#snecma

[dylanshetaplanesandhcs]

Studies started in 1954, and France and the UK signed a treaty establishing the development project on 29 November 1962, as the programme cost was estimated at £70 million (£1.68 billion in 2023). Construction of the six prototypes began in February 1965, and the first flight took off from Toulouse on 2 March 1969.

Concorde: 1976-2003

[becauseimfrenchandproudofit]

snecma C450 coléoptère

[captain-price-unofficially]

SNECMA Coléoptère French experimental VTOL aircraft

[usafphantom2]

French General Directorate of Arms receives two Rafale B jets to be modified in the F4.1 standard

Rafale B aircraft are among the 40 aircraft, including 28 of lot 4 and 12 ordered in 2021 to replace the aircraft transferred to Greece.

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 03/22/2024 - 11:00 in Military

The Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) of France received two two-seat Rafale B aircraft, designated "B364" and "B363", at the Dassault Aviation facilities in Mérignac (Gironde), which will be upgraded to the F4.1 standard.

Initially received in the F3R standard, the Rafale B aircraft underwent software transformation and transition to the F4 standard in Mont-de-Marsan. The F4.1 standard, certified by the DGA in March 2023, introduces capacity improvements, including the integration of the Scorpion helmet visor, improvements in the control of weapons for the use of the Meteor missile and advances in passive threat detection algorithms and data exchange capabilities between Rafale aircraft.

In addition, the F4.1 standard allows the integration of 1,000 kg AASM weapons with GPS/laser guidance, improved protection against cyber threats and updates for important sensors such as Talios, OSF and RBE2. In addition, it marks the first steps in improving connectivity capabilities, with all Rafale aircraft of the French Air and Space Force programmed for modernization to meet the F4 standard.

The two-seat Rafale B aircraft, "B364" and "B363", are part of a larger batch of 40 aircraft, comprising 28 Rafales of lot 4 and 12 aircraft ordered in 2021 to replace the jets transferred to Greece. Although most are allocated to the Air and Space Force, an aircraft will serve as a test bench for development tests.

The 13ª and 14ª aircraft of the lot were delivered in 2024, with a forecast of delivery of the entire lot by the end of 2025. In addition, plans are underway for the delivery of 13 more Rafale aircraft in 2024.

Dassault Aviation leads the industrial architecture of the Rafale program, with contributions from Snecma (Safran group) for engines, Thales for radar systems and companies such as Sagem (Safran group) and MBDA. An order for the 5ª modification batch was made at the end of 2023, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2027.

Tags: Armée de l'air - French Air Force/French Air ForceMilitary AviationDassault AviationDassault RafaleDGA

Sharing

tweet

Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

Related news

LiteHUD.

FIDAE

BAE Systems will demonstrate its proven technologies in defense and regional partnerships at FIDAE 2024

22/03/2024 - 10:00

HELICOPTERS

IMAGES: China's new Z-21 heavy attack helicopter is seen for the first time

22/03/2024 - 08:30

Concept of future Swedish hunting in image of 2020.

MILITARY

Saab receives request for concept studies of future Swedish hunting

22/03/2024 - 07:27

MILITARY

Northrop Grumman releases new photo of B-21 Raider, after receiving prestigious award from Aviation Week magazine

21/03/2024 - 22:28

MILITARY

NORDIC RESPONSE 24: US F-35 fighters land for the first time in Sweden

21/03/2024 - 16:00

MILITARY

Russia intensifies airstrikes in Ukraine

21/03/2024 - 14:00

[duckduckg]

The SNECMA C.450 Coléoptère

[friendball-irl]

//ooc this is the SNECMA C450 Coleoptere if you need a reference image for this thing.

Ooc: gotcha!

[pleasuresoftheharbor]

i just really love her (her, in this case, being a tailless aircraft design with a narrow fuselage permitting a 4-abreast seating for 92 to 128 passengers, an ogival delta wing and a droop nose for landing visibility powered by four Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 turbojets with variable engine intake ramps, and reheat for take-off and acceleration to supersonic speed)

[diaryrh]

Почему большинство самолетов Airbus начинаются с 3xx

  Компания Airbus начала свою деятельность 49 лет назад и производит одни из самых популярных на сегодняшний день самолетов. Но Airbus выпустил не менее 20 различных гражданских самолетов, так почему же все они начинаются с 300? Первый Airbus совершил полет в 1974 году. С тех пор парк компании преодолел более 215 миллиардов километров. Достаточное расстояние, чтобы 1500 раз добраться до Солнца. Самолетом, положившим начало этой чрезвычайно успешной серии, стал А300.  

Почему самолеты Airbus начинаются с цифры 3?

  Эта первая модель 3-й серии была названа в честь ее расчетной пассажировместимости, а именно 300 человек. Однако вскоре производитель решил, что в 1970-е годы 300 пассажиров были ненужны. А спрос на самолет, способный перевозить такое количество людей, был недостаточным. В результате вместимость была уменьшена до 247. Но название сохранилось, чтобы не вводить клиентов в заблуждение.     А300 потреблял на 30% меньше топлива, чем популярный в то время конкурент. И этот факт впечатлил генерального директора Eastern Airlines, который впоследствии заказал 23 самолета А300. Этот момент во многом считается моментом, когда Airbus стал рассматриваться как серьезный конкурент Boeing и McDonnell Douglas. Чтобы сохранить преемственность, все модели с тех пор численно следовали за A300 в зависимости от их размера. Близкородственные модели, такие как "семейство A320", в которое входят A318, A319, A320 и A321, пронумерованы очень похоже. Поскольку они по сути являются более длинными или более короткими версиями одного и того же самолета. Самолеты Airbus 3-й серии:     - А300Б2 - А300Б4 - А310 - А318 - А319 - А320 - А321 - А330 - А340 - А350 - А380   Вы можете заметить отсутствие А360/370 выше. Будучи самым большим пассажирским самолетом в небе, он вмещал более чем на 400 пассажиров больше, чем А350. И компания сочла, что этот "супергигант" заслуживает того, чтобы выделяться среди других. Как и в любой другой отрасли, перед присвоением названия, было проведено исследование рынка. Оно показало, что следует оставить пробел после сложного А350. Однако цифра 7 настолько тесно связана с главным конкурентом, компанией Boeing, что от нее тоже отказались.     Во многих азиатских культурах число 8 считается счастливым. Что повышает привлекательность продукта на азиатских рынках. Кроме того, цифра 8 также напоминает поперечное сечение двухэтажного фюзеляжа. Поэтому она стала идеальным выбором.  

Почему самолеты названы в честь цифр?

  В военном мире самолетам часто, до сих пор, дают имена. Так почему же производители авиалайнеров склоняются к цифрам? После окончания Второй мировой войны компании переключили свое внимание на гражданские самолеты, и наступила эра реактивных самолетов. Боинг был одним из таких производителей. Разделившись на несколько секторов, они маркировали продукцию по различным товарным категориям. Например, военной продукции были присвоены номера 300/400, в то время как газотурбинным двигателям были присвоены номера 500, а реактивным транспортным самолетам - 700. Созданный в 1957 году B707 якобы положил начало тенденции нумерации самолетов.     Авиалайнеры, получившие сегодня такие имена, как Dreamliner и Concorde, обычно выделяются и являются революционными. Учитывая это, цифровое наименование А380 кажется упущенной возможностью. Однако это, похоже, не повлияло на продажи: было продано более 250 единиц.  

Что означают оставшиеся цифры?

  Хотя его обычно называют просто A320, полное имя состоит из шести цифр. Эти цифры служат краткой характеристикой продукта для всех, кто умеет их читать. Возьмем для примера А320-231. Первые три цифры говорят нам, что продукт принадлежит семейству A320. После тире нам говорят, что он принадлежит к 200-й серии. То есть ко второй версии самолета. Последние две цифры указывают тип и версию используемого двигателя. В этом примере цифра 3 представляет двигатели International Aero и номер версии 1.     - 0: Дженерал Электрик (GE) - 1: CFM International (GE/SNECMA) - 2: Пратт и Уитни - 3: International Aero - 4: Роллс-Ройс - 5: CFM International (в частности, LEAP-1A для семейства a320NEO) - 6. Альянс двигателей (GE и P&W) - 7: Пратт и Уитни (A320 NEO)   В конце этих номеров иногда добавляют одну или несколько букв. Например A300-600 ST, он же Beluga. ST означает "супер", поскольку этот гигант был модифицирован из А300-600 для перевозки деталей и негабаритных грузов.     - C – комбинированная версия (пассажирский/грузовой) - F – модель грузового судна - N – новый вариант двигателя (нео) - R – модель дальнего действия - X – улучшенная модель       Read the full article

[socialmediamanagers]

The Mirage 2000 and C919 Aircraft: A Comparative Analysis

In the dynamic world of aviation, two prominent aircraft have garnered attention for their unique features, capabilities, and contributions to the industry. The Mirage 2000, a renowned fighter jet with a rich legacy, stands in contrast to the C919 aircraft, China's ambitious venture into commercial aviation. In this comprehensive blog, we delve into the intricacies of both aircraft, exploring their design, performance, technological advancements, and impact on the aviation landscape.

Mirage 2000: A Legacy of Excellence

The Mirage 2000 , developed by Dassault Aviation, holds a distinguished place in the history of military aviation. Its origins trace back to the late 1970s when it first took to the skies, showcasing remarkable agility, speed, and combat capabilities. Over the years, the Mirage 2000 has undergone several upgrades, evolving into a versatile platform capable of fulfilling various roles, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence.

One of the standout features of the Mirage 2000 is its aerodynamic design, characterized by its delta wing configuration and slender fuselage. Powered by a single SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine, the Mirage 2000 boasts impressive performance metrics, with speeds exceeding Mach 2 and a combat range of over 1,500 kilometers. Its advanced avionics, including radar systems, sensors, and weapons integration, contribute to its effectiveness in modern aerial warfare scenarios.

The Mirage 2000 has seen action in numerous conflicts, showcasing its combat prowess and reliability in challenging environments. From operations during the Gulf War to peacekeeping missions and air patrols, this iconic fighter jet has demonstrated its ability to adapt and perform under diverse conditions. Its successful track record has earned it the trust of air forces around the world, including those of France, India, Greece, and Egypt.

C919 Aircraft: China's Entrant into Commercial Aviation

In contrast to the Mirage 2000's military focus, the C919 aircraft represents China's ambitious leap into the commercial aviation market. Manufactured by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the C919 is a narrow-body passenger jet designed to compete with established models like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. It embodies China's aspirations to become a major player in global aviation manufacturing and operations.

The C919 incorporates modern technologies and materials to enhance fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and operational reliability. Its utilization of composite materials in construction, along with advanced avionics and efficient engines like the LEAP-1C from CFM International, positions it as a competitive option for airlines seeking cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions.

Despite facing challenges such as development delays and certification processes, the C919 achieved a significant milestone with its maiden flight in 2017. This successful debut marked China's capability to produce world-class commercial aircraft, signaling its intent to capture a share of the rapidly growing aviation market, particularly in Asia and beyond.

Comparative Analysis: Mirage 2000 vs. C919 Aircraft

When comparing the Mirage 2000 and  C919 aircraft, several key differences and similarities emerge. While the Mirage 2000 is a combat-proven fighter jet renowned for its agility, performance, and versatility in military operations, the C919 represents China's technological prowess and ambitions in commercial aviation.

In terms of design, the Mirage 2000's sleek and aerodynamic profile differs significantly from the C919's narrow-body configuration optimized for passenger transport. The Mirage 2000's focus on speed and maneuverability contrasts with the C919's emphasis on fuel efficiency, range, and passenger amenities.

Technologically, both aircraft showcase advancements relevant to their respective domains. The Mirage 2000 integrates advanced avionics, weapons systems, and radar capabilities tailored for combat scenarios, whereas the C919 incorporates modern materials, efficient engines, and cabin comforts suited for commercial airline operations.

Performance-wise, the Mirage 2000 excels in agility, reaching supersonic speeds and executing precise maneuvers essential for aerial combat engagements. On the other hand, the C919 prioritizes range, fuel economy, and passenger capacity, catering to the demands of commercial air travel with its modern systems and operational capabilities.

In terms of impact, the Mirage 2000 has left a lasting legacy in military aviation, serving multiple air forces and participating in various conflicts worldwide. Its reliability, adaptability, and combat effectiveness have earned it a reputation as a formidable fighter jet. Conversely, the C919's impact is still unfolding as it enters commercial service, aiming to compete with established aircraft models and contribute to China's growing influence in global aviation.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Aviation

The Mirage 2000 and C919 aircraft represent distinct yet significant facets of the aviation industry. While the Mirage 2000 embodies the pinnacle of military aviation technology and performance, the C919 symbolizes China's emergence as a major player in commercial aircraft manufacturing and operations.

As these aircraft continue to evolve, innovate, and shape the future of aviation, their contributions to global air travel, defense capabilities, and technological advancements will be closely monitored. Whether in combat scenarios or commercial airline operations, the Mirage 2000 and C919 stand as testaments to human ingenuity, engineering excellence, and the relentless pursuit of flight.

[farhan29174]

Aeroplane Motors Market Insights 2024, Trend Analysis, Business Trends, Development Factors and Forecast by 2034

The Aeroplane Motors market report offered by Reports Intellect is meant to serve as a helpful means to evaluate the market together with an exhaustive scrutiny and crystal-clear statistics linked to this market. The report consists of the drivers and restraints of the Aeroplane Motors Market accompanied by their impact on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes the study of prospects available in the market on a global level. With tables and figures helping evaluate the Global Aeroplane Motors market, this research offers key statistics on the state of the industry and is a beneficial source of guidance and direction for companies and entities interested in the market. This report comes along with an additional Excel data-sheet suite taking quantitative data from all numeric forecasts offered in the study.

Get Sample PDF Brochure @ https://www.reportsintellect.com/sample-request/2847735

Key players offered in the market: Slick Magneto Champion Aerospace Bendix Magneto Teledyne GE Pratt & Whitney Group SNECMA Rolls Royce

Additionally, it takes account of the prominent players of the Aeroplane Motors market with insights including market share, product specifications, key strategies, contact details, and company profiles. Similarly, the report involves the market computed CAGR of the market created on previous records regarding the market and existing market trends accompanied by future developments. It also divulges the future impact of enforcing regulations and policies on the expansion of the Aeroplane Motors Market.

Scope and Segmentation of the Aeroplane Motors Market

The estimates for all segments including type and application/end-user have been provided on a regional basis for the forecast period from 2024 to 2034. We have applied a mix of bottom-up and top-down methods for market estimation, analyzing the crucial regional markets, dynamics, and trends for numerous applications. Moreover, the fastest & slowest growing market segments are pointed out in the study to give out significant insights into each core element of the market.

Aeroplane Motors Market Type Coverage: - OEMs Aftermarket

Aeroplane Motors Market Application Coverage: - Propeller Aircraft Jet Aircraft Rotorcraft

Regional Analysis:

North America Country (United States, Canada) South America Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea) Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy) Other Countries (Middle East, Africa, GCC)

Also, Get an updated forecast from 2024 to 2034.

Discount PDF Brochure @ https://www.reportsintellect.com/discount-request/2847735

The comprehensive report provides:

Reasons to Purchase Aeroplane Motors Market Research Report

Covid-19 Impact Analysis: Our research analysts are highly focused on the Aeroplane Motors Market covid-19 impact analysis. A whole chapter is dedicated to the covid-19 outbreak so that our clients get whole and sole details about the market ups & downs. With the help of our report the clients will get vast statistics as to when and where should they invest in the industry.

About Us: Reports Intellect is your one-stop solution for everything related to market research and market intelligence. We understand the importance of market intelligence and its need in today's competitive world.

Our professional team works hard to fetch the most authentic research reports backed with impeccable data figures which guarantee outstanding results every time for you.

Contact Us: sales@reportsintellect.com Phone No: + 1-706-996-2486 US Address: 225 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30303

[farhan2004]

Aircraft Engine MRO Market Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends and Forecast Report 2024-2034

The Aircraft Engine MRO market report offered by Reports Intellect is meant to serve as a helpful means to evaluate the market together with an exhaustive scrutiny and crystal-clear statistics linked to this market. The report consists of the drivers and restraints of the Aircraft Engine MRO Market accompanied by their impact on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes the study of prospects available in the market on a global level. With tables and figures helping evaluate the Global Aircraft Engine MRO market, this research offers key statistics on the state of the industry and is a beneficial source of guidance and direction for companies and entities interested in the market. This report comes along with an additional Excel data-sheet suite taking quantitative data from all numeric forecasts offered in the study.

Get Sample PDF Brochure @ https://www.reportsintellect.com/sample-request/2911377

Key players offered in the market: GE Rolls-Royce MTU Maintenance Lufthansa Technik Pratt & Whitney Air France/KLM Snecma Delta TechOps Standard Aero BBA Aviation Chromalloy ITP Air New Zealand

Additionally, it takes account of the prominent players of the Aircraft Engine MRO market with insights including market share, product specifications, key strategies, contact details, and company profiles. Similarly, the report involves the market computed CAGR of the market created on previous records regarding the market and existing market trends accompanied by future developments. It also divulges the future impact of enforcing regulations and policies on the expansion of the Aircraft Engine MRO Market.

Scope and Segmentation of the Aircraft Engine MRO Market

The estimates for all segments including type and application/end-user have been provided on a regional basis for the forecast period from 2024 to 2034. We have applied a mix of bottom-up and top-down methods for market estimation, analyzing the crucial regional markets, dynamics, and trends for numerous applications. Moreover, the fastest & slowest growing market segments are pointed out in the study to give out significant insights into each core element of the market.

Aircraft Engine MRO Market Type Coverage: - Maintenance Repair Overhaul

Aircraft Engine MRO Market Application Coverage: - Civil Aircraft Military Aircraft

Regional Analysis:

North America Country (United States, Canada) South America Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea) Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy) Other Countries (Middle East, Africa, GCC)

Also, Get an updated forecast from 2024 to 2034.

Discount PDF Brochure @ https://www.reportsintellect.com/discount-request/2911377

The comprehensive report provides:

Complete assessment of all opportunities and threats in the global market.

Aircraft Engine MRO Market recent advancements and major events.

A thorough study of business policies for the growth of the Aircraft Engine MRO Market leading players.

Concluding study about the growth plot of Aircraft Engine MRO Market for upcoming years.

Detailed understanding of Aircraft Engine MRO Market particular drivers, restraints, and major micro markets.

Favorable impression inside vital technological and market latest trends hitting the Aircraft Engine MRO Market.

Reasons to Purchase Aircraft Engine MRO Market Research Report

Develop a competitive approach based on the competitive landscape

Build business strategy by identifying the high growth and attractive Aircraft Engine MRO market classifications

Identify potential business partners, gaining targets and business buyers

Design financial investment policies based on estimated high potential segments

Prepare management and tactical presentations using the Aircraft Engine MRO market data

Plan for new product promotion and portfolio in advance

Covid-19 Impact Analysis: Our research analysts are highly focused on the Aircraft Engine MRO Market covid-19 impact analysis. A whole chapter is dedicated to the covid-19 outbreak so that our clients get whole and sole details about the market ups & downs. With the help of our report the clients will get vast statistics as to when and where should they invest in the industry.

About Us: Reports Intellect is your one-stop solution for everything related to market research and market intelligence. We understand the importance of market intelligence and its need in today's competitive world.

Our professional team works hard to fetch the most authentic research reports backed with impeccable data figures which guarantee outstanding results every time for you.

Contact Us: sales@reportsintellect.com Phone No: + 1-706-996-2486 US Address: 225 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30303

[worldmilitary]

Prabowo Snecma M53 – Mesin Turbofan Afterburner Di Mirage 2000 5, Baru B...

[embedded-egypt]

Weird #Flying #Engine SNECMA Coléoptère #Aviation #Pilot https://youtu.be/NPcugc-TpwE

[demiiemmi]

fuck it ill do it myself

Bellanca Aircruiser, from what I can tell this appears to be the 66/75 variant

Convair F2Y Sea Dart

Beecraft Wee Bee

Seems like a personal project that happened to have a photo shared, can't even find who made it anywhere

Lockheed Martin P-791 Airship

Condor Scnark ZK-JEK, made in New Zealand, seemingly by a single person with the goal of making a 2 seater microlight

Little Wing Autogyro, the name is literally in the picture it's not hard to find

Hiller X-18 Convertiplane experimental cargo transport

Boeing L-15/YL-15 Scout

Rose Hereth/David Rose RP-4, an aircraft designed to break the sound barrier using 2 V8s and a dream (though it seems to not yet be completed so it hasn't actually done it yet)

Blohm & Voss BV-141 Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft

Bartini Berieve VVA-14, a ground effect based, VTOL, amphibious aircraft. It was intended to have inflatable pontoons on outer sections of the fuselage to allow it to land on water, sand, marsh, or basically any other surface, as well as 12 lift jets in two rows along the aircraft body, meant to allow it to have VTOL capabilities so it could take off from anywhere, alongside 2 high power turbofans resting atop the hull to allow it to reach speeds of 760 km/h and altitudes of 33,000 ft using its more conventional wings. Almost none of these features ever came to fruition before the Soviet Union pulled funding to invest in less risky projects while they were on the brink of collapse. oh uh. what were we talking about again?

Bréguet 1050 Alizé

Rutan Model 202 Boomerang

Budd RB-1 Conestoga

MacCready Gossamer Condor, the first ever human powered aircraft. like. flintstones car. but a plane

A modified Northrop F-5 for DARPA sonic boom testing.

Lockheed Martin X-59 QueSST, an aircraft developed by the Lockheed Skunk Works division for NASA's 'Low Boom Flight Demonstrator' project, designed to create a significantly decreased percieved volume sonic boom by using the aircraft shape to direct the majority of it up and into space, away from people on the ground, to demonstrate the possibility for supersonic flight over civilian populations in the current day

Another photo of the Convair F2Y Sea Dart

Lockheed XFV Salmon, a tail sitting VTOL aircraft prototype created to demonstrate VTOL technologies in fighters

Stipa-Caproni, an experimental, barrel shaped aircraft that basically made the entire fuselage a ducted fan

SNECMA C.450 Coléoptère, a tail sitting VTOL aircraft similar to the Lockheed XFV, though with a less conventional annular wing design

McDonnel Douglas MD-81(UHB), a propfan/unducted or open rotor turbofan technology demonstrator, an engine design meant to have the performance of a turbofan with the efficiency of a turboprop, though it never came to fruition due to excessive noise and an inherent decrease in maximum blade tip speed as opposed to a more standard ducted turbofan, though recently CFM International has continued development of technologygy

Hawker Siddley Nimrod (Left: R1, Right: MR2), a British maritime patrol aircraft developed as a modification to the de Havilland Comet, the first ever jet airliner

Lippisch-Dornier Aerodyne, a wingless, VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle

Honda HA-420 HondaJet, a light business jet with unconventional over-the-wing engines, positioned allow for the structure within the aircraft for rear mounted engines, allowing Honda to have a smaller cabin length then they otherwise would've been able to squeeze out of the aircraft while not decreasing (or possibly increasing) the total internal cabin size

Rockwell B-1 Lancer, a supersonic, swing wing, heavy bomber.

Left: Northrop YB-35, an experimental heavy bomber designed to be highly efficient due to the reduced parasitic drag and structural weight not responsible for lift. Right: Northrop YB-49, YB-35s converted to jets as the program stalled due to the US Government not wanting to invest heavily in propellor based aircraft as jet aircraft became more common.

Douglas X-3 Stiletto, an experimental aircraft used to test design features suitable for sustained supersonic flight, including the first use of titanium in major airframe components.

Boeing X-32 "Ugly Duckling", a demonstrator designed to compete in the Joint Strike Fighter program, losing to the Lockheed Martin X-35 (developed into the F-35) due to major design inefficiencies (mainly the inability to fly supersonic and have VTOL capabilities without a long, manual transition between configurations which the X-35 was capable of, automatically, mid flight)

Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo VSS Enterprise

Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane

Solar Impulse 2, an experimental solar powered aircraft concept

NASA AD-1, an experimental aircraft designed to test the feasability of an oblique wing design at low speeds (kinda stupid plane because the oblique wings are most beneficial at high (and particularly supersonic) speeds)

Korabl Maket (KM) (Caspian Sea Monster), a Soviet ekranoplan designed as a demonstration for how the ground effect can be used to allow gargantuan aircraft to fly with relative efficiency. Named the Caspian Sea Monster after an American reconnaissance sattelite photographed it resting in a harbour in the Caspian Sea

This appears to be the RC Aircraft PeterStripol made in this video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=hgUlIYeA-7k for Flite Test as one of its wings failed mid flight at 12:30

there, that should be all of them, happy?

weird and unsettling aircraft

[illustratus]

[skyfire85]

FLIGHTLINE: 195 - SNECMA COLÉOPTÈRE ("BEETLE")

-The SNECMA Coléoptère on its specially designed cradle/erector. | Photo: USN

FLIGHTLINE: 195 - SNECMA COLÉOPTÈRE ("BEETLE")

Designed by French engine manufacturer SNECMA, the Coléoptère was an experimental VTOL aircraft using an annular wing.

In the wake of WWII, a number of aircraft design and manufacturing organizations around the world sought to create an aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically (VTOL), using a number of cutting edge technologies, including turbojet engines. One such company was SNECMA (Société nationale d'études et de construction de moteurs d'aviation , now Safran Aircraft Engines), which along with its own R&D work, integrated the research of Austrian-born Helmut von Zborowski, who had designed an annular wing he felt was capable of acting "as power plant, airframe of a flying wing aircraft and drag-reducing housing". SNECMA began design work of an aircraft incorporating von Zborowski's wing with their own jet engines into a ramjet interceptor, capable of taking off vertically and accelerating to supersonic speeds. This work culminated in the C.450 Coléoptère. Prior to building the Coléoptère, however, a number of test vehicles were built, known as the Atar Volant (either "Shuttlecock" or "Flying Atar").

-The second Atar Volant (C.400 P.2), on display at the Musée de l'air et de l'espace in Le Bourget, France. | Photo: ignis

Essentially an Atar 10DV engine with a metal skin providing space for fuel and remote control equipment, the first Volant, model C.400 P.1, had its first tethered flight on 22 September 1956 and completed 205 flights to validate control systems, which included an early thrust vectoring nozzle.

-Cutaway of the P.1. | Illustration: SNECMA

-Photo of the P.2 (L) and P.1 (R) in the late 1950s. | Photo: Nico Braas

The P.1 was followed by the P.2, which was also powered by a 10DV, but had a platform above the intake for an ejection seat and controls, allowing a pilot to fly the Volant. The P.2 supplemented the nozzle control of the P.1 with control jet nozzles on the landing legs. a 500kg capacity fuel tank gave an endurance of almost 5 minutes. The first tethered flight was on 8 April 1957, with the first free flight on 14 May 1957. The P.2 made 102 flights by 1958, after which it was displayed at the Paris Air Show before being preserved at the Museum of Air and Space in La Bourget. A third Volant, the P.3, used a more powerful 101E engine, and had a fully-enclosed cockpit atop the stack, which also had a tilting ejection seat for both vertical and horizontal flight.

-The C.400 P.3 during an early tethered flight. | Photo: SNECMA

The P.3 was used in two separate phases, one testing vertical flight, then a second stage with the engine mounted in a horizontal position on a rail car to test airflow and other aspects of horizontal flight.

-The P.3 being prepped for a horizontal test. | Photo: SNECMA

THE BEETLE

After the conclusion of the Volant test series, SNECMA proceeded with the construction and testing of the full annular wing aircraft, designated the C.450-01 Coléoptère. Lacking the needed experience with manufacturing a full airframe, SNECMA contracted Nord Aviation to complete the Coléoptère, with the aircraft being ready for its maiden flight in 1959.

-Orthograph of the C.450-01. | Illustration: aviastar.org

The C.450 stood eight meters tall on four small swiveling caster wheels, and while the diameter of the wing was just over three meters, four small fins for maneuvering in horizontal flight increased the 'wingspan' to 4.5 meters from tip to tip. At maximum weight the Coléoptère weighed 3,000 kilos, while the Atar EV 101E engine produced 3,700kg of thrust. An annular tank provided 700kg of fuel. Two small retractable canards on either side of the nose aided with stability during the transition from vertical to horizontal flight, while deflection of the exhaust provided directional control during vertical flight. As with the P.3 test rig, the seat and instrument panel tilted with the aircraft, keeping the pilot relatively upright in all phases. Two windows were added to the fuselage to give the pilot a frame of reference for the ground during landing and takeoff, and auxiliary doors would open to direct air into the engine as needed.

-The C.450 resting in the transporter/erector, with pilot Auguste Morel in the pilot's seat. | Photo: SNECMA

The C.450 arrived at Melun Villaroche Aerodrome for testing in 1958, with the first tethered test occurring in December. Test pilot Auguste Morel, who had also flown the Volant during its test phase, found almost immediately that the Coléoptère had a tendency to slowly rotate during hover (likely a result of torque from the engine), that the vertical speed indicator was inaccurate, and that the control system was almost ineffective during vertical flight. Dead stick (i.e.: engine off) landings were impossible. Adjustments were made to the aircraft, and the first free flight was undertaken on 6 May 1959. Seven more successful test flights were completed, with the aircraft demonstrating its ability to hover before a public audience. The C.450 established a maximum ceiling of 800m (2,600 feet).

-The Coléoptère in a hover. | Photo: SNECMA

The ninth and final flight occurred on 25 July 1959, and was intended to be the first full transition from vertical to horizontal flight. Poor instrumentation and a lack of visual references resulted in Morel becoming disorientated however, and the Coléoptère began to stall. The aircraft entered a series of oscillations and Morel triggered the ejection seat at 150m (490') altitude. The C.450 impacted the ground and was destroyed, and Morel was injured but survived. SNECMA had planned on having a second Coléoptère built, but the funds were never provided, and the test program ended with the 450.1's destruction. SNECMA's brief entry into experimental aircraft ended as well, though the company continued to innovate within that field, working with Rolls-Royce on the Olympus 593 engine for Concorde as well as with GE on several airliner engines, and developing the SNECMA M53 for the Mirage 2000 as well as the M88 for the Rafale fighters. The company also branched out into rocket engines, developing the Viking and Vulcain motors for the Ariane series of launch vehicles. In 2016, after a series of acquisitions and mergers, the company was renamed Safran Aircraft Engines as a subsidiary of Safran S.A.

-Box art for a contemporary model kit of the Coléoptère, released by French company Heller. | Illustration Heller SA