Turbulence is one of the most common fears that people have when flying. It is the feeling of the plane shaking or bouncing around while in the air. Turbulence is caused by the movement of air currents in the atmosphere, and it can be caused by a variety of factors such as weather conditions, jet streams, and even the shape of the terrain below.

While turbulence can be unsettling, it is important to remember that it is a normal part of flying. Pilots are trained to handle turbulence and are experts at navigating through it safely. In fact, planes are designed to withstand even the most severe turbulence, so there is no need to worry about the safety of the aircraft.

That being said, there are different types of turbulence that can affect the aircraft differently. The most common type is called “light turbulence,” which feels like a slight bump or jolt. This type of turbulence is generally not dangerous and is often experienced during takeoff and landing.

“Moderate turbulence” is more intense and can cause objects to shift around in the cabin. This type of turbulence can be uncomfortable for passengers, but it is still not a safety concern for the aircraft.

“Severe turbulence” is the most intense type of turbulence and can be frightening for passengers. It can cause the aircraft to drop suddenly or violently, and objects in the cabin can become airborne. However, even in severe turbulence, the aircraft is still designed to withstand the forces and will not be in danger of crashing.

In conclusion, while turbulence can be scary, it is a normal part of flying and poses no danger to the safety of the aircraft. Pilots are trained to handle turbulence and will do everything in their power to ensure a smooth and safe flight. So the next time you experience turbulence while flying, rest assured that you are in good hands and there is nothing to fear.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbulence

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/aerospace/

In partnership with Department of the Air Force Digital Transformation Office, the Catalyst Accelerator Ogden launches its Spring 2023 cohort of eight innovative small businesses with technology solutions to accelerate and automate DAF certification processes.

OGDEN, Utah (Newswire.com) – The Catalyst Accelerator Ogden (CAO) is launching its second cohort in partnership with the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Digital Transformation Office (DTO). Eight small businesses from across the United States will come together to solve a stated DAF challenge statement focused on Digital Model Certification (DMC).

The Catalyst Accelerator Ogden exists to empower nontraditional technology companies to accelerate their involvement in the national defense ecosystem by providing connections, mentorship, and business development in a collaborative setting for a lasting national impact. USAF certification processes (i.e. airworthiness, cyber security, nuclear surety) require timely input and assessment of underlying engineering to assist certification teams. With the rise of digital twins, model-based engineering, and Dev*Ops, certification of complex weapon systems has expanded beyond what humans can do in a timely fashion. Therefore, in partnership with the DAF, the Catalyst Accelerator Ogden sought disruptive technologies and capabilities to help accelerate and automate certification processes.

Each company will collaborate with subject matter experts, work with government and commercial Sherpas, and complete an intensive customer discovery process. The cohort culminates with Demo Day on May 24 in Ogden, where they will pitch their technology to Government and Industry partners.

Accelerator in Session: March 7 – May 25, 2023 

Kickoff Event: March 9, 2023 (FREE! register here)

Demo Day: May 24, 2023 (FREE! save-the-date registration here) 

The CAO team, with technical advisement from both Government and Industry experts, selected the following small businesses to participate in the upcoming cohort:

• Acuity Innovations (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
• GURU Technologies (Layton, Utah)
• InnoVet (Dover, Delaware)
• Intrinsic (Newcastle, Washington) 
• OP Media (Draper, Utah) 
• Prewitt Ridge (Los Angeles, California)
• RedShred (Baltimore, Maryland)
• Tensor Networks (Sunnyvale, California)

See attachment for additional company details.

Involvement Opportunities:

The CAO is enhanced by partnerships with Weber State University, sponsors, and industry mentors. The kickoff event and Demo Day are both sponsored by Field Aerospace. If you are interested in sponsorships or partnerships, contact Amanda McCrea.

About Catalyst Accelerator Ogden

The CAO is a collaborative program hosted by Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation (CCTI, a Colorado 501(c)3) in partnership with the DTO to provide a robust, mentor-driven curriculum for Accelerator companies. It is a defense and national security industry accelerator, headquartered at CCTI in Ogden, Utah. CCTI is a collaborative ecosystem where industry, small business, entrepreneurs, startups, government, academia, and investors intersect with Utah’s aerospace and defense industry to create community, spark innovation, and stimulate business growth. 

Contact:

Amanda McCrea (Program Manager), [email protected], LinkedIn

Source: Catalyst Accelerator Ogden

Validation Flight Satisfies the Cold Weather Operational Capability Needs for Nordic Countries

SAN DIEGO (Newswire.com) – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully performed Cold Weather Validation (CWV) using a company-owned MQ-9B SkyGuardian^® Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) in late Jan./early Feb. 2023, adding to the cold weather experience of the MQ-9 family of systems. The system’s ground servicing actions, maneuvers, and flights were based out of GA-ASI’s Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, N.D. SkyGuardian is being proposed to multiple Nordic countries for their Defence and Security needs. The CWV flight test widens and accelerates the global operational implementation for SkyGuardian, especially for countries that need to operate in cold conditions. 

To prepare for the CWV, SkyGuardian was put in a “cold soak” that kept the aircraft at a temperature well below -21°C/-5°F for 12 hours, then prepared for ground maneuvers and flight through a de-icing process using de-icing and anti-icing fluids. In a second scenario, SkyGuardian transitioned from a climate-controlled hangar to engine start and system checks under basic cold conditions (temperature below -21°C/ -5°F ambient air). For the first flight, the outside temperature was below -21°C/-5°F. All scenarios were successfully and consistently conducted in impressive time, relying on standard de-icing and anti-icing procedures, fluids, and support equipment, a testament to the systems’ high readiness and responsiveness. 

“Among the many transformative features of our MQ-9B line of RPA is the aircraft’s ability to perform in extreme temperatures,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We welcome the cold weather operational capability requirements from Nordic countries, as the MQ-9B is built for all-weather global missions, and we’re thrilled to have MQ-9B perform so impressively under these demanding cold conditions. The CWV, coupled with our recent Low Earth Orbit (LEO) SATCOM flight tests, demonstrate how our aircraft can successfully perform missions in the Arctic region, which is becoming a clear security priority for NORAD and NATO.”

GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian^® are revolutionizing the long-endurance RPAS market by providing all-weather capability and certification, with full compliance with STANAG-4671 (NATO UAS airworthiness standard). This feature, along with our operationally proven, collision-avoidance radar, enables flexible operations in civil airspace.

In addition to the Nordic countries, SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian have garnered significant interest from customers throughout the world. The UK Ministry of Defence selected MQ-9B SkyGuardian for its Protector program, and the Belgian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for SkyGuardian. MQ-9B have also been leased by the Japan Coast Guard. 

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator^® RPA series and the Lynx^® Multi-mode Radar. With more than seven million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Avenger, Lynx, Predator SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. 

Source: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.