BLR Aerospace STC Expands Performance Options for Bell 204/205 Operators
September 15, 2009
Everett, Wash., Sept. 14, 2009 — BLR Aerospace has good news for owners and operators of Bell 204, 205A, 205A1, and 205B helicopters — especially those whose aircraft are already equipped with Dual Tailboom Strakes. The FastFin™ segment of the FastFin tail rotor enhancement and stability system has received Supplemental Type Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration for installation on these Bell aircraft.
“Operators, especially those who do utility work, can now realize the full benefits of the FastFin tail rotor enhancement and stability system,” said Dave Marone, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BLR. “These are already hard-working, efficient medium-lift helicopters, and this enhancement will take their performance to a whole new level.”
The FastFin System improves productivity and safety while reducing workload for helicopter operators. FastFin also expands lifting capacity and performance while enabling greater stability in all flight regimes. Installation of the system will improve hot/high performance while in power-limited conditions by up to 4.5 percent and reduce fuel burn in hover by up to 6.5 percent. When in a left pedal-limited condition, performance results can be significantly greater.
The patented FastFin System modifies the tailboom with two parallel stall strips (Dual Tailboom Strakes) and a re-shaped vertical fin, optimizing airflow around the tailboom for dramatically improved handling. As a result of the new STC, operators may purchase kits for the vertical fin alteration. Kits for the entire FastFin modification (with the Dual Tailboom Strakes) are also available.
FastFin is available for Bell 212s and most UH-1 derivatives. BLR has a certified Dual Tailboom Strake System for the Bell 412 and is hopeful to certify the Bell 412 FastFin System in early 2010. The U.S. State Department has installed FastFin systems on 10 Bell HUEY-II helicopters operating in Afghanistan. The enhancement helps the armed aircraft fly more effectively with greater payloads at high density altitudes, making it an ideal addition for aircraft operating in hot, mountainous Afghanistan.
“No matter the mission, today’s operators are looking for every competitive advantage,” Marone said. “Our technology expands the envelope and helps operators achieve maximum return on their capital investments.”
Marone will be answering questions and providing information about FastFin’s aerodynamic improvements daily during Helitech (Exhibit 621), Sept. 22-24 in Duxford.
Japan National Police Agency Orders One More AW139 Helicopter
September 15, 2009
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that the Japan National Police Agency (JNPA) has ordered another medium lift AW139 helicopter to replace the Chiba prefecture’s AS332L1 helicopter. The selection is endorsement of the popularity of the AW139 and supports the growing views that the multi-role AW139 can perform the mission requirements of older heavier class helicopters. This addition to the JNPA fleet increases the number of AW139 helicopters operating in the law enforcement role in Japan to three, with the first two helicopters being selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
AgustaWestland has achieved strong growth in the Japanese helicopter market in recent years, with the AW139 gaining success in both the commercial and public service markets. The AW139 is well positioned to meet future market demand in Japan for a wide range of missions including fire fighting and disaster relief. The AW139 is currently operating in the Search and Rescue role with the Japan Coast Guard and in the law enforcement role with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. In addition the helicopter has been purchased by All Nippon Helicopter to provide NHK with an enhanced capability to provide Electronic News Gathering Services.
The AW139 has set the new standard in the medium twin class featuring unparalleled performance, state-of-the-art technology and the most spacious and comfortable cabin. Designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, the AW139 is capable of carrying up to 15 passengers or up to four litters and four medical attendants.
State-of-the-art technology, outstanding performance, low operating costs and the only helicopter in its class to meet the latest safety standards, have made the AW139 the helicopter of choice in its class. The AW139 is a new generation medium twin-engine helicopter offering unmatched performance, capacity and safety. It meets the most stringent civil and government certification standards, including the latest FAA and EASA FAR/JAR Part 29 amendments. The AW139 has an optional Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) of 6,800 kg (14,991 Ib), a 400 kg (882 Ib) increase on the standard MGW of 6,400 kg. The increased MGW and resulting payload increase enables the AW139 to meet long range mission requirements giving operators greater levels of capability.
Orders for almost 440 AW139 helicopters have been placed by almost 120 customers from nearly 40 countries to perform many missions including offshore transport, SAR/EMS, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement and homeland security, utility and various government duties.
Yingling Aviation Offers Versatile Lightweight Seat for Cessna Caravans
September 15, 2009
Wichita, KS—Yingling Aviation, which has installed more than 100 OASIS interiors in the Cessna Model 208 Caravan, has developed a new versatile lightweight seat (VLS) for use in the popular single engine turboprop. Designed to provide Caravan owners with an option that is lighter and with more comfort, the VLS can be incorporated into the OASIS package or ordered as an option on the standard Model 208. At a fully-upholstered weight of 45 pounds, the seat comes with a quick release feature that allows easy removal to permit the airplane to be used for cargo carrying missions.
“The specially-designed VLS is another example of our ongoing efforts to provide Cessna Caravan operators with creative and economical ways to maximize the productivity—and comfort—of their airplane. The Caravan is known for its versatility so we’ve designed a seat that adds even more flexibility to it,” said Lynn Nichols, president of Yingling Aviation.
The VLS design offers passengers enhanced visibility, is fully-reclinable and equipped with both inboard and outboard stowable armrests. The headrest is also adjustable for added comfort. The seats have passed the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) 21G dynamic test requirement for forward-facing seats and are equipped with full forward breakover seatbacks, retractable shoulder harnesses and the ability to track fore and aft for additional legroom or cargo space. The stylish design also incorporates a magazine pocket and an optional, fold-down meal tray.
Installation of the seats takes approximately five minutes and can be scheduled immediately.
GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE HIRES PAUL PALMINTERI AS A PRE-OWNED AIRCRAFT SALES DIRECTOR
September 15, 2009
SAVANNAH, Ga., September 14, 2009 — Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), has hired Paul L. Palminteri as a pre-owned aircraft sales director, responsible for the sales of pre-owned aircraft in the Western United States, Western Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia. He will be based in the Los Angeles area.
“Paul brings more than 20 years of experience in aviation sales positions to Gulfstream,” said Jim Ross, vice president, Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales, Gulfstream. “He knows the ins and outs of managing and marketing aircraft acquisitions, as well as the actual selling of aircraft.”
Palminteri most recently served as vice president, aircraft sales, for Leading Edge Aviation Solutions in Parsippany, N.J. Prior to his five years there, he spent 10 years as vice president, aircraft sales, for Wings Aviation International Inc. in Franklin Lakes, N.J.
Palminteri earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in finance from Farleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
U.S. Air Force Awards Raytheon $77 Million Contract for Infrared-Guided Maverick Missiles
September 10, 2009
TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 10, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $77.4 million Foreign Military Sales contract to produce AGM-65D and AGM-65G2 infrared-guided Maverick air-to-surface missiles for Korea and Taiwan.
The AGM-65 Maverick family of precision-attack missiles is used by the air, naval and marine forces of 33 countries. More than 69,000 missiles have been produced to date, and more than 6,000 have been used in combat with a 93 percent kill rate.
“Integrated on more than 25 aircraft, Raytheon’s Maverick is an affordable, combat-proven missile with a history of on-cost and on-schedule delivery,” said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile System’s Air Warfare Systems’ product line. “Maverick is a best-value solution for the warfighter who needs a direct-attack weapon.”
Raytheon will build and provide life-cycle support for more than 250 new missiles. The company began production of the missile’s IR guidance and control sections in November 2008.
BVR Systems Receives New Orders Valued at More Than $14 Million
September 10, 2009
ROSH HA’AYIN, Israel, September 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — BVR Systems (1998) Ltd. (OTC: BVRSF), today announced it has signed contracts valued at over $14 million for the provision of Distributed Mission Trainer and Maintenance and Support services.
BVR is to act as a major sub-contractor in a program for the provision of a high end Distributed Mission Trainer, in consideration for approximately $10 million.
The Maintenance and Support award is valued at more than $4 million and includes maintenance, support and spare parts for one of BVR’s leading customers using its “EHUD” AACMI (Autonomous Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation) system.
BVR Systems’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ilan Gillies, noted, “We are very proud to take a key role in one of the leading Distributed Mission Training centers and very pleased with the confidence of our customers in our EHUD product. The order of maintenance and support services is clear evidence of the customers’ intent to keep using the system intensively.”
About BVR Systems
BVR Systems (1998) Ltd. is a world leader in advanced defense training and simulation systems. The Company offers highly efficient, cost-effective solutions to the simulation, training and debriefing needs of modern air, sea and ground forces.
Air Transport Association Says TSA Certified Cargo Screening Program Key to Meeting Air Cargo Security Mandate
September 10, 2009
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, in a letter to air cargo shippers regarding the congressionally mandated August 2010 deadline for 100 percent screening of all cargo on passenger planes, outlined its support of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Certified Cargo Screening Program (CSSP) and urged those shippers to immediately contact TSA to learn more about the benefits available to participants.
Air carriers are working closely with their partners in the shipping and forwarding sectors to ensure that service levels remain high and the integrity of shipments is protected as the new screening mandate is implemented. CSSP benefits shippers because it enables cargo to be screened before individual cartons are secured to shipping pallets with banding or shrink-wrap. This is critical, because TSA-certified screening methods available to forwarders and airlines significantly restrict the size of cargo that can be screened, and there is no TSA-certified technology capable of screening large airfreight skids and pallets. For certain types of pharmaceuticals, electronics and fresh produce, CSSP allows screening to be performed as an integral part of the normal sealing and packaging process. Expansion of CSSP to manufacturers, shippers and freight forwarders that ship large cargo skids and pallets is critical to meeting the 100 percent screening mandate.
“Airlines met the deadline to screen 50 percent of all cargo, but meeting the requirements to screen 100 percent of all cargo will be substantially more challenging,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “We believe that CSSP offers our customers the best solution to meeting the 100 percent screening mandate, providing maximum security with minimal disruption to the supply chain.”
Flexjet 25 Jet Card Program More Than Doubles Sales Team as Jet Cards Experience Growth
September 10, 2009
DALLAS, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ — (www.flexjet25.com) The Flexjet 25* Jet Card program – operated by Jet Solutions – has committed to more than doubling the sales team as the jet card segment continues to show signs of growth.
Five Sales Directors have been added as part of the first wave of new hires for the program.
“The Flexjet 25 Jet Card is well positioned for growth as it offers travelers a way to sample the flexibility and convenience available through private aviation, while providing an excellent alternative to all forms of private jet ownership,” said Bob Knebel, Vice President, Sales, Flexjet. “We are pleased to bring this group of talented sales directors onto the team to help satisfy jet card demand across the U.S. and Canada.”
At this time, the new Sales Directors hired to support the Flexjet 25 Jet Card program include:
- Mr. Kevin Bjorkdahl – New York City Territory
- Mr. Bernard Burns – Midwest Territory, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and Illinois
- Mr. John Igrec – North Central Territory, including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky
- Mr. Ryan Marsh – New England Territory, including Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and Eastern Canada
- Mr. Lee Richards – South Atlantic Territory, including Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina
The Flexjet 25 Jet Card program’s growth is due in part to the effective response to current private aviation customers’ needs. A number of benefits designed to appeal to card owners and prospects have been recently introduced, including:
- Split-Payment Program – Allows jet card owners to divide the purchase price of a 25-, 30- or 35-hour jet card into two equal payments. The first half of the payment is made at the time of purchase. The second half of the payment is due after six months or upon scheduling more than half of the purchased flight hours.
- Combination Card – Offers jet card owners the benefit of purchasing 50 percent of their total hours in one aircraft type and 50 percent of the remaining hours in another aircraft type, chosen from the entire Flexjet 25 fleet, operated by Jet Solutions.
For more details on the Flexjet 25 Jet Card program, call 866-473-0025 or visit www.flexjet25.com.
Kaman Corporation Awarded $53 Million Composites Contract From Bell Helicopter
September 10, 2009
BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Kaman Corporation (Nasdaq: KAMN) announced that the Helicopters Division of its subsidiary, Kaman Aerospace Corporation has been awarded a five-year contract with a potential value of $53 million to build composite helicopter blade skins and skin core assemblies for Bell Helicopters. Under the terms of the contract, Kaman will provide 18 different assemblies for H1, 406, 407, 412, 427, 429, 430 and BA609 aircraft. All work will be performed at the Kaman HeliworX(TM) full-service aerospace innovation and manufacturing support center in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Initial deliveries to Bell’s Hurst, Texas, facility will begin in late 2009.
“We are delighted by this opportunity to work with Bell Helicopter in producing world-class rotorcraft,” said Neal J. Keating, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kaman Corporation. “This is further evidence of our ability to leverage our OEM capabilities in support of other helicopter manufacturers.”
“Kaman has the skills and competitiveness we require in the composite blade-manufacturing arena,” said Mary Simmerman, Senior VP Supply Chain Management at Bell. “We expect this to be a positive agreement for both companies.”
In addition to Bell, some of the biggest names in aerospace, including Sikorsky and Northrop Grumman, receive manufacturing support from HeliworX. Backed by Kaman’s infrastructure and expertise, HeliworX is the only subcontractor with the OEM advantage capable of offering design/analysis, manufacturing, and test and flight solutions for companies that require an experienced outsourcing option. Other capabilities include integration, composite and metallic manufacturing, final assembly, rotor blade manufacture, erosion protection, whirl towers, and a sand erosion test facility.
Avianca to take control of Brazilian Ocean Air
September 10, 2009
German Efromovich, CEO of the Synergy Group which controls both Avianca and Ocean Air in Brazil, announced that he is transferring control of the Brazilian airline to Avianca. The Brazilian airline generates $200 million annually in revenues and has approximately three percent of the Brazilian market. The Brazilian airline will change its name to Aerovias del Continente Americano.
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