NEWS & INFORMATION

ARC Aerosystems based at Cranfield, UK has taken ownership of the FAR 27 certified gyroplane , the Pegasus (AVIAN) 2/180.  The aircraft received its type certification in the 1960's and has passed through a small number of entities since ending up with ARC (as a wholly owned company).

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Acting in the capacity of Head of Design Organisation, Acroflights Director John Wighton is supporting the compliance verification activity to bring the Pegasus to the UK, validate the TC with the CAA and conduct flight trials.  Ultimately , it may be possible to bring the Pegasus up to date to enter the market as a viable alternative in the small air taxi marketplace.

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The USP of the Pegasus include the ability for jump take-off (JTO), it's very high efficiency in cruise flight (owing to the ducted propeller system).

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A modernised version, the ARC P3, is already under concept design.

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ACROFLIGHT joins ADS.  As we operate in the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors it seemed right to utilise the benefits and contacts that membership invokes.  As well as access to industry partners and associations we aim to participate in member events over the coming years.

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RR ACCEL Achieves 5 World Records

Acroflight worked for Electroflight on the RR ACCEL (eNXT) from 2018 to date.  Today (19 Nov 2021) RR issued a press release with details of the confirmation of their claim for 5 new world records.

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Full article here:  Acroflight's involvement with RR ACCEL.

 

ASTM Committee Member

Acroflight has joined ASTM as Sub-Committee member on the GA and LSA panel.  This enables direct influence in this subject area.  ASTM is being rolled out across the aerospace sector, with the FAA and EASA utilising the standards as embedded (or partially embedded) regulations defining the requirements of new aircraft

 

LSA/Microlight 600kg

The new 600kg BCAR Section S regulation is now live,  We are busy at Acroflight updating programs and compliance checklists to ensure we are able to conduct airworthiness checks.  As members of the ASTM Technical Committee that monitors and adjusts LSA regulatory requirements we are well placed to partner with any UK based BCAR A8-1 organisation or the OEM based globally.  We look forward to seeing the latest 600kg microlight aircraft entering service in the UK soon.

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Digital Twin boost from Airbus

Our deep-dive and expansion of aerospace manufacturing process Digital Twin received a massive boost after the latest statement concerning restructuring of Airbus' aerostructures divisions.  Guillaume Faury is quoted as saying [source FlightGlobal, April 2021];

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"Faury says that in addition to the industrial simplification, closer alignment between the digital design and manufacturing processes is necessary to prepare for future aircraft that feature “different architectures and new energy [sources]”.

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As partners in TCTOOL, Acroflight has been at the forefront of innovative methods of aircraft assembly using thermoplastic components since 2019.  Our Digital Twin methodology, of using highly detailed simulations of manufacturing and assembly processes, has resulted in significant improvements in assembly and, critically, optimisation of energy usage.

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Europa TD Modification

For the latest news on our Europa Taildragger (TD) Modification click the feature button on the right. Initially, we aimed to provide full kits and support, however, it is clear from the 50 or so enquiries we have had that many Europa owners would prefer to source their own materials and provide much of the labour required to prepare the +140 plies and parts needed to complete the modification.  Hence we now offer, in addition, a bare-boned option consisting of a build-license, digital ply templates and a set of instructions.  Beringer can supply wheel/brakes and Acroflight has sourced a supplier to manufacture the main landing gear legs and sockets.   

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Rich Goodwin has been preparing to fly his Jet Pitts, here is a link to the high-speed taxi run under power at Glos Airport.  

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Engineering Analysis

Acroflight has been expanding its engineering services since its forerunner's establishment in 1988. Our aim has always been to lead the engineering community towards a technologically advanced future. For each project, we work carefully to stay within budget while providing maximum value for our clients and their needs.

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From SSDR, through LSA, VLA, CS/FAR 23 onto CS/FAR 25 large aircraft and UAS/drones, we have a solution for your engineering, certification or operational challenge.

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In 2018 we pioneered AI based Digital Twin technology and have been awarded a consortium place in on-going EC funded R&D in this area. 

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In 2019 Acroflight was selected as a contributing sub-contractor to the Rolls Royce ACCEL program being managed by Electro Flight,  see the latest here: https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/our-stories/innovation/2018/introducing-accel.aspx

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The EU funded consortium project TCTOOL is now active, with a dedicated website here: https://www.tctool.net/ 

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We have some great things planned for 2021.  These include supporting Rich Goodwin Airshows and the introduction of his Jet Pitts. More info here: https://www.richgoodwinairshows.com/

 

Acroflight will be demonstrating a 3rd Pitts at airshows throughout 2021, including Weston Park.  This is a 40% scale RC model which sports livery as per G-EWIZ, Rich's Pitts Challenger.  Sponsorship from the great people at anana more info here: http://www.anana.com/

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Our Air Race E contender, a converted Taylor Titch (eTitich) is now in the workshop, we will provide updates of this project on a dedicated web page. We are looking for sponsors and to partner with a battery/motor supplier.

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For the rapidly developing VTOL (and mixed VTOL/CTOL) air taxi EV marketplace Acroflight is developing a specific capability.  The efficient design of aircraft/rotor-craft depends upon the availability of accurate structural loads (both internal and external).  Acroflight has, since 1998, created a loads generation package that knits together both VTOL and CTOL flight envelope derived loads, including transition stage flight.  The loads modules, developed over time and thoroughly validated for a variety of projects, are being pulled together into a user-friendly GUI.  The resulting product, available via consultancy contract with Acroflight, significantly reduces the time and resources previously needed.  This enables your design team to have almost real-time access to flight and ground loads data - hence enabling better optimisation for lighter mass and improved product performance.

 

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