Kate Sarsfield/LONDON
The business aircraft market is upbeat, as manufacturers' high order backlogs, some stretching as much as four years, provide a buffer, at least for now, against the threat of a US economic slowdown. The phenomenal growth throughout the industry in the past few years will not continue indefinitely, so business aircraft manufacturers are devising new ways to keep ahead of the game.
Not content with simply building and supplying aircraft, every major manufacturer has entered the operating arena, be it through fractional ownership or charter or both, as they exploit new methods of selling aircraft and keeping customers flying in their products.
This customer-driven philosophy has extended to the drawing board, as manufacturers strive to exploit market niches, through the introduction of value-for-money, low maintenance models, such as the new super-light jets. Dominated by the Cessna Citation Excel and the Bombardier Learjet 45, the superlights provide mid-size cabin comfort for the price of a light jet. Not to be outdone, however, Raytheon has launched its superlight Hawker 450, to fit between its Beechjet 400A and mid-size Hawker 800XP, although the aircraft is not expected to enter service until 2006.
The popularity of the new super mid-size class, exemplified by the Dassault Falcon 2000 and Galaxy Aerospace Galaxy, has prompted development of new models. The Bombardier Continental and Raytheon Hawker Horizon will enter service over the next three years, beginning next year with the Continental.
The entry-level market, which includes aircraft such as the $3.7 million Citation CJ1 and Raytheon's newly certificated $5.3 million Premier I, could experience the most radical shake-up within the next few years, if independent manufacturers such as Eclipse Aviation with its Williams EJ22 turbofan-powered Eclipse 500 twin enter the market at well under $1 million. By lowering the cost of entry to aircraft ownership, the onset of the "personal jet" could also threaten the livelihood of the more costly turboprops.
In pursuit of greater range and speed, and to remain ahead of the competition, manufacturers are revamping current aircraft. For example, Gulfstream recently launched the longer-range GV-SP, which will eventually replace the current GV, will compete against the Bombardier's newer, faster Global Express and will pave the way for the smaller GIV-SP to be moved upmarket.
Dassault has raised the stakes in the increasingly competitive large cabin aircraft market by introducing an upgraded version of its Falcon 2000, called the 2000EX. Bombardier is likely to pitch in later this year with a revamped Challenger 604 to stay ahead of the 2000EX. While Cessna, threatened by emerging super mid-size models, has moved its Citation X, the world's fastest business jet, upmarket.
At the opposite end of the market, Cessna is looking at three options for an aircraft to fill the gap between its largest piston single, the 206 Stationair, and its smallest twinjet, the Citation CJ1. New Piper, meanwhile, having just certificated the single-turboprop Malibu Meridian, plans to offer an upgraded Malibu Mirage high-performance piston single.
AASI
Advanced Aerodynamics & Structures, 3205 North Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90808, USA Tel +1 (562) 938 8618; Fax +1 (562) 938 8620 Web http://www.aasiaircraft.com
Certification testing of Advanced Aerodynamics & Structures' (AASI) $1.45 million Jetcruzer 500 is continuing, although the original plan called for US approval for the single-turboprop aircraft in 1998. AASI claims the delay has not led to a drop in order numbers, which it says exceed 180 aircraft. Under the revised schedule, AASI has planned certification and first deliveries for mid-year. A fractional ownership programme offering shares in the six-seat pusher is planned. Future projects, such as the 12-seat Jetcruzer 650 and the turbofan-powered Stratocruzer 1250, are on hold.
AEROSTAR AIRCRAFT
10555 Airport Drive, Couer d'Alene Airport, Hayden Lake, Idaho 83835, USA Tel: +1 (208) 762 0338; Fax: +1 (208) 762 8349 Web http://www.aerostaraircraft.com
Aerostar Aircraft is seeking $8.4 million by the end of this year in the first stage of a $40 million certification programme for its FJ-100 turbofan-powered derivative of the Piper Aerostar 600/700 piston twin.
The six-seat aircraft, designed in 1965 by Ted Smith as a light jet, entered production at Piper in 1969 as a piston twin aimed at the owner-flown market. The company built 1,026 Aerostars, of which 750 are still in service. Aerostar acquired the rights to Smith's design in 1991 and produces spare parts for the original aircraft under licence. Changes incorporated into the FJ-100 from the original Piper design include a stretched fuselage, strengthened wing, cruciform tail, increased maximum take-off weight of 3,300kg (7,300lbs) and two 1,200lb-thrust ( Williams FJ33-1 turbofans.
First flight of the FJ-100 prototype is set for March 2002. Certification and first deliveries are expected 15 months later
AIRBUS
Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, Maurice Bellonte, Blagnac Cedex, F-31707, France Tel +33 (5) 61 93 33 33; Fax +33 (5) 61 93 37 92 Web http://www.airbus.com
The European company has seen an upturn in sales of its only dedicated business aircraft, the A319 Corporate Jetliner (CJ). With orders totalling 18 aircraft and more than eight delivered to date, the A319(CJ) is gaining acceptance in a market sector which is becoming increasingly crowded and competitive.
Most recently, Airbus clinched the first sale of a corporate-configured airliner to a scheduled airline. The deal with Qatar Airways, one order and one option for the A319CJ , could open the door to orders from other carriers hoping to exploit the highly lucrative premium travel market. The Qatar A319CJ aircraft, equipped with 36 first-class sleeperette seats and a luxurious interior, will be deployed on a mix of private charters and scheduled services from Doha to destinations like London and Singapore.
The first 120min extended-range twin-engine operations licence for an A319CJ was granted earlier this year by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to Luton Airport-based Twinjet Aircraft Sales. The company also became the first company to operate an A319CJ commercially.
Airbus has signed a co-operation agreement with IAE to offer the 27,000lb-thrust V2527M-A5 as the baseline A319CJ powerplant.
AYRES
PO Box 3090, One Ayres Way, Albany, Georgia 31707, USA. Tel: +1 (912) 883 1440; Fax: +1 (912) 439 9790 Web http://www.ayrescorp.com
Ayres entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last November, having run out of money developing the Loadmaster LM200 twin-turboshaft utility aircraft. Although engineering work on the aircraft has resumed at Ayres' Czech Republic-based sister company LET, the US venture is seeking around $80 million to recapitalise the company through new equity investors and hopes to emerge from Chapter 11 by the end of the year.
The US agricultural and cargo aircraft builder's goal is to fly the single-propeller Loadmaster in the third quarter of the year and begin deliveries by the third quarter of 2003 - four years behind schedule.
LET, meanwhile, continues to produce the Walter M601F-powered L-420 twin-turboprop and the L-610G - an L-610 twin-turboprop re-engined with GE CT7-9Ds and fitted with Rockwell Collins avionics.
BAE SYSTEMS
3 Allee Pierre Nadot, BP16 31701, Blagnac, Cedex, France Tel +33 (53) 460 7000; Fax +33 (53) 460 7050 Web http://www.bae.regional.co.uk
BAE Systems, formerly British Aerospace, offers a variant of its Avro RJ regional jet dubbed the Avro Corporate Jet and hopes to clinch its first sale in the second quarter.
The Avro Corporate Jet was introduced in 1998, following BAE's decision to redefine the aircraft's image to reflect the growing popularity of corporate aircraft as business tools. BAE says the Avro Corporate Jet offers the interior space of a BBJ, the range of a Challenger, the quietness and power of a Gulfstream IV, the direct operating costs of a GII and airfield performance of a Falcon 50, for around $30 million.
BELL/AGUSTA AEROSPACE
Bell Helicopter Textron, PO Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101, USA Tel +1 (450) 437 2720; Fax +1 (450) 437 6010 Web http://www.bellagustaaerospace.com
The first Bell/Agusta BA609 civil tiltrotor is set to start functional testing in August and to make its first flight in November - eight months behind its original schedule.
Bell plans to transfer fuselage tooling to new partner Fuji by mid-2001, and the Japanese company is contracted to supply its first production shipset by mid-2003, as well as an additional fuselage on which Bell will conduct fatigue and load tests. Agusta, which will have a 50% share in the US-based flight test programme, is responsible for static testing of the tiltrotor's wing. The Italian company, which was recently renamed AgustaWestland following the merger with the UK helicopter manufacturer, will also produce the empennage, gearbox and ailerons for the six/nine-seat tiltrotor. It is establishing a second assembly line in Italy, to serve Europe.
The third prototype is also due to fly in November and the final aircraft in January 2002, with both employed for avionics testing. A planned 2,000h flight test programme is due to be concluded by the end of 2003, with type certification due in December.
BOEING BUSINESS JETS
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, PO Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, USA Tel +1 (206) 655 1131; Fax +1 (206) 655 7004 Web http://www.boeing.com/bbj
Boeing Business Jets has delivered the first "green" BBJ2. Four sales of the BBJ2, a corporate variant of the 737-800, have been announced, although the company is confident that the aircraft will eventually account for up to 35% of total BBJ sales.
Meanwhile, its stablemate, the BBJ hybrid of the 737-700/800, continues to sell well with orders currently totalling around 74 aircraft. The company is seeking to overcome delays at its completion centres where aircraft are arriving at a rate of 18 a year. So far 25 aircraft have entered service, with the most recent model being delivered to fractional ownership pioneer Executive Jet. A further four aircraft are scheduled to join the NetJets programme by the end of September.
Boeing is also considering a larger BBJ3, based on the 757-200 fuselage mated to a -300 wing. The aircraft would offer a range of around 7,000nm (13,000km).
BOMBARDIER AEROSPACE
400 Chemin de la Cote Vertu, Dorval, Quebec H4S 1YP, Canada Tel +1 (514) 855 5000; Fax +1 (514) 855 7401 Web http://www.aero.bombardier.com
Canadian manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace markets Canadair and Learjet business aircraft through Bombardier Business Aircraft, a Montreal-based subsidiary. Last year it delivered a record 207 aircraft.
Bombardier is on target to fly its Continental business jet in June, which, when finally certificated in 2002 will be the second super mid-size aircraft to enter the market. The manufacturer has secured more than 100 orders for the $15 million twinjet, which fills the gap between the $11.4 million Learjet 60 and the $22 million Challenger 604. The Continental is designed for US coast-to-coast travel, and has the ability to operate from 1,520m-long runways. Certification is pegged for September 2002, the first green delivery to be three months later.
Bombardier also offers the Global Express ultra-long-range business jet of which more than 40 have been delivered to completion centres since the aircraft entered service in 1998. Demand for the Global Express spurred Bombardier to increase production and subcontract interior completion to overcome delays in the aircraft's delivery schedule.
The transcontinental Challenger 604, successor to the 601-3R, is Bombardier's fastest-selling Challenger. The aircraft passed its 500th delivery milestone last year and looks set for an upgrade over the following 12 months to compete against Dassault's new Falcon 2000EX (see entry). From this year, the 604 avionics suite will feature upgraded Rockwell Collins Pro Line 4 avionics and an enhanced as standard flight management system.
Bombardier also offers the Canadair SE, the corporate version of the successful Canadair Regional Jet.
The Learjet line-up - the 31A, 45 and 60 - continue to sell well, boosted by the success of the Flexjet fractional ownership programme. Last year Bombardier witnessed a 33% hike in Learjet deliveries over the previous 12 months. The Learjet 45 alone saw a 64% hike in its second year of production.
CESSNA AIRCRAFT
PO Box 7706, One Cessna Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas 67277-7706, USA Tel +1 (316) 517 6000; Fax +1 (316) 517 6640 Web http://www.cessna.textron.com
Three new models have been added to Cessna Citation's line up in the last year. The entry-level CJ1 is essentially a renamed CitationJet but with a 90kg increase in gross weight and Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. There is also the six-seat CJ2, a stretched version of the CJ1, and the Encore, a revamped version of the Citation Ultra light jet, introduced in 1993 as an improved Citation V. Improvements to the Encore include two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535A powerplants, higher fuel capacity, longer wing and trailing link landing gear.
The introduction of the new-generation models, however, led to the demise of the Citation VII last September, when the final mid-size aircraft (model 109) rolled off the production line. The move marked the end of Cessna 650 series production, started in 1983 with the launch of the Citation III. The 10-seat aircraft will be replaced by the Citation Sovereign, which underwent design changes last year. Changes include: a wider cabin door, single-pivot thrust reversers, removal of the tail's dorsal fin and of the dihedral on the horizontal stabiliser. The Sovereign is slated for certification and first delivery in the third quarter of 2003 and the first quarter of 2004, respectively, a year later than originally planned.
To distance its Mach 0.92 Citation X from emerging super mid-size threats, such as the Bombardier Continental and Raytheon Hawker Horizon, Cessna has moved the aircraft upmarket and increased the performance of the $18.8 million business jet.
By making use of an extra 5% thrust available from its Rolls-Royce AE 3007C-1 turbofans, the engine's take-off thrust has been increased from 6,440lb to 6,760lb and the aircraft's maximum take-off weight is boosted by 400lbs to 36,100lbs.
Cessna's Citation line-up includes the light Bravo and the superlight Excel, of which 25 of each type were recently ordered by Executive Jet for its NetJets European fractional ownership programme,
The company also offers the Caravan 1 and Grand Caravan single-turboprop utility aircraft; and is looking at options for an aircraft to fill the gap between its largest piston single, the 206 Stationair, and its smallest twinjet, the CJ1.
CHICHESTER MILES CONSULTANTS
West House, Ayot St Lawrence, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9BT, UK Tel +44 (1438) 820341; Fax +44 (1438) 820030 Web http://leopard.uk.com
With no engine available to power the four- seat Leopard, since the powerplant supplier Williams tied up an exclusive contract for its FJX-2 with rival manufacturer Eclipse Aviation (see entry), Chichester Miles (CMC) has chosen to concentrate, for the time being, on a six-seat variant of the twin turbofan.
Designed around the Williams FJ33-1 turbofan, the Leopard Six is an all-composite aircraft which will be 25% larger than its stablemate. Priced at $2.35 million, the Leopard Six will seat four passengers in a cabin 2.5m long, 1.2m high and 1.5m wide. It will provide a long-range cruise speed of 430kt, a range with full payload of 3,700km and a maximum altitude of 51,000ft. The aircraft will incorporate "advanced" Fowler flaps to meet the targeted 2,500m landing distance.
CMC admits the four-seat Leopard will remain part of the programme, with development continuing on a piecemeal basis and the second prototype deployed as a subscale research model.
Subject to investment of around $95million being found, the Leopard Six is slated for certification in 2004.
DASSAULT AVIATION
9 Rond-Point des Champs-Elysees, Marcel Dassault, Paris F75008, France Tel +33 (1) 53 76 93 00; Fax +33 (1) 53 76 93 20 Web http://www.dassault-aviation.fr
Dassault Aviation is planning to replace its business jet range with a new line-up. The Falcon 900 is expected to be first for replacement, with the announcement planned for September
The new aircraft is being designed primarily as an ultra-long range jet, reminiscent of the Falcon 9000 planned in the early 1990s but abandoned due to concerns about development costs and market overload. The aircraft is likely to feature new aerodynamics enabling increases in cruising speed from Mach 0.8 to around Mach 0.9, and a 45,000ft (13,700m) cruise altitude - equivalent to the Falcon 2000.
Dassault has long-term plans to replace the Falcon 2000 and Falcon 50 business jets as well as the longer-range 50EX and 2000EX derivatives. The $24 million 2000EX was launched last year. Powered by the 7,000lb-thrust Pratt &Whitney Canada PW308C, the newest Falcon family member will have a 25% increase in range, to 7,030km at Mach 0.8, and will be capable of non-stop flights between Europe and the US east coast.
The 2000EX has 31% more fuel capacity. Its higher operating weight also required a strengthened landing gear and braking system. The 2000EX will be offered with Honeywell's new "EASy" interactive cockpit, which will be unveiled at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition this month.
Meanwhile, Dassault is continuing to work behind the scenes on a supersonic business jet.
EMBRAER
Avenue Brig. Faria Lima, 2170, Sao José dos Campos, 12227-901, Sao Paulo, Brazil Tel +55 (12) 345 1000; Fax +55 (12) 321 8238 Web http://www.embraer.com
Embraer entered the business aircraft market last year, following the launch of its $19 million super mid-size Legacy - a variant of its ERJ-135 regional airliner. A total of 64 orders and options have so far been received including 25 from launch customer Swift Aviation, a US fixed-based operator and charter company.
The first Legacy began flight testing late last month and will be used for aerodynamic and systems testing. European and US certification is slated for the third quarter.
The Legacy will have extra fuel tanks in its belly carrying 3,200kg of fuel to extend range by about 1,730km with eight passengers. Other modifications include the addition of winglets as standard and changes to improve the aircraft's short-field performance, as well as incorporating the same Rolls-Royce AE3007A1P turbofans used to power the Legacy's larger ERJ-145 stablemate.
Embraer is offering three versions of the Legacy: a 10-seat business variant, a 20-seat corporate shuttle and a government VIP configured aircraft. The Brazilian company is also planning to develop a longer range version of its ERJ-170.
Embraer forecasts a production rate of five Legacy aircraft in its first year, 16 in 2002 increasing to 24 aircraft from 2003.
FAIRCHILD DORNIER
Fairchild Dornier, 10823 NE Entrance Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216, USA Tel +1 (210) 824 9421; Fax +1 (210) 824 7785 Web http://www.fairchilddornier.com
Fairchild Dornier offers business variants of its 328JET and 728JET regional airliners called the Envoy 3 and Envoy 7. Although the company has delivered a handful of 328JETs as corporate shuttles, it has yet to clinch an order for the Envoy 3.
The first "green" Envoy 7 will be handed over to Lufthansa Technik for interior outfitting in August 2003, and the completed aircraft will be delivered in March 2004 .
Envoy 7 orders total 29 aircraft including 24 from Cleveland, Ohio-based Flight Options for its fractional ownership programme. Fairchild is planning to deliver up to eight aircraft in 2004, of which Flight Options has asked for six, increasing to 18 per year by 2006.
The Envoy will be equipped with an electric door and airstair, plus two forward and three aft auxiliary tanks providing 5,000kg of fuel, . The maximum take-off weight has been increased to accommodate up to 4,600kg of interior fittings. Fairchild is studying fitting the aircraft with winglets to bolster its 7,400km range.
The first completed Envoy 7 is due for delivery to Middle East-based Safadi by March 2004. The Envoy 7's schedule has been affected by changes in design to the 728JET airliner, due to enter service with Lufthansa CityLine in July 2003.
Fairchild has a second tentative agreement with Garrett Aviation Services to provide for completions in the USA.
GALAXY AEROSPACE
One Galaxy Way, Alliance Airport, Fort Worth, Texas 76177, USA Tel +1 (817) 837 3700; Fax +1 (817) 837 3862 Web http://www.galaxyaerospace.com
Galaxy Aerospace, a joint venture between Israel Aircraft Industries and the Pritzker family, delivered 17 super mid-size Galaxy and mid-size Astra SPX jets last year.
Galaxy is hoping to boost orders by entering the fractional ownership market, which it considers could account for 40% of total aircraft sales eventually. A Galaxy has been added to the fleet of US charter and management company AvBase Aviation to give the aircraft exposure to the NetJets fractional ownership programme.
The Galaxy is being produced and delivered at a rate of two a month, while production of the SPX is running at 12 a year.
Galaxy remains committed to a new product line and recently received the results of a customer survey which assessed the market for new Galaxy derivatives. The focus appears to be on a potential stretch, with a new wing, propulsion system and avionics, and range.
Galaxy says it is looking at ways of improving reliability and increasing aircraft utilisation inspection cycles.
GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE
PO Box 2206, 500 Gulfstream Road, Savannah, Georgia 31402-2206, USA Tel +1 (912) 965 5555; Fax +1 (912) 965 3084 Web http://www.gulfstreamaerospace.com
Gulfstream produces the GIV-SP and GV business jets. The General Dynamics-owned company launched a development of the GV last year, called the GV-SP, which offers longer range at higher speeds, more usable cabin space and an advanced cockpit. The $45 million GV-SP will replace the current GV at around the 200th aircraft and is designed to make the aircraft more competitive against the Bombardier Global Express.
The new family member will incorporate aerodynamic and engine upgrades that increase range at Mach 0.8 by 460km to 12,490km. This ensures that the aircraft can fly eight passengers from New York to Tokyo in even severe weather conditions. Other features include: drag reductions to increase range by 550km at Mach 0.85 to 11,100km, and by 740km at Mach 0.87 to 9,250km; and a 1.5% reduction in the specific fuel consumption of the Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofans, while bleed management will contribute to a 46m reduction in field length.
The GV-SP will also feature a new Honeywell cockpit, called PlaneView, while BAE Systems' head-up Visual Guidance System and Kollsman's infrared Enhanced Vision System will be standard on the aircraft.
The GV-SP is scheduled to fly in the fourth quarter of next year, leading to certification a year later and entry into service by the end of 2003. Gulfstream has clinched 27 orders for the GV-SP including 20 from ExecutiveJet for its NetJets programme.
Gulfstream is also planning to launch the "next-generation" GIV, and has selected up-graded Rolls-Royce Tay engines and Honey-well Primus Epic avionics for the aircraft.
IBIS AEROSPACE
Aero Vodochody, Odolena Voda 25070, Czech Republic Tel +420 (2) 6880041; Fax +420 (2) 6872505 Web http://www.ibisaerospace.com
Ibis Aerospace, a 50:50 joint venture between Aero Vodochody of the Czech Republic and Aerospace Industrial Development (AIDC) of Taiwan, last year launched a higher performance derivative of the $1.2 million Ae270P. Unlike the 10-seat Ae270P, which is targeted at the world air taxi and utility markets, the new version is intended to compete directly with the Pilatus PC-12 and Socata TBM700 "high-end" turboprop singles in the USA.
Ibis is focusing on development of the pressurised, retractable-gear Ae270P and says earlier plans for a less expensive, lower performance Ae270W with fixed gear are "under review".
NEW PIPER AIRCRAFT .
2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960, USA Tel +1 (561) 567 4361; Fax +1 (561) 778 2144 Web http://www.newpiper.com
New Piper certified and delivered its first Malibu Meridian single-engine turboprop in the last quarter of 2000, and is planning to produce 100 aircraft this year.
The Meridian is a derivative of the Mirage high performance piston single, an upgraded version of which is now under development and will be launched later this year
PHOENIX FANJET
Suite 804, 7015 Macleod Trail South, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2H 2KG Tel: +1 (327) 130 2915
Alberta Aerospace plans to offer the MagnaJet, a four-seat version of its SigmaJet single turbofan aerobatic trainer, which is slated to enter service late this year. Both types are based on the Stelio Frati- designed Promavia Jet Squalus, since renamed the Phoenix FanJet, for which Alberta Aerospace was awarded the design rights two years ago. The all-metal $1.875 million Magnajet is scheduled for US and European certification in the third quarter of next year and deliveries are expected to follow immediately. A prototype of the Williams Rolls FJ44-1A-powered aircraft has completed over 750h of flight testing at Alberta Aerospace's Lakeland, Florida test centre.
PIAGGIO
Piaggio Aero Industries, Via Cibrario 4, Genova I-16154, Italy Tel +39 (010) 64811; Fax +39 (010) 6520160
Piaggio became a wholly Italian-owned company last year following the decision by Tushav of Turkey to sell its remaining 17.5% share in the company. One of the company's shareholders, Ferrari, which took delivery of an Avanti in executive configuration last year, is spearheading a drive to promote the P180 Avanti high performance twin turboprop in North America.
To assist in its efforts, the Italian company established Greenville, South Carolina-based Piaggio America to sell and support the Avanti and has selected named JetWork, Texas, as its first US service centre. Piaggio plans to produce 15 aircraft this year, 24 in 2002 and 30 in 2003, mostly for the US market.
Paiggio's other owners include the Italian families Buitoni and Di Mase and a group of unnamed private investors.
PILATUS AIRCRAFT
Flugzeugwerke, Stans CH6371, Switzerland Tel +41 (41) 619 6296; Fax +41 (41) 619 6224
Pilatus, manufacturer of the successful PC-12 single-engined turboprop, was sold by its parent company Unaxis Holdings to a Swiss-led group of investors earlier this year following a two year search to locate a buyer.
The new owners have pledged to continue developing the PC-12, of which more than 250 have been delivered . Last year the Swiss company delivered 70 units. It plans a 15% hike in production this year.
RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT
10511 E Central, PO Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085, USA Tel +1 (316) 676 8674; Fax +1 (316) 676 5687 Web http://www.raytheon.com/rac
Raytheon is believed to be seeking a buyer for its business aircraft subsidiary, which brings together the Beech and Hawker brand names. These offer a growing line-up of business aircraft, including the piston-powered Bonanza A36/B36 and Baron B58, and the Beech King Air and 1900D Executive range of twinturboprops.
The Hawker product line, transferred from British Aerospace to Raytheon in 1993, is undergoing a major revamp. The current model, the Hawker 800XP, is expected to undergo an avionics and performance enhancement this year, while the super mid-size Hawker Horizon, under development, is scheduled to fly this year. Certification and first deliveries will follow later than planned, in 2003.
To compete in the popular superlight market sector, dominated by the Bombardier Learjet 45 and Cessna Citation Excel, Raytheon has launched its new Hawker 450.
Slotting between the BeechJet 400A and the Hawker 800XP, the Hawker 450 will exploit the composite fuselage technology pioneered in Raytheon's Premier I light jet, and used in the Horizon now in development.
The $7.8-9 million aircraft will have the largest cabin (1.8m high), longest range (over 3,700km) and highest speed (above Mach 0.8) in its class. Honeywell is a risk-sharing partner, supplying the TFE731-40 engines and Primus Epic avionics, and Raytheon is looking for other participants, it says. The Hawker 450 will enter service in 2006.
Raytheon finally clinched US certification for its Premier I entry level business jet last month after a delay of more than two years. The company plans to begin customer deliveries immediately and has chalked up orders for more than 300 aircraft.
REIMS AVIATION
Aerodrome de Reims-Prunay, BP 2745, Reims, F-51062, France Tel +33 3 26 48 46 46; Fax +33 (3)26 49 13 60 Web http://www.reims-aviation.fr
French manufacturer Reims Aviation offers the F406 Caravan II twin turboprop. This was introduced in 1982, under a joint venture agreement with Cessna to produce the aircraft, based on the US company's 400 series. Reims markets and manufactures the aircraft, using wings supplied by Cessna.
SINO SWEARINGEN AIRCRAFT
70 Sky Place Boulevard, San Antonio, Texas 78216, USA Tel +1 (210) 258 3900; Fax +1 (210) 258 3973 http://www.sj30jet.com
Sino Swearingen's SJ30-2 flew for the first time in November last year. The company has since transferred the second of five SJ30-2 prototypes to its structural test facility in San Antonio, Texas, in preparation for certification testing. Two flying aircraft and a fatigue test article will join the programme soon. The programme, funded by Swearingen Aircraft and Taiwanese investment consortium Sino Aerospace has chalked up 175 orders for the seven-seat SJ30-2. In a further boost to its order tally, the Dallas, Texas-based SJ30 distributor SevenBar has launched a fractional ownership programme which will offer shares in the SJ30 when its is finally introduced.
SOCATA AIRCRAFT
Socata Groupe Aerospatiale, Le Terminal Bat 413, Aeroport du Bourget, Zone d'Aviation d'Affaires, F-93352 France Tel +33 (1) 49 34 69 69; Fax +33 (1) 49 34 69 71 Web http://www.socata.com
Socata has received an order for nine TBM700 single engine turboprops from Luxembourg-based fractional ownership provider, JetFly. For the EADS subsidiary, the deal marks the largest civilian order for the TBM700s. Currently more than 130 TBM700s are in service, and production is sold out until 2002, Socata says.
TUPOLEV
Tupolev Joint Stock Company, 17 Akademika Tupoleva, Moscow 111250, Russia Tel +7 (095) 261 2436; Fax +7 (095) 261 0868
The Russian manufacturer is believed to be continuing with plans to develop a corporate version of its Tu-324 regional jet, which is powered by Soyuz R-126-300 turbofan as is a long-range business jet, dubbed the Tu-414 powered by Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofans. Little is know about either programme.
VISIONAIRE
595 Bell Avenue, Chesterfield, Missouri 63005-3602, USA Tel +1 (314) 530 1007; Fax +1 (314) 530 0005
VisionAire continues to refine the Vantage single turbofan design following major changes last year to address handling and weight concerns that arose during flight testing.
Last year, the company formed a strategic partnership with STW Aerospace to design, develop and certificate the Vantage - including the wing and fuselage. The move continues an agreement between the companies under which STW will build the production conforming prototypes, ground test articles and two production aircraft. STW will also modify the non-conforming proof-of-concept Vantage.
Two-dimensional windtunnel tests of a new Fowler flap system have been completed and the flight control arrangements in the cockpit have been revised.
The first of two conforming prototypes is set to begin flight testing in February 2002. The certification process is due to take 18 to 24 months, with US approval and first deliveries slated for 2003 - around five years after the non-conforming prototype first flew.
The company is now seeking to secure $100 million to fund the $2.4 million Vantage through to certification and first deliveries. But with the programme running more than two years late, VisionAire has lost more than 30 orders. The current total now stands at 110 aircraft.
Source: Flight International
