aviation

The new IWC Top Gun watch will withstand the extreme strain that pilots experience in supersonic jets

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@IWC Schaffhausen

A timepiece is still an essential piece of a pilot’s gear. This new Chronograph from IWC will withstand the brutality of a fighter jet.

IWC Schaffhausen complements its TOP GUN range of Pilot’s Watches with the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “SFTI”.

IWC Pilot’s watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition in black Ceramic and Ceratanium is limited to 1500 pieces. It is made with extraordinarily robust materials to withstand the extreme strain that pilots experience in the cockpit of supersonic jets like the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

The new watch from IWC takes inspiration from the “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor” watch, which was created in 2018 in honor of the US Naval Aviation Community and is available only for TOPGUN graduates. Thanks to the combination of a black ceramic case with a Ceratanium case back and pushers, the sporty chronograph boasts a tactical, matte black design code. IWC is the only watchmaker to hold the license for the Top Gun name from the US Navy.

@IWC Schaffhausen

The first all-black model on a military green strap.

“From the day I started at IWC–October 2006, so 14 years ago–I was absolutely determined that we wanted to be a proper part of the Naval Aviation community and build a working relationship with those pilots who are the most qualified pilots in the world with the most flight experience on a day to day basis,” explained IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr.

Ticking away inside the sturdy case is the IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre. The robust chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design ensures precise timekeeping and the measurement of stopwatch times of up to 12 hours. Another function is a date and weekday display. The sporty timepiece is fitted with a green textile strap.

The Best Jerky Tactical Christmas Stocking from Manly Man Company ; photo: @manlymanco.com

Victory belongs to the most persevering. A watch made for triumph is best paired with a man bouquet, the perfect  flowers for men from our favorite gift company. With manly gifts like Beef Jerky Flowers, Bacon Roses, Manly Gift Boxes, and Meat Card you can win any occasion… not just holidays.

The TOP GUN line has been part of IWC’s Pilot’s Watch collection since 2007. In just over a decade, TOP GUN references have become a symbol of modern flight and “the need for speed”. Watch enthusiast Justin Hast and IWC Museum Curator Dr. David Seyffer take us on a high-altitude cruise through the history of the TOP GUN watch line in IWC youtube’s latest installment of “Time Flies”. Discover this adventurous journey and all technical details of the chosen timepieces presented with IWC’s two watch enthusiasts.

@IWC Schaffhausen
@IWC Schaffhausen

Unique seabird inspired Airbus engineers to create innovative aircraft

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      Revolutionising aircraft wing design is one of the objectives of Airbus’ AlbatrossOne—a project that draws on inspiration from the albatross’ flight techniques. The demonstrator aircraft, which is a small-scale version based on the A321 aircraft, is constructed from carbon-fibre and glass-fibre-reinforced polymers, as well as components from additive manufacturing. Freely flapping wing-tips … Read more

Inside the airline industry’s meltdown

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Coronavirus has hit few sectors harder than air travel, wiping out tens of thousands of jobs and uncountable billions in revenue. While most fleets were grounded, the industry was forced to reimagine its future

Flying-V, the energy-efficient aircraft of the future, makes successful maiden flight

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@KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ Flying-V aircraft

The scale model of the Flying-V – the energy-efficient aircraft of the future – has flown for the first time.
KLM and TU Delft present successful first flight Flying-V flying-wing aircraft.

A year and a half ago Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced the start of the design of the Flying-V, a V-shaped plane, during IATA 2019 and after extensive wind tunnel tests and ground tests it was finally ready. The first successful test flight is a fact.

Last month a team of researchers, engineers and a drone pilot from TU Delft traveled to an airbase in Germany for the first test flight.

The Flying-V is a design for a very energy-efficient long-haul aircraft. The design of the aircraft integrates the passenger cabin, cargo hold and fuel tanks in the wings, creating a spectacular V-shape. Computer calculations have predicted that the improved aerodynamic shape and reduced weight of the aircraft will reduce fuel consumption by 20% compared to today’s most advanced aircraft.

KLM presented the scale model for the first time during KLM’s 100th anniversary in October 2019. Several partners are now involved in the project, including manufacturer Airbus.

“You can’t make the aviation sector more sustainable on your own, but you have to do it together,” says Pieter Elbers, President and CEO of  KLM. Collaborating with partners and sharing knowledge takes us all further. That’s why we will further develop the Flying-V concept with all partners. The next step will be to fly the Flying V on sustainable fuel”.

“Though it’s not a full-size prototype, the scaled model proves the aircraft is aerodynamically sound and can fly as designed. It’s now up to KLM  and TU Delft to build a full-size prototype that can hold passengers, an investment that could cost billions in research and development,” commented businessinsider.com.

@KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ Flying-V aircraft

This eVTOL pioneer is accelerating The Future of Flight

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      What if airplanes required no runways? What if airplanes required no airports? What if airplanes required no fuel? Electric flight is here today. The next exciting, inevitable milestone will be its commercialization. Electric aviation is one of the most exciting innovations in the aerospace sector. The VTOL market is rapidly expanding as … Read more

The ultimate business tool: Spacious, long-range Global 5500 Business Jet enters into service

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  This spacious and efficient aircraft is the ultimate business tool, with the range and access to safely take you where you need to be. Bombardier Celebrates Entry-into-service of Spacious, Long-range Global 5500 Business Jet. The new Global 5500 business jet offers a unique blend of innovation, style and comfort. Bombardier announced the entry-into-service of … Read more