In the face of the unprecedented crisis on account of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic that has had a devastating impact on the nation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has come forward in a big way to assist the national effort to battle the menace. Towards this effort, the IAF has deployed both heavylift and medium-lift aircraft of its transport fleet as well as the rotary wing platforms to transport urgently needed medical supplies and equipment from practically all across the world to India and within. A detailed report on the contribution of the IAF and the vital role the service has been playing in the national effort to battle the menace, has been included in this issue of SP’s Aviation. We at SP Guide Publications pray for the safety and well being of all in these difficult times and offer our grateful thanks to the IAF as well.

A major development on the regional scene in the recent past has been the escalation of political and military tensions between China and the island nation of Taiwan that has also been fuelled by the strengthening of ties between the United States and Taiwan. The latest episode that reflects China’s aggressive approach was on April 12 this year when a fleet of 25 Chinese military aircraft, transgressed the airspace over Taiwan. As for relations between India and China, the simmering tension between the military units of both the nations deployed along the LAC, is not in the security interest of India as it has the potential to escalate into a large scale conflict. An analysis on the recent developments in this regard figures in this issue of the magazine.

The latest contribution of the Brazilian aerospace major Embraer to the global civil aviation scene, has been the launch of the E–Jet E2 regional jets. Embraer has incorporated a number of significant technological innovations on this platform to reduce the net output of carbon dioxide and noise pollutants. Embraer has thus achieved a design that is now in conformity with the global trend of providing cleaner air travel. The significant environmental pollution’s footprint reduction of E-Jet E2 series has been possible with the incorporation of Pratt & Whitney Pure Power Geared Turbofan Engines which have improved efficiency. This engine provides more power for fuel consumed. Hence, it is more effective in reducing air pollution as compared to engines produced in the past. Embraer has also gone in for a better wing design as well as the use of smart materials. Detailed reports on this achievement by Embraer have been included in this issue of the magazine.

On February 28 this year, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) added a new feather to its cap when it successfully launched the PSLV-C51 carrying the Amazonia-1, the first satellite designed by Brazil and 18 other satellites. This year, ISRO has plans to launch around 14 missions into space which would include the space agency’s first unmanned mission. Offering his compliments to ISRO and NSIL on the success of the first dedicated commercial launch of PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 Mission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that this successful mission has ushered in a new era of Space Reforms in the country. A detailed report by Ayushee Chaudhary on this first successful mission into space has been included here.

All this and more in this issue of SP’s Aviation. Welcome aboard and wish you many happy landings.

Jai Hind!