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NBAA 2010 reveals that the tide is turning, new aircrafts, surprise announcements and a general air of optimism made last years convention one of the best for years………
As Gulfstream new flagship, the G650, powered its way through the 700-hour flight test mark en route to FAA certification this year, archrival in the heavy corporate jet field, Bombardier, took the wraps off two new ultra-long range aircraft, the Global 7000 and Global 8000 to kick-start last years National Business Aircraft Associations (NBAA) annual convention and set the industry on what many analysts see as the start of the road to recovery.
And just to prove that the big corporate jets did not have the limelight to themselves, Cessna announced its upgraded citation Ten; HBC unveiled the Hawker 200; Piper announced its revamped Piper Jet complete with a new name, and Hawker Beech craft unveiled its new King Air 250 turboprop as new products, services and systems galore were revealed to the industry on the many stands in packed convention centre.
NBAAs president and CEO, Ed Bolen, said the highly successful show reflected its continuing value, even as the industry continued to confront a turbulent marketplace.
“It has been a pretty challenging couple of years for business aviation,” Bolen said.”By almost any measure, our industry fell 25 to 40 percent over the past year.”
Bur Bolen had good news, too, citing participation by 1083 exhibitors, a number that topped the exhibitor count for the 2009 show; a sold –out static display of aircraft, with 93 aircraft at Dekalb Peachtree Airport and a waiting list for participation, and an attendee registration at 24206, up more than five percent for attendance at the close of the 2009 Convention.
“This year’s convention clearly understood two facts,” Bolen continued.”First ,in spite of the challenges confronting business aviation in the past two years, people and companies are optimistic and forward-looking.Second,the convention continues to be a key part of that forward-looking vision, serving as the premier venue for bringing the industry together and advancing its interests.”
Business aviation should begin its next period of expansion in 2012,according to the 19th annual Business Aviation Outlook issued by Honeywell Aerospace at NBAAs convention .About 11000 new business jets, valued at over $225-billion, will be delivered from this year through to 2020 ,according to the company’s analysts.
“Despite a torpid recovery, there have been relatively few programme cancellations and delays,” said Rob Wilson, president of business and general aviation for Honeywell.”The pipeline of new high-value models supporting long-term growth remains strong. Our survey indicates that international demand will still remain significant and contribute to longer-term growth.”
But in the short term, 2011 will likely be no better than last year, with an estimated 675 to 700 new business jet deliveries, according to Honeywell’s survey.
“This year, operators outside North America have become more cautious about the strength and pace of the recovery,” Wilson said.”While they are still looking beyond the current economic climate and anticipating a return to improved business conditions, they have tempered near-term expectations and buying decisions, as reflected in the current delivery forecast.”
New “Biggies”
But the big news was that of Bombardiers new corporate jets, the Global 7000 and the Global 8000.Bombardiers flagship Global aircraft family now uniquely covers the large, ultra long-range category with four aircraft models, the Global 5000,Global Express XRS, Global 7000 and Global 8000 jets.
“Bombardier commitment to innovation, ongoing investment in product development strategy and strength as the industry leader are key contributors to our overall success,” said Steve Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft.”These new aircraft are solid examples of Bombardiers foresight and visionary thinking. The Global 7000 and Global 8000jets will give our customers the ability to reach more destinations non-stop that ever before, delivering unprecedented levels of performance, flexibility, and comfort,” continued Ridolfi.
The Global 7000 aircraft features a spacious four-zone cabin, the manufacturer claiming that this aircraft sets the benchmark for a new category of large business jets. With a volume of 74, 67 cu.m, passengers will have 20% more living space than the cabin of the current industry leader. The aircraft will have a high-speed cruise of Mach 0, 90 and arrange of 7300 nm at Mach 0, 85. It will fly London-Singapore, New York-Dubai or Beijing –Washington non-stop with 10 passengers. Entry into service is scheduled for 2016.
The Global 8000 aircraft, according to Bombardier, will be able to fly further than any other business jet. It will feature a three-zone 63,32-cu.m cabin and a range of 7900 nm at Mach 0,85.It will connect Sydney-Los Angeles, Hong Kong –New York and Mumbai-New York non-stop with eight passengers. The Global 8000will reach a high-speed cruise of Mach 0, 90. Entry into service is scheduled for 2017.
Bombardiers new Global aircraft will feature an all-new high-speed transonic wing, designed to significantly optimize aerodynamic efficiency and emissions advantages, including reduced NOx emissions -50% below, the International Civil Aviation Organizations upcoming Civil Aircraft Emissions Protocol (CAEP-6) regulations-and an eight percent better overall fuel-efficiency target when compared to the Global Express XRS aircraft. Featuring a high-speed cruise of Mach0, 90, these aircraft are designed to outperform all others through a combination of range, fuel efficiency and balanced field length.
Cabin features common to both new aircraft include: maximum natural light through new enlarged windows, that provide approximately 80% more surface per window than on current Global aircraft; a generous baggage suite that is accessible during flight; a crew rest area equipped with “berth able” seating; a galley with optimized meal preparation and storage possibilities ; an innovative approach to cabin zones, giving customers more flexibility and choice when defining their floor plan and innovative design options that bring the comforts of home to the aircraft environment.
Both aircraft will also feature the most up-to-date version of the Global Vision flight deck and the advanced connectivity capability of a leading-edge cabin management system which Bombardier says will ensure the highest levels of convenience, comfort and control ever presented in a business jet.
Gulfstream on a Roll
Although its flagship was not featured at NBAA “in the flesh”, Gulfstream Aerospace announced that the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650 recently completed several tests required as part of its certification by the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency, including flutter, in-flight loads, flammable fluid drainage and ingestion, and water ingestion.
Initial certification tests were conducted during envelope expansion when the absence of flutter was shown out to the design dive speed (vd) and design Mach dive speed (Md).
During these tests, the aircraft achieved a top speed of Mach 0,995 and demonstrated acceptable damping responses following an input from an external test device.
In addition, certification data has been obtained for the in-flight measurements of aerodynamics loads on the wing, tail and fuselage.
The FAA began participating in certification testing of the G650 when it issued the first Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) in late August. The document authorizes the regulatory agency to conduct the tests required as part of the effort for the aircraft to receive its type certificate, which Gulfstream anticipates receiving this year.
Since making its flying debut on November 25, 2009, S/N 6001 has performed a number of tests, including aerodynamic stall testing to validate low-speed limits and stall characteristics .It has also been involved in parameter identification testing to validate the aerodynamic models used for engineering analysis for control-law development. The aircraft has also confirmed a wide range of data, including minimum control air speeds, initial cruise performance , and flight-control system/flight-control law performance .The data programmes second TIA for water-ingestion tests was recently completed at NASAs facility at Wallops Island, Va. These tests demonstrated that on a runway with standing water, the aircraft and engine operations were not appreciably affected by water ingestion.
Since joining flight test in MAY, S/N 6003 has been used to measure in-flight loads and validate the initial planeviewTM avionics, auto-pilot and flight management systems.
For the first time, Gulfstream is also testing an aircraft outfitted with a full interior. S/N 6004, which flew for the first time June 6, had its interior installed over the summer and has resumed flight test.
Since the flight-test programme officially began on November 29, 2009, the four aircraft involved have accumulated more than 700 hours over more than 200 flights.
Testing also continues in the G650 Integration Test Facility (ITF) at Gulfstream’s Savannah headquarters. Engineers have been using the facility to integrate the software and hardware for the aircrafts systems and to perform the human-factors testing required for certification.
For the first time in Gulfstream’s history, the ITF also includes a full-size mock-up of the G650 cabin Essential TM design philosophy, which ensures that systems are designed with redundancy to prevent single-point failure.
The company claims that the G650 offers the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. Powered by Rolls-Royce BR 725 engines, the business jet is capable of travelling 7000 nautical miles at Mach 0, 85 and has a maximum operating speed of MACH 0,925.Entry into service is slated for 2012.
G250 Makes NBAA Debut
Meanwhile, Gulfstream’s new G250 super mid-size jet accomplished its first transatlantic crossing en route to the NBAA convention in Atlanta. The aircraft flew 6192 nautical miles squawk-free three legs over 14 hrs and 31 minutes.
The large –cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250 is built in conjunction with partner Israel Aerospace Industries.
After the convention, the aircraft departed for far-field noise testing in Bakersfield, Calif., followed by high-field testing in Colorado and then interior acoustic testing back in Savannah .Following a brief stay in Savannah, the aircraft returned to Tel Aviv.
Cessna Introduces The Citation Ten
In keeping with the large-cabin theme of last years National Business Aviation Association convention, Cessnas major announcement of the show was an extensive upgrade of its flagship bizjet. In fact, Cessna said the makeover of the Citation X was so complete that it considered the new model, called the Citation Ten, to be a new aircraft.
“The launch of the Citation Ten is an example of our commitment, repeated throughout the recent downturn, to new product development ,and it’s a signal that we intend to do what we need to do to maintain a general aviation industry leadership position,” CEO Jack Pelton said.
The Ten is about 380 mm longer than the existing X model, has a new cockpit, cabin and engines and is projected to be about 19 knots faster than the X, which may allow Cessna to hang on to its claim to have the “fastest certified business jet” with a maximum cruise of just under 0,92.
Cessna officials declined to speculate on the maximum operating speed of the new plane but Pelton has said that the company intends to defend the speed title and the extra 19 knots(at 49000 feet) might be enough to nudge past the Mach 0,925 projected for the Gulfstream G650.
Revamped Rolls-Royce AE3007C2 high-flow fan turbines will provide the push and also provide direct climb to 45000 feet.
The Ten is the launch airplane for Garmin’s new G5000 systems, which is its first foray into the part 25 market. It features three 14-inch screens with synthetic vision standard. A new cabin management system includes touch –screen controllers at each seat, new galley designs and lavatories and different seating geometry to enhance comfort.
Cessna also announced the selection of Winglet Technology’s Elliptical Winglet design for the Citation Ten which will utilize the Elliptical Winglet originally developed and certified by Winglet Technology and Cessna during a collaborative FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) project.
The Elliptical Winglet shape provides superior aerodynamic performance across a broad range of Mach numbers and operating conditions. The Elliptical shape ensures the lift distribution of the wing closely matches optimum lift distribution along the span of the wing, which minimizes the induced drag of the aircraft. The resulting drag reduction enhances the overall operational performance and translates into the several performance improvements which include increased speed at higher altitudes resulting in a further 12 knots at ISA temperatures; up to 20 knots at ISA+ 10 temperatures and improved hot day/ high altitude takeoff performance. Increased range capability is another benefits resulting in, for example, an increase of up to 220 nm for four passengers, NBAA IFR reserves, ISA temperature.
Higher initial flight levels are attainable with the new winglets enabling the Citation Ten to climb at maximum takeoff weight direct t FL 430 at MTOW and ISA+10 temperature direct to FL 450; direct to FL470@ 34400 lbs and ISA temperatures, as well as dramatically reduced time-t-climb figures such as 37 minutes to FL430 instead of 137 minutes at MTOW and ISA+10 temperature and 27 minutes instead of 84 at MTOW and ISA temperatures. Even better, the Ten can now climb to FL470 at a weight of 34000 pounds in 31 minutes instead of 138 minutes.
Even as he was announcing the new Citation Ten, Pelton told the press that “staggeringly low” prices on late model aircraft across the size and type spectrum continued to make for a dismal market for new aircraft. Pelton said Cessna had expected a stronger recovery last year, but now accepts the recovery would not be the V-shaped snapback it had hoped for.
Hawker 200 Unveiled
An updated version of the Beech Premier that Hawker Beech craft says is “worthy of being called a Hawker “was one of several surprise small aircraft announcements at this years NBAA convention in Atlanta.
The Hawker 200 will be a littlefaster, have a little more range and fly a little higher than its predecessor, Hawker Beech craft VP of sales, Shawn vick, told a news conference. The aircraft will also have an updated interior.
He said 95% of bizjet flights were shorter than 1000 miles and carried three or fewer passengers, thus the Hawker 200 would fit that niche while offering greater performance and comfort than competitors.
The aircraft will sell for $7, 55-million.Certification is scheduled for late 2012 and deliveries will start in 2013.
Vick also announced a new short-field King Air model he said would open up 1100 more airports to the venerable turboprop twin.
With engine induction enhancements, composite winglets and propellers, Vick said the sea-level takeoff distance of the King Air 250 was just 644 metres (over a 15-m object) and it was about 305 m longer at 5000 feet.
Meanwhile, HBCs CEO, Bill Boisture, said the company was making up, in part, for the emphasis on its military and government business. He said the attack version of the Texan-11 trainer had performed almost flawlessly in recent tests and the recon and surveillance version of the King Air 350 continued to find new markets.
“New” Piper Jet
Piper went back to the drawing board with its single-engine Piper jet and the result is the Altair. The new aircraft differs substantially from the proof-of-concept Piper jet and includes a redesigned fuselage that is substantially larger than the stretched Meridian body that served the original.
The tail-mounted engine stays but the longer nacelle and reworked tail give the aircraft a sleeker appearance. Company executive vice president, Andy Groom, said the new aircraft was aimed at both the business and owner-pilot market and suggested larger versions of the aircraft were possible in the future. He declined to say whether future designs would have more engines.
Groom said the company learned a lot from the proof-of-concept aircraft and there would be some direct transfers, such as the Garmin G3000 flight deck. However, a traditional dual yoke replaces the side stick controllers that were in the prototype. Groom also expected the 160 position holders on the old design to transfer their commitment to the new design.
The new aircraft will be ready for customers in 2014 and will be priced at $2, 5-million.
Big Order for Embraer
Any doubts that Embraer will be a major player in the business aircraft market have evaporated as Net jets announced its intention to buy 125 phenom 300 light business jets from the Brazilian plane maker.
Net jets placed a firm order for 50 phenoms and optioned 75.”We expect to buy all the aircraft,” Net Jets’ CEO, David Sokol, told a jammed news conference at NBAAs press day. Sokol said the choice of the phenom 300 was based on input from customers and the features and performance they wanted
Sokol said the billion dollar deal would be a fundamental part of its fleet refreshment plan and older Citations and Hawker Beech craft aircraft would be retired as the phenoms came on line starting in2012. The Net jets phenom 300s will be unique and the feature package in the so-called platinum Edition will not be available to other customers.
Speed Records
During the show, Hawker Beech craft Corporation (HBC) received recognition for setting six world speed records in its flagship Hawker 4000 business jet between October 2009 and April 2010.
For the second year in a row, National Aeronautic Association (NAA) president, Jonathan Gaffney, presented the official certificates for the marks, which are sanctioned by both the NAA and the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI), to HBC chairman and CEO, Bill Boisture, and executive vice president Shawn Vick at the NBAA convention.
“These records are a testament to the performance and technology of the Hawker 400,” said Shawn Vick.
Surprise Announcement
In perhaps the most surprising announcement of NBAA 2010, Sikorsky confirmed it intended to invest in Eclipse Aerospace, prompting speculation that the sometimes bizarre story of the original very light jet might have a happier than expected outcome.
“This agreement in principle affords us an opportunity to invest in a great product and to further leverage our strong aftermarket and product support capabilities for fixed-wing application,” Sikorsky VP, Mark Cherry, said in a statement.
Eclipse owner, Mason Holland, is understandably thrilled about the recent events. “We are elated about this potential new venture with Sikorsky Aircraft and the phenomenal reach we can extend to Eclipse Jet owners by access to the global service, support and supply chain network of Sikorsky,”Holland said.
“With the closing of this agreement we would have it all-a phenomenal fuel efficient twin-engine jet, an enthusiastic customer base and a fantastic support staf, all coupled with the depth and strength of a sound and experienced partner, Sikorsky Aircraft,” he added.
Electric –Powered Cessna 172
An electric-powered Cessna 172 proof-of-concept aircraft will be ready to fly by April this year, Bye Energy and Cessna said at NBAAs convention. The two companies are collaborating on the project, which was announced earlier last year at EAA Air Venture.
George Bye, CEO of Bye Energy, said the project was making steady progress.”This is an ambitious effort, but we are continuing to uncover additional efficiencies with electric powered flight,” he said.
Cessna CEO, Jack Pelton, said progress toward first flight of the electric 172 demonstrator was “encouraging news for the future of mainstream general aviation.”
When the project was introduced in July, Pelton said the electric power plant offered significant benefits, but there were significant challenges to get there. He believed Bye Energy had “gotten off to a good start in understanding those challenges and how to overcome them.”
About the Author
Anthony Juma is the Editor and Senior Aviation Director at Wings Over Africa Aviation.
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