Fully-Immersive EURAMEC Do-228 Flight Sim Will Be Certified to EASA Standards for General Atomics
Ultra-lightweight Solar Plane : The Winner of JEC Innovation Award
To give astronauts better food, engineers test a fridge prototype in microgravity
LOT COMPLETES THE OFFER WITH SKYCELL’S HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
LOT Extends the Free Rebooking Option Until the End of May 2021
Rostec Equips Ansat with Wi-Fi and Satellite Internet
LOT With Approved AID Package
Rostec Starts Assembling the First Mi-171A3 Offshore Helicopter
LightAir tests air purification technology against coronavirus
Russian Helicopters delivers first Ansat to a client in Europe
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Russian Helicopters delivers first batch of helicopter knock-down kits to Kazakhstan
The Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant of the Russian Helicopters holding (part of the Rostec State Corporation) has delivered two Mi-8AMT helicopter knock-down kits to Kazakhstan to be assembled on the territory of the customer. The delivery is based on a trilateral contract signed by Kazakhstan Engineering, Kazakhstan's Aircraft Repair Plant No. 405 and Russian Helicopters for semi-knock-down (SKD) assembly of Mi-8AMT / Mi-171E helicopters. The contract, signed in 2019, provides for a total of 17 helicopter kits during 2020-2022. The main customers for the Mi-8AMT helicopters in Kazakhstan are the National Guard under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Committee for Emergency Situations. The first batch of Mi-8AMT kits will assembled for the needs of the Committee for Emergency Situations. "I'm confident that successful implementation of the semi-knock-down assembly project of Mi-8AMT / Mi-171 helicopters in Kazakhstan will become a significant step forward in the development of the country's helicopter industry and will allow local enterprises to increase their scientific and technical potential", said Leonid Belykh, Managing Director of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. Assembly and adaptation of the helicopters to the customer's requirements will be carried out by the Aircraft Repair Plant No. 405 in the city of Almaty. The plant holds the greatest competencies in repairing and maintaining this helicopter type in the Central Asian region. The plant is certified by both Kazakhstan and international authorities for the repair, modernization and maintenance of Mi-8/17/171 helicopters. The assembled helicopters will be tasked with transportation of passengers and goods, emergency rescue operations, forest protection, firefighting, ambulance services and law enforcement operations. The operational experience and extensive service network of the Aircraft Repair Plant No. 405 will provide integrated service support for customers in the field of deployment. Kazakhstan has been a long-term partner of the Russian Helicopters and the country operates dozens of Mi-8AMT / Mi-171 helicopters. The republic became the first foreign operator of the latest Mi-171A2 helicopter.
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Russian Helicopters launches Mi-8 test operation program in Indonesia
Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (U-UAP) as part of Russian Helicopters holding company (State Corporation Rostec) launches Mi-8/171 type helicopter test operation program, which is aimed at the assessing of all the advantages of helicopters real operation in conjunction with all available corporate support tools and implemented aftersales services of Russian Helicopters holding company. The pilot project is being implemented in Indonesia, where two Mi-8AMT helicopters are already involved in firefighting operations. Helicopters sent to the Republic of Indonesia with crew and technical staff of U-UAP were relocated to the island of Kalimantan almost immediately upon arrival to extinguish forest fires. In the future, the rotorcraft will be on operational duty on the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan. "A contract with PT. National Utility Helicopters (PT. NUH), a utility helicopter operator in Indonesia with 50 years of experience in providing services for Indonesian Government as well as private companies, has become the pilot project of this program. The main task under the contract is to carry out firefighting operations in the region, as well as provide consulting services regarding the formation of its own air fleet of Indonesian operators for annual firefighting operations” said Leonid Belykh, Managing Director of U-UAP. АМТ-3 Ми-8АМТ In the process of temporary use of helicopters, the customer gets the opportunity to consult the company's specialists in 24/7 mode, access to a replacement fund and a fund of additional equipment. It is worth noting, that one of the first Mi-171A2 helicopters manufactured by the enterprise, since 2018 has been participating in a test operation program at UTair-VU airline, where it successfully fulfills the tasks facing the operator and demonstrates high flight performances. The experience of the joint work of the manufacturer and the customer was reflected in the U-UAP helicopter test operation program for Indonesia. Mi-8/171 helicopters for a long time have been involved in the disaster relief operations not only in Russia, but also abroad. They have proved themselves as one of the most effective tools in the firefighting, medicine delivery and casualty evacuation operations, as well as in passenger and cargo transportation to hard-to-reach areas.
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Purdue researchers working with Abu Dhabi on cybersecurity of drones as city seeks to become a tech hub of Middle East
Abu Dhabi has intentions of making the city a leading hub for technology and innovation in the Middle East. Part of that evolution is utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, to assist with as many tasks as possible, from delivering packages to aiding in police operations to helping investigate crashes on highways to delivering high-value transports, like organs for transplant. With autonomy, though, comes risks of hackers and complications between interacting agents. A group of Purdue University researchers have been tasked to make sure drones and their systems could operate securely, safely and efficiently in the United Arab Emirates capital. Inseok Hwang, a professor in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is principal investigator on a three-year, $2.3-million grant from the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi to study the application of secure drone swarms in urban environments. The project requires expertise in autonomous vehicles, control, sensing, virtual reality and security. James Goppert, a visiting assistant professor in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics and managing director of the UAS Research and Test Facility, and Dongyan Xu, the Samuel D. Conte Professor of Computer Science and director of CERIAS (Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security), Purdue’s cybersecurity research and education center, are co-principal investigators on the project. “We will address this problem in a highly integrated, interdisciplinary way,” Hwang said. “We will consider it from the program level to the high-level network of systems, so we accomplish the hierarchic way from the very detailed lower level, the software and hardware level, to the large network of vehicles and from the single vehicle to multivehicle. So it’s multidimensional. That’s one of the unique pieces of this project.” The project will utilize one of Purdue’s unrivaled assets, the UAS Research and Test Facility. The 20,000-square-foot, 35-feet high facility, located at Hangar 4 of the Purdue University Airport, features the largest indoor motion capture system in the world and offers unique capabilities for novel research. Goppert will build a mixed reality environment, combining a virtual reality urban environment with a scaled physical model of the city. The drones will fly and navigate the city, and the environment can be programmed to simulate a wide range of settings, including weather, traffic and urban development, to test the drones’ applicability and agility. The testing will be done with single vehicles as well as swarms, which could include 10 drones. Hwang said he hasn’t seen any research done using mixed reality to this scale. Neither has Goppert. “Our unique capability is that we have such a large environment to do it,” Goppert said. “Just running so many vehicles at once is going to be a challenge. In the past, several vehicles have been used. But if we’re going to be running swarms where each vehicle needs a rendered virtual mixed reality image, that’s going to be really computationally challenging. That’s what we’re pushing forward. “We thought we could try to bring it as close to real-life as possible to get as many of the bugs worked out before they actually deploy such a system. We can do it all in software, but there’s an added advantage in bringing it closer to reality by making some of it actual robots.” Hwang and Xu will have a multitiered approach from the cybersecurity and robustness standpoint. Xu will investigate from the cyber perspective of security, encryption, authentication and peer-to-peer communications. Hwang will develop a mathematical model and use the control theoretical solution approach, assessing potential cyberattacks on the systems and working to design a controller in such a way that the system becomes more resilient to attacks. “This project reflects exciting synergies between two areas of technical excellence at Purdue: aeronautics and astronautics, and cybersecurity,” Xu said. Ultimately, all of the research will be integrated and pieced together around the state-of-the-art test bed, which could happen toward the end of the second year of the three-year grant. With a variety of drones tasked with different assignments, “how do we make sure they play well together?” Goppert said. “We’re trying to simulate that within our facility.”
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LOT with Profit and a Record number of Passengers in 2019
In 2019, LOT’s revenues from sales amounted to PLN 7.37 billion, i.e. over one billion more than in 2018. The company’s operating profit amounted to PLN 113.9 million. Last year, LOT carried a record number of 10 million passengers on board and launched 15 new connections. This marks another year in which the company managed to preserve the viability of its operations despite problems with the global grounding of the B737MAX fleet and with the Rolls Royce engines used in the Boeing 787. LOT closed the previous year with its operating profit, i.e. profit on the carriage of passengers, amounting to PLN 113.9 million. At the same time, the company managed to increase its revenues on sales to PLN 7.37 billion, compared with PLN 6.19 billion in the preceding year. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) totalled PLN 142.6 million in the previous year, while its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to PLN 91.9 million. Last year was the fourth consecutive year in which we generated profit and increased the scale of our activities, carrying a record number of 10 million passengers on board. This confirms that the profitable growth strategy, which we adopted in 2016, was correct. I would like to thank the entire LOT team for their hard work and our passengers for their trust - says Rafał Milczarski, CEO of LOT. In 2019, the greatest growth in the number of passengers compared with 2018 could be observed in the case of long-haul flights (growth by 30.4%). In the case of short- and medium-haul flights, there were 11.4% more passengers than in the preceding year, while in the case of domestic flights the growth amounted to 4.7%. The year 2019 saw the launch of routes such as Warsaw-Miami, Warsaw-Delhi, Warsaw-Colombo and Budapest-Seoul, which resulted in the presence of more than 120 connections in the Polish carrier’s portfolio by the end of the year. Naturally, this year has been much more challenging and we are currently focusing on optimisation of our activities in order to survive the most difficult time for the airline industry. Fortunately, our results from previous years demonstrate that we can work with dedication and achieve our objectives - adds Rafał Milczarski.
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Rostec starts assembling parts for the first Russian offshore helicopter Mi-171A3
Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) started production of the first pre-production prototype of Mi-171A3 offshore helicopter. Flight tests of the state-of-the-art rotorcraft are to start on the summer of 2021. The first Mi-171A3 offshore helicopter is being built by several plants forming part of Russian Helicopters which specialize in serial production, and JSC “National Helicopter Center Мil&Kamov” (NHC). They are working in close cooperation. The main task of Mi-171A3 is servicing of offshore drilling rigs of companies in the fuel and energy sector. It is capable of transporting people, freight, and carrying out search and rescue operations if necessary – for that purpose, additional installation of a special complex comprising search capabilities, on-board hoists, and medical equipment is provided for. A company which uses the helicopter can convert it into a search-and-rescue version at its own base. "Unique solutions ensuring safety of flights over water have been developed for the first offshore helicopter in Russia. The helicopter's onboard equipment provides for navigation in high latitudes and communication with sea-going vessels. The helicopter has an emergency floatation system and life rafts, and a special crash-resistant fuselage section has been developed for it. Separate parts of the helicopter are already being assembled. The first rotorcraft for flights is to be assembled in early 2021 at Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. Besides, in 2021 we plan to show the rotorcraft at MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon for the first time as one of the most recent key developments of Rostec," stated Rostec Aviation Cluster Industrial Director Anatoliy Serdyukov. After being completely assembled, the helicopter will be transferred to NHC; the National Helicopter Center will add avionics to it. After that, a cycle of ground and flight tests will take place. Other enterprises of the holding company will also take an active part in helicopter production. Kazan Helicopters will make the helicopter's cargo floor, which has been made similar to that of Mi-38. Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company is making parts of composite materials for the nose and board panels for the middle part of the fuselage section. "Mi-171A3 is very much sought-after for offshore operations. The rotorcraft has been created as a result of cooperation among Rostec holding companies. Expanding hydrocarbon production on the Arctic shelf requires a fleet of reliable and modern helicopters, which can be operated in the most difficult weather and climatic conditions," emphasized Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company Andrey Boginsky. "Starting from 2022, we will be ready to hand over the first serial helicopters to the launch customer." Mi-171A3 is a multipurpose helicopter meeting the most modern Russian and international aviation standards, including IOGP requirements. The helicopter development started in 2018. The rotorcraft's maximum takeoff weight is 13,000 kg. It can carry up to 24 passengers, and the maximum range is 1,000 km. The helicopter is intended for operation in various climatic conditions, including maritime, tropical and cold climate, with ambient temperatures ranging between -50 С and +50 С. Mi-171AZ avionics will provide for automated and manual control of the helicopter at all stages of the flight, from takeoff to landing, and automatic piloting is possible for both air routes and non-regulatory airspace, irrespective of the degree of ground-based radio navigation.
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Russian Helicopters presents new equipment options for Ansat at HeliRussia-2020
The Russian Helicopters holding (part of the Rostec State Corporation) presents additional equipment options for the Ansat multipurpose helicopter at the HeliRussia-2020 Exhibition – new variants include an internal fuel tank and inflated ballonets. "The Ansat helicopter project is developing to meet the needs of our customers. We are actively responding to the requests of our partners, making our products more competitive and comfortable to use. By the end of the year, we are planning to transfer a prototype representing a new generation of Ansat for testing. In addition to a wide range of optional equipment, the helicopter will receive an upgraded fuel system with increased capacity, the latest avionics for instrument flight, and a lightweight fuselage structure which includes more composite materials", said the Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company Andrey Boginsky. An emergency floatation system is designed to keep the helicopter afloat in the event of an emergency landing on water, with inflated ballonets that can provide buoyancy for 30 minutes. The systems consist of inflatable buoyancy chambers (ballonets), two life rafts, emergency life support package, including a radio beacon to signal the the landing site location to rescuers. Ansats equipped with the system will be capable of flights to oil companies' facilities located at a considerable distance from the coast as well as participation in search and rescue operations above the water. The Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) certified the installation of the emergency floatation systems on Ansats in 2020. An additional fuel tank is designed to increase the ferry range of the helicopter. This option will be in demand when making long-distance flights, e.g. when delivering a helicopter to its permanent base of operations. An additional 192-liter fuel tank increases Ansat's flight range by 140-150 km, up to 650 km. Additionally, an Ansat modification with enlarged main fuel tanks will be available to customers in 2021. The capacity of the main fuel system will be increased by 20%, increasing flight range by 135 km. When the additional fuel tank is used in combination with the upgraded Ansat, the maximum flight range will exceed 750 km. In the future, Ansat will also be equipped with a winch and external sling. This modification is currently tested in the Kazan Helicopters testing facility. The winch increases the efficiency of the helicopter in search and rescue operations and allows to carry out loading and unloading operations while hovering. The device provides lifting and deploying of people and cargo with a total weight of up to 272 kg. The external sling is designed for transporting cargo with weight up to 1000 kg. The maximum take-off weight of Ansat with external sling will be increased to 3900 kg. The system comes with capability for cargo weight measurement and jettisoning. Ansat is a light multipurpose twin-engine helicopter. Its serial production is deployed at Kazan Helicopter Plant. According to the helicopter certificate, its design allows quickly converting it into a cargo version or into a passenger rotorcraft that can lift up to eight people. In May 2015, the modification of the helicopter with a medical module was certified. Ansat is certified for use in the temperatures ranging between -45°С and +50°С, and in high mountains. In 2019, the Federal Air Transport Agency certified an increase in the airworthiness of Ansat's fuselage to 16,000 flying hours.
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Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant carried out modernization of production equipment for stamping and machining
Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant of the Russian Helicopters holding (part of the Rostec State Corporation) has successfully implemented an investment project for creating modern, high-performance stamping and machining production. The production facility no. 64 went through a major overhaul during the process. The project was aimed at developing new stamping technologies, the introduction of seamless techniques for manufacturing sheet metal, reducing the labor intensity share of manual labor of production. "We're planning to launch the modernized stamping and machining production in its full capacity during the second half of 2020", said the Managing Director of Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, Leonid Belykh. "We have replaced outdated equipment by purchasing and putting into operation modern stamping, cutting and forming technology, as well as upgraded storage systems. Production facility no 64 went through a major overhaul, turning it into modernized workshop for stamping and machining operations. The reconstructed facility has a new ventilation system and creates comfortable conditions for the company's employees. In general, based on the results of the project implementation,labor intensity will be reduced by 34.7% and production cost by 26.9%. After the project is fully completed, sheet metal parts will be manufactured on a modern digitally controlled elastoforming press, introduced in June 2019. We have already designed all parts for the Mi-171A2/A3 and Ka-226 helicopters to be manufactured on the new press. In October 2019 we also put into operation press for longitudinal and transversal stretch forming of metal sheets (coverings), combining the functionality of several different stamping machines used earlier in the facility. Modern stamping equipment will replace obsolete and worn-out hydraulic presses and power hammers, ensuring the safety of the production process. To transfer the designs of the old product range to the new equipment, we created a bureau for modeling sheet stamping processes, which uses modern software, simulates the shaping process and develops new tools made of modified wood for the production of parts on the new equipment. We've also built an automated warehouse for storing the tools used by the new equipment. Specialized software helps the warehouse worker to keep detailed records on tools and effectively locate them in the warehouse or directly at the presses, keep records of storage and delivery of sheet metal. The investment project also introduces modern systems for cutting. Cutting and monitoring during manufacture is now carried out using digital technology. Milling of parts will be carried by multi-axis machining system. Storage and transport of sheet metal for cutting operations is carried out using an automated warehouse. The modernization of the cutting facility increased productivity by 15-50% (depending on the type of parts), and the labor intensity of finishing operations has decreased by a third. Since 2017, using high-performance milling technology has saved up to 1,000 operating hours every year. Thanks to the implementation of a program for group cutting of parts of various configurations and cutting layouts, material consumption has decreased by 15%, and monitoring of sheet metal consumption allows to make purchases in advance for the required volumes of production. Modern equipment is located in the newly created production areas in the facility 64, which were previously empty. The production site is provided with all the necessary energy resources and a separate transformer substation was built on the site. Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant JSC is one of the production enterprises of the Russian Helicopters holding. The modern production and technological capacity of the plant makes it possible to manufacture new types of aircraft quickly and combine the creation of prototypes with the line production of equipment. In over 75 years of existence, more than 8,000 aircraft have been built at the plant. Today, the plant specializes in the production of Mi-8AMT (Mi-171E), Mi-171 and Mi- 8AMTSh (Mi-171Sh) helicopters.
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Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant launches a certified process simulation facility
The Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant of the Russian Helicopters holding (part of the Rostec State Corporation) has launched a certified process simulation facility in its premises. The facility works as a platform for interactive training by the principles of lean production, and was created at the enterprise as part of the Russian governmental project for improving labor productivity and employment. "Factory specialists were the first in the region to receive certificates and the right to train employees of enterprises participating in the Labor Productivity and Employment program." Opening of the process simulation facility at U-UAP was an result of effective interaction between the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Buryatia and the Russian Federal Center of Competences in Labor Efficiency, which provided methodological assistance in its creation", - pointed out the Managing Director of JSC U-UAP Leonid Belykh The training platform allows to conduct interactive workshop training for employees. The facility reproduces a real mechanical engineering production chain and simulates real production processes. The training format consists of eight-hour business game, in which a team of 15 people gets acquainted with methods for identifying losses and determining reserves in workflow optimisation. Its unique format allows the process simulation facility to quickly teach crucial skills associated with the lean production approach. The simulator provides an opportunity to consciously apply lean production tools to increase labor productivity, gain practical experience and knowledge about improvements in the production process that can affect the operational and economic performance of an enterprise. Modern enterprises are not only interested in maintaining the already achieved level of production, but also strive for increasing its efficiency. The certified trainers of the simulator are tasked to teach the employees to speed up their workflow processes and, in doing so, augment the potential of their department, workshop or factory.
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LOT Waives Charges for Changes in Ticket Booking on All Flights
From today, passengers of LOT Polish Airlines may repeatedly change their travel schedule without incurring additional charges. This is yet another improvement introduced by LOT to help passengers in the times of a global pandemic. LOT introduced new, flexible rules for booking management. This not only means greater safety and control over travel planning in the times of a global pandemic, but also no additional charges for introducing changes in the travel plan. According to IATA’s data (the report of August 2020 by IATA and McKinsey & Company), in business travel the most decisive factor in the times of a global pandemic is the ability to introduce modifications in flight booking and the availability of direct flights. That is why LOT is making an effort to meet these wishes by abolishing charges for making changes in the booking. “We understand the needs of our clients who, in the face of restriction dynamics in particular countries in connection with the global pandemic, expect to receive a service that will provide the highest level of safety, comfort, and flexibility when planning a travel. This does not concern just those that intend to go on a leave in early autumn, but also business travel that is making a gradual comeback. We offer to our clients one of the most competitive products on the market, and namely: flexible booking and easy online management, attractive airline ticket prices, and high standards in in-flight products. We continually improve the quality of our offer, fighting for every passenger”, says Michał Fijoł, Chief Commercial Officer at LOT Polish Airlines. Change of date and direction of travel From now on, passengers are able to change the date and direction of travel in their booking free of charge, and as many times as they want. This applies to tickets purchased between 10 September to 31 December 2020 on all LOT flights, in each available fare, including the cheapest ‘saver’ option without additional baggage. Any extra fees only result from the difference in the price tickets when the fare used in the initial booking is no longer unavailable. As for tickets purchased until 10 September 2020, the passengers may change free of charge their direction and date of travel only once. Easy online booking service If a passenger wants to select a new date on the same route, they can do it on their own at lot.com from the bookmark Manage your booking. Changes in the direction of travel can be made by contacting LOT Contact Centre or our agents directly. Moreover, with the comfort of travel and highest quality of passenger service in mind, in the current epidemic situation LOT has also implemented a number of technological changes in its offer. At lot.com, passengers may to notify their wish to change or return their ticket without having to contact us by phone or e-mail. The website also features a chatbot, which automatically answers questions asked by passengers. Thanks to an additional service TIME2THINK, our passengers may temporarily put their flight booking on hold up for a specific price, up to 72 hours. High product and service quality for our passengers Moreover, the Polish carrier improves the quality of in-flight products as well – recently, it replaced paper press by sharing over 1,000 digital press titles for all passengers, regardless of class and travel destination. The carrier also extended its free in-flight service to include new snacks. A novelty on domestic flights is a sweet bun, a 0.5 l bottle of water for each passenger, and a disinfecting tissue. On short-haul flights, passengers are also offered a selection of salty and sweet snacks (pretzels, nuts, and sweet buns) free of charge. At lot.com, you can order a free special meal (there are 25 different meals to choose from, including: meals for small children, kosher, gluten-free, and seafood meals) on long-haul flights in all booking classes and in LOT Premium Class as well as LOT Business Class on short-haul routes. Soon, the self-service option at lot.com will also include paid meals. Current information on the rules for safety and LOT in-flight service can be found at lot.com
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Russian Helicopters deliver Mi-171 to China
The Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant of the Russian Helicopters holding (part of the Rostec State Corporation) has supplied a Mi-171 helicopter with VK-2500-03 engines to a Chinese civil aviation company. In 2019, the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued a national type certificate for Mi-171 with the new power plant. The decision of the Chinese aviation authorities expanded the capabilities of Russian Helicopters to meet the needs of the Chinese market. "The key advantages of the helicopter, high thrust-to-weight ratio and operational safety in mountainous regions, caught the attention of potential buyers in the end of 2018, when Mi-171 was demonstrated in China", pointed out Leonid Belykh, Managing Director of U-UAZ. "Chinese Civil Aviation Administration and leadership of the Ministry of Emergency Situations were impressed by the helicopter's capabilities for transporting goods on an external sling, emergency response, as well as for the ability to quickly load and unload of rescue and firefighter personnel". The VK-2500-03 engine, designed and supplied by UEC-Klimov, is more powerful that the older TV3-117VM engine series 02, especially when used in high altitude due to its heat-resistant materials and improved design. The introduction of the BARK-78 digital automatic control system gives more detailed control over the engines and their different modes, and generally simplifies their operation. The use of VK-2500-03 engines in Mi-171 helicopters ensures higher load capacity and increases the operational and hovering ceiling. Besides, greater available engine power in an emergency mode ensures greater safety during the flight with one running engine. This was already a second Chinese civilian airline to buy helicopters of this configuration. China currently operates a total of about 200 Mi-171 helicopters.
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KebNi Special Advisor to Spearhead Move Into $5 US Billion Leo Satellite Market
KebNi AB, a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market stock exchange in Sweden, focused on becoming a leading supplier of antenna solutions, servicing international government and commercial markets has announced the appointment of Ronald van der Breggen as special advisor to the CEO. In this role Ronald will help develop KebNi’s winning strategy for the large opportunity that the future LEO satellite services represent. Ronald brings over 25 years of telecommunication and satellite experience, which includes working for several of the most prominent satellite operators, the last five years of which has been exclusively for LEO operators, most notably LeoSat, in the areas of strategic and commercial planning and sales management. Recent reports on the LEO market include Absolute Reports predicting a global market size of 5.2 billion USD by 2024. KebNi’s CEO, Carsten Drachmann, said: “KebNi is well positioned to use its technology and stabilization platforms to capture significant market share in the upcoming low earth orbit (LEO) satellite market.” “LEO is offering new ways of communicating via satellite, utilizing a constellation of satellites much closer to earth than the traditional geostationary satellites (GEO). Key features of LEO include higher data rates and lower latency which, through KebNi’s technology, will offer the advantage of enhanced security, seamless integration and operational flexibility to end-users globally,” he added. “We see a great future in IOT, 5G backhaul and various other mission critical applications for enterprise and government. With companies like Amazon, OneWeb, Starlink, Iridium and Telesat currently in the process of launching thousands of low orbit satellites, it is KebNi’s strategic goal to expand its product offering and leverage its current unique technology to deliver ground equipment and terminals for the these new LEO satellite networks. To help us in setting and executing the best strategy to achieve this long term goal, I’m looking forward to working with Ronald, who pioneered the LEO industry in the past five years and brings a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge to the company,” he concluded. KebNi is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden and has a long history and experience in maritime satellite antenna solutions and solutions for inertial movement sensing. It markets its products through three business areas - KebNi Maritime for Maritime Satellite Antennas, KebNi Inertial Sensing for Inertial Measurement Units and KebNi Land Mobile for Communication on the Move (COTM) as well as Communication on the Pause (COTP) antennas. KebNi’s products and solutions address government & military customers, as well as commercial customers in industries for robotics and self-driving vehicles. Mr Van Der Breggen said: “I’m very much looking forward to be involved in KebNi’s process of defining its winning strategy for the LEO opportunity. The LEO market is characterized by its grand announcement and its very diverse, yet big opportunities. In that context I am already impressed with KebNi’s focus on where it sees opportunities in leveraging its robust and high-quality products and engineering capabilities. I am confident it will bring the company many opportunities worldwide and I am excited to help the company develop that success.” A native of the Netherlands, Ronald van der Breggen, has more than 20 years of experience in the telecom and satellite sectors. He began his telecom career at Dutch Telecom incumbent KPN and KPNQwest, rising to the position of VP IP Services. He then joined SES, one of the world’s leading satellite operators as Vice President Customer Account Management. From 2015 to 2019 he served as Chief Commercial Officer of LeoSat, where under his leadership the company secured $2 Billion USD in pre-launch commitments.
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Mi-171A2 certified in South Korea
Validation of Mi-171A2 certificate confirms the compliance of design with local flight safety requirements and authorizes its use in the Republic of Korea. "South Korea is the largest foreign operator of the Ka-32 helicopter and also has a successful track record of using Mi-8/17 in police operations. Validation of the Mi-171A2 certificate proves that the country has high demand and trust in Russian helicopter designs. I am confident that our Korean partners will appreciate the outstanding flight performance and modern on-board equipment of Mi-171A2; negotiations about its delivery are already under way", said the Director General of Russian Helicopters Andrey Boginsky. The first foreign operator of Mi-171A2 was the Republic of Kazakhstan. In addition, its certificate has been validated by the aviation authorities of India and Colombia. Its validation is also planned in China, Brazil, Mexico, Peru and several other countries. Its modern, high performance VK-2500 engines give Mi-171A2 fundamentally new possibilities for operation in high-mountain and high-temperature regions. Due to its more efficient X-shaped tail rotor, a new main rotor with all-composite blades, and improved aerodynamic profile, the cruise and maximum speeds of Mi-171A2 helicopter are 10 percent higher and its load capacity is 25 percent greater than those of serial Mi-8/17 helicopters. Mi-171A2 comes with a modern digital "glass cockpit" avionics suite which allows to reduce its crew to two persons. Video cameras provide a better view during external load operations. Its flight safety is improved by modern terrain awareness and warning systems, airborne and obstacle collision avoidance systems. Depending on the operator needs, Mi-171A2 helicopter can perform search and rescue missions, medical and cargo operations, fight fires or carry passengers in daylight and during night, and at temperatures from -50°C to + 50°C.
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Russian Helicopters sign a contract for the development of modern shipborne helicopter
Russian Helicopters holding company (part of the Rostecstate corporation) has signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense for the development of a modern shipborne helicopter. A signing ceremony was held as part of the International Military-Technical Forum "ARMY-2020", which is taking place in the Patriotic Park of Recreation and Leisure “Patriot” in the Moscow Region. "This marks a new stage in the creation of modern shipbornehelicopter. Earlier, working together with the Russian Ministry of Defense, we established the terms of reference required for R&D side of this project. Today, we validated the project with the signing of relevant documents. The new shipborne helicopter design has now been completely established, and we are moving on schedule, in accordance with the goals set by the customer", said the Director General of Russian Helicopters Andrey Boginsky. Development work will be carried out by specialists from the National Helicopter Center Мil&Kamov. In accordance with the approved schedules, first stage of development is planned to be completed within three years. The project will lead to the creation of universal shipbornehelicopter capable of performing search and rescue, troop transport and ASW missions.
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Rostec to deliver first Mi-26T2 to the Ministry of Emergency Situations
Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec) and the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations agreed on the delivery of the first heavy Mi-26T2 helicopter to the department's needs. The contract was signed during theInternational Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2020. Mi-26T2 is an upgraded version of the Mi-26T heavy transport helicopter. It has received modern avionics, enabling operations at any time of the day, in adverse weather conditions and overterrain that lacks landmarks for orientation. The upgrade has also allowed reducing crew to 3 persons. "Rostec supplies the Ministry of Emergency Situations with helicopters that are used for rescue operations, medical evacuation, firefighting and other missions. Mi-26T2 is the latest modification of the most powerful transport helicopter in the world. It significantly upgrades its capabilities in line with the latest requirements for avionics and flight safety," pointed outAndrey Boginsky, Director General of Russian Helicopters. "Mi-26T2 is already in mass productions and has been supplied to foreign customers, who have been extremely satisfied with it. I am confident that the enhanced capabilities of Mi-26T2 will also be in demand for the demanding missions carried out daily by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations." Mi-26T2 is equipped with modern navigation system. The helicopter comes with "glass cockpit" (digital system for flight instrument displays), systems for inertial navigation, Glonass and Navstar positioning, enhanced ground proximity warning, and energy-absorbing seats for the crew. It is equipped with a digital autopilot, capable of both navigating as well as landing the helicopter. Its enhanced avionics can significantly reduce the workload on pilots, simplify their work, and also reduce the flight preparation time. Compared to the basic version, many processes are automated. At the same time, almost all systems are redundant to increase reliability and safety. Mi-26T2 can reach the altitude of 4600 meters and has cruising speed of 255 km/h (maximum speed is 295 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is 56 tons with a cargo of 20 tons. Range – 800 km with normal load (ferry range is 1920 km). The helicopter is capable of performing various missions, such as evacuating up to 82 people from a disaster area or transporting 60 wounded and 3 paramedics, when used in the medical configuration. Mi-26T2 can operate as a tanker, transporting 14,000 liters of fuel and 1,000 liters of lubricants, and of course, extinguish fires using a bucket device.
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Russian Helicopters to supply two Mi-38 helicopters to the Ministry of Defense
Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense for supplying two Mi-38 helicopters with a highly comfortable cabin. A ceremony to mark that was held as part of the International Military-Technical Forum "ARMY-2020", which is taking place in the Patriotic Park of Recreation and Leisure “Patriot” in the Moscow Region. The fact that our customers are interested in Mi-38 confirms that we have chosen the right concept, where the helicopter belongs to a segment between Mi-26 and Mi-8. The Russian Ministry of Defense has already received two Mi-38T transport and troop landing helicopters, which are undergoing test operation in the armed forces I am convinced that a civilian version of the helicopter will also be sought after due to its outstanding load capacity, number of passengers, and flight safety," said Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company Andrey Boginsky. The first serial Mi-38 helicopter was introduced to the general public at MAKS-2019 International Aviation and Space Salon, where it was demonstrated to the President of Russia Vladimir Putin and the President of Turkey Tayyip Recep Erdoğan. Mi-38's foreign debut took place during the Dubai Airshow 2019 air show, where the head of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov showed it to the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In February 2020, the first serial Mi-38 helicopter with a highly comfortable cabin was handed over to Gazprombank Leasing. The design of Mi-38 is based on a single-rotor scheme and a twin-engine power plant. The helicopter is made by Kazan Helicopters. The rotorcraft has two TV7-117V engines made in Russia, which are equipped with devices that protect them from dust and ensure high quality of air purification. The main structural elements of Mi-38 fuselage are made of aluminum alloys, individual components and parts are made of steel, titanium and composite materials. An advanced six-blade main rotor provides high thrust and low vibration levels. The blades are equipped with an anti-icing system, and the X-shaped tail rotor gives the helicopter excellent handling with a low noise level. Mi-38 is equipped with a modern navigation system and satellite navigation system. The cockpit of the helicopter has five versatile LCD color screens to display information. The flight range of the new Mi-38 helicopter in its transport version is up to 1,200 kilometers (with additional fuel tanks). With the maximum takeoff weight of 15.6 tons, the helicopter is capable of taking five tons of payload on board or on an external sling.
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Euramec and GeoSim team up with Vulcan, the unique Aerial Firefighting Simulation solution for Europe
Euramec, the European flight simulation solution providers team up with Australia’s GeoSim to deliver Vulcan, a unique aerial firefighting simulation solution. “Development of the GeoSim Vulcan Firefighting Simulation solution was already well under way before these devastating wildfires in Australia in 2019,” Charles Du Plessis, MD GeoSim explained. “Our country is a on the frontline of this annual battleground as you could see on the horrific images portrayed in the press in 2019. We believe that our Aerial Firefighting Simulation Center will assist in further preparing our brave and skilled aerial aviators as they enter into the 2020/21 fire season and Vulcan could well prove to be a real lifesaver in this annual battle.” The aim of the Vulcan Simulation Center is to prepare our Aviators for the unexpected emergencies that can and do occur when flying into areas at low altitudes in adverse climatic conditions. Vulcan is designed to also support joint training exercises so that fire and rescue professionals are well practiced in mission preparation, communication, situational awareness and terrain familiarisation before they start to work as an effective team. The new GeoSim firefighting sim solution is aimed at two important market segments: Search and Rescue (SAR) and Aerial Firefighting (AFF) Both involve exposure to unusual risk - especially in adverse conditions such as fighting wildfires. GeoSim is teaming up with EURAMEC to market and promote Vulcan as the turnkey aircrew training solution of choice for specialist SAR and AFF professionals. “With its global sales and support network, and a proven track record of close personal attention to customer relationships around the world, EURAMEC is a preferred international flight simulation partner.” EURAMEC is partnering with GeoSim Technologies to ensure that the simulators used in the Vulcan Center fully comply with EASA FNPT-II standards. "Government agencies and private operators now have a powerful tool at their disposal with the Vulcan aerial firefighting sim solution. We look forward to serving the Aerial Firefighting communities around the world and protecting our natural resources and communities.” Bert Buyle, CEO EURAMEC said.
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Rostec launches serial production of upgraded Mi-35P
Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) has launched serial production of the upgraded Mi-35P attack helicopter at the Rostvertol plant. The first serial model completed its type-specific flight tests, receiving confirmation of the declared performance characteristics and implemented changes in its design. During the tests, taking place on the premises of Rostvertol and the National Helicopter Center Мil&Kamov, Mi-35P performed a number of flights using new weapons and onboard equipment. The tests resulted into finalization of the helicopter's design documentation, confirming the model's readiness for mass production. "Mi-35P was created in cooperation with Rostec's enterprises and combines the best qualities of the legendary Mi-24 family, hardened in air combat around the world, and the latest Russian achievements in the field of avionics. Last year we demonstrated the aircraft to a number of potential customers, and today we can confidently say that the helicopter is in demand, we have launched serial production of Mi-35P under the first contract with a foreign customer”, said the Director General of Russian Helicopters Andrey Boginsky. The upgraded Mi-35P is equipped with an upgraded target sight system with 3rd generation long-wave matrix thermal imaging, a high-resolution color TV camera and a laser rangefinder. The helicopter also comes with modern 3+ generation night vision goggles and a set of external and internal lighting equipment adapted for the use with them. New digital flight control system improves the controllability and stability of the helicopter and provides automation of piloting processes to support the pilot. In addition, a modernized targeting and computing system will increase the accuracy of target engagement. Mi-35P is armed with a mobile 23 mm twin-barreled cannon and S-8 rockets, and can be refitted with suspended containers with 23 mm cannons, S-13 rockets, Ataka ATGM's with a twin-channel control system, with Vikhr-1 or Vikhr-1M guided missiles. Improved performance in combination with the improved flight and navigation systems allow Mi-35P to fly at any time of the day in simple or moderately difficult weather conditions, both under visual and instrument flying rules, in diverse geographical conditions,including over non-landmark terrain. At the same time, the helicopter retains its capability of using both guided and unguided weapons under all conditions. Mi-35P design provides the helicopter with improved combat survivability and reduces maintenance burden. Upgraded Mi-35P will be demonstrated at the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2020.
