FORT WORTH, Tex. - Bell Textron Inc.revealed its Aircraft Laboratory for Future Autonomy (ALFA). Developed by Bell's Advanced Programs team, ALFA is dedicated to performing flight maneuvers with an aircraft safety system and executing autonomous fly-by-wire flights.

The fly-by-wire integration was a critical step in future development of autonomous controls for Bell’s commercial aircraft, an emerging technology that aims to reduce pilot workload and enhance safety.

"Fly-by-wire flight, coupled with additional capability that are being integrated into ALFA, provides a great foundation for Bell to expand on its autonomous capabilities," said Jason Hurst, executive vice president, Engineering, Bell

ALFA’s aircraft safety system separates safety functions from flight control functions, allowing for rapid development and evaluation of novel flight control technology without compromising overall safety. The aircraft completed its first flight at Bell’s Commercial Assembly and Delivery Centre in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada and is now being used for further exploration at Bell’s Flight Research Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Source: Bell Texton Inc.
Associated URL: https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/237385-bell-reveals-bell-aircraft-laboratory-for-future-autonomy-fly-by-wire-operations

MIAMI -- Lilium, a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has partnered with UrbanLink, a new advanced air mobility operator, to launch electric air taxi services in South Florida.

UrbanLink aims to become the first US airline to fully integrate eVTOL aircraft into its fleet, purchasing 20 Lilium Jets with pre-delivery payments. The partnership also leverages a network of vertiports developed by Lilium and its collaborators over the past five years, providing the infrastructure needed for launch.

Looking towards 2026, UrbanLink plans to utilize these electric air taxis to connect major cities in South Florida, including Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale, with service extending to Marco Island.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://flightplan.forecastinternational.com/2024/05/07/lilium-lands-20-unit-order-from-floridas-urbanlink/

DONAUWORTH, Germany - Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence of Brunei for the acquisition of six H145M helicopters.

Replacing its old BO105 fleet, Brunei’s H145Ms will be used to enhance the air force’s operational capabilities for missions including close air support and aerial observation.

The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. The global fleet of the H145 family has accumulated more than seven million flight hours to-date. Brunei is the latest nation to order the H145M, after Cyprus, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Serbia and Thailand.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). In addition, the helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite which, alongside innovative flight data management, includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, which considerably reduces pilot workload during missions. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145M the quietest helicopter in its class.

Source: Airbus
Associated URL: https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-05-brunei-orders-six-h145m-helicopters