Aviation

Air India Learns: Composite Aircraft Advertised “Lightweight” Is ‘Stealthy’; “Fuel Saving” Is ‘Cloaked’

News Analysis: Air India Learns: Composite Aircraft Advertised “Lightweight” Is ‘Stealthy’; “Fuel Saving” Is ‘Cloaked’ since “Manufacturing” may be at odds with “Marketing” where it involves Commercial Airline Manufacturers.

Beyond the varied inherent problems in Carbon/Carbon Composites (as ‘Rain in the Plane’), there is also the problem of strength to highly stressed areas of an aircraft such as the “Wing Box” where it merges into the fuselage. Other areas such as the wing interfaces (hard points) with engine pylon nacelles may require additional support for strength. The list goes on and on.

Where strengthening is required, ‘Doublers’ made of Carbon/Carbon Composite can be fabricated. In many cases, Stainless Steel or Titanium is required for maximum strength. ALL of the ‘Doublers’ add weight; much more than many ‘Marketeers’ will admit to customers.

Fuel burn increases occur, with the added weight of structural enforcements, subsequently added in production. The vaunted: “5%”, “6%”, “10%”, “12%”, or “15%” Fuel Savings, touted by some airframes, is an illusion in many cases.

Since Carbon/Carbon Composite Construction FOR COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT, is with a very short history, it is likely such aircraft can be expected to be written off in a much SHORTER LIFE SPAN. Metal aircraft have decades of life-span confirmation. They are not subject to deterioration from Solar Ray degradation of the metals (as are the adhesives used in Carbon/Carbon Construction). Furthermore de-lamination of the plies (due to stressing over time) weakens the fabrication significantly.

The Ethiopian Airlines Battery Fire, which was widely disseminated in the press, demonstrates another shortcoming of Composites: Heat. Allegedly, the Airframe rebuilt, in purported secrecy, the area that was damaged. “Why the concealment?” many airlines ask. 

Lastly, Composites do not dent; they fracture when hit. Any Landing Gear Failures will demonstrate the “Shattered Egg Shell Principle” as  Composite Aircraft Fuselages hit runways. 

From a Manufacturing perspective: If an Airline wants Longevity, Reliability, and Safety (LRS), Metal Constructions cannot be beat; a long History demonstrates this simple fact.

Alleged “Light-Weight” Construction is an also-ran in the ‘LRS’ Evaluation of Airline Aircraft to Purchase.

What materials may be suitable for Warfare Environment “Expendable” Military Aircraft is not necessarily the best for the travelling public in Commercial Airliners.

Reality.

Reference: http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2023756440_boeingairindiaxml.html

Airbus Makes Emergency Landing Because Of A Hot Oven

News Analysis: Airbus Makes Emergency Landing Because Of A Hot Oven  since the Airline apparently knew Cosmetic Fiberglass-Bagged Insulation is worthless (in stopping the level of Oven Heat from transferring to the rest of the Aircraft). Too bad the Aircraft did not have the ‘Cocoon of Protection’ “Mega-Temp™” Insulation therein (rather than 1930’s-invented Cosmetic Fiberglass Insulation).

If an Airline wants its Aircraft to: Control Thermal Radiation from the Sun; Keep Fuselage Interiors Warm on the ground in the Winter and at  Cruise Altitude; Reduce Noise Levels; have less Weight, and STOP Fire Progression, then usage of ‘Mega-Temp™” is essential.

Airlines that purchase Aircraft, and ask for “Mega-Temp™”  Insulation to be installed therein, at the Manufacturer, must realize: WE WILL NOT PAY BRIBES in the forms of either Free Ownership Interest In Our Company to the Airframes or their Executives, NOR Monies to Airframe Executives (historically, they have asked for both). 

Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/m7bstfc

☆ Chilean Civilians Enjoy The Many Uses Of Chinese Drones

News Analysis: Chilean Civilians Enjoy The Many Uses Of Chinese Drones for Commercial Purposes as well as for Personal Pleasure. These $4,500.00 Drones are sent to Chile and undergo final assembly and inspection before being released to customers. Each customer may undergo instruction in proper fly procedures as well as understand Chilean Legalities of use in the airspace; THESE “EVO” DRONES ARE NOT TOYS. 

Typical Chilean uses for such small aircraft may be: Bridge Inspections; Concert Viewing; Crop Analysis; Forest Fire Detection; Mineral Locating; News Events; Traffic Congestion Monitoring; Trespasser Identification; and, Vehicle Locating; to name a few.

Presently, in the World, Chile is Number 5, for Internet Contact with the Manufacturer, in the use of this particular aircraft.

Various cameras and optional equipment can give the Operator the information flow he or she needs when flying the craft. The aircraft weighs less than 4.5Kg. (10 Lbs.) without the cameras of various capabilities being offered. 

Due to the very Low Price and the Capabilities of the small Aircraft, we can see: Australians checking their Sheep Herds; Canadian Gold Mining Operators looking for ‘Sight-Seers’;

Growers in Kalamata, Greece inspecting their Olive Trees; Ranchers throughout the American West or Argentina or Brazil watching their Cattle Herds; Vintners in the Napa-Sonoma-Mendocino area of California using this equipment to inspect their Grape Crops.

Almost anywhere Security must be “Tight” such as the aforementioned Gold Operations, this Aircraft is essential. In large “New Construction” Projects, both trespassers can be thwarted and equipment and/or materials readily located.

The possibilities of assistance by using this Aircraft are only limited by one’s imagination.

Reality.

Reference: http://santiagotimes.cl/drones-descend-santiago/

☆ Air China Commences Beijing Flights To Vladivostok, Siberia

News Analysis: Air China Commences Beijing Flights To Vladivostok, Siberia, since that is where future growth will occur for Russia (as a Natural Resource Supplier to Industrialist China, its Good Friend). 

Vladivostok is the Eastern Terminus of the Vaunted Trans-Siberian Railroad. This location allows for Rail Travel through many parts of Russia as is traverses the country.

The 590,000+ Residents of Vladivostok will benefit by Air China as will the Businessmen located therein. A total of 1,328 Cities in 195 Countries can be routed through Beijing or Moscow for those residing in or visiting Vladivostok by using Air China or its Affiliate Airlines.

Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/mgejuwn

Cuba Purchases Antonov An-148 Regional Jets

News Analysis: Cuba Purchases Antonov An-148 Regional Jets as it modernizes is transportation Infra-structure. The Ukrainian/Russian Built An-148 a aircraft which can fly greater than 2,500 Km. (1,300 Sm.) with 68 to 85 passengers. The Aircraft typically sells for a List Price less than $30 Million Dollars so it is very attractive for Financially Astute Airline Operators.

The High Wing Antonov features a 40,000 ft. Ceiling as passengers enjoy great visibility without its wings obstructing their views.

Cubans  should enjoy these Antonovs as they fly around the Island and to nearby Countries.

Reference: http://en.ria.ru/business/20140328/188849024/Cuba-To-Buy-Russian-Antonov-Regional-Jets.html

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) Receives First Of New Aircraft

News Analysis: Nepal Airlines Corporation Receives First Of New Aircraft and can now grow throughout Nepal. Flying from Kathmandu to a 30+Million population throughout the country spread out over 147,000+ Km2 (56,757 Mi2) will be requiring capable Aircraft as ‘NAC’ has acquired. Elevations range from Kanchan Kalan at 70m (230 ft.) to Mount Everest rising to 8,848m (29,0296 ft.) in the Mahalangur Section of the Himalayas.

‘NAC’ has purchased six aircraft. The first, a 58 Seat Modern Ark 60 will arrive 28 April and the others later this year. Two of the Aircraft will be  Harbin Y12E’s (a 19 Passenger model).

We wish ‘NAC’ the Best of Success as it grows throughout Nepal with its soon-to-be-delivered Capable Aircraft.

Reality. 

Reference: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-03/25/c_133212667.htm

☆ China Opens Civilian Aircraft Market; New Zealand Steps In

News Analysis: China Opens Civilian Aircraft Market; New Zealand Steps In with a Joint Venture for production of Single Engine Turbo Prop Aircraft. This size of aircraft, with its proven Operational Reliability for less refined geographic terrains, is essential for the growth of Chinese Public Aviation; a Good Aircraft Type Choice.

Production is expected to rise from 12 to 200 Aircraft Per Year. With available funding sources, Individuals will surely learn to fly and do so in these Worthy Aircraft.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/trade/news/article.cfm?c_id=96&objectid=11221989

☆ Will Businessmen And Other Entities Flock To Russian-Built Aircraft With Russian-Built Electronics So There Are No Invasion Of Privacy Concerns?

News Analysis: The Global Electronics Intelligence domination by the U.S. National Security Agency allows a window of opportunity to open for Russian Aircraft Electronics Companies. Businessmen in particular may consider, for example,  purchasing Sukhoi Superjet 100’s since they may have Russian Built (“Bug” Free) Electronics in their Cockpits. Invasion of Privacy concerns (which prevail with American Built Aircraft) as judged by Non-American Businessmen, will not be present in the Superjets.

The Superjet, a Titanium-Stainless-Aluminum Aircraft, sells for approximately a reported 35% of the cost of the equivalent American Product! Is the American Airframe gouging its customers? If one considers the alleged approximate $20 Million Dollars per aircraft in various Government Subsidies it receives, many people would answer ‘Definitely’. Depending on the configuration the Superjet 100 aircraft has a range of 4,578 km (2,470 nm) carrying  98 Passengers to 7,880 km (4,250 nm) in the VIP 8 Passenger Version. Both versions are BUILT TO LAST.

The benefit to Russia, in providing their own Electronics for the Cockpit is easy to understand. The benefit to Privacy, for International Businessmen and others, to buy such Russian Aircraft is Mandatory.

For Military or Commercial Aircraft, one should be aware: Information is Power; Personal Information is Nuclear. Think about this: Much of Business Importance is discussed in Multi-Hour Flights.

Many people maintain: “With American Built Aircraft, ‘The Walls Have Ears'”.

Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/m6ewo7j

☆ Reported Cracks In Commercial New Composite Airliner Wings Are Apparently “No Problem”?

News Analysis: Vested interests reporting about Cracks In Commercial New Composite Airliner Wings are apparently of ‘No Problem’ (to those who want to make sure the Stock Price does not fall). The aloof attitude shown evidences their Complete Incomprehension of the Technical Physics at work stressing the Composite Wings. If cracks are seen on new Wings prior to assembly, what will happen when those Same Wings are Stressed in Flight in Frigid Temperatures at Cruise Altitude?

Predictable Metal Wings (with Many Decades of Commercial Airline Experience) can have cracks in them of various natures and locations.  What can Airlines expect of Carbon/Carbon Composites with next to NO History in Entire Commercial Airline Applications?  

Airlines trying to save money by having Aircraft which burn less fuel is laudable; the Problem is in the Execution in trying to do so. Their hopeful savings may end up being of extreme cost by having gone down the Carbon/Carbon Composite Aircraft Road.

One Thing is for CERTAIN: In Aviation, “Flight” Will ‘Always and in All Ways’ Demonstrate the Folly of Incorrect Design Assumptions, Erroneous Material Selections, and/or Flawed Manufacturing Procedures.

“Time” is “Flight’s” Co-Conspirator in demonstrating Aviation Engineering Ignorance.

Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/meq7hoe

When Seeing Canada, Visitors All Have Travel Companions: The Canadian Government

News Analysis: It is alleged that Canadian Intelligence Agents are monitoring Visitors to their Beautiful Country as the sight-seers travel about. Perhaps the Canadian Government is of the opinion that all “Visitors Are Potential Terrorists”?  Maybe the Visitors want to spy on Maple Syrup Processing? It may suspect a Terrorist Behind Every Tree; who knows.

Travelers may want to avoid visiting Canada until it Ceases Abusing the Privacy Expectations of People. Visitors spend Millions of Dollars a year on Vacations and such each year in the that Country. Why give them ANY money while they treat the visitor with blatant disrespect by surreptitiously monitoring he or she? There are too many other Countries that will respect Visitors for being Visitors, and Not of Being Terrorists.

Obviously Deviant Thought (to the point of being a Mass Mental Paranoia) is evidenced by the Canadian Government’s Approval of such Intrusive Actions upon Visitors.

We can only suggest to our Many Readers who might consider visiting Beautiful Canada: “Stay Away, It Is Okay”.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/1417987/canada-captured-data-airport-travellers-wi-fi