Gentex Corp.’s Post

My latest Aviation Week Network column, on the requirement and opportunity for a new mid-sized engine. #aviationindustry #defenseindustry #aerospaceindustry #aeroengines

Interesting article from Robb Report on business jet designs with military principles...

Lockheed Martin F-35B Trials Expand Operational Limits on UK Royal Navy Carrier Test pilots have embarked on a series of trials pushing the operational boundaries of Lockheed Martin F-35B fighter jets aboard the UK Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales. The exercises included pioneering landing techniques and operating with heavy payloads, demonstrating the aircraft's adaptability in demanding scenarios. US Marine Corps aviators flew the short take-off and vertical landing variant of the F-35 from HMS Prince of Wales. Notable accomplishments during the trials include a "rolling vertical landing," marking the first time such a maneuver was executed on the ship, and a ski-jump-assisted launch with an F-35B carrying an ultra-heavy payload. The rolling vertical landing, conducted on October 19 during naval exercises off the US eastern seaboard, showcased the F-35B's ability to recover with heavier loads, turn around more quickly, and launch with a greater weapons load. Separately, the trials demonstrated the F-35B's capacity to launch from the carrier with an ultra-heavy weapons payload. Under a configuration known as "beast mode," these F-35Bs can carry up to 9,980 kilograms of payload, significantly exceeding the capacity of previous-generation Harrier aircraft. These trials highlight the remarkable adaptability and performance capabilities of the F-35B, enhancing its role as a versatile and technologically advanced fifth-generation fighter jet. As the Royal Navy continues to explore the aircraft's potential, it positions the F-35B as a key asset in the evolving landscape of naval aviation. SOURCE Kyra Helwick https://lnkd.in/d-HYx3MJ

On this day in history 09/24/23. In 1929 James Doolittle guides a Consolidated N-Y-2 Biplane over Mitchell Air Force Base in NY in the first flight to use only instrument guidance to take off, fly a set course and land. James Harold Doolittle (December 14, 1896 – September 27, 1993) was an American military general and aviation pioneer who received the Medal of Honor for his daring raid on Japan during World War II. Doolittle's most important contribution to aeronautical technology was his early advancement of instrument flying. He was the first to recognize that true operational freedom in the air could not be achieved until pilots developed the ability to control and navigate aircraft in flight from takeoff run to landing rollout, regardless of the range of vision from the cockpit. In 1929, he became the first pilot to take off, fly and land an airplane using instruments alone, without a view outside the cockpit. Having returned to Mitchell Field that September, he helped develop blind-flying equipment. He helped develop, and was then the first to test, the now universally used artificial horizon and directional gyroscope. He attracted wide newspaper attention with this feat of "blind" flying and later received the Harmon Trophy for conducting the experiments. These accomplishments made all-weather airline operations practical. Now you know. Abstracted from On This Day & Wikipedia. #jamesdolittle #aviationpioneer #instramentflying #mitchellairforcebase #year1929

HANSA - NG New Generation Aircraft for Pilot Training Available for export 30% more cost-effective than comparable aircraft by Buzzy Day Enterprises https://buzzday.in All composite aircraft with Advanced Fuel Efficient Engine Glass Cockpit & Digital Engine Monitoring Electromechanical Flap Actuation Bubble Canopy Steerable Nose Wheel (Optional) Excellent Performance Range ~ 1150 km + 30 min reserve Endurance ~ 7 hrs + 30 min reserve

This Day in Aviation: May 1, 1965. The Lockheed YF-12A set five FAI world records for speed, with the fastest result clocking in at 2,070 miles per hour, and a single FAI world record for altitude at 80,259 feet. The aircraft, a part of the Air Force's "Skunk Works" Department, was a prototype that helped produce the SR-71 Blackbird, which would go on to set the record for fastest air-breathing aircraft. Read more about the YF-12A in this article! https://lnkd.in/gNXFHgjA

Impressed by the availability of #FA50. It is 90%. Maybe someone assumes that it’s not good enough. However, if you recall that the reality of Boeing’s #FA18’s availability, you will be surprised by FA50’s availability. In Feb 2023, Congressional Budget Office announced a report about the F18’s a availability over 30 years. It started from 70% and it goes down over time. Some variants have around 20-30% of availability. (Check the chart at the comment.) This low availability makes a significant impact on #readiness and capabilities of #PowerProjection.

Have you ever looked around a mahoosive 100-foot-long helicopter that has twin rotors and can fly at 20,000 feet? The Boeing CH47 Chinook is a tandem rotor helicopter that first flew in 1961 and entered service the following year. The aircraft is still in production today and is in service with several militaries throughout the world such as the United States Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force. The Chinook has seen massive success, with over 1,200 being built. While the Chinook was designed in the 50s, it wasn’t the world’s first tandem rotor helicopter transport. The British Bristol Belvedere first flew 3 years earlier and saw service with the RAF between 1961 and 1969. Even this wasn’t the first – apparently Nicolas Florine flew the first tandem rotor helicopter as far back as 1927. The Chinook was designed to replace the massive single rotor Sikorsky CH37 Mojave which could carry 26 fully equipped troops. Modern Chinooks can carry between 33-53, depending on the layout. The Chinook has a range of approximately 400 nautical miles, however it can be fitted with ferry tanks which extend the range to 1,200. It can cruise at 160 knots and has a maximum take-off weight of around 22,000 kg, which is over 3 times the payload of the Avro Lancaster Second World War bomber. https://lnkd.in/eGQvpkrr #avpay #helicopters #helicopterpilot #aviation #aviationdaily #aviationhistory

Solid watch, check out this awesome video that gets into flying qualities and flight controls of a 5th Gen Fighter jet! Thank you Laz, appreciate your passion and candid approach with students. The debate, between a piloted and remotely piloted aircraft, is a cool discussion at the end too. This delves into the future, what could 6th Gen mission requirements look like? Regarding a close quarters aerial battle (i.e. dogfight), the human mind may currently be better than any machine at adapting to dynamic and chaotic combat situations. This may be all the argument needed, for this military application and keeping a person in the cockpit. Other applications, the debate is on! https://lnkd.in/eKsG3-Bf

Masking the aircraft skin of a Boeing 767 just before, Sealing the skin joints on a Boeing 767 - a critical step in reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. #aerospace, #aviation, and #aircraft.