Possible Boeing Timeline For Airliner Development In 2020 To 2040

    Even though Boeing has been hard hit by the grounding of the 737 MAX caused by the two tragic incidents, worsely compounded by the chinese virus pandemic, Boeing still has to move forward with its Airliner Development.

Boeing 737 MAX9

    As Boeing itself has identified, it has an airliner model gap between the 737 model line, and the 787 and 767 model lines. This has been caused by the absence of a replacement for its 757 line, of which the replacement cycle for it has began. The 757 has been mostly replaced by the Airbus A321LR, and soon by the A321XLR.

Airbus A321LR

    Boeing also has no replacement in the area formerly occupied by the former MD95 that was renamed the Boeing 717, after the merger with McDonnell Douglas aircraft company. This area is now occupied by the Bombardier designed and built CS100 and CS300, that was sold to Airbus for $1 and became the Airbus A220.

Bombardier CSeries, now called Airbus A220

    Had the Boeing - Embraer merger proceeded, without the MAX and chinese
virus pandemic fiascos, the new Embraer E2 195 line could have competed with the A220 in this sector. This sector was also covered in the past by the earliest 737 versions before the 737 was made bigger at least twice. The 737 MAX7 still covers part of this sector but will not be as competitive versus the newer Bombardier designed and originally built CSeries.

Embraer E2 195

    Thus Boeing has two product line gaps to plug, the 757 replacement and the 717 replacement. Both the A321LR and the A220 lines has effectively reduced market shares in these areas.

    In my previous blog Boeing 737-11 NEW, Or Boeing 717 - The 757 Replacement I discussed a possible 757 replacement concept founded on the 737 MAX, with a NEW wing, longer fuselage and updated engines.

    Prior news items has talked of a possible new engines for the venerable Boeing 767, now solely produced as a Freighter or as a Refueling Tanker. Boeing has a contract for 179 KC-46 Pegasus Tankers with the US Air Force but there is probably low chances of reengining for these since it will muddle the maintenance logistics chain.

KC-46 Pegasus

    If Boeing gets enough orders for reengined 767 Freighters, it will most probably proceed. It may well turn the 767 as the C-47/DC-3 aircraft of the 21st century that lives on and on. If the economics is right, Boeing may even offer an airliner version of the 767, that has already a modernized cockpit based on the 787.

    My take on the Possible Boeing Timeline For Airliner Development In 2020 To 2040, from Board decision to first flight

    2022-2026    737-11 NEW, to evolve as the Boeing 717 as 757 replacement

    2024-2027    Reengined 767-XF

    2030-2035    737 Replacement, maybe Truss-Braced Wing with Open Rotor engine

Boeing Truss-Braced Wing Concept

    717 replacement will depend on Boeing's financial capacity after the MAX and chinese virus fiascos; or maybe revisit the merger of Boeing and Embraer. Or adopt the Mitsubishi SpaceJet for this area as Boeing and Mitsubishi are already partners in the 787.

 

Mitsubishi SpaceJet

 

Boeing 737-11 NEW, Or Boeing 717 - The 757 Replacement

 

    Boeing's present financial situation effectively closes the door to the launch of its NMA or New Midsize Airplane in the next 15 years.

Boeing's NMA or New Midsize Airplane Concept

    However, it must have to present a competitor to the Airbus' A321 LR and A321XLR models that has become the de facto B-757 replacement aircraft.

Airbus Launches The A321XLR

    Given Boeing's heavy debt load, mainly caused by the 737 MAX accident fiasco and the chinese virus pandemic, it will not have the financial capacity to invest on an all-new airliner to compete in its own-defined 'Midsize Airplane' sector. And there are also no new technologies that Boeing can integrate into an NMA or New Midsize Airplane that will leapfrog substantially the Airbus models that are now presently occupying this sector. Boeing needs at least 20% better efficiency to justify a $10+ billion investment on a clean sheet airliner.

Boeing 737 MAX9

    What Boeing needs now is a 757 Replacement that is founded on the 737 for the 'Midsize Airplane' sector.

Icelandair Boeing 757

 

     It must jump the gun on Airbus' solution, that is touted by the media, for Airbus to confront the then Boeing NMA or New Midsize Airplane concept study. And the 737 that has recently caused it much pain can now become its savior in the 'Midsize Airplane' sector.

Boeing 737 MAX10, soon to fly

 

    I call it the 737-11 NEW (New Engine and Wing). And evolve as the Boeing 717, as it diverges more from the 737 line. The Boeing's 757 replacement.

     The Boeing 717 will have these features: 

1. It will use an optimized 737 fuselage, with outward opening cargo doors with maximized cabin width via a 777X similar treatment. This will leverage the efficient 737 production line of Spirit AeroSystems thus reducing startup costs. Modifications can later be flowed back to MAX fuselages after testing and certification.

2. It will use an updated 777X composite wing design technology, optimized for the 717 configuration. Folding wingtips can also be adopted if it is economical in terms of airport slot costs. This can leverage the huge investment that Boeing has put into its Composite Wing Center plant in Everett.

3. Upgraded GE/Safran LEAP-1B or 1A engines to maintain commonality with the MAX or NEO supply chains. At this point, engine inserts are on time to be developed for better fuel efficiency and time on wing.

4. A 3rd AOA sensor or a virtual one to fulfill EASA requirement. The other 737 findings from the MAX recertification have to be provided solutions for in the 717.

5. Nominal specs would be a 4,000 NM range with a maximum of 240 passengers in a 2-class cabin. The 717 must not encroach into the 767 and 787 sectors, and maintain good economics for the 757 sector.

6. A 787 technology level cockpit will insure the 717's relevance into the 2030's.

 

The 717 designation was last used for the MD-95 that Boeing inherited when it took over the McDonnell Douglas company. It was also used as a designation for a pre cursor of the Boeing 707 - the KC-135 tanker.

Boeing 717, formerly MD-95

KC-135E Stratotanker, originally designated as 717-100

Basler Turbo USA is offering 2 BT-67 MPA and 2 BT-67 FLIR Gunship for the PAF LRPA Program

Basler Turbo Conversions of Oshkosh, Wisconsin USA is offering two BT-67 Maritime Patrol Aircraft plus two BT-67 FLIR Gunship for the Philippine Air Force s Long Range Patrol Aircraft acquisition program. The four BT-67 aircraft will be capable in conducting aerial maritime patrol over the EEZ, ECS and the Kalayaan Island Group of the Philippines. This offer can be an affordable and a fast implementation solution to the long running PAF LRPA acquisition saga.

Possible MPA configuration

The Basler BT-67 s affordability and capabilities as a Multi Mission Aircraft will enable the Philippines to buy more of the aircraft, or use the savings to buy other needed defense equipment. The BT-67 MPA, with additional sensors as compared to the BT-67 FLIR Gunship, can be a good long range Maritime Patrol and ISR Aircraft platform.

Basler Turbo Conversions has sold more than 63 BT-67 s worldwide so far. The Basler BT-67 has been used by the U.S.A.F. SOF Command, U.S. Department of State and U.S. Forest Service, and is widely used by the Thailand and Colombia Air Forces. Other Air Forces using the Basler BT-67 are that of Mauritania, Mali, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The BT-67 equipped with electronics, sensors and tail/nose booms has been widely used by Scientific, and Geophysical Survey companies. Commercial cargo airlines, some of which also ferry passengers in combi configuration, has attained 98% availability operating in rough areas.

FLIR Gunship

In the Philippine Air Force, the Basler BT-67 MPA and FLIR Gunship versions can supplement their other aircraft in Combat Air Support, Maritime Patrol, Transport and other missions. The Basler BT-67 has been fitted with belly hard points that can carry 11,000+ lbs while wing hard points has been certified for 100 lbs per side on wing tips, and 500 lbs per side on the outer wings. These capabilities open up opportunities for future fittings and certifications for additional sensors, and even weapons systems.

The BT-67's most important advantages are its

1. Capability - 40 troop or 18 (C-47 type) litters capacity; 10,000 lb. payload over 650 nautical miles or 2,600 lb. payload over 1875 nautical miles (with long range tanks); loiter time of over target of 10.3 hours (with 45 minute reserve, using long range tanks); and Cargo Deck of 7 feet width at floor level, 6.5 feet height, 42 feet length for a total 1225 Cubic Feet internal volume.

2. Affordability - With its low acquisition, operating and maintenance costs, coupled to its long service life, as proven in many Air Forces, is the solution to many of the Philippine Air Force's wide spectrum mission requirements.

3. Reliability - The average mission capability rate over the worldwide BT-67 fleet is at over 95% including operations in isolated areas. The U.S. Air Force BT-67 availability rate was 100% during the 3 years that they operated it. BT-67 has 98% availability rate in airliner service.

4. Deliverability - The Basler BT-67 can usually be delivered within 1 year after the contract is signed, and available via U.S. Foreign Military Sales.

5. Maintainability - Basler Turbo has eighteen 40-foot containers of parts, plus a large parts warehouse that are available within 24 hours worldwide via air courier delivery, for the past almost 30 years.

Other Basler BT-67 Advantages are

1. Fully customizable configurations as per client exact requirements.

2. Rough-field STOL in such an aircraft size with low stall speed and low approach speed suitable for Maritime Patrol.

3. Autonomous engine self-start capability for remote areas operations.

4. Industry leading service from Basler with widely-available aviation parts.

5. Easy-access service panels that allows for over-the-wing refueling and repairs eliminating the need for special equipment.

6. Engine-exhaust-vent-over-the-wing design significantly reduce IR signature to ground sensors for lowered MANPADS vulnerability.

7. Basler Turbo Conversions can service the BT-67 wherever with engine overhaul and heavy maintenance shops worldwide.

The BT-67 is fitted with all new two(2) proven reliable Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R engines with Hartzell 5-blade aluminum reversing propeller. It has digital avionics with Full IFR Multi Function Displays, GPS, Weather radar, and HF radio, with full spectrum options available. The digital instrument panel and exterior lighting is Night Vision Goggles compatible.

The BT-67 is Stage III quiet, and certified for known ice conditions. The BT-67 also has new De-icing, Air conditioning, Stall Warning, Oxygen supply, Fire monitoring, with the engine nacelles and radome made of composite material.

Both the BT-67 Maritime Patrol version and the BT-67 FLIR Gunship version can do aerial maritime/ground monitoring and patrol, using the FLIR ball sensors that is common to both. The FLIR Gunship carries additional weapons, while the Maritime Patrol version carries additional sensors and electronics. The BT-67 can go out to the extremes of our EEZ, Kalayaan Island Group, and Philippine Rise ECS then loiter for 8 Hours.

The BT-67 FLIR Gunship version configuration is being improved by Basler Turbo with the addition of a Syzygy Weapons Interface equipped with Mission Management Software, Bus Interface to FLIR EO/IR and Rail System, Slight Alignment for use with Gun System and EO/IR, and MA4B 14" NATO Ejector Racks. This will provide more accuracy to the 20mm guns.

For the BT-67 Maritime Patrol version, Basler Turbo has configured it with a WGS Patrol Package that includes:

• Europa
• Workstations
• FLIR HD
• Selex Seaspray
• ELINT
• COMINT
• Magnetic Anomaly Detector
• Bouy Deployment System
• Bouy Transceiver System
• Downlink System
• Tactical Data Link
• AIS Receiver
• DSLR Cameras & Camcorders
• Multi Media Projectors
• BTC Installation
• Search Radar Radome

WGS Station

It also includes Ground Stations - Fixed Ground Stations, Mobile Ground Stations, and Man Portable Ground Stations.

Basler Turbo USA is offering the BT-67 Gunship(FLIR-equipped) for Combat Air Support, Maritime Patrol and Transport to the Philippine Department of National Defense

Basler Turbo Conversions of Oshkosh, Wisconsin USA is offering its FLIR-equipped BT-67 Gunship to the Philippine Department of National Defense for Combat Air Support, Maritime Patrol and Transport. The BT-67 FLIR Gunship will be helpful in upgrading the air capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at a very affordable level, and at a fast implementation timetable.

Basler BT-67 Fantasma FLIR Gunship, Fuerza Aérea Colombiana

The Basler BT-67 FLIR Gunship’s affordability and capabilities as a Multi Mission Aircraft will enable the Philippines to either buy more of the aircraft, or use the savings to buy other needed defense equipment. Using just one aircraft type for multiple missions will also simplify and lower the cost of maintenance and logistics support. With additional sensors, the BT-67 FLIR Gunship has also a good potential as a long range Maritime Patrol and ISR Aircraft platform.

Basler Turbo Conversions has sold more than 63 BT-67’s worldwide so far. The Basler BT-67 has been used by the U.S.A.F. SOF Command, U.S. Department of State and U.S. Forest Service, and is widely used by the Thailand and Colombia Air Forces. Other Air Forces using the Basler BT-67 are that of Mauritania, Mali, El Salvador, and Guatemala. It is widely used by Scientific, and Geophysical Survey companies specially in the Polar regions, aside from many commercial cargo airlines, some of which also ferry passengers in “combi” configuration.

In the Philippine Air Force, the Basler BT-67 FLIR Gunship can supplement the OV-10, SF-260W and MD-500 in Combat Air Support miisions, offering significantly higher payload and loiter time plus FLIR capabilities. In Maritime Patrol missions, the BT-67 FLIR Gunship can supplement the OV-10, BN Islander and S-211, offering significantly higher loiter time plus the new capability of FLIR sensors for longer ranged detection and monitoring. In Transport missions, it can supplement the Nomad, Fokker F27, CN-212, C-295 and C-130; and a possible replacement for transport aircraft scheduled for decommissioning. The BT-67 FLIR Gunship is a proven rough field STOL aircraft from the Tropics to the Arctic, and can also supplement the air support assets in the PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy and Philippine Army.

The Basler BT-67 has been fitted with belly hard points that can carry 11,000+ lbs while wing hard points has been certified for 100 lbs per side on wing tips, and 500 lbs per side on the outer wings. These capabilities open up opportunities for future fittings and certifications for additional sensors, and even weapons systems.

The BT-67 FLIR Gunship’s most important advantages are its

1. Cost – It is priced lower as compared to smaller transport aircraft but with a higher 40 troop capacity; 10,000 lb. payload over 650 nautical miles or 2,600 lb. payload over 1875 nautical miles (with long range tanks); and Cargo Deck of 7 feet width at floor level, 6.5 feet height, 42 feet length for a total 1225 Cubic Feet internal volume.

2. Reliability – With the U.S. Air Force, BT-67 availability rate was 100% during the 3 years that they operated it.

3. Deliverability – The Basler BT-67 can usually be delivered within 1 year after the contract is signed.

Other advantages of the Basler BT-67 include

1. Fully customizable configuration as per client exact requirements.

2. Rough-field STOL in such an aircraft size with low stall speed and low approach speed suitable for Maritime Patrol.

3. Industry leading service from Basler Turbo Conversions LLC with widely-available aviation parts.

4. Engine-exhaust-vent-over-the-wing design significantly reduce IR signature to ground sensors for lowered MANPADS vulnerability.

U.S. Department of State Air Wing Basler BT-67 refueling

On Board Oxygen Generator System (OBOGS) for high altitude flying

The BT-67 FLIR Gunship is fitted with 2 proven reliable Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R engines with Hartzell 5-blade aluminum reversing propeller. It has digital avionics with Full IFR Multi Function Displays, GPS, Weather radar, and HF radio, with full spectrum options available. The digital instrument panel and exterior lighting is Night Vision Goggles compatible. The BT-67 is Stage III quiet, and certified for known ice conditions.

The BT-67 FLIR Gunship has De-icing, Air conditioning, Stall Warning, Oxygen supply, Fire monitoring, with the engine nacelles and radome made of composite material.

The Basler BT-67 FLIR Gunship’s Mission Spectrum includes personnel and cargo transport, parachute operations, aerial patrol, medical evacuation, remote area delivery and support, and cloud seeding, among others. With additional options, the Basler BT-67 can be configured as a Firebomber, and as a long range Multi Mission Patrol Aircraft.

Basler BT-67 digital glass instrument panel, with Night Vision Goggles compatible mode

Two cargo deck seating options, among other configurations

BT-67 with water bomber belly tank option

Wide standard cargo door that can be fitted with a ramp

BT-67 Gunship/CAS configuration option

Possible BT-67 Multi Mission Patrol Aircraft configuration option

The Basler BT-67 FLIR Gunship offers an excellent cost-effective and capable Multi Mission Aircraft package for the Philippines that has limited financial resources to meet a very challenging defense capability upgrading endeavor.

Appeared also in http://www.janes.com/article/64580/basler-offers-bt-67-gunship-to-philippines

AirPino Authorized to Market and Assemble ZenAir Canada aircraft in the Philippines

1 August 2011

RENE G. ABAD and AirPino, based in Quezon City have been authorized by Zenair Ltd. of  Ontario, Canada to market and develop Zenair™ aircraft designs for the Philippine market. This agreement covers the following aircraft models:

Zenair STOL CH801 - 4 seater 

AirPino CH801 Lawin MPLA concept

CH801 over farms

CH801 on floats

Zenair STOL CH750 - 2 seater plus

CH750 over water

CH750 with 2 passengers

Zenair STOL CH701 - 2 seater

CH701 in extreme STOL takeoff

CH701 airborne

Zenair Zodiac CH650 / CH650B - 2 seater

Aerial Touring with the CH650B LSA

Sleek CH650 head-on view

CH650 at Paris Air Show 2009

CH650B LSA - Joy of Flying

The agreement covers the promotion and marketing of Zenair Ltd.’s unique line of high-performance light aircraft designs for liaison, utility, reconnaissance, patrol,  surveillance and other roles to the various commands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Army, Navy, Air Force); and to other Philippine government institutions, including Local Government Units (Provinces, Cities, Municipalities, Barangays).

The aircraft will also be offered to the adventurous who would like to experience the joy of flying at very affordable levels.

AirPino will explore the feasibility and develop plans for the assembly and finishing of the different aircraft models in the Philippines, to deliver locally-built and equipped ready-to-fly aircraft.

Aircraft Sales, Aircraft Assembly, Maintenance and Repairs for the Zenair Aircraft Brand for the  Philippines.


Rene.Abad@AirPino.info
http://www.AirPino.info
http://www.zenair.com

AirPino - Multi Purpose Light Aircraft Integrating Rural Pilipinos

The Philippine Aircraft Industry has shown its capability to produce for the many and varied aircraft requirements of the country in the past. It has designed and/or fabricated various aircraft from the 1950’s such as the XL series of the 1950’s, the Islander, the S-211 jet, the Bolkow helicopter, the Defiant 300 and numerous others. As a developing country, the requirements for aircraft is increasing specially given the archipelagic and mountainous geography.

The AirPino Project is the local manufacture of a multipurpose light aircraft that can be used for

1. Rural Air Transport providing for Inter island, Cross mountain, Inter Province transport
2. Agricultural Functions such as rainmaking, aerial survey and monitoring, crop dusting
3. Private Users for executive transport, charter operations, recreational flying, skydiving, tourist transport
4. Promotion of forestry development through aerial reforestation of all bald and denuded mountains, monitoring of illegal loggers and log transport, and firebombing of forest fires
5. Protection of mineral resources through aerial monitoring of large mines and mineral transport
6. Environmental monitoring and protection of  rivers, bays, mine tailings, etc.
7. Government Functions such as liaison, VIP transport, aerial project monitoring
8. Export product to other developing countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia
9. Base for aviation industry development

Required for parallel development is the capability building for the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for Philippine aircraft certification. This is necessary for the AirPino MPLA to be viable commercially. The CAAP will also have to enter into bilateral treaties with its corresponding organization in other countries to enable the export of Philippine-made aircraft to these countries.

Design Requirements

1. Designed for easy production and easy maintenance using modular construction
2. Plane configured to expedite exports to other developing countries
3. Use of composites for technology expertise development, including possible use of laminated bamboo
4. P10 million per unit bare cost objective
5. Adoption of low cost COTS technology for augmented VFR such as GPS, electro-optics, IPad
6. Preparation for other model configurations
7. 5 seats plus cargo minimum size, to 8 seats

Aircraft Integrating Rural Pilipinos

Aircraft Integrating Rural Pilipinos