Pipistrel Virus-SW914 to Circumnavigate Globe

In a collaborative project between Penn State University and Slovenian aircraft manufacturer, Pipistrel, the Virus-SW914 aircraft was launched on 8 January this year from Ljubljana, with the aim of circumnavigating the globe, a distance of around 62,000 miles, over the next two months. As the winner of NASA’s 2011 Green Flight Challenge, Pipistrel aims to demonstrate that small aircraft can play an important role in climate science.

Take to the Skies in an Ultralight

Ultralight or microlight aviation generally refers to an aircraft that seats either one or two people and became very popular during the 1970’ through to the 1980s, as it was more affordable than other aircraft. Due to the development in popularity of this type of aircraft, each country set up their own rules and regulations in regard to ultralight aviation, taking into account speed and weight, with allowances being made for amphibian and seaplanes. Some countries also make allowances for the installation of ballistic parachutes, meaning that there are no internationally recognized regulations, as each country has their own guidelines.

Flying Car Approved for Road Use

Many of us have always dreamt of owning our own private jet or plane, and it seems that dreams can come true. The Terrafugia combines the convenience of an airplane with that of a car. It will not be able to help you out if you’re stuck in downtown traffic, as it will still need a runway, but at least it will make a quick trip to the next city a lot faster and more pleasant. A special grant that has been approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the production of the new flying car, allowing manufacturing to begin.

2011 Greenwood Lake Air Show and WWII Showcase

The 2011 Greenwood Lake Air Show and WWII Showcase will feature a number of great aviation performances by the likes of Kendal Simpson, Jane Wicker Air Shows, Kevin Russo, Kirk Wicker and North East Raiders Demo Squadron. A number of interesting aircraft will be on display, such as the L-39 Albatros, Stearman, B-25, F-4U Corsair, Nanchang CJ-6 and others. The Greenwood Lake Air Show bring history to life with a number of reenactment groups attending this event. Be sure not to miss this tribute to the aircraft of WWII!

Airplanes Add to Snowfall at Airports

Researching and studying the holes that are made by aircraft in clouds, referred to as canals or hole-punches, has revealed very interesting facts for researchers. A team of researchers concentrated on six airports in particular, including the very busy Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. By looking at the effect that aircraft had on the clouds, it was found that their disruption of the clouds could lead to either snowfall or rain within a sixty mile radius around the airport. The unusual holes can therefore set off a reaction to create additional rain or snow.

Hybrid Power by Siemens and EADS

Scientists and engineers seem to be working around the clock to find solutions and create innovative green technology that will reduce damage to the environment. In the motoring industry, vehicles such as the Chevy Volt, the Kisker Karma and the Toyota Prius have revolutionized efficient motoring options that are less costly to run, as well as being much quieter, reducing noise levels dramatically. Now, Siemens and EADS are working together to do the same in the aviation industry, in the form of the DA36 E-Star.

Taxiing System Goes Green

Safran and Honeywell will be undertaking a project to try to minimize emissions released into the environment while aircraft are taxiing. The new system will hopefully not only protect the environment but operational efficiency of the airlines will also be improved. If the project to create an electric taxiing system runs according to schedule, it is hoped that it can be fitted to new and existing aircraft by the year 2016. A memorandum between the two companies was signed recently, highlighting their commitment to the venture and this innovative system that will bring green systems to the runway.

Phantom Ray Takes to the Skies

It has been an ongoing project by Boeing, but the success achieved by their test flight was only recently released. The stealthy looking delta winged drone, named the Phantom Ray, is a great advance in aviation technology, and has become the leader in the combat drone industry. Edwards Air Force Base, which is located in the Mojave Desert, was the venue for the test flight that took place on 27 April 2011, and only positive feedback has been received from the flight.

The Flying Heritage Collection

Located in a 51,000 square foot hangar at the southeast corner of Paine Field in Everett, Washington State, the Flying Heritage Collection offers visitors the opportunity to view an extraordinary collection of historic aircraft. Privately owned by American billionaire and philanthropist, Paul Gardner Allen, the collection highlights an era of great advances in aviation during the 1930s and 1940s and includes combat aircraft from World War II – a time when the boundaries of technology were pushed with a sense of urgency in a battle for dominance of the skies.

eGenius at International Aero Expo

The 2011 International Aero Expo in Friedrichshafen, Germany, was host to a variety of exhibitors that attended the show to display their latest products and aircraft to buyers and to the public. The expo ran from 13 April to 16 April, and featured a diverse collection of aviation products, which included the new eGenius. This technology demonstrator was the project of Airbus, while the designers and builders of the prototype were from the University of Stuttgart. The presentation of the eGenius aircraft was a breakthrough for both Airbus and the university.

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