All posts tagged: aircraft

Military Contractor’s Spy Aircraft Quietly Flying Southern Border On Mysterious Mission

Military Contractor’s Spy Aircraft Quietly Flying Southern Border On Mysterious Mission

Published by Jenni Sidey

The Pentagon says it does not discuss contractor support to particular missions. The gear aboard mimics cell towers. Private military contractor Metrea has spent months quietly operating two surveillance-equipped aircraft along the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the Arizona Mirror. Via the Arizona Mirror The planes have traversed Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, circling at high altitude over border cities including Bisbee and Douglas in Arizona, and Laredo and El Paso in Texas. Metrea holds multiple contracts with the U.S. military, including a $5.7 million award to support training for U.S. Special Operations Command. The company also conducts simulated training missions for the Marine Corps. It performs comparable border work overseas, providing what it describes as advanced aerial surveillance to the Australian government for monitoring that country’s border regions. Arizona Mirror reports: One of the major pieces of equipment installed on the aircraft is a DRT 3300, also sometimes referred to as a “dirtbox.” A dirtbox is a piece of equipment that mimics a cell phone tower and acts in a similar manner to “stingray” devices …

Plane crashes at Essex airshow with pilot seriously injured | UK | News

Plane crashes at Essex airshow with pilot seriously injured | UK | News

Published by Sam Flores

A light aircraft has crashed at an airfield during a show, leaving the pilot with serious injuries. Emergency services rushed to Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome near Maldon in Essex at around 2.25pm on Sunday (August 16). Essex Police attended the scene after receiving reports of an incident involving a light aircraft during an air show. The pilot was the only occupant of the aircraft. They were rushed to a hospital in London. A spokesperson for the force said those attending the event were urged to follow the instructions of organisers and emergency service personnel. They added: “The public are asked to please avoid the area to allow responders the space to work at the scene.” No further injuries were reported at the aerodrome, which was the birthplace of the Royal Air Force. It was also used in World War One to counter attacks from German Zeppelins and bombers. In a Facebook post, the aerodrome said the show would feature a display from its Turbulent team in which pilots would chase balloons and drop flour …

This electric aircraft fire truck hits 50 mph in under 20 seconds

This electric aircraft fire truck hits 50 mph in under 20 seconds

Published by skeptic

Photo: Dallas Love Field Airport The “world’s first” electric aircraft fire truck now has a 400 kW fast charger to keep it ready for emergencies at Dallas Love Field Airport. XCharge North America supplied its C7AM charger for Dallas Fire-Rescue’s new Rosenbauer PANTHER 6×6 electric aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle. The liquid-cooled charger has been installed at the airport’s new Station 21, which officially opened today. Additional EVs will also use the charger as Dallas Love Field electrifies more of its fleet. The 91,000-pound PANTHER can accelerate from 0 to 50 mph in under 25 seconds using electric power, or in under 20 seconds in Boost Mode. For comparison, the airport says its diesel counterpart takes 28 seconds – a big difference when crews are racing to an aircraft fire. Advertisement – scroll for more content It can also shoot water or firefighting foam up to 250 feet, a 40% increase from the diesel truck’s 190-foot reach. That lets firefighters attack a fire from farther away. Its electric motors cut noise by around 50% …

Itochu to buy 50% of US aircraft lessor Aviation Capital from Tokyo Century

Itochu to buy 50% of US aircraft lessor Aviation Capital from Tokyo Century

Published by Sam Flores

TOKYO, Aug 3 : Japanese trading house Itochu will buy 50 per cent of U.S. aircraft leasing business Aviation Capital Group (ACG) from Tokyo Century for $1.946 billion, it said on Monday, expanding its aviation operations on expectations of continued growth in the leasing market. • Itochu said the deal will also give it a role in the management of ACG, which is wholly owned by a Tokyo Century subsidiary. • Itochu leases more than 90 aircraft and engines to airlines worldwide. • Itochu has identified aviation as a key growth area and expects the acquisition to accelerate the expansion of related businesses and establish aviation as a new earnings pillar, Chief Financial Officer Hiroyuki Naka told a news conference. • The company aims to boost profit from its aviation-related business to 50 billion yen ($319 million) within five years, from an expected 16 billion yen in its 2026 financial year, Naka said. • The deal is scheduled to complete in the third quarter of the current financial year. ($1 = 156.7300 yen) Source link

Zero-emission aircraft gains £7.3m funding from UK government

Zero-emission aircraft gains £7.3m funding from UK government

Published by skeptic

Electric aircraft and hydrogen-powered planes could become a common sight in UK skies, after 8 companies were awarded funding. Part of a wider £43 million package for next-generation aviation technology, the latest round of funding will sponsor the development of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft in the UK. This will reduce emissions associated with air travel for passengers, as well as provide skilled employment opportunities. The 8 zero-emission aircraft projects are: Bristol Airport liquid hydrogen supply assurance and architecture study Awarded £93, 164 in DfT funding, this project will develop a practical and evidence-based pathway for how Bristol Airport could introduce liquid hydrogen infrastructure to support future zero-emission flight. The study addresses an important sector challenge: how to translate early hydrogen trials and refuelling concepts into a dependable airport fuel system that can support future aircraft operations, regulatory decisions and investment choices. It will contribute to the long-term transition toward cleaner airport operations and lower-carbon air transport. CHOSAN zero emission flight demonstration Awarded £1.1 million, this consortium is developing cryogenic hydrogen optimised systems for aviation (CHOSAN). CHOSAN will …

EU deploys emergency crews and aircraft for wildfires in Portugal and France

EU deploys emergency crews and aircraft for wildfires in Portugal and France

Published by skeptic

The European Commission has stepped up its emergency response as wildfires in Portugal and France continue to spread, deploying firefighters, aircraft and other resources through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Both countries requested European assistance after multiple large fires burned simultaneously across thousands of hectares. The coordinated response has already delivered personnel and aerial firefighting support to help national authorities contain the blazes and protect affected communities. The latest deployments are part of the EU’s largest-ever seasonal wildfire preparedness effort, with hundreds of firefighters and a fleet of aircraft strategically positioned across southern Europe to improve response times during the peak fire season. Aircraft and firefighters sent to affected areas France activated the UCPM on 5 July after several major fires broke out. In response, the European Commission mobilised four rescEU firefighting aircraft from Sweden and Cyprus, with the planes scheduled to reinforce operations in the affected regions. Portugal requested assistance two days earlier, on 3 July. Within hours, Spain dispatched 118 firefighters supported by 45 emergency vehicles. In addition, three rescEU firefighting aircraft …