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AE AUGUST 2021 ROSPACE

UAV VS SUBS

HELICOPTER TECH RENAISSANCE Q&A WITH UAE SPACE CHIEF

www.aerosociety.com A ugust 2021

V SLICK WORK olume 48 Number 8 HOW 2EXCEL AVIATION KEEPS ITS SPECIAL MISSIONS IN HOUSE

Royal A eronautical Society

AEROSPACE August 21 Cover FINAL.indd 1 22/07/2021 09:28 Multi-Mission Performance

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Helicopters | Aeronautics | Electronics, Defence & Security Systems | Space

European Forum ERF AW149 (210x280mm).indd 1 12/07/2021 23:08:41 Volume 48 Number 8 August 2021

EDITORIAL Contents is coming Regulars 4 Radome 12 Transmission home The latest aviation and Your letters, emails, tweets aeronautical intelligence, and social media feedback. The term ‘’ is an overused one which attempts to shoe-horn - analysis and comment. era US-USSR rivalry into today’s multi-dimensional and increasingly 58 The Last Word 11 Pushing the Envelope Sixty years after Gagarin’s co-operative international space sector. Are ’s and Mars rover Rob Coppinger examines the first flight into orbit, Keith missions worthy of Sputnik-style security panic or should they be congratulated SABRE project which uses Hayward considers the on advancing space science and exploration? The recent sub-orbital flight of morphing helicopter blades politics and economics of the new ‘space race’. Sir , pipping rival billionaire to the post of being to reduce fuel burn. the first billionaire to fly a that his own company has developed, is most definitely a race – with the associated bragging rights of a Bleriot or Features OSRL Lindbergh. Insiders and space critics may argue among themselves about 30 whether sub-orbital hops can be defined as space while others may point out that the first space tourist, Denis Tito, flew to the ISS in 2001. However, 14

Branson’s flight was not aimed at the paid-up professionals but Ryanair rather as an advertisement directed at the wider public and opening the doors to the democratisation of space travel. True, it is not cheap, but for the price of From aerobatics to £175,000 you, too, could have the ultimate experience that until now only a emergency response The interception of Ryanair flight FR4978 select few have experienced. Indeed, Bezos’ flight on 20 July also A focus on the diverse activities of UK aviation The implications to air law of the broke down barriers in other ways, with the youngest (18) and oldest (82) people services company 2Excel, interception and diversion of a ever to fly into space – further opening up diversity of participants. Later this including a low-level flight in a Ryanair 737 over Belarus. year orbital tourists are set to fly with the Inspiration 4 mission aboard a SpaceX oil spill response 727. Crew Dragon. All this makes for a varied ecosystem of space tourism business – whether one just wants to fly on Zero-G flight for $6,700, take a sub-orbital 32 International airlines – 20 Plane Speaking suffering from Long Covid ride, or pay millions for an orbital stay. Space tourism – or more accurately, high- An interview with the Chair of How Covid has affected the risk, high-speed adventure travel may have been a long time coming but now it the UAE Space Agency HE present and future prospects seems to be ready to finally take flight. Sarah Al Amiri. of the world’s airlines.

Tim Robinson FRAeS, Editor-in-Chief Schiebel [email protected] @RAeSTimR 24 38 Correspondence on all matters is welcome at: [email protected]

Editor-in-Chief Editorial Office 2021 AEROSPACE subscription Tim Robinson FRAeS Royal Aeronautical Society rates: Non-members, £190 +44 (0)20 7670 4353 No.4 Hamilton Place To place your order, contact: [email protected] London W1J 7BQ, UK Wayne J Davis +44 (0)20 7670 4300 Capability revolution Deputy Editor +44 (0)20 7670 4354 [email protected] UAVs vs Subs Bill Read FRAeS [email protected] Is the end in sight for the +44 (0)20 7670 4351 www.aerosociety.com Any member not requiring a print How UAVs are now being conventional helicopter as [email protected] AEROSPACE is published by the Royal version of this magazine should developed for a new mission – eVTOLs move ever closer to Aeronautical Society (RAeS). contact: [email protected] Production Manager anti-submarine warfare. reality? Wayne J Davis FRAeS Chief Executive USA: Periodical postage paid at +44 (0)20 7670 4354 Sir Brian Burridge CBE FRAeS Champlain New York and additional [email protected] Advertising offices. Afterburner +44 (0)20 7670 4346 Publications Executive Postmaster: Send address changes [email protected] 44 Message from our President Chris Male FRAeS to IMS of New York, PO Box 1518, Champlain NY 12919-1518, USA. +44 (0)20 7670 4352 Unless specifically attributed, no 45 Message from our Chief Executive [email protected] material in AEROSPACE shall be taken ISSN 2052-451X 46 Book Reviews Production Executive to represent the opinion of the RAeS. Annabel Hallam Reproduction of material used in this 49 e-Library Additions +44 (0)20 7670 4361 publication is not permitted without the 50 Electric seaplane student project [email protected] written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. 52 AeroWomen21 Book Review Editors Printed by Buxton Press Limited, Tony Pilmer and Katrina Sudell Palace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire 54 New Member Spotlight [email protected] SK17 6AE, UK 55 RAeS Diary Cover: OSRL oil response 727 operated by 2Excel Aviation (Ian Black) Distributed by Royal Mail 56 Elections

Additional content is available to view online at: aerosociety.com/aerospaceinsight Read AEROSPACE and the Insight blog on your Including: Interview with chair of UAE Space Agency, Pilot mental health conference report, Air chiefs gather for high-level summit, Electric seaplanes for zero-carbon tourism, RAeS International smartphone or tablet with the AEROSPACE app Online Light Design Contest 2021/22, Implementing UAS – the regulator’s veiwpoint. APP available from iTunes and Play

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Contents August.indd 1 22/07/2021 14:33 Blueprint

INTELLIGENCE / ANALYSIS / COMMENT

Single engine The Checkmate is reported to be powered by a single NPO Saturn Izdeliye 30 engine, similar to those being developed for the Sukhoi Su-57. Short take-off capabilities and thrust vectoring have also been reported.

Butterfl y tail The aircraft features a butterfly tail of integrated vertical rudders and horizontal stabilisers, similar to the Northrop YF-23 and McDonnell Douglas/BAe JAST studies.

DEFENCE Checkmate makes its move ’s Rostec has revealed a new concept for a Sukhoi single-engined stealth fi ghter at this year’s MAKS outside . Teased under the ‘Checkmate’ tagline, a full-size mock-up of the Light Tactical Aircraft (LTA) was revealed at the show and is apparently aimed at attracting export partners with its $30m price tag as a fi fth-generation successor to the MiG-21, as well as the Russian Aerospace Forces. First fl ight is set for 2023, with production examples ready by 2026 and potentially 300 to be produced, according to UAC. Rostec

4 AEROSPACE

August 2021 News.indd 2 22/07/2021 14:46:57 Specifications

Max speed Mach 1.8+ Range 1,860nm Combat radius 930nm Payload 15,000lb Max G 8G

AI and sensors Rostec says that the LTA Checkmate will incorporate advanced AI and avionics, while the traditional cockpit-mounted EO/ IR sensor ball is joined by a faceted ventral F-35-style ETOS (electro-optical targeting system) window. An AESA radar is fitted. The aircraft will also be able to be modified into an uncrewed UCAV version and will feature an automated logistics system known as Matreshka.

DSI intake The fighter features a wrap- under chin DSI (diverterless supersonic inlet) suitable Weapon bays for Mach 1+ flight while maintaining Checkmate features two low-observability. side-mounted weapon bays for short-range missiles and a central weapons bay able to carry up to three larger weapons, such as the R-73/ RVV-BD ‘AWACS-killer’ or mini-cruise missiles.

AUGUST 2021 5

August 2021 News.indd 3 22/07/2021 14:46:58 Radome COVID-19

AEROSPACE AIR TRANSPORT UK relaxes Aegean Airlines gets state bailout

restrictions Aegean Airlines On 19 July, Britain relaxed there was confusion as its Covid-19 measures for was added to a air travel with adult arrivals new category of ‘amber- not needing to self-isolate plus’ countries where from ‘amber list’ countries travellers would still need if they have been fully to self-isolate. Meanwhile, vaccinated. Children under on 19 July, the US Center 18 now will also not need for Disease Control & to self-isolate. However, Prevention raised the the relaxations only apply danger level of the UK to to those that have had the red due to the prevelance Greece’s Aegean Airlines has received a state bailout from the Greek government of NHS-approved vaccine. of the Delta variant and €120m to compensate for Covid-19 losses. The airline is set to restore 75-80% of But, only a day before advised Americans not to lost capacity in its third quarter – with losses almost halving from a €84.5m net loss in the easing of restrictions, travel to the UK. the fi rst quarter of 2020, to €44.5m in the fi rst quarter of 2021.

AIR TRANSPORT GENERAL AVIATION US pledges $8bn airport rescue Restrictions end on GA O’Hare fl ying in The UK’s government’s place without limits.’ ‘Freedom Day’ or Step However, while the legal 4 out of Lockdown on requirements were lifted, 19 July also saw all the government said that Covid restrictions lifted face coverings were still on light and general recommended in smaller aviation in England. A spaces, such as aircraft, statement said ‘General as well as enhanced Aviation (GA) fl ying cleaning. The lifting of The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is to award $8bn in grants to US can take place without restrictions also opens airports, around $6.5bn of which will go to primary airports. The money from the restrictions. For example, up larger GA events such Airport Rescue Grants programme is intended to keep airport workers employed, fl ight training for all as air shows, fl y-ins or continue construction projects and assist US airports to recover from the impacts of pilots, and fl ights with rallies with no limits on Covid-19. an instructor, can take numbers of visitors.

NEWS IN BRIEF

zero-carbon regional fl ight for air experience fl ights, Cosmodrome in Russia. training network with an German start-up Deutsche for a 40-seat aircraft. university air squadrons OneWeb now has 254 expected $40m investment Aircraft, which is aiming and fl ying grading. Under of a planned total of 648 to meet demand for eVTOL to restart production of Aircraft lessors Aero the DASA Defence and satellites in orbit. fl ight training in the next the Dornier 328 regional Capital Solutions (ACS) Security Accelerator it few years. Volocopter itself turboprop, has signed has ordered an additional has issued requirements Canadian training and is planning to launch its a MoU with H2FLY seven Boeing 737-800 to industry which include simulation giant CAE is fi rst services at the 2024 to convert a 328 into freighter conversions from 90minutes endurance and to partner with German Paris Olympics. a hydrogen fuel cell- Aeronautical Engineers. 20minutes turnaround eVTOL developer powered demonstrator. These are in addition to 14 time. Entry into service Volocopter to develop a Airbus shares rose The aircraft, planned to aircraft that Aero Capital would be for 2027. pilot training programme 4.3% on 9 July after the take fl ight in 2025, will has already committed for for eVTOL and urban air airframer reported a steep be the world’s largest conversion. An additional 36 OneWeb mobility pilots. CAE says climb in the number of hydrogen-powered- internet satellites were that it will leverage AI, delivered in 2021, demonstrator and is The RAF is to explore the launched into orbit on 1 mixed reality (MR) and with a surge in June. The intended to demonstrate feasibility of an electric- July aboard a -2.1b virtual reality (VR) and total number of aircraft the feasibility of powered primary trainer from the Vostochny expand its global fl ight handed over in the fi rst

6 AEROSPACE

August 2021 News.indd 4 22/07/2021 14:47:00 Branson and Bezos blast off for bragging rights Virgin

Virgin Galactic completed VSS Unity’s fourth test flight into space on 11 July with a suborbital flight from America, New Mexico. The 22nd test flight of VSS Unity was the first flight with a full crew in the cabin which included VG boss Sir Richard Branson (left). Meanwhile, on 20 July, a launch from Texas saw Blue Origin’s founder and CEO Jeff Bezos fly onboard the New Shepard rocket, along with 82-year-old Wally Funk, one of the original 1961 Mercury 13 female trainees, (right), his brother Mark, and 18-year old Oliver Daemen to an altitude of 105km, above the 100km Karman line.

AEROSPACE Eviation AIR TRANSPORT Eviation reveals redesign ahead of Saudi Arabia aims to take first flight on Gulf mega-airlines It has been reported that to grow its air routes Saudi Arabia is to launch to more than 250 and a new international make the country the airline to compete with fifth-biggest air transit the established Gulf super-hub – competing carriers such as Qatar directly with Dubai. Airways and Emirates The drive is part of an for transit passengers. effort to diversify Saudi According to Reuters, Arabia’s economy and Electric aircraft developer Eviation has revealed a new configuration for its 11-seat all- the plan is part of a grow non-oil revenues electric Alice aircraft ahead of a test flight by the end of 2021. The aircraft now features new $147bn transport to $12bn by 2030, while a T-tail instead of a V-tail and electric propulsion units and propellers relocated to the and logistics initiative increasing the transport rear fuselage from the wingtips. The production Alice is intended to have a range of up announced by Saudi sectors share on GDP to 500miles at speeds of over 250mph, with entry into service planned for 2024. Arabia which is aiming from 6% to 10%.

half of 2021 came to in November 2020 troops when it bounced saw a rise in interest from Mérignac final assembly 297, a 52% rise from following the Abraham and overshot the runway female applicants from plant to Istres the number of airliners Accords and which saw before bursting into 1,287 in 2008 to 5,419 facility. delivered in the first half El Al start a twice weekly flames in a coconut this year. The process also of 2020. service between Tel Aviv grove. saw 257 people apply for Two pilots were safely and Abu Dhabi. ESA’s disabled astronaut rescued after the crew of a Israeli flag carrier El The European Space initiative. Transair Boeing 737-200 Al and Abu-Dhabi- Fifty-two people, Agency has announced cargo aircraft performed a based airline Etihad including three on the that it has received has night-time ditching off the have launched their ground and 49 out of 96 record numbers of flown the third prototype coast of Hawaii on 2 July. strategic co-operation onboard a Philippines Air applications to join its of its in-development The crew had reported initiative, which Force C-130 transport, next cadre of . Falcon 6X bizjet. The engine trouble after taking includes codesharing died on 4 July after it In total, it received 22,589 third prototype is fitted off from Honolulu before and reciprocal loyalty overshot the runway and applications – two and a with a full cabin interior ditching off the coast at agreements. The move crashed at Jolo Airport half times the number than and made its first flight about 1.30am local time. builds on a MoU signed in the Sulu province. applied previously in 2008. on 24 June with a flight Both were rescued by the between the two airlines The aircraft was carrying The 2021 applications also from Dassault’s Bordeaux- US Coast Guard.

AUGUST 2021 7

August 2021 News.indd 5 22/07/2021 14:47:02 Radome

AIR TRANSPORT GENERAL AVIATION United Airlines United continues order spree First HUD for GA aircraft including electric airliners approved On 22 June US FAA has also integrated granted supplemental an Astronics Max-Viz type certification (STC) enhanced vision infra-red to the first head-up- system (EVS) with the display (HUD) for light HUD – bringing night GA aircraft, approving and bad weather vision to the SkyDisplay HUD for small aircraft. The HUD the single-engine Cirrus and EVS have already United Airlines has announced a conditional commitment for 100 ES-19 electric regional SR22. The low-profile, been trialled on Air Tractor airliners from Sweden’s Heart Aerospace. The all-electric 19-seat , which is lightweight SkyDisplay AT802F fire-fighting expected to have a range of 250nm, will be operated by United’s regional feeder arm, HUD connects to the aircraft to enhance safety Mesa Airlines. The ES-19 is expected to enter service in 2026. Meanwhile, United also aircraft’s avionics through in poor visibility. Cost of confirmed a giant $30bn airliner order of up to 270 aircraft. The order comprises up to Arinc 429 and serial the SkyDisplay HUD is 200 Boeing 737 MAXs and 70 Airbus A321neos. data buses. SkyDisplay $29,500.

AEROSPACE DEFENCE MoD Cathay and Airbus work Afghan on single-pilot A350 withdrawal carrier Cathay single-pilot operations Pacific is reported to by 2025. The concept be working on a system would see two pilots still designed to allow for used for take-off and ‘reduced crew’ long- while, during haul passenger flights cruise, the second pilot in the A350 to be flown would rest – reducing a by a single pilot in the long-haul crew from three As part of its Afghanistan drawdown and after nearly 20 years, the US pulled out of its giant cruise. According to or four to two. However, military base at Bagram airport on 2 July. The base, which once housed 100,000 troops and a report from Reuters, Cathay has said that it will has two 12,000ft runways was abandoned overnight on 2 July as the US moves to withdraw the airline is working evaluate the economics its remaining combat forces by the end of August. with Airbus on Project and effectiveness of the  The UK has withdrawn three Puma HC2 medium-lift helicopters which were deployed Connect which aims to single-pilot system before to Afghanistan in 2015. During their six-year deployment, the Pumas flew 12,800hr. The certificate the A350 for placing any orders. aircraft, were flown back to RAF Brize Norton on a chartered Antonov An-225 airlifter. NEWS IN BRIEF

fighters. With options for Starliner in December 230-seat 737 MAX 10. networked, swarming Embraer has revealed a further 28 surplus Dutch 2019 ended prematurely The aircraft was flown weapon systems. The Co- that an undisclosed F-16s, Draken will use the without the capsule in a low-key ceremony operative Strike Weapons customer which ordered F-16s in the aggressor docking with the ISS from Renton Municipal Technology Demonstrator 30 Embraer E195-E2 role to provide tactical due to problems with the Airport on 18 June. (CSWTD) project will last regional jets plus 50 training for its US military computer software. just over two years, with options in May was contracts. GE Digital has joined the the expectation that UK Canadian regional carrier Canadian manufacturer Airbus and Delta TechOps forces could be fielding Porter Airlines. First As AEROSPACE goes Bombardier has Digital Alliance partnership integrated networked deliveries are scheduled to press, NASA is announced a $451.8m which provides predictive weapons within five years. to start in 2022. scheduled to launch an order for ten business aircraft maintenance Atlas 5 launcher from jets. Details of the capabilities to 140 airlines Executives from a ‘Red Air’ tactical the Kennedy Space customer and the type of using the Skywise Core business aviation provider training provider Draken Center on 30 July which aircraft have not yet been data platform. have launched what they International has been will carry an uncrewed disclosed. describe as the ‘UK’s first announced as the buyer of capsule The UK’s defence lab, dedicated space travel 12 ex-Royal to the ISS. A previous Boeing has made the DSTL, has been awarded agency’ RocketBreaks. Air Force F-16MLU test flight of an uncrewed maiden flight of its new £3.5m to explore With private

8 AEROSPACE

August 2021 News.indd 6 22/07/2021 14:47:03 DEFENCE GENERAL AVIATION Urban Aeronautics F-35 scoops win in CityHawk gets a makeover Swiss fi ghter competition

On 30 June, its front line fi ghter fl eet announced that the of F/A-18 Hornets. Lockheed Martin The procurement also F-35A was the winner includes a deal to acquire of its AIR2030 fi ghter US-made SAMs, with procurement competition, fi ve Patriot ground-based beating rival offers from air defence systems Eurofi ghter, Dassault and (GBADS) provided by Boeing. The Swiss MoD Raytheon. Provided that ‘Flying car’ developer Urban Aeronautics has revealed an updated design for its CityHawk rated the F-35 as the the proposal receives ducted fan aerial vehicle, including a shift to hydrogen-electric propulsion. The new ‘highest overall benefi t parliamentary approval design is expected to have similar specifi cations as the turbine-powered version (which at the lowest overall and funding, fi rst has already been fl ying as an unpiloted technology demonstrator), carrying fi ve people to cost’ and will acquire deliveries are scheduled a range of 100nm at 150mph. Urban plans to launch the new version of the CityHawk in 36 F-35As to replace from 2025. early 2022.

AEROSPACE SPACEFLIGHT Thales Thales fl ies new BVLOS UAV Taikonauts perform spacewalk Three Chinese taikonauts crew, and arrived at China’s new , performed a seven-hour spacewalk, on 17 June for a three- only the second-ever in month mission. The China’s space programme taikonauts fl ew to the since -7 in space station’s Tianhe 2008. Construction of Thales has revealed that it has fl own test fl ights with a half-scale demonstrator for a new class core module aboard the Taingong will involve 11 of lightweight UAV aimed at long-range BVLOS operations for both military and civil users. Shenzhou-12 spaceship missions with three fl ights Developed in partnership with Issiore Aviation, UAS100 is a three-engined (two electric, one carried into orbit by a by the heavy Long March- internal combustion) sub-100kg UAV designed for beyond-line-of-sight missions over 100km rocket 5B, four by the medium and featuring a high-level of autonomy and multiple redundant systems. Designed to be used from the space and four in controlled airspace, the UAV will use FLARM for sense-and-avoid of GA and low-level centre in NW China. On using the human-rated airspace users. Thales aims to fl y the full size UAV in 2022, with certifi cation planned in 2023. 4 July, two of the three Long March-2F.

set to take place from developed a new type of demonstrator being BlueOrigin, SpaceX and ultra-quiet thruster that developed by Pratt & ON THE MOVE Virgin Galactic in the near is scaleable to different Whitney Canada, based Director of Johnson Space future. RocketBreaks says sized vehicles and could on a Q400. ZeroAvia has appointed Dr Center while Janet Petro is it will be targeting high net dramatically reduce the Youcef Abdelli as its CTO now Director of Kennedy worth individuals for this acoustic signature of Aircraft management of Propulsion and Sir Tim Space Center. emerging space tourism aerial taxis. company BBAM has Anderson as Regulatory & market. ordered 12 737-800 Safety Advisor. New UK airline Hans The Canadian and Boeing Converted Airways has appointed A former NASA engineer Quebec governments Freighters. The aircraft are Will Roper is to be the Ruchir Verma, Dr Barry and Uber Elevate veteran have announced a $693m to be converted at MRO new CEO of drone cargo Humphreys, Jane has gone public with a boost to the aerospace provider Cooperativa delivery start-up Volansi. Middleton and Dr Peter new venture to develop industry in Canada to Autogestionaria de Malanik onto its Board of ultra-quiet thrusters for support innovation, and Servicios Aeroindustriales Pam Melroy has begun Directors. eVTOLs. Founded by create or support 12,000 (COOPESA) in Costa work as NASA’s new Mark Moore in 2020, jobs. The funding will Rica. BBAM now has a Deputy Administrator. David Copeland is the Tennessee-based Whisper boost R&D at CAE, Bell total of 31 737-800BCF Meanwhile, the agency has new Sales Director for Aero has reportedly and a hybrid-electric orders and commitments. named Vanessa Wyche as TECNAM US.

AUGUST 2021 9

August 2021 News.indd 7 22/07/2021 14:47:05 By the Numbers Understanding the world of Aerospace through data Airlines – coming out of the Covid coma? IATA Eurocontrol

10 AEROSPACE

August 2021 By the Numbers FINAL.indd 2 22/07/2021 10:10 Pushing the Envelope Exploring advances on the leading edge of aerospace Robert Coppinger SABRE chopper blades to slash fuel burn

elicopters are complicated and out. This internal tendon changes the mass of the vibration is inherent in their design. blade and therefore its stiffness, a key element of Yet more complexity and the how a blade will respond. Changing the stiffness of harnessing of that shaking is a key the blade as it rotates to avoid a resonance that will to their improvement. The rotor on destroy the blade is what the tendon aims to do. Ha helicopter is where much of the complexity lies and that exposed blob of mechanics on top of the Twisting the blade fuselage generates 30% of the drag a helicopter experiences. The blades, meanwhile, have been Physically twisting the blade is another approach relatively simple components. to avoiding damaging resonance and that will Designed originally for stiffness, they have been again require an actuator, which will add mass, made of metal or composites, including fibreglass. explained, Stavros Vouros, a post-doctoral Blades that are designed to be active, by having researcher at Mälardalen University in Sweden. moving parts, would seem to only be adding to that Future alternatives to actuators could be smart devilish complexity but this is where the solutions materials, such as shape memory alloys to produce can be found. “Helicopters [have] had a lot more the blade deformation needed without the weight trouble with vibration because they are just gigantic penalty. Unsurprisingly, the solutions to the inherent vibrating systems,” said Benjamin King Sutton vibration of a helicopter are as complicated as the Woods, an aerospace structures lecturer at the system whose problem(s) they are trying to solve. University of . King Sutton Woods has been An active blade may also need new materials. the principle investigator for the European Union- There will potentially need to be new manufacturing funded Shape Adaptive Blades for Rotorcraft techniques because the blade will incorporate Efficiency (SABRE) project which ended in May. an actuator and then the design must consider Led by the University of Bristol, SABRE developed that the actuator will add mass. Once that is all helicopter blade morphing technologies aimed at achieved, the advantages will only come at certain reducing fuel burn, carbon dioxide and nitrogen flight regimes because there are limitations to the THE DEVELOPERS oxide emissions by 5-10%, while also reducing degree to which the blade can be actively altered, a OF THESE noise emissions. limited number of frequencies it can be modulated ELECTRIC for. An apparent alternative to the traditional VERTICAL The internal tendon concept helicopter and its mechanical rotor has arisen TAKE-OFF in recent years, distributed electrically-powered AND LANDING SABRE examined six different concepts, including propellers. the idea of an internal tendon. The basic idea is that The developers of these electric vertical AIRCRAFT CLAIM a cable made from a high-performance polymer take-off and landing aircraft claim to be close TO BE CLOSE fibre is threaded through the centre of the blade. to launching commercially, so why continue TO LAUNCHING Where that fibre meets the blade root, there is an researching those large four or five-bladed rotor COMMERCIALLY, actuation system. That actuation system allows dinosaurs? King Sutton Woods points out that the SO WHY the polymer cable, tendon, to be pulled, to be put distributed propulsion is not as efficient because a CONTINUE under a precise amount of tension. That tension is large volume of air being accelerated for thrust with RESEARCHING important because it will change the way the blade a relatively smaller change in velocity will always responds to the vibrations which are trying to rip the be more effective. As complex as a traditional THOSE LARGE blade apart. King Sutton Woods’ tendon attenuated helicopter is, it is one simple fundamental principle FOUR OR FIVE blade is made of a composite material and would of thrust that means the chopper will still be BLADED ROTOR not use additively manufactured plastics, he pointed whopping, not buzzing, for some time to come. DINOSAURS?

47th European Rotorcraft Forum Virtual Conference, 7-9 September AUGUST 2021 11 Transmission

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Support for aviation 90 years since the Schneider Trophy RAF website Clive Shaw [On RAeS urging UK government for support for aviation industry] At least the UK industry is getting some vocal support. f i Not hearing much support or seeing any action for the Air Chiefs Summit Virgin Galactic Australian long-haul travel industry where thousands Tim Crowe [On Global Air Yovan-Singh Iysurey [On of us are stood down/ Chiefs Summit(1)] What’s new RAeS congratulations to Virgin redundant/left the industry in the toy box? Galactic team after Branson due to our borders still being space flight(4)] Congratulations. closed and not forecast to Ian Upsall War is coming. open until next year due to a China and Russia have gone Ameen Budagher Branson poor vaccine rollout. It will be too far ahead in technical is an amazing entrepreneur interesting when the borders The S6B was the uncontested winner of the 1931 development. US and satellites and an aviation pioneer. do open to see where all Schneider Trophy. need a war before it is too late. Congratulations! the skill, knowledges and manpower is going to come @Captain_Deltic It’s the @JoseM_SGP Much more Shernaz Dubash Fantastic. from suddenly with so many 90th anniversary this year of exciting than any football What an achievement. departed for other industries Britain winning the Schneider match. and jobs. Carbon Zero Trophy outright. FIA Connect Mandy Chan I think you Robert Holbach [On @AlanSmithOz Any plans to cannot fully blame the Roadmap to True Carbon Zero Yvonne Elsorougi [On @Yvemor Thank you for celebrate the 90th anniversary Australian government for a Aviation webinar(2)] A RAeS RAeS Council Member sharing. The Schneider Trophy of the final Schneider Trophy slow roll out of the vaccine, webinar on YouTube inspired Laura Hoang speaking at was a heated competition. contest, this September? Australia and New Zealand me to start a petition to the FIA Connect] Great to see are amongst the lowest priority UK government requiring the Laura representing the Royal for Pfizer to send out the use of sustainable aviation Aeronautical Society, sharing vaccines. Due to our control in fuels and increased taxes on her insights and helping to Ejection seats (3) preventing the spread of the non-SAFs . inspire the next generation @SkippyBing [On ‘Are you of engineers and aerospace Covid in early stages. Pfizer is sending out their vaccines to sitting comfortably?’ Insight professionals. (7) higher risk countries first. This blog ] I’m assuming the rate is something the government has slowed over time, and that From the RAeS photo archives cannot control and I truly see the rate per flying hour has

RAeS/NAL that all Australians are doing as well? Obviously I’m a big their best in these hard times. fan; my father having used Have faith and let’s all hope one a few years prior to my for better days, when we can conception! all work together for a greater Future of air combat Australia. @Chris_k_v [On ‘Welcome @GbhvfRon I think that it is to the future of air combat’(6)] still running at close to 10%. Life of Walter Rieseler Great article by Edward Hunt I found the figures on Martin- sensibly discussing AI. I think Baker’s website. Current lives Mozart Azevedo Portilho the hard hurdle everyone saved is 7,650. Over 70,000 Pinheiro [On Journal of is ignoring is how defence seats delivered to 93 air Aeronautical History paper on: customers will contract for forces. The R38, the lead ship of its class, was sold to the US Navy ‘The Aircraft, the Rotorcraft this with manufacturers. in October 1919 before completion. On 24 August 1921, and the Life of Walter Rieseler How do you set outcome R38 was destroyed by a structural failure while in flight over 1890-1937’(5)] Thank you for performance requirements in a @phil_rowles Reliability and the city of Hull and crashing into the Humber Estuary, killing publishing with excellence learning algorithm effected by conflict are both visible in the 44 out of the 49 crew. At the time of its first flight it was the such an exceptional moment experience and environment? data. Modern jets will be much world’s largest airship. Above shows the unveiling of the R38 in the history of aeronautical better. However it will take a memorial in the Library of the Royal Aeronautical Society at engineering. long time for the average to its then HQ at 7 Albemarle Street, London, by the American come down. Ambassador, Mr Houghton, 29 June 1925. This memorial remains on display at No.4 Hamilton Place.

12 AEROSPACE

Transmission August 2021.indd 14 22/07/2021 10:00 New Russian Checkmate fighter Designing the Vulcan wing RAes NAL Rostec @AnShUvash Tails are smaller... but definitely like the ones on the Su57. The intakes are definitely not under the fuselage of the aircraft. DSI coming of age clearly?

@Pietro_nurra A mix of F-35 and Su57 fins all A design for a new Russian stealth fighter was unveiled at the movable? MAKS air show near Moscow in July (See Blueprint p 4).

@FacelessManTwit Single The first prototype Vulcan, VX770. @flarkey[On Russia set @F22124509 Not sure if engine fighters do cost less to to reveal new ‘Checkmate’ you point to a navy role but I sustain and operate, which is stealth fighter at MAKS] What don’t think so. If we think of an important consideration for @steveliddle558 [On @McParlinStephen I’m glad ‘F’ name will it get? Faker? the Russian tradition to build most of Third World country New JAH paper on Vulcan you managed to get interviews beefy landing gears to operate customers. Many people think Wing] Many thanks to the with Cliff Bore and Pearcey. from rough/austere runways F-35/Typhoon/Rafale-like @AeroSociety’s Journal One aspect that’s missing here @WD4963 F35-ski and about possible customers running cost is the norm of Aeronautical History is the connection to the STAC who might not have the best nowadays, when it should be (particularly @CobraBall3) for work on M = 1.2 transports, maintained airfields, that would an exception. publishing @vulcantotheskyís in which Pearcey and Robin @GarethJennings3 be a consequent design. paper ‘Pearcey, Newby and Lock were heavily involved. Undercarriage more akin to the Vulcan’(9). Two papers by Bagley and F-35C, which perhaps tells a Lock are directly relevant. story as to its intended role. @MichaelJPryce Excellent The evolution of the ‘peaky’ paper. Pearcey worked very section has the STAC work AeroTube competition Little-used Voyager RAF turf wars differently from Weber and before the development of is under recognised I think. the Kestrel wing. A limitation @IrishdocPhil [On AeroTube @davidhearn [On Vespina- @dicko120 [On Could moss The Harrier team depended which became apparent on winners] Congratulations marked A330 VIP Voyager planted instead of grass at on him - I interviewed Cliff Kestrel was trying to design @lisa_mcnamee on coming rarely used for official trips] I RAF airbases help the service Bore about his work and he to a constant lift coefficient second in this year’s suspect Covid eliminated most achieve NetZero by 2040?] emphasised Pearcey was across the span. This resulted @AeroSociety AeroTube of the overseas trips it would The futility of this idea when more practical. That helped in rapid spanwise collapse in competition! Fantastic work! have been used for. Rebrand the ageing MoD infrastructure with the ‘cut and try’ progress peak suction. it as ‘commercial airline and its support contracts are Kestrel-Harrier. camouflage scheme’ - it might a textbook case in energy @lisa_mcnamee Thrilled give a few seconds hesitation inefficiency is astounding. @RoyalNavyHub I thought Pilot skill fade to have come second in during merge for Voyager to A workable environmental the point of grass was to this year’s @AeroSociety get guns on target! management system applied help stop certain bird types? @flyingamit[On ‘Mental competition for my mini via ISO14001 would be a I know at a former air station health for all’ blog(10)] lecture, ‘What is a space start for the MoD. I’d love to huge expense was gone to Procedural memory is lost analogue mission?(8)’ Sincere @IanPsDarkCorner Fill it full see the CBA for removing sowing special spikey grass faster than skills. Skills can last thanks to @shawnapandya of fuel, put the cabinet in the said grass! around the runways to deter longer by effective training and & @Aqua_OGriofa for their back, it can tank and be useful ground-nesting birds which scanning techniques which are valuable input! while the hot air in the cabin in true MoD fashion was then not paid heed to any longer. helps with lift! . promptly mown...

1. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/air-chiefs-gather-for-high-level-summit/ 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DNglXJLUMU 3. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/587668/?fbclid=IwAR1VZiMnP4olzgYBN72eLZ7jN8EYPQFpNiyDtpvqYQiyoWntYhApYPxCtFw 4. https://www.facebook.com/RoyalAeronauticalSociety/photos/a.10150939133648671/10158176606943671/ 5. https://www.aerosociety.com/publications/jah-the-aircraft-the-rotorcraft-and-the-life-of-walter-rieseler-1890-1937/ 6. AEROSPACE, July 2021, p 14, Welcome to the future of air combat 7. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/are-you-sitting-comfortably/ 8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j6-DCf7kO4 9. https://www.aerosociety.com/publications/jah-pearcey-newby-and-the-vulcan/ 10. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/mental-health-wellbeing-for-all/

@aerosociety i linkedin.com/raes f facebook.com/raes www.aerosociety.com AUGUST 2021 13

Transmission August 2021.indd 15 22/07/2021 10:00 l AEROSPACE Special mission conversions

From aerobatics to emergency response Ian Black

2Excel Holdings is a UK aviation services company working across a diverse range of industries, including defence and security, engineering, events and disaster response. BILL READ FRAeS reports from Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

ounded in 2006 by two RAF pilots, 2Excel Engineering – MRO 2Excel currently employs around 400 people at three main bases – Sywell 2Excel Engineering offers MRO (maintenance, Aerodrome, Doncaster Sheffield Airport repair and overhaul) services to operators, owners, and Airfield in . Now lessors and governments. Its facilities at Lasham WE SPECIALISE F51% employee-owned, the company works across a comprise four narrowbody aircraft hangars and IN DOING wide range of industries, including defence, security, two hangars for smaller types, such as the PA-31 DIFFICULT engineering, events and disaster response. Its and King Air, as well as 12,000m2 of workshops THINGS WELL customers include governments, the defence and oil offering electrical, structural and composite repair, industries, airlines and airline brokers. machine shop, heat treatment, paint and upholstery Steve Riley 2Excel Holdings has two main companies – services, together with tooling, test and calibration 2Excel Engineering which specialises in maintenance, equipment. It can service Boeing 727, 737 and Director of repair and overhaul (MRO) services and 2Excel 757s, Airbus A320s and smaller aircraft, including Capability Aviation which comprises Charter, Capability King Airs, PA-31s, PA28s, Islanders and Cessna Development Development and Special Missions divisions. 406s.

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2Excel article.indd 2 22/07/2021 15:00 2Excel Aviation – charter flight test and evaluation capabilities, leveraging the expertise of our operational test and evaluation pilots, 2Excel also operates as an airline and has its own engineers and aircrew.” AOC (Air Operators Certificate). Its ‘Broadsword’ charter division operates two VIP Boeing 737s based Coastguard King Airs at London Stansted and three turboprop Beechcraft Super King Airs out of Doncaster Sheffield Airport. One major project undertaken by Capability As well as being used for business and corporate Development was the equipping of two King Air travel, the charter division also flies specialist groups, aerial surveillance, platforms such as orchestras and sports teams. The Charter for the UK Coastguard. In March 2019, 2Excel’s Division also provide AOG (aircraft on ground) Special Missions division won a five-year contract services for easyJet, Jet2 and GECAS where it uses from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to a King Air to carry space parts and client crew for provide two customised Beechcraft King Airs for aircraft which need emergency repairs. HM Coastguard to use on search and rescue, fisheries patrol and counter pollution missions. Two The Blades Beechcraft King Air 200s were fitted with a multi- spectral surveillance suite. Some of the sensors Another activity of 2Excel is the Blades aerobatic were fitted in a belly pod which can be attached team crewed by former Red Arrow and UK National onto the aircraft. The first aircraft was rolled out in Aerobatic pilots who perform in air displays and November 2019 – just eight months after the MCA compete in international air racing. However, what awarded the contract. Originally the two aircraft makes the Blades unique is that they are also the shared a pod fitted with a Leonardo Seaspray 7300 world’s only aerobatic airline, offering formation radar but this year both aircraft are being upgraded aerobatic experiences for the general public (see the to carry pods fitted with the more advanced Osprey online AEROSPACE Insight article, Carving a bigger 30 AESA radar. slice of the action – The Blades go global, from May “Our people make it happen,” added Arnie 2019. Palmer, Director of 2Excel Special Missions. “The development work on the King Airs drew on 2Excel Aviation – capability expertise across 2Excel, including our Capability development Development team. This included integrated design, manufacturing and installation of the specialist Based at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, 2Excel mission equipment, as well as training our crews to Aviation’s Capability Development division operate the aeroplane. specialises in the design, manufacture, installation “All the modification work on the King Airs was and certification of customised equipment fitted conducted in-house, added Matt Tones, 2Excel’s to aircraft for specialist applications. Its services Head of Surveillance. “We did all the work on the include design changes, ETSO (European Technical aircraft here in Hangar 3 at Doncaster Sheffield Standard Order) approvals, repairs, production of Facing page top left: Airport, including design, production, certification, parts, assemblies and installation kits, small aircraft OSRL oil spill response and operation. When the Coastguard aircraft maintenance and component overhaul, bespoke 727. came in March we had no previous data to work mission systems installations, airborne testing and Lower left: 2Excel on. By October we had made 25 design changes, evaluation and specialist electronic warfare, night Engineering’s extensive something which would not have been possible if vision and support for project requirements capture facilities at Lasham. we’d had to work with third parties.” and management. Above left: Brochure “We specialise in doing difficult things well,” cover for Broadsword Oil spill dispersal 727s said Steve Riley, 2Excel Director of Capability charter service featuring Development. “The Capability Development teams A second major project undertaken by the Capability VIP 737. take ideas from concept, through design and testing, Development division was the design and installation to manufacturing, certification and evaluation. Above centre: Blades of specialised oil spill dispersal systems to two Because we have one of the broadest scopes of aerobatic team. ex-FedEx Boeing 727 cargo aircraft for the industry- approval for design and certification in Europe, Above right: HM funded international co-operative Oil Spill Response 2Excel Capability Development has total control Coastguard customised Ltd (OSRL). over the various steps of the development which King Air and Navajo. “We did everything ourselves, including design, can all take place in a single location. We also offer All images from 2Excel manufacturing, system testing, certification,

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2Excel article.indd 3 22/07/2021 15:00 AEROSPACE Special mission conversions

installation and flight testing,” explained Steve Riley. Above left: We adopted a different approach from the big aircraft “We began in August 2014 with six people working Development of the manufacturers – if we found a problem, we fixed it for two months on the concept phase. We locked TERSUS dispersant and moved on.” ourselves in a room and put our ideas down on a system. flip chart. Then we created a CAD image of what Above right: The In-house trials team the tanks might look like. We then came up with a TERSUS tanks inside programme for design, manufacture and testing – at the 727 fuselage. The trials team operates a fleet of highly modified one point we had up to 44 people involved with the Below: A King Air fitted King Air and PA31 flight test aircraft. These aircraft design and lots of interaction with EASA.” with conformal pod. can carry a number of customised pods containing One major issue faced by the 2Excel team in a variety of radars, including the Leonardo Osprey All images from 2Excel the early stages of the project was that the global 50, Seaspray 7500 and Osprey 30. “They are very regulations for aerial dispersants changed as flexible in the nature and size of payload that can they were reclassified as flammable liquids which be fitted,” said Ray Ortyl. “We can include cooling had to comply with flammable fluid certification systems if required. We’re also getting requirements requirements. “We didn’t just have to store the now for internal temperature and humidity range.” dispersant in the aircraft, we needed to pump it Inside the pod, the radome goes in the forward out,” continued Steve Riley. “However, the problem section while the aft is for processors and receivers. was that the airworthy and operationally effective The weight is also eventually distributed along equipment to move such vast quantities of fluid at the pod. “The King Air’s directional stability can high rates didn’t exist, so we had to build everything be affected by a variable centre of gravity, so it is from scratch.” important to understand the characteristics of the The system that 2Excel devised for the 727s modified aircraft,” explained Ortyl. comprises seven sideways-facing dispersal tanks “In addition to our own equipment, we also fly with a total capacity of 15,000 litres. Named other people’s kit on our aircraft. We provide the TERSUS (after the Latin for ‘clean-up’), the modular platform and the customer flies on the aircraft and system includes a pallet aft of the tanks fitted with conducts the trials. For example, in the hangar as we two centrifugal pumps and subsequent circulation speak, we’re fitting new Leonardo Osprey 30 radars circuit, a service pallet containing a flow meter that monitors fluid as it is pumped out of the pump pallet, a ventilation system that maintains constant air pressure in the TERSUS system and ventilates any vapours from the tanks, an air compressor and two extendable spraying boom arms with 15 nozzles each, as well as ancillary and ground loading dispersant equipment. The development of the TERSUS system was accomplished in a very short time with the first 727 completed and certified for use by OSRL members in April 2016. “It took us 20 months from whiteboard to STC approval, which is remarkable,” stated Riley. “We had a lot of challenges, as many of the tests and means of compliances had never been done before.

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2Excel article.indd 4 22/07/2021 15:00 to the King Airs. Leonardo is currently using one of Top left: King Air on work in conjunction with HM Coastguard’s helicopter our King Airs down in Bournemouth to show off their ground with pod. fleet to effect a timely rescue (see https://www. new radar to potential customers.” Top right: 2Excel’s five aerosociety.com/news/king-airs-to-the-rescue/). Another important part of 2Excel’s business Special Missions aircraft The two OSRL oil spill dispersant 727s, G-OSRA is providing customised aircraft to test military can be fitted with a and G-OSRB, are currently based at 2Excel’s hangar equipment and systems. However, much of this work range of conformal at Doncaster Sheffield airport. To test the dispersal is confidential, so there are no details available as to pods, including the systems and to ensure that flight crews are at a the exact nature of these projects, although they are LEAP-M pod which maximum state of readiness, the aircraft are flown believed to include defensive aids suites. 2Excel is can carry a variety of on regular training missions, including a surface also working on a feasibility study of a 757-200 for different radars. dispersant exercise sponsored by OSRL held off the consideration as an integrated systems Flight Test Isle of Wight twice a year in which dye is added to the All images from 2Excel. Aircraft and is due to commence preliminary design water and the 727 flight crews demonstrate that they work in 2021. can accurately cover it with dispersant. In addition, Capability Development enjoys a diverse the 727s are also flown on weekly training exercises customer base wanting to use the aircraft. ‘Business in which they made low-level passes (sometimes as usual’ customers typically want an antenna, dropping fresh water) over a restricted area of sea. processing capability and someone to monitor it,” said As yet, neither aircraft has had to respond to a Steve Riley. “Customers from the defence industry real oil spill emergency. However, should the balloon generally understand the capabilities of the platform go up, they have the ability to be quickly deployed to but we also get small enterprises who want to get anywhere in the world to disperse an oil slick before cameras in the air but don’t know about aircraft and it has time to reach coasts and cause pollution and have no ideas of cost. We have three conflicting environmental damage. programmatic requirements all going in opposite The Special Missions division also provides directions, namely time and materials vs compliance customised aerial platforms for both commercial vs operational capability. Customers will often ask for and military customers. “We have the ability to fly a platform capability within an extremely ambitious modified aircraft fitted with a wide range of different or challenging timeline/budget. We have to make a technologies, as required by customers, from balance between different requirements. We’ve also synthetic aperture radar, electro-optic and infrared often asked to give firm prices for products which turrets and cameras, to lasers, datalinks, and a wealth have not yet got a set of requirements to be defined. of antennas across the radio frequency spectrum,” However, we have the expertise to do that and said Matt Tones. “Currently we have five aircraft – two working with the customer to define and de-risk their King Airs 200s and three Navajos. These began as programme is part of our partnering philosophy.” basic aircraft but each is now unique with a slightly different catalogue of capabilities.” 2Excel Aviation – special missions Each of the five aircraft can be customised to carry and operate different mission systems. Much 2Excel not only makes customised aircraft, it also of this equipment is carried in a pod beneath the operates them. The customised King Airs, together fuselage which is then connected to data systems with PA-31 Navajo surveillance aircraft, are used on a inside the fuselage. “We have made a family of King variety of missions, some of them reactive and some Air pods, compliant with lightning, icing, noise and proactive. In addition to search and rescue (SAR) emissions requirements,” said Tomes. There are missions, the aircraft are also being used for fisheries three different pods known as LEAP (leading edge patrol and counter pollution missions. The King Airs applications pod), LEAP-R and LEAP-M. Made of

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2Excel article.indd 5 22/07/2021 15:00 l AEROSPACE Special mission conversions Taro IMAHARAT.I.P.P. Ian Black

glass-fibre, the pods are not pressurised and have metallic frames mounted onto on the roof panels. The equipment in the pods is connected to the cabin via one of two belly disconnect plates. There is also a ground plate to provide a current return path.

Military training

Some of 2Excel’s aircraft are used for training Above left: The OSRL UKSAR2G military forward air controllers. The PA-31 727 in flight. is equipped with EO/IR sensor and military Above right: 2Excel Looking to the future, 2Excel is currently tendering communications suite and has flown on training Aviation has agreed for a major new government contract – the UK missions for forward air controllers and a three-year Second-Generation Search and Rescue Aviation commanders operated by MoD-approved crews. The partnership with World programme (UKSAR2G) which is inviting bids to aircraft can simulate military close air support and Championship Air Race supply Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) surveillance platforms, such as the Typhoon fighter (WCAR) to provide emergency response services from 2024 – which and Reaper UCAV. specialist raceplane includes the HM Coastguard search and rescue operational and delivery operations already provided by 2Excel. Steve Riley Coping with Covid support to the new is confident that 2Excel will be a strong competitor international air race for the new contract. “It would be hard for How has 2Excel’s business been affected by Covid? series. competitors to replace what we’re doing,” he says. The answer is – not much. “By and large most of our “No other company has our breadth of experience operations continued,” said Steve Riley. “Because of and ability to exploit such efficiencies.” the nature of our Coastguard and oil spill response Meanwhile, the customised OSRL 727s are work, our people were classed as essential workers. expected to remain in service until at least 2026, The hangar remained open and at one point we depending on maintenance services and parts were the biggest user of the airport.” availability. 2Excel is already working on plans to “We had our biggest flying year in 2020. convert either a Boeing 737 or 757 into another The biggest negative impact was on the Blades, oil spill response aircraft. “Equipping this aircraft which couldn’t do any display or passenger travel should require less systems testing, as we already for a while and our charter business which relied have the test data from the 727s,” Steve Riley on entertainment, hospitality and sports, as well explains. as surplus demand from airlines. The MRO and 2Excel anticipates that its business will continue AOG business was also hit, as there were fewer to expand. At Doncaster, the company is interested aircraft requiring maintenance. However, we did in taking over the hangar next door which used to fly repatriation flights, as well as medical flights belong to Textron. There are also plans to move carrying PPE, vaccines and medical staff. We’ve also into new business areas, including infrastructure done a lot of end-of-lease work, including turning surveillance, the development of uncrewed systems easyJet aircraft into United Airlines airliners on and the adoption of electric or hydrogen-powered behalf of the owner. Another source of business has platforms. been passenger-to-freight aircraft conversions, to Riley concludes: “An extremely broad capability satisfy the increase in demand for air cargo.” set provides the ability for customer delivery and “We’re hoping that things will pick up further an innovative forward-looking approach prepares this year, as we offer Blades passenger flights 2Excel for future markets, as demonstrated by a again and the pilots start preparing for the World teaming agreement with for Championship Air Race, a new race replacing Red its Airlander airships and other developmental Bull which will include electric aircraft racing.” programmes.”

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2Excel article.indd 6 22/07/2021 15:00 Thrills and spills

In May AEROSPACE was invited to go on a low-level training flight in one of the two OSRL special mission oil dispersant Boeing 727s at 150ft over the Irish Sea.

The OSRL 727s are flown on weekly training exercises in which they make Read AEROSPACE/Bill low-level passes dropping water over a restricted area of sea. On 26 May, AEROSPACE was invited to be in the cockpit during one of these exercises. The flight was on the backup 727 G-OSRB, flying west from Doncaster over BAe Warton to a specially restricted area of the Irish Sea west of Blackpool. Piloted by Cp Dan Griffith and Cp Pat Cafferky we took off from Doncaster and headed west at 8,000ft as far as Warton where the aircraft performed a low-level go-around over Warton airfield and then over the Irish Sea. We had been given our own special Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing that we would be conducting ‘dynamic low-level manoeuvring over sea’ in a restricted area west of Blackpool. We descended to 1,000ft and lined up for our approach for the first spray run. Flight Engineer Ted Morris calls out our height as we go down.

“500 – check – 400 – check – 300 - check”

The sea below is rapidly becoming closer. We ascend again up to 1,000 feet and manoeuvre round to begin another “200 – 190 - 180 - 170 – 160 – 150” low-level pass. We start to descend to begin our second run. We are now flying at We level off at 150 feet above the sea. 150ft at a speed of 150kt (well below the 480kt or Mach 0.84 that the 727 is capable of) and only 45kt above the stalling speed at flap 15. “150 – 140 – 150” ‘Spray on,’ orders the Captain. “Spray on,” repeats the Flight Engineer who then pressures the switches on his control station. Somewhat The Flight Engineer continues to call out our height reading from a radar disappointingly, there is no loud hissing noise but the cockpit is already altimeter a system which was retro-fitted to the 727 to ensure safe separation noisy from the sound of the engines and the TERSUS pumps and spray from the sea during the spray runs. The pilot adjusts our height to keep the booms are at the rear of the aircraft. As the spray leaves the aircraft, the aircraft level. The view of the waves out of the cockpit window is not dissimilar Flight Engineer continues to call out our height, which varies from 140 to to that which might be seen from a fast ship such as a hydrofoil, except that 160ft above the sea. “That’s the end of the spill,” says the Captain. “Spray we are in an airliner. This is not an ordinary flight – this is more like training for off.” Spray off,” repeats Ted Morris. “Climbing up,” says the Captain and the Dambusters’ raid. we ascend back up to 1,000ft which seems very high after being so close to the sea. “150 - Spray on - 140 - right one degree” We bank over the sea to begin our third and final run. The weather is good today but I am told that the aircraft can operate in up to 34kt Ted Morris presses the controls on the flight engineer’s panel to begin the crosswinds. High winds are apparently a good thing in some cases, as they spray test. Because this is a training mission, we are spraying water rather act as an additional dispersant for oil spills. However, oil dispersal flights are than chemical dispersant. There is no change in noise from within the cockpit always carried out during daylight hours as the crew need to be able to see but outside the aircraft the spray booms are now pumping a constant flow of the spill and do not have night vision goggles to operate at night. water out over the sea. The tests are complete and we ascend again and turn back towards the coast. Soon afterwards we land again at Doncaster with another OSRL “150 – 140 – 150 – that’s the end of the spill – spray off – climbing up” training mission completed.

A full account of the 727 oil dispersal training flight,Slick work at low level, can be found on AEROSPACE Insight Blog

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2Excel article.indd 7 22/07/2021 15:00 PLANE SPEAKING HE Sarah Al Amiri UAE Space Agency MBRSC Plane Speaking with: HE Sarah Al Amiri Earlier this year, the United Arab Emirates became only the fifth nation and the first Arab country to reach Mars with its Al-Amal (Hope) space probe. AEROSPACE caught up with HER EXCELLENCY SARAH AL AMIRI,Chair of the UAE Space Agency and Deputy Project Manager of the to ask her about this historic achievement and the UAE’s ambitions in space.

AEROSPACE: Can you summarise the United companies within the space sector. With this in Arab Emirates’ space strategy? Why did the UAE mind, a significant part of our overall strategy is decide to get into space in the first place? ensuring our ecosystem is robust and allows for HE Sarah Al Amiri: One of the primary these companies to flourish. In addition, we still objectives was developing the science and have programmes and projects that continue to technology ecosystem within the country, develop capability and capacity in the sector and developing capabilities and, more importantly, create business for the private sector. capacity. However, most critically, was the diversification of our economy. We need to ensure AEROSPACE: Can you give us an idea of the that we have sectors of the economy that are UAE Space Agency’s resources? How many not dependent on traditional industries like oil people does it have? and gas but instead develop those that focus on SAA: We have a team of 60 people at the technology and enhancing knowledge capabilities space agency. It’s not a large organisation, and and therefore space became an obvious choice. it will remain a relatively small one. Development Through developing our space programme, it happens at other government agencies and enhances our capabilities across several areas projects happen at other government institutions. of expertise within technology, making it easier We are solely responsible in ensuring that we to transfer the experience and build a team also have a private sector that is aligned with around that. Now, as we slowly move towards that and the establishment of university-based transferring this to economic impact and industrial research institutions to ensure that we bridge development, especially with the space sector, the full spectrum from research all the way to we are looking at the further development of new implementation. Our focus area over the course

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Plane Speaking Sarah Al Amiri.indd 20 22/07/2021 15:04 of the next year is demand creation. In practical AEROSPACE: The UAE’s Mars Hope has been big terms this means socialising with various other news this year. Why was Mars chosen as the goal sectors and other stakeholders on the outcomes for Hope in the first place? Were there other mission and utilisation of the space sector and how it options you looked at that were discarded? feeds into other sectors. That’s ultimately how SAA: No, it was always going to be Mars. We you drive demand in the space sector. It is also always knew it was going to be difficult but now, IT WAS ALWAYS the regulator of the space sector in the UAE, in retrospect, this difficulty allowed us to develop GOING TO helping to provide the overarching strategies as a team faster than we would have if we took BE MARS. WE for the sector, determines the projects that are a stepped approach. It did something that’s very funded and provides oversight of the projects and important for anyone that wants to transition into ALWAYS KNEW programme management. We have a bird’s-eye having more technology-based industries within IT WAS GOING view of the technologies that need to be developed their economy and that’s increase the risk appetite TO BE DIFFICULT within the space ecosystem in the Emirates and and the acknowledgment that failure is part of the BUT NOW, IN ensure that there are institutions that are adopting process towards success. That is something that’s development practices that can help achieve this. quite drastic that we learned from the Emirates RETROSPECT, Mars mission. Even going from observation, THIS DIFFICULTY AEROSPACE: How do you see the international when you’re talking about 95% success to jump ALLOWED US TO space landscape in terms of co-operation or all the way to a mission to Mars, where all the competition with other agencies and partners? factors are not in your control, allowed us to expand DEVELOP AS A SAA: For as long as I have been in the space our capabilities to things that we could have TEAM FASTER sector, it has all been about co-operation. Yes, never done before, even in other sectors. So, in THAN WE competition exists but I think it is a healthy form summary, it’s about increasing the appetite for risk, WOULD HAVE of competition across the spectrum and we rapid development of capabilities and then finally, continue to be an international player in the space developing the mindset that – especially when IF WE TOOK sector. We’ll continue to leverage international you’re talking about experimenting with technology A STEPPED partnerships to further enhance our position. You – failure is on the path towards success. Those are APPROACH cannot develop a space sector that’s completely valuable lessons that we’ve learned over the course siloed away. of the past seven years. We’re interdependent, even when you go down to the component level. Nobody develops a AEROSPACE: The Hope Mars probe was built spacecraft, the utilisation of byproducts, or even in the US in partnership with a US university. Is the a scientific mission completely on their own. They ambition to build the next spacecraft in the UAE? tap into various ecosystems. So, international SAA: Well, the way that we approached this collaboration is vital. From the perspective of the and the reason we were able to fall into our UAE Space Agency, the way we’re looking at it, cost envelope and be relatively lower cost, was is that international co-operation is actually an to look at only developing infrastructure that is enabler of your space sector and not an offset absolutely necessary, while leveraging international aspect that just becomes a box ticking exercise in partnerships and taking advantage of infrastructure international relations. that is already in existence. I don’t believe we will

Left: Mission control for the

MBRSC Emirates Mars Mission.

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Plane Speaking Sarah Al Amiri.indd 21 22/07/2021 15:04 PLANE SPEAKING HE Sarah Al Amiri

stray away from that model just by the simple fact AEROSPACE: Is Hope being used in educational that you are able to innovate differently when you packages that go into schools and universities? open up and remove the limitations of where you SAA: It always has been. We’ve actually had an design and develop. With this in mind, I wouldn’t education outreach team established together with commit to saying that we will definitely build the all the other teams that were a part of this mission. next spacecraft here in the UAE, because it might Outreach was a very intrinsic part of all of our jobs on make sense for any other mission to be built outside the team. We’ve had programmes reaching tens of the UAE and for us to work on a mission elsewhere, thousands of students, probably into the hundreds of to use facilities across the world, to do parts of thousands. We had it at the level of teachers and had it here, parts of it elsewhere. There is absolutely it at the level of students. We went from preschools nothing wrong with that. We actually learned more all the way to postgraduate education, and we have from being embedded in an ecosystem that already different packages that fit into it. The Mars mission existed than we would have ever learned by having also features in our national curriculum. In addition, subsets of people come into the UAE and develop Covid-19 introduced us to the world of online things here. webinars, so we continue to leverage on those for education purposes. AEROSPACE: You mention that Mars Hope helped increase appetite for risk and innovation – AEROSPACE: The UAE Space Agency is one can you expand on that? of the youngest and most gender-balanced space SAA: Risk appetite allows you to look into agencies in the world. What’s the secret to attracting several facets. If I talk about it from an ecosystem more women into science and engineering? perspective, you’re allowing for more capital, more SAA: Over the course of the past 20 years, we’ve financing and more funding to go into higher-risk seen a gradual increase in women entering into projects and develop the necessary programmes STEM to the point where every year you see a form to ensure that they can absorb the shocks from of parity in the number of males versus females failures especially in the financial sector. So that’s in STEM subjects and that is now reflected at one ecosystem-level learning from a higher risk organisations at entry-level. Thus, if you’re talking appetite. The second is putting together a system,, about a change that happened almost 10 to 15 where things can go wrong but ensuring that it years ago, you’ll see people who have been working allows you to recover from whatever goes wrong. ten years and under in nascent organisations, like This was very much the approach of the Emirates the space agency and other sectors, and you’ll see a Mars Mission. Having projects that are funded better mix of gender due to that fact. Now, why do we by the space agencies provides the necessary have more students coming into STEM? I still haven’t oversight on how much leeway there is for been able to find the answer to that question but I experimentation to ensure that you’re not failing guess it’s as acceptable in the community for women at the wrong time and you’re not recovering from to be engineers, to be scientists and researchers as that failure again at the wrong time. In this sense it is for men. So, we don’t hear that intrinsic gender we were taking on the motto of ‘fail fast and fail bias as we grow up and I think that’s one of the main forward’ and ‘fail rapidly on the path to success’. Below: The first image of reasons that it hasn’t percolated across. On the These are aspects that are now built into how we Mars from Hope was sent Emirates Mars mission we’ve had about 34% women deploy programmes for the startup ecosystem. back in February. which is quite high in comparison, not quite at parity but very high in comparison to other institutions. Our science team is 80% women. It is important to stress MBRSC that everyone is there on merit. That’s something that I can guarantee. We never had a quota system in place and we never will have a quota system. You just need to ensure that you have the right unbiased organisation in place.

AEROSPACE: In other countries, we see people cross over from the aerospace sector into spaceflight. Is that so in the UAE’s space sector? SAA: We do this in several ways. We have individuals and we have organisations. So, at the level of individuals, we have people coming from the aircraft industry here in the UAE, especially in the maintenance and MRO aircraft industry, into the space sector but most of the engineers that were hired into the programme were fresh graduates. This is why, through creating partnerships with various

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Plane Speaking Sarah Al Amiri.indd 22 22/07/2021 15:04 Left: The Hope Mars probe in a clean room prior to

MBRSC launch.

countries and various institutions and embedding of spacecraft and streamlining the development our team in their team, we were able to build that process to be able to use it across different experience and transfer that necessary know-how. applications. One of the primary drivers that then In fact, I think one of the best Emirati systems goes into it is ensuring that we have shared engineers that I’ve worked with was our system infrastructure utilisation. This would mean the engineer on the Emirates Mars mission, Mohsen overheads for companies to start up here in the UAE Al Awadhi, who came from an aircraft background would become less and less. That is about ensuring and worked in Emirates and then came into the that you have shared space for ground stations for organisation a few years later. On the organisational communication, utilisation of processing power on side, we looked at the materials. It is often the case existing cloud servers and ensuring that they have that the electronics are hard to upgrade to space- the necessary tools in place. These are all aspects grade standards during the time that we had for that we’re currently looking at today. Another factor is the mission development. However, the hardware is ensuring access to clean rooms and testing facilities, relatively easy, especially the metallic frames and the be it within the country or even outside and building structures. What we did is that we worked with a few that network. That then brings companies in, without manufacturers to look at their current processes for the need to think about infrastructure, because manufacturing and started developing parts. We do they already have access to it. The same goes with have mechanical parts, even some of them belonging training of personnel for assembly integration and to our instrumentation currently in orbit around testing. We’re trying to alleviate a lot of overhead Mars developed by Tawazun Precision Instruments, costs that go into space sector organisations. based out of Abu Dhabi. They also manufacture aircraft parts and now one of their instruments is on AEROSPACE: Can you see the UAE acquiring a spacecraft around Mars and that’s not something or developing its own launch capability to access that we thought was possible. Just by upgrading space? processes we were able to match space grades SAA: Not at the moment because, if you look at and pass testing for it to be in orbit around Mars. the market trends for first space launch, they’re This highlights the success of a methodology which becoming lower and lower cost each time and we’re we were able to cross between sectors with a few leveraging that. So it’s not something that’s being tweaks. discussed at the moment. But we are interested in looking into topics such as and AEROSPACE: In attracting foreign partners, space de-orbiting capabilities, for example. This is a companies, investors, what would you say the UAE’s scenario that we need to be looking at, especially niche is in space? with the advent of smaller and smaller satellites SAA: The software is definitely something to in space. How do we ensure that we’re able to do leverage, especially if we’re talking about data that and then even looking at built-in capabilities in analytics for Earth observations. The second one spacecraft without increasing costs for de-orbiting? is tapping into the market of Earth observation These are the sort of aspects that we are looking satellites about 200kg and lower, something that at that are not necessarily of importance today but sits between 100-200kg. But the aspect that we are things that you would need to look at five to ten are now focusing on is the rapid development years from now.

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Plane Speaking Sarah Al Amiri.indd 23 22/07/2021 15:04 DEFENCE ASW Unmanned air vehicles General Atomics ASI

UAVs vs Subs Ahead of an imminent deployment of General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAV demonstrator to the UK to take part in NATO operation capability maritime trials, JAMIE SAYER, RAeS Council Member looks how UAVs are expanding their surveillance capabilities to hunt sub-surface threats.

Top: General Atomics any years ago, as a junior officer could not agree on how many MSS they had heard has now tested its MQ-9 under training, I was stood on the – some heard fewer than four, some heard a lot platform with sonobouy bridge wing of HMS Birmingham, more! pods. off the Isles of Scotland, with the mighty responsibility of The ASW battlespace today Msignalling the commencement of a sizeable Anti- Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise. This involved Twenty-five years on, the sea battle is suddenly the dropping of Marine Sound Signals (MSS) into a great deal more complicated and profoundly the ‘oggin’. A simple enough task you might think. radical with sophisticated unmanned underwater Mesmerised by the amount of expensive naval vehicles (UUV), unmanned surface vehicles (USV) hardware on display, including the poised ASW and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) joining the brawl dipping helicopters of 820 Naval Air Squadron, in collaborating swarms, some with embedded I somehow lost count. To this day I believe I (AI), operating as surveillance, dropped four but it is rather unfortunate that stooges/decoys, surface/sub-surface threats five bursting MSSs signals an emergency which and strike assets. ASW doctrine is having to be required all submarine assets on the exercise to rapidly revised to take account of these numerous surface. I watched captivated as the submarine advances in the battlespace. Modern underwater hunters suddenly, instead of spending hours as threats can strike from longer ranges and broader a semi-blind cat in a hunt versus an extremely situational awareness is needed. The problem of stealthy and deadly mouse, pounced on surfacing sanitising areas of the sea has become a wicked submarines – they clearly couldn’t believe one. Launching helicopters for ASW missions is their luck! Fortunately for me, those that were expensive; the operation costs are high, combining responsible for listening to all noises sub-surface fuel, manpower and maintenance and the helicopter

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Subs Vs UAVs.indd 24 22/07/2021 12:42 may have other competing missions. Navies are 9B from North Dakota to Fairford in July 2018. therefore turning towards machines that can do the This same UAS is being brought to the UK in the dirty job of spending hours loitering, surveying and SeaGuardian role for trials in mid-August. In addition listening for unusual activity and threats. This article to the MQ-9B usual EO/IR and Lynx high resolution examines some of the potential ‘newbies’ into this synthetic aperture radar, it will be fitted with a 360º space which might offer the opportunity to give the maritime radar, Leonardo SAGE ESM, a sonobuoy ‘cat’ perfect vision. control and monitoring system, AIS, Detect and Avoid (DAA) and Link 16. While not arriving in the Attacking unmanned UK with GS-ASI’s Sonobuoy Dispenser System (SDS), it would be capable of carrying this in the Using unmanned systems for submarine attack is future, run by a dedicated sonobuoy management not new. In the period from the late 1950s to the and control system. mid-1960s, the US Navy employed the Based at RAF Waddington initially and then QH-50 DASH, which carried a homing torpedo RAF Lossiemouth for Exercise Joint Warrior, GA- or two. The DASH could be flown up to 22 miles ASI is planning a programme of demos for various from the ship. Since it was expendable, DASH used stakeholders. In particular valuable engagement is off-the-shelf industrial electronics with no back-ups. anticipated with the CAA on airspace integration Unsurprisingly then, DASHs proved unreliable in utilising DAA. shipboard service, with over half of the Navy’s 746 For Joint Warrior, working with the Royal Navy drones lost at sea and this early ASW UAS was (RN), both GA-ASI and the RN will be investigating withdrawn from service between 1968–1973. how the MQ-9B capability can be fully utilised in this The UK is already procuring a British version of role and what part it could play in future concept of the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ (GA-ASI) operations (CONOPS). With Link 16 and AIS – thus latest Predator variant, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian. good network connectivity, there is an ability to share Known by the UK as Protector, this RAF remotely sensor suite information, including sonobuoy tracks. piloted aircraft is the next evolution of the Reaper, The RN will be looking closely at how this useful delivers more endurance and will be armed with maritime offering provides advantages working Brimstone and Paveway IV precision weapons. alongside and sharing sensor data with the Poseidon GA-ASI has also developed the SeaGuardian P-8 or Merlin Mk2. (maritime role) derivative of the MQ-9B with a range of 6,000nm and impressive endurance (non-role Sonobuoys specific, the SkyGuardian is said to be capable of 40+ hrs). It has nine hard-points for a sensor or Sonobuoys deploy on and below the surface of the A Skeldar V-200 rotary- weapon payload of up to 2,100kg. Readers may ocean and, once an acoustic return signal or ‘ping’ is wing UAV. recall that GA-ASI flew a prototype of the MQ- detected by an undersea transducer, data is then sent UMS Skeldar UMS

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Subs Vs UAVs.indd 25 22/07/2021 12:42 SeaLandAire Technologies Elbit Systems 22/07/2021 12:4222/07/2021 12:42 Elbit 900 UAV in Elbit Hermes 900 UAV its maritime patrol role. Diagram 1 Other UAS airframes, such as the US Navy’s as the US Navy’s airframes, such Other UAS Elbit Systems has similarly developed Israel’s represents a mass of ferromagnetic material that represents a mass of ferromagnetic creates a detectable disturbance in the Earth’s magnetic field (see Diagram 2, facing page). can already provide supporting roles MQ-4 Triton, assets. Methods of detecting sub- with piloted ASW to recognition surface threats are limited however, of emitted signals or radar returns from exposed inperiscopes or submarines on the surface (unlikely any real threat setting). thea maritime patrol supporting mission suite for including synthetic aperture Hermes 900 UAV, DEFENCE air vehicles Unmanned ASW Modern sonobuoy employment concepts not only employment concepts Modern sonobuoy hydrophone is constantly transmitting The For any readers who are not very familiar with For up to the hydrophone buoy floating on the surface. buoy floating up to the hydrophone up to a information back then transmits crucial This a VHF control aircraft using command and antenna. factor and wider distributioninvolve a smaller form pinging which but multi-static or multi-directional incoming signals from aseeks to gather or pool separated or disaggregatednumber of otherwise sonar nodes. through a VHF frequency to an airplane or helicopter Multi-static meanswhere the data gets processed. hub. into a central many receivers feed The obvious maritime purpose is now fixed in theThe designers and producers and there are mind of UAS being modified for these types of many more UAS news publication – roles. As the Brazilian defence Israel Aerospace defesanet – reported late last year, to theIndustries (IAI) has added two new payloads – SDSAnomaly Detector and Magnetic Heron UAS combination enables simultaneous (MAD). This of submarines in shallow and detection and tracking dropping its payload, the Heron deep waters. After theloiters over the area to receive and process by the sonobuoys, providing acoustic signals picked magnetic,an acoustic situational picture, enhanced by SIGINTradar, and visual sensor indications and tracks. a MAD instrument detects minute variations in ASW, magnetic field. A submerged submarine the Earth’s Other fixed wing variants Other fixed wing AEROSPACE AEROSPACE 26 Subs Vs UAVs.indd 26Subs Vs UAVs.indd 26 Schiebel

Diagram 2

radar (SAR) and electronic surveillance systems. Diagram 1: MAD The S-100 Camcopter platform, as currently The Hermes 900 can carry 300kg of mission Operations. (Courtesy of operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), is Insider 2021). equipment, including up to 250kg of internal stores equipped with the L3Harris Wescam’s MX-10 EO/ Above right: Schiebel in its 2.5m long payload bay. One could see how this S-100. IR. To boost the UAS maritime surveillance capability, payload capacity could easily be adopted for a more Schiebel has integrated Overwatch Imaging’s PT-8 comprehensive ASW role. With a typical small size sonobuoy weighing just 5.6kg, the Hermes 900 could System MTOW Payload Capacity Endurance carry enough of these to provide significant passive Schiebel S-100 200kg 50kg 6-10hrs detection. UMS Skeldar V-200 235kg 45kg 5+ hrs Smaller tactical fixed wing UAS, such as ScanEagle, are deployed for mainly ISR roles MQ-8C Fire Scout 2,700kg 320kg 12-15hrs providing situational awareness of the maritime picture. As with Triton, current tactical fixed wing UAS Table 1 have limited ASW role capabilities. However, changing Oceanwatch wide-area maritime surveillance payload sensor payloads (to MAD, for example) could see which is designed to detect small or distant objects. systems such as these providing invaluable service, According to the latter, the PT-8 system employs reducing required flight hours from MPA and ASW a purpose-built multi-camera gimbal with onboard helicopters. artificial intelligence (AI) software that automatically detects and tracks objects of interest. Rotary wing ASW UAS Switzerland’s UMS Skeldar is also looking to leverage on its recent experience with the Canadian One major limiting factor for navies looking to operate Armed Forces and the with its V-200B the MQ-9B, or other similar fixed wing ASW role VTOL UAV to secure its first customer in the Asia- UAVs, would be the fact that these types presently Pacific. operate from land. Therefore the Royal Navy is also For the maritime role, UMS Skeldar has considering the acquisition of a rotary wing UAS for integrated Sentient Systems’ Visual Detection and ASW purposes – project name PROTEUS. A number Ranging (ViDAR) payload, which is a persistent of nations are exploring organic-at-sea military UAS wide-area maritime sensor that automatically detects capability for ASW, three of which are covered in the objects on the ocean surface and provides the Table 1 above right. operator with detailed imagery and location co-

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Subs Vs UAVs.indd 27 22/07/2021 12:42 DEFENCE ASW Unmanned air vehicles Northrop

Artist’s rendition of. Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout with sonobuoys pods.

ordinates of surface objects. According to Sentient assets such as these is their persistent presence due Systems, the ViDAR offers a 20nm (37km) wide to increased endurance. A presence that could be search swath, equating to over 13,360Nm² of cover in permanent if operated in ‘chainsaw’ manner with more 12hr at a speed of 60kt (111km/h). than one asset. The Merlin/ EH101 in the ASW role is While these relatively small rotary wing UAS can said to be capable of time on station of approximately offer a dedicated and persistent contribution to the 200 minutes at a radius of 100 miles on a passive ASW picture, none of these offer a comprehensive sonobuoy mission. The Fire Scout offers time on ASW search capability and do not offer integrated sub- station of four or five times this duration and no doubt surface surveillance – cue the imposing Fire Scout. offers significant costs savings.

MQ-8C Fire Scout Summary

In a US Navy-sanctioned internal research and Gathering enough information to imply the location development test in late October, Northrop slung a of a submarine is difficult enough for even the launcher on an MQ-8C Fire Scout filled with miniature most experienced ‘skimmer’. Precisely defining that sonobuoys made by the UK’s Ultra. These buoys location is then also very difficult – a position known were Ultra’s SSQ-955 High Instantaneous Dynamic as the ‘datum’. Arriving at the datum to commence range Analysis and Recording (HIDAR) sonobuoys, a search is critical for the submarine hunter. Late a relatively small sized system measuring just under arrival makes the probability of detection very low. 42cm and weighing 5.6kg, designed for high noise It takes time to get to the datum and then time environments and rated for sea-state five operation to execute a dipping search. Longer dipping time and sea-state seven survival. gives the submarine more time to run away, making The endurance of the MQ-8C can extend the the next dip further away from the datum and thus anti-submarine warfare bubble around a surface ship less effective. Several factors may affect dipping beyond what a crewed helicopter could normally time, including the gear used, crew proficiency, provide, particularly given competing tasking. A and uncertainty regarding the submarine’s depth. dedicated ASW role MQ-8C would be allowed to fly A submarine will always be on the lookout for an farther from a ship, over the current crop of MH-60R indication of counter detection. Warships must Sea Hawk ASWs currently employed by the US Navy slow from transit speeds to deploy helicopters, in the ASW role (carrying 25 sonobuoys apiece). The and a good submariner will notice these things. If MQ-8C could carry around 40 of these sonobuoys a warship already has a loitering ASW UAS asset, and commence screening and surveillance at a range the submarine has potentially lost one method of of 100 miles from ‘mother’, allowing for precious assessing suspected detection and is already having time to react to potential hostiles and launching the to be a particularly cautious. Add a weapon to the ‘at readiness’ manned platform to investigate and UAS and now you really can keep your submarine prosecute. Consequently, the attraction of unmanned pay!

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Subs Vs UAVs.indd 28 22/07/2021 12:42 NEW FOR MEMBERS IN 2020 Download the New AEROSPACE APP

Available for your phone and tablet AEROSPACE is now available as an app! AEROSPACE has continued to grow in stature and influence as the informative and expert source of aviation, aerospace and space news, opinion and analysis. Revitalised from a design refresh, the clearer sharper magazine now presents key stories in a crisp stylish setting now seamlessly integrated into a convenient app. Notifications when a new issue is available Download and browse past issues from the previous two years Download issues to read offline Search function Includes the twice weekly AEROSPACE Insight blog Available on Android and Apple devices. Search AEROSPACE on Google Play or iTunes, Download the app and log in using your aerosociety.com member portal username and password. The AEROSPACE App is the one-stop destination to the latest news in the fast-moving world of aerospace from The Royal Aeronautical Society. Download a copy now!

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AEROSPACE APP advert 10_2020 280x210.indd 1 12/10/2020 19:18 AIR TRANSPORT Air law and Belarus diversion Ryanair

The interception of Ryanair Flight FR4978 Legal or not, carriers have been put on notice In May, Ryanair Flight FR4978 to Vilnius was intercepted by a Belarusian MiG-29 and diverted to Minsk where two passengers were removed. TONY PAYNE, Partner, and ERIC OEHY, Associate, DLA Piper UK LLP, discuss the implications.

elarusian authorities have been accused On 21 June 2021, the UK, US, EU and of fabricating a bomb threat for the Canada imposed sanctions on seven individuals purposes of diverting an aircraft to Minsk and Belaeronavigatsia, the provider of air navigation to apprehend a political opponent. If services in Belarus, for what the UK called ‘the confirmed, has there been a violation of unlawful diversion of Ryanair flight FR4978’. Binternational civil aviation law and what should air carriers be doing about it? Application of international civil air On 23 May 2021, Ryanair Flight FR4978 law from Athens, Greece, to Vilnius, Lithuania, made an emergency landing in Minsk, Belarus. The flight crew The Convention on International Civil Aviation 1944, of FR4978 diverted the aircraft after being notified by commonly referred to as the Chicago Convention, Belarus air traffic controllers that a bomb may be on (which Belarus has ratified) establishes fundamental board the aircraft. rules for international civil aviation. Critically, Article 1 of FR4978 was intercepted by a Belarusian Air the Chicago Convention states: Force MiG-29 fighter jet and escorted to Minsk ‘The Contracting States recognize that every State has National Airport. After the aircraft was inspected by complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace authorities on the ground, it continued on its way above its territory.’ to Vilnius. On departure from Minsk, however, the Carriers, and those on board, are therefore subject Boeing 737-800 had at least two fewer passengers to the laws of the state which they are overflying at on board than when it arrived – including Belarusian any given time. They are not, as some may believe, in opposition journalist Roman Protasevich (previously international airspace. living in exile in Lithuania) and his girlfriend Sofia Article 3 bis deals with intercepting aircraft and the Sapega. The couple had been arrested on arrival in entitlement of contracting states to require the landing Minsk, prompting strong condemnation from heads of a civil aircraft at a designated airport if flying above of state around the world and triggering a fact- its territory without authority or if there are reasonable finding investigation by the International Civil Aviation grounds to conclude the aircraft is being used for Organization (ICAO). any purpose that is inconsistent with the convention

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The interception of Ryanair Flight FR4978.indd 20 22/07/2021 12:46 Belarusian MoD Belarusian Flightradar24

[emphasis added]. Flight crew are required to comply Above left: A MiG-29 of Belarus ratified the Montreal Convention 1971, it with an order to land, provided it is given in conformity the Belarusian Air Force. declared that it did not consider itself bound by Article with the aforementioned requirements. Since 9/11 interceptions of 14(1) – thereby removing the applicability of the Applying article 3 bis to FR4978 will be difficult civilian airliners by fighters dispute resolution mechanism to Belarus.1 has been associated with for authorities, as well as ICAO, until the true purpose In short, the Chicago Convention may provide terrorism. of the interception and diversion can be verified. If Above right: The diverted a more formal, and perhaps threatening, route for proven that FR4978 had been diverted to Minsk flightpath of flight FR4978. contracting states to engage with Belarus if informal purely for political gain, it may be difficult for Belarus Opposite: A Boeing negotiations concerning any alleged breach do not to defend accusations that it breached article 3 bis 737-800 of Ryanair. yield a suitable resolution. and unlawfully grounded FR4978. Belarus has also ratified the Convention for the What do carriers need to be thinking Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety about? of Civil Aviation 1971, commonly referred to as the Montreal Convention 1971. Article 1(1)(e) of the On 2 June 2021, the European Union Aviation Safety convention states that a person commits an offence Agency (EASA) issued a Safety Directive calling on if he unlawfully and intentionally communicates EASA member states to instruct aircraft operators information which he knows to be false, thereby with their principal place of business in their territories endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight. to not conduct operations in Belarus airspace. As above, further investigation will be required Other air carriers, including Airlines, have to determine whether the alleged bomb threat was announced that they would be avoiding Belarus real or not. As to whether the safety of the flight was airspace as well. endangered as a result, it can likely be said that, at In the aftermath of MH17, ICAO took steps to the very least, there would be a significant increase prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future, in workload on the flight deck for crew unexpectedly including the development of a central repository diverting to an unfamiliar airport under a bomb threat containing information relating to conflict zones. – potentially adversely affecting flight safety. ICAO also published a Risk Assessment Manual for Both the Chicago Convention and the Montreal Civil Aircraft Operations Over or Near Conflict Zones, Convention 1971 contain dispute resolution intended to provide guidance material to air carriers. mechanisms. Under the Chicago Convention, Nevertheless, these measures were designed for contracting states concerned in a disagreement avoiding regions of armed conflict, not geo-political may apply to the ICAO Council for a decision on a interference. particular issue. Following a decision, any contracting Air carriers today are responsible for monitoring state may appeal to an ad hoc arbitral tribunal or route safety and often employ third-party security the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Where a monitoring services to assist in the decision-making contracting state is in default of any of the dispute process. Carriers should continue to closely monitor resolution provisions contained within Chapter XVIII, state and regulator guidance on routing as well as the ICAO Assembly shall suspend the voting power of review their own standard operating procedures for that state in the Assembly and in the Council. managing threats against aircraft and interceptions. Similarly, Article 14(1) of the Montreal Convention The interception of FR4978 has caused some 1971 provides a mechanism for disputes between air carriers (and state regulators) to deem overflying contracting states concerning the interpretation or Belarus to be too great a risk. A question for air application of the convention. Where disputes cannot carriers and their advisors now becomes what other be resolved by way of negotiation, one of the states states might also seek to leverage civil aircraft for may request that the dispute be settled by arbitration. political gain and how can they manage such risks? If, within six months, the parties cannot agree on the organisation of the arbitration, one of the parties 1Shawcross and Beaumont – Appendix A – Status of may refer the dispute to the ICJ. Nevertheless, when Conventions and Instruments.

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The interception of Ryanair Flight FR4978.indd 21 22/07/2021 12:46 AIR TRANSPORT Airlines and Covid-19 Mx Granger International airlines suffering from ‘long Covid’

Covid-19 has been with us for 18 months now and, just as the light at the end of the tunnel became visible, so a new Covid variant has set back a recovery. Prof KEITH HAYWARD FRAeS reports on how this is affecting the airline sector.

ne of the nastier features of Covid-19 More positively, IATA recorded a rise in freight is a lingering and debilitating traffic, in some cases up by 3% on pre-crisis levels illness – a description also perhaps (11% in North America). This reflected a wider of the pandemic’s impact on the economic revival, as well as the shift in consumer international airline industry. Figures patterns to e-commerce emphasising smaller, more Ofrom the International Air Transport Association frequent shipments. FedEx and UPS have seen (IATA) revealed the extent of the damage: demand quarterly revenues up by 20%. Air cargo is now in early Spring was down 88.7% on 2019 levels, responsible for 30% of airline revenue, compared to total losses were over $118bn and, more ominously 12% in 2019. for airline revenues, average load factors were 40% The sector and some governments are exploring below normal. June numbers were slightly better, at measures designed to restore confidence in air 60% of 2019 levels. IATA is predicting total losses travel through rapid testing, vaccination passports, for the year of $48bn, 25% higher than earlier ‘air corridors’ and ‘green light’ destinations. However, estimates. The US is coming out of the crisis better there are still numerous, often draconian, restrictions than expected, with predicted losses of only $5bn. in place. The emergence of new variants added to On the other hand, Western European airlines could the woes facing airlines, airports and associated lose $22bn, double earlier predictions. services. The rollout of vaccination programmes –

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International Airlines – Suffering from Long Covid.indd 30 22/07/2021 12:49 33 22/07/2021 12:4922/07/2021 12:49 AUGUST 2021 Meanwhile, the airlines and travel companies Meanwhile, the airlines has gone straight to airline bottomThis lines: airport lobby group, ACI, European has The trade unions were united in calling for more help were united in calling trade unions voices, for aviation. More aggressive specifically that the felt O’Leary, Michael as Ryanair’s such as hotel- measures, such lockdown government’s too tough and it was too based quarantines, were on foreign travel. slow to relax restrictions to these restrictions in the are anticipating an end flexible-booking announcing packages summer, of a the ‘unlocking’ from June onwards. While as Portugal ‘green light’ destinations, such few some good news, confusion brought in May, about recommendations over the government’s an abrupt return led to which ‘amber destinations’, testing in June, expensive to amber of Portugal at borderregimes and long delays checkpoints on the effects A lot depends will not help recovery. will of the ‘Indian’ variant before the government international stage of ‘unlocking’ confirm the next both and France travel. Ominously, UKintroduced strict controls on travel from the with high Delta variant cases. Europe Western , Europe has been the According to Aviation Week regions: heavy dependence hardest hit of the world’s on international traffic and spasmodic lockdowns 2021 has not helped. Eurocontrol data for April pandemic effects: revealed the impact of a year’s flights for the same operated 64% fewer Air France day in 2020, Alitalia 66%, KLM 59%, Lufthansa 82% and Ryanair 93%. Even DHL,with cargo recorded somewhat protected by online purchasing, The major European airports had flights. 35% fewer movements. between 55% and 81% fewer recorded its worst loss in its history last Lufthansa including year – €5.5bn across all of its operations Austrian and Eurowings. Its cargo business was the one bright spot, with a profit of €772m on the airline freight operations. The of Covid-related back has cut 30,000 jobs with more to follow and plans is predicting that a to retire 100 aircraft. Lufthansa recovery of sorts will be underway by the end of the year but it will still be operating at 90% of capacity by the mid-2020s. It has been helped by a €9bn- from the German, Belgian, Swiss rescue package German government and Austrian governments. The also took a 20% stake in the business and is now Air France-KLM the largest single shareholder. a €7.1bn loss and was able to tap aid up racked government also French from two governments. The agreed to contribute up to €4bn in additional shares balance sheet, to strengthen Air France-KLM’s was reluctant to join in the capital Hague but The injection. called for more help for struggling airports. In the ACI wants the EUparticular, to relax its rules

British Airways British airports are not doing much better; British airports are not doing much Direct help from the British government has better in some countries than others – has begun countries than others better in some in India, has the Delta variant, originating to help but a general return of in expectations led to a setback to normality. The All of the major UK based or operationally the significant airlines in ink UK have gallons of red group, including IAG The year. on their accounts this flights of its normal scheduled BA, flew just a third loss for 2020 of €7.4bn and declared a record €2.75bn from raised IAG and BA cut 10,000 jobs. loans, but is losing shareholders and government Last year easyJet made money – €185m a month. – £800m – and flew the first loss in its history balance To at about of its normal capacity. 25% its books, sold £608m worth of aircraft and cut it 4,500 jobs. It also took up a UK government loan of £600m and raised more money from shareholders. continued into the first quarter of 2021 Losses for but the airline has detected a ‘pent up’ demand seats. from some of the smaller locations have suffered numbers were total closure pro tem. Passenger down 98% at Heathrow during the first national in April 2020 and 30% of its workforce lockdown is still running at has been made redundant. Traffic posted a loss of £465m. Many 1966 levels. Gatwick others in the ancillary and supporting businesses numbers Passenger have been similarly affected. Airport Group were down by a for Manchester staggering 96.8%. pandemic been promised since the early days of the but nothing has so far been forthcoming. The the government says it has provided £7bn to help as sector in terms of general business aids, such funding furlough, business property tax reductions airlines, airports and aviation and loans. However, flight from PEK to LAX 2020 amid the in March Covid-19 pandemic. Below: British Airways customers now have access to discounted Covid-19 PCR tests administered by a testing specialist in their own home. Opposite: A nearly empty International Airlines – Suffering from Long Covid.indd 31International Airlines – Suffering from Long Covid.indd 31 Lufthansa 22/07/2021 12:4922/07/2021 12:49 As elsewhere, recovery depends on factors As elsewhere, recovery generally for recovery in South outlook The this year, traffic year-on-year is still 33% down. year-on-year is traffic this year, are losing all of the big carriers In the meantime, the of the support to airlines, As a condition money. shares, which has ‘rights to buy’ US government 8 and 20% of the four main could imply between stakes would be these much airlines, although how rate and depth of on the worth depends very much the recovery. of airlines and airports. The well outside the control and the is well on track vaccination programme domestic travel restrictions on US has had fewer Europe. Summer bookings for US than Western level up to 86% of last year’s domestic flights are haul is still depressed, at but international long High premium corporate 70% of 2020 operations. traffic has also been badly hit across the board. of a American carriers are increasingly hopeful strong domestic recovery through the summer. and an support packages Buoyed by Federal vaccination programme, the airlines believe effective Biden that the worst might be behind them. The trillion-dollar economic stimulus Administration’s will also and infrastructure investment packages thrust to domestic air traffic. US carriers add extra better shape went into the current crisis in much still need than in the 2008-9 recession but they will normal. a speedy return to something approaching is going General Accountability Office (GAO) The to with 2023 as the most likely date for a return 2019 traffic levels. Latin America of the region’s of Chile, few the exception With nations have come to terms with the pandemic. and Brazil in particular is having an awful time from several countries have ‘red listed’ passengers their sealed Argentina and Panama the country. borders and Brazil only allow to flights, and Mexico Few of the international flights. reduced much national carriers have received state aid and Chile’s Avianca and Colombia’s Airlines, Aeromexico LATAM are in bankruptcy restructuring. economic America is clouded by pre-existing Brazil In March, turbulence and political uncertainty. Below: Having retired its fleet of -600s, Lufthansa has now taken the decision to temporarily reactivate five aircraft to operate on some long-haul routes until the arrival of A350-900s in 2023. AIR TRANSPORT and Covid-19 Airlines The Trump Administration authored the $88bn Trump The Overall, passenger traffic slumped to 20% of currently looking at ways of adjusting US is The AEROSPACE AEROSPACE US domestic traffic was down 30% over the year, was down 30% over the year, US domestic traffic with passenger fell by 43%, and international traffic However, 60% respectively. volumes down 40% and in the aviation business airlines, airports and others Government assistance have leveraged Federal under covering payroll and some other running costs payroll support programmes initiated in 2020. The support increased overall was worth $28.2bn. This credit confidence and enabled companies to get on the open market. Some businesses reduced costs through furlough and early retirements. planned, Airlines dumped older aircraft earlier than and reducing the number of airport destinations used smaller aircraft. Some airports delayed capital on terminal modernisation and other expenditure plans, while others took advantage of the expansion reduced number of flights to work on modernisation overtime programmes during normal hours, reducing costs. Help CARES Act to help the sector recovery. and included $32bn in payroll support for airline to cargo operators; $46bn for loans and guarantees all sizes. provide liquidity; and $10bn to airports of loans to airlines, nearly Of the $21.2bn in Federal this $20.8bn went to seven major carriers. Earlier Congress authorised another $14bn in aid, year, US government taking total support to $63bn. The of cargo operators from much deliberately excluded the assistance programme, anticipating rightly that there would be an upsurge in demand for goods for both industry and consumer needs. 122,600 jobs were normal and, up to November, cut permanently from the air transport sector. of ten years of On the positive side, on the back profitable operation, US airlines entered the crisis recovery is optimistically in reasonable shape. Full forecast for the mid-2020s but Covid-19 effects longer. could linger much its support programmes to cover areas of the sector most from the downturn and that have suffered is focused on support for airline cost cutting. This airports and communities that may have entirely lost access to the network. Other measures under checking consideration include support for infection and controlled boarding procedures. As of March The United States The on state aids, so that governments can pay direct so that governments on state aids, EU save the network. Overall, subsidies to airports a fraction of year, €2.2bn in aid last received just airlines. If some European to extended the support cuts to landing charges, get their way over LCCs could get worse. The the situation facing airports proposed 7% increase but Heathrow’s blocked CAA authorised by the CAA even the smaller increment as BA. annoyed airlines such 34 International Airlines – Suffering from Long Covid.indd 32International Airlines – Suffering from Long Covid.indd 32 Mx Granger

Right: The nearly empty international departures area at Capital International Airport.

recorded an upsurge in traffic but the continuing India and rest of Asia and increasing rate of Covid infections and deaths may lead to further curbs on flights. Currently, the Demand for air travel in India continued to grow country is operating a skeleton service and, even in January, with airlines adding rather than cutting before the pandemic, overall, South American capacity. This move was backed by a steady countries had tried to minimise restrictions on increase in the number of people flying – around international travel but the knock-on effects of the 5.5% compared to December. Load factors of growing Brazilian health crisis will begin to have a between 64-70% are buoyed by limitations on dampening effect on travel even within the region. flight frequency imposed by the Indian government. However, the crisis in Covid cases in April through China June depressed these relatively promising numbers, leaving flights only 10% of 2019 numbers. First into the crisis, China seems effectively first Singapore International Airlines saw revenue into recovery. After a bad year, economic growth is shrink by 76% last year, caused by a 97.7% fall in moving back on track and domestic air travel at least traffic. A recovery plan calls for another $4.6bn in is more or less back to pre-Covid levels. Recovery bonds on top of some $13bn since April 2020. The in the Chinese market stalled following a prohibition airline believes that traffic will be back to 32% of on travel during the ‘’ holidays but this pre-Covid levels by the summer. should pick up into the summer months. Generally, international travel in the region is still The three largest carriers, , China stymied by the slow rollout of national vaccination Eastern and China Southern, have opened new programmes and widespread government caution in domestic routes, over ten in total. International travel opening up frontiers. Hong Kong and Japan, as well remains depressed. But overall, Chinese airlines as Australia and New Zealand have been reluctant are financially in a better place than their foreign to allow inbound traffic. Overall, domestic traffic counterparts. This may put Chinese airlines in a rates are hovering around high single figures with strong position when international routes re-open. international operations down to one or two per cent This relatively healthy position was helped by an of 2019 levels. extensive range of state support provided from March last year including additional investment Middle East and Africa in state-owned companies and other measures designed to encourage safe travel once lockdowns Several countries in Africa and the Middle East were lifted. eased government restrictions in the lead up to

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International Airlines – Suffering from Long Covid.indd 33 22/07/2021 12:50 AIR TRANSPORT Airlines and Covid-19 Joe Ravi ‘green light’ travel corridors. EASA and the European Centre for Disease Control has recommended no- quarantine flights for vaccinated EU citizens. However, as the virus continued to throw curve balls, IATA’s Willie Walsh slammed lack of progress on a US-UK agreement during the G7 Summit this June. This was almost entirely due to the surge in the more virulent Delta (Indian) variant now affecting most of the UK. The UK also had to dump Portugal from its green list of no-quarantine destinations as infections increased there. At the same time, however, Air France was preparing to resume transatlantic operations and other US and EU carriers are offering Covid-tested services. However, uncertainty remains over how many European states will allow American citizens entry. Canada is Above: Air France, as this spring. Israel has had a particularly successful still insisting on strict controls. The most optimistic with many other airlines, vaccination campaign and may begin to fare well as scenarios suggest that the summer season will slip has reduced capacity a destination during the summer. The Gulf States into the autumn; a more dismal outlook suggests by retiring aircraft fleets including the A380. have similar hopes but again bans on international that full recovery will wait until 2022. At best, a travel in Europe or strict and expensive quarantine patchy recovery in domestic traffic can be expected regimes could delay recovery. Nevertheless, but long-haul international travel will remain stuck in Emirates Airways is believed to be looking for a recession for some time yet. government bailout. Further bad news may follow Governments may have to take up even more increased Covid rates in the Sub-Continent, of the slack. IATA notes that government aid affecting a key source of business for Gulf-based worldwide is nearly $200bn so far and thinks that airlines. another $80bn may have to be pumped into the The position in Africa is precarious given the sector to head off airline bankruptcies. If so, this relatively slow vaccination campaigns in most would seriously penalise those airlines unable to countries. However, with international travel bans access direct state aids, as well as differences less onerous than elsewhere, African international between self-funding LCCs and legacy airlines. A traffic held up better than might be expected but number of commentators are concerned that it may the most recent data show signs of emerging prove difficult to wean some airlines off state aid, problems. which might lead to renewed legal challenges to ‘subsidised’ carriers from less protected carriers. And the recovery? Longer-term affects A general recovery will be slow and subject to abrupt regional reversals. Higher premium business One fall-out from the crisis has been the switching traffic may remain depressed as ‘work from of route structures to take advantage of friends home’ practices remain in place. IATA is currently and family markets, or areas that have ridden the forecasting that traffic will return to 51% of pre- crisis in better shape. , for example, crisis levels by the end of this year. A consensus has been picking up traffic from South Asia to points to 2023/4 before a full recovery might be the UK and also on services to Nigeria. Some COVID MAY expected. Eurocontrol, the European air traffic routes have experienced 90% load factors. For YET HAVE A management organisation, puts full recovery in example, Air France increased flight to Francophone PERSISTENT 2026 at the earliest. Generally, LCCs will come out destinations. US carriers also looked to SE Asia and of the crisis quicker than long haul operators. South Africa for new routes. These trends might AND US airlines are claiming that the ‘worst is presage a permanent adjustment to some airline DISRUPTIVE behind us’, based on high rates of vaccination business models. ROLE IN and some airlines have even detected a revival in But hanging over the industry is the spectre SHAPING business traffic. On the other hand, Qatar boss Al of long-term and permanent changes in demand. Baker thinks that the ‘worst is still to come’. This As Willie Walsh, the IATA chief noted, continuing THE FUTURE may reflect the different local context with the restrictions and their associated costs could have a HEALTH AND outlook for Gulf carriers tied to the course of the commensurate dampening effect on air travel, just STRUCTURE pandemic in South Asia and its effects on long as the prohibition on carrying fluids and enhanced OF THE CIVIL haul travel generally. Recovery will depend on a security measures became the ‘new normal’ general economic activity but also on the return after 9/11. Covid may yet have a persistent and AVIATION of passenger confidence backed by targeted disruptive role in shaping the future health and BUSINESS measures such as vaccination certification and structure of the civil aviation business.

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International Airlines – Suffering from Long Covid.indd 34 22/07/2021 12:50 47th European Rotorcraft Forum 7 - 9 September 2021 I Virtual

The European Rotorcraft Forum is one of the premier events in the rotorcraft community’s calendar bringing together manufacturers, research centres, academia, operators and regulatory agencies to discuss advances in research, development, design, manufacturing, testing and operation of rotorcraft. Join us online for over 130 plenary and technical sessions. Keynote speakers include: Tomasz Krysinski, VP Research & Innovation, Tim Williams, Chief Engineer, Vertical Aerospace Pat Collins, DE&S Senior Fellow, Helicopters Operating Centre, Technology Team, MOD

Tickets RAeS Member £325+VAT Non-Member £400+VAT RAeS Corporate Partner £375+VAT CEAS Member £325+VAT Speaker/Chair £300+VAT RAeS Student/Apprentice Affiliate Member £125+VAT

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Find out more and book your place www.erf2021.org

Untitled-2 1 22/07/2021 14:08 GENERAL AVIATION Civil rotorcraft research and development Capability revolution Is the end in sight for the conventional helicopter as eVTOLs move ever closer to reality? According to manufacturers, that’s an emphatic no. Instead, they are looking forward to a revolution in capability. Ahead of the 47th European Rotorcraft Forum in September, PAUL EDEN reports on a renaissance in VTOL.

omasz Krysinski, Head of Research and eVTOL, I see it growing. I’m a great supporter of Innovation at Airbus Helicopters, points anyone who wants to build a heliport or landing out, with some enthusiasm, that an spot for an eVTOL because it can also be used by a eVTOL is just a VTOL ‘with an ‘e’ at the helicopter. The infrastructure works for both.” front’. The method of eVTOL propulsion Robinson reckons that helicopter noise has been Tis new but its mode of operation is entirely familiar, a factor in limiting their use in the way mooted for thanks primarily to the helicopter, the original VTOL eVTOLs, which he isn’t convinced will be especially platform. quieter. However, he suggests that some routes However, with so many eVTOL concepts in planned by eVTOL operators could also work for development, is the end of the traditional helicopter helicopters, aiding their acceptance into urban areas. inevitable? Airbus Helicopters and Bell, for example, Krysinski likewise believes Airbus Helicopters’ are investigating autonomous flight with obvious investment in helicopter noise and fuel burn application to eVTOLs. Does even research into reduction will leave the craft well placed to operate future helicopter technologies ultimately benefit from new facilities ostensibly developed to support eVTOL design and hasten the decline of the classic eVTOLs. “Helicopters will be able to penetrate Bell’s FCX-001 rotary-wing platform? into cities more than ever before. We are already concept Kurt Robinson, President and Chairman at the introducing noise-reducing Blue Edge technology Robinson Helicopter Company, says not. “I don’t on the H160 and we are looking at other concepts, see the helicopter market diminishing because of including hybridisation, where in some conditions Bell

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Rotorcraft eVTOL Helicopter Tech AH BR.indd 38 22/07/2021 15:23 we could reduce the rotation speed of the rotor also has an optionally-piloted vehicle, the OPV and then, if suddenly required, use the immediate Black Hawk. A UH-60A fitted with a MATRIX kit, torque of an electric motor compared to a turbine, to Cherepinsky describes it as a product prototype increase speed again. for a next-generation UH-60 and showcase for “We strongly believe that eVTOL applications will the future integration of MATRIX into production form an entirely new market but, at the same time, WITH SO platforms, among them the US Army’s future vertical we are reducing helicopter fuel burn. Combining this MANY EVTOL lift platform. with SAF, we are working towards flying with zero CONCEPTS IN Perhaps surprisingly, MATRIX is not intended carbon emissions.” He also notes that the advanced to replace pilots in every scenario. Cherepinsky navigation and sensor systems required for safe DEVELOPMENT, says: “With two pilots on board for complex eVTOL operations apply equally to helicopters, IS THE END missions, MATRIX acts as an additional decision enabling optimised routes that could help even OF THE aid/safety net, providing functionality, including current-technology helicopters operate more widely TRADITIONAL obstacle avoidance and controlled flight into terrain over urban areas by mitigating noise pollution. prevention. It also allows pilots/operators to specify HELICOPTER a complex set of constraints. It takes these and Fly-by-wire foundation INEVITABLE? produces an optimised plan. “With a single pilot/operator on board, MATRIX In parallel to its own eVTOL work, Bell announced its takes the role of digital co-pilot, performing FCX-001 concept in 2017. Intended to show what checklists, contingency handling and other the future of helicopters could look like, it embodied functionality. This reduces workload and allows and built upon several technologies, including fly-by- true single-pilot operations in a complex mission wire, already certified in the Relentless production environment. Should an operator choose to fly a helicopter. “Fly-by-wire is the foundation for enabling MATRIX-enabled aircraft with no one on board, the autonomy,” a Bell spokesperson says, “which we see ground operator only needs specify the mission, as an important means to improving aircraft safety.” using a specially developed goals/constraints Like Krysinski and Robinson, Igor Cherepinsky, interface. MATRIX executes the mission fully Director, Sikorsky Innovation, predicts a VTOL autonomously, independently of any datalink, since renaissance. Sikorsky is also working on autonomous all sensing and computations are performed on flight for eVTOL applications and enhanced piloted board the vehicle. The operator can intervene at any and unpiloted helicopter operations. “Our MATRIX A depiction of point to adjust mission parameters, allowing one system is a core set of algorithms and hardware that how the Racer operator to supervise multiple vehicles.” encompasses advanced flight controls, autonomy, While Sikorsky was busy configuring SARA, sensing and human-machine-interface,” he explains, is expected to Airbus Helicopters developed its H130-based “while the Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft – appear Flightlab, under Project Vertex. In a 26 April SARA – is the flying laboratory designed to host 2021 press release, the company stated that the MATRIX and facilitate its development.” Sikorsky helicopter would be equipped with ‘vision-based Airbus Helicopters

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Rotorcraft eVTOL Helicopter Tech AH BR.indd 39 22/07/2021 15:23 GENERAL AVIATION Civil rotorcraft research and development

sensors and algorithms for situational awareness capable of a quick vertical take-off, short cruise and obstacle detection, fly-by-wire for enhanced and subsequent vertical landing is probably the autopilot, and an advanced human- limit for some time which leaves the machine-interface – in the form of a plethora of other helicopter missions touchscreen and head worn display to conventional rotary-wing aircraft. for inflight monitoring and control.’ European Until electrical power becomes a Autonomy is clearly on the agenda Rotorcraft widely practical solution, conventional but Krysinski says the Flightlab helicopters remain the only solution is intended to serve as a test bed Forum for search and rescue, emergency for multiple technologies, many RAeS Virtual medical services, rig support, equally applicable to conventional Conference firefighting, construction and more. helicopters, with equipment being 7-9 September 2021 The future for those aircraft changed to suit emerging trials. ought to be fuelled by sustainable He refers to each of the Vertex alternatives to regular Jet A-1 technologies as ‘techno-bricks’, the and avgas. Fill a helicopter’s tanks bricks combining to generate a with blended sustainable aviation capability. “It means we can quickly Lead sponsor: fuel (SAF) and offset the 30% progress new technology from or so residual carbon that results idea to application. This year we’ve from burning it and the result is a already tested some bricks, including zero-carbon flight. If 100% SAF is ‘Eagle’, the eye for guidance and certified, even the need for offset landing extension gyro-stabilised disappears. It is a fact the industry is electro-optical system, coupled to reacting to, as Bell’s spokesperson the autopilot. Soon we’ll trial our confirmed: “We announced on 24 electrical back-up system, which March 2021 that we will begin This Robinson improves in the single- incorporating SAF into all Bell engined configuration. It uses an Training Academy and customer R44 instrument electric motor coupled to the gearbox and drawing demonstration fleet aircraft.” panel includes 30 seconds of power from batteries for easier, In 2020, Leonardo acquired the Kopter SH09 controls for the smoother and safer autorotation.” next-generation light single-engined helicopter, optional Genesys adding the machine to its catalogue as the AW09. Propulsion The first electrified production helicopters will HeliSAS autopilot almost certainly be at this lighter end of the market Electric propulsion systems are currently unable to and, while the AW09 is debuting on the power support sustained hover or longer flights. An eVTOL of a Honeywell HTS900 turbine, a Leonardo Robinson Helicopters

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Rotorcraft eVTOL Helicopter Tech AH BR.indd 40 22/07/2021 15:23 spokesperson confirms: “Thanks to its modern to help them improve their turbines through design, in the medium to long term the AW09 will new thermodynamic cycles, which can yield a contribute to the development of new hybrid and significant burn reduction of up to 25%. Then there electrical propulsion solutions.” is hybridisation, which will save another 10-15%, The company also remains committed to because with more efficient electric motors and development, with the AW609 and Clean low-mass batteries we can improve the efficiency Sky 2 NextGen Tiltrotor concept in its portfolio. of the global system. By the end of this decade Both promise the versatility of VTOL combined we expect to have reduced helicopter fuel burn by with turboprop performance and Leonardo’s 50%.” spokesperson emphasises: “The Clean Sky 2 NextGen Tiltrotor aims at halving CO emissions, 2 Building for tomorrow lowering NOx by almost 15% and mitigating noise by around 30% compared to reference medium- With reduced weight, safety and sustainability sized helicopters.” Both aircraft employ conventional in mind, helicopter OEMs, Airbus Helicopters turbine propulsion, as does the Next-Generation and Leonardo among them, are examining new Commercial Tiltrotor (NGCTR). materials and construction methods. The latter’s SAF will be important in ensuring the NGCTR spokesperson enthuses over additive manufacturing meets emissions requirements. However, the (AM): “We are engaging with experts in the field spokesperson also notes: “Leonardo is certifying to understand how we can progress and apply the first multirole/commercial tiltrotor (AW609) the technology. Advances in AM are opening up A UH-60A and working to make the NGCTR even more significant opportunities to produce parts faster and modified with efficient and cost effective. We are also working on more cheaply using fewer resources, and enabling distributed propulsion systems, although these still designs previously unachievable. The possibility MATRIX, the have some way to go to be certifiable. Many of the of printing spare parts remotely could avoid us OPV Black Hawk eVTOL concepts being evaluated are fundamentally shipping parts around the world, realising a much demonstrates based on a tiltrotor-type concept and the tiltrotor greener solution to customer support. Digitalisation, technologies and helicopter configurations will lend themselves to from design to maintenance, including digital twin future hybrid power source changes, regardless of applications and advanced predictive maintenance, for the next- the advances in the lifting mechanism technology.” is another key area of our development.” generation of the SAF also figures strongly in Airbus Helicopters’ Airbus Helicopters is constructing the Racer, ubiquitous H-60 plans, alongside a raft of fuel-saving measures, a high-speed helicopter in which the method of and other future as Krysinski explains: “We are working on several construction is as important as flight performance. technologies, including optimised mechanics, Krysinski enthuses: “We have 42 partners in 13 platforms generating a 15% reduction in fuel burn. We’re also countries. The fuselage was built in Romania, for working very closely with engine manufacturers instance, and moved to Donauwörth in Germany for Sikorsky

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Rotorcraft eVTOL Helicopter Tech AH BR.indd 41 22/07/2021 15:23 GENERAL AVIATION Civil rotorcraft research and development

installation of the canopy. In July it was transported adding cost. I think that’s really where everyone to Marignane, France for final assembly, including wants to go.” wings from the UK, tail from Spain, and gearbox Sikorsky is also addressing long-term helicopter and landing gear from Italy. We want to fly it next challenges, Cherepinsky noting: “We designed year. MATRIX to answer them, specifically flying in “It includes new architecture and techno-bricks. degraded visual environments and controlled The Romanian structure is hybrid, for example, flight into terrain. We fully believe the additional mixing metallic and composite materials. There computing power, sensors and algorithms integrated are also new technologies in the wings, in shafting into MATRIX will lead to a significant increase in and gearing, controls and actuators. We aim to safety.” demonstrate the readiness level of these before Noting the suite of sensors planned for the progressing to any application.” Airbus Helicopters Flightlab, Krysinski continues: “The target is really to focus the pilot on the mission. New responses to old challenges LIDAR, for example, generates a picture of the environment at low speeds, including cables, which Meanwhile, new technologies are already helping are a primary hazard for helicopters, while optical helicopter operators respond to traditional cameras image the landing zone and work with the challenges. These responses range from the autopilot to enable automatic . Everything surprisingly straightforward to complex systems for works with the pilot to make the helicopter safer.” landing safely, even automatically, in brownout or Although the Looking across the gamut of VTOL flying, he whiteout conditions. Robinson, for example, notes: AW09 will debut says: “Through these projects, including eVTOL, “Last year we introduced high-impact windshields and our Vertex and Racer, we have many young, to resist bird-strikes. With the forthcoming SAS as a turbine intelligent people thinking about vertical take-off (stability augmentation system) autopilot, operators helicopter, and landing. It will generate a lot of ideas and new will be able to plug in their GPS and set a route Leonardo technologies.” Krysinski predicts a future in which that avoids overhead lines and won’t allow them to eVTOL and helicopter technologies cross over to stray into them. sees it making the benefit of all. I think the SAS autopilot is one of the most an important It is a vision Kurt Robinson optimistically shares: exciting things coming along. It really will transform contribution to “Power consumption in the hover is difficult for the industry. We’re trying to drive the costs down realising hybrid electric aircraft. The eVTOLs we’ve seen try to get but,, if you want to make flying easier and relatively out of the hover and into forward flight, where they safer, it’s an advancement that makes operating and electrical are more efficient, as quickly as possible. It seems in different environments and conditions possible propulsion to me the solution may be a little longer term and, in without such sophisticated training. We want to the meantime, helicopters will continue to evolve. I make our aircraft simpler and easier to fly without think that’s great for our industry.” Leonardo

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Rotorcraft eVTOL Helicopter Tech AH BR.indd 42 22/07/2021 15:23 Afterburner www.aerosociety.com

Diary 19-20 October 2021 Cutting Aviation’s Climate Change Impact Online and No.4 Hamilton Place Conference

ZEROe is an Airbus concept aircraft. In the blended-wing body configuration, two hybrid hydrogen turbofan engines provide thrust. The liquid hydrogen storage tanks are stored underneath the wings. Airbus.

44 Message from RAeS 46 Book Reviews 52 AeroWomen21 – President Harrier 809, The Flying Mathematicians of World The AeroWomen21 network aims to educate, War I and Royal Vikings. celebrate and unite women in the aerospace “I was very pleased to be able to join the industry to address the shortfall of female engineers Branch online pre-AGM event on in the UK. 21 June at which Jim Bridenstine, former NASA 49 e-Library Additions Administrator, was the invited speaker.” Books recently added to the National Aerospace 54 New Member Spotlight Library’s e-Library. – Chief Executive 55 RAeS Diary The Yellowfin all-electric seaplane “Finally, we mark a great achievement in gaining 50 Find out what Society events are happening. OFQUAL recognition as an apprenticeship end- As part of a final year project, 13 MEng point assessment organisation. As a regulator with Aeronautical Engineering finalists from statutory powers, OFQUAL will in future provide Loughborough University were tasked with 56 Elections External Quality Assurance of our activity.” designing a solution to relieve some of the pressing transport issues experienced within the Maldives.

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Afterburner_August2021.indd 1 21/07/2021 16:51:58 Message from RAeS OUR PRESIDENT

Howard Nye Since the Society’s first transition to virtual events UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure back in September last year, in response to the inquiry, duly submitted on 1 July. Covid pandemic, I have been very impressed by The MoD’s Defence and Security Accelerator the large number of high quality events now being (DASA), launched its ‘Space to Innovate Campaign’ organised online by our Branches, Divisions and with the objective to release a series of challenge Specialist Groups. ‘drops’ to find and fund solutions to major space I was very pleased to be able to join the hurdles, with up to £2m in funding available over the Washington Branch online pre-AGM event on next two years, launched on 16 June which seeks 21 June at which Jim Bridenstine, former NASA proposals for ‘novel and innovative future space Administrator, was the invited speaker. He praised technologies’, both to ‘develop visualisation tools to the move to the new apolitical bipartisan approach observe objects in orbit’, and to ‘define methods for to decision-making on NASA’s programmes and characterising objects in space and their intent’. the increasing drive towards commercialisation. The emphasis on the challenges of space debris He specifically mentioned the current innovative have been raised at Westminster and by the UK programmes, not only the Moon Gateway in Space Agency which shows the need for a clear partnership with other nations and the current Mars over-arching UK Space Strategy addressing UK’s exploration exploiting a helicopter but also NASA’s objectives in a civil and defence context, addressing interest both in urban air mobility and supersonic the allocation of roles and responsibilities between aircraft. It was particularly encouraging to see Mr the various government and military bodies, and the Bridenstine’s continuing interest in the Society, valued contributions of both industry and academia. since his attendance at the Society’s Farnborough On a somewhat lighter note, many of us Summer Reception held at No.4 Hamilton Place, in watched the live transmission of Virgin Galactic’s June 2018. successful launch of its founder Sir Richard Branson On 5 July, I chaired the Aerodynamics Specialist and five other crew members into suborbital Group’s 2020 Lanchester Lecture, delayed to this space, reaching a height of around 50 miles for year owing to the Covid situation. The lecture is a few minutes on 11 July in a milestone mission held in honour of Frederick William Lanchester, that marked the first fully-crewed flight of its VSS Honorary Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society Unity space plane and the safe return to Spaceport and renowned for his contribution to the world of America in New Mexico. The vehicle was piloted by scientific aeronautics. The speaker on this occasion David Mackay, Virgin Galactic Chief Pilot and former was Trevor Birch, Technical Fellow at DSTL who RAF Harrier test pilot. Already the first native-born spoke of the many aerodynamics challenges Scot to visit space, he delivered the 108th Wilbur associated with internal and external weapons and Orville Wright Lecture at No.4 Hamilton Place in integration on aircraft and the impact on both December 2019. aircraft and weapon design and performance. With more than 1,600 people already signed On 8 July, I chaired the Women in Aerospace & up for future flights, Branson’s plan is to provide Aviation Committee’s Amy Johnson Lecture, held up to 400 flights per year from each of the future in honour of her admirable aviation achievements. capable of supporting such flights. The invited speaker was Air Commodore Suraya Our readers may however recall that at the June Marshall, Commandant at the meeting, Council members exchanged views on College Cranwell, who gave an inspirational talk state/private funded human space travel and the covering many topics, including the new leadership value for the public good, as well as the associated approach introduced by the RAF to attract and ethical and moral risks, topics which will remain on IT WAS retain women at all levels. Also explaining her the Society agenda. PARTICULARLY personal journey, the feedback from the online In conclusion, I wish to thank you all for your audience was extremely positive. (Watch the continuing dedication to the Society, whether you ENCOURAGING lecture video here: https://www.youtube.com/ are Corporate Partners, whether you are involved TO SEE MR watch?v=CQrzYLckA3Y) in management and functioning of our Branches, BRIDENSTINE’S Concerning the Society’s aim to provide Divisions, Specialists Groups, Committees or CONTINUING independent advice to government, the Society Boards, whether you are part of our very effective prepared a response to the call by the House Executive Team, or simply Society members across INTEREST IN of Commons Science and Technology Select all grades. I wish you all an enjoyable, safe and THE SOCIETY Committee for written evidence regarding the healthy break.

44 AEROSPACE

Afterburner_August2021.indd 2 21/07/2021 16:51:58 OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Sir Brian Burridge ● Despite global uncertainty on the progress of Branch was the first to be formed under rules Covid, airline passenger numbers are beginning for the formation of Branches issues by Council to creep-up in Europe and the US. European in 1926. The 61st Annual Report of Council traffic has reached 63% of 2019 levels and, in 1925-26 states: “The formation of Branches will the US, domestic leisure travel has reached 90% greatly stimulate interest in aeronautics and will but business travel has settled at just 20% of the considerably widen the scope of the Society’s 2019 figure with little immediate optimism over activities.” Congratulations to the Coventry Branch further recovery. At the end of 2020, the world’s – first amongst equals. To give you a feel for the major airlines were holding over $400bn of debt. times, the day before, two Lufthansa Junkers With rising Covid-19 cases in India and Latin aircraft had left Berlin bound for Beijing on a America, further losses of $90bn are predicted return trip to be completed on 26 September. in 2021 (see International Airlines suffering from ● In September the Society is pleased to be hosting ‘long Covid’, pp 32-36. the 2021 European Rotorcraft Forum which is one ● Meanwhile, the climate change challenge is at of the premier events in the rotorcraft community’s the top of the aviation agenda for governments calendar. It brings together the entire ecosystem with the European Commission’s proposal for new from manufacturers, through to regulators to legislation covering targets for sustainable aviation discuss advances in all aspects of the life cycle fuel usage, a fuel tax on flights within Europe from research to rotorcraft operation. This Forum and a tightening-up of the European Emissions will be the 47th in a series of events, which take Trading Scheme, an unwelcome move with IATA place annually across Europe, rotating around given the current Covid situation. More positively, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, the the UK has launched the Zero Emission Flight Netherlands, Russia and . The first ERF was Infrastructure competition aimed at supporting the held here in Southampton in 1975. The Forum will infrastructure for electric and hydrogen aircraft. take place virtually on 7-9 September 2021. Join ● With the help of the Space Specialist Group us online from wherever you are in the world for (chaired by our President), we have submitted plenary and technical sessions on areas such as some very thoughtful evidence to an inquiry aerodynamics, flight test, flight mechanics, eVTOL/ into space by the House of Commons Science AAM, aircraft design, manufacturing and much and Technology Committee. Our evidence has more (see Capability revolution, pp 38-42). not yet been published but two key areas for ● Congratulations to Professor Jonathan Cooper us are the need for the UK to significantly FRAeS who has taken up the role as the increase investment in space if we are to put Aeronautics Branch Chair within CEAS, the ourselves alongside other key space nations Council of European Aerospace Societies. around the world, and to recognise the need to Jonathan’s appointment will maintain the have sovereign UK space capability alongside strong links the Society has with its European international collaboration, especially through counterparts, and we will continue to work the (ESA). It was also closely with other European bodies and agencies good to see the opening of the new National to further promote aeronautics research and Space Propulsion Test Facility which is one of development. only three in the world able to test state-of-the-art ● Finally, we mark a great achievement in gaining propulsion engines for small satellites. OFQUAL recognition as an apprenticeship end- DESPITE GLOBAL ● The Young Persons Committee hosted their point assessment organisation. As a regulator second AeroTube video competition and have with statutory powers, OFQUAL will in future UNCERTAINTY seen some great entries from the UK and around provide External Quality Assurance of our activity. ON THE the world. The Young Persons Committee would Many congratulations are due to Ros Azouzi and PROGRESS OF like to thank all those who participated and her team for surmounting this significant hurdle. submitted entries! Congratulations to our winner COVID, AIRLINE Congratulations also go to our Editor-in-Chief, Tim Alex Yiannakou for his video ‘Voyager: Mankind’s Robinson, for winning the 2021 Aerospace Media PASSENGER Greatest Expedition’, looking at NASA’s Voyager Award for best commercial aviation submission NUMBERS ARE Mission: also to our runner-up Lisa McNamee for with his article Airbus spearheads zero-carbon BEGINNING TO her video ‘What is an Analogue Space Mission?’ Moonshot (AEROSPACE, November 2020). Tim These competition entries can be found to view on CREEP-UP IN was up against some stiff competition with finalists the Royal Aeronautical Society YouTube channel. from Aviation Week and Flight International which, EUROPE AND ● On Sunday the 25 July the Coventry Branch building on the team’s two awards from last year, is THE US celebrated its 95th anniversary. The Coventry testament to the quality of AEROSPACE.

AUGUST 2021 45

Afterburner_August2021.indd 3 21/07/2021 16:51:59 Book Reviews HARRIER 809 Britain’s Legendary Jump Jet and the Untold Story of the By Rowland White

London: Bantam Press, 2020, pp482, £20.

The Falklands War of 1982 represented a radical change in aerial conflict since WW2. Less than a decade after the end of Vietnam and the October War in the Middle East, the air war over the Falklands (Malvinas) was not a battle of Western aircraft and Soviet MiGs but between French, Israeli, and American jets on one side and arguably the least understood and appreciated British fighter of the Above: HMS Invincible combat, the hope that every tactical decision is the Cold War on the other. How a handful of Harriers returns to Portsmouth to right one, and the gut-wrenching agony of losing would fare in aerial combat nearly 8,000 miles celebrations following the fellow pilots, both British and Argentine. We see the Falklands Conflict in 1982. away from their home in England against Daggers personalities of the aviators, sailors, commanders, operating in Argentina’s front yard was as large an Lined up on deck are Sea King helicopters from 820 and senior officers. Some are hard-drinking, unknown in Washington DC as it was in Whitehall. Naval Air Squadron and Sea pack-a-day, barf-and-a-cigarette-for-breakfast Since then, a number of excellent books have Harrier FRS1 aircraft from fighter pilots, some are pensive and reflect on the demonstrated that the Sea Harrier acquitted itself 800 Naval Air Squadron. MoD/Crown copyright. apparent futility of flying against a force numerically with distinction. Rowland White’s brilliant Harrier 809 three times that of the Harriers. No matter which side goes far beyond these traditional narratives and White writes about, we quickly develop a personal technical analyses and is unquestionably both the interest in their success. Some we like, others leave best of the lot and an exemplar of what airpower us cold. In either case, they are all nearly larger than history can be. life. And it works. Written in an accessibly lucid, compelling Throughout the book, one has the feeling that style reminiscent of an action thriller, Harrier 809 White’s prose is, in fact, a retrospective play acted is meticulously researched whether discussing out at a quiet London club in front of a fireplace technical details of the Blue Fox radar or Ministry with each of the book’s many personalities from decisions about who and what to deploy to the both sides sipping 30-year-old Scotch and wistfully Falklands. The book is well presented with 60 recalling the events of 40 years ago as if they were brief chapters, multiple maps, three sections yesterday. Harrier 809 is more a conversation among of photographs, helpful appendices, a short the participants than a mere transcript of events. bibliography, and is fully indexed. Although we know Readers want to engage with both those who were the outcome of the war, White makes clear how there as well as White, as if to ask: “Was BLACK precarious the British victory was. With perhaps one BUCK really the longest bombing mission in history” or two more Exocet missiles, Argentina easily could or to laugh out loud at the description of one pilot have emerged on top. attempting to use the Sea Harrier’s navigation White’s inspired success with Harrier 809 system as akin to “trying to work out your tax return comes from what is too often missing from aviation on a calculator strapped to your ankle while driving histories: the personal touch. Sea Harriers, Super around central Guildford at rush hour.” Étendards, and Canberra PR9s don’t fly combat Enjoying Harrier 809 over several evenings is as missions, pilots do. and aircraft carriers close as any reader – irrespective of interests – will don’t fight for survival against Exocet missile attacks, ever get to those harrowing moments aboard and captains, masters, and radar controllers do. For White, Rowland White’s above HMS Invincible, HMS Hermes, or the ill-fated the story of the British victory in the Falklands is how Harrier 809 is Atlantic Conveyor while strapped into a Sea Harrier the many different people involved pulled together on CAP or a Skyhawk pressing home a desperate a make-shift force of Harriers, equipped them with a masterpiece attack. Rowland White’s Harrier 809 is a masterpiece advanced AIM-9L Sidewinders (the ‘Mike Tyson’ of airpower of airpower narrative and history and is unreservedly of air-to-air missiles), and then coaxed everything narrative and recommended. possible out of them to provide the combat air history and is patrols that kept the British task force alive. Dr Robert S Hopkins, III We share the disappointment of squadron mates unreservedly FRAeS and wives left behind, the exhilaration of aerial recommended Editor, Journal of Aeronautical History

46 AEROSPACE

Afterburner_August2021.indd 4 21/07/2021 16:52:00 THE FLYING MATHEMATICIANS OF WORLD WAR I By Tony Royle

Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2020, 288pp, £22.50.

This book seeks to describe the development of aeronautics in the early years of the last century through the activities of almost 200 people who played a role, either directly, or indirectly, in the development of the aeroplane in the UK up to the end of the Great War. The title suggests that this is a story about ‘mathematicians’. However, if a ‘mathematician’ is someone who contributes to mathematics as a discipline and, especially, to the development of mathematical techniques, few of those described were really ‘mathematicians’ and of these not many actually flew. It is clear from the early chapters that the aeroplane was developed by people who were impressed with the role of the Cambridge Wranglers. motivated, primarily, by the need to fly, rather than a However, in those days, only people of significant desire to understand the basic scientific principles. wealth could go to university and studying mathematics Arguably, the exception was Samuel Langley but he is was definitely not a stepping stone to a career in any only mentioned in passing. Like the steam engine, the manufacturing industry. Therefore, it should be no aeroplane is a product of engineering – a discipline surprise to learn that many of these socially privileged, that creates useful things without needing a full mathematics graduates entered the higher echelons understanding of the underlying science. Therefore, in of the civil service and the armed forces, nor is it this reviewer’s opinion, the majority of the people in the surprising that some applied their knowledge of the book are engineers and, while some may have studied subject in the course of their daily work. The true value mathematics, most simply used mathematics as an of the fundamental contributions of the most famous indispensable ‘tool of the trade’. Wranglers – Stokes, Reynolds and Routh – was only The principal characters appear to be Edward Busk realised much later, particularly, in the period following (Mechanics), Geoffrey Taylor (Maths and Physics), David the development of digital computing. Keith Lucas (Natural Sciences), Frederick Lindemann On a more general note, considering the scope, (Physics) and William Farren (Mechanics). These the technical complexity and the size of the cast of were the flyers and, tragically, Busk and Lucas were characters, the book is very short and it is not an easy to be killed in flying accidents. However, by the above Above: Edward Teshmaker read. This is not helped by the author’s attempts to put definition, none were ‘mathematicians’. Arguably, the Busk (1886-1914) in an RE1 some of the technical aspects into ‘layman’s terms’. three ladies who worked in the Technical Section of the he was using for stability experiments. Busk was killed The description of the concepts of aircraft ‘trim’, i.e. all Air Department of the Admiralty – Hilda Hudson, Letitia when the BE2c he was flying forces and moments in balance, and static and dynamic Chitty and Beatrice Cave-Brown-Cave were the closest was engulfed in flames on 5 ‘stability’, ie having the tendency to return smoothly fits to the definition of a professional mathematician. November 1914. to the original flight path following a disturbance, are Their stories are both new and enlightening, but none of Top: The Admiralty Air seriously flawed; confusion surrounding the difference them flew. Hence, this reviewer’s issue with the title. Department 1918. Back Row: Miss Dorothy Chandler, Mr between a couple applied as a moment to induce In the more general context, the book provides Solly Brant, Mr Hayward, bending and one applied as a torque to induce twist some useful information on the roles and contributions John Case, H B Howard and does not help. of some whose names are not well known, eg David Miss Lesley Hussey (later Mrs When the author is discussing organisations and Pinsent and Roderick Hill. The descriptions of the White). Middle Row: Miss the roles of individuals, the text is both enjoyable and various organisations and the hints of rivalry are also Olive Moger, Mr Hunter, Miss Letitia Chitty, Mrs Fellows, informative but the best parts are also the shortest. At interesting. However, for this reviewer, rather too much Capt T M Wilson, Captain times, it is thought provoking and, with the exception is said about those who, in reality, made little, or no, John Laurence Pritchard and of those sections that purport to describe technical contribution, while too little is said about some who Miss Norah Searle (Mrs H B issues, it leaves the reader wanting to learn more made significant advances in knowledge, eg Melvill Irving). Seated: Miss Myers, Alfred John Sutton Pippard, about this critical period in the development of Jones, Leonard Bairstow and Hermann Glauert. Also, Miss Mary Hutchison, aeronautical engineering and the contributions of the absence of any clear acknowledgement of the Commander Ogilvie, Miss these fascinating people. central role of Imperial College and of any discussion of Hilda P Hudson, Miss Amy M pre-war, non-UK work, eg Ludwig Prandtl in Germany, Trout and Mr Coates. Both RAeS (NAL). Professor Ian Poll makes the account feel lop-sided. FRAeS The author seems to have been particularly Past President

AUGUST 2021 47

Afterburner_August2021.indd 5 21/07/2021 16:52:03 - Book Reviews ROYAL VIKINGS

The Saga of Scandinavian the three nations. ABA continued to fly to Germany, and, memorably, it operated 209 flights between Airlines and Predecessors Sweden and Scotland, using DC-3s and some of the By Günter Endres 69 interned American Boeing B-17 bombers. Flight conditions were fraught and two of their DC-3s were European Airlines, 2020, 262pp, £35. shot down by the Luftwaffe. Astonishingly, Britain’s official war record Merchant Airmen makes no mention Günter Endres FRAeS is a formidable aviation of the Swedish contribution to what became known as historian with a whole shelf of well-researched titles the Ball Bearing Run. to his name, from the aircraft-type specific Airbus The remaining pages are devoted to the formal Top: The current SAS logo. A300 to more general reference titles such as British establishment of SAS and its subsequent history, including 37 pages of fleet data. SAS continued Above: The airline’s original Aircraft Manufacturers since 1908 and World Airline emblem, displaying each Fleets. The subject of this review traces the long and the Douglas tradition for many decades, even using Scandinavian flag as coats complicated story of Scandinavian Airlines System, specially formulated DC-9s, before moving on to of arms with surmounting better known worldwide as SAS. ‘System’ is an apt and Boeings. It is no criticism of the author crowns. description of this airline whose history resembles an that the story does flag after SAS was granted hourglass; its many pre-war constituent parts, Danish, its overseas monopoly concession by the three Norwegian and Swedish, were tightly corseted to participating governments. The airline ventured across become SAS after WW2 but, by the late 1950s the the Atlantic and the pioneering Polar flights across svelte consortium was beginning to bulge, launching the Arctic are noteworthy, as is the early granting many commuter and charter airlines, taking over of overflight rights by the Russians, useful for the domestic competitors, and participating overseas in transit to Bangkok, a major centre of Danish and Mexican and Thai carriers, later in Britain’s own British SAS investment. The first jets to be ordered were Midland Airways. French-built Caravelles operated in co-operation with The initial chapters, pp 6-121, covers each country Swissair; some of them also saw service with Thai in turn, up to 1948, with comprehensive text, tabulated International. operating statistics and fleet details, many excellent Like many international airlines, SAS tried its photographs, some beautiful line drawings in colour, hand at almost anything, not all of them successfully. and a somewhat rudimentary map in each case. I remember the SAS Hotel in Copenhagen, and the As early as 1924 Denmark’s DDL was in talks airline branched out into charter operations on several with Sweden’s ABA about co-operation, at this stage occasions, including the comically named Spanair and with the backing of the German Junkers organisation ‘snowflake’ brand; domestic competitors tended to be but the Danes shied off and bought Fokkers instead. I swallowed up and later regurgitated as yet another was intrigued to learn that the early Danish registration domestic brand or regional airline. Fortunately Mr letter was T which was later changed to the current Endres provides a helpful genealogy on p 139! By the OY following the redistribution of radio callsigns in the end of the book all the different subsidiary brands have late 1920s. (In passing, it partly explains the Icelandic been closed down or absorbed; everything has been registration TF, as Iceland was ruled by Denmark until gathered into the SAS corset, except for ’s 1944.) Denmark later bought Junkers and Focke-Wulf Widerøe which escaped from under in 2013. Condors which saw limited war service; the sole There are some fine line drawings at the end of remaining Condor re-established service to London in the section but do not be fooled by the Viscount; it September 1945. Douglas DC-3s and Vickers Vikings was owned and operated by Fred Olsen, a Norwegian made up the bulk of post-war purchases, continuing airline that had no problem using Viscounts and an to fly in SAS colours after the initial co-operation Avro 748. Mr Endres passes no comment on the agreement was signed in August 1946. changes to the SAS livery over the years but the airline Norway came to aviation late, flying its Junkers has consistently used the striking italic SAS logotype Ju 52/3ms as floatplanes but had to stop operations on the tail of its aircraft, even if other elements of the during the war. With peace came orders for DC-3s branding seem bizarre, none more so than the current and Short Sandringham flying boats, one of the latter pale beige-grey with invisible SAS logo in silver, and He is to be surviving until 1955. SAS has never ever bought the word ‘Scandinavian’ painted on the bottom. congratulated British-built aircraft but at least the Vikings and Mr Endres acknowledges the help he received Sandringhams waved the flag a tiny bit. from the SAS Historical Society and the SAS Museum, on successfully Sweden’s story is the longest, reflecting the early so I deduce that this is not an official SAS account. He putting together adoption of air transport in this large and prosperous is to be congratulated on successfully putting together this sumptuous country that was backed initially by Junkers but ABA this sumptuous and very accomplished history. and very was one of the first European airlines to buy Douglas DC-3s, in 1937. Although Sweden was neutral during Guy Halford-MacLeod accomplished the war, it had by far the liveliest commercial activity of FRAeS history

48 AEROSPACE

Afterburner_August2021.indd 6 21/07/2021 16:52:04 - e-Library Additions BOOKS

If you need more detailed information designed to Presents control and PILOT SELECTION Covers the mechanics brush-up your skills and boost your professional regulation methods that rely of materials, dynamics, upon feedback linearization Pilot Selection: thermodynamics, electrostatics development, try our e-books library. techniques. Psychological Principles and electromagnetic principles, Our fully flexible online collection allows Society and Practice, edited by R and ac/dc circuit theory. members to search for information and concepts AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS, Bor, C Eriksen, T P Hubbard Manual of engineering ECONOMICS & FINANCE and R King, 2019. drawing: British and across over 250 books and, once you have found international standards by C H Simmons, D E Maguire what you need, you can download separate chapters AIR TRAFFIC and Neil Phelps, 5th edition, MANAGEMENT or even individual diagrams. You can download the 2020. entire book for 24 hours and even do things that Engineering Ethics by you should not do in a library book, such as highlight Air Traffic Management: Charles Fleddermann, 4th Economics, Regulation edition, 2014. text and write notes, which will then be saved to and Governance by M Serves as both a textbook your account. Arblaster, 2018. and a resource for the study of If you cannot find what you are looking for in Insights on approaches engineering ethics. It is written and issues surrounding the our e-library, or you prefer the feel of paper in your to help future engineers be economic regulation and prepared for confronting and hands, you can also use the NAL library catalogue governance of air traffic resolving ethical dilemmas that to select from over 1,000 of the most recent management. they might encounter during aerospace textbooks to borrow by post or to read at their professional careers. AIRCRAFT DESIGN & Engineering analysis with the NAL in Farnborough. As well as books designed Fundamentals of Aviation CONSTRUCTION ANSYS software by Y to help all aerospace professionals, we have masses Operations by Gert Meijer, Nakasone, Tadeusz Stolarski of material that would satisfy every aero enthusiast. 2020. Aircraft Engineering and S Yoshimoto, 2006. A guide to how the Principles by L Dingle and M An introduction to all commercial aviation sector Tooley, 2nd edition, 2013. of the fundamental areas of is structured and how engineering analysis which will UAVs Leading scientists, technological, economic help readers to get up to speed HISTORY researchers and inventors and political forces define fast with the use of ANSYS Unmanned Aerial Vehicles describe the findings and its development and the software in working life. innovations accomplished in Smart Cities by Fadi Al- prosperity of its players. Aircraft Design of WWII: Engineering economy by in research programmes Turjman, 2020. This book covers all relevant A Sketchbook by Lockheed Elin M Wicks and C Patrick and industry applications This book addresses the aspects of aviation operations, Aircraft Corporation, 2020. Koelling, 17th global edition, throughout the world. major challenges in realising including contemporary A treasure trove of 2019. UAVs in IoT-based Smart Small Unmanned Fixed- challenges, like capacity cutaway views of 1940’s Cities. The challenges tackled Wing Aircraft Design: A constraints and sustainability. aircraft, featuring art from MATHEMATICS vary from cost and energy Practical Approach by A J Airline Economics in the top magazines of the era efficiency to availability and Keane, A Sobester and J P Europe by Kevin Cullinane, including Aeroplane, Flight and service quality. Scanlan, 2017. 2019. Aviation Week. A guide to designing, Aviation Law and Drones: A look at the multi- Royal Flying Corps building and testing fixed-wing Unmanned Aircraft and faceted analysis of the air Handbook 1914-1918 by P UAVs and is based on the the Future of Aviation by D industry in Europe, how it has G Cooksley, 2013. first-hand experiences of the Hodgkinson and R Johnston, developed in recent years, and Target London: Bombing UAV team at the University of 2018. how it is set to develop further the Capital 1915-2005 by Southampton. The book covers This book traces the into the future. Peter Reese, 2011. both the practical aspects of development of aviation laws Foundations of Airline London was a target for and regulations, explains how designing, manufacturing and flight testing and outlines the Finance: Methodology Zeppelins and bombers during aviation is regulated at an and Practice by Bijan Vasigh WW1, for bombers, V1s and international and national level, essential calculations needed to underpin successful designs. and Zane C Rowe, 3rd edition, in the Second, and considers the interrelationship 2019. for Cold War missiles and for between rapidly advancing Unmanned Aircraft Design: Provides an introduction terrorists in more recent times, technology and legislative A Review of Fundamentals to the basics of finance – and this history of 20th- attempts to keep pace, and by M H Sadraey, 2017. including time value of money, century attacks explores the Modern Engineering reviews existing domestic and This book provides the valuation of assets, and subject as a whole. Mathematics by Glyn James international drone laws and fundamental principles, design revenue management – and The Airplane: A History and Phil Dyke, 6th edition, issues. procedures, and design tools the particular intricacies of of its Technology by J D 2020. Optimizing Small Multi- for unmanned aerial vehicles airline finance where there can Anderson, 2002. Advanced Modern Rotor Unmanned Aircraft: with three sections focusing be wild fluctuations in both A history of the technical Engineering Mathematics A Practical Design Guide on vehicle design, autopilot revenues and costs. development of the aeroplane. by G James, David Burley, D by S D Prior, 2018. design, and ground system In each chronological period Clements, Phil Dyke and Nigel This design guide was design. AERODYNAMICS covered, the various aspects of Steele, 2018. written to capture the author’s Unmanned aircraft systems by E , A Ollero the synthesis of aerodynamics, practical experience of propulsion, flight dynamics, and A Tsourdos, 2016. The Simple Science of AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE designing, building and testing and structure is described and Covers the design, Flight: From Insects to multi-rotor drone systems over evaluated. the past decade. development, operation and Jumbo Jets by H Tennekes, Engineered Repairs of Advanced UAV mission profiles of unmanned Revised edition, 2009. Composite Structures by R Aerodynamics, Flight aircraft systems. An investigation into how GENERAL ENGINEERING B Heslehurst, 2019. Stability and Control: Nonlinear Control of machines and living creatures Provides a detailed Novel Concepts, Theory Robots and Unmanned fly, and of the similarities Engineering Science: For discussion, analysis, and and Applications edited by Aerial Vehicles: An between butterflies and Foundation Degree and procedures for effective and P Marques and A Da Ronch, Integrated Approach by Boeings, paper airplanes and Higher National by M Tooley efficient repair design of 2017. R Vepa. plovers. and L Dingle, 2020. advanced composite structures.

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AUGUST 2021 49

Afterburner_August2021.indd 7 21/07/2021 16:52:05 -

LOUGHBOROUGH MEng PROJECT The Yellowfin all- electric seaplane

How does one design an aircraft for zero-carbon tourism and humanitarian missions in one of the most beautiful but ecologically fragile places in the world? OLIVIA TOMLINSON explains how a Loughborough University student design team took on the challenge hardpoints for medical equipment. The primary use of sustainable aviation in the Maldives. of the Yellowfin will be in the tourism industry but, As part of a final year project, 13 MEng outside of the main tourism season (November to Aeronautical Engineering finalists from Loughborough April), medical transport will serve as a secondary use, University (team Abeona) were tasked with designing increasing revenue for operators. With a capacity of six a solution to relieve some of the pressing transport passengers, the Yellowfin can reduce the wait times issues experienced within the Maldives. Due to its associated with seaplane transfers in the Maldives due remote nature and lack of infrastructure, this posed A model, top, and an artist’s to the high usage of the Twin Otters. quite a challenge. The final concept was an all-electric, impression of Yellowfin. low-emission seaplane which can be used in both Abeona. LIDAR for 24hr operations the tourism and medical sectors due to its convertible cabin. The aircraft was named the Yellowfin, a tribute to Detailed design from the team has resulted in a the Maldives’ national animal – the yellowfin tuna. competitive aircraft with an advanced navigation suite and LIDAR allowing for safe water landings at The challenge night. Lithium-sulphur batteries power the Yellowfin and offer a much higher energy density compared to The Republic of Maldives (the Maldives), is an competitors. The landing gear consists of two sets archipelago state located southwest of India, of hydrofoils, allowing for a significant drag reduction consisting of 200 inhabited islands and 80 tourist during take-off when compared to traditional seaplane resorts1 grouped into 20 natural atolls. The current float landing gear. The aircraft structures team transport system utilises a fleet of 57 designed the structures to give a high factor of safety DHC-6 Twin Otters, operated by Trans-Maldivian over all flight phases and the aerodynamic surfaces Airways (TMA), as well as boats and ferries. (see were designed to ensure stability in all configurations. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/seaplane- As part of this project, the Abeona team also paradise/) However, these can be unreliable, developed a comprehensive business plan as if the particularly in bad weather and only operate during aircraft were to be integrated into the Maldives and daylight hours. Through group research we found sold to operators. During the first five years, operator that it has become increasingly apparent that this is feedback will be utilised to update the aircraft, becoming inadequate for the needs of the Maldives. ensuring it satisfies operator needs and remains a The Maldivian tourism industry is expanding but competitive solution within the Maldives. Initially, it the transport system has not evolved with it, and is is intended that Yellowfin will be adopted by current becoming dated. The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed and new seaplane operators and potentially receive short-comings in the transportation of patients and funding and support from the governmental bodies medical equipment. In a country with an above-average within the Maldives, particularly for humanitarian and number of Beta-thalassaemia patients, efficient essential missions. This will increase the appeal of the transport is essential. Yellowfin to operators, as they will be able to open new As a result, the student team developed a concept revenue streams. With multiple years of experience for a multi-use aircraft, the Yellowfin, to suit the in the Maldives, Abeona would then look to expand needs of both the tourism and medical sectors. The into other archipelago regions, such as Canada or Yellowfin is an all-electric aircraft, with an entry-to- the Philippines. The Yellowfin would be marketed as service date of 2035, and has been designed to align aiming to solve similar transport system issues that with the ACARE Flightpath 2050 targets, reducing arise due to the geographical similarities between Abeona’s emissions contribution. The Yellowfin has these countries. a cruise speed of 275km/h at an altitude of 5,000ft, Once the Yellowfin is well established in each with a design range of 300km on one charge. It also region, Abeona’s plan would be to work with operators has a flexible interior, so it can be easily adapted to implement an ‘air taxi’ system, operated via an to suit operator needs, with removable seats and app or website. This would allow both tourists and

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residents to easily book cheap transfers between islands, without having to wait for scheduled flights or boats. The Yellowfin is particularly suited for this use, due to its small passenger capacity of six.

Leasing the batteries and recycling composites

The team also noted potential issues in terms of short battery lifetime and the negative outlook associated with waste from the aviation industry. As a result, a battery lease scheme will also be implemented to increase Abeona’s income. After the battery packs on each aircraft deteriorate past suitability for use (expected to take a minimum of five years), they can be leased to third-parties as high-capacity electricity storage solutions. One potential customer could be the resorts and hotels operating in the Maldives, which currently use diesel generators to meet their power demands. With the Maldivian government pushing Above: A Trans-Maldivian The team have also identified some further work to for an increase in usage of renewable energy2, the Airways DHC-6 Twin Otter be completed on the Yellowfin including more in-depth used battery packs could help resorts transition to taxiing to dock after landing. interior design to maximise passenger comfort and renewables by smoothing the demand on natural DD. ease of use for aircrew; greater definition of the control sources. For example, the pack could store solar systems used in the FMS; and the detailed design power during the day, and release it during the night. of drag-reducing geometries, such as wing-fuselage The batteries could also be leased back to Yellowfin fairings. Furthermore, work could be completed on the operators, as fast-charging stations for the aircraft. ‘air taxi’ platform, to serve as a proof of concept before This would increase their utilisation of the Yellowfin the scheme would be pitched to operators as outlined and allow both Abeona and the operators to move in the long-term business plan. However, it is believed towards net-zero carbon operations. that, even in its current guise, the Abeona Yellowfin Another major issue within the aviation industry is would be a viable solution to existing problems in the the waste generated from carbon fibre components Maldivian transport supersystem, while also having which have been notoriously difficult to recycle. a positive impact on the economy and assisting the Therefore when carbon fibre components reach their government in achieving their environmental targets. end-of-life, operators could participate in a component ‘buyback’ scheme, selling components back to Abeona Summary (bypassing the Maldives current fee for scrapping3). These will be broken down by solvolysis, after which As mentioned, this has been a purely conceptual Abeona could resell the raw materials to third parties. student project. Abeona is made up of a group of 13 Alternatively, the raw materials could be used to Aeronautical Engineering finalists from Loughborough reinforce and repair existing aircraft. University who have completed this design project as part of their final year. We would like to thank Further work the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering for supporting and facilitating this project, The team have identified some limitations of the in particular the lecturers who have helped over the Yellowfin’s design. The relatively small design range of year! As a group, we are extremely proud of the 300km means that some resorts are inaccessible from Yellowfin design and our achievements over the past the main international transport hub in Malé and the year. Yellowfin would be unable to operate return journeys from some resorts without additional infrastructure. Bibliography Another limitation is the requirement for regulatory change and development in the Maldives. Although 1Lux* Resorts and Hotels, ‘Discover the Maldives’, the Yellowfin’s LiDAR system offers a similar accuracy Lux*, 2021. [Online]. Available. [Accessed 8 May to a CAT III Autoland, night water landings would still 2021]. be prohibited under current legislation. Furthermore, 2‘World Data – Energy Consumption on the the Maldives currently produces much of its electricity Maldives’, [Online]. Available. using diesel generators, so an all-electric aircraft 3S Job, G Leeke, P Mativenga, G Oliveux, may not be as viable or as environmentally friendly as S Pickering and N Shuaib, ‘Composites recycling: hoped, without a shift to renewable energy generation. Where are we now?’, Composites UK Ltd.

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WOMEN IN AVIATION AeroWomen21 – the new home of engineering adventurers Leonardo Imagine this: You are standing in a classroom about to deliver a STEM workshop on encouraging a new generation of students to consider a career in engineering, and you look around the room to see a large group of male students, with a few female students sitting at the back. This isn’t a scene from the 1970s, ’80s or even ’90s but it is one I experienced in the past year, so why hasn’t the mix of male and female students who feel engineering is for them changed over the decades? “Why don’t you start a network yourself?” When my Mum made this remark as a throwaway comment on a long drive home, I began to realise that I couldn’t think of a reason why I couldn’t start a network. One of the things I have enjoyed the numbers from 100 total attendees to 200! We most about Leonardo’s Graduate Scheme is the had 90 students and 100 women in industry who fact that you are actively encouraged to go out into attended the day’s events, from 18 different schools the community to deliver STEM outreach in local and over ten different aerospace companies and schools. After having been on Leonardo’s Graduate organisations. Scheme for one year, I was offered the chance to AeroWomen21 aims to educate, celebrate and be the local RAeS Branch Young Persons’ Network unite women in the aerospace industry, with support Representative (YPN). This role would allow me to from Leonardo and the Royal Aeronautical Society. create my own ways of reaching out to students and The network aims to address the shortfall of female young people in my local community. I was then in a engineers in the UK and increase the diversity position to start building an event, making sure that of candidates who apply for apprenticeships, the message we were broadcasting was ‘YOUNG graduate schemes and STEM (science, technology, WOMEN, WE NEED YOU IN STEM!’. This is how engineering, maths) courses. AeroWomen21 was born. Some of the leading lights of the aerospace Nick Whitney, Managing Director Leonardo industry participated in the event, acting as role Helicopters (UK) and site lead for Leonardo in models to demonstrate that women can reach the Yeovil where I work, put his full support behind top of their industry and pursue highly influential the formation of the network. Momentum soon roles in engineering. They included Angela Owen started to build. I spoke to the women around OBE, founder of Women in Defence; Anna Keeling, me at Leonardo and gathered a team of amazing Managing Director of Boeing Defence UK; and examples of women in STEM at Leonardo and we Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer at Airbus, got to work! They included Holly Ward, Jessica who participated in discussions, workshops and Chamberlain, Holly Phimister, Bethany Elwell, presentations. Dr Cristina Garcia Duffy, Head of Samantha Hubbard, Kealey Judd, Karolina Piatek Technology at the Aerospace Technology Institute; and Holly Marner. and Paula Clarke, Engineering & Projects Director The event went through several different at Leonardo (UK), also hosted a panel discussion on iterations due to Covid-19. We worked on the women’s professional experiences in the aerospace project together from May 2020 and finally on 23 industry. June 2021, we hosted our inaugural event virtually. The workshops focused around networking and Having started in Yeovil, the initiative had since building skills to create elevator pitches, which they expanded to other Leonardo sites across the UK practiced delivering to each other and exploring and we invited students aged 16 and 17 (Yr12) the best ways to present themselves professionally from schools local to Yeovil, Edinburgh, Luton and online, whether they were a student or a woman in Lincoln, and opened up the event to women in industry. aerospace from anywhere in the world. Hosting In the years running up to the formation of the the event online meant that we could increase the network, I had regularly visited schools and colleges

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in the local area to deliver presentations, run events The Women’s Engineering Society’s Engineering and coach groups through competitions. When I UK report confirmed that just 12.37% of women in arrived, I always hoped that there would be an equal the UK are engineers and an Engineering Council number of male and female students who had been attitudinal survey of more than 2,500 young people, selected to take part. However, I was always greeted 1,000 STEM secondary school teachers and by a very enthusiastic group of boys and only a 1,800 members of the public provided compelling small number of girls. evidence that STEM outreach can and does work. In the coming months I will be proactively Young people attending a STEM careers activity in seeking to invite teachers to join AeroWomen21, the previous 12 months were over three times as as I think they need more support from industry to likely to consider engineering careers as those who give them the most up to date information on jobs had not. in the engineering world. Young people start to For me, one of the most memorable moments form ideas about their careers based on input from of our first AeroWomen21 event was when Nick their parents, teachers and friends years before Whitney, Managing Director of Helicopters (UK) they are typically targeted for STEM activities in shared an inspiring quote from a female engineering AEROWOMEN21 their teens. So we have to help primary school pioneer and adventurer Amy Johnson, who was the AIMS TO teachers to access information on engineering first woman to fly solo from the UK to Australia in careers early on in children’s development. I think 1930: ‘Believe nothing to be impossible.’ EDUCATE, it would be powerful for teachers to have the I want AeroWomen21 to become the new home CELEBRATE opportunity to meet some of the female leaders in of engineering adventurers – because engineering AND UNITE the aerospace industry in person, not only so they is the most exciting adventure you could ever hope WOMEN IN THE gain an understanding of the careers that can offer to experience. long-term, stable and well remunerated roles but AEROSPACE to impress upon them that women are needed in Olivia Gribler INDUSTRY engineering. Leonardo UK

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+44(0)20 7670 4384 [email protected] AUGUST 2021 53

Afterburner_August2021.indd 11 21/07/2021 16:52:06 NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Name: Toby Apletree, Associate, 22 to keep tuned-in to all the lectures and seminars Location: Warton, Lancashire and appreciate all the great work and stories from around the industry. Job title: Graduate Aerodynamicist, BAE Systems Air. What three items would you take with you to the space station? To pass the time on What inspired you into aerospace? My those long evenings, perhaps a couple of copies grandad was an aerospace engineer in his of some old Flight journals and maybe a Jane’s All younger years. Even as far back as my pre- the World’s Aircraft to keep the obsession honed- primary school years, he was a huge source of in. I would also certainly take a good SLR camera inspiration to me and I think it is entirely fair to with a good lens for great shots of our planet (and blame my aviation obsession on him. He would take me to air museums, airshows and host probably nosy shots of various world aerodromes). aircraft recognition competitions all throughout Finally, a photo album filled with pictures of loved my childhood. I suppose that was the catalyst to ones (family, friends, pets), with plenty of room a runaway love for aerospace engineering and to add the highly contrasting photos of space becoming a private pilot! station life, to reflect on the beautiful planet we are surrounded by day-to-day. What is the best thing about your current role? Aerodynamics was a technical specialism What’s your favourite aircraft? I have been which I have always had a particular soft spot dreading the response to this question… they for. The Accelerate Graduate Scheme at BAE are all beautiful in their own purpose-built right! Systems allows me to rotate around the copious Even a Hunting H126 or PZL M15 Belphegor is and varied projects the company has to offer. The attractive in some right. Though having worked opportunity to apply my passion and learning on as a powerplant engineer, tinkering with Merlin a really wide variety of very high-profile projects engines on an Avro Lancaster (NX611) and a de is unparalleled. In particular, I had the great Havilland Mosquito (HJ711) through my university opportunity to be a part of Team Tempest; an summers, the Lancaster is certainly in the running. opportunity I had only dreamed of and a truly Also, having been brought-up just down the road once-in-a-generation chance to get involved in a from RAF Coningsby (this certainly contributed to project from ‘the start’. the aviation bug), I think the has to take the joint lead. What made you join the Royal Aeronautical Society? Given my passion for both flying and Who is your biggest inspiration? As aerospace engineering, I knew this was the mentioned, my grandad was certainly the society I was destined to become a member of. inspiration which kicked-off my career. However, In fact, as soon as I started at BAE Systems, this question is a great opportunity to appreciate applying to RAeS was one of the very first things just how many great inspirations there are in I did (supported and encouraged by the company the aerospace sector. Whether that is the ever- too!). I had also won the Royal Aeronautical impressive , or more historical figures Society Prize upon graduating from the University such as Kelly Johnson, Artem Mikoyan and of Sheffield; it was great to have my hard work Geoffrey de Havilland. All of these figures and recognised! Looking to the future, however, I am some of the truly brilliant people I am privileged to very keen to become professionally registered as work with are all great inspirations to me. a Chartered Engineer with RAeS. Piece of advice for someone looking to What do you hope to get out of your enter your field? An obvious one, which was membership with the RAeS? Being the very important for me, is to always keep pressing society for true aviation lovers and professionals, I through adversity and give your work everything am very much looking forwards to meeting some you’ve got. I had no idea just what I was capable of great like-minded people. I recently got involved in until a dose of perseverance and tenacity lead to the AeroChallenge 2021 quiz, which was brilliant my understanding of complex principles to ‘click’. fun and so I would certainly like to make the So ask lots of questions and don’t underestimate most of all opportunities like this. I am also keen the expertise of those around you.

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Afterburner_August2021.indd 12 21/07/2021 16:52:07 Diary

EVENTS www.aerosociety/events-calendar/

10 August , G-BOAG, of 21-22 September Cognitive-Based Training to Improve Risk Management British Airways. Concorde is International Flight Crew Training Conference – Debriefing the Behaviour one of Dr Ron Smith’s turning Pandemic Dr Oleksandra Molloy, Lecturer in Aviation, School of Engineering point British aircraft he will be Online and at No.4 Hamilton Place conference and Information Technology (SEIT), UNSW Canberra discussing on 14 September. Canberra Branch online lecture RAeS (NAL). 4 October The RAF and the Lessons of the First Gulf War 18 August Dr Sebastian Ritchie Sir Hudson Fysh Evening: Alliance Airlines, It Pays to be the Online lecture Contrarian Lee Schofield, CEO, Alliance Airlines 13 October Queensland Branch dinner and presentation WW2 German Piston Engines, a Counterpoint United Service Club Queensland, 183 Wickham Terrace, Spring with British Strategy Hill, QLD 4000 Calum E Douglas Brough Branch online lecture 1 September Jack Pritchard and the R.38 Airship Disaster, one hundred 13 October years on Faster for the Future Wendy Pritchard, granddaughter of Major J E M Pritchard who Libby Vallance-Bull, Head of Air Labs, Chief Technologists was killed in the accident Office, BAE Systems – Air Online lecture Preston Branch online lecture

7-9 September 19-20 October 47th European Rotorcraft Forum Cutting Aviation’s Climate Change Impact Online conference Online and at No.4 Hamilton Place conference

8 September 20 October Lockheed Martin’s role within delivering an orbital vertical Sir Geoffrey de Havilland Lecture launch from the Shetland Space Centre Dr Bill Brooks Brough Branch online Lecture Hatfield Branch online named lecture 9 September 21 October Sustainability in Aerospace Seminar – The Sky Ahead Trenchard Lecture: The End of Gentlemanly Warfare? IET online conference Gendered Language and Evolving Arguments for Strategic Bombing, 1930-1945 14 September Katie Brown, doctoral candidate at the University of Akron, Some Significant Turning Point British Aircraft Akron, Ohio Dr Ron Smith Online named lecture Online lecture 22 October 15 September Sadler Lecture: The Composite Revolution on Track and Airfield PHASA-35 Brian O’Rourke, Retired Aerospace and Motor Sports Engineer Paul Brooks, CEO, Prismatic Oxford Branch named lecture and dinner Preston Branch online lecture Wolfson College, Linton Road, Oxford OX2 6UD

For further information and booking: www.aerosociety.com/events-calendar/

AUGUST 2021 55

Afterburner_August2021.indd 13 21/07/2021 16:52:08 Elections

FELLOWS Muhammad Norhafiz Paul Oldham Arjunaiti Alper Oren WITH REGRET Sulaiman Al Rashdi Daniel Azizian Garry Ormsby Shane Anderson James Babbin Shaun Palmer The RAeS announces, with regret, the death of the Arif Arbac Craig Barrett Philip Parr following members: Nico Bezuidenhout Adelino Bastos Da Silva Sameer Bhikaji Pawar Michael Peter Bednall CEng MRAeS 78 Peter Burden James Benn Christopher Payne Glyn Butchard Nichola Bolton Philip Piatkus Prof Brian Joseph Brinkworth FREng FRAeS 89 Timothy Butler Daniel Bono Alex Purdy Ronald Cliff Reginald Cooper CEng FRAeS 94 Wan Chuen Cheung Jamie Booth David Rajendran William H Davis Affiliate 44 Ian Davies Stephen Carnduff Duncan Robertson-Card Ross Dickie Lisa Chambers Andy Robins Kenneth Joseph Goodwin CBE AFC FRAeS 93 Susan Durbin Kam Wai Tony Chau Alexander Robinson Brynley Lewis CEng FRAeS 85 John Foster Jennifer Clayton Steve Roesli Roy Pedlar CEng MRAeS 86 James Giddings Irina Cojocaru Sven Schoensleben John Gorczyca Glyn Deakin Jeremiah Secord Alan Mark Slade FRAeS 59 Simon Gough-Rundle Ian Dickson Paul Shawcross Richard George Spencer CEng FRAeS 96 Steven Green Jennifer Edwards Katie Smith Alison Heminsley Sachin Manohar William Snuggs Dr David Jonathan Swift MRAeS 65 Peter Hopgood Fernandes Christopher Starling Misbah Uddin ARAeS 55 Stephen Hopkins Matthew France James Steel Xun Huang William Godwin David Stone Patrick Hutcheson Chana Goldberg John Straiton Efstathios (Stathis) Martin Hall Kar Wing Sung Kefallonitis Ryan Higgins Xiuzhi Tang David Davies E-ASSOCIATES Stephen Lawson Dmytro Iurikov Graham Thomas Manasavee Gillett-Waller Stuart Lindsey Brayden James Peter Tomkins Gabor Bela Magyari Bradley Burns Philip Lucas Michael Kendall Ryan Tonkin Rory McMullon Callum Clift Paramjit Matharu Jack Kennedy Francisco Triana Ben McSeveney James Tan James Mcmeeking Moritz Koester Vazquez James Roy Michael Ott Peter Komar Thomas Twyman Maria Sevilla AFFILIATES Richard Piper Michael Koundouros Andrew Vialoux Ross Smillie Brian Robinson Raphael Lacombe Pengfei Wang Andrew Stewart Matthew Lawson Chesley Sullenberger Calum Langan Jem Waring I-Tsun Wang Tim Wells Hong Gye Sung Raymond Ledlie Sean Western Michael Wilkinson Kevin Sutherland Jeffrey Lock Jonathan Williams STUDENT AFFILIATES David Wallwork Donald Lundie Ivan Womack ASSOCIATES Mike Ward Jason Maroothynaden Chai Man Wong Julie Dequaire Matthew Williamson Richard Masters Joshua Wood Brian Aimer Charlotte Griffin Karl Wort Robert Mayer Weigang Yao Logan Charters Leahy Courteney Hirst Ihsen Mejri Adam Yates William Imber Amandeep Kaur MEMBERS Reece Montague Leonard Louis Akhash Navaratne Richard Morton Ryan Lumsden Durairaj Shyam ASSOCIATE Divya Sisodia Pradeep Adhikari Daniel Munoz MEMBERS Thomas McDonald Ronald Adjei Ahsan Naseer Khaoula Ouhichi Venkatesh Thangallu Scott Allan Neil O’Brien Samuel Barnett Alastair Stewart Matteo Angelini Milan Odedra Aaron Cherry Henry Thai

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Afterburner_August2021.indd 14 21/07/2021 16:52:08 Journal of Aeronautical History

The first three Journal of Aeronautical History papers of 2021 have been added to the Society’s website and are FREE to view or download: https://www.aerosociety.com/news-expertise/journals-papers/papers-of-the-journal-of-aeronautical-history/ Ludwig, Rudolf and Emil Rüb – Forgotten German Aeronautical and Rotating-Wing Pioneers By Berend G van der Wall The Aircraft, the Rotorcraft and the Life of Walter Rieseler 1890-1937 By Berend G van der Wall and Wulf Mönnich Pearcey, Newby, and the Vulcan By Stephen Liddle

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Afterburner_August2021.indd 15 21/07/2021 16:52:10 The Last Word COMMENTARY FROM Professor Keith Hayward FRAeS

Superpowers and the super-rich in space

igh politics and solid commercial According to The Economist, once his motives impelled the initial ‘Space system is fully complete, at 42,000 satellites, this Race’. It is 60 years since Gagarin’s would be four times the total number of satellites epic flight and next July brings another orbiting since Sputnik. Along with Iridium and space first – Telstar 1. I remember OneWeb, near-Earth orbit is set to be a very HDavid Dimbleby introducing a blurred shot of Times crowded place by the end of this decade. Square in New York and the breathless commentary boasting that this was ‘live from the USA’. Now of High and low politics combined course, we take for granted the whole universe of satellite broadcasting and other lucrative space- Musk has his eye on bigger goals than facilitating based applications. internet shopping in the Faeroes. He is betting his The first space race was a two-horse big bucks on Buck Rodgers. SpaceX is now at the competition and it was some time before space heart of a low-cost crewed space operation for generated big bucks rather than just spending NASA with plans to put an American back on the them. The high politics of space and its commercial Moon within this decade, and Mars thereafter. These imperatives are about to enter another phase. The plans echo the ambitions of the old space race. continuing importance of space’s political salience However the ambitions and fantasies of the super- was underlined in May by the Chinese Mars lander rich have added a new dimension to the New Space and, in June, by a trio of astronauts crewing its Race. According to a recent BBC radio series, Musk space station – some good science perhaps but is heavily influenced by the science fiction of his also another example of ‘Belt and Road’, ‘soft youth and the ‘technocratic’ answer to the world’s power’ politics. By demonstrating that China can problems envisaged in H G Wells’ Things to Come. equal the US in space, Beijing has rammed home THE There is money to be made closer to the Earth; its place as a 21st Century superpower contender. CONTINUING Virgin ’s successful fully crewed (owner- operated?) flight and Jeff Bezos’ first launch IMPORTANCE Space is a very empty place – well OF SPACE’S not long after, we are also on the threshold of once, maybe systematic space tourism – for the well-heeled. POLITICAL In the commercial corner, NewSpace continues its Meanwhile The Economist noted that the space- SALIENCE WAS rampage through the old contenders: SpaceX has based Internet market could be worth $1tn a year, UNDERLINED forced to cut its prices by and even a 3% share annually would be worth IN MAY BY over a half to $100m and to $213m $30bn. This is where NewSpace, if it fulfills the puff that can surround ‘tech-markets’, turns the world THE CHINESE and to offer a flight on the as-yet-unproven with a 40% discount. Still nowhere near Mr upside down. In this way commercial NewSpace MARS LANDER Musk’s ‘Poundland bargain’ at $62m – $50m delivers considerably more cheaply the core political AND, IN JUNE, for a second (or third) hand rocket. His Starship objectives of OldSpace – show, prestige and glory. BY A TRIO OF mega-rocket could push prices to less than $2m, In some respects this is old wine/new bottles a really low-cost carrier! Now investing in satellite stuff: Sputnik, assorted livestock in space and the ASTRONAUTS constellations to deliver remote area internet Apollo programme was capitalism pitted against CREWING ITS services, he has already launched more objects communism in a vacuum. The new space race is SPACE STATION than every other launch service provider combined. ‘commucapitalism’ versus the Silicon Valley variant.

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Last WORD–Super rich in space FINAL.indd 1 22/07/2021 09:30 Exclusive Membership Benefit

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