hamstreet has been in the business of helping companies in distress for 25 years and believes Van’s will survive bankruptcy because they now have a strong balance sheet and high demand for its products. Finally going forward, kit deposits will remain in a segregated account. Funds will be held until manufacturing of the customer’s kit starts. This final point ensures transparency and hopefully rebuilds customer confidence and trust. Bankruptcy is tough. I am pleased to see Van’s is making progress.

FAA and United Airlines investigate unauthorised cockpit incident on charter flight

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and United Airlines are investigating an incident in which an unauthorised person was allegedly sitting in the pilot’s seat during a Colorado Rockies charter flight earlier this month. A video shared on social media, which has since been deleted, shows a member of the team’s coaching staff sitting in the captain’s seat of a Boeing 757 simulating pushing the plane’s yoke and giving a thumbs-up gesture. The incident occurred on 10 April during a flight from Denver to Toronto. According to the Wall Street Journal, United released a statement noting it was ‘deeply disturbed’ by the footage. ‘As a clear violation of our safety and operational policies, we have reported the incident to the FAA and have withheld the pilots from service while we conduct an investigation.’

United’s policy and FAA regulations strictly prohibit cockpit entry during flight, even on chartered flights. The incident comes as the FAA announced increased scrutiny of United Airlines following a series of safety mishaps in recent weeks.

12 B-2s conduct a massive fly-off

The US Air Force carried out the largest B-2 Spirit fly-off in recent history when 12 aircraft, the majority of the US stealth bombers took off one by one on 15 April from Whiteman Air Force Base. The event also created a massive elephant walk as the aircraft taxied to and took off from the base’s lone runway.

“Visual displays of power can serve as a reminder to potential adversaries of the overwhelming air power that the B-2 can bring to bear,” a spokesman for the 509th Bomb Wing, which operates the Air Force’s combat B-2 fleet said. The mass gathering of the iconic flying wing aircraft was a capstone of Air Force Global Strike Command’s annual Spirit Vigilance readiness exercise, spanning from 8 to 12 April. The last mass fly-off of B-2s saw eight bombers take-off from the base during the 2022 iteration of the exercise.

Col. Geoffrey Steeves, the 509th Operations Group commander, highlighted the bomber’s unique capabilities as part of the nation’s nuclear triad of nuclear-capable B-2s and B-52s bombers, land-based Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles and Ohio-class submarines. The air and land legs both fall under AFGSC. “As the world’s most strategic aircraft, the B-2 has an outsized effect on great power competition,” Steeves said in the release. “The B-2 is the only aircraft on the planet that combines stealth, payload, and long-range strike.”

The display of the service’s bombers is also a reminder of the stealth bomber capabilities following months of fleet-wide stand-down after two separate accidents involving two Spirits at Whiteman. In September 2021, a B-2 was involved in an incident after an issue with the landing gear, followed by another accident in December 2022. Both bombers were damaged in the incidents, which prompted a months-long safety stand-down of the fleet until May 2023 after the 2022 mishap. The service officials said that despite the pause in flight, the B-2s could deploy if ordered during that period.

Since then, the B-2 has been deployed to Europe for NATO-related missions, flying across the North Sea alongside the U.K.’s Royal Air Force fighters. The Spirit’s highly anticipated return was highlighted when a single B-2 soared through the skies of southern California for the Rose Bowl in January, reinstating the football game’s tradition after missing the flyover in 2023.

The B-2 jets entered service in the early 1990s as the Air Force’s first stealth bomber and fewer than two dozen were produced. After a crash in 2008, the fleet was reduced to just 20 aircraft. Whiteman is the home base for the nation’s combat B-2s, though the service also typically has a test aircraft assigned to Edwards Air Force Base, California. The service has outlined plans to retire the fleet once the B-21 Raider, another flying wing produced by Northrup Grumman, enters service in substantial numbers in the 2030s.

Airbus, UK agree $152 million deal for 6 H145 ‘overseas’ helicopters

Five months after selecting the aircraft for procurement, The United Kingdom has ordered six H145 helicopters from Airbus destined for missions in Brunei and Cyprus. Defence Equipment and Support, the UK’s military procurement arm, announced the £122 million ($152 million) contract on Thursday, noting that the new helicopters will undertake their ‘overseas’ operations starting in 2026. The rotorcraft are scheduled for delivery next year. Both the entry to service and delivery timeframes are out of step with an original tender from the UK MoD, which first revealed the H145 selection and had said the new helicopters would ‘deliver capability from 2024.’

The fleet of light-twin rotorcraft will replace Airbus Puma HC2 types which have been temporarily based in Brunei for British Army training and the island of Cyprus in support of Royal Air Force search and rescue missions. The Puma took on those roles after the retirement of Bell 212 (Brunei) and Bell 412 rotorcraft (Cyprus), which were initially set to be replaced under the UK’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme. London has settled for a reduced rotary capability by only ordering six helicopters for those foreign based missions, two less than the combined numbers for the 212 and 412 fleets.

The H145 helicopters, designated Jupiter HC2 in British service, are due to serve ‘in parallel’ with 29 H135 and seven other H145 helicopters from the UK’s Defence Helicopter Training School, responsible for British military pilot training, as part of the Military Flying Training System effort, added Airbus.

“The enlarged H145 fleet brings economies of support costs and substantially reduces pilot conversion training time,” said the manufacturer. The original November 2023 tender also includes three years of support services, with an option for an additional six months.

Greece plans to sell F-16s and Mirages to rationalise its fighter inventory

Greece looks poised to offload both its early-model F-16s and its French-made Mirage 2000 fighters, as part of a major overhaul of its armed forces, including the Hellenic Air Force. The F-16s and Mirages could be attractive on the second-hand market and it is notable that the two types have also been repeatedly associated with potential transfers to Ukraine, which could be set to receive its first F-16s before the end of this year.

While the proposed reforms will affect all branches of the Greek military, the potential changes to the Hellenic Air Force are perhaps the most interesting. The changes were outlined by Greek Minister of Defence Nikos Dendias, in a TV interview and were subsequently reported by the Kathimerini daily newspaper. Among the ‘very radical changes’ announced by Dendias is the planned disposal of some of the Hellenic Air Force’s older combat aircraft equipment.

“We have a cartload of different types of aircraft. We have F-4s, Mirage 2000-5s, Block 30 F-16s, Block 50 F-16s, Block 52 F-16s, Viper F-16s and Rafales,” Dendias explained. The ‘Viper F-16s’ description refers to aircraft that have been upgraded to the F-16V (for Viper) configuration. “We cannot carry on this way,” Dendias added. “The F-4s need to be retired and, if possible, sold. The Mirage 2000-5 is an exceptionally capable plane and can be sold. The Block 30 F-16s need to be sold.

Regardless, operating so many different types in a variety of configurations is a serious financial burden on Greece, especially in terms of the increasing maintenance demands. The future Hellenic Air Force envisioned by Dendias will be more homogenous and offer better levels of interoperability. Against this backdrop of planned retirements, Greece is also busy introducing new fighter equipment. As well as the aforementioned Viper upgrades for a portion of the existing F-16s, Rafales are arriving, with F-35A stealth fighters planned for the future. With that in mind, Dendias confirmed the aspirations to complete the Viper upgrade, which he said had been delayed, as well as to purchase additional Rafales. The defence minister wants to purchase another six of the French fighters, on top of the 24 already acquired.

As for the F-35, Dendias said that Greece wants the more capable Block 4 version, which has yet to take to the air, amid ongoing problems with the software and hardware backbone that will enable those new capabilities. In the past, there had been signs that Greece might opt for second-hand F-35s, to speed delivery of stealth fighters. As it is, by waiting for the Block 4, Dendias thinks that Lockheed Martin ‘will have cured all the childhood illness of the fifth-generation aircraft.’ In January this year, the US State Department approved the possible sale to Greece of as many as 40 F-35As and related equipment at an estimated cost of up to $8.6 billion. Such a deal still needs Congressional approval, but this is likely straightforward.

Condor brings 33-year-long enduring partnership with Boeing 767-300ER to a close

After setting off from Havana Jose Marti International Airport (HUV) on 11 March 2024, at 22h10 local time the 767 arrived in Germany almost nine hours later where the aircraft was greeted with a follow-me escort to the gate position. “The Boeing 767 was successfully operated by Condor for more than 30 years. The most recently retired D-ABUC even holds the Boeing record for flight hours of this type. With the advances in technology, product and sustainability, the modernisation has now become necessary,” Christian Schmitt, COO and Accountable Manager of Condor, said.  The first three Boeing 767-300ERs were delivered to Condor in July 1991, with each aircraft configured with 24 seats in comfort class and 245 seats in economy. As needs changed over time the configuration evolved to up to 259 seats divided between business, premium economy and economy class options.  

Hartzell Propeller acquires WhirlWind Propellers

Last month Hartzell Propeller, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management announced the acquisition of substantially all the assets of WhirlWind Propellers Corporation, expanding Hartzell’s product portfolio into light-sport aircraft. Founded in 1995, WhirlWind Propellers manufactures composite constant-speed and ground-adjustable propellers for the light-sport, experimental and unmanned aircraft markets. The Company also designs proof of concept propellers for emerging applications. Hartzell Propeller plans to retain the WhirlWind brand and product offerings.

Hartzell will retain the services of Jim Rust, former President of WhirlWind Propellers. Rust’s technological expertise with rapid prototyping composite propeller systems further enhances Hartzell’s existing capabilities. Rust added, “I am excited to be part of the Hartzell Propeller team and eager to see the WhirlWind brand continue to thrive under Hartzell’s leadership.”

Rafael expects Iron Beam laser to be active in 2025

Dutch military officials appeared to previously hint at nuclear capabilities for the F-35A being rolled out in Europe, writing in a post on X in November that F-35As belonging to Amsterdam achieved ‘initial certification’ for the role. But until now, US military officials have not confirmed the fighter was cleared to use the weapon operationally. Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project with the Federation of American Scientists, noted the announcement is another milestone in America’s ongoing nuclear modernisation effort. “The stage is set for the tactical nuclear weapons upgrade in Europe with full-scale production of the B61-12 and four NATO allies and the US fighter wing at Lakenheath upgrading to operate the bomb on the F-35A,” he said.

The B61-12 is a life extension programme that originated in the Obama administration and is replacing older -3, -4, -7 and -10 models. The first production unit of the B61-12 rolled out in November 2021, with production scheduled through the end of fiscal 2025. The programme is estimated to cost $9.6 billion in FY22 dollars over its lifespan, although much of that cost has already been spent, according to an annual government accounting of nuclear warheads.

In addition the Biden administration announced in October that it would develop a new variant of the weapon dubbed the B61-13. The newer -13 is expected to have a yield similar to the -7, officials have said, which would roughly work out to a blast equivalent of up to 360 kilotons. However, the expectation among experts is the -13 will only be certified on bombers. The yield of the -12, by comparison, is estimated at up to 50 kilotons. Technically, neither the B61-12 or -13 are ‘new’ nuclear weapons that increase the stockpile, as they are taking the warheads from the older bombs and placing them in new housings.

US Air Force backs VerdeGo’s VH-4T hybrid-electric powerplant

The US Air Force’s Afwerx innovation unit has awarded VerdeGo Aero a $1.24 million contract for the development and testing of a hybrid-electric propulsion system that could power military aircraft. Under the Phase 2 small business innovation research (SBIR) contract, the Air Force aims to test VerdeGo’s VH-4T-RD turbine hybrid powerplant in experimental uncrewed aircraft, including eVTOL models.

VerdeGo says it has already begun building its first prototype of the powerplant and intends to begin testing the 380-kilowatt system in May. It has set up a full-scale ‘iron bird’ ground test rig operational at its research and development center in Daytona Beach, Florida, a company spokesperson said. The company expects the subsequent production version of the VH-4T to have a greater power output of 415 kilowatts. In 2021, VerdeGo introduced the 185-kilowatt VH-3, a piston-powered hybrid-electric powerplant intended for urban air mobility applications such as eVTOL air taxis. Several aircraft manufacturers have selected the VH-3 to power their hybrid-electric models, including Jaunt Air Mobility’s Journey eVTOL vehicle and XTI’s six-seat TriFan 600 eVTOL air taxi. In late 2020, Airflow selected VerdeGo’s powertrain for its planned eSTOL aircraft, but the California-based start-up was subsequently acquired by Electra.

“The high-power density of the VH-4T will provide the performance needed to deliver the range, speed and payload required to make the next generation of electric aircraft compelling and practical,” added David Eichstedt, VerdeGo’s VP of product management. VerdeGo is also collaborating with Pratt & Whitney to develop propulsion systems for advanced air mobility applications, particularly in the business aviation sector. Raytheon Technologies, Pratt & Whitney’s parent company, was the lead investor in a $12 million Series A funding round VerdeGo held in 2022.

Citizens of Florida, USA can now fly this personal electric aircraft without pilot certification

Last week Lift Aircraft, manufacturer of the single-seat Hexa announced the launch of customer eVTOL flights at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) in Florida. The announcement kicks off the company’s inaugural pay-per-flight US tour, during which it will take its mobile location around the country and introduce customer flights in additional cities. “We are not just providing entertainment. We are offering the chance to step into a new era of mobility,” said Matt Chasen, founder and CEO of Lift. “We are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aviation.”

The company will offer customers a two-hour experience comprising ground training and real flights under the guidance of flight instructors. Customers will familiarise themselves with the aircraft and its controls, first on the ground and then in a virtual reality flight simulator. After about an hour, Lift said, they will be ready to take to the skies on their own. Flights can be booked via the company’s new mobile app or directly through its website. Hexa requires no pilot certification to fly. That is because the aircraft’s 432-pound weight qualifies it as a Part 103 ultralight, a classification confirmed by the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA) in 2022.

In lieu of hundreds of hours of flight training, Lift claims beginner training on Hexa’s control system, which consists of a single, three-axis joystick can wrap up in less than an hour. A redundant autopilot computer aids the pilot during flight, but they can also switch to what Lift calls ‘Look, mom, no hands!’ mode.

The 15-by-15-foot aircraft can carry up to 250 pounds in passenger configuration. It cruises at about 60 knots at up to 9,000 msl, while endurance (10-17 minutes) and range (8-15 miles) depending on payload. Hexa is also durable enough to fly in 20-knot winds, medium rain and temperatures between 0- and 120-degrees Fahrenheit. The pinwheel-shaped design relies on distributed electric propulsion from 18 independent electric motors and propellers, each with its own battery pack. It can fly and land safely on land or water with up to six motors disabled.

Lift opened Hexa sales to US public safety agencies in December 2023, offering a total of five aircraft to law enforcement, first responders, medical providers and other customers. The aircraft will be deployed for firefighting, police, medical, search and rescue, emergency and disaster response applications under FAA public aircraft operations rules. The US Air Force is another early Hexa customer. Lift has earned five contracts from AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Air Force, to develop the design and train Air Force personnel to fly it. Airmen made the first remote flight of Hexa in 2022 at Eglin Air Force Base’s Duke Field (KEGI) in Florida.

Customers in Florida and Texas will be the next to take Hexa for a spin and those in New York City could soon follow. In 2022, Lift signed a tentative agreement with Charm Aviation, one of the East Coast’s largest helicopter tour operators, to bring Hexa to downtown Manhattan. It intends to install vertiports along the city’s waterfront, providing access to a Class G VFR corridor that extends up to 1,300 feet agl.

To commercialise Hexa in Japan, Lift intends to partner with Marubeni Corp. Marubeni could preorder as many as 100 aircraft, which are already making public demonstrations in the country. Lift also offers a limited number of Founder’s Series Hexa aircraft that customers can purchase and own outright. Eight of 10 models have been sold for $495,000 and customers can sell the aircraft back to the company for full price at the end of a five-year term. The programme intends for owners to launch Hexa in their respective cities, helping to commercialize Lift’s pay-per-flight offering.

Robinson Helicopter acquires UAV maker Ascent AeroSystems

Robinson Helicopter has purchased Massachusetts-based UAV manufacturer Ascent AeroSystems. Now a wholly owned subsidiary of the California rotorcraft manufacturer, Ascent is recognised for its compact helicopter drones, designed for a variety of industrial, public safety and defence applications.

Through its expertise in autonomous electric flight technology and modular design, it is expected to enhance Robinson’s products. Ascent will now move its production facilities to Robinson’s vertically integrated 600,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility at Zamperini Field Airport (KTOA) in Torrance, where it will have room to grow and scale.

Ascent’s UAVs feature cylindrical bodies with coaxial rather than symmetrically distributed rotors and are designed to operate in the most challenging conditions including high wind, heavy rain, sleet, snow, and even blowing sand. “This strategic acquisition is in line with our vision to broaden our offerings and meet increasing global demand for enhanced mission capabilities in law enforcement, public safety, firefighting, utility and defence,” said Robinson president and CEO David Smith. “Ascent’s advanced technologies and versatile designs complement our ability to be the preeminent choice in global rotorcraft.”

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