Dassault’s Falcon 900LX Receives Certification from China
June 20, 2011
(Teterboro, New Jersey, June 15, 2011) – Dassault Falcon recently received certification for the
Falcon 900LX from the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC). The Falcon
900LX joins the rest of the Falcon 900 family already certified in China along with the Falcon 7X
and the Falcon 2000 family. The first Falcon 900LX will be delivered in China by the end of this
year.
“China continues to embrace business aviation at a rapid pace, and aircraft like the Falcon 900LX
are ideally suited to the demanding landscape of that vast country,” said John Rosanvallon,
President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “We have been rapidly increasing our support capabilities
for operators in the region, including appointing more Authorized Service Centers, positioning
additional spare parts inventory and establishing a regional sales office in Beijing last year.”
Gulfstream Increases Service Capacity At Dallas Site
June 15, 2011
SAVANNAH, Ga., June 15, 2011 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced the reopening of Hangar F, now dedicated to servicing mid-cabin aircraft, at its Dallas Love Field facility. The 62,000-square-foot hangar increases space by nearly 18 percent at the site, allowing Gulfstream to more efficiently outfit and service large-cabin and mid-cabin business jets.
“We now have an ideal situation for operators: hangars dedicated to specific aircraft models,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Product Support. “Large-cabin and mid-cabin customers have their own specific facility, with parts inventory and office space that cater to their needs. We are also well-positioned for the future with the 2012 and 2011 deliveries of the Gulfstream G650 and G250, respectively.”
The hangar is dedicated to mid-cabin aircraft, the G200 and G250. Hangar F also has a warehouse stocked with parts for mid-cabin and non-Gulfstream aircraft.
Three of the other eight hangars at Gulfstream Dallas are dedicated to large-cabin aircraft, including the flagship G650. This expansion will create an additional four large-cabin slots over current capacity. Each of the remaining three hangars is used for final-phase manufacturing, paint and the maintenance of non-Gulfstream aircraft. The Dallas site’s total square footage is 411,890.
Thrane & Thrane: AVIATOR Offers Inflight Connectivity to South American Aviation Market
June 14, 2011
LABACE 2011, 11-13 August, São Paulo Brazil, Booth: 4019
AVIATOR portfolio to be presented at LABACE
Leading satellite communications equipment manufacturer Thrane & Thrane will be highlighting capabilities of its AVIATOR SwiftBroadband portfolio during this year’s LABACE in Brazil. The cutting-edge AVIATOR product family supports the use of Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband service aboard the widest range of aircraft possible, offering a solution to meet a host of customer needs in terms of bandwidth, equipment size and budget.
“We will be exhibiting for the first time at LABACE which will provide an excellent platform to present the AVIATOR product range to the South American aviation market. With the recent certification of the AVIATOR 200, Thrane & Thrane now offers a comprehensive portfolio of SwiftBroadband solutions which support a broad range of user requirements for connection speed, equipment size and budget,” comments Andy Beers, Director of Aeronautical Sales Americas, Thrane & Thrane.
Thrane & Thrane’s product range includes the AVIATOR 700 and AVIATOR 350 High Gain Antenna (HGA) options, AVIATOR 300 with Intermediate Gain Antenna (IGA) and the exceptionally compact and lightweight AVIATOR 200 Low Gain Antenna (LGA), which is the first SwiftBroadband 200 system to be fully approved for use aboard a range of leading bizjets having already received STCs for Beechcraft King Air 200, Cessna 500 – 560XL and Citation 525/525A aircraft types.
As the general aviation market in South America continues to grow,Thrane & Thrane is seeking to expand its reach in the region with the appointment of several new partners which will be announced following the LABACE exhibition.
Beers continues, “To support our growing customer base in Brazil and South America, it is essential that we expand our network of distributors and dealers to ensure dedicated and locally focused service can be provided. The appointment of new partners to further support our existing network will ensure we are well-positioned to respond to increasing customer demand for inflight connectivity within this significant region.”
First Airbus Military C295 with AEW&C rotodome completes maiden flight
June 8, 2011
The first Airbus Military C295 development aircraft fitted with an Airbone Early Warning sand Command (AEW&C) rotodome has successfully completed its first flight on 7th June 2011 at Airbus Military’s site in Seville (Spain). The flight follows extensive research and development work, including wind tunnel testing, leading to the conversion of a C295 to be fitted with the in-house developed rotodome
The aircraft took off at 17h16 local time (15h16 UTC) and landed at 20h04 local time (18h04 UTC), after a flight lasting 2h48 (wheels off – wheels down). The experimental test pilot Alejandro Madurga captained the flight together with co-pilot Alfonso de Castro, the Flight Test Engineer Juan José Baeza, and the Test Flight Engineer Antonio Ojeda.
The objective of the trials is to verify the aerodynamic and structural impact of the rotodome on the aircraft’s overall structure, handling qualities and performance. The six metre diameter rotodome fitted for the initial trials is a fixed dummy structure. On production aircraft the rotodome would be a fast-rotating device housing a state-of-the-art radar providing full 360 degree and continuous coverage of a selected area.
“This first flight confirmed to us that the C295 is an excellent platform to support such a rotodome”, said Alejandro Maurga after the flight. The behavior of the aircraft and its flying characteristics were very satisfactory and as expected”.
Flight testing will continue during the next three months to complete the feasibility study and fully validate the concept.
Airbus Military’s C295 is an ideal platform for Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) missions. The C295 is currently used for other Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance applications such as maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare or environmental protection missions, to list just a few. The C295 is a simple but robust platform with proven reliability, used in conflict operations for defence and homeland security missions. It is adaptable to the AEW&C role thanks to its versatility and the largest cabin in its class. The in-house developed Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) enables the integration of on-board sensors, including operation and monitoring of the future radar system and display of the aerial picture.
The current AEW&C trials are to demonstrate the C295’s capability in this sector and thereby expand its range of applications. With the C295, Airbus Military has the tool to open up a new market segment for affordable high-performance AEW&C systems
VIP A320 CONVERSION FOR MASTERJET, GENEVA
May 16, 2011
This April, Fokker Aircraft Services (FAS) celebrated the handover of an Airbus A320 conversion from airliner to VIP configuration, to Geneva based operator MasterJet.
When the A320 airliner arrived at the FAS facility in Woensdrecht, Netherlands for the conversion, the interior had to be completely stripped down and everything from wiring, isolation, monuments, partitions and seats were designed and fitted according to the customer’s own personal requirements, right down to the installation of 24-carat gold door knobs. In total, five cabins were installed, including a private suite with bedroom, bathroom and office; a conference and dining area, separate executive lounge and special first class seating area.
Throughout the design process Fokker used CATIA 3D graphics extensively in order to allow the customer to “experience” the aircraft throughout all phases of the design process.
“Other completions centers use CATIA as well, but not to the same extent as Fokker ,” says Eric Cuppen Director, Aircraft Completions and Conversions, “We find that it’s an excellent tool for allowing customers to fully understand what their aircraft cabin will ultimately look like.”
Another personalized feature included an AVOD Rack with a self-contained In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system: a separate power source and cooling system, meant the equipment didn’t need extra certification.
For acoustic comfort, Fokker soundproofing reduced cabin noise to 52-53 dB in the main private and lounge areas.
Additional Centre Tanks (ACT’s), which supplement the main fuel tank, were also fitted, increasing the aircraft’s range to nearly 4000nm. Although such a fit out is common for commercial aircraft, only a handful of VIP A320s have successfully undergone such a procedure.
Fokker Aircraft Service is an EASA, GCAA and FAA Part 145 approved maintenance facility. Located in in the Netherlands, it boasts five hangars spanning 16,000m2. At any one time, the facility is able to accommodate up to four positions for Boeing 737-series and Airbus A320-family aircraft.
FAS’ capabilities are increasingly being used for Boeing 737 series aircraft and the Airbus A320 family, along with other regional aircraft types such as Embraer and Bombardier.
Masterjet CEO Philip G. Queffelec (left) shakes hands with Edwin Schilling, President of Fokker Aircraft Services (right) after signing the hand-over agreement.
First Airbus Military A330 MRTT for UAE Air Force makes maiden flight
April 12, 2011
The first Airbus Military A330 MRTT for the United Arab Emirates Air Force has successfully completed its maiden flight following conversion of the aircraft in Madrid.
The crew reported that the aircraft, its systems and two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines performed entirely satisfactorily during the 2hr 55min flight on 9th April.
As it features some different avionics, and is the first “receiver” to be powered by the Rolls- Royce Trent engine, the UAE A330 MRTT now enters the certification and qualification phase for these new elements.
The first of three ordered by the UAE AF, it will transfer to Abu Dhabi around the end of the year for the final phase of flight-testing leading to delivery in the second quarter of 2012.
Prior to this flight, six A330 MRTTs had already flown. Those include three for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), two for the UK Royal Air Force, and one for the Royal Saudi Air Force. Two of the aircraft are already technically complete and ready for delivery to the RAAF, pending finalisation of contractual discussion.
Eurocopter’s expanding presence in Latin America with its Helibras Brazilian affiliate is highlighted at the LAAD 2011 defense show
April 12, 2011
The EC725 Cougar helicopter is spotlighted, underscoring Brazil’s major acquisition of these rotary-wing aircraft and the key industrial role of Helibras in their production
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 12, 2011
The high-profile presence of Eurocopter at this week’s LAAD Defense & Security 2011 exhibition in Rio de Janeiro is focused on the growing importance of its Helibras affiliate in the manufacture, assembly, modernization and mission-outfitting of the company’s rotary-wing aircraft for Brazil and the Latin American marketplace.
Among the helicopters spotlighted on Helibras’ exhibit (#G-30, on the outdoor display area) is the twin-engine EC725 Cougar helicopter, which is being acquired by the Brazilian Armed Forces – and will be built in a new center of excellence created at its Itajubá facility in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The Eurocopter parent company also is participating in the LAAD 2011 event, presenting an overview of its rotary-wing aircraft family on the stand of EADS (#F46 in Hall 4).
As the only Brazilian helicopter manufacturer, Helibras has the capability of producing a variety of aircraft in Eurocopter’s product line. It supplies over 50 percent of the country’s turbine-powered helicopters – having delivered more than 500 aircraft in its 33 years of operation to meet the requirements of governmental, military and civil customers.
“Helibras is on the way to becoming a cornerstone in Eurocopter’s global industrial base, with all the skills necessary for helicopter manufacturing, assembly, integration, upgrades and support,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “Our presence in Brazil positions Eurocopter for future growth in the country and across Latin America, while also ensuring excellence in support and training for operators throughout the region.”
At Itajubá, Helibras is preparing for the assembly of EC725s, which the Brazilian government contracted in 2008 to acquire 50 helicopters for transport and civil security missions. Construction is underway on Helibras’ new EC725 production factory for completion in 2012 – doubling the company’s employment, bringing total staff to approximately 1,000.
The EC725 is Eurocopter’s latest member of the Super Puma/Cougar helicopter family. In addition to building this 11-metric-ton-class rotary-wing aircraft at Itajubá, Helibras is to become involved in such industrial activities as the manufacture of EC725 tailbooms and electrical harness, plus the assembly of gearboxes. Helibras also is working with Brazilian companies to develop a local supply chain, and it is supporting the acceleration of in-country technical and university courses for aeronautics and aerospace.
At this week’s LAAD 2011 defense and security show, Helibras also is exhibiting the AS550A2 Fennec, operated by the Brazilian Army Aviation Command – and which will be modernized by the company in a program that incorporates a tailored complement of armament, a new glass cockpit, an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) with autopilot, and the installation of improved pilot seats for enhanced crash protection.
The single-engine, multi-purpose AS550/AS350 entered service with the Brazilian Army Aviation Command more than two decades ago, and Helibras’ upgrade program will ensure the continued operation of these helicopters for at least 25 additional years. As part of the LAAD 2011 exhibition, Helibras will be showing the AS350/AS550’s new instrument panel layout, which incorporates three large multifunction liquid crystal displays and is being developed by the company in cooperation with France’s Sagem and the Brazilian firm Aeroeletrônica.
Helibras has produced more than 400 AS350s for the South American market. The helicopter’s modernization also can be applied to the large inventory of AS350 Ecureuils operating throughout Brazil – which totals some 350 aircraft.
Included on Helibras’ LAAD 2011 exhibit stand as well will be a single-engine EC130 fitted with an aeromedical kit, along with a twin-engine HM-1 Pantera helicopter – the version of Eurocopter’s AS565 Panther in service with the Brazilian Army. Helibras has a contract to upgrade 34 HM-1 Panteras of the Brazilian Army Aviation, which will extend the current fleet’s operating lifetime by at least 25 years. The Pantera modernization includes new Turbomeca Arriel 2C2 CG engines with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), a full glass cockpit, 4-axis autopilot, the Pro Line 21 radio suite for communications, navigation and surveillance, as well as a new Fenestron with asymmetric blades.
“With our very strong presence at the 2011 Latin America Aero & Defense show, Helibras is demonstrating how the company is pursuing its vision for the future,” explained CEO Eduardo Marson Ferreira.
Chile takes delivery of first anti-submarine warfare C295
April 1, 2011
First European aircraft with ASW capabilities since the 1960s
The Chilean Navy has taken delivery of the first Airbus Military C295 in its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) configuration. The handover took place after the aircraft was certified by INTA, the Spanish authority responsible for certification and military airworthiness.
Based on the Maritime Patrol (MPA) configuration of the aircraft, the C295 ASW is the first ASW type designed and certified in Europe, to enter service since the 1960s-vintage Bréguet Atlantic. It is a modern and risk-free choice to replace the veteran and ageing P-3 Orion or Bréguet Atlantic fleets.
The new model is the latest variant of the successful C295 family of multirole aircraft. Launched in 1996, it has been proved in many military roles and civic missions for the benefit of society. Transport logistics, medical evacuation or surveillance are just some of the roles already deployed by this aircraft in its MPA version.
The aircraft is equipped with two underwing hard points to carry weapons or other stores and boasts a comprehensive suite of sensors including a search radar, digital avionics that are compatible with night-vision goggles (NVG), automatic identification system, acoustic system, and a magnetic anomaly detector. The data from all these sensors are processed by the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS). This Airbus Military-developed mission system presents the data in an intuitive form to the four tactical operators via on board mission consoles as well as to the pilots.
This C295 ASW is part of a three aircraft order placed by the Chilean Navy in October 2007. The first one, a C295 MPA, was delivered in December 2009. The other two are both ASW versions and the second is being delivered over the next few months.
The Chilean Army, Navy, and Air Force already operate one C295 MPA, three CN235s, and 13 C212s – meaning they collectively operate members of the whole Airbus Military medium and light aircraft family.
To date, Airbus Military has sold 356 CN235 and C295 aircraft to 55 different operators.
TAM primer cliente del A320neo en America Latina
March 31, 2011
Rafael Alonso, Senior Vice President, Airbus Latin America and the Carribean
Latinoamérica no tardo mucho tiempo en descubrir los beneficios del A320neo. El mes pasado, la aerolínea más grande de Brasil se convirtió en el primer cliente del A320neo de la región, cuando se comprometió a adquirir 32 aeronaves de la familia A320, de las cuales 22 unidades eran A320neo.
Felicito la iniciativa de TAM de ser el primero de la región en aprovechar la mayor competitividad y ecoeficiencia del A320neo. Al estar entre los primeros del mundo que recibirá el A320neo en 2016, TAM se beneficiará de inmediato con el 15% de ahorro de combustible sobre el avión de la exitosa familia A320.
En mi opinión, para cualquier cliente de A320 resulta obvia la incorporación del A320neo a su flota, debido a que es la herramienta perfecta para ahorrar costos y superar a cualquier compañía de la competencia, en especial, si tenemos en cuenta la subida del precio del combustible.
El A320neo ofrecerá a TAM máximos beneficios sin tener que realizar demasiados cambios, lo cual los coloca en una excelente posición para aprovechar el crecimiento esperado de Brasil de los viajes aéreos, en particular, debido al Mundial de Fútbol y a los Juegos Olímpicos que se avecinan.
¿Quién será el próximo después de TAM?
Aircraft Interiors Expo: a preview of tomorrow’s passenger experience
March 30, 2011
An insight into the future of flying – from the ‘wow’ factor to the practical and energy saving – will be on show next week during the world’s largest dedicated cabin interiors exhibition. Aircraft Interiors Expo takes place from 5 to 7 April at the Hamburg Messe in Germany and visitors are already anticipating seeing some ground-breaking new concepts in everything from seat design to inflight entertainment.
A futuristic seat concept, called Not For Wimps (NFW), has been created to give passengers an intense and stimulating in-flight gaming experience. Seat manufacturer Contour Aerospace teamed up with Factorydesign to produce this prototype, which is both technologically advanced but also reflects social changes in the way passengers want to spend their time during a flight. The design is currently at the concept stage but has been produced to prompt debate within the industry, according to Contour Aerospace.
Other concepts on show will include the Super Diamond luxury seating concept from B/E Aerospace and, for the economy cabin, the company’s Pinnacle seat with an integrated iPad on the back.
Designs to refurbish existing aircraft fleets will also be in evidence. Heath Tecna will be unveiling an interior upgrade system to retrofit existing Boeing B737s and B757s. This new look, on show for the first time anywhere, features contemporary styling, increased baggage capacity, improved bin loading, ease of access to seats and LED lighting.
Other innovative new products being demonstrated include a drinks trolley that could revolutionise the way beverages are served on board aeroplanes. The Sky-Tender has been developed by SkyMax and Air-Eltec Luftfahrtelektrik and can produce up to 30 different drinks including tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine and beer – at the touch of a button. The system has excellent green credentials because it will significantly reduce the amount of bottles and cans that are traditionally needed for each drinks service. Less waste means a saving on weight and also frees up storage space on board. It also means a speedier service – drinks are delivered quickly by the automated system – and airline staff no longer need to rummage around in trays looking for a passenger’s preference.
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