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January 2021
AEROSPACE
DEFENCE SPACE
ONLINE
COLLABORATION
INDIA’S HUMAN
SPACEFLIGHT
www.aerosociety.com
January 2021
Volume 48 Number 1
DEFYING GRAVITY
EVTOL SECTOR CONTINUES TO SOAR ABOVE CHALLENGES
Royal Aeronautical Society
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Imperial College London, UK
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WJD Aero Journal FP Advert 11_2020.indd 2 14/12/2020 14:49
Volume 48 Number 1
January 2021
EDITORIAL Contents
The long haul to recovery? Regulars
4 Radome 12 Transmission
Many people will be glad to have seen the back of 2020 and the worldwide The latest aviation and Your letters, emails, tweets
aeronautical intelligence, and social media feedback.
roll-out of vaccines for Covid-19 offers a glimpse of light at the end of analysis and comment.
the tunnel for many. The road to recovery is likely to be a lengthy one. In 58 The Last Word
December, the organisers of the Paris Air Show, set to be held in June, took 11 Pushing the Envelope Keith Hayward considers the
the regrettable, but wise decision to cancel the 54th Le Bourget exhibition – Rob Coppinger analyses an technological benefits and
Aeronautical Journal paper the potential value to the UK
the first time it had been cancelled since WW2. The cancellation also raises on the fuel-saving potential economy of Project Tempest.
questions for physical trade events that are scheduled to take place in the of morphing aerofoils.
first half of 2021. However, the Covid crisis, as terrible as it seems now, may
only temporarily pause the upward growth and expansion of civil air travel. Features
Already airlines and travel agents are looking forward to pent-up demand
31
A2CAL
driving a surge in holiday bookings as the vaccine gradually rolls out and
countries come out of lockdown. Even then, companies may find that the new
14
FIA Connect
digital way of working (see Virtual Collaboration p 31) reshapes their business
models leading to more at home and blended working. What will that mean
for airlines and their business travellers on whom they traditionally rely? Yet all
Travelling light Virtual collaboration – the
the above, at least for the UK, may pale in comparison to the effects of Brexit, good the bad and the ugly
which will ripple down the decades, reshaping Britain’s international trade A report on the RAeS Light
Aircraft Design conference. The advantages and
and global standing. As this is written, the UK is hurtling towards what was disadvantages of the move to
online collaboration, learning
once thought by some to be a million-to-one freak result – a no-deal Brexit. and training.
18 A tryst with destiny
Already the results of being caught between the trade behemoths of the EU
India prepares for human
Vanda D’Alonzo
and the US are becoming visible – with the UK breaking ranks with Airbus spaceflight missions.
partners and deciding to waive tariffs on US goods in the Airbus/Boeing WTO
subsidies spat. For its part, Airbus is reported to be ‘furious’ with the unilateral
Reaction Engines
move and threatens future of its investment in civil aerospace in the UK. Will
this be a foretaste of between a rock and a hard place decisions?
34
Call the air ambulance
22 ICAO’s international project
Tim Robinson FRAeS, Editor-in-Chief
to create the Ambular eVTOL
tim.robinson@aerosociety.com flying ambulance.
NASA
Correspondence on all aerospace matters is welcome at: publications@aerosociety.com
Ad Astra
Editor-in-Chief
Tim Robinson, FRAeS
Editorial Office
Royal Aeronautical Society
2021 AEROSPACE subscription
rates: Non-members, £190
The UK’s ambition to become
a global space power.
38
+44 (0)20 7670 4353 No.4 Hamilton Place Please send your order to:
tim.robinson@aerosociety.com London W1J 7BQ, UK Wayne J Davis, RAeS, No.4 Hamilton
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Deputy Editor
publications@aerosociety.com +44 (0)20 7670 4354 26 Waiting for the eVTOL Simulating the urban air
Bill Read, FRAeS
+44 (0)20 7670 4351 www.aerosociety.com aerosubs@aerosociety.com taxi rank mobility future
bill.read@aerosociety.com AEROSPACE is published by the Royal Any member not requiring a print David Learmount reports from There should be rich pickings
Aeronautical Society (RAeS). version of this magazine should
Production Manager the RAeS Urban Air Mobility for modelling and simulation
Chief Executive contact: membership@aerosociety.com
Wayne J Davis Conference, held online in professionals in helping to
+44 (0)20 7670 4354 Sir Brian Burridge CBE FRAeS USA: Periodical postage paid at
November unlock urban air mobility.
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Production Executive to represent the opinion of the RAeS. ISSN 2052-451X 45 M
essage from our Chief Executive
Annabel Hallam Reproduction of material used in this
+44 (0)20 7670 4361 publication is not permitted without the 46 Book Reviews
annabel.hallam@aerosociety.com written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. 50 New Member Spotlight
Printed by Buxton Press Limited,
Book Review Editors
Palace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire
51 Obituary/Diary
Tony Pilmer and Katrina Sudell
book.reviews@aerosociety.com SK17 6AE, UK 52 ISTAT
Distributed by Royal Mail 56 RAeS Medals and Awards
Front cover: The six-seater Y65 Plus eVTOL from Autonomous Flight (Autonomous Flight) 56 Elections
Additional content is available to view online at: aerosociety.com/aerospaceinsight Read AEROSPACE magazine and the insight blog
Including: Sustainable aviation fuel for the UK, In the December issue of AEROSPACE, UK sets on your smartphone, tablet or digital devices with the
eyes on defending space, New Members Spotlight, Making the case for business aviation, AEROSPACE app
Online Ground collision highlights evacuation safety, Future intelligent cabin systems. APP available on iTunes and Google Play
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com JANUARY 2021 13
Blueprint
INTELLIGENCE / ANALYSIS / COMMENT
Specifications
Passengers 6 Safety first
Range 80mn
Top Speed 125mph The Y6S Plus is set to be equipped with ballistic
recovery parachute(s). The composite fuselage will
also be equipped with a crashworthy cell to protect
passengers.
Y-wing
The Y configuration of six
motors driving three pairs
of rotors saves weight and
reduces complexity, yet
only has a miminal effect
on redundancy.
Autonomous Flight
4 AEROSPACE
GENERAL AVIATION
EXCLUSIVE: Y6S Plus unveiled
UK urban air mobility start-up Autonomous Flight has revealed a new, highly modified version
of its Y6S eVTOL – the Y6S Plus. The Y6S Plus retains the Y-configuration of three pairs of
rotors of the previous design but ditches the ducted fans of the forward pair. It is also larger
and sized for six people, rather than two. The company is still in the investment phase and
is tight-lipped about further details and project timescales, but has exclusively shared these
renders (including the front cover) of the Y6S Plus with AEROSPACE.
Single pilot
The Y6SPlus willl be operated by a sin-
gle pilot to begin with, before being de-
veloped into a fully-autonomous version
to allow six passengers to be carried.
Multi-role eVTOL
The Y6S Plus is being designed from the
outset to be adaptable through its structure
to other roles, apart from point-to-point air
taxi services, such as a cargo drone and air
ambulance.
JANUARY 2021 5
Radome
COVID-19
AEROSPACE AIR TRANSPORT
54th Paris Air Show cancelled UK relaxes passenger
quarantine rules
Paris Air Show
UK Transport Minister Meanwhile, UK airports
Grant Shapps MP has are set to receive a cash
announced a relaxation boost of up to £8m
in rules for international per airport from the
passengers arriving in Government in order
the UK, with the 14-day to protect jobs during
quarantine time cut to the Covid-19 crisis. On
five days. The shortened 5 December, the UK
self-isolation time, which also lifted the 14-day
The organisers of the 2021 Paris Air Show, SIAE (Salon International de came into effect on 15 quarantine time for ‘elite
l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace), has announced that the 54th edition of the Paris Air December, is dependent business travellers’ –
Show has been cancelled. In an announcement made on 7 December, SIAE said on passing a negative which includes top sports
that, as a result of the uncertainty linked to the Covid-19 health crisis, the show, due Covid-19 test at the end people, performing artists
to be held on 21-27 June 2021, would now return in June 2023. of the five-day period. and journalists.
AEROSPACE AIR TRANSPORT
Aviation industry to lose Qantas: Covid-19 vaccination will
$118bn in total be mandatory for passengers
The International Air that upwards to $100bn
Transport Association for 2020 and 2021
(IATA) has said that later in June. Passenger
the aviation industry numbers for 2020 are
will suffer a net loss of expected to total 1.8bn
$118.5bn in 2020 and for the year, compared to
an additional $38.7bn in 4.5bn in 2019. IATA said
2021 due to effects of the roll-out of a vaccine
Qantas
the Covid-19 pandemic in the second half of
on air travel. In February 2021 is expected to be
2020 IATA had predicted a ‘turning point’ for the Australian flag carrier Qantas says it will insist on proof of Covid-19 vaccinations from
that the industry would air transport sector but passengers when it restarts international services in 2021. CEO Alan Joyce, speaking
lose $29bn as its worst- cautioned the recovery to Australian TV’s Channel 9, said that terms and conditions would likely be changed for
case estimate, revising will be gradual. international passengers, with proof of vaccination stored in a digital passport.
NEWS IN BRIEF
as its next shipborne to land near Woomera in CAE is to expand its civil
New German OEM Israel’s El Al and UAE’s helicopter. The Sea Tiger, Australia on 5 December. training offerings with
Deutsche Aircraft has Etihad Airways have an evolution of the land- the acquisition of TRU
launched a new version of signed a MoU to explore based NH90 Sea Lion, EVTOL developer Joby Simulation and Training
the Dornier 328 regional co-operation and closer already in service with the Aviation is to acquire Canada. The deal, worth
turboprop to run on ties. The agreement could German Navy, will replace Uber’s loss-making air taxi $40m, will see CAE
sustainable aviation fuel. include codesharing shipborne Sea Lynx division Uber Elevate. The expand its installed base
To be built in Leipzig, the between the two airlines, Mk88s. deal will see Uber invest of commercial flight
D328eco aircraft will have as well as co-operation on $75m into Joby as well simulation devices, as well
a slightly longer fuselage MRO and cargo. Etihad Japan has completed as expand its partnership as increase its offering for
than the original 328, seat is set to open a regular its six-year Hayabusa 2 with the Urban Air Mobility simulator support.
43 passengers and will be service from Abu Dhabi to space mission to collect company, which aims to
powered by two Pratt & Tel Aviv in March 2020. rocks from the Ryugu start air taxi services in Manchester Airport Group
Whitney PW127S engines. asteroid. A re-entry 2023. (MAG) has announced
The introduction of the The German Bundeswehr capsule containing the a new contest to
D328eco is scheduled for has placed an order for rock samples returned Canadian simulation promote the adoption of
2025. 31 NH90 Sea Tigers to Earth by a parachute and training specialists sustainable aviation. The
6 AEROSPACE
SPACEFLIGHT DEFENCE
China recovers Moon rock sample Britain bucks trend with
A lunar lander from
China’s Chang’e 5A
£16.5bn defence boost
unmanned spacecraft has The UK MoD is to get the for the effects of coronavirus.
successfully redocked biggest budget boost in 30 The deal will see an inflation-
with its orbiting spacecraft years to reverse an “era of busting £16.5bn boost to
on 5 December prior to retreat” as Prime Minister the MoD over the next four
returning to Earth in mid Boris Johnson backed more years, with investments in
December. The lunar money for defence to invest cyber, drones and a new
CNSA
probe touched down on in new high-technology Space Command. The
the Moon’s surface on capabilities. The surprise budget boost now makes
1 December, eight days after taking off from the Wenchang space centre aboard a Long decision saw the PM back the UK the biggest defence
March 5 rocket on 23 November. The lander descended near Mons Rümker in the Ocean Defence Secretary Ben spender in European NATO.
of Storms in the northern hemisphere of the near side of the Moon where it recovered up to Wallace MP’s argument However, it has been
2kg of material from a depth of up to 2 metres below the surface, as well as planting a flag, for more cash for the MoD, reported that the MoD will
before returning to the orbiting spacecraft. If successful, this will be the first lunar sample when the rest of Government still need to make £1bn
return mission since the Soviet Union’s robotic Luna 24 in 1976. was facing deep cuts to pay worth of savings in 2021.
GENERAL AVIATION AEROSPACE
Avions Mauboussin
First electric GA aircraft Vintage French aviation brand
included in delivery figures reborn as hydrogen STOL pioneer
Industry organisation, deliveries increased
the General Aviation slightly by 1.4% to 889,
Manufacturers Assocation driven by a rebound in
(GAMA) has released its activity at flight training
2020 third quarter delivery schools. Meanwhile,
and sales figures, with turbine aircraft and all
deliveries of electric light helicopters were down an
aircraft included for the average of 24%. The third
first time. GAMA said that, quarter of 2020 also saw A French start-up has resurrected the name of a 1930s’ brand with two new projects
while overall the industry the first electric aircraft for hydrogen-powered STOL aircraft. Belfort-based Avions Mauboussin is planning
was still trailing (deliveries deliveries recorded, with to develop a two-seat and six-seat hydrogen-powered aircraft. Its tandem two-seater
of fixed wing aircraft were Pipistrel shipping five design, the M1h, would initially be hybrid-electric, before switching to hydrogen
down 20.1%) compared Velis Electros, the first power. A first flight is planned for 2022. Meanwhile, a larger six-seat (one pilot and five
to the same period in certificated fully electric passengers) M3c (above) is designed to be a STOL regional aircraft, with a range of
2019, piston engine aircraft. 1,500km and a cruise speed of 370km/h. Entry into service is planned for 2026.
group is offering five-years turboprop engines and vehicle issues and the over 25,000 aircraft with up to 500lb of cargo over
of free landing fees (worth two electric motors on coronavirus pandemic. 410m flight hours. distances over 200nm.
approximately £1m) to the the wingtips. It would A previous mission to
first airline to make a zero- carry 30 soldiers over launch the Falcon Eye Vertical take-off and Boeing has released a
emission landing at one of 2,425km. 1 in July 2019 was landing (VTOL) aircraft new 20-year forecast
its airports. unsuccessful after the developer XTI Aircraft for the global air cargo
Arianespace has Vega rocket failed. Company has partnered fleet. Dedicated freighter
Embraer and the launched a UAE military with engine manufacturer operations are already
Brazilian Air Force have observation satellite from Pratt & Whitney has VerdeGo Aero to work running at 120% of
reveal a concept for the Guiana Space Center produced its 50,000th together on XTI’s TriFan normal levels due to
a hybrid-electric light on 1 December. The PT6 turboprop engine for 200 programme. The Covid-19 demand, with
military transporter. The launch of the French-built GA and business aircraft. project will involve using the company predicting
product of a joint MoU Falcon Eye 2 aboard a Originally launched over VerdeGo Aero diesel 60% growth in the
from December 2019, Soyuz rocket and Fregat 50 year ago, the engine hybrid powertrain to cargo fleet to 2039,
the STOUT (Short Take- upper stage had been has gone through a series power the autonomous with 930 new freighters
Off Utility Transport) delayed many times due of progressive upgrades TriFan 200 VTOL UAV needed, along with 1,500
would feature two to problems with launch and currently powers which is designed to carry conversions.
JANUARY 2021 7
Radome
AIR TRANSPORT SPACEFLIGHT
Ryanair buys 75 737 MAXs as Rocket Lab makes
airliner returns to flight reusable milestone
Boeing
New Zealand space while the second stage
company Rocket Lab has took the payload into a
successfully launched and 310mile-high orbit. The
recovered a first stage satellites onboard included
rocket which delivered two from Millennium
30 small satellites into Space Systems for a
orbit. The Electron booster mission named DragRacer
took-off from Rocket Lab’s to test a drag-inducing
On 4 December Ryanair ordered 75 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, adding to its previous 135 private spaceport on the device which could assist
orders. Prior to this, Boeing had only received five orders for the aircraft in 2020. Ryanair Mahia Peninsula on North natural orbital decay, two
expects at least 50 MAXs to be delivered to it in 2021. Island, NewZealand on CubeSats for French
Meanwhile, on 9 December Brazil’s Gol Linhas Aéreas made the first 737 MAX revenue 19 November and then company UnseenLabs and
flight in over 20 months, with a flight from São Paulo to Porto Alegre. Boeing has also descended into the Pacific 24 SpaceBEE satellites
resumed deliveries of the MAX, with United Airlines receiving an aircraft on 8 December. Ocean using parachutes from Swarm Technologies.
DEFENCE AEROSPACE
European nations sign up Start-up unveils drone space
to build medium helicopter launch system
Aevum
Five European NATO helicopter fleets, which
nations, France, Germany, are expected to come
Greece, Italy and the out of service in 2035-
United Kingdom, have 40. The Next-Generation
signed an agreement Rotorcraft Capability
to launch a next- (NGRC) will now see
generation medium a stated requirements
rotorcraft programme. The agreed, followed by a A US start-up has revealed an innovative concept to launch small satellites using a large
multinational agreement, multi-phase co-operation jet-powered autonomous UAV. Huntsville, Alabama-based Aevum’s 60ft wingspan Ravn
signed on 19 November plan. The NGRC letter of X launch vehicle, seen in mock-up form with company founder and CEO Jay Skylus,
by defence ministers, is intent is non-binding, with would be able to grant additional energy to a rocket on release, by not needing the same
aimed at modernising the opportunity for other clearance as a crewed launch mothership before the motor ignites. Aevum has already
a variety of European nations to join the effort, got its first customer, with the US Space Force set to launch the ASLON-45 small
nations’ multi-role medium according to NATO. satellite in late 2021.
NEWS IN BRIEF
leading to the US deciding from foreign regulators
The US has officially to leave the agreement. The first flight of a racing On 18 November, the in Brazil, Canada and
withdrawn from the aircraft designed to US Federal Aviation Europe is also expected
international Open Skies NASA has revealed break the electric speed Administration (FAA) to follow within days,
Treaty, which allows for the names of 18 record has been delayed announced that the according to the FAA.
unarmed authorised aerial astronauts, nine men to 2021. Rolls-Royce, Boeing 737 MAX was
spy flights to verify arms and nine women, who presenting at the RAeS now cleared to return On 26 November, cargo
control agreements. First will travel to the Moon Light Aircraft Design to flight after being airline Volga-Dnepr
signed in 1992, the US as part of the Agency’s Conference in November, grounded for 20 months grounded its entire fleet of
used OC-135B fleet Artemis programme. The revealed that its ACCEL following the deaths Antonov An-124 outsize
as its designated Open selection of the Artemis project will now fly in of 346 people in two freighters. The decision
Skies aircraft, which are cadre splits 50/50 early 2021, rather than as separate accidents. to ground its eight An-
equipped with cameras between experienced originally planned before Commercial 737 MAX 124s was taken after an
and other sensors. astronauts and new the end of 2020. It had flights are set to begin in incident on 13 November
However, in recent years, recruits that have yet to already been delayed from the US, with American at Novosibirsk, Russia,
both the US and Russia fly into space. Artemis the summer, due to the Airlines expected to where an An-124 made
have accused each other aims to land a human on effect of the Covid-19 be the first airline to an emergency landing and
of violating the treaty, the Moon in 2024. pandemic. resume flights. Approval overran the runway after
8 AEROSPACE
AEROSPACE GENERAL AVIATION
UK unilaterally waives
Dassault Aviation
Dassault rolls out Falcon 6X
WTO tariffs
The UK government has illegal state aid to Boeing.
announced that it will not The UK described the
be imposing EU tariffs from decision as an attempt to
1 January on US aircraft ‘de-escalate’ the long-
manufacturer Boeing in the running spat. However,
hope of securing a rapid the UK has said it could
post-Brexit trade deal with reimpose the aerospace
President-elect Joe Biden’s tariffs if a deal was not
new US administration. reached. The unilateral
The EU is currently levying move provoked strong On 8 December, in a virtual ceremony broadcast from its Bordeaux-Mérignac factory,
$4bn worth of tariffs on criticism (‘betrayal’) from Dassault Aviation rolled out its latest super-midsize business jet, the Falcon 6X. The
US imports after the World some quarters, with sources aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW812D engines, has a range of
Trade Organization (WTO) noting it would affect future 5,500nm and can carry up to 16 passengers in its ‘ultra widebody’, 102in width cabin.
ruled that the US had given Airbus investment choices. First flight is set for early 2021, with certification and entry into service in 2022.
DEFENCE AIR TRANSPORT
General Atomics Avenger trials Norwegian Air files for
AI for air-to-air mission GA-ASI
bankruptcy protection
Low-cost, long-haul airline for a supplementary
Norwegian Air has filed reconstruction process in
for bankruptcy protection Norway, which is aimed
in Ireland as it struggles at enhancing the Irish
with the impact of the process and re-sizing
Covid-19 pandemic on air its balance sheet. The
travel. The company said company is now hoping to
on 18 November that it restructure and downsize
had filed for ‘examinership’ its fleet. Earlier in
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has announced it has conducted in Ireland, where its aircraft November, the Norwegian
a flight test which saw one of its jet-powered Avenger UAVs, equpped with an AI are registered, which government refused to
‘automony engine’ developed as a DARPA project, fly an air-to-air search mission with gives it protection from allocate any more money
five other simulated Avengers. The trial of the AI-enhanced drone took place in October creditors for 100 days. In to bail out the stricken
at an undisclosed location. early December it applied carrier.
an uncontained engine
failure. Satellite operator Inmarsat Correction ON THE MOVE
has announced it has In the December edition of
The UK Army Air Corps carried out the very first AEROSPACE, in the feature Oliver Walker-Jones Robert Carey is to become
took delivery of its first GEO to LEO commercial ‘Pushing the Envelope’ has joined Joby Aviation the new President of
on synthetic fuel it was
two Boeing AH-64E satellite data transmission, incorrectly stated that Rob
as Marketing and European low-cost carrier
Apache attack helicopters linking one of its McGinnis was the Founder Communications Lead. Wizzair from June 2021,
at its base in Wattisham communication satellites and CEO of Carbon while Michael Delehant
on 26 November. The in GEO with a Capella Engineering. He is, in fact, Sophie Dekkers has takes over as EVP Group
the founder and CEO of the
latest Block 6 variant Space SAR satellite in become the new Chief Chief Operating Officer
other company in the article,
features Link 16 datalinks, lower orbit. This opens up Prometheus Fuels. Commercial Officer of from April 2021.
extended range fire the potential of faster real- easyJet.
control radar and manned- time transmission of data We apologise for any NASA Associate
unmanned teaming. The and imagery from satellites confusion caused. American Airlines has Adminstrator Steve
UK is set to receive 50 in LEO, without having announced that Meghan Jurczyk will become Acting
AH-64Es, which will to wait to overfly ground Montana has been Administrator, taking over
replace the current WAH- stations to transmit data promoted to VP and from Jim Bridenstine on
64 AH1 Apaches. to Earth. Treasurer. 20 January.
JANUARY 2021 9
By the Numbers
Understanding the world of Aerospace through data
SpaceX Starship makes one small (fiery) leap to Mars
Tony Bela
10 AEROSPACEPushing the Envelope
Exploring advances on the leading edge of aerospace
Robert Coppinger
Morphing aerofoil promises
44% fuel savings
I
mproved aerodynamic performance of an the airflow, like a virtual wind tunnel. One software
aircraft could be achieved with evolutionary is called XFOIL and is described as a subsonic
algorithms to help design an aerofoil whose aerofoil development system. It is written in the
geometry is mechanically manipulated in-flight, Fortran computer language and is free under the
a system called direct control aerofoil geometry GNU General Public Licence. Muller describes
(DCAG). An analysis of a wing design for a Cessna XFOIL as fast to produce results but not as accurate
172 found that the fuel consumption of cruise as other software. Working with XFOIL, Muller was
flight could be cut by as much as 44% with in-flight able to produce good results from his evolutionary
geometry changes. optimisation. However, the CFD software he used,
The research has been carried out by doctoral Ansys Fluent, which is a more sophisticated software
student, Jan Muller, at Brno University of Technology programme, does not show the level of performance
in the Czech Republic with a paper published in improvement that XFOIL does. Muller also admits
the January 2021 special edition of the RAeS The that, at different angles-of-attack, the aerofoil’s
Aeronautical Journal. As well as the fuel consumption effectiveness diminishes a lot. His DCAG is a
reduction because of reduced drag, aerodynamic lift mechanical system combined with a stretchable wing
is said by Muller to also reach values, ‘unreachable by skin allowing the curvature of the aerofoil to change
present technologies’. He points to shorter runways in-flight.
and lower landing speeds as benefits of this higher
lift aerofoil design. Muller also sees increased Bending the leading edge
manoeuvrability with an aerofoil whose shape differs
significantly along its span. The DCAG mechanism is designed to bend the
leading edge, from a central zero degrees axis
Evolutionary approach position, down by 90º and be able to bend down or
up the trailing edge by 90º, also around this central
The evolutionary approach begins with a randomly axis. In his original design the movement is driven by
generated ‘first parent’ population which represents a a curved shaft as part of a rotary mechanical device. HIS DIRECT
configuration that can be optimised without the need The rotation drives the leading or trailing edge up or CONTROL
for an existing aerofoil template, which has been the down. A guide slot system allows the stretched skin AEROFOIL
case historically. The algorithms are used to alter the to be anchored in place at various points along the GEOMETRY
camber, thickness and shape of aerofoil to find that rotation. Another application Muller proposes is using
(DCAG) IS A
fuel consumption improvement. The camber of a the mechanical stretching skin to act as a de-icing
wing is the asymmetry between the aerofoil’s top and mechanism by moving it very slightly back and forth, MECHANICAL
bottom surfaces. With the evolutionary approach the like a shaker. DCAG is based on the rotary principle, SYSTEM
best of that population goes on to produce another which makes it possible to define the curvature of COMBINED WITH
population, and so on. Each population is tested for aerofoil for every turn of the rod. However, Muller A STRETCHABLE
its performance characteristics using computational explains, six months ago he found a better DCAG WING SKIN
fluid dynamics (CFD) software. design. The original DCAG mechanism became too ALLOWING THE
The evolutionary approach has been found to complicated to manufacture. As well as development
produce optimal solutions faster. For cruise flight the of a better mechanical morphing mechanism,
CURVATURE OF
two key characteristics were aerofoil camber and future work Muller would like to undertake includes THE AEROFOIL
thickness. Muller has used two software packages, producing a prototype of an optimised aerofoil and TO CHANGE IN-
one for aerofoil design and the other for simulating testing it in a wind tunnel. FLIGHT
The research paper referenced above appears in January’s special issue of The Aeronautical Journal featuring research
papers on ‘Smart Aircraft’ from a two-day international symposium held in October 2019 hosted by Xi’an Jiaotong
University (XJTU), in China in partnership with the University of Manchester Aerospace Research Institute (UMARI).
The Aeronautical Journal, January 2021, 125, (1283)
JANUARY 2021 11Transmission
LETTERS AND ONLINE @aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com
.
The triumph of the middlemen
With reference to Richard
Premshree Pillai Flickr
Aboulafia’s article on
national fighter aircraft
in the November edition
of AEROSPACE(1): The
recurring dream prompts me
to question our assumptions
about the priority that the Tempestuous pilots
wider society places on
aerospace and defence. As
@gregbagwell [On future
part of a strategy to develop
Tempest pilots will need to
the Indian civil market for
view their Loyal Wingman as
its products, a western
squadron members to train
aerospace company that I India’s indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). them] Friday night Happy
am familiar with outsourced
engineering, aviation, defence Hour will never be the same ...
a lot of engineering work made in heaven, delivering the gains belonged to the
to India. Over the years, in large numbers of low- middlemen. Unencumbered and human development.
pursuit of company objectives, cost engineering hours. by a need to invest in Seen in this way, India’s
current shortage of effective @alisdairgilbert Brings a
job quotas were imposed in However, supervision costs industry-specific skills or
light fighters might be new meaning to ‘he’s a bit of a
several different ways. The and in-house rework were products, the middleman
interpreted as the logical social hand grenade’.
importance of the strategy persistently excessive, and market is treated by
allowed signs of problems the professional development governments and companies outcome of numerous
to be downplayed, in turn gained by many Indian alike as being of strategic economic and business
strategies, each of which will @ryanramsey14 Why will
allowing a ‘box-ticked = engineers cannot possibly importance. It is seemingly
have been claimed to have there be pilots in 2040? Won’t
job-done’ culture to thrive. have met the needs of immune to the second law
been a success. it all be automated?
Superficially, that union of two those individuals. Neither of thermodynamics, which
authoritarian philosophies the lab coats nor the project deems that the world will
appeared to be a marriage suits emerged victorious: eventually lose interest in Alan Jones CEng MRAeS
@RailRunnerDan They’ll be
no fighter pilots.
i
From the RAeS photo archives
RAeS/NAL
RAeS award winner
Robert Scott Congrats, Dr Dr Helen Webber, Lead Project Engineer at Reaction Engines
Webber. and winner of the Sir Ralph Robins Medal for 2020 which is
awarded to an individual aviation or aerospace engineer who has
demonstrated excellence in engineering leadership.
Daniel Rincon Sanz For a full list of this year’s winners of RAeS Medals & Awards, see
Well deserved Helen! A real p 54 of this issue. Austrian-born gliding champion and sailplane designer
pleasure working with you. Robert Kronfeld flying his glider Wien at the Rhön
Greg Maldonado Domenico di Cugno Hi Dr Competition in August 1931. Among his many successes
Congratulations Dr Webber. Helen Webber, many thanks was becoming the first pilot to fly a glider across the
Martin Soltau Huge Well deserved ma’am. for sharing your experience at English Channel on 20 June 1931. During WW2 he
congratulations, Helen! A very Reaction Engines. served in the RAF holding the rank of Squadron Leader.
worthy winner, and the UK’s He was posted to the Airborne Forces Experimental
most exciting engineering Geoffrey Wardle Well done Establishment on military glider development during which
project. Dr Helen Webber. he was awarded the Air Force Cross. In 1948, as Chief Test
Pilot for General Aircraft, he was killed in the crash of an
experimental flying wing glider – the General Aircraft GAL
56, TS507 – during stalling trials.
12 AEROSPACEBrexit and aerospace First flight of the Starship
.
Save the Blackburn Beverley
SpaceX
Condor Projects
@Cirrusblue20 [On UK
Government provokes
Airbus anger over Boeing
WTO tariff waiver] Several
sources said the move would
reinforce studies by Airbus
to re-examine where to build
wings for future jets. ‘It is really
damaging and means the
UK can forget about further
investment,’ the senior industry
official said. Leavers knew @mikerturner [On SpaceX @Wait702 But a success on
what they were voting for.... Starship test flight] Really so many levels. Good Job
very low when it comes back @SpaceX. An aerial view of the Beverley at the Fort Paull site.
to the vertical!
@IanPsDarkCorner Specialist aircraft modifications and structural engineering
@Billy_Chisholm Is it just
Considering that Shorts in contractor Condor Projects is appealing for funds for a project
me in thinking Buck Rogers
NI is, I believe, still building to rehouse and restore the last surviving Blackburn Beverley
@GuardedDon GBU-12 when I look at that?
parts for Airbus under new transport aircraft XB259 which served on humanitarian
came to mind during the
ownership (I may be wrong on descent, especially the very missions in Africa and Asia with RAF Transport Command
that – please correct me if so) last bit. Damn, I so enjoyed in the 1950s. Built in 1952 in Brough, East Yorkshire, the
@AndrewJacklin Yep!
then isn’t there another twist XB259 is currently located at a museum at Fort Paull near
Thunderbirds. Fireball XL5 vibes.
within the twist, regarding the Hull which closed in January 2020. The aircraft was purchased
border that Ministers are still by Condor Projects which plans to dismantle and move the
pretending won’t exist down airframe to a new base at Birchwood Lodge at Selby where
the Irish Sea? RAeS Air Power Conference it will be reassembled and put on public display. Condor has
issued a crowdfunding appeal for £100,000 (https://www.
crowdfunder.co.uk/save-the-blackburn-beverley-aircraft#start).
Electric flight More information on the project can also be found on www.
blackburnbeverley.co.uk
@ChrisMilrine Great
articles from last month on
the future of electric aircraft(2). Sir Donald Spiers retires
Aviation through certification
and testing can take a vast
amount of use to implement
but it was enjoyable to read
that advancements are being
made. Would a new ATA
chapter(s) be required for @AndrewTurnerRAF Really @Kcourtneybis My key
electric flight? great to talk at the takeaway from Day 1 is
@AeroSociety Air Power that data analytics and
2040 Conference tonight. programming skills are
Aerospace medicine Lots of ideas to exchange with crucial for future air power
@ElianeRutland5 [On allies, industry and the Society competitiveness! We must
RAeS Aerospace Medicine – FCAS, training changes, build our UK #STEM talent
Conference] Honoured new people policies, more pipeline. Former RAeS President Sir Donald Spiers has announced that
to present today and truly sponsored reserves, better he is to step down as chairman of the Farnborough Aerospace
inspired by the other speakers’ infrastructure, synthetics and Consortium (FAC) UK aerospace and defence trade association
presentations. Well done ladies! uncrewed combat air. @AlanIvinghoe I enjoyed after almost 20 years.
this afternoon, and I learnt a
@Bonposselt Good results lot. I wonder how many million
(at work) aren’t an accident – @BonnetLuke Richard (billion?) lines of code will be Launch of D328eco @BehrPictures How often
value & respect people, always. Franklin, Managing Director required to make it all work, has a plan to renew the
Deutsche Aircraft
@AirbusDefence in the UK and whether we actually DO-328 been on the table in
was clear on the importance of have the capacity, among the the last 10/15 years? Once
@TalkSpaceMed Thanks collaboration: “Aerospace has participants, to write them all. I every other year would be my
@AeroSociety for the always needed collaboration hope many lessons have been guess!
wonderful symposium. to deliver the capability it does”. learnt from F-35.
1. AEROSPACE, November 2020, p 28, National fighter aircraft – the recurrent dream
2. AEROSPACE, November 2020, p 32, Taking charge of electric aircraft
@aerosociety i linkedin.com/raes f facebook.com/raes www.aerosociety.com JANUARY 2021 13GENERAL AVIATION
RAeS Light Aircraft Design Conference
Travelling light
A2CAL
Electric innovation in light aviation was on the agenda at last year’s RAeS GA Light
Aircraft Design Conference, held online in November, which also saw the winner of the
Light Aircraft Design Contest announced. CHRIS WRIGHT reports.
L
ast year’s annual RAeS General Aviation layout to create a six or eight seat touring vehicle,
(GA) Design Conference continued electric powered intermittently, for passengers to
last year’s theme: ‘Electrifying General waft gently along with a superb view to enhance
Aviation’. The drivers for electrification a meal or drink together or distract them from a
are if anything stronger than ever before: meeting.
the push towards greener aviation, and the pull of Richard also updated us on his electrification
Above: The APTOS BLUE
the continuing progress in electrical and electronic of a Cassutt Racer that he spoke about last year.
winning submission to the
technology. The GA sector is ideally positioned Progress has been steady but slower than intended 2020 RAeS international
for electric aircraft development with its ability to due to the pandemic. Light Aircraft Design
innovate cheaply. Also the energy density of lithium Competition took its
batteries is already sufficient to provide reasonable Return of the ionBird design cues from Burt
endurance with efficient airframes in air taxis and Rutan’s Voyager to design
smaller regional transports. It is also ideal for short Also returning from last year, Matheu Parr updated a highly efficient eVTOL air
ambulance
duration activities, such as air racing, training, the conference on ACCEL progress. (ACCEL is
Below: Richard Glassock’s
parachute dropping, glider tugging, glider power the Rolls-Royce aircraft aimed at taking the world
touring glider proposal.
assist and more. electric aircraft speed record.) The pandemic has
Battery power alone is likely to remain also affected the ACCEL programme to a limited
impractical for medium and long-range GA and degree. The first flight has been delayed from late
for all larger transport applications however, GA 2020 to early this year but progress has been good.
size vehicles are ideal for hybrid power system Matheu described how extensive ionBird running
development. This challenge now needs to be has been achieved and very useful in ironing
addressed head-on. (ioning?) out issues and safely demonstrating the
Richard Glassock returned to open proceedings demanding high current operation. The Nemesis
with an outline of electrification projects that he has NXT aircraft has been modified to accommodate
Richard Glassock
worked on, including skydiving aircraft and a range 6,000 specially packaged batteries and a triple
extender, leading onto an account of his tourist motor power system which were described in
leisure glider. His glider dream enlarges a sailplane some detail. However the project has gone beyond
14 AEROSPACEof the cost of a helicopter or a fraction of the time
Rolls-Royce
taken by ground transport. The drone is of simple
robust and modular construction and the on-board
electronics enable stable flight, accurate navigation,
search and identification of destinations and even
people, supply dropping and return to base. Uses
extend way beyond aid into package delivery,
journalism, search and rescue, crop mapping
and more. ANTS Aerial Systems is setting up a
network of hubs that can service all 64 districts
of Bangladesh. Its programme has included a full
business model and a wide-ranging STEM outreach
activity, meeting with an enthusiastic response, and
success will be fully deserved.
The Freedom 71 presentation led neatly
into the (GA) Light Aircraft Design Competition
Session chaired by GA Committee member Tony
technology acquisition to be an exciting STEM Top: The ACCEL ionBird Bishop. Tony, a founder of FLIMAX and a key
opportunity to engage with tomorrow’s scientists propulsion system test instigator of several aviation initiatives, including the
frame.
and engineers. We look forward to the speed record Barclay Eagle Labs at Cranfield and aeronautical
Below: The Faradair BEHA companies, has been for several years the driving
attempt.
18-seat or cargo regional
The Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) feeder aircraft.
force behind the Design Competition.
has held an annual unmanned aircraft system The RAeS Light Aircraft Design Competitions
competition since 2014. The participants undertake are aimed at promoting major innovation in the
a full design and build cycle of a UAS, with this general aviation aircraft sector and this year’s theme
year’s rules and objectives including a maximum was to define a vertical take-off, electric aircraft for
take-off mass of 10kg to undertake specific a humanitarian mission. The winning submission
mission objectives, including navigating, accurately is shown below, and a fuller description of the
dropping an aid package and returning to base. The competition is in the box on p 17.
competition includes design, development, flying
demonstration and business case presentations.
Faradair
Although of smaller vehicle size, this year’s
competition has synergy with our GA Design
Competition and so the team from the Islamic
University of Technology (IUT), which won three of
the six prizes in the IMechE competition this year,
was invited to take part in our design conference.
Tausiful Islam, a student at IUT, is the Team Leader
and Chief Operating Officer of ANTS Aerial
Systems and he presented their impressive project.
The Freedom Drone
Tausiful detailed the need for a rapid response
system to deliver urgent small package medical
aid anywhere in Bangladesh. The Freedom 71
drone system has been developed to do just that, The UK to see the light again?
responding in an hour or less at a small fraction
In the past the UK has had a thriving light aircraft
industry. In recent times this has declined to a small
number of active companies. Some of us have cast
envious eyes at successes in light aviation elsewhere
in the world and especially at the remarkable
Left: Freedom 71 – the history of the German Akafliegs which exist in 14
Bangladesh Islamic universities. These have consistently designed
University of Technology’s and flown prototype and leading-edge aircraft for
winning entry to the many decades. Now, with the digital, electric and
IMechE Humanitarian battery revolution, RPV developments and Go Green
Drone competition 2020,
a robust easy-to-assemble
pressures, there is an unprecedented opportunity for
system. start-ups and new industry in the UK.
JANUARY 2021 15GENERAL AVIATION
RAeS Light Aircraft Design Conference
Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology
David Chinn, a Council Member of the RAeS, has, Above: Delft University of Pioneering Pipistrel
during the course of his career in the MoD, had the Technology: examples of
opportunity to make contact with Akaflieg members highly effective D:DREAM For the final presentation, Dr Tine Tomazic,
Team work.
and operation. David shared his experience and Chief Technical Officer of Pipistrel and world
outlined some of the remarkable work in Akafliegs authority on electric flight, described the history of
and also at Delft University, and went on to share his Pipistrel, leading onto its extensive electric aircraft
views on ‘DESIGN, BUILD, FLY – and his thoughts experience from 2007 to 2020 and beyond.
on developing a UK ‘Akaflieg’. Encouraged by David, Initially, Pipistrel produced hang-gliders and trikes
the GA Committee has put in place a Design, Build, designed by its founder Ivo Boscarol, the first in
Fly (DBF) working group this year. The working group 1989. Pipistrel produced nearly 600 trikes until
is a study group with a report due in May 2021 but the early 2000s. In the 1990s the company built
we look for the RAeS DBF group to go way beyond on this experience, moving on to ultralight aircraft
mere study, to encouraging and enabling real projects and making full use of composite materials. The
to emerge in the UK in the near future. resulting Sinus and Virus 2 seater aircraft have
been very successful, selling over 1,000 units and
The triplane alternative leading onto the subsequent Alpha Electric Trainer
which is now well established. Pipistrel has also
Faradair has recently relocated to a prime position at created a two-seat electric-power assist glider –
Duxford – a key centre for GA and Business Aviation the Taurus. Pipistrel is continuing into the drone
activity. Neil Cloughley, Faradair’s MD, described how market with the cargo drone NUUVA V300 (and a
Faradair is developing its BEHA – Bio Electric Hybrid smaller version) shown on the Design Conference
Aircraft – to serve the need for regional flight aircraft. Flyer, and also is designing an eVTOL passenger
The BEHA is a diesel-engine powered electric-hybrid carrier, the Pipistrel 801, for urban air mobility.
concept to address three core problems for regional In conclusion: this and last year’s Light Aircraft
aircraft: noise, operation costs and emissions, and Design Conferences, while themed on electrical
achieve significant reductions in these areas. The BEHA flight, have barely scratched the surface of both
is a forward staggered triplane with the enclosed ducted activity and possibilities – it is an exciting time to
fan also acting as a tail unit. A multirole asset, BEHA be involved. Next year will see the output of the
can convert from an 18-passenger configuration to DBF working group, some exciting lectures and
cargo in just 15 minutes. Accommodating three LD3 events during the year and, at next year’s Design
cargo containers and payloads of up to 5 tons, BEHA Conference, we could be looking at advanced
is an environment-neutral workhorse, maximising and lightweight structures, design for safety, DBF
revenue. The triplane layout aims to give a small field business models and manufacturing, design tools
Below left: Pipistrel 801
performance, enabling operators the ability to offer UAM aircraft. – and more. We welcome all proposals for GA
economical scheduled and charter flight services to Below right: Pipistrel design and technology subject areas to explore
regional towns and city hubs. BEHA was also shown in NUUVA V300 Cargo for the next conference, and we look forward to
a military guise, capable of operating on aircraft carriers. Drone. you joining us next year.
Pipstrel
Pipstrel
16 AEROSPACERAeS International General Aviation Design
Competition 2020
The RAeS design competitions are aimed at promoting major innovation in the general aviation aircraft sector and past
winners have triggered several exciting projects. The results for the 2020 competition were announced at this year’s
General Aviation Design Conference. The competition was again run in conjunction with the Light Aircraft Association.
Its mission was to define a vertical take-off, battery-electric aircraft able to evacuate the injured from a storm swept island
in the Caribbean. The scenario was the island of Dominica which was devastated in 2017 by Hurricane Maria.
The mission was to fly a stretcher case, attendant and pilot to another island. The aim was to achieve maximum range
with reserves. This had to be backed up by a comprehensive design report and flown in a simulator. Most powertrain
parameters were defined at 2020 levels.
This was the toughest design competition yet but has led to some excellent designs. Once again, winners came from
around the world.
The A2CAL team from Berkeley US won first place with
A2CAL
its APTOS BLUE design that used extensive laminar flow,
high aspect ratio wing and composite structure to achieve
an exceptional 463km range. The sliding front canopy
allows the crew entrance and egress from both sides of
the aircraft while allowing a laminar flow along 50% of
the fuselage length. Eight rotors are used for VTOL, two
of which rotate for forward flight. The remainder fold into
booms. It cruises at 113kt on 38kW.
Skunk Werkz
Skunk Werkz from Imperial College, UK, was second with
its Vertical Takeoff Life Saver (VTOLS 1). This international
team included several from China who watched the results
at 2am! They used an even higher aspect ratio with a
double-wing to provide adequate strength.
Orca Werkz
The Orca eVTOL team from Pécs in Hungary won third
place with this tri-wing design. It also used laminar flow
wings and fuselage, with entry towards the rear and it
produced a particularly good design report.
TONY BISHOP
The competition has been organised thus far around the calendar year. However, there is pressure to change to fit in with
the academic year in future, with the competition announced around May, in time for supervisors to fit a project within
their curriculum. So the next competition will be announced in May 2021 but not closed until after the end of the summer
term in 2022.
Readers are invited to submit ideas for the next competition which must be targeted at innovation in GA aircraft. Send
ideas to knowledge@aerosociety.com.
JANUARY 2021 17SPACE
India’s human spaceflight programme
A tryst with
destiny
ATUL CHANDRA reports on how India is
powering ahead with its human spaceflight
mission.
I
ndia is powering ahead with its most ambitious
scientific undertaking yet, one that will allow
it to join ranks with Russia, the US and China,
in a select club of nations to have launched a
human spaceflight mission.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
is significantly advanced in its preparations for
‘Gaganyaan’ – Sanskrit for ‘Sky Craft’ as the Indian
human spaceflight mission is known. However,
these launches will now be delayed by at least a
year, if not more, because of restrictions imposed
due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Work on India’s
human spaceflight mission has been underway for
quite some time. ISRO initiated initial studies in
2004, however, it is only over the last decade that
real progress was made.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced
the Gaganyaan mission during his 15 August
Independence Day address in 2018, sparking
off a nationwide effort, now spread across more
than 650 companies and agencies. Two uncrewed
space missions, Gaganyaan 1 and 2, were originally
planned for December 2021 and July 2021,
respectively. The first crewed space mission was
planned for December 2021.
A giant leap for India
ISRO’s new Human space flight centre (HSFC),
helmed by its Director, Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair
and located in Bengaluru, is the hub for all human
spaceflight-related activities. A future Indian space
station is also planned. The spin-offs from the human
space flight missions, such as development of the
human rated Geosynchronous Satellite Launch
Vehicle Mark III (GSLV MkIII), orbital crew module,
life support systems, etc will aid in the progress of
the space station programme. Initial information
provided by the space agency, suggests a modular
space station designed for a crew of three.
ISRO has been buoyed by government support
ISRO
and funding for the Gaganyaan mission which
18 AEROSPACEhas been plentiful, with a budgetary allocation of “To date, the Indian cosmonauts have passed
approximately Rs100bn (or just over £1bn). A total a number of exams and tests, and have completed
of three Indian astronauts are planned to be sent training on crew actions in the event of an abnormal
into space with a duration of seven days set as descent module landing in various climatic and
the maximum mission length. The crewed orbiter geographical zones. They also passed training in
will be inserted into a 400km low Earth orbit, by short-term weightlessness mode and they were
the GSLV MkIII, ISRO’s heaviest launcher yet. trained to lift aboard a helicopter while evacuating
All launches for the Gaganyaan programme will from the descent module landing point,” Dmitry
take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Loskutov, Director General of Glavkosmos told the
(SDSC), located at Sriharikota on India’s eastern author via email.
seaboard. The training of crew actions in the event of an
abnormal descent module landing, was completed
A new challenge
ISRO’s unpiloted missions will test the launcher,
crew module and other associated technologies
destined for human spaceflight. In January 2020,
the space agency unveiled a half-humanoid robot
that would be part of both unmanned space
missions. Named ‘Vyommitra’ – Sanskrit for ‘space
friend’, the half humanoid will be capable of
speaking two languages, performing environment
control and life support systems (ECLSS) functions,
operating switches aboard the spacecraft and
recognising voice commands.
ISRO has a depth of experience with regards
to launch vehicles and spacecraft management
with access to extensive infrastructure in terms
of launch pads, ground tracking stations. It also
has a nationwide space technology ecosystem for
Glavkosmos
manufacture of launchers and satellites. However,
crewed space flight represented an altogether
new endeavour with aspects such as crew safety,
human rating of existing systems, crew training
and recovery, all being areas, where ISRO lacked
previous experience. Opposite page: An uprated in three distinct phases: abnormal descent module
It is for this reason, that ISRO turned to version of ISRO’s GSLV landing in wooded and marshy areas in winter
MkIII launcher will be used
Glavkosmos (the foreign economic activities division (February 2020), on the water surface (June 2020)
for Gaganyaan missions.
of Russia’s Roscosmos State Space Corporation) and in the Steppe in summer (July 2020). Short-
Above: Russia’s
in June 2019, for assistance on selection support, Glavkosmos is training
term weightlessness training for the Indian space
medical examination and space training of the four Indian astronauts at the crew was completed over the course of ten flights
selected astronauts (all air force pilots). ISRO and Gagarin Cosmonaut aboard an Ilyushin IL-76 MDK laboratory aircraft
Glavkosmos share a longstanding relationship. Training Center. in June 2020. The astronauts are also receiving
Glavkosmos, which was set up in 1985, completed training at GCTC for a sustained spaceflight
successful launches of Indian remote sensing environment in a centrifuge and a hyperbaric
satellites IRS-1A, IRS-1B, and IRS-1C from chamber to prepare themselves for G-loads, hypoxia
Baikonur Cosmodrome by Soviet and Russian and pressure drops.
Vostok launch vehicles (1988, 1991) and on the Russia is also supplying Soyuz spacecraft
Molniya (Lightning) in 1995. systems and components to India, which ISRO will
adapt and modify for further use on the Gaganyaan
Crew preparation mission. The Soyuz MS made its first flight in 2016
and is substantially upgraded, with almost every
The four Indian astronauts are now nearing the system of the crewed spacecraft being modernised.
end of their 12-month training programme at the Glavkosmos is also supplying Sokol-KV-2
Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC), which spacesuits for the Indian human spaceflight mission.
is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2021. The spacesuits are designed to protect spacecraft
The training provided to Indian astronauts included crew members in case of descent module
extensive training on the structure, configuration, depressurisation during the most dangerous phases
and systems of the Soyuz MS crewed spacecraft, of the mission – ascent, docking, undocking and
among other things. descent. The Sokol-KV-2 is a soft-type spacesuit,
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