Page 33 - World Airnews Magazine November 2020
P. 33

AIRLINES         NEWS



 LOYAL WINGMAN                     C-390 MILLENNIUM AWARD


 COMPLETES FIRST TAXI









 he Boeing Loyal Wingman aircraft being devel-
 Toped with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
 recently moved under its own power for the first time, a


 key milestone for the aircraft that’s expected to make its



 first flight this year.

 “This latest test marks the first full unmanned move-
 ment of the Loyal Wingman with our Australian partners

 and takes us a step closer to first flight.”

 “Air Force partners with industry to ensure we can find



 innovative solutions to meet our future priorities,” said

 air vice-marshal Cath Roberts, RAAF head of air force
 capability.
 “Boeing’s Loyal Wingman project is a perfect example

 of what this collaborative approach can achieve.”
 “Seeing the prototype take to the runway for this low-
 speed taxi test is an exciting moment - another signifi-  airpower teaming system that Boeing will offer customers world-




 cant development milestone ahead of its first flight.”  wide.

 Reaching a maximum speed of 14 knots (approximately 16 mph,   The aircraft will fly alongside other platforms, using artificial





 or 26 kilometres per hour), on the ground, the aircraft demonstrat-  intelligence for such teaming missions. It has advanced design


 ed several activities while manoeuvring and stopping on command.  and flight characteristics, including a modular nose section that’s








 “The low-speed taxi enabled us to verify the function and inte-  customizable for specific needs and a conventional take-off and
 gration of the aircraft systems, including steering, braking and en-  landing approach suitable for many missions and runway types.



 gine controls, with the aircraft in motion,” said Paul Ryder, Boeing   “Runway independence ensures the aircraft will be a highly flex-



 Australia flight test manager.  ible and adaptable system for our global customers,” said Shane



 Three Loyal Wingman prototypes will be the foundation for the   Arnott, programme director, Boeing airpower teaming system. Q
                                             programs and of this aircraft, which was   the Millennium is the right sized platform


                                             developed to set new standards in its   for major airlift deployment scenarios.

 THE M300   Tmulti -mission aircraft , manufac-  class, bringing exceptional performance   Minimized intervals and on condition

               he Embraer C-390 millennium

                                             complemented by the lowest life-cy-
                                                                                maintenance, combined with highly
         tured by Embraer, has received the grand   cle cost in the market,” said Jackson   reliable systems and components, reduce
 AIRCRAFT   laureate in the defence segment and   Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer   downtime and costs, contributing to


                                             defence and security.
                                                                                outstanding availability levels and low life
         the laureate award for the “Best New
                                              “The C-390 Millennium offers greater


 ARE IN   Product” in defence from Aviation Week   flexibility and value to operators perform-  cycle costs.

                                                                                  The C-390 benefits from a modern fly-by-
         network.

           The citation for the award reads, “The   ing air transport and air mobility missions,   wire flight control system with integrated

                                             among others.”
                                                                                technology that lowers the workload of the

 SOUTH   first C-390 tanker/transport, the largest and   In 2009, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB)   crew and increases the safety of its oper-
         most sophisticated aircraft yet developed




         by Embraer, was delivered to the Brazilian   contracted Embraer to design, develop, and   ation. Furthermore, the aircraft can refuel

                                                                                other aircraft in flight, with the installation



                                             manufacture the C-390 Millennium aircraft
 AFRICA  Air Force in 2019.”                 as a replacement for its aging C-130 fleet.   of removable internal fuel tanks.

           “To receive an award with as much


         prestige as the laureate is a very signifi-  Deliveries to FAB started in September   The aircraft can also be refuelled in flight,



         cant acknowledgement of the exceptional   2019.                        thus providing greater flexibility for longer

 system safety approval, and the RLA pro-  it means that teams are able to operate in   work of all Embraer employees. This is a   The C-390, which was recently ordered   missions. An advanced self-defence system


 cess which took more than three-months   inclement weather conditions.   substantial recognition of the merits of our   by the Portuguese government, is a new   increases the aircraft’s survival capability in



 to complete.   “DJI worked alongside Commercial   engineers and the ability of our workforce   generation multi-mission transport aircraft   hostile environments.




 he first in type DJI Matrice 300 RTK        that offers unrivalled mobility, fast recon-  Equipped with two International Aero




 Thas been licenced through a SACAA   Sean Reitz, accountable manager for   Drones to ensure a swift regulation process   to execute the development of such an   figuration, high availability, and enhanced   Engines V2500 turbofan engines, the latest


 and we are excited by what this partnership
 accredited ROC holder in South Africa -   Drone Ops said, “The DJI M300 RTK is an in-  has to offer in the future.  advanced product with excellence,” said   flight safety, all on a single, exclusive   avionics, a rear ramp, and an advanced


 dispensable part of our team, giving Drone
 Drone Ops.  Ops clients’ better data, allowing for more   “As Commercial Drones, we look forward   Francisco Gomes Neto, Embraer SA presi-  platf orm.  cargo handling system, the C-390 is capable
         dent and CEO.

 There is such confidence in the capability   effective decision-making, completing   to further supporting Drone Ops along with   “Embraer's new business strategy seeks   The aircraft can perform a variety of mis-  of carrying up to 26 metric tons of cargo at






 of the M300, that Drone Ops has added an   critical operations and missions faster and   our many other commercial clients to build   to increase revenue and profitability, and   sions, such as cargo and troop transport,   a maximum speed of 470 knots (870 km/h),




 additional 16 units of the M300 RTK aircraft     more effectively than ever before”.  their new fleets of M300 RTKs.   the C-390 Millennium plays an important   cargo and paratrooper airdrop, aerial refu-  with ability to operate in austere envi-



 to their fleet.  The DJI M300 RTK is tougher, safer, and   “The technical team recently completed   role in solidifying the Company as a serious   elling, search and rescue, aerial firefighting,   ronments, including unpaved or damaged




 The registration of the M300 RTK was   more rugged than any drone in its class,   their certified DJI training on the M300   entrant in a new market segment.”   medical evacuation, and humanitarian   runways.




 quite an extensive process which included:   and offers exceptional endurance and   range and are ready to serve the tailored   “We are honoured to receive this award,   missions.  The aircraft can carry troops, pallets, ar-




 obtaining airworthiness, the first-in-type   range. With an increased Ingress Rating,   needs of Enterprise clients,” he said. Q  which recognizes the excellence of our   Flying faster and delivering more value,   moured wheeled vehicles, and helicopters. Q

 World Airnews | November / December 2020     World Airnews | November / December 2020
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