Number 53 – 08 July 2024

“In Germany, the Nazis first came for the communists and I did not speak up because I was not a communist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak up because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak up because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, but I didn’t speak up because I was a protestant. Then they came for me and by that time there was no one left to speak for me.” Reverend Martin Niemoeller

A most exciting week in aviation

With two major aviation events happening this past week, pilots and aviation enthusiasts had every opportunity to visit the annual AERO South Africa show staged at Wonderboom National Airport from Wednesday to interact with the more than 70 exhibitors present. Then on Saturday 6 July the 2024 Elders Flight took place at SAAF Mobile Deployment Wing (formerly AFB Swartkop), which was exceptionally well attended with more than 100 civilian aircraft and helicopters present. Within APAnews every week, I publish the aviation calendar for the coming three months as a FREE service to all those who are interested in participating in or attending aviation events.  

Norwegian helicopter Induces a Rock Fall beside a Fjord

SA flight academy in battle with CIA over business with China

by Erika Gibson

A local South African flight school is in a fierce battle with the powerful American security services over allegations that it threatens the superpower’s security and national interests. Several companies associated with the Test Flying Academy of SA (TFASA) have been added to the US’s trade sanctions list. These companies are located in China, the UK and South Africa. According to TFASA, South African suppliers of aircraft parts and electronics have been warned by the US embassy that they too will be included on the sanctions list if they continue to trade with the flight school. This is while any ordinary person can walk into the suppliers and buy parts for their planes without any problems.

After recent negotiations for the manufacturing of an unmanned aircraft between TFASA and a local manufacturer, a US embassy representative reportedly warned the manufacturer to cease its cooperation with the flight school.

This matter has been reported to the department of international relations and cooperation because the manufacturer believes it is outrageous to enforce American legislation and trade restrictions between South African companies. The academy was also recently informed that the local Civil Aviation Authority wants to withdraw its license to train test pilots. This license has been renewed annually since 2013 without any problems. According to TFASA, the lead-up to this saga began more than a decade ago. Sources claimed that during a meeting with the US intelligence service, the CIA, the flight school was asked to have its staff in China spy for the agency. In return, the staff would allegedly receive a substantial financial reward and American citizenship. The TFASA representatives declined the offer and since then the steps against the company have intensified. In the past the company used former military and other flight instructors from the UK, among others.

“Among the latest inclusions on the list are dormant TFASA companies that have long been inactive. There is almost a desperation to try to harm us,” TFASA said in a statement to City Press sister publication Rapport. Last year, the US warned companies trading with the flight school. The same warning was also issued to AVIC International Flight Training Academy (AIFA), a local flight school that trains foreign commercial pilots in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. Jean Rossouw, a former SA Air Force test pilot, is a director of AIFA and president of TFASA. 

Rossouw also conducts TFASA military flight training in China, where there are other flight schools operated by the Americans. However, only his flight school is being targeted. They claim our students can go to the military afterwards and thus we are sanctioned. How do they know where their students will go once, they are in China and what evidence do they have that none of them have ended up in the Chinese Air Force? The US has no control over what happens to students when they leave America, but we are placed on the blacklist. “With the listing against which no one has any defence, commercial competition is effectively eliminated,” says Rossouw.

According to TFASA, the academy has since stopped using British or American instructors. The curricula to train pilots for the Chinese air force or test pilots do not contain any confidential information about NATO countries. At the same time, the US trained more than five times as many test pilots for China as TFASA.

Matthew Axelrod, the US assistant secretary for the enforcement of export regulations, said this week that by preventing American skills and technology from being used to train Chinese military pilots, it also prevented them from benefiting Russia. The sanctions against certain companies are therefore, according to Axelrod, in the interest of US national security. Tobias Bradford, acting spokesperson for the US embassy in Pretoria, said they had no further comment.

AERO South Africa at Wonderboom National Airport

AERO South Africa opened its fourth General Aviation exhibition on Wednesday at Wonderboom and I was seriously impressed by the size of this exhibition this year with more than 70 exhibitors who were all most enthusiastic about this import aviation fixture on the south African aviation calendar. The opening speeches by AERO management, City of Tshwane councillors and the keynote speaker Rodger Foster were all encouraging in that they all looked forwards to this year’s exhibition as well as the future of AERO South Africa exhibitions at this great venue. Although cold in the early mornings, fortunately the weather over the three days was clear with crisp blue skies. I would like to thank Fredrick Kotze for flying me in the family Robinson R66 helicopter with the door off so that I could take pictures and video footage of the show in progress. The full report with pictures and a comprehensive video will be published in the August edition of African Pilot.

The Elders2 Flight at the SAAF Mobile Deployment Wing (Swartkop)

On Saturday 6 July the Elders Flight organised by Felix Gosher, an amazing man who has incredible vision, was a cracker with so much variety and emotion. To see more than 100 civilian aircraft parked at the most famous SAAF Museum home base now known as the SAAF Mobile Deployment Wing (Swartkop) was extraordinary and most welcome as the Chief of the South African Air Force commented. I was fortunate to be in apposition to interview Lieutenant General Wiseman S Mbambo on more than one occasion at this prestigious aviation event, together with Felix Gosher. In addition, Brian Emmenis and his Capital Sounds team presented an exceptional platform for the sound and entertainment of this unique aviation event. I am always impressed at Brian’s ability to create the story and atmosphere at any given aviation event, not only in South Africa, but all over the world and the Elders Flight was no exception. The special camaraderie between the organisers, the SAAF, CemAir volunteer pilots who flew the elders, EAA South Africa, members of the media, a special mention of the numerous sponsors and the many helpers behind the scenes was extortionary. The result of this exceptional event that started as a very cold winter’s day with an icy wind from the south, but gradually settled down to an incredible blue clear sky was a day to remember at its very best with aviation as the winner. Thank you, Felix, for your visionary methodology to create the most special aviation experiences and special moments for all of us who believe in your wonderful contribution towards South African aviation. On behalf of African Pilot and our team present today – you rock! The full report with pictures from the African Pilot team including a comprehensive video will be published in the August edition of African Pilot.

13 July
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at Jack Taylor airfield FAKR
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
Brakpan Aero Club first annual fly-in
Contact Santjie 063 239 2151 or Wouter 082 455 0216

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

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

3 August
SAA Museum Society AGM 15h00 onwards
RSVP E-mail: secretary@saamuseum.co.za

10 August
Pietermaritzburg airshow Oribi airport
Contact E-mail: sally@creativespacemedia.co.za Tel: 011 467 3314

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

September

2 to 5 September
Egypt International Airshow
Contact Yasmine Nasr E-mail: yasmine.nasr@arabianworldevents.com

3 to 5 September
Commercial UAV Expo Las Vegas, USA
Website: www.expouav.com
Contact Carl Berndtson E-mail: cberndtson@divcom.com

6 September
Children’s Flight at New Tempe airfield, Bloemfontein
Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gmail.com Cell: 066 1919 4603 

7 September
RV annual fly-in to Kitty Hawk airfield
Contact Frank van Heerden E-mail: frankvh@mweb.co.za Cell: 082 656 7253

7 September
Bethlehem airshow
Contact Khotso Motsoeneng matsoenegkhotso01@gmail.com Cell: 073 909 5409

7 September
SAA Museum Society Specialised Tour limited to nine adults
Contact E-mail: events@saamuseum.co.za  Cell: 076 879 504

7 & 8 September
Gauteng 4 X 4 Outdoor Show at Zwartkops Raceway
Contact Alan Cawood Cell 082 344 0238

10 & 11 September
Aerospace and Test Development Show Toulouse, France.
Contact: Tom Enders: tom.eames@markallengroup.com

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

14 September
SAPFA Speed Rally finale venue TBA
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200 

16 and 17 September
Aviation Africa 2024 Sandton Convention Centre 
Contact Email: info@aviationafrica.aero

18 to 22 September
Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition at AFB Waterkloof
Contact Nakedi Phasha E-mail: expodir@aadexpo.co.za

20 & 21 September
EAA Silver Creek breakfast pancake fly-in at Silver Creek Gorge
Contact Sean Cronin E-mail: sean@glutek.co.za

28 September
West Coast airshow at Saldanha airfield
Contact Clive Coetzee Cell 084 614 1675

28 September
Great Train Race at Heidelberg airfield
Contact Christopher Van E-mail: chrisvan@rocketmail.co.za

Chinese Wing Loong II UAVs being smuggled to Libya intercepted by Italy

Disguised as wind turbine parts that were being smuggled to Libya in shipping containers Wing Loong II unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were seized by Italian authorities. The United Nations has an arms embargo imposed on Libya, necessitating the subterfuge, which saw six containers filled with weapons  included two Wing Loong UAVs and two control stations marked as wind turbine components. On 18 June the containers were inspected at the Italian Port of Gioia Tuaro Guardia di Finanza confirmed in a statement on 2 July. It said the containers were deemed suspicious after examining their shipping route and ‘anomalies in the accompanying customs documentation.’

“These containers were supposed to transport components for the assembly of wind power generators. After having carried out the X-ray scan with equipment in use at the local Customs and Monopolies Agency, the subsequent investigations by the investigators of the Guardia di Finanza Group of Gioia Tauro ascertained that, despite having similar construction features to component parts of wind turbines, the goods transported had elements and construction details such as to suggest they could be fuselages and wings of aircraft suitable for flight such as drones for combat use. “These components were hidden among some composite roofing loads replicating wind turbine blades, with the aim of concealing the controls put in place,” the Guardia di Finanza said, adding that the components were seized in line with the arms embargo on Libya. One of the UAVs even had ‘The energy saving world’ written along its side in an attempt to disguise its true purpose.

The suspicious containers were aboard the MSC Arina, which was en route from the Chinese port of Yantian to Benghazi, which is controlled by the Libyan faction commanded by Khalifa Haftar. However, some sources suggest the plan was to load the containers onto another ship bound for Libya. It is reported that Italian authorities had received US intelligence about the suspected weapons shipment.

The Wing Loong series has been widely exported, with customers including Algeria, Nigeria, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has apparently supported Haftar with Wing Loong strikes over western Libya (Haftar controls the east of the country) since 2016. There have been multiple losses, at least ten reported of Wing Loongs operated by Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA), with examples shot down by the opposing Government of National Accord (GNA), by airstrikes, by friendly fire and in combat-related incidents.

King Air C90 ZS OBH crash at Mossel Bay

According to reports Skydive Mossel Bay scribbled its King Air 90, ZS-OHB on Saturday. This was the same aircraft which stalled and spun, whilst dispensing parachutists in early November 2021. This accident occurred at approximately 13h00, when the pilot flying inadvertently managed to approach the airfield too slowly on short finals and it stalled. According to reports the aircraft is a write-off and is currently located about 50 meters from the threshold of runway 10, between the runway and taxiway A. While it is not obstructing the runway, please exercise caution if you are at Mossel Bay this weekend when using either Runway 10 or 28. It is planned to remove the wreckage on Monday 8 July. There were just two crewmembers on board and they escaped without injury.

Florida man arrested on charges of shooting a Walmart delivery drone

Dennis Winn (72) told a Lake County sheriff’s deputy he had past experience with drones flying over his house and believed they were shrivelling him. The man faces multiple charges, including one felony, after authorities say he shot a Walmart delivery drone that he said was flying over his house.

According to an arrest affidavit, Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at Clermont’s Walmart store on Wednesday in response to a drone being shot while flying on delivery.

Representatives from DroneUp, a new drone delivery service partnered with Walmart, told deputies they had a two-man crew in a nearby neighbourhood promoting their company by doing mock deliveries. The crew was at the delivery point outside Dennis Winn’s residence in a cul-de-sac.

After the drone arrived and began its descent, one of the DroneUp employees told authorities a man, later identified as Winn, pointed a handgun at the drone. After hearing a gunshot, the crew ran to the van and drove back to Walmart. The damaged drone also returned to the store.

The crew spotted a bullet hole in the drone’s payload system and estimated the damage at $2,500. Deputies noted metal shavings consistent with bullet fragmentation. The complainant from DroneUp told deputies the drone will be inoperable for some time. Questioned by a deputy at his home, Winn said the drone had flown over his house, so he shot at it with his 9 mm handgun. Winn told the deputy he had past experience with drones flying over his house and believed they were shrivelling him. The deputy said Winn reacted with disbelief when he was told he had shot a Walmart drone.

Dennis Winn’s mugshot was posted to Facebook by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Florida on Thursday. The deputy told Winn the damages amount to $10,000, which he had been advised were the damages at the time. Winn told the deputy that if he had to pay $10,000, then he wanted the drone as his personal property. The deputy told Winn the round he shot had gone over several other residences, and he acknowledged his actions were reckless. The deputy notes in the affidavit that when officers arrived on the scene, a small child was playing in the cul-de-sac near Winn’s residence.

Winn was taken to Lake County Jail and charged with shooting or throwing deadly missiles into dwellings, vessels or vehicles, criminal mischief of $1,000 or more in damage and discharging a firearm in public or on residential property. Firing at an aircraft is a felony in Florida. Winn was released on $13,500 bond on Thursday. According to Florida law, drones cannot be operated over or close to ‘critical infrastructure facilities’ but can fly over residential neighbourhoods. That said, the state does not limit the authority of local governments to enact and enforce ordinances relating to nuisances, voyeurism, harassment, reckless endangerment, property damage or other illegal acts arising from the use of drones.

The representative from DroneUp told Lake County deputies that DroneUp is a drone delivery service defined by Florida statute and is governed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations concerning aeronautics and space. A spokesperson from Walmart Inc. told FreightWaves the company was aware of the incident and referred questions to Lake County law enforcement. DroneUp did not immediately respond to FreightWaves’ request for comment. Winn also could not be reached for comment.

Delta flight makes an emergency landing due to spoiled in-flight meals

A Delta Air Lines flight en route to Amsterdam made an emergency landing in New York City after several passengers became ill from spoiled in-flight meals. According to reports, Flight 136 departed from Detroit, Michigan, before landing at John F. Kennedy Airport around 04h00 on Wednesday after being advised by medical experts to divert. There were 277 passengers on board. Upon landing, medics were on standby and treated 14 passengers and 10 flight crew members, who all declined to receive medical attention, according to a report from The Daily Mail. In a statement, Delta noted, “This is not the service Delta is known for and we sincerely apologise to our customers for the inconvenience and delay in their travels.” Delta’s Food Safety team is investigating the incident.

Passenger goes through the ceiling as 30 are hurt in turbulence over Brazil

At least 30 people aboard an Air Europa Boeing 787-9 were injured when the plane hit turbulence over Brazil a week ago. The aircraft was on its way from Madrid to Montevideo, Uruguay, but diverted after the unbelted occupants hit the ceiling in an abrupt altitude change. One man went through a ceiling panel and had to be helped back down by other passengers. “Our flight UX045 bound for Montevideo has been diverted to the Natal airport (in Brazil) due to strong turbulence,” Air Europa said in social media posts. “The plane has landed normally and those who sustained different types of injuries are already being treated.” It is not clear if crew members were among those hurt. Passengers told various new agencies the injuries included fractures along with injuries to arms, faces and legs. The Spanish airline sent another plane to take the unhurt passengers to Uruguay.

Cebu Pacific, Airbus sign MOU for up to 152 aircraft

Aviation Festival AFA 728 x 90Cebu Pacific (CEB) has signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of up to 152 A321neo aircraft for US$24 billion (PHP 1.4 trillion) based on list prices, the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history. CEB has selected Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power the future aircraft. The MOU covers firm orders for up to 102 A321neo, plus 50 A320neo family purchase rights. “The order is designed to provide Cebu Pacific with maximum flexibility to adapt fleet growth to market conditions, with the ability to switch between the A321neo and A320neo,” said CEB Chief Executive Officer Michael Szucs. “When finalised, the deal will be a significant milestone for the local airline industry and a testament to CEB’s unwavering commitment to support the Philippine growth story.” The purchase agreement to finalise this transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of the year.

Turkish Airlines adds four 777 Freighters to cargo fleet

Turkish Airlines has ordered four 777 Freighters from Boeing, further strengthening the airline’s position in the global air cargo market. With this order, Turkish Airlines will operate a total of 12 X 777 Freighters. “This new investment in expanding our cargo fleet underscores our commitment to meeting the growing global demand for air freight services,” said Turkish Airlines Chief Cargo Officer Ali Türk. “The addition of these Boeing 777 Freighters will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also serve as another step in our strategic vision to reach the top of the air cargo sector worldwide while maintaining our leading position with unparalleled service and efficiency for our customers across the globe.” The purchase of additional 777 Freighters by Turkish Airlines will help the carrier meet the increasing demand for freight services, driven by the rapid growth of e-commerce and the need for efficient and reliable global transportation. The new freighters will enable Turkish Airlines to optimise its cargo operations, reduce costs and deliver goods to destinations worldwide on time.

Austria orders 12 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters

Austria signed a contract for the purchase of twelve UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for the Austrian Armed Forces. “With the purchase of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, we are making significant progress in improving our operational capability,” Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner said. “These versatile aircraft will be invaluable to us in a wide range of operational scenarios, particularly in challenging mountainous regions and under extreme weather conditions.”

The procurement, part of the US Army’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, includes logistical services, mission equipment and necessary training for pilots and technicians. The planned budget for the complete package is €715 million. The new helicopters will be stationed in Hörsching and are expected to serve the Austrian Air Force for at least 30 years. Deliveries will begin in 2028, replacing the aging fleet of 22 Agusta Bell AB212 helicopters by 2030. The Austrian Armed Forces already operates 12 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.

The UH-60M Black Hawk, renowned for its versatility and reliability since its introduction in 1974, will enhance Austria’s capabilities in air transport, patient transport, evacuations, special forces operations, parachutist drop-offs and aerial firefighting. The helicopter boasts a range of approximately 590 kilometres (370 miles), extendable to around 2,200 kilometres (1370 miles) with additional fuel tanks, a top speed of 300 kilometres (190 miles) per hour and a maximum flight altitude of around 6,000 meters (20,000 feet).

Peru eyes up to 24 South Korean FA-50 aircraft, along with KF-21 fighter jets

Reports suggest that the Peruvian government is planning to purchase between 20 and 24 KAI FA-50 light combat aircraft, as well as a potential order of KF-21 Boromae fighter jets from South Korea.

According to defence media outlet Pucara, Peru is moving forward in negotiations with South Korea and South Korean aerospace and defence company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the purchase. A letter of intent might be signed in the coming weeks and the contract, valued at $780 million, could well be made before the end of 2024, the report said. On top of this investment, Peru is also considering whether to join the KF-21 fifth-generation fighter program, which could further modernize its air force and expand its aerospace capabilities.

Developed by KAI, the FA-50 has been in service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) since 2013. It is a light combat aircraft derived from the T-50 Golden Eagle light jet trainer, developed by KAI alongside Lockheed Martin. The aircraft is designed for multi-roles including light air-to-air, air-to-ground and tactical reconnaissance missions. It is powered by a General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan engine with 17,700 lbs of thrust. According to several defence media outlets, the majority of the FA-50s would be assembled in Peru, with some components produced locally.

The FA-50s are intended to replace the Peruvian government’s Cessna A-37B Dragonfly, which was used until 2023 by Air Group No. 7 in Piura and the Aermacchi MB-339, operated by Air Squadron No. 513 of Air Group No. 51 in Pisco. Currently, Air Group No. 7 operates the KT-1. The potential acquisition of the FA-50 is viewed by Peru as a strategic move towards participating in South Korea’s KF-21 fifth-generation fighter programme. This may be to South Korea’s advantage, since Indonesia has reduced its financial involvement in the programme. The KAI KF-21 Boramae is a fighter aircraft development programme with the goal of producing an advanced multirole fighter for the South Korean and Indonesian air forces.

Skyryse bringing single-control R66 to AirVenture

Flight control developer Skyryse will be making its debut at EAA AirVenture later this month in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and displaying Skyryse One, a turbine-powered Robinson R66 helicopter equipped with a single control stick and two touchscreens. The helicopter’s traditional cyclic, collective, and pedal controls have been removed, along with all the mechanical push-pull rods and other component and replaced with Skyryse’s fly-by-wire flight controls. The single control stick and touchscreens are the primary pilot interface, allowing precise control of the R66 within its full operating envelope. This includes automatic entry into an autorotation, ‘automating the glide, flare and set down, with the pilot in control,’ according to Skyryse.

Skyryse One will be on display at the Skyryse booth and visitors can book a slot to try out the SkyOS simplified control system in a conforming simulator. Skyryse was founded in 2016 and it aims ‘to bring about a new era in flight, where zero fatalities are our goal and where piloting any aircraft is simple and safe.’ The flight control system and SkyOS are designed to work in any aircraft, fixed- or rotary-wing, piston or turbine. The company has raised more than $290 million and its first product, the Skyryse One R66 is expected to be certified in 2025 and will retail for $1.8 million, about $400,000 more than a typically equipped R66.

FAA greenlights new Las Vegas area airport

Las Vegas Executive Airport will be located some 30 miles west of Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS) and will accommodate single-engine, multiengine, and rotorcraft operations. Clark County commissioners unanimously approved runway construction for the project, which is set to begin in the coming months. Officials involved with the development told local TV news outlet KVVU that the new site will capitalise on events like Formula 1 racing and others that exceed the capacity for transient aircraft and private jets. The project will also house the Las Vegas Spaceport, a first-of-its-kind site to attract space tourism. Initial plans include a fleet of space planes, a space pilot school, hangars, a post-high school STEM academy, hotel and restaurant and a passenger terminal. Spaceport officials say they have already secured $10 million in funding but still need an additional $20 million to meet first-round goals. Overall, the project is expected to cost at least $310 million. “This is a major step toward creating a space economy that will lead to thousands of high-paying jobs in our community, our county, and our state,” said Robert Lauer, CEO of the Las Vegas Spaceport.

Stellantis invests additional US$55 million in Archer Aviation

Archer Aviation (Archer) has received an additional US$55 million investment from Stellantis, following the achievement of Archer’s transition flight test milestone last month. This latest investment builds on Stellantis’ series of open market purchases of 8.3 million shares of Archer’s stock in March this year. During 2023, Stellantis invested US$110 million in Archer through a combination of open market stock purchases and investments under the companies’ strategic funding agreement.

Archer remains on track to complete the construction of its high-volume manufacturing facility in Georgia later this year. The first phase of the build-out is a 350,000 ft² facility on a 100-acre site, designed to support the production of up to 650 aircraft annually. This would make it one of the largest manufacturing facilities by volume in the aircraft industry. Archer aims to establish a factory that can support its planned commercial ramp-up by leveraging the expertise of Stellantis as its contract manufacturer.

“Few things rival the excitement of seeing a dream take flight. I applaud the innovation, expertise and hard work of the engineering and manufacturing teams from Stellantis and Archer,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. “With this additional investment in Archer, we remain on course for a future where freedom of mobility extends beyond today’s roads.”

Stellantis has been a strategic partner to Archer since 2020 through various collaboration initiatives and as an investor since 2021. During this time, Archer has leveraged Stellantis’ deep manufacturing, supply chain and design expertise in connection with Archer’s efforts to design, develop and commercialise its eVTOL aircraft.

Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60–90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10–20-minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise and cost-competitive with ground transportation. Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.

Kratos successfully demonstrates trolley take-off for XQ-58 Valkyrie UCAV

Kratos Defence & Security Solutions announced the successful demonstration of the Kratos Trolley Launch System or KTLS for the XQ-58 Valkyrie unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). The demonstration occurred at the Grand Sky Range in North Dakota, United States. Grand Sky was created at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in 2021 and supports the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and hypersonic weapons. The KTLS is an unpowered system, with take-off thrust provided solely by the aircraft’s jet engine. During the fully autonomous take-off, the Valkyrie engine throttles up like a conventional jet, accelerating down the runway with the KTLS. At lift-off speed, the Valkyrie separates from the KTLS, which then deploys drogue chutes and brakes to a stop on the runway, allowing the aircraft to continue its mission.

This system allows the Valkyrie to take-off from regular runways or straight roads without needing Rocket Assist Take Off (RATO) or other acceleration devices. This new method complements the existing RATO system, which allows the Valkyrie to operate from unprepared locations.  Both RATO and KTLS methods help the aircraft carry more weight and fuel by forgoing the need for regular retractable gear, which also helps reduce maintenance costs. The Valkyrie is designed to operate with a range of 1,500 nautical miles (2,700 kilometres), a top speed of Mach 0.9 and the ability to transport a payload of 272 kilograms. 

“As we watch peer adversaries in both their preparations and active conflicts, whilst at the same time see the DoD budget impacts in our own nation, we have challenged ourselves at Kratos to solve today’s defence challenges with solutions that are realisable, near term achievable and affordable,” Steve Fendley, President Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, said. “The perfect capability solution too late is really an abject failure.”

The XQ-58 Valkyrie is an early model of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) developed by the USAF. It is designed to work alongside manned fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. The goal is to extend the range of other aircraft by working together as a human-machine team while keeping pilots out of harm’s way.

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