GE9X Engine Lifts Off, Lufthansa Technik’s AutoInspect and More
GE9X Engine Lifts Off for First Flight Test
GE Aviation’s GE9X engine which will power Boeing’s 777X has performed it first flight test, being attached under one of the wings of a Boeing 747 testbed aircraft.
The engine’s certification testing had begun last May and has already finished its icing and crosswind tests.
The engine is expected to receive certification next year and will enter operation along with 777–9X’s entry into service in 2020.
Boeing Could Be The Victim if China Retaliates on US Tariff Dispute
US President Trump had announced to impose tariff on import of foreign steel and aluminum.
Another recent report hints that the Trump administration might be considering to further impose heavy tariffs (potentially $60 billion) on Chinese goods, restrict Chinese investment and restrictions on visa to Chinese travelers.
These might not go well with China and if the country decides to retaliate, Boeing could be a huge target and a potential victim.
Aircraft are one of the top US exports to China, and as per Boeing, every one out of four jetliners it produces is bought by China.
Airobotics Earns Innovation Award for Its Autonomous Drone Platform
Airobotics, an Israel based company has received Frost & Sullivan’s ‘2018 Global New Product Innovation Award’ for its fully autonomous drone platform.
Airobotics makes autonomous industrial drones and its drone platform are completely automated from launch to docking.
Lufthansa Technik’s ‘AutoInspect’ Now Available for Industrial Use
Lufthansa Technik’s digital inspection procedure ‘AutoInspect’ for engine components is now available for industrial use. The system was initially developed in-house as a R&D project.
AutoInspect is a robotic procedure that employs various sensors to perform digital crack inspections on engine components.
As per Lufthansa Technik “In mid-2018, the AutoInspect procedure and the automated repair procedure AutoRep are set to be combined into a process chain.”
Other Major Updates for Today
– Aircraft lessor BOC Aviation announces a record $587 million net profit for 2017, which is a 40% increase from previous year.
– Finnair drops hope of joining airline consolidation. Finnair is Finland’s flag carrier and the government has 55.8 percent stake in the airline.
– Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air begins executing its ambitious expansion plans in Europe.
– Air France rejects a 6 percent wage increase demand by workers unions.
– Indian Navy is eyeing Boeing’s Super Hornet as the potential contender for its new fighter jet acquisitions.
Originally published at aviationoutlook.com on March 15, 2018.
