by hmvh

In the air news of October 2010 we have new developments in terms of technology, aircrafts, helicopters, Jet A-1 fuel, aviation sports and avionics.

New Amphibian Aircrafts First Flight

Light Amphibian aircraft designs are starting to grow in number with at least two having made their maiden flights recently-one in France and the other in the United States; the former ,the Akoya being developed by French manufacturer, Lisa Airplanes, having been featured in last months edition  of world  Air news.

The latest amphibian design from the United States, the Icon A5,made its maiden flight a few weeks ago and is already well into its test flight phase.

In addition to its amphibious abilities, the two-seat sport ‘plane features several patent-pending technologies highlighted by folding wings that allow the plane to be towed on the road with an Icon custom trailer.

The aircraft ,built by Los Angeles-based Icon Aircraft, boasts a high-strength, lightweight carbon fibre airframe that is powered by a reliable ,100-hp Rotax 912 ULS engine that runs on auto and aviation gasoline  at an estimated top speed of 105 knots (120 mph).

Besides folding wings, unique features specific to the Icon A5 include an intuitive, sports car-like cockpit with an MP3 music port and patent-pending Sea wings platform for easy access and docking on water. A team of product designers who have worked for leading automotive manufacturers contributed to the ultra-modern industrial design.

The prototype completed its first flight test in California recently under the guidance of Icons engineering team, which is comprised of former top engineers at Scaled Composites, a leading producer of specialty aircraft like the Voyager, GlobalFlyer, and X-Prize winning SpaceShipone.

Designed to be predictable and easy to fly, it has safety features such as a propeller guard, angle of attack indicator, and quick-deploying Icon Complete Airplane Parachute so pilots can fly with peace of mind.

About all else that has been released by the manufacturer is that the estimated price of the aircraft will probably be around $ 139000 for a standard model. Production of the type is scheduled to begin toward the end of this year.

No specifications have yet been announced and the only indication as to its weight is that is aimed to fit into the LSA licensing regulations.

Icon Aircraft is described as a consumer sport-plane manufacturer founded by Kirk Hawkins, an accomplished engineer and former US Air Force F-16 fighter pilot. Hawkins started the company during Stanford University Business School in 2005 after learning of the US Federal Aviation Administrations major regulatory changes that created the Light Sport Aircraft market in 2004.

A venture-backed, early stage company out of Silicon Valley, Icon Aircraft quickly moved its operations to Southern California, which is a hotbed for aerospace engineering, automotive design, and power sports activities.

Russian Helicopters Aim At Global Expansion

At AAD 2010 Russian Helicopters, a holding that unites all Russian helicopter manufacturers, demonstrated its new approach to production and service support of its rotorcraft.

The company manufactures a vast range of both civil and combat models- in 2009 it delivered  183 helicopters to Russian and foreign clients, a more than 8% increase compared with the previous year.

Now Russian Helicopters rely on existing models: civil medium class Kamov Ka-32A11BC recently certified under EASA standards, various modifications of Mil Mi-17 transport and super-heavy Mi-26 cargo rotorcraft. The combat range includes modernized Mi-35M and Mi-28N Night Hunter and Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters, all of them already selected by the Russian Air Force.

In order to strengthen its position on the global market in the short tm the Russian company develops several new models that incorporate the latest innovations in avionics and are eco-friendly with reduced noise and emissions. In the light class Russian Helicopters promote Mi-34SI (S2), Ka-226T and Ansat Rorocraft.The Company also launches an effort to modernize its best-seller –Mi-8/Mi-17 family into Mi-171M version that is expected to receive more powerful engines, improved rotors and avionics.

Another new model in the medium class will be brand-new Mi-38 that enters the final stages of development. In the more distant perspective Russian Helicopters plan to design a high-speed helicopter that will be based on the experience of both world-known Mil and Kamov design bureaus.

Russian Helicopters also pays ever-growing attention to the service support of its products .According to the company’s COO Andrey Shibitov, a world-wide network of authorized maintenance centre’s for Russian rotorcraft is to be set by 2015-2020.In 2009-2010 the company launched joint ventures that will provide maintenance services for the Russian rotorcraft in UAE, India and China and authorized some existing MRO providers in Russia, Kazakhstan and Lithuania.

The company’s long-term strategy calls for established of more helicopter service centers in South-East Asia, Latin America and in Central and South Africa.

Russian Hind With A CROC’S Teeth

NATO May have given the Russian Mi-24 helicopter the rather tame classification of “Hind”, but this belies its fighting qualities. Its appearance in African skies soon earned the helicopter the nickname of “Crocodile”, not surprisingly given the “bite” its heavy armament has which bodes ill for anything which dares get involved in a dogfight with the Mi-24.

But combat operations are not its only task. It has proven its ability on many occasions in its peacekeeping and humanitarian roles as well.

This reliable helicopter has been in operation for decades, the secret of its success lying not only in its combat survivability of which operators in Africa have first-hand knowledge, but also its amazing ability to operate in even the most extreme climatic conditions.

The Hind’s service record lists dozens of operations in military service.Mi-24(35) type helicopter posses unique experience of surviving in conditions of extreme military operations. They deserve the reputation of being excellent “soldiers” being irreplaceable for accomplishing a wide variety of missions.

When developing the Mi-24, Russian designer, Milkhail Mil, decided to combine functions of an attack helicopter and a transport machine in one. At present Mi-24 helicopters have several applications such as attack, troop-carrying, medical and general transport. The attack version is intended for destroying armoured vehicles and for support of land forces.

In its troop-carrying role, the helicopter can transport eight fully-equipped soldiers accommodated in its cabin.

Converted to its medical role, the Mi-24 can accommodate two stretcher cases and two seated casualties with one medical attendant. When transporting cargo, the Mi-35M may carry up to 1,500 kilograms inside the cargo cabin or up to 2,400 kilograms on the external sling.

At present the sole producer of the Hind is the Southern Russian-based Rostvertol plc. During the many years the company has been producing the helicopter it has not only supplied Mi-24(35) type helicopters, but also provided service and maintenance in many African countries, such as Angola, Burkina Faso,Ethiopia,Niger,Nigeria, Senegal,Sudan,Uganda,Zimbabwe,etc.

The Mi-24s have continuously demonstrated high performance and reliability in the adverse climatic conditions of Africa when accomplishing peacemaking missions of international organizations, such as the United Nations. In fact .Hind helicopters take part in practically all UN Peace-keeping missions in Africa.

A particular example of this was the support for Mi-24 combat helicopters have given to a Russian military division consisting of 115 servicemen who have been part of the UN Peace-making mission in Serra Leone since August 2000. Their task was to provide the UN personnel security by escorting ground convoys; by performing search-and-rescue flights; by supporting airmobile operations of the UN and also by performing patrol and observation flights.

The operations performed by the helicopter group received worldwide acclaim especially from the point of view of the efficiency and reliability of the Russian Hinds.

Upgrade

Serious work on upgrading theMi-24v helicopter resulted in the construction of a new up-to-date combat helicopter-the Mi-35M- which, according to media reports, the Russian Ministry of Defence is planning  to purchase for the Russian Army.

The MI-35M upgrade is the results of the introduction of new technologies in a joint effort by Rostvertol plc and Mil MHP.

The MI-35M is equipped with a rotor system of composite blades. The improved blade profile enhances the helicopter performance, and the composite materials provide increased service life and combat survivability.

The Mi-35M has an X-shape tail rotor which increases directional control efficiency and reduces the helicopters acoustic footprint.

Other structural changes incorporated in the Mi-35M are the non-retractable landing gear and the shortened wing with new external store racks and a built-in-load lifting system.

The combat helicopters are fitted with a new multi-place launching device for up to eight anti-tank guided missiles in launching pods making the Mi-35M an attack helicopter fitted with up-to-date high-precision armament of round-the –clock application, capable of accomplishing missions day and night and in all weather conditions.

The helicopters lights are adapted for application in both Russian-and foreign-made third generation NVG.

For providing round-the-clock application, the helicopter is fitted with up-to-date radio-electronic equipment including state-of-the-art navigation system with thermal imaging .TV channels, laser range meter and thermal direction finder.

Despite the advantages of the new helicopters and it being included in the inventory of the Russian Army, this does not mean the end of the Mi-24 helicopter.

Rather will it complement the Hind as Mi-24s potential is so significant that after various modifications it can be successfully operated for many years to come?