Aviators
INDIA’S # 1 AVIATION & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Aviators leads the way for dedicated
HEMS
with Airbus
H 130
APRIL - JUNE 2016 April - June 2016 | Aviators | 1
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DITOR’S N O T E April - June | 2016
We are in the midst of a sizzling summer that has seen record temperatures across the country, with even our ‘Garden City’ of Bangalore, reporting temperatures as high as 39 degrees! For those in the aviation business, the heat is hardly a bother with the pleasant realisation that years of indifference to the needs of India’s Aviation Industry, has now been replaced with new Government policies in the making that will further increase the pace of growth for the Indian Aviation Industry. However, when it comes to Charter and Business Aviation, the development of this sector to its logical position as one of the most important markets in Asia has been stymied by the irrational customs duty categorizing different duty structures for NSOP or private users. A strong and competitive business and charter aviation industry will further assist Indian industry in becoming even more efficient, by utilising the inherent versatility of fixed and rotary wing platforms. When it comes to Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), this is an area that has received the whole hearted support of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Important changes to rules and regulations have been carefully applied. A viable commercial model for HEMS operations is now possible for Air Ambulance Services in India. Growth of Air ambulance services is now receiving the attention of the Government and the unmatched capabilities of helicopters, will transform air ambulance services in India. This will save precious lives, further increasing the chances of success when it comes to harvesting and transportation of organs for organ donation. One must remember that every organ successfully harvested and transplanted, provides an additional lease of life for the person who receives the transplant. Aviators Air Rescue is aiming to commence operations this year with Airbus Helicopters H130 helicopters which will be equipped with the most modern and comprehensive medical equipment for air medical tasks. The H130 has proved itself as an outstanding HEMS platform with air ambulance services worldwide, as a result of its high-performance and efficiency, spacious cabin and state-of-the-art avionics for safe operation in all weather conditions. The service will initially be launched in the southern states covering Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala to be immediately followed by Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, UP and Odisha. Aviators Air Rescue will provide this life-saving and much needed air-medical service at very reasonable costs.
Arun Sharma Editor
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 3
TABLE of CONTENTS Aviators
Cover Story
Pg 20
Aviators Air Rescue Launches Air Ambulance Service
Flight Trax
Pg 06
Airbus launches an innovative new concept in jetliner cabins called Airspace by Airbus.
Civil Aviation
Rotary Wing
Pg 36
m Airbus Helicopters Seeks to Maintain Rotorcraft Lead in 2016 m Market Leader Bell Announces 2015 Deliveries m Marenco Swisshelicopter Notches Further Milestones in 2016
Pg 26
Airbus Strengthens Leadership Position in Asia-Pacific Region
Boeing Freighter Family Leading the Air Cargo Industry
m Boeing Completes Successful 737 MAX First Flight
Business Aviation
Pg 44
Aviation Technology
m Embraer Delivers First Legacy
500 to Jackie Chan m Embraer Phenom 300 is most- delivered Business Jet for Third Consecutive Year m Gulfstream Launches Systems Testing with G600 Iron Bird Flight m Dassault FalconEye is First HUD to Combine Real-World and Synthetic Views
Virgin Atlantic
Pg 56
Virgin Atlantic, working with air-transport specialist SITA, is the first in the industry to test how the latest wearable technology, including Google Glass
ELBIT SYSTEMS Helicopter SKYLENS Wearable HUD in Final Operational Configuration
Aviators Life Style
Pg 70
Pg 58 m The New E-Class
The Most Intelligent Business Saloon m BREAKING NEW DIMENSIONS Bugatti Chiron A $2.6 MILLION 1,500HP Super Sports Car, unveiled in Geneva m MP-05 "LaFerrari" SAPPHIRE A Sapphire setting for the Record-Breaking Movement
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Arun B Sharma
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Printed at M/s Ramya Reprographic Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore Editorial contributions should be addressed to the Editorial & Administrative office. Publisher assumes no reponsibility for safety of artwork, photographs or manuscripts. Regd. No. 66745/96
Airbus Launches
New Cabin Concept
“Airspace by Airbus” A
irbus has launched an innovative new concept in jetliner cabins called “Airspace by Airbus”. This new brand will bring together an enhanced experience for passengers and optimum performance for airlines based on four dimensions: comfort, ambience, service and design. Airspace by Airbus will first be introduced on Airbus’ widebody A330neo (new engine option) version – and incorporated on the A350 XWB. Airspace cabins will offer a more relaxing, inspiring, attractive and functional environment for travellers that optimize the use of cabin space for operators. 6 | Aviators | April - June 2016
Flight Trax Kiran Rao, the Executive Vice President of Marketing & Strategy, said Airspace continues Airbus’ non-stop innovation and furthers the company’s leadership in providing cabin comfort excellence – applying advanced cabin technologies developed for its recent programmes. “The A380 already offers the best comfort of any aircraft, and the A320 is the top in its single-aisle category,” he explained.
“Airspace is another step forward, reflecting our decision to bring consistency on our two best-selling widebody aircraft: the A350 XWB and A330neo.” “Such signature details and iconic elements will add to passengers’ enjoyment of flight, while offering a flexible canvas to which the airlines can project their own brand,” he concluded. Signature design elements recognizable throughout all Airspace cabins include wider seats; larger overhead storage bins; spacious, contemporary lavatories with antibacterial surfaces; along with unobstructed under-seat foot space. A unique and customisable welcome area at the main passenger boarding door, the latest in LED technology for ambient lighting are other features as well as clean shapes and surfaces throughout the interior. Features for operators include a range of new galley/lavatory options such as modular Space-Flex to maximise trolley capacity, wheelchair-accessible lavatory configurations to suit individual airline requirements, and freeing up of main deck space to allow for additional seating.
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 7
Flight Trax
Embraer Rolls Out E190-E2
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razilian airframer Embraer rolled out its first E2 jet, the E190-E2 on February 25th, marking the successful roll-out of its second generation E-Jets family of commercial aircraft. Embraer launched the programme for the 130 seat jetliner family in June 2013 with an investment of US $1.7 billion. The first flight of the E190-E2 is scheduled for the second half of this year and entry into service is being targeted for 2018. “The rollout held today marks the completion of the assembly of the first E190-E2 and paves the way for the start of the tests that will lead to the first flight,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Senior Vice President Operations & COO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. Embraer has notched up firm orders for 267 E2s in addition to 373 options and purchase rights. A total of nine prototypes will be built, four as part of the E190-E2 certification campaign, two additional planes will be built for the E195-E2 variant, whose entry into service is planned in 2019 and three more will be used in the E175-E2 campaign, which has an entry into service date in 2020. The E190-E2 can be to accommodate 97 seats in dual class service or 106 seats in single class layout and will be able to distances of 2,800 nautical miles. n
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A350 XWB Added to Singapore Airlines Fleet
ingapore Airlines, took delivery of its first Airbus A350 XWB in February. Singapore has placed orders for 67 A350-900s out of which seven will be able to perform ultra-long range flights lasting up to 19 hours. The airline’s newest A350 XWB joins stablemates the A330 and A380, which are in service with the airline. Singapore airlines will resume its non-stop service to the U.S. from 2018 with the A350-900ULR, a service it had earlier operated using Airbus A340-500s. The A350 is a key element in our overall capacity growth and fleet renewal strategy. Its improved operating efficiency offers us the opportunity to open up even more new routes, providing more travel options to our customers,” Singapore Airlines CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong, said at the welcome ceremony for the aircraft at Singapore’s Changi International Airport. The initial lot of A350s will be able to seat 253 passengers across Business Class (42), Premium Economy (24) and Economy Class (187). n
Gulfstream Aerospace Commences G600 Iron Bird Flight Tests
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ulfstream announced the completion of the first Gulfstream G600 iron bird flight in February. During the 30-minute flight, the G600 iron bird simulated taxi, takeoff and landing as well as manoeuvres and transitions at altitude and airspeed. “This first flight sets in motion the testing and validation required for the G600’s actual first flight,” said Dan Nale, senior vice president, 8 | Aviators | April - June 2016
Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “With the iron bird, we can confirm the characteristics of the system components, improve the integration maturity, make modifications and provide those benefits in a lab environment, all while on the ground and still in the design stage to the benefit of the flight-test aircraft. Having this resource enhances safety and
streamlines the testing process.” n
Flight Trax H215 Showcases Performance in Latin America
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irbus Helicopters’ H215 heavy helicopter, a member of the Super Puma family, is demonstrating its multi-mission capabilities and performance for aerial work in high & hot conditions as part of a demo tour of Latin America. The demo flights are underway in Argentina and will then continue in
Chile before finishing in Peru. During this three-week tour, both civil and military customers in the region will be invited to discover the versatility of the helicopter. “The H215 represents a new business concept. Changes to our industrial organization allow us to offer a powerful and modern helicopter at a very competitive
price, with optimized lead times and major flexibility in terms of optional equipment,” said Alexandre Ceccacci, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Cono Sur. “It’s the ideal option for customers in the region looking for a cost-effective helicopter with multi-mission capabilities.” The H215 provides advanced a vionics in a reliable and sturdy platform capable of performing a wide range of missions. It offers long-range capabilities, power, speed, an excellent useful payload as well as an availability rate of more than 95 percent. Both EASA and FAA certified, the H215 is equipped with cutting-edge technology that meets the latest safety requirements of the market. This includes a glass cockpit and the renowned 4-axis autopilot used on the H225, which provides flight envelope protection, unrivalled precision and stability even in the harshest operating conditions. n
Airbus Helicopters second H160 prototype takes off
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Airbus Helicopters New H145
Demo Tour Underway in Asia
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irbus Helicopters’ H145 is showcasing its performance and capabilities in Asia, through a series of demo flights in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan. The first H145 demo tour was held in Southeast Asia in 2013, covering Malaysia and Thailand. Since then, there has been an increasing interest in this rotorcraft, especially in the emergency medical services (EMS) and commercial/business aviation segments. “We are very pleased to bring the H145 back to Asia for demo flights. This is an excellent opportunity for us to connect with customers who could not take part in the previous demo tour,” said Philippe Monteux, Airbus Helicopters Head of Southeast Asia & Pacific region. “By actually flying the H145, operators will be able to experience firsthand the power and versatility of this light helicopter, which represents a very cost-efficient solution for all mission needs.” This Asian demo tour will be divided into two legs. From 23-30 March, the H145 will visit Malaysia and Thailand once again. The second leg will start in May, covering Indonesia, eastern Malaysia and Taiwan for the first time. n
he H160’s second prototype took off on January 27th from Marignane in France, kicking off a busy 2016 for the H160 as it pursues its flight test program with two prototypes. 2016 will be an equally active year for the H160 with the beginning of its commercialization and many other milestones in helicopter development, industrialization and preparation of support activities in order to bring a fully mature helicopter to the market.
“After a very busy year 2015 in terms of flight activities, introducing PT2 is an important step in the H160 development as we will launch performance testing with the Turbomeca Arrano engines.” said Bernard Fujarski, head of the H160 Program. n April - June 2016 | Aviators | 9
Flight Trax
Airbus Helicopters
Raises the Maximum take-off Weight of the H145 to 3,700kg
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n December, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) awarded Airbus Helicopters the certification
of the increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW) for the H145. With this enhancement, the helicopter can carry an extra 50kg, raising the MTOW to a total of 3.7 metric tons. It will be available for customers in early 2016. As the improvement does not require any structural modifications or additional equipment, it will not cause extra costs for the operators. “By raising the MTOW we are improving the mission capability of the H145, which is highly beneficial for all operators, especially in emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement and offshore missions, where both high payload and maximum range are directly relevant for efficient helicopter operations”, said Manfred Merk, Head of the H145 programme. “The new MTOW converts in pure useful load, be it more payload or more fuel.” The H145 is the most advanced member of its family, incorporating Arriel 2E engines and the fullcomposite Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, as well as the innovative digital avionics suite Helionix® with 4-axis autopilot. The global H145 customer fleet has already accumulated more than 11,000 flying hours since the first delivery in July 2014.n
PhilJets starts the
year with Airbus Helicopters H130 order
PhilJets Group has placed an order with Airbus Helicopters for one brand new H130 light helicopter, scheduled for delivery in June 2016. PhilJets through its parent’s company, Starline Global Industries, already placed an order for an H130 last year and is renewing its confidence in this helicopter type to boost the expansion of its operations in the Philippines. “As a fast growing aviation start-up,
10 | Aviators | April - June 2016
our ambitious growth strategy needs to be fully supported by one of the most efficient, reliable and versatile aircraft in the market,” said Thierry Tea, CEO of PhilJets Group. “This additional H130 will help us achieve our expansion plans in a sustainable manner.” This aircraft will be operated by PhilJets Aero Charter Corp, the group’s air transport subsidiary. It will
offer to PhilJets’ charter subsidiary some increased capacity especially in catering to corporate clients and high-end tourists as well as an efficient support for specific aerial works including medical evacuation, cargo-sling transportation for mining, construction of roads, power lines and telecom towers inspection and maintenance. “The Ecureuil has proven its performance and capabilities in a variety of missions around the world and is the clear single engine market leader in the country. We are committed to provide our full support and are confident that our rotorcraft will help PhilJets to achieve its ambitions,” said Yves Poesy, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in the Philippines. With this helicopter acquisition, PhilJets Group will have in total a fleet of six Ecureuil helicopters comprising five H130s and one AS350 B2. In the Philippines, Airbus Helicopters provides more than 50% of the helicopter fleet, with a vast majority of the fleet comprising mainly of Ecureuils. n
Flight Trax
BOEING Delivers First Next-Generation 737 to CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES
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oeing has completed the delivery of the First NextGeneration 737 belonging to China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Leasing). The jetliner was delivered to China Eastern Airlines and marks the delivery of the first 30 Boeing 737NGs that CDB Leasing has on order. "We are delighted to take delivery of CDB Leasing's first directly purchased Boeing airplane," said Wang Xuedong, Chairman, CDB Leasing. "Our commitment to our customers is to provide them with the most efficient and reliable products and the 737 family of airplanes clearly delivers on that promise." China Eastern Airlines’ Next-Generation 737-800 features a new interior and elements of Boeing's innovative Sky Interior with larger pivoting overhead stowage bins and LED lighting. n
Boeing Launches
Free Online Courses Offered by
Freighter
E
Next-Generation 737-800
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oeing has announced the launch of its Next-Generation 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF). The airframer has secured 30 firm orders and 25 commitments from seven customers for the 737-800BCF and delivery of the first freighter is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2017. "The Next-Generation 737 provides exceptional value to express freight carriers through its superior payload, range, reliability and efficiency," said Stan Deal, senior vice president, Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. He added, “While the recovery of the global cargo market has been slow, we see demand for freighters, such as the 737-800BCF, that will carry express cargo on domestic routes.” The 737-800BCF is the first Boeing conversion for the 737-800 and will be able to carry up to 52,800 pounds (23.9 metric tons) of cargo, across 2,000 nautical miles (3,690 kilometers). It will be able to carry 11 standard pallets and one half-pallet on the main deck, supplemented by two lower-lobe compartments, providing more than 1,540 cubic feet (43.7 cubic meters) of space for revenue-generating cargo. Modifications include installing a large maindeck cargo door, a cargo-handling system and accommodations for up to four non-flying crew members or passengers. n
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University mbry-Riddle Aeronautical University has announced the launch four free online courses throughout 2016, known as Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), which address timely aerospace topics. Content specifically focused on the Southeast Asian Marketplace, will be featured in two of the courses. These new courses follow Embry-Riddle World wide’s highly successful “Unmanned Aerospace Systems (UAS) – Key Concepts for New Users” MOOC launched in January, 2016. “Embry-Riddle is committed to the industry we support, and by offering these free online courses, our faculty and staff are able to share their expertise and world-renowned knowledge with our community and aerospace professionals,” said Dr. Ken Witcher, Embry-Riddle Worldwide Dean of Aeronautics. Free and open to the public, the online courses are: “The Human Factor in Aviation” (March 2016) will focus on a critical aspect in aviation disasters: the human factor. Topics include human performance, benefits of training, advanced technology, automation and situational awareness with the goal of strengthening safety in the aviation environment. “Aircraft Accident Investigation” (May 2016) will cover aspects of aircraft accident investigation from start to finish with emphasis on human factors, survival investigative techniques and the application of accident investigation findings in industry and research. “Airport/ Airline Operations” (August 2016) will offer a behind-the-scenes overview of the long- and short-term planning and coordination required by international commercial air carriers to safely and efficiently operate thousands of passenger and cargo flights each day. Topics include airline history, organization, crewmember requirements and duty time limitations, aircraft airworthiness, dispatch, flight operations and maintenance. The course will explore issues affecting certificated air carriers operating domestic and internationally, during normal, abnormal, and emergency situations. “Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul – Global Opportunities, Growth, and Challenges” (October 2016) offers a comprehensive examination of aircraft maintenance policies, programs and procedures impacting international commercial airline operators. Emphasis is placed on all aspects of aircraft maintenance, including organizational management, planning, forecasting, cost control, reliability, flight scheduling and safety. n
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 11
Flight Trax Singapore Airlines
First A350 XWB Airborne
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he first A350-900 for Singapore Airlines completed its maiden flight over the skies of South West France. The aircraft, featuring the airline’s iconic livery, entered the final phase of production, which includes further ground checks and test flights, before being prepared for
delivery in the coming weeks. Altogether the airline has ordered 67 A350-900s which will be operated on long range flights, as well as on selected regional services. Seven of the aircraft will be delivered with an ultra-long range capability for flights of up to 19 hours, allowing the carrier
to resume non-stop flights to the US. The all-new A350 XWB will form the backbone of Singapore Airlines’ future mid-size widebody fleet. The A350 XWB is the world’s latest generation airliner and the newest member of Airbus’ modern, comfortable & efficient widebody product family. The aircraft features the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these deliver a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 777 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 41 customers worldwide. n
UK based Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIWAA) To Start Night Flying Operations
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he UK based Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIWAA), will start night flying in the first quarter of 2016. Flight crew are currently taking part in night training exercises in preparation for the commencement of operations at night. This capability to fly at night, will allow the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service to extend its services from the current 7PM to 2AM in the morning, as a result of the new night flying capability. It is estimated that only four of the 20 air ambulance services in England have the ability to fly at night. HIWAA helicopters also carry blood with them and this has proven to be a lifesaver as blood transfusions have been given onsite in many occasions. The HEMS
operators announced in 2014 its commitment to full night flying capability, and in October 2015 the enhanced model H135, specially equipped for night flying, arrived at its airbase in Thruxton. The H135 is an upgraded version of HIWAA’s previous helicopter, the EC135. Like the EC135, the H135 can land in an area the size of a tennis court and can be anywhere in Hampshire within 15 minutes and the Isle of Wight in 20 minutes. It also has skids, which are ideal for the varied terrain we have in Hampshire and
the Isle of Wight. The H135 can carry three or four crew members which means that, not only a doctor and a paramedic are on board most flights, but sometimes a family member can also travel with the patient. n
Air Methods Acquires Tri-State Care Flight
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ir Methods Corporation has acquired Tri-State Care Flight. In November 2015, Air Methods announced it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tri-State Care Flight and its air medical transport program. Tri-State Care Flight will continue to operate as a critical care transport provider servicing Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Colorado. “What I’m looking forward to the most is the expansion of Tri-State Care Flight’s footprint,” added Dr. Blake Stamper, 12 | Aviators | April - June 2016
“Air Methods would first like to welcome Tri-State Care Flight employees to the team,” said Aaron Todd, chief executive officer of Air Methods. “They are now a part of the 4,000 strong making a difference in the lives of thousands. We truly believe that everyone deserves access to lifesaving care, and we look forward to strengthening our commitment in the southwest.” founder and managing member of Tri-State Care Flight. “This enhances the opportunities for the professionals dedicated to the mission, and for the patients and customers we do it all for.” Air Methods Corporation is the global leader in air
medical transportation and Air Medical Services Division is the largest provider of air medical transport services in the United States. The United Rotorcraft Division specializes in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. n
Flight Trax
First 787 Dreamliner Delivered to Saudia
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oeing and Saudia, Saudi Arabia's National Airline, celebrated the triple delivery of two Boeing 7879 Dreamliners and a 777-300ER (Extended Range) in the month of February. A third Dreamliner will be delivered to Saudia within the next week. The airline ordered eight 787-9s in 2010.The airline will now have 48 Boeing airplanes in its fleet that currently include 777-200ERs, 777-300ERs and 747-400s. Over the last 55 years, Saudia has taken delivery of over 130 Boeing airplanes including 707s, 737s, MD-11Fs, DC9s and MD90s.
"The delivery of our first Dreamliners marks yet another exciting chapter in Saudia's longstanding relationship with Boeing that began in the early 1960s," said His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser, Director-General, Saudi Arabian Airlines. "With its reputation for reliability, operational efficiency and comfort, we now look forward to the 787 becoming an integral addition to Saudia's fleet as we continue our fleet modernization and expansion as part of our transformation plans." Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner said,
"Today, we are proud not only to have Saudia join our growing base of 787 customers in the Middle East, but also at the airline's continued confidence in Boeing's technology and airplanes over the years." Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family is flying more than 350 routes and has established more than 75 new nonstop routes around the world. More than 60 customers including Saudia - from around the world have placed orders for more than 1,000 airplanes, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest selling twinaisle airplane in Boeing history. n
Cathay Pacific’s
New Livery makes Debut on Freighter Fleet
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athay Pacific Airways has welcomed its first freighter showcasing the airline’s brand new livery. The freshly painted freighter, a Boeing 747-400ERF (Extended Range Freighter) arrived in Hong Kong from the HAECO facility in Xiamen on 19 January. The new Cathay Pacific livery was first unveiled on one of the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft at a special event held at Hong Kong International Airport in November, last year. Cathay Pacific General Manager Cargo Sales & Marketing Mark Sutch said: “We are delighted that a freighter was chosen as the second in-service aircraft to get the new
Cathay Pacific livery. We have one of the world’s most Comprehensive International Cargo Networks and it will be pleasing to see our Boeing 747-400ERF showcasing the airline’s new livery around the world. This livery refreshes our brand and symbolises our continuing efforts to consistently deliver excellent service to our customers.” Cathay Pacific currently operates freighter services to 46 destinations and also carries freight in the bellies of its 140-plus passenger aircraft that serve a growing global network. The new livery will be progressively introduced onto all the aircraft in both its passenger and
freighter fleets. A continuation of the work that began in late 2014 to refresh Cathay Pacific’s brand identity, the livery is a vital part of the airline’s brand image and a symbol of the company’s values displayed on its most important asset. The new livery comprises three key design elements: the incorporation of the updated and streamlined brushwing; a simplification of the colour palette to Cathay Pacific green, grey, and white; and a more prominent display of the Cathay Pacific wordmark and brushwing. n
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 13
Flight Trax
Sikorsky Releases
FCOM for S-92 and S-76D Helicopters
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ikorsky announced the release of Flight Crew Operating Manuals (FCOM) for the S-92 and S-76D helicopters for oil and gas transportation missions to
HeliOffshore for peer review. Part of an effort led by the HeliOffshore industry association to enhance safety and build collaboration across the industry, the manuals help pilots understand the intent of system operations by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Dana Fiatarone, Vice President, Sikorsky Commercial Systems and Services, said, “Sikorsky’s Flight Crew Operating Manuals are aligned with our commitment to
providing safe and efficient aircraft for our customers.” She added, “We have benefited from and look forward to the continued cycle of learning and collaboration that HeliOffshore provides. This environment will allow these important documents to continue to evolve and provide value to our customers.” The S-92 and S-76D helicopter FCOMs will be available as part of the publications’ companion of the Sikorsky iFly application for the Apple iPad and when published will complement the current Flight Manuals. "Sikorsky, like every member of HeliOffshore, is committed to providing crews with the tools, training and support they need to operate safely, on every flight,” said Gretchen Haskins, Chief Executive Officer, HeliOffshore. “The Flight Crew Operating Manuals delivered by Sikorsky are great examples of industry-wide, tangible guidance that makes a difference to safety at the frontline.”n
GAGAN
Developer Woos
General Aviation
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he Airports Authority of India (AAI) is struggling to convince commercial airlines to use the GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) satellite-based augmentation system, but it hopes for a better reception from the general aviation community. Having worked with the Indian Space Research Organisation and Raytheon on the official launch of GAGAN for Indian airspace in 2015, the AAI may have to hire an external marketing consultant to convince carriers to adopt the system. GAGAN "is a big opportunity for India", said S V Satish, former ATM General Manager for GAGAN and now Executive Director for safety at the AAI. "We should take the lead in marketing GAGAN to neighbouring countries." n
Work on Airbus A330 Completion and Delivery Centre (C&DC) in Tianjin, China Underway
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irbus has commenced the start of construction for its Airbus A330 Completion and Delivery Centre (C&DC) in Tianjin, China, which is co-located at the same site as the Airbus Tianjin A320 Family Final Assembly Line and the Airbus Tianjin Delivery Centre. “This event is significant because the A330 C&DC in Tianjin is our first completion and delivery centre for widebody aircraft outside Europe. Airbus’ long-standing cooperation with China spans single aisle and now also widebody aircraft and we will continue to look for further opportunities in the future,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. Airbus will assemble the A330 Family aircraft to be completed at the A330 C&DC Tianjin at Toulouse following 14 | Aviators | April - June 2016
which all cabin fitting and painting work will be performed at the Tianjin facility. The A330 C&DC Tianjin will cover the aircraft completion activities including cabin installation, aircraft painting and flight test, as well as aircraft delivery and customer flight acceptance. Airbus, Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) had signed a framework agreement on setting up an A330 C&DC in Tianjin in 2014. As per Airbus’ 2015-2034 Global Market Forecast, the total market value for the new aircraft forecasted to be delivered to China is over US$840 billion. More than 170 A330 Family widebody jetliners are currently operational in China. n
Flight Trax - Indian Aviation
IndiGo Showcases
A320neo
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ndiGo’s first A320neo was present on the opening day of the India Aviation airshow in Hyderabad. The aircraft was shown in front of Indian Government officials, IndiGo and Airbus executives as well as airshow crowds.The aircraft was delivered on March 11th after a direct flight from Toulouse to Delhi International airport lasting over eight hours (8hrs & 12 mins). The delivery makes IndiGo the first A320neo operator in India and in Asia. IndiGo, India’s largest airline by passenger numbers is Airbus’ biggest A320neo customer having ordered a total of 430 aircraft placed in 2011 and 2015. “The A320neo aircraft will enable us to continue to offer affordable air transportation and a new flying experience for our customers. The fuel efficient aircraft will be part of a new phase of our growth and will enable us to offer more regional and international destinations at the best price,” said Aditya Ghosh, President of IndiGo. The A320neo “New Engine Option” incorporates many innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 per cent by 2020. This is equivalent to a reduction of 5,000 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year. So far Airbus has won orders for over 4,500 A320neo aircraft. IndiGo is one of Airbus’ biggest A320 Family customers having ordered 530 aircraft in total. These include 430
A320neo from orders placed in 2015 (250 A320neo) and 2011 (180 A32neo). IndiGo also placed an order in 2005 for 100 A320s which have all been delivered. The A320 Family is the world’s bestselling single aisle product line with nearly 12,500 orders to date and over 6,900 aircraft delivered to 300 customers and operators worldwide. Thanks to its widest cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard. April - June 2016 | Aviators | 15
Flight Trax - Indian Aviation
Vistara Announces Attractive
New Business Class Fares to Encourage more Customers to Experience the New Feeling Vistara, India’s fastest growing full service carrier, has announced attractive new Business Class fares to allow more customers to fly and experience the finest Business Class experience in the domestic skies. Travellers will be able to enjoy special Business Class fares which are upto 30% less relative to earlier fares, applicable on all destinations on the airlines' route network. Fares on select sectors that are open for booking are as below: This offer comes with limited seats and booking period. It is available for booking and travel only till April 15, 2016, fees and Delhi-Mumbai INR 15,000 INR 21,000 taxes are extra. To make the Delhi-Ahmedabad INR 11,000 INR 15,000 most of this offer, customers can book their travel on Vistara Delhi-Hyderabad INR 14,000 INR 19,000 through direct channels like Delhi-Bengaluru INR 14,500 INR 18,750 the company website (www. airvistara.com) and the 24/7 Customer Service Centre (1860 108 9999), through the Vistara mobile apps on Android and iOS and through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and other traditional travel agents. Vistara’s GDS partners include Abacus, Amadeus and Travelport, which will enable customers to book via all major channels. n Select sectors
Starting Business Class fare (now available for booking)
Starting Business Class fare (earlier, before discount)
Air India Future A320neo Operator Air India Creates History- Flies World’s
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irbus has welcomed Air India as a future A320neo operator from 2017. Air India and Alafco signed a lease agreement for operating lease of 14 A320neo aircraft at the Hyderabad airshow in India. With this agreement Air India will benefit from A320neo’s 15 per cent fuel burn reduction, reduced noise and environmental footprint, while offering its passengers the best in class comfort. Air India already operates 66 A320 family aircraft including 22 A319, 24 A320 and 20 A321. Airbus and Air India have enjoyed a very long term partnership. Air India was the first airline in India to operate A320s in India 27 years ago. n
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Longest All-Women Operated Flight
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ational Carrier Air India has made history flying the world’s longest allwomen operated and supported flight on the Non-Stop Delhi- San Francisco route. Close to 17 hours and travelling a distance of around 14,500 Km, AI 173 departed from Delhi on March 6th at 02:35 Hrs and landed San Francisco at 06:21 Hrs. The historic flight was under the command of Captain Kshamta Bajpayee and Captain Shubhangi Singh along with First Officers Captain Ramya Kirti Gupta and Captain Amrit Namdhari. Ashwini Lohani, CMD Air India said "It is a historic flight and the longest operated by all women crew. The airline has immense respect for women and it is a symbol of women empowerment.” Air India celebrates International Women’s Day every year by deploying women crew on its select international and domestic routes. This year for the first time, on the world’s longest nonstop flight, the entire flight operations from Cockpit Crew to Cabin crew, Check-In staff, Doctor, Customer Care Staff, ATC and the entire ground handling from operator to technician, Engineer and flight dispatcher and trimmer is handled by women. The airline has around 3800 women employees, including women pilots, cabin crew, engineers, technicians, doctors, security personnel and executives. n
Flight Trax - Indian Aviation Jet Airways appoints
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Rahul Taneja as Chief People Officer
et Airways, India’s Premier International Airline, has appointed Rahul Taneja as Chief People Officer. Taneja, 47, has over 25 years of experience in diverse industry sectors and has worked in HR leadership positions across leading Indian and International Companies. As Chief People Officer of Jet Airways, Mr. Taneja will be responsible for shaping the operations and performance of the Group. He will join the Executive Management Committee that has been tasked by the Board of Directors of Jet Airways to drive the company’s growth and future strategy. Commenting on the appointment,
Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways, said: "I am delighted that Rahul Taneja has joined Jet Airways as Chief People Officer and a key member of our Executive Management Committee. He brings with him a global HR Management Perspective, and I am sure Jet Airways will benefit substantially from his expertise and experience Locally and Internationally. I look forward to Rahul working with our entire leadership team as we continue to execute our growth strategy." Mr Taneja previously headed Corporate Human Resources at Essar Group, an Energy, Metals &
Jet Airways becomes largest Indian carrier to Bangkok Jet Airways, India's Premier International Airline, has expanded its operations to Bangkok with the launch of new daily flights from its hubs in Mumbai and Delhi. With the introduction of these new frequencies, Jet Airways becomes the largest Indian airline flying between India and Bangkok. With effect from March 27, 2016, Jet Airways will launch a third daily frequency from Mumbai to Bangkok, making it the airline with the maximum number of daily frequencies between the two cities. Jet Airways will also launch a second daily service from Delhi to Bangkok from March 27, 2016, offering greater choice to guests travelling between the two capital cities. These new services from Jet Airways’ hubs in Mumbai and Delhi will further strengthen the Airline’s growing network and significantly enhance flight options and connectivity for guests. Mr. Gaurang Shetty, Senior Vice President - Commercial, Jet Airways, said: "Jet Airways is delighted to introduce additional frequencies from Mumbai and Delhi to Bangkok
providing greater choice and convenience to our guests on these popular routes. Bangkok has been a popular destination for business and leisure travellers and demand on routes from India to Bangkok continues to grow. By adding more capacity to this key destination from our hubs in Mumbai and Delhi we aim to provide easy connectivity with convenient schedules linking to our wider domestic network." Jet Airways will deploy Boeing 737800 aircraft on the new services, offering Premiere and Economy guests, a best in class in-flight product, warm service, and awardwinning in-flight entertainment and cuisine. The expansion of Jet Airways' operations to Bangkok is in keeping with the Government of India’s ‘Look East-Act East’ policy. The new connections will further boost the business and leisure traffic between India and Thailand. Moreover, guest will be able to avail convenient onward connections from Bangkok to destinations in the ASEAN region with Jet Airways’ codeshare airline partners. n
Mining, Infrastructure and Services Multinational Corporation. At Essar, he spearheaded the strategic redesign of the organisation and led the HR function for global operations across all business portfolios. Mr Taneja said: "I am very pleased to take up this key role at Jet Airways, an airline that has emerged in a dynamic aviation industry as a great Indian brand with significant presence in Domestic and International Markets. As the company moves to its next phase of evolution, we will support this through effectively channelling our human capital to further enhance the guest experience and meet the organisation’s growth objectives." n
SpiceJet Tops On-time Performance among full-grown carriers
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ndian Budget Airline SpiceJet, has topped the on-time performance for January 2016, among all full-grown carriers operating from Hyderabad. This is the second consecutive month that the airline has achieved this feat from the Hyderabad airport. The airline has registered an OTP of 87% during the month which is also an improvement from its December 2015 OTP of 82.2% for Hyderabad Attributing this regular betterment in on-time performance to a smart tactical move of speed enhancement of its Bombardier Q400 planes, Rohit Pal, Sr. GM, Flight Operations, SpiceJet, said “Improving upon all our operational aspects has always been our endeavour. Punctuality of flights is a key barometer of customer confidence and all our team members have put their heart and soul for a steady improvement. We wish to carry on with the momentum going forward.” The airline operates 293 daily flights to 40 destinations, including 34 Domestic and 6 International ones, with a fleet of 26 Boeing 737NG and 2 Airbus A320 family aircraft along with 14 Bombardier Q-400s. n April - June 2016 | Aviators | 17
Flight Trax - Indian Aviation
SpiceJet Inaugurates Daily Non-Stop Flight to
Dubai from Hyderabad
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piceJet, has announced that it will be operating a daily flight service between Hyderabad and Dubai. A SpiceJet Boeing 737NG aircraft is operating on this sector. The flight schedule on the route has been slotted to suit the convenience of the business travellers in particular, so as to allow them to make the most of every working day. Commemorating the flight launch, Mr. Kamal Hingorani - Sr. VP & Head of Inflight Services and Customer Experience, SpiceJet said, “We are extremely happy to announce our First International Flight from Hyderabad. This makes it the tenth daily departure to Dubai from across India. We now intend to explore other International routes from Hyderabad as well” Dubai is one of SpiceJet’s six International Destinations – Bangkok, Colombo, Dubai, Kabul, Male (Maldives) and Muscat and with the launch, SpiceJet now serves nonstop flights to Dubai from Ten Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Madurai, Mumbai and Pune and with connections from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, besides Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata. n
Star Alliance Gold Card Holders Enjoy Free Upgrades On Heathrow Express Trains
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tar Alliance and Heathrow Express (https://www. heathrowexpress.com/) have teamed up to offer Star Alliance Gold Card holders a special benefit when travelling on Heathrow Express trains – a free upgrade. Making use of this offer is very simple. Customers just need to purchase a standard class single or return ticket for the Heathrow Express, the fastest rail link between the airport and London Paddington Station. Once on the train, customers can choose any available seat in Business First Class and show both their train ticket and Star Alliance Gold Card to the attendant. Amenities in Business First include complimentary newspapers and magazines, more leg room, wider seats, a personal table, a power socket at each seat and onboard TV. This special promotion is open to all frequent flyers holding Gold Status in any of the 21 Frequent Flyer Programmes offered by the Star Alliance member airlines. The offer will run from February 15th until further notice. Full details of this offer can be found at: http://heathrowt2.staralliance.com/offers Star Alliance moved into the purpose-built Terminal 2 – The Queen’s Terminal – in 2014 and has since been offering its more than 12 million annual passengers using the airport a vastly improved travel experience. Latest technology is deployed throughout the terminal, giving passengers greater control of their journey. The check-in area has been specially designed for speed and efficiency, with airlines grouped in zones. The 80-plus common use self-service kiosks are available to any passenger for check in and/or bag-tag printing before handing their luggage to an agent at the fast bag drop. n
Jet Airways to introduce New Generation In-Flight Wireless Streaming Service
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et Airways, has introduced in-flight entertainment (IFE) streaming service that will redefine the way the airline’s guests view onboard content. The service enables wireless streaming of movies, TV programmes, a wide genre of music, interactive games, and children’s programmes directly onto guests’ Wi-Fi enabled personal devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops on Jet Airways flights. Jet Airways has developed the new system in collaboration with Global Eagle Entertainment Inc, a global leader in media content, technology and connectivity solutions to the travel industry. The streaming service will be introduced on the Boeing 18 | Aviators | April - June 2016
737 Next Generation aircraft in the Jet Airways fleet starting from the second quarter of 2016. The airline further plans to upgrade from a streaming service to a full broadband satellite connectivity in the future, (subject to regulatory approvals), allowing guests to enjoy services such as internet surfing, e-mail, social media, connecting flight information, instant messaging, real time travel services and destination deals. Jet Airways will offer the unique features in phases with a userfriendly, interactive interface, enabling guests to stream their selection from the wide range of multilingual content available onboard. Once the service is fully
rolled out, guests will be able to enjoy a high quality library of audio/video content, a state-of-the-art 3D flight tracker, interactive games, and have access to a wide range of destination information. Gaurang Shetty, Senior Vice President - Commercial, Jet Airways said: “Jet Airways has constantly innovated to adopt new age technologies to enhance the guest experience. This best-in-class, customer-focused initiative will provide superior entertainment and communication options to guests and we are confident it will set new benchmarks by delivering high quality, global entertainment content to guests’ personal devices." n
Lockheed Martin Announces Winners in
C-130J Roll-On/Roll-Off University Design Challenge
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eams from two leading Indian Universities were named winners in the Lockheed Martin C-130J Roll-On/RollOff University Design Challenge during ceremonies on March 8. Lockheed Martin launched the Indian University design challenge in November 2014. The company provided research grants for each university team to work with local industry partners and mentors from India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation to develop design specifications for proposed modules that could be used on a Lockheed MartinC-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft. The Indian Air Force operates a fleet of five C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and is on contract to receive six more. The winning teams for the challenge are from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Chennai and University of Petroleum and Energy Studies. The teams have been awarded grants to develop prototypes of their modules and additional mentoring to develop a go-to-market strategy. Lockheed Martin will work with each team to explore options with government and industry to mature the prototype for global markets. “Lockheed Martin is excited to see the responses from the universities for the C-130J roll-on/roll-off
concept challenge. We are committed to working with the teams to enhance their initial concepts further and bring them to maturity in the global marketplace,” said Abhay Paranjape, director of Air Mobility Business Development for India at Lockheed Martin. “All of the teams participating in this program provided unique insight and unmatched enthusiasm for expanding the C-130’s already robust capabilities. There is a very real need for the solutions proposed by these teamsin India and around the world.” Along with ITT Chennai and UPES, teams from three additional universities — ITT Delhi, Delhi Technological University and Birla Institute of Technological Studies Pilani-Goa Campus — participated in the design challenge. The roll-on/roll-off mission capability packages can be installed onto and removed from, the C-130J within 30 minutes. When specialized mission capabilities are not required, the mission systems pallet can be removed, and the C-130J re-tasked as a medium range cargo aircraft for either military or humanitarian operations.The proposed capabilities presented by the winning teams in this competition are expected to increase efficiency and effectivenessof future disaster relief operations supported by C-130J aircraft. April - June 2016 | Aviators | 19
Aviators Air Rescue Brings
Air Ambulance Service to South India
Bangalore based Aviators Air Rescue (AAR) will shortly commence Air Ambulance Services in South India. Air ambulance services are a much needed public service that has been proven to save lives and "Our objective is to provide top-notch air medical services on par with similar operations in Europe and the US, with the support of Airbus and Air Medical Group, which are leaders in their respective fields," says Aviators Managing Director Arun Sharma.
The helicopters will be able to land at available airports in South India and AAR is also in discussions with nearby hospitals for helicopter landing pads close to them, to facilitate faster transport of patients to timely medical care. With the tag line, “Saving Lives, with a Life Saving Flight”, Aviators Air Rescue will provide the vital service of medical evacuation by air, to transport patients to the nearest hospital within the shortest possible The service is starting on the back of encouragement and support from the Central and State Governments,
which have taken positive and concrete steps towards the growth of air ambulance services in the country and, “The release of the Draft Policy on Air Ambulance Operations will enable growth of such services in India,” says Capt. Sharma. For accident and trauma victims, the ‘Golden Hour’ is a vital period when quick transportation to a hospital is the difference between life and death. Patients who reach a hospital sooner after a critical medical emergency, also make a faster and fuller recovery to good health.
Aviators Air Rescue will commence operations with ‘Factory New’, Airbus Helicopters H130 helicopters, a highly popular type with a very good safety record. Aviators Air Rescue Ltd has also partnered with USbased Air Medical Group Holdings Inc, to ensure the highest standard of air medical evacuation services. The H130 is recognized worldwide for its performance, quality, comfort and multi-mission capability and delivers high performance and fuel efficiency which is enhanced by its modern Turbomeca Arriel 2D engines. Thanks to its exceptional cabin size and dedicated medical configuration, the H130 is considered the reference for air ambulance missions among single-engine helicopters. The quick and easy engine start-up sequence and the high performance of the H130 ensure rapid and efficient interventions when saving lives. Its maneuverability and visibility enable the pilot to land more safely in confined areas. The VEMD decreases the pilot’s workload, enabling him to carry out critical missions in optimal safety. The Fenestron ensures safety in flight when maneuvering close to obstacles and for personnel and patients on the ground.
Covery Story The H130 Benefits from Airbus Helicopters' Most Advanced Technologies: • New tailboom with the latest generation Fenestron • Dual-channel FADEC unit with a third independent channel for engine control • Automatic variable main rotor speed system to reduce external noise • Dual hydraulic system based on the experience of the AS355 N It is fully equipped with a VFR day and night navigation system (standard "ready to fly" package) associated with a VEMD integrated instrument panel and a GPS map display. All of these innovations make the H130 the safest and the most high-tech aircraft in its category
Exclusive Landing Gear Improves aerodynamic effects and prevents ground resonance (patented design)
STARFLEX Main Rotor Head This proven and reliable component has an automatic variable speed control system that systematically adapts the rating of the main rotor to the flight phase in order to reduce the external noise level, without jeopardizing available power
VEMD
Safety
Full Duplex equipment that allows at one glance a display of self-monitoring main engine and vehicle parameters on a full color LCD display and decreases pilot’s workload.
Energy absorbing fuel tank Included in the baseline configuration of the helicopter, this system is composed with Flexible bladder with flexible fitting Insert into the aluminum fairing plus Structural tank envelop.
VFR day radio-communication and navigation package including GPS, in the standard aircraft (“ready to fly” concept)
A Quiet Fenestron Efficient Powerful (demonstrated lateral flight at 47 kts)
The H130 is also capable of night VFR operations as equipped
Low vulnerability High level of safety for ground personnel Very low external sound level ( 7 Db below ICAO limit) Easy maintenance Highly resistant to impact damage
New Active Vibration Control System (AVCS) Inherited from the H225, brings outstanding comfort and security m Makes the flight smoother and more enjoyable Improved center of gravity m Eases the distribution of passengers in the cabin
Easy Access
New metallic hinged doors and right-hand sliding door m Easier to operate m Improvement on weight, quality and reliability m Electrical Maintenance trays and additional foot steps m Easier to maintain
Significantly More Comfortable
New air-conditioning system m Excellent cabin reparation m Highly efficient-outstanding reliability m Easier maintenance
Covery Story
Composite main Rotor blades m Highly resistant to impact damage m Corrosion resistant m Long service life limit Thanks to its exceptional cabin size and dedicated medical configuration, the H130 is considered as the reference aircraft in this domaine. The wide, unobstructed cabin with its large sliding doors enables easy loading and unloading of stretchers with a rapid access for medical personnel. Doctors and paramedics have plenty
of space to take care of patients during the fight. The low internal sound level and the flat cabin floor offer a suitable environment to install both fragile and bulky medical equipment. The H130 offers adjustable energyabsorbing seats to accommodate 1 stretcher, 2 medical attendants and 1 seat.
H 130 Scheduled Maintenance Limited to only 3 types of inspections Complementary Inspection: every 150 hours or every 12 months Basic inspection: every 600 hours or every 24 months Major inspection: every 12 years In excess of 500 H130s are in service worldwide and the type has accumulated 1.4 million flight hours in service
Airbus Helicopters for HEMS All over the world currently, six out every 10 emergency medical helicopters are Airbus Helicopters Airbus Helicopters has supplied nearly one-third of the world’s civil helicopter fleet and has obtained a 60% share of the emergency medical services (EMS) market. Its products are the preferred choice for the world’s largest EMS operators and are a reference in the industry for emerging markets. Airbus Helicopters’ longstanding experience in this sector has allowed for an in-depth understanding of the specific needs of EMS end users and its helicopters are the only ones that have been designed for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), complete with large cabin, rear and side access for easier stretcher loading, protected tail rotor and the lowest noise signature in the world. They are capable of flying at varied altitudes and under the most challenging conditions. The complete range of Airbus Helicopters is fully compliant with 24 | Aviators | April - June 2016
all stringent HEMS missions-such as primary, secondary and intensive patient transport as well as disaster recovery. They have been developed to offer easy access and a flexible cabin with flat floors to cope with operators’ needs.
Airbus Helicopters aircraft integrate the most up-to-date technologies and can be fitted with an array of cutting-edge, certified emergency and medical equipment to save lives.
Huge Untapped Potential for
HEMS in India
India enjoys a unique blend of mountains, deserts, coastline and a huge forest cover; it faces an equally unique challenge of providing search and rescue and HEMS in such a vast and varied landscape, especially in far flung corners of the country. Presently helicopters from the Defence Services are employed to provide air evacuation in natural disasters and other emergencies. Generally, armed forces helicopters are mobilized from the helicopter units located near to the place where the event may have occurred. There are instances where helicopters are not available in the vicinity and have to be flown in from distant locations. Even when these helicopters reach the patient, they are only equipped to administer First Aid as they are not configured to offer specialized medical treatment. Therefore, it is critical for a country like India to make concerted efforts to develop HEMS. India will soon benefit from top-notch air medical services that will be on par with established HEMS operation in the United States and Europe. Three H130 helicopters will be inducted by Aviators Air Rescue Pvt Ltd. in India’s southern region. More EC135 T3/P3s are expected to be phased in over the years for expanded nationwide coverage. India will benefit from the capabilities of a helicopter family that has become the benchmark for HEMS missions worldwide.
Airbus Helicopters’ aircraft are also performing EMS roles in many Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and Korea. HEMS is welldeveloped especially in Japan, where a big fleet of EC135 helicopters are used for HEMS under the Doctor Heli program. As with the worldwide trend, the EC135 and EC145 families are also the preferred platforms for air medical services in Asia, especially the EC135. In the course of the last few years, the first fully equipped air ambulance helicopter in China, an EC135 P2e, was delivered by Airbus Helicopters. It is the country’s first rotorcraft outfitted for dedicated HEMS missions, delivered to the 999 Emergency Rescue Center which is a Beijing Red Cross Foundation subsidiary. India also will soon benefit from world-class air ambulance services with a fleet of EC135 T3/P3 helicopters. This will initiate a new era of HEMS operations in India beginning last quarter of 2015.
Turbomeca's Arriel Series of Gas Turbines for Helicopters are in Widespread use across Arriel 2B1 / 2C / 2C2
Text and infographics courtesy Turbomeca
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Civil Aviation
Leadership Position
Airbus Strengthens Leadership Position in
Asia-Pacific Region
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Civil Aviation Airbus strengthened further its market leading position in Asia-Pacific in 2015, winning 421 net orders from 17 airlines and lessors in the region during the year. This represented 39 per cent of the company’s net order intake in 2015 for 1,080 aircraft. In addition, the manufacturer delivered 282 new aircraft to 40 operators across the region over the twelve-month period, either directly or via leasing companies. Over the past 10 years, Airbus has the leading share of sales across both single aisle and wide body markets in the AsiaPacific region. The A320 Family alone accounts for 64 per cent of net orders in the single aisle category, while the A330, A350 XWB and A380 widebodys have together won 56 per cent of orders during this timeframe.
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his was 44 per cent of the company’s total output of 635 aircraft during the year, reflecting the importance of the region to the manufacturer. “In recent years we have consolidated our position with our complete range of modern and efficient products. We expect this trend to continue in the coming years, especially in the widebody market where the A350 XWB is setting new standards in the 300 - 400 seat category.” Looking to the future, Airbus expects the AsiaPacific region to continue to lead demand for new aircraft over the next 20 year period.
Presenting the company’s latest forecast for the region, John Leahy said that an annual increase in passenger traffic of 5.6% would contribute to a requirement for some 12,800 new aircraft valued at USD 2 trillion. This represents 40% of global demand for 32,600 aircraft over the next 20 years, and includes almost half of all widebody deliveries worldwide and over a third of all single aisle aircraft.“Asia-Pacific will continue to experience stronger growth than any other world region as more people fly more often,” said John Leahy. “Airbus will be especially well placed to respond to this demand in every size category. From 100 to over 500 seats, and for everything from short regional flights to the world’s longest commercial services, we have the right products to meet the needs of airlines in this fast-growing market.” The complete Airbus product line comprises the best-selling A320 Family in the single aisle market, the popular A330 and all-new A350 XWB in the mid-size widebody category and the flagship A380 in the very large aircraft segment. In the freight market Airbus currently offers the new-build A330-200F and the A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (A330P2F) programme. April - June 2016 | Aviators | 27
Civil Aviation
The Asia-Pacific region has an important role in Airbus’ A350 XWB Success Story The A350 XWB’s participation at this year’s Singapore Airshow comes as the new-generation Airbus widebody jetliner marks a successful first year of airline revenue service, and its presence is particularly appropriate with the aircraft’s popularity throughout the dynamic Asia-Pacific market. Of the 750-plus A350 XWB orders received to date, approximately one-third are from Asia-Pacific customers. According to Joost van der Heijden, Airbus' Head of Marketing for Asia, the A350 XWB is the “right aircraft” for Asia-Pacific, which is confirmed by its growing commercial success in the region. “The A350 XWB's higher capacity and lower seat-mile costs make it ideal to accommodate Asia’s strong traffic growth in the most profitable way, while its superior comfort and
brand-new cabin provide additional passenger attractiveness in a competitive and comfort-sensitive Asian market,” he added. Asian carriers ordering the aircraft are AirAsia X, Air China, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways International (THAI) and Vietnam Airlines – which received its no. 1 A350 XWB during 2015. The A350 XWB began commercial operations with launch customer Qatar Airways in January 2015 following an extended flight test campaign that ensured high maturity and reliability at service entry. A total of 15 of these A350-900 versions had been delivered as of January 31 to four operators on four continents – Qatar Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Finnair and TAM Airlines. The global fleet has accumulated more than 21,000 flight hours in service to
17 destinations worldwide, with an average daily utilisation of 11.6 hours. These figures will continue to grow as the A350 XWB operator base expands, including Singapore Airlines – which is soon to receive its no. 1 aircraft. This long-time Airbus customer was the first to commit to the A350 XWB with an agreement for 20 in 2006. Since then, its acquisition has grown to 67 aircraft, reflecting Singapore Airlines' confidence in the programme and the jetliner’s newgeneration benefits. Singapore Airlines’ orders include seven Ultra-Long Range versions of the A350-900, enabling non-stop service to the U.S. West Coast, as well as New York. Designated the A350-900ULR, they will include a modified fuel system to augment the fuel carrying capacity and a corresponding increase in maximum take-off weight. Initial deliveries are planned for 2018.
Asia-Pacific 20 Year Market Forecast - Headline Figures 5.6% annual growth in passenger traffic (global average 4.6%) Asia-Pacific fleet will grow from 5,600 today to 14,000 Demand for 12,810 new aircraft valued at USD 2 trillion 40% of total world demand for 32,600 aircraft over next 20 years 3,760 twin aisle and 720 very large aircraft = 46% of global widebody demand (9,600) 8,330 single aisle aircraft = 36% of global single-aisle demand (23,000) 28 | Aviators | April - June 2016
Net orders 2006 - 2015 in Asia Pacific region Single aisle - Airbus: 2,924 out of a total of 4,589 = 64% Widebody - Airbus: 666 out of a total of 1,187 = 56%
Civil Aviation
The First A350-1000 Version Takes Shape A350-1000 build-up is underway on Airbus' A350 XWB final assembly line in Toulouse, France, where this version will be built concurrently with the A350-900. Underscoring the high degree of commonality between the A350900 and A350-1000, all final assembly line stations can accommodate both aircraft types. The A350-1000 can carry a total of 366 passengers in a typical three-class configuration, and integrates Airbus’ standard comfort in economy class with 18-inch-wide seats at nine-abreast, while its range of 7,950 nm. represents a significant revenue-generating advantage for operators. To date, the
A350-1000 has received 181 orders from 10 customers around the globe. During the Singapore Airshow, the presence of an A350900 in the static and flying display was complemented by Air Transport World magazine’s recognition of the A350 XWB programme. This leading airline industry publication selected the A350 XWB for its 2016 Aviation Technology Achievement Award, an honour presented to Kiran Rao – Airbus’ Head of Strategy – during a gala dinner in downtown Singapore.
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BOEING Completes Successful 737 l l
MAX First Flight
First new airplane of Boeing's second century takes to the skies launching flight test phase of program 737 MAX 8 remains on track for first delivery in third quarter of 2017
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he Boeing 737 MAX 8 has completed its maiden flight. The 737 MAX program achieved the milestone on schedule which begins a comprehensive flight-test program leading to certification and delivery. With the latest technology LEAP1B engines from CFM International and Boeing-designed Advanced Technology winglets, the first member of the efficient 737 MAX family completed a two-hour, 47-minute flight, taking off from Renton Field in Renton, Wash., at 9:46 a.m. local time and landing at 12:33 p.m. at Seattle's Boeing Field. "Today's first flight of the 737 MAX carries us across the threshold of a
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new century of innovation – one driven by the same passion and ingenuity that have made this company great for 100 years," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Conner. "We are tremendously proud to begin testing an airplane that will deliver unprecedented fuel efficiency in the single-aisle market for our customers." During the flight, 737 MAX Chief Pilot Ed Wilson and Boeing Chief Test Pilot and Vice President of Flight Operations Craig Bomben departed to the north, reaching a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) and an airspeed of 250 knots, or about 288 miles (463 kilometers) per hour
typical of a first flight sequence. While Capts. Wilson and Bomben tested the airplane's systems and structures, onboard equipment transmitted realtime data to a flight-test team on the ground in Seattle. "The flight was a success," said Wilson. "The 737 MAX just felt right in flight giving us complete confidence that this airplane will meet our customers' expectations." With the other three members of the 737 MAX 8 flight-test fleet currently in different stages of final assembly, the 737 MAX remains on track for first delivery to Southwest Airlines in the third quarter of 2017.
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Freight Leader Boeing Freighter Family Leading the Air Cargo Industry
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ir cargo traffic rebounding in 2014 after three years of stagnation - After two years of either flat or slightly negative traffic growth, demand for air cargo transport began to grow slowly and steadily during the second quarter of 2013. The uptick in traffic continued into the second half of 2013 to end the year 0.9% above the 2012 traffic total. Growth has continued to gather 32 | Aviators | April - June 2016
strength in 2014, nearly recovering the long-term trend rate. World air cargo traffic is forecast to grow an average 4.7% per year over the next 20 years to reach a total of more than twice the number of revenue tonnekilometers (RTK) logged in 2013. The number of airplanes in the freighter fleet will increase by more than half by the end of the forecast period. The traffic growth rates of 12 major
air cargo markets in 2013 reveals a few crucial developments for the industry. Domestic and intraregional markets were surprisingly resilient in the face of weak economic and trade growth, helping to spur demand for standard-body freighter airplanes. Traffic on international trade lanes connected to developing world markets generally rose compared with 2012 traffic levels. However, air
As the demand for integrated freight solutions swells, Boeing production and converted freighters are ready, unmatched in their capability to fulfil the requirements of express cargo and industrial freight operators. From the high-volume 747-8F and long-range 777 Freighter, to the New 737-800BCF, the Boeing Freighter Family delivers unparalleled options to match capacity and capability needs, all with superior economics. That's a better way to fly.
trade contracted in both directions on nearly all the east-west trade lanes (those that connect Asia with Europe, Asia with North America, and Europe with North America). Nearly 80% of long-haul air cargo traffic (routes longer than 4,500 kilometers) flows on these east-west trade lanes. Most of the cargo carried on these routes is transported on large widebody freighters. Air cargo
traffic on these vital routes slackened during the global economic downturn, causing the yields of most large-freighter operators to fall. In response to flagging demand and declining yields, operators curtailed large-freighter flights, in some cases parking their widebody airplanes. There were as many as 70 parked 747-400 and MD-11 freighters during the slowest period. In the third
quarter of 2014, however, operators began to return these two models to service as traffic volumes picked up. Weak economy and trade curbed air cargo - Two principal causes are responsible for the weak air cargo growth between 2011 and 2013: an underperforming world economy and lackluster growth in trade, particularly trade in the commodities that are traditionally carried as April - June 2016 | Aviators | 33
Civil Aviation air cargo. World economic activity, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), grew only 2.1% per year between 2008 and 2013. Even since rebounding in 2010 from the global economic slowdown of 2008 and 2009, world economic growth has lagged behind its historical trend of 3.2% annual growth. Weakness in consumer demand and in business investment in Europe, North America, and Japan accounts for much of the slowdown. Growth in China, India, Brazil, and other developing economies has also slowed to varying degrees. World economic activity began to pick up in late 2013, particularly in the United States and China, and continued to build momentum during 2014. World GDP growth is forecast to accelerate to the long-term average rate of 3.2% annual growth in 2015 and then to exceed the long-term average for several years before settling down to the historic trend for the remainder of the forecast period. World merchandise trade, a component of world GDP, is an important measure of economic performance and a significant indicator of long-term air cargo traffic trends. This component tends to exaggerate changes in the broader GDP. World merchandise trade mirrors the prolonged post recession stagnation of world air cargo traffic as well as its recent strengthening. When economic recovery became discernible in the second half of 2013, trade volumes began to accelerate, particularly in Asia. After faltering during the first quarter of 2014, trade growth picked up again during the second quarter. The forecast that world merchandise trade growth will hover around historic rates supports the long-term outlook for continued world air cargo traffic growth. World air cargo traffic began to grow again during the second quarter of 2013. By July 2014, traffic had grown 4.4% compared with the first seven months of 2013, which is generally in line with the trends of world economic and trade activity. Persistence of this trend through the end of 2014 would mark the first full year since 2010 in which air cargo traffic has grown more than 1%. Freighter fleet development - The number of airplanes in the worldwide freighter fleet will increase by more than half during the next 20 years as demand for air cargo services more than doubles. The challenging market environment of the past three years have left traffic levels relatively flat, resulting in persistent overcapacity and weak yields. Cargo capacity on passenger flights has been expanding as airlines deploy new widebody
34 | Aviators | April - June 2016
jetliners, such as the 777-300ER and 787, that have large lower-hold cargo capacities, even with a full load of passenger luggage. Dedicated freighter services nonetheless offer significant advantages, including more predictable and reliable volumes and schedules, greater control over timing and routing, and a variety of services for outsize cargo, hazardous materials, and other types of cargo that cannot be accommodated in passenger airplanes. In addition, range restrictions on fully loaded passenger flights and the limited number of passenger frequencies serving high-demand cargo markets make freighters essential where both long-range and frequent service are required. For example, the Asia-to-North America market requires about 70 freighter flights. It would take about 150 passenger flights to provide service equivalent to 10 of those freighter flights. The demand for freighter capacity in long-haul markets is not confined to the AsiaNorth America market. Freighters are essential to all the east-west markets. Freighters carry about 72% of all air cargo carried between Europe and Asia, as well as 43% of all cargo carried between Europe and North America. Freighters are therefore projected to carry more than half of the world's air cargo for the next 20 years, even as lower-hold cargo capacity expands faster than freighter capacity. It should be noted, however, that the faster growth and economical pricing of passenger lower-hold capacity makes the freighter share of the cargo market volatile when air cargo traffic growth is constrained. With air cargo traffic more than doubling by 2033, the world freighter fleet will grow by more than half, from the current 1,690 airplanes to 2,730 airplanes by the end of
the forecast period. The imperative for efficiency favors large production freighters and will drive their share of the fleet to grow from 21% to 30% during the forecast period. Growing demand for regional express services in fastdeveloping economies will drive the standard-body share of the fleet to increase from 35% today to 40% in 20 years. All new deliveries of standard-body freighters will be converted passenger airplanes. Of the 2,170 projected freighter deliveries, 1,130 will replace retiring airplanes, with the remainder expanding the fleet to meet projected traffic growth. More than 60% of deliveries will be freighter conversions, nearly 85% of which will be standard-body passenger airplanes. A projected 840 new production freighters, valued at $240 billion, will be delivered, of which more than 70% will be in the large-freighter category. More than 40% of all freighter deliveries during the 20-year forecast period will be to carriers in the Asia Pacific region. Asia Pacific-based carriers will continue to receive a high proportion of large production freighters to serve their long-haul, intercontinental routes. North America will receive 30% of freighter deliveries over the next 20 years. Most of those deliveries will be to express carriers. Historically, up to three-quarters of medium widebodies, production and conversion, have supported express operations, in which relatively low airplane utilization makes converted freighters economically attractive. Standardbodies will continue to support the needs of emerging regions, niche segments, and express operations. (Source : Boeing)
20-year Current Market Outlook shows strong market valued at $550 billion “Southeast Asia continues to be an important market for Boeing and we expect airlines in the region will need 3,750 new airplanes worth $550 billion over the next 20 years,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“In this highly competitive market, airlines are adding capacity and adapting with new business models, such as the growing number of low cost carriers. Boeing continues to offer the most comprehensive, fuel efficient and technologically advanced family of airplanes to meet our customers’ needs.” The annual forecast projects three-fourths of Southeast Asia’s
Boeing Forecasts Demand for 3,750 New Airplanes in Southeast Asia Boeing projects a demand for 3,750 new airplanes, valued at $550 billion, over the next 20 years in Southeast Asia. The company presented its Southeast Asia Current Market Outlook (CMO) in February, in Singapore, ahead of the biennial Singapore Airshow, forecasting the region will continue its strong annual traffic growth at 6.5 percent.
new deliveries will be for growth, with largest demand for singleaisle airplanes such as the NextGeneration 737 and new 737 MAX. There will also be demand for 800 widebody airplanes such as the 777, 777X and the 787 Dreamliner family. The number of low cost carriers is expected to grow to more than 45 percent of the total Southeast Asian market.
New Airplane Deliveries to Southeast Asia: 2015-2034 Airplane type
Total deliveries
Dollar value
Regional jets
90
<$5B
Single-aisle
2,860
$310B
Small wide-body
510
$140B
Medium wide-body 250
$90B
Large wide-body
40
$10B
Total
3,750
$550
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 35
Airbus Helicopters Seeks to Maintain
Rotorcraft Lead in 2016
36 | Aviators | April - June 2016
D
uring 2015, Airbus Helicopters delivered 395 rotorcraft from the company’s civil, parapublic and military product lines, strengthening its leading position on the civil & parapublic market while maintaining its share of the worldwide military market. Meanwhile, the company booked 383 orders – adjusted to 333 due to contract amendments for governmental NH90 and Tiger helicopters – with a strong performance of the new-generation medium H175. Demand remained steady for the H135 and H145 family of light twin helicopters, with bookings levels exceeding the company’s targets for 2015. “We are now harvesting the fruit of our strategic transformation plan that puts us in the best position to operate successfully despite a challenging market environment”, said Guillaume Faury, President and CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Our focus on customer satisfaction, quality and safety, as well as competitiveness has produced tangible results on our journey to go from the biggest to the best and to become the benchmark of the helicopter industry”, he added. April - June 2016 | Aviators | 37
Rotary Wing Highlights of last year include a strong commercial performance of the 7-ton H175 with 36 units booked, exceeding the company’s objectives for 2015. The gross order book of the H175 is now up to 101 units after being endorsed last year by several key oil & gas operators despite the low price of the barrel impacting them. Operated by NHV since December 2014, the H175 has achieved 2000 flight hours with a high level of availability thanks to the work done to improve maturity at entry into service. A first order for the public services variant was also placed in 2015 by Hong Kong operator GFS. “The focus on our customers is resonating well with them as external surveys are now placing Airbus Helicopters in second position for customer satisfaction” explained Guillaume Faury. “In 2016 we will maintain our efforts to implement improvements for the benefit of our customers, and providing them with high-performing and reliable aircraft for their demanding missions,” Faury explained. “In this challenging environment, we are also preparing the future – the H Generation – embodied by the H160 and the X6,” he added. In 2015, Airbus Helicopters successfully launched the flighttest phase of the new H160 medium helicopter, the first member of the “H Generation”. A second prototype joined the flight-test campaign in 2016, a year that will also see the launch of the H160 commercialization. In 2015, Airbus
Helicopters also delivered the first H145M to the German armed forces, only two years after the contract was awarded for the development of this new, militarized version of the leading H145 helicopter. At the Helitech exhibition in London, the company also announced an upgrade of the H135 equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite developed by Airbus Helicopters and providing increased safety and reduced pilot workload. Major achievements in the field of safety during 2015, with the leading-edge H225 at the forefront of the developments, are the full implementation of the Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) – a document outlining best practices and recommendations for oil and gas missions - by North Sea operators in 2015 and the certification of Rig ‘N Fly, an advanced avionics solution for “one-touch” approaches to oil rigs. Last year was also an important one for Airbus Helicopters on the international stage, expanding its partnerships and international footprint. The company was selected by Korean Aerospace Industries as a strategic partner in the LCH-LAH development, ten years after the two companies partnered for the development of the Surion. This will bring an evolution of the H155 to the market in civil and military applications with several hundred units to be produced. Meanwhile, the US Army confirmed its endorsement for the locallyassembled UH-72 Lakota by ordering
Airbus Helicopters received 383 bookings in 2015 by product range H120/H125/H130 family
163
H135
49
H145
107
H155 family
13
H175
36
H225 family
2
Tiger
7
NH90
6
38 | Aviators | April - June 2016
an additional 53 aircraft this year, bringing the total to more than 400 helicopters on order. This program has been recognized as a benchmark in terms of on-time, on-cost and onquality delivery. In the customer service domain, Airbus Helicopters launched HCare at Heli-Expo last March as the industry’s most comprehensive coverage emphasizing the company’s commitment to keep its customers flying, anytime, anywhere. Since then, the company started operations with its 24/7, 365 days a year technical hotline to provide nonstop support to all customers. Airbus Helicopters also won emblematic support contracts such as the sevenyear comprehensive co-operative support and services agreement for the German Air Force’s fleet of 15 H145M helicopters and the 5 yearyear global service solution for the 50 EC145 fleet for the Gendarmerie Nationale and Sécurité Civile.
A new partnership was also signed with the aim to assemble 100 H135s in China and to strengthen Airbus Helicopters’ position in-country, where the company already has a civil market share of 40%. In November, the heavyweight H215 was introduced along with a new industrial model and an expanded strategic partnership with Romania aiming at providing a modern and cost-effective solution for markets such as utility, peacekeeping operations and logistic support missions.
Rotary Wing
Turbomeca’s
New Online Engine Maintenance Management Service BOOST Enters Service
T
urbomeca has announced the entry into service of BOOST, its new online engine maintenance management service, at the HAI Heli-Expo in Louisville, USA on the 1ST of March. “Turbomeca is first aero engine manufacturer to propose such high level of features integration in an online engine support application. The engine logbook is like a health record. Having it online, fully integrated with the technical publication and the configuration manager will help to manage engine maintenance more efficiently. It brings significant value-added benefits to Turbomeca engine operators”, said Turbomeca Executive Vice President Support and Services, Franck Saudo. BOOST (Bank of Online Services & Technologies) is a highly secured, webbased application developed in association with IBM. With BOOST, Turbomeca-powered helicopter operators will access real-time, personalized engine data to enrich their own fleet maintenance management, with the direct support of Turbomeca teams, 24/7. BOOST is being deployed among several customers like Heli-Union, HeliDax, Helicopters Italia and Advanced Helicopter
Services, and contributes to the airworthiness and availability requirements of their helicopter fleet. Bristow Helicopters Ltd will also join the program this year. A major milestone will be achieved in June 2016 when a first customer will go 100% paperless and fully manage their engines through BOOST solely with the e-engine logbook.
BOOST adds considerable value to the customers with the full integration of three key features: Q The Electronic Engine Logbook Q The Electronic Technical Publications Q The Electronic Configuration Manager. The Electronic Engine Logbook is directly linked to the Interactive Electronic Technical Publications tailored to the configuration of each customer’s engines and an Electronic Configuration Manager to track technical upgrades and modifications.
Hosted on an IBM online secureddatabase, which integrates a digital signature system, BOOST also benefits from the expertise of industry-leaders in the protection of sensitive data and sustainable solutions.
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 39
Market Leader
Bell Announces 2015 Deliveries B
ell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, has announced its global deliveries as part of its 2015 performance results. The company also launched the Bell 407GXP and announced the largest helicopter order in Bell Helicopter history for 200 407GXPs to Air Methods Corporation. The first of those aircraft were delivered in January 2016 this year. Advancements to the Bell 412 helped secure a major win in Japan and will serve as the foundation for Japan’s Ministry of Defense UH-X development program. UH-X is a co-development program between Bell Helicopter and Fuji Heavy Industries for approximately 150 helicopters, to be delivered over the next two decades.
“2015 was a challenging year for the helicopter industry with ongoing impacts of the decline in oil and gas, continued geopolitical unrest and global economic uncertainty,” said Mitch Snyder, Bell Helicopter’s President and CEO. “Despite tough market conditions, Bell Helicopter expanded market presence and secured a number of key wins.” 40 | Aviators | April - June 2016
Regional Deliveries include: 28 commercial helicopters to countries in the Pacific Rim l 69 civil aircraft in North America l 31 deliveries in Latin America, and l 47 helicopters across Europe, the Middle East and Africa l
Rotary Wing “Our customers are looking for differentiation that expands the scope of their operations,” said Snyder. “Bell Helicopter’s success last year is a testament to the value our products add to our customers’ missions. We look forward to continue working with our customers to advance existing technologies and further the future of rotorcraft.” In 2015, Bell Helicopter delivered 175 aircraft, a combination of its current production products as follows: l 52 x Bell 429 l 12 x Bell 412 (EP/EPI) l 99 x Bell 407 (GX/GXP) l 12 x Bell 206L4 Bell Helicopter’s development programs made significant progress and received impressive customer response. The Bell 525 achieved first flight in July 2015 and has accumulated nearly 80 letters of intent. The Bell 505 continued its flight test program and now has letters of intent for more than 350 aircraft. The Bell V-280 Valor program hit a major milestone last year with the delivery of the first fuselage to the Bell Helicopter facility in Amarillo, Texas. The V-280 is currently undergoing systems integration and major assemblies. First flight of the V-280 is anticipated in the second half of 2017. On the military front, the Bell Boeing V-22 was selected for the Navy Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) program, which accounts for a planned 40 V-22s for the U.S. Navy. The company also contracted for foreign military sales for Japan for five of a potential 17 V-22s and three of potential 12 AH-1Z aircraft for Pakistan.
Bell Helicopter also added support, service and training capabilities at its Prague and Singapore locations as well as opening regional offices in Japan and Mexico, the new Bell Helicopter Training Academy in Fort Worth, Texas, and the Lafayette Assembly Center in Louisiana.
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 41
Swiss Rotorcraft
Marenco Swisshelicopter Notches Further Milestones in 2016
F
ollowing the maiden flight of its second prototype SKYe SH09 helicopter in Switzerland on February 26th, the manufacturer also announced a new order for the cleansheet rotorcraft at Heliexpo. It announced the signing of a letter of intent for one SKYe SH09 by Horizon Helicopters of Canada on the first day of Heli-Expo 2016 in Louisville, USA. This confirmation of intent coming from Yukon adds a third Swiss helicopter for Canada after commitments for the first two units were signed by a renowned utility operator in 2013. Cole Hodinski, Operations Manager & Chief Pilot at Horizon Helicopters, comments â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is with great enthusiasm that we engage our company in operating what will become the best single helicopter in the worldâ&#x20AC;?. Horizon Helicopters specializes in environmentally sensitive work, vertical reference and mountain operations in challenging environments and unique flight conditions of the North. The progress on development of the SKYe SH09 by Marenco Swisshelicopter has been rapid, and two prototype rotorcrafts are flying currently. The First flight of P2 was performed in February and followed the first flight of Prototype One and the flight test phase performed in 2015. 42 | Aviators | April - June 2016
"This first flight of the second prototype of the SKYe SH09 was a total success, all the test objectives were easily achieved and the aircraft performed extremely well. The crisp handling qualities combined with the ergonomic and intuitive cockpit features made the SKYe SH09 a pleasure to operate. Marenco Swisshelicopter has set the new benchmark in the single engine helicopter market segment,” said Richard Trueman, Chief Test Pilot following the maiden flight.
This first flight of the second prototype of the SKYe SH09 was a total success, all the test objectives were easily achieved and the aircraft performed extremely well. The crisp handling qualities combined with the ergonomic and intuitive cockpit features made the SKYe SH09 a pleasure to operate. The helicopter has demonstrated high available power and the low vibrations levels, a very positive aspect has been the confirmation of the low noise levels reached by the SH09, coming as a result of optimized designs, of the blades planform, the low tip speed, as well as the “Maestro” - MArEnco’s Shrouded Tail ROtor. Prototype 2 confirms the SH09, is an exceptionally silent helicopter with comparable very low fuel consumption for its class and a contributor to safer and environment-friendly operations. The first phase of test flights for P2 are now underway, with the initial trials covering hover flights at low speeds and low altitudes before moving on to hover flights outside the ground effect at moderate speeds. This will be followed by trials confirming systems behaviour and avionics accuracy, flying limited auto-rotations and initial performance and stability trials. Finally, testing will move on to handling, load survey and exploring the helicopter’s full Height Velocity curves, to confirm the safe combinations of altitude and airspeed during auto-rotational landings. The SKYe SH09 helicopter offers exceptional hot and high performance, with a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 2,650 kg (5,842 lbs) and a low noise signature thanks to the newly developed dynamic assemblies and shrouded tail rotor. Multiple seating arrangements of 1 Pilot + up to 7 passengers, all with individual crashworthy seats are available with the modular cabin which makes the most of the flat floor and the unique high ceiling concept. Large clamshell doors facilitate access to the rear of the cabin addressing passenger transport and emergency evacuation roles of the helicopter. It offers a fast cruise speed of 260 km/h (140 knots) in addition to the ability to fly long distances, in excess of 800 km (430 nautical miles) with standard fuel tanks. SKYe SH09 is of particular interest to operators who wish to avail of a remarkably versatile machine with additional power, greater payload capacity, and an augmented sling load capability of 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs).
Medical Evacuation, Search & Rescue, Emergency Medical Services with SKYe SH09 The SKYe SH09 with its ability to land unprepared surfaces, load the patient from the standard rearaccess clamshell doors or through the wide side door, allows for the best of the golden-hour, with 1 or 2 pilots and up to two medical attendants. The single-volume unobstructed cabin offers large sliding doors that bring great accessibility and practicality. Not only, will the flatfloor design enhance the versatility of your helicopterambulance, but a standard built-in vertical reference window will also give the crew a better monitoring of the mission with a direct view onto the ground environment. The high clearance designed tail-boom will let the ground crew stand underneath and load with ease the stretcher and all of the medical equipment. With a useful load of 1,300 kilograms (2,800 lbs), SKYe SH0a9 will enter the life-saving helicopter fleets around the world. April - June 2016 | Aviators | 43
Martial Arts Jet
44 | Aviators | April - June 2016
Embraer Delivers
The First Legacy 500 to Actor
Jackie Chan
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 45
Business Aviation
W
orld-renowned movie star Jackie Chan has become the first customer in China to take delivery of Embraer’s Legacy 500 business jet. Jackie Chan’s connection with Embraer Executive Jets dates to 2012, when he received an Embraer Legacy 650 as China’s launch customer and became Embraer’s brand ambassador. The Legacy 500 was granted Validation of Type Certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in July 2015.
“I’m so thrilled to receive this Legacy 500, a state-of-art executive jet,” said Jackie Chan. “In the past few years, my Legacy 650 has brought me fantastic traveling experiences and great convenience, allowing me to do more acting and philanthropic works around the world. I’m sure that the performance of the new Legacy 500 will again exceed my expectations, and become a comfortable mobile home and office for me.” “The Legacy 500 features our best-to-date technologies and it incorporates designs that maximize passenger comfort and fuel efficiency,” said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “This new aircraft, along with the Legacy 650 that we already delivered to Mr. Chan, will further facilitate his business development, as well as his humanitarian activities.” The Legacy 500 has the best-in-class 6-foot flat-floor cabin, which is comparable to those of some aircraft in the super-midsize category. Eight club seats may be berthed into four beds for complete rest in a cabin altitude of 6,000 feet. The inflight entertainment system consists of a high-definition video system, surround sound, multiple audio and video input options, a cabin management system, and three options for voice communications and connectivity. 46 | Aviators | April - June 2016
The Legacy 500 is the first midsize business jet with digital flight controls, based on fly-by-wire technology, featuring side sticks. The state-of-the-art Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite on four 15-inch high-resolution LCD displays allows graphical flight planning, and has options like paperless operations capability, auto brakes, and the E2VS (Embraer Enhanced Vision System), which includes a Head-up Display (HUD) with the Enhanced Vision System (EVS). The Legacy 500 is capable of flying at 45,000 feet and is powered by two Honeywell HTF7500E engines, the greenest in their class. Taking off from airfields as short as 4,084 feet, the Legacy 500 has a range of 3,125 nautical miles (5,788 kilometers) with four passengers, including NBAA IFR fuel reserves, which enables it to
fly nonstop from SĂŁo Paulo to Caracas, Los Angeles to Honolulu, Teterboro to London, Moscow to New Delhi, Jakarta to Sydney, Dubai to Zurich, and Beijing to New Delhi. Embraer is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading executive jet manufacturers, having entered the business aviation market in 2000 with the Legacy jet, which led to the launch of Embraer Executive Jets in 2005. Its portfolio, the broadest in the market, consists of the entry-level Phenom 100E and the Phenom 300 light jet, the Legacy 500 midsize and Legacy 450 mid-light, the super-midsize Legacy 600 and large Legacy 650, and the ultra-large Lineage 1000E. The Embraer Executive Jets global fleet exceeds 930 aircraft, which are in operation in more than 60 countries
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 47
Phenomenal Performer
Embraer Phenom 300
Is most-delivered Business Jet in the world for the Third Consecutive Year
T
he Embraer Phenom 300 was the most-delivered business jet in the world in 2015 for the third consecutive year, with 70 aircraft received by customers around the globe.
“We would like to thank our customers for their confidence and continuing relationship, which has enabled the Phenom 300 to enjoy successful acceptance worldwide since its launch,” said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The Phenom family’s design was based on the highest industry requirements, combining the attributes of a best-in-class aircraft. To have the most-delivered business jet in the world for the third consecutive year is a true recognition that we have achieved our commitment to design gamechanging products to meet operators’ needs.” Recognized as one of the most desirable light jets by fractional programs, charter services, corporate flight departments and owner-pilots, 320 Phenom 300s are in operation in 48 | Aviators | April - June 2016
28 countries. To date, the fleet has accumulated close to 300,000 flight hours. The Phenom 300 also was the most-delivered business jet in 2013 and 2014. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association recently released its 2015 worldwide year-end aircraft shipment and billing report, which showed Embraer Executive Jets’ market share had grown to 17% in terms of unit deliveries. In 2015, Embraer's executive aviation division delivered 120 aircraft, including jets in the Phenom, Legacy and Lineage families, the highest number in five years. The Phenom 300 performs among the top light jets, with a high speed cruise of 453 knots and a sixoccupant range of 1,971 nautical miles (3,650 km) with NBAA IFR reserves. With the best climb and field performance in its class, the Phenom 300 costs less to operate and maintain than its peers. The aircraft is capable of flying at 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines with 3,200 pounds of thrust each. The Phenom 300 offers a spacious cabin, designed in partnership with BMW Designworks USA, and the
largest baggage compartment in its category. The largest windows in the class deliver abundant natural lighting in the cabin as well as in the private lavatory in the back of the aircraft. The comfort of the seats, with recline and full movement capability, is enhanced by the best pressurization among light jets (6,600 ft. maximum cabin altitude). The Phenom 300 features distinct temperature zones for pilots and passengers, a wardrobe and refreshment centre, voice and data communications options, and an entertainment system. The pilot-friendly cockpit enables single-pilot operation and offers the advanced Prodigy Touch Flight Deck. The features it carries from a class above include single-point refueling, externally serviced lavatory, and an air stair.
FOR ROUTINE MISSIONS THAT ARE
ANYTHING BUT ROUTINE. AT LOCKHEED MARTIN, WE’RE ENGINEERING A BETTER TOMORROW. From resupply and combat delivery to aerial refueling, search and rescue, armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and nearly anything else the job calls for, no aircraft in history comes close to matching the versatility, flexibility and reliability of the C-130J. The Super Hercules routinely carries all the cargo and troops you need to places other aircraft can’t go. And with more than 1.2 million proven flight hours, there’s a reason operators around the world still say, “The question isn’t what can a Herc do; it’s what can’t a Herc do.” Learn more at lockheedmartin.com/c130j
© 2015 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 49
Progressive Effort
G
ulfstream Aerospace Corp. completed the first flight of the fourth Gulfstream G500 test aircraft, T4, in February, and the test example has officially joined the G500 flighttest program. The G500 took off from the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport at 9:47 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, with Flight Test pilots Eric Holmberg and Brian Dickerson at the controls. Flight Test engineers Dominic Pompeo and Mark Mondt provided on-board test and data analysis. The aircraft climbed to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet/15,545 meters and reached a maximum airspeed of 340 KCAS/Mach 0.925. During the 3-hour and 17-minute flight, the crew exercised all primary flight control systems, performed functional checks of air data and cabin pressurization systems and completed a series of engine
50 | Aviators | April - June 2016
performance measures. The aircraft landed back in Savannah at 1:04 p.m. local time.
“The first flight of T4 speaks to the growing maturity of the G500 flight-test program and the significant development we completed before we even launched flight test in May 2015,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “To have four first flights and more than 580 flight hours in just nine months is quite an accomplishment.” T4’s first flight represents a milestone in the aircraft’s development program. For the first time, Gulfstream has integrated a team of Product Support maintenance technicians with the Flight Test team to follow the aircraft through manufacturing and flight testing. “ T h e collaboration between Product
Support and Flight Test throughout the G500 certification process will ultimately enhance the support available to operators when the aircraft enters service,” Burns said. “This dedicated service team reflects Gulfstream’s commitment to continuous improvement and ensures we deliver on our promises to customers.” The integrated team performed all the modifications and testing required to prepare the aircraft for first flight and will continue to lead it through testing in support of Federal Aviation Administration type certification in 2017. One of five G500 aircraft involved in the flight-test program, T4 will be used to test avionics, flammable fluid drainage, water ingestion and select systems (water/waste, lighting, fire protection). It will also perform flight standardization and operations evaluations. T1 is focused on envelope expansion; T2, on flight loads validation as well as aircraft performance and systems testing; and T3, on the all-new Symmetry Flight DeckTM. The fifth aircraft, P1, has been delivered to the Savannah Completions Center, where it will become a fully outfitted production aircraft that will be used to test the interior elements as well as the integration of aircraft systems with the passenger experience.
Gulfstream G500 AND G600 Achieve Programme Milestones
T
he wing to the fuselage join on the first Gulfstream G600 flighttest article, took place in April, signifying the steady progress being made in the G600 program. The Gulfstream G500 flight-test program has also achieved several milestones, including grant of the program’s first Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “Achieving these milestones speaks to the maturity of both programs and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring these aircraft deliver the performance, safety and reliability we promised,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “The wingto-fuselage join is a significant step in manufacturing the first G600 and reflects our continued steady progress toward first flight. The official launch of certification testing on the G500 highlights the efforts being made to achieve certification in 2017. Together, these
accomplishments attest to why Gulfstream is the leader in business aviation.” The first G500 flight-test article, T1, completed its first flight on May 18, 2015, marking the commencement of the flight-test programme. Since then, T1 has reached a maximum speed of Mach 0.995, a maximum altitude of 53,000 feet/16,154 meters and recently completed its 100th flight. The test fleet, which includes four flight-test articles (T1-T4), has accumulated more than 800 hours of flying time. T2 recently completed inlet compatibility testing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The test exposed the G500’s Pratt and Whitney Canada PW814GA engines to high wind conditions by using a large blower, which artificially generates winds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h). The aircraft was positioned at various angles to demonstrate the engine functions properly from idle to takeoff power during crosswind
and tailwind conditions. T3 will begin testing wing antiice systems after just recently completing cold soak testing. As part of that testing, the aircraft made its first flight outside the United States, reaching into Canadian air space to complete the cold soak evaluation. T3 is focused on testing the allnew Symmetry Flight Deck, the iceprotection system and various other mechanical systems. T4, the testbed for avionics, flammable fluid drainage, water ingestion and select systems (water/waste, lighting, fire protection), just received the latest software update in order to begin testing the updated avionics system. The fifth test aircraft, P1, is at the Savannah Completions center, where it is receiving an outfitted interior and will be used to test the cabin elements. The G500 is slated to receive type certification in 2017 and deliver in 2018. The G600 is projected to enter service in 2019. April - June 2016 | Aviators | 51
52 | Aviators | April - June 2016
Dassault
Combined Vision System (CVS) 'FalconEye' is First HUD to Combine Real-World and Synthetic Views
Dassault Aviation introduced its proprietary Combined Vision System at NBAA's Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (BACE) Show last year.
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 53
F
alconEye as the system is dubbed, is installed on a Falcon 2000LXS aircraft production model due to be delivered by year's end.
"It's in our very DNA to innovate in ways that bring added value to the customer," said Eric Trappier Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. "With the advent of our Combined Vision System, optrators will benefit from a superior HUD design that affords vastly improved situational awareness and safety regardless of the time of day or weather conditions."
FalconEye is the first Head Up Display (HUD) system to combine synthetic, database-driven terrain mapping and actual thermal and low-light camera images, providing an unprecedented level of situational awareness to flight crews. The fourth-generation, multi-sensor camera is composed of six different sensors, fusing images from both the visible and infrared spectrums. "What makes this truly revolutionary is the unique and patented way in which we blend real video of the outside world in low-light conditions with synthetic terrain imagery, a first in the business jets industry," said Olivier Villa, Senior VP Civil Aircraft; Dassault Aviation.
Long History of HUD Innovations Dassault has long been a forerunner in the development of modern HUD systems. The first HUD in operational use was installed on Dassault's Mirage IIIB fighter. The Mirage IIIB HUD paved the way for a long line of design improvements down to the advanced units on today's Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighter aircraft. In the early 1970s, the Dassault Mercure, a 150 seat short/medium-range airliner, was the first civil aircraft to be fitted with a head-up display. Associated with a 'fail passive' auto-pilot, it allowed approaches in very low visibility conditions that had previously been off limits to civilian pilots.
54 | Aviators | April - June 2016
Dassault's unique approach presents a synthesized view to the pilot clearly delineating between real, enhanced and synthetic worlds. The Enhanced Vision portion of the system will also permit approaches with operational credit and increased aircraft capabilities. Dual HUDs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; another industry first â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will be a future option for customers. Dual HUDs will provide the same information and views heads-up to both pilots, harmonizing HUD utilization for the flying and non-flying pilot while improving crew coordination and facilitating pilot training.
In 1993, Dassault introduced the Falcon 2000, the first business jet equipped with a head-up guidance system which permitted hand-flown approaches down to CAT III conditions. Dassault Aviation has a presence in over 90 countries across five continents. It produces the Rafale fighter jet as well as the complete line of Falcons. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, over 2,380 Falcon jets have been delivered. Dassault offers a range of six business jets from the twin-engine 3,350 nm large-cabin Falcon 2000S to its new flagship, the tri-engine 6,450 nm ultralong range Falcon 8X.
Falcon 8X
In Final Stages of Flight Test and Certification Campaign Dassault Aviation’s new flagship, the Falcon 8X, is now in the final stages of its flight test and certification program as work proceeds to prepare the ultra-long range trijet for initial delivery. FAA and EASA certification of the 6,450 nm/11,945 km 8X is expected by midyear and entry into service by late summer. The three aircraft in the flight test program have nearly completed all certification test requirements, and to date have accumulated over 650 flight hours in 325 flights.
“We are delighted and thrilled with the way the Falcon 8X program is proceeding,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman/CEO of Dassault Aviation. “The flight test campaign has been flawless and the aircraft will be in initial customers’ hands this summer, just as planned when we launched development three years ago.” After undergoing thermal, acoustic and cabin amenity testing at the Little Rock Completion Center, s/n 03, the first 8X equipped with a fully fitted interior, returned to the Istres Flight Test Center near Marseille in March to prepare for cold soak trials. Intended to demonstrate Production Ramping up Fast Meanwhile, as the flight testing and certification campaign nears completion, series production and support activities are moving into high gear. Falcon 8X s/n 21 recently entered final assembly in BordeauxMerignac and six airplanes are now in completion at Little Rock. Dassault Aviation recently completed work on
aircraft system functionality under extreme weather conditions, the soak trial campaign were conducted at Ranken Inlet, Nunavut, on the northwestern shore of Canada’s Hudson Bay, from March 9-11. All systems, including avionics, electrical, hydraulic and digital flight control systems, performed flawlessly during the tests despite temperatures that dipped as low as -27° F (-33° C). All cabin systems were successfully tested on ground after APU startup and cabin warm up. Full capability under extreme cold conditions was also demonstrated in flight at the end of the campaign. Falcon 8X s/n 03 will now begin a global test campaign to demonstrate aircraft operational reliability and performance in different conditions of flight. The monthlong campaign will take the aircraft through Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North and South America and include more than 60 missions of various lengths representing the extremes of what Falcon 8X customers might expect to face during their aircraft’s operational life. The campaign will focus particular attention on cabin equipment and functionalities and other high speed communications systems during long, intercontinental flights and flights over remote areas.
a new hangar in Little Rock to handle 8X completions and broke ground on a new six-bay hangar at BordeauxMerignac to provide additional maintenance and repair resources for the 8X and 7X models. The ultra-long range Falcon 8X was unveiled in May 2014 at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition and first
flew on February 6, 2015. It offers the greatest range and the longest cabin of any Falcon, allowing it to fly passengers comfortably from Beijing to New York, Hong Kong to London or Los Angeles to Moscow, nonstop. It will also share the 7X’s exceptional operating economy and short-field performance.
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 55
Aviation Technology
ELBIT SYSTEMS Helicopter SKYLENS Wearable HUD
Completes Flights in Final Operational Configuration
E
Pilots who have flight tested the system attested to its significant contribution to flight safety and to its maturity, and have expressed their desire to fly the system in their routine missions. Helicopter Skylens provides the aircrew with a true “out of the cockpit” view, displaying flight symbology for day and night operation in severe weather conditions. In limited visibility conditions, the pilot is able to fly eyes out due to the wide field of regard display. The system is packed in a lightweight, easy-to-install device. A revolutionary approach to meeting the challenges of today’s aviators, Skylens provides head-up information while minimizing the dependency on airport instrumentation.
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ntering into development flight tests with final hardware as part of the certification programs for commercial aviation, the Skylen test flights demonstrated a fully operational configuration with a wider field of view, higher resolution and an upgraded tracking system depicting synthetic vision as well as EVS video imagery. Elbit Systems announced in February, that its Helicopter Skylens wearable head-up display recently completed a series of successful flight tests in its final configuration mode, making it a world leading system of its kind. Entering the final flight test stages, the Skylens demonstrated a fully operational configuration with a wider field of view, higher resolution and an upgraded tracking system depicting synthetic vision as well as EVS video imagery. The systems were tested during day and night, in a range of locations demonstrating a variety of maneuvers such as rooftop landings and oil rig approaches above the sea, in order to simulate real operational flight conditions during SAR, EMS and rig transportation missions.
Aviation Technology Skylens is a part of the Clearvision Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) family, displaying high-resolution symbology and video on a transparent visor, providing pilots with cutting edge head out capabilities. The Elbit Systems’ helicopter avionics product line for civil applications fuses both synthetic and real-time imagery using a unique design symbology and computer flight guidance. These features offer helicopter pilots a “realworld” view of the terrain along with all obstacles within their flight path, allowing them to “see and avoid” even when visibility outside the aircraft is limited. Elbit Systems’ avionics increase mission efficiency and reduce operational costs by ensuring operational success while maintaining a high level of safety. Whether the mission is corporate, search and rescue, offshore marine, law enforcement or emergency management, Elbit Systems’ civil helicopter avionics solutions can be adapted for operational success. Based on the ClearVision EFVS for fixed-wing platforms, Helicopter ClearVision covers the full flight envelope and is designed to improve the accessibility of helicopters to destinations which suffer from limiting weather conditions and low visibility situations in day and night. The solution is comprised of the HeliEV camera and the Skylen wearable HUD or the SkyVi Head Mounted Display (HMD), in order to address both non-helmet and helmet users.
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 57
58 | Aviators | April - June 2016
The New
E-Class
The most intelligent
Business Saloon
T
he new E-Class is sophisticated, confidently stylish and sporty. Compared with its predecessor, its wheelbase length has grown by 65 millimetres (2939/2874), its overall length by 43 millimetres (4923/4880). Its design displays hallmark Mercedes-Benz saloon proportions. The elongated bonnet coupled with a coupĂŠ-esque roof flowing into a sensual, broad-shouldered tail end creates an exciting silhouette. The powerfully extended vehicle body is characterised by short overhangs, a long wheelbase, large wheels and taut well-defined flanks displaying a fresh, stylish and dynamic interpretation of the feature line. All of which allows the E-Class to deliver the perfect take on the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy: Sensual Purity. A powerfully designed front end underlines the status the businessclass saloon aspires to, boasting a different look for each design and equipment line. The base version features the classic Mercedes radiator grille with the star on the bonnet, as does the EXCLUSIVE line â&#x20AC;&#x201C; albeit in
"The E-Class is the core of the Mercedes-Benz brand and in the past has repeatedly redefined the standards in the business-class segment. Now it carries this tradition into the future with a wealth of top-class innovations. The new E-Class takes another major step towards fully autonomous driving. In addition, it enhances efficiency, safety and comfort, reduces the stress level when driving and intensifies the motoring pleasure", says Prof Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. an even more elaborate fashion. The AVANTGARDE and AMG Line models are identifiable by the sports radiator grille with a large Mercedes star as its centrepiece. Each of the radiator grille designs lends the E-Class a distinct character, offering a unique degree of diversity that makes each different model stand out. At the rear end, broad shoulders above the rear wheel arches lend the E-Class its unmistakably powerful character. Single-piece tail lights featuring a
two-bar design framed by the vehicle body clearly identify the E-Class as a new member of the Mercedes saloon family. Optionally available rear lights provide an additional highlight reminiscent of stardust, the Milky Way or the glow of a jet engine. This "stardust effect" is created by innovative reflector technology with a specially configured surface structure for the tail lights and is making its debut appearance on the new E-Class. April - June 2016 | Aviators | 59
Next Level Interior Design The interior of the new E-Class embodies the synthesis of emotion and intelligence, poles that are defined by the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; distinct forms with a sensual flow to them. Optional extras include two next-generation highresolution displays, each with a wide screen diagonal of 12.3 inches â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a first in this segment. Beneath their shared glass cover, the two displays visually conflate into a wide-screen cockpit that seems to be hovering in thin air, creating a central element that emphasises the horizontal orientation of the interior design. As the instrument cluster, this widescreen cockpit contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver as well as a central display above the centre console. The driver can choose between three different styles to select their preferred design for the wide-screen instrument cluster: "Classic", "Sport" and "Progressive". In addition, touch-sensitive control buttons ('Touch Controls') on the steering wheel make their first appearance in a car. Like a smartphone interface, they respond precisely to horizontal and vertical swiping 60 | Aviators | April - June 2016
movements, allowing the driver to control the entire infotainment system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. In keeping with the motto "hands on the wheel, eyes on the roadâ&#x20AC;&#x153;, this allows achieving minimum driver distraction. Further controls for the infotainment system are provided in the shape of a touchpad with controller in the centre console, which can even recognise handwriting, and the LINGUATRONIC voice control system. There are also direct-access buttons
for controlling functions such as the air-conditioning system or in another first for convenient activation and deactivation of certain driver assistance systems. A new, intelligent graphic design with high-resolution visualisations and animations, together with a simplified logic, further enhances this all-new operating experience. At the same time, the occupants enjoy a sensual interior with spacious architecture, which combines the elegance of the luxury class with accomplished sportiness.
New engine generation The new E-Class will come with a choice of two engines at market launch: the E 200 with a four-cylinder petrol engine and the E 220 d with an all-new four-cylinder diesel engine. Further model variants will be added to the range after the market launch, including the E 350 e featuring hybrid technology. The PLUG-IN HYBRID impresses with its dynamism and efficiency, allowing around
30 kilometres of purely electric and therefore locally emissionfree driving. Its four-cylinder petrol engine, in conjunction with a powerful electric motor, gives it a total system output of 210 kW (286 hp) with a system torque of 550 Nm. With this set-up, the E 350 e achieves the performance of a sports car yet consumes less fuel than a small, compact-class car.
The most powerful diesel variant will boast a six-cylinder engine incorporating advanced SCR exhaust technology, with an output of 190 kW (258 hp) and a peak torque of 620 Nm. Another variant to join the range will be the E 400 4MATIC whose sixcylinder petrol engine has an output of 245 kW (333 hp) and a maximum torque of 480 Nm.
Engines boasting top efficiency Model
E 200 E 200 d E 350 d E 350 e System Output
Displacement cc
1991 1950 2987 1991
kW/hp
Nm
135/184 300 143/195 400 190/258 620 210/286 550 (155+65 (350+ 211+88) 400)
0-100km/h in s
7.7 7.3 5.9 6.2
I/100km
5.9 3.9 5.1 2.1
CO2g/km
132 102 133 49
Further variants will later complete the engine range, including a new four-cylinder diesel unit developing 110 kW (150 hp). The range of petrol engines will comprise four-cylinder versions with outputs ranging from 135 to 180 kW (183 to 245 hp) plus a six-cylinder variant developing 245 kW (333 hp). All engines for the new E-Class are equipped with the ECO start/stop function. The petrol engines meet the requirements of the EU 6 emissions standard, while the new OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine is already configured with future RDE limits in mind.
Intelligent material design High-quality materials define the interior style. They include openpore woods, wood in a yachting look with flowing lines as a contemporary interpretation of inlaid wood and a novel metal fabric. The use of authentic materials is continued in the
leather-covered doors and the beltline for selected lines. Another Mercedes hallmark clearly in evidence is the high-quality look and feel created through meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. Just as carefully composed is the
material/colour concept with various shades of brown, including new attractive colour combinations such as nut brown/macchiato and saddle brown/macchiato. This allows a personalised interior design.
Seat design A further highlight of the new E-Class is its seats. Their ergonomic, sculptural form combines Mercedes-Benz's hallmark suitability for long journeys with a refined, sporty look, featuring a unique design for each line. Another new feature in this segment is a Heat Comfort package including heated armrests in the doors and on the centre console. April - June 2016 | Aviators | 61
Callaway XR 16 Driver Forgiveness Meets Fast
XR16 Driver & Pro The XR 16 Fairway Wood is bigger, hotter, and more forgiving with a new Face Cup that leads to even more speed and distance.
F
or the XR16 Driver, Callaway worked with the experts at Boeing to redefine whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible with ball speed and aerodynamics. Engineered as our most forgiving shape ever and Boeing made it fast with a re-engineered Speed Step Crown. This new driver has a high speed head and lower drag in the crown to add ball speed.
F
or the XR16 Pro Driver, Callaway worked with the aerodynamics experts at Boeing to redefine whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible with ball speed in a deeper face. To make it faster, Callaway put in the distance technology from its completely re-engineered face and a lighter Speed Step Crown, and Boeing helped with the aerodynamic head shape. All this has been added together with lower spin and a more neutral CG bias into a 450cc head. This is a remarkably fast and forgiving driver for players who already get a lot of distance off the tee.
62 | Aviators | April - June 2016
For the XR16 Driver, Callaway worked with the experts at Boeing to redefine whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible with ball speed and aerodynamics
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 63
BREAKING NEW DIMENSIONS
Bugatti Chiron A $2.6 MILLION 1,500HP
super sports car, unveiled in Geneva The quintessential ultimate super sports car: ultra-modern, incredibly fast, agile and powerful with a stylistically demanding design and the highest possible levels of comfort. The world’s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car: the Bugatti Chiron.
FORM FOLLOWS PERFORMANCE
The Chiron is the most modern interpretation of Bugatti’s brand DNA and embodies our new design language. The styling accentuates the performance aspect of the super sports car. The motto adopted by the Bugatti designers for the Chiron was “Form follows Performance”. Inspired through Bugatti Typ 57SC Atlantic the new design language is characterised by extremely generous surfaces, which are demarcated by pronounced lines in the case of the Chiron. Thereby most of these elements have a technical background and have been designed to fully accentuate the growing performance requirements of the Chiron.
THE NEWLY DEVELOPED W16 ENGINE In order to achieve a 25 percent* increase in performance compared to its predecessor, almost every single part of the engine was looked at and newly developed. This feat of engineering resulted in the W16 engine of the Bugatti Chiron being able to develop an unbelievable 1,103 kW (1,500 bps) from its 8 litres of displacement. The engine reaches its maximum torque of 1,600 Nm thanks to the turbocharger which Bugatti actually even developed itself. The 4 turbochargers are now double-powered and already guarantee maximum torque at 2,000 rpm, and the torque is maintained at this level all the way up to 6,000 rpm. The result is unbelievable acceleration which only comes to an end in the twilight zone somewhere beyond the 400 km/h mark.
4 TURBOCHARGER WITH TURBOCHARGING 1,500 HP POWER
16-CYLINDER W CONFIGURATION 7,993 cm3 DISPLACEMENT
"WE HAVE MADE THE BEST EVEN BETTER" “It is part of human nature to cross boundaries and set new records – to run 100 m faster than ever before, to fly even further into space and to enter new realms. This striving is also our driving force at Bugatti. The Chiron is the result of our efforts to make the best even better. Bugatti has tested the limits of physics. There is no area where we have not achieved significant improvements.” Wolfgang Dürheimer, President Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
While the original design of the MP-05 “LaFerrari” was created to show off the beauty of its movement, its alter ego – with its case carved out of sapphire – is a movement which appears to be literally suspended in mid-air. All the details of this record-breaking movement can be admired from all angles. With the MP-05 “LaFerrari” Sapphire, Hublot takes us into a supernatural world. A material presence which is almost intangible.
MP-05
"LaFerrari" SAPPHIRE A sapphire setting for the record-breaking movement
66 | Aviators | April - June 2016
SAMSUNG
Galaxy
S7/S7 Edge BRING REFINEMENT TO A PROVEN DESIGN
Bigger batteries, better cameras, and waterproofing are the highlights of Samsung's flagship this year DESIGN
REDEFINE WHAT A PHONE CAN DO Samsung has completely changed how you'll share experiences and memories, by shattering the boundaries of what a phone can do.
The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are engineered to give you the slimmest feel in your hand without compromising the big screen size. And the elegantly curved front and back fit in your palm just right.
WATER & DUST RESISTANCE
The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge go everywhere you go. In the rain, the shower, or the pool for up to 30 minutes in a depth of 1.5 meters or below. We've also worked out how to completely seal off the inside components while keeping micro USB ports, earphone jacks open; so you won't have to fiddle with extra caps or covers.
HARDWARE
Running on powerful processors, Galaxy S7 and S7 edge run smooth and fast, handling every bit of the additional data on your microSD card with confidence. And even with the bigger battery, chargingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still fast.
MATERIALS OF CRAFT
Samsung spent a long time perfecting the curves of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Using a proprietary process called 3D Thermoforming, we melded 3D glass to curve with such precision that it meets the curved metal alloy to create an exquisitely seamless and strong unibody.
GAMING
Mobile gaming just got a whole lot better with a dedicated game control center and gameplay recording. And with the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge's powerful processor, it just got highly realistic.
COMFORTABLE GRIP
The dual-curve backs on the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are the reason why they feel so comfortable when you hold them. Everything about the design, from the naturally flowing lines to the thin form factor, come together to deliver a grip that's so satisfying, you won't want to let go.
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 67
FIRST LOUNGE REVAMP FOR PREMIUM CUSTOMERS
British Airways' FIRST LOUNGE A refresh to British Airways' First lounge at Terminal 5 is making for a more comfortable and relaxing start to flights for some of the airline’s top premium customers. The refurbishment to the airline’s luxurious First lounge, which comfortably seats British Airways’ premium travellers, has brought a new sparkle to eligible First customers and Gold Executive Club members. They are benefitting from brand new contemporary and stylish furniture throughout the lounge, plush new carpets, re-sanded, waxed and polished extensive oak wooded floors, and more power outlets to charge phones, laptops and tablet computers. Troy Warfield, British Airways’ director of customer experience, said: “Our First customers and Gold Executive Club members are used to the very best service and surroundings, both in the air and on the ground. “The refurbishment of our First lounge at Terminal 5 will ensure they can continue to enjoy fine cuisine, outstanding wines and champagnes and relax in comfort before flying in style to destinations around the world.” Over 220 new pieces of furniture, ranging from stylish high-backed chairs, occasional tables, dining furniture and relaxing sofas have replaced the First lounge’s previous furniture. Additional power outlets have been discreetly fitted to provide even more places for customers to re-charge
and power up their personal electronic devices. Since Terminal 5 opened in 2008, British Airways’ premium customers have been able to relax, dine and refresh themselves throughout the airline’s extensive ‘galleries’ lounge complex, featuring six individual lounges for Club and First customers, including the exclusive Concorde Room, and the recently refreshed First lounge. As well as new and stylish, understated seating throughout, the First lounge also features ‘The Gold Bar’, which is covered in gold leaf and is lit by a Swarovski crystal chandelier. Customers can help themselves from the bar, stocked with fine wines, champagne and spirits. There is also a dedicated Champagne Bar, surrounded by banquette seating, decorated with a subtle Concorde motif, serving top champagnes, including Castelnau Vintage 2004, Taittinger Brut Rose NV and Taittinger Vintage 2006. A Work and Entertainment Zone provides PCs for customer use with free high-speed wifi available throughout the lounge. A specially prepared hot and cold food selection is available for self-service in a dining area, with a wide selection of beverages available, and bespoke furniture to either dine alone at individual tables or in groups, if travelling with friends or family. A dedicated British Airways customer service team is on hand to help customers to arrange or amend flights and answer any queries. Customers can pamper themselves before their flight with specially prepared treatments at the Elemis Spa.
Virgin Atlantic
Introduces Google Glass in Innovation Drive to Fuel The Future of Air Travel
Virgin Atlantic, working with air-transport specialist SITA, is the first in the industry to test how the latest wearable technology, including Google Glass, can best be used to enhance customers’ travel experiences and improve efficiency. From the minute Upper Class passengers step out of their chauffeured limousine at Heathrow’s T3 and are greeted by name, Virgin Atlantic staff wearing the technology will start the check-in process. At the same time, staff will be able to update passengers on their latest flight information, weather and local events at their destination and translate any foreign language information.
V
irgin Atlantic passengers will be the first air travellers to experience the benefits of pioneering Google Glass technology as they arrive at London Heathrow airport, in an innovative pilot scheme which starts today. Concierge staff in the airline’s Upper Class Wing will be using Google Glass and other wearable technology to deliver the industry’s most high tech and personalised customer service yet. In future, the technology could also tell Virgin Atlantic staff their passengers’ dietary and refreshment preferences – anything that provides a better and more personalised service. During the six week pilot scheme, the benefits to consumers and the business will be evaluated ahead of a potential wider roll-out in the future. 70 | Aviators | April - June 2016
While overall, 42 per cent of travellers worldwide – rising to 53 per cent in the UK – said flying is less glamorous than it used to be, there was a clear opportunity for innovations in technology to turn this around. When asked what would improve their experience of flying in the future, 55 per cent saying that wifi on board would be the most appealing aspect, second only to bigger windows and more space on board (60 per cent). Almost a third of UK passengers (30 per cent) say they would like to see personalised menus that you can order in advance and 19 per cent wish for electronic boarding passes that don’t have to be printed every time you fly – a dream that’s already a reality for mobile users on Virgin Atlantic.
Aviators Aviators INDIA’S # 1 AVIATION & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
INDIA’S # 1 AVIATION & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
BELL 407GXP
Successful Demo Tour of Bell 407GXP in Nepal. HEMS
The Beijing Red Cross Emergency Medical Center Falcon 2000LX
NextGen Civil Tilt Rotor
NextGenCTR Innovative Aircraft Demonstrator Platform (IADP).
Inside this issue LUXURY FOR YOU
JANUARY - MARCH 2016
October - December 2015
l Life Saving Flights are Possible with Air Medical Helicopters l Airbus E-Fan: The World’s First Plug-In Plane
2016 Special Issue - 96 Pages
January-March 2016 | Aviators | 1
April - June 2016 | Aviators | 71