Farnborough International’s Post

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

Evolution of Northrop Flying Wing Bombers from the YB-35 to the B-21 Raider

Six years ago, transitioning designs such as this were considered too fanciful and risky for most investors, many of them with finance and accounting backgrounds. A lack of engineering and aerospace experience, or the absence of graphical simulation data they could understand, often didn’t help. These novel designs, firmly founded in proven aerospatial engineering principles, when part of an integrated system comprising advanced AI-augmented avionics and ducted propulsion (which we love!), are anything but fanciful. As this design by US Mayman Aerospace, now being evaluated by the US DoD, proves.

The Lockheed Martin F-35 HMDS represents a revolutionary leap in aviation technology, fundamentally changing the nature of modern warfare. This advanced helmet-mounted display system offers pilots unprecedented situational awareness, effectively eliminating the need for traditional heads-up displays. Integrating with the F-35's Distributed Aperture System (DAS), the HMDS projects real-time imagery directly onto the pilot's visor, enabling a 360-degree view of the battlefield and the ability to "look through" the aircraft. This technology significantly enhances pilot safety and combat effectiveness by providing immediate access to critical flight, tactical, and sensor information. Developed by Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems, LLC, a joint venture between Rockwell Collins and Elbit Systems Ltd., the F-35 Gen III HMDS marks a significant advancement in military technology. It features a biocular 40×30 degrees field-of-view and high-resolution night vision, ensuring pilots have clear vision in all lighting conditions. The system's design allows for intuitive access to vast quantities of flight and tactical information, offering superior situational awareness and precision. The HMDS has been extensively tested and is already in use, with more than 160 units delivered to Lockheed Martin. It is part of the broader F-35 program, which aims to provide the world's most advanced multi-role combat aircraft. The HMDS is a testament to the innovative capabilities of modern military technology, providing pilots with a level of awareness and control that was previously unimaginable.

The Douglas X-3 Stiletto was an experimental aircraft that flew in the early 1950s. Extremely streamlined, it had very short, low aspect ratio wings; a long nose; a streamlined cockpit with a downward firing ejection seat; and two afterburning engines. It was designed to fly at Mach 2, but because its intended engines failed to meet requirements, it was fitted with two lower-thrust J34 turbojets with a maximum of 4,900 pounds of thrust. As a result, it was underpowered and, because its wings were so small, had a take-off speed of 260 knots (!!); it could also achieve only Mach 1.2 and in a 30-degree dive at that. The X-3 first flew on October 15th, 1952, during a high-speed taxi test, and first officially flew on October 20th. Between then and May 23rd, 1956, it made a total of about 40 flights, investigating high-speed take-offs and landings and the phenomenon of roll coupling, valuable contributions despite the fact it never reached its design speed of Mach 2. The lessons learned were later incorporated into aircraft like the F-104, X-15, and SR-71. It is currently on display at the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton, OH. We learn about these and other subjects in our introductory classes…sign up for one! For additional info on this aircraft: https://lnkd.in/gmhbhQyA https://lnkd.in/gAFAcURU #earlysupersonicflight #rollcoupling #lowaspectratio #nasav #aeronautics #aviationhistory #aviationhistoryanddoodles

The reader may get a flavor of how warfare and the importance of a highly sophisticated helmet mounted display systems (HMDS) has changed over time. The helmet is not only a crew safety device but now to be considered an essential mission management device. When I ask fighter crews what they would wish to get improved on their respective fighter platforms, I regularly get following feedback. No. 1 a state-of-the-art HMDS to enhance the situational awareness which contributes to a more successful mission execution; No 2. improved sensors and No. 3 improved weapon systems (range and lethality). The order may change from one pilot to the other but overall, a state-of-the-art HMDS is normally among the top 3 pilot wish list. This is even more true considering the information flows a fighter crew must master in the future mission theatre. Literally it’s time now to investigate into forward oriented technologies rather than backwards. 

When I first started in the aviation industry, it was quite a learning curve to understand the various aircraft manufacturers and what made each of their creations unique. However, one brand that has always caught my attention for its exceptional design and innovation is Embraer. Founded in Brazil in 1969, Embraer has consistently delivered outstanding aircraft, including the popular E-Jet series, known for their efficiency and passenger comfort. They've also made strides in the defense sector with their impressive military aircraft like the Super Tucano. Their uniqueness, check out the nose of the Aircraft. Dearest AeroLovelies, Check out their Next-generation TurboProp, regional airliner concept, powered by aft turboprop engines. Isn't it amazing? I think it is 😊 #embraer #aircraft #aerospace #aerospaceengineering #aerospacewithannie

The challenge: Tomorrow’s global air forces need large numbers of versatile, highly capable aircraft to scout ahead, share what they sense, take on tasks and act largely on their own. The solution: GA-ASI’s #GambitUAS. The most complete vision of a new suite of unmanned combat aircraft in the aerospace world today. #ILA24 Read here: https://ow.ly/Kaml50POI2N

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

Up next, we heard from our Gold Sponsors, Airbus Colonel (Ret) Stéphane Le Floch, Senior Combat Marketing Segment Manager at Airbus Helicopters, took the stage to discuss the future of military aviation with his captivating presentation on ‘Understanding the Future Battlefield with MUM-T’. He shared insights on: - The battlefield is rapidly evolving under the influence of game changers. With the integration of UAS into combat scenarios, the future of military aviation will be characterized by the development of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities for collaborative combat operations. -Drones, UAS, launched effects, loyal wingmen, the range of tools is wide but it holds immense potential for aviation and air force components worldwide. -Complementarity, replacement, transformation, what does it mean for the military operators and how Airbus Helicopters can support such a new capability. Let's share our views about this emerging landscape of MUM-Teaming in collaborative combat aviation. Thank you for your presentation #HeliTech24