Boeing today introduced the 737 Explained, a virtual model of the Boeing 737 generated from thousands of high-resolution photographs that create an immersive 3-D-like model. Built on the Windows Azure platform, 737 Explained will provide prospective customers with an innovative, compelling way to view and understand the aircraft without standing next to one.

“We were looking for a new way to communicate the essence of the Boeing 737,” said Diana Klug, director of marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “737 Explained is one of the best marketing tools I’ve seen because it allows us to show prospective customers the new features and improvements without bringing them to an airport.”

When Boeing launched the Next-Generation 737, the company was building on an already successful platform. The 737 is the world’s best-selling airplane and has benefited from continuous investment to incorporate the latest technology and performance improvements. The Boeing marketing team wanted an equally innovative way to demonstrate the airplane’s latest features.

Boeing turned to Microsoft Corp. and [wire] stone, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. 737 Explained is hosted on Windows Azure, which stores the project data — more than 20,000 high-resolution photographs combined into a 32-gigapixel image of the plane — on Microsoft’s cloud-based servers. This allows prospective customers and Boeing representatives to show the detail of the airplane virtually anytime, anywhere, and on many different devices.

In addition, 737 Explained uses Microsoft Silverlight Deep Zoom, which enables a rich user experience with 360-degree tours of the airplane and the ability to view every component of the plane down to the landing gear, engine components and individual rivets. Overall, 737 Explained has created a technologically impressive alternative to traditional marketing materials such as brochures or slide presentations.

Boeing Uses Windows Azure to Build Virtual Aircraft in the Cloud is a post from: Aviation news - Planegrazy

In the first month of operation Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ) has been standing on the ground for 17 days – reported the representatives of Aeroflot – the largest Russian air line company. New aircraft has made his first regular flight after its transfer to Aeroflot on July, 16. After that due to the problems in air conditioning systems aircraft didn’t fly on 23 June, then from June 29 to July 2, and finally – from 5 to 16 July. The technical problems particular connected with a sensor which, filed false signals of trouble even when air conditioning system properly functioning. This error which has been identified within a 12-day testing doesn’t affect on the safety terms.

Last Saturday (July 16) the plane was again placed in the schedule: during July 17 and 18 it has made six flights. Totally over the month of exploitation Superjet has made 60 flights with total length about 101 hours. Representatives of Aeroflot expressed their disappointment considering these results, as well as dissatisfaction with the fact that the specifications of the new aircraft do not meet the stated performance. In particular, criticism has caused the weight of the aircraft, which is by 3.5 tons more heavy that it should be. In addition, the ship spends on 11 percent more fuel than it is specified in the contract. Due to such shortcomings of the new aircraft Aeroflot can lose about $ 150 million over 10 years.

However, the Suhoi company from the other side expressed bewilderment over such claims. In particular, they point out that another SSJ in April 2011 has been transferred to the Armenian air line company Armavia. The airliner had already made 216 flights (531 flight hours), standing on the ground just for 13 days. And there are no any problems with the operation of the liner: the plane flies not only in Russian cities, but also in Athens, Venice and Rome.

Aeroflot disappointed with new Sukhoi Superjet. is a post from: Aviation news - Planegrazy

Textron Inc. today announced that Jack J. Pelton, chairman, president and CEO of its Cessna Aircraft unit, has retired from the company, and that a search for his successor is underway. Textron Chairman and CEO Scott C. Donnelly will run the business until a successor is named.

Pelton joined Cessna in November 2000 as senior vice president, Product Engineering and oversaw Cessna’s engineering and product development activities, including new aircraft development, design, experimental and production test flight, certifications and product improvements for all Cessna models. He was named president and chief executive officer in 2003 and chairman in 2005.

Commenting on Pelton’s departure, Textron Chairman and CEO Scott C. Donnelly said, “Under Jack’s leadership, Cessna achieved many significant program and product milestones and strengthened its position as a thought leader in the aviation industry. We appreciate Jack’s efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Textron Announces Jack Pelton Retires from Cessna is a post from: Aviation news - Planegrazy

Dassault Falcon has received certification from both the EASA and FAA for the newest member of the Falcon family of business jets, the 4,750 nm Falcon 900LX.

The large cabin Falcon 900LX is based on the Falcon 900EX, with enhanced performance and economy. The Falcon 900LX burns 35 to 40 percent less fuel than other aircraft in its class thanks to advanced light weight structures, an extremely efficient wing as well as Aviation Partners Inc.’s blended winglets. At its Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW), the Falcon 900LX climbs to FL390 (39,000 feet) in just 20 minutes.

“The Falcon 900LX delivers the next evolution of enhancements to the successful Falcon 900EX,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “The improvements to its range, performance and efficiency set the standard in its class and make it a highly desirable business tool.”

Flight Test Milestones

The Falcon 900LX was first announced in May 2008 at EBACE. The rigorous flight test program, which began in October 2009, was recently completed and confirmed improvements in handling and performance. Other critical factors evaluated during the flight tests included stalls at various speed configurations, flights in icing conditions, maximum operating speed, as well as simulated system failures and aircraft fuel consumption. A total of 215 flight hours were flown on two different aircraft during the testing campaign, including 34 flights with certification authorities.

“We’re proud to say that we’ve been able to reach this important milestone with help and cooperation from the FAA and EASA within the timeframe we set from the very beginning,” said Bruno Rolland, Senior Vice President, Falcon Programs. “Flight testing will continue for more advanced operations, such as CAT III, with target dates set for 2011.”

Longer range – Extended City Pairs

The new Falcon 900LX offers the same spacious, quiet interior as the 900EX but with an expanded list of city pairs. The 900LX can fly from New York to Moscow; Paris to Beijing and Mumbai to London. The robust design makes it the only business jet in its class capable of landing with fuel tanks nearly full. The 900LX can leave Washington D.C. for New York and continue to Geneva without adding fuel. Likewise, the airplane can leave London with four passengers, pick up four more in Paris and continue to Dubai without adding fuel.

The aircraft comes standard with the award-winning EASy flight deck, designed to reduce pilot workload and improve pilot interaction through elevated situational awareness in the cockpit. Today, nearly 400 EASy-equipped aircraft are in operation around the globe.

Exceptional Airport Performance

The Falcon 900LX has superior takeoff and landing performance compared to other aircraft in its class and high safety margins due to its extremely low approach and landing speeds. It offers significant advantages when operating out of challenging airports at high altitudes such as Aspen, Colorado or St. Moritz in Switzerland.

The Falcon 900LX is powered by three Honeywell TFE731-60 engines rated at 5,000 lbs of thrust each (ISA + 17degreesC) contributing to the airplane’s superior low fuel burn and cost of operation. The Honeywell TFE731-60 engines on the Falcon 900EX fleet have accumulated over 2.2 million flight hours of reliable service.

Dassault’s Falcon 900LX Awarded EASA and FAA Certification is a post from: Aviation news - Planegrazy

Dassault’s Falcon 900LX has entered the last phases of the flight test and certification program while completions on the first two customer aircraft have begun. Final certification is anticipated during the third quarter of 2010 with deliveries starting thereafter.

The flight test program, which began in October of 2009, has accumulated 180 flight hours over 72 flights. Handling qualities of the airplane, take-off and landing performance, stalls at various speed configurations, flights in icing conditions, maximum operating speed, as well as simulated system failures have been tested extensively in addition to aircraft fuel consumption. The aircraft performed as expected and confirmed reductions in drag and higher climb performance over the Falcon 900EX EASy which it will replace.

More than half of the certification flights have been performed to date with EASA certification pilots. Crosswind trials are planned in the next few weeks.

Dassault Falcon 900LX Flight Test Program Enters Into its Last Phase is a post from: Aviation news - Planegrazy

Honeywell announced today that its Light Emitting Diode (LED) wingtip navigation lighting is now standard on new production Airbus A320 Family aircraft, comprising the A318, A319, A320 and A321.

Honeywell’s LED wingtip navigation lighting lasts up to 40 times longer than current halogen technology, greatly reducing operator maintenance costs. Drop-in LED replacements make maintenance quicker and easier.

“Honeywell’s LED lighting solution ensures safety by guaranteeing light output is always bright enough to be compliant with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR),” said Jeff Johnston, vice president of Platform Components, Honeywell Aerospace. “Our technology accurately determines the life of the light to ensure continued airworthiness instead of letting it dim beyond standards, which allows operators to proactively plan maintenance.”

Honeywell offers retrofit LED wingtip lighting for the A320 Family as well, which requires no aircraft modification for installation.

This product is part of an overall suite of fourth generation LED aircraft lighting products, building on Honeywell’s LED technology that has been used for commercial and military planes for more than a decade. For more than 80 years, Honeywell has designed and manufactured lighting products and complete lighting systems for virtually every configuration of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.

Honeywell LED Wingtip Lighting Now Standard on Airbus A320 Family Aircraft is a post from: Aviation news - Planegrazy

Sikorsky Search and Rescue (SAR) S-92® helicopters are on a path to unprecedented success in 2010 after coming off a record year of rescues in 2009 and recently being selected for the United Kingdom’s Search and Rescue Helicopter service. The aircraft are operated by CHC Helicopter Corp. and the S-92 helicopter is manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

“Sikorsky is very proud of the way its S-92 helicopter has performed in the search and rescue mission, particularly in the U.K. during the last few years under the operation of CHC for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency,” said Carey Bond, President, Sikorsky Global Helicopters. “The record of its rescue work continues to grow, and we look forward to writing yet another page in Sikorsky Aircraft history through the collaboration we will have in the Soteria Consortium.”

Sikorsky Success in United Kingdom is a post from: Aviation news - Planegrazy

Dassault Falcon will present a selection of Falcon large cabin business jets at the India Aviation 2010 exhibition (Hyderabad, March 3-7), including the first of six Falcon 7X aircraft to be delivered in India along with the Falcon 2000EX. The 7X is Falcon’s best selling model, with more than 200 orders from 42 countries. Dassault has the highest market share in the large cabin business jet segment in India, driven by new models with exceptional performance, comfort and fuel economy.

The Falcon fleet is well established in India, with 16 Falcon 2000 and Falcon 900 models currently operating in the country. Another dozen Falcon aircraft are on order with deliveries anticipated within the next three years.

“India has become one of our strongest markets in the last few years,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “As the country’s economy continues to strengthen, there will be an increasing need to connect India efficiently with other major centers of trade around the world. For example, the Falcon 7X provides direct, non-stop access from Hyderabad or Chennai, India to London City Airport located in the center of London, England.”

The performance of the Falcon fleet is especially valued in India where short airfields, elevated runways and high temperatures are common. Falcons are also more economical to operate and more environmentally responsible than any other large cabin business jet. Their efficient design means 20-60 per cent less fuel consumption and lower emissions. “With their exceptional performance and fuel efficiency, the entire Falcon fleet is positioned very nicely for long term success in this region,” concluded John Rosanvallon.

To support its growing fleet in India, Falcon Customer Service recently relocated a Falcon Customer Service Manager from France to Mumbai, and opened a spares distribution center in Mumbai, in late 2008. Dassault Falcon has authorized Service Centers in Dubai and Singapore, and is evaluating a number of Indian service centers for potential inclusion in Dassault’s Authorized Service Center Network to further extend support in that region. A regional Maintenance and Operations (M&O) seminar dedicated to Falcon operators will be held on April 8, 2010, in Mumbai. Dassault’s presence in India also includes a liaison office in New Delhi, which serves both the Indian Falcon operators and the Indian military fleet which includes 50 Mirage Fighter Jets.

The new Falcon 7X was awarded type certification in India in November 2009, by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). India’s first Falcon 7X will be delivered on the occasion of India Aviation 2010 to Religare Voyages Limited, a charter company based in New Delhi. This organization is also part of a multi-billion dollar group with a global focus on financial services, diagnostics, health and wellness, and IT services. Religare Voyages currently operates a Falcon 2000 as well as several smaller jets and turboprops.

Dassault Falcon at India Aviation, Hyderabad, March 3-7 is a post from: Aviation news - Planegrazy