Tag: Super (Page 6 of 6)

Embraer Praetor 600 Business Jet Outperforms on Certification

April 19, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

São Paulo, Brazil, April 18, 2019 – Embraer announces that the company’s new Praetor 600 super-midsize business jet was granted its Type Certificate by Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC—Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), having been announced in October 2018 at NBAA-BACE and becoming the only super-midsize business jet to be certified since 2014.

The Praetor 600 is the best performing super-midsize jet ever developed, surpassing all its main design goals and becoming capable of flying beyond 4,000 nautical miles in long-range cruise speed or beyond 3,700 nautical miles at Mach .80 from runways shorter than 4,500ft, complemented by an outstanding payload capability.

“Our engineering and program teams have outperformed again by passionately designing, developing and certifying the class-leading Praetor 600 business jet, exceeding specifications and expectations, and ahead of schedule,” said Paulo César Souza e Silva, Embraer CEO. “This advanced aircraft reflects not only our journey of innovation, it is also a preview of the future of this great company.”

“The most disruptive and technologically advanced super-midsize business jet has arrived. The Praetor 600 will fascinate our customers with the highest performance, technology and comfort in its class and raise the customer experience to an unprecedented level,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “I want to thank and congratulate the Embraer family for bringing to market an aircraft that will create true value for customers and shareholders alike.”

The Praetor 600 is now the farthest-flying super-midsize jet, able to make nonstop flights between London and New York, São Paulo and Miami, Dubai and London. With four passengers and NBAA IFR Reserves, the Praetor 600 has an intercontinental range of 4,018 nautical miles (7,441 km). Take Off Field Length for such a mission is only 4,436 ft (1,352 m). At M0.80, range is 3,719 nm (6,887 km) with four passengers and NBBA IFR Reserves.

The Praetor 600 is the first super-midsize jet with full fly-by-wire technology, which powers the Active Turbulence Reduction that not only makes every flight the smoothest but also the most efficient possible.

The Embraer DNA Design interior eloquently explores every dimension of the only super-midsize to feature a six-foot-tall, flat-floor cabin, stone flooring and a vacuum service lavatory, all in the same certified aircraft. The class-exclusive Active Turbulence Reduction and 5,800-foot cabin altitude, complemented by a whisper silent cabin, have set the highest standards in customer experience in the super-midsize category. In addition to the full-service galley and a wardrobe, eight fully reclining club seats may be berthed into four beds, and the baggage space is the largest in the class.

Advanced technology throughout the cabin is also a trait of the Embraer DNA Design, beginning with the industry-exclusive Upper Tech Panel that displays flight information and offers cabin management features also available on personal devices through Honeywell Ovation Select. High-capacity, ultra high-speed connectivity for all aboard is available through Viasat’s Ka-band, with speeds of up to 16Mbps and unlimited streaming, another industry-exclusive in super-midsize jets.

The Praetor 600 features Collins Aerospace’s newest edition of the acclaimed Pro Line Fusion flight deck. Capabilities such as the industry-first vertical weather display, air-traffic-control-like situational awareness with ADSB-IN, predictive wind shear radar capability, as well as Embraer Enhanced Vision System (E2VS) with a Head-up Display (HUD) and an Enhanced Video System (EVS), an Inertial Reference System (IRS) and a Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS) are some of the highlights on the Praetor 600 flight deck.

SPECIFICATIONS	CERTIFIED AIRCRAFT	DESIGN GOALS
Range 4 pax @ LRC⁽¹⁾	4,018 nm / 7,441 km	3,900 nm / 7,223 km
Range 4 pax @ M0.80⁽²⁾	3,719 nm / 6,888 km	3,605 nm / 6,676 km
Takeoff distance @ 4 pax / full fuel⁽³⁾	4,436 ft / 1,352 m	4,458 ft / 1,359 M
Takeoff distance @ MTOW⁽⁴⁾	4,717 ft / 1,438 m	4,800 ft / 1,463 m
Unfactored landing distance⁽⁵⁾	2,165 ft / 660 m	2,270 ft / 692 m
Maximum operating altitude	45,000 ft / 13,716 m	45,000 ft / 13,716 m
Maximum payload⁽⁶⁾	4,001 lb / 1,815 kg	4,001 lb / 1,815 kg
(1) NBAA IFR reserves; 200 nm alternate; 4 pax @ 200 lbs each; baseline aircraft; LRC (Long Range Cruise)
(2) NBAA IFR reserves; 200 nm alternate; 4 pax @ 200 lbs each; baseline aircraft; M0.80
(3) SL; ISA ; full fuel; 4 pax @ 200 lbs each; NBAA IFR reserves; 200 nm alternate; baseline aircraft;
(4) SL; ISA; MTOW
(5) SL; ISA ; 4 pax @ 200 lbs each; NBAA IFR reserves; 200 nm alternate; baseline aircraft
(6) Baseline aircraft

Boeing Receives U.S. Navy Multiyear Contract for F/A-18

April 9, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

ARLINGTON, Va., March. 20, 2019 – With a three-year contract award for 78 F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets, Boeing [NYSE: BA] will play a vital role in the U.S. Navy’s fleet modernization efforts.

The Block III configuration adds capability upgrades that include enhanced network capability, longer range, reduced radar signature, an advanced cockpit system and an enhanced communication system. Boeing will begin converting existing Block II Super Hornets to Block III early in the next decade. The fighter’s life also will be extended from 6,000 hours to 10,000 hours.

This new multi-year contract benefits the U.S. Navy and Boeing by allowing both to schedule future production and Navy officials estimate this multi-year model saves a minimum of $395 million on this contract valued at approximately $4 billion.

“This multiyear contract will provide significant savings for taxpayers and the U.S. Navy while providing the capacity it needs to help improve readiness,” said Dan Gillian, vice president of F/A-18 and EA-18G programs. “A multiyear contract helps the F/A-18 team seek out suppliers with a guaranteed three years of production, instead of negotiating year to year. It helps both sides with planning, and we applaud the U.S. Navy on taking the appropriate steps needed to help solve its readiness challenges.”

For more information on Defense, Space & Security, visit www.boeing.com. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense and @BoeingSpace.

Icelandic Coast Guard Upgrades to Airbus Rescue Helicopters

April 4, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Reykjavik, Airbus Helicopters is supporting the Icelandic Coast Guard (ICG) with the entry into service of two Airbus H225 heavy search and rescue (SAR) helicopters as the first step in a renewal of the agency’s helicopter fleet.

The aircraft are replacing two of the ICG’s three existing Airbus AS332L1 Super Pumas, the first of which entered service in 1995. They are being leased from Norwegian helicopter lessor Knut Axel Ugland Holding AS and will both be in service by the end of April 2019. The ICG plans to purchase permanent replacements for all three aircraft in its fleet by 2022.

Airbus Helicopters is providing pilot and technician training on key features of the H225 and ongoing maintenance and support under an HCare Smart Parts By the Hour contract.

The 11-tonne category, twin-engine H225 is the latest member of Airbus Helicopters’ Super Puma family with more powerful engines providing a smoother ride and enhanced performance compared to the AS332L1.

Equipped with state-of-the-art electronic instruments and a 4-axis autopilot system, the H225 offers outstanding endurance and fast cruise speed, and can be fitted with a wide range of SAR equipment. Operated by two pilots, it can be configured with up to 18 seats or six stretchers.

The H225 and military H225M are benchmarks in SAR and combat SAR and are operated by 20 nations worldwide.

Commander S.G. Sindri Steingrimsson, Director Flight Operations at the ICG said: “The experience with our current fleet of Super Pumas has been excellent through the years. Overall they have done a fantastic job for us here at the Icelandic Coast Guard, in some of the most challenging conditions for aircraft SAR operations in the world. We fully expect that the new Super Pumas will add great value to the safety and security of our operations, increasing capability and reliability while at the same time modernising our technological standards to meet current needs.”

The attached photo shows one of the new leased aircraft.

About Airbus
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018 it generated revenues of € 64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Boeing Unveils Unmanned Combat Jet

February 26, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

AVALON, Australia (Reuters) – Boeing Co on Wednesday unveiled an unmanned, fighter-like jet developed in Australia and designed to fly alongside crewed aircraft in combat for a fraction of the cost.

The U.S. manufacturer hopes to sell the multi-role aircraft, which is 38 feet long (11.6 metres) and has a 2,000 nautical mile (3,704 kilometre) range, to customers around the world, modifying it as requested.

The prototype is Australia’s first domestically developed combat aircraft since World War II and Boeing’s biggest investment in unmanned systems outside the United States, although the company declined to specify the dollar amount.

The Australian government is investing A$40 million ($28.75 million) in the prototype programme due to its “enormous capability for exports,” Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne told reporters at the Australian International Airshow.

Defence contractors are investing increasingly in autonomous technology as militaries around the world look for a cheaper and safer way to maximise their resources.

Boeing rivals like Lockheed Martin Corp and Kratos Defence and Security Solutions Inc are also investing in such aircraft.

Four to six of the new aircraft, called the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, can fly alongside a F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, said Shane Arnott, director of Boeing research and prototype arm Phantom Works International.

“To bring that extra component and the advantage of unmanned capability, you can accept a higher level of risk,” he said. “It is better for one of these to take a hit than for a manned platform.”

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies in the United States said last year that the U.S. Air Force should explore pairing crewed and uncrewed aircraft to expand its fleet and complement a limited number of “exquisite, expensive, but highly potent fifth-generation aircraft” like the F-35.

“Human performance factors are a major driver behind current aerial combat practices,” the policy paper said. “Humans can only pull a certain number of G’s, fly for a certain number of hours, or process a certain amount of information at a given time.”

MULTI-MISSION CAPABILITIES

In addition to performing like a fighter jet, other roles for the Boeing system include electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance alongside aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon and E-7 Wedgetail, said Kristin Robertson, vice president and general manager of Boeing Autonomous Systems.

“It is operationally very flexible, modular, multi-mission,” she said. “It is a very disruptive price point. Fighter-like capability at a fraction of the cost.”

Robertson declined to comment on the cost, saying that it would depend on the configuration chosen by individual customers.

The jet is powered by a derivative of a commercially available engine, uses standard runways for take-off and landing, and can be modified for carrier operations at sea, Robertson said. She declined to specify whether it could reach supersonic speeds, common for modern fighter aircraft.

Its first flight is expected in 2020, with Boeing and the Australian government producing a concept demonstrator to pave the way for full production.

“I would say we are some years away from exports, we are probably years away from it being in operation here in Australia,” Pyne said. “It is designed to be a cheaper platform, a shield if you like around the more expensive platforms, to protect our servicemen and women who might be on a Poseidon or a Wedgetail or a F-35A.”

Australia, a staunch U.S. ally, is home to Boeing’s largest footprint outside the United States and has vast airspace with relatively low traffic for flight testing.

The Boeing Airpower Teaming System will be manufactured in Australia, but production lines could be set up in other countries depending on sales, Arnott said.

The United States, which has the world’s biggest military budget, would be among the natural customers for the product.

The U.S. Air Force 2030 project foresees the Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighter working together with stealthy combat drones, called the “Loyal Wingman” concept, said Derrick Maple, principal analyst for unmanned systems at IHS Markit.

“The U.S. has more specific plans for the wingman concept, but Western Europe will likely develop their requirements in parallel, to abate the capabilities of China and the Russian Federation and other potential threats,” he said.

Robertson declined to name potential customers and would not comment on potential stealth properties, but said the aircraft had the potential to sell globally.

“We didn’t design this as a point solution but a very flexible solution that we could outfit with payloads, sensors, different mission sets to complement whatever their fleet is,” she said. “Don’t think of it as a specific product that is tailored to do only one mission.”

($1 = 1.3914 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Jamie Freed; additional reporting by Gerry Doyle; editing by Gerry Doyle)

Airbus Orders Decline as A380 Shutdown Questions Mount

February 11, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Airbus acknowledged reports last Thursday that Quantas has cancelled an order for its 8 remaining A380 aircraft. The announcement comes on the heels of Emirates re-evaluating its decision to add on to its remaining Super Jumbo order book.

Qantas Airlines of Australia confirmed it would not take any more of the world’s largest airplane, operating a fleet of 12 aircraft, instead of the 20 it had originally ordered. This news comes on the heels of Airbus’ largest A380 customer Emirates beginning discussions with Airbus over the possibility of changing some, or all, of its remaining A380 orders to smaller A350 or A330neo models after failing to secure an engine contract from Rolls-Royce for the last A380 order it placed.

Airbus has declined to comment on the future of the A380 at this time, but reports indicate that an announcement could come as soon as this Thursday.

Airbus also reported the cancellation of an order for five of its smallest aircraft, the 110-seat A220-100. The identity of the A220 buyer was not disclosed, but is widely believed to be the Swiss-based business charter carrier PrivatAir, which filed for insolvency at the end of 2018. PrivatAir had placed an ordered for 5 of the type, the Canadian Bombardier CS100 at the time of the order, in early 2012.

Embraer and Sierra Nevada Awarded Contract to Deliver 12 A-29s for the Nigerian Air Force

February 6, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

São Paulo, Brazil, February 6th, 2019 – Embraer Defense & Security and its partner Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) were awarded a contract to deliver 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force.

“SNC is proud to work with our partner, Embraer Defense & Security, to build A-29s in support of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing their on-going training and security needs,” said Taco Gilbert, Senior Vice President of ISR, Aviation and Security (IAS) at SNC. “The combat-proven A-29 is designed and built for the mission in Nigeria. It’s the most reliable and cost-effective solution for basic and advanced flight and combat training, close air support operations, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), counterinsurgency and irregular warfare scenarios.”

“The A-29 Super Tucano has become the global reference for light attack and advanced training with a proven track record in several combat zones around the world”, said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “Embraer welcomes Nigeria as the latest member of this true international coalition that is helping bring peace to the world.” The A-29 is conducting combat missions on a daily basis in theaters around the world. It has more than 46,000 combat hours and more than 360,000 total flight hours. With the Nigeria order, the A-29 is the choice of 14 air forces worldwide.

In addition to its combat record, the A-29’s robust landing gear and enhanced clearance enable take-off and landing in even the most austere field conditions. The aircraft also offers exceptional dependability and accuracy in weapons delivery, making it highly effective in the light attack role.

The contract for the Nigerian Air Force includes ground training devices, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares, ground support equipment, alternate mission equipment, contiguous U.S. interim contractor support, outside of continental U.S. (OCONUS) contractor logistic support and field service representatives for OCONUS support.

The aircraft will be produced in Jacksonville, Florida, and modified in Centennial, Colorado. The aircraft are expected to be delivered to Nigeria in line with the contract timelines, as part of a larger more comprehensive training and support package.

To learn more about the A-29, go to http://BuiltForTheMission.com

Story and image from http://www.embraer.com

Airbus Helicopters sees strong sales increase in 2018

January 23, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Gross orders up 18 percent to 413 units
First orders for the next-generation H160
Increasing share of the military market

Marignane, 23 January 2019 – Airbus Helicopters delivered 356 rotorcraft and logged gross orders for 413 helicopters (net: 381) in 2018 (up from 350 gross orders in 2017), maintaining its lead in the civil & parapublic market while reinforcing its position in the military market thanks to key successes with international campaigns. The company also booked 148 orders for light twin-engine helicopters of the H135/H145 family and secured 15 orders for the next-generation H160. At the end of last year, the overall backlog increased to 717 helicopters.

“Our commercial performance in 2018 demonstrates the resilience we have developed as a company to help us navigate what remains a challenging environment,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “Even though the civil & parapublic market remains at a low level worldwide, we have managed to maintain our global leadership thanks to our wide and modern portfolio of products and services and our international footprint. Meanwhile, we have increased our market share in the military sector by securing major contracts with leading armed forces worldwide, with best-in-class solutions. These positive trends give us the means to prepare the future and continue our transformation, with innovation at our core and customer loyalty at heart.”

In 2018, Airbus Helicopters delivered the first of 100 H135s for China in Qingdao, where a dedicated final assembly line will serve the growing demand of the Chinese market for civil & parapublic helicopters. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Government Flying Service took delivery of the first H175s in public services configuration.

Last year also proved successful for the Super Puma family which demonstrated its versatility by being selected in key military campaigns, while attracting new civil & parapublic customers with repurposed H225s previously operated on the oil & gas market. Likewise, 2018 proved to be a very positive year for the NH90, which attracted orders for 28 units in Qatar while being selected by Spain in the frame of a follow-on order for 23 units.

Key programme milestones were achieved in 2018, including the power-on and ground testing of the CityAirbus electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology demonstrator, ahead of a maiden flight expected early 2019. The first H160 in serial configuration entered flight trials in 2018, while the VSR700 unmanned aerial system demonstrator performed its first unmanned flights at the end of the year.

Footnote:
The Full-Year 2018 net orders and backlog represent the contractual view. The Full-Year 2018 backlog value will be measured under IFRS 15 and will reflect the recoverable amount of revenues under these contracts. The FY 2017 backlog will not be restated.

Story and image from http://www.airbus.com

Embraer Presents Preliminary Forecast for 2019 and 2020

January 17, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

São José dos Campos, Brazil, January 16, 2019 – Embraer today presents its preliminary forecast for 2019 and 2020 at a meeting with investors at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). For 2019, Embraer expects to deliver between 85 and 95 commercial jets, 90 to 110 executive jets, including light and large jets, 10 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and two multi-mission KC390 aircraft. Total consolidated revenues should be between US$ 5.3 billion and US$ 5.7 billion.

The Company expects to achieve a consolidated EBIT margin of breakeven (approximately zero) for the year 2019. It is important to highlight that 2019 guidance includes potential costs and expenses associated with the creation of the Commercial Aviation JV in a strategic partnership between the Company and The Boeing Co. (“Boeing”) under the terms of the associated material facts published by Embraer.

With the finalization and closure of the partnership operation described above, tentatively expected to occur by the end of 2019, Embraer anticipates a capital structure without leverage, with a net cash position of approximately US$ 1.0 billion after the payment of a special dividend to shareholders of roughly US$ 1.6 billion (which remains subject to the confirmation of certain requirements, including the fiscal year results).

During the event in New York, Embraer also presents its guidance for the year 2020, the first year after the potential closure of the operation creating the strategic partnership between Embraer and Boeing in Commercial Aviation, as mentioned above. The guidance presented for 2020 includes 100% of the expected results of the Executive Jets and Defense & Security segments (and the results of their respective services and support businesses) and exclude expected financial results coming from the 20% stake Embraer will have in the Commercial Aviation JV in partnership with Boeing.

Embraer expects to have net revenues of between US$ 2.5 billion and US$ 2.8 billion, EBIT margin of between 2% and 5% and roughly breakeven free cash flow for the year 2020.

2018 Estimates Revision Embraer is revising its 2018 guidance for executive jet deliveries, Revenues, Executive Jet revenues, Defense & Security revenues, consolidated and adjusted EBIT, consolidated and adjusted EBIT margin, consolidated and adjusted EBITDA, consolidated and adjusted EBITDA margin, Free Cash Flow and Investments.

Global market conditions for executive jets, although gradually improving, continue to recover more slowly than expected. In combination, Embraer’s increased focus on improving profitability and price preservation, as well as the recent launch of the new midsize/super midsize executive jets (“Praetors”), which will begin delivering in 2019, led the Company to adopt a more cautious approach towards deliveries in 2018. As a result, Embraer delivered 91 total executive jets in 2018 (compared to guidance of 105-125 jets previously).

As a result of the reduction in executive jet deliveries, the Company now expects revenues in the executive jets segment to be approximately US$ 1.1 billion (previously US$ 1.35 billion – US$ 1.50 billion). In addition, the cost base revision for the KC-390 contract in the second quarter of 2018, resulting from the incident involving prototype 001 in May 2018, negatively impacted revenues for the Defense & Security segment. This impact led to a new projection for revenues for the segment, of approximately US$ 0.6 billion (US$ 0.8 billion – US$ 0.9 billion previously). As a result, Embraer’s consolidated revenues for 2018 are now expected to be approximately US$ 5.1 billion, a reduction from the previous range of US$ 5.4 billion – US$ 5.9 billion.

Guidance for consolidated and adjusted EBIT, consolidated and adjusted EBIT margin, consolidated and adjusted EBITDA, and consolidated and adjusted EBITDA margin for 2018 were lowered due largely to lower fixed cost dilution of the Company as a function of lower executive jet volumes and a decline in Defense & Security revenues. The adjusted values for 2018 exclude the impact of US$ 127.2 million related to the cost base revision of the KC-390 contract in the second quarter of 2018, following the incident involving prototype 001 in May 2018.

Embraer also estimates that its spending on investments for 2018 will be roughly US$ 300 million, below its previous expectation for a total of US$ 550 million. It is important to note that the lower spending on investments has not negatively impacted the Company’s ongoing development projects.

As a result of the lower executive jet deliveries, partially offset by the lower spending on investments in 2018, the Company expects that 2018 Free cash flow will be a use of cash of roughly US$ 200 million (versus a use of no more than US$ 100 million in its previous guidance).

Story and Images from http://www.embraer.com

Lufthansa Adding New Service To Austin and Bangkok In 2019

October 11, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

Starting May 3, 2019, Lufthansa will offer its first direct flight between Frankfurt and Austin, Texas. This will be the airline’s third nonstop to Texas, adding to Dallas/Fort Worth and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The flight will be operated by an Airbus A330-300, with service operating five times a week. Flight LH 468 will not operate on Tuesday or Thursday, and will have a flight time of about ten hours.

In addition to Austin, Lufthansa is also adding service between its Munich hub and Bangkok, Thailand. The route will begin operating on June 1, 2019, and will be flown by a new Airbus A350-900. Flight LH792 is scheduled to operate on a daily basis.

In other Lufthansa news, the airline announced it will hold “Fly Through Time: A celebration of the Golden Age of Aviation” on October 14, 2018 from 11am to 5pm in New York, NY.

The year was 1958. It was the Golden Age of aviation and Lufthansa was leading the way. The comfort, class and style of a trip on board Lufthansa’s Lockheed Super Constellation L-1649A aircraft was second to none. Every detail was thought of. Passengers dressed to the nines for travel. The flight was an event.

On October 14, New York City will be given the chance to Fly Through Time with a one-day immersive, innovative experience celebrating of the Golden Age of flight and the birth of Lufthansa‘s Senator Service on board the iconic Super Constellation aircraft, affectionately known as the “Super Connie.”

At the Fly Through Time experience, New Yorkers will be able use the power of augmented reality technology to see the Super Constellation virtually on the streets of SoHo, and dress themselves in the 1950s fashions of the Super Connie’s stylish passengers and crew. And of course, guests will enjoy the iconic sophistication of the ‘Senator Service’ First Class lounge in the skies, recreated for the perfect selfie.

We look forward to welcoming you on board the Fly Through Time experience, a celebration of the Lufthansa’s remarkable heritage.

Fly Through Time
October 14, 2018
11am-5pm
Duarte Square
6th Ave & Grand Street
New York, NY

And of course, guests will enjoy the iconic sophistication of the ‘Senator Service’ First Class lounge in the skies, recreated for the perfect selfie. #FlyThroughTime

Archives