Number 26 – 04 April 2024

“Any pilot can describe the mechanics of flying. What it can do for the spirit of man is beyond description.” Barry Goldwater

SAAB 210

(Information from Wikipedia)

The Saab 210 is an approximately 70% scale research prototype for the double-delta configuration of the Saab 35 Draken supersonic fighter. It became known by the unofficial nickname Lilldraken (Little Dragon or Little Kite). Its first flight was on 21 January 1952. The 210 retrospectively gained the unofficial name Lilldraken from the larger Type 35 Draken which it led to. The Swedish word ‘Draken’ has a double meaning, translating either as ‘The Dragon’ or ‘The Kite’. It is said that the name was derived from the appearance of the prototype Type 35, like a paper kite, when seen from above.

Design and development

Under designer Erik Bratt, in the early 1950s Saab were developing a double-delta configuration for a proposed supersonic jet fighter. The configuration was novel and highly advanced, so a small aerodynamic test aircraft, the Type 210, was built to investigate its low-speed flight characteristics.

The tailless double-delta wing extended almost to the front of the 210, with the integral wing root air intakes positioned just behind a small nose. The 210 also featured a protruding bubble canopy, a swept tail fin and semi-retractable tricycle undercarriage. By now the fighter was designated the J 35 Draken and the diminutive test aircraft soon became known as the ‘Lilldraken’. Jet power was provided by a 1,000 lb class Armstrong Siddeley Adder engine.

The 210 was taken up for its maiden flight by Bengt Olow, on 21 January 1952. It subsequently undertook extensive flight testing, before undergoing modification for a second phase. The 210 was modified, with the air intakes moved back to positions alongside the cockpit, to increase the field of view for the pilot. A drogue parachute was also added. In this form it was designated the 210B and the previous configuration retrospectively as the 210A. Flight testing resumed and by the time of its final flight on 25 October 1955, the Saab 210 in both its forms had undertaken 887 separate sorties. The Saab 210B is currently on display in the Flygvapenmuseum (Air Force Museum) in Linköping. 

Those persons who correctly identified this week’s mystery aircraft:

Steve Dewsbery, Willie Oosthuizen, Kevin Farr, Hilton Carroll, Karl Jensen, P. Rossouw, Charlie Hugo, Bruce Prescott, Karl von Seydlitz, Righardt du Plessis, Andre Visser, Pierre Brittz, Andrew Peace, Wout van der Waal, John Skinner, Ulrik Wiinblad-Rasmussen, Jan Sime, Ahmed Bassa, Barry Eatwell, Colin Austen, Clint Futter, Jeremy Rorich, Piet Steyn, Erwin Stam, Billy Haskins, Selwyn Kimber, Rennie van Zyl, Bruce Margolius, Michael Schoeman, Cecil Thompson, Sergio Antao, Brian Millett, Johan Venter, Frank Hofmann, John Moen, Aiden O’Mahony, Rex Tweedie, Dave Lloyd, Nigel Hamilton (39 correct entries this week).

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Congratulations to Simuflight’s B200 for completing their ratings before and during Easter.

Congratulations to Simuflight’s C208 candidate for completing the rating before and during Easter.

Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA) news

6 April
Robertson annual fly-in breakfast Robertson airfield
Contact: Alwyn du Plessis. E-mail: boeredata@breede.co.za Cell: 083 270 5888

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

6 April
SAPFA ANR National Championships – Brakpan airfield
Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: iaanmyburgh@gmail.com Cell: 082 449 2531

African airlines’ performance updates by AFRAA – March 2024

2024 is definitely the year of recovery for aviation. Airlines operations have exceeded pre-pandemic level both in terms of capacity and traffic carried. The number of seats offered in the region increased by 12.6%, from 14.3 million in March 2019 to 16.1 million in March 2024, thanks to new routes and frequencies added. Over the same period, ASKs also exceeded the level of March 2019 by 7.7%. African carriers accounted for 49.5% of the international capacity and 35.9% of the intercontinental capacity.

AFRAA estimates that passenger traffic carried by African operators in 2024 will be about 98 million.  In terms of capacity split between African and non-African operators on both regional and intercontinental routes, AFRAA estimate a 50.7% and 49.3% respectively. A further disaggregation of capacity on only the intercontinental routes reveals a much lower share of 35.7% for Africa as against 64.3% for non-African operators.

Though continent-wide intra-African connectivity exceeded pre-pandemic levels since December 2022, major hubs like Johannesburg and Casablanca are yet to reach 2019 levels. Similar to traffic growth, African airlines are also seeing improved revenue performance. AFRAA estimated revenue for January 2024 was US$ 1.83 billion compared to US$1.56 billion in November 2023 indicating a revenue growth of 14.75%. Global price of Jet A1 continues to fluctuate from week to week. The global average jet A1 price ended the week of 22nd March 2024 up 1.1% at $109.08/bbl.

Regulatory / Industry affairs

ATNS in South Africa implemented the revised Air Traffic Service Charges, effective 1 May 2024. These charges were reviewed and approved by the regulator. A proposed $20 per passenger fee at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra, Ghana to cover airport maintenance works and baggage belt repairs, without following due process attracted condemnation by operators and the industry. While there is a need for investment in infrastructure to meet growing demand, AFRAA advocates strict adherence by all service providers to the stipulated ICAO principles contained in DOC9082.  Following intervention by the parliament of Ghana, levying of the proposed fee has been suspended.

Airplanes Africa Limited’s (AAL) has achieved a commendable feat by assembling the first Skyleader 600 aircraft in Tanzania. This could mark the beginning of Africa’s venture into aircraft assembly and components manufacture.

Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to signing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) solemn commitment. If done, this will bring to 39 the African State that have committed to opening up their markets. Similarly, internal discussions are ongoing in Tanzania on their commitment to SAATM. If the two countries join, EAC will boast a big domestic market for air travel. Open skies will boost intra-African connectivity, drive down airfares and stimulate air traffic and revenue growth across the continent as well as create jobs.

Sierra Leone CAA’s Consumer Protection Unit has reached out to her ECOWAS partners in the Consumer Protection industry to harmonies the positions to safeguard the sub-region consumer interest in civil aviation. Striking a balance between protecting passenger rights and ensuring sustainable air services is crucial for a healthy aviation industry.

Ecuador has made positive strides with a new Tourism Law which eliminates currency repatriation tax and to reduce the 5% jet-fuel tax by 1% annually over the next five years. The African Continent can emulate this gradual tax reduction model of Ecuador to reduce some of the burdensome taxes that are hampering aviation development on the continent.

ICAO and the Aviation Working Group (AWG) are collaborating to enhance cross-border aircraft transferability by promoting compliance with the Cape Town Convention. This will improve efficiency and safety in the aircraft leasing and financing sector and AFRAA commends the two organisations for the initiative.

Piper hits pedestrians on walking path, three injured

On Monday, two people out for a walk in Muncie, Indiana were struck by a Piper PA-28 Dakota (N8438B) when it crashed into the path after missing its initial approach at the Delaware County Regional Airport (MIE). An airport official confirmed Piper PA-28-236 Dakota, which has also been reported as a Piper Cherokee, was traveling from Bloomington and landing on runway 14 when the pilot decided to circle back, instead crashing on the nearby walking path around 10h24. MIE reported that the plane crashed about 0.5 miles west of the airport and the plane was occupied by a single occupant. Chief Deputy Jeff Stanley told Fox 59 Muncie the plane fell out of the sky and crashed, striking the two pedestrians walking on the Cardinal Greenway walking trail. Stanley said it was not clear if the people were struck by the plane or the debris when the Piper collided with the treeline around the path.

Officials confirmed in a press conference Monday afternoon that the pilot was entrapped in the wreckage and rescuers had to extricate him from the aircraft. The pilot and pedestrians were transported to the IU Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. An EMS responder said that by Monday afternoon, two of the patients were in serious condition and likely moving to other hospitals, the condition of the third was unknown at the time. He confirmed in the press conference that the pilot was one of the two patients in serious condition being transferred to a hospital in Indianapolis. He told reporters that the patients suffered burns and other traumatic injuries consistent with the wreckage with fire involved.

Upon arrival, responders put out a fire from the initial crash on the debris and airplane tail. Airport officials reported that there was electrical work being done at the airport and American Electric Power employees put out the fire with extinguishers they had on their trucks before responders arrived on the scene. The airport official confirmed that the plane was arriving at MIE from Bloomington and circled back after a missed approach before the crash. The plane impacted trees on the west side and east side of the greenway. He also confirmed that there were no declarations of emergency prior to the crash. He said the pilot was not local to Muncie. MIE has not had a serious injury crash in over 20 years.

Korean Air finalises order for 33 Airbus A350s

Korean Air has confirmed its commitment to the Airbus A350 family, marking a significant milestone as a new customer with the signing of a firm order for 33 aircraft. The order comprises 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s. With its remarkable fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, the A350 will revolutionise Korean Air’s intercontinental routes, offering a 25% decrease in fuel consumption compared to previous aircraft generations. Additionally, the extended range of the A350 opens doors for Korean Air to explore new long-haul destinations.

Jason Yoo, Chief Safety and Operating Officer and EVP at Korean Air commented: “The A350’s outstanding range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort align perfectly with our global network. We anticipate that integrating the A350 into our fleet will enhance operational efficiencies and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers.”

Benoit de Saint Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, stated: “Korean Air’s order signifies another significant endorsement for the A350 as the premier long-range aircraft. The airline stands to gain substantial operational benefits, including reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Moreover, the A350 presents an ideal platform for Korean Air to enhance its in-flight offerings and world-class service. We extend our gratitude to Korean Air for its continued confidence in Airbus and its products, and eagerly anticipate the A350 adorned in the carrier’s iconic livery.” At the end of February, the A350 family had won 1,240 orders from 59 customers worldwide.

United Airlines offers pilots unpaid leave due to Boeing delivery setbacks

According to CNBC, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) wrote to pilot members working for United Airlines to advise them of the proposal. “Due to recent changes to our Boeing deliveries, the remaining 2024 forecast block hours for United have been significantly reduced,” ALPA said in a note to members on 29 March 2024. “While the delivery issues surround our 787 and 737 fleets, the impact will affect other fleets as well.” United pilots were asked if they wished to take unpaid leave in May 2024. However, ALPA said further time off may be offered “for the summer bid periods and potentially into the fall.”

United Airlines is one Boeing’s largest customers and has been severely affected by the plane maker having to manage the fallout from the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 plug door blowout. Since the aviation accident on 5 January 2024, Boeing has faced huge scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve safety and must deliver a comprehensive plan to the FAA that addresses ‘systemic quality-control issues’ at the company. Following the Alaska Airlines incident the FAA placed a restriction on the number of 737 aircraft that Boeing could produce each month. 

United CEO Scott Kirby has been one of the most vocal critics of Boeing in recent weeks and has instructed the plane maker to build more 737 MAX 9 aircraft for the carrier, rather than focus on the MAX 10. “We have asked Boeing to stop building Max 10s, which they have done, for us and start building Max 9s. It is impossible to say when the Max 10 is going to get certified,” Kirby told a JPMorgan investor conference on 12 March 2024. United has an outstanding order for 277 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, plus another 200 options. “We can confirm that due to the recent delays in Boeing deliveries, our forecasted block hours for 2024 have been reduced and we are offering our pilots voluntary programmes for the month of May to reduce excess staffing,” United said in a statement regarding unpaid leave for pilots.

F-35s deploy to Poland to keep ‘safeguarding’ NATO

On 1 April, four US Air Force F-35 fighters deployed to Poland to help guard NATO’s eastern flank, keeping up a steady American presence in the region dating back to 2022 when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The F-35s came from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom and landed at Lask Air Base in central Poland, about 200 miles from the Ukrainian border and a little less than 600 miles from Kyiv. According to a US Air Forces in Europe release, they will be part of the ‘US’s continued support to safeguarding NATO’s eastern flank.’

A stream of USAF fighters have rotated through Lask over the last two years, including:

• F-15Es from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., starting in February 2022
• F-22s from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, starting in August 2022
• F-15Es from RAF Lakenheath, starting in November 2022
• F-16s from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, starting in October 2023

This is in addition to US fighters that have deployed to Estonia, Romania, Iceland and Germany in the past few years to bolster NATO air policing missions. A B-1 Lancer bomber task force has also recently started at Morón Air Base, Spain.

‘Operating from forward locations allows US Air Force Airmen to live, train and operate alongside European counterparts while enabling NATO’s collective defence capabilities,’ the USAFE release noted. ‘This capability is critical for a timely and coordinated response, if and when called upon.’

The Atlantic Council noted on 31 March the air war over Ukraine has heated up in recent months in that Russia has launched ‘the largest bombing campaign of the war’ in recent weeks, while at the same time the Ukrainians claim to have shot down 13 Russian aircraft in February alone, including fighters and valuable airborne early warning and control aircraft. The intensity of the air campaign has even threatened NATO allies, as Poland claimed in late March that Russia violated its airspace with a cruise missile launched at western Ukraine. The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in particular do not have robust air forces of their own and rely on NATO allies to conduct air policing missions in the region to deter Russia.  

Europe’s largest General Aviation show to host career opportunities

AERO Friedrichshafen, the premier European General Aviation (GA) trade show will include AERO Career Days, providing an opportunity for young people to discover diverse career opportunities within the GA industry. The 30th anniversary AERO event runs from 17 to 20 April, with the career days on 19 and 20 April. According to show organisers, some 25 companies are participating in the recruiting effort, including Liebherr Aerospace, Rheinland Air Service (RAS), Diehl Aerospace, Rheinmetall, EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), Air Alliance, Hillsboro Aero Academy, Textron Aviation, Junkers Aircraft, Lufthansa CityLine, Zeppelin, Trelleborg Ceiling Solutions and Platoon Aviation.

Tobias Bretzel, AERO show director, said, “The current forecast of Boeing sees a global need for a total of around 2.29 million new employees for the aviation industry by 2042, including 649,000 pilots, 690,000 new technicians and 938,000 cabin crew. In addition, there will be a need for additional personnel in GA, business aviation and the military. The prospects for young people for a successful career in aviation and aerospace are better than ever. The AERO Career Days offer interested parties a unique opportunity to obtain comprehensive information at first hand.”

Enforcement action against wing walking business goes over the top

Until 18 March there was one place in all of the US where anyone could pay somewhere north of $1,000 for about 25 minutes of crawling around on the wings of a Stearman. Those who visited Mason Wing Walking in Sequim, Washington, in the warm months and Ventura, California, in the winter spent several hours training to move safely around the airplane and how to survive an error if they had to rely on a safety tether attaching them to the plane. Mason and his wife Marilyn started offering wing walking flights in 2012 and have flown hundreds of people in full view of the FAA and other authorities and Mason told the Seattle Times it had been fully approved by the local authorities.

There are dozens of videos on YouTube and glowing testimonials about the professionalism and safety attitude of the proprietors. By all accounts it’s been a good mom and pop business for the Masons, paying the bills and then some since one of their kids has special needs. Life went on as usual for 12 years, except for a dustup with neighbours at their hangar home community. Some folks did not like the noise from that big prop in fine pitch as it launched those adventurers and that drew some attention to the little company. For whatever reason, after 12 years of minding their own business and safely delivering a bucket-list experience to hundreds of appreciative customers, the FAA came calling. They told Mason they were reviewing the operation but they apparently did not tell him to stop conducting his business while they did that review. The results of that review came in the form of a letter on 18 March grounding the business and issuing an emergency revocation of Mason’s ATP certificate, leaving the family without its livelihood. Mason is appealing the ruling but for now his ticket is pulled for a minimum of a year and it will be a process to get it back. The FAA acted as if they had sleuthed out a case against Mason and found, to their horror, that the flights that he had been carrying out in what he thought was full compliance with FAA regulations were suddenly ‘careless or reckless so as to endanger the life or property of another.’

“Given the pressure and scrutiny the agency has been under in Boeing’s home state, I can see where some new agency officials came to town, discovered Mason’s family business and had an instant aneurysm. As carefully and professionally as it seems to have been run, I can see where putting neophyte thrill seekers on top of a Stearman for a few laps around Puget Sound might raise some issues for the FAA these days.”

But the agency also bears major responsibility for its existence in the first place. Mason Wing Walking could not have thrived for 12 years without at least the tacit, if not overt, approval of the agency’s Washington State brass. While the most recent review was taking place, the FAA was in touch with Mason to tell him to stop flying the noisy warbird over areas where residents were complaining. To act like Mason had suddenly appeared on their radar and then to come down on him like a ton of bricks is both unseemly and excessive.

Elon Musk sets a new goal for massive Starship rocket

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has hinted at the goals for the next integrated test flight of the company’s Starship rocket and Super Heavy booster, which together form the largest and most powerful spacecraft ever built. Starship’s next mission, IFT-4, will be the massive rocket’s fourth since it made its maiden voyage in April 2023. The spacecraft launched for the third time in March, but it was also grounded by the FAA for a third time after SpaceX was unable to recover the rocket and booster when they re-entered the atmosphere. On Wednesday Musk said SpaceX is now preparing for that fourth test flight. The goal, he said, is for the spacecraft to survive the fireball that forms around it during re-entry, when temperatures reach their highest point. Gwynne Shotwell, chief operating officer of SpaceX, said last week that the flight could happen as soon as early May. It will not have a payload.

SpaceX completed a full-duration static fire test of the Starship upper stage’s six Raptor engines on Monday, less than two weeks after its third voyage. A static fire test involves the loading of propellant and firing of the engines while the rocket is bolted to the launch mount. It is intended to ensure the engine is functioning properly and assess factors like pressure and temperature. On Wednesday the company completed a second static fire of a single upper-stage engine using the spacecraft’s header tanks. These fuel the engines as they fire shortly before landing, which returns the reusable rocket to a vertical orientation as it approaches the landing pad.

IFT-4, if it goes according to Musk’s plan, would mark the first time Starship and Super Heavy make it to orbit and back to Earth in two pieces. Each of the rocket’s first two test flights ended in explosions. But the third attempt, while still resulting in the loss of the rocket and booster, was comfortably SpaceX’s most successful one yet. Starship’s six second-stage engines successfully powered on and carried the rocket to orbit for the first time. While in orbit, it achieved several more firsts, including a critical propellant transfer test that demonstrated a manoeuvre the spacecraft will need to perform on future missions to the moon and beyond, including for NASA. The space agency this month applauded the company’s effort. Starship also demonstrated the ability to open and close its payload door, which could one day be used to deploy Starlink satellites and other cargo, while in orbit. After coasting nearly halfway around the Earth, Starship re-entered the atmosphere for the first time, adding to the milestones. But after that SpaceX lost communications with the rocket and announced it believed it to be lost.

Before Starship can fly again it will need to be cleared by the FAA, which initiated a mishap investigation following the third test flight. A mishap investigation is standard procedure whenever a launch does not go according to plan. The process concludes with SpaceX obtaining a fresh launch license and could take anywhere from a few months to a few weeks. However, Musk does not anticipate any future slowdowns for Starship. Earlier this month he said that SpaceX would aim for six more Starship launches this year, which would be an unprecedented number for a new super heavy-lift rocket.

Klein AirCar meets its maker

As seen on Amazon’s Grand Tour last year, the Klein AirCar is to go into production. However, the maker will be in China with limited rights as to where they can sell the vehicle. KleinVision, the developer behind AirCar, has sold a geographically limited licence to Chinese company Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Co. “We are pleased to announce the sale of the licence for our certified flying car technology to the esteemed Chinese company,” said Stefan Klein, one of the founders of KleinVision. “This partnership represents a significant step in our mission to expand global access to revolutionary mobility solutions and drive progress in the industry,” added Anton Zajac, co-founder at KleinVision. The crew of Grand Tour including presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May visited KleinVision in Slovakia for the 2023 ‘EuroCrash’ episode. However, they opted to watch the AirCar take-off, fly and land rather than go for a flight.

Ukrainian forces strike drone factory 1,200km into Russian territory

A strike was carried out on a factory complex in Alabuga, Tatarstan, which is situated more than 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) away from Ukrainian soil. An oil refinery complex located outside Nizhnekamsk in Tatarstan was also targeted. Preliminary reports indicate that the attacks resulted in casualties. Eyewitnesses in the area reported explosions in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone at around 06h00 local time. The strike reportedly hit a plant and a hostel suspected to be associated with the assembly of Shahed-136 suicide drones. 

In July 2023, a factory was established in Alabuga to manufacture the suicide drone made in Iran, which Russia had previously imported for use in its invasion of Ukraine. Shahed-136 drones have been employed by Russian forces, along with domestically manufactured ones, as well as cruise missiles and different types of artillery, to hit targets on the frontlines and deep within Ukraine, including civilian infrastructure. This marks one of the deepest drone strikes conducted by Ukrainian forces during the conflict. Videos of the attack shared on social media suggest that the Ukrainian forces have repurposed general aviation aircraft such as a Cessna 152 to carry out these long-distance attacks. 

Blue Books offer crucial guides for first responder RPAS programmes

There are two important tools available for First Responders who use RPAS in their work. No, they are not drones. Instead, they are guides for developing safe and effective RPAS programmes and for carrying out low-risk BVLOS flight in the near future. These ‘Blue Books’ are intended for fire departments, Search and Rescue organisations. These guides came about because the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada identified a need for clear and credible reference documents. InDro Robotics received the contract to pull these books together, under the expertise of Kate Klassen and with a generous grant from the Government of Canada’s Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund.

Kate was an early adopter in the drone world and already had a solid background in traditional aviation. She is a flight instructor with multi-engine and Instrument Flight Rules ratings, as well as ratings for flying at night. She loves nothing more (with the exception of her two young daughters) than poring through regulations and working with bodies like Transport Canada to help safely advance the use of drones in Canadian airspace. In other words, she was perfect for the job.

Drones and first responders

These days, you would be hard-pressed to find a First Responder organisation that does not have some kind of drone programme. RPAS have been particularly helpful in Search and Rescue operations, including night searches using thermal sensors. Many people have been rescued quickly and safely as a result. The use of drones has also helped keep First Responders out of harm’s way. For example, it is much safer to locate a person lost on a frozen lake with a drone and then dispatch a rescue team to precise coordinates rather than having that crew roaming around on potentially hazardous conditions.

They are also a tremendous tool for firefighting operations. Not only do they supply immediate situational awareness that can be securely shared with decision makers down the line, but thermal sensors can also detect hot spots invisible to the naked eye. Police departments and even paramedics routinely use drones in operations. (In one example from Renfrew County, a drone was put up immediately following a tornado for damage assessment and to search for any injured people.) So drones are here to stay.

A revolution

It is not an exaggeration to say that drones have truly revolutionised the work carried out by these organisations. But it is easy to forget that this has been a recent development. DJI released its original Phantom drone back in 2013. At the time, it did not come with a camera and you had to attach a GoPro. Smart tinkerers figured out how to modify those GoPro’s so that the pilot could stream real-time video. Another company, Draganfly, was producing basic drones even earlier and selling them to law enforcement and other First Responders. But drones were not widely known and many of the use-cases now so common had not even yet been conceived.

A few early adopters began purchasing drones for First Responder work. It was largely trial and error, as people experimented with using drones for SAR, strategic monitoring of fires, photographing accident scenes and more. Results started to be shared by word of mouth and at conferences. Drones were gaining traction. Yet it was not so easy to just pop up a drone in those early days. Transport Canada at the time was rightly cautious about these new devices and pretty much any flight back then required a Special Flight Operations Certificate, even if you were flying within line of sight. Unless you managed to get a blanket SFOC, it was against the regulations to simply put a drone without that long SFOC process.

As the technology improved and the utility and safety was recognised, things began to shift. More and more First Responders started adding drones to their tool kit. And Transport Canada eventually modified (and continues to modify) its regulations to safely integrate drone operations into the national air space. If that sounds like progress, it was. But still, there was a hitch. Organisations were creating their own ad-hoc drone operations. They were doing their best, but there was really no Best Practices guide to help inform First Responders on how to create an effective programme. Yes, there was piecemeal information if you wanted to endlessly surf the internet, but there was not a single repository of knowledge that could be used as a guide. What qualifications are required? What type of drone is best for the job? What scheduled maintenance is necessary and why? This is how the idea for the Blue Book series came about.

Hermeus unveils Quarterhorse Mk 1

On Thursday Hermeus, the company working to operationalise hypersonic aircraft, unveiled the Quarterhorse Mk 1. The Quarterhorse Mk 1 was designed, built and integrated in seven months and will take flight later this year. The Quarterhorse Mk 1 is the second fully integrated vehicle Hermeus has developed in the last year, following the Quarterhorse Mk 0 which completed its test campaign in November 2023. This fast pace in development is representative of a new standard of one aircraft annually, which the Hermeus team has set for the pace of aircraft development. The new Quarterhorse Mk 1 is an uncrewed, remotely piloted aircraft powered by a GE J85 engine. The primary mission is to show high-speed take-off and landing, which is a vital capability in enabling the future of hypersonic aircraft. Flight tests will be taking place at Edwards Air Force Base.

This major milestone marks a transition from the design and build phase to the integrated test phase for Mk1. In the coming months, the vehicle will go through a series of tests across its subsystems, ground station, operations and human factors to prepare it for flight testing later this year. “Moving into the integrated test programme is the culmination of a huge team effort and a significant emotional event for the entire company,” Hermeus VP of Test Don Kaderbek said. “As we begin the journey to the first flight, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the aircraft’s performance while simultaneously examining the effectiveness of our test procedures, safety culture and interdisciplinary team collaboration.”

The aircraft in the Quarterhorse programme are progressively increasing in complexity, each building upon the knowledge gained from the prior builds. This approach manages program risk across the many vehicles and will accelerate the delivery of products and services to Hermeus customers. “The most unique and important aspect of our approach to developing a hypersonic aircraft is our rate of iteration, designing, building and flying an aircraft in less than a year, every year,” Hermeus CEO and Co-Founder AJ Piplica said. “It is a pace that has not been seen in the aircraft world for half a century. This approach has been proven successful in delivering massive improvements in the capabilities of rockets, satellites, and small drones. We are now bringing that power of iteration speed to aircraft. It’s a capability that is absolutely necessary for solving the challenges of operationalising hypersonic aircraft.”

Along with showcasing the new aircraft, Hermeus has unveiled plans for the Quarterhorse Mk 2, which will feature Pratt & Whitney F100 engines and fly at supersonic speeds in 2025. This rapid rate of development is nearly unmatched. Piplica said the plane was designed completely from scratch, “from napkin to airplane in 204 days.” He said the standard is 1,400 days (3.5 years). Hermeus barely missed the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star record, which was the first fighter jet the U.S. Air Force used in WWII and was delivered only 143 days from the original design, beating Hermeus by a mere 61 days.

“For just over 50 years the F100 has powered the F-15 and F-16 with industry-leading reliability and now it enters a new era of aviation,” said Josh Goodman, the senior director of the F100 programme at Pratt & Whitney. “From the J58 powering the SR-71, to the F119 in the F-22 and the F135 in the F-35, Pratt & Whitney has a long history of building cutting-edge engines and that will only continue as we strengthen our partnership with Hermeus. Seeing a new aircraft flying the F100 supersonic next year will be nothing short of extraordinary.”

Hermeus has made the strategic decision to transition to the more capable F100 engine for the next variant. This will push Hermeus along in its journey to the Darkhorse, a multi-mission hypersonic aircraft for defence and national security missions and simultaneously deliver a compelling intermediate product, the world’s only purpose-built high-Mach drone.

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African Pilot Website: www.africanpilot.co.za
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Should you miss out on any edition of APAnews, please visit the website: www.africanpilot.co.za and click on the APAnews link on the front page. All past weekly APAnews publications have been archived on the website.