Number 66 – 22 August 2024

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The Vought V-173 – “Flying Pancake”

The Vought V-173 “Flying Pancake” was an American experimental test aircraft built as part of the Vought XF5U program during World War II, built in 1942 for the US Navy. The semi-circular all-wing design earned it the nick-name of flying pancake. The compact design made the V-172 structurally strong, offered high manoeuvrability and could fly at very slow speeds.

Both the V-173 and the XF5U featured an unorthodox “all-wing” design consisting of a flat, somewhat disk-shaped body (like a pancake flying, hence the nickname) serving as the lifting surface. Two piston engines buried in the body drove propellers located on the leading edge, at the wingtips.

Design and development

In the 1930s, Charles H. Zimmerman was a noted aeronautical engineer who advocated the concept of “discoidal” aircraft, the so-called “Zimmer Skimmer” and worked on a variety of projects on his own and with the Vought company. After testing using scale models, including a remotely controlled, electrically powered large-scale model, designated the Vought V-162, the US Navy approached Zimmerman and offered to fund further development. Data and concept documentation was given to the Navy in 1939, with wind tunnel tests on full-scale models being completed in 1940-1941.

The original prototype, designated the V-173 (Flying Pancake), was built of wood and canvas and featured a conventional, fully symmetrical aerofoil section (NACA 0015). Designed as a “proof-of-concept” prototype, the initial configuration V-173 was built as a lightweight test model powered by two 80 hp (60 kW) Continental A-80 engines turning F4U Corsair propellers. Later were fitted with a pair of specially modified 16 ft 6 in. three-bladed propellers. A tall, fixed main undercarriage combined with a small tailwheel gave the aircraft a 22° “nose-high” angle.

The disc wing design featured a low aspect ratio that overcame the built-in disadvantages of induced drag created at the wingtips with the large propellers actively canceling the drag-causing tip vortices. The propellers were arranged to rotate in the opposite direction to the tip vortices, allowing the aircraft to fly with a much smaller wing area. The small wing provided high maneuverability with greater structural strength. The empennage consisted of two vertical fins with rudders, all-moving stabilizers with anti-servo tabs, and two large elevator/trim surfaces on either side of centerline on the trailing edge of the wing planform.

Zimmerman chose to include the all-moving stabilizer design because he realized that the increased drag, prop wash, and large wing area would make the aircraft difficult to control at low speeds. Wind tunnel tests would prove that this was a success to an extent. The aircraft would prove to require a lot of force to control at low speeds during in-flight testing but the tail design would prove to make the aircraft controllable.

In January 1942, BuAer requested a proposal for two prototype aircraft of an experimental version of the V-173, known as the VS-135. The development version, the Vought XF5U-1, was a larger aircraft with all-metal construction, and was almost five times heavier. Although a prototype was constructed, it only performed brief hops on the runway, it never entered true controlled flight.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfpTDOAfj7Y

Source: Wikipedia

Thanks to everyone who sent in their answers, here are all the names who correctly identified this week’s mystery aircraft of the week.

Bruce Prescott, P Rossouw, Rennie van Zyl, Gunter Klampfl, Pierre Brittz, Richard Willemse, Andrew Peace, Sean Richter, Jeremy Rorich, Colin Austen, Clint Futter, Craig Casarotti, Brian Millett, Selwyn Kimber, Michael Schoeman, Karl Jensen, Thomas Tonking, Jaco van Jaarsveld, Tom Agin, Peter Gilbert, Bruce Margolius, John Moen, Dr Piet Steyn, Rex Tweedie, Sergio Antao, Johan Venter, Brian Ross, Jim Skelton, Sias Pretorius, Nic Manthopoulos, Dave Lloyd

National Aviation Day

Our aviation friends over in the United Stated of America observed National Aviation Day on August 19, a U.S. national celebration dedicated to the progress and achievements in aviation.

This special day was established in 1939 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who issued a presidential proclamation to honor the anniversary of Orville Wright’s birthday. Orville Wright, born in 1871, was one of the pioneering Wright brothers and was still alive when the proclamation was made. He lived for another nine years after the day was first observed.

The President’s proclamation can call for all federal buildings and installations to fly the U.S. flag on this day. Additionally, it may encourage citizens to engage in activities that foster interest and awareness in aviation.

Website: https://nationalaviationday.org/

Qatar Airways Acquires 25 percent Stake in Airlink

Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25 percent stake in Southern Africa’s leading independent regional carrier, Airlink, further advancing its strategic expansion across the African continent. This investment strengthens the existing code-sharing partnership between the two airlines, enhancing Qatar Airways’ growth strategy in Africa and reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the continent’s economic development. Airlink operates flights to over 45 destinations across 15 African countries, making it a significant player in the region.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “Our investment in Airlink underscores the crucial role we believe Africa will play in our business’s future. This partnership not only reflects our confidence in Airlink as a resilient, agile, and financially sound company but also in the vast potential of Africa as a whole, a potential we are eager to help realize.” The collaboration is set to unlock new opportunities for growth by increasing efficiencies of scale, expanding capacity, and extending marketing reach.

Airlink Chief Executive Rodger Foster welcomed Qatar Airways as an equity partner, calling it a significant endorsement of Airlink’s operations and its faith in the markets it serves. Foster noted that the investment would enhance Airlink’s existing partnerships and help expand its network. The partnership will also align the two airlines’ loyalty programs, Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks. Qatar Airways has seen significant growth in Africa, with the addition of several new destinations to its network, including Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt, along with the resumption of flights to Cairo and Alexandria.

Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Southern Africa’s premier independent regional carrier, Airlink. The announcement is a continuation of the multi award-winning airline’s ambition to further develop its operations across the African continent.

Sling Squawk – August 2024

Sling Squawk – August 2024. Available Now!

Aviation Job Vacancies

Calling all Vintage Pilots!

Fly-in to the Heidelberg Airfield

Saturday the 28^th of September 2024

• Pilots of vintage aircraft (and attired in retro aviation gear) get a free breakfast roll from 08h00 to 09h00 at the Vintage VIP Clubhouse
• Rovos Rail “double header” steam train arrives at 10h00 at the Heidelberg Station
• Cavalcade of priceless vintage cars and motorcycles joins the train
• At 10h30 the Cavalcade arrives at the Airfield… passes the VIP Clubhouse
• Threads its way through the parked vintage airplanes
• Each pilot attired in vintage aviation gear, standing proudly next to his airplane
• Poses for photographers. Coffee table book to be launched at The Great Train Race Grand Ball on Saturday 1 March 2025 at the Rand Club
• Each car and motorcycle then parks under the national flag of its country of origin
• This year, everyone in attendance must be dressed up in vintage clothing
• Retro vendors… international cuisine… kids stuff… live music… stationary engines…
• A Vintage Day for the Whole Family!

Please select the appropriate Quicket option to book:

• Your ticket for delicious three-course lunch in the VIP Clubhouse (lunch booking closes 20^th of Sept 2024) @R350.
• Ticket for your friends and family to attend The Great Train Race @R80 adults R40 for kids

Please Note:

• Pilots in modern planes are welcome to pre-book for lunch at the VIP Clubhouse
• But must please be attired in vintage clothing in the spirit of the day

For breakfast catering purposes, please RSVP to Christopher Van chrisvan@rocketmail.com if you would like to attend (weather permitting of course).

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

Egypt armed forces continuing with modernisation

Egypt is continuing its significant modernization of its armed forces, particularly focusing on its air force. Over recent years, Egypt has phased out its older aircraft, such as the F-4E Phantoms, Dassault Mirage 5s, and Chinese-built F-7 ‘Fishbeds,’ in favor of more advanced fighter jets. This modernization is set to include the potential acquisition of 24 Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon aircraft, part of a larger $10-12 billion arms deal with Italy. The package reportedly includes other military assets, such as 24 Leonardo M346 Master training aircraft, more AW-149 helicopters, and various naval and reconnaissance equipment.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is committed to diversifying and enhancing the Egyptian Air Force’s capabilities, particularly in response to ongoing U.S. efforts to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME) in the region. The new Typhoon aircraft are expected to be fully equipped with AESA radar and Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs). These will be newly built in Italy, with delivery details yet to be confirmed, marking a significant step in Egypt’s drive to modernize its air force.

The modernization program began in earnest in 2015 with orders for Dassault Rafales and MiG-29M/M2s. However, plans to acquire Sukhoi Su-35S fighters were halted due to potential U.S. sanctions, leading Egypt to focus on other acquisitions, including additional Rafales and a potential deal for Boeing F-15 Advanced Eagles. The Egyptian Air Force’s diverse fleet now includes F-16s, Mirage 2000s, Rafales, and MiG-29M/M2s, positioning it as one of the most varied and modern air forces in the region, though this diversity could complicate logistics and operational integration.

In addition to upgrading its fighter fleet, Egypt is also prioritizing pilot training. With its current training aircraft aging, the country is likely to pursue the acquisition of new advanced trainer/light attack aircraft. The potential purchase of 24 M-346s as part of the Italian arms package addresses only a fraction of Egypt’s needs, with estimates suggesting a requirement for up to 100 advanced trainers. Options under consideration include the KAI T-50, Leonardo M-346, Aero L-39NG, and Embraer Super Tucano, with joint production initiatives potentially on the horizon to meet this demand.

US orders inspections of Boeing 787 planes following midair plunge

Federal Aviation Administration orders inspections after mid-flight dive blamed on random movement of pilots’ seats. Aviation regulators in the United States have ordered airlines to carry out inspections of hundreds of Boeing 787 Dreamliners after a sudden midair dive during a flight in March injured dozens of passengers.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Monday that the captain’s and first officer’s seats on certain 787-7, 787-9 and 787-10 aeroplanes should be inspected “for missing or cracked rocker switch caps and for cracked or nonfunctional switch cover assemblies” within 30 days.

“Operators must also perform any necessary corrective actions,” the FAA said in a statement.

The FAA directive affects 158 US-registered aeroplanes and 737 aeroplanes worldwide, the regulator said. The airworthiness directive (AD) comes after Chile’s aviation authority said earlier this year that preliminary inquiries into the March 11 incident showed that the captain’s seat experienced an “involuntary movement forward” during the flight.

Some 50 passengers were injured when LATAM Flight 800 suddenly plunged 400 feet (120 metres) while en route to Auckland, New Zealand from Sydney, Australia. In its directive, the FAA said the “uncommanded horizontal movement” of the captain’s and first officer’s seats during LATAM Flight 800 had “caused the control column input to disconnect the auto-pilot, resulting in a rapid descent until the First Officer took control of the flight”.

The FAA received four additional reports of the problem from Boeing following the incident, the most recent of which was in June, the regulator said. “Uncommanded horizontal movement of an occupied seat can cause in-flight upset from unintended and abrupt flight control inputs, which could result in a rapid descent of the airplane and serious injury to passengers and crew,” the FAA said. “The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.” Boeing said in a statement that it fully supports the directive, “which makes mandatory a supplier’s guidance to 787 operators.”

The directive is the latest in a series of incidents to draw attention to safety issues at Boeing. Boeing last month finalised a deal to plead guilty to fraud after US prosecutors concluded that the company violated a deferred prosecution agreement over two fatal crashes of the 737 Max jetliner in 2018 and 2019. The Arlington, Virginia-based aircraft giant is also facing a separate criminal investigation into a January incident during which a 737 MAX operated by Alaska Airlines lost part of its fuselage mid-flight.

Air Arabia selects Honeywell Auxiliary power units for its A320Neo

Honeywell has been chosen by Air Arabia Group to provide its 131-9A auxiliary power units (APUs) for the airline’s fleet of 120 Airbus A320neo aircraft on order. This partnership includes comprehensive maintenance support for the APUs, aiming to boost dispatch reliability, fleet availability, fuel efficiency, and reduce unplanned maintenance costs across Air Arabia’s operations.

APUs are vital components of aircraft, supplying electrical power and air conditioning while the plane is on the ground, ensuring passenger comfort and providing the air source before the main engines are started. Khaled Hashem, President of Honeywell Middle East and Africa, stated, “Our APUs are meeting the growing demands for more reliable components with better environmental performance.” He emphasized that this agreement reflects Honeywell’s long-standing commitment to supporting top-tier carriers in the region with advanced technology and innovation.

Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, highlighted that this agreement strengthens their existing partnership with Honeywell and aligns with Air Arabia’s broader strategy for fleet expansion. He emphasized the airline’s dedication to sustainable practices and adopting the latest technology to enhance both fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

Riyadh Air introduces electric coach in commitment to sustainability

Riyadh Air has taken a significant step toward sustainability by introducing the Kingdom’s first 47-seat electric coach, underscoring its commitment to environmentally responsible practices. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the National Transportation Solutions Company (NTSC), a division of Petromin Corporation, and TAM-Europe, aligns the airline with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As Saudi Arabia’s new digitally native airline, Riyadh Air is fully dedicated to sustainable aviation practices. The launch of this electric coach fleet marks the beginning of a broader effort to integrate all 17 of the United Nations SDGs into the airline’s operations, following its commitment to the UN Global Compact earlier in 2024. These electric buses will provide an eco-friendly daily commute for Riyadh Air staff and aircrew throughout the Saudi capital, aiming to reduce the airline’s environmental impact.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, emphasized that sustainability is at the core of the airline’s operations. He stated, “Sustainability is embedded in our DNA, and we will reflect this across all Riyadh Air’s operations, from managing fuel efficiency in the sky to reducing carbon emissions on the ground. Investing in electric coaches is just one early initiative we can introduce to offset our environmental footprint as we demonstrate we will be a leader in helping achieve the aviation industry’s global net-zero agenda.” This move highlights Riyadh Air’s role in advancing the global aviation industry’s efforts toward a sustainable future.

NASA spots mysterious object moving 1million mph through space

A massive, hyper-speed object over 27,000 times the size of Earth, is racing through our galaxy at such an extraordinary velocity that it may eventually escape the Milky Way, according to NASA. Scientists detected this mysterious object, traveling at a staggering one million miles per hour, when it was located more than 400 light-years from Earth. For context, one light-year equals six trillion miles. Though experts have yet to identify the exact nature of this celestial body, they suspect it could be a “brown dwarf,” a star larger than a planet but lacking the mass necessary to sustain long-term nuclear fusion like our sun.

If confirmed as a brown dwarf, this object would be the first of its kind ever documented in such a chaotic, hyper-speed orbit with the potential to break free from our galaxy. The discovery was made by a group of citizen-scientists working with NASA’s “Backyard Worlds: Planet 9” project. The U.S. space agency announced this week that these volunteers were the first to observe the object. Martin Kabatnik, a German citizen-scientist involved in the project, expressed his excitement, noting that when he first saw the object’s rapid movement, he was convinced it had already been reported.

The object, now catalogued as CWISE J124909.08+362116.0, was first detected by Backyard Worlds participants Martin Kabatnik, Thomas P. Bickle, and Dan Caselden a few years ago. Their discovery has since been studied in collaboration with astronomer Dr. Kyle Kremer, who is working to understand the object’s incredible speed. According to Dr. Kremer, several astrophysical theories could explain the phenomenon. One possibility is that CWISE J1249 was ejected from a binary star system after its companion star, a “white dwarf,” died in a supernova explosion.

Another theory suggests that CWISE J1249 may have originated in a dense cluster of stars known as a “globular cluster,” where it was flung out by the gravitational pull of a black hole. Dr. Kremer explained that when a star interacts with a black hole in such a cluster, the complex dynamics can propel the star out of the cluster at tremendous speeds. This interaction could account for the hyper-speed journey of CWISE J1249 through the galaxy.

Supplies get delivered to astronauts stranded in space

A cargo spacecraft has successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) to deliver essential supplies, including food and fuel, for the crew currently on board. The ISS is home to the Expedition 71 crew, which includes NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who are unable to return to Earth due to safety concerns regarding the Boeing Starliner capsule that was originally intended for their journey home.

The uncrewed Russian Progress 89 spacecraft brought approximately three tonnes of supplies to the station. NASA has confirmed that the Progress 89 will stay docked at the ISS for about six months, during which time it will serve as a storage facility. When it departs, it will carry away trash and other waste from the station before re-entering Earth’s atmosphere for disposal.

Conflicting Laws Keep Flying Cars Grounded

Sam Bousfield, founder and CEO of Samson Sky, outlines the complex journey of bringing a flying car to production as the company progresses with its Switchblade vehicle. Unlike the cryptocurrency industry, which also faces regulatory challenges, the air and ground transportation sectors have a longer history and more intricate rules to navigate. Despite public demand for flying cars over the decades, companies attempting to bring these vehicles to market continue to face significant obstacles.

Flying cars are gradually becoming more viable in the U.S., aided by new state-level regulations that allow private ownership of these vehicles. Among these is Minnesota’s ‘Jetsons Law,’ which is paving the way for flying cars to enter the mainstream. Samson Sky, based in Redmond, Oregon, is one of the companies advancing this technology. Bousfield explains that many flying car ventures fail due to conflicting regulations from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). To address these challenges, Samson Sky classified its Switchblade vehicle as an experimental aircraft and a motorcycle, allowing the company to comply with both sets of regulations more easily.

Samson Sky has taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of its flying car. Although not required, the company added crash protection in the front and rear crumple zones, side intrusion protection, and rollover protection, which aligns with FAA requirements. Launched in 2008, Samson Sky’s Switchblade is a compact convertible car and airplane with a maximum airspeed of 200 mph, a cruising speed of 160 mph, and a range of 450 miles, making it capable of flying from San Diego to Silicon Valley on a single tank of gas.

Zipline drones deliver vaccines to malaria-prone western Kenya

In the lush flatlands of the Muhoroni region in Kisumu County, western Kenya, villagers have grown accustomed to the once-novel sound of drones delivering life-saving cargo to the Tama Health Centre. Josephine Opiny, a local mother, recalls her excitement when she first saw a drone delivering vaccines at the facility. On that day, she had brought her infant son, Matthews, for immunization. “It was my first time seeing a drone,” Opiny told VaccinesWork. She was amazed to learn that the drone had delivered the very vaccines her son received moments later. The event was both thrilling and surprising for the mothers at the health center.

Before the introduction of Zipline’s drone deliveries, the health center’s nurses had to endure a two-hour round trip by motorbike on rough roads to fetch vaccines, often leaving the facility short-staffed. The arrival of drone technology has significantly improved the efficiency of vaccine delivery, ensuring that patients receive their vaccinations promptly. Henry Ochieng, one of the health center’s two nurses, recalls a time when a family urgently needed measles vaccines, but none were available. Thanks to the drone service, Ochieng was able to get the vaccines delivered within minutes, ensuring the children were vaccinated on the same day.

Today, drone deliveries have become an integral part of the health center’s operations, ensuring that no child leaves without receiving the necessary vaccines. Even in instances of vaccine shortages, a quick call to Zipline results in a swift delivery. In addition to routine vaccines, drones also deliver emergency medications like anti-rabies vaccines, which have been crucial in treating cases like that of a young boy bitten by a rabid dog. The success of the drone delivery program at Tama Health Centre highlights the impact of innovative solutions in overcoming the challenges of healthcare delivery in remote areas.

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