Hector Pujadas’ Post

Even Sonic the Hedgehog has to deal with aerodynamics… Did you know there are different types of airflow, each with its own quirks and challenges? Understanding these flow regimes is crucial for designing everything from efficient cars to hypersonic missiles. Each regime has its own unique challenges and opportunities, and mastering them is key to pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Let's dive into the world of subsonic, transonic, sonic, and hypersonic flows… 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄 (𝗠𝗮<𝟭): At such speeds, airflow is smooth and predictable. This is your everyday cruise - think cars, bikes, etc. Even aircrafts, from light planes like the Cessna 182 to massive cargo carriers like the Hercules C-130 involve subsonic flight. A key characteristic of subsonic aircraft? Those straight wings you see on most airplanes. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄 (𝗠𝗮 ~𝟭): This is the tricky transition zone between subsonic and supersonic flow. Parts of the airflow can be subsonic, while others are supersonic. Almost every modern passenger jet experiences transonic flow at some point during its flight, which is why you'll notice those ‘swept-back wings’ designed to mitigate the challenges of this regime. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄 (𝗠𝗮>𝟭): Hold onto your hats! We're breaking the sound barrier here i.e. the airflow exceeds the speed of sound. This is where shockwaves form, causing the infamous sonic boom. The iconic Concorde, a supersonic passenger airliner, was a prime example of an aircraft designed to operate at these speeds. Most of the fighter jets today also involve supersonic flight. 𝗛𝘆𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄 (𝗠𝗮>𝟱): Prepare for extreme speeds and intense heat! At Mach 5 and beyond, airflow behaves very differently. Friction causes extreme temperatures, and shockwaves become even more pronounced. All the rockets and space shuttles are hypersonic, making them way more complex to build. Got a favorite flow regime? Drop a comment with the WHY behind it and let's geek out! P.S. The picture shows the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest air-breathing jet aircraft in the world. Reaching speeds of Mach 3.3, this plane is an absolute badass! #FluidDynamics #Aerodynamics #Engineering #MechanicalEngineering #Aerospace

As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation in aviation, let's take a moment to appreciate the pioneers that came before us. The XB-35, a prototype bomber developed by Northrop Aircraft in the 1940s, was a true trailblazer. Its flying wing design, powered by four radial engines, was a bold experiment in aerodynamics. Although the project faced technical challenges and was ultimately canceled, its influence can be seen in modern aircraft like the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The XB-35's story teaches us that innovation is often a journey of trial and error, but the lessons learned can shape the future of our industry. Let's keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible! #Aviation #Innovation #FlyingWing #XB35 #AircraftDesign #AerospaceEngineering Feel free to share it with your network!

Unique Features of the G500 The G500 was introduced in October 2014 & had its maiden flight in May 2015, & was #certified two years later in 2017. #Speed was the main focus of the G500 & G600. Cruise is #Mach 0.90 with Mach 0.85 in order to stretch the range. The G500 & its slightly longer twin, the G600, are the first #aircraft in the Gulfstream lineup to feature fly-by-wire active digital #sidestick controls instead of a traditional yoke. Gulfstream Aerospace was hesitant to make the change that many other manufacturers embraced until BAE Systems adapted #technology originally developed for fighter #aircraft for civil use. The new control feature has active force feedback, which emulates the stick feel of mechanically linked controls. It gives #pilots the “classic” control feel, which allows fine-tuning control inputs to #fly the aircraft how they want to versus the computer. Another feature is the Symmetry #Flight Deck based on the Honeywell Primus Epic #avionics suite. It is the first aircraft to feature the Primus Epic, making it unrecognisable to seasoned Gulfstream #pilots. The new #flightdeck has removed nearly 70% of all mechanical switches, knobs, & push buttons in favor of 10 high-definition #touchscreen LCDs. Being completely customisable, it can be configured however pilots wish, while three overhead screens replace most of the buttons. Another screen is set near the #jumpseat position & can be used as a backup in the unlikely scenario that all the screens fail, while two electronic #flight bags are also integrated into the system. This suite includes Honeywell’s Next Generation Flight Management Systems (NGFMS) & SmartView Synthetic Vision. Furthermore, it features brand-new supercritical swept wings based on the G650. The new blended-camber shape reduces high-speed #drag while simultaneously increasing low-speed performance. The #wings have the same sweep angle as the G600, 36 degrees, but feature a new flap design that extends to 80% of the trailing edge instead of 60% on the G650. The #ailerons are now smaller & mounted towards the edge of the wings to give the #aircraft better roll performance. Construction involves more composite materials than any Gulfstream aircraft before. The brand-new tail & flight controls are made from composite materials, while the main #airframe is built of metal alloys. #businessjet’s are awesome! #bizjet #bizav https://lnkd.in/d2pSQ6Ee

🚀 Excited to dive deeper into the technical marvel that is the afterburner on the Mirage 2000! The afterburner is a critical component that provides an extraordinary boost in performance for the Mirage 2000, transforming it from a powerful jet into a supersonic powerhouse. Here's how it works: Increased Thrust: By injecting additional fuel into the jet pipe and igniting it, the afterburner produces a massive increase in exhaust velocity, which can nearly double the thrust compared to the engine's dry (non-afterburning) operation. Augmented Power: This surge in power is crucial during takeoffs, rapid ascents, and combat situations where agility and speed are paramount. Thermal Efficiency: Despite its impressive output, the afterburner operates with lower thermal efficiency, meaning it's used strategically to balance fuel consumption and performance needs. Variable Nozzle: The Mirage 2000's afterburner features a variable-area nozzle that adjusts to optimize the flow of exhaust gases, maintaining engine efficiency and control across various flight conditions. Flame Stabilization: The afterburner includes flame holders that ensure the additional fuel ignites reliably, providing consistent performance even at extreme speeds and altitudes. The Mirage 2000's afterburner exemplifies the intersection of advanced engineering and tactical necessity, enabling pilots to achieve remarkable feats in the sky. Truly a testament to the cutting-edge technology propelling modern aviation! 🌌✈️ credits - Praneeth Franklin #Aviation #Mirage2000 #Afterburner #EngineeringExcellence #SupersonicFlight #JetTechnology #aviation #pilot #aircraft #aeroplane #pilot #aerospace #jetengie

Innovating Digital Aerospace Cockpits : The Aerospace division at PDSL is innovating advanced Digital Cockpit solutions to support our clients and accelerate the development process. Our team is diving deep into Human Vision parameters to ensure optimal screen legibility and conducting specular reflection studies to minimise glare on pilots’ information screens whether on the ground or in-flight. It’s critical to understand these impacts in advance to avoid development delays and maintain information legibility at a satisfactory level. Developing Digital cockpit solutions will not only aid the designers to understand ergonomic factors, but also integrating these into virtual reality systems will empower  aerospace companies to establish a realistic digital pilot perspective. Pilots can provide insights on specific cockpit layouts and provide feedback before freezing the design gateways. Contact us to discover how we can support your aerospace projects! #Aerospace #DigitalCockpit #PDSLAerospace #Airbus #Boeing #vertical #LockheedMartin #Embraer #Bombardier #DassaultAviation #Gulfstream #Cessna #Pilatus #Textron #Beechcraft #AachenFlugzeugbau #KopterGroup #Robinson Helicopter Company #comac #Mitsubishi #UAC #HAL

Scaled Composites completes the first flight of the Model 437 Vanguard, a versatile, low-cost, multi-mission aircraft concept

The latest member of Airbus’ Super Puma family, which has accumulated more than six million flight hours in some of the harshest conditions around the world, the H225 has proven to be an all-weather, rugged and mission-ready aircraft. Equipped with sophisticated avionics and autopilot, the H225 enhances operational safety by reducing crew workload even in some of the most demanding scenarios. Its simplified maintenance plan ensures its operators can rely on its availability. In operation worldwide for search and rescue (SAR) missions, the H225's superior lifting capacity, endurance and manoeuvrability also make it ideal for the most demanding utility, aerial work, firefighting and powerline operations. Discover the journey of continuous improvement that has shaped the H225 Super Puma to match our customers' evolving mission requirements over the past 20 years and for decades to come. Learn more about the H225: https://lnkd.in/eUWjRFU5 #AirbusHelicopters #MakingMissionsPossible #H225

Highlights from the Farnborough International Air Show 🛫 At the Farnborough International Airshow, numerous highlights from the future of Aerospace, AI, and AAM are on display. Here are some of the most interesting ones we have seen so far: Joby Aviation presents its full-size electric eVTOL mock-up. Visitors have the unique opportunity to get inside and check out the single-pilot cockpit: https://lnkd.in/dtd-RVt5 Beyond Vision showcases their BVQ418 quadcopter drone, aiming to push what's possible with multiple integrated sensors, AI, weatherproof reliability, and transportability. They live-streamed the unveiling, which can be viewed here: https://lnkd.in/d4uMKCiC The new stealth fighter design of the GCAP (@Tempest) program of BAE Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Corporation was unveiled and is on display. More information can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dpa_FG7R Do you have other news we should know about? Please be sure to share them with us. While we don't have our own booth at the show, we strongly recommend visiting the many innovative companies shaping the future of aerospace alongside us, such as FlySight, AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s., Airbus Defence and Space, MBDA, Diehl Aviation. If you're at Farnborough, make sure to give them a visit, and follow along here for more updates on the latest trends in safety critical AI in aerospace. #FIA2024 #AI #SafeAI #AAM #ML #UAM #evtol #gcap #fcas

🚁 Helicopter Health Monitoring System: A Game-Changer for Aviation Safety and Maintenance 🚁 As a helicopter operator, you know how important it is to keep your aircraft in optimal condition. You also know how challenging and costly it can be to detect and prevent mechanical failures, perform routine inspections, and manage parts inventory. A solution that can transform the way you monitor and maintain your helicopters: the Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS). HUMS is a smart system that automatically records the status of critical systems and components on helicopters, such as the engine, gearbox, rotor, and drivetrain. It uses advanced sensors and onboard computers to collect and analyze data in near real-time, and communicates the health and maintenance needs of your aircraft to you and your technicians. With HUMS, you can: 📊 Track and optimize the performance of your helicopters, such as vibration, temperature, pressure, and torque. 🚨 Detect and diagnose potential faults and failures before they become catastrophic, and avoid costly downtime and repairs. 🛠️ Plan and schedule maintenance activities based on actual usage and condition, and reduce unnecessary inspections and replacements. 📈 Extend the life and reliability of your helicopters, and lower your operating costs and risks. 🌎 Access and share your helicopter health data from anywhere, anytime, using a cloud-based dashboard and mobile app. HUMS is not a futuristic concept. It is a proven technology that has been adopted by leading helicopter manufacturers and operators around the world, such as Bell, Airbus, Leonardo, Sikorsky, Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, and GPMS. #HUMS #helicopter #aviation #aviationsafety #aviationmaintenance #innovation

Not sure if you want to get involved in the UAS Challenge? Here are just a few reasons why you and your classmates should form a team for #UAS2025, register here: https://bit.ly/4gpInFc