Contributor - UK

David Donald

One of the big surprises at the Dubai Airshow proved to be&nbsp;the public unveiling of the mock-up of the Calidus B-350, a large turboprop-powered attack aircraft. Equipped with 12 underwing hardpoints, the B-350 can carry a huge array of weaponry, ranging from precision-guided bombs to air-to-air missiles for self-defense.
The B-350 follows on from the Novaer-designed Calidus B-250, which appeared at Dubai in 2017&nbsp;and is on show again this year. The much larger B-350 takes the turboprop trainer/attack/counter-insurgency aircraft to a whole new level. Power comes from a 2,600-shp Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PW127 turboprop and the wingspan extends more than 50 feet. Maximum takeoff weight is in the region of 9 tonnes. As well as the 12 hardpoints, the B-350 has under-fuselage carriage points for sensors, including a large multi-sensor targeting/surveillance turret, and radar/electronic warfare antennas.
The plethora of wing stores and powerful engine have drawn comparisons with the legendary Douglas Skyraider of Vietnam war fame. However, the two-seat B-350 is a thoroughly 21st-century aircraft. Like the B-250, it is mostly constructed of carbon-fiber composites.
Powered by a 1,600-shp Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-68, the earlier B-250 is also an advanced/weapons trainer and light attack platform akin to the AT-6 Wolverine and AT-29 Super Tucano. It has seven hardpoints for up to 3,960 pounds of stores and can carry an electro-optic/infrared targeting turret. At the 2019 Dubai Airshow, the UAE announced an order for 24.
Calidus is also marketing the B-250T, a dedicated trainer version with a 950-shp PT6A-62 engine. The company markets the aircraft as&nbsp;both a basic and advanced training vehicle, with virtual training functions such as radar and sensor simulation, simulated air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, and night vision goggle compatibility offered to meet advanced training requirements.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Calidus Unveils Giant Attack Aircraft

Four years ago Calidus surprised showgoers with the B-250, but now the company has unveiled a much larger attack aircraft.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

ATR 72 aircraft performs pre-modification flight in Toulouse

Kepplair Starts Converting ATR 72 Into Water Bombers

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Only the piston aircraft segment posted a decline

GAMA: Bizjets, T-props, and Rotorcraft Deliveries Up

Hanneke Weitering

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Icing approval would open year-round service to northern communities

Horizon Begins Icing Tests for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

Kerry Lynch

Deal to close this year

Bombardier To Grow Manufacturing Capacity with MHICA Buy

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

Spain and Poland Agree to Buy A330MRTT Tanker Transports

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

Charles Alcock

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

More In Aircraft