jueves, 30 de junio de 2016
miércoles, 29 de junio de 2016
Ducted Fan Personal Aircraft Prototype In Development [feedly]
Ducted Fan Personal Aircraft Prototype In Development
// Aero-News Network
Airvinci Nearing Flight Testing A Prototype A personal aircraft based on ducted fan technology is reportedly in development by Airvinci, which hopes to flight test a prototype heavy drone version of the aircraft this summer.
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Augmented reality headset helps helicopter pilots see through the clouds [feedly]
Augmented reality headset helps helicopter pilots see through the clouds
// Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine

Unlike commercial airlines, helicopters often fly amidst serious obstacles like skyscrapers, power lines and mountains. So when heavy fog or clouds roll in, navigating can become a dangerous proposition. A new augmented reality vision system out of the Technical University of Munich though, could help pilots see clearly through difficult weather using more than just their eyes.
.. Continue Reading Augmented reality headset helps helicopter pilots see through the clouds
Category: Aircraft
Tags: Augmented RealityTechnical University MunichHeadsetHelicopters Related Articles: The stuff of stars found in lunar soil from Apollo missions Full-size remote control cars – coming soon to a road near you? New sensor detects water contamination in real time NexusHaus Solar Decathlon entry aims for increased water efficiency Finished Visio.M electric concept car revealed to public Radical Innotruck showcases emerging transport technology
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martes, 28 de junio de 2016
F-15E Strike Eagles unable to shoot down the F-35s in 8 dogfights during simulated deployment [feedly]
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F-15E Strike Eagles unable to shoot down the F-35s in 8 dogfights during simulated deployment
// The Aviationist
"0 losses in 8 dogfights against F-15E Red Air" The U.S. Air Force F-35A fleet continues to work to declare the Lightning II IOC (initial operational capability) scheduled in the August – December timeframe. Among the activities carried out in the past weeks, a simulated deployment provided important feedbacks about the goal of demonstrating the […]
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Brazilian Air Force begins operational testing of KC-390 transport aircraft [feedly]
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Brazilian Air Force begins operational testing of KC-390 transport aircraft
// Air Force Technology News Press Releases
The Brazilian Air Force is conducting operational testing of the KC-390 transport / tanker aircraft at Campo Grande air base.
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NASA Maxwell X-57: the electric aircraft based on Tecnam P2006T
This artist’s concept of NASA’s X-57 Maxwell aircraft shows the plane’s specially designed wing and 14 electric motors. NASA Aeronautics researchers will use the Maxwell to demonstrate that electric propulsion can make planes quieter, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. Credits: NASA Langley/Advanced Concepts Lab, AMA, Inc.
With 14 electric motors turning propellers and all of them integrated into a uniquely-designed wing, NASA will test new propulsion technology using an experimental airplane now designated the X-57 and nicknamed “Maxwell.”
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden highlighted the agency’s first X-plane designation in a decade during his keynote speech Friday in Washington at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) annual Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, commonly called Aviation 2016.
“With the return of piloted X-planes to NASA’s research capabilities – which is a key part of our 10-year-long New Aviation Horizons initiative – the general aviation-sized X-57 will take the first step in opening a new era of aviation,” Bolden said.
As many as five larger transport-scale X-planes also are planned as part of the initiative. Its goals – like the X-57 – include demonstrating advanced technologies to reduce fuel use, emissions and noise, and thus accelerate their introduction to the marketplace.
The X-57 number designation was assigned by the U.S. Air Force, which manages the history-making process, following a request from NASA. The first X-plane was the X-1, which in 1947 became the first airplane to fly faster than the speed of sound.
“Dozens of X-planes of all shapes, sizes and purposes have since followed – all of them contributing to our stature as the world’s leader in aviation and space technology,” said Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. “Planes like the X-57, and the others to come, will help us maintain that role.”
NASA researchers working directly with the electric airplane also chose to name the aircraft “Maxwell” to honor James Clerk Maxwell, the 19th century Scottish physicist who did groundbreaking work in electromagnetism. His importance in contributing to the understanding of physics is rivaled only by Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton part of a four-year flight demonstrator plan, NASA’s Scalable Convergent Electric Propulsion Technology Operations Research project will build the X-57 by modifying a recently procured, Italian-designed Tecnam P2006T twin-engine light aircraft.
Its original wing and two gas-fueled piston engines will be replaced with a long, skinny wing embedded with 14 electric motors – 12 on the leading edge for take offs and landings, and one larger motor on each wing tip for use while at cruise altitude.
NASA’s aeronautical innovators hope to validate the idea that distributing electric power across a number of motors integrated with an aircraft in this way will result in a five-time reduction in the energy required for a private plane to cruise at 175 mph.
Several other benefits would result as well. “Maxwell” will be powered only by batteries, eliminating carbon emissions and demonstrating how demand would shrink for lead-based aviation fuel still in use by general aviation.
Energy efficiency at cruise altitude using X-57 technology could benefit travelers by reducing flight times, fuel usage, as well as reducing overall operational costs for small aircraft by as much as 40 percent. Typically, to get the best fuel efficiency an airplane has to fly slower than it is able. Electric propulsion essentially eliminates the penalty for cruising at higher speeds.
Finally, as most drivers of hybrid electric cars know, electric motors are more quiet than conventional piston engines. The X-57’s electric propulsion technology is expected to significantly decrease aircraft noise, making it less annoying to the public.
The X-57 research started as part of the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate’s Transformative Aeronautics Program’s Convergent Aeronautics Solutions project, with the flight demonstrations being performed as part of the Flight Demonstration Concepts project in the Integrated Aviation Systems Program.
For more information about NASA’s electric propulsion research, go to:
http://go.nasa.gov/1S55SPP
lunes, 27 de junio de 2016
Space base between Earth and the Moon within a decade
A space base between Earth and the Moon could be built within a decade, the European Space Agency has announced, as British astronaut Tim Peake said he would love to embark on a lunar mission. At a press conference in Germany to celebrate the successful return of Major Peake, the ESA outlined amb...
FAA Approves Terrafugia Flying Car Prototype As Light Airplane
Still miles to go before it's road- and sky-ready Terrafugia's Transition is a flying car. It's an awkward, gangly beat, with wings that fold perpendicular to the ground like too-tall sails, and a wide, bubbly cockpit that seems out of place in the sky. It flies, and it drives, and now it has a w...
Report: Obama Administration To Announce Civilian Casualties From Drone Strikes
An official number, oddly lower than all previous estimates. Who do we become when we die? Our identities are such fragile, personally curated things: we go through life as children, then students and peers, and sometimes switch to a vocational preference. A person becomes farmer, shepherd, mecha...
A.I. Downs Expert Human Fighter Pilot In Dogfights
Superhuman reflexes In the military world, fighter pilots have long been described as the best of the best. As Tom Wolfe famously wrote, only those with the "right stuff" can handle the job. Now, it seems, the right stuff may no longer be the sole purview of human pilots. A pilot A.I. developed b...
Here’s What the U.S. Navy Wants Its First Carrier Drone To Do [feedly]
Here's What the U.S. Navy Wants Its First Carrier Drone To Do
// War Is Boring — Medium
New details about America's pilotless aerial tanker
Drone Aviation's Tethered Drones In Compliance With New FAA Regulations [feedly]
Drone Aviation's Tethered Drones In Compliance With New FAA Regulations
// Aero-News Network
Company Accelerates Production Schedule Following FAA Announcement Drone Aviation Holding Corp. has accelerated the production schedule of the WATT line of tethered drones, investing in expanded inventory levels as a result of the announcement of the FAA's first operational rules allowing the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) into the National Air Space (NAS) for commercial purposes.
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Airvinci ducted fan helicopter prototype set for take off [feedly]
Airvinci ducted fan helicopter prototype set for take off
// Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine

There's been a bit of a renaissance in designs for personal flying craft over the last few years, with everything from conceptual electric fan passenger craft designed for quiet commuting, to real jetpacks flying around landmarks and jet-powered hoverboards breaking records, and the collection just keeps growing. Now add one more personal flight machine concept to the list in the form of the Airvinci: a ducted fan VTOL aircraft that is expected to start its aeronautical life as a heavy-lifting drone and later have a cockpit added for carrying human cargo.
.. Continue Reading Airvinci ducted fan helicopter prototype set for take off
Beyond video games: New artificial intelligence beats tactical experts in combat simulation - Phys.Org
http://phys.org/news/2016-06-video-games-artificial-intelligence-tactical.html
Beyond video games: New artificial intelligence beats tactical experts in combat simulation
Phys.Org
... called genetic-fuzzy systemsare published in the most-recent issue of the Journal of Defense Management, as this application is specifically designed for use withUnmanned Combat AerialVehicles (UCAVs) in simulatedair-combat missions for ...
IATA warns of 'permanent downward shift' following Brexit
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/iata-warns-of-permanent-downward-shift-following-b-426690/
IATA estimates that UK passenger numbers could be 3-5% lower by 2020 in the wake of the Brexit vote
Brexit - UK takes off for a unknown destination
http://www.aerosociety.com/News/Insight-Blog/4503/Brexit-UK-takes-off-for-a-unknown-destination
After the UK voted to leave the EU on 23 June, what are the likely implications on the UK's aviation, aerospace, defence and space sectors? Prof KEITH HAYWARD FRAeS andTIM ROBINSON assess the fallout from this momentous decision.
Northrop Grumman to Expand DARPA's Hush-Hush Drone Project - Motley Fool [feedly]
Motley Fool | Northrop Grumman to Expand DARPA's Hush-Hush Drone Project Motley Fool It's been eight months now since we got our first hint that AeroVironment (NASDAQ:AVAV) had lost its shot at building a shipborne combat drone for the U.S. Navy. It's been five months since we received confirmation that Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) had ... |
Airbus studying manned successor for German Tornados [feedly]
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-studying-manned-successor-for-german-tornados-426634/
Airbus Defence & Space is eyeing a potential opportunity for European industry to develop a next-generation combat aircraft to replace the German air force s Panavia Tornado fleet post-2030.
Embraer names new commercial aviation president, CEO - Aerospace Manufacturing and Design (press release) [feedly]
Embraer names new commercial aviation president, CEO Aerospace Manufacturing and Design (press release) São José dos Campos, Brazil – Embraer officials have announced that John Slattery will be the president and CEO for its commercial aviation business unit, effective July 2016. Since November 2012, Slattery has been the business unit´s chief commercial ... |
Brazilian air force tests KC-390 transport - UPI.com [feedly]
UPI.com
BRASILIA, Brazil, June 24 (UPI) -- The Brazilian air force reports it has begun operational testing of Embraer's KC-390 transport and tanker aircraft. The first test earlier this month involved the dropping of paratroopers and was part of a test ...
OPINION: Brexit vote threatens dire consequences for UK aviation [feedly]
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/opinion-brexit-vote-threatens-dire-consequences-for-426686/
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AWAS orders 15 A320 Family aircraft [feedly]
http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/awas-orders-15-a320-family-aircraft/?utm_source=article&utm_medium=All-news&utm_campaign=RSS
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Spike Aerospace Mulls Engine Options for Supersonic Jet - Aviation International News [feedly]
Aviation International News
Earlier this year it partnered with Spanish aerostructures specialist Aernnova on development of the aircraft. Aernnova is providing structural expertise and collaborating on development and validation of structural systems such as the fuselage, wing ...
y más »
Southwest Airlines delays delivery of 67 Boeing 737 Max planes as fleet plans shift [feedly]
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2016/06/southwest-airlines-delays-delivery-of-67-boeing-737-max-planes-as-fleet-plans-shift.html/
AW609 control laws partly responsible for the fatal crash of the 2nd prototype
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aw609-control-laws-initiated-dutch-roll-investiga-426696/
Italian investigators believe that flight control laws governing the AgustaWestland AW609 were partly responsible for the fatal crash of the programme s second flight-test prototype (N609AG) after they initiated an augmented Dutch roll .
PICTURE: SIA 777-300ER has engine fire during landing [feedly]
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-sia-777-300er-has-engine-fire-during-landin-426699/
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New technique turns common plastic waste into fuel [feedly]
Polyethylene, the plastic and its derivatives used in making the majority of the world's disposable beverage containers, is produced at a staggering volume of over 100 million metric tons each year, most of which ends up in landfills. Now scientists from the University of California, Irvine (UCI), and the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (SIOC) in China have found a way to turn this waste into a usable liquid fuel.
.. Continue Reading New technique turns common plastic waste into fuelShip-to-shore delivery shows real-world potential of disaster relief drones [feedly]
When roads, powerlines and other infrastructure are knocked out of action by natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, getting critical supplies to people in need is all the more difficult. Drones are shaping as hugely promising tools in disaster relief with the ability to quite literally overcome these complications, and a ship-to-shore medical delivery carried out this week with UN and American Red Cross officials on hand has offered a first look at how autonomous flight might come to save lives in the real world.
.. Continue Reading Ship-to-shore delivery shows real-world potential of disaster relief dronesmiércoles, 22 de junio de 2016
Rostec sells stake in Russian Helicopters for $600m [feedly]
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Rostec sells stake in Russian Helicopters for $600m
// Flight Global HEADLINES
Rostec has reached an agreement to sell some of its stake in Russian Helicopters to a consortium of Russian and Middle Eastern investment funds for a figure of around $600 million.
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Oldest CERTIFIED Rotax Aircraft Engine Still In Operation Has Been Found [feedly]
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Oldest Certified Rotax Aircraft Engine Still In Operation Has Been Found
// Aero-News Network
Rotax 912 A Flying In A Super Dimona Last year, BRP and its Rotax brand celebrated 40 years of Rotax aircraft engines and launched a contest that ended on December 31, 2015 to find the oldest certified Rotax aircraft engine in operation.
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Dezso Molnar interview Part 5: Introducing the world's first flying car race series [feedly]
Dezso Molnar interview Part 5: Introducing the world's first flying car race series
// Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine

In the final part of our five-part interview with serial inventor and flying car advocate Dezso Molnar, he introduces his newest venture: a race series. With more than 100 flying cars on the road and in the air worldwide, Molnar believes the fastest way to take this technology to the next level is to get a community of inventors and aviators together and put their vehicles to the test in a competition out on the West Coast of the United States. There'll be categories for radio controlled, electric and unlimited flying cars, so there's room for the full spectrum of innovators.
.. Continue Reading Dezso Molnar interview Part 5: Introducing the world's first flying car race series
Russian Mi-8 helicopter production pictures [feedly]
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Russian Mi-8 helicopter production pictures
// English Russia
Russian blogger Zzhitel went to once being top secret military facility where legendary Soviet and now Russian MI-8 helicopters are being made. It is one of the most well spread helicopters in the world. Over 100 countries have them. This … Read more...
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Airbus va s'équiper d'un simulateur d'A330 MRTT - Boursier.com
Airbus va s'équiper d'un simulateur d'A330 MRTT
Boursier.com
(Boursier.com) — Airbus Defence & Space a commandé à l'espagnol Indra un simulateur de vol intégral d'entraînement des équipages d'A330 MRTT, le ravitailleur dérivé de l'A330. Il sera installé dans le centre international de formation du groupe à Séville.
Airbus Defence and Space commande un simulateur de vol d'A330 ...AeroBuzz.fr
Airbus Defence and Space se dote d'un simulateur complet d'A330 ...Le Journal de l'Aviation
Helicopter Developer Sikorsky Aircraft Qualifies for Tax Exemption - AviationPros.com
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Helicopter DeveloperSikorsky Aircraft Qualifies for Tax Exemption
AviationPros.com
June 21--Helicopter developerSikorsky Aircraft has qualified for a property tax exemption from Palm Beach County, according to a county official. The company has met its requirements for the tax exemption of $128,575 over three years and a cash ...
Palm Beach County Commission OKs expansion of natural areasPalm Beach Post (blog)
The Army has a 'critical gap' stopping drone swarms. Now it's doing something about it. - Washington Post
The Army has a 'critical gap' stopping droneswarms. Now it's doing something about it.
Washington Post
The U.S. Army has identified a "critical gap" in its ability to face swarms of drones that could attack small units of soldiers on the battlefield by confusing radar systems, overwhelming larger aircraft or simply exploding when they reach an assigned ...
Fuel prices rising, muted wide-body demand noted by analysts
Highlights:
- A350 deliveries at risk due to Zodiac supplier issues. (Buckingham.)
- US airline stock is under pressure due to rising fuel prices. (Cowen & Co.)
- Stock for supplier Crane is rising due in part to rising oil prices. (CanaccordGenuity.)
- Global traffic growing at a slower rate than forecast. Wide-body demand muted. (JP Morgan.)
- Production rate increases at Boeing may be challenging. (Wells Fargo.)
Boeing says debris found on Kangaroo Island not from MH370
That finding is all that is news in this week’s search update from the JACC and ATSB.
On 9 June 2016, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was advised of possible aircraft debris located on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. The ATSB recovered the part, and examined it, in conjunction with Malaysian authorities and the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing. Information received from the manufacturer indicates that the item is not consistent with the manufacturing specifications of a Boeing commercial aircraft. As such, the ATSB has assessed that the item is not related to the safety investigation or the search for MH370.However this other report in some News sites raises hopes that some passenger belongings for MH370 have been found or collected on Madagascar
[...]
Full Text: http://www.iloveplanes.com/boeing-says-debris-found-on-kangaroo-island-not-from-mh370
martes, 21 de junio de 2016
US amends defence funding legislation to pave way for A-10 wing upgrades [feedly]
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US amends defence funding legislation to pave way for A-10 wing upgrades
// Air Force Technology News Press Releases
The US Representative Martha McSally has amended defence funding legislation to provide $100m for new A-10 wing upgrades.
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Bezos: Government Should Sponsor 'Very Large Prize' To Spur Space Technology [feedly]
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Bezos: Government Should Sponsor 'Very Large Prize' To Spur Space Technology
// Aero-News Network
Says 'Horse Race' Would Create A Lot Of Attention For Space Exploration There should be a major financial incentive for a modern-day space race, and the government should foot the bill, according to Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos.
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New Agreement For Leonardo-Finmeccanica’s Helicopters In Russia [feedly]
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New Agreement For Leonardo-Finmeccanica's Helicopters In Russia
// Aero-News Network
RN-Aircraft Plans To Acquire Additional Twenty AgustaWestland AW189 Aircraft An agreement has been signed between Leonardo-Finmeccanica, Rostec and Rosneft for the future sale of additional twenty AgustaWestland AW189 commercial helicopters to RN-Aircraft, a subsidiary of the oil company Rosneft. The new helicopters will be used for transportation purposes.
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ST Aerospace establishes Airbus components business | MRO Network
http://mro-network.com/news/2016/06/st-aerospace-establishes-airbus-components-business/12321
ST Aerospace has announced the formation of a new business that will produce components, mainly comprising floor panels and cargo linings, for narrowbody Airbus aircraft.
Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), ST Aerospace's Germany-based joint venture with Airbus, will expand its component production with a new 30,000m2 facility in Kodersdorf, supplementing its existing centre in Dresden.
Sikorsky to build 109 T70 helicopters for Turkey - Shephard Media
https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/sikorsky-build-109-t70-helicopters-turkey/
Sikorsky to build 109 T70 helicopters for Turkey
Shephard Media
Sikorsky, together with the government of Turkey and members of the Turkish aerospace industry, has entered into contractual agreements under the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP) to produce T70 utility helicopter based on Sikorsky'sBlack Hawk ...
Portugal amplia investimentos no Embraer KC-390 - Airway
http://airway.uol.com.br/portugal-amplia-investimentos-no-embraer-kc-390/
Portugal amplia investimentos noEmbraer KC-390
Airway
O governo de Portugal anunciou o investimento de 20,8 milhões de euros no projeto de desenvolvimento e construção, em Évora, de componentes da aeronave de transporte militar Embraer KC-390, como noticiou o jornal português Diário de Notícias.
Estado investe 21 milhões em aviões militares novosDiário de Notícias - Lisboa
Developing engine for Sino-Russian airliner: Deputy PM Rogozin - The BRICS Post
http://thebricspost.com/developing-engine-for-sino-russian-airliner-deputy-pm-rogozin/
Developing engine for Sino-Russian airliner: Deputy PM Rogozin
The BRICS Post
In early 2015, Russian media reports said Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd (COMAC) began preliminary design of the proposed joint 250-280-seat wide-body airliner. Russian Deputy Prime Minister ...
Viking Air Limited Acquires Worldwide CL-415 Waterbomber Program from Bombardier | Viking Air
Jun 20, 2016
Continues Canadian Heritage of an iconic Canadian-designed aircraft
World's leading firefighting aircraft to be supported and serviced from Calgary
Victoria, British Columbia, June 20th, 2016: Viking Air Limited ("Viking"), a global leader of utility aircraft, support and services and manufacturer of the world-renowned Twin Otter, today announced the acquisition of the worldwide amphibious aircraft program from Bombardier (TSX: BBD.A) (TSX: BBD.B) (OTCQX: BDRBF). The amphibious aircraft program includes the Bombardier CL-415 waterbomber and its variants, as well as the earlier CL-215 and CL-215T versions. The Bombardier 415 is the aviation industry's benchmark amphibious aircraft and the backbone of firefighting missions around the globe. Designed and built in Canada with a heritage that dates back almost 50 years, it is the only western aircraft purpose-built for firefighting.
The transaction will see Viking acquire the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for all variants of Bombardier's amphibious aircraft, and assume responsibility for product support, parts and service for the fleet of some 170 waterbombers in service with 21 operations in 11 countries around the world. This follows Viking's successful model of acquiring, supporting and sustaining utility aircraft programs, including manufacturing the world-renowned Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. Viking will support the worldwide amphibious aircraft program from a newly acquired and specially repurposed 50,000 square foot facility in Calgary. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
"This acquisition expands Viking's capabilities in product support and parts into another vital niche aviation segment, and ensures that a unique and important Canadian innovation stays in Canada," said David Curtis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking. "We are proud to add another iconic Canadian aircraft program to Viking's stable - our aim is to take the 415 to its highest potential and keep these aircraft in service for decades to come. This transaction builds on our presence in British Columbia and Alberta and expands on the existing strengths of the western Canadian aerospace industry. At the same time, we will continue to rely on an extensive supply chain in Quebec and Ontario to support both the amphibious aircraft and Twin Otter programs."
Today, Viking employs approximately 88 people in Calgary and more than 330 at its headquarters and facilities in Victoria. With this new program Viking expects to add up to 40 people to its workforce in Victoria and Calgary.
Viking's new facility located near Calgary International Airport (CYYC) is in addition to the company's existing 70,000 square foot facility at CYYC. Viking's existing facilities in Calgary will be repurposed to accommodate existing Twin Otter activities, as well as the addition of the amphibious aircraft program.
Western Canada is today home to a number of Canadian aerospace companies and Viking is proud to support and participate in the growth of the industry in the region. Viking sells its products and services internationally, making an important contribution to Canadian exports and contributing Canadian innovation to the world.
The Bombardier 415 Amphibious Waterbomber
The world-renowned Bombardier 415 waterbomber is a key part of Canada's rich aerospace heritage. The amphibious waterbomber was originally developed by Canadair in the 1960s, and has its origins in flying boats used in World War II. The original version, the CL-215, had its maiden flight in 1967 and went into production in 1969. The aircraft was later advanced by Bombardier into the 415 which was introduced in 1994.
Recognized as the best aerial firefighting aircraft in the world, the Bombardier 415 - also known as the SuperScooper - needs only 12 seconds to scoop its 6,137-litre load while skimming at high speed over water. The aircraft is a key strategic asset for government and community firefighting efforts in Canada and around the world. While primarily a firefighting aircraft, these have multi-mission capabilities, including for uses like maritime patrol, and search and rescue.
The Bombardier 415 is a dependable aircraft, capable of remaining in service for decades with proper maintenance and support. As with Viking's successful business supporting, servicing, and manufacturing the Twin Otter and other utility aircraft, there is a long-term opportunity to manufacture parts and provide ongoing support to the in-service fleet.
Viking is part of the portfolio of a prominent Canadian family office investment firm which maintains a long-term investment horizon and is one of the leading investors in the Canadian aviation industry.
Additional Background
Viking's acquisition of the amphibious aircraft program from Bombardier builds on a long history between the two companies. Viking's collaborative relationship with Bombardier began with spare parts manufacturing for the Beaver and Otter aircraft, growing until Viking became a key supplier of structural sheet metal parts and assemblies for the Twin Otter as well. Bombardier's Customer Service Centre for out-of-production de Havilland aircraft was transferred to Viking in 2005, allowing Viking to work directly with operators for supply of new parts and technical support, and in 2006 Viking acquired the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) from Bombardier for the Twin Otter and all out-of-production de Havilland aircraft. In 2007, Viking brought the Twin Otter Series 400 into production. Viking has booked sales of more than 150 new aircraft, and its 100th aircraft is scheduled for delivery in July 2016.
The acquisition of the amphibious aircraft program is subject to customary regulatory approval by Transport Canada and the Competition Bureau.
Viking's legal advisor is Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP. Viking was also advised by KPMG, which provided transaction and financial advice.
Headquartered in Victoria, BC, Viking is the global leader of utility aircraft, support and services, and manufacturer of the world-renowned Twin Otter. Incorporated in 1970, Viking initially focused on flying boats before developing a repair and modification business in 1983 when de Havilland Inc. selected Viking as its exclusive spare part manufacturer and distributor for the de Havilland DHC-2 Mk I Beaver, Mk III Turbo Beaver, and DHC-3 Single Otter aircraft. This transformation culminated in 2006, when Viking acquired the Original Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for all out-of-production de Havilland aircraft from the DHC-1 Chipmunk through the DASH-7 50 passenger STOL regional airliner.
In 2007 Viking launched the Twin Otter Series 400 production program, and to date over 150 new aircraft have been sold to 29 countries worldwide. With a current production rate averaging one new aircraft delivered every 15 business days, the Twin Otter Series 400 is the best-selling next generation 19-passenger aircraft available today.