Airbus selects Avio Aero engine solution for Eurodrone
Following a competitive tender process as well as an extensive technical analysis phase, Airbus has selected Avio Aero from Italy to power the Eurodrone unmanned aerial system with its engine and propeller solution, dubbed Catalyst. The Catalyst is an engine proven in flight, entirely developed and manufactured in Europe. As well as the Eurodrone programme, this engine has been conceived as 100% ITAR-free (International Traffic in Arms Regulation), thus enabling independence on export chances and avoiding additional requirements prior export clearance.
VSR700 autonomous take-off and landing capabilities tested at sea
Airbus Helicopters has begun trialing autonomous take-off and landing capabilities at sea for the VSR700, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) being developed in the frame of the SDAM (Système de drone aérien de la Marine) programme, conducted by the DGA (Direction générale de l’Armement - the French Armament General Directorate) for the French Navy. Trials were conducted using an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) based on a modified Guimbal Cabri G2 equipped with the autonomous take-off and landing (ATOL) system developed for the VSR700. This flight test campaign paves the way for the upcoming demonstration of the VSR700, at sea, onboard a French Navy frigate.
First A380 powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel takes to the skies
Airbus has performed a first A380 flight powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The flight lasted about three hours, operating one Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engine on 100% SAF. 27 tonnes of unblended SAF were provided by Total Energies for this flight. The SAF produced in Normandy, close to Le Havre, France, was made from Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA), free of aromatics and sulphur, and primarily consisting of used cooking oil, as well as other waste fats. This is the third Airbus aircraft type to fly on 100% SAF over the course of 12 months; the first was an Airbus A350 in March 2021 followed by an A319neo single-aisle aircraft in October 2021. All Airbus aircraft are currently certified to fly with up to a 50% blend of SAF mixed with kerosene. The aim is to achieve certification of 100% SAF by the end of this decade.
5th of 7 C295 delivered to the Philippine Air Force (PAF)
PAF ordered a fleet of new-generation C295 tactical airlifters as part of its medium-lift aircraft acquisition programme. These new combat proven C295s will be dedicated for troops and equipment transportation across the country. PAF has been successfully deploying the C295 for a variety of transport operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, thanks to its access to short unpaved airstrips in remote areas, while carrying heavy payloads over long distances. With this new aircraft and the other two soon to join the fleet, the air force will be utilising the aircraft more extensively to enhance its air-lift operations.
BOC Aviation orders 80 A320neo Family
Global aircraft operating lessor BOC Aviation has signed a firm order for 80 A320neo family aircraft comprising 10 A321XLR, 50 A321neo and 20 A320neo. The latest agreement takes BOC Aviation’s total direct orders with Airbus to 453 aircraft from the single aisle A320 Family to the A330 and A350 widebodies.