Tag: avionics (Page 8 of 8)

Airbus Helicopters Unveils New H145 at Heli-Expo 2019

March 6, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Airbus Helicopters is unveiling a new version of its best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. Visible in the Airbus booth at the show, this latest upgrade brings a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg while delivering new levels of comfort, simplicity and connectivity.

“We’re extremely happy to be able to showcase the new H145 to our customers here in Atlanta as this upgrade owes a lot to the feedback they have provided us over the years about the aircraft,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “Our teams have worked hard to quickly bring to the market a set of innovations that we believe will contribute to the success of our customers’ operations. It is their trust in the H145 and all its predecessor variants over the last decades that have made it the fantastic helicopter it has become today, and I want to thank them for their continuous support”.

The H145’s new five-bladed rotor brings a significant increase in overall performance, with a maximum take-off weight raised to 3,800 kg and a useful load now equivalent to the aircraft’s empty weight. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew. The reduced rotor diameter will allow the H145 to operate in more confined areas.

The new H145 introduces new levels of on-board connectivity to customers and operators through the integration of the wireless Airborne Communication System (wACS), allowing seamless and secure transmission of data generated by the helicopter in real-time, including in-flight.

EASA certification of the new H145 is planned for early 2020, with first deliveries to follow later that year. This upgrade will also be offered to current H145 customers as a retrofit option in order to deliver the same improvements in terms of useful load, simplified maintenance and comfort to the existing version of the H145.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.

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.

Image and story from http://www.airbus.com

Phenom 300 is World’s Most Delivered Light Business Jet

February 22, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Melbourne, Florida, February 21, 2019 – Embraer Executive Jets delivered 53 Phenom 300 and Phenom 300E light jets in 2018, according to a report issued by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). This is the seventh consecutive year that the Phenom 300 achieves this mark, having accrued more than 490 deliveries since entering the market in December 2009.

“The Phenom 300’s continued success in the market is a reflection of our commitment to fascinate customers and deliver the ultimate customer experience in business aviation,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The revolutionary interior design of the Phenom 300E adds even more value to this already popular model, reaffirming our commitment to continue to invest in true innovation.”

Originally launched in 2005, the Phenom 300 has sustained more than half of the light jet market share since 2012. The aircraft is in operation in more than 30 countries and has accumulated more than 780,000 flight hours. Embraer is continuously investing in the competitiveness of the Phenom 300 with enhancements to its comfort, technology and operational efficiency.

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In October 2017, the new Phenom 300E was announced and entered service just five months later, in March 2018, and it is the only Phenom 300 model available to be acquired. The new aircraft is designated “E” for “Enhanced” in reference to its entirely redesigned cabin and the addition of the industry-leading nice® HD CMS/IFE (Cabin Management System/InFlight Entertainment) by Lufthansa Technik.

The Phenom 300E inherits the Embraer DNA Design, first introduced in its larger siblings, the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 midsize jets. The application of this design in the Phenom 300E rendered an even more spacious cabin with more personalization options and greater ease of maintainability.

The revolutionary new interior design of the Phenom 300E starts with the all-new Embraer DNA seats, both designed and manufactured by Embraer. The new seats in the Phenom 300E feature an extendable headrest with bolsters, retractable armrest, broader backs for greater support, and extendable leg rests for improved ergonomics. The new table, side ledge, side wall, and valance design optimizes passenger mobility in the cabin with expanded aisle clearance and increased cabin space, rendering unmatched comfort and personalization in the light jet class.

The Phenom 300E features an industry-exclusive upper technology panel (upper tech panel) along the centerline of the aircraft’s ceiling, significantly improving passenger ergonomics. The innovative upper tech panel presents passengers with pertinent inflight information, while allowing for convenient interaction with cabin management controls, as well as the option of inflight entertainment with audio and video on demand via two slender swing-down seven-inch displays. The unit also offers an enhanced cabin lighting scheme, with a broad range of ambient mood selections, as well as integrates sleek, silent gaspers enhancing acoustic comfort. Bluetooth connectivity also allows passengers to view inflight information on their personal devices.

The Phenom 300E is also the fastest light jet, having established several speed records with the National Aeronautic Association and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale

About the Phenom 300E

The Phenom 300E performs among the top light jets, with a high speed cruise of 453 knots and a six-occupant range of 1,971 nautical miles (3,650 km) with NBAA IFR reserves. With the best climb and field performance in its class, the Phenom 300E costs less to operate and maintain than its peers. The aircraft is capable of flying at 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines with 3,360 pounds of thrust each.

The Phenom 300E offers a spacious cabin with the Embraer DNA Design and its baggage compartment is among the largest in its category. The largest windows in the class deliver abundant natural lighting in the cabin as well as in the private lavatory. The comfort of the seats, with recline and full movement capability, is enhanced by the best pressurization among light jets (6,600 ft. maximum cabin altitude). The Phenom 300E features distinct temperature zones for pilots and passengers, a wardrobe and refreshment center, voice and data communications options, and an entertainment system.

The pilot-friendly cockpit enables single-pilot operation and offers the advanced Prodigy Touch Flight Deck, based on the acclaimed Garmin 3000 avionics suite. The features it carries from a class above include single-point refueling, externally serviced lavatory, and an air stair.

ATR and Aurigny Confirm Order for 3 ATR 72-600’s

January 10, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Guernsey-based airline will be launch customer for ClearVision™

Toulouse, 8 January 2019 – ATR and Aurigny today confirm the acquisition of three ATR 72-600 aircraft, following approval from the States of Guernsey and after the initial signature of a Letter of Intention at the Farnborough Airshow, in July 2018. The first aircraft will be delivered in August 2019 and all three will be equipped with the new ClearVision™ Enhanced Vision System (EVS), with Aurigny the launch customer for this cutting-edge technology.

ClearVision™ uses an external camera to display an augmented outside-view in real-time to a head-mounted visor, worn by the pilot with the EVS improving significantly the pilot’s vision. This is a major change for Aurigny’s crew as Guernsey’s location in the English Channel, see its flight operations regularly affected by fog, leading to disruptions for passengers. A study showed that an ATR equipped with the ClearVision™ EVS could have saved 50% of the disrupted landings in Guernsey, over the period of a year. ClearVision™ will also enhance operations into other destinations served by Aurigny.

ClearVision™ is an option on ATR’s latest avionics suite, Standard 3, which delivers important operational improvements and a first in commercial aviation. In addition to the EVS selected by Aurigny, ClearVision™ also offers a Synthetic Vision System (SVS) that provides the pilot’s Head-Up Display with digital images of terrain and obstacles, from an extensive database. Operators can also opt for a Combined Vision System (CVS), combining the EVS and SVS, and offering pilots the best possible vision and situational awareness.

Mark Darby CEO of Aurigny said: “The opportunity to modernise our fleet, allowing us to offer our customers the very latest standards of comfort whilst introducing technology that will minimise disruption to their travel, makes perfect sense. Aurigny plays a key role in assuring vital connectivity between Guernsey and the UK and Europe. These new aircraft are going to make a significant difference both to our flight operations and to the people of Guernsey.”

Stefano Bortoli CEO of ATR said: “ATR’s aim is always to develop solutions that will have genuine impact for our operators and also on the travel experience of their passengers. Aurigny’s new ATRs, equipped with ClearVision™ will reduce delays and cancellations for its passengers. To have Aurigny as the launch customer for this technology is the perfect seal of approval for its effectiveness. We are proud that our latest-generation ATRs equipped with this cutting-edge solution will provide improved connectivity for the people of Guernsey.”

Regional connectivity supports local economies, with a 10% increase in flights generating a 5% rise in tourism, an increase of 6% in local GDP and 8% more Foreign Direct Investment. With a fuel burn advantage of 80% compared to regional jets, ATR -600 series aircraft represent the most efficient way of supplying these essential links.

About Aurigny:
As Guernsey’s airline, Aurigny is proud to offer a wide range of services and lifeline links to the Bailiwick and its visitors. Established 50 years ago, Aurigny have had the privilege of serving more than 16 million customers over this time, and currently operate more than 15,000 flights a year, to 14 destinations. Aurigny is owned by the States of Guernsey and their network includes services to Guernsey, Alderney, and destinations across the UK and in Europe.

ABOUT ATR:

European turboprop manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the regional aviation market. ATR designs, manufactures and delivers aircraft, with its fleet encompassing some 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. The ATR 42 and the ATR 72 are the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat category. With continuous improvement as a driving force, ATR produces cutting edge, comfortable and versatile turboprops that help airlines expand their horizons by creating more than 100 new routes every year. Compared with other turboprops, ATRs offer an advantage of 40% on fuel burn, 20% on trip cost and 10% on seat cost, whilst offering the lowest noise emissions. ATR is an equal partnership between leading aerospace firms Airbus and Leonardo and benefits from a large global customer support network allowing it to deliver innovative services and solutions to its clients and operators all over the world. For more information, please visit http://www.atr-aircraft.com. Follow us on Twitter – #ATRLeads

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

Boeing to Modernize Spanish Chinook Helicopter Fleet

January 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced on january 3, 2019 that it will upgrade all 17 of Spain’s CH-47D Chinook helicopters to the F-model configuration, adding features such as the digital automatic flight control system, common avionics architecture system and advanced cargo handling to align that country’s fleet with those of other nations.

This is the first order from a non-U.S. customer placed through a contract Boeing and the U.S. Army signed in July. That contract covers six new F-models for the U.S. and options for up to 150 more Chinooks for U.S. and international customers. Deliveries to Spain begin in 2021.

“The Chinook is a versatile aircraft flown by eight NATO nations, including Spain,” said Chuck Dabundo, vice president, Cargo and Utility Helicopters and H-47 program manager. “With this contract, Spain’s Chinook crews will enjoy the platform’s current technology and capability, while the country gets an affordable upgrade that builds on its existing H-47 investment.”

The CH-47F is a twin-engine, tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter. In addition to the U.S. Army and Special Operations Forces, Chinooks are currently in service or under contract with 19 international defense forces. It can fly at speeds exceeding 175 mph and carry payloads greater than 21,000 lbs. In 2017, Boeing and the U.S. Army announced development of CH-47F Block II, which will incorporate a new rotor blade, redesigned fuel system, improved drivetrain and structural improvements to the fuselage.

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

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

Honeywell Profit Beats On Strong Aero & Automation Sales

October 19, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

(Reuters) – Honeywell International Inc (HON.N) beat expectations for third-quarter profit on Friday and lifted its full-year forecasts for cash flow and margins as it rode a boom in e-commerce driven warehouse investment and aircraft production.

Shares of Honeywell, which makes everything from aircraft engines to catalysts used in petroleum refining, were up 2.5 percent at $159 in premarket trading.

Honeywell has benefited from a rise in global travel that has driven record orders for jets, leading to robust demand for its avionics, braking systems and other aircraft parts.

Recovering demand for business jets, for which the company makes engines, thanks to a tax windfall handed to Corporate America by President Donald Trump in January, has also helped the company.

Sales at the aviation unit, the company’s biggest business, rose 10 percent to $4.03 billion. Margins expanded by 80 basis points to 22.1 percent in the third quarter ended Sept. 30.

Honeywell’s results come a day after Cessna jet maker Textron (TXT.N), one of its customers, reported a 12.5 percent growth in its backlog at $1.8 billion, citing an improving business jet market.

The company has also taken advantage of a boom in e-commerce as it supplies warehouse automation equipment and software to customers such as Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O).

Sales in safety and productivity solutions unit, which houses the warehouse automation business, climbed 11 percent to $1.58 billion, while margins jumped 150 basis points to 16.6 percent.

Excluding items, Honeywell earned $2.03 per share, beating analysts’ average estimate of $1.99 per share, according to Refinitiv data.

The company’s revenue rose 6.3 percent to $10.76 billion, topping the consensus of $10.75 billion.

Honeywell increased the low end of its 2018 adjusted free cash flow to $5.8 billion from $5.6 billion, while keeping the top end unchanged at $6.2 billion.

The company now expects full-year margins to rise 19.5-19-6 percent, up from 19.4-19.6 percent. Excluding the impact of divestitures, Honeywell said its full-year earnings will be in a range of $7.95 to $8.00 per share.

(Reporting by Ankit Ajmera in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty)