
African Pilot Magazine:
Spotlight: Innovations

uAvionix and VOTIX Announce Integration of FlightLine ADS-B Data Service to Advance Drone as First Responder Operations
uAvionix and VOTIX integrate FlightLine ADS-B data into the VOTIX platform, enhancing safety, efficiency, and situational awareness for DFR and AAM.

Saft and Safran Co-Develop a High-Voltage Battery System for Aviation Electrification
Safran and Saft partner to co-develop a high-voltage battery system for aircraft electrification, advancing net-zero aviation goals by 2050.

PBS Unveils Its Most Powerful Jet Engine to Date, the TJ200
PBS GROUP has unveiled its most powerful jet engine to date, the PBS TJ200, at the Paris Air Show. Designed for high-performance unmanned systems and marine applications, the TJ200 features advanced FADEC control, seawater resistance, and a compact footprint, marking a major innovation in aerospace propulsion.

Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy Complete First Autonomous Flight of Leonardo AW139 Helicopter
Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy complete the first autonomous flight of a Leonardo AW139, advancing USMC aerial logistics and uncrewed flight systems.

A French Aerospace Consortium Launches an Initiative to Develop Hybrid-Electric Propulsion for General Aviation, Specifically Light Aircraft
Daher, Safran, Collins Aerospace and Ascendance launch TAGINE a joint hybrid-electric propulsion R&D project targeting greener light aircraft by 2027.

Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy Complete First Autonomous Flight of Leonardo AW139 Helicopter
Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy complete the first autonomous flight of a Leonardo AW139, advancing USMC aerial logistics and uncrewed flight systems.

A French Aerospace Consortium Launches an Initiative to Develop Hybrid-Electric Propulsion for General Aviation, Specifically Light Aircraft
Daher, Safran, Collins Aerospace and Ascendance launch TAGINE a joint hybrid-electric propulsion R&D project targeting greener light aircraft by 2027.

LMS Partners With PT Dirgantara to Modernize the NC212i
LMS has partnered with PT Dirgantara Indonesia to modernise the NC212i aircraft with advanced Fuel Quantity Measurement Systems, enhancing its performance, reliability, and efficiency. Initial deliveries are expected in late 2025 or early 2026.

Predictive Maintenance Revolution: Why Digital Twins and Skilled Technicians Are a Winning Combo
Digital twins and predictive maintenance are transforming aircraft MRO, but a global shortage of skilled aviation technicians could limit their impact. Aerviva’s Jekaterina Shalopanova explores how airlines can harness this tech revolution while closing the growing skills gap.

Simuflight’s PC-12 Simulator: A New Era in Advanced Flight Training
Simuflight is revolutionising aviation training with its new PC-12 flight simulator, designed and built in South Africa. The state-of-the-art simulator will provide pilots with realistic, high-quality training, with full system integration and Civil Aviation Authority certification expected by Q3 2025.

Catalyst Turboprop Engine Achieves FAA Certification
GE Aerospace’s Catalyst turboprop engine has achieved FAA certification. Catalyst is the first, new centerline, clean-sheet advanced turboprop of the 21st century and the first turboprop engine to be certified to the latest standards, which include more than 20 significant new requirements.

Simuflight’s PC-12 Simulator: A New Era in Advanced Flight Training
Simuflight is revolutionising aviation training with its new PC-12 flight simulator, designed and built in South Africa. The state-of-the-art simulator will provide pilots with realistic, high-quality training, with full system integration and Civil Aviation Authority certification expected by Q3 2025.

Catalyst Turboprop Engine Achieves FAA Certification
GE Aerospace’s Catalyst turboprop engine has achieved FAA certification. Catalyst is the first, new centerline, clean-sheet advanced turboprop of the 21st century and the first turboprop engine to be certified to the latest standards, which include more than 20 significant new requirements.
