First Boeing 747-8 Freighter Leaves Factory
November 13, 2009
The airplane begins preparations for flight test
EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA), on Thursday afternoon, towed the first 747-8 Freighter out of the factory in Everett, Wash. The airplane, ultimately destined for Cargolux, will be painted and begin preparations for flight test.
“It is very rewarding to see this airplane transition to the flight test phase,” said Mo Yahyavi, 747 program vice president and general manager. “Our employees, suppliers and customers have put a lot of work into making the 747-8 Freighter a reality.”
The 747-8 Freighter is the new high-capacity 747 that will give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. It is 250 feet, 2 inches (76.3 m) long, which is 18 feet and 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers with 16 percent more revenue cargo volume compared to its predecessor. That translates to four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets.
Boeing has secured 105 orders for the 747-8, 78 of which are orders for the new freighter. Cargolux, Nippon Cargo Airlines, AirBridgeCargo Airlines, Atlas Air, Cathay Pacific, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Emirates SkyCargo, Guggenheim and Korean Air all have placed orders for the 747-8 Freighter.
Embraer goes to China
November 7, 2009
Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft maker goes to China
and will produce its 120-seat E-190 jet in China,
Last details of the contract are being finalized with
the Chinese partner Avic that intends to sell mid-size
jets that would compete with Embraer’s jets.
Embraer has a plant in the city Harbin that only
manufactures ERJ-145 jets.
by Israel Rafalovich
South Africa Cancels Contract
November 7, 2009
South Africa has decided to terminate the contract
to purchase eight A400M Airbus strategic lift aircrafts.
The South African government has cited the escalating
costs and delivery delays which were due to have been
delivered in March 2009.
South Africa is the first A400M customer to cancel it order
and full out of the program
The cost of the eight A400M ballooned from 17-billion Rand
in 2005 to 47 billion Rand.
by Israel Rafalovich
Cessna Demos New Flight Training Program at A
November 5, 2009
TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 5, 2009 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is demonstrating its new Internet-based flight training software at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) annual convention. The Sport/Private Pilot course is approvable under FAR Part 141 regulations.
The Cessna Flight Training System is available through the global Cessna Pilot Center network of flight schools.
“The new training program is a key component of Cessna’s effort to make flying more accessible and to re-energize pilot training,” said Tom Aniello, Cessna’s vice president of Marketing. “The AOPA convention is the perfect venue to really show off this new tool since these are the people closest to the training environment.”
“This new training program coupled with the anticipated deliveries of Cessna’s new light sport aircraft, the 162 Skycatcher, make this a complete package for anyone who wants to learn to fly,” Aniello said.
The major advantages of the Cessna Flight Training System are that it’s Web-based for maximum customer flexibility, and it incorporates customizable scenarios for maximum instructor flexibility.
The Web-based system keeps track of every aspect of training. The customer can access training materials from any location where they have access to the Internet. And since the program is Web-based, changes and updates can be made instantly, with no replacement materials to distribute.
The Cessna Flight Training System also allows an instructor to customize the program to meet the requirements of the local training environment while not compromising the integrity of the training system.
Cessna Pilot Centers are flight training affiliates that use Cessna’s proprietary training curriculum and Cessna aircraft. There are more than 280 in the United States and around the world, offering customers an array of services including flight training.
Bertrand Piccard & André Borschberg latest news
November 5, 2009
Solar Impulse – Supporters Program – Information
As project supporters, you are entitled to top-priority news.
We are pleased to inform you that, weather permitting, tomorrow the HB-SIA prototype will be leaving its hangar at Dübendorf aerodrome near Zurich, It will undergo initial series of stationary tests involving first its four engines, then the electromagnetic interference. During these tests supervised by astronaut Claude Nicollier, our professional German test pilot, Markus Scherdel, will be at the controls.
It is going to be a great day for all of us: team members and supporters. You may see pictures on www.solarimpulse.com.
Hawker Beechcraft Announces Enhanced Vision System for Baron and Bonanza
November 5, 2009
Forward Vision EVS enhances situational awareness in reduced visibility conditions
TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2009) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced the availability of Forward Vision’s EVS-100 and EVS-600 enhanced vision systems for its popular Bonanza and Baron aircraft. In addition to making EVS technology an option on factory-new airplanes, HBC service centers will be providing Forward Vision STC-approved systems to the sizeable Bonanza and Baron fleets around the world. HBC is displaying its Baron and Bonanza, as well as information on the enhanced vision systems, at its exhibit #5016 at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Aviation Summit Nov. 5-7 in Tampa, Fla.
“Continuing to offer leading edge product improvements and safety features to our piston aircraft remains a priority for Hawker Beechcraft,” said Shawn Vick, HBC executive vice president. “This technology enhances the safety of flight and situational awareness by providing pilots an infrared camera-generated image that literally turns darkness into daylight.”
EVS systems, commonly known as infrared or thermal imaging cameras, help to penetrate haze, fog, smoke and precipitation 8 to 10 times farther than the human eye in both night and daytime settings. It requires no programming or interpretation and permits pilots to see unlit obstacles during taxi and takeoff. In flight, pilots can use EVS to avoid clouds, fly between layers, and note detailed ground features out of the night landscape.
The Forward Vision EVS-100 and -600 are line replaceable units that weigh less than 1.5 pounds and mount like any external antenna. They represent the most recent generation EVS technology available and have been refined specifically for the general aviation market. The EVS -100 and -600 will first be offered by STC on the Bonanza, with the STC for the Baron to follow soon after.
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers.
Hawker Beechcraft Celebrates Baron 50th Anniversary with Special Limited Edition Model
November 5, 2009
Company celebrates continued, undisputed leadership of world’s most desired piston twin
TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2009) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) is marking an important milestone – the 50th anniversary of its high performance piston twin, the Beechcraft Baron – by offering a limited edition model that incorporates elegant interior design features and amenities, a choice of four distinctive external paint schemes, and high performance Hartzell Scimitar propellers. More than 6,700 aircraft have been produced since the first Baron-55 was introduced in 1960. HBC is displaying its Baron, as well as information on the 50th anniversary model, at its exhibit #5016 at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Aviation Summit Nov. 5-7 in Tampa, Fla.
“The success of the Baron is a testament to its exceptional design, innovation and value-enhancing improvements over the years, and to its loyal and enthusiastic customer base,” said Shawn Vick, HBC executive vice president. “The Baron continues to be the performance leader among twin engine piston aircraft and provides versatility, speed and range/payload capability that are the best in its class.”
Designed to celebrate the Baron as an industry standard, the golden anniversary aircraft incorporates specially-engraved, 14-carat-gold Baron and 50-year emblems into the power quadrant and pilot/co-pilot control wheels, matching wheat leather seats and removable headrest covers with an embossed Beechcraft shield, and leather-wrapped yokes in an exclusive wheat finish. The aircraft also sports a heritage Beechcraft shield sculpted into the velvet cut Baron Brown carpet in the club seating area. Rosen sun visors, a Lightspeed Zulu headset and air-conditioning round out the internal enhancements.
Externally, the Hartzell blended airfoil Scimitar propellers equipped with unfeathering accumulators will provide a performance boost, while a choice of four color palettes and a specially-designed paint scheme give the anniversary aircraft a unique look. The limited edition Baron is identified by an exclusive number sequence (1/12) and proudly displays the heritage Beechcraft shield on the tail. Each aircraft features distinctive 50th anniversary commemorative graphics on the nacelles and fuselage, with upper leading-edge wing surfaces finished with select anniversary paint.
The Baron series debuted as an updated version of the Model 95 Travel Air. A stretch of the fuselage in 1970 changed the model designation from the B-55 to the B-58 and allowed for the addition of two more seats in the cabin. The current model, powered by two 300 horsepower Teledyne Continental IO-550 engines, has a maximum gross weight of 5,500 pounds. The G58 Baron has a maximum level speed at 6,000 feet of 202 knots or it can fly for up to 9 hours at a cruise speed of 167 knots, burning 18.6 gallons per hour at 10,000 feet. The 50th Anniversary model offers a useful load of 1,504 pounds.
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers.
New A330-200 Freighter takes to the skies
November 5, 2009
A330-200F: Allowing freight operators to adapt to evolving markets
The new dedicated Freighter variant of the successful A330 Family took to the skies today during a four hour maiden flight over Toulouse. This milestone marks the start of a 180 hour flight-test and certification campaign, and paves the way for first delivery of the type to launch operator, Etihad Crystal Cargo, in the summer of 2010.
The new A330-200F will offer freight customers greater range and a higher maximum payload with much lower unit costs compared with its closest competitor. The aircraft has already gained 67 firm orders with nine customers. In addition to these orders, the aircraft has been selected by a tenth customer — Turkish Airlines — following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for two A330-200Fs. Furthermore, there are other ongoing campaigns in progress where airlines are showing serious interest in the aircraft.
Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers, John Leahy said: “The efficient A330-200F is very well adapted to today’s market dynamics of rising fuel prices and increased pressure on yields.” He adds: “The A330-200F is the right aircraft at the right time. We are at the eve of a market recovery, and now is the time for airlines to prepare for future freight growth.”
Airbus sees the need for over 3,400 freighters in the next 20 years to cater for a 5.2% average annual growth rate. In turn, this will require around 1,600 mid-sized freighters, of which the A330-200F will play an important role.
With a greater payload than initially anticipated, the A330-200F offers two operational configurations depending on the planned mission. The aircraft can carry more than 64 metric tonnes over 4,000 nautical miles / 7,400km, or more than 69 metric tonnes up to 3,200 nautical miles / 5,930km – non-stop. These range and payload capabilities will enable operators to grow their business by opening up or extending cargo routes they currently operate. Thanks to an optimized fuselage cross-section, it has the interior flexibility to carry a wide variety of pallet and container sizes for maximum interlining capability, offering 30 per cent more volume than any freighter in its class.
Compared with the highly successful passenger A330-200, this new purpose-designed Freighter version has an increased maximum-zero-fuel weight (MZFW) of eight tonnes to allow for high-density cargo configuration transportation of 10lb/ft3. In addition, the aircraft features a reinforced fuselage plus new strengthened floor with a specially designed floor-grid for higher running loads.
The A330-200F is based on the proven, highly successful and technologically-advanced A330 platform, for which Airbus has received over 1,000 orders, and to date around 625 aircraft are in operational service.
Sikorsky Aircraft Delivers New VIP S-76C++™ Helicopter to U.K. Royal Household
November 5, 2009
COATESVILLE, Penn., Nov. 4, 2009 – Sikorsky Global Helicopters, a business unit of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., has delivered a new VIP S-76C++™ helicopter to the Royal Travel Office for use by the Royal Household of the United Kingdom. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
Sikorsky has provided helicopters to support the Royal Family since the early 1950’s, including the R4, S-51, S-55, S-58, S-58T, S-76B and the S-76C+ helicopters. The new S76C++ helicopter entered service in September.
“The new S76C++ helicopter will continue to provide the Royal Family with a high quality and efficient helicopter travel service,” said Captain Christopher Pittaway, Manager and Chief Pilot of The Queen’s Helicopter Flight. “It most closely meets the mission requirements by providing a quiet and comfortable cabin environment, low carbon footprint and best value for money. We have enjoyed excellent product support from Sikorsky over many years and I look forward to a continued relationship.”
Carey Bond, President, Sikorsky Global Helicopters, said: “The S-76C++ helicopter has distinguished itself by its quality, safety, performance and style as an aircraft of choice for VVIP transport. We are honored that the Royal Family and so many others entrust their safety and comfort to us.”
The S-76C++ helicopter features engine, air vehicle, interior and avionics upgrades. These include a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 Engine, an inlet barrier filter to protect the engine against erosion and environmental contaminants, a new VIP interior, a new optional Health and Usage Monitoring System and a quiet main gearbox using Quiet Zone™ technology that significantly reduces interior noise levels without any weight maintenance penalties.
The S-76® helicopter serves a multi-mission role that includes offshore oil transport, VIP transport, including head of state, emergency medical transport, search and rescue and civil defense. The S-76C++ helicopter was initially certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in January 2006. More recently, it was certified for unconstrained operations in extreme snowy conditions. The European Aviation Safety Agency certified the type design in July 2006, allowing for the export of the S-76C++ helicopter to all European Union countries.
The Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master makes its 1,000th flight.
November 5, 2009
The new M-346 Master advanced trainer designed by Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, has reached the symbolic 1,000-flight milestone.
The flight was made by the third prototype, representative of the pre-series M-346 standard.
The thousand flights performed by the three M-346 prototypes now available at Alenia Aermacchi, cover a broad range of missions, from aircraft testing and development to the displaying to the many interested Air Forces and ferry flights for international demo tours for important aviation events.
In December 2008 the first M-346 achieved the speed of Mach 1.17, becoming the fastest Italian-designed aeroplane of all time. The long ferry flights, the completion of air-to-air refuelling tests and angles of attack of over 30 degrees, indicate the significance of the results achieved so far and the overall development of the programme, which is now close to its complete maturity.
In addition to Alenia Aermacchi test pilots, the three M-346 have already been flown by over 40 Italian military pilots and by over 70 from other countries worldwide, including those of the United Arab Emirates, whose Air Forces selected 48 M-346s in February 2009, and those of Singapore, where the M-346 is participating in the competition for the aircraft and a complete integrated training system.
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