Expert: Drone to soar on market

China is the largest exporter of military drones today, and it is ready to place a new model on the international market.

The TYW-1, developed by Beihang University in Beijing, one of China’s top institutes for science and technology, is an unmanned aircraft for reconnaissance and combat based on the BZK-005 high-altitude, long-range reconnaissance drone, which the university also developed.

The BZK-005 is widely used by the People’s Liberation Army and has performed many operations, foreign media have reported.

The drone is to make its maiden flight in September and will be placed on the international market in 2018, according to Wang Jianping, deputy general manager and chief designer at Beihang Unmanned Aircraft System Technology.

The firm was set up by Beihang University, formerly known as Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, to develop and market drones.

“We aim to tap the markets in neighboring nations, as well as in Southeast Asia and the Middle East,” Wang said in an exclusive interview.

This would be the first time a Chinese university sells large unmanned combat aircraft on the international market. Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, has sold small, unarmed military drones to foreign buyers.

The best-known Chinese military drones are the Wing Loong family, made by Aviation Industry Corp of China, and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp’s CH series.

CH drones have been sold to military users in more than 10 countries, while the Wing Loong II, which made its maiden flight in late February, has received the largest contract ever for a Chinese drone made for export.

Though facing competition, Wang said he has confidence in the TYW-1 because it is based on the BZK-005, which has proved itself with an outstanding service record.

“It’s fair to say the BZK-005 is the best aerodynamic design in China, as it has the best lift-to-drag ratio of the drones of its kind,” he said. Lift-to-drag ratio is a key indicator of an aircraft’s capability.

“Taking advantage of the good design of the BZK-005, the TYW-1 will be able to fly for about 40 hours. With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,500kilograms, it will be capable of carrying six missiles or bombs with a total weight of 300 kg.”

Another edge of the TYW-1 is its high level of automation. Wang said the drone can autonomously take off and land, and will be able to track a target and strike without manual control.

“It’s very easy to learn how to operate this drone. It will take only a month to train an operator,” he said.

The TYW-1 also will be an open and modular platform, which means it can use equipment and weapons developed not only by Chinese companies, but also by other nations, he added.

Wang Ya’nan, editor-in-chief of Aerospace Knowledge, said the TYW-1 will have bright market prospects for two key reasons.

“First, its predecessor, the BZK-005, has a good reputation in this field through its performance in actual operations,” he said. “Second, the drone’s modular design will give users a wide range of options when it comes to the procurement of equipment and weapons, enabling them to choose the most suitable products.

“In addition, its long endurance in the sky will be attractive to nations that must monitor vast territorial waters.”



$730 million to secure Mersey Hospital

The Turnbull Government will provide $730 million to secure the Mersey Community Hospital’s future, give certainty to 470 staff and deliver vital health services for the people of North-West Tasmania.

The Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments have reached an agreement to ensure the Mersey Community Hospital, which has 100 beds, remains a key health service for Devonport and surrounding regions.

The Commonwealth purchased the Mersey in 2007 amid community concern about the downgrading of services and the hospital has had no long term funding agreement since.

Under the new agreement, ownership of the Mersey will transfer from the Commonwealth to Tasmania on 1 July 2017. The Commonwealth will provide $730 million upfront so the Tasmanian Government can run the hospital for the next decade. The Mersey will then operate in the same way as other public hospitals.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said this provided valuable long-term certainty to the hospital’s 470 staff and patients, and delivers on the Turnbull Government’s determination to ensure all Australians have access to high quality, well-funded healthcare.

The terms of the agreement will ensure the continued delivery of the best possible health services to North-West Tasmanians.

Premier Will Hodgman said the $730 million payment, which will be fully exempt from GST calculations, is the biggest single cash transfer from the Federal Government to the Tasmanian Government ever.

The Mersey is a crucial part of Tasmania’s health system, and critical North-West health infrastructure, and it is important the two Governments have been able to deliver the long-term certainty for the hospital the community deserves.

The Tasmanian Government will now be able to manage its public hospital system as a whole, meeting the community’s health needs in the years ahead.



Nicola Sturgeon address at Stanford University on Scotland's place in the world

Below is a speech given by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at Stanford University, California. Check against delivery. 



Scottish Water works – Blackness Street – an update

Scottish Water is writing to residents in Blackness Street to unfortunately advise of a further delay in completing infrastructure works in the street.

This is due to the deteriorated condition of the existing water main which meant a requirement to change the method of mains upgrade to open cut replacement.    This has meant progress has been much slower than anticipated as it is necessary to lift, clean and relay the old cobble stones to ensure the area is reinstated correctly after the new pipe is installed. 

Open cut which means full replacement of pipes and is a longer process than sliplining.

Scottish Water’s update to residents reads :

“As you will be aware we are currently working in Blackness Street upgrading the water pipes to ensure you continue to enjoy clear, fresh drinking water, and reduce the chance of pipes bursting. 

Due to the condition of the existing water main we have been required to change the method of mains upgrade to Open cut replacement.  This has meant progress has been much slower than anticipated as it is necessary to lift, clean and relay the old cobble stones to ensure the area is reinstated correctly after the new pipe is installed.

Work will continue in Blackness Street for a further 4 – 6 weeks : 

• There will be some roadworks during the dates above. This will include the use of temporary traffic management.  There will be NO road closures during these works.  Please follow all signs put in place. Local access will be maintained wherever possible. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
• There will be parking restrictions in place however access will be maintained at all times.
• We may need to turn off your water supply. If we do, we will send you further information 
at least 48 hours in advance, detailing the dates and times that your supply will be affected and what to do. 
• During the works you may experience a change in water pressure and/or discoloured water. If this happens don’t be alarmed, turn on the cold water tap in your kitchen, let the water flow slowly until it runs clear. 
• Please note that this is part of a wider programme of work and dates maybe subject to change depending on progress.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding while we complete this essential work and see below for details of how to keep up to date with what we are doing in your area.”


Labour fail to back Lib Dem bid to kill Tory restrictions to disability benefit

A Liberal Democrat motion designed to kill the Government’s attempts to severely restrict disability benefits has been lost after Labour peers failed to support it.