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The Taranis Unveiled

Editor — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:08:16 +0000

Taranis, the god of thunder in Celtic mythology, is depicted with a Jupiter wheel in one hand and a thunderbolt in the other. It is also the name of the latest project undertaken by the United Kingdom to improve their military capabilities and transform the face of military weaponry. The Taranis is an unmanned stealth aircraft that has been under construction for the last four years, and was recently unveiled to the world. Its unique design and state-of-the-art technology will change the dynamics of long range combat.

BAE Systems, which is located in Warton, has been working tirelessly on the Taranis project, overseeing its design and weaponry technology. It has cost £142.5m to complete this magnificent prototype and flight tests are scheduled to start in 2011. One of the most important features of the Taranis is its ability to fly deep into the territories of the enemy without being detected by ground radar. It will not only be used as a method of attack, but will also be able to gather vital intelligence. The Taranis’ extraordinary aeronautical design has enabled it to take on the same measurements as a light aircraft, and it is also able to reach high speeds to be able to keep up with jet aircraft. As an attack aircraft, the Taranis has been designed to carry a variety of weapons, including missiles and bombs. Due to the fact that the Taranis is an unmanned aircraft, no lives of pilots will be risked, allowing the Taranis to take on missions that are deemed too dangerous for pilots.

The extremely innovative design and construction of the Taranis is a great achievement for the United Kingdom. The Minister for International Security Strategy, Gerald Howarth, commented on the success of the project by saying: “The first of its kind in the UK, it reflects the best of our nation’s advanced design and technology skills and is a leading program on the global stage.” The maintenance and running of the Taranis will also be at a lower cost than manned aircraft, and it is hoped that this spectacular example of UK engineering will pave the way for future military aircraft.

Farnborough International Airshow Set to Be a Success

Editor — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:55:13 +0000

Taking place in the UK, the world-renowned Farnborough International Airshow attracts large numbers of aerospace industry participants every two years. This year’s event began on a positive note on Monday, 19 July 2010, as rival companies Boeing Co. and Airbus reported that they had received new orders totaling almost $18 billion already. This is hopefully indicative that the aviation industry is on the rise again.

As carriers emerge from the economic crisis of recent years, the demand for planes is set to increase. Airplane-leasing companies are in the market for airplanes and there are certain to be a variety of important leasing orders placed during the Farnborough International Airshow. Boeing already boasts an order from Emirates Airlines for thirty 777-300ERs, to a value of $9.1 billion. On top of that, GE Capital Aviation Services has made a $3 billion order for forty Boeing 737-800s. Airbus, on the other hand, received an order from Air Lease Corporation for fifty-one A320s, valued at $4.4 billion. Aeroflot, will be purchasing eleven A330-300s, and GECAS has ordered an additional sixty A320s from Airbus. This is certainly a fantastic way to kick-off this exceptional event.

What can visitors to the Farnborough International Airshow expect? The trade show features approximately 1 300 exhibitors from 38 countries. Participants from the commercial, private, civil and military sectors will display a variety of aircraft, technology and equipment. The trade show is designed to create opportunities for meetings, negotiations and the announcement of transactions. One of this year’s highlights is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s debut. There is also a themed conference program aimed at trade visitors.

The Farnborough International Airshow will also be introducing a program on Futures Day, 23 July 2010, aimed at young people between 7 and 21 years of age. Futures Day will include workshops, presentations, a treasure hunt, opening ceremony, Tri-Nation Rocketry Final and other activities.

On the weekend of 24 and 25 July, the airshow will be open to the public. A great selection of attractions will keep everyone in the family entertained. Visitors can look forward to the air display, static aircraft displays, the Space Pavilion, the Bloodhound supersonic car, fun rides, the Crafty Arty Party, flight simulators, and much more.

So whether you are in the aerospace industry, or are simply an aviation enthusiast, the Farnborough International Airshow is the place to be this week.

Arctic Thunder 2010

Editor — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:13:29 +0000

The Elmendorf Air Force Base will be the host of the Arctic Thunder 2010 air show, and will take place from the 31st of July to the 8th of August 2010. Performers such as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Demonstration Team and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron, will be participating in this years’ event, so spectators can look forward to a host of spectacular aerial demonstrations and fast paced performances.

For additional information regard the show, visit their website at http://www.alaskaairshow.org/2009/12/08/welcome-to-arctic-thunder-2010/.

Date: 31 July – 8 August 2010
Venue: Elmendorf Air Force Base
City: Anchorage
Country: Alaska

Rockford Airfest 2010

Editor — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:05:08 +0000

The Rockford Airfest 2010 will be taking place from the 31st of July to 1 August 2010, at the Rockford International Airport, near Chicago. The festival will fill the skies overhead with breathtaking aerial displays from performers such as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, U.S. Airforce F-4 Phantom Flight, to name a few military performances. Civilian performers will also be entertaining the crowds and include Dave Dacy Airshows, Lima Lima Flight Team, Lucas Oil Airshows, The Firebirds and Matt Chapman Airshows.

There will be numerous static displays on the ground, and visitors can look forward to the UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter, T-38 Talon, P-3 Orion and many more. The website, http://flyrfd.com/airfest_tickets.html, will be able to provide interested parties with additional information in regard to displays, ticket prices and performers.

Date: 31 July – 1 August 2010
Venue: Rockford International Airport
City: Rockford
Country: United States of America

2010 South Shore Air Show

Editor — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:47:06 +0000

The South Shore Air Show will be held for the eleventh time this year, and enthusiasm and interest is already building up. Tickets for the preview parties to this phenomenal show have already gone on sale, and this year there will not only be breathtaking aerial displays to look forward to but a variety of activities and vendor stores for visitors to enjoy. The South Shore Air Show will be held at the Marquette Park Beach on 10 and 11 July 2010, and there will also be give-away prizes to the first five-hundred ticket holders, as well as interactive activities and much more.

Magnificent performers have confirmed their presence at the show, and the star studded lineup will include the F-16 Fighting Falcon (U.S. Air Force Demonstration), Lima Lima, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Bill Stein, U.S. Army Golden Knights, Lucas Oil Pitts, F-18 Super Hornet (U.S. Navy Demonstration), Aerostars, Dave Dacy & Tony Kazian (Aerobatic Flying and Wingwalking Team) and Aeroshell. Interactive displays will keep visitors entertained on the ground, as well as displays by the U.S. Army, sponsor tents, merchandise area and a large selection of food, refreshments and items in the vendor area. Show-related merchandise and souvenirs will also be on sale throughout the weekend.

As the South Shore Air Show will be taking place over the beach, visitors are recommended to bring along a collapsible beach chair and sunscreen for their day in the sun. There are, however, strict rules and regulations to abide by, as items such as food, glass, coolers, alcohol and pets will not be permitted. Exceptions will be made for infant bottles and seeing-eye dogs. The aerial displays cover a lot of ground, and interested parties will be able to view the show from their boats on Lake Michigan, but will be required to remain in the safety area that will be patrolled by the U.S. Coast Guard. Ample safe parking will be made available at a minimal fee, and the South Shore Air Show is wheelchair accessible, so all aviation enthusiasts will be able to join in the fun and excitement of the show.

MIT-Designed Planes Aim for 70% Fuel Reduction

Editor — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 08:16:41 +0000

With possible fuel shortages in the future being a very real cause for concern, coupled with dire observations on the damage fossil fuels are doing to our environment on a world-wide scale right now, much emphasis is being placed on developing alternative, ‘green’ energy sources, as well as finding ways to use the fuel we have in the most efficient way possible. In a project that forms part of a $2.1 million NASA grant, a team led by researchers from MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics have come up with designs for commercial aircraft that will use up to 70 percent less fuel than airliners are currently using, while at the same time reducing noise and nitrogen oxide emissions. Referred to as an ‘N+3’ airplane, denoting three generations from now, its design will incorporate new technologies, such as advanced propulsion systems and innovative airframe configurations, in order to cut back drastically on fuel consumption.

Two designs have been developed by the MIT team: Model D 180-passenger series, which would replace the current Boeing 737 class of aircraft aimed at domestic flights; and the Model H 350-passenger series to replace the Boeing 777 class of aircraft used for international flights. Referred to as the ‘double bubble’ series, the Model D could burn around 50 percent less fuel than the current 737, however, using advanced technology and materials, fuel savings could be as high as 70 percent. Further beneficial features will be the use of bio-fuels as opposed to fossil-fuels, and a slimmer wing design along with a smaller tail resulting in reduced drag.

As the larger of the two models, the Model H makes use of a triangular-shaped hybrid wing body, creating a forward lift and eliminating the need for a tail to balance the airliner, thereby reducing drag. It is calculated that the Model H will also meet the 70 percent fuel reduction target set by NASA, with a reduction of 75 percent in nitrogen oxide emissions. Upon NASA’s approval of the project thus far, researchers will move ahead with the goal of having the new designs in commercial service by 2035, in an effort to meet increasing air travel demands.

Military and Flying Machines 2010

Editor — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:28:53 +0000

The Military and Flying Machines Show, will be hosted at the Damyns Hall Aerodrome on the 7th and 8th of August 2010. The show will honor the Battle of Britain, which took place seventy years ago, in 1940, and will feature vintage aircraft and vehicles from that era. Visitors to the show can look forward to parades aerial displays and ground exhibitions of aircraft such as the WW2 Spitfire, Messerschmitt 108, Stearman Biplane, Bell “MASH” Helicopters and much more. Vehicles including jeeps and armored trucks will also be on display.

The show is a wonderful journey into history and aviation enthusiasts should not miss out on this adventure. For more details regarding ticket prices and performers, visit the official website at http://www.militaryandflyingmachines.org.uk/.

Date: 7 – 8 August 2010
Venue: Damyns Hall Aerodrome
City: Upminster, Essex
Country: United Kingdom

OC Airshow 2010

Editor — Fri, 21 May 2010 08:48:32 +0000

The US Air Force Thunderbirds, US Navy Seals Leap Frogs, Rob Holland, Viper Airshows, The Firebirds, C-5 Galaxy Flyby, Jack Knutson and Sean Carroll Yak-9, are just a few of the high speed and aerobatic performers visitors to the OC Airshow can look forward to. The show is free of charge, so anyone interested in the OC Airshow should head down to the beachfront and enjoy the spectacular performances. Over and above the aerial action, there will also be take-off parties and beach parties to enjoy.

For more information in regard to schedules, events and performers, visit the official OC Airshow website at www.ocairshow.com.

Date: 5-6 June 2010
Venue: Ocean City Beachfront
City: Ocean City
Country: United States of America

The Threat of Volcanic Ash

Editor — Wed, 12 May 2010 07:37:12 +0000

The volcanic eruption in Iceland that brought the aviation industry to a standstill in April has raised new questions and kick-started new research. Thousands of travelers remain grounded and airplane companies are suffering great losses due to the threat of volcanic ash, now over Spain and Morocco. This has led engineers and researchers to consider whether there is an alternative technology that will allow jet engines to operate in such circumstances. Understanding the composition of volcanic ash could allow engineers to develop new technologies and eliminate the danger posed to jet engine aircraft.

In 1982 a British Airways flight suffered considerable damage and the airplane was almost lost due to the crew flying through a stretch on their flight path that was filled with volcanic ash. They were not aware that a volcano had erupted and that ash was being carried into their level of flight. All four engines stopped, leaving the aircraft to plummet for twelve minutes before the engines miraculously gained power again and the flight landed safely. Volcanic ash consists of pulverized rock that has glassy particles, and due to its dry composition and the fact that it is always moving, weather radars cannot pick up this change in the atmosphere. Jet engines rely on the air that is sucked in to cool the turbines, and when volcanic ash is pulled into the turbines, ducts are clogged up by the dust and this leads to overheating. As the heat of the engine increases, the glassy particles can also begin to melt, causing further damage to the engine.

Agencies, such as the FAA, or Federal Aviation Administration, are engaged in ongoing studies to determine the limit of engines that have taken in ash. Working in conjunction the European Union, agencies are sharing vital information with each other to find guidelines and solutions to the volcanic ash threat. Although it is not easy to determine what the yield on ash is for a jet engine, authorities hope that their research will assist them in creating safety measures for the future. For now, the aviation industry relies on the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers that were established by the International Civil Aviation Organization to prevent catastrophe and danger to aircraft.

Pee Dee Airshow 2010

Editor — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:44:36 +0000

The Pee Dee Airshow in Florence, will once again be thrilling spectators with exciting aerial displays performed by The Golden Knights, F-18 Demo Team, Oregon SkyDancers, Skip Stewart Airshows, Otto the Helicopter, Gary Ward Airshows and the Viper East F-16 Demo Team. While on the ground, visitors can look forward to antique car displays, boats, stalls and performances by the ShockWave Triple Engine Jet Truck and FMG Dirt Bike Team. It is an event that will entertain and amaze all ages.

To find out more about the exhibitors and performers, visit the air show website at http://www.peedeeairshow.com/.

Date: 5 – 6 June 2010
Venue: Florence Regional Airport
City: Florence, South Carolina
Country: United States of America