SP's Aviation 6/2023

MILITARY MORE TEETH TO INDIAN OFFENSIVE AIR POWER

CIVIL DISPLAYS, DEMONSTRATIONS, DEBUTS & DEALS AT PARIS AIR SHOW 2023

SUSTAINABILITY

SOLVING THE NET ZERO CONUNDRUM WITH SAF BUSINESS AVIATION NEW AIRCRAFT, SUSTAINABILITY, AND INNOVATION LEAD THE SHOW AT EBACE 2023 & MUCH MORE...

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COVER IMAGE

The bonhomie and camaraderie between Modi and Biden was palpable during their recent meetings. Their broad-ranging agreements signify a strong dedication to collaborate and promote mutual interests.

(Cover Photo: PIB)

COVER DESIGN BY: SP’s Team NEXT

SHOW

21 EBACE 2023

26 Dassault Falcon Dassault Celebrates 60 Years of Falcon Business Jets

29 NBAA NBAA Condemns Disregard for Business Aviation’s Sustainability Leadership

2 A Word from Editor-in-Chief

The recent state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States was a significant event that captured the attention of the world. The warm and friendly relations between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden, as well as the many bilateral agreements that were announced, were a clear indication of the strong and growing partnership between India and the United States. A detailed story by Ayushee Chaudhary, highlighting some key happenings from the visit in the defence, aerospace, and technological side is presented in this issue of the magazine. In a connected report, Air Vice Marshal Sanjay Bhatnagar (Retd), talks about the key takeaways in the acquisition of MQ-9B RPAS that this visit facilitated from the US, that aims to significantly enhance India’s defence with advanced surveillance and strike capabilities.

On the Commercial Aviation front as well, India was in the front and centre of global news at the Paris Air Show, which saw major deals being struck at this global aviation event. A report by Ayushee Chaudhary, highlighting key happenings from the first three days of the Airshow has been included in this edition of the magazine. Held every two years, this year’s 54th edition of the Show

The state visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States was a major success. It further strengthened the India-US partnership and sent a clear message to the world that the two countries are committed to working together to build a better future.

marked a significant milestone as it resumed after a four-year hiatus since 2019.

Another detailed report gives an overview of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) show that convened the business aviation fraternity from all across the globe. Game-changing technologies, the debut of new aircraft, groundbreaking solutions for sustainable flight, and exciting market opportunities took center stage at the EBACE2023. Additionally, Dassault Aviation’s Falcon programme completed 60 glorious years. A report scripts a glimpse of their journey over these six decades. Marking the milestone, Dassault Falcon’s newest Falcon 6X also made its debut at the Paris Air Show.

Along with innovation, sustainability continues to grow to be a vital component of all new advancements in technology, the discussions happening on a large global scale, as well as at the heart of such airshows and conventions. A report by Joseph Noronha talks about solving the net zero conundrum with SAF as the aviation industry realises it as the most viable option to attain the very challenging target of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

All this and more in this issue of SP’s Aviation. Welcome aboard and we wish you many happy landings!

JAYANT BARANWAL PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MODI’S US VISIT SPURS GROUNDBREAKING COLLABORATIONS

By AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently concluded his extensive visit to the United States. “Concluding an exceptional USA visit, where I got to take part in numerous programmes and interactions aimed at adding momentum to the India-USA friendship. Our nations will keep working together to make our planet a better place for the coming generations,” he tweeted on June 24, 2023. The visit witnessed a lot of key developments, deliberations, and meetings in the fields of defence, education, environment, technology, and other global affairs.

In his opening statement at the bilateral meeting with the US President, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today, India and America are walking shoulder to shoulder in every front from the heights of space to the depths of the ocean, from ancient culture to artificial intelligence. When it comes to relations between any two countries from a diplomatic point of view, it is usually about formal joint statements, working groups, and MoUs. Indeed, it has its own importance but the real engine carrying forward the relationship between India and America is our strong people-topeople relationship. And we heard a loud roar of this engine just outside on the lawn of the White House.”

He continued, “When I first visited the US as Prime Minister, India was the tenth-largest economy in the world. Today, India is the fifth largest economy. And, India will be the third-largest economy soon. We are not only growing bigger but we are also growing faster. When India grows, the whole world grows. After all, we are one-sixth of the world’s population! The close defence cooperation between India and America symbolises mutual trust and shared strategic priorities. Moving away from the old buyer-seller relationship we had earlier, we have transitioned today to a relationship involving the transfer of technology, co-development, and coproduction.”

Some of the key highlights from Indian Prime Minister’s Official State Visit to the United States included:

NEXT-GENERATION DEFENSE PARTNERSHIP

General Atomics MQ-9Bs: India intends to procure armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs. This advanced technology will increase India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

New Sustainment and Ship Repair: The United States Navy has concluded a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with Larsen and Toubro Shipyard in Kattupalli (Chennai) and is finalising agreements with Mazagon Dock Limited (Mumbai) and Goa Shipyard (Goa). These agreements will allow mid-voyage US Navy ships to undergo service and repair at Indian shipyards, facilitating cost-effective and time-saving sustainment activities for US military operations across multiple theaters.

More Robust Defence Cooperation: The United States and India resolved to strengthen undersea domain awareness cooperation. The agreement to place three Indian liaison officers in US commands for the first time– deepening the partnership and critical information sharing. US and India have also commenced negotiations for a Security of Supply Arrangement and Reciprocal Defence Procurement Arrangement that will enable the supply of defence goods in the event of unanticipated supply chain disruptions. The two countries finalised a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap that provides policy direction to defence industries and enables the co-production of advanced defence systems as well as collaborative research, testing, and prototyping of the technologies that will determine the future of military power.

Defence “Innovation Bridge”: The India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X)—a network of universities, incubators, corporate, think tanks,

PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI AND THE PRESIDENT OF USA, JOE BIDEN AT THE EXPANDED BILATERAL MEETING IN WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON DC

India joins 26 other nations in signing the Artemis Accords, advancing peaceful and sustainable space exploration

and private investment stakeholders—was inaugurated on June 21, 2023. This innovative programme will facilitate joint innovation on defence technologies and accelerate the integration of India’s budding private sector defence industry with the US defence sector.

Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap: A new defence industrial cooperation roadmap will provide policy direction to defence industries to enable and accelerate the co-production of advanced defence systems as well as collaborative research, testing, and prototyping of the technologies that will determine the future of military power.

“When defence and aerospace in India grow, industries in the states of Washington, Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania thrive. When American companies grow, their research and development centers in India thrive. When Indians fly more, a single order for aircraft creates more than a million jobs in forty-four states in America,” President Biden added.

“We have also decided that amidst global uncertainties, India and the US, as trusted partners, will create reliable, secure, and resilient global supply chains and value chains. The close defence cooperation between India and the United States is a symbol of our mutual trust and shared strategic priorities. Leaving behind the old buyer-seller relationship, today we have moved towards the transfer of technology, co-development, and co-production”, added Prime Minister Modi.

“EVEN SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT”

During this visit, an important highlight was the coming together of both nations to explore the new frontiers in Space. India has signed the much talked about Artemis Accords, which advance a com-

mon vision of space exploration for the benefit of all humankind. Having signed it, India has joined 26 other countries committed to peaceful, sustainable, and transparent cooperation that will enable exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASA’s Artemis programme. During a ceremony at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson participated in the signing ceremony for the agency and Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s Ambassador to the United States, signed on behalf of India.

NASA will also provide advanced training to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronauts with the goal of launching a joint effort to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024. Additionally, NASA and the ISRO are developing a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023. India approved a $318 million investment to construct a Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory in India—that will work in tandem with similar facilities in the United States, Europe, and Japan to look for ripples in space-time, known as gravitational waves, that provide insights into the physical origins of the universe. Scientific payloads for the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) have been delivered to India and will be launched in 2024, and will measure Earth’s changing ecosystems like natural hazards and sea level rise. The US Geological Survey and ISRO are negotiating expanded bilateral data exchange that will enable greater insight into the earth, including for a range of applications, such as climate resiliency, sustainable development and management of natural resources, and disaster management support.

PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI ADDRESSING THE JOINT SESSION OF US CONGRESS, IN WASHINGTON DC ON JUNE 22, 2023

India and the US establish joint research initiatives in quantum, AI, and advanced wireless technologies, paving the way for groundbreaking collaboration in cutting-edge research

During the visit, the Prime Minister even met SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk, inviting him to explore opportunities in India for investments in electric mobility and the rapidly expanding commercial space sector. Musk expressed his admiration for the Prime Minister and indicated his plans to visit India next year.

MORE TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE FUTURE

Quantum, Advanced Computing, and Artificial Intelligence: India and the United States have established a Joint Indo-US Quantum Coordination Mechanism to facilitate joint research between the public and private sectors across both our countries. The United States also welcomed India’s participation in both the Quantum Entanglement Exchange and the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, which facilitates exchanges on the quantum between nations. Additionally, India and the United States signed an implanting arrangement to further support joint research on quantum, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and advanced wireless technologies—building off of the US-India Science and Technology Endowment Fund’s $2 million grant for the joint development and commercialisation of Artificial Intelligence and quantum technologies.

Cutting-edge Research: The US National Science Foundation announced 35 joint research collaborations with the Indian Department of Science and Technology and also signed a new cooperative arrangement with the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on emerging technologies. India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is making a $140 million in-kind contribution to the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Fermi National Laboratory.

Strengthening Semiconductor Supply Chains: Micron Technology – with support from the India Semiconductor Mission – will invest more than $800 million toward a new $2.75 billion semiconductor assembly and test facility in India. Applied Materials has announced it will build a Semiconductor Centre for Commercialisation and Innovation in India to further strengthen the semiconductor supply chain diversification. And, Lam Research will train 60,000 Indian engineers through its

“Semiverse Solution” to accelerate India’s semiconductor education and workforce development goals.

Advanced Telecommunications: India and the United States launched public-private Joint Task Forces, one on the development and deployment of Open RAN systems and one on advanced telecoms research and development. India’s Bharat 6G and the US Next G Alliance will co-lead this public-private research. This work will reduce costs, increase security, and improve the resiliency of telecommunication networks. With financing from the US International Development Finance Corporation, and in partnership with USAID, India and the United States are also teaming up to launch Open RAN deployments in both countries to demonstrate the scalability of this technology to enhance its competitiveness in international markets. The leaders also welcomed participation of Indian companies in the US Rip and Replace Program.

“And with this visit, we’re demonstrating once more how India and the United States are collaborating on nearly every human endeavor and delivering progress across the board, for — from designing new ways to diagnose and treat illnesses like cancer and diabetes; to collaborating on human spaceflight including sending an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station in 2024; to accelerating the global clean energy transition and tackling climate — the climate crisis we face; to harnessing our shared expertise on critical and emerging technologies like quantum computing and artificial intelligence to ensuring they are not used as tools of misinformation and oppression,” President Biden stated.

In his remarks, Modi further underlined the immense potential of harnessing India-US tech cooperation for socioeconomic growth. He also applauded the contribution of India’s talented youth in fostering a culture of innovation. President Biden called on CEOs to help expand India-US tech partnerships to new fields including biotechnology and quantum. Both leaders underscored that the India-US partnership would play an instrumental role in building a better future for our people and for the world. SP

PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI AND THE PRESIDENT OF USA, JOE BIDEN DURING THE MEETING WITH TOP CEOS AT WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON DC

MORE TEETH TO INDIAN OFFENSIVE AIR POWER

The Acquisition of MQ-9B RPAs from the US significantly enhances India’s Defence with Advanced Surveillance and Strike Capabilities

By AIR VICE MARSHAL SANJAY BHATNAGAR (RETD)

The outcome of the recent state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US has been path breaking. The visit has been extraordinarily successful with several substantive outcomes relating to semiconductors, defence acquisitions, access to critical technology and the Artemis Accord for space cooperation. Both countries have agreed on Technology and defence partnerships among others. In this new chapter on far reaching defence partnership, key takeaways have been the deal to co-produce GE’s F414 combat aircraft engines in India and the deal to procure MQ-9B UAVs. These UAVs will increase India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

India would soon be joining the elite club of other nations operating the MQ-9B including the US Air Force, US Department of Homeland Security, NASA, the Royal Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the French Air Force and the Spanish Air Force.

The modalities of acquisition were cleared ahead of Modi’s visit on June 15, 2023 by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), accordingly the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for acquisition of 31 MQ-9B (15 SeaGuardian and 16 SkyGuardian) High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAV from the US based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) through Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route, at an estimated cost of around $3.1 billion

GA-ASI, SES AND HUGHES TEAM UP TO DEMONSTRATE NEXTGEN SATCOM ON MQ-9B SKYGUARDIAN

MILITARY COMBAT DRONES

(`25,000 crore). The AoN included 15 UAVs for the Indian Navy (IN) and eight each for the Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Air Force (IAF). The case for acquisition of HALE class of UAV is being progressed by the Indian Navy as a lead service while the IAF is the lead service for procurement of MALE class of UAVs.

OPERATIONAL EXPLOITATION GLOBALLY

The USAF has made extensive use of the MQ-9 drones, especially in the Middle East and Afghanistan. At the peak of Afghanistan operations, the USAF had nearly three squadrons of MQ-9A Reapers operating from Kandahar. The drone has been employed on numerous occasions against time sensitive targets like Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Islamic State and other militant groups. Besides, the MQ-9 Reaper was also used in the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani (top commander of Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in-charge of operations in the Middle East), outside the Baghdad airport in January 2020 by firing modified Hellfire Ninja missiles. It has also been widely reported that on July 13, 2022 the United States Air Force (USAF) used the drone to fire Hellfire missile that killed the leader of AlQaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri in Afghanistan, Kabul.

Drones, especially the weaponised drones have played a stellar role during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and operations over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the mid-1990s.

A HIGHLY CAPABLE SYSTEM

The MQ-9 Reaper drone is a variant of drones manufactured by the US based GA-ASI. MQ-9B Reaper is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of being either remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations, developed primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF). The MQ-9 is the first hunter-killer UAV designed for long endurance, high altitude surveillance, it has a 950 shaft horsepower (712 kW).

The MQ-9B Reaper is 36.1 feet in length, has a 65.7 feet wingspan and a height of 12.6 feet. It has a range of 1,900 kms, is capable of carrying 1,800 kgs of fuel, can carry 1,700 kgs of weapons, including 1,361 kgs of external stores. MQ-9B has an endurance of over 27 hours, speeds of 240 KTAS, it can operate up to 50,000 feet.

It is classified as ‘Hunter Killer UAV’ because it is capable of undertaking roles such as surveillance, spying, intelligence gathering, or destroying the enemy’s location. It can operate up to 50,000 feet, and has a 3,850 pound (1,746 kilograms) payload capacity that includes 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms) of external stores.

The MQ-9B system essentially comprises of four subsystems, viz. a drone equipped with sensors and weapons; a ground control station (GCS), a Predator’s primary satellite link support systems; and a qualified team of operators.

The MQ-9B has two export versions- MQ-9B SkyGuardian and MQ-9B SeaGuardian. As the name suggests, the SeaGuardian is fitted with special equipment intended specifically for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

SkyGuardian has an over the horizon SATCOM connectivity providing a 40 hours endurance in all weather, by day and night, capable of providing realtime situational awareness globally. It seamlessly integrates into civil airspace. It can be fitted with the Lynx Multi-Mode Radar and an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor. It has automatic takeoff and landing capability. It has a longer wingspan (as compared to MQ-9A) at 79 ft. SkyGuardian provides enhanced payload capacity. Its open architecture system enables the aircraft to be integrated with the most advanced sensor payloads for intelligence gathering,

ACQUISITION OF MQ-9B DRONES

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), on June 15, 2023, accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for acquisition of 31 MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for Tri-Services from the USA through Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route. The AoN included the number of UAVs to be procured along with associated equipment.

In a Joint Statement from the United States and India, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi welcomed India’s plans to procure General Atomics MQ-9B HALE UAVs. The MQ-9Bs, which will be assembled in India, will enhance the ISR capabilities of India’s armed forces across domains. As part of this plan, General Atomics will also establish a Comprehensive Global MRO facility in India to support of India’s long-term goals to boost indigenous defence capabilities. SP

survivability and kinetic payloads. It has nine hardpoints (eight on wing and one on centerline) with a max 2,155 kg external payload capacity. Its avionics suite has been innovatively designed to meet the NATO standards as well as comply with civil airspace requirements in the US and around the world, thus, SkyGuardian seamlessly integrates with normal air traffic just like a commercial aircraft. It has nine hard points, capable of carrying 4 Hellfire (AGM-4-114) laser guided missiles and GBU-12 Paveway II Laser guided bombs.

The SeaGuardian is a modified version of SkyGuardian with “bolt-on/bolt-off” maritime sensors capability. Besides the other avionics of SkyGuardian, it has a facility of fitment of wide area maritime radar on the centre line. It offers a SATCOM endurance of 30 hours. It can be fitted with sonobuoy dispenser system (SDS) and sonobuoy management and control system (SMCS) thereby offering a superior ASW capability.

INDIAN ARMED FORCES REQUIREMENTS

India has considerably stepped up its surveillance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, using a fleet of unmanned drones. Availability of a long endurance SATCOM capable MQ-9B drones would be a big up-gradation in Indian surveillance capability.

China’s increasing naval activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including the docking of the Yuan Wang 5 ship in Sri Lanka, makes the need for the MQ-9B drone even more significant for India. The IN wants to be able to keep an eye on the movements of Chinese warships and submarines in the Indian Ocean and these UAVs are ideally suited for the task. India has a vast Maritime area which needs to be kept under surveillance apart from a huge land border with a western Pakistan and China which also needs to be kept under surveillance.

Presently, the Indian armed forces operate the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) manufactured Searcher and Heron drones. These however have limited intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability, limited ranges and endurance. Also, these UAVs lack precise automation and navigation capability. They do not have an onboard Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) receiver thus are constrained to be employed in dense traffic and heavy air defence environment. In modern air warfare there is requirement to be able to operate in highly contested airspace, have onboard terrain and collision avoidance systems, have SATCOM capability to operate at long ranges from launch bases, with

MILITARY COMBAT DRONES

redundant communication systems. Indian terrain, especially along the LAC with China need drones with higher ceiling as well. The present drones on the inventory, lack some of the above specifications and they are not weaponised. Thus, in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation there is an urgent inescapable requirement to have a weaponsied drone to meet the operational requirements of Indian armed forces. This would provide more teeth to the offensive air power at longer ranges.

INDIAN NAVY’S EXPERIENCE

The Indian Navy (IN), under emergency procurement powers delegated to the Service Headquarters has taken two MQ-9B SeaGuardian on lease since November 2020 for a year, later extended based on its more than satisfactory performance. It has logged more than 10,000 flight hours in various roles. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian, together with the P-8I Orion maritime patrol aircraft have proved to be a force multiplier for the IN. The UAV has been extensively deployed along the western borders with Pakistan and along the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China for ISR purposes, on numerous occasions.

The MQ-9B has an endurance of over 27 hours and can operate up to 50,000 feet. The naval version has an endurance of more than 36 hours, thereby providing significant loiter time, multi-modal communication, persistent surveillance and precision strike capability. Once delivered and employed, these HALE UAVs would greatly enhance the Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of the Indian armed forces, offer better situational awareness in the maritime domain awareness. The weaponised UAV SkyGuardian will be able to strike strategic targets in mountains and hills with unprecedented precision.

These MQ-9B have been undertaking multiple missions in all weather conditions, conducting long range surveillance missions and delivering real time situational awareness in the maritime domain.

INDIA’S LIKELY ACQUISITION PLANS

The agreement signed in the US will take time to translate into action when actual contours of the deal would be clear. Media reports that India has plans to acquire MQ-9B UAVs in a phased manner. The first phase would include 16 MQ-9B SeaGuardian for the IN, essentially for enhancing the maritime domain awareness in Indo-Pacific. The second phase induction is likely to witness induction of weaponised platforms for the other two services.

While the precise details of the deal in terms of its acquisition costs, delivery schedule, other equipment and accessories are yet to emerge, it is clear that these world class drones are going to be assembled in India, after the initial five from the US in semi knocked down condition. Their acquisition deal would include maintenance, overhaul and repair (MRO) of the UAVs. These are likely to be serviced initially at INS Rajali at Arakonam in Tamil Nadu, from where the IN is operating its leased UAVs. Later two

more operating and servicing bases are likely to be made operational in the northern area and another in the Northeast.

Ahead of this huge announcement in the US, GA-ASI had announced its partnerships with Indian companies including Bharat Forge to will produce sub-assemblies, assemblies and landing gear components for MQ-9B UAV.

INDIAN ALTERNATIVES

Although the plan to buy this UAV has been on the cards for a long time, its purchase got delayed due to the emphasis on self-reliance in the defence sector and limitations imposed on imports at various stages.

While Turkey, Israel, and even Iran have been able to develop and deploy long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions, most drone programmes run by India’s DRDO have not reached maturation in the last decade.

Amongst the various UAV or drone programmes being run by the DRDO, TAPAS-BH is the pioneer. It is in MALE category. The indigenously built TAPAS-BH got into limelight and became Indian media’s darling when the DRDO live streamed the footage captured by the TAPAS-BH of the Aero India 2023 show, flying at a height of 12,000 feet.

TAPAS is an acronym for Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance - Beyond Horizon-201 (TAPAS BH-201) is an under development MALE UAV. Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) has been developing it for DRDO. The development has been going full bore, last week, it successfully demonstrated transfer of command and control capabilities of TAPAS-BH between the two ground control stations (GCS) located at its launch base in Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga and onboard INS Subhadra.

TAPAS-BH is still far from operationalisation and weaponisation is a further away. The technology gained in manufacturing and MRO of high-tech MQ-9B would help the Indian industry a big way and galvanise the Indian private Defence sector, while providing the armed forces the much needed real time reliable surveillance capability. SP

INDIA JOINS ELITE NATIONS OPERATING MQ-9B DRONES, ENHANCING SURVEILLANCE ALONG THE LINE OF ACTUAL CONTROL AND IN THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION

THE BEST BET IS TO BET ON YOURSELF

Grow from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Innovate in India’ to boost India’s defence ecosystem and transform Indigenous manufacturing

By SP’S NEWS NETWORK

THE BIGGEST BOOST TO INDIAN AEROSPACE ECOSYSTEM HAS SPAWNED FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HAL’S LCA TEJAS AIRCRAFT

MILITARY MAKE IN INDIA

Recently, the government has released the fourth negative import list that enumerates the defence equipment which cannot be procured from abroad. Ergo, these items and those listed in the preceding such lists have to be ‘Made in India’. The larger goal that has been set by the Defence Minister is for India to be self reliant by the year 2047. To make the environment conducive and to enable wider participation by the Indian industry, the Government of India has rolled out schemes like the ‘Make’ procedure, the Technical Development Fund and the iDEX Scheme. These schemes endeavour to help capable, but smaller players in order that the defence ecosphere gets an overall boost.

Notwithstanding these endeavours, various international studies show that India’s defence imports have not shown a significant reduction in absolute numbers. The factors for this are numerous and include a yet-to-mature Research and Development environment plus the influx of capital that would enable it. This lack of capital inflow has implied a relatively limited defence production by India’s private sector. One study states their contribution as being a mere 25 per cent - by all accounts this is a pittance of what can be.

India’s defence import figures belie the size of the market that is available in the country. Whilst the public at large is generally aware only of big ticket purchases like aircraft, ships and tanks, the potential for domestic involvement consists of two possible verticals for manufacturers - that involving sustenance of existing equipment, besides the capital procurement of equipment. Whilst the former offers an avenue of recurring sales, the latter generally pertains to large one-time orders. Whilst it is easy to lay the blame at the door of domestic manufacturers, the requirements of the defence sector are very stringent, making the learning curve very steep for new entrants to the sector.

Here too, the aerospace sector poses unique challenges which generally deter those seeking to get involved in aerospace-related manufacturing. At the top of this heap is the issue of airborne certification which can be a protracted and invariably an expensive experience. Having successfully negotiated this phase, the manufacturer is then faced with the process of integrating his product with airborne platforms. The entire process can stretch across years. Even when certified as being airworthy, an equipment which is anything but avant-garde can face the issue of lack of business volumes. Consequently, even a simple spare replacement in the aerospace sector can prove not to be so simple. All these factors make the sector a very demanding and cost intensive domain, generally forcing the smaller players to stay at an arm’s length.

Being cognizant of these issues, the Indian Air Force which is arguably the biggest aerospace player in India has established structures that seek to help indigenous manufacturers seeking to tap into its requirements. This structure involves an outreach to the academia, industry, as also access to various testing facilities of the Indian Air Force. Many of these facilities have elements of certifying agencies embedded with them in order that time lines can be compressed, to the benefit of the buyer as well as the seller.

Such collaborations between the IAF and the industry has been beneficial to all parties involved. For instance, the biggest boost to Indian aerospace ecosystem has spawned from the development of the HAL’s LCA Tejas aircraft. Built on a foundation of close teamwork between DRDO, IAF and HAL from the get-go, the project has supported nearly 350 different vendors, each of whom has partaken in the `57,000 crore total spend for the IAF’s 130-odd Tejas aircraft built or ordered. A

similar story, would emerge from the  `11,000 crore AEW&C project and the  `6,000 crore order for 106 HTT-40 trainer aircraft. The AEW&C project in particular signifies the bond between DRDO and IAF, both having lost its personnel during the 1985 loss of the project’s Technology Demonstrator. Similar collaborations have been seen in the ALH, LUH and LCH aircraft as the aircraft attained maturity. The LCA Mk 2, AMCA and the IMRH will follow the same template. Similarly, the IAF’s ground radars and surface to air missile systems are now entirely being procured from indigenous manufacturers, with collaboration leading to continuous iterations and improvements.

Some projects like the bespoke Su-30 MKI that the IAF developed in conjunction with the Original Equipment Manufacturer, entailed the incorporation of many Indian technologies that continue to fly on the aircraft. These projects involved a three way approach between the IAF, OEM and Indian manufacturers. Many such projects – some smaller - continue to mature to fructification with industry involvement. The IAF’s Mehar Baba competition for the development of Swarm Drones has spurred many Indian firms, both, big and small to develop cutting edge technology. Currently, the IAF’s plans involve over 50 projects, worth approximately  `7,000 crore that are being processed under the ‘Make’ category. Simultaneously, over 40 start-ups have been engaged with for 32 innovation projects through the aegis of iDEX. On the ‘sustenance’ front, nearly 75,000 items have been indigenised, with many more on the anvil.

Senior defence officials added that the mantra for new entrants in the defence manufacturing sector must be to avoid time overruns. Explaining the defence procurement system, these officials added that once a contract is signed, the services allocate money based on specific milestones mentioned in the contract. In the absence of these milestones being met, the money can remain unspent. Apart from upsetting the fiscal outlay plan, such delays have an adverse impact on the capability development of the services. Highlighting the case of the LCA Tejas, our sources said that delays in the project and its successors has entailed the IAF having to continue to operate fleets that should have been phased out earlier.

The IAF’s efforts towards indigenisation highlight two aspects that are germane to India’s drive to Atmanirbharta. The first are the unique challenges thrown by manufacturing for the aerospace sector. The second aspect has been the close collaboration between the manufacturer and the IAF that has eased the journey for those who travelled this path. The next holy grail in the path to Atmanirbhar Bharat would be the transformation from indigenous manufacturing to homegrown innovation. This capital intensive transformation will not be possible without an increased participation of the private sector. The TATA C295 project is a huge leap of faith by the Government in awarding a large and complex contract to the private sector. This is sure to pay dividends in the near future. Another could be that offered by India’s new Space Policy, whereby the role of ISRO has been restricted to R&D, while NSIL has become the enabler. Adopting such an approach in the defence sector as well could give a much needed shot in the aim to the private sector.

Either way, the way ahead lies in adopting a building-block approach that permits the continuous influx of modern technology, with commercial spin offs paying additional dividends to the developer. In an ideal scenario, Design and Development should transcend from the development of technology to its proliferation, even beyond the aerospace sector. SP

DISPLAYS, DEMONSTRATIONS, DEBUTS & DEALS AT PARIS AIR SHOW 2023

Held every two years, this year’s 54th edition of the Paris Air Show marks a significant milestone as it resumes after a four-year hiatus since 2019

By AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY

The highly anticipated International Paris Air Show has made a grand comeback after a pause forced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Held every two years, this year’s show marks a significant milestone as it resumes after a four-year hiatus since 2019. Organised by SIAE, a subsidiary of GIFAS,

the French Aerospace Industries Association, the 54th edition of the Paris Air Show is being held at Le Bourget Parc des Expositions from June 19 to 25, 2023. The first four days are exclusively reserved for trade visitors, followed by three days open to the general public.

INDIA’S LOW-COST CARRIER, INDIGO PLACED A FIRM ORDER FOR 500 AIRBUS A320 FAMILY AIRCRAFT. THIS ORDER IS NOT ONLY INDIGO’S LARGEST ORDER BUT ALSO THE LARGEST-EVER SINGLE AIRCRAFT PURCHASE BY ANY AIRLINE WITH AIRBUS.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS PAS 2023

The show was only halfway through at the time of this report and already managed to turn heads and garner attention.

The show encompassed a wide range of exhibits, including aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, engines, cabin interiors, tools, software, composite materials, transport, services, airport equipment, and more. Attendees will have the chance to witness thrilling flying displays by approximately forty of the most modern aircraft in existence.

Some of the key highlights that took place during the first three days of the show have been listed below.

KEY DISPLAYS

• Some of the highlight displays at the first few days of the Paris Air Show included the Airbus Helicopters H160, Airbus A321XLR, ATR’s 72-600 Turboprop, Boeing 737 MAX 10, Boeing’s Massive 777X, Dassault’s Rafale fighter, and Embraer’s E195-E2.

• Dassault Aviation is presenting its dual civil/military know-how to professionals and the general public at the Paris Air Show. Dassault Falcon 6X made the flying display debut at the Paris Air Show.

• The H665 (formerly EC665) Tigre armed reconnaissance helicopter (ARH) demonstrated its agility at the Paris Air Show. The all-composite aircraft is in service with the French, German, Australian, and Spanish armies.

• The EcoPulse, a hybrid-electric technology demonstrator jointly developed by Daher, Safran, and Airbus made its public debut.

• VoltAero also debuted the first fullscale prototype of its Cassio 330 hybrid-electric aircraft.

• De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) unveiled a new variant of its turboprop-twin short takeoff and landing (STOL) DHC-6 Twin Otter—the Classic 300-G.

• French aerospace and engineering group Turgis & Gaillard unveiled a new medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV at the Paris Air Show. The company plans to fly the vehicle later this year.

THE NEXT-GEN FLIGHT

• Volocopter: German aircraft manufacturer, Volocopter and ADAC Luftrettung entered a collaboration partnership, signing two milestone agreements: one to purchase two

VoloCity aircraft, and another with the intention of securing 150 additional units of Volocopter’s eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing) as part of this collaboration. Additionally, Groupe ADP & Volocopter, alongside the French Civil Aviation Authority and Paris Region (DGAC), confirmed that the launch of the first eVTOL aircraft services over Paris Region skies for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games is on track. During the show, Volocopter also announced the successful conduct of its first flight trials in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time that an eVTOL aircraft received special flight authorisation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Air India, India’s former national carrier, also firmed up its order for 250 Airbus aircraft

(TOP) BOEING AND AIR INDIA ANNOUNCED THAT THEY HAVE FINALISED AN ORDER FOR UP TO 290 NEW BOEING JETS AND EXPANDED SERVICES; (ABOVE) DASSAULT FALCON 6X MADE FLYING DISPLAY DEBUT AT THE PARIS AIR SHOW. PHOTOGRAPHS: BOEING, DASSAULT AVIATION

• Eve Air Mobility: eVTOL developer, Eve Air Mobility, backed by Embraer, has collected new orders for up to 150 new aircraft. Voar Aviation, a Brazil-based general aviation service provider signed a letter of intent covering the purchase of 70 Eve eVTOL aircraft. Widerøe Zero, the sustainability division of Norwegian airline Widerøe, agreed to purchase up to 50 Eve eVTOLs. Global aircraft leasing firm Nordic Aviation Capital also signed a letter of intent covering the purchase of up to 30 Eve aircraft.

• Boom Aerospace: Boom Aerospace’s Overture supersonic airliner remains on schedule for FAA

certification by the end of this decade. Boom announced aerostructures suppliers for Overture 1, the first of its commercial models, and provided an update on the airplane’s homegrown Symphony engine programme, including the naming of a production partner.

MAJOR AEROSPACE PLAYERS BAG

LARGE ORDERS

• Embraer: Embraer signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group for 20 E190F and E195F E-Jets Passengerto-Freight Conversions (P2F). Embraer and Lanzhou intend to cooperate on establishing E190F and E195F conversion capability in Lanzhou, China, which will support and accelerate the introduction of E-Jet first-generation freighters to Chinese market. Embraer and GKN Aerospace also announced a collaboration agreement on hydrogen technological development programmes. Embraer Services & Support also launched the next-generation version of AHEAD (Aircraft Health Analysis and Diagnosis) system, at the Paris Air Show. Embraer also signed a longterm Pool Program services agreement with Star Air to support the airline’s growing E175 fleet. The contract provides access to the Pool Program, which includes component exchanges and repair services for a wide range of repairable components for the airline’s E175s.

• Airbus: Airbus had a soaring start at the Paris Air Show with orders raining in. Air India, India’s former national carrier, has firmed up its order for 250 Airbus aircraft and selected an Airbus maintenance and digital package to power the airline’s transformation and growth strategy. The aircraft order includes 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft as well as 34 A3501000 and six A350-900 wide-body jets. The airline had signed a Letter of Intent to acquire these aircraft in February 2023.

Boeing and Akasa Air announced an order for four additional 737-8 jets at the Paris Air Show

India’s low-cost carrier, IndiGo placed a firm order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. This 500 aircraft order is not only IndiGo’s largest order but also the largest-ever single aircraft purchase by any airline with Airbus. Saudi air carrier, flynas has firmed up an order with Airbus for 30 new A320neo Family aircraft. Australia’s Qantas Group has finalised an incremental order for nine A220-300s, bringing its total backlog for the single-aisle type to 29 aircraft. Philippine Airlines (PAL) has finalised a purchase agreement with Airbus for

(TOP) EMBRAER AND LANZHOU AVIATION SIGN LOA FOR 20 EMBRAER P2F CONVERSIONS; (ABOVE) QATAR AIRWAYS GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE, AKBAR AL BAKER UNVEILED THE NEW GULFSTREAM G700 IN THE PRESENCE OF QATAR’S MINISTER OF TRANSPORT.

PHOTOGRAPHS: EMBRAER, QATAR AIRWAYS

KEY HIGHLIGHTS PAS 2023

the firm order of nine A350-1000 longrange aircraft. Avolon, the international leasing company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to order 20 A330neo aircraft. Airbus Helicopters and Europavia SA, a distributor of Airbus helicopters for platforms and services serving Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, have signed a new purchase contract for six H125 helicopters to be delivered in the following years. Le Havre-Fécamp Pilot Station and Airbus Helicopters have signed a contract for the acquisition of an H135 to be used for marine pilot transfers. Apart from the orders, Airbus UpNext launched a new demonstrator programme to explore, on the ground and in flight, a new architecture for the generation of non-propulsive energy through the use of hydrogen fuel cells.

• Boeing: Boeing’s time at the Paris Air Show has also been exciting. Boeing and Akasa Air announced an order for four additional 737-8 jets at the Paris Air Show. Boeing and Air India announced they have finalised an order for up to 290 new Boeing jets and expanded services. Boeing and Air Lease Corporation announced orders for two 787 Dreamliners. Luxair, the Luxembourgish airline also announced selecting the 737-7 as it continues its single-aisle growth strategy.

Japan Airlines adopts Boeing Insight Accelerator for 787 Dreamliner fleet. Boeing and Avolon announced an order for 40 737 MAX airplanes. While Boeing and Air Algérie confirmed an order for eight fuel-efficient 737-9 jets at the Air Show. Additionally, Boeing and China Airlines finalised an order for eight 787-9 Dreamliners at the 2023 Paris Air Show. Boeing launched SAF Dashboard, a tool that tracks expected sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) capacity over the next decade. The tool is accessible on Boeing’s new “Sustainable Aerospace Together” hub.

• Gulfstream: As Gulfstream Aerospace heads toward certification of the G700 later this year, international launch customer Qatar Airways unveiled its model in the presence of Qatari dignitaries on the opening day of the Paris Air Show. Additionally, Gulfstream announced the super-midsize Gulfstream G280 has been cleared for operations at France’s Airport of the Gulf of SaintTropez located in La Môle. The G280 is on display alongside the

Gulfstream G500, Gulfstream G700, and Gulfstream G800 at the 2023 Paris Air Show.

• Monte Aircraft Leasing has now fully committed to purchasing up to 100 of ZeroAvia’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrains to turn its fleet of nine- to 19-seat regional turboprops into more sustainable, hydrogen-powered aircraft.

• United Airlines has selected Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine to power 70 Airbus A321neo and 50 A321XLR firm aircraft orders, the first of which Airbus expects to deliver this year.” SP

Detailed reports to follow in next issue – 7/2023

(TOP) VOLOCOPTER FLYING DISPLAY AT PARIS AIR SHOW 2023; (ABOVE) EVE AND VOAR AVIATION ANNOUNCED THE SIGNATURE OF A LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) TO EVALUATE THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF 70 EVTOL AIRCRAFT TO DRIVE URBAN AIR MOBILITY.

The EcoPulse, a hybrid-electric technology demonstrator also made its public debut

SOLVING THE NET ZERO CONUNDRUM WITH SAF

The aviation industry realises that SAF is the most viable option to attain the very challenging target of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 that has been set for it

By JOSEPH NORONHA

With each passing day, the threat of irreversible climate change triggered by anthropogenic global warming draws nearer. And becomes scarier. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to humanity’s unbridled combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are chiefly to blame. Climate change mitigation strategies now top the agenda of practically every sector of the economy, every decision making body and every forum.

Aviation can hardly be called a major emitter, accounting for just 2.4 per cent of global CO2 emissions. However, while other carbon-spewing industries like energy, road transport, and steel and cement manufacturing are progressively going green, air travel is incredibly difficult to decarbonise. Hence aviation’s relative share of emissions threatens to at least triple by 2050 as air traffic growth surges and other industries successfully decarbonise. At the 77th International Air Trans-

EMIRATES BOEING 777-300ER PERFORMED A DEMONSTRATION FLIGHT USING 100 PER CENT SAF TO POWER ONE OF ITS TWO GE90 ENGINES

port Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Boston in October 2021, a resolution was passed by member airlines committing them to achieving net zero carbon emissions from their operations by 2050. Just a year later, in October 2022, member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) also agreed to a long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) of net zero emissions from aviation by 2050. Net zero means the amount of GHG removed from the atmosphere is equal to that emitted by the human activity, in this case aviation.

The aviation industry has begun to put its shoulder to the wheel to achieve this very challenging target. For instance, the CFM International RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) Technology Demonstration Program, launched in June 2021, aims to slash fuel consumption and carbon emissions by more than 20 per cent compared to today’s most efficient commercial jet engines, as well as ensure compatibility with alternative energy sources like Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), electricity and hydrogen. However, just 13 per cent of the required CO2 abatement is expected from new aircraft technologies such as RISE, and 22 per cent from more efficient operations and infrastructure as well as credible offsetting schemes and direct carbon capture. The lion’s share of 65 per cent of the contribution to net zero is projected to come from SAF. While the actual shares of these options and the path to achieve them will vary depending on what measures are the most cost-effective at any particular time, IATA claims that SAF can potentially cut emissions by up to 80 per cent during its full lifecycle compared to conventional fossil fuel.

SAF SUPPORT SYSTEM

SAF, also known as biojet fuel, is specifically designed for use in aviation and aims to reduce GHG emissions and promote environmental sustainability. It is produced only from renewable sources such as biomass, agricultural waste, or non-fossil

carbon feedstocks. Although SAF releases the same amount of CO2 as normal fuel, the benefit comes from the fuel manufacturing process which can absorb CO2 up to 100 per cent of that created when burned. SAF is normally “drop-in ready” and compatible with existing aircraft fleets. It requires no change or investment from airports, as existing equipment can be used, so no additional spending is required.

Industry support for SAF production and use is therefore growing:

• Investment and Research: Airlines, aircraft manufacturers and fuel producers are investing in R&D to improve SAF production technologies and explore alternative fuel sources.

• SAF Supply Chain: The aviation industry is helping to develop a robust and sustainable supply chain. This involves establishing partnerships with feedstock suppliers, fuel producers and distributors to ensure a reliable and consistent supply of SAF. Last year over 300 million litres of SAF were produced. However, this was less than one per cent of all jet fuel used worldwide. The reason for the poor utilisation of SAF despite its many advantages is cost. While the cheapest SAF derived from waste oils costs almost twice as much as regular fuel, the power-to-liquid variety can cost four or five times as much. As utilisation increases, the economies of scale factor would lower prices.

• Demonstrations and Trials: Airlines and aircraft manufacturers regularly conduct demonstrations and trials to showcase the viability and performance of SAF. These help build confidence in the use of SAF and encourage further adoption. The number of commercial flights operated using SAF has crossed 492,000 and will easily cross half a million this year.

• Commitments: Airlines and aviation organisations are making specific commitments to reduce their carbon emissions

SWEDISH AIRLINE BRA – BRAATHENS REGIONAL AIRLINES AND THE REGIONAL AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURER ATR, SUCCESSFULLY PERFORMED THE FIRST-EVER 100 PER CENT SAF-POWERED TEST FLIGHT ON A COMMERCIAL REGIONAL AIRCRAFT

and increase the use of SAF. For instance, the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition event in September 2021 saw over 60 companies pledge to work together to power global aviation with 10 per cent SAF by 2030.

MILESTONES

Fifteen years have elapsed since the first cautious test flight of SAF involving a four-engine airliner. Here are a few major milestones on the SAF journey.

• In February 2008, Virgin Atlantic flight tested a Boeing 747 equipped with General Electric engines using a 20 per cent biofuel blend in one engine. No modifications were made to either aircraft or engines.

• In June 2011, KLM operated a Boeing 737-800 with 171 passengers from Amsterdam to Paris using a blend of waste vegetable oil. It was the world’s first commercial biofuel flight.

• In November 2021, Airbus conducted its first 100 per cent SAF test flight on the A350.

• In December 2021, United Airlines flew an aircraft full of passengers using 100 per cent SAF in one engine of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 between Chicago and Washington. The other engine used conventional jet fuel to further prove that there are no operational differences between the two types of fuel. The use of SAF is key to United’s aim of achieving net zero by 2050. It claims to be the first airline to commit to net zero 2050 without relying on offsets.

• In November, 2022 a Royal Air Force Airbus A330 MRTT Voyager – the military variant of the Airbus A330 jetliner –flew on refined cooking oil using 100 per cent SAF in both engines. It was claimed to be “the world’s first 100 per cent SAF flight using an in-service military aircraft of its size.”

• In June 2022, regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, Swedish airline Braathens Regional Airlines and SAF producer

SAF TAKES FLIGHT

○ 492,000 commercial flights operated using SAF since 2011

○ 6 airports regularly supplied with SAF

○ 2% of fuel demand can be met by SAF by 2025

○ 6 bn litres of SAF in Current forward purchase agreements by airlines

○ 9 airlines have significant off-take agreements to purchase SAF

○ 7 approved pathways for producing SAF

Source: Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders - accessed May 2023

Neste collaborated to enable the first ever 100 per cent SAFpowered test flight on a commercial turboprop aircraft.

• On January 30, 2023, an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER performed a demonstration flight using 100 per cent SAF to power one of its two GE90 engines.

• On March 9, 2023 an Airbus A321neo became the first narrow-body jet to test 100 per cent unblended SAF on both engines. All Airbus commercial and military aircraft are capable of flying with an up to a 50 per cent blend of SAF.

• Later this year, Ryanair plans to conduct the world’s first net zero transatlantic flight using 100 per cent SAF. Ryanair has set a goal of 12.5 per cent SAF use across all its flights by 2030. It has already started using a 40 per cent blend of SAF in all operations from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport through a new agreement with Neste.

• Currently airlines are only permitted to use SAF mixed with traditional fuel (limited to a maximum of 50 per cent). However, an industry campaign is now underway to secure regulatory approval for flights 100 per cent powered by SAF by 2030. It would therefore be fair to say that SAF is taking flight (see graphic).

IN NOVEMBER, 2022 A ROYAL AIR FORCE AIRBUS A330 MRTT VOYAGER – THE MILITARY VARIANT OF THE AIRBUS A330 JETLINER COMPLETES FIRST 100 PER CENT SAF TEST FLIGHT ON BOTH ENGINES

INDIAN INITIATIVES

India’s first biofuel-powered flight occurred in August 2018 when a SpiceJet Bombardier Q400 aircraft flew from Dehradun to Delhi. One engine of the turboprop used a blend of 75 per cent conventional fuel and 25 per cent bio-jet fuel made from jatropha plants. Since then there have been several flights using SAF.

In December 2021, low-cost carrier IndiGo partnered with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) to produce and deploy SAF. In February 2022, IndiGo took delivery of its first aircraft from Airbus that operated on a blend of SAF and normal fuel. The flight from Toulouse to Delhi was the first international flight to be operated by an Indian carrier using SAF. IndiGo has also joined the WEF’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition.

In May 2023, full-service carrier Vistara operated a Boeing 787 aircraft on the Delhi-Mumbai route, using a blend of 17 per cent SAF with 83 per cent conventional fuel. This was the first domestic commercial flight on a wide-body aircraft with SAF.

Union Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently stated, “We have put together an advisory saying we will look at one per cent blending of SAF by 2025, 2 per cent by 2026, and five per cent by 2030,” To this end, an SAF produced using home-grown technology from cooking oil and seeds of oilbearing plants is likely to be certified internationally this year. With demand for air travel surging, reduction of GHG emissions due to aviation is crucial to meet India’s commitments to reduce its overall emissions in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. India has pledged to reduce the country’s emissions by 35

per cent before 2030, in comparison to the emissions levels in 2005.

SAF FOR SUSTAINABILITY

In May 2023, Boeing’s president and CEO David Calhoun warned that SAF will “never achieve the price of jet fuel”. So where does the aviation industry go from here?

Passing on some of SAF’s high cost to passengers may help to regulate demand growth. The revenues thus generated could be used to foster low-carbon innovation and address the potential economic hardship of the industry. Frequent flyers who account for around half of all aviation emissions could also be taxed. Higher taxes on business and first class tickets may help curb discretionary flying. Unwelcome and unpopular as these measures are bound to be, they may ultimately be required for aviation to be sustainable.

A decade or so ago, sustainability was an “also ran” item on the aviation industry’s agenda. Today it tops the list of priorities. A decarbonised air transport industry is the ultimate aim. Complicating the industry’s task is that it must reduce emissions even as it accommodates the growing demand of a world keen to fly. In fact, IATA estimates that there will be around four billion passengers worldwide in 2024, equalling the number in 2019, before COVID-19 caused a drastic plunge. By mid-century the number could hit an eye-popping 10 billion passengers.

The aviation industry realises that SAF is the most viable option to attain the very challenging target of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 that has been set for it. It is therefore going all out to support a massive increase in the production and use of SAF. SP

INDIGO’S FIRST EVER SAF AIRCRAFT TOUCHES DOWN. THE FLIGHT FROM TOULOUSE TO DELHI WAS THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TO BE OPERATED BY AN INDIAN CARRIER USING SAF.

An industry campaign is now underway to secure regulatory approval for flights 100 per cent powered by SAF by 2030

TWITTER

By AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY

A FLEET OF FALCONS LINED UP AT THE AIRCRAFT DISPLAY. DASSAULT FALCON JET CELEBRATED ITS 60 YEARS AT EBACE2023

SHOW REPORT EBACE 2023

Business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, flight department personnel, and all stakeholders involved in nearly every aspect of business aviation from across the world came together at Europe’s largest business convention. Game-changing technologies, the debut of new aircraft, groundbreaking solutions for sustainable flight, and exciting market opportunities took center stage at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) 2023. EBACE2023 featured a full and bustling exhibit floor, a sold-out aircraft display, and packed sessions on the show floor, including in the new sustainability theater. Held from 23-25 May at the Palexpo convention center and adjacent Geneva Airport (GVA), the annual event co-hosted by National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). The annual meeting place showcased on-demand aircraft, advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, and the multitude of services available to operators.

“At EBACE, we saw how business aviation is reinventing the technology of flight to take on new missions, serve new customers, and connect the world sustainably. For decades, our industry has pioneered breakthroughs to fly not only further but more efficiently, and at EBACE, we accelerated our incredible pace of innovation,” said EBAA Chairman Juergen Wiese.

The show opened with a blockbuster keynote with Formula One powerhouse duo Toto and Susie Wolff. The global superstars in racing, business, and philanthropy extolled the shared aims of racing and business aviation, pointing to parallels for safety, sustainability, technical excellence, diversity, and high performance.

In a first-of-its-kind panel on the show’s media day, CEOs from the top aircraft manufacturers shared their investments in low-emissions technologies and united goal of decarbonising business aviation.

This year’s EBACE2023 Career Day, with dozens of students in attendance, kicked off with Mack Rutherford, the youngest person to fly solo around the world. After Rutherford discussed his advice for reaching ever-higher altitudes in life, the students were provided with peer-to-peer learning opportunities and a tour of the EBACE exhibit floor and aircraft display.

More than a dozen companies new to EBACE exhibited at the First Time Exhibitor Pavilion on the Palexpo show floor. The exhibitors included companies such as IFE Products, Flight Research, Flowings, Bureau Veritas, TraviPay, General Aviation Services (GAS), and others.

AIRCRAFT STATIC DISPLAY

According to organisers, nearly 50 aircraft were on display—including

business jets, turboprops, and piston-engine aircraft. Airbus Corporate Jets, Avionmar, BBS Aviation, Boeing Business Jets, Bombardier, Cirrus Aircraft, Daher, Dassault, Eclipse Aerospace, Embraer, Gogo Business Aviation, Gulfstream Aerospace, Honda Aircraft, Jet HQ, Piaggio Aerospace, Pilatus Aircraft, Piper Aircraft and others showcased their aircraft on static display.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

With a drumbeat of announcements from aircraft manufacturers, the show featured some of the most exciting additions to the industry.

• Textron Aviation’s new Cessna Citation Ascend was unveiled. EBACE attendees had access to a Citation Ascend mock-up. The aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2025.

• Airbus Corporate Jets chose EBACE2023 for the first public appearance of its new ACJ TwoTwenty.

• Bombardier debuted its award-winning Challenger 3500 business jet to the European market. The Challenger 3500 business jet, will be on display at the European airshow. The aircraft boasts the first eco app (subject to availability) solution available in business aviation, optimising flight plans for a reduced environmental footprint.

• Gulfstream’s all-new ultralong-range Gulfstream G800 made its Continental debut, arriving in Geneva for the EBACE2023. The first G800 flight test article flew from Savannah to Geneva on a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Gulfstream’s dedicated supply.

• Piaggio Aerospace debuted a corporate shuttle variant of the Avanti Evo at EBACE2023. The shuttle-configured Evo, with seating for seven passengers in a high-density arrangement, is aimed at businesses and charter operators wishing to offer group transportation.

EMBRAER’S PRAETOR 500 AND THE PRAETOR 600, EACH THE MOST ADVANCED IN ITS CATEGORY, WERE PRESENT AT THE SHOW

A record number of exhibitors signed the EBACE Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge, making this year’s convention perhaps the most sustainable ever.

• Embraer exhibited three of their newest industry-leading jets at EBACE2023 including the Phenom 300E, Embraer’s best-selling jet for 11 years in a row. It is also the world’s fastest and longest-ranged single-pilot jet. The Praetor 500, and the Praetor 600, each the most advanced in its category, were also present at the show.

• Dassault Falcon Jet celebrated its 60 years at EBACE2023 by bringing in its new Falcon 6X prototype and the cabin mock-up for the forthcoming Falcon 10X, along with the Falcon 2000LXS twinjet and 8X trijet.

• German-based, Lilium Jet and Swiss private aircraft and helicopter operator, Air-Dynamic signed an agreement for five Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft.

• Leading Italian business aviation operator Air Corporate placed a firm order for 43 helicopters from Airbus on the concluding day of EBACE2023. The helicopters include 40 single-engine helicopters (H125/H130) plus three ACH160s from Airbus Corporate Helicopters in Line configuration with the Lounge package to add to two ACH160s already on order. The latest announcement expands on 28 additional orders from Verona-based Air Corporate in recent years as part of an ongoing fleet expansion. In the past two years alone, Air Corporate has taken delivery of 17 Airbus helicopters, including the first of two twinengine H135s.

• At EBACE Leonardo presented an exclusive update on the Agusta brand exclusives initiatives, with a particular focus on the AGUSTA FOR YOU service and maintenance package dedicated to private operators. The AGUSTA FOR YOU plan is available to all the Leonardo heli-

copters, and it offers on-demand possibilities of annual interiors refurbishment, coverage of entertainment system (parts and troubleshooting), coverage of engines in the case of unscheduled events (with performance guaranteed) and engine loan service. Leonardo also exhibited on static display a VIP-configured AW109 GrandNew light twin helicopter. The AW109 GrandNew features a streamlined, stylish shape and unrivaled elegance in its interior finishes, in addition to advanced avionics. At EBACE2023, Sloane Helicopters, the Leonardo VIP/corporate helicopters regional distributor for the UK and Ireland, also revealed orders for two additional AW109 light twins.

• Bestfly, an Angolan business jet and commercial operator, acquired MS Aviation, an Austrian company that manages aircraft assets, as part of its broader European expansion strategy.

• HondaJet Elite II, which recently received type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, was on static display at EBACE for the first time.

• According to Jetcraft’s preowned business jet market projection presented at EBACE2023, corporate purchasers are returning to the business aviation market as a result of the coronavirus epidemic, increasing demand and raising preowned aircraft values.

• Embraer attended EBACE with a new deal from NetJets worth more than $5 billion as a commitment to sustainability. “We saw amazing new aircraft announced and debuted, designed to meet the needs of an evolving global business marketplace. We had a first-hand look at the fuels, propulsion systems, and technologies that will lead to net-zero flight. We were inspired by the trailblazers in our industry who are championing teamwork and inclusion. EBACE showed us all that is possible today, and how our shared vision will shape tomorrow,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

SUSTAINABILITY

EBACE’s three-day Sustainability Summit convened experts to detail the many ways entrepreneurs and companies are making the sector ever more sustainable on the ground and in the air.

Avfuel contributed to the supply of sustainable fuel (SAF) for aircraft that were travelling to the business aviation exhibition in Geneva because sustainability was a major topic at this year’s EBACE. It worked together to deliver Neste SAF to the flight departments of three major business aircraft producers—Dassault Falcon Jet, Embraer Executive Jets, and Textron Aviation— before their transatlantic flights, with

CEOs from the top aircraft manufacturers shared their investments in low-emissions technologies and united goal of decarbonising business aviation

GULFSTREAM’S LARGE-CABIN G700 AND ULTRA-LONG RANGE G800 ON STATIC DISPLAY AT EBACE2023

the delivery locations being Little Rock, Arkansas (KLIT), Melbourne, Florida (KMLB), and Wichita, Kansas (KICT).

Those EBACE-designated fuel loads offered a 76-tonne decrease in life cycle carbon emissions, or the emissions from utilising 176 barrels of oil, at an average 30 per cent SAF mix ratio.

EBACE2023 promoted the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with a sold-out supply of SAF at GVA for the show week, availability of the fuel at select US airports with EBACE-bound flights, and an EBACE book-and-claim option at a US airport where the fuel is not present. Carbon emissions from all attendees’ travel to and from the show, and from the 22 hotels and the shuttle buses used for EBACE were offset by carbon credits provided through a partnership with 4AIR. A record number of exhibitors signed the EBACE Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge, making this year’s convention perhaps the most sustainable ever.

A keynote session also included SolarStratos CEO Raphaël Domjan, the visionary pilot whose solar-powered aircraft, capable of flights into the stratosphere, could reshape the very definition of aviation. A newsmakers series brought together leaders from government, industry, and philanthropy on transforming aviation’s most pressing challenges into its most promising opportunities. In one newsmakers session on sustainable propulsion, engineers reported on testing hybrid-electric and 100 per cent SAF-powered aircraft – nearly ready for commercialisation.

Industry-wide efforts to reduce carbon emissions took center stage during EBACE’s two-day Sustainability Summit. Sessions included panelists from a variety of businesses with discussions evolving around electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL), SAF, and carbon offset practices.

While advancements to fight climate change were being made at the organisational level, EBACE itself made a pledge to make its event a “more sustainable show.” EBACE2023’s Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge included managing the show’s waste, water, and energy

usage in an effort to reduce the event’s total environmental impact. Energy usage at the convention center and hotels were tracked, and the carbon emissions were offset, including travel to and from the show, organisers said. Lighting was reduced, and HVAC systems were turned off while exhibitors set up and moved out. Nearly 80 per cent of the waste generated at the center was sorted on-site, with 48 per cent being recycled. At least 75 per cent of the carpets used for the show were also recycled, and food was sourced locally.

“The business aviation community is committed to sustainability and carbon reduction in everything we do, from the airport to the show floor and beyond,” said Chris Strong, NBAA senior vice president of events. It was one of the most carbon-neutral shows to date, Strong said. “We were committed to sustainability on the ground and in the air.”

Last year, in honour of EBACE2022, Jet Aviation made history by providing SAF to Geneva Airport for the first time. This year, they’ve done it once more. The Zurich-based service provider imported a stock of 30 per cent blended SAF in collaboration with the producer of renewable fuel TotalEnergies, and made it available to pilots flying into the company’s Geneva FBO at EBACE2023.

The annual meeting place showcased on-demand aircraft, advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, and the multitude of services available to operators

(ABOVE LEFT- RIGHT) DELEGATES, VISITORS AND ATTENDEES EXPLORE THE IMPRESSIVE OUTDOOR STATIC DISPLAY OF AIRCRAFT; (RIGHT) A TEXTRON CESSNA BEECHCRAFT AIRCRAFT ON DISPLAY.

EBACE

Embraer also ensured its shift towards sustainability by primarily using SAF and investing in the development of lowto-zero emission alternative propulsion technologies. These included electrification, hybrid electric, and hydrogen. Due to their quick advancements in these technologies, they are expected to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

THE INNOVATION PAVILION

The future of business aviation was displayed at the Innovation Pavilion—EBACE’s center for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), where companies such as Lilium, Honeywell, Voltaero SAS, and ARC Aerosystems shared their latest technologies. VoltAero’s Cassio 330 hybrid-electric demonstrator made its debut.

Lilium Jet unveiled a full-scale mockup of the Pioneer Edition, which features a club-four seating configuration that gives more space than the standard six-seater Shuttle version. 50 Pioneer Edition aircraft are scheduled to be built by Lilium, with 25 already going to charter companies eVolare and Air-Dynamic. This all-electric Lilium Jet version, which has 30 ducted fans in its canard and wings, is anticipated to be delivered by the beginning of 2026.

Solar Stratos, an aircraft that aimed to fly to the edge of space on solar power, was also among the sustainabilityfocused aircraft at the show. A mockup of the unpressurised, two-seat Mission Solar Stratos prototype was on display on the show floor.

Bombardier announced the existence of the larger EcoJet blended-wing research demonstrator at EBACE2023, one year after introducing the smaller EcoJet model. This new aircraft, which has an 18-foot wingspan and is twice as big as the previous scale model, marks the end of the first phase of the test programme and the beginning of the second. In order to achieve the industry’s aim of having net-zero emissions by the year 2050, the business believes this second phase will eventually result in an aircraft design with lower carbon emissions.

In a top-billed session, Patrick Ky, the executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and Michael Huerta, the former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator who served on the boards of Joby and Delta Air Lines, talked with advanced air mobility (AAM) developers. With leaders promising certification and the first commercial flights by 2024 – and several AAM aircraft displayed on the show floor – EBACE affirmed that the new mode of air transport would soon become a reality.

The experts at EBACE also talked about artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for improving the automation of flight controls or even the development of fully autonomous aircraft or using AI on the ground to help improve operational efficiency.

EBACE2023 was an exceptional event that highlighted the progress and potential of the business aviation industry. With groundbreaking technologies, new aircraft introductions, sustainable solutions, and a focus on innovation, the convention provided valuable insights into the future of aviation. As the industry continues to evolve, EBACE remains a premier platform for collaboration, inspiration, and advancing the global business aviation sector. SP

Lilium Jet unveiled a full-scale mockup of the Pioneer Edition, which features a club-four seating configuration that gives more space than the standard sixseater Shuttle version

(CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) BOMBARDIER CHALLENGER 3500 MAKES EUROPEAN DEBUT; GULFSTREAM SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATOR; THE LILIUM JET MOCK-UP ON EXHIBIT.

BOMBARDIER, EBACE

DASSAULT CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF FALCON BUSINESS JETS

As its advanced new models prepare to take the stage, Dassault looks back at its six decades journey

By AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY

May 4, 2023, marked a significant milestone for Dassault Aviation as it celebrated the 60th anniversary of the first flight of the Dassault Falcon 20, which later became the foundation of the renowned Falcon jet family.

In the aftermath of World War Two, the French government recognised the importance of the country’s aviation sector and encouraged French plane manufacturers to develop aircraft that could rival those of the United States and Great Britain. Dassault Aviation, already renowned for its sleek Mirage fighters, embraced this challenge and on May 4, 1963, introduced the Mystère 20, its first business jet. Recognising the potential

in the American market, the aircraft was later rebranded as the Falcon 20. And today, after more than 2,700 business jets delivered, Dassault Aviation continues to uphold its tradition of crafting beautiful, advanced-technology aircraft.

Marcel Dassault, the founder of Dassault Aviation, famously stated, “For an aircraft to fly well, it must be beautiful.” This sentiment was embodied in the Falcon 20, which captivated aviation leaders such as Charles Lindbergh, Juan Trippe (CEO of Pan Am), and Fred Smith (founder of FedEx), states the aerospace manufacturer. “The formula has not changed. Every Dassault aircraft must have superb handling, beautiful lines, and rugged con-

THE JOURNEY BEGAN IN 1963, WHEN FALCONS WERE KNOWN AS MYSTÈRE 20S, WITH THE VISIT OF CHARLES LINDBERGH TO DASSAULT

struction. And, of course, it has to provide state-of-the-art comfort,” said Dassault Aviation’s Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier.

The Falcon 20 became the precursor to 25 different model types, attracting not only entrepreneurs but also government agencies and armed forces worldwide. Its pioneering safety features, including the utilisation of robust fighter structures and systems, set new standards for safety advancements in the industry, including technologies like head-up cockpit displays and digital flight controls.

In 1966 the aircraft was first renamed the Dassault Fan Jet Falcon and soon after shortened to the Dassault Falcon 20. Over the coming years, various improvements were made, and because of the aircraft’s popularity, Dassault began work on variants like the smaller Falcon 10 and larger 30-seat Falcon 30. The Falcon 30 then led to the three-engined Falcon 50. In total, during its production run between 1965 and 1991, Dassault built 512 examples of the Falcon 20.

“Those past decades have allowed us to build the legacy and the technical grounds which makes us confident in our ability to develop future airplanes that fit our customer expectations. Sixty years on, Falcons are still completely distinctive in the business jet world: beautiful, delightful to fly, and always on the leading edge of technology, bringing safety, comfort, and productivity benefits to their operators,” said Trappier.

WHEN THE BIRD WAS FOUND

The inaugural flight of the Falcon 20 took place on May 4, 1963. The flight was scheduled later in the day due to the presence of Charles Lindbergh, who visited the Dassault assembly plant in Mérignac, France, to inspect the new business jet on behalf of

60 YEARS OF INNOVATION

1963

The Falcon 50 ushered in a new era of business aircraft that could fly trans-continental and transoceanic safely and comfortable. It was the first with a trijet layout and the first civil aircraft with a supercritical wing. And it launched Dassault’s computer-aided design leadership.

When Falcons were known as Mystère 20s, they caught the Eagle eye of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh, who visited Dassault and reported to his Pan Am CEO, Juan Trippe, that he was “tremendously impressed”. With that, their search for a business aircraft ended and hundreds were ordered.

1976

Based on fighter jet technology pioneered by Dassault, the Falcon 2000 became the first civilian aircraft equipped with a Head Up Display (HUD). HUD equipment allowed Falcon pilots to hand fly approaches to CAT III minimums — the most difficult approaches to fly.

1983

A tough economy didn’t stop Dassault from responding to user demand for longer range and more comfort. The Falcon 900, launched at the Paris Airshow, was the first business jet designed as a digital model and had the first cockpit with an electronic flight instrument system.

1993

The Falcon 2000LXS twinjet became one of the most popular large-cabin business jets in the world, especially in the US It’s a unique combination of airfield agility, fuelefficiency, quiet and widebody comfort. The ultimate 2000 Series refinement, it includes the EASy II cockpit.

2001

The historic and dazzling launch of the Falcon 7X introduced digital fly-bywire, the EASy flight deck and composite materials to the business jet world, innovations derived from Dassault’s fighter aircraft. Its 3D digital development was all-encompassing, from design to production.

2013

2021

Another historic year for Falcons came with two new programmes in development simultaneously. The Falcon 6X and the Falcon 10X. Each in its own way groundbreaking. In cabin size and flexibility. In flight deck technology, aerostructures and wing architecture. And more to come.

Source: www.dassaultfalcon.com/about-us/

(TOP) IN 1976, FALCON 50 USHERED IN A NEW ERA OF BUSINESS AIRCRAFT THAT COULD FLY TRANS-CONTINENTAL SAFELY AND COMFORTABLY; (ABOVE) THE FALCON 900, LAUNCHED IN 1983, WAS THE FIRST BUSINESS JET DESIGNED AS A DIGITAL MODEL AND HAD THE FIRST COCKPIT WITH AN ELECTRONIC FLIGHT INSTRUMENT SYSTEM.

Pan Am. After Lindbergh’s departure, the aircraft was prepared for its historic flight. Lindbergh was so impressed with the Falcon 20 that he reportedly wired Juan Trippe, the CEO of Pan Am, saying, “I’ve found our bird.” This led to Pan Am’s order of 40 units, with an option for an additional 120, and the establishment of Pan Am Business Jets, which eventually evolved into Dassault Falcon Jet (DFJ), wholly owned by Dassault Aviation. DFJ now represents and supports Falcons in the United States and the Western Hemisphere from its headquarters in Teterboro, New Jersey.

In 1973, Fred Smith propelled FedEx to success with a fleet of 33 Falcon 20s modified with large cargo doors. The US Coast Guard also recognised the Falcon 20’s capabilities and ordered 41 units, designated as the HU-25, for search and rescue missions. Overall, Dassault produced nearly 500 aircraft from the 20-series.

With more than 2,130 Falcons currently operating in over 90 countries, the Falcon 2000 series stands as the best-selling model, offering exceptional fuel efficiency and economy across its various iterations. The Falcon 900 series, known for its versatility and consistent updates, follows as the second-best seller, with 553 deliveries, including two recently delivered to the Royal Air Force for VIP transportation. Additionally, the Falcon 7X/8X, featuring fly-by-wire technology, has gained popularity, with approximately 400 aircraft delivered.

TRACING BACK THE HISTORY

The Falcon 50 was the first civil aircraft with supercritical wings, improving transonic performance and high-lift characteristics for better handling at high speeds and in challenging conditions. The series was updated with the 2000EX

in 2002, featuring PW308C turbofan engines, an EASy flight deck, and a range of 3,878 nm. The 2000LX, the current version introduced in 2009, added blended winglets and increased the range to 4,000 nm. In 2001, Dassault announced the Falcon 7X, an ultra-long-range trijet with a range of 5,950 nm. It became the first fully fly-by-wire business jet, incorporating Dassault’s digital flight control system. The Falcon 8X, introduced in 2009, offered a longer range of 6,450 nm and up to 20 per cent better fuel efficiency than other ultra-long-range aircraft. It featured FalconEye, a combined vision system head-up display, and a three-zone cabin with advanced amenities and connectivity.

Today, Dassault’s values, design ethos, and relentless focus on elegant lines inside and out are embodied in two new airplanes, the 5,500 nm Falcon 6X and the 7,500 nm Falcon 10X. These two jets, boasting the largest cabins by cross-section in business aviation, redefine long-range comfort and have been recognised with prestigious interior design awards. These are the two largest cabins by cross section in business aviation, setting a new standard for long-range comfort.

The Falcon 6X, set to enter service this year, features Dassault’s most advanced digital flight control system to date. Meanwhile, the Falcon 10X, currently in the early stages of assembly, will offer even more advanced systems and safety features.

From the inaugural flight of the Falcon 20 to the introduction of state-of-the-art models like the Falcon 6X and 10X, Dassault has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in business aviation. Dassault Aviation’s celebration of 60 years of Falcon business jets is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, design excellence, and customer satisfaction,

the company underlined. SP

(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) BASED ON FIGHTER JET TECHNOLOGY, THE FALCON 2000 BECAME THE FIRST CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH A HEAD UP DISPLAY (HUD) IN 1993; IN 2001, LAUNCH OF THE FALCON 7X INTRODUCED DIGITAL FLY-BYWIRE, THE EASY FLIGHT DECK AND COMPOSITE MATERIALS TO THE BUSINESS JET WORLD; THE FALCON 2000LXS TWINJET BECAME ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR LARGE-CABIN BUSINESS JETS IN THE WORLD DURING 2013; YEAR 2021 WAS HISTORIC AS FALCONS CAME WITH TWO NEW PROGRAMMES IN DEVELOPMENT SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE FALCON 6X AND THE FALCON 10X.

NBAA CONDEMNS DISREGARD FOR BUSINESS AVIATION’S SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP

NBAA Exposes Misleading Study Dismissing BA’s Sustainability Leadership while Defending Business Aviation’s Environmental Commitment and Economic Importance

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has forcefully challenged a DC-based think tank’s study for promoting a misleading caricature of business aviation that ignores the sector’s sustainability leadership and the industry’s essential role in the nation’s economy and transportation system.

The report, released by the partisan, Washington, DC-based Institute for Policy Studies, omits key information about the game-changing innovations that continually lower the carbon footprint for business aviation, and overlooks independent survey data that provides a true representation of the industry as one comprised mostly of small and mid-size companies, flying largely to communities lacking airline service, typically with mid-level employees aboard.

The association said that included among the countless companies fitting this description are those like the Pullman, WA-based company that uses a business airplane to monitor key installations providing power to the region’s electric grid; the Minnesota-based frozen-food company that flies a turboprop aircraft to reach distribution centers in small towns across the US and the Phoenix, AZ-based medical company whose airplanes transport doctors to patients in isolated rural areas.

“Further, the report pointedly minimises the industry’s legacy of achievements in sustainable flight,” including lightweight

composites, winglets and satellite-based avionics, as well as business aviation’s growing use of sustainable aviation fuels shown to reduce aviation carbon emissions by as much as 80 per cent – all of which are key to the industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions from business aircraft by 2050, NBAA said.

As a final deceptive claim, the study suggests dramatic hikes in costs for those relying on business aviation to operate in the nation’s air transportation system, looking past the reality – as noted by no less an authority than the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) – that the system’s costs are largely driven by the operations of commercial airlines, given the scale and complexity of the carriers’ hub-and-spoke operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has long used the same economist-accepted cost-allocation methodology to reach the same conclusion.

“Unsurprisingly, the report provides none of this information, instead falling back on the tired practice of disparaging an entire industry to sound a predictable call for a raft of punitive taxes, fees and regulations disguised as ‘proposals,’” the Association noted. “Rather than being distracted by the overheated rhetoric the report offers in support of this agenda, NBAA urges an honest discussion of business aviation’s societal benefits and environmental leadership.” SP

— By SP’s Special Correspondent

NBAA STRESSES THE INDUSTRY’S COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVING NET-ZERO EMISSIONS FROM BUSINESS AIRCRAFT BY 2050

SOLAR IMPLULSE 2: HIGH ON SUNLIGHT

While Solar Impulse’s ability to fly while the sun shone was undoubted, its batteries had to store enough energy to keep the four propellers spinning through the dark night-time hours

On July 26, 2016, Solar Impulse 2 landed in Abu Dhabi to cheering crowds. After 14 months of travel and 550 hours in the air, the Swiss long-range experimental solar-powered aircraft had accomplished what many experts had deemed impossible: flying 40,000 km around the Earth – including over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans – without a drop of liquid fuel. Flown alternately by Swiss engineer and businessman André Borschberg, and Swiss psychiatrist and balloonist Bertrand Piccard, it completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth by a piloted fixed-wing aircraft using only the sun’s vibrant rays to power its four electric motors.

The idea had occurred to Piccard after he made the first, non-stop, round-the-world flight in a balloon in 1999. His Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon only just managed to reach its destination, landing with virtually no reserves of the propane gas it had been burning to remain airborne. But aviation industry insiders said Piccard’s solar plane was an impossible dream because, to have enough solar panels, it would need to be massive, yet extremely light. However, his idea was enthusiastically received by Borschberg, who had trained as a pilot in the Swiss Air Force, and was now working at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. The duo officially announced their project in 2003. After building and testing Solar Impulse 1, a prototype, they constructed Solar Impulse 2, optimised for long-distance flight, reduced energy consumption and improved performance. From the carbon fibre and other materials required for this ultra-lightweight plane, to the electronics necessary to create its super-efficient motors, every tiny component had to be optimised to the limit. The final product was the fruit of the efforts of a core team of 150 people, 80 partners and 80 companies, including Solvay, Omega, Schindler and ABB.

Solar Impulse 2’s delicate wings and fuselage were covered with 17,248 photovoltaic solar cells, each roughly the thickness of a human hair. These cells could absorb sunlight and charge the plane’s four highly efficient lithium-ion batteries. While the aircraft’s ability to fly while the sun shone was undoubted, its batteries had to store enough energy to keep the four propellers spinning through the dark night-time hours. The flight profile was tailored accordingly – climbing to around 8,500 m during the day and collecting as much solar energy as possible, and then gliding down to about 1,500 m during the night to conserve battery charge. In theory the

plane could fly on forever in this manner. But the lone pilot obviously could not.

Solar Impulse 2 was incredibly light. Its wingspan of 71.9 m was only slightly less than that of an Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner. But while a fully-loaded A380 weighs around 575 tonnes, the carbon-fibre Solar Impulse 2 weighed only about 2.3 tonnes, or scarcely more than a sport utility vehicle (SUV). The aircraft’s wings could not be banked more than five degrees, otherwise it might spin out of control. Its cockpit was unpressurised. But it had advanced avionics, and a simple autopilot that allowed the pilot to steal cat naps. It also carried oxygen, permitting flight up to an altitude of 12,000 m. While it had a maximum speed of 140 km/h, it generally cruised at 90 km/h by day, reducing to 60 km/h at night to save power. It had no reserve fuel, so if the batteries malfunctioned or their charge were exhausted, the plane would be incapable of continuing.

Unlike the early aviation pioneering flights, this one needed a strong ground organisation. A mission control centre was established in Monaco using satellite links to gather real-time flight telemetry and remain in constant contact with the aircraft and its support team. The route was entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, eastward from Abu Dhabi. Mission control also predicted the weather and guided the aircraft through areas where it could absorb enough solar energy to survive the long night ahead. Since the plane was very vulnerable to adverse weather, the pilot had to wait patiently till good weather conditions were predicted along the route of each leg. Crossing the Pacific and Atlantic oceans took up to five days and nights. The longest of the 16 legs, an 8,924 km flight from Nagoya, Japan, to Hawaii, US, lasted nearly 118 hours. During this stage, Borschberg broke the absolute world record for the longest duration uninterrupted solo flight. It was just one of 19 official aviation records set during the journey. On these very long flights, the pilot could keep the plane flying on autopilot and take 20-minute naps. He would practise yoga and other exercises to promote blood flow and remain alert. His seat also served as a toilet seat.

However, extraordinary as the Solar Impulse 2 expedition was, in the end it showed that the prospect of pure solar-powered commercial aircraft is still remote. SP

— JOSEPH NORONHA

APPOINTMENTS

MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

CIVIL AVIATION SECRETARY

Chanchal Kumar, a 1992–batch Bihar cadre IAS, will take over as the new Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation after the incumbent Rajiv Bansal retires on August 31, 2023. Kumar, is currently the Managing Director of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, will join as OSD in the Civil Aviation Ministry on August 1, and take charge as Secretary after Rajiv Bansal retires.

INDIAN AIR FORCE

DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took over as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff on May 15, 2023. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned in the fighter stream on December 6, 1986. The Air Marshal is a Qualified Flying Instructor as well as an Experimental Test pilot, with over 3,300 hours of flying experience on fighter, trainer and transport aircraft. He participated in Operation Safed Sagar and Rakshak. He has earlier served as Principal Director Air Staff Requirement, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects) & Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) at Air Headquarters. The Air Officer has also been the Air Defence Commander of Southern Air Command and was Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command prior to taking over as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.

AIR OFFICER-IN-CHARGE ADMINISTRATION

Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar Anand took over as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA) on June 1, 2023. An alumnus of National Defence Academy, the Air Marshal was commissioned in Administrative Branchof the Indian Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller on June 13, 1987. In a career spanning over 36 years, the Air Marshal has held various field and staff appointments. Prior to his present appointment, he was Director General (Administration) at Air Headquarters, New Delhi.

IATA: CHAIR, IATA BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo has assumed her duties as Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG) for a one-year term, effective from June 5, 2023. Makolo is the 81st Chair of the IATA BoG and the first woman to take on this role. She has served on the BoG since November 2020. Makolo started her aviation career in 2017 when she was appointed as RwandAir’s Deputy CEO in Charge of Corporate Affairs. She was named CEO in April 2018.

ATR: SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT COMMERCIAL

Alexis Vidal has been appointed Senior Vice President Commercial for ATR, effective June 26, 2023. Alexis has held several senior management roles within the aerospace and defence industry. He began his career with the Airbus Group in 2004, moved to Airbus Helicopters in 2007 and held various management positions. He was appointed Vice President Sales for Energy and Leasing segments in 2016. He moved to Airbus Commercial Aircraft as Head of Sales for Customer Services in 2019. In his last position in 2021, Alexis was Head of Marketing for widebody programmes.

CFM: EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

CFM International has appointed Jérôme Morhet as Executive Vice President,Commercial Engines Division, Safran Aircraft Engines. As part of the CFM Executive Team, Morhet is responsible for overseeing the CFM56 and LEAP programs, working closely with his counterparts at GE, LEAP engine and CFM56 product line, to monitor engineering, development, production, and services activities for these programs. Morhet also serves as Vice President of CFM programs for Safran Aircraft Engines.

EMBRAER

VICE PRESIDENT, FREIGHTER

Embraer has appointed Mark Neely to the position of Vice President Freighter, in its Commercial Aviation division, effective June 1, 2023. Neely boasts extensive experience in both the passenger and freighter markets and is set to lead the company’s growing focus on the Passenger to Freighter (P2F) aircraft opportunities and market development. He previously served as Vice President Sales & Marketing, Head of Region for North America, managing some of Embraer’s largest customers, serving all the major airlines in the US.

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, DEFENSE & SECURITY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Embraer announced the appointment of Frederico Lemos to the position of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for international businesses of Embraer Defense & Security. Lemos took office on June 1 and is based in Lisbon, Portugal.

Lemos started in the Portuguese Air Force. In 2011, he joined OGMA and, soon thereafter, Embraer Defense, where he worked in different positions in Business Development and Sales. Since 2020, Lemos has been the CEO of EID SA, a Defense Communications OEM based in Portugal.

BOLSTER DRONE MANUFACTURING

The recent MQ-9B Reaper deal, while enhancing Military Capabilities, also fuels the pursuit for self-sufficiency in indigenous Combat Drone Manufacturing

On June 21, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Joe Biden of the United States announced a major defence deal that would see India purchase 31 MQ-9B Reaper remotely-piloted aircraft systems from General Atomics. The deal is seen as a major boost to India’s military capabilities.

Indian Central Government will start the formal acquisition process for the 31 weaponised MQ-9B Reaper drones within this fiscal and complete the induction of all the remotely-piloted aircraft systems in phases in over 6-7 years. As per this deal, 15 SeaGuardians will be inducted into the Navy, eight SkyGuardians each will be inducted into the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. While the deal is seen as a sign of the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States, the MQ-9B deal is a significant development in India’s military modernisation program. The acquisition of the MQ-9 Reapers will give India a significant boost in its ability to monitor and respond to threats along its borders. The drones will also be a valuable asset in India’s efforts to combat terrorism and other forms of violence.

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare, combat drones or Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) have evolved from mere technological advancements to an absolute necessity for all armed forces. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide unparalleled capabilities, including surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and precision strikes, thereby transforming the dynamics of military operations. Recognising the indispensability of combat drones, India finds itself in a critical position to develop an indigenous drone manufacturing industry that meets international standards to cater to its military requirements.

To achieve this ambitious objective, India must focus on several key aspects. First and foremost, technological advancement plays a pivotal role. The nation must invest in research and development to push the boundaries of drone technology, enhancing their performance, range, endurance, and stealth capabilities. By fostering innovation and collaboration with leading technology companies and research institutions, India can leverage cuttingedge advancements to build superior combat drones.

Equally crucial is the need for skill development. India should establish comprehensive training programmes to cultivate a highly skilled workforce proficient in designing, manufacturing, and operating combat drones. This includes specialised training in areas such as avionics, artificial intelligence, control systems, and sensor integration. By nurturing a pool of talented professionals, India can ensure the successful development and operation of indigenous combat drones.

By ROHIT GOEL

In addition, robust regulatory frameworks are essential to govern the deployment and usage of combat drones. These frameworks should address safety, privacy, ethical considerations, and international regulations. By establishing clear guidelines and standards, India can instil confidence in the industry, promote responsible drone usage, and facilitate seamless integration into military operations.

Collaboration is another crucial element in developing an indigenous drone manufacturing industry. India should actively seek partnerships with international defence organisations, research institutions, and drone manufacturers. By forging alliances and sharing expertise, India can benefit from the knowledge and experience of established players in the global drone industry. Collaboration also presents opportunities for joint research and development projects, technology transfer, and access to critical components and subsystems.

Furthermore, financial support is vital to sustain the development and growth of the indigenous drone ecosystem. India should allocate adequate funding and resources to support research and development initiatives, establish testing and certification facilities, and provide incentives for private sector participation. By investing in the drone industry, India can attract global manufacturers to set up production facilities within the country, which would not only boost domestic manufacturing but also bring in the requisite technological know-how.

Until India’s indigenous drone manufacturing capabilities are fully established and operational, it is imperative to continue procuring combat drones from leading global manufacturers. These acquisitions will enhance India’s defence capabilities and provide valuable experience and insights into the functioning and deployment of advanced drone systems. Simultaneously, India should foster an environment that encourages global manufacturers to invest in the country, transfer technology, and collaborate with local partners to develop the indigenous drone ecosystem.

India stands at a pivotal juncture where the development of an indigenous drone manufacturing industry is not just a strategic imperative but also an avenue for self-reliance and technological growth. By prioritising technological advancement, skill development, regulatory frameworks, collaboration, and financial support, India can accelerate its journey toward achieving self-sufficiency in drone technology. This will not only bolster the nation’s defence capabilities but also contribute significantly to its overall technological prowess and global competitiveness in the evolving landscape of modern warfare. SP