STRATFORD, Conn., 25th May 2023. Igor Sikorsky came to America as a refugee, led the creation of the rotorcraft industry and spurred engineering progress. After 100 years, the aviation innovation company he created still inspires those who work here.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company released a new video to celebrate the life of the aviation pioneer which began on his 25th May, 1889 in Kiev, Russian Empire (now Ukraine). The video features past and present Sikorsky employees commenting on his innovative spirit that continues to inspire them as they pursue their dreams supporting military and civil missions.
“When you come into Sikorsky, you don’t feel like you’re in a generic homogeneous company,” said Paul Lemmo, President of Sikorsky. “You feel like you’re part of an innovative company that continues to want to carry on the work of its founder. And it’s just an incredible honor to be part of that.”
Igor Sikorsky’s impact on the rotorcraft industry and the state of Connecticut has been profound, including tens of thousands of employees who embraced Igor’s vision at the company’s Connecticut facilities, locations in Florida, Texas, and Alabama, as well as international operations in Poland and Australia. The company currently employs more than 13,000 people in the U.S. and around the world.
“The jet may have made the world smaller. The helicopter made it bigger by allowing mankind to live and work in areas that would have been inaccessible by any other vehicle,” Igor Sikorsky once said.
Sikorsky is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the company’s founding in 1923 by marking the company’s historic achievements, conducting events and sharing social media content which includes interviews with current and former employees, seldom seen historic footage, images and audio recordings. You can learn more about Igor and the history of the company he built at the Sikorsky Archives.
Toulouse, 26th May 2023. ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, has taken delivery of its first A330-900, on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC), during a ceremony held in Toulouse. The A330neo will join the ITA Airways fleet in June to serve its long-haul routes and new intercontinental destinations.
The A330neo is the latest-generation aircraft type from Airbus to join the ITA Airways’ fleet. The airline already operates all Airbus aircraft Families with a fleet of 68 Airbus aircraft (4 A220s, 50 A320 Family, 8 A330-200s and 6 A350-900s). By selecting A330neos, ITA Airways is further consolidating its strategy of being an all Airbus operator and leveraging new levels of efficiency and flexibility.
With the introduction of the latest generation eco-efficient A330neo, ITA Airways continues its fleet modernisation to meet its ambitious sustainability targets. To further support this ambition the delivery flight will be powered by a 16% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics and boasts an award-winning Airspace cabin with more passenger space, a new lighting system, the latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
ITA Airways’s A330neo named Gelindo Bordin, to commemorate the Italian Olympic marathon champion, will feature a three-class cabin layout designed by renowned designer Walter De Silva. It’ll feature 30 full lie-flat bed business class seats, 24 premium and 237 latest generation economy class seats of which, 36 are dedicated to comfort economy. All seats will be equipped with on demand video and audio content as well as full WiFi connectivity and highly customisable mood lighting throughout the cabin.
The A330neo is the new-generation version of the popular A330 widebody. Incorporating the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations, the aircraft offers a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm / 13,334 km non-stop.
At the end of April, the A330 Family had registered a total of over 1 775 firm orders of which 289 are A330neos from 25 customers. To date, 100 A330neos have been delivered globally.
The Advanced Coatings Center is the latest factory supporting innovation efforts
State-of-the-art facility will house critical post-assembly phases of production
Secure facility is key to defense business modernization and expansion plans
The Boeing Phantom Works’ Advanced Coatings Center in St. Louis will house state-of-the-art, post-assembly phases of future military aircraft production (Boeing artist’s concept).
LOUIS, 26th May 2023. Boeing has begun construction on a new facility to house state-of-the-art, post-assembly phases of future military aircraft production.
The new Advanced Coatings Center will be a secure facility operated by Phantom Works, Boeing Defense, Space & Security’s proprietary research, development and prototyping division. The construction phase of the 47,500 square-foot facility is underway, and the center is expected to be operational in 2025.
“As we pivot toward future programs, Boeing’s defense business is in the midst of one of the most significant investments in new facilities in our history,” said Steve Nordlund, Air Dominance vice president and general manager, and St. Louis senior site executive.“This investment is not only to win new future franchise programs but, more importantly, to enable the United States to outpace increasingly capable and aggressive adversaries. We are revolutionizing how aircraft are designed, built and delivered because the threats demand it,” Nordlund said.
The Advanced Coatings Center is the third new facility revealed as part of Phantom Works’ multi-billion-dollar Production System of the Future effort, enabling Boeing to scale a platform-agnostic, modular and flexible digital production system across future defense programs. Last fall, the company opened the new Advanced Composite Fabrication Center in Mesa, Ariz., and added a new St. Louis-based Lab and Test facility over the winter. Additional new factories supporting various phases of production are planned for the coming years.
“This facility is great news for Missouri and for our nation,” said Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.“With more than 15,000 employees, Boeing is Missouri’s largest manufacturer that helps spur this state’s economic growth every day. This new facility shows our commitment to growth and our investment in the talented workforce.”
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurates a two day DRDO – Academia Conclave in New Delhi
Calls upon DRDO and academia to work in partnership to make India a leading nation in defence technology
The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh addressing at the DRDO- Academia conclave, in New Delhi on May 25, 2023.
New Delhi, 25th May 2023. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has said that technologically advanced military is crucial to protect the interests of the nation. Inaugurating a two day DRDO- Academia conclave in New Delhi on 25 May, 2023, Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that for a country like India, it becomes vital to have such military as it faces double threat on borders.
“Today we are one of the largest armed forces in the world, the bravery and valour of our military is praised all over the world. Countries across the world express their willingness to conduct joint exercises with our armed forces. In such a situation, it becomes imperative that we have a technologically advanced military to protect the interests of the country. For a country like India, it becomes very important because we are facing double threat on our borders,” Raksha Mantri said.
Underscoring the significance of the theme of the conclave “DRDO-Academia Partnership – Opportunities & Challenges”, Shri Rajnath Singh said, it is dire need that DRDO and Academia work in partnership with each other to find solutions to the challenges being faced by us in the 21st century. “This partnership will prove helpful in making India a leading nation in defence technologies,” he said.
Raksha Mantri underlined that the path to acquire advanced technologies traverses through research and development (R&D) which plays a key role in the development of any country.
“Unless we do research, we will not be able to adopt new technologies. R&D has the ability to convert ordinary substances into valuable resources. It has been a key factor in the development of civilizations throughout the history,” Shri Rajnath Singh added. He expressed confidence that as partnership between DRDO and Academia reaches new heights, the fruits of this partnership will unlock potential of many new resources, which will benefit the entire country.
“I don’t see the partnership between DRDO and Academia from the point of view of 1+1=2, but as 1+1=11. That is, when these two entities cooperate with each other, not only both of them will get double benefit, but the entire nation will be benefited greatly from this partnership,” Shri Rajnath Singh said.
Elaborating on the benefits of the DRDO – Academia partnership, Raksha Mantri stressed, through this synergy, the DRDO will get a skilled human resource base from eminent institutions like IISC, IITs, NITs and other universities from across the country as these institutions, nurture a large pool of talented and skilled youth.
“On the other hand, the academia will be benefited from the R&D fund of DRDO that it spends in developing new technologies, and will also get access to the advanced infrastructure and lab facilities of the defence research organisation. This symbiotic relationship will prove helpful in further enhancing the start-up culture in our country,” pointed out Raksha Mantri.
Shri Rajnath Singh further emphasised that such technologies developed through collaboration and collective efforts could have applications in both civil and defence sectors.
Raksha Mantri also urged the DRDO scientists and academia to deliberate on the option of deployment of the scientists of DRDO as faculty in the academic institutions for a specific period, which will give a new perspective to our Academia, whereas the intellectuals of Academia can also serve on deputation as a scientist within DRDO.
On the occasion, Raksha Mantri felicitated eminent scientists who have made outstanding contributions in the area of Aeronautics, Armaments, Life Sciences and Naval systems and other DRDO requirements through the grant-in-aid DRDO projects. He also released a Compendium of Invited talks about thrust areas for academia in understanding the requirements and opportunities in DRDO.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Director General (Technology Management) Shri Hari Babu Srivastava, Former Secretary – Department of Science & Technology Prof Ashutosh Sharma, and senior officers of Ministry of Defence and senior scientists from DRDO and academia were present on the occasion.
The two-day conclave aims to create an interface between DRDO’s requirement and Academia’s capability by a synergistic dialogue between DRDO Directors, scientists and academicians. The Conclave will have one plenary session and four technical sessions on Aeronautics, Naval, Life Science and Armament. It is being attended by about 350 senior academicians across the country.
“R&D in cutting-edge technology must for India’s development & security, amid current global situation”
Country’s population an asset; Our aim is to convert the demography into a ‘wealth creating resource’ from ‘wealth consuming entity’: RM
The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh addressing the annual session of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in New Delhi on May 25, 2023.
New Delhi, 25th May 2023. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon industry leaders to come up with innovative solutions to help India become a ‘leader’ from an ‘imitator’ in futuristic technologies and stay prepared to deal with challenges emanating from the current global security scenario. He was addressing the annual session of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi on May 25, 2023. The theme of the session was ‘Future Frontiers: Competitiveness, Technology, Sustainability and Internationalisation’.
The Raksha Mantri asserted that, in today’s era, security equations are changing at an unprecedented pace and countries are focusing more than ever on technological advancements in the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum computing & genetics etc. He termed it as both – a challenge of not lagging behind in the race of technology as well as an opportunity of making a mark, with the aim to help the nation leapfrog on the path of progress.
Shri Rajnath Singh described Research & Development (R&D) in cutting-edge technology as the only way to achieve this goal, stating that it opens new dimensions crucial for the development and security of any nation in today’s times. “We need to set new goals and achieve them through innovative methods to keep ourselves prepared to deal with any challenges arising out of the ever-evolving global situation. R&D has the ability to convert things, which are viewed as resources, into resources. Technology improves the utilisation of the available resources. It acts as a force multiplier,” he said.
The Raksha Mantri stressed on the need for R&D to achieve excellence in various fields, including defence, health, education, agriculture, commerce & communication, stating that it can give the country an edge over the others. “To keep ourselves strong, we need to maintain our edge in these sectors. It will be possible only if we become technology leaders,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that there are two faces to the technology paradigm across the globe – one of a leader nation which grabs an opportunity, innovates & invents a new technology and the other of an imitator which follows the leader. Stating that new technological avenues are coming to the fore without any established leader, he exhorted the industry captains to strive to make India a technology leader from an imitator. He urged them to increase their in-house R&D funding and make inroads in new & untouched sectors/products/goods & services through new technologies.
The Raksha Mantri listed out the key requirements for a nation to become a technology leader, such as a substantial capital, a robust R&D infrastructure, demography as well as the ability to adopt, understand & create a base of previous technologies. He stated that the Government has taken a number of steps, such as banking policy, regulatory policy, providing funds, labour policy, education & health policy, which provide a playfield to the youth and the industry to work together and take R&D in the country to greater heights.
Shri Rajnath Singh also shared his insights on another dimension of technology, which he called ‘Socio-Economic Technology’, commonly referred to as governance. He was of the view that the country’s population, which was once considered a liability, is now being viewed as an asset. “India is currently passing through Demographic Dividend. Policies have been rolled out for the optimum utilisation of this population. We have strengthened the ease of doing business and ease of living in India through the socio-economic technology of good governance. Reforms have been made in the education and health sectors, which focus on making the population educated as well as healthy & skilled,” he said.
Emphasising that an educated and healthy manpower helps in increasing the productivity manifold, the Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that the Government’s efforts will convert the demography into a ‘wealth creating resource’ from mere ‘wealth consuming entity’.
Shri Rajnath Singh described the youth as the most crucial aspect of the demographic dividend, stating that the continuous growth of start-ups in the country is a result of the potential, energy and enthusiasm of the young Indian minds. “Today, there are about one lakh start-ups in the country; of which more than 100 are unicorns. Without much resources, our start-ups are competing with bigger entities with their passion. Our industries need to work with the same passion to compete with global giants,” he said.
In the context of Global Giants and Indian industries, the Raksha Mantri spoke about the ‘Technology incumbent Challenger model’, in which the challenger has more incentive to invent new technology. “The global giants may be technology incumbents due to their superior technology; but our industry, which is relatively small, is a technology challenger. It will have more incentive to invent new technology,” he said.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Dr Samir V Kamat, other senior officials of Ministry of Defence and industry captains were among those present on the occasion.
New Delhi, 25th May 2023. INS Vikrant, the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier and the most complex warship ever built in our country by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd, has undergone extensive Sea trials since her maiden sailing on 04 Aug 21. Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 02 Sep 22 in the presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, the Carrier is a big boost to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision of the Government of India.
The Carrier is presently undergoing Air Certification and Flight Integration Trials with Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing aircraft for achieving ‘Combat ready’ state at the earliest. As part of the trials, maiden day landing of MiG-29K and the indigenous LCA (Navy) was achieved on 06 Feb 23. Since then, day and night landing trials of all helicopters in the Naval inventory have been progressed. In continuance with the impetus on the Aviation Trials, the Navy has achieved another historic milestone by undertaking maiden night landing of MiG-29K on 24 May 23. This challenging accomplishment, within three months of maiden day landing demonstrates the resolve, skill and professionalism of the Indian Navy, Vikrant crew and Naval Pilots.
One-stop shop for wind turbine spare parts and essentials
Expanded offerings, including other-OEM products
Simpler, streamlined platform
New Orleans, LA. On 23rd May GE Vernova announced the launch of its expanded online marketplace for onshore wind parts. With more than 100,000 items available for purchase, for both GE and other OEM onshore wind turbines, the store will enable wind farm owners to purchase all the spare parts and wind farm essentials that they need, in one simple transaction.
Uzair Memon, Chief Commercial Officer – Services,for GE Vernova’s Onshore Wind business,said “We’re excited to launch this expanded online platform, providing greater value and benefit to our customers, while also helping to increase efficiency and reduce turbine downtime. We’ve heard a lot of feedback from our customer base that it would help them to be able to access both GE and other OEM parts all in one location, and we are pleased to work with a variety of experienced and reliable suppliers to offer this.”
Bernardo Bandeira, Global eCommerce Leader shared, “Our new platform makes it even easier and quicker to order the parts that you need— a one stop shop that build on our world class on-time delivery capabilities”
The marketplace specializes in onshore wind spare parts, including parts for all major wind turbines OEM. Additional offerings include wind farm essentials such as tooling, safety gear and office supplies.
GE Vernova’s Onshore Wind Online Shop also helps customers to improve cashflow, with flexible credit options, digital invoicing, and the ability to purchase from multiple suppliers all in one location with a single purchase order.
Geneva, 25th May 2023. Leading Italian business aviation operator Air Corporate has placed a firm order for 43 helicopters from Airbus on the concluding day of EBACE 2023.
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 contract is the largest commercial helicopter order booked by Airbus in Italy and will see the helicopters delivered over the coming years for a range of private and business passenger services as well as utility operations.
The Air Corporate board said in a statement: “We are experiencing a growing demand for the innovative ACH160 in the Italian market. The ACH160 is a beautiful, safe and comfortable helicopter and the Line configuration with Lounge package configuration guarantees elegance and, at the same time, excellent performance”.
“Equally the H125 remains the helicopter of reference for aerial work missions in Italy due to its unrivalled performance. The H130 is also enjoying great success in our country for tourist flights and passenger transport”.
Airbus Helicopters Head of Europe Region Thomas Hein said: “I would like to thank Air Corporate for its continued trust in our products. This order is the result of the years we invested in building and maintaining a strong business relationship with Air Corporate. I am proud of the success of Air Corporate in further expanding its fleet and the private business aviation sector in Italy”.
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 twin-engine H135s.
Airbus helicopters have been flying in Italy for 50 years and the company is a key player in the Italian helicopter market with 90 customers and a fleet of more than 240 helicopters in service.
Inauguration to be done by UP CM & Union Minister of Civil Aviation
The New Terminal Building’s area is 16 times bigger than the existing terminal
New Delhi, 24th May 2023. In line with the Government’s commitment to ushering in ‘development through connectivity,’ Kanpur – the commercial capital of Uttar Pradesh is all set to get a new Civil Enclave. The new Civil Enclave at Kanpur Airport will be inaugurated on May 26 by Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Civil Aviation and Steel.
Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for Civil Aviation and Steel will proceed to Kanpur airport for the inauguration of the new terminal together after unveiling the statue of Late Madhavrao Jivajirao Scindia in Mainpuri.
Key features of the New Terminal Building include:
The New Terminal Building is built in an area of 6243 sqm (16 times bigger than the existing terminal) at a project cost of Rs. 150 Crore.
Equipped to handle 400 passengers during peak hours, as compared to 50 passengers earlier.
08 check-in counters, ensuring efficient and expedited check-in processes for passengers.
03 conveyor belts, with one located in the Departure Hall and two in the Arrival Hall, facilitating smooth baggage handling and collection.
A spacious concessionaire area covering 850 square meters, offering a diverse range of retail and dining options for travellers.
Tactile path provisions have been made, ensuring accessibility and ease of navigation for passengers with visual impairments.
On the city side of the terminal, there are 150 car parking spaces and 02 bus parking spaces, ensuring ample parking facilities for commuters.
Newly developed apron is suitable for parking three A-321/ B-737 types of aircraft along with a new link Taxi Track of 713m X 23m.
General (Dr.) V. K. Singh (Retd.), Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Road Transport and Highways, Shri. Satish Mahana, Speaker, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Shri Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi,’ Minister for Industrial Development, Export Promotion, NRI and Investment Promotion and Members of Parliament, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Devendra Singh, MP (Lok Sabha) Shri. Satyadev Pachauri, MP (Lok Sabha) and Smt. Pramila Pandey, Mayor, Kanpur Municipal Corporation, and other senior dignitaries will also be present at the event.
Kanpur is a prominent hub for leather, textile, and defense production industries, has many historical and holy spots, and houses various premier educational institutions like IIT Kanpur, National Sugar Institute, UP Leather and Textile Technology Institute that attract air travelers in large numbers. At present, Kanpur Airport is directly connected to Mumbai and Bengaluru. With improved facilities, Kanpur, which is often referred to as ‘the Manchester of Uttar Pradesh,’ is likely to be connected to more cities of Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country.
The terminal Building of the new civil enclave at Kanpur Airport is equipped with various sustainability features like a double insulated roofing system, provision of canopies for energy saving, LED lighting, low heat gain double glazing unit, rainwater harvesting to recharge the groundwater table, water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant and use of recycled water for landscaping, a solar power plant with capacity of 100 KWp and has been provided to meet GRIHA–IV ratings, a national green building rating system in the country denoting sustainable development and responsible resource management.
The façade of the Terminal Building in both the city and the airside depicts the temple architecture of the famous JK Temple of Kanpur. The interiors of the Terminal Building are based on various local themes such as textiles, leather industries and the city’s renowned public figures like poet Shyamlal Gupta and sage Maharishi Valmiki. The terminal has been designed to integrate the culture and heritage of Kanpur, and the state of Uttar Pradesh, thereby, creating a sense of the culture and history of the region for the visitors.
New Delhi, 24th May 2023. VAdm Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy is on a five day official visit to India from 23 – 27 May 23. During the visit, VAdm Priyantha Perera will be presiding over the Passing Out Parade of the Spring Term 23 at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.
VAdm Priyantha Perera called on Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff on 24 May 23 at New Delhi and held discussions on collaborative mechanisms towards ensuring peace and security in the region. He was received with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns. Earlier in the day he paid homage to the bravehearts at the National War Memorial.
India and Sri Lanka share a close and historically significant relationship, and both the countries have engaged closely towards reinforcing the existing relations. India and Sri Lanka have enhanced their interactions in the maritime domain substantially in accordance with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and the maritime outlook of ‘Security and Growth for All in Region’.
Indian Navy cooperates with the Sri Lanka Navy through various initiatives, which include operational interactions such as the bilateral naval exercise SLINEX, hydrography, training, and other maritime avenues. In addition, warships from both the Navies regularly make port calls at each other’s ports.
The extant visit by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy is symbolic of increasing naval cooperation between the two navies and renewed the sense of commitment of two friendly maritime neighbours to enhance the security and tackle the maritime challenges in the IOR.
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New Orleans, LA. On 23rd May GE Vernova announced the launch of its expanded online marketplace for onshore wind parts. With more than 100,000 items available for purchase, for both GE and other OEM onshore wind turbines, the store will enable wind farm owners to purchase all the spare parts and wind farm essentials that they need, in one simple transaction.
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