Getafe, Madrid, Spain, October 11, 2023 – Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) worked together to successfully complete the automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) flight test campaign with the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and F-15 fighter, ahead of its certification in the first half of 2024.
Over the course of three weeks in August, a RSAF A330 MRTT made more than 500 automated wet and dry contacts with the air force’s full fleet of receiver aircraft, including the F-15SG aircraft, a customised variant of the US-built F-15E Strike Eagle air-to-ground fighter jet.
The flight tests with F-15SG were conducted in Singapore, covering the whole operational AAR envelope in different weather conditions under the supervision of the Spanish certifying authority, called INTA (National Institute for Aerospace Technology).
July 10, 2023 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has completed the delivery of the first train of the Tren Maya project to the Federal Government and Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo (FONATUR). The cars are a depiction of Mexico’s art culture, reflecting the varied colours and textures of the region’s art. These first 4 cars will form the first of the 31 Xiinbal type of trains that Alstom will deliver to the project in different configurations, featuring large panoramic windows to allow passengers to enjoy scenic views.
The first cars departed Alstom’s manufacturing facility in Ciudad Sahagún, Hidalgo, on July 3rd. The four cars were wrapped and transported on special platforms, travelling 1,943 kilometres over five days until they reached the workshop and depot in Cancún. A team of experts has already started the meticulous unloading of the cars, after which they will assemble the cars to form the first train. Once assembled, the trains will undergo exhaustive testing to validate the functionality and safety of the different train components, prior to integration and testing with the rail infrastructure.
The Tren Maya project stands out not only for the latest mobility technologies included in the project but also for its representation of the history and culture of Mexico through the three different train designs. Each car is equipped with air conditioning, ergonomic and reclining seats, video surveillance systems and passenger information screens, with dedicated spaces for luggage storage. Since the floor is flat throughout, passengers with reduced mobility will have full liberty of movement. With these design features, combined with an ability to operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, the trains will deliver an efficient means of transport and excellent passenger experience.
These first cars also feature advanced digital technologies such as an automatic train control system (ERTMS) to provide optimal efficiency and high levels of safety and security, Further, Alstom will deploy HealthHub and TrainScanner, its digital solutions for condition-based and predictive maintenance, enabling continuous health and condition monitoring of different train components, signalling and infrastructure to guarantee the maximum reliability and availability of the trains, while optimising the lifecycle costs of each train.
Alstom is expected to complete the full deliver of all 42 X’trapolis trains (219 cars) in the last quarter of 2024.
February 18, 2022 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY) Chinese joint venture, Shentong Bombardier (Shanghai) Rail Transit Vehicle Maintenance Co., Ltd., has been awarded a contract from Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Metro) to provide whole lifecycle maintenance service for 204 Movia metro cars (34 trains) on Shanghai’s Line 12 phase 2 and phase 3 project. The total contract is valued at approximately €43.6 million (330 million CNY excl. VAT).
Under the contract, SHBRT will adopt the condition-based maintenance regime by deploying the advanced maintenance tools, including Alstom’s Orbita advanced train monitoring system, Automatic Vehicle Inspection System, etc., to improve the safety, reliability, availability and efficiency of Shanghai’s Line 12 fleet. The scope of the contract includes preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, balanced overhauls, safety inspections, train cleaning and train escort services for 204 metro cars. The project is expected to be completed in November 2027.
Garmin International Inc. (Nasdaq: GRMN), a unit of Garmin Ltd., today announced it has received Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certificate approval for the GFC 600 digital autopilot in select Pilatus PC-12/41 and PC-12/45 aircraft. The GFC 600 digital autopilot is optimized to meet the demands of turbine aircraft, delivering superior in-flight characteristics and operational capabilities such as Vertical Navigation (VNAV), automatic Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) switching when paired with a GTN Series navigator, enhanced go-around capability and much more.
The GFC 600 certification for the PC-12 boasts superior integration with a TXi flight display configured as a primary flight display (PFD) to provide owners and operators an advanced autopilot solution that considers the wide range of speed and performance characteristics of these turbine aircraft. Further, the GFC 600 incorporates solid-state attitude with robust self-monitoring capabilities to provide superior autopilot performance, greater reliability and renowned safety benefits. Environmentally hardened autopilot servos designed for harsh operating conditions contain brushless DC motors offering improved performance and reducing maintenance requirements when compared to decades-old servo designs on the market today. Standard mark-width (6.25-inch) design of the GFC 600 mode controller ensures the autopilot controller allows for routine installation into the aircraft’s avionics stack.
Going beyond traditional autopilot capabilities such as altitude hold, vertical speed and heading modes, the GFC 600 also includes altitude preselect, VNAV, Level Mode with the LVL button, underspeed and overspeed protection and more. Pilots can also select, couple and fly various instrument approaches, including GPS, ILS, VOR, LOC and back course approaches when paired with a compatible GPS navigator.
Additional benefits of the GFC 600 digital autopilot for turbine aircraft include:
Premium functions and advanced capabilities such as altitude pre-select on a TXi flight display configured as a PFD and indicated airspeed hold mode;
Built-in GPS roll steering capability eliminates the need for external roll steering converters, allowing for smoother navigation tracking when installed with a compatible navigator;
Yaw Damping (YD) mode minimizes yawing oscillations while also helping to maintain coordinated flight;
Flight Director command bars displayed on a TXi flight display configured as a primary flight display (PFD);
Coupled ‘go-arounds’ during missed approach sequencing with a remotely-installed go-around button that commands the Flight Director to display the appropriate pitch attitude required for the missed approach procedure and activates a loaded missed approach when paired with a GTN 650/750 or GTN 650Xi/750Xi navigator;
Control wheel steering allows the pilot to adjust pitch, roll, altitude hold, vertical speed or airspeed references using the control yoke while the autopilot is engaged.
Leonardo has strengthened its market position in the airport sector by signing contracts with SEA and SACBO, the respective management companies for Milan Malpensa and Milan Bergamo airports. Malpensa and Bergamo are the second and third busiest airports in Italy.
At Milan Malpensa, Leonardo will replace most of the existing baggage handling infrastructure with a high-tech new system. This will bring the Terminal 1 baggage handling system in line with the new European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) ‘Standard 3’, which requires baggage to be subject to rigorous security checks prior to being loaded onto the aircraft. Components of the system will be replaced gradually in order to ensure continuity of services for passengers.
Once fully operational, the system will comprise two MBHS® (Multisorting Baggage Handling System) cross-belt sorters, approximately two and a half kilometres of belts and associated equipment. The new technology will seamlessly interface with the existing system, ensuring that baggage is identified and tracked right from the collection phase at check in and transfers, through to delivery to the final sorting system.
SEA has also chosen Leonardo to provide a surveillance system at Milan Malpensa, primarily to support the management of aircraft and other vehicles in the ground manoeuvring area. The five-year project is based on an “Extended Squitter – Ground Station Network” ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast) system: 14 fixed stations integrated with 100 VeTWEET transponders on-board airport vehicles. The solution will include a redundant communication system based on the Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communication System (AeroMACS), a wireless broadband technology. AeroMACS has been developed under the SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) joint R&D initiative, the technological pillar of Europe’s ambitious Single European Sky (SES) initiative. The innovative technology being supplied by Leonardo is fully compliant with the specifications defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for a “Mission Critical” environment such as an airport.
In another new contract, Leonardo’s technology has also been chosen by management company SACBO to bring the baggage handling system at Milan Bergamo airport in line with ECAC ‘Standard 3’. This new system will include a Leonardo MBHS® cross-belt sorting machine, providing for the smooth and accurate handling of baggage.
Leonardo is committed to supporting and protecting people and communities all over the world and contributing to sustainable growth via latest-generation technologies, including those in air traffic management and airport logistics. In line with its “Be Tomorrow 2030” strategic plan, the company works towards these goals alongside governments, individuals and industrial partners nationally and internationally.
SEA continues to invest in technology to make passenger journeys ever safer and faster.
Airbus-led consortiums have recently won a series of contracts to shape the future of EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. EGNOS enhances Galileo and GPS signals to provide augmented safety of life services.
EGNOS V3, set to replace the current version, is already being developed by a consortium of 20 European companies led by Airbus. It will enable ‘Category I’ automatic landing of aircraft – with the flight crew supervising – in weather conditions where it would otherwise be dangerous or impossible to operate.
To prepare EGNOS V3 Evolutions, the European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a new study contract to Airbus. The focus is on the use of the augmentation service for stringent operations like Category II approach and landing under very low visibility conditions going beyond the current EGNOS V3 performance requirements.
Preceding this, Airbus has been conducting an innovative study under the ESA NAVISP Programme to assess the potential of sensor fusion techniques, for aviation applications demanding stringent performance requirements aiding operations under low visibility conditions. The study assesses the fit and the benefits of this approach to the Positioning Navigation & Timing (PNT) requirement adherence, in particular for the Satellite Navigation.
In addition, Airbus, together with European partners, has won a series of contracts from the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (GSA) and ESA to extend EGNOS service use for the safe operations of railways. The resulting projects are:
– CLUG (Certifiable Localisation Unit with GNSS): GNSS could prove a game changer for the European railway network by enabling a significant reduction of trackside equipment and by improving localisation performance. This project is performing mission analysis/needs identification and a preliminary feasibility study of an on-board localisation unit.
– GREET (GNSS for the Railway EnvironmEnT) ESA recently awarded Airbus a study for the development of a railway GNSS receiver chain to support the testing and validation of integrity concepts, algorithms, and techniques for receivers in railway environment.
– EGNSS-R (European GNSS for Rail): Rail signaling systems are used to safely control traffic in order to prevent train collisions. The project aims to define a new GNSS augmentation service for improved rail signaling, along with an implementation roadmap.
– New courses include helicopter specific eLearning courses for G1000H NXi
Garmin® International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., is pleased to announce two new eLearning training courses for the G1000® NXi, as well as two separate eLearning courses for the G1000H NXi integrated flight deck for helicopters. These training courses are available in a virtual eLearning format allowing pilots to learn at their own pace, with the G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course providing a foundational understanding of the system, while the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course is focused on systems installed in high-performance piston and turbine engine aircraft. The two comprehensive eLearning courses for the G1000H NXi integrated flight deck titled G1000H NXi Fundamentals, and G1000H NXi Advanced-IFR, use scenario-based training to highlight helicopter-specific operations and are tailored for pilots new to the G1000H NXi system, in addition to those with experience wanting a deeper understanding of the system.
Core training topics All four training courses build on a common core of training topics. These topics are common to all G1000 NXi and G1000H NXi systems but are tailored to the audience for each course. The topics include:
Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multifunction Display (MFD) function
Audio Panel Features
Automatic Flight Control System
Hazard Avoidance Features
Safety Features
Abnormal Operations
Managing Databases
Operational Flight Scenario
Learn best-practices for G1000 NXi operational use
For those that are new to Garmin avionics, transitioning to advanced avionics, or perhaps want to refresh their understanding of the system, the G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course provides comprehensive training on the system designed for piston engine equipped aircraft. This course describes features of the system in detail and use a scenario to demonstrate how particular features function in different phases of flight in order to see this advanced system in action. In order to practice what you learned during this course, the Garmin G1000 NXi PC Trainer software is available for purchase online.
G1000 NXi for high-performance piston and turbine aircraft
For those operating high-performance piston or turbine-engine equipped aircraft, the G1000 NXi Essentials course presents best-practices for the G1000 NXi integrated flight deck by providing detailed training for pilots wanting to get the most out of the system. In addition to describing features in detail and showing how they can be used effectively in flight, scenario-based training demonstrates typical high-performance piston and turbine-engine aircraft operations, providing an opportunity to see the G1000 NXi system in full effect. For your specific or similar aircraft, the Garmin G1000 NXi PC Trainer software is available for purchase online, and provides the opportunity to take what you learned throughout the course and apply it. In addition to the core training topics, the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course includes additional instruction on:
Vertical Navigation
Automatic Flight Control System
Advanced Features
User Waypoints
Managing Databases
Multiple Operational Flight Scenarios with different performance profiles
Build helicopter-specific system knowledge
The G1000H NXi Fundamentals course is designed for VFR helicopter pilots who are new to Garmin avionics, transitioning to advanced avionics, or perhaps want a refresher on the G1000H NXi. This allows the pilot to be comfortable with the avionics and maximize learning during valuable flight time. Learn how to take full advantage of the capabilities of the G1000H NXi system while gaining experience with operational use best practices. This virtual course allows pilots to learn at their own pace, details system features and provides a VFR flight scenario to show how these features are used in various phases of flight. Those that sign up for this course receive an additional scripted scenario for more practice through the Bell 407GXi G1000H NXi PC Trainer software, available for purchase online. The core training topics in the G1000H NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course have been tailored to helicopter-specific features and functionality, including differences for:
PFD and MFD function
Audio Panel Features
Hazard Avoidance Features
Operational Flight Scenario
Scenario-Based Exercise
Enhance IFR helicopter skills with G1000H NXi
The G1000H Advanced-IFR course provides a detailed look at the G1000H NXi system and illustrates best practices for operational use of the flight deck, with a focus on Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The course uses phase of flight scenarios to demonstrate typical IFR helicopter operation, and depicts common practices to maximize the benefits of system features and capabilities. For helicopter pilots who fly search-and-rescue missions, emphasis on user waypoints are included in the course scenarios. Pilots can further practice what they learned throughout the course with one of the additional scripted scenarios provided for use with the purchase of the Bell 407GXi G1000H NXi PC Trainer software. Some helicopter-tailored training topics covered in the Advanced IFR eLearning Course include:
PFD and MFD function
Automatic Flight Control System
Hazard Avoidance Features
Advanced Features
User waypoints
Operational Flight Scenarios
Proceed through the course at a pace that works best
Available immediately after purchase using a computer or tablet device with internet access, pilots can navigate through the virtual course at their own pace. Assessments throughout the course validate knowledge obtained of critical items while documenting the learning process. With the ability to pause lessons as needed to return to the lesson later, this is a convenient option for any pilot. Also, pilots can retake specific lessons or even the entire course during the subscription period.
The G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning course is available now for $94.95 USD, and the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course is now available for $145.95 USD. Also available is the G1000H NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course for $74.95 USD, as well as the G1000H NXi Advanced IFR eLearning Course is available for $94.95 USD. For aviation training needs, including purchasing one of these eLearning courses, please visit www.fly.garmin.com/training.
Aircraft is first of 20 CH-47F Chinooks to be delivered to RNLAF
Netherlands is one of eight NATO nations to operate the heavy-lift helicopter
Boeing [NYSE: BA] recently delivered the first CH-47F Chinook with an upgraded cockpit to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), continuing a track record of on-time deliveries to customers. The RNLAF will operate a fleet of 20 CH-47F Chinooks, the newest configuration in use by countries around the world.
“The RNLAF made it clear to us that they need the advanced, proven capability of the CH-47F now,” said Andy Builta, vice president of Cargo & Utility Helicopters and H-47 program manager. “I want to thank our phenomenal team for working hard during a difficult situation to safely deliver these aircraft. This is a reminder to all of us of how important Chinooks are to our customers.”
The 20 CH-47F Chinooks will be a fleet equipped with the same state-of-the-art technology as the U.S. Army, including digital automatic flight controls, a fully-integrated Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) glass cockpit, and advanced cargo handling capabilities. The common configuration leads to lower overall life cycle costs.
The RNLAF currently flies a mix of F-model Chinooks with the Advanced Cockpit Management System (ACMS) and CH-47D Chinooks.
“It has been a pleasure to work closely together with the U.S. Army and Boeing teams to achieve this milestone,” said Col. Koen van Gogh, Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation. “The Chinook helicopter is a vital asset for our missions and the in-time delivery certainly supports our operational planning. I salute the Boeing workforce for their continued efforts to make this happen in these troubling times, as well as the U.S. Army officials that helped keep us on track.”
Deliveries to the RNLAF are expected to continue into 2021. Chinooks are currently in service or under contract with 20 international defense forces, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Special Operations Forces and eight NATO member nations.
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 160,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
Garmin is pleased to announce European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval of an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) solution for the Dornier 328 jet and turboprop aircraft. SUN-AIR Aviation Group has selected a Garmin ADS-B solution for their entire fleet of 18 Dornier 328 aircraft that utilizes a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and “plug and play” installation kit from their certification partner Scandinavian Avionics, headquarters of The SA Group. This cost-effective Garmin ADS-B upgrade provides operators with an economical solution for complying with the ADS-B mandate in Europe.
“Garmin continues to lead the industry on a global scale with a broad range of ADS-B solutions that span all segments of aviation, including a wide-range of commercial, defense, regional and business aircraft,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “We are thrilled to provide SUN-AIR with a technology solution that is cost-effective, easy to install and keeps them flying so they can continue to serve their valued customers.”
The ADS-B upgrade for the Dornier 328 is comprised of a pair of GTX 3000 ADS-B transponders and a GPS 3000, a high-integrity SBAS/WAAS position source, and a complete installation kit comprised of a pre-wired shelf, wire harness and consumption material. This solution is designed to easily interface to existing equipment on board the aircraft, reducing installation time and lowering the overall cost of compliance. Together, the GTX 3000 and GPS 3000 serve as a rugged, standalone ADS-B Out solution that meets the stringent demands of transport category aircraft around the globe.
“This Garmin ADS-B solution is an ideal upgrade for our aircraft because the installation design supports an abbreviated maintenance visit,” Kristoffer Sundberg, CEO SUN-AIR airlines. “For our workhorse fleet of aircraft, efficiency and minimal aircraft downtime are key, and Garmin and Scandinavian Avionics have addressed this with a straightforward upgrade.”
Designed by Scandinavian Avionics, the STC and slide-in rack contains all of the necessary Garmin equipment and paperwork for the ADS-B Out solution. Scandinavian Avionics has completed the initial installation on a prototype aircraft and expects to complete the upgrade on the entire SUN-AIR fleet in the coming months.
“Alongside Garmin, we have designed this STC so that Dornier 328 operators can take advantage of the installation efficiencies this upgrade affords,” said Michael Truelsen, CEO Scandinavian Avionics. “We look forward to continuing to work with Garmin to expand the aircraft eligibility list for this all-in-one, turn-key solution.”
The GTX 3000 and GPS 3000 Garmin ADS-B Out solution for the Dornier 328 has received EASA approval and is available immediately. For additional information regarding the STC, contact SUN-AIR or Scandinavian Avionics. Visit www.garmin.com/aviation for additional information.
Alstom is to carry out the renewal and automation of Marseille metro for the sum of 430 million euros financed by Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence. As part of this contract, Alstom will develop, supply and install the operating system and equipment for the automatic operation of the network’s two lines. Alstom will also commission 38 new rubber-tyred metros (4 cars) and modernise all the audiovisual passenger information inside the stations. The new trains are scheduled to enter service in early 2024.
The trains will run in semi-automatic mode with drivers until mid-2025 on line M2 and until 2026 on line M1, before switching to full automation.
“It is a great honour for us to contribute to modernising the mobility offer of Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence. Our metro experts are already at work on several of our French sites to get started quickly with developments,” says Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud, Senior Vice-President France at Alstom.
The new trains, based on Alstom’s rubber-tyred metro solutions, will incorporate the latest technological developments to increase comfort, availability, accessibility and passenger information, as well as facilitate maintenance.
Each 4-car train, 65 metres long and in “boa”[1] configuration, will be able to carry up to 500 passengers[2]. The sleekly designed trains will feature large bay windows, a highly efficient air conditioning system and modern passenger information systems, providing a pleasant on-board experience. Alstom called on Marseille designers Ora-ïto and Fabien Bourdier for the design and the sound conception of the new trains.
Three designs were proposed to the Metropole Aix-Marseille-Provence, which chose to set up an Internet consultation to give residents the opportunity to give their opinion on the design they would like to see selected.
The new metros for Marseille are environmentally friendly and will be eco-designed, enabling them to be 96% recoverable at the end of their lifespan. They will consume 25% less energy than the metros currently in service, thanks in particular to electric braking (up to 0 km/h), LED lighting and other optimisations.
For the automation system, Alstom will provide its Urbalis 400 solution, already deployed on more than 1,500 kilometres of metro lines worldwide. The Marseille metro will benefit from a proven, continuously improved system (on-board computers equipped with the latest technology, vital computers that are over 99% available, beacon tracker, etc.).
Alstom currently equips 25% of the CBTC[3] metro automations in service (60 lines, including 28 fully automated lines).
In total, more than 400 people in France will work on this project, including more than 60 in Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence. Jobs will also be generated at our suppliers in France, but also in the Métropole for the installation and deployment of the signalling system.
Alstom will draw on the excellent skills of six of its French sites: Aix-en-Provence for the project management, Valenciennes for the design, interior layout, assembly, tests and validation of the trains, Ornans for the engines, Le Creusot for the bogies, Villeurbanne for the on-board electronics, passenger information, predictive maintenance and signalling system equipment, and Saint-Ouen for the coordination of the artistic design, development and integration of the signalling system.
