Airborne Conference
PictureTel and the German Aerospace Centre have completed live airborne videoconferencing trials in Italy. They are expected to have a significant impact on the future of multimedia in aviation. According to Slough, UK-based PictureTel, "-the event was set up to prove the feasibility of future multi-media communications to and from the aircraft via satellite". The technology is designed to benefit passengers by offering business videoconferencing, high-speed internet access, entertainment, including video-on-demand, and emergency telemedicine for air ambulances and passenger aircraft.
Extra deliveries
Extra Flugzeugbau delivered its second five-seat, piston single Extra 400 on 12 February. The German manufacturer plans to build 20 this year, ramping up to 40 in 2000 and 60 in 2001. The Dinslaken-based firm also hopes to introduce a turboprop variant of the DM1.4 million touring aircraft.
Russian certification
Textron Lycoming has received certification from Russia's Interstate Aviation Committee for a range of piston engines, including the0-320-E2A, O320-D2A, O360-A1P, 0360-J2A, IO-360-L2A, H10-360 and IO-540-D4B5. "Several of these engines are for US aircraft that will be marketed in Russia, while others are for use in developing Russian aircraft," says Lycoming.
Falcon contract
Sogerma subsidiary SECA has been awarded a three-year, Fr25 million ($4.3million) contract by the French arms procurement agency (DGA) to service 12 Dassault Falcon 20 special mission business jets.
Source: Flight International
