Air Transport
Article | July 6, 2022
The aviation industry is going through a lot of technological and operational transitions. Every day, new technologies in manufacturing, airports, passengers, security measures and more are being introduced or being implemented in the entire aviation ecosystem.
5G technology is one of the most critical technologies that is currently raising concerns. 5G technology is becoming a hot topic of discussion for governments worldwide in inferior ways. Many discussions are going on the shelf of safety of consumers. Similarly, there has been rising concern about the new 5G technology in the aviation industry.
Yes. 5G technology promises to bring some of the best opportunities for airlines. But what will be its impact on airline safety? Before we discuss the 5G rollout, let's highlight its ability to benefit the busiest industry globally.
The Ecosystem of 5G
Multiple technologies play a vital role in 5G technology in terms of coverage, such as EDGE, IoT, SD-WAN, and more. The ecosystem is rapidly expanding, even the industry of suppliers to aviation. It includes device manufacturing, network supply and maintenance, system integration, testing, and more suppliers.
IATA says with regard to the aviation industry, a projected $3.9 billion will be invested in 5G by 2026. Moreover, the projections are taking the entire industry to new altitudes. GSA also forecasts that the growth of 5G will be faster than 4G.
The Impact of 5G on the Different Aviation Sectors
The deployments and implementations of 5G can be profitable for every aviation sector if used appropriately. Speaking of the aviation sectors, the new 5G technology will transform the industry in four crucial areas. They are:
Manufacturing
Airports & Airlines
Travel
Security
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector has massively developed partnerships with telecom players. The partnerships have led to the launch of 5G initiatives.
Nokia and Lufthansa came forward for inspection of engine parts remotely. With AR visualization and 3D technology, customers can have a visual impact on cabin interiors. 5G technology is also being implemented to trace and track systems in aircraft parts and maintain of operations using transmissions, real-time signal processing, and more.
Airports & Airlines
With 5G technology, Gogo Business Aviation is developing new designs for antennas and modems. The designs will enable the world's first in-flight connectivity (IFC) and 5G air-to-ground (ATG) networks by 2022.
“Towards the end of 2022, we will have sites built, and we will start flight testing,”
-Mike Syverson, senior vice president of engineering at Gogo
Gogo's 5G network will be limited to North America. It will be leveraging the existing 250 towers with its current 3G and 4G IFC networks. The 5G network will use spectrum in the 2.4 GHz band with the help of other booming technologies to provide the airplane-to-ground station link with higher bandwidth.
Travel
Viasat Inc. is known globally for offering broadband digital satellite communications, wireless networking services, and satellite communications products.
Delta Airlines has partnered with Viasat for its next-generation Ka-band satellite in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution. Delta intends to integrate Viasat technology into 757-200 aircraft, A321ceo, and the 737-900ER (new aircraft) to provide customers with safe and secure air travel.
Network Security
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) discloses that an average of 1,000 attacks per month occur on aviation systems. Thus, it is becoming a real threat to airport security, safety, and reputation.
SmartSky Networks LLC is a leading satellite solution. It's also a wireless data and networking services provider globally. It caters to the commercial aviation industry. It offers its innovative air-to-ground inflight Wi-Fi network with 5G technology.
In June 2021, Honeywell and SmartSky introduced their high-speed connectivity. They announced it for their business aviation operators in North America. The partnership agreement boosts seamless connectivity in the commercial aviation market.
Looking at these developments made possible by the new 5G technology in the aviation industry, how has it become one of the industry's obstacles in terms of safety?
Let's highlight the picture here.
Aviation Has Expressed a Serious Concern
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned about significant safety concerns in the 5G wireless network setup roadmap. The plan for theusage of C-Band spectrum is the prime reason. 5G network operations can interfere with the radar altimeter performance of aircraft.
"It is engaging with other agencies. So that aviation and 5G cellular technology can safely coexist."
-A Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman
But with the modifications in the manufacturing processes of aircraft, the industry is encouraging manufacturers. Therefore, the manufacturers could conduct tests for 5G interference and modify aircraft designs.
5G Still Provides Hope for a More Friendly Flying Future
Aviation has a 5G rollout despite having no proof. The rollout is about interfering with safety concerns. Instead, 5G in aviation is burgeoning the importance of safety and security more efficiently. The emphasis on safety and security is now even more powerful. Pilots have been equipped with high communication tools with air control towers, especially in weather or technical challenges.
The new 5G technology is way near to providing superior in-flight bandwidth connectivity while improving operational efficiency. It is going to improve overall operational efficiency. Passengers will be able to take advantage of high-speed internet on planes. Also, business passengers can conduct their business activities while flying and saving precious time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the new 5G technology harmful to airplanes?
According to the FAA, aviation operators should be prepared for the possibility that 5G technology could interfere with transmitters. The effects of 5G could cause certain safety malfunctions for airplanes. This could affect flight operations as well.
What are the disadvantages of 5G in aviation?
Aviation is getting benefits from 5G technology. But there is always the other side of the coin. So, the disadvantages could be as follows:
Obstructions in connectivity
High costs of technology
Operational hindrance
Unmatched frequencies
What is the market size of 5G in the aviation industry?
The overall market size of 5G in the aviation market was valued at $698.45 million in 2020. Now, it’s projected to extent $4,682.12 million by 2030.
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Business Aviation
Article | January 7, 2022
With rescue flights crisscrossing the globe and passengers keen to get where they are going as soon as possible, will we see the end of hub to hub travel? Has this current aviation crisis signaled the decline of the current model of aviation we know today? One reporter at Simple Flying gives his opinion.
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Article | July 15, 2022
The coronavirus outbreak has put airline customer care teams on the front lines. Airlines that have adopted artificial intelligence are alleviating some of the stress that their customer care teams are under.
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Design and Engineering
Article | January 7, 2022
Airplane travel is one of the most convenient means of transportation. Consequently, air travel is growing, and aircraft need to be more efficient. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the pandemic, the aviation industry appears to be committed to ensuring a sustainable airflight future. So, for this, aircraft need to be more efficient in production costs and fuel consumption.
An aircraft design depends on three of the most critical aspects. The first is the factor of reliability. Aviation is the only industry where it is impossible to overlook, rectify, or investigate a failed flight mechanism on the spot. The second factor is the need to minimize the weight and volume of its components to withstand load and fluctuating temperatures. And, the third factor is that it shows extreme concern from an environmental perspective. Temperatures on the ground can reach 60 °C and even -80 °C in the stratosphere, with supersonic aircraft reaching temperatures of over 200 °C.
As a result of these factors, the aircraft lubrication system and its requirements are critical. From an economic perspective, servicing and maintenance are a significant part of airlines' expenses after the purchase. In addition, the replacement of parts can cause airplanes to remain grounded for an extended period. Such circumstances can lead to a loss of time and money simultaneously.
From a safety aspect, failures at every level should be avoided. Failures like the shutdown of engines or breakage of engine parts can lead to aircraft failures or even crashes. So, by knowing all these issues around air travel, you can easily understand the interest in aircraft engine oil.
An Innovative Lubrication System for Aircraft Engine
Aircraft turbines revolve at up to 18,000 rpm (revolutions per minute). Due to this, internal temperatures can rise compared to the ambient temperature outside. So, aviation engines need an efficient oil-based lubricant to less pollute the environment and sustain long-distance air travel.
Recently, researchers in the EU-funded ELUBSYS project developed a novel way to use specified aircraft engine oil to promote efficiency and reliability. For this, SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is in high demand. Moreover, the project's innovative oil production will also help reduce an airline’s operating and maintenance costs. In this way, Europe’s aircraft manufacturers are way ahead in supporting future aircraft engine development.
“Aircraft engine turbines rotate at a very high speed with the help of the classic rubberized oil-seals used in the aircraft engine. The extremes of temperature and friction involved would destroy them. Yet aircraft engines need to stay lubricated.”
-Vincent Thomas of Techspace Aero in Belgium
Apart from this, the piston engine looks promising for the aviation piston engine industry. However, it seems like a piston engine holds an optimistic future in fuel economy. Now, with the inclusion of piston engines, there is more importance to using piston engine oil in the lubrication system for an aircraft engine.
So, how piston engine will be the game-changer for aircraft?
Piston Engine—A Game-Changer in Fuel Economy
Numerous aviation firms are developing a new type of internal combustion engine. Such engines promise a notable boost in fuel economy while also plummeting greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, start-ups like EcoMotors, Achates Power, and Pinnacle Engines are building variations on piston engines with the help of specific piston engine oil.
The engines serve as combustion chambers where fuel is ignited. That makes engines lighter in weight and faster in their operations with greater power density. In this way, piston engines result in less energy waste and thus operate more efficiently.
“The technology is worthwhile. However, it is a completely different concept compared to conventional engines,”
- Dean Tomazic, Vice President of FEV in Auburn.
There are more success stories from the aviation piston engine industry. These stories predict that, indeed, aviation is going through a significant transformation.
Another significant achievement comes from Pinnacle, based in San Carlos, Calif. It is developing a four-stroke, gasoline opposed-piston engine. The company’s founder, Monty Cleeves, invented a sleeve valve that ensures energy is used for propulsion instead of getting wasted after converting into heat.
Functions of the Lubrication System for Aircraft Engine Oils
What are the significant functions of lubricants in aviation oils and engines?
It is the function that realizes the importance of things. Isn’t it? So, to realize the importance of aircraft engine oils, it’s crucial to show the potential of the aircraft lubrication systems.
1 Friction and Wear Reduction
Lubricants reduce friction and wear in an aviation engine. The aircraft lubrication system deals with cooling, sealing, clearing, and fighting corrosion and rust in the engine.
Airplanes that are used seldom need the thorough protection from rust and corrosion that good aviation oils can provide. Also, frequently flying airplanes need lubricants for smooth engine operations and functions to avoid failures.
2 Acts as a Cooling Agent
But it is critical to use good aviation oils as lubricants. Oil is a heat-transform medium. Thus, a suitable oil should be used so that lubricants can keep the engine cool and smooth.
3 A life Saver of Aircraft Engines
Lubricants help in extending the life span of an aircraft engine. If an aircraft uses good aviation oil, for example, SAF, biofuels, and more, then there are fewer chances of any engine repairs. In this case, piston engines are the best fit for aircraft with high demand. Piston engines use highly lubricant piston engine oils, which increase the longevity of aviation engines.
Let’s look at some key takeaways from the market study of aircraft engine oil.
Aircraft Engine Oil: Key Takeaways from its Market Study
Commercial planes and business jets will likely witness high aircraft lubricant oil sales.
According to IATA, mineral oil demand is expected to rise by 25% by 2030.
Bio-based oils will dominate the aviation industry in response to soaring environmental concerns.
Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) activities will emerge as crucial parts of aviation to drive the global aviation lubricant market.
Lastly, what’s understood is that aircraft engine oil is the engine's lifeblood. Thus, the engine must function efficiently to encompass the length between overhauls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does engine oil do in an aircraft?
Engine oil functions as a coolant. Up to 40% of an aircraft’s cooling comes from engine oil. Oil creates a seal between the piston rings, which reduces wear and friction andprovides better compression with increased fuel efficiency.
How is the engine oil lubricated?
Engine oil is lubricated with seals using air, which holds back the oil. Air and oil need to be separated. The air eventually vents out in the form of heat. That is why good oil is necessary for aircraft for lubrication.
What are the essential functions of engine oil?
The essential functions of engine oil are:
Minimizes friction and reduce wear
Cleans the engine
Transfers heat
Prevents corrosion
Forms a seal
Cools the engine parts
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