ON JULY 26, 2016, SOLAR IMPULSE 2 LANDED IN ABU DHABI to cheering crowds. After 14 months of travel and 550 hours in the air, the Swiss long-range experimental solar-powered aircraft had accomplished what many experts had deemed impossible: flying 40,000 km around the Earth – including over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans – without a drop of liquid fuel. Flown alternately by Swiss engineer and businessman André Borschberg, and Swiss psychiatrist and balloonist Bertrand Piccard, it completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth by a piloted fixed-wing aircraft using only the sun’s vibrant rays to power its four electric motors.
This story is from the Issue 6, 2023 edition of SP’s Aviation.
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This story is from the Issue 6, 2023 edition of SP’s Aviation.
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CZECH REPUBLIC ORDERS TWO EMBRAER C-390 MILLENNIUM MULTI-MISSION AIRCRAFT
The Czech Republic becomes the fourth NATO member to acquire the C-390 Millennium
LOCKHEED CONSTELLATION: "CALL ME CONNIE!"
In October 1961 the IAF's No. 6 Squadron \"Dragons\" added nine retired Air-India International Super Constellations to its fleet. Seven of these were modified for Maritime Reconnaissance. Two Super Connies served as freighters or troop carriers.
INDIA AND US SIGN GA'S MQ-9B PREDATOR DRONES; AGREEMENT ON ESTABLISHING MRO FACILITY IN INDIA
General Atomics Predator Drones represents a pivotal asset for India's defence capabilities, particularly in enhancing ISR and strike capabilities
"WE FORESEE POTENTIAL SUPPLIERS ACROSS DEFENCE, COMMERCIAL AVIATION AND EXECUTIVE JETS BUSINESSES GIVEN THE ADVANCE AEROSPACE ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES IN INDIA."
In an exclusive interaction, Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Defense & Security speaks with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, on a range of subjects concerning their increased global footprint, especially on expanding their partnership with India
SHOWCASING POWER OF COLLABORATION
Exercise Tarang Shakti, India's largest multinational air exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening operational capabilities, also demonstrated India's growing stature in global military and defence production
INDIA'S QUEST FOR INDIGENOUS JET ENGINE REMAINS AT THE THRESHOLD
While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has denied the reports to impose penalties on GE over the delays of the F404 jet engine, India's quest for the indigenous jet engine remains at the threshold in search of its IPs and tech
LCA MKIA DELAYED, MRFA ON SLOW MODE - IMPLICATIONS FOR IAF
The IAF is currently operating at around 30 squadrons, well below the authorised strength of 42 squadrons, and defence analysts recommend 50 squadrons to handle a two-front conflict
A BOLDER APPROACH TOWARDS BUILDING CAPABILITY INDIGENOUSLY - AIR CHIEF MARSHAL A.P. SINGH
The annual press day by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh was a testament to the Indian Air Force's strategic vision for modernisation and self-reliance
'IAF AIMS TO BE AN AGILE AND ADAPTABLE AIR FORCE'
On the occasion of the 92nd IAF Day, Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP's Aviation spoke extensively to Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, on a range of subjects concerning the Indian Air Force
KEY ELEMENTS OF SAF (SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL)
With SAF being constantly pushed as a panacea, a reality check is essential. The journey to achieve net zero by 2050 will in truth be long, arduous and terribly expensive. Success is by no means assured without urgent measures.
