Comlux Purchases Third Challenger 605 Jet
November 17, 2009
• Comlux VIP fleet features eleven Bombardier business aircraft
Dubai, UAE, Nov. 15, 2009 – Bombardier announced today that Comlux Management AG
signed a firm order for a Challenger 605 jet.
Fly Comlux, the VIP charter division of Comlux, currently operates a modern fleet featuring a
total of eleven Bombardier business aircraft – including three Challenger 605, two
Challenger 850, two Global 5000, two Global Express and two Global Express XRS jets.
“Comlux successfully began six years ago with the Challenger 604 jet. Today, the addition of a
new Challenger 605 aircraft to our fleet supports our main objective of always operating brand
new aircraft, offering the best value for money to our VIP clients,” says Stephen Laven, CEO,
Fly Comlux. “The aircraft will be operated from our facility in Kazakhstan. From Central Asia, it
will be ideally placed to serve the European destinations and the growing charter market in
Asia.”
Comlux is a leading worldwide VIP charter services operator with offices in Zurich, Moscow, and
Almaty specializing in widebody, long-range aircraft operations. Comlux offers its customers a
comprehensive set of services including aircraft management, sales and acquisitions, cabin
design, completion, and maintenance services.
“We are delighted with this Challenger 605 jet order, which further underlines Comlux’s
confidence in Bombardier and our widebody aircraft product portfolio,” observed Bob Horner,
senior vice president, Sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Challenger 600 series jets are the
definitive market leaders in the large aircraft segment worldwide. Challenger 605 jets continue
to exemplify the proven reliability of this winning aircraft platform.”
Challenger 605: In service since January 2007, the Challenger 605 jet features the widest
stand-up cabin of any large category business jet available today. It is equipped with the
Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and an all new cabin electronic system.
Optional equipment on the Challenger 605 aircraft includes the Bombardier Enhanced Vision
System (BEVS), providing pilots with significantly improved situational awareness and the ability
2
to observe runway lights and the runway environment in difficult operating conditions, such as
low visibility and or darkness.
From left to right: Christophe Pelet, Head of Comlux Transactions, Ray Jones, vicepresident,
international sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Ettore Rodaro, Chief
Commercial Officer, Comlux, Vladimir Kim, Chairman, Kazakhmys, Richard Gaona,
President and CEO, Comlux.
WINGS AIR increases ATR 72-500 order to 15 aircraft
November 17, 2009
Indonesia’s carrier WINGS AIR, -a subsidiary of Indonesian largest private carrier LION AIR-, and ATR today announced the signature of a contract for the purchase of 15 ATR 72-500s, with options for 15 ATR 72-600s series aircraft. This order, which was initially announced in November 2008 as an MoU for 10 firm ATR 72-500s plus options for 10 additional ATR72-500/600s, has now been increased by 5 firm and 5 option aircraft. The total amount of the agreement, including options, is valued at some US $ 600 million.
These 72-seat aircraft will enable WINGS AIR to become the launch customer for the ATR 72-500s in Indonesia and the largest ATR operator in the country. The aircraft, powered by PW 127M engines, are to be delivered between 2009 and 2011.
The entry into service of these aircraft will also enable WINGS AIR to consolidate its leading position in the rapidly developing domestic market in Indonesia, and to develop feeder routes to serve its mainline jet network. In addition, the new ATR fleet operated by WINGS AIR will also provide new services to local communities that were often not benefitting from regular airline service in the past. The ATR 72-500s operated by WINGS AIR will also replace routes currently operated with MD 80 and B-737-300/400 and increase frequencies on existing routes operated with B-737-900ER.
Commenting on the signature of this new contract, Rusdi Kirana, the Chairman of WINGS AIR and Chief Executive Officer of LION AIR, declared: “We are pleased to further develop our partnership with ATR. The new fleet of ATR 72-500s will enable WINGS AIR to expand our domestic network in Indonesia with the most fuel efficient regional aircraft”. He added: “The dependable support organization of ATR in South East Asia, coupled with the success of their aircraft in our region, are two major factors in our decision to introduce them in Indonesia.” He concluded: “Thanks to the low operating and maintenance costs of the ATRs, we will be able to offer the best fares to our passengers”.
Stéphane Mayer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “With the signature of this new contract, WINGS AIR will become one of our largest clients in South East Asia, a region which has been particularly fruitful for ATR in the last years, where some 70 ATRs are being operated daily”. He added: “The ATR 72-500s are optimally suited to meet the expectations of WINGS AIR in terms of providing high-quality service and comfort to their passengers. They will also provide efficient air transportation to smaller communities by offering regular air connectivity to more remote areas in Indonesia. We are honored to contribute to the development of the domestic passenger network in Indonesia.”
Cessna Rolls Out First Production Citation CJ4
November 17, 2009
WICHITA, Kan., Nov. 16, 2009 Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today celebrated as the first production Citation CJ4 rolled off the assembly line at the company’s primary design and manufacturing facilities in Wichita.
The first production unit will now go to paint and interiors, while three flight test aircraft continue to work toward type certification. Federal Aviation Administration certification is the final stages with deliveries starting in the first half of 2010.
The Citation CJ4 also offers an extensive standard equipment list including a four-screen Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite with electronic charts and graphical weather, TCAS II, EGPWS Class A TAWS, Dual Mode S Diversity transponders with ADS-B out capability, Multi-Scan weather radar, Emergency Descent Mode, and an essential electrical bus.
The aircraft will also debut the new Williams International FJ44-4A electronically controlled (FADEC) engines. The cabin can be configured for up to eight passengers, plus a standard, belted aft lavatory. The Citation CJ4 also features the Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system that includes BluRay DVD with HD monitors and XM radio.
To date, the CJ4 test aircraft have flown more than 1,000 flights and accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours.
A400M begins ground tests prior to first flight
November 13, 2009
The first Airbus Military A400M has been handed over to the Airbus “Flight Test” organisation on 12 November, paving the way to the beginning of the various ground tests which are to be performed before the aircraft takes to the air before year end. The purpose of these ground tests is to verify that all aircraft systems, powerplant and flight test instrumentation work properly, in order to ensure a safe First Flight, and subsequently an efficient flight test campaign.
The ground tests include static tests and engine run-ups during which the interaction between all systems, the powerplant and the aircraft is controlled and validated. The correct operation of the telemetry system which will be subsequently used to follow the flights during the development campaign will also be checked during these ground test campaign. Following satisfactory completion of the static tests, the first taxi runs can start. These begin with low speed taxis (up to 60 kts) and brakings, and are to be followed by high speed trials with a rejected take-off at about 120 kts. During these trials, the behaviour of all systems, and the turboprop engines, as well as the reaction of the aircraft to braking and lateral control, is thoroughly checked.
After each trial a thorough analysis of the findings as well as the status of the aircraft will determine when the next trial will take place, leading to a first Take-Off before year end.
Airbus Military A330 MRTT performs wet hose and drogue refuelling contacts with F-18
November 13, 2009
The Airbus Military A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) has completed another major milestone performing successfully a series of wet contacts using the new generation Cobham 905E hose and drogue refuelling pods, located under the wings. The receiver aircraft was a Spanish Air Force F/A-18A+ fighter.
This first “wet contact” using the advanced new generation pods demonstrates that the refuelling system is well integrated into the airframe, with all systems functioning satisfactorily. It also validates the fuel transfer capability of the A330 MRTT to receiver aircraft through this refuelling means, as tested on the ground in early September and with dry contacts late May.
On- Ground refuelling tests through the conventional hose and drogue system had already successfully been conducted in September, transferring more than 200 metric tonnes of fuel.
With this new achievement the A330MRTT has demonstrated a total tanking capability as both boom and pods have been tested and have transferred fuel in flight. The testing will continue to complete full system certification. This achievement is the initial step to clear the air-to air (AAR) operations for the UK’s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme, which does implement the pod hose-and-drogue system and does not implement the boom system.
This new refuelling pod is a development of the 907E pod already in service with the Canadian and German air forces on their A310 MRTTs. The pods can each deliver up to 420 US gal/min (1600 litres/min) through a 90 ft (27.4 m) hose, and are controlled from a state-of-the-art Fuel Operator Console located in the cockpit.
During the flight a total of 6 contacts were performed, with more than 4000 kgs of fuel being transferred.
The A330 MRTT used for the exercise is the first for the Royal Australian Air Force, which is due to be handed over to the customer by mid-2010. Flight test of the second A330 MRTT for Australia was finished in Brisbane where the aircraft has been modified by Qantas and flown back to Spain to perform some final test flights jointly with the first one. The third aircraft is already in Brisbane, currently under conversion. In total, five have been ordered by the RAAF, with another 23 by three other nations, bringing the total to 28 A330 MRTTs ordered.
The A330 MRTT has been selected by the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and was chosen last year by the U.S. Air Force for its recapitalization of the service’s aging tanker fleet.
The New AW159 Takes To The Air
November 13, 2009
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first AW159 multi-role military helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility today with AgustaWestland Chief Test Pilot, Donald Maclaine, at the controls. The aircraft completed a range of general handling checks during the flight and performed as expected. It will be joined by two further aircraft in 2010 to complete the flight testing of the AW159 and the wide range of role equipment the aircraft will carry.
Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland, said “The successful first flight of the AW159 is great company achievement. Designed and developed to meet the UK MoD’s demanding requirements for a multi-role military helicopter the AW159 will be the most cost effective, capable and advanced helicopter in its class. Our highly skilled engineers and technicians can be proud to have achieved this remarkable result on schedule and on budget, so confirming our commitment to maintaining critical design, engineering and technological know-how in the UK to go on effectively supporting the MoD.”
Nick Whitney, VP UK Government Business Unit, AgustaWestland, watching the historic event said “It gives me great pleasure to see the AW159 flying exactly on schedule as we promised in June 2006 when the contract was signed. The fact the AW159 programme has achieved every major milestone on time and on budget is great testament to the Strategic Partnering Arrangement and the commitment of our supply chain. The AW159 promises to continue the remarkable success the Lynx has achieved in service worldwide and we, along with our partners, are now focused on completing the development of the aircraft and delivering the first aircraft in 2011.”
The maiden flight of the AW159, which will be known as Lynx Wildcat in UK military service, marks a major milestone in the development of this new six-ton multi-role military helicopter, 62 of which have been ordered by the UK Ministry of Defence for the Army and Royal Navy, to perform both land and maritime missions. The first aircraft will be delivered in 2011 with the aircraft becoming fully operational with the Army in 2014 and the Royal Navy in 2015. The British Army’s AW159 Lynx Wildcat will perform a wide range of tasks on the battlefield including reconnaissance, command and control, transportation of troops and materiel, and the provision of force protection. The Royal Navy variant will provide an agile maritime capability providing anti-surface warfare capability and force protection and will operate in support of amphibious operations and be an important element in defending ships against surface threats. There will be a high degree of commonality between the Army and Royal Navy helicopters that will mean that an aircraft can switch roles easily, principally through the changing of role equipment.
The AW159 is powered by two new generation CTS800 engines, each capable of continuously producing 1281 shp giving the aircraft exceptional hot and high performance. The aircraft has an all up mass of 5790 kg with a built in capability to increase that to 6250 kg. The cockpit includes a fully integrated display system utilising four 108 inch primary displays. Sensors include a nose mounted IR/TV imager with built in laser designator and for the maritime variant the Selex Galileo 7400E 360 degree active array radar. The AW159 also has a comprehensive integrated defensive aids suite comprising a missile warning system, radar warning receivers and a countermeasures dispensing system. Additionally the AW159 will e capable of carrying a range of weapons including machine guns, torpedoes, depth charges and the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (FASGW).
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.
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.
DART Adds Next-Generation Fire Suppression Products
November 2, 2009
Oceanside, Calif., Nov. 2, 2009 — DART Helicopter Services (DHS) today announced a new distribution agreement with Absolute Fire Solutions (AFS) of Calgary, Canada. The partnership enables DHS to bring innovative new technology to aerial fire fighting and provides AFS a strong distribution and marketing channel within the civil rotorcraft industry.
“DART is pleased to be bringing more mission-enhancing equipment to the civil helicopter market,” said DHS President and CEO Jeff Shapiro. “AFS has important solutions for the firefighting community.”
“We’ve developed a leading edge product that adds new capabilities and efficiencies to aerial firefighting operations, and we felt it was time to match that product with an equally innovative and aggressive marketing team,” said Steve Matthews, president of AFS. “We feel we can now focus on developing additional capacities and capabilities for our operator clients, and continue to move forward knowing we are well-represented in the market place.”
DHS will add the entire line of AFS FAST Bucket systems and accessories to its product line, including FAST Foam, FAST Fill’IN, Fast Snorkel, the FAST Cockpit Controller and the FASTtrack data logging system.
AFS products offer new technologies to aerial fire fighting not available elsewhere, and the systems are a good fit with the DHS product line. The AFS FAST Bucket aerial fire fighting system is the world’s first fire-fighting bucket integrating cockpit volume control as a standard feature in every size.
The FAST Bucket has been developed by helicopter operators for helicopter operators, with a standard two-wire plug and play system offers multiple drops and a variable capacity. The variable capacity allows the operator to carry increasing loads, as fuel is consumed, eliminating cinching and operating at half capacity. The FAST design is also collapsible, portable, lightweight, and allows for quick field repair.
The optional FAST Cockpit controller offers advanced control and management of the FAST Bucket, allowing a pilot to pre-select desired load volumes, drop volumes, number of split drops and drop coverage prior to filling.
The new FASTtrack data tracking technology enables flight crews, helicopter managers, and foresters to accurately record aerial fire suppression effectiveness of buckets and tanked rotary or fixed wing aircraft. FASTtrack has the capability to measure, record and transmit in near real time, the quantity of water, retardant, or foam loaded and delivered to a particular location during fire fighting operations. Once the data has been recorded, FASTtrack has the ability to transmit information over SATCOM and AFF systems for near real-time data viewing.
DHS has built a thriving business around a simple idea: developing and marketing innovative helicopter accessories like FAST Bucket. By representing innovative companies like AFS, DHS has expanded its reach and the DART name has become synonymous with quality helicopter accessories.
Nanning Public Security Bureau Orders One AW109 Power Helicopter
October 28, 2009
Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000201 EndHTML:0000012436 StartFragment:0000009146 EndFragment:0000012400 SourceURL:file:///Users/tomasch/Library/Mail%20Downloads/AW739%20Public%20Securit%23782E37.doc
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Public Security Bureau of Nanning (Southern China) has ordered one AW109 Power light twin engine helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform a number of roles also including law enforcement and civil protection/disaster relief across the Nanning province.
The AW109 Power has been selected thanks to its outstanding performance, operational capabilities, safety and ease of maintenance following a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process for the supply of a new helicopter to serve the Nanning community. The Public Security Bureau of Nanning province has a requirement for additional helicopters and the purchase of the AW109 Power is the first step to enhance public security capabilities and operational effectiveness through the acquisition of modern platforms.
This latest contract confirms AgustaWestland products as the civil helicopters of choice for law enforcement and public utility duties in China, and further expands the already relevant presence in this market where the company has found a rapidly growing success with other sales logged for the AW109 Power, but also for the AW119 single engine and the AW139 medium twin models. Nanning Public Security Bureau adds to the Beijing, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Dailian Public Security Bureau, as law enforcement operators in China using AgustaWestland helicopters.
The 8-seat AW109 Power is a highly versatile twin engine helicopter used for a wide range of roles and offers the highest levels of performance with low operating costs. The ability to change the interior configuration provides exceptional versatility to support the different law enforcement roles. With a maximum cruise speed of 154 kts (285 Km/h) and a range of 512 nm (948 km), the AW109 Power offers superior rapid reaction capabilities, surveillance area coverage and in-flight endurance.
The law enforcement-configured AW109 Power has proven itself in service, meeting the stringent demands of police agencies worldwide in terms of performance, safety, reliability and mission effectiveness. Other roles the AW109 Power is widely used for include VIP/corporate transport, harbour pilot shuttle, emergency medical services. Over 470 AW109 Powers have been ordered by customers in almost 50 countries.
Comentarios de Elenita
 |
Estimados lectores:
La historia que sigue es sobre una carrera aérea que se realiza la semana entrante. O sea, que se enterarán del resultado después de leer este artículo. Todos... Read more » |
 |
|
 | ||
