Aviation Technology
businesswire | September 14, 2023
H2FLY, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Joby Aviation, today announced the successful completion of the world’s first piloted flight of a liquid hydrogen-powered electric aircraft.
H2FLY, acquired by Joby in 2021, continues to lead the industry on the development and testing of hydrogen aviation propulsion systems. The company completed a series of piloted flights with its HY4 demonstrator aircraft, including one that lasted more than three hours, fitted with a hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system and liquid hydrogen that powered it for the entire flight.
The flights demonstrate the viability of using cryogenically-stored liquid hydrogen instead of gaseous hydrogen, which enables significantly lower tank weights and volume, leading to longer range. The successful installation and demonstration of flight with liquid hydrogen is believed to increase the range of H2FLY’s HY4 demonstrator aircraft from 466 mi (750 km) to 932 mi (1500 km), marking a critical step towards the long-term decarbonization of mid- to long-range aviation.
“H2FLY are pioneers in their field, and we’re proud of them achieving this watershed moment in the use of liquid hydrogen to power aircraft,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “In the years to come, battery-electric and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems will enable us to build aircraft that are quieter and make mid- to long-range air travel possible with zero emissions. It’s critical we take action now and invest aggressively in these technologies for the health of our planet and future generations to come.”
The successful flights are the culmination of Project HEAVEN, a European-government-supported consortium assembled to demonstrate the feasibility of using liquid hydrogen in aircraft. The consortium is led by H2FLY and includes the partners Air Liquide, Pipistrel Vertical Solutions, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, and Fundación Ayesa.
Following this test flight milestone, H2FLY will increasingly focus on its path to commercialization. In June, H2FLY announced the development of its new fuel cell systems, which will be capable of providing their full power range at altitudes high enough to enable commercial hydrogen-electric aircraft, demonstrating real-world commercial aircraft applications.
About Joby
Joby Aviation, Inc. is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient service in cities around the world.
Read More
Business Aviation
PRnewswire | July 26, 2023
Iridium Communications Inc. a leading provider of global voice and data satellite communications, today announced the introduction of its Iridium Certus® aviation commercial service, providing a secure cockpit domain with reliable voice and data capabilities. This milestone achievement marks the availability and certification of Iridium Connected® aviation solutions for commercial transport aircraft, business aviation, helicopters, private aircraft, and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) that offer more compact, cost-effective equipment with superior coverage compared to alternative systems.
Using L-band satellite frequencies that are superior for cockpit communications, Iridium Certus for aviation is an ideal complement to commercial transport passenger cabin connectivity Ka/Ku band services and can be a primary service for small-to-mid-size business jet cabins. It would also be preferred to HF/VHF for electronic flight bag (EFB), flight critical data, and passenger communications during oceanic flights.
Iridium's partners are introducing a range of multi-tier Iridium Certus solutions that complement other in-flight connectivity (IFC) systems installed on aircraft. Multiple Iridium Value Added Manufacturers (VAMs) and Value-Added Resellers (VARs) are providing a spectrum of Iridium Certus 100 and Iridium Certus 700 solutions. Safety certifications are currently in progress, with flight trials expected to begin by the end of 2023 and approvals expected in 2024, making it a valuable short-term and long-term investment for aircraft operators.
"The aviation industry is forecasting a period of unprecedented growth, where reliable connectivity has become crucial for both passenger and cockpit communications," said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. "Iridium Certus perfectly fits these applications due to the combination of its Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) as well as the outstanding reliability of our global network. With our upgraded constellation, we have significantly improved and expanded our offerings, delivering air traffic control services, weather, and critical information to cockpits worldwide more affordably than ever before."
With its unique satellite network in Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO), Iridium offers weather-resilient L-band connectivity and unparalleled global coverage versus geostationary (GEO) systems. The flexibility of Iridium Certus service to scale device SWaP requirements both up and down allows users to cater to various mission needs, offering different price points and versatility for diverse aircraft types and operational requirements. Iridium Certus also makes it affordable for aircraft operators to obtain real-time data from the cockpit, enabling better decision-making and improved operational efficiency.
"Iridium's first-generation voice and data solutions are installed on over 60,000 aircraft today and have been critical for flight safety and relied upon by pilots and airlines for years," said John Peterson, executive director of aviation, Iridium. "As the preferred solution for a wide range of aviation applications, from drones to airliners, Iridium Certus is ready to support the industry's evolving connectivity needs."
The success of Iridium Certus technology in maritime and land applications has paved the way for its entry into the aviation realm. With thousands of subscribers currently utilizing the Iridium Certus service, its deployment has been extensive and highly regarded. The aviation industry now benefits from the robust suite of solutions provided by Iridium Certus, supporting Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAV)/Urban Air Mobility (UAM), business jet cabin connectivity, and paving the way for future flight deck applications. Iridium and its ecosystem of partners are continually developing new offerings, with additional announcements and terminal launches planned for later this year.
About Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2019, the company completed a generational upgrade of its satellite network and launched its specialty broadband service, Iridium Certus®. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM.
Read More
Aviation Technology
PRnewswire | July 12, 2023
Orion Space Solutions (Orion) is collaborating with Microsoft to greatly enhance the space architecture of the U.S. Department of Defense with a pioneering development - the NEXUS Electromagnetic Data Mesh Network for Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) [aka NEXUS Space Network]. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing data interoperability and synchronized decision advantage integration between Joint Forces, as well as allies and partner nations.
The NEXUS Space Network, the world's first cross-domain cognitive electromagnetic data mesh, revolutionizes the way ground and on-orbit data is harnessed, enabling unparalleled access to vital information for the U.S. Department of Defense and coalition forces. By seamlessly integrating Orion and Microsoft's secure, enterprise-grade NEXUS Electromagnetic Data-as-a-Service (EDaaS) capabilities, this strategic collaboration empowers the CJADC2 initiative, delivering a unified cross-domain identity across the Microsoft Azure Government and Azure Commercial environments.
"Through our collective efforts, Microsoft and Orion are poised to reshape the landscape of space domain intelligence, equipping DoD service members with the tools they need to carry out their missions safely, effectively, and efficiently," states Chad Fish, Chief Operating Officer of Orion. "This strategic collaboration combines our deep understanding of space missions and classical and quantum mechanical data expertise, supporting the DoD to integrate data capabilities, space assets, and reference architectures for a totally combined coalition force."
Dr. Samih Fadli, Chief Information Officer of Orion, emphasizes the significance of an identity-based hybrid quantum-classical approach in the CJADC2 architecture, uniting the Joint Force and allies to synchronize space domain operations and plans on a global scale. "Our cutting-edge EDaaS mesh network will deliver combined interoperability to the U.S. Government and its allies, laying a robust foundation for imminent on-orbit space quantum collaboration" states Dr. Fadli.
Wes Anderson, Vice President for Defense, Microsoft Federal, on the collaboration. "Working with Orion to support NEXUS on Azure will help accelerate national security missions and enable the U.S. Department of Defense to advance data superiority and interoperability to achieve their goal of transforming space operations. Together with Orion, we are redefining possibilities and driving innovation in the space domain."
The strategic relationship between Orion Space Solutions and Microsoft will help advance innovation and unlock future possibilities. Together, we envision a future where space exploration and data interoperability transcend boundaries, empowering us to push the boundaries of knowledge and forge new horizons.
About Orion Space Solutions:
Orion Space Solutions is a leading developer of space mission and space technology solutions. On behalf of and working with our customers, Orion's takes on the seemingly impossible space mission challenges, successfully tackling the hardest requirements in aerospace to make a real difference for our customers and our world.
Read More
Aviation Technology
Globenewswire | July 05, 2023
Draganfly Inc (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer, is proud to announce their inclusion in the Canada Day celebrations at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, Ontario on, July 1, 2023.
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum has one of the most extensive aviation collections in Canada. Its collection consists of over 130 aircraft and artifacts, focusing on the history of Canadian aviation and its global impact.
“It is an honor for Draganfly to be recognized as a pioneer in the aviation industry and to have our latest technology on display alongside other great Canadian aerospace companies at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum,” said Cameron Chell, President, and CEO of Draganfly.
Visitors to the Canadian Achievements Drone Zone exhibit will see Draganfly's latest cutting-edge drone technology, the Heavy Lift Drone and Commander 3 XL.
Draganfly’s Heavy Lift Drone is a versatile, industrial, multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to lift more and fly further. Capable of automated missions and manual flight operations, Draganfly’s heavy-duty, robust UAV has a payload lift capacity of 67 pounds and up to 55 minutes of flight time.
Draganfly’s Commander 3 XL Drone is a high-endurance, weather-resistant, multirotor UAV designed for easy assembly and rapid deployment. The “Swiss Army Knife” of drones can drop and winch-down systems to transport up to 22lb of payload. It performs extremely well in light rain and snow.
About Draganfly
Draganfly Inc. is the creator of quality, cutting-edge drone solutions, software, and AI systems that revolutionize how organizations can do business and service their stakeholders. Recognized as being at the forefront of technology for over 24 years, Draganfly is an award-winning industry leader serving the public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying markets. Draganfly is a company driven by passion, ingenuity, and the need to provide efficient solutions and first-class services to its customers around the world with the goal of saving time, money, and lives.
Read More