Dubai Airshow News 11-14-11 by Aviation International News

Dubai Airshow News

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11•14•2011 Vol. 43 No. 26

Osprey set to soar

Backing up Bizav

Hovering Far and Wide

UAE may be a customer for future Osprey exports

Bombardier support team has Middle East in focus

Abu Dhabi Aviation credits global expansion for success

The V-22 tiltrotor is ideally suited to the Middle East operating environment believes Bell-Boeing team. Could first export order come form the UAE? Page 64

Creating solid customer support in the region is a key priority for the Canadian manufacturer, which projects 1,200 more business aircraft here over next 20 years. Page 19

ADA is convinced that it made the right move going global, after facing still more competition from companies such as Falcon at Al Bateen. Page 22

Taking it to the Max?

Saudi Shop Goes VIP

Boeing takes minimalist approach to 737 MAX

Alsalam showcases VIP work

Boeing believes airlines will find the MAX family is worth the wait– although it could be two years behind the A320neo. Page 30

LET THE SHOW BEGIN The gates have opened and the crowds flocked in from far and wide. Also wide open are the floodgates releasing a wave of new orders in a Middle East region still with an appetite for growth.

Saudi aerospace company is well placed to cash in on Typhoon work, but for now focus is VIP conversions. Page 34

UAE group launches new twin-engine light copter

Emirates logs record-busting $26B order for Triple Sevens by Gregory Polek Emirates Airline made history here in Dubai yesterday by placing the largest single order ever by dollar value for Boeing commercial airplanes, when it signed for 50 Boeing 777-300ERs. The $18 billion deal dominated first day sales at the 2011 Dubai Air Show, which with options would rise to a total of $26 billion. The latest Emirates contract, which

also includes options on another 20 of the long-range widebodies, raises Boeing’s order total for the type this year to 182, and makes 2011 the bestselling year ever for the 777 program. Boeing set its previous record in 2005, when it collected orders for 154 of the airplanes. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive,

Emirates Airline, yesterday issued a clear verbal endorsement of the airplane to accompany the huge monetary commitment. “The 777’s reliability, performance and operating economics have firmly established it as the backbone of our fleet,” he said. “We have an ambitious and strategic plan to continue growing our international network and especially increasing our long-haul, nonstop routes,” he continued. “This order supports our fleet expansion and reiterates our commitment to operating a modern fleet for the benefit of our passengers and to ensure operational efficiency as well.” Now flying a fleet of ninety-four 777s,

Quest Helicopters, a new entrant in the rotorcraft industry, launched a new light-twin helicopter here at the show on Sunday. The AVQ is designed mainly in Ukraine but is to be manufactured in the United Arab Emirates. The aircraft is an innovative design, featuring two counter-rotating dual rotors in tandem configuration and an ejection capsule for the occupants. First flight is planned for early 2013. At the Dubai Air Show, Quest Helicopters is exhibiting a full-size mockup and a real cockpit and cabin prototype in Pavilion P11. Over the past few months it has also been known as “Project Q” although the project can be traced back to the Ru-Mas 240 design from Russian company, Maslova. The design bureau, led by Volodymyr Udvenko, is also the designer of the AK1-3 helicopter kit and is located in Kharkov, Ukraine. The engines, Progress DB/Motor Sich A1-450M turboshafts, are a new Ukrainian design. They are FADEC-controlled. Rolls-Royce Continued on page 37 u Here in full-size mock-up form, Quest’s developmental rotorcraft is on show.

Continued on page 37 u

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DAVID McINTOSH

by Thierry Dubois

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Dubai 2011 gets royal approval

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DAVID McINTOSH

administrator of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Sheikh Mohammed made stops at the stands of Team Australia, Saab, Pratt & Whitney, EIAST and Northrop Grumman before touring Mubadala’s stand, paying particular attention to the uniquely painted Piaggio P180 Avanti II on display. Mubadala owns 31.5 percent of Piaggio. Showing an interest in the region’s new emphasis on aviation training, the delegation made its way to the GATE exhibit, which showcases the region’s aviation

educational institutions and training academies. The Boeing stand was the final stop on Sheikh Mohammed’s whirlwind tour before he and the delegation returned to the Royal Pavilion. “He’s very pleased with the show and how big it has grown,” Weller told Dubai Airshow News when asked to characterize Sheikh Mohammed’s impressions of what he had seen. “He’s also very much enjoying all the aircraft, especially the new introductions on static display,” she said. o

Unmanned Systems unveils Orca tip-jet UAV by David Donald Swiss company Unmanned Systems (W819) is showing a model of its Orca rotary-wing unmanned air vehicle for the first time here at Dubai. The Orca employs a revolutionary tip-jet propulsion method that not only improves performance in many key areas, but also overcomes many of the operational problems encountered with conventional propulsion methods. Orca’s system employs a turbine engine rated at 215 hp that rotates with the rotor blade. The jet blows air at 700-deg C through flexible ducts to the hollow rotor blades, then blowing through angled tip nozzles to provide thrust. Reactive movement is eliminated so there is no requirement for a tail rotor, and there is no need for clutch, gearbox or transmission, significantly reducing weight. This propulsion systems has numerous benefits, not least of which are low running costs and high availability. Despite its small size and 772-pound mtow, the Orca is designed to lift a remarkable 265-pound payload, and it can operate at up to an 1,500-foot ceiling. Typical endurance on

33 gallons of fuel is 2.5 hours. Unmanned Systems is currently testing the propulsion system on a tower, leading to a first flight for Orca scheduled for April next year. The company hopes to have the vehicle ready for market in May. There has already been significant interest from military and other agencies. Initially the Orca is being developed as an ISR platform, carrying a FLIR file: dubai illustrator stuff/map.eps

Ultra Force 350 EO/IR payload as standard, but with other options available. The company highlights the ability of the UAV to operate with great reliability in desert conditions, as its enclosed propulsion system is impervious to dust and sand. Furthermore, the blowing of hot air through the hollow blades eliminates any icing issues. A typical operational system would have two air vehicles, ground. o

A T I N

Given his strong interest in aviation, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates, and ruler of Dubai, clearly finds the biennial official opening of the Dubai Air Show as much a pleasure as a duty.

Editor-in-chief – R. Randall Padfield INTERNATIONAL EDITOR – Charles Alcock Pressroom managing Editor – Ian Sheppard PRODUCTION DIRECTOR – Mary E. Mahoney the editorial team Vladimir Karnozov Bill Carey Julian Moxon David Donald Chris Pocock Thierry Dubois Gregory Polek Curt Epstein Matt Thurber Bernard Fitzsimons Chad Trautvetter Ian Goold Paolo Valpolini Kirby J. Harrison James Wynbrandt Mark Huber the production team R Mona L. Brown E B L Jane Campbell Alena Korenkov John Manfredo Colleen Redmond Annmarie Yannaco O Photographers R T Y David McIntosh Mark Wagner press room administrator – Lysbeth McAleer web designer – Joseph W. Darlington web developer – Mike Giaimo

MARK WAGNER

by James Wynbrandt HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, officially opened the Dubai Air Show 2011 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the Royal Pavilion yesterday. Afterward he led a royal delegation on a tour of the static display and exhibitor stands. Sheikh Mohammed’s background as the UAE’s first minister of defense and his enthusiasm for innovative aircraft were both evident in his choice of stops during the tour. He was accompanied by Alison Weller, managing director of show organizer F&E Aerospace. Proceeding to the static display, the entourage stopped first to meet the members of Al Fursan, the UAE Air Force flight demonstration team. They gathered around one of the Aermacchi MB339s that the team flies. Sheikh Mohammed and the entourage also examined the UAE Air Force C-17A Globemaster, the Bell V-22 Osprey Tilt Rotor, the Sikorsky UH60M Black Hawk and Saab 2000 operated by the Pakistan Air Force, flydubai’s Boeing 737 and Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. After a stop at Bombardier’s chalet, the royal entourage entered the exhibit hall where they were greeted by a delegation that included Randy Babbitt,

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4 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

Dubai Airshow News is a publication of The Convention News Co., Inc., 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432; Tel.: (201) 444-5075. Copyright © 2011. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of The Convention News Co., Inc. is strictly prohibited. The Convention News Co., Inc. also publishes Aviation International News, AINalerts, AIN Defense Perspective, AIN Air Transport Perspective, AINmx Reports, Business Jet Traveler, ABACE Convention News, EBACE Convention News, HAI Convention News, MEBA Convention News, NBAA Convention News, Dubai Airshow News, Paris Airshow News, Singapore Airshow News. Printed in Dubai by Emirates Printing Press Computer Services: Smart AV, Dubai.

Gulfstream reliability is vital to customers in Middle East

it will conduct a regional operators’ forum today to provide updates and technical presentations on maintenance and operational subjects relevant to Gulfstream operators. Meanwhile, Gulfstream’s largest, longest range offering, the G650, which is capable of traveling 7,000 nm at Mach 0.85, is expected to receive provisional type certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration by the end of this year and full certification early next year. Deliveries will commence in second quarter 2012, Flynn said, as promised when the program was unveiled in 2008. As of November 3, the four aircraft in flight test had accumulated 2,241 hours on 678 flights. Fourteen aircraft are at various stages of production. Half of G650 orders are from outside the U.S., but the company does not break down international orders by region. Mid-size cabin jets are selling better

by James Wynbrandt reliability of the airplane and the support of the airplane. They’re buying an airplane manufactured far from here. So having [authorized service provider] Jet Aviation here in Dubai, a big inventory

Gulfstream Center Wins Saudi Maintenance Approval MARK WAGNER

Larry Flynn, president of Gulfstream Aerospace, said at a press briefing here yesterday that the Middle East remains a growing market for its business jets and that political turmoil of the Arab Spring has “not had as much impact as we expected.” Noting that “business aviation is perceived more and more as a business tool” in the Middle East, Flynn said, “At the end of the day folks have to get around and conduct their business, and not all of it is in the Middle East.” As a result, Gulfstream’s long-range, large-cabin products–the G450, G550 and soon-to-be-certified G650–continue to find favor in the region, where the OEM already claims the bulk of this market segment. The U.S. airframer says its share of Middle East large-cabin business jet sales exceeds 40 percent. Gulfstream’s sales are now predominantly international, with about 70 percent of recent orders coming from outside the U.S. A decade ago, the Middle East accounted for 7 percent of the 1,000 Gulfstreams in operation. Today the number of Gulfstreams flying has grown to 2,000, with this region accounting for 8 percent of that total. (The company does not disclose regional sales by specific country.) Asked what drives the purchasing decisions of customers in the Middle East, Flynn said, “They’re focused on the

than expected, with the super-midsize G280 garnering “big interest” in the region, according to Flynn. As previously announced, final performance figures for the G280 have been increased from the original specifications. This includes a 200-nm increase in range. Following extensive flighttesting, Gulfstream said it had demonstrated a 3,600-nm NBAA IFR range with four passengers at Mach 0.80. Balanced field length–the shortest runway length complying with safety regulations–has been reduced from 4,960 feet (1,512 meters) to 4,750 feet (1,448 meters), an improvement of 1,300 feet compared to its predecessor G200. The G280 is conducting final activities required to receive type certification from the U.S. FAA, European Aviation Safety Agency and Civil Aviation Authority of Israel. It is expected to enter service in late second quarter 2012. o

Larry Flynn, president of Gulfstream Aerospace, said unrest in the Middle East has had less impact than expected on sales. He cited the increased support in the region as a contributor to Gulfstream’s success.

of parts and field reps makes a big difference to them.” Jet Aviation also has Gulfstream authorized service facilities in Jeddah and Riyadh. At the airshow Gulfstream has its G150 and large-cabin G450 and G550 business jets on static display, and

The Gulfstream service center in Appleton, Wisconsin, recently earned an approved maintenance organization designation from the Saudi Arabia General Authority of Aviation (GACA). With this authorization, GACA-registered aircraft can undergo maintenance, repairs, alterations and inspections at the facility. The Appleton facility joins the Gulfstream Savannah Service Center in the U.S. and the Gulfstream Luton Service Center in the UK as GACA-authorized facilities. The Luton center recently was relocated to a larger 75,000-sq-ft hangar at London Luton Airport. Aircraft covered by the Gulfstream Appleton certificate include all Gulfstream aircraft; the Bombardier Challenger 600 series and Global Express aircraft; the Dassault Falcon 50, 900 and 2000 series; and the Hawker Beechcraft 800, 850XP and 700 models. “Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East in general, is a strong market for Gulfstream,” said Mark Burns, Gulfstream president product support. “Appleton has already delivered an aircraft to Saudi operators since earning this designation.” –J.W.

Re-engined E-Jets on the table as Embraer talks with airlines MARK WAGNER

by Gregory Polek

Left to right: Honeywell v-p Juan Picon and Brig. Gen. (ret) Hassan Yousuf, CEO of GAL.

honeywell inks two uae distribution deals Honeywell has signed distribution agreements with Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) of Abu Dhabi and Transworld Aviation of Dubai to quicken response times on orders from Honeywell customers. GAL (Stand W170) provides maintenance and repair of aircraft and engines, manning, logistics, training, aircraft control, spare parts sales, aircraft trading and other services for operators in the UAE. “We are pleased to partner with Honeywell in the UAE,” said Brig. Gen. (ret) Hassan Yousuf, CEO of GAL. “Through our close proximity and strong relationship with UAE military operators, such as the Presidential Guard, we can meet the requests of Honeywell’s UAE customers and ensure that we fulfill all their operational needs.”

Transworld Aviation (Stand C610), based in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, provides spares, parts and maintenance provisioning for Middle Eastern and African (MEA) defense customers and commercial helicopter operators (excluding UAE). “As one of the region’s largest aviation distributors, we are delighted to be partnering with Honeywell in MEA,” said Abdulla Sulaimani, chairman of Transworld Aviation. “This distribution agreement will enable Honeywell to shorten lead times on component orders and reduce turnaround times for repairs, ensuring customer order requests and queries are dealt with in a timely manner.” –B.C.

Embraer expects to finish discussions with prospective customers about a powerplant choice for a re-engined version of its popular E-Jets in around two months’ time. According to Embraer executive vice president for the airline market Paulo Cesar de Souza e Silva, it expects to choose between CFM International, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce as the sole supplier roughly a year later. The re-engined airplanes, which are expected to reach the market in 2018, would offer double-digit improvements in fuel burn and operating costs. “Everything is under assessment,” Silva told AIN. This includes a proposal to increase the seating capacity of the E195–the largest airplane in Embraer’s stable–by some 10 seats. The re-engined airplanes would also likely feature a new wing and a landing gear change to accommodate larger fan diameters. “There’s nothing definite yet,” said Silva, “but we’re open to all possibilities.”

However, Silva stressed a desire to maintain as much commonality with today’s E-Jet line as possible, mainly due to the fact that the re-engined airplanes will draw much of their demand from the 60 operators in 40 countries the company counts as loyal customers. Meanwhile, the Brazilian company continues working on improvements to its existing E170, E175, E190 and E195 aircraft, including a new health management system and aerodynamics mods such as larger winglets that Silva said he expected would generate a 3-percent fuel-burn improvement over current standards. Silva said the company aims to continue its strategy of offering an avenue to “right sizing” for operators of larger narrowbodies such as the A320 family and Boeing 737. “The advantage of the E-Jets is their very efficient trip costs,” noted Silva. “If Airbus and Boeing cut fuel burn, we need to do the same.” o

www.ainonline.com • November 14, 2011 • Dubai Airshow News 5

by David Donald Lockheed Martin’s Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system successfully undertook a sophisticated “two versus two” trial-firing last month, and the air defense system has just completed a final review regarding the possible sale to the United Arab Emirates, which could be announced imminently. THAAD has been on the table for the UAE since discussions began in 2007 between the UAE Air Force and Air Defense (AFAD), U.S. Central Command, U.S. Missile Defense Agency, and contractors

Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. These talks focused on providing an integrated air defense system for the Emirates in the light of increased threats in the region. The first tangible product was an order for the Raytheon-led Patriot PAC-3 system. Lockheed Martin supplies the PAC-3 interceptors, but PAC-3 can also fire the Raytheon PAC-2 GEM-T missile, and the first test rounds were delivered this year. The UAE has nine fire units (batteries) on order. Lockheed Martin leads the THAAD effort, and the UAE was the first export customer

MEADS Over-the-Shoulder Test This Week This week Lockheed Martin will conduct a launcher characterization firing of a PAC-3 MSE interceptor at the White Sands range in New Mexico. Although it will not go up against a target, it will be the first “over-the-shoulder” firing to test the missile’s envelope. PAC-3 MSE is the interceptor vehicle for the MEADS (medium-altitude extended air defense system). Last week the MEADS system underwent a successful simulated engagement against realworld air and simulated missile threats. –D.D.

UAE may be a customer for future Osprey exports by Bill Carey With production of the V-22 Osprey under its present, multiyear contract nearing conclusion, and the extent of a second multi-year procurement uncertain, the Bell-Boeing industry team and its main customer, the U.S. Marine Corps, have brought the tiltrotor to Dubai for the first time ever to extol its virtues to potential Middle Eastern customers. The V-22 on show this week is operated by the Marines and Air Force Special Operations Command, and is getting good exposure. Among the visitors inquiring about the aircraft Sunday was HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, who stopped at the Osprey during his opening-day Royal Tour. At a press conference later in the day, Bell and Boeing executives declined to identify prospects in the region, but said the Middle East holds promise for the Osprey. “If we were

to handicap it, we would say the first opportunity would come from the Middle East, in terms of an international customer,”

interceptors and radars. With a high threat of theater ballistic missile attacks in the region, there is significant interest in upgraded Patriot and THAAD systems. Kuwait and Qatar have both reported interest in the latter. As well as anticipating finalization of the THAAD contract, Lockheed Martin is awaiting the outcome of another UAE decision concerning an air defense

battle management system, for which the company is competing against ThalesRaytheonSystems. Both competitors are demonstrating their systems to the UAE this week. The air operations center will integrate the operations of all air defense assets, to include PAC-3 and THAAD, and could grow to form the basis of a much wider C4I (command, control, communications, computers and intelligence) infrastructure. o

said John Garrison, Bell Helicopter president and CEO. The international market is key for the V-22, which has been named as one of the programs vulnerable to pending, deep cuts in U.S. defense spending. The Osprey is in the third year of a five-year multi-year 1 (MYP1) contract for 174 aircraft, with production expected to run to

2014. In August the industry team submitted its proposal for a second multi-year procurement for 122 aircraft that would extend production through 2019. A contract award is expected in December 2012. The V-22 program of record calls for 360 aircraft for the Marines, 50 for the Special Operations Command and 48–currently

an unfunded requirement–for the Navy. There have been 157 aircraft fielded to date. Asked about possible restructuring of the MYP2 procurement, Marine Col. Greg Masiello, V-22 joint program manager, said, “Obviously, like many other people, we’re closely watching the [U.S.] defense budget to see if there are any ramifications or any changes that we need to do. There isn’t any doubt from our standpoint that we are in pursuit of a second multi-year [procurement], and the reason is that the aircraft is extremely strong in production and it’s extremely strong in its performance in the field. We’re going to pursue it; we’re not backing away from a multi-year in any way.” Garrison pitched the V-22 as an ideal solution for the Middle East not only as a military asset, but also for humanitarian missions. “There are three or four missions that customers have talked to the Marines about,” including search-andrescue, emergency medical service and special operations, he said. “When you just look at the terrain and the ground they need to cover [in the Middle East], this aircraft is the perfect solution for them.” o

6 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

The Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor appears here in Dubai on its first ever Middle East sales tour. The UAE has expressed interest.

DAVID McINTOSH

UAE THAAD deal close to the finish line

A THAAD interceptor is fired during the October 5 doubleengagement trial undertaken on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The system was operated by soldiers from Alpha Battery of the 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, at Fort Bliss, Texas.

to be cleared to receive the system. THAAD has completed 12 successful flight tests, nine of which involved target engagements. The latest test, FTT-12, was undertaken on October 5 at the Pacific Missile Test Range at Barking Sands, Hawaii. Two interceptors were launched successfully against two targets in a near-simultaneous engagement. The FTT-12 firings were conducted by U.S. Army soldiers from the service’s first THAAD battery rather than by contractor personnel. One of the missile targets was launched after being airdropped from the rear ramp of an airborne Boeing C-17 transport, while the other target was fired from a seaborne platform. Further tests are planned for late next year, and could involve a large interoperable scenario. The UAE has been a participant in the THAAD flight tests. Currently the U.S. Army has fielded two THAAD batteries, with a third to stand up next year. Lockheed Martin is contracted for four, although the outlined requirement is for nine. The UAE’s opening request covered three fire units, but the initial requirement has been reduced to two, along with a corresponding reduction in

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Adcom’s radical new UAV reigns as a show favorite

Airbus Corporate Jets boasts that for the past eight years it has bested its direct rival, Boeing, in business jet sales.

Arguably the most impressive new design on display at Dubai is Adcom Systems’ latest unmanned air vehicle, the United 40. Based in Abu Dhabi, the company has forged a reputation for taking innovative approaches to UAV and aerial target design, and the United 40 does not disappoint due to its tandem-wing layout and dramatic S-shaped fuselage. The tandem-wing UAV concept that has resulted in the United 40 has been in research and development for about four years. In its formative years it was given development designations in the X range, but later became known as the Shaheen. It has recently received its new name to honor of the 40th anniversary of the creation of the United Arab Emirates. Flight trials with scale models of tandem-wing designs began around two years ago, the models increasing in size and complexity. The final test vehicle was powered by two small tractor engines mounted on the rear wing, and had a span of six meters. Armed with results from these flight tests, Adcom has now built the full-scale aircraft, and it is intended to fly in the next few weeks. A tandem wing was selected for a number of reasons. Most importantly it is very forgiving in terms of centerof-gravity limits, while it also reduces ground footprint. The incidence of the front wing can be altered to provide pitch control and trim. The wings themselves offer very high lift, resulting in an extraordinary glide ratio of 1:43. Span is 57 feet 6 inches and the lifting area of the

wing is 262 sq ft. Climb performance is expected to be excellent, based on data from the scalemodel trials. Takeoff/landing speed could be as low as 33 mph, and the vehicle has an expected ceiling of more than 23,000 feet. Maximum takeoff weight is around 2,205 pounds, and up to 211 U.S. gallons of fuel can be carried giving a long endurance. Of that total 63.4 U.S. gallons is held in the wings. Payloads can be carried externally under the fuselage, in an internal bay, or in up to four under-wing pods. Another unusual feature of the United 40 is its hybrid powerplant, which comprises a primary 120-hp Rotax 914UL engine driving a pusher propeller in the tail, augmented for takeoff and climbout by an 80-hp electric motor mounted further forward. Yabhon-Namrod UAV Warhead

Displayed alongside the United 40 is a new weapon intended for use with the UAV. The Yabhon-Namrod has been designed by Adcom to be carried internally on an eight-round rotary launcher. It has a straight wing that swivels into position on launch, and a small jet engine that can power the weapon to around 620 mph over a range of around 37 miles. Yabhon-Namrod weighs about 66 pounds. The warhead is based on that of a standard 100mm artillery round. A range of guidance methods could be employed, including infrared and laser, as well as GPS/inertial. o

MARK WAGNER

by David Donald

Airbus Corporate Jets president challenges a new cast of rivals by Thierry Dubois Airbus Corporate Jets has restructured as a new Airbus integrated business unit, incoming ACJ president Habib Fekih told journalists here at the Dubai Air Show on Sunday. Two ACJs are on display at the show–an Al Jaber Aviation ACJ318 and a Comlux ACJ320. “We have been selling more corporate jets than Boeing for eight years, so we have now a new benchmark–large business jet manufacturers Dassault, Bombardier and Gulfstream,” François Chazelle, v-p for worldwide sales, told AIN. He admitted ACJs may not have the range or speed of a purpose-built business jet but boasted of his aircraft’s cabin space and comfort. “Our competitors are offering larger and larger jets, with some prices well into the $60- to $70 million bracket,” Chazelle pointed out. The list price for an ACJ318 is $65 million. Under the new scheme, commercial, program and support activities are regrouped into a single unit. It will also

DAVID McINTOSH

dPAVES system nets big order from Air Arabia

Adcom’s United 40 UAV is here in full-size mockup form, top, shown with the Yabhon-Namrod warhead. The most recent scale test vehicle to fly, above, has a pair of small engines and a wingspan of six meters.

8 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

Air Arabia has selected the Rockwell Collins dPAVES in-flight entertainment (IFE) system for 44 Airbus A320 aircraft, becoming the first airline in the Middle East to order the system. dPAVES, now in its second generation, centers on a high-definition media server with 160 gigabytes of solid-state digital audio and video storage capacity. It has integrated prerecorded announcements and music (PRAM) functionality and embedded “Airshow” moving map. The system allows users to handle updates themselves via the Rockwell Collins Content Services Group. The PAVES family of IFE systems is installed on more than 1,600 single-aisle

have a direct link to subsidiary Airbus Corporate Jet Centre, the Toulouse-based ACJ cabin outfitter. Therefore, Airbus will be able to make complete offerings, including completion, just as Dassault and other corporate jet manufacturers do. Fekih expects the better integration of engineering, for example, will help tweak Airbus designs to meet VIP customers’ requirements. He hinted at an increased ceiling, over the current 41,000 feet, to better align ACJs with purpose-built business jet performance. Asked about last week’s announcement that production of the A340 is to end, Fekih said some will probably be retrofitted into VIP aircraft. “The A340, as a quad [four-engine aircraft], has some attractiveness on certain market segments,” he explained. Some A340-200s and -300s are undergoing VIP outfitting now and Airbus sees -500s/600s becoming VIP jets, too, in the future. o commercial aircraft. Here at the Dubai Air Show the company is displaying a wide range of its product capabilities on its stand (E350), including the PAVES 3 IFE system, which offers customizable cabin configurations for single-aisle aircraft. Rockwell Collins is also displaying the latest iteration of its Pro Line Fusion, the company’s flagship integrated avionics system, used on many commercial aircraft and also to be fitted to the KC-390 military tanker-transport. The latest Pro Line Fusion is particularly aimed at turboprop and light jet applications, featuring touch-screen primary flight displays and head-up synthetic vision. “The Middle East is a key growth market for Rockwell Collins on both the commercial and government sides of our business,” said Claude Auber, vice president and managing director EMEA. The company recently established a regional headquarters in Dubai, and has opened a UAE office in Abu Dhabi. –I.S.

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CFM. always exCeeding our proMises.

CFM* customers are used to pleasant surprises. Our history proves we not only keep our word, we deliver way beyond it. Building our customers’ trust. Building our customers’ profits. With better than expected technology upgrades, engine reliability, maintenance cost reduction, time on wing performance and strong asset values. The list is nearly as long as the life of one of our engines. Visit www.cfm56.com and see why, when we make promises, they don’t melt away. CFM, CFM56 and the CFM logo are all trademarks of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran Group) and GE.

Air France KLM touts MRO, VIP cabin skills by Thierry Dubois Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), the main-

tenance branch of the airline group, is here at the Dubai Air Show (Stand W420) promoting

AMES, its local joint venture with nacelle manufacturer Aircelle, as well as the services it offers in engine and component repair and VIP cabin completion. The Middle East and Africa account for 25 percent of the company’s revenues, and this income, for the region alone, has increased by 25 percent in 2011 over 2010. According to senior vice Air France-KLM’s joint venture with Aircelle–AMES–is performing engine nacelle maintenance, repair and overhaul work in Jebel Ali.

president commercial Fabrice Defrance, AMES provides local customers–including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines–with convenient proximity for nacelle repair service. “We hope to add Etihad,” Defrance said. The nacelle maintenance facility is located in the Jebel Ali free zone near the location of Dubai’s a-building Al Maktoum International Airport. “AFI KLM E&M has not had many joint ventures with OEMs, but this time we determined that it made sense,” Defrance told AIN. AMES provides support for nacelles RollsRoyce’s Trent family, General Electric’s GE90 and CFM International’s CFM56-5 and -7. The first two types are those expected to generate most activity, since relatively few narrowbodies (the kind of aircraft that CFM56s power) operate in the region. More generally, AMES’s growth is expected to be very gradual. “Today’s nacelles are more reliable than those that entered service ten years ago,” Defrance said, adding that, generally speaking, the Middle East airliner fleet is relatively young compared with those of other parts of the world. The company’s workshops were opened in March 2010, and engineers started training with Air France subcontracted work. The first delivery for an AMES customer (an overhauled thrust reverser) occurred in August 2010. Today, AMES employs about 15 people. Most of the MRO work for the engines themselves is done in Paris and Amsterdam (respectively, the main bases of Air France and KLM). Middle Eastern and African customers include Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian. The company offers maintenance, repair and overhaul for CFM56s, GE90s and General Electric CF6-80E1s. Component work, too, currently is mainly performed in Europe. Customers include

12 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

Continued on page 16 u

www.newairplane.com/737/737Max

Max EfďŹ ciency Max Reliability Max Passenger Appeal New Engines. Optimized Design.

CFM modernizes line to ramp-up production CFM International is ramping up the production of its CFM56 turbofan engines, driven by a record backlog and helped by new production methods. In

2010, the GE-Snecma joint venture signed 1,584 orders, and its current backlog now stands at a record 7,000-plus engines. “This does not take into account the

order intents Boeing has received for its re-engined 737 Max,” CEO Jean-Paul Ebanga told AIN. Last year’s 1,268 deliveries are set to be surpassed this year, Ebanga said. “We will probably deliver 100 or so more engines in 2012 compared to 2011,” he said. The new production methods include shortening the production cycle at Snecma’s Villaroche

factory, near Paris. To do this, the company started new “pulse lines,” a process whereby an engine is no longer assembled on a fixed station. Rather, it progresses through five stations, and at regular “takt times” (cycle times), it is moved to the next station. As a result of that innovation, it now takes just seven hours (instead of 11) to put an engine

together. One important change was adopting the practice of dealing with problems, such as a missing part, a quality issue and so forth, as soon as they arise. The company said 500 out of the 650 staff working on the lines were involved in devising the new way of manufacturing the engine. Snecma also has improved the working environment in several ways, including by installing better lighting and reducing the need to handle heavy objects, for instance. The company also revealed that the -1A (Airbus A320neo) and -1C (Comac C919) variants of the Leap-X family will enter service in 2016, followed by the -1B for the new Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody in 2017. –T.D.

Air France KLM touts MRO, VIP uContinued from page 12

Turbine power with a twist.

What’s the twist? It’s not the luxurious interior or the state-of-the-art avionics suite, those are expected. It’s not even the undeniable ramp appeal or airstair door entrance, though certainly a bonus. It’s the value. With a normal cruise fuel burn of just 37 gph the Piper Meridian is the most fuel efﬁcient six-place turboprop available today – 30% more efﬁcient to be exact. The cost of this value? About one million dollars less than its closest competitor. I’ll take the turbine with the value twist, please.

16 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

Saudia Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Middle East Airlines and Emirates. Air France is looking for ways to have some engine and component repair done in the region, a goal that could be fulfilled by establishing Saudia Airlines as an industrial partner, but there are other options in the region, such as the Mubadala group’s MRO subsidiary Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies, which already has an engine MRO alliance with General Electric and Engine Alliance. Another product line AFI KLM E&M is endeavoring to develop is small but lucrative VIP cabin installations. “We have installed about 10 VIP cabins in Airbuses of various types,” Defrance said. In addition, the company has sold and installed several examples of a quickchange kit it introduced last year. Available for Boeing and Airbus airliners, the conversion kit enables, for example, a carrier to temporarily upgrade a section of the cabin to a VIP standard so it can be chartered out for government or head-of-state service. But the company is still seeking full-green completion projects for Boeing Business Jets and Airbus ACJs. It is a Boeing-authorized completion center for BBJs so that relationship is strong, but the situation is more tenuous with the ACJs as obtaining an equivalent status from Airbus takes a long time. AFI KLM E&M employs more than 100 in its aircraft modification business unit. o

Bell Helicopter sees promise for armed 407AH and 429 by Bill Carey the program. The flight characteristics and the handling are outstanding.” Garrison said the 407AH has some similarities, but also “some unique differences,” with the IA-407 being supplied to Iraq through a foreign military sale. Bell has delivered all 24 of the helicopters ordered to the U.S. Army. The 407 platform also is positioned to replace the current MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft, based on the smaller Sikorsky-Schweizer 333 helicopter. Northrop Grumman has proposed the Fire-X system based on the Bell aircraft, which will be designated MQ-8C. The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command has recommended 28 MQ8Cs be procured to meet an urgent operational requirement by the Special Operations Command. Garrison pointed out that the aircraft has flown more than 50 hours. o

DAVID McINTOSH PHOTOS

Bell Helicopter Textron has high hopes that three aircraft making their Dubai Air Show debuts–the Bell 407AH and 429, and Bell Boeing V-22 tiltrotor– will soon find permanent homes in the Middle East. The 407AH is Bell’s first commercially qualified armed helicopter and served as the basis for the U.S. Army’s armed reconnaissance helicopter program, which was cancelled in 2008. The new aircraft, unveiled last March, has attracted a lot of interest after being shown earlier this year in Brunei. Here in Dubai, the 407AH is on display with the 429 light twin developed with Korea Aerospace Industries (Static A72/73). John Garrison, Bell president and CEO, emphasized the handling qualities and versatility of the single-engine helicopter, which comes equipped with a baseline law-enforcement package that can be customized with multiple weapon configurations, including minigun and rocket pods. “The thing about the 407 that people respect is the flight capability, maneuverability and speed,” he told AIN. “We really do sell the versatility of 2011 POWERLINE Dubai_Dubai 2011 10/31/11

Bell Helicopter Textron is here at the Dubai Air Show with its 407AH armed reconnaissance model, top, as well as its civil 429, below. The 407AH can be customized with mutiple weapons packages, including minigun 11:57 AM aPage 1 and rocket pods.

Powerline Detection Avoid, don’t cut.

Visit us at Dubai – Booth E710

www.ainonline.com • November 14, 2011 • Dubai Airshow News 17

R-R and P&W join forces with mid-size engine venture by Julian Moxon different outlooks now agree on a common long-term strategy covering a market estimated at 45,000 engines. Rolls-Royce has always rejected Pratt & Whitney’s favored geared turbofans for the mid-size engine market. “Gearing the turbofan produces no improvement on an advanced turbofan,” its head of strategic marketing, Robert Nuttal, said at the 2010 Farnborough airshow. The future, he added, lies not in re-engining but in an allnew engine that is “fully integrated” with the airframe. As part of that, he pointed to the company’s considerable R&D commitment to providing a “step change” in technology for future mid-sized aircraft, by

MARK PHELPS PHOTOS

The announcement of the new joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney was hardly a statement of marriage, but the vows made by the two aeroengine giants on October 12 nevertheless marked the securing of their long-term future in the huge market for mid-sized aero-engines up to 2030. The deal provides for future joint development of engines to power the forthcoming replacements for the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 and aircraft up to the size of the Boeing 757. It also includes the sale of Rolls-Royce’s stake in International Aero Engines (IAE), at once providing a useful $1.5 billion

Though it hardly qualifies as a corporate “marriage,” the joint venture between Pratt & Whitney, top, and Rolls-Royce could mean a long-term union. The pair will combine forces to develop mid-size aero-engines, such as those to power replacements for the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737.

payment from P&W for R-R’s share in the venture. Long-term support of the V2500 engine for existing operators is now covered, and Rolls-Royce receives an agreed payment for each hour flown by the current installed fleet of V2500-powered aircraft for 15 years from completion of the transaction. “Elegant” is the word Mark King, Rolls-Royce’s president civil aerospace, used to describe the arrangement. The question remains, however, as to how two companies that previously had very

which he meant “open-rotor” powerplants. At the same airshow, P&W’s geared turbofan guru Bob Saia, vice president for next generation product family, rejected the open-rotor solution being pursued by Rolls-Royce. “We believe we can get better fuel efficiency than open rotors with our engine by leveraging the technology we already have,” he told AIN. The wording of last month’s announcement demonstrates how things have changed. “This new joint venture will focus on high-bypass-ratio geared turbofan

18 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

technology. In addition, the venture will collaborate on future studies for nextgeneration propulsion systems, including advanced geared engines, open rotor technology and other advanced configurations.” In other words, Rolls-Royce now embraces a future geared fan engine, while P&W has opened the door to open rotors. Nuttal said what he really meant was that gears “do work at certain bypass ratios.” The rejection of geared turbofans for the current generation of aircraft was, he told AIN, because there was “no business case” for an engine of the GTF’s 12:1 bypass ratio. At the higher 20:1 bypass ratio of a future engine, however, gears begin to make sense to drive the bigger fan. “The physics of geared turbofans changes at higher bypass ratios because the weight reduction in the low-pressure turbine offsets the increased weight of the gears,” Nuttal said. Gears will also be essential to any open-rotor engine to drive its complex, contrarotating, variable-pitch rotors. P&W’s geared turbofan work has won the company a huge amount of gearbox knowhow, but R-R also has considerable experience through its large turboprop programs. The joint venture also brings P&W’s United Technologies co-subsidiary, propeller blade specialist Hamilton Sundstrand, to the table.

development of the V2500, Nuttal said, “The future of the engine is up to Pratt & Whitney. The main thing is we’ve provided a seamless transition for existing customers. We are very keen to help ensure the V2500 continues its long and successful career.” For the aero-engine industry, as well as for Boeing and Airbus, the joint-venture announcement was momentous, setting the agenda for Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney’s approach to the mid-sized engine market for the next 40 years or more (CFM celebrates its 40th in 2014). But the story does not end here. The risks of developing an all-new engine and, in this case, one that might have a totally different configuration from that of existing powerplants, are huge. Such programs require a lot of trust, understanding and flexibility on both sides– elements that both parties will have to preserve if the venture is to succeed. o

Win-Win Solution

Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support will make available factory-completed Hawker 400XPR and 800XPR business jets, the company has announced here in Dubai. Through the program, the U.S. manufacturer plans to help customers locate and buy airframes for installation of XPR program updates and any other customer-specific options. Consequently, customers who do not currently own a Hawker 400 or 800 can easily acquire a completed XPR with full factory warranty and support. The Hawker 400XPR offers improved range and airfield performance, while reducing noise footprint and emissions by replacing their existing Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines with new Williams International FJ44-4A-32 dual FADEC (full-authority digital engine control), high-bypass turbofans. The upgrade also includes installation of winglets and an optional modernized flight deck. Capable of producing 5,000 pounds of thrust but flat-rated at 4,600 pounds, the Hawker 800XPR’s new TFE731-50R turbofans create a robust interstage turbine temperature margin that translates into improved reliability and performance. Through the incorporation of 70 design and material improvements, the TFE731-50R delivers a 7-percent reduction in specific fuel consumption while increasing maintenance intervals. Separately, Hawker Beechcraft GCS plans to increase Hawker 400XPR scheduled production rates following a sellout of previously planned production. The company expects to gain certification of the new Williams engines and Hawker winglets for the mods at the end of June 2012. –G.P.

It seems to be a win-win solution for all parties. By joining with P&W, Rolls has pulled off a brilliant coup, ensuring it has access to all three potential solutions to power the forthcoming all-new generation of narrowbody aircraft, whatever their configuration: conventional two- and three-shaft turbofans, through its Advance 2 and 3 R&D programs, as well as geared turbofans and open rotors. For its part, P&W has gained control over IAE, enabling it to offer a “unified approach” to the pursuit of all future A320 and A320neo orders, and the U.S. company gains access to the major effort Rolls-Royce is putting in to open rotors. On the surface, the deal, which caught the industry by surprise, appears to have wrong-footed arch-competitor CFM International. The hugely successful GE/ Snecma partnership has captured a significant slice of both A320 and A320neo orders, capitalizing on its ability to offer airlines engine “packages” for both aircraft. Having digested the news, however, CFM’s sales teams will shed few tears, the company’s LEAP engines having sold well on the A320 and A320neo and continued its monopoly on the Boeing 737 MAX. CFM is also heavily involved in a number of open-rotor R&D programs. Rolls-Royce will have no involvement in the current PW1000 series of geared turbofans, apart from minor investment in ongoing development. The early success of the GTF concept in finding a home on the A320 (which some observers believe took R-R by surprise) points to possible development of a second generation of geared turbofan engines that would include the UK company. Asked about the potential for further

HBC delivering factory-backed XPR retrofits for Hawker 400, 800

Raytheon offers ISR expertise for MENA

The Bombardier business jet fleet in the Middle East includes 13 Globals, joined by 47 Challengers and 13 Learjets.

Raytheon has come to Dubai to press the case for its special-mission aircraft expertise in a region where the company sees a healthy market for airborne ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance). It can supply a wide range of sensors from its own stable, such as the AVES EO/IR system and SeaVue radar for maritime applications, but also has the capability to fully integrate mission equipment from other manufacturers. The U.S. company’s portfolio includes datalinks and satcoms, exploitation systems and the ability to pull together expertise from across the company to build C4I

they were transferred to the RAF’s No. 14 Squadron, having been part of No. 5 Squadron. Raytheon was also the prime on No. 5 Squadron’s Sentinel aircraft, based on the Bombardier Global Express business jet and featuring a Raytheon dualmode radar for SAR/GMTI. Raytheon’s director for international business development in the ISR field, Bob Bushnell, sees a good market for this class of platform. “From up at 45,000 feet,” he said, “you can see a long way, and remove a lot of the problems you get with mountains blocking the view.” The company is already a

Raytheon has much to offer to meet reconnaissance needs in the region.

infrastructures. The organic ability to provide mission equipment has been enhanced by the recent acquisition of Applied Signals Technology, which specializes in signals intelligence. Although Raytheon’s technology is platform-agnostic, the most common special-mission aircraft is Hawker Beechcraft’s King Air. Raytheon (Stand E350) acted as prime contractor for the provision of four ISR-equipped King Air 350s to the UK’s Royal Air Force. Known in service as the “Shadow,” the King Airs were procured under an urgent operational requirement. Last month

major supplier of sensors and systems to the Predator, Reaper and Global Hawk and there are also growing opportunities in the unmanned market. Raytheon is now actively pursuing a number of contracts in the Middle East and North Africa for sensors and radars, and is also seeking to export signals intelligence systems. The company is hoping that its endto-end capability and long experience in the ISR field will be decisive. “We have proven programs, and happy customers,” said Bushnell. “Our programs stand on their own merit.” o

Cessna regards Saudi Arabia with optimism by Thierry Dubois There is still plenty of growth potential in the Middle East business aviation market, according to Cessna (Static Display P4), which has singled out Saudi Arabia as the country most likely to lead a resurgence in demand. According to Mark Paolucci, Cessna’s senior vice president for sales, two of the new additions to the

Bombardier support team has Middle East in focus by Matt Thurber After a period that has seen rapid growth of its fleet in the Middle East, Bombardier Aerospace is emphasizing at the Dubai Air Show this week the support that its Business Aircraft division is providing for local owners and operators of Global, Challenger and Learjet aircraft. “Our focus will clearly be our business aircraft portfolio, which has been extremely successful in this area,” said Eric Martel, appointed in August as president of Bombardier Customer Services and Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft. Bombardier’s Middle East business jet fleet now totals 73 aircraft, including 47 Challengers, 13 Globals and 13 Learjets. Martel said that just over a year ago Bombardier opened a regional support office in Dubai, and now that office is home to a customer-support liaison pilot, a customer-support account manager, two field service representatives and a regional support office manager. In addition, it has a parts depot in Dubai, and earlier this year established two authorized service facilities (ASFs)–one in Turkey and another in Jordan.

Citation line–the Latitude and the Ten– are particularly well suited to owners and operators the region. While acknowledging that the global recession has negatively impacted the Middle East, the region’s economies remain “fundamentally strong,” Paolucci said ahead of the Dubai Air Show. Morocco is the only other country that the U.S. manufacturer specifically mentioned as showing “good potential.” It also said governments and individuals (as opposed to corporations) form the majority of its customers in the Middle East. Cessna operates an authorized Citation service center in the Saudi city of Riyadh and plans to open another soon in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

“We’ve been quite busy in the last couple of years making sure that this area is going to be well covered,” said Martel. The nearest Bombardier factory-owned service center is the Amsterdam facility, which opened a year-and-a-half ago. That facility has received temporary repair center certification

Eric Martel, president of Bombardier customer service, specialized aircraft.

from civil aviation authorities in the United Arab Emirates, and expects to be granted permanent authorization by the end of December. This will allow Amsterdam to offer maintenance services on UAE-registered aircraft. “We’re pleased with that,”

Looking at Cessna’s range of models, Paolucci said the mid-size Citation Ten should be very attractive to Middle East customers. Maximum range will be 3,245 nm, enabling it to fly nonstop from Riyadh to London. Projected top speed, 527 knots, is forecast to be even higher than that of its predecessor, the Citation X. Seating up to nine passengers and two pilots, the Ten is 15 inches longer than the original Citation X. This translates into extra passenger legroom in the forward club seating area. The new cabin also offers more storage. The Citation Ten program is said to be on track for first flight by year-end, while deliveries are slated to start in the second half of 2013. The aircraft’s list price

MARK WAGNER

by David Donald

he said, “because there’s a lot of traffic between Europe and the UAE and our Amsterdam facility is well positioned to be able to work on those airplanes.” Bombardier’s international strategy revolves around three hubs: North America, Asia and Europe/Middle East. This plan allows customers and Bombardier technical personnel to get help in their own time zone, no matter where they are located. It includes field representatives and parts depots, as well as ASFs and training facilities. Bombardier and CAE have added two new simulators, one each in Amsterdam and Dubai. Another recent move in the Middle East market is addition of Bombardier’s Parts Express service, which employs local charter operators to deliver critical parts on short notice. “If we have an AOG [aircraft on ground] and we need immediate service to support our customer, we’re going to fly in an airplane with the part,” said Martel. “We’ve flown [more than] 60 of those flights this year and we’ve extended it to the Middle East earlier this year.” Projections call for 1,200 new business aircraft to join the Middle East fleet during the coming 20 years. “We’re well positioned to capture a fair share of that,” he said. “That’s why it is key for us to partner with the right people, the right ASFs, [and] to have a parts depot that we’re going to definitely grow.” o

stands at $21.495 million. Further down in the Citation line, the $14.9 million 680A Latitude, with its spacious, flat-floor cabin, will become “a favorite with Middle East customers,” Paolucci predicted. At 77 inches, it is Cessna’s widest cabin ever, and it is six feet high. Standard cabin seating accommodates eight passengers in a single-club with a forward, dual side-facing couch. Positioned between the Citation XLS+ and Citation Sovereign in Cessna’s product line, the Citation Latitude offers a range of 2,000 nm, enabling it to fly nonstop from Dubai to Cairo, Egypt, against winds. First flight of the Citation Latitude prototype is expected in mid-2014, with entry into service in 2015. o

www.ainonline.com • November 14, 2011 • Dubai Airshow News 19

FRANK GEHRY

GLOBAL CREATIVITY Few creative artists become legends in their own time. Among the exceptions is architect Frank Gehry, whose freeform masterpieces mark the globe. Without overstatement, his buildings have become as renowned as the people, performers and collections within. As enduring as Gehry’s architectural legacy are the medical advancements made by the Hereditary Disease Foundation. His participation as a leading board member has helped the organization raise over fifty million dollars to support pioneering genetic research. In appreciation of Frank Gehry’s boundless creativity, Bombardier is proud to contribute to the Hereditary Disease Foundation.

Be Global. To learn more about the Hereditary Disease Foundation and to make a donation, visit www.IAmGlobal.Bombardier.com

I AM GLOBAL Introducing the new Bombardier Global aircraft family With inspired creativity, Bombardier engineers have crafted the Global aircraft cabin to make possible more comfortable configurations and incorporate more accommodating technologies. Intelligently purposed to balance productivity and leisure, every interior is carefully configured to each owner’s personal vision without compromise to the aircraft’s performance.

MORE ADVANCED

MORE COMFORT

MORE FREEDOM

BUSINESS AIRCRAFT Bombardier Aerospace, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Bldg. 5E-639, P.O. Box 371039, United Arab Emirates Phone: +9714-250-0181 Fax: +9714-250-0296 bombardier.dubai@aero.bombardier.com

MORE RESPONSIBLE

by Bernard J. Fitzsimons Like the key air transport sectors that it serves, Honeywell’s worldview is increasingly shifting eastward as markets in the Middle East and Asia continue to show strong growth. And the emphasis of the U.S. group’s technological development work remains focused on trying to ensure that traffic growth can be achieved without compromising safety.

Paolo Carmassi, president of Honeywell Aerospace Europe, Middle East, Africa and India.

“It used to be the case that 80 percent of customers, suppliers and manufacturers were in the United States. Aircraft were designed to fly U.S. coast-to-coast because that was 80 percent of what was needed,” said Paolo Carmassi, the company’s president for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India. In the last 10 years, however, the market has started to shift eastward at an unprecedented rate, presenting a range of challenges and opportunities. Honeywell aims to support this growth in various ways, including more efficient

auxiliary power units, wheels and brakes, and smarter avionics to enable customers to perform better. In India and Africa, in particular, the lack of infrastructure means that aircraft have to be smarter to maintain the same level of safety. “We have developed a number of upgrades– usually simple upgrades–to enable aircraft to overcome the deficiencies on the ground by giving pilots a new level of awareness,” Carmassi told AIN. One example is the SmartPath groundbased augmentation system, which improves the accuracy and integrity of GPS signals to the point where they can be used to provide approach guidance to as little as 200 feet above runways. The conventional instrument landing system requires separate installations for each end of each runway at an airport, but a single SmartPath, costing around the same $3 million, can support multiple approach paths to all the runways at an airport. Meanwhile, SmartLanding helps pilots to recognize when their airplane is too high or too fast for the length of the runway. On the ground, Honeywell’s SmartRunway helps pilots avoid runway incursions in poor visibility. Like SmartLanding, SmartRunway is a software upgrade to the enhanced ground proximity warning system that has contributed to a dramatic reduction in accidents resulting from controlled flight into terrain. Another Honeywell product that has proved very popular in the Middle East is the IntuVue weather radar. “Our latest

Abu Dhabi Aviation credits global expansion for success by Bill Carey Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) is convinced that its decision to expand globally, driven partly by local competition in the offshore oil and gas industry, is proving correct. The company now has contracts in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Spain, Pakistan, Eritrea, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Australia, India, Afghanistan and Indonesia, and more in the pipeline. With a fleet of 54 Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland helicopters as well as three DHC-8 turboprops, ADA (Stand C200) is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East. Headquartered at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the company supplies or manages helicopters in several markets, including medical evacuation, survey, photography and charter. But some 40 percent of its business is supporting the Abu Dhabi offshore oil and gas industry, working mainly for

Adma-Opco. In recent years, it has been challenged for that business by Falcon Aviation Services (FAS), based at Al Bateen Executive Airport. “We had a choice to either downsize

the company…or to start looking on a global level, which we’ve done over the last three years,” Khaled Mashhour, ADA marketing manager, told AIN. The company already had a global presence, he said, but not one based on long-term contracts. Then FAS, formed in 2006, presented competition in the oil sector. “I would say that instigated,” ADA’s growth strategy, he said, crediting the vision of the company’s chairman, H.E. Nadar Ahmed Mohammed Al Hamadi. The company has based four Bell

With its seating capacity of up to 16 passengers and 400 nm range, Agusta Westland’s AW139 is ideally suited to Abu Dhabi Aviation’s offshore oil support mission. The company has a fleet of 16.

22 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

DAVID McINTOSH

Honeywell looks East while innovating for safe growth

generation radar enables pilot to detect airlines commonly undertake. Carmassi significant weather from as far as 300 said another SESAR project that should miles away,” Carmassi said. “The weather help achieve that goal is the combined is visualized in 3-D. It’s not just a 2-D pic- vision system, which marries imagery ture where you can’t see what’s behind, so from an infrared camera with a synthetic the pilot has a better picture to identify view of the world outside generated from information in the terrain database. “The areas to be avoided.” Honeywell is also helping define database stops you getting lost, while the future air traffic management systems as part of the U.S. NextGen and European SESAR programs, and the technologies developed will ultimately find application further afield, not the least of which is a Gulf region badly in need of airspace modernization. For example, as part of SESAR, Honeywell is developing its SmartTraffic airborne separation assistance system (ASAS), an extension of the existing traffic alert and collision avoidance system that detects when other aircraft are too close and suggests evasive maneuvers. The ASAS system can detect aircraft within a 40-mile radius, meaning that separation between aircraft can be reduced where there is no radar coverage, and ATC can allow more aircraft to use their most efficient cruising altitudes. “SmartTraffic is an example of a product that we Honeywell’s combined vision system superimposes symbology and a believe reduces the time spent forward-looking infrared camera view on a database-derived synthetic in the air, the amount of fuel view of the world. burned and the impact on the environment,” said Carmassi. infrared camera shows that the runway Being able to complete the mission in is where it’s supposed to be and is free the most severe meteorological condi- of obstacles, enhancing the awareness of tions is particularly important at the end the pilot and allowing many more flights o of the sort of long-range flights that Gulf to be completed,” he said. 412s and two AgustaWestland AW139s in Saudi Arabia, where the company performs aeromedical services for the Saudi Red Crescent. That business could grow to 20 helicopters in the next five years, Mashhour said. Seven 212s are performing long-line operations in support of the mining industry in Australia and Papua New Guinea. And ADA alone among commercial operators is supporting the oil industry in Iraq, basing a Bell 412 in Basra. Over the past five years, ADA has expanded its fleet with 16 of the twinturbine AW139s, and the company is expected to announce a joint venture with manufacturer AgustaWestland here at the Dubai Air Show. With extended range of some 400 nm without refueling, and the capability to carry up to 15 passengers, the AW139 is increasingly in demand as oil producers move to deeper waters for drilling. Mashhour said ADA expects even more business from Adma-Opco, which has substantial expansion plans. It currently averages 200,000 takeoffs and landings a year, and transpors roughly 15,000 passengers and 162,000 kilograms of freight per month in support of offshore operations. o

Italians test three UAVs in bid for leadership role by Paolo Valpolini Leading Italian exhibitors here at the Dubai Air Show are demonstrating the company’s increasing capability in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. This follows a recent European first when three different models of UAV–the Alenia Aeronautica Sky-Y MALE-class UAV, Selex Galileo Falco MAME UAV and Nimbus C-Fly low-flying UAV–flew together in the same airspace, operating from civil airports. The demonstration was the final step of Phase 1 of the SMAT (advanced land monitoring system, in Italian), which aims to study, develop and test a monitoring system to help authorities to cope better during emergencies such as floods, fires, landslides and so on. SMAT also represents Italy’s bid for a leadership position in a future European land and coastal monitoring program.

SMAT is coordinated by the Piedmont Aerospace Cluster and co-financed by the Piedmont Region through the European Regional Development Fund. The leading industrial partner is Alenia Aeronautica, leading a group of major companies including Selex Galileo (Stand C420). The demonstration in late September saw the 9.9-meter wingspan Sky-Y take off from the Cuneo-Levaldigi Airport, followed later by the 7.2-meter wingspan Falco, both being controlled by line-of-sight links. The much lighter C-Fly2, which has an eight-meter span wing (partially inflated with helium, thus providing a high lift capacity even at very slow speeds), took off from an unprepared field, as it is capable of operating from very small surfaces. All flight and sensor data were sent through wide-band

Selex’s Falco, above, and Alenia’s Sky-Y, left, unmanned aerial vehicles were joined by a Nimbus C-Fly UAV in recent tests flown in the same airspace. The trials represent Phase 1 of an Italian bid to dominate the field in a future European land and coastal monitoring program.

communication systems to the supervision and coordination station (SCS) based in Turin. The test verified that UAVs could increase situational awareness on given targets thanks to unmanned systems flying at different altitudes with different sensor packages: the Sky-Y was equipped with electro-optic sensors, the Falco with

E/O and SAR radar sensors and the C-Fly with E/O and chemical sensors. The datalink that facilitated transfer of all those data from the airframes to the SCS was a prototype by SelexElsag that provided a 10 Megabytes per second throughput, the objective rate when fully developed being 45 Mbps. The flight was carried out under

radar control from the Italian Air Force air defense radar net implemented by the Pluto search radar for low-altitude monitoring. SMAT Phase 2, financing for which has been announced by the Piedmont regional representatives, will be aimed at further developing the system, taking into consideration potential user requirements, testing new technologies and aiming to obtain civil certification. o

www.ainonline.com • November 14, 2011 • Dubai Airshow News 23

news clips z Rolls-Royce Wins Saudi A330 Support Rolls-Royce has won an order from Saudi Arabian Airlines to provide Trent 700 engines and TotalCare support for four Airbus A330s that the Middle Eastern carrier has on order. It also covers four options, should they be exercised. The deal could be worth up to $500 million. The aircraft, the order for which was already announced, are due to enter into service from 2013. They will join Saudi Arabian’s existing fleet of eight Trent 700-powered A330s. TotalCare covers all Trent engines in service in the Middle East. Honeywell has extended its agreements with Indian lowfare airline GoAir for the installation and maintenance of Model 131-9A auxiliary power units on 10 more of the airline’s new Airbus A320s. The agreement calls for Honeywell to install the new APUs between 2012 and 2014. It builds on the company’s existing 10-unit APU contract with GoAir, and puts it in charge of APU maintenance across the entire GoAir A320 fleet until 2018. The U.S. company claims its 131-9A will deliver GoAir a 3.4-percent fuel burn benefit and a 10-percent power advantage over competing APUs, while also allowing it to cool or heat the cabin two minutes faster. GoAir has derated most of the APUs on its existing fleet, so it will now be able to achieve a total fuel burn benefit of 4.5 percent per aircraft duty cycle over its original settings, said Honeywell.

z Matt Greene Heads New Safe Flight Department Safe Flight Instrument (Stand E710) has announced that Matthew Greene, former vice president of marketing, has been appointed to head up the newly created program management department. In his new role, Greene will “help improve new product time-to-market,” the White Plains, New York-based company said. He is also expected to “better align the company’s growth objectives to meet customer and regulatory requirements.” Safe Flight specializes in aircraft lift instrumentation (such as stall warning devices) and control systems (for example, autothrottles).

z Satcom1 Launches SwiftBroadband Billing Plan Satcom1 (Stand E774) has announced the launch of Flight Billing, a new Inmarsat SwiftBroadband-based billing program for charter, fractional and other business jet operators, as well as airlines. The systems has been developed to make passenger communications billing easier and more efficient, lessening the risk to providers of large communication charges by automatically charging usage on each flight to a specific customer, according to Satcom1. Flight Billing does not require the installation of additional hardware on the aircraft and allows users to browse the Internet, access e-mails and send instant messages from their laptops, iPads, iPhones or other smartphones. On behalf of its customers, Satcom 1 will handle all billing and invoicing directly to the users. According to the Danish company, billing for in-flight communications has tended to be inefficient and labor-intensive because operators have to work out which passengers should be charged for particular services. It believes that this, plus concerns over incurring high charges, has discouraged the use of satellite communications on board aircraft.

z MEBA 2012 Moves To Dubai World Central Airport Next year’s Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) show will take place at Dubai’s new Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali, Dec. 11 to 13, 2012, and organizer Fairs & Exhibitions is taking bookings on Stand W816 here at the Dubai Air Show. The 2010 MEBA event, which was staged here at Dubai Airport Expo, attracted 338 exhibitors and 6,200 visitors, while 53 business aircraft were present in the static display. F&E produces MEBA every other year on behalf of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA). In a recent forecast, MEBAA predicted the number of business aircraft in the Middle East would grow from 453 today to 1,330 by 2019. F&E has indicated that the Dubai Air Show also will be moving to Al Maktoum International for the 2013 event.

With the success of its AW139 here in the Middle East, AgustaWestland has high hopes for two developmental follow-on models, the AW169 and the AW189.

AgustaWestland looks to AW139 follow-ons by Paolo Valpolini AgustaWestland (Stand C420) hopes that the sales success of its AW139 helicopter bodes well for the two new models destined to join its product family. With both the AW169 and AW189 due to make maiden flights in mid-2012, the company has come to Dubai confident that it can further build its worldwide order book. To date, 580 AW139 sales have been achieved, with 450 units having been delivered. The European manufacturer estimates an overall market for the AW139 category of helicopter at 900 aircraft over the next 20 years, while it believes 900 to 1,000 units of the AW169 will be sold. It believes the overall potential market for the AW189 is around 600 aircraft in the same period. Much of the hope for future success is being pinned on a new family concept based on commonality between models. Many features are common to all three models: main- and tail-rotor clearance; increasing

safety, especially when operating in secluded areas with people around the helicopter; and the need to clear obstacles on the ground. A high power-toweight ratio was also considered from the beginning to allow Cat A operations at maximum takeoff weight in the widest possible operating envelope. Tiered Capabilities

Looking at the passenger and range capacities, it is possible to see how the three helicopters are aligned: the AW169 is able to transport eight passengers more than 150 nm; the AW139 can take 12 passengers out to distances greater than 250 nm; and the AW189 is able to carry 16 passengers more than 300 nm. Trading passengers for fuel, the AW189 can carry 12 people 400 nm. The reduced D value (the aircraft’s largest dimension with rotors turning), despite the considerable volumes and load capacity, is also a plus when operating from confined areas as well as from helipads and oil drilling helidecks, where the smaller the D value, the higher

Flexible Configuration

The flat floor allows easy loading of mission modules that have been developed to fit all three models. The conventionally shaped cabins allow the AW139 and AW189, in particular, to accommodate numerous seating configurations. Passenger seat structure remains identical in the types while padding can change according to the available space. For oil and gas operations, all layouts have seats aligned and rows aligned with emergency exits. Large doors– five feet, two inches wide in the AW169 and five feet six inches wide in the AW139 and 189– provide easy accessibility. Further important commonality is found in the cockpit; the two latest products from AgustaWestland are based on the AW139 and will feature the same eight- by 10-inch multifunctional displays found in that model. This should make training easier, as each model offers the same touch and feel, and same procedural approach, thus enhancing safety and reducing training time. Similar commonality also applies to maintenance, with the overall result being a reduction in operating costs. o

Action Aviation becomes Nextant 400XT sales agent Nextant Aerospace has appointed business aircraft sales group Action Aviation as the exclusive sales agent for the Nextant 400XT light business jet in the Middle East, India and Europe. Action Aviation, which is displaying the new aircraft at the Dubai Air Show, has offices in Dubai, the UK and Bangalore, India. The $4 million 400XT was certified in the U.S. this year and first deliveries took place last month. Its range is just over 2,000 nm with four passengers. Maximum cruise speed is 460 knots. The aircraft is a remanufactured Hawker Beechjet 400/400XP with all of its life-limited components brought back to zero-time status. It features new Williams FJ44-3AP engines, a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite in the cockpit and high-speed wireless Internet in the remodeled passenger cabin. The Nextant 400XT aircraft also are repainted. –T.D.

24 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

DAVID McINTOSH

z More Honeywell APUs To Power-Up GoAir A320s

the safety. The D-value was considered a priority design parameter from the outset, with an increase of less than one meter when passing from the 6.5-metric-ton AW139 to the 8-metricton AW189. The cabin design also followed the same philosophy based on a flat ceiling and floor. The cabin volume runs from 222 cu ft in the AW139 through 282 cu ft in the A169 right up to 395 cu ft for the largest AW189 model. Cabin height in the AW139 is 4 feet 4 inches, while for the other two family members it is 4 feet 8 inches.

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You simply don’t become official supplier to world aviation by chance. The inventor of the modern chronograph A chronograph specialist since its founding in 1884, Breitling played a crucial role in the development of this type of instrument. In 1915, as a pioneer in the field of wrist chronographs, the firm invented the first independent pushpiece. In 1923, it separated the stop/start and reset functions, thus enabling the addition of several successive times. In 1934, Breitling set the final touch to the modern face of the chronograph by creating the second independent pushpiece – a decisive innovation that was soon adopted by all competitors. In 1969, the brand presented the first selfwinding chronograph. The authentic partner of aviation Breitling has shared all the finest hours in the conquest of the skies. Its famous onboard chronographs equipped World War II fighter planes and subsequently the airliners of the main manufacturers and companies, making the firm the “official supplier to world aviation”. 1952 brought the birth of the legendary Navitimer, with a slide rule intended for airborne navigation. In 1962, a Navitimer accompanied Scott Carpenter in his orbital flight, thus becoming the first spacegoing wrist chronograph. Today, Breitling perpetuates these special and authentic ties by cooperating with elite pilots, operating several exceptional flight teams, and associating with the greatest air shows worldwide.

The master of top-flight performances Having learned the hard way in the demanding field of aviation, where safety is of vital importance, Breitling displays the same obsession for quality in all its 100% Swiss-made “instruments for professionals”. Breitling is the world’s only major watch brand to equip all its models with chronometer-certified movements representing the ultimate token of precision and reliability. Its engineers once again made their mark on chronograph history by creating Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01 – the finest selfwinding chronograph movement. A cult object for pilots and aviation enthusiasts, the Navitimer combines a legendary design with this highperformance “engine”. You simply don’t choose a Breitling by chance.

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Dassault’s new Falcons soar in Middle East bizjet market d

by Thierry Dubois

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Dassault is here at the Dubai Air Show accelerated and made more complex (Stand W310) exhibiting two of its latest by the Arab Spring,” Cloatre told AIN. models–the Falcon 2000LX and Falcon This trend has bolstered morale among Falcon sales force, with Cloatre 7X–the latter equipped with a second-gen- the eration enhanced-vision system (EVS). insisting that the Middle East remains These types are set to be joined by the new a “strategic and promising area despite Falcon SMS, with the French manufac- the financial crisis.” In fact, the market in this part of the turer last month confirming that this previously ill-defined product will definitely world today accounts for 7 to 10 percent fill the market segment above the Falcon of Dassault’s business jet sales. “It is a mature market and most sales are from 2000 series when it enters service in 2016. At the National Business Aviation customers replacing older aircraft,” CloaAssociation (NBAA) show in Las Vegas, tre said. The most important customer Nevada, Olivier Villa, Dassault’s senior bases are now Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and v-p of civil aircraft, disclosed Oman. This is a big difference that the detailed design phase from two years ago, as Oman has begun for the Falcon SMS. seems to have replaced Egypt More than 1,500 engineers are in the top-three business aviaworking on the program. tion markets. A total of 60 FalThe Falcon SMS will be a cons are in service in the Middle twinjet with fly-by-wire conEast, up from 50 in 2009. trols, using the latest iteration A fourth Falcon 7X will be of the EASy flight deck (EASy delivered by year-end to Saudi II). Dassault won’t release any Private Aviation, a subsidiary of further details of the new model but has laid to rest any doubts Renaud Cloatre, Falcon Saudi Arabian Airlines. Trickier, however, is the situation about the company’s intentions. sales director for the Middle East region, is with Saudi operator National Dassault Falcon Jet president based in Dubai. Air Services, which operates John Rosanvallon confirmed that the new program is “100 percent go. two Falcon 2000LXs. But the firm order it We’re just not releasing specific details, for placed in 2007 for four aircraft (including the aforementioned two) and 20 options is competitive reasons,” he told AIN. The EASy II flight deck is scheduled still being “renegotiated.” “Local customers like our three-engine to be certified late next year on the Falcon 7X and Falcon 2000 series. It will design and our digital [fly-by-wire] flight become standard on production aircraft controls very much,” Cloatre said. They and will be available for retrofit with 7Xs also appreciate, he said, equipment such and the 2000s currently using the EASy as head-up displays, EVS and syntheticI variant. EASy II was approved for the vision systems–all of which contribute to situational awareness and safety. Falcon 900 in July. An additional authorized service cenAhead of this week’s show, Dassault acknowledged that the fallout from the ter (ASC) joined the Falcon support so-called Arab Spring political upheaval network last year when Saudi Private Avidid, at least for a while, adversely impact ation Engineering & Maintenance in Jedbusiness aircraft sales in the Middle East. dah became the second factory-approved However, according to Renaud Cloatre, facility and parts depot in the region. The the company’s Dubai-based sales director first one is part of Jet Aviation’s FBO for the region, there has been “strong activ- here at Dubai International Airport. To support the region’s ASCs, ity” since the end of Ramadan in August. The situation for charter demand Dassault is able to dispatch so-called “goo has been quite different. “Demand was teams” of mechanics.

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Dassault unveiled the Falcon 2000S, a lower cost derivative of the Falcon 2000, at this year’s Ebace Convention. Certification is pegged for next year’s fourth quarter, with deliveries to follow in early 2013. AFRICA

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28 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

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Boeing expects the 737 MAX to reach the market by 2017. Its CFM International Leap-1B engines will accommodate a fan diameter of either 66 or 68 inches.

Boeing takes a minimalist approach to 737 MAX by Gregory Polek

For many months Boeing expressed a preference to introduce an all-new airplane in the narrowbody jet segment to replace its 737NG family by 2019. But sometimes market reality gets in the way of what one really wants, and Boeing ultimately settled on the most basic re-engining plan p Â ossible for the 737-700, -800 and -900. It called the new series the 737 MAX, and projected entryAng intoShow service two1 Responsibility NewsinAv2017â&#x20AC;&#x201C;possibly week:Mise en page

years later than Airbusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A320neo. Boeing believes airlines will find the MAX family worth the wait, and as of September five separate customers had already signed â&#x20AC;&#x153;commitmentsâ&#x20AC;? or letters of intent covering 496 airplanes. Of course, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;orderâ&#x20AC;? that ultimately convinced Boeing to announce an imminent program launch came from American Airlines, which committed to 100 of the reengined Boeing product. The U.S. carrier 18/10/11 17:47 Page1

simultaneously opted for 130 A320neos, as if to remind Boeing that it had an alternative and would not wait for long-term 737 replacement plans to unfold. Indeed, it seems that those in favor of the re-engining approach all along can thank American Airlines and, by extension, Airbus, for finally convincing the U.S. manufacturer to jump off the proverbial fence. After all, in the balance hung an order for 200 Boeing airplanes, including 100 of it current 737NGs, and if not for the existence of the A320neo, American might well have opted to maintain its exclusive relationship with Boeing.Â The decision to re-engine comes despite several signals sent by Boeing over the past year that its customers would rather see it develop an all-new airplane for

introduction sometime around the turn of the decade. During a July 20 press conference in Dallas, Texas, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh attempted to explain the reason for the seemingly abrupt change ofÂ heart. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The technology is there to do a new airplane, but the issue is the production systemâ&#x20AC;Śhow quickly you could ramp up and how efficiently you could build forty, fifty, sixty composite airplanes a month,â&#x20AC;? said Albaugh. Â Meanwhile, Boeing still hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t answered the question of where it will build the MAX. The current site of 737 productionâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Renton, Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; tops the list of possibilities, said Albaugh, but plans already call for that factory to raise monthly production rates from todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 35 to 42 by early 2014. A transition from 737NGs to 737 MAXs and a likely need for further increases by the time the re-engined airplanes enter production in 2017 could figure prominently into Boeingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision. In any case, in early September Albaugh said the company would announce a plan within six to eight months. Not coincidentally, the new nomenclature for the re-engined 737s closely follows the pattern chosen for the 787

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family; Boeing has adopted the names fan on the CFM56-7B. In either case, it 737 MAX 7, MAX 8 and MAX 9, will likely have to “slightly” modify the respectively, to correspond with the com- nose gear to create enough ground clearparably sized 737-700, -800 and -900NG. ance for the engine nacelles. Still, Boeing Boeing claims the new 737 MAX 8 steadfastly denies the popular notion will produce a 7-percent operating cost that the Airbus A320’s higher stance advantage over the offering from Airbus, makes for an easier engine retrofit, notwhose A320neo family has already drawn withstanding the fact that the CFMfirm orders and “commitments” for more powered version of the A320neo will use than 1,200 airplanes since its launch last a 78-inch fan, while the fan on the Pratt December. Boeing also promises a 16-per- & Whitney PW1100G-powered Airbus cent cost advantage over the current A320. will span 81 inches. “It’s a mistake to think that it’s more The company’s calculations show that, difficult to install new engines compared with a fleet of a on the 737 than it is for Airbus hundred 737-800s, a fleet conto install them on the A320,” sisting of the same number of replied Boeing to a query dual-class 737 MAX 8s will about the issue. “Boeing has use nearly 175 million pounds a long history of integrating less fuel per year based on a engines and wings with the lat500-nm mission, save $85.5 est tools and processes.” million in annual fuel costs assuming a price of $3.22 per Other changes will include gallon, emit 277,000 tons less a “revised” tail cone to reduce CO2 into the environment drag and improve fuel effiJim Albaugh, CEO ciency, and external nacelle and save nearly $79.4 million per year in terms of cash oper- Boeing Commercial chevrons similar to those on the Airplanes 747-8 and 787 for more efficient ating cost. Of course, most of those benefits will airflow mix and less noise, said Boeing. Albaugh said Boeing’s first MAX come from the switch from CFM56s to the new CFM Leap-1B, “optimized” spe- delivery would go to a carrier other than cifically for the 737. American Airlines. He added that 85 One element of “optimization” in- percent of the backlog for the airplanes volves the fan diameter, which Boeing resides outside the U.S. Boeing projects a has said will span either 66 inches or global 20-year demand in the 737 segment 68 inches, compared with the 61.8-inch for 23,000 airplanes worth $2 trillion. o

CFM Steps Up Efforts to Maximize the 737’s Power CFM International is busy developing the in Villaroche, France, and Peebles, Ohio. CertifiBoeing 737 MAX’s version of its Leap turbofan cation is then pegged for 2016. The engine will and is zeroing in on specifications. Critically, the start commercial service the year after. Leap-1B’s fan diameter will be either 66 or 68 CFM is pledging the aircraft’s fuel burn will inches, which amounts to a five- or seven-inch be reduced by 15 percent thanks to the new enincrease over the fan in the current CFM56-7. gines. In addition, nitrous oxide (NOx) emisAs Jean-Paul Ebanga, CEO of the Snecma/ sions should be cut by 15 percent. The noise General Electric joint venture, told AIN the footprint reduction target is 75 percent. Meanfan will be scaled down from CFM is developing a version while, thrust levels will be “simthat of the Airbus A320- of its Leap-1B powerplant for ilar” to those found on the neo’s Leap-1A, which uses a Boeing’s 737 MAX. CFM56-7, Ebanga said. 78-inch fan. As a result, the How will CFM’s design bypass ratio will be smaller, engineers fit a bigger enwhich is usually not favorgine under the 737’s wing? able to low specific fuel conThere are at least two ways, sumption (SFC, measured Ebanga said: first, by imat the engine level). But this proving engine-wing integrashould be partially offset. “A tion, and second, by adding a smaller-diameter engine will hydraulically extensible landing cause less drag and will be lighter,” gear strut. Ebanga said, pointing to the fuel burn benefits GE and Snecma will share the work on the that this will bring. Leap-1B. GE is responsible for the core engine The high-pressure turbine will have two and Snecma is in charge of the low-pressure stages, again to answer the airframer’s needs in spool. Engine control and other equipment is fuel burn. This will reflect the architecture of the shared, too. For example, GE is in charge of eCore2 core engine GE is testing. “We are refin- the full authority digital engine control, but the ing the core’s configuration; the -1A and the -1B unit will be made by a Safran-BAE Systems joint venture. will have the latest,” Ebanga said. The Leap-1B will be the only engine available The first test for the full Leap-1B engine is scheduled for 2014. Trials will take place both for the 737 MAX. –T.D.

PPG shows upgraded windshields, windows by Thierry Dubois PPG Aerospace is introducing new materials for improved aircraft windshields and windows.

For the Airbus A320 family of airliners, the French company has developed a new windshield

featuring two new PRC sealants used to improve moisture resistance. PR-2060 polyurethane, which has a low moisture vapor transmission rate, has been added as an internal sealant behind the Z-retainer (a part that holds plies together); and PR-1425CF chromate-free sealant has replaced PR-1425 as the outboard moisture seal for the windshields. It

has a faster cure rate and is less environmentally harmful. To defend against delamination, S-123 urethane bonds the outboard and middle glass plies, in lieu of a urethane-vinyl-urethane sandwich. According to PPG, the material maintains elasticity better even when cold. It also prevents cold chipping and resists moisture damage.

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Brent Wright, PPG’s global platform director for transparencies, told AIN that the company has sold more than 500 retrofit shipsets for the new Airbus windshields. A source familiar with the transparency market explained to AIN that airframers generally qualify two sources. One source is for original equipment; the other, qualified for retrofit, can have to wait years until it sells its first replacement windows. Sometimes the two sources are qualified for original production, as is the case with the A320. The design of a windshield or cockpit window usually is based on three glass plies, such as PPG’s Herculite II. Ply thickness is usually eight millimeters (for two of them) and three millimeters. Intermediate layers–often made of polyurethane or PVB– play a strengthening role. Metal films also function as de-ice/ defog heater films. They can reflect solar (infrared) light for comfort. In addition, nonmetallic exterior coatings are used for rain shedding and window durability, protecting against environmental degradation. Optical Quality

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32 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

A major challenge is optical quality. “It should be better than for a car windshield because you should avoid any form of optical distortion during critical flight phases, such as landing,” the company said. In passenger cabin windows (a less high-tech product), PPG (Stand E108) claims its Opticor plastic is more craze resistant. Opticor is the first new transparent plastic developed in more than 50 years for aerospace applications, according to Anthony Stone, PPG’s global director for new business development and innovations for transparencies. “We expect it to replace stretched acrylic for passenger-cabin windows because it weighs less and has better craze and fire resistance,” he said. Stone said Opticor is approximately 5 percent lighter than acrylic and presents possible weight savings of 660 pounds for a large transport aircraft. Gulfstream has selected the new material for the outboard surface of the G650 business jet’s passenger windows. Opticor also is expected to be used in cockpit windows (as one of the plies) because it is “an excellent substrate” for metallic and nonmetallic coatings. In addition to large civil aircraft, it may have a significant potential in general aviation. o

Testing done, Talon rockets primed for UAE’s Apaches

Emirates Advanced Instruments (EAI) has teamed with Raytheon to complete testing of the latter’s Talon laser-guided rocket. EAI will now begin production of the weapon for the UAE military, though Raytheon will produce the guidance package.

system (EU ETS) support and continu- all of our customers’ provisioning needs ous flight monitoring. under one roof,” said Philippe “There is an increasing Gerard, FBO director of Jet demand for dispatch services Aviation Dubai. in the Middle East,” said Peter Jet Aviation Dubai, estabBrandle, deputy general manlished in 2005, also announced ager of Switzerland-based Jet receiving FAA approval to Aviation’s aircraft division in perform base and line mainEurope, Middle East, Africa tenance on Gulfstream G200 and Asia. “Extending our aircraft, and expects to service delivery through the receive base and line mainteDubai FBO allows us to betnance approval for G150 airter serve our customers based craft in fourth quarter 2011. in Dubai and in the region,” “With these additional added Brandle. approvals, we will extend our Philippe Gerard, FBO “Adding dispatch ser- director for Jet Aviation support capabilities to the vices to our portfolio helps Dubai sees demand for complete Gulfstream series,” meet our goal of fulfilling dispatch services. said Michael Rucker, vice

president and general manager of Jet Aviation Dubai. “The ability to provide comprehensive support demonstrates our commitment to safety, quality and security, and directly benefits our Gulfstream customers in the region,” he added. Jet Aviation Dubai is also an authorized service center for maintenance and warranty support for the Boeing BBJ; Dassault Falcon 900, 2000 and 7X; Hawker Beechcraft 800; and Embraer Legacy business aircraft. The company will seek EASA Part 145 approval covering the Gulfstream G200 and G150 following their scheduled review by the European Aviation Safety Agency at the end of this month. Final Part 145 approval is expected in first quarter 2012. o

by David Donald Raytheon and Emirates Advanced Instruments (EAI) have completed environmental and flight tests of the Talon laser-guided rocket, opening the way for production. The weapon grew out of Raytheon’s work during the APKWS II program, and has been continued with a co-development agreement with EAI. The Talon comprises a new “frontend” laser guidance package with popout control fins that can be attached to either an existing or new-build warhead/ motor package based on the Hydra 70 unguided rocket. It has been tested during several campaigns since 2009, and in late 2010 and early 2011 it was fired from United Arab Emirates Apaches.

Jet Aviation adds ‘dispatch’ to its résumé by James Wynbrandt Jet Aviation’s Dubai FBO will begin offering dispatch services by the second quarter of 2012. Trained personnel will provide on-site dispatch services 24/7, including arranging overflight and landing permits, fuel purchasing, support for the European emission trading

The latest round of tests was conducted at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, with a U.S. Army AH-64D Apache and crew. These trials involved 10 flights with the final production standard of weapon, and a range of shots against moving and stationary targets designated by a variety of air and ground sources. Ranges varied from 6 km down to 1.2 km, and all hit within lethal radius. Some shots involved a live warhead. With the weapon qualified on the AH-64 Apache the path is clear for production to begin for the UAE armed forces. At present EAI is working within the overall UAE program to formulate when that will start, but a go-ahead is

MARK PHELPS

expected in the next two or three months. Although production processes remain subject to change, it is envisioned that Raytheon will initially produce the entire guidance package, although production of this element could transfer incrementally to EAI. One element that will remain within Raytheon’s domain, at least for the time being, is the seeker head, production of which is not exportable under U.S. laws. The UAE has not decided yet whether it will build new “back-end” warhead/ motor sections, upgrade existing Hydra 70 stocks, or procure a mix of both. Qualification of the Talon on the Apache opens up a number of opportunities in the region, including for Egypt, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and the weapon has U.S. approval for export to certain nations. The Talon can also be fired by other helicopter types, and has been demonstrated to the U.S. Army, being fired from a Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. o

www.ainonline.com • November 14, 2011 • Dubai Airshow News 33

Alsalam showcases VIP work by David Donald Alsalam Aircraft Co. (Stand C504; Static Park A58/59) is hoping for a record year and believes there is much business to be had in VIP conversion work and military MRO–with a particular eye on the Typhoon and possibly F-15 fighters. The Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based company has come a long way since its creation in 1988 as part of an offset agreement to provide technical support to the Royal Saudi Air Force’s E-3/KE-3 fleet. Today, the company has large and modern facilities at King Khalid International Airport, where it performs a range of maintenance, repair and overhaul tasks for both civilian and military customers. “All of our sectors are growing,” Mohammed Fallatah, the company’s chief executive, told AIN. “This is promising to be a record year for us.” With good prospects in the near future, especially in the military arena, Alsalam has far outstripped its original ambitions, becoming a major force in the region with a large, highly skilled workforce and a range of sophisticated facilities and testing equipment at its disposal. Here at the Dubai Air Show the company is focusing on its VIP aircraft refurbishment and maintenance business, which it started in 1996. In 2007 it established a completion center with the ability to manufacture many of the special components required. In the same year it became the warranty center for the Boeing BBJ in the MENA region. Alsalam’s capabilities are applicable primarily to the larger VIP aircraft

such as the BBJ and Airbus range, plus widebodies, and it has undertaken a number of programs for the Saudi Royal Flight. In December it announced a partnership with MAZ Aviation for new aircraft design work and the companies are currently working on two projects. However, Alsalam sees the refurbishment of older VIP aircraft as a key niche market, and a lucrative one in the Middle East. This area has seen the recent delivery by Alsalam of two Lockheed Hercules in VIP configuration, with a third currently being modified. The Hercules conversion includes adding a CMC Electronics six-screen flight deck and Thales autopilot, as well as installing specialist interiors and large windows. Military MRO activities continue to form an important aspect of Alsalam’s work. Following initial support work on E-3/KE-3s, the company began performing programmed depot maintenance (PDM) on Saudi Tornados in 1997, an activity that continues today at Dhahran. RSAF PDM contracts followed for E-3/KE-3s in 2000, F-15s in 2002 and C-130s in 2007. In the near future Alsalam hopes to play a significant part in the support of the Saudi Typhoon force when it is in place. The yet-to-be finalized acquisition of 84 new Boeing F-15SA Eagles, plus the upgrade of existing aircraft to the same standard, also represents a huge opportunity for the company. This could involve support and involvement in the manufacture of subassemblies such as wings, forward fuselages and other components. o

Modern-day reconnaissance won the day for Pakistan AF by Chris Pocock

MARK WAGNER

According to the Pakistan Air Force ready to move against insurgents in the (PAF) it has flown more than 5,500 strike Swat Valley in May 2009, the PAF had acsorties over the country’s troubled tribal quired Goodrich DB-110 electro-optical reconnaissance pods for its regions since May 2008. In F-16 fighters, together with a rare glimpse into Pakithe same company’s ground stan’s attempt to counter station for imagery exploidomestic terrorism from the tation. Intelligence analysts air, the commander of the could now identify terrorPAF described some lessons ist training camps, ammunilearned to the Air Chiefs tion dumps and command Conference here in Dubai and control facilities. Some on Saturday. of these targets were well The need for good aircamouflaged, and protected borne reconnaissance was by bunkers, Suleiman noted. paramount, said Air Chief Two days before the Marshall Rao Qamar Suground offensive was leiman. When the Pakistan launched, the PAF launched army launched large-scale a series of interdiction misoperations in the remote Air Chief Marshall Rao Qamar Federally Administered Suleiman of the Pakistan Air Force sions, and followed up with Tribal Areas (FATA) in Au- spoke on Saturday here in Dubai. close-air support throughout the six-month campaign. gust 2008, the PAF had to rely on Google Earth imagery when planning From the imagery collected by the PAF, the army was also able to identify suitable landair support missions, Suleiman admitted. However, by the time that the army was ing zones for the airdrops of commandos.

34 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

Having started as a military aircraft service provider, Alsalam has branched out to include VIP completion services for civil aircraft. It’s large hangar, top, is a must-have facility for making inroads into the largecabin business jet market.

In these mountainous regions, airpower was best delivered from medium altitude by fast jets, Suleiman said. “The army has lost many attack helicopters due to their operating limitations at high elevations, and [due to] hostile fire,” he noted. Fighters could also react more quickly to developing combat situations. When the army turned its attention to South Waziristan in October 2009, the PAF conducted a seven-day campaign in advance. By now, the service had added FLIR Systems’ Star Safire III EO/IR sensor ball to one of its C-130 transports. Army staff on board the C-130 were able to track the movement of terrorists at night, and radio maneuvering instructions to soldiers on the ground. The PAF has completely overhauled its tactics and techniques for the conduct of irregular warfare, Suleiman said. All of the squadrons were put through a training program over a four-month period. Laser-guided bombs have been used in 80 percent of the PAF strikes, the PAF chief revealed. Avoiding collateral damage was a primary concern, he explained, “especially since we were engaging targets within our own country. We engage isolated structures only, away from populated areas.” More than 10,600 bombs have been

dropped, and 4,600 targets destroyed, he said. The PAF has flown more than 500 F-16 sorties with the DB-110 pod, and 650 with the Star Safire EO/IR sensor on the C-130. The statistics may impress but while Suleiman claimed that “we’ve broken the back of militants in the FATA,” he also warned that offensive military engagement could accomplish only “10 to 15 percent” of the task of pacifying the tribal areas. The rest must be done by dialogue, winning hearts and minds through economic development of these very poor regions, he said. In his presentation, Suleiman did not mention the Selex Galileo Falco UAV. However, Pakistan was the first customer for the reconnaissance drone, which carries the Anglo-Italian company’s own electro-optical/infrared sensor ball. Suleiman later told AIN that there had been problems with the UAV’s datalink, caused partly by terrain masking. “Then we put in a relay station, and started flying it higher, so now we are using it more,” he said. o

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Software issue delays Legacy 500 resolving the software issue. FBW applications on the $18.4 million jet include rudder, spoilers, elevators, flaps, ailerons and horizontal stabilizer, providing closed-loop control on all three axes and allowing maximum maneuvering capability in the aircraft’s normal flight envelope. Yesterday here in Dubai, Embraer executive jet market and product strategy vice president Claudio Camelier confirmed that the Legacy 500 will not fly until the third quarter of next year due to the software problem. Certification of the aircraft will also slip to the second half of 2013, which is about a year later than the original plan, though the B razilian aircraft

Bombardier ‘halfway’ into its CSeries schedule by Gregory Polek certification and entry into service. Still, he insisted that he is confident Bombardier would meet its schedule, as long as the company burned no more of its time buffer. Bombardier has used virtually all of the buffer it built into the program’s schedule, said Hachey, who further acknowledged that delays associated with the fuselage built by China’s Shenyang Aircraft have contributed to the loss of “contingency” time. Reacting to its Brazilian rival’s recent announcement that it planned to re-engine its E-Jet series of narrowbodies, Hachey said he was “very

GREGORY POLEK

Bombardier Aerospace unveiled its new CSeries flightdeck demonstrator yesterday at the Dubai Air Show. The Canadian manufacturer also held a briefing at which Bombardier Aerospace president and COO Guy Hachey cautioned about pressure on the program schedule, although he expressed satisfaction at arch rival Embraer’s indication that it would re-engine E-Jets rather than launch a CSeries competitor. Hachey noted that the CSeries program had progressed at least halfway through its development, although he struck a cautionary tone about the official target of year-end 2013 for

Guy Hachey, left, president and COO of Bombardier Aerospace and Chet Fuller, senior v-p of sales marketing and asset management sit in the CSeries simulator. Hachey is “very happy” rival Embraer has chosen not to develop a new challenger to CSeries.

manufacturer could possibly meet the jet’s projected 2013 service entry date. To minimize the impact on the Legacy 500’s entry into service timeline, Embraer has reshuffled the schedule for ground testing. “We can still do a lot of things in ground testing to advance the Legacy 500 program,” Camelier said, while he added that ground testing is expected to begin on December 11. The delays also have a domino effect on the Legacy 450, the 500’s smaller sibling, which now won’t be certified until late 2014 instead of late 2013. Entry into service for the Legacy 450 was originally planned for 2014, and this could very well still hold. o happy” with Embraer’s decision. “We’ll have the only allnew aircraft in this segment for the next 10 years.” Hachey was referring to the fact that Bombardier’s competitors–Airbus, Boeing and Embraer–have all opted to re-engine rather than build new airframes. Furthermore, he said, the A319neo will weigh 12,000 pounds more than the CSeries–one reason, according to Hachey, the Canadian product will enjoy a 12-percent fuel burn advantage.

Dubai Air Show attendees are invited to sample Russia’s RAC MiG simulator. With low-cost 3-D graphics, it challenges tests pilots’ depth perception.

Try your hand at flying this 3-D MiG simulator Russia’s RAC MiG Corp is displaying a new simulator system here at the Dubai Air Show (Stand W560), and is inviting show attendees to try their hand at mastering it. The simulator provides three-dimensional visualization of the beyond-cockpit space, but at much reduced cost and complexity compared to other 3-D systems. Typically, simulators present imagery on a 2-D or a domed surface. In such devices the assessment of distance is difficult, which is far from ideal in training for such depth-dependent tasks as low-level and formation flying, approaches to

both land bases and carriers, and in-flight refueling. There are also systems available that provide 3-D visualization, but they are very expensive and cumbersome, and allow the 3-D image to be seen only from the pilot’s seat. RAC MiG has answered these problems with its new lowcost system. It projects a stereo image that requires the use of 3-D glasses, similar to those worn in cinemas, giving excellent depth perception. The system is being demonstrated here in the form of a MiG-29 fighter cockpit, including the aircraft’s actual systems. –D.D.

New Dubai Office

The company also highlighted its growing commitment to the region by announcing the establishment of a Bombardier Commercial Aircraft regional sales and marketing office. The office will be in the Dubai Free Zone, near Dubai International Airport, and will serve the Middle East and Africa. It also announced an order from Egypt’s Petroleum Air Services for a single CRJ900, marking its first sale of a CRJ in that country. “This new sales and marketing office will further extend our global presence and provide closer proximity to current customers and prospects in the Middle East and Africa,” said Raphael Haddad, senior director sales, Middle East and North Africa, for Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We will be able to provide an almost instant response to any requests for information on our Q Series, CRJ and CSeries aircraft families.” o

36 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

DAVID McINTOSH

While the first Embraer Legacy 500 prototype continues to near the end of the production line, the midsize business jet will not make its maiden flight by year-end as originally scheduled. According to the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, the delay stems from issues with the Parker remote electronic unit software in the aircraft’s fly-by-wire (FBW) flight-control system. Embraer president and CEO Frederico Curado revealed the problem earlier this month during the company’s thirdquarter investor conference, describing the issue as “softness of flight control.” He also noted that Embraer is considering bringing this flight-control work in-house to facilitate

MARK WAGNER

by Chad Trautvetter

aerial ship of the desert One of four Boeing C-17s delivered to the UAE Air Force is on static display here, parked alongside a U.S. Air Force example of the massive transport. Two more are on order. Qatar is another regional customer, with two delivered and another two on option. Kuwait may order one, and Boeing is currently eyeing a requirement for eight in Saudi Arabia. Further afield, Australia, Canada and the UK could also reorder one or more each. Boeing needs to firm up these orders to arrange the most economic production and delivery schedule for after early 2013, when the last aircraft for the U.S. Air Force is delivered. India is taking 10, but wants to spread deliveries over 2013 and 2014. It may come back for six more. –C.P.

New twin-engine copter uContinued from page 1

engines are being considered, too. “This is a testbed,” insisted Mike Creed, commercial and deputy project program director. Thanks to the dual-rotor, dualengine configuration, “we can add plugs into the fuselage.” Therefore, the company may decide its first production model will be “a four-seater or a fifteen-seater,” depending on flight test results and market response. As for applications, Creed talked about “VIP, police, EMS and utility.” The safety ejection capsule is the main innovation on the AVQ. The cockpit and cabin, encapsulated together, separate from the rest of the airframe (with the two rotors remaining attached). Two parachutes deploy, bringing the two parts gently down to the ground. The safety altitude, from which the capsule can be safely jettisoned, is said to be as low as 300 feet. Four rocket boosters thrust the capsule. Potential To Save Many Lives

Cacciatore di stelle Piaggio couldn’t resist turning on the Italian style when it came to decorating the latest example of its Avanti II twin pusherprop. Here at the Dubai Air Show yesterday Homaid Al Shemmari, chief executive of Mubadala Aerospace–Piaggio’s main shareholder–unveiled Italian artist Mimmo Paladino’s stunning Cacciatore di Stelle livery for this mockup. Paladino was so impressed by the aircraft that he wanted to use it as a canvas for his expression of wonder at the stars. The artwork represents the constellations; the project was previously n on display in Milan.

Emirates’ 777 order uContinued from page 1

Emirates operates more of the big twins than any other airline in the world. Prior to this latest order, Boeing’s 777 backlog contained another forty-one 777300ERs destined for Emirates, which remains the only airline in the world to

operate every model in the Boeing 777 family, including the freighter. “This is an extremely proud moment for us,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “As the largest operator of the 777 in the world, Emirates has played an important role in the development of the airplane, and its input over the years has

Local flagcarrier Emirates Airline set new highs here on the first day of the 2011 Dubai Air Show by further swelling its prolific fleet with a new order for Boeing 777-300ERs, marking a historic milestone for the manufacturer.

been invaluable in the development of the 777 program.” Separately, DAE Capital–the leasing arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise–has reported an agreement to lease nine 777 Freighters to Emirates. These aircraft are part of DAE’s earlier order with Boeing, with deliveries set for between 2012 and 2015. o

Asked about certification, Creed appeared confident, saying the company would succeed “as long as we prove the design and the maintenance program is right.” He said the system has the potential to save many lives, just like the safety parachute on Cirrus light fixed-wing aircraft. Moreover, the AVQ will be one of the first civil helicopters to have fly-by-wire controls. “We are talking to two suppliers,” Creed said. These two companies are claimed to have already designed and certified helicopter fly-by-wire systems. Another feature is a “telemetry downlink” maintenance monitoring. Quest Helicopters is looking for a location in the UAE to build its factory, such as in Umm al-Quwain. It aims to start production in 2014. The idea is to be able to start deliveries immediately after the authorities give their approval. The company plans to assemble some 20 aircraft in the first year, ramping up to 40 in the third year. According to Creed, Quest currently has a team of 10. Its CEO is Yousef Al Ansari and its chairman is investor Mahmood Al Ansari. The latter has committed to provide “up to $50 million” over five years to cover spending until the first production aircraft is built. Creed said that Ukrainian costs are very competitive. Quest also hopes that a proposed bilateral agreement between the European Aviation Safety Agency and Ukraine’s civil aviation authority will come to fruition, allowing a single certification program to be used. UAE certification also is planned. o

The Quest AVQ by the numbers: Engines

Progress DB/Motor Sich Ukraine A1-450Ms (2) (480 shp each)

Empty weight

2,860 pounds

Mtow

4,960 pounds

Maximum speed

160 knots

Maximum range

435 nm

Endurance

3.6 hours

Price

$2.95 million

www.ainonline.com • November 14, 2011 • Dubai Airshow News 37

Garuda is the latest customer for CFM’s Leap-1A engines DAVID McINTOSH

by Matt Thurber

The JF-17 Thunder fighter is flying in the aerial displays here in Dubai. Target markets include Latin America, Africa and Asia.

China-Pakistan JF-17 fighter slated for Block-2 upgrades by Thierry Dubois The JF-17 Thunder fighter, co-developed by China’s Avic and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), is to receive improvements that will start being produced with the Block-2 version from next year. The enhancements will affect the data link and electronic-warfare capabilities. An air-to-air refueling capability will be added, as will be new guided weapons. A two-seat variant is also being developed. The current program schedule calls for the Pakistan-based factory to deliver the JF-17 Block-2 to the PAF from mid-2012 to 2015. Then, a Block-3 version is planned from 2016. Block-1 aircraft are being delivered until the middle of next year. PAF Air Chief Marshall Rao Qamar Suleiman said marketing efforts focus on those countries needing to replace old

fighters such as the MiG-21, early Mirage, F-5 and Phantom types. The program’s target export countries can be found in Latin America, Africa and Asia. “We offer performance comparable to U.S. and European fighters when it comes to radar, dogfight missile, range and BVR [beyond visual range] capabilities, for one third of the cost,” Suleiman claimed. So far, five countries are said to have taken a close look at the aircraft. China is currently evaluating the JF-17 (known as the FC-1 Xiaolong in that country) and a decision is expected “shortly.” Avic and the PAF expect to sell “between 300 and 500 JF-17s” over the next 10 years. The in-service fleet has logged a total of 10,000 flight hours with the PAF. The JF-17 is performing daily in the flying display here at the Dubai Air Show. o

Cassidian fields a pair of UAVs for ISR roles

been delivered, plus others for export. Last summer DRAC began operations in Afghanistan. Atlante is a larger UAV that has been developed by Cassidian in Spain to answer Spanish defense ministry requirements. An Atlante system is based on four or more air vehicles to allow 24-hour coverage, plus control, data terminal and launch/recovery ground elements. The principal missions are battlefield ISR, including target identification, fire correction and battle damage assessment. It is also aimed at homeland security and emergency protection duties. As well as the ISR air vehicles, Cassidian is showing off the Do-DT 45 full-size target drone, part of a larger family of targets that are designed to be engaged directly, rather than acting as tugs. The Do-DT 45 is the fastest of the family, capable of 410 knots (760 kph). The addition of a low-level radar altimeter allows it to be used to mimic a sea-skimming missile, and it can carry a variety of payloads to alter its signature and defensive capabilities. Among Cassidian’s large portfolio are many security and surveillance systems, many of which form part of the company’s activities in the Middle East. They include a surface-to-air missile operations

by David Donald Cassidian, the global security solutions and systems giant and subsidiary of EADS (Stand W860), is focusing on its unmanned air systems capability, as well as highlighting its security and communications activities in the Gulf region. For ISR missions Cassidian is showing the DRAC and Atlante UAVs. The DRAC was developed from the Tracker, itself codeveloped by Cassidian and SurveyCopter, which have worked together since 2003. Last month Cassidian acquired SurveyCopter to consolidate its place in the European small UAV marketplace. DRAC/Tracker is a small man-portable mini-UAV system that can be carried in two rucksacks. Each system comprises two air vehicles, a compact ground station and an automatic tracking antenna. An initial batch of 25 DRAC systems was delivered to the French armed forces from 2007, and 255 air vehicles have now

38 Dubai Airshow News • November 14, 2011 • www.ainonline.com

Garuda Indonesia has ordered CFM International’s Leap-1A engines to power the airline’s 10 Airbus A320neo jets. The $220 million deal takes total business for the new Leap turbofan family to nearly 2,450 engines worth $29 billion at list prices. The Leap series will power three aircraft types: the A320neo (Leap-1A), Boeing 737 MAX (Leap-1B) and Comac C919 (Leap-1C). The first to enter service will be the -1A on the A320neo in 2016, followed by the -1B and-1C in 2017. Leap certification is scheduled for 2014. CFM, which is a 50/50 joint venture between Snecma and GE, is heading for a record year with sales standing at $24 billion as of the end of October. The Leap engines offer an improvement in engine efficiency of 15 percent enabled by advances in aerodynamic design, lighter and more durable materials and the latest environmental technologies. A key feature of the Leap engine is the composite fan blades, made using the resin transfer molding process. A fullscale fan blade-out rig test took place successfully in May and simulated certification requirements. In a video of the testing, the composite fan case suffered no failures, containing all parts without cracking or developing stress defects. “The amount of blade lost on the second blade was of the order of 10 percent,” said CFM executive vice president Chaker Chahrour. “We typically design for a lot

more than that, so we’re quite thrilled.” Endurance testing of the fan was completed in August, with more than 5,000 cycles logged. More recently the engine’s low-pressure turbine went through extensive rig testing. This validated the airfoil design and blade and vane alignment and, according to Chahrour, “allowed us to improve our confidence factors in the overall design.” The eCore Demonstrator 2, which includes a 10-stage compressor, Taps 2 combustor and two-stage high-pressure turbine in the Leap configuration, began testing in May and has run more than 100 test hours that included low-speed stalls. Another 50 hours is planned by the end of the year and this will cover high-speed stall parameters. The engine configuration is frozen, following completion of CFM’s internal “Tollgate 3” process. Design freeze of the engine is planned in mid-2012. Testing included more than 2,000 parameters, and the test core was festooned with sensors and wires needed to capture the test data. The eCore Demonstrator 3 build up is planned for early next year, in preparation for full Leap engine testing in 2013 (see page 30). “We have been executing 21 entries into service on time,” said CFM president and CEO Jean-Paul Ebanga. “I think in the history of aviation, this is the first time ever a company was able to do it.” o

Cassidian’s Atlante UAV is designed for a Spanish defense ministry requirement for 24-hour coverage.

center in Saudi Arabia, secure communications in many countries in the region, and coastal/border protection systems in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The company is highlighting its Spexer 1000 critical infrastructure security radar here at the show. In the United Arab Emirates Cassidian

is supplying three counter battery radars (in partnership with Thales), an integrated police security system in Abu Dhabi, and is implementing the major Emirates Command and Control System across the UAE forces through Emiraje Systems, a joint venture with C4 Advanced Solutions. o

CORRECTION: Space Imaging Middle East On page 68 of yesterday’s Dubai Airshow News we inadvertently referred to the satellite image of the Burj Khalifa building as being a result of a new business relationship between Space Imaging Middle East (SIME, Stand E550) and Google. The image was in fact, in this instance, supplied by DigitalGlobe under an existing contractual arrangement with SIME. o

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