One topic loomed large on the first day of the annual Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance Advance Conference in Lynnwood.

Reporter’s notebook: Supply chain concerns weigh on aerospace industry

Boeing has left PNAA, the Washington state trade group representing aerospace companies. It has withdrawn financial support and will boycott its annual suppliers conference next month.

Boeing is boycotting local aerospace suppliers group

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“Anybody that's worked in aerospace for a long time will say it's like a vacuum,” says Nikki Malcom, Board Chair at the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA). “It just sucks you in, and you can try to leave, but you’ll get pulled back into it.”
Nikki Malcolm, whose own career in aerospace and defense spans an impressive two decades, has certainly been impacted by the industry’s gravitational force. Nikki began her career, aged 18, at TMX aerospace, a company that provided the materials needed for Boeing commercial and production aircraft. Here, Nikki was offered a strong support system that was focused on nurturing the early stages of her career. She says: “I had some incredible mentors. [TMX Aerospace] saw something in me and helped me become who I am today.”
Nikki soon secured exciting and dynamic sales roles, which were focused on supporting OEMs and organizations in the industry that were working on materials, testing, and manufacturing. “The people I work with are some of the most incredible people and the customers and the network that I've built over the time that I've been in the industry is amazing,” she says. “People are such a huge part of it but [so is] also feeling like you're contributing to society. “Aerospace is amazing and getting to be a part of that is incredible, especially in the time that we're in right now. There's so much new technology coming out, more than any other time that I can remember in my career, that's advancing things so fast. That's really exciting to be a part of.”
Nikki has faith that the industry can return to pre-pandemic levels. The strength of her belief has even inspired her to establish a company during the global crisis. She says: “I believe in the industry wholeheartedly. I know that we were going to come back, but there was going to be a resurgence in the industry, and so I looked into that and asked myself ‘how can I support the industry?’ How can I utilize my experience to do the most during a time where a lot of companies at that point, couldn't afford to have a full-time salesperson?”
In October 2020, Nikki established NFM Enterprises, which represents and supports multiple companies in the aerospace and defense industry. Nikki explains: “The intent [behind NFM Enterprises] was so that companies could have somebody [who possessed] the breadth and depth of experience in sales of over 20 years [but] not have to necessarily pay the full amount that they would [usually have to] pay. So, helping support [businesses to] get through this, and also helping diversify their business because we're so heavily dependent on one OEM here. [Also] trying to help diversify their businesses just for the long-term success of their supply chain.”
She continues: “COVID-19 made us uncomfortable, and you can make change when you're uncomfortable. You can make change for the better or for the worst, but you can also see it as an opportunity to make things different. “Multiple people ask me, ‘what are you doing starting your business in the middle of a pandemic?’ and I say: ‘I'm already uncomfortable. So, I might as well be uncomfortable pursuing something that I want, rather than just sitting here waiting for something to happen. Either way, I'm uncomfortable. So, I'm going to choose my discomfort.’ And so, I think that having started my career so young, I became adaptable to change really easily.”
Nikki’s support for the industry doesn’t end there. She is also the Chair of the Board of Directors at the PNAA, a non-profit organization based just outside of Seattle, Washington. PNAA brings together a coalition of aerospace companies that serve North America’s largest commercial aerospace manufacturing market, which is centered around The Boeing Company. The organization also connects leaders from around the world and businesses within the aerospace supply chain by hosting several annual conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities. Nikki says: “We're constantly trying to introduce our membership and the people in the northwest to the new technologies that are coming out within the industry. We also have a scholarship program that we're really proud of. We get donations for [that] every year and are able to give scholarships to local students to attend aviation-themed or aviation-related colleges.”
In addition to the scholarship programs, the organization participates in STEM projects and donates resources to STEM projects for younger students to help inspire younger generations in STEM programs. Through her involvement in such projects, Nikki hopes to broaden the limited perception of roles and careers that can be pursed in the industry. She also advocates for the industry becoming more welcoming and more inclusive. Nikki says: “Historically, we’re a very traditional industry and that, from my perspective, has been a barrier to people coming into the industry. I think that there is so much that people don't know exists in aerospace and some of those jobs are exciting and really challenging and rewarding. I'm on a mission to change that perception, [not just] saying ‘you have to be an engineer’ but from an educational standpoint, because it doesn't all look the same.”
Nikki is currently putting together a team of women from different roles across the industry who will visit schools and talk to young girls about aerospace, the various jobs available in the sector and attempting to change the perception that there is one direct path into the industry. She says: “Almost every role that I've taken hasn't existed before I took it. So, I really got to pioneer some of these roles throughout my career, which is something that I find to be exciting and makes me want to go to work every day. “There's all of these different paths at different ages and different education levels and different jobs. There is something out there for everyone, no matter what gets you awake in the morning.”

“There is something out there for everyone.” Nikki Malcom

Trive Capital, AEC, AMRO form Karman
Karman Missile & Space Systems is one of the largest independently owned suppliers focused on manufacturing complex systems for the space, missile, interceptor, and hypersonic markets. Dallas, Texas-based private equity firm Trive Capital has partnered with the senior leadership teams of Aerospace Engineering Corp. (AEC) and AMRO Fabricating Corp. to create Karman Missile & Space Systems . The new company is one of the largest independently owned suppliers focused on manufacturing complex systems for the space, missile, interceptor, and hypersonic markets. The senior leadership teams of both businesses will continue as equity holders and executives at Karman. Karman operates three centers of excellence in greater Los Angeles, California, a key market for space and missile manufacturing, and maintains a presence in Washington D.C. and Huntsville, Alabama. The company's engineering capabilities and manufacturing footprint benefits from a comprehensive set of OEM approvals and extensive proprietary process IP, which has positioned it on some of the most critical portions of a propulsion system, including engine nozzles, nose cones, iso/ortho-grid body panels, titanium attachment hardware, and heat shields. The platform's broad suite of capabilities includes upfront design, precision machining, large part forming, corking & bonding, complex welding, composite manufacturing (ablative and structural) and special processing. The formation of Karman creates a unique and comprehensive set of capabilities dedicated to the space sector, allowing for the company to handle end-to-end manufacturing of the most complex sub-assemblies on current and next generation launch vehicles, missiles, and hypersonics. The company is diversified across nearly every major platform and prime in the niche, including Vulcan, GEM-63XL , Artemis, New Glenn, Atlas V, GBSD, GMLRS, THAAD, and PAC-3, among many other programs. "We are excited to form this new partnership with the collective vision to build an integrated supplier of flight hardware and assemblies for the space and missile markets. Working collaboratively with Trive and AEC will allow us to continue growing with our customers, investing in new capabilities and adding capacity to alleviate current supply chain constraints," commented Mike Riley, Karman CEO and former owner of AMRO. Mark Mahboubi, Karman CTO and former owner of AEC, added, "Our partnership with AMRO and Trive has already allowed us to accelerate our expansion and play an increasing role in the development and manufacturing of our customers' most important next generation programs. Moreover, the team plans to continue to invest into new technologies and advanced materials for emerging requirements." David Stinnett, Partner at Trive, stated "Karman is well positioned to benefit from rapidly increasing demand for space launch, missile defenses, and hypersonic weapon technologies with substantial content on the leading platforms currently in development. Both AEC and AMRO have established outstanding reputations for high quality and on-time delivery on the most intricate, difficult to manufacture flight hardware and assemblies. We share management's vision for creating a full-service supplier for these markets and anticipate significant investment to support the capabilities and capacity demanded by customers both now and in the years to come." D.A. Davidson, an investment bank focused on middle-market mergers and acquisitions, acted as the exclusive advisor to the shareholders of AEC. KAL Capital Markets, a Los Angeles-based investment bank focused on aerospace and defense mergers and acquisitions, acted as the exclusive advisor to the shareholders of AMRO Fabricating Corp.
Trive Capital manages approximately $2 billion in aggregate capital commitments in middle-market companies with the potential for transformational upside through operational improvement. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Co., and Boeing have released details of its advanced helicopter for the U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft ( FLRAA ) competition. The aircraft, named DEFIANT X , is designed to meet Army threats in 2035 and beyond. A complete weapon system, DEFIANT X builds on the handling qualities and capabilities proven by the team's technology demonstrator, SB>1 DEFIANT . DEFIANT X will allow crews to fly low and fast through complex terrain, land quickly, deliver soldiers and equipment to the objective area (referred to as the X), and get out. DEFIANT X flies twice as far and fast as the venerable Black Hawk helicopter it is designed to replace. It’s currently undergoing testing in a digital combat environment. Andy Adams, Sikorsky vice president of Future Vertical Lift, said, "DEFIANT X not only includes the transformational aircraft – a maneuverable, survivable, lethal weapon system – it also leverages Sikorsky's and Boeing's advanced manufacturing capabilities." With its rigid coaxial rotor system and pusher propeller, DEFIANT X incorporates Sikorsky X2 Technology to operate at high speeds while maintaining low-speed handling qualities. This critical capability provides soldiers with increased maneuverability and survivability in high-threat air defense environments, allowing them to penetrate enemy defenses while reducing exposure to enemy fire. Compared to SB>1 DEFIANT, the DEFIANT X airframe has enhancements to improve aerodynamics and reduce the thermal signature. Steve Parker, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift, added, "This weapon system will give soldiers unequaled technological advantage and connectivity over adversaries in a multi-domain battle space." The Army is expected to release a request for proposal on FLRAA later this year, with a contract award expected in 2022. Together, Sikorsky and Boeing have built 90% of the U.S. Army's current military rotorcraft including: Black Hawk, Chinook, and Apache. Boeing is setting an ambitious target to advance the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation , committing that its commercial airplanes are capable and certified to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels by 2030. Boeing has previously conducted successful test flights replacing petroleum jet fuel with 100% sustainable fuels to address climate change. According to the Air Transport Action Group, U.S. Department of Energy, and several other scientific studies, sustainable aviation fuels reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% throughout the fuel's life cycle with the potential to reach 100% in the future. Today, sustainable aviation fuels are mixed directly with conventional jet fuel up to a 50/50 blend – the maximum allowed under current fuel specifications. To meet aviation's commitment for reducing carbon emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2050, airplanes need the capability to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels well before 2050. "Our industry and customers are committed to addressing climate change, and sustainable aviation fuels are the safest and most measurable solution to reduce aviation carbon emissions in the coming decades," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stan Deal. "We're committed to working with regulators, engine companies, and other key stakeholders to ensure our airplanes and eventually our industry can fly entirely on sustainable jet fuels." Boeing's commitment is to determine what changes are required for its current and future commercial airplanes to fly on 100% sustainable fuels, and to work with regulatory authorities and across the industry to raise the blending limit for expanded use. "With a long history of innovation in sustainable aviation fuels, certifying our family of airplanes to fly on 100% sustainable fuels significantly advances Boeing's deep commitment to innovate and operate to make the world better," the company’s Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond said. "Sustainable aviation fuels are proven, used every day, and have the most immediate and greatest potential to reduce carbon emissions in the near and long term when we work together as an industry." Boeing worked with airlines, engine manufacturers, and others to conduct biofuel test flights starting in 2008 and gain approval for sustainable fuels in 2011. In 2018, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator made the first commercial airplane flight using 100% sustainable fuels with a 777 Freighter, in collaboration with FedEx Express. Sustainable aviation fuels can be made from a wide variety of feedstocks, including non-edible plants, agricultural and forestry waste, non-recyclable household waste, industrial plant off-gassing and other sources. Third-party organizations such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials assure sustainability certification. Northrop Grumman Corp. has conducted a validation ground test of an extended length 63" diameter Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM 63XL) in Promontory, Utah. This variation of the company’s GEM 63 strap-on booster was developed in partnership with United Launch Alliance (ULA) to provide additional lift capability to the Vulcan Centaur rocket. Charlie Precourt, vice president, propulsion systems, Northrop Grumman, said, “Evolving the original GEM 63 design utilizes our decades of GEM strap-on booster expertise while enhancing capabilities for heavy-lift missions.”
During the static test, the motor fired for approximately 90 seconds, producing nearly 449,000 lb of thrust to validate the performance capability of the motor design. Additionally, this firing verified the motor’s internal insulation, propellant grain, ballistics, and nozzle in a hot-conditioned environment. Northrop Grumman has supplied rocket propulsion to ULA and its heritage companies for a variety of launch vehicles since 1964. The GEM family of strap-on motors was developed starting in the early 1980s with the GEM 40 to support the Delta II launch vehicle. The company then followed with the GEM 46 for the Delta II Heavy, and the GEM 60, which flew 86 motors during 26 Delta IV launches before retiring in 2019. The first GEM 63 motors supported ULA’s Atlas V rocket in November 2020. In a year unlike any other, Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA) continues to help lead the aerospace manufacturing industry in the northwest and for the first time will host their annual aerospace conference in an immersive virtual environment . In their 20th anniversary year, their goal is to continue delivering a premier conference, filled with top speakers from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), top industry analysts, and tier suppliers, where they will present global market outlooks, supply chain updates as well as practical tips and stories of inspiration of how companies have pulled through 2020. Brian Canfield, PNAA’s CEO and Executive Director explains what attendees and sponsors can expect. Aerospace Manufacturing & Design (AM&D): What’s this year’s theme? Brian Canfield (BC): “Changing Our Flight Plan: Engineering the Road to Recovery” is designed to help aerospace manufacturers respond to the rapidly changing conditions in the aerospace manufacturing industry and provide them with the best knowledge to help manage through this next year on top. Company leaders are searching for information to help them plan, forecast, and set strategy on how they create the plan to maintain stability through the near future and prepare for when things rebound. Our speakers will be share what the near future holds, and you will hear tips from companies on how they have successfully dealt with the past year, which we believe will help companies take steps to create a plan forward to be productive in the year to come. AM&D: Why attend the conference? BC: Our conference will be completely virtual this year and we are setting the bar high with an engaging virtual platform that will allow attendees feel like they are almost attending in person. People will be able to engage in virtual events with avatars, real-time chat, and 2-way video. This year our Exhibit Hall and B2B Fair will be fully virtual, allow people to communicate easier than ever before and with greater schedule flexibility. Attendees will also be able to connect with one another in our Networking, First Class, and Media Lounges. Receptions and tours will also be virtual this year. AM&D: Who are the presenters? BC: The topics will be rich this year and we will have a great lineup of speakers, including past favorites and new speakers. Speakers will include market analysts Dr. Kevin Michaels of AeroDynamic Advisory and Richard Aboulafia of Teal Group who will share their insights on where the aerospace market is headed. This year we will once again have aerospace economist Ron Epstein of Bank of America, and for the first-time defense analysts Ron Stearns and J.J. Gertler. Others will include Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Tier 1s, and other industry authorities throughout the three days. This year we will also have our SME Technical track, featuring detailed topics for production, quality, HR, and other specific functions. AM&D: How can someone attend? BC: First, register on our website and plan your agenda. This year on the virtual platform, you will be able to schedule meetings with buyers in our B2B Fair, decide which presenters you would like to listen to live, and if you miss a session on one of the two stages, you will be able to view it shortly after on the virtual platform. This is also a great platform to invite your industry peers and prospects to, as you will be able to meet in our virtual networking lounges. If you are interested in sponsoring or having a virtual exhibit booth, please reach out to our team on our website, http://www.pnaa.net . “We are seeing great levels of change in aerospace right now, and to support the changing needs in the industry, PNAA continues to grow and help the industry remain in the forefront. PNAA has increased the number and type of events to inform, educate, and network with the latest companies and technologies, increasing regional competitiveness.” – PNAA’s CEO Brian Canfield
When: Feb. 8-11, 2021

Trive Capital, AEC, AMRO form Karman

Sikorsky-Boeing team reveals DEFIANT X
Advanced assault helicopter to compete for U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft contract. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Co., and Boeing have released details of its advanced helicopter for the U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft ( FLRAA ) competition. The aircraft, named DEFIANT X , is designed to meet Army threats in 2035 and beyond. A complete weapon system, DEFIANT X builds on the handling qualities and capabilities proven by the team's technology demonstrator, SB>1 DEFIANT . DEFIANT X will allow crews to fly low and fast through complex terrain, land quickly, deliver soldiers and equipment to the objective area (referred to as the X), and get out. DEFIANT X flies twice as far and fast as the venerable Black Hawk helicopter it is designed to replace. It’s currently undergoing testing in a digital combat environment. Andy Adams, Sikorsky vice president of Future Vertical Lift, said, "DEFIANT X not only includes the transformational aircraft – a maneuverable, survivable, lethal weapon system – it also leverages Sikorsky's and Boeing's advanced manufacturing capabilities." With its rigid coaxial rotor system and pusher propeller, DEFIANT X incorporates Sikorsky X2 Technology to operate at high speeds while maintaining low-speed handling qualities. This critical capability provides soldiers with increased maneuverability and survivability in high-threat air defense environments, allowing them to penetrate enemy defenses while reducing exposure to enemy fire. Compared to SB>1 DEFIANT, the DEFIANT X airframe has enhancements to improve aerodynamics and reduce the thermal signature. Steve Parker, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift, added, "This weapon system will give soldiers unequaled technological advantage and connectivity over adversaries in a multi-domain battle space." The Army is expected to release a request for proposal on FLRAA later this year, with a contract award expected in 2022. Together, Sikorsky and Boeing have built 90% of the U.S. Army's current military rotorcraft including: Black Hawk, Chinook, and Apache. Boeing is setting an ambitious target to advance the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation , committing that its commercial airplanes are capable and certified to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels by 2030. Boeing has previously conducted successful test flights replacing petroleum jet fuel with 100% sustainable fuels to address climate change. According to the Air Transport Action Group, U.S. Department of Energy, and several other scientific studies, sustainable aviation fuels reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% throughout the fuel's life cycle with the potential to reach 100% in the future. Today, sustainable aviation fuels are mixed directly with conventional jet fuel up to a 50/50 blend – the maximum allowed under current fuel specifications. To meet aviation's commitment for reducing carbon emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2050, airplanes need the capability to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels well before 2050. "Our industry and customers are committed to addressing climate change, and sustainable aviation fuels are the safest and most measurable solution to reduce aviation carbon emissions in the coming decades," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stan Deal. "We're committed to working with regulators, engine companies, and other key stakeholders to ensure our airplanes and eventually our industry can fly entirely on sustainable jet fuels." Boeing's commitment is to determine what changes are required for its current and future commercial airplanes to fly on 100% sustainable fuels, and to work with regulatory authorities and across the industry to raise the blending limit for expanded use. "With a long history of innovation in sustainable aviation fuels, certifying our family of airplanes to fly on 100% sustainable fuels significantly advances Boeing's deep commitment to innovate and operate to make the world better," the company’s Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond said. "Sustainable aviation fuels are proven, used every day, and have the most immediate and greatest potential to reduce carbon emissions in the near and long term when we work together as an industry." Boeing worked with airlines, engine manufacturers, and others to conduct biofuel test flights starting in 2008 and gain approval for sustainable fuels in 2011. In 2018, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator made the first commercial airplane flight using 100% sustainable fuels with a 777 Freighter, in collaboration with FedEx Express. Sustainable aviation fuels can be made from a wide variety of feedstocks, including non-edible plants, agricultural and forestry waste, non-recyclable household waste, industrial plant off-gassing and other sources. Third-party organizations such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials assure sustainability certification. Northrop Grumman Corp. has conducted a validation ground test of an extended length 63" diameter Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM 63XL) in Promontory, Utah. This variation of the company’s GEM 63 strap-on booster was developed in partnership with United Launch Alliance (ULA) to provide additional lift capability to the Vulcan Centaur rocket. Charlie Precourt, vice president, propulsion systems, Northrop Grumman, said, “Evolving the original GEM 63 design utilizes our decades of GEM strap-on booster expertise while enhancing capabilities for heavy-lift missions.”
During the static test, the motor fired for approximately 90 seconds, producing nearly 449,000 lb of thrust to validate the performance capability of the motor design. Additionally, this firing verified the motor’s internal insulation, propellant grain, ballistics, and nozzle in a hot-conditioned environment. Northrop Grumman has supplied rocket propulsion to ULA and its heritage companies for a variety of launch vehicles since 1964. The GEM family of strap-on motors was developed starting in the early 1980s with the GEM 40 to support the Delta II launch vehicle. The company then followed with the GEM 46 for the Delta II Heavy, and the GEM 60, which flew 86 motors during 26 Delta IV launches before retiring in 2019. The first GEM 63 motors supported ULA’s Atlas V rocket in November 2020. In a year unlike any other, Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA) continues to help lead the aerospace manufacturing industry in the northwest and for the first time will host their annual aerospace conference in an immersive virtual environment . In their 20th anniversary year, their goal is to continue delivering a premier conference, filled with top speakers from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), top industry analysts, and tier suppliers, where they will present global market outlooks, supply chain updates as well as practical tips and stories of inspiration of how companies have pulled through 2020. Brian Canfield, PNAA’s CEO and Executive Director explains what attendees and sponsors can expect. Aerospace Manufacturing & Design (AM&D): What’s this year’s theme? Brian Canfield (BC): “Changing Our Flight Plan: Engineering the Road to Recovery” is designed to help aerospace manufacturers respond to the rapidly changing conditions in the aerospace manufacturing industry and provide them with the best knowledge to help manage through this next year on top. Company leaders are searching for information to help them plan, forecast, and set strategy on how they create the plan to maintain stability through the near future and prepare for when things rebound. Our speakers will be share what the near future holds, and you will hear tips from companies on how they have successfully dealt with the past year, which we believe will help companies take steps to create a plan forward to be productive in the year to come. AM&D: Why attend the conference? BC: Our conference will be completely virtual this year and we are setting the bar high with an engaging virtual platform that will allow attendees feel like they are almost attending in person. People will be able to engage in virtual events with avatars, real-time chat, and 2-way video. This year our Exhibit Hall and B2B Fair will be fully virtual, allow people to communicate easier than ever before and with greater schedule flexibility. Attendees will also be able to connect with one another in our Networking, First Class, and Media Lounges. Receptions and tours will also be virtual this year. AM&D: Who are the presenters? BC: The topics will be rich this year and we will have a great lineup of speakers, including past favorites and new speakers. Speakers will include market analysts Dr. Kevin Michaels of AeroDynamic Advisory and Richard Aboulafia of Teal Group who will share their insights on where the aerospace market is headed. This year we will once again have aerospace economist Ron Epstein of Bank of America, and for the first-time defense analysts Ron Stearns and J.J. Gertler. Others will include Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Tier 1s, and other industry authorities throughout the three days. This year we will also have our SME Technical track, featuring detailed topics for production, quality, HR, and other specific functions. AM&D: How can someone attend? BC: First, register on our website and plan your agenda. This year on the virtual platform, you will be able to schedule meetings with buyers in our B2B Fair, decide which presenters you would like to listen to live, and if you miss a session on one of the two stages, you will be able to view it shortly after on the virtual platform. This is also a great platform to invite your industry peers and prospects to, as you will be able to meet in our virtual networking lounges. If you are interested in sponsoring or having a virtual exhibit booth, please reach out to our team on our website, http://www.pnaa.net . “We are seeing great levels of change in aerospace right now, and to support the changing needs in the industry, PNAA continues to grow and help the industry remain in the forefront. PNAA has increased the number and type of events to inform, educate, and network with the latest companies and technologies, increasing regional competitiveness.” – PNAA’s CEO Brian Canfield
When: Feb. 8-11, 2021
 
Rolls-Royce has successfully completed the first engine run on its state-of-the-art Testbed 80, which will be the largest and smartest indoor aerospace testbed in the world when it is officially opened in the coming months. With an internal area of 7,500m2, making it larger than a Premiership football [soccer] pitch, the testbed conducted its first run on a Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine at the test facility in Derby, UK. This is a major milestone in the project which has been under construction for almost three years and represents a $123 million investment. Chris Cholerton, president, Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, said: “Today is an important landmark in our journey towards a more sustainable future for aerospace and aviation. Testbed 80 will not only test engines such as the Trent XWB – the world’s most efficient aero-engine in service – but also the engines and propulsion systems of the future, which will see us take another step toward decarbonization. It’s great that the first engine test has been a success and we are looking forward to the official opening of the facility in the coming months.”
Testbed 80 has been designed to test a range of today’s engines, including the Trent XWB and the Trent 1000, but will have the capability to test the UltraFan demonstrator, a blueprint for the next generation of even more efficient engines, as well as the hybrid or all-electric flight systems of the future. The versatility of the testbed means it can accommodate engines of all sizes up to 155klbf thrust – that’s enough power to launch a Boeing 747 with one (huge) engine. Testbed 80 is equipped with a 140,000 L fuel tank (you could fill your car up almost 3,000 times with this amount of fuel) for different fuel types, including sustainable aviation fuel. The data systems inside Testbed 80 are more capable and complex than any of the company’s existing testbeds, delivering data directly to secure storage, linked for the first time to analytical models and engineers. They can collect data from more than 10,000 different parameters on an engine, using an intricate web of sensors that detect even the tiniest vibrations at a rate of up to 200,000 samples per second. The data helps understand engines better, monitoring how every single component behaves in a range of conditions, and consequently providing crucial insights to inform future engine improvements for availability and efficiency. The testbed is also home to a powerful X-ray machine that can capture 30 images per second and beam them directly to a secure cloud, where engineers around the world can analyze them along with the 10,000 other data parameters. Rolls Royce can X-ray engines while they are running to inspect engines to minute levels of detail. Part of the new technology development for Testbed 80, specifically for the UltraFan, has been supported by the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI)’s PACE project.

Sikorsky-Boeing team reveals DEFIANT X

Diehl Group is divided into several subsidiaries such as the defense contractor Diehl Defence or the electronics producer Diehl Controls.

Diehl Group

Diehl Aerosystems partners up with Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA): Annual conference - Diehl Group

Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance

Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the growth and global competitiveness of the pacific northwest aerospace cluster. It is based in Redmond, Washington.

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