Number 41 – 27 May 2024

“Africa! Africa! Africa!
Africa is my motherland!
Africa, your people cry for you!
Africans must educate their citizens.
Africans must reach out to its people and empower them to build the nation.
Africans you are the only people who can liberate your citizens from poverty through education.
Africans must pay the price to rebuild the continent.
“ Lailah Gifty Akita

Wednesday is YOUR BIG DAY – please use your vote wisely

We need urgent changes in South African aviation that can only be brought about with a ruling party that is ‘business minded’ so that we can grow the economy, which has clearly stagnated over the past 30 years. Radical change will need to take place if South Africa’s aviation sector is to grow in an orderly manner and this will not happen with the present socialistic laws of the ruling party. Good luck South Africa as the people across our country choose better government.

Flying piano – behind the scenes

EAA of South Africa Annual General Meeting

Notice of the EAA of SA’s AGM has been issued for 28 May 2024 starting at 18h30.

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82900861949?pwd=UXNyMFhvYnRtR0xOSEpTRlVXVUFjQT09

Meeting ID: 829 0086 1949

Passcode: EAA2024AGM

Meeting requirements

Since this will be a virtual meeting, nominations will close on 20 May and voting are available until 16h00 on Tuesday 28 May 2024. All proposals should be communicated to me direct or by reply to this email before 26 May 2024.

As this is a virtual meeting, proxies are not required for voting, however these can be submitted in writing for other matters. Please submit this by reply to this e-mail:  

EAA of SA Communication: eaaofsouthafrica@38644997.mailchimpapp.com

Thanks and regards

Paul Lastrucci

National President

EAA of South Africa

WIRUlink Tempe airshow, Bloemfontein

Christine and I drove to Tempe on Friday afternoon so that we could attend the annual airshow. On Friday afternoon I had an appointment to photograph the new Pipistrel Panthera based at this airfield and the first example of the type on the African continent. Thanks to the Stanley and his team at Ferriera Aviation the beautiful new plane was really looking amazing as they pushed the aircraft into a position we have chosen far away from the hangars and airfield activity.

Later we met up with all the airshow officials and organisers as the busy airfield was being prepared for the crowds that would pour in the next day. Arriving early on Saturday morning we found that we were the only official media present at the Tempe airshow, which came as a surprise. The day was clear with only a light breeze, perfect for an airshow and as the sun warmed the air up, we could peel off outer layers of clothing. Brian Emmenis and his Capital Sounds team were ready for the show that started at around 10h00 and continued on time throughout the day. Probably the highlight of the entire day were the skydivers from the Bloemfontein Skydiving Club who jumped from the Atlas Angel based at the airfield and frown by Conrad Botha who was also the main airshow organiser.  Except for a brief lunch break, several of South Africa’s top aerobatics pilots both as individual and teams displayed their aircraft keeping the sky busy all day. In much the same way as he did at the Lowveld airshow, Nigel Hopkins prepared a ‘mass formation’ of most of the participating pilots in the afternoon. I will prepare a full report for the June edition of African Pilot with commentary from some of the participating crew members. However, thanks to the Bloemfontein Skydiving Club for the use of its excellent facilities over the weekend as well as the organisers that staged another excellent airshow that was fun for all who attended on Saturday.      

The Presidents’ Trophy Air race (PTAR) is the premier air race held in South Africa

By Charlie Hugo

The PTAR is an annual event and the location of the race changes every year. The 2024 edition was hosted by the Soutpansberg Vlieg Klub based at Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo province, one of the most northern towns in South Africa being a scant 110 km from the border with Zimbabwe. 36 contestants descended upon the airfield to enjoy a weekend of camaraderie and competitive racing and chit-chat with like-minded aviators. A total of 34 aircraft successfully completed the two day race. The flying host club are to be complimented with ensuring that the event was an absolute success.

Final placings

1) Presidents’ Trophy to the aircraft and crew gaining the most time on handicap

ZU-VZJ Johan Van Zyl and Eric Addison

2) Air Charter Trophy to the second placed aircraft and crew

ZU-FZF Fanie Scholtz and Herman Haasbroek

3) Vincent Maclean Trophy to the third placed aircraft and crew

ZS-JXA Edri Vorster and Johan Pieterse

28 May
EAA of South Africa’s AGM online meeting (virtual) starting at 18h30
EAA of SA Communication: eaaofsouthafrica@38644997.mailchimpapp.com

28 to 30 May
EBACE business aircraft show Geneva, Switzerland
Website: www.ebace.aero VP Exhibitions Sacha Carey E-mail: scarey@nbaa.org

June

1 June
Potchefstroom airshow
Contact E-mail: sally@creativespacemedia.co.za Tel: 011 467 3314

1 June
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering EAA Auditorium Rand Airport
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

1 June
SAA Museum Society Specialised Tour limited to nine adults
Contact E-mail: events@saamuseum.co.za Cell: 076 879 5044

6 & 7 June
Drones and Unmanned Aviation Conference Emperors Palace Convention Centre
Contact Ms Maria Ndlovu E-mail: info@bussynet.co.za Tel: +27 11 074 7095

6 to 8 June
France Air Expo International General Aviation Show 
Lyon Bron Airport www.franceairexpo.com  

6 to 10 June
Zimbabwe Air Rally (50 years)
Contact E-mail: zimairrally@gmail.com Website: www.zimairrally.com 

7 to 9 June
Bona Bona annual fly-in
Booking details visit website

Since I will be covering the Zimbabwe Air Rally I will be looking for someone to cover this year’s Bona Bona fly-in for African Pilot Please e-mail: editor@africanpilot.co.za

8 June
EAA South Africa Young Eagles day Lanseria International Airport
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

15 June
Maputo airshow
Contact Gavin Neil E-mail: gavin@haps.co.mz

15 & 16 June
SAC Event KwaZulu Natal venue TBA
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za

15 & 16 June
Hluhluwe fly-in to Doornkuil farm near Hluhluwe
Website: www.hluhluweflyin.online

Contact Christiaan Kleyn Cell: 082 945 7362, E-mail: kleyn.ac@gmail.com or
Mike Currie 084 506 7610
Coordinates of the runway: 27°59’22.5″S 32°18’27.1″E

20 June
Rand Airport Safety Symposium at the Harvard Cafe
Contact Dave le Roux PilotInsure E-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za

28 to 30 June
EAA Taildraggers fly-in to Warmbaths airfield
Richard Nicholson E-mail: Richard.nicholson1963@gmail.com Cell: 082 490 6227

29 June
SAPFA Speed Rally at Warmbaths airfield
Contact David le Roux E-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za  Cell: 073 338 5200 

29 June
Polokwane airshow at Gaal airport
Contact Robin Tapinos E-mail: airshow.polokwane@gmail.com Cell: 074 117 6384

29 June
FAPE Open Day at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
General Aviation Area, Boeing Street, Walmer

July

3 to 5 July
AERO South Africa at Wonderboom National Airport
Website: www.aerosouthafrica.com

6 July
Elders Flight at Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (Zwartkops)
Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gmail.com Cell: 066 191 4603

6 July
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

20 July
SAC Event & Limpopo regionals at Phalaborwa airfield
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za

20 July
Phalaborwa airshow TBC
Contact Cliff Lotter Cell: 082 855 5550

22 to 28 July
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA
Camping on the airfield contact Neil Bowden at E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com
Hotels in Appleton contact Calvin Fabig at E-mail: calvin@designer.co.za

22 to 26 July
Farnborough International Airshow London, United kingdom
Contact E-mail: enquiries@farnborough.com

27 July
Virginia airshow – Durban
Contact E-mail: sally@creativespacemedia.co.za Tel: 011 467 3314

August

2 & 3 August
Soutpansberg fly-in and airshow
Contact Bianca Prinsloo E-mail: spbvilegklub@gmail.com

3 August
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

17 August
EAA Chapter 322 breakfast fly-in to Fly-in Estate
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

17 August
Pilotinsure Heli fly-in to Krugersdorp airfield
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200

17 August
Marekanelo airshow Rustenburg airfield
Contact Lesego Serekwane E-mail: sculpturevents@webmail.co.za Cell: 066 256 7302

17 & 18 August
SAC North West regionals at Klerksdorp airfield
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za

24 August
Wonderboom airshow
Contact E-mail: sally@creativespacemedia.co.za Tel: 011 467 3314

24 August
SAPFA Speed Rally at Groblersdal airfield
Contact David le Roux E-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200

31 August
Children’s Flight at New Tempe airfield, Bloemfontein
Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gmail.com Cell: 066 191 4603

Abelo delivers first ATR 72 cargo conversion to Renegade Air in Kenya

Abelo, a lessor specialising in the turboprop segment, has reported the successful delivery of MSN875, a newly converted ATR 72 freighter, to Renegade Air. This milestone marks the introduction of ATR aircraft into the Kenyan aviation sector at Wilson Airport. Previously used for passenger services, the ATR 72 has been converted to meet the growing demand for cargo operations, in line with the changing requirements of the Kenyan market. Renegade Air’s decision to switch from the Dash8 to the ATR 72 reflects its growth strategy and its commitment to enhance its operational capabilities to meet growing cargo demand. The addition of the MSN875 to Renegade’s fleet is a significant step forward in the regional aviation landscape. Renegade Air will begin operating the MSN875 immediately, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency across its network. The aircraft will play a vital role in meeting market needs and providing reliable air cargo services.

FAA AD 2024-10-04

Piper Aircraft, Inc. – PA-28, PA-28R, PA-34 & PA-44

The FAA has ordered, before further flight after the effective date of this AD, removal of the wing fastening hardware securing the aft spar attachment and inspection and application of corrective actions in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 1413. This AD is applicable to serial numbers specified in the Piper SB. This AD was prompted by a report of a double-drilled bolt hole of the rear wing spar attachment fitting found during an unscheduled inspection of an airplane due to a ground collision with an automobile. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the reduction of strength of the part to below its limit load. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in separation of the wing and loss of control of the airplane. If, during the inspection specified, any discrepancy is found, before further flight, an inspection is to be accomplished of the bolt holes common to the forward spar attachment for wear that exceeds the specified limits and replace any component that has a bolt hole that exceeds the specified limits. If it is determined that the corrective actions or the replacement required by the AD are necessary, a report to the FAA must be submitted.

ANAC E2024-05-09

Embraer ERJ170-100, -200 Airplanes

ANAC BRAZIL have ordered visual inspection of the MLG locking-stay bracket assembly (right hand and left hand), MLG locking-stay bracket assembly nut replacement and MLG locking-stay bracket assembly replacement, as applicable on Embraer ERJ170-100, -200 airplanes. Brazilian safety regulators have ordered inspections within the next 50 flight hours on the affected MLG in accordance with the applicable Embraer Alert Service Bulletin SB170-32-A094. Recently Embraer received a report of a landing gear not locked indication during the final approach, leading the flight crew to declare an emergency. Although the event did not result in serious consequences, it was found that a failure could occur in the main landing gear (MLG) locking-stay bracket assembly, due to the installation of a particular self-locking nut, during the MLG locking-stay bracket assembly replacement. Loss of this self-locking nut may lead to disconnection of the MLG Locking Stay bracket, which can result in un-commanded retraction of the landing gear and consequent loss of directional control. This AD mandates if there is any anomaly on the installation of the screw, washers, nuts and cotter pins on the bracket, that the bracket assembly be replaced, according to the instructions provided in Embraer Alert Service Bulletin SB170-32- A094.

Air ambulance plane crashes and explodes in fireball killing all four onboard

An air ambulance plane crashed in Colombia, killing all on board, including two pilots, a doctor and a nurse. The two pilots Carlos Arturo Sarabia Carrizosa and Juan Sebastián Gómez Pinzón died. As did the doctor Camila Patricia Vanegas and nurse Ángel Onofre Marañón Medina. Just as the cameraperson shouts to anyone still inside the craft, it suddenly explodes, knocking the man to the ground. The fatal plane crash took place in the rural area of Santa Rosa de Osos located just north of Medellín, Colombia, on 21 May. The air ambulance took off from the Los Garzones-Monteria International Airport in Montería at around 06h10 to travel to Medellín to pick up a patient. The plane is understood to have encountered a technical problem in midair and lost communication while flying over Santa Rosa de Osos about an hour after departure. It is believed the aircraft then struck a tree on its descent before crash landing in the field.

According to the authorities, the plane was a Beechcraft C90 with the registration HK4684. It was owned by the company Inversiones Aeronáuticas BPA SAS and was subleased to the medical firm Sky Ambulance SAS. Sarabia Carrisoza had been working for Sky Ambulance for three years and Gómez Pinzón had been with them for four months. Dr Vanegas had been in the job for a month while Marañón Medina had been a nurse for the company for four years. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Pilot dies after Spitfire crash in Lincolnshire field

On Saturday a pilot died after a Spitfire crashed in a field close to an RAF station in Lincolnshire, officials said. Emergency services were called to the field off Langrick Road, Coningsby shortly before 13h20 BST. The World War Two-era plane belonged to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight based at RAF Coningsby. It said a ‘comprehensive investigation’ would be completed and it would not speculate on the cause of the crash. The RAF statement reads: ‘It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today. The pilot’s family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.’ The Prince and Princess of Wales were among many who have paid tribute to the pilot who has not yet been named. In a statement posted on their X account, they said: “Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby. Our thoughts this evening is with the pilot’s loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the wider RAF family. W & C.” Earlier, Lincolnshire Police said the aircraft came down in a field off Langrick Road, which runs alongside the perimeter of the RAF station. According to its website, BBMF operates six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a C47 Dakota and two Chipmunk aircraft used for training. The aircraft are flown by regular RAF aircrew.

UpNext unveils superconducting technology demonstrator for hydrogen-powered aircraft

Airbus UpNext has launched a new technological demonstrator aimed at advancing the development of superconducting technologies for use in the electric propulsion systems of future hydrogen-powered aircraft. Dubbed Cryoprop, the new demonstrator will integrate and refine a two megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system cooled by liquid hydrogen via a helium recirculation loop. The system was developed by Airbus teams in Toulouse, France and Ottobrunn, Germany.

“Our previous demonstrators have shown that superconducting technologies would be a key enabler for the high-power electrification of future hydrogen-powered aircraft. I truly believe that the new demonstrator will lead to performance improvements of the propulsion system, translating into significant weight and fuel saving potential” said Michael Augello, CEO Airbus UpNext. Airbus has been at the forefront of developing superconducting technologies for high-power electric propulsion for several years, with a milestone being the successful power-on of an integrated 500 kW cryogenic propulsion system last year.

Cryoprop will validate the potential of superconducting technologies for future aircraft applications, evaluating all aspects related to safety, industrialisation, maintenance and operations. In addition, this demonstrator will enable Airbus to cultivate high-level, in-house expertise and foster a new ecosystem to expedite the introduction of new products in areas such as superconducting cables, motors, cryogenic power electronics and cryogenic cooling systems.

GE Aerospace to recruit over 900 engineers in 2024

GE Aerospace plans to hire more than 900 engineers in 2024, reflecting its continued focus on innovation to support current aircraft engine programmes and develop new technologies for the future of flight. Hiring has already commenced and will continue throughout the year. Openings include experienced engineer roles for programmes such as CFM International’s revolutionary innovation for sustainable engines (RISE) technology demonstrator and advanced military engine programmes. While most engineering roles are expected to be filled in the US, positions will also be available globally.

“Throughout our history, GE Aerospace has been at the forefront of innovation,” said Mohamed Ali, vice president of engineering for GE Aerospace. “Today, we are entering a new era of technology development focused on reducing emissions with new architectures, advanced materials, manufacturing processes and supercomputing capabilities revolutionising what is possible. Now as a standalone public company with innovation at the core of what we do, we look forward to welcoming more engineers to help us invent the future of flight.”

Top disciplines in high demand include mechanical and thermal design, analysis, systems, controls and aerodynamics. “GE Aerospace is proud to power the flying military fleet and supply advanced avionics and electric power systems to military and commercial customers around the world,” said Darin DiTommaso, vice president of engineering for GE Aerospace Defence & Systems. “Our revolutionary new technologies and capabilities are laying the foundation for generations to come and we are excited to welcome experienced engineers who will help ensure continued US aviation superiority.”

In 2023, GE Aerospace spent approximately US$2.3 billion on aviation research and development, including external customer and partner funding. To continue advancing technology building blocks to redefine the future of flight, plans for research and development spending in 2024 are in the range of six to eight percent of revenues, including external funding. Engineering hiring efforts for technology innovation follow the announcement made earlier this year that GE Aerospace plans to invest US$650 million in its manufacturing facilities and supply chain. These investments aim to increase production and strengthen quality to better support commercial and defence customers.

US National Championship Air Races (formerly Reno Air Races)

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) proudly announces that Roswell, NM will be the new home of the world-renowned National Championship Air Races (NCAR). Following a lengthy selection process by RARA and after demonstrating its commitment to carry forward this one-of-a-kind event, Roswell has been chosen to host the return of the air races in 2025. The event will continue to feature seven classes of racing, static displays, military demonstrations and more, welcoming fans back to the stands as the world’s fastest motorsport takes to the skies once again.

This decision marks a significant milestone in the event’s history, as Roswell provides an opportunity to bring the National Championship Air Racing to a new part of the United States while starting the next chapter for the organisation. As the new home of NCAR, Roswell provides Air Race participants and enthusiasts an opportunity to see the event in a new light with a newly designed course and opportunities for new attractions, specific to the location. In addition, Roswell’s airfield will set the stage for the next generation of highfliers to compete in an innovative and exciting environment.

In April of 2023, RARA initiated an official request for proposals, receiving an impressive 38 inquiries from prospective locations across the country. Following this, eleven cities participated in bidders’ conferences, with six submitting comprehensive proposals. After a series of site visits conducted at each location by RARA, factors such as the ability of venues to host large crowds, handle hundreds of aircraft and support the large racecourse needed for the event were taken into consideration. With these and many other factors in mind – Casper, Pueblo and Roswell were chosen as the top three finalists.

The National Championship Air Races will take place at the Roswell Air Center (ROW), a former military base for the Army and Air Force. Today, ROW is one of the largest centres for the commercial aviation industries of the Southwest. In addition to attending the air races, attendees can also enjoy a day at the Mescalero Sand Dunes, visit the Walker Aviation Museum, head to the Spring River Zoo or Carlsbad Caverns and much more. Roswell’s annual UFO Festival is held every summer where attendees from all over can experience something truly out of this world. While preparations continue for the 2024 Reno Air Show and the 60th anniversary celebration in October, the organisation is looking forward to planning the return of the National Championship Air Races in their new home in Roswell in September 2025. For further details or to support the organisation, visit www.airrace.org.

Germany backs plans for hydrogen-powered regional airliners

The German government’s Digital and Transport department is backing the new Balis 2.0 project to develop hydrogen-powered regional airliners with €9.3 million ($10 million) in funding. The programme, which is led by H2Fly and Diehl Aerospace, is aiming to start ground testing 350-kilowatt fuel cells in 2025. According to the programme partners, the fuel cell technology they are working on is expected to form the basis for new hydrogen-electric powertrains in the megawatt class that could power aircraft carrying between 40 and 80 passengers. The funding announced during an event at Stuttgart Airport, where the work is being conducted, covers the rest of this year through the end of 2026. It is sourced from the federal government’s German Recovery and Resilience Plan, which is part of the European Union’s European Recovery and Resilience Facilities.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is supporting the two German companies by studying the coupling behaviour of H2Fly’s fuel cells with an electric drive and also how the overall system can be optimised. Diehl Aerospace is responsible for the technology needed to scale the fuel cell systems and connect the various elements of the hydrogen-electric powertrain. Later this year, DLR’s new Balis test field facility at Empfingen, which is around 40 miles from Stuttgart Airport, will begin operations.

The funding announcement came just over a week after eVTOL aircraft developers Volocopter and Lilium confirmed that they now face difficulties in securing further state-backed loan guarantees. Funding has been stalled due to the refusal of Bavarian state officials to agree to their part of a commitment that would be matched by the federal authorities. “I am very proud that Germany is playing a pioneering role in developing hydrogen fuel cell systems for commercial aviation,” commented Digital and Transport minister Volker Wissing. “This creates the technical foundation for marketable solutions for tomorrow’s carbon dioxide-neutral flying.”

For several years, H2Fly has been a key pioneer in European efforts to commercialise hydrogen propulsion for commercial aviation. In September 2023, with Textron subsidiary Pipistrel, it flew the HY4 technology demonstrator aircraft for the first time using cryogenic liquid hydrogen fuel to demonstrate its suitability for medium- and long-range sectors.

SAF is a false hope, says hydrogen pioneer

According to H2Fly co-founder and CEO Josef Kallo, the air transport industry should prioritise development of hydrogen propulsion over the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which he has described as ‘a false hope.’ In his view, scaling up SAF production will be too expensive and will demand more renewable energy capacity than hydrogen and so will have a more damaging environmental impact overall.

H2Fly has estimated that SAF production will take between 1.8 and 2.3 times more energy than the production and liquefaction of hydrogen. “Beyond the energy conundrum, there is the issue of cost,” the company said in a statement. “SAF production is expensive and the long-term energy demand translates to high overall costs. For example, for European flights under 2,000 kilometres, investing in

SAF could cost Europe €750 billion for energy provisions and €80 billion for production capacities; then, when on a global scale, the total cost balloons to €3.5 trillion.”

The company produced this analysis by identifying aviation’s past energy consumption in terms of megatons of kerosene burnt each year and then converting this into terawatt-hours. It then converted this total into what it defined as the ‘primary energy’ needed to produce both SAF and liquid hydrogen.

According to Kallo, for now, SAF remains a viable option for long-distance flights in order to buy time for hydrogen technology to mature and for new aircraft powertrain technologies to complete certification. Acknowledging that commercialising hydrogen power is not without its challenges, he concluded that the long-term benefits merit high rates of investment.

Airbus awarded space weather spacecraft mission Vigil

Airbus has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to design and build the space weather forecasting satellite Vigil, the first operational mission in ESA’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Space Safety Programme (S2P). The spacecraft will give vital extra warning to Earth about incoming solar storms and coronal mass ejections which can potentially disrupt satellites in orbit and electronic and power distribution systems on Earth.

Patrick Wood, Head of Space Systems UK, Airbus Defence and Space said: “Vigil is one of the most exciting and important space missions that will not only improve our understanding of the Sun’s behaviour but crucially provide us with earlier warning and greater precision about potentially damaging solar weather. Space weather forecasters will be able to see what is coming from the Sun and provide more accurate alerts.”

Andrew Griffith MP, Minister for Space at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “Space weather generates stunning phenomena like the recent displays of the Northern lights over our skies – but it also presents a real risk to our way of life which is increasingly dependent on space and satellite services. The Vigil mission will transform our understanding of the impact of potentially dangerous solar events and I congratulate Airbus here in the UK on taking the lead in this important mission.”

“Vigil will be Europe’s first 24/7 operational space weather satellite, providing valuable time to protect critical infrastructure such as power grids or mobile communication networks on Earth as well as valuable satellites in Earth orbit, including the International Space Station ISS,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General.  “Vigil will drastically improve both the lead time of space weather warnings as well as their level of detail from its unique vantage point in deep space.”

Vigil will be positioned at Lagrange point L5 on the same orbit as the Earth, 150 million km behind it as the Earth orbits the Sun. This will enable Vigil to see the Sun as it rotates and see the size and speed of solar weather heading towards the Earth. Data from Vigil could provide notice of four to five days of solar winds streaming toward Earth.

From its particular vantage point, Vigil will complement other satellites monitoring the Sun from closer to the Earth. Among the most potentially damaging events are coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun, consisting of a magnetised plasma containing protons, electrons and other charged particles. In 1989 a major geomagnetic storm struck Earth and caused a nine-hour outage of electricity transmission across Quebec.

Advance warning of incoming CME will enable power companies and authorities to shut down systems temporarily to protect them from power surges and ensure they can be powered up quickly after the danger has passed. This will avoid longer power outages and major damage to electronic systems used for global positioning and communication services.

Vigil, which will be built in the UK, will include a compact coronagraph developed by the US Naval Research Laboratory, a heliographic imager from Florence-based Leonardo SpA and a photo-magnetospheric field Imager from Germany’s Max Planck Institute. In addition, Vigil will carry a plasma analyser from the Mullard Space Science Laboratory in London and a magnetometer from Imperial College London. NASA is providing Vigil’s sixth instrument, an extreme ultraviolet imager. The spacecraft platform will provide the best environment for high-quality scientific measurements, including tight magnetic cleanliness and contamination control measures. Being an operational mission, the design of the satellite has to be extremely resilient to ensure the continuous, flawless operation of its instruments and high reliability in data transmission for users, especially in case of a major solar event.

Vigil was selected by ESA in 2022 and is supported by the UK Space Agency and other member states of ESA. The UK’s Met Office has a dedicated space weather forecasting department which will use the data from Vigil to offer the world more accurate forecasts. Vigil, due to be launched in 2031, will be the first ESA spacecraft to be positioned at L5 and is designed to operate in orbit for more than 7.5 years.

Crisalion Mobility and VI&E Solutions partner for AAM projects

Crisalion Mobility, a Spanish leader in advanced electric mobility solutions, has teamed up with Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions (VI&E Solutions) to co-develop and evaluate advanced air mobility (AAM) initiatives. These initiatives encompass cargo transport, emergency medical services (EMS), urban air mobility (UAM), regional air mobility (RAM) and tourism. Established in 2021, Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions aims to connect communities with top tier eVTOL infrastructure, ensuring readiness for the future. VI&E Solutions provides three types of modular vertiport designs and electric vehicle charging stations for air, land and sea. Their customised approach and cutting-edge technology make a positive impact on clients and communities worldwide. Embrace the future with VI&E Solutions. The collaboration will focus on the operational needs for Crisalion Mobility’s Integrity eVTOL at VI&E Solutions’ vertiports, striving to boost AAM efficiency and safety.

Eve reports progress with the building of a full-scale eVTOL prototype

Last week Eve Air Mobility released still images and video giving glimpses of what it says is progress in building the first full-scale example of the four-passenger eVTOL aircraft it aims to bring to market in 2026. The airframe is now being assembled at a new facility at Taubaté in Brazil’s São Paulo state, but the company has not provided an update as to when it will be ready to start test flights. “We are making great progress on the assembly of our first eVTOL prototype and we are on schedule to complete production and begin flying,” said Eve’s CEO, Johann Bordais. “From the beginning, we have been consistent and steadfast taking a holistic approach to urban air mobility by understanding the required ecosystem and infrastructure necessary for eVTOL flights, developing services and operations solutions to support our customers from day one, and launching Vector, an innovative air traffic management software solution.”

By comparison with rival eVTOL manufacturers like Archer, Joby and Lilium, the New York Stock Exchange-listed company has worked its programme largely behind closed doors. It has reported letters of intent for nearly 3,000 prospective sales of the all-electric aircraft, which is expected to have an operational range of around 52 nm.

The latest iteration of the unnamed aircraft includes an electric pusher propeller powered by a pair of electric motors to provide propulsion redundancy. The aircraft, in which Eve’s main shareholder Embraer is heavily involved as an engineering partner, has eight propellers for vertical flight and fixed wings to extend range during cruise phases. From the file name of an image released by Eve to the media, the company seems to have designated the first full-scale aircraft as a proof-of-concept model.

US Government backs Piasecki’s hydrogen VTOL aircraft study

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is funding Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC) to continue an evaluation into the feasibility of using hydrogen fuel cells to power VTOL aircraft. On Monday the Pennsylvania-based company announced that it has been awarded a small business innovation research (SBIR) contract for an undisclosed amount.

PiAC has already completed the first phase of the project and said it is on schedule to complete the second phase later this year. Under the SBIR contract, the company will conduct a technical economic analysis, develop conceptual and preliminary designs for a fuel cell-based powertrain and later develop and test a full-scale hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft. The study is benchmarking hydrogen propulsion against comparable internal combustion engines and battery-electric alternatives for metrics including mission performance, reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, cost of ownership and technology readiness.

In its initial study, PiAC conducted a detailed comparison with an existing piston-powered Robinson R44 four-seat helicopter, comparing it to fuel cell-based systems using both liquid and gaseous hydrogen and battery-powered propulsion. By employing the DOE’s Techno-economic Energy and Carbon Heuristic Tool for Early-Stage Technologies, the company said it has demonstrated that either of these alternatives will have negligible GHG emissions and would eradicate more than 1,300 tons of emissions over a five-year period, compared with the R44 flying the same air taxi missions in an urban environment. The study assumed the notional aircraft would have to operate at altitudes as high as Denver.

According to PiAC, it now views the liquid hydrogen-based option as the most promising on the basis that it will be able to match the range of the internal combustion variant at around 270 nm. By combining the high specific power of high-temperature proton membrane exchange fuel cells with the high energy density of liquid hydrogen, the company reported that it has established that this version of the aircraft would be able to fly five 50-nm trips before refuelling, compared with fewer than two trips using gaseous hydrogen. “The results of our initial study reinforce the potential for hydrogen fuel cells to disrupt the $40 billion light helicopter replacement market and contribute to the growth of the emerging air taxi market,” said PiAC president and CEO, John Piasecki.

The US Air Force has already provided funding for PiAC’s plans to develop its own hydrogen-powered helicopter. The company is working on a 660-kilowatt propulsion system test rig as it works towards flight testing of a full-scale prototype aircraft in 2028.

The planned PA-890 slow-rotor wing compound helicopter is expected to be able to carry a pilot and up to seven passengers on trips of longer than 200 nm. Its predicted payload is 1,660 pounds and the maximum take-off weight is 7,000 pounds. Last November, the Air Force Research Laboratory awarded $37 million to the company under its Strategic Funding Increase programme to support a flight demonstration of its Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System (ARES) tilt-duct optionally crewed VTOL vehicle. The ARES programme, which had support from DARPA, involved a collaboration between PiAC, Lockheed Martin and Sierra Nevada Corp. PiAC is now continuing the work with Honeywell, with backing from both the Air Force and Army.

Airboxer VTOL UAV selected for maritime operations

High Eye is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey of innovation and growth: the selection of our Airboxer VTOL UAV by the Dutch Navy. After an extensive study of maritime VTOL UAV systems, the Dutch Navy recognized the Airboxer’s suitability for the challenging maritime domain.

With over a decade of development, the Airboxer has evolved to its current level through dedication and craftsmanship. We are immensely proud that the Dutch Navy acknowledges the qualities of the Airboxer and the expertise of High Eye through this choice.

CEO Joost de Ruiter says: “the choice of the Airboxer is a milestone for High Eye. We are going all out to become a long-term partner of the Dutch Navy. Integrating all kinds of different payloads and embedding them in naval operations will be a learning and useful journey for us that will take our cooperation to the next level. It is great news for us that after winning an international tender from the Ministry of Defence, High Eye has now also signed a contract with the Royal Navy. We see this as a reward for the hard work of our team but, above all, as an encouragement to continue. With these prestigious NATO customers, High Eye is ready to expand its international footprint”. We extend our gratitude to all who contributed to this achievement and look forward to a fruitful collaboration with the Dutch Navy.

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