FRATERNITÉ IN FRANCE TRAIN VIRTUAL, FIGHT EASY WILL LONG-HAUL, LOW- COST WORK THIS TIME? MIRAGE IV - FRANCE'S NUCLEAR STRIKER - Royal ...
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AEROSPACE
www.aerosociety.com
June 2017
TRAIN VIRTUAL,
FIGHT EASY
June 2017
WILL LONG-HAUL, LOW-
COST WORK THIS TIME?
MIRAGE IV – FRANCE’S
NUCLEAR STRIKER
Volume 44 Number 6
FRATERNITÉ
IN FRANCE
PARIS AIR SHOW PREVIEW
Royal Aeronautical SocietyImages courtesy of www.defencephotography.com
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Volume 44 Number 6
June 2017
French connection
Train virtual, fight
A preview of the easy
14 52nd Paris Air Show
which will be held 16 How Inzpire is
revolutionising UK
at Le Bourget from
Inzpire
defence training.
19-25 June.
Contents
Correspondence on all aerospace matters is welcome at: The Editor, AEROSPACE, No.4 Hamilton Place, London W1J 7BQ, UK publications@aerosociety.com
Comment Regulars
4 Radome 12 Transmission
The latest aviation and Your letters, emails, tweets
aeronautical intelligence, and feedback.
analysis and comment.
62 The Last Word
A great leap forward? 10 Antenna
Howard Wheeldon on the
Keith Hayward on Airbus’
first half century.
implications of Brexit and the
To outsiders, the world of Chinese aerospace may seem opaque at times. British General Election for
Language differences, unfamiliar companies and natural secrecy about UK aerospace in Europe.
military projects mean that, to some Western observers, aeronautical goings-
on behind the ‘bamboo curtain’ can at times present a mystery wrapped in
a riddle. Yet, in the first flight of COMAC’s C919 airliner on 5 May, China
Features
ASI
BAE
stunned the world by bringing unprecedented transparency to a first flight,
by live-streaming video from the flight deck. True, this is not a military project
but it still represents a historic aviation first and a measure of confidence
in the aircraft. Yet, ironically, this symbol of national aerospace pride and
achievement is also representative of today’s globalised economy – where
the manufacturer integrates a number of different international suppliers. 32
Like Airbus and Boeing, who use the same suppliers, the key part is the high
value design, the integration and final assembly. Yet, while the achievement
20
Jet cemetery
of the C919 also highlights some of China’s key weaknesses – particularly Plane Speaking Recycling life-expired
in powerplants which are dependent on materials technology and R&D that An interview with Nigel aircraft.
Whitehead, Group MD,
goes back 40 years or more. The rise of China as a juggernaut of aerospace Programmes and Support,
power thus represents a quandary to western aerospace players – compete BAE Systems. 36 Carnival of flight
or co-operate? Sometimes it will be both at the same time. Though the West A report from Brazil on the
24 In for the low-cost 2017 LAAD defence and
still has the edge, particularly in aeroengines, avionics, advanced materials long-haul security show.
and connectivity/netcentric warfare, the gap is now closing fast. While covert Can the low-cost airline
espionage and overt industrial partnerships have certainly helped Chinese model be adapted for long-
haul operations?
aircraft designers, the latest designs show they are now exploring their own
YAM
Rulexip
innovation path. For European, US and other countries, intensified competition,
in civil as well as military aerospace, will help sharpen and push the boundaries
of aviation and aerospace.
Tim Robinson
Editor-in-Chief 28 40
tim.robinson@aerosociety.com
NEWS IN BRIEF Entering the fifth
dimension
A distant Mirage
The inside story of the
How hard is it to develop a French air force’s Mirage IVA
Editor-in-Chief AEROSPACE is published by the Royal 2017 AEROSPACE subscription supersonic nuclear bomber.
Tim Robinson Aeronautical Society (RAeS). rates: Non-members, £160 fifth generation fighter?
+44 (0)20 7670 4353 Chief Executive Please send your order to:
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48 Book Reviews
Online
+44 (0)20 7670 4354
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Including: Train virtual, fight easy, China’s
Editorial Office Distributed by Royal Mail 56 Diary C919, Spy plane for hire, Business aviation
Royal Aeronautical Society ISSN 2052-451X – emerging from a lost decade, The only way
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is Oxford, An end to getting lost at the airport,
London W1J 7BQ, UK 59 YPN in the spotlight Achieving peak safety performance:
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www.aerosociety.com of aerospace innovation.
61 Obituaries
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com JUNE 2017 13Radome
INTELLIGENCE / ANALYSIS / COMMENT
Future fuels
While Clip-Air would initially use
existing narrowbody class turbo-
fans, researchers point out that
the unique configuration would
also be suitable for alternative
fuels – particularly if a pod was
swapped out for a cryogenic
tank with hydrogen.
Boarding the sky-train
One way that the system could be used is that passengers could
board one or more of the capsules in the same way that they would
board a train. This boarding could either be at an airport or from
a railway station and the passengers could be transported by rail
as part of their journey. Once at the airport, the capsules would be
EPFL / TRANSP-OR / LIV / ICOM
fitted beneath the Clip-Air which would carry them for the air part
of the journey. The passengers could then remain in the capsule
either for transfer to the airport or by rail to another station. As
well as increasing efficiency one other advantage from separating
passenger pods from the flightdeck would be increased security.
AIR TRANSPORT
Multi-modal air transport
A research project conducted by Prof Michel Bierlaire at the Transport and Mobility Laboratory at the Ecole
Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, the modular Clip-Air is a flying wing fitted with engines
which can carry between and one to three tubular capsules containing passengers, freight or fuel. Each capsule
would be around 30m long and weigh around 30t. Passenger capsules would be similar to an aircraft fuselage in
that they would be pressurised. The aim is that the capsules can be also be used for other modes of transport, such
as railways and transit systems without loading the passengers or cargo – saving time and money.
4 AEROSPACE / JUNE 2017A phased approach
While the 60m wingspan, three capsule
modular transport is some 40-50 years away,
Clip-Air researchers believe that a modular
air transport system could be developed in a
phased approach – starting with light aircraft
or reduced scale mode, before moving on
to a bizjet and then an A320-sized aircraft in
10-15 years.
Clip-Air specifications
Maximum passenger capacity 3 × 150
(450 seats)
Wingspan 60m
Engines 3
Max aircraft weight:
1 (aircraft/capsule) 139t × 78t
2 (aircraft/capsules) 173.5t 2 × 78t (156t)
3 (aircraft/capsules) 208t 3 × 78t (234t)
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com JUNE 2017 5Radome
AEROSPACE AIR TRANSPORT
C919 maiden flight livestreamed from Overbooking own goal
flightdeck from United
United Airlines has adjusted and apologising after
its overbooking policy and further outrage. Its new
compensation rules after overbooking policies
smartphone video of a include not involving
69-year-old doctor forcibily law enforcement unless
being removed from a flight they are actually needed,
at Chicago’s O’Hare airport increased compensation of
on 10 April went viral on up to $10,000 for bumped
social media. The airline passengers, extra training
initially defended the ‘re- for staff and at least 60min
CCTV
accommodation’ by airport notice for crew members
police before backtracking requiring staff travel.
On 5 May, China’s COMAC conducted the first flight of
its new C919 158-seat narrowbody airliner from Pudong SPACEFLIGHT
International Airport, Shanghai. In an aviation first, the
flightdeck was livestreamed over the Internet during the
79min test flight. COMAC will ultilise six prototypes for Cassini runs rings around Saturn
flight test, with entry into service planned for 2020. The NASA has confirmed that the NASA/ESA/ASI Cassini probe has
C919 currently has 570 orders and commitments. successfully completed the first of an eventual 22 110,000km/h
dives between the rings of Saturn and the planet’s
DEFENCE atmosphere, sending back never-before seen close-up
F-35As complete first images. Scientists are hoping that the manoeuvres
European deployment
will enable them to determine the mass,
composition and the age of the rings.
The USAF has completed 34th FS, Hill AFB, Utah, The Cassini mission is scheduled
the first international conducted training from to end on 15 September
operational deployment RAF Lakenheath, UK, as when the probe will
of the Lockheed Martin well as visiting Bulgaria enter the planet’s
F-35A with a training and Estonia as part of atmosphere.
detachment to Europe. NATO’s Atlantic Resolve
NASA
Eight F-35As from the reassurance exercise.
NEWS IN BRIEF
2019, the next six in 2020, an interim report into the
The SolarStratos prototype four in 2021 and the final On 22 April, China fatal crash of an Airbus Boeing has filed a legal
two-seat solar-powered four in 2022. successfully docked its Helicopters H225 which petition with the US
aircraft made its first flight automated Tianzhou-1 fell onto an island in the Department of Commerce
on 5 May in Payerne, Saudi Arabia has unveiled unmanned cargo North Sea on 29 April 2016 and the US International
Switzerland. The designers a new military UAV capable spaceship with the killing all 13 passengers Trade Commission
of the aircraft are planning of flying at 20,000ft for up Tiangong-2 space station. and crew. The safety report accusing Canadian
to attempt to eventually to 24 hours. Developed by The Tianzhou-1 will remain has still yet to identify the manufacturer Bombardier
use the aircraft to reach the King Abdulaziz City for docked with the space root cause of the accident of ‘dumping’ its CSeries
altitudes up to 20km above Science and Technology station for two months but believes that the loss regional jet by offering
the Earth. (KACST) and equipped while it conducts a series of the main rotor was uneconomically low prices
with a KA-SAT satellite of ‘robotic experiments’ triggered by the failure of a in the US. Bombardier has
China Southern has communication system, including redocking and gear component in the main responded saying that it
ordered 20 Airbus A350- the Saqr 1 drone can be refuelling. gearbox. This same fault is complying with the laws
900s in deal worth $6bn armed with laser-guided was identified as the cause and regulations of the
at list prices. The first six missiles and precision Norwegian aviation safety of a crash in 2009 of an jurisdictions in which it
aircraft will join its fleet in bombs. investigators have published AS332 helicopter. operates.
6 AEROSPACE / JUNE 2017GENERAL AVIATION DEFENCE
Aerial traffic jams get closer First project for RAF
German start-up Lilium has conducted the first flight of its all-electric VTOL ‘aerial Rapid Capability Office
taxi’ (below right). The maiden flight, which took place on 20 April in Bavaria, saw the
two-seater fly in unmanned mode and transition from hovering to horizontal flight using Leonardo MW is to be the active decoys (EADs)
swivelling ducted fans. The company now plans a larger five-seat production version. first industry partner designed to counter
Meanwhile, Israeli VTOL UAV company Urban Aeronautics subsidiary, Metro Skyways, to work with the Leo
na
rd radar-guided
o
is to develop a four-seat CityHawk,‘flying car’ (bottom RAF’s newly missiles. The
M
W
left) using the ducted-fan technology created by its established joint project
parent firm. Rapid will include
Finally, a US start-up, Kitty Hawk, has revealed a new Capability preparing
human-carrying personal air vehicle (middle below) – a Office (RCO). the existing
multicopter amphibian. The electric-powered Kitty Hawk It will collaborate BriteCloud EAD
Flyer, set to go on sale by the end of the year, is classed with the RCO to enter operational
Lilium
as a single-person ultralight under FAA rules. to develop new radio service, as well as a new
frequency expendable third-generation EAD.
AEROSPACE
Urban Aeronautics
Kitty Hawk
AIR TRANSPORT
Arrivederci Alitalia? UK hypersonic
On 2 May, Italian flag out investing further propulsion specialist
carrier Alitalia fell into without approval of all the Reaction Engines is to
administration after staff shareholders. The Italian open a new facility in Westcott,
voted to reject a €2bn government has extended a New Buckinghamshire, to test its Synergetic Air-Breathing
Reaction Engines
cost-cutting rescue plan. €600m bridging loan while Rocket Engine (SABRE). The company has already
Meanwhile, Gulf airline administrators prepare to SABRE received £60m of investment from the UK Government
Etihad which owns 49%
of Alitalia, has ruled
try and find a buyer for the
airline by October.
test facility to develop the engine which it plans to use to power a
new generation of hypersonic and orbital spacecraft.
Office. The rocket Other destinations, such as eight Boeing 737 MAX
According to news reports, Bulgaria has announced blasted off from the Milan, Zurich, Luxembourg 9s plus four additional
the US Government is that the Swedish Saab Kennedy Space Center and Munich are also options. The airline plans
considering extending Gripen C/D fighter is before returning to Cape planned to be added. to use the aircraft for
the passenger laptop and its preferred candidate Canaveral. flights between the US
personal electronic devices for the purchase of 16 Rolls-Royce has and Europe.
ban to incoming flights multi-role fighters, eight to US-based ‘members-only’ announced a joint venture
to the US from European be delivered by 2020 and private airline Surf Air is with Turkey’s Kale group The Sino-Pakistani two-
airports, with an official eight in 2022. to commence European to develop engines for seat variant of the CAC/
announcement expected operations in June, with Turkey’s indigenous TF-X PAC JF-17B fighter made
as AEROSPACE goes to A SpaceX Falcon 9 services from London fighter being developed its maiden flight on 27
press. The security ban on rocket successfully Luton to Cannes and Ibiza. by Turkish Aerospace April. As well as a second
carry-on PEDs in the cabin returned to Earth in a The ‘unlimited flights’ Industries. seat, the JF-17B features
was originally imposed in controlled landing on 1 subscription service will a dorsal fuselage spine,
March on US-bound flights May after launching a begin with a Phenom 300, Scandinavian low-cost enlarged nose for an AESA
from ten Middle Eastern secret payload for the US with Pilatus PC-12NGs to airline Primera Air has radar and new fly-by-wire
airports. National Reconnaissance join the fleet later this year. announced an order for system.
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com JUNE 2017 7Radome
AEROSPACE DEFENCE
Airlander back in the air
On 10 May the UK’s that it successfully
Typhoon
Hybrid Air Vehicles’ completed three test fires Meteor
Airlander 10 returned
to flight after its heavy
objectives. Since the
accident, HAV has
shower
landing incident last modified Airlander
Hy
bri
August. The test d from lessons
Ai
flight, from learnt. This
rV
e hi
HAV’s facility includes
cle s
at Cardington a mobile
saw the mooring mast
hybrid airship and auxiliary
Eurofighter has announced a key milestone in the integration of MBDA’s
take off from its landing system
Meteor BVRAAM missile with the Typhoon. The test saw Eurofighter prototype
mooring at 17:28 (ALS) or inflatable
IPA4 launch two Meteor missiles simultaneously over the UK’s Hebrides
Eurofighter
before performing a ‘landing feet’ that
180 minute local flight, protect the flightdeck range. This firing completes development testing of the weapon with RAF
with the company saying and cabin. operational evaluation of Meteor with Typhoon set to begin later this year.
SPACEFLIGHT AIR TRANSPORT
Virgin Galactic's second SpaceShipTwo VSS Unity has made the first flight test Emirates hits turbulence
of the suborbital spacecraft's unique tail boom 'feathering' atmospheric re-entry
system. The system has been modified after its accidental
as profits drop 82%
deployment led to the crash of the first
Gulf super-carrier Emirates restrictions such as the
SpaceShipTwo in 2014. In the latest test
has recorded its first fall in US passenger laptop ban
on 1 May, VSS Unity was released
profits for five years, with and tighter immigration
from the White Knight carrier
annual profits dropping by rules. The airline has
aircraft at 51,000ft and 82.5% in the past year. Net already been cutting back
made an unpowered profits to 31 March were US flights by 20% since
glide back to Earth. $340m, down from $1.9bn April due to weakening
the previous year. demand. Despite the sharp
Virgin Galactic
The airline blamed the fall in profits, the airline
growing rise in the dollar’s carried 56.1m passengers
VSS Unity tests ‘feathering’ strength, increased
competition and new travel
last year, up 8% from the
previous year.
NEWS IN BRIEF ON THE
.
SpaceX has carried Airbus has launched a
30 April. The US regional
airline went into bankruptcy
the Liaoning, which was
converted from a Russian
MOVE
out the first live ground new subsidiary to develop protection in February carrier. European Regional
test of its Falcon Heavy commercial UAVs in 2016 following financial Airlines Association
core rocket engines at the US. To be based in problems and a shortage The US Air Force Boeing D-G, Simon McNamara,
its facility in Texas. The Atlanta, Airbus Aerial is to of pilots. X-37B unmanned has been appointed
Falcon Heavy launcher, initially focus on software spacecraft returned to Flybe’s new Director of
able to launch payloads and platforms for aerial China has launched its first Earth on 7 May after a Communications.
three times heavier than imaging but may then domestically-built aircraft secret military mission
the Falcon 9, is set to expand to include cargo carrier. Under construction lasting nearly two years. Bombardier Executive
make its first flight before drone services and Internet in the north-eastern port of The spacecraft landed on a Chairman Pierre
the end of 2017. connectivity. Dalian, the as-yet-unnamed runway at Kennedy Space Beaudoin has stepped
ship is expected to enter Center after 718 days down.
Game Composites Republic Airline owner service in 2020 carrying in orbit. The X-37B has
has received EASA Republic Airways Holdings Shenyang J-15 fighters. now been on four orbital Ray Gammell has been
type certification for its emerged from Chapter 11 China already has one missions totalling 2,086 appointed as interim CEO
aerobatic GB1 Gamebird. restructuring effective on aircraft carrier in service, days. of Etihad Airways.
8 AEROSPACE / JUNE 2017AIR TRANSPORT DEFENCE
ATR 72s to Automatic boom
build IndiGo refuelling milestone
regional Airbus Defence and Space
has conducted
Six automated contacts
with the F-16 were
reach automatic air-to-
air refuelling
performed using the
MRTT’s telescopic
Ai
rb u
contacts refuelling boom
s De
between fitted with an
fe n ce a n d
an A310 automated
MRTT and a flight control
Sp
ac
e
Portuguese Air system. Airbus
Force F-16. The says that the system
trials were conducted could be introduced onto
ATR
off the coast of Portugal its larger A330 MRTTs
Fast-growing Indian budget carrier IndiGo has agreed to acquire 50 ATR 72-600 on 21 March at 25,000ft. from 2019.
turboprops in a deal worth around $1.3bn at list prices. As a result of the airline’s first
turboprop order, IndiGo will use the ATR 72s to expand into the Indian regional market with GENERAL AVIATION
a new hub and spoke operations model. The first aircraft are expected to enter service
before the end of this year. Icon A5 crash kills
designer
No crew on first Orion/SLS mission The future of the Icon A5 on 8 May. Both Icon
NASA has confirmed that after a study, it will not fly a human single-engine folding- employees were killed in
crew on the first flight of the Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket wing amphibious aircraft the accident including the
– EM-1. The agency had been tasked by the White House to project is uncertain after a lead engineer and pilot, Jon
explore options to accelerate progress in human spaceflight. prototype crashed and sank Karkow, a veteran designer
into a lake in California who was previously at
EM-1's launch has already slipped from 2018 to 2019.
near the company’s HQ Scaled Composites.
AEROSPACE
INFOGRAPHIC: A globalised aerospace industry
EUROPE
LATAM
Globalised aircraft
MIDDLE EAST
UNITED STATES
www.aertecsolutions.com
Major aircraft manufacturers rely on companies from all over the world
for the main components of their aeroplanes
A1 Engineering and testing (Airbus) France B1 Forward fuselage (Spirit) United States
Airbus A350
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
A25
A2 Centre fuselage assembly (Airbus) France B2 Forward fuselage (Kawasaki) Japan
A3 Centre fuselage (Spirit Aerosystems) United States B3 Centre fuselage(Alenia) Italy
A4 Rear fuselage (Premium Aerotec) Germany A5 B1 B5 B4 Rear fuselage (Boeing y Vought) United States
A5 Forward fuselage (Stelia Aerospace) Franceantenna: Global Outlook and
Analysis with
HOWARD WHEELDON
Election uncertainty for
aerospace?
M
ight the result of the General advantages available to the UK from being outside
Election on 8 June end up being of the economic and political union.
positive for the UK aerospace It is true, of course, that currencies can be a
sector or, conversely, might it herald hostage to fortune just as variances in productivity
the arrival of even more clouds of and internal competitiveness. The latter is up to the
uncertainty? Yes, the most obvious answer is that UK itself but it must also ensure that it is allowed
this will depend on which of the various political to play on a level playing field – meaning that if the
parties is chosen to form the next UK Government UK’s competitors are receiving additional advantage
but unlike previous elections, with the electorate through subsidies, then so must it.
having already voted to leave the EU and the Brexit
negotiating process looming ever closer on the A chance for competitors?
horizon, whoever is charged with forming the next
Government will de-facto also be charged with Let there be no doubt either by those that form
deciding the future course of the UK aerospace the next Government that, as never before, the
industry. UK commercial aerospace sector is already under
As AEROSPACE goes to press ahead of the considerable pressure from competitors within the
election, no matter who ends up in No10 Downing EU seeking to extend their reach.
Street, the UK commercial aerospace industry Primary industry concerns surround whether or
is facing an unprecedented level of uncertainty. not the UK will remain in the EU Customs Union but
Being so closely aligned with its European partners, deep down the wider longer-term concern relates to
one could say that its future is now in the hands the impact of the country leaving the EU on future
of politicians. We must live in hope that not only inward investment by its EU partners and whether
does the sector get the recognition from the new the UK will have a place on the next generation
Government that it so richly deserves in respect of commercial aircraft. Right now the UK has an
of its value to the economy through employment, enviable position but its EU competitors may have
exports and maintenance of skills but, as the UK other ideas.
proceeds through the Brexit negotiating process, The aerospace industry is made up of literally
they ensure that the sector is not allowed to thousands of small, medium and large enterprises.
become a political football. With the vast majority being part of a vital supply
Let no one be in any doubt that aerospace, chain, the future for many of them is dependent on
along with banking, financial and automotive a handful of larger players such as Airbus, with its
sectors, has unwittingly found itself in the position large manufacturing sites at Broughton in North
of ‘pawn’ in what will, over the two-year Brexit Wales and Filton near Bristol, Rolls-Royce which has
negotiation process, be nothing less than a game its primary engine manufacturing and research and
of survival. More than at any time before, these
vital sectors need to know that Whitehall will be
working hard on their behalf to ensure that they Flying high now – but how well will the
can continue to prosper and grow and continue UK aerospace indusry fare outside the
providing huge benefits for the economy that are
crucial for the UK as a whole. All that they ask for is EU?
a fair deal, continuity and one that provides a level
playing field for all participants.
No-one is or should be afraid of competition,
provided that the rules are the same for all
participants. Whatever else occurs through the
Brexit negotiating process, it must ensure that the
UK is not disadvantaged. Clearly, that means the
UK must also accept regulatory continuity but let
there be no misunderstanding by anyone in Britain
that the EU will ensure that there will beno specific
10 AEROSPACE / JUNE 2017development activities in Derby and Bombardier, given the uncertainty the Brexit vote has created,
which has its principle UK site in Belfast. Election one can hardly blame them. For them this is about
or not, there can be no guarantee that the UK facing up to the potential of challenges as opposed
will continue to be seen as the best place to to creation of new opportunities.
manufacture aero engines, wings and landing gear.
The next Government must ensure that it continues But new opportunities too? DEEP DOWN
to be seen as the right place to be.
In respect of annual sales, the UK aerospace There will, of course, be new opportunities and THE WIDER
industry was ‘worth’ an estimated £32bn in 2016, having recognised the aerospace industry as LONGER-TERM
of which I estimate that in excess of £27bn was being one that Britain needs to continually invest CONCERN
exports. In respect of investment, employment, in new technology, the Government has assisted
RELATES TO...
design, engineering and manufacturing skills in the formation of the organisations such as the
retention, no one should be in any doubt as to the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP) and, born WHETHER
vital importance the aerospace industry plays within out of this, the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) THE UK WILL
the UK economy. We are talking here of around which was created to define a formal UK aerospace HAVE A PLACE
128,000 highly skilled individuals directly employed technology strategy. These are positive moves and
in the industry and additionally, maybe as many as the new strategy that emerged challenges industry
ON THE NEXT
half that again indirectly employed. to create opportunities for advanced technology GENERATION
Guided by Brexit uncertainty, the one thing that growth, to drive the UK’s aerospace research OF
all in this industry recognise is that there can be no and technology investment programme and also, COMMERCIAL
room for complacency. The result of the UK General to elevate the UK’s international profile through
Election should at least provide sufficient mandate promotion of advanced capabilities. Any attempt to AIRCRAFT.
for whoever wins to pursue the Brexit negotiation increase UK influence within European aerospace RIGHT NOW
process but it is imperative that the industry programmes is important, just as is the vision to THE UK HAS
keeps banging the drum to ensure that the next sustain and grow an internationally competitive
AN ENVIABLE
Government recognises increasing pressures are UK aerospace sector through investment in new
now being placed on the UK operations of Airbus technologies. POSITION
from that company’s German, French and Spanish It isn’t just technology investment in which the BUT ITS EU
operations. UK aerospace sector may need to up its game, it COMPETITORS
Sadly, it is becoming rather easy to dismiss is also competitiveness. In respect of Brexit, future
the notion that such is the dominance of the UK regulation, the potential for non-tariff penalty costs
MAY HAVE
in commercial aerospace wing manufacturing being forced on the UK are vital issues that will OTHER IDEAS
technology that barriers to entry, particularly in need to be resolved. Free movement of skilled staff
respect of knowledge and high cost of entry, will between individual company sites across Europe
ensure that the UK retains its current leading together with access to labour are an important
position. Airbus plants in Germany and Spain are facet of large aerospace businesses such as Airbus
already building wing parts for certain aircraft and Rolls-Royce and these issues are of great
types and France has been quick to realise concern. Access to funds currently made available
that the gradual move to composite materials by the EU is another issue that concerns UK
presents opportunities to share in wing component industry and there are genuine fears that even with
production. the benefits of export caused through a lower value
Most of those charged with responsibility for of sterling, the overall attraction of investing in the
the UK commercial aircraft industry can see only UK could well diminish should Brexit negotiations
negatives from our decision to leave the EU and be unable to ensure the degree of stability and
harmony of operation required. Higher costs are
Airbus
also a worry as the need to remain competitive is
crucial to ultimate survival.
The result of the UK General Election is unlikely
to change any of the above but the hope is that all
political parties will, in the process of the election
campaign, recognise the importance of the industry
to the UK economy. Importantly, the aerospace
industry needs to know that it will, along with other
important sectors such as agricultural, automotive,
pharmaceutical and defence, be prioritised through
the Brexit process.
Elections are not particularly good for stability
but whoever wins must work quickly to establish
a required level of stability that allows industry to
invest with confidence.
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com JUNE 2017 11Transmission
LETTERS AND ONLINE
Airport moving maps The Dakota ‘jet’?
Thales
@PeterSharpe11 [On a
C-47 Dakota captioned
as a ‘jet’ by a major UK
newspaper] Journalists
are notoriously poor at
aircraft stuff for some
reason. I used to write to
Humanitarian relief correct them but now I’ve
homo_Says [On realised it’s futile.
International Rescue(1)]
Reading International
Rescue article, makes @rantingratman Props
common mistake that all are a bit of a giveaway.
air power is RAF. FAA helo Surely even the stupidest
likely to be first to deliver of journalists can see that?
aid.
@Tim_Griffin In article
Flight sim sequel and caption with prop
clearly visible. Woeful. #fail
@_ksgustavo [On trailer
for FSX flight simulator Thales TopWings electronic flight bag shows pilots their aircraft’s position on the runway.
sequel, Flight Sim World] @adamspink D Taxi @renato3089 I agree @Brabazon2 Time for
This footage looks @Tim_the_Pilot [On newspapers to have air
An end to getting lost only works if immediately 100%, especially with
gorgeous! transposed to a moving the problem of situational correspondents again?
the airport(2)] I certainly @RAeSTimR
don’t think ‘silent’ and map on flight deck. Even awareness loss. Plus,
then there are issues with what’s wrong with voice @FlightVmax
slow datalink ground
Business aviation how crew maintain SA. transmissions? If it ain’t
clearances are the way
forward. Sounds like Also years away!! broke ...
@SynergyAviation I @conjamoha As an
was delighted to be part someone’s trying to sell #avgeek and student
of the @AeroSociety something?! journalist, it’s a goal of
@TWPILOT1 You really @iainjblack Yes, moving
#BizAvDebate! Is it time want to be heads out map, ground traffic display mine to improve aviation/
for us to work together when taxiing, not looking and uplinked clearances are defence reporting in
better? #alltogetherbetter @sickBocks Transavia MSM. The standards are
trialled this last year at inside at a display. Taxi great for normal procedures
instructions relayed to a but agree need RT for non- embarrassing!
AMS @axelboland.
HUD would work. normal or ad-hoc.
@EmeraldMedia
Congrats @Tim_Wood1 Phantom review
for instigating great
#BizAvDebate. 100 plus
engaged delegates. Great Flying cars Biz-jet type ratings Missile defence
chairing @TheAirLawFirm
@wingxbizav @UKAeroInstitute Is @RateMyCRM [On bizjet @towerinsight [On Israeli
the future really here? type ratings being eight air strikes on Syria not being
Our #FirstThursday times more expensive than intercepted by Russian
@ACS_AIRCHARTER event tomorrow sparks a airliner training] True, just SAMs] S400s on the coast
Interesting discussions discussion on whether the compare the price for a will always be unable to
about the little publicised flying car will be the future 737 rating with that of a intercept Stand off AtG
positive economic impact of automotive? Global or Gulfstream. ammos drop off less than
of business aviation 40km from Damascus ...
at the @AeroSociety Math vs Politic Show.
#bizavdebate #bizav UAVs down under Brussels attacks
@KeirinJoyce A pleasure @hervepmorvan Frank, Early aeronaut @RowlandWhite
@Gulf_Aviation Really to discuss #drones and analytical and touching ‘What First Light does for
talk by @BrusselsAirport @ProfChrisAtkin Learning Spitfires ... Robert Prest
interesting event this week #unmanned futures with
on the event of March all about the first English does for the F-4 Phantom
looking at opportunities @AeroSociety Melbourne
2016 at @AeroSociety aeronaut, James Sadler of in RAF service’ You said
and challenges within the Branch this evening. Oxford (town not gown) at
#BizAv industry. Thanks for #ModernArmy #GlobalJourneys17 that @RAeSTimR New
#BrusselsAttacks @AeroSociety Oxford edition out now!
hosting @AeroSociety! @AAUS_Live Branch!
12 AEROSPACE / JUNE 2017XR-1A 1944 New RAeS Fellows
RAeS NAL
@Herbsaint [On rare
US Army helicopter photo
from RAeS archives]
This photo of the XR-1A,
was taken late summer
of 1944 at Wright Field,
Ohio. I had forgotten to
mention, this photo was
the first image of the XR-
1A allowed to be released
by the Air Corps, summer
1944. The XR-1A was an early US twin-rotor experimental
military helicopter.
Left: RAeS Past President Martin Broadhurst and
LuxAviation CEO Charlotte Pedersen; Top right:
Leonardo UK Chairman and CEO Norman Bone and
RAeS CEO Simon Luxmoore; Bottom right: Darren
Aerospace innovation Winkle Brown podcast Cranwell tour Lewington and RAeS Past President Chris Atkin.
@aeroengineer [On A @RyanAMarks On a @LancasterDV403 @Luxaviation @DarrenLewington
new age of aerospace coach to London. Great tour by Congratulations to CEO Feeling very humbled to
Innovation? blog(3)] @AeroSociety podcast @AeroSociety Cranwell #LuxaviationHelicopters, have been elected Fellow
Insightful! Especially the on Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown. of RAF College and 45 Charlotte Pedersen, for of @AeroSociety,
words of caution which a Excellent!! #AviationIdol Squadron yesterday. being elected as a Fellow presented by the
lot of people seem to not #AvGeek #Hero @ComdtCranwell dropped of the Royal Aeronautical President
look at while talking about #Aerospace in. Thanks to James Society @AeroSociety @JetAgeMuseum
aerospace innovation. @RAFCranwellOps
#avgeek
@twcau Any chance you @Terry_Spruce
could make your iTunes Airport concepts Congratulations to @Leonardo_UK Our UK
@tprstly Still think the podcast feed available Charlotte Pederson of Chairman & Managing
pursuit of a flying car is in the Australian store? @GRBraithwaite @Luxaviation Helicopters Director, Norman Bone
fool’s gold now that we Thank you. Stunning airport concepts and @markwinzar of @jssi receives his
have passenger drone from Cristian’s Ceccato becoming Fellows of the @AeroSociety Fellowship
technology. @ZHA_News @AeroSociety from Society CEO, Simon
@thatjohn Tim, should @AeroSociety C Luxmoore.
this be available for US #GlobalJourneys17 -
@GuardedDon The listeners? I can’t find it in Inspiring stuff! @DrBenEvans Big
technical challenges the podcast directory ... congrats to @ProfAdhikari
of flying a small, even for his election to Fellow
convertible, ‘vehicle’ may 65 years of the Comet of the @AeroSociety
well be overcome. Need to Richard Fresson talk
address safe organisation @MichaelJPryce [On
of dense traffic. @CopernicusTech anniversary of first jet
RVH school flight sim Wikipedia on aircraft
Superb #Highland Comet service in 1952]
@AeroSociety talk last Same aircraft was put @RVHSchool Flight sim @Rob_Coppinger
Pilot mental health night by Richard Fresson, together at Farnborough update: The flight sim Wikipedia’s @jimmy_wales
on his father’s aviation after crash in 1954. team with the TV and one challenged me to find an
@MeadowsPhil escapades! Great to see Fatigue was cause. actuator in place. Thank incorrect Wikipedia aircraft
[On Will peer support @morayvia facilities too. Learning from failure in you @SiemensUKNews pic, help?
programmes be able aero innovation not so @SBAP1 @BoeingUK
to support pilot mental nice. @AeroSociety.
health(4)] No, because Prof registration
the moment mental 1. AEROSPACE, May 2017, p 36, International Rescue
health is mentioned, it’s @CraigFEckersley 2. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/an-end-to-getting-lost-at-the-airport/
Meeting up with the 3. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/a-new-age-of-aerospace-innovation/
six months off flying with
4. AEROSPACE, May 2017, p 34, Minding the challenges of mental health
the subsequent loss of @AeroSociety for
earnings. professional registration
interview training at Filton.
Online
Additional features and content are available to view
online at http://media.aerosociety.com/aerospace-insight
@aerosociety i linkedin.com/raes
Find us on LinkedIn f facebook.com/raes
Find us on Facebook. www.aerosociety.com
www.aerosociety.com JUNE 2017 13PREVIEW
Paris Air Show 2017
French
connections
TIM ROBINSON previews one of the highlights
of the aviation calendar – the biennial Paris Air
Show, set to take place 19-25 June.
T
his year celebrating its 52nd edition, as be the Paris Air Lab, set to take place all week in
Keep up with is traditional, the Paris Air Show at Le the Concorde Hall at the Musee d’Air. This will see
Paris Air Show Bourget will see the first four days of Silicon Valley-style start-up pitches, TED-style talks
news with the the show devoted to trade days, with the and use immersive virtual and augmented reality
remaining three days open to the public. technology to showcase what an airshow might look
Aerosociety With Brexit domininating headlines, the like in 20 years time.
Insight blog organisers, SIAE, have been swift to talk up Le For young people curious about entering the
Bourget’s credentials as a global aerospace world of aerospace, the ‘Careers Plane’ will return,
showcase, rather than as a national industry showcasing more than 20 professions. In 2015 it
promotion event. The organisers are expecting saw some 70,000 visitors.
some 2,300-2,400 exhibitors and revealed at a
press briefing at the Royal Aeronautical Society last Practical improvements
month that the show had sold out in October 2016,
five months earlier than normal. Some 150,000 Sadly, the threat of terrorism means that all public
trade visitors are expected with around 300 official events now have to think about extra security
delegations. Meanwhile, the show is expecting some measures and the Paris Air Show is no exception.
200,000 visitors on the public days. There will be 500 police officers and soldiers, 500
private security guards and 135 CCTV cameras
Static and flying displays helping protect the show. While organisers are
As AEROSPACE goes to press, several manufacturers planning that the increased security will not mean
have yet to announce whether their aircraft will long queues, there will be extra pre-filtering (search
attend. The organisers expect the final total of and frisking) as well as the usual X-Ray machines.
aircraft attending to be around 150 and will incluide Other improvements for the 2017 Salon
an international air show debut from Mitsubishi’s include beefed up 4G networks, and an enhanced
MRJ airliner. It will also be joined by the Kawasaki geolocation mobile ‘app’ that allows exhibitors
P-1 maritime patrol aircraft – making its first Paris to order food to be delivered to their stand, and
appearance. Also set to appear is Embraer’s KC-390 ‘Around Me’ function that highlights interesting
airlifter. Meanwhile, the Lockheed Martin stands and events nearby.
F-35, having previously been the subject See you at the show in June!
of some confusion as to whether it
would appear, has now been confirmed
to attend by the USAF. Apart from
a brief visit by a B-2 in 1995, the last
time a US stealth aircraft appeared at Le
SIAE/French Air Force
Bourget was in 1988 with a F-117A.
Paris Air Lab
The Paris Air
With a theme of innovation and start-ups, one Lab will highlight
SIAE
highlight to look out for this year at Le Bourget will
innovation.
14 AEROSPACE / JUNE 2017DEFENCE
Distributed simulation and training
Train virtual
fight easy
TIM ROBINSON reports from RAF Waddington on how complex
battlespace simulations are honing the edge of the UK's armed forces and
how a team of ex-military aviators has raised the bar for trust and
expertise in the defence sector.
H
igh above a featureless desert, four be fighting it out. Inside this simulation, for the RAF
RAF Typhoon pilots are fighting for Typhoon pilots, this taxing mission may be virtual, but
their lives as a special forces extraction the sweat is real.
mission deep in hostile territory starts
to unravel. With support helicopters Enter ‘White Force’
below delayed after stiffer than expected resistance
at the target site, the Typhoon flight lead must The people behind this devilish scenario, designed
now make a difficult choice between escorting the to provide high-quality collective training to hone
choppers to safety on marginal fuel or racing back the edge of air combat (along with navy and army)
to a friendly tanker. Complicating the issue is a call professionals are, interestingly, civilians from UK
from the RC-135 Rivet Joint/Airseeker that Su-30s, defence company Inzpire. These experienced ex-
presumably hostile, have swung noses towards military contractors, along with a handful of RAF
the package. Meanwhile, out at sea in international personnel with Boeing, QinetiQ and Plexsys, make
waters, a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer, able to up the ‘Whole Force’ at the Air Battlespace Training
put-up a formidable anti-air umbrella to help cover Centre (ABTC) at RAF Waddington. While it is
the return leg, is preoccupied as its command centre QinetiQ that is prime contractor for the simulation
responds to swarms of fast attack boats bearing hardware at ABTC – it is Inzpire, as the majority
down on its position. Finally, while a RAF E-3D Sentry ‘White Force’, who are mission designers, referees
AWACS crew attempts to make sense of the overall and adversary tacticians; they provide the deep core
picture and keep the rescue, escort package and all of hard-worn operational experience that makes
supporting players informed, an enemy cyberattack this ‘virtual Red Flag’ so realistic for the trainees.
takes down their ‘chat’ message system – forcing the Says Inzpire Chief Executive Hugh Griffiths: “As part
Fixed-base GR4 crew to revert to old-fashioned voice comms. of the ABTC synthetic environment ‘White Force’,
simulator at This fast-moving, highly dynamic scenario is not what Inzpire provides is the training. We design the
the product of a technothriller author, or the latest exercises. We create the air tasking orders. We brief
the ABTC, RAF Playstation game but is actually taking place in a the exercises. We run mission control. We debrief the
Waddington. semi-darkened hangar at RAF Waddington – and is exercises, working with our military counterparts. The
one of the most sophisticated virtual battlespaces training is all Inzpire and military people.”
on the planet – where up to 600 virtual entities can Indeed, some measure of Inzpire’s critical function
22
Inzpire
AEROSPACE / JUNE 2017Suhoki
in keeping abreast of the latest in operational
scenarios was that in a recent Red Flag, the RAF
Inzpire/Garry Ridsdale
gave up a valued personnel slot at a classified fifth-
generation debriefing to a subject matter expert from
Inzpire.
The Air Battlespace Training Centre
The ABTC at RAF Waddington features four Tornado
GR4 and four Typhoon dome simulators – all I’ve had – it was just like Day 4 of ‘Mountain Dragon’”
fixed-base and using touch-screen panels in the the toughest set-piece of the pre-deployment virtual
place of real instruments (pilots are here to learn As ABTC's White training exercise.
advanced tactics, not switchology or how to fly the Force, civilian Roughly half of ABTC’s 38-week annual
aircraft itself). The ABTC also has a rear crew E-3D collective training is for the Army, with the other half
AWACS simulator, a Joint Fires Planning Cell and SMEs work being for the RAF and other services with a more air
three forward observer/JTAC posts, which replicate closely with combat focus. Exercises include Virtual Fury (RAF
Royal Artillery outposts in theatre – with a giant military personnel Typhoons with RN elements) and Red Kite (US/UK
screen on one wall putting them ‘in’ the scenario. The bi-lateral exercises). All told, around 25-30 human
facility also includes exercise control and a briefing/
and other participants can be getting high-quality tactical
debriefing theatre. Most important of all, perhaps, is contractors. training at once during these exercises.
the simulators at ABTC can be networked with others The ABTC has a limited number of terrain
in the UK (including RN Type 45 control centre databases, which reflect recent operations and
simulator and Sea King ASaC) and with allies, such Red Flag work-up training but this doesn’t limit
as the US and Canada. the potential for looking forwards. Since 2014 the
This sophisticated synthetic training facility at changed geopolitical climate, with the annexation of
RAF Waddington dates from 2005 as a capability Crimea and complex operations over Syria, has seen
concept demonstrator to investigate simulated air the ABTC scenarios evolve from COIN operations
combat training. However, from 2008 it became a to focus on contingency operations, using peer-level
vital part of pre-deployment training for British Army enemies with the latest equipment and integrating
units rotating into Afghanistan to practice and hone fifth-generation assets. As noted above, the
their air-land integration. The Army, in particular, reading in of Inzpire experts to the latest tactics and
had spotted the potential of ultra-realistic synthetic operational lessons means that the ABTC will remain
training, at a lower cost than live exercises, to prepare on the cutting edge of providing adversary threats to
its JTACs and artillery co-ordinators for Afghanistan. challenge and teach UK forces warfighting skills.
The unique networked set-up at ABTC allows JTACs
and forward observers to practice calling in air strikes, The future
deconflicting artillery and mortars and integrate UAVs,
attack helicopters and fast jets in a highly realistic Now under the MoD’s Distributed Synthetic Air Land
virtual environment before they set foot in theatre. Training (DSALT) programme heading, the future of
To date, some 9,000 soldiers have passed through the ABCT (under a follow-on DSALT 2), will highlight
the centre. The ABTC also includes 3D after-action the ‘D’ in distributed – with the intention that, by
reviews, (complete with recorded comms) which 2020, the ‘targeted fidelity’ sims will be relocated
enable battles to be debriefed in fine detail – just back into their units. Allowing Typhoon pilots to
like aerial ‘Red Flag’ training. The result of this air- ‘log-in’ and fly from RAF Coningsby, for example, will
land synthetic training has been priceless. Indeed, save on travel costs and also allow pilots to use the
Inzpire notes feedback from one ABTC graduate sims outside of the formal ABTC exercises. While
who rang from theatre: “You won’t believe the day the RAF will have lost Tornado by 2020, ABTC (or
Inzpire/Garry Ridsdale
Inzpire/Garry Ridsdale
23
QinetiQ
JUNE 2017
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.comDEFENCE
Distributed simulation and training
Mission systems
This deep knowledge and combat-experience
has already allowed Inzpire to branch into new
areas – including mission systems, for which the
company has won a number of accolades including
the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in
2014. In 2010, it began to supply GECO – a mission
planning, briefing, and moving map system to UK
forces in Afghanistan. Developed entirely in-house
and, not surprisingly, designed by pilots for pilots,
supported by a top engineering team, GECO runs
Inzpire's ‘mission plannng its successor) will gain new simulators to plug into on a Panasonic Toughbook to provide an enhanced
and situational awareness
exercises with RAF/RN F-35Bs. For UK F-35B situational awareness and mission planning tool
tablet on steroids’ GECO in
in service with the RAF Puma pilots, synthetic environments like the ABTC will be for pilots as a low-cost ‘avionics upgrade’ for any
force. vital for training – not just in saving money and fuel aircraft – even advanced glass-cockpit types such
but in allowing pilots to unleash the stealth fighter’s as Typhoon or Apache. The tablet device features
classified capabilities in a highly secure electronic checklists, weight and balance apps, a moving map
playground. (with various layers including satellite imagery) and,
can also insert SAM umbrellas or threat zones. The
Inzpire map display can also be seen in a 3D ‘flythrough’
view, allowing easy comprehension of terrain and,
So who are Inzpire, who have seemingly come out of along with obstacles such as wires and power lines.
nowhere to become a key player in the UK's defence Importantly for mission planning, it is also able to be
industry sector? First founded in 2005, Inzpire is a synced with a desktop version – allowing all pilots to
small privately-held company focused on defence see, adjust and modify the plan before the mission
aviation and with a profoundly military ethos. Started starts. In service now with Joint Helicopter Command
by three people with £300 of capital it now turns and the RAF Puma force, GECO is also being used
over around £12m and has succeeded in winning by Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16 and helicopter
defence contracts against primes many times bigger pilots.
than itself. Says CE Hugh Griffiths, an ex-QWI and
Electronic Warfare Instructor on the Tornado F3 and Apache training
who previously led the RAF analysis team at the
Defence Science and Technical Laboratory (DSTL): If the GECO mission planning tablet from a tiny
FOR UK F-35B “Inzpire’s Vision is to become the most admired and unknown UK company caused raised eyebrows
PILOTS, trusted defence company in the world.” Although in some quarters of the UK's military-industrial
SYNTHETIC it only employs 106 people, Inzpire boasts that its sector – Inzpire winning key contracts to provide
mainly ex-service personnel have around 100,000hrs AH-64 Apache conversion training to the Army Air
ENVIRONMENTS
of aviation experience. Its ex-military aviators Corps in 2012 may have made some monocles fall
LIKE THE ABTC include ex-QFIs and QWIs, Apache pilots, Typhoon out in shock. Notes Griffiths: “We won this contract
WILL BE VITAL instructors and fighter pilots with exchange tours five years ago which we were amazed at because
FOR TRAINING on F-18 Hornets and F-35 programme experience. at the time we were 35 people.” In late 2016, this
Says Griffiths: “We have around 2,000 years’ contract was renewed with Inzpire, now to provide
– NOT JUST IN military experience, and about 1,000 years flying two extra Apache instructors, as well as provide three
SAVING MONEY tour experience. Within 106 people that is pretty instructors for conversion to type training for the
AND FUEL BUT amazing. Our experience covers rotary, fixed-wing AW149 Wildcat for the Army – a key training role on
IN ALLOWING and also 'fifth gen', so we currently have five pilots the Army's newest helicopter.
who have previously been fully embedded into the However, it is important to note for Inzpire that
PILOTS TO F-35 programme.” The result of this, where the target ethics comes first in recruiting highly-experienced
UNLEASH has been mission success, integrity and customer military pilots – poaching is not on their radar. “Our
THE STEALTH focus has seen Inzpire make the ‘Sunday Times Top first question to anyone wanting to join us is ‘are you
100 Small Companies to work for’ three years in a still serving?’” says Griffiths, “If they say yes, then we
FIGHTER’S
row. As one Inzpire pilot enthused: “I wanted to join a say ‘thanks but talk to us when you are out’.”
CLASSIFIED company I believe in.”
CAPABILITIES Privately owned, the company is also unusual in Future aggressors
IN A HIGHLY that profits are not the overriding force that drives
decisions. It is no wonder then, that the company is As well as managed services (ABTC) mission
SECURE now receiving numerous CVs a year from military systems (GECO), helicopter training for the AAC and
ELECTRONIC pilots around the globe wanting to join what might other contracts (the company provides CRM training
PLAYGROUND. well be described as ‘an elite 617 Sqn gone private’. for RAF pilots and mission data for RAF Typhoons)
18 AEROSPACE / JUNE 2017Inzpire is also primed for growth in other areas. In
2016 at the Farnborough Air Show it signed an
agreement with Thales with the intent to co-operate
on synthetic training opportunities. Here, Thales
would supply the hardware in the form of ‘targeted
fidelity’ simulators able to make up a mini-ABTC,
while Inzpire would contribute the core knowledge
and softer training skills. Three or four potential
customers are reported to be interested in this
Inzpire
capability.
Inzpire is also set to make the leap into operating
fast jets itself as a private ‘aggressor’ company
should its partnership with Canada's tactical training Above – going live? Inzpire Summary
providers Discovery Air prove successful for the UK is now teamed with tactical
training ‘Red Air’ contractor
MoD’s upcoming Air Support Defensive Operational The RAF’s ABTC – in whatever form it evolves into
Discovery Air to bid for the
Training (ASDOT) requirement. ASDOT will cover UK's ASDOT requirement. (and whether Inzpire remains as its chosen ‘White
existing live ‘adversary’ training for the RAF, Army Force’ contractor or not), is thus set to be even busier
and RN, including Red Air, EW and fleet support, with in the future. First, pressure on defence budgets
industry currently expected to supply around 5,000- will not go away– meaning simulation, synthetic
6,000 hours of annual training. ASDOT envisages environments (and outside contractors) will be in
contractors providing aircraft to training that span greater demand to make scarce resources go further.
multiple levels from ‘low slow, type threats’ to fourth Second, is that the range of modern weapon systems,
gen (supersonic, agile with EW) that will challenge such as S-400 SAMs and Meteor BVRAAMs, means
F-35 and Typhoon. With Discovery Air’s FJ fleet that pilots are now bumping up against the edges of
consisting of A-4N Skyhawks and Alpha Jets, Inzpire even the US’s giant airspace training ranges. (A recent
is cagey about what a fourth-gen aggressor would USMC report on the F-35B at Red Flag, for example,
be, simply stating: “There are not many fourth-gen noted that pilots were constrained by airspace
platforms out there on the market.” restrictions). There is also the up-coming F-35 – the
While Inzpire's focus is very much on military UK's first stealth fighter and the full capabilities of
aviation, another interesting future niche that Inzpire Inzpire is now which, outside actual war, might only be revealed in
is developing is cybersecurity – but for distributed providing top-level classified simulated battles of the kind in
military simulators. Securing critical data swapped which ABTC specialise.
between simulators is an unappreciated vulnerability conversion to The ABTC’s ‘Whole Force’ partner Inzpire, is also
and one that will become increasingly important in type training for primed for further growth as its reputation spreads
the future. While some synthetic environments may the British Army's and it aims beyond the UK defence market. Yet as
use generic, rather than actual, missile or weapon the company grows, it will face new challenges. No
ranges and feature multiple levels of classification
newest helicopter longer the underdog, it is now firmly on competitors’
(depending on which allies of friendly nations are – the AW149 radar. And as it looks to expand internationally, a key
‘playing’) – an adversary simply watching a rival’s Wildcat. challenge will be how it will retain its uniquely British
exercise in a simulated Red Flag may learn much military ethos in a global market. Says Griffiths: “The
tactically. key thing for us, that distinguishes us from virtually all
our competitors, is the military ethos. The company
runs with a very military ethos. It is basically the
Inzpire/Garry Ridsdale
military in civilian clothing but with a business focus.”
Finally, there is a nagging sense of frustration that
under MoD rules for businesses the size of Inzpire,
the contracts it has been given so far are fairly short
and not in keeping with Inzpire’s long-term vision and
commitment.
Through Inzpire, the UK MoD still has access to
a source of highly experienced military aviators. Says
Griffiths: “These people, if they weren’t with us, they’d
be lost to the UK military. The skills would be gone.
What we’re doing is that we’re getting people who
left the military of their own free will, because they've
gotten to the end of their time, and offering them back
into military service as part of the Whole Force. We
think that’s an invaluable service, because it’s stopping
this drain of expertise, and the military’s paying no
more for it than when they were in.”
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook.com www.aerosociety.com JUNE 2017 19You can also read
