U.S. Defense Secretary Underscores F-35 Importance During Lockheed Martin Visit
September 1, 2009
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates speaks to reporters at a news conference in front of an F-35 Lightning II fighter at Lockheed Martin, Fort Worth, Texas. Gates said the United States “cannot afford as a nation not to have this airplane.”. (PRNewsFoto/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, John Rossino)
FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ — United States Secretary of Defense Robert Gates visited Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) final assembly operation for the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter today, conveying optimism for the program’s future and emphasizing the F-35’s importance to global security.
“We cannot afford as a nation not to have this airplane,” Gates said at a news conference following a tour of the factory where the F-35 is assembled. “I was very impressed by what I saw this morning – by the investments that have been made in the production line, the robotics and automation. I’m heartened by what I’ve seen . . . but especially by the commitment of the people involved in putting this airplane together.”
Gates walked along portions of the mile-long factory floor, where he stopped to converse with F-35 workers, and saw all three variants of the aircraft in various stages of assembly.
Robert J. Stevens, chairman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp., said it was a “great honor” to host Secretary Gates.
“The purpose of the Secretary’s visit was to make very clear to us his expectations and our need to perform to our plans. That means producing a superior technological product and making sure that we maintain our schedule, enable the government to start training pilots in 2011, and fully equipping the Marine Corps for initial operational capability in 2012. It also means we’ll support our allied governments’ interests in the program while maintaining affordability,” Stevens said. “So, there’s a full array of things that we have to do, but we have great confidence in the team that we’ve put together here.”
The visit was Gates’ first to Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant, which also has served as the final assembly point for the B-24 Liberator, B-36 Peacemaker, B-58 Hustler, F-111 Aardvark and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 is a 5th generation fighter, uniquely characterized by a combination of advanced stealth with supersonic speed and high agility, sensor fusion, network-enabled capabilities and advanced sustainment. The three F-35 variants are derived from a common design, are being developed together and will use the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide, bringing economies of commonality and scale.
The United States and eight international partners are planning to buy more than 3,000 F-35 aircraft.
Cessna Delivers First Citation X Retrofitted With Winglets
September 1, 2009
WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 31, 2009 Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the delivery of the first Cessna Citation X to be fitted with Elliptical Winglets. The winglets were installed at the Wichita Cessna Service Center under Winglet Technology’s U.S. Federal Aviation Administration-approved Supplemental Type Certificate.
Cessna and Winglet Technology, LLC, collaborated to develop the latter’s patented Elliptical Winglet for retrofit on Cessna’s Citation X business jet.
The patented Elliptical Winglet shape ensures the lift distribution closely matches optimum lift distribution along the span of the wing, which reduces the induced drag of the aircraft. The resulting drag reduction enhances operational performance for the Citation X including decreased fuel consumption, increased speed and increased range.
Winglet Technology received FAA approval of the Elliptical Winglet installation on the Citation X in June and delivered the first FAA approved retrofit kit to the Wichita Cessna Service Center. The retrofit kit includes flight and operations manual supplements along with an updated version of CESSNAV for customers who have purchased that subscription service from Cessna. In addition to the installation of the Elliptical Winglets, the retrofit kit includes the replacement of the existing anti-collision and position light system with LED versions.
Plans are underway to offer installation of the Elliptical Winglet STC on the Citation X at all nine Cessna Service Centers located throughout the U.S. and in Europe. Cessna Parts Distribution will be providing spares support for Citation Xs with the Elliptical Winglet STC installed.
The Citation X is the world’s fastest non-military aircraft with a top speed of .92 Mach, just under the speed of sound. The Citation X is the top of Cessna’s line of light and mid-size business jets.
Emivest Aerospace Flies Morgan Freeman’s SJ30
August 28, 2009
August 27, 2009 – Emivest Aerospace Corporation (EAC) is pleased to announce the first flight of Morgan Freeman’s SJ30, serial number 010 – N30GZ. The aircraft flew this morning under a beautiful Texas sky by EAC Production Pilot Bryan Dennsion and EAC Chief Test Pilot John Siemens. This marks the beginning of the production flight test of the aircraft and makes the second SJ30 to enter into production flight test this year. SN 008 which flew earlier this summer is scheduled to be delivered to the customer within 2 weeks.
SN 010 is scheduled to enter into the Jet Works Air Center’s facility in Denton, Texas as early as next week for completion work. SN 010 will receive its interior completion, exterior paint, and the installation of an HF radio SELCAL, Garmin 500 with XM weather, XM radio, entertainment package, cockpit speaker mute switch, and dual mode S transponders (with enhanced surveillance) upgrades.
We are looking forward to delivering the aircraft to Mr. Freeman, and thus help him in checking his SJ30 purchase off his “bucket list”.
Korea National Police Agency Order An AW119Ke
August 28, 2009
AgustaWestland and UI International (UII) are pleased to announce they have been awarded a contract by the Korean Public Procurement Services to supply the Korea National Police Agency (KNPA) with one AW119Ke law enforcement helicopter as part of an on-going programme to modernise the Police helicopter fleet.
This is the first AW119Ke to be purchased by the Korean Government and the third law enforcement helicopter sold into the Korean market. It will join two KNPA AW109 helicopters that have been in service for a number of years. The AW119 Koala enhanced is a spacious 8 seat single engine helicopter developed to enhance safety and provide high productivity and performance at a competitive price. The large unobstructed cabin permits rapid re-configuration for a variety of missions such as utility, passenger transport, emergency medical services and the very popular law enforcement role. The high power margins deliver outstanding performance that makes the AW119Ke the most cost effective helicopter in its class.
AgustaWestland and United Industries International believe that this latest addition to the KNPA fleet of law enforcement helicopters will represent a step up in capability for the Korean Law Enforcement service in the country. To support the role the helicopter will be equipped with a powerful search light and cargo hook for utility operations. UI Helicopter (UIH), a subsidiary of the UI Group has established a fully approved AgustaWestland Customer Support Facility in Korea to provide local support to the KNPA.
Earlier this year the first AW139 helicopter was delivered to the Gangwon Fire Fighting Department marking the first delivery into Korea of this popular new generation medium twin engine helicopter. Three more AW139 helicopters are scheduled to be delivered into Korea before the end of this year and AgustaWestland has high hopes that the Korean market will provide an excellent opportunity for the AW139 and other AgustaWestland products.
Helicóptero Rotorway A600 Talon chega ao Brasil
August 27, 2009
Miami, Flórida, 26 de agosto de 2009 - RotorWay International ( www.rotorway.com ), o mais antigo e maior fabricante americano e do mundo em helicóptero não-certificado, chega ao Brasil "pilotado" pelo brasileiro Richard Sanchez da www.helimiami.com que é um dos serviços prestados pela Moriah International, Inc ( www.moriahinternational.com ), o qual é presidente. Com diversos prêmios e reconhecimentos na indústria de aviação mundial e americana, RotorWay International lança o A600 Talon com top-quality, engenharia e tecnologia de ponta mais avançadas disponíveis no mercado. Sanchez admite que o momento para lançar a A600 Talon no Brasil é muito oportuno. O Brasil está crescendo cada vez mais no uso de helicópteros. O preço de compra imbatível para aqueles que sonham em pilotar seu próprio helicóptero de 2 lugares, é somente US$ 112.583,00 Fob/fábrica Arizona no modelo mais completo; e o modelo básico US$ 97,700.00. O prazo de entrega é de 8 a 10 semanas no máximo; e o tempo necessário para montagem é ao redor de 500 horas. Veja vídeo promocional Rotorway A600 Talon in Brazil no You Tube. Morador nos Estados Unidos há quase 20 anos e consultor de marketing por atacado, Sanchez entende que é necessário ter alguns pontos de montagem e/ou manutenção no Brasil bem distribuído regionalmente, devido ao tamanho do país. No Brasil, esteja o comprador onde estiver, Sanchez oferece toda assessoria alfandegária necessária para dar tranquilidade e segurança no processo de importação. Igualmente estão trabalhando firmes para o financiamento de somente uma aeronave, porque para 3 aeronaves, já possui um financiamento de 85% com juros americanos, para pagar em 4 anos. E para os mais privilegiados que querem um helicóptero turbinado de 2 lugares e certificado, em um futuro relativamente próximo será mostrado no Brasil o Rotorway Eagle 300T com motor Rolls Royce. Que nem dizem os americanos "não pode ficar melhor do que isso", brinca Sanchez. Mais informações em português, favor contatar Richard Sanchez nos e-mails rsanchez@moriahinternational.com ou info@helimiami.com . Ou no telefone 305-591-0309 no horário comercial da cidade de Miami, FL.
EASA Certifies AFS High-Performance Inlet Barrier Filter for MD Helicopters MD900/MD902 Explorer
August 27, 2009
St. Louis, Missouri, 20 August 2009 – Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Donaldson Company, Inc, has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for MD Helicopters’ (MDHI) MD900/MD902 Explorer series. The certification clears the way for MD Explorer operators to maximize engine protection while reaping performance and maintenance benefits available with an IBF.
IBF-equipped MD900/MD902 helicopters can freely operate with no engine inlet imposed flight or gross weight restrictions. Corporate, air medical, law enforcement and fire/utility operators have implemented the IBF on their Explorers.
The IBF system for the MD900/MD902 Explorer features dual long-life conformal filter assemblies, readily mounted on the existing inlets. Inlet bypass capability is achieved utilizing the existing MDHI bypass system, which is part of the Inlet Particle Separator (IPS) modification. Sturdy conformal inlet covers are standard with the system for added protection during non-operating conditions. The new IBF system is also available as a factory direct option on the MD900/MD902 Explorer.
Donaldson Aerospace and Defense is the industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance engine IBF systems for commercial and military propulsion systems. Through AFS, we manufacture certified IBF solutions for the MD Helicopters MD 369H Series, MD 500D/E/F and MD 900/902; Eurocopter EC130, AS350 B/BA/B1/B2/B3, AS350’s with Soloy or Heli-Lynx Honeywell engine conversions; AgustaWestland AW119 Koala, AW119Ke; Bell 205A1, 206B, 407, 206L-3/4 and 206L-1(C30). IBF systems for the Bell 430, AgustaWestland AW139, AW109 Power and Grand as well as the Bell 206L are in development.
Visit AFS at the upcoming Helitech 2009 in Duxford, United Kingdom, 22-24 September 2009. Find additional company information at www.afs.donaldson.com.
About Donaldson’s Aerospace & Defense Group
Donaldson’s Aerospace and Defense Group is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems for the aerospace and defense industry. Our filtration solutions protect fixed wing aircraft, rotorcraft, military ground vehicles, electronic equipment, space vehicles, missiles, military shipboard systems and amphibious vehicles. We are committed to advancing filtration technology, providing quality products and prompt customer service. Our group serves customers from sales, engineering and manufacturing locations around the world.
About Donaldson Company
Donaldson is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems that improve people’s lives, enhance our Customers’ equipment performance, and protect our environment. We are a technology-driven company committed to satisfying our Customers’ needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development, application expertise, and global presence. Our employees contribute to the Company’s success by supporting our Customers at our more than 100 sales, manufacturing, and distribution locations around the world.
Donaldson is a member of the S&P MidCap 400 and Russell 1000 indices, and our shares trade on the NYSE under the symbol DCI.
Mooney Acclaim wins Ultimate Challenge Air Race
August 18, 2009
August 18, 2009, Kerrville, Texas— A Mooney Acclaim M20TN took first prize in Category C of the Ultimate Challenge Air Race held August 15, 2009 in South Africa. Mooney ZS-ACC, piloted by Patrick Hanly of SA Mooney and owned and navigated by Frikkie Greefe, flew the 297.32 nautical mile course in 1:30:44. Other aircraft in the category included Cirrus SR22 and Beech Bonanzas.
“The idea behind this particular race started because all the other air races in South Africa work strictly on individual handicaps,” said Pat Hanly of SA Mooney in Port Alfred. “This caused a lot of unhappiness because it was more an argument about handicaps rather than who flew fast airplanes.”
Last weekend was the inaugural run of the Ultimate Challenge Air Race. The race distance was 300 nautical miles with both the start and finish at Rustenberg Airfield located about 40 miles northwest of Johannesburg. Aviators were permitted to use GPS and carry as much fuel as they wished. Each aircraft was given a GPS logger to ensure that the course was followed and timing recorded. The main aim was speed.
Frikkie Greefe owner of the winning Mooney Acclaim said, “We were thrilled with the results and plan to be back next year for sure.”
STAT MedEvac Orders 15th EC135 from American Eurocopter
August 18, 2009
Grand Prairie, TX — Aug. 17, 2009 — STAT MedEvac of West Mifflin, Pa., has placed an order for its 15th EC135 helicopter. Delivery of the new aircraft is slated for 2010. STAT MedEvac will also soon take delivery of two EC135s ordered in late 2007. In addition to its EC 135s, STAT MedEvac operates six EC 145 helicopters.
“We are pleased that STAT MedEvac has reaffirmed its commitment to American Eurocopter and the EC135,” said Marc Paganini, President & CEO of American Eurocopter. “Repeat air medical customers validate that our products and services are meeting the needs of this important operating community.”
“The EC135 airframe is a great asset to the HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) industry, with multi-engine and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) capabilities, said Rich Gross, Director of Operations for STAT MedEvac. “The digital autopilot system is more advanced than previous autopilot systems, and this gives the pilot a margin of safety few others enjoy.”
The STAT MedEvac fleet is equipped with a number of advanced technologies that underscore the operation’s commitment to safe flight, and the new EC135 will exceed all of the recommendations in the National Transportation Safety Board’s comprehensive report on HEMS safety. These technologies include IFR capability, Night Vision Goggles for pilots and crew, Traffic Collision Avoidance System, Color Weather Radar, and Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems.
“Together, American Eurocopter and operators like STAT MedEvac are making important strides in continuously improving air medical safety,” Paganini said, adding that American Eurocopter’s Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award program is dedicated to promoting a higher level of safety within the air medical industry.
STAT MedEvac was the first helicopter and HEMS FAA Part 135 air carrier to apply and be accepted into the FAA’s Aviation Safety Action Program. The fleet operates from 17 bases in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. These regional bases link rural and community health resources with advanced tertiary care centers and provide quick access to advanced care. STAT MedEvac, a service of the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, Inc., is directed by a consortium of hospitals that include: UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and UPMC Mercy Hospital.
American Eurocopter’s EC135 is the twin-engine platform of choice for air medical operators, accounting for 60 percent of all twin-engine air medical services deliveries over the past decade. The EC135 is offered with a wide range of dedicated EMS interiors, maximizing the operator’s choice for single-patient, dual-patient or isolette transport. The EC135’s Fenestron® tail rotor and rear clamshell doors offer the safest and easiest loading possible, while the aircraft’s anti-resonance isolation system ensures that patients are given the smoothest possible ride.
Geneva Aviation Advances State-of-the-Art for ENG Helicopters; Earns New Certifications for Brazil, Canada
August 15, 2009
388: Rear Communication Console, Monitor Mount, Monitors and HD Camera Controller
Kent, WA, Aug. 14, 2009 — A helicopter hovers over the scene of a breaking news story, capturing the sights and sounds of everything from car chases to hostage negotiations for millions of television viewers. And although it happens routinely in major cities worldwide, the technology that enables Electronic News Gathering (ENG) is anything but routine.
Unique experience, technical expertise, certified equipment, and advanced integration capabilities are required to equip a helicopter for this highly specialized mission, and Geneva Aviation Inc., a DART Helicopter Services company, has emerged as the premier provider of ENG design, integration and installation services. No other company offers a single source for fully STC-approved audio, video and microwave systems, with the support services to keep it flying.
Three recent installations, two for Brazil’s TV Globo and one for TV Record, were exceptional in their complexity and capability, according to Geneva Aviation President Steve Joseph. “The helicopters are designed to function as flying news studios, with the ability to record, edit, and mix audio and video footage, and then transmit news stories to the broadcast station for distribution,” Joseph said, adding that the broadcast industry demands only the highest quality for the audio and video that is produced. Geneva’s audio and video systems are designed specifically to meet and exceed these standards, including the use of high definition cameras that deliver the best possible clarity.
With a fast pace and multiple, overlapping requirements, the ENG helicopter mission is demanding, with a high workload for flight crews. “A successful ENG integration results in a platform that makes the crew’s jobs safer and easier,” Joseph said. “When ENG equipment is integrated properly, it works with the crew in concert, rather than against them.”
Since technology is always changing, customers want to keep up with the latest advancements. Geneva ENG systems are modular in design, which makes it easier for operators to upgrade components and remain competitive. Modularity also facilitates ease of maintenance and simplifies troubleshooting.
Creating a news helicopter from a basic airframe requires many hours of planning and engineering before one part is installed. Safety is always a primary focus for each integration project, and all of Geneva’s STC’d products are designed specifically to safely integrate ENG electronics devices into the airframe.
Significantly, all of the equipment that was used in customizing the three Brazilian AS350 helicopters has been certified by the Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), clearing the way for additional installations in that nation’s competitive television markets. The same ENG equipment recently earned Transport Canada approval, and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification is imminent.
“Our ever-growing list of certifications is important so we can provide our services to any operator who requires high-end, broadcast-quality systems — no matter where they are located,” Joseph said. “From concept to completion, we deliver complete electronic news gathering solutions customized to meet specific needs.”
Some of the certified ENG equipment includes:
· Broadcast quality audio system capable of handling up to 20 radios or other audio sources.
· Broadcast quality video system capable of handling up to 16 cameras, monitors, or other video sources.
· Custom instrument panel, avionics console, audio / video control panels, monitors, talent camera (see photo, attached).
· Rear communications console, monitor mount, monitors and high definition camera controller (see photo, attached).
· Cineflex high definition camera, AirFilm camera mount, and Troll microwave antenna, (see attached photo).
· Modular equipment rack with audio router box and video system interface boxes, and camera control box (see photo, attached).
· Microwave radio rack with MRC/LINK radios (see attached photo).
Geneva Aviation’s advanced engineering capabilities, integration and certification experience, and robust understanding of new technologies and equipment ensure that operators have the world’s most reliable, user-friendly, and state-of-the art electronic news gathering platforms available where and when they are needed.
In addition, Geneva provides a unique combination of certified equipment and on-site installation technical support. Technicians are available to support ENG integration work at any location worldwide and technical support is available around the clock for assistance. Also, a certified repair station provides expert and timely equipment repairs. “This is a world-class, total ENG solution,” Joseph said.
And that’s good news for broadcasters everywhere.
About DART: DART Helicopter Services LLC is a privately held sales and marketing company that creates sales networks for aerospace manufacturers that benefit from DART’s global marketing network and sales channel and for rotary-wing operators seeking a comprehensive product line and superior customer support. DART Helicopter Services, along with its subsidiaries Apical Industries Inc., Canam, and Geneva Aviation Inc. and its affiliate DART Aerospace Inc., owns 450 STCs and manufactures more than 500 products. With its highly trained and knowledgeable North American and international sales team, DART Helicopter Services distributes more than 2,800 aftermarket products to more than 120 countries worldwide. More information is available at: www.darthelicopterservices.com
For more information: Sjoseph@apicalindustries.com
Supporting High-Resolution Photography
383: Custom Instrument Panel, Avionics Console, Control Heads, Monitors and Talent Camera
Synergy Aerospace Corp. Becomes First Latin American Company to Enroll in Bombardier Carbon Offset Program
August 15, 2009
From left to right:
Marty Moses, Manager, Customer Response Team, Southeast U.S, Mexico,
Central & South America
Fabio Rebello, regional vice-president, sales, Latin America
José Efromovich, board member of Synergy Aerospace Corp.
José Eduardo I. Brandão, Sales & Marketing Director, OceanAir Táxi Aéreo Ltda
• Bombardier Carbon Offset Program selected for Learjet 45 XR aircraft due to its
efficiency and ease of administration
São Paulo, August 14, 2009 – Bombardier Aerospace today announced that Synergy
Aerospace Corp. of São Paulo, Brazil has enrolled its Learjet 45 XR aircraft in Bombardier’s
innovative Carbon Offset Program and becomes the first Latin American company to join the
program.
“Synergy Aerospace Corp. strongly believes in corporate and social responsibility, which is why
we are proud to enroll our Learjet 45 XR aircraft in the Bombardier Carbon Offset Program,”
said José Efromovich, board member of Synergy Aerospace Corp. “The Bombardier program is
especially attractive because it allows us to easily mitigate the environmental impact of our
flying since Bombardier handles the program administration.”
Synergy’s Learjet 45 XR aircraft will be operated by OceanAir Táxi Aéreo based at Congonhas
airport in São Paulo, Brazil. OceanAir has been offering charter service to customers in Latin
America since 2004 and it operates a fleet of five aircraft with eight full time pilots. OceanAir
Táxi Aéreo is licensed to fly within South America.
“Synergy Aerospace Corp.’s decision to enroll in the Bombardier Carbon Offset Program is a
great example of how corporate aviation can address its environmental impact while the
industry develops new technologies for reducing its carbon emissions,” said Michael McAdoo,
vice-president and general manager, Fleet Management Solutions, Bombardier Customer
Services. “Carbon footprint reduction and taking action to minimize the impact of remaining
emissions is a growing concern for many customers and we are pleased to offer these
operators a turnkey option to achieving this objective.”
2
Bombardier Carbon Offset Program
Bombardier became the first aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to launch a
Carbon Offset Program for its customers in September 2007. The Bombardier Carbon Offset
Program is a simple and effective way to offset the CO2 emissions generated by a Bombardier
business aircraft (or a non-Bombardier aircraft model in a mixed fleet). Customers enrolled in
the program are charged a fixed cost per flight hour (rates vary depending on aircraft model),
which is then used to purchase Verified Emission Reduction (VER) credits through a leading
offset provider called ClimateCare.
Bombardier administers the program through its proven Smart Services platform and
ClimateCare, owned by the J.P. Morgan Environmental Markets group, invests the fees paid for
offset credits into a portfolio of projects that will reduce the equivalent amount of CO2. Projects
undertaken by ClimateCare are developed to internationally recognized industry standards.
Bombardier is committed to working with ClimateCare and European Union authorities to
ensure the program also supports a solution for operators with obligations under the European
Union Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) which is scheduled to take effect in January 2012.
Bombardier voluntarily offsets carbon emissions resulting from corporate flights on its business
aircraft, its demonstration fleet and its PartsExpress flights through Flexjet. Flexjet fractional
owners also have the option to offset their flight hours through the program.
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