MIDWEEK UPDATE 27 AUGUST 2014
1 Plan your weekend
2 Forthcoming events
3 Another Oshkosh Success
4 Beechcraft delivers T-6C+ trainers, King Air 350ER to Mexican Navy
5 Cessna Citation M2 receives certifications in Brazil and Argentina
6 F-16V Completes Major Capability Milestone
7 Northrop Grumman sees European interest in Hawk surveillance drone
8 Solid AirVenture for Fun Fly Zone
9 Bombardier to Debut the Challenger 350 Jet at LABACE 2014
10 Rate Card
12 -14 September: POSPONED EAA Chapter 322 Sun 'n Fun at Brits airfield. E-mail karlpix@icon.co.za
13 September: Annual RV and Lotus day at Kittyhawk. For more information contact Imarie 012 809 8354
13 - 14 September: SAC Gauteng regionals and Judges Trophy - Vereeniging. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: change@mweb.co.za
17 -21 September: Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2014) AFB Waterkloof South Africa. E-mail: info@aadexpo.co.za
25 - 28 September: Cirrus Migration to Namibia CDC Aviation. Contact Deon Wentzel 011 701 3835 or E-mail: sales@cdcaviation.co.za
27 September: Stellenbosch Fly and Braai. For more info phone 021 880 0294 or E-mail accounts@stelfly.co.za
27 September: PASASA TMG fly-in Parys airfield. Contact Marietjie van Niekerk Cell: 082 765 66
4 October: Petit Pilot's Post Classic Aircraft Fly In. Contact Ivan 082 375 9180 or John 079 192 5866
3 - 4 October: Upington airshow Tel: 060 424 5065. Contact Kgomotso Modiragale 083 704 3020 or E-mail: kmodiragale@gmail.com
4 October: SAPFA Grand Central fun rally: www.sapfa.org.za
4 October: SAAF Museum flying training and open days. Contact Capt. Kobus Kapp 012 351 2342 or E-mail: webmaster@saafmuseum.org
18 October: Parys Time Trials warbirds through the ages and formation competition. Contact Scully Levin e-mail: flyboys@global.co.za
24 - 25 October: Port Elizabeth airshow. Contact Dr. Crystal Watson or E-mail: cwatson@mweb.co.za
25 - 26 October: SAC KZN aerobatic regionals - Ladysmith. Contact Annie Boon e-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za
1 November: SAAF Museum flying training and open days.Contact Capt. Kobus Kapp 012 351 2342 or E-mail: webmaster@saafmuseum.org
14 -15 November: Mafikeng fly-in and hangar dance. Contact: Connie Conradie 018 387 1425 or E-mail: info@mafikeng-flyingclub.co.za
21 - 23 November: EAA Chapter 322 Sun 'n Fun at Brits airfield. E-mail karlpix@icon.co.za
22 November: SAPFA Peter Hengst memorial Brits airfield. Contact Mary de Klerk mary@expandingbranding.co.za www.sapfa.org.za
6 December: SAAF Museum flying training and open days. Contact Capt. Kobus Kapp 012 351 2342 or E-mail: webmaster@saafmuseum.org
6 - 7 December: SAC ACE of Base Aerobatics - Baragwanath airfield. Contact Annie Boon e-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za
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Photo Copyright Willie Bodenstein
The numbers are in, detailing another tremendous success for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014. Attendance topped 500,000, an estimated 5 to 6 percent higher than in 2013. Those numbers were bolstered by huge increases on both Saturday and Sunday, August 2-3, which saw 20 percent more people coming through the gates than a year ago.
"It was a tremendous week on many levels, said EAA Chairman Jack J. Pelton. "We filled Wittman Regional Airport with aircraft for the first time in several years, with both aircraft camping and parking areas completely full at midweek."
Photo copyright Willie Bodenstein
The cooperation and support of the airport's east side community made possible the historic first appearance of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds at Oshkosh, which attracted many people to the event. And many of the 800 exhibitors reported outstanding business throughout the week, with some selling out of product.
Photo copyright Willie Bodenstein
"Certainly the Thunderbirds' first performances at Oshkosh helped the attendance," Pelton continued. "There was another factor, too - a renewed sense of optimism that was reflected in people coming to Oshkosh to celebrate the world of flight. You could feel it among the attendees, exhibitors and our 5,400 volunteers whose work made the event possible."
Other facts and figures:
AirVenture's KidVenture experienced record attendance in its 16th year.
Total aircraft: More than 10,000 aircraft arriving at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin.
Total showplanes: 2,649 (308 more than in 2013) - including close to 1,000 homebuilts, 1,050 vintage airplanes, 303 warbirds, 122 ultralights and light-sport aircraft, 91 seaplanes, 40 rotorcraft, 38 aerobatic aircraft, and eight hot-air balloons.
International visitors registered: 2,081 visitors registered from 69 nations, with Canada (505 visitors), Australia (416), and Brazil (194) as the top three nations. (This total includes only non-U.S. visitors registered at the International Visitors Tent, so the actual international contingent is undoubtedly larger.)
Media: 917 media representatives on-site, from five continents.
EAA's One Week Wonder project totalled more than 2,500 participants and resulted in a finished airplane on closing day, August 3.
Preliminary features for the 2015 AirVenture (July 20-26) include legendary aircraft innovator Burt Rutan who wants to share some innovations with the aviation community, and a new B-29 restoration, Doc, to help commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. There are plenty of other highlights to come in the months ahead, and we'll let you know as they're confirmed. For more information, visit the EAA website.
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Beechcraft Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company announced that it has delivered two Beechcraft T-6C+ military trainers ordered earlier this year to the Mexican Navy Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), as well as one King Air 350ER, the second of four on order, as part of the Mexican Navy's ongoing fixed-wing aircraft modernization program.
The newly delivered King Air is part of a four-aircraft contract signed earlier this year. Photo copyright Beechcraft
"Being chosen by the Mexican Navy for this modernization program shows a superior level of confidence not only in Beechcraft products to fill its mission requirements, but in the product support we'll provide as part of the agreement," said Russ Bartlett, president, Beechcraft Defence Company. "This is a great example of how militaries around the globe can take advantage of the broad product range and support that Textron Aviation can provide to meet different requirements."
Bartlett also lauded the cooperation between SEMAR officials and the company in moving so swiftly from the T-6C+ contract award in March to delivery this month.
The newly delivered King Air is part of a four-aircraft contract signed earlier this year. The first King Air 350ER was delivered just a few months ago, and the remaining aircraft are expected to be delivered by early 2015. In addition to the aircraft, both contracts with SEMAR include parts support as well as training for pilots and mechanics.
The T-6C+ features a hard-point wing, Heads-Up Display, Up-Front Control Panel, an integrated glass cockpit and an advanced Esterline CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite that greatly expands advanced training opportunities. The systems are integrated with a Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS), providing the student pilot and instructor with a simpler interface to the digital cockpit. The open architecture design of the Cockpit 4000 provides the flexibility to expand capabilities and continuously meet current and future training needs.
The T-6C+ features a hard-point wing, Heads-Up Display, Up-Front Control Panel and integrated glass cockpit. Photo copyright Beechcraft
The Beechcraft T-6 military training fleet has surpassed 850 aircraft worldwide with more than 2.5 million flight hours. The T-6 military trainer offers military operators worldwide the most proven and cost-effective primary aviation training system available today. Aircraft deliveries began in 2000 after the T-6 was selected to fill the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System role for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. Since then, additional military customers worldwide have selected the T-6, including the NATO Flying Training in Canada Program, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, the Israeli Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Mexican Air Force and the Mexican Navy.
King Air turboprops, which operate commercially and in all branches of the U.S. military, serve a variety of missions ranging from traditional passenger and cargo transport to electronic and imagery surveillance, air ambulance, airway calibration, photographic mapping, training and weather modification. The global fleet recently surpassed 60 million flight hours.
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Since its certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in December and European Aviation Safety Agency in June, 31 Citation M2s have been delivered to customers through the first half of this year.
"The market in Latin America has shown tremendous interest in the Citation M2 due to its competitive acquisition and operating costs, its airport performance and its advanced on-board systems," said Robert Gibbs, vice president, International Sales.
The announcement is another demonstration of the company's continued efforts to invest in products that meet the needs of global customers. Photo copyright Cessna
The Citation M2 has a maximum cruise speed of 404 knots true airspeed (460 miles per hour) and a range of 1,580 nautical miles. It can operate at airports with runways as short as 3,210 feet and will climb to 41,000 feet in 24 minutes. The Citation M2 is certified for single-pilot operation with room for seven passengers and features two Williams FJ44 engines.
The Citation M2's clean cockpit design features Cessna's proprietary Intrinzic™ flight deck powered by Garmin G3000 avionics, with high-resolution multifunction displays and split-screen capability. Touch-screen interactivity comparable to a smartphone provides pilots with precise performance information they need in a logical, familiar user interface. From the cockpit divider aft through the rear lavatory, the main passenger cabin of the Citation M2 is 58 inches wide and 11 feet long with a 5-inch dropped aisle providing a cabin height of 57 inches. Eight large windows, roomy adjustable seats and intuitive controls highlight the all-new cabin.
This announcement is another demonstration of the company's continued efforts to invest in products that meet the needs of global customers. New Citation products expected to come to market within the coming year include the recent certification of the Citation X+ and upcoming introductions of the Citation CJ3+ and Citation Latitude.
More than 6,600 Citations have been delivered to customers around the world since the first Cessna Citation business jet was put into service in 1972. Citations are the largest fleet of business jets in the world and have surpassed 30 million flight hours. For more information on the Citation M2, visit Cessna.com.
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The newest configuration of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-16V, has reached a major capability milestone with the integration of a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
"Completing this milestone on schedule demonstrates our ability to meet program commitments," said Roderick McLean, vice president and general manager of the F-16/F-22 Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. "It proves once again why customers turn to Lockheed Martin to upgrade their F-16 fleets and advance the mission capability of the world's most effective 4th generation multi-role fighter."
More than 4,550 F-16 aircraft have been delivered to date, and production is expected to continue through 2017. Photo© Lockheed Martin
The completion of this AESA radar Critical Design Review ensures Northrop Grumman's Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) design meets all specified U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin requirements. Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] will continue with follow-on activities such as development integration and ground and flight test for Taiwan's fleet of 144 Block 20 F-16A/B fighter jets. With the upgrade to the new SABR and enhancements to the mission computer, vehicle systems, aircraft structure, cockpit and electronic warfare system, Taiwan moves forward as the launch customer for the new F-16V configuration.
More than 4,550 F-16 aircraft have been delivered to date, and production is expected to continue through 2017, with major upgrades being incorporated for all F-16 versions.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.
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The Global Hawk family can work alongside manned aircraft. Photo © Northrop Grumman
Northrop developed the original Global Hawk unmanned aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and it has been used extensively over Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya. The company has subsequently sought to sell versions of the Hawk to other countries.
"At the moment I would say that the hottest three (potential European buyers) are Germany, UK and Norway, in the sense that we've got active dialogue going on with those countries," Northrop's UK and European chief executive Andrew Tyler told reporters on Wednesday.
The aircraft, which is not armed, is designed to travel at 60,000 feet, high above the airspace used by commercial planes, and can fly non-stop for about 32 hours, gathering images and related information about conflict zones or natural disasters.
A $1.7 billion contract the company signed with NATO for five-drone surveillance and intelligence system in 2012 will help boost European sales, believes Tyler, as potential new customers will get a taste of the aircraft's capabilities.
Germany is already familiar with it. Northrop remains in long-running talks with the country about a stalled 1.2 billion euro ($1.6 billion) purchase of four Euro Hawks, which Northrop developed with Europe's Airbus based on the Global Hawk design.
"Our discussions with them (the Germans) continue ... we definitely remain hopeful," Tyler said.
Northrop also threw its hat into the ring as a contender to help fulfil Britain's need for new maritime patrol capability by providing the country with its un-manned aircraft.
Since scrapping its former program - the delayed and over-budget BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4 - as part of its defence review in 2010, experts say Britain has struggled, for example, to carry out aerial hunts for submarines and they expect the country to fire the starting gun on a maritime patrol aircraft competition in the coming years.
Tyler said that the Triton maritime aircraft, also a part of the Global Hawk family, could work alongside an order for manned aircraft to patrol British seas, adding that due to the drones lower fuel costs, a mixed fleet would be cheaper than going for a manned-only solution.
Australia earlier this year opted to protect its maritime interests that way, supplementing its purchase of eight Boeing P-8A Poseidon planes with a number of MQ-4C Tritons.($1 = 0.7529 euros)
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The Fun Fly Zone was a blur of activity at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014, attracting large audiences and thousands of aircraft movements, with the much anticipated and largest evening program, the Valdez STOL demonstration on July 1, drawing a reported 6,000 people.
"I believe this is probably the best week we've had in, let's say, eight years," said Ultralight Area Chairman Lee Crevier, EAA 355499. He said that the area saw a strong turnout of aircraft and nearly ran out of general parking.
Exhibit space in the area was sold out and audiences in the hundreds participated in the 23 forums, 10 workshops, and four evening activities. Carla Larsh, EAA 245755, chairwoman of Ultralight Red Barn operations and EAA board member, said admissions and camping passes were up 13 percent and merchandise was up 35 percent.
"It was just a hopping year for us," Larsh said.
A total of 1,122 registered light-sport aircraft, 40 rotorcraft, and eight hot air balloons made it to the Fun Fly Zone during the week. Crevier said the Fun Fly Zone volunteers were vital to this year's many successes. "I have 122 volunteers, and if I wouldn't have had them I wouldn't have been able to do it as safely as we did," Crevier said.
The Fun Fly Zone was a blur of activity at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014, attracting large audiences and thousands of aircraft movements. Photo copyright Willie Bodenstein
Crevier said his volunteers appreciated the many upgrades to the Fun Fly Zone, which included
a new sound system, bleachers, and safety fence. He said that it shows EAA is willing to continue to invest in and improve the Fun Fly Zone.
The programming schedule for the area was packed from dawn to dusk, but one of the busiest days was arguably Saturday. A massive hot air balloon launch on August 2 in the Fun Fly Zone greeted early risers and the 1,000 people who came to support the Oshkosh-based Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services and participate in the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Runway 5K Run/Walk. In addition, 3 Make-A-Wish children and their families received flights in an ultralight of choice as part of daylong Make-A-Wish activities.
EAA partners with Make-A-Wish each year to help young children experience the power of aviation. Crevier said the most enjoyable part of the day was a 3-year-old boy who was too small to ride in an airplane and instead got to be taxied around the field and move the stick like he was flying.
The Fun Fly Zone, formally referred to as "Down on the Farm," was renamed at the beginning of the year and Larsh says the name fits. She said it best emphasizes the enthusiasm and passion for aviation found in what many refer to as AirVenture's best kept secret.
Admissions and camping passes were up 13 percent and merchandise was up 35 percent. Photo copyright Willie Bodenstein
"I think that the Fun Fly Zone has the warmth, the energy, the pulse of the EAA membership on our end," Larsh said.
Crevier said he is giving his crew time off for 30 days before starting to get ready for AirVenture 2015 and make it even better. It's that passion that keeps volunteers like Crevier and Larsh dedicated to improving AirVenture year after year.
When asked if there was anything else she'd like to share with the EAA membership, Larsh said, "Come on down in 2015! We're looking forward to seeing them all. Come join the fun."
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The Learjet 75 aircraft is continuing its worldwide demonstration tour with a visit to the Caribbean prior to arriving at LABACE. The aircraft will also be on display in Chile. It is expected that the aircraft will generate a high level of interest with Bombardier's customer base in the region. The Challenger 350 will also go on a regional debut tour, with stops planned in Guatemala and throughout Brazil after being on display at LABACE.
"There is tremendous energy and growth in Latin America, and each year, LABACE is an excellent venue for Bombardier to demonstrate the strength of its product portfolio", said Stéphane Leroy, Regional Vice President, Sales, Latin America. "We've invested considerably in our products in the past few years and we're proud to show the results with the new Learjet 75 and Challenger 350 aircraft. Our fleet in the region is strong and growing, and we remain committed to the needs of our customers in Latin America by delivering innovative business jets and growing our customer service network. "
Over the next 20 years, Bombardier Business Aircraft forecasts over 2,130 business jet deliveries for the overall business aviation industry in Latin America1. The fleet in the region is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of three per cent1. With the industry's most comprehensive product portfolio and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Bombardier Business Aircraft continues to grow its leadership position in the business aviation industry. From light jets to large, ultra long-range aircraft, Bombardier offers a solution to all customers, whatever their requirements may be.
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