Dassault Falcon Adds Authorized Service Center in Hong Kong
May 4, 2010
Agreement with Jet Aviation Hong Kong Expands Capability in Asia
(Geneva, Switzerland, May 3, 2010) – Dassault Falcon today signed an agreement with Jet
Aviation Hong Kong to establish a Dassault Falcon Authorized Line Service Station at Hong
Kong’s Chep Lap Kok Airport (VHHH) by the end of 2010. The facility will be authorized to
support scheduled and unscheduled maintenance up through A and A+ level checks for the
Falcon 2000EX EASy, 2000DX, 2000LX, Falcon 900EX EASy, Falcon 900DX, Falcon 900LX and
the Falcon 7X. Initially, the facility will be able to perform maintenance on FAA and Hong Kong
registered Falcons. European approval is expected in the first half of 2011.
“This agreement is consistent with our philosophy of enhancing the service experience by
expanding our footprint of service,” said Jacques Chauvet, Senior Vice President for Worldwide
Customer Service for Dassault Falcon. “China and Asia are rapidly expanding as they realize the
benefits of business aviation. Additionally, transient traffic in Hong Kong continues to expand so
this agreement is of vital importance to all of our customers.” Dassault Falcon will also position
U.S. $1.1 million in spare parts and tooling to support this initiative in Hong Kong. Once
complete, the total value of Genuine Dassault Falcon Replacement Parts in Asia will stand at
nearly U.S. $8 million.
Jet Aviation Hong Kong is a world class 9,200 square meter (99,000 square feet) facility staffed
by a team of 20 multinational professionals with vast experience in aircraft maintenance. In
addition to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, AOG assistance from Hong Kong is
available throughout China and the Asia Pacific region.
Once Jet Aviation Hong Kong is fully operational, Dassault Falcon’s service center network will
stand at 37 locations: 27 Authorized Service Centers, five company-owned Service Centers and
five company-owned Satellite Service Centers. The service center network is supported by 11
spare parts distribution centers strategically located around the world and a Technical Center
spanning three time zones which provide 24/7 support to Falcon operators.
Dassault Falcon 900LX Flight Test Program Enters Into its Last Phase; Begins Completions on First Customer Aircraft
May 4, 2010
(Geneva, Switzerland, May 3, 2010) – Dassault’s Falcon 900LX has entered the last phases of
the flight test and certification program while completions on the first two customer aircraft have
begun. Final certification is anticipated during the third quarter of 2010 with deliveries starting
thereafter.
The flight test program, which began in October of 2009, has accumulated 180 flight hours over
72 flights. Handling qualities of the airplane, take-off and landing performance, stalls at various
speed configurations, flights in icing conditions, maximum operating speed, as well as simulated
system failures have been tested extensively in addition to aircraft fuel consumption. The aircraft
performed as expected and confirmed reductions in drag and higher climb performance over the
Falcon 900EX EASy which it will replace.
More than half of the certification flights have been performed to date with EASA certification
pilots. Crosswind trials are planned in the next few weeks.
The 4,750 nm Falcon 900LX is built on the Falcon 900EX EASy platform and includes a pair of
High Mach Blended winglets designed by Aviation Partners Inc. The wing aerodynamic
improvement will help reduce aircraft drag as much as 5% offering corresponding range and
efficiency improvements. Time to climb to cruise altitude will also be reduced by 10%. As a
consequence, the Falcon 900LX is as much as 50 to 60% more efficient than other airplanes in
its class.
“Our thorough flight test program has demonstrated the improved efficiencies of the Falcon
900LX,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “Falcon 900LX operators
will be confident in the fact that they operate the most efficient airplane in its class. It burns less
fuel and creates fewer emissions. That’s a very positive message in today’s closely scrutinized
business world.”
The Falcon 900LX can connect a wide variety of commonly used cities, including New York with
Moscow, Paris with Beijing, Washington with Sao Paulo, Dubai with Tokyo and Caracas with
Geneva.
EMBRAER ADVANCES WITH LEGACY 650 CERTIFICATION CAMPAIGN
May 4, 2010
The large category executive jet is on schedule to meet first deliveries this year
São José dos Campos, May 3, 2010 – Embraer is moving steadily towards the Legacy 650 jet
type certification in the second half of 2010 by the Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency
(ANAC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), followed by the U.S. (FAA)
certificate. The first delivery is planned for this year to a Europe-based customer.
The Legacy 650 was announced at the 62nd Annual Meeting and Convention of the National
Business Aviation Association (NBAA), as an extended-range derivative of the successful
Legacy 600 platform. The aircraft’s increased range is a result of extensive airframe
modifications, including the addition of an aft ventral tank and a new central wet wing box,
and reinforcements to the wing structure and landing gear.
Embraer has two Legacy 650 prototypes in the certification campaign. Both flight and ground
tests are near completion, with approximately 95% of total test hours already accomplished. A
series of tests and demonstrations were carried out, focusing on the aircraft’s performance, flight
quality, engines, and the fuel system. Results have demonstrated the aircraft is meeting
performance targets. The integration of the Honeywell Primus Elite™ system is also progressing
as planned. This new avionics suite equips both the Legacy 650 and the Legacy 600, providing
advanced navigation, communication, and graphical display capabilities.
“The Legacy 650 test campaign has gone smoothly and the results have been as expected. The
airplane benefits from the proven DNA of the Legacy 600, offering enhanced capabilities with
the updated cockpit and increased range,” said Maurício Almeida, Embraer Vice President,
Programs – Executive Jets.
In mid-April, another important campaign milestone was achieved: the new highly efficient
Rolls-Royce AE 3007A2 engines received FAA’s type and production certificates. The
Legacy 650 will also feature an improved noise insulation package that was incorporated to
the Legacy 600 this year. This solution makes extensive use of state-of-the-art materials to
lower interior noise levels by more than 3 decibels SIL (Speech Interference Level).
GULFSTREAM G150 MAKES FIRST ARRIVAL AT LONDON CITY AIRPORT
May 4, 2010
Mid-Size Aircraft Demonstrates Capabilities To London-Based Media
SAVANNAH, Ga., April 30, 2010 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced today that the Gulfstream G150 aircraft made its first arrival at London City Airport as part of a demonstration for London-based media. The mid-size business jet recently received approval from the London City Airport Operations and Control Department for landings and departures at the British airport.
To fly in and out of London City, an aircraft and flight crew must demonstrate proficiency in the steep-angle, 5.5-degree approach and must be able to operate from the airport’s short runway — 4,327 feet (1,320 m) for landing and 3,937 feet (1,200 m) for takeoff. The jet must also meet strict environmental standards regarding noise.
The N-registered demonstration aircraft was captained by Gulfstream pilots Brett Rundle and Earl Leonard.
The G150 successfully completed its first flight on May 3, 2005, and was simultaneously certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel (CAAI) on Nov. 7, 2005.
The G150 offers the longest range and fastest speed in its class. Powered by two Honeywell TFE731-40AR engines, the G150 can reach speeds of up to Mach 0.85 and altitudes of 45,000 feet, well above commercial traffic and weather. At a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.75, the G150 can fly four passengers nonstop up to 2,950 nautical miles — farther than any other aircraft in its class. The G150 easily connects cities such as New York to Los Angeles, London to Moscow, or Rio de Janeiro to Santiago.
The G150 also has the most comfortable cabin in its class. Its unique oval cabin cross section offers more seated headroom than any of its competitors. With a choice of three cabin configurations, the G150 accommodates six to nine passengers and features ample aisle space and generous legroom and headroom when seated. G150 owners can choose from a variety of fine leathers, upholstery fabrics, wood finishes and floor coverings.
The fully equipped G150 flight deck features Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, which includes Gulfstream’s signature Cursor Control Device (CCD). The Safe Flight Automatic Throttle System (ATS) integrated on the G150 provides continuous thrust management during takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, approach, landing and go-around flight modes. The optional Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS II) generates actual, real-time images of the aircraft’s surroundings using an infrared camera mounted in the nose of the aircraft.
Just as with every Gulfstream business-jet model, the new G150 is backed by Gulfstream’s award-winning product support.
G150 aircraft are designed and built in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv, Israel. Initial manufacturing is completed in Tel Aviv, then the aircraft are flown to Gulfstream’s Dallas facility for the final phase of manufacturing.
Sikorsky Aerospace Services to Perform A-to-L Upgrades on Royal Saudi Land Forces’ BLACK HAWK Helicopters
May 4, 2010
SHELTON, Conn., May 3, 2010 – Sikorsky Aerospace Services announced today the signing of a contract with the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Command (RSLFAC) to upgrade its fleet of BLACK HAWK helicopters from the UH-60 A model configuration to the more modern UH-60L aircraft configuration. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
Based on the success of the H-60 Helicopter Recapitalization and Upgrade Program on U.S. Army BLACK HAWK aircraft, the H-60 helicopter modernization program includes comprehensive fleet upgrades for Sikorsky’s global customers. The Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Command (RSLFAC) A-to-L conversion plan is the second international modernization program under contract with SAS. The first program is currently under way at Chase Field Operations Center in Texas, a Sikorsky Aerospace Services facility.
The A-to-L upgrade program incorporates key improvements consisting of a T700 to T701D engine upgrade for increased power and reliability, and upgraded flight controls, avionics and instrument panel modifications. Additionally, the upgraded H-60 helicopters will be equipped with a new Aircraft Flight Control Computer (AFCC) as well as new wiring harness, high speed shaft and seal lead acid battery.
“This conversion program will modernize the current Saudi fleet and allow for better commonality and integration with its newly acquired fleet of UH-60L aircraft. As we continue to successfully transition the UH-60 BLACK HAWK helicopter through our global modernizations programs, this Saudi project serves as an important launch point in the region,” said David Adler, president of Sikorsky Aerospace Services.
Trade Press Release: CAE Flight Training to expand business aircraft offering in Dubai with Falcon 900EX/2000EX full-flight simulator
May 4, 2010
– CAE global business aviation training network adds seven simulators in 2009, another six in 2010, plus new civil helicopters
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND–(Marketwire – May 3, 2010) – (NYSE:CAE)(TSX:CAE) Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) announced today at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) that it will further expand its business aircraft training programs for pilots and maintenance technicians with the addition of a CAE 7000 Series Level D full-flight simulator in Dubai for the Dassault Falcon 900EX and Falcon 2000EX models. The simulator will be ready for training in the first quarter of 2011.
The addition of the Falcon 900EX/2000EX follows the regulatory qualification in April of an FFS for the Bombardier Global Express aircraft.
“CAE and our joint venture partners continue to address the evolving pilot and technical training needs of corporate and business aircraft operators around the world at high-quality training centres that are convenient to our customers,” said Jeff Roberts, CAE Group President, Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services. “CAE’s global network of training centres in five regions enables business aviation professionals to train close to home on the highest fidelity training equipment and with best-in-class instructors.”
CAE added seven new full-flight simulators in 2009 to its business aviation training centres in Dubai, Burgess Hill UK (London), Morristown, New Jersey (New York City), and Dallas, Texas, and will add another six during 2010. These are part of CAE’s previously announced growth plans and include:
– Hawker 850 XPi, Global Express, and Falcon 900EX/2000EX at ECFT in Dubai
– Phenom 100 for Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) at the CAE Training Centres in Burgess Hill and Dallas, as well as a Phenom 100/300 currently being installed in Dallas
– Citation XLS, Citation II, and Learjet 40/40XR/45/45XR at Burgess Hill
– Global Express and a Falcon 50EX currently being installed at CAE SimuFlite in Dallas
– Gulfstream 200 and Citation Jet III at the North East Training Centre (NETC) in Morristown
In addition, ECFT offers Bell 412 civil helicopter training in Dubai, and two additional Bell 412 helicopter FFSs will be ready for training this summer in Mexico and India. Sikorsky S-76 helicopter training is provided at NETC.
“As the aircraft manufacturers continue to advance the capabilities and range of business jets and helicopters, training must keep pace with the sophistication and configurations of the cockpit,” said Camille Mariamo, Managing Director, Emirates CAE Flight Training. “Within the CAE business aviation network, more than one-third of the simulators are new in the past four years, driven by customer demand.”
CAE awarded three full-flight simulator sales valued at approximately C$50 million
May 4, 2010
– Saudi Arabian Airlines purchases Airbus A330/A340 convertible FFS
– Bombardier purchases Challenger 605 FFS
– Emirates-CAE Flight Training purchases Dassault Falcon 900EX/2000EX FFS
MONTREAL, QUEBEC–(Marketwire – May 3, 2010) – (NYSE:CAE)(TSX:CAE) – CAE today announced the sale of three full-flight simulators (FFS) valued at a total list price of approximately C$50 million: an Airbus A330/A340 convertible FFS sold to Saudi Arabian Airlines; a Bombardier Challenger 605 FFS sold to Bombardier and a Dassault Falcon 900EX/2000EX FFS sold to Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT). The sale to Saudi Arabian Airlines was concluded during fiscal year 2010 and brings the total FFS sales for fiscal year 2010 to 20. The sales to Bombardier and to ECFT are CAE’s first two for fiscal year 2011.
Maxcraft Avionics receives Transport Canada STC for installation of the Becker Avionics AR3202 and AR3209 VHF/AM COM DZUS Mount Transceivers
May 4, 2010
Miramar, FL, May 3, 2010 – Becker Avionics is pleased to announce that Maxcraft Avionics Ltd near Vancouver BC, Canada, has been granted Transport Canada STC # SH09-57 for installation of the Becker Avionics AR3202 and AR3209 VHF COM Transceivers into the following helicopter models: Bell 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 214B, 214ST, 412, 412CF, 412EP, and Sikorsky S-61L/N, S-76A/C.
The AR3202 and AR3209 transceivers are an ideal solution for aviation professionals, who need the ultimate in performance and reliability. Because of their efficient design and rugged construction, the AR3202 and 3209 VHF/AM transceivers are particularly well suited to the demanding and harsh environments that helicopter typically operate in.
These transceivers have 760 channels that may be tuned in the frequency range of 118.0 to 136.975 MHz, with 76 channels with 25kHz channel spacing and 20 preset channels which can be stored for immediate recall. The AR3202 has a power output of 20W for extended range communications, and the AR3209 has 10W, with a power supply of 28 VDC. The complete system is housed in a single compact unit, which mounts in a standard 5 3/4 ” DZUS rails. There are no more interconnecting wires between control heads and remote transceivers which are typically associated with legacy radio systems. Additionally, the AR3202 and AR3209 do not require remote boxes, interconnecting cables, or forced air cooling like older generation products.
The radios are DZUS mounted in the center pedestal in the same location as original VHF/AM control heads, or they can be installed as a supplementary radio. The AR3202 and AR3209 are ideally suited to replacing older radios in aging aircraft to reduce maintenance costs. The installation time is estimated by Maxcraft to take 6 to 8 hours.
First test flight of Rafale fighter powered by upgraded M88-4E engine
May 4, 2010
Courcouronnes, May 4, 2010 – The first test flight of a Rafale fighter powered by the
Snecma (Safran group) M88-4E engine (formerly designated the “TCO Pack”, for total
cost of ownership) took place on March 22 at the Istres air base in southern France.
Lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, the flight was a total success, and was used to
expand the flight envelope.
The complete test campaign for the M88-4E engine comprises some 70 flights in
2010, with different engine configurations. Ten test flights have been carried out to
date.
“We are satisfied with the successful initial flights of the M88-4E, the third major
engine upgrade, reflecting our continuing focus on research & development. The
latest evolution of the engine enables us to better meet the expectations of our
customer, by helping decrease the Rafale’s maintenance costs,” said Didier
Desnoyer, Snecma’s Vice President Military Engines.
The development of the M88-4E is proceeding very satisfactorily. The first ground test
of the engine was performed in September 2009. Development engines are now
undergoing ground performance and endurance tests, and a series of altitude
chamber tests was completed in late February. Qualification and delivery of the first
production-standard M88-4E is now slated for the end of 2011.
In January 2008, French defense procurement agency DGA awarded Snecma the
“TCO Pack” contract for the M88-2 engine. The aim of this contract was to extend the
service life and time between inspections for several parts of the engine.
Modifications mainly concern the high-pressure compressor and turbine.
Designed for the Rafale multirole fighter, the M88 is the first member of a family of
new-generation engines intended for 21st century combat and advanced training
aircraft. The M88-2 now powers all air force and naval versions of the Rafale. It is
particularly well suited to low-altitude penetration and high-altitude interception
missions.
Becker Avionics selected by RUAG Aerospace to supply Airborne Digital Audio and Intercom System (DVCS6100) for new Dornier 228 NG aircraft
May 4, 2010
Baden-Baden, Germany, April 29, 2010 – Becker Avionics, a leading provider of communication, navigation, surveillance and search & rescue equipment for airborne and ground applications has been selected by RUAG Aerospace to supply the DVCS 6100 digital audio and intercom system for the new Dornier 228 NG production aircraft. The Dornier 228 NG is a 19 passenger aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, glass cockpit and new 5-blade propellers.
RUAG Aerospace celebrated the roll-out of the Dornier 228 NG aircraft in November 2009. The aircraft is currently in the certification flight test phase and deliveries are anticipated for the 3rd quarter of 2010.
In the standard configuration, each aircraft will be equipped with the Becker Avionics DVCS6100 digital audio and intercom system, comprised of two Audio Control Units (ACU) 6100 in the Cockpit, with additional expansion capabilities for the cabin. The units fully integrate with the Remote Electronic Unit (REU) 6100 and control the aircraft audio and radio selection. The DVCS6100 was selected due to versatility and performance it offers which enable the operator to software customize the audio system parameters in order to meet the mission requirements.
About Digital Voice Communication (DVCS) 6100
The DVCS6100 has been designed for both rotary and fixed-wing applications, and fully reflects Becker Avionics’ proven know-how of more than four decades in audio system development for the aerospace industry. Since the market introduction of the 1st DVCS generation, almost 700 systems have been delivered while achieving outstanding field reliability. Our continuous product improvement program has made the DVCS6100 another Becker Avionics success story.
The system is superior to any analog system, as it offers crystal-clear voice communication quality, a proven Man-Machine-Interface (MMI), outstanding reliability, as well as scalability and flexibility since the system is fully software configurable. The main system components of the DVCS6100 system are the Remote Electronic Unit (REU) 6100, the Audio Control Unit (ACU) 6100, and the Intercom Amplifier IC3100.
The DVCS6100 offers up to 8 communication transmit (TX) and up to 8 receiver (RX) channels, an integrated warning tone generator for up to 8 different signals, an amplifier for 2 cockpit speakers, as well as interfaces for 2 Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR), and a Public Address Amplifier (PA).
Up to 6 Audio Control Units can be operated together with one Remote Electronic Unit. Any unit can be configured with the included software to give complete adjustments across different on-board systems. The system also meets the highest standards for night operation under NVG and military conditions. The ACU6100 is available with NVIS green (MIL-STD 3009 Green B) and white Backlight, and offers emergency and slaved mode operation. The DVCS6100 therefore represents a unique mission support tool that easily outperforms the competition.
Additionally, the Becker Avionics DVCS6100 system provides the possibility to match a wide range of operational requirements with only one system. The scalability and flexibility of the product reduces not only the cost and time requirements for constant re-engineering and certification in tailored system solutions, but also reduces the learning curve for integration, maintenance and troubleshooting time. Through various software programming options, the system is both easily and quickly configurable to individual requirements, thus saving time and money.
The DVCS’ performance and flexibility has led to numerous installations in a diverse mix of rotary and fixed wing platforms, including, but not limited to the following models: AS350, BO105, EC135, EC145, MD900, Bell412, S-70A, DO228, MA-600, Pilatus PC9, L-410, King Air 350, and the DHC-5 Buffalo.
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 offers best in class performance and is the leader in commercial certified digital intercoms!
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