Putting The Fight In Flight
Robb Report Singapore|June 2024
Military aircraft and their bizjet counterparts share more than meets the eye-to the benefit of both.
Basem Wasef
Putting The Fight In Flight

AT FIRST GLANCE, private jets and military aircraft couldn’t seem further apart. But in the grey area between coddling luxury and missionbased efficiency, there’s a rich history of innovation exchange that has helped both categories stay on the bleeding edge of aviation.

The trend started in 1909, when the US Army Signal Corps bought a Wright Military Flyer from the Wright brothers for US$30,000, and has kept apace for more than a century as dozens of aircraft types were converted for the armed forces. Military-technology transfer is now advancing even more rapidly into the civilian market, with the latest generation of electric aircraft currently undergoing flight testing in preparation for certification in the next few years.

The white space tackled by electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has brought with it the opportunity to invent new flightcontrol systems for easier, safer operation. “We’d been researching the best way to control a vehicle of this class,” explains Peter Wilson, who is leading the creation of the training programme for Joby Aviation’s pilots. “We decided that unified controls is a proven direction to go,” he says, referring to systems that allow vertical takeoffs and landings to be executed with one hand. Military programmes, including that for the Lockheed-Martin F-35B, had already contributed significant funds to developing the technology, which has since been modified by Joby and rival Archer for eVTOL implementation, with controls that are far smaller for the compact airframes. The advanced systems relay commands every few milliseconds via pilot input to help automate flight, the endgame being a much safer, more intuitive generation of aircraft.

Denne historien er fra June 2024-utgaven av Robb Report Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra June 2024-utgaven av Robb Report Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA ROBB REPORT SINGAPORESe alt
Uniquely Martell
Robb Report Singapore

Uniquely Martell

The French house launches Les Fûts Uniques de Martell, the world's first cognac cask programme.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
Opulent Waters
Robb Report Singapore

Opulent Waters

Embark on first-class cruises with Silversea, which has opened sales for its 2026 voyages.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
Palatial Presents
Robb Report Singapore

Palatial Presents

From royal gifts to bespoke objets d'art, Singapore's Royal Insignia is reviving the art of gifting.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
Back To The Land
Robb Report Singapore

Back To The Land

Growing up in Beirut, Lina Ghotmeh pursued architecture as a means of building community in times of conflict. Her mission is more relevant today than ever.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
Care To Join?
Robb Report Singapore

Care To Join?

Private clubs are proliferating. But keeping members happy might not be as easy as it seems.

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 2024
The Vanity Table
Robb Report Singapore

The Vanity Table

The latest grooming products to know.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Rekindle The Flames
Robb Report Singapore

Rekindle The Flames

Byredo's Ancient Sand candle ignites the holiday spirit within.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Off To The Races
Robb Report Singapore

Off To The Races

Chanel leans into its sportswear roots with high jewellery inspired by the thrill of automotive competition.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
What Time Is It At Home?
Robb Report Singapore

What Time Is It At Home?

Stay on top of your affairs when you are halfway across the world with these trusty and intelligent multi-time zone watches.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Track Records
Robb Report Singapore

Track Records

Brice Tchaplyguine, managing director of TAG Heuer Asia Pacific, dispenses insights on the iconic watch company at the opening of the brand's new boutique in Singapore.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024