Tuesday, June 17, 2008

AVIONICS AND ENGINES ON THE NEW LEARJET 85 AIRCRAFT

THE ALL-NEW LEARJET 85 BUSINESS JET NAMES ENGINE AND AVIONICS TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIERS.

AVIONICS
The Learjet 85 aircraft offers the ultimate flight deck environment; one that improves efficiency by simplifying maintenance and flight operational tasks through the use of technologically advanced management systems. Incorporating Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line Fusion avionics suite, the Learjet 85 aircraft’s flight deck comes equipped with graphical flight planning and synthetic-enhanced visions systems that significantly increase situational awareness. No other midsize business aircraft offers a flight deck that gives pilots so much control, security and enjoyment.

ENGINES
Enhancing the superior performance and excellent operating economics of the Learjet 85 aircraft is Pratt & Whitney’s PW307B engine. The engine’s exceptional durability and improved fuel efficiency contribute to reduced operating costs. The engine helps reduce the noise and emission levels of the Learjet 85, while also making maintenance activities more predictable.

Visit www.LEARJET85.com for details

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Friday, June 06, 2008

Foxjet, aeronautical vaporware!

I read this response on a message board and it really made me say, hmmmm.  With a few laughs thrown in here and there. 

I have cut and pasted (below) the authors text and included an link (below that) to the original message board posting.

Ah, Foxjet, aeronautical vaporware!    
Posted by

Larry J

on

1/16/2006 4:31:21 PM

       
I remember drooling over their mockups at Oshkosh (was that 76 and 77, or 77 & 78?). They sure were pretty. I remember them displaying one of those cute little Williams turbofan engines (600 or 800 pounds of thrust) and the allegation that one had been stolen. It would've been wonderful in a LongEze but explaining where you got it would've been tough. It all sounded like a publicity stunt at the time. I guess Tony Fox thought that if Jim Bede could rip off thousands of pilots and break their hearts, he could do the same.

Today, I drool over planes like the Eclipse 500, Adam 700, and several others, knowing all the while that I'll never be able to own one. At least these are flying hardware with the Eclipse 500 set for certification in a few months. With the backlog, even if I had the $1.2 million or so, it'd be a couple years before I could get my hands on it.

http://www.habitablezone.com/offtopic/messages/411153.html

BusinessJet.com ran an article about the FoxJet a while ago and I have tried to contact the team again to get an update.  If anyone out there knows about their progress, please let me know. This is the last e-mail address I have for the FoxJet team . . . bmarshall@dslextreme.com and foxjet@dslextreme.com

Best regards,

Steve

DISCLAIMER:
This communication is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, (i) please do not read or disclose to others, (ii) please notify the sender by reply mail, and (iii) please delete this communication from your system. Failure to follow this process may be unlawful. Thank you for your cooperation.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Eclipse Aviation Introduces Eclipse 400 Single-Engine Jet

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - May 30, 2008 - Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced at its E-rrival customer event that it will start taking orders for the Eclipse 400 single-engine jet, a production version of the Eclipse Concept Jet first displayed at EAA AirVenture 2007. Eclipse Aviation is rewarding its many loyal Eclipse 500 customers by allowing them to be the first to place deposits on an Eclipse 400. Additionally, Eclipse 500 customers will receive an exclusive $125,000 discount off the final delivery price provided their deposits are placed prior to July 25, 2008. Deposits from all others will be accepted starting at EAA AirVenture in July 2008.

"Ten months of quantitative and qualitative Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ) research has convinced us that this is absolutely the right airplane for the emerging single-engine jet market," said Vern Raburn, Eclipse Aviation president and CEO. "The ECJ has elicited a tremendous emotional response from current and potential customers alike - people just love this airplane. We are excited to formally add this new aircraft to the Eclipse Aviation product family as the Eclipse 400."

The Eclipse 400 continues the Eclipse tradition of bringing the most fuel-efficient jet airplanes to the marketplace. At an estimated 330 knots, the environmentally-friendly Eclipse 400 uses less than one pound of fuel per nautical mile - making it the world's most fuel-efficient jet aircraft.

The four-occupant Eclipse 400 jet cruises safely at 41,000 feet, or three miles above its closest competition. It will feature the most sophisticated flight deck and complete aircraft integration available in general aviation. Its robust V-tail design provides superior handling and it is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F, delivering unrivaled fuel economy.

The Eclipse 400 is priced at $1.35 million in June 2008 economics. Similar, single-turbine engine aircraft range from seven to 107 percent more expensive than the Eclipse 400. Deliveries for the Eclipse 400 are expected to begin in 4Q 2011.

Boeing has begun work on the first BBJ 3

Boeing has begun work on the first Boeing Business Jet 3 (BBJ 3). The BBJ 3 is a new, larger business jet based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-900ER (extended range), which entered commercial service and was certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in April 2007. Certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency occurred in April 2008.
The BBJ 3 was launched in October 2006, and will enter service in 2009 with an unidentified customer. The jet is 138 feet, 2 inches long (42.1 meters) and has 1,120 square feet (104 square meters) of floor space.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes provides airplanes to Boeing Business Jets. Boeing Business Jets delivers them to customers in "green" configuration (no paint or interior) and arranges for the installation of a long-range, auxiliary fuel system. The BBJ is then sent to a completion center of the customer's choosing for interior completion.

The same CFM56-7 engines used on Next-Generation 737 commercial airplanes power the BBJ. Owners benefit from the recent addition of CFM's Tech Insertion program, which lowers fuel burn and reduces NOx emissions to meet 2008 CAEP 6 regulations.

All BBJs are equipped with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets. The winglets reduce community noise by 0.5 to 2.1 EPNdb on takeoff with a slight improvement on approach; lower emissions through lower cruise thrust; lower operating costs by reducing block fuel burn 5.8 percent on a 5,800-nautical-mile trip (approximately 540 U.S. gallons); reduce engine maintenance costs and increase the airplane's range up to 270 nautical miles with a typical eight-passenger payload.

The BBJ program focuses on features that help owners fly safely, efficiently, reliably and comfortably. Boeing currently is delivering Lower Cabin Altitude and Future Air Navigation System. Lower Cabin Altitude allows the cabin pressurization control system to regulate the cabin environment to equal a maximum cabin altitude of 6,500 feet so that passengers travel in greater comfort. Future Air Navigation System streamlines communication between flight crews and air-traffic controllers. FANS adds another layer of safety and efficiency to the global air transportation system, and allows BBJ owners to take more direct routes, shortening flight times and saving fuel.

Boeing recently announced that weight-saving, emissions-reducing carbon brakes soon will be available both in production and retrofit for all BBJ operators. Owners opting for carbon brakes will realize a 320 kg (700 lb.) weight savings versus the current-technology steel brakes. Also in work is the Enhanced Vision System, which presents an infrared image of the external environment on the head-up and head-down displays. The system enhances pilot situational awareness of terrain and airport environments in low visibility situations. EVS is a tool of particular value to BBJ owners who fly into airports that don't support autoland operations.
The BBJ, BBJ 2 and BBJ 3 provide unsurpassed levels of space, comfort and utility and are backed by a top-notch product-support program with dedicated field service representatives around the world.

In addition to the eight BBJ 3 orders, Boeing Business Jets has secured a total of 177 orders for BBJs and wide-body VIP versions of the 747, 767, 777 and 787. One hundred four BBJ and VIP airplanes are currently in service around the world, in addition to approximately 30 wide-body Boeing jets that are in service to governments and heads of state, sold through other means.

Eclipse Aviation Introduces Eclipse 400 Single-Engine Jet

 

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - May 30, 2008 - Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced at its E-rrival customer event that it will start taking orders for the Eclipse 400 single-engine jet, a production version of the Eclipse Concept Jet first displayed at EAA AirVenture 2007. Eclipse Aviation is rewarding its many loyal Eclipse 500 customers by allowing them to be the first to place deposits on an Eclipse 400. Additionally, Eclipse 500 customers will receive an exclusive $125,000 discount off the final delivery price provided their deposits are placed prior to July 25, 2008. Deposits from all others will be accepted starting at EAA AirVenture in July 2008.

"Ten months of quantitative and qualitative Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ) research has convinced us that this is absolutely the right airplane for the emerging single-engine jet market," said Vern Raburn, Eclipse Aviation president and CEO. "The ECJ has elicited a tremendous emotional response from current and potential customers alike - people just love this airplane. We are excited to formally add this new aircraft to the Eclipse Aviation product family as the Eclipse 400."

The Eclipse 400 continues the Eclipse tradition of bringing the most fuel-efficient jet airplanes to the marketplace. At an estimated 330 knots, the environmentally-friendly Eclipse 400 uses less than one pound of fuel per nautical mile - making it the world's most fuel-efficient jet aircraft.

The four-occupant Eclipse 400 jet cruises safely at 41,000 feet, or three miles above its closest competition. It will feature the most sophisticated flight deck and complete aircraft integration available in general aviation. Its robust V-tail design provides superior handling and it is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615F, delivering unrivaled fuel economy.

The Eclipse 400 is priced at $1.35 million in June 2008 economics. Similar, single-turbine engine aircraft range from seven to 107 percent more expensive than the Eclipse 400. Deliveries for the Eclipse 400 are expected to begin in 4Q 2011.

Boeing has begun work on the first BBJ 3


Boeing has begun work on the first Boeing Business Jet 3 (BBJ 3). The BBJ 3 is a new, larger business jet based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-900ER (extended range), which entered commercial service and was certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in April 2007. Certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency occurred in April 2008.

The BBJ 3 was launched in October 2006, and will enter service in 2009 with an unidentified customer. The jet is 138 feet, 2 inches long (42.1 meters) and has 1,120 square feet (104 square meters) of floor space.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes provides airplanes to Boeing Business Jets. Boeing Business Jets delivers them to customers in "green" configuration (no paint or interior) and arranges for the installation of a long-range, auxiliary fuel system. The BBJ is then sent to a completion center of the customer's choosing for interior completion.

The same CFM56-7 engines used on Next-Generation 737 commercial airplanes power the BBJ. Owners benefit from the recent addition of CFM's Tech Insertion program, which lowers fuel burn and reduces NOx emissions to meet 2008 CAEP 6 regulations.

All BBJs are equipped with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets. The winglets reduce community noise by 0.5 to 2.1 EPNdb on takeoff with a slight improvement on approach; lower emissions through lower cruise thrust; lower operating costs by reducing block fuel burn 5.8 percent on a 5,800-nautical-mile trip (approximately 540 U.S. gallons); reduce engine maintenance costs and increase the airplane's range up to 270 nautical miles with a typical eight-passenger payload.

The BBJ program focuses on features that help owners fly safely, efficiently, reliably and comfortably. Boeing currently is delivering Lower Cabin Altitude and Future Air Navigation System. Lower Cabin Altitude allows the cabin pressurization control system to regulate the cabin environment to equal a maximum cabin altitude of 6,500 feet so that passengers travel in greater comfort. Future Air Navigation System streamlines communication between flight crews and air-traffic controllers. FANS adds another layer of safety and efficiency to the global air transportation system, and allows BBJ owners to take more direct routes, shortening flight times and saving fuel.

Boeing recently announced that weight-saving, emissions-reducing carbon brakes soon will be available both in production and retrofit for all BBJ operators. Owners opting for carbon brakes will realize a 320 kg (700 lb.) weight savings versus the current-technology steel brakes. Also in work is the Enhanced Vision System, which presents an infrared image of the external environment on the head-up and head-down displays. The system enhances pilot situational awareness of terrain and airport environments in low visibility situations. EVS is a tool of particular value to BBJ owners who fly into airports that don't support autoland operations.

The BBJ, BBJ 2 and BBJ 3 provide unsurpassed levels of space, comfort and utility and are backed by a top-notch product-support program with dedicated field service representatives around the world.

In addition to the eight BBJ 3 orders, Boeing Business Jets has secured a total of 177 orders for BBJs and wide-body VIP versions of the 747, 767, 777 and 787. One hundred four BBJ and VIP airplanes are currently in service around the world, in addition to approximately 30 wide-body Boeing jets that are in service to governments and heads of state, sold through other means.


Monday, June 02, 2008

BOMBARDIER EXTENDS HIGH SPEED GLOBAL 5000 JET RANGE TO 5,200 NM


Bombardier Aerospace just announced a 400 nautical mile (NM) (741 km) increase to the non-stop intercontinental range of the high speed Global 5000. The range increase is standard for all Global 5000 aircraft ordered as of February 1st, 2008 and will be available as an option for aircraft previously ordered, but yet to be delivered, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009.

The significant range extension will be obtained by increasing the Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) to 92,500 lbs, allowing for a fuel tank capacity increase.

Flying at its typical cruise speed of Mach 0.85 (907 km/h), the Global 5000 jet now offers a non-stop range of 5,200 NM (9,630 km)* – eight percent more. The extended range increases travel flexibility to include key city pairs such as London-Los Angeles, 4,742 NM (8,782 km), Sao Paulo-Paris, 5,065 NM (9,380 km), Hong Kong-Wellington, 5,097 NM (9,440 km), New York-Honolulu, 4,331 NM (8,021 km), and Dubai-Perth, 4,873 NM (9,025 km), under certain operating conditions.

The aircraft is now available with the Global Vision flight deck. The new Pro Line Fusion avionics suite paired with superior design aesthetics from world-renowned design consultancy firm Design Q. The ultimate flight control environment, providing Global aircraft pilots with an unprecedented level of situational awareness and comfort.

Hawker Beechcraft Receives More Than 70 Commitments for New Premier II

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today revealed that the number of commitments for the recently announced new Beechcraft Premier II has grown to more than 70 positions, including more than 40 firm orders.

“The customer response has been fantastic. Those who have experienced a Premier know that they are flying or operating a true breakthrough aircraft,” said Brad Hatt, Hawker Beechcraft president, Commercial Aircraft. “The Premier’s unmistakable comfort, now combined with a phenomenal boost in performance, makes the Premier II an airplane pilots and companies can’t wait to own and operate.”

HBC announced the launch of the Beechcraft Premier II earlier this week at the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland. The new light business jet evolves from the highly successful Premier 1A and will feature higher cruise speeds, 20 percent longer range with four passengers and increased payload, while still offering the largest cabin and most technologically advanced single-pilot business jet in the world. The Premier II’s performance, cabin and technology will provide the ideal light jet choice for pilot owners and business operators.

The Premier II will be a twin turbofan, swept wing, light jet aircraft featuring a high-strength, advanced composite fuselage that allows for a medium-jet sized cabin at light jet costs. New winglets and the new powerful and highly efficient Williams International FJ44-3AP engines, each producing 3,000 pounds of thrust, will allow the Premier II to climb unrestricted to 45,000 feet and fly a 1,500 nm (2,778 km) mission with one pilot and four passengers (800 lbs payload).

Additionally, the higher thrust engines will increase maximum cruise speed to 465 knots (861 km/hr) at 33,000 feet and improve high/hot take-off operations. The Premier’s renowned comfortable standard seating for up to six passengers and their baggage will be a luxury standard in the Premier II.

First flight of the aircraft is scheduled for April 2009 with FAA Certification for Q2 2010. European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) certification is planned for Q4 2010.

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The New Gulfstream 650


Gulfstream Introduces G650

The G650 offers the longest range, fastest speed, largest cabin and the most-advanced cockpit in the Gulfstream fleet. It is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach or 5,000 nautical miles at 0.90 Mach. Using an advanced aerodynamic design, the G650 has a maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach, which will make it the fastest civil aircraft flying. It can climb to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet, allowing it to avoid airline-traffic congestion and adverse weather.

For more information visit Gulfstream's website

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Adam Aircraft Suspends Operations


Englewood, Colorado, February 11, 2008 —— In a difficult but necessary move, Adam Aircraft Industries suspended operations today at its facilities in Colorado. This measure was required due to the inability of the company to come to terms with their lender for funding necessary to maintain business operations. The company is currently exploring all of its alternatives and will provide further guidance when decisions are made, which is expected to be later this week.

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Cessna Details New Citation Columbus Aircraft;


Cessna Aircraft Company, revealed at a press conference details of the recently announced large cabin, intercontinental aircraft, the Model 850 Citation Columbus. Cessna was given the go-ahead for the program by the Textron board of directors on Jan. 23.


The Citation Columbus is designed for intercontinental travel with a target range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers) at Mach .80 carrying eight passengers. Preliminary performance numbers set a maximum cruise speed of 488 knots (904 kilometers per hour, Mach .85), a maximum operating speed of Mach .86, a full fuel payload of 1,950 pounds (886 kilograms) and takeoff field length of 5,400 feet (1,646 meters) at maximum takeoff weight.


Joining Cessna on the program are Pratt & Whitney Canada, a United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) company, with its new PW810 engine and Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL), supplying its Pro Line Fusion™ advanced avionics system. Cessna has reached an agreement in principle with Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE: SPR) to produce the fuselage and empennage. Details will be finalized in the coming weeks. Read More at Cessna's Website.

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Friday, January 25, 2008

Bringin' Back The Goose!


Antilles Seaplanes, based in North Carolina is hoping to begin production of the Grumman Goose. The new version witll be called the Antilles Super Goose. Based on the legendary Grumman G-21 Goose, their version has been modernized to current day aviation standards to include turboprop engines, the latest in glass panel avionics, carbon fiber composite material technology, interior environmental systems, and a variety of other technological improvements over the original airplane.