Bill Sweetman, a seasoned aviation journalist, has made a notable comeback to the writing scene after a hiatus of several years. Known for his contributions as the Editor-in-Chief of Aviation Week, he had left the prestigious position back in March 2016. However, his passion for aviation and insightful reporting has returned him to the spotlight.
Graphic: DARPA
Recently, in June of this year, Bill Sweetman resigned from his position as Business Area Lead at Northrop Grumman, a prominent aerospace and defense company. Following his departure, he wasted no time in embarking on a new venture, establishing Valkyrie Strategic Solutions LLC, where he now serves as Principal. This move has allowed him to channel his expertise and knowledge in the field of aviation and defense into a strategic consulting role.
His latest article, showcasing his in-depth understanding of the industry, delves into the fascinating topic of sea-based aircraft and their potential resurgence. At the Oshkosh air show, a series of new seaplane ventures have made waves, sparking curiosity and interest in the aviation community.
One of the exciting ventures highlighted in his article is the announcement by Catalina Aircraft of Florida to revive the production of the classic Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat. This revival plans to equip the iconic aircraft with new turbine engines, potentially using the GE Catalyst, targeting both commercial and military markets.
What sets the Next Generation Amphibious Aircraft (NGAA) apart is a historical twist – the U.S. Navy-developed PBY secured a type certificate when Air France sought aircraft to connect its French Caribbean territories just after World War II. Modified by Canadian Vickers Ltd, the certificate has since passed through different owners before landing in the hands of Catalina Aircraft.
While Catalina Aircraft is making headlines, it is not the sole player in the field. Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) of Darwin, Australia, holds the type certificate for the Grumman G-111, the commercial version of the HU-16 Albatross. This venture, too, has garnered attention with plans for aircraft modification and strategic investor acquisitions.
Beyond the classic revivals, the article explores more innovative and radical projects. Norway’s all-electric, nine-passenger Elfly, and Switzerland’s 19-passenger Jekta are among the concepts pushing boundaries. Additionally, the Pentagon has shown interest in sea-based aircraft with the USAF Special Operations Command exploring a version of the MC-130J fitted with massive pontoon floats.
Bill Sweetman goes on to discuss the intriguing Liberty Lifter concept by DARPA, envisioning a wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft that combines ship-like characteristics with flight capabilities. Such daring ideas in aircraft design raise questions about stability, strength, and weight, leading to insightful comparisons with historical projects and Russian ekranoplans.
The article concludes by highlighting the versatility of seaplanes, or “hydravions,” in various terrains, including lakes, rivers, bays, and reservoirs. The potential of STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capabilities adds further advantages to these aircraft, especially in dispersed military operations.
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