Bell’s 429 EMS makes impressive debut at AIR MED (Prague)
May 30, 2008
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (May 29, 2008) — Last week Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, showcased its latest emergency medical helicopter, the 429, to a receptive audience at the international Air Med conference held last week in Prague, Czech Republic.
Sandy Kinkade, Market Segment director for Bell Helicopter and a former flight nurse stated, “It was very gratifying to see first hand how well received this helicopter is by the very community that had a hand in its design. We spent literally hundreds of hours talking with our EMS customers asking what features they would like to see in a helicopter and, based on the response we got from this audience, I think we were able to deliver on most of those features.”
As pilots, medical technicians and operators crawled over the aircraft several comments were consistently overheard. The large open cabin drew an appreciative appraisal, side or rear optional patient loading scored big and the pilots greeted the cockpit layout with a vigorous ‘thumbs-up.’
To date the 429 has accumulated over 900 hours of flight testing, while its order book continues to grow. Certification is expected either late this year or early in 2009.
Bell will begin testing various elements of this system later this year with the program targeted to complete in 2010.
Airbus First Public Presentation Of A320 Fuel Cell Demonstrator At Berlin Airshow
May 30, 2008
Airbus presents for the first time its fuel cell activities onboard an A320 research aircraft at this year’s International Berlin Airshow (ILA). Fuel cells are one of the most promising “step change” technologies and Airbus sees high potential in fuel cell applications towards a further significant reduction of emissions, fuel consumption and external noise. The research is part of Airbus’ efforts towards eco-efficiency.
Before taking course to Berlin, the A320 Fuel Cell Demonstrator aircraft successfully performed another fuel cell test. During the flight over a dedicated test area in France, a further improved fuel cell system provided power for the aircraft’s electric motor pump, which is connected to the blue hydraulic circle and successfully moved the aircraft’s ailerons, rudder and other flight control systems.
Today’s test flight was part of Airbus’ ongoing research activities to evaluate the potential use and environmental benefits of fuel cell technology. The improved fuel cell system is more robust and delivers a higher peak performance (more than 20 Kilo Watts of electrical power) to cover higher loads. It also is able to deliver instantly full electrical power in low operating temperatures.
The A320 Fuel Cell Demonstrator will be part of the Airbus static display at the ILA from May 27 to May 29.
A fuel cell is a device, which transforms the energy contained in hydrogen and oxygen into electricity by a “cold” combustion. The exhaust products are pure water and heat. Fuel cells produce electricity in a cleaner, more efficient way than combustion engines. In addition, the by-product water can be used for the aircraft’s water and waste system, which saves weight and therefore reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
The fuel cell project demonstrated at ILA is a close cooperation between Michelin, DLR and Airbus to drive the fuel technology on civil aircraft forward
Eurocopter exhibe su abanico de productos de última generación en el Salón Aeronáutico ILA 2008
May 30, 2008
Berlin, a 26 de mayo de 2008 ILA 2008
Eurocopter, el líder mundial de los fabricantes de helicópteros en los mercados civil y
de servicios públicos, aprovecha el Salón Aeronáutico ILA de Berlín de este año para
realzar su fuerte posición en el mercado internacional y su permanente capacidad
innovadora. El Grupo presenta sus modernos helicópteros militares, a saber, el
helicóptero de combate Tigre y el helicóptero de transporte táctico NH90. Ambos
modelos prestan servicio en varios países europeos y en Australia. A estas dos
aeronaves se suman un EC725 del Ejército del Aire francés, en configuración de
búsqueda y salvamento en combate (CSAR, siglas en inglés), y tres de los modelos
civiles de mayor éxito de Eurocopter, el EC120, el EC130 y el EC135 en configuración
de servicio médico de urgencia (EMS, siglas en inglés).
El Tigre, cuyas entregas a Alemania, Francia, Australia y España tienen lugar en la
actualidad, participará en las exhibiciones aéreas diarias de la ILA demostrando su
espectacular maniobrabilidad. El NH90, del que 14 países han pedido en total 507 unidades
y que es el programa europeo de helicópteros militares de mayor éxito, se está entregando
ahora a Alemania, Suecia, Italia, Australia y Finlandia. En el transcurso del presente año
comenzarán las entregas a otros clientes. El NH90 participará también en las mencionadas
demostraciones aéreas. El EC725 de Eurocopter, presentado asimismo en la muestra,
presta servicio activo CSAR en el Ejército del Aire francés y llega ahora, por primera vez, a
Alemania. La aeronave ha participado en misiones en Afganistán y en Líbano, donde ha
salvado muchas vidas.
Fiel a la tradición de la compañía de marcar y elevar los estándares en la industria,
Eurocopter tomará parte, asimismo, en el programa de conferencias “Rotor & Rescue’” con
varias presentaciones de nuevas concepciones y tecnologías. Las prestigiosas capacidades
de mantenimiento, reparaciones y revisión mayor (MRO, siglas en inglés) que la empresa
posee en el segmento militar quedan patentes en su stand del HeliCenter. En el marco de la
ILA, clientes de la compañía mostrarán otros modelos de helicóptero de Eurocopter.
cerca de Eurocopter
¿Porqué fue retirado el F-14 Tomcat?
May 30, 2008
Algunos dicen que no debió ser retirado. Algunos, que estaba en su mejor momento. Otros, que era mejor avión que el FA/18. Todos lo admiraban.
Entonces, ¿porqué fue completamente (y definitivamente) retirado a finales del 2006, cuatro años antes de lo agendado?
Foto: Pablo Romay
Why was the F-14 Tomcat retired?
May 30, 2008
Some say it shouldn’t have been retired. Some say it was at the top of its game. Others say it was a better plane than the FA/18. Everybody loved it.
So, why was it completely (and definitely) retired near the end of 2006, four years before the time it was scheduled to?
Photo: Pablo Romay
Ground Breaking for the new Bell Helicopter Heat Treat & Processing Center, Friday May 30th. (12-1:00pm)
May 29, 2008
Location: 1700 SH Hwy 360, Grand Prairie, TX 75050 (North of I-30 approximately 1.5 miles)
Speakers will include Dick Millman, Bell CEO and president; Pete Riley, EVP Integrated Operations; and Charles England, Mayor of Grand Prairie
$55 million + investment by Bell
60,000’ facility
Will offer advancements in:
Safety (building constructed to H4 level (best rating for safety & environmental regulations)
All above ground tanks
Additional roof scrubbers
Incorporated automation
Plus, capacity improvements (additional equipment, tanks sizing & improved up-time) and better material flow
British Airways Buys Two Airbus A318s For London City Airport Services
May 29, 2008
British Airways has signed a firm contract with Airbus for two Airbus A318 aircraft to launch services between London City Airport, in central London, and New York. The A318 is the most modern and largest aircraft certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the steep approach procedures which are required at London City.
British Airways’ order for the smallest member of the A320 Family boosts the number of customers for the A318 to 13. British Airways already operates 70 A320 Family aircraft and has an additional 20 on order in addition to a recent order for 12 A380 aircraft.
“The A318 is the perfect aircraft for these flights. It is capable of operating at London City and is large enough for us to provide the number of business class seats required to make this a viable operation”, says Willie Walsh, British Airways’ Chief Executive.
All A318 models were certified for Steep Approach in 2007 after compatibility tests at London City Airport in 2006.
“The A318 shares the same wide cabin as other members of the A320 Family, and offers by far the greatest level of cabin comfort of any aircraft able to fly from London City or similar inner city airports. The aircraft also offers more range, which allows operators to offer new exciting route combinations”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers.
City centre airports are typically constrained by shorter runways, high building and stringent noise constraints. The A318 can land on very short runways and the steep approach procedure enables a 5.5 degree descent angle rather than the standard 3 degrees. The A318 also climbs and reaches cruising altitude quicker than any other aircraft operating out of London City and with significantly reduced noise than previous generation aircraft, making the A318 ideal for city centre operations.
Texas Aviation Services Continues To Deliver
May 29, 2008
Fort Worth—May 27, 2008 Texas Aviation Services, an industry leader in helicopter and aircraft completions, MRO and maintenance services for over 37 years recently delivered a brand new Executive EC-120 to one of our most valued customers. Texas Aviation Services (TAS) worked with the customer to provide a specialized package of avionics to enhance his business ventures. The avionics package included the latest Garmin avionics including a 340H Audio Panel, GNS-430W GPS/Nav/Comm WAAS, SL30 Nav/Comm, GMX 200 MFD with Traffic, GDL69A XM WX Satellite Data Link, GTX-327 Digital Transponder and Handheld 396 Air Gizmo provisions. Also installed was a Sandel Model 3500 Electronic HSI which utilizes the KG-102 and KMT-112 for the heading sources, an Avidyne 610 Traffic Advisory System, a TRA 3500 Radar Altimeter from Freeflight, an Ipod/MP3 Plug-in, an Artex ELT C406N-HM, a Shadin 8800-T Altitude Encoder, a Mid Continent 4300-311 Attitude Indicator with Slip, a Mid Continent Turn & Bank indicator, a Cooling Fan, an Avionics Master Switch and a Collective Hour Meter. The five-place interior components were elegantly upholstered with high grade, hand selected leather and applied to the seat bottoms after they were reshaped with foam to provide a more comfortable fit and a more attractive seat. The interior plastics were also recovered with leather. The cockpit and cabin floorings were covered with an ultra high quality wool carpet and the baggage compartment floor received Lon Coin flooring. The entire interior was painted to ensure continuity of color throughout the cockpit and cabin. Storage areas were fabricated to hold miscellaneous items and in-flight documents. The customizing was completed with some specific airframe kits that included a FDC Sand Filter System, a Pulsed Landing Light, Floor Protectors, Strobe Lights and Nu-lite Instrument Back Lighting.
Gulf Air Orders 35 Airbus Single Aisle AND Widebody Aircraft
May 29, 2008
National carrier of Bahrain, Gulf Air has placed a firm order with Airbus for 35 aircraft. The order comprises 15 A320 single aisle aircraft and 20 A330-300s. The contract was signed by Björn Näf, Gulf Air CEO, and Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO, at the Berlin Air show.
Gulf Air already operates 10 A320s, six A330-200s and nine A340-300s. The new order will more than double the number of Airbus aircraft in their fleet.
“Gulf Air is taking huge strides forward in its strategy to re-fleet and expand its network and this contract is a significant milestone in this direction as we aim to become the airline of choice and the pearl of the Gulf,” says Mr. Näf. “Expanding our fleet with Airbus will ensure a smooth introduction of the new aircraft into our existing fleet with the best operating economics in their class and our customers will appreciate the high levels of passenger room and comfort.”
The A320 will serve Gulf Air’s regional destinations, while the A330 will operate on the airline’s European routes and enhance its Far Eastern services.
Gulf Air launched services in 1950 and is one of the Middle East’s major international carriers serving over 40 destinations worldwide.
“Gulf Air is undergoing a rapid expansion and Airbus is delighted to partner the airline in their ambitions. It is a mark of the quality of our aircraft that Gulf Air has chosen aircraft from two of our Families of products. These aircraft not only offer unbeatable economics, but in today’s world where green issues are a concern, Gulf Air has chosen the world’s most fuel efficient and productive aircraft on the market”, said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.
KD Avia Commits To 25 Airbus A320 Family Aircraft
May 29, 2008
KD Avia, a fast growing Russian airline, has placed a commitment with Airbus for the purchase of 25 A319s, thus becoming a new Airbus customer. The agreement was signed at the International Berlin Airshow taking place from 27th May to 1st June.
KD Avia’s A319s will feature a spacious and comfortable cabin layout. The aircraft will be operated on the airline’s extended network of domestic and international routes out of its Kaliningrad hub. The choice of engines has not yet been made.
“We are glad to have selected the Airbus A319 for our medium range fleet expansion. This aircraft meets all our requirements in terms of fuel efficiency and passenger comfort and is the best solution for us”, said Sergey Grishchenko, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KD Avia. “The A319 will contribute to the strengthening of Kaliningrad’s position as an important Russian transit hub and at the same time will enable us to further develop our route network.”
“I am delighted to welcome KD Avia as a new customer for the A320 Family in Russia”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A320 Family is undoubtedly the world’s favourite single-aisle aircraft which features the highest passenger appeal combined with the lowest operating costs and lowest fuel burn, making it extremely eco-efficient. We look forward to a long-term partnership with KD Avia. ”
The A319 is a member of Airbus award-winning A320 family, which also includes the A318, the A320 and A321. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. In addition, the latest new cabin design saves on weight and offers the passenger a quieter and roomier experience as well as significantly larger overhead stowage lockers. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world wide standard wide-body system.
With over 6,100 Airbus single-aisle aircraft ordered and more than 3,400 delivered to date, the A320 Family is without doubt the most successful airliner programme. The A320 Family has more than 275 customers and operators to its credit. Twelve carriers from CIS currently operate some 100 Airbus aircraft.
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