Intelligence / Analysis / Comment

Bombardier launches revamped Challenger

Bombardier has launched the new Challenger 3500 super mid-size business jet, due to enter service in the second half of 2022. An updated version of the Challenger 350, the 3500 features a redesigned interior with a voice-controlled cabin to manage lighting, temperature and entertainment systems, as well as an autothrottle system on the flight deck. The aircraft also features a lower cabin altitude of 4,850ft at 41,000ft. The company says that the 3500 is the first super mid-size bizjet to be sustainably designed with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). As well as sustainable cabin materials, the aircaft also features an app to optimise fuel burn.

NASA and Joby to research eVTOL noise

Joby Aviation

NASA and eVTOL developer Joby Aviation are to kick off two weeks of research into the acoustic footprint of electric air taxis. The tests to measure the noise footprint of eVTOLs are part of a nationwide campaign launched by NASA to ease public acceptance of these new breeds of air vehicles. The tests will see NASA engineers use more than 50 microphones on the ground to measure the noise of Joby’s aircraft.

All-electric ‘Spirit of Innovation’ flies

Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce has announced that its all-electric ‘Spirit of Innovation’ raceplane, designed to smash the world speed record for electric aircraft, made its first flight from Boscombe Down on the afternoon of 15 September. The first flight saw the aircraft airborne for 15mins.

Hybrid-electric Channel crossing

Tim Robinson/RAeS

On 13 September the VoltAero Cassio demonstrator made the first-ever crossing of the English Channel by a hybrid-electric aircraft. The 600Kw aircraft took off from Calais, before touching down at Cranfield University. VoltAero is the brainchild of ex-Airbus CTO Jean Botti, with the company aiming to fly its four-seat Cassio 330 production aircraft in 2022, with certification in 2023.

Bristow signs up for Electra eSTOL

Offshore helicopter company Bristow Group is to diversify away from its rotorcraft roots with a deal to become the launch customer for the Electra Aero hybridelectric five-seven seat STOL aircraft. The aircraft, which can also carry cargo and has a range of 500nm, uses distributed propulsion to land and take off in 300ft, with the company aiming to explore the ‘middle mile’ logistics market. Bristow will acquire 50 of the Electra eSTOLs which has yet to fly, as well as partnering in developing concepts of operations, design and certification.

• Meanwhile, on 21 September, Bristow announced it would be buying up to 50 Vertical Aerospace VA-X4 eVTOLs.

FAA grounds Virgin Galactic over SS2 excursion

The US FAA, which regulates space tourism, has grounded Virgin Galactic’s operations after the SpaceShipTwo deviated from its flight path on its flight with founder Sir Richard Branson on board on 11 July. The flight vertically exited the airspace assigned for the flight for one minute and 41 seconds on descent. The FAA said: “Virgin Galactic may not return the SpaceShipTwo vehicle to flight until the FAA approves the final mishap investigation report or determines the issues related to the mishap do not affect public safety.” Virgin Galactic announced that the Unity 23 test flight of SS2, which is being organised in co-operation with the Italian Air Force, will be postponed until at least mid-October.

First private orbital space mission

Inspiration 4

On 19 September, the Inspiration4 space mission splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean, becoming the first ever all-civilian orbital space mission after a three-day flight. The crew, which included billionaire and ex-Draken International CEO, Jared Isaacman, also carried the youngest American to fly in space, bone cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux and saw the SpaceX Crew Dragonfly the furthest human spaceflight since the Hubble repair missions.

Kazakhstan ends A400M order drought

Airbus Defence

Airbus Defence has announced that Kazakhstan has become the latest customer for its A400M military transport – with an order for two airframes. The manufacturer will begin deliveries to the Central Asian republic in 2024 and the contract includes training and support.

Meanwhile, on 24 September, Airbus Defence revealed that the Indian MoD had confirmed the $2.5bn acquisition of 56 C295 tactical transports for the IAF. 

Australia to boost long-range strike weapons

As part of the historic AUKUS trilateral agreement between Australia, the UK and US, to boost Canberra’s naval power with nuclear submarines, the country is also to acquire long-range cruise and anti-ship missiles. The acquisition, part of an overall strategy to counter China’s growing military might, will see the country procure 2,500km-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to be fielded by RAN destroyers. Meanwhile, the RAAF’s strike power will be enhanced by AGM-158B Joint Airto-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) and the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), as well as co-operation with the US on hypersonics.

AFSOC fast-tracks amphibious Herc

AFSCC

US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has announced it is developing an amphibious variant of the Lockheed Martin MC-130J which it plans to design, build and fly in 17 months. The floatplane-equipped amphibious version of the Commando II is intended to be optimised for long-range SF operations in the Pacific.