jueves, 10 de enero de 2019
Bell Unveiled Full-Scale Design of Air Taxi at CES 2019
press release
Experience the Bell Nexus, Autonomous Pod Transport and more innovations designed to shape the future of flight.
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, revealed the configuration and full-scale vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) air taxi vehicle today during CES 2019. The air taxi, named Bell Nexus, is powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system and features Bell’s signature powered lift concept incorporating six tilting ducted fans that are designed to safely and efficiently redefine air travel.
BELL NEXUS
As space at the ground level becomes limited, we must solve transportation challenges in the vertical dimension – and that’s where Bell’s on-demand mobility vision takes hold. The industry has anticipated the reveal of our air taxi for some time, so Bell is very proud of this moment. We believe the design, taken with our strategic approach to build this infrastructure, will lead to the successful deployment of the Bell Nexus to the world. Mitch Snyder, president and CEO, Bell
Bell Nexus means the nexus of transport and technology and of comfort and convenience. Nexus captures the long-sought-after vision of quick air travel with a unique in-flight experience, keeping passengers connected to their lives and saving valuable time.
Team Nexus, consisting of Bell, Safran, EPS, Thales, Moog and Garmin, are collaborating on Bell’s VTOL aircraft and on-demand mobility solutions. Bell will lead the design, development and production of the VTOL systems. Safran will provide the hybrid propulsion and drive systems, EPS will provide the energy storage systems, Thales will provide the Flight Control Computer (FCC) hardware and software, Moog will develop the flight control actuation systems and Garmin will integrate the avionics and the vehicle management computer (VMC).
AUTONOMOUS POD TRANSPORT (APT)
Alongside the debut of Bell Nexus, Bell will feature the Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) – an exciting new venture for Bell. The APT family varies in payload capability that can serve many mission sets from medical, law enforcement, offshore missions and on-demand delivery services. Bell is expanding into a new industry to show the full spectrum of our capabilities and the real-world challenges APT will address.
FUTURE FLIGHT CONTROLS
Bell’s Future Flight Controls simulator will be a new experience for CES participants this year. Bell is actively collecting data to help shape the future flight controls of aviation. Data from these simulators will be used to determine what actions and interfaces are intuitive to the average potential operator and what prior experiences and abilities contribute to these opinions.
Urban air travel is coming closer to the masses through recent advancements in technology and software. The critical last step is designing a flight control ecosystem that allows individuals to safely and efficiently operate urban air vehicles.
Last year, Bell provided the world a glimpse into the air taxi passenger experience and now, attendees will see the full vision. From Jan. 8 to 11, CES attendees can stop by the Bell booth (LVCC, North Hall – Booth 5431) to experience a new world of transportation.
View a full schedule of Bell’s plans for CES here or contact the Bell CES team for more information and receive daily updates from the show floor.
Embraer and Republic Airways Firm Up Order for 100 E175s
press release
Embraer and Republic Airways, the world's largest E-Jet operator, have signed a contract for a firm order of 100 E175 jets. This agreement was announced as a Letter of Intent (LoI) at the Farnborough Airshow, in July. The firm order has a value of USD 4.69 billion, based on current list prices, and will be included in Embraer's 2018 fourth-quarter backlog. Deliveries will start in 2020. The contract also includes purchase rights for an additional 100 E175s, with conversion rights to the E175-E2, bringing the total potential order up to 200 E-Jets. With all purchase rights being exercised, the deal has a list price of USD 9.38 billion. "What a great way to finish this very hectic year for us at Embraer," said John Slattery, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. "As we promised in Farnborough, we are now closing a very important contract with Republic for these additional E175's, continuously growing our long-standing partnership." "This order represents another significant advance in our long-standing partnership with Embraer, and it positions Republic to compete for the more than 300 regional aircraft we anticipate being up for bid during the next five years as existing flying agreements expire with our global codeshare partners", said Bryan Bedford, Republic's President and CEO. Republic Airways and Embraer established their partnership in 1999 when one of its former subsidiaries, Chautauqua Airlines, took delivery of its first ERJ 145 in the livery of US Airways Express. Today, Republic Airline operates a fleet of nearly 190 Embraer 170/175 aircraft and provides fixed-fee flights operated under its major airline partner brands of American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. Including this new contract, Embraer has sold more than 535 E175s to airlines in North America since January 2013, earning more than 80% of all orders in this 76-seat jet segment. Embraer is the world's leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. The Company has 100 customers from all over the world operating the ERJ and E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged almost 1,800 orders and 1,500 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft.
Embraer and Republic Airways, the world's largest E-Jet operator, have signed a contract for a firm order of 100 E175 jets. This agreement was announced as a Letter of Intent (LoI) at the Farnborough Airshow, in July. The firm order has a value of USD 4.69 billion, based on current list prices, and will be included in Embraer's 2018 fourth-quarter backlog. Deliveries will start in 2020. The contract also includes purchase rights for an additional 100 E175s, with conversion rights to the E175-E2, bringing the total potential order up to 200 E-Jets. With all purchase rights being exercised, the deal has a list price of USD 9.38 billion. "What a great way to finish this very hectic year for us at Embraer," said John Slattery, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. "As we promised in Farnborough, we are now closing a very important contract with Republic for these additional E175's, continuously growing our long-standing partnership." "This order represents another significant advance in our long-standing partnership with Embraer, and it positions Republic to compete for the more than 300 regional aircraft we anticipate being up for bid during the next five years as existing flying agreements expire with our global codeshare partners", said Bryan Bedford, Republic's President and CEO. Republic Airways and Embraer established their partnership in 1999 when one of its former subsidiaries, Chautauqua Airlines, took delivery of its first ERJ 145 in the livery of US Airways Express. Today, Republic Airline operates a fleet of nearly 190 Embraer 170/175 aircraft and provides fixed-fee flights operated under its major airline partner brands of American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. Including this new contract, Embraer has sold more than 535 E175s to airlines in North America since January 2013, earning more than 80% of all orders in this 76-seat jet segment. Embraer is the world's leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. The Company has 100 customers from all over the world operating the ERJ and E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged almost 1,800 orders and 1,500 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft.
Tecnam announced last december that the European Aviation Safety Agency has awarded full type certification to the P2012 Traveller.
press release
The arrival into service of the next-generation 11 seat P2012 Traveller is much anticipated by many airlines, who have been demanding a replacement for the many hundreds of 'heritage' aeroplanes in the FAR23/CS23 category currently in service around the worldand is set to open many profitable opportunities in the Short Haul transportation segment.
With Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification is expected to follow shortly, Tecnam are on track to commence deliveries in early 2019.
Already established as a leader in both the Flight Training and Private General Aviation sectors, the entry into service of the P2012 will undoubtably herald similar success for Tecnam in the very competitive commuter airline market too.
The P2012 Traveller development project was officially announced in 2015, with Tecnam investing in new state-of-the-art production facilities in Capua, Italy.
This key certification milestone will add and ensure new and significant profitable revenue streams for Tecnam, which have been built on a foundation of over 70 years' aircraft manufacturing.
Certification campaign
The Tecnam board is particularly proud to have met all schedules announced at the time of the application for the certification program: the first P2012 prototype made its maiden flight in July 2016 and the Type Certificate has been obtained in December 2018.
The two prototypes used in the certification programme have flown a total of 600 hours with Tecnam Experimental pilot Lorenzo De Stefano. The flight test programme included sorites in severe environments: in real icing conditions and very hot temperatures, at altitudes and speeds not usually met in everyday operations, testing diving speeds and flutter conditions. The test programme was focused on assuring customers that the P2012 will operate safely and reliably at all times in all weather condition.
Particular care has been applied on cabin safety, evacuation and fire protection tests, going further than the CS23 EASA and FAR23 FAA requirements and reaching Commuter category standards (for aircraft up to 19 passengers), while for other features, such as seating safety, Tecnam met the more restrictive CS-23 FAR 23 rules.
The P2012 Traveller programme benefited from the support of many global aerospace organisations including Lycoming and Garmin. Tests were also performed in partnership with organizations as Federico II University of Naples Wind Tunnel, Polytechnic of Milan for dynamic tests on seats, Ice wind tunnel in New York, lightning test in Nürnberg, Germany.
Michele Oliva, Head of Design Organisation:
"I need to say thanks to all our engineers of Tecnam Design Office, authorities' representatives and our partners, but especially to the technicians of the Experimental Department that set-up the aircraft for testing, often working until late at night, to let us be ready for the next morning tests. I am especially proud that we have successfully completed the project that the late Prof. Luigi Pascale started. We know we have achieved all that he envisioned in the development of this game changing aeroplane."
The Aircraft Configuration
The certified aircraft configuration is a high wing twin engine machine powered by two Lycoming 6 cylinders' turbo pistons TEO540C1A. It is the first piston aircraft with electronic management of engine power, which, coupled with Garmin autopilot, enables a reduced workload for pilots and a better lifetime of the engines. The anti-ice, de-ice system chosen is TKS from Cav Ice makes the aircraft FIKI and capable to fly in all weather. The design and manufacturing of the seats has been made directly from Tecnam, ensuring safety and Italian styling. Particularly appreciated from the authorities' test pilots was the ergonomics of the cockpit that makes the flying experience of the pilot comfortable and safe. The P2012 superb versatility will open up new unexplored opportunities as a passenger aircraft, Medevac, VIP, Cargo and for any other mission.
Paolo Pascale, Tecnam CEO:
"The EASA certification of P2012 Traveller takes marks a significant milestone for my Tecnam team, our very first commuter airline aircraft. We have embraced new challenges and developed new skills. I am very proud to lead one of the most innovative and growing global aviation companies and I dedicate this important achievement to Luigi and Giovanni Pascale brothers who started all this in 1948."
Launch customer delivery
The first P2012 Traveller will be delivered to United States regional airline Cape Air in early 2019. Cape Air is based in Hyannis, Massachusetts and is one of the largest independent regional airlines in the US. Cape Air has been recognized as "One of the Top Ten Small Airlines in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler.
More info on Tecnam P2012: https://p2012.tecnam.org
The arrival into service of the next-generation 11 seat P2012 Traveller is much anticipated by many airlines, who have been demanding a replacement for the many hundreds of 'heritage' aeroplanes in the FAR23/CS23 category currently in service around the worldand is set to open many profitable opportunities in the Short Haul transportation segment.
With Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification is expected to follow shortly, Tecnam are on track to commence deliveries in early 2019.
Already established as a leader in both the Flight Training and Private General Aviation sectors, the entry into service of the P2012 will undoubtably herald similar success for Tecnam in the very competitive commuter airline market too.
The P2012 Traveller development project was officially announced in 2015, with Tecnam investing in new state-of-the-art production facilities in Capua, Italy.
This key certification milestone will add and ensure new and significant profitable revenue streams for Tecnam, which have been built on a foundation of over 70 years' aircraft manufacturing.
Certification campaign
The Tecnam board is particularly proud to have met all schedules announced at the time of the application for the certification program: the first P2012 prototype made its maiden flight in July 2016 and the Type Certificate has been obtained in December 2018.
The two prototypes used in the certification programme have flown a total of 600 hours with Tecnam Experimental pilot Lorenzo De Stefano. The flight test programme included sorites in severe environments: in real icing conditions and very hot temperatures, at altitudes and speeds not usually met in everyday operations, testing diving speeds and flutter conditions. The test programme was focused on assuring customers that the P2012 will operate safely and reliably at all times in all weather condition.
Particular care has been applied on cabin safety, evacuation and fire protection tests, going further than the CS23 EASA and FAR23 FAA requirements and reaching Commuter category standards (for aircraft up to 19 passengers), while for other features, such as seating safety, Tecnam met the more restrictive CS-23 FAR 23 rules.
The P2012 Traveller programme benefited from the support of many global aerospace organisations including Lycoming and Garmin. Tests were also performed in partnership with organizations as Federico II University of Naples Wind Tunnel, Polytechnic of Milan for dynamic tests on seats, Ice wind tunnel in New York, lightning test in Nürnberg, Germany.
Michele Oliva, Head of Design Organisation:
"I need to say thanks to all our engineers of Tecnam Design Office, authorities' representatives and our partners, but especially to the technicians of the Experimental Department that set-up the aircraft for testing, often working until late at night, to let us be ready for the next morning tests. I am especially proud that we have successfully completed the project that the late Prof. Luigi Pascale started. We know we have achieved all that he envisioned in the development of this game changing aeroplane."
The Aircraft Configuration
The certified aircraft configuration is a high wing twin engine machine powered by two Lycoming 6 cylinders' turbo pistons TEO540C1A. It is the first piston aircraft with electronic management of engine power, which, coupled with Garmin autopilot, enables a reduced workload for pilots and a better lifetime of the engines. The anti-ice, de-ice system chosen is TKS from Cav Ice makes the aircraft FIKI and capable to fly in all weather. The design and manufacturing of the seats has been made directly from Tecnam, ensuring safety and Italian styling. Particularly appreciated from the authorities' test pilots was the ergonomics of the cockpit that makes the flying experience of the pilot comfortable and safe. The P2012 superb versatility will open up new unexplored opportunities as a passenger aircraft, Medevac, VIP, Cargo and for any other mission.
Paolo Pascale, Tecnam CEO:
"The EASA certification of P2012 Traveller takes marks a significant milestone for my Tecnam team, our very first commuter airline aircraft. We have embraced new challenges and developed new skills. I am very proud to lead one of the most innovative and growing global aviation companies and I dedicate this important achievement to Luigi and Giovanni Pascale brothers who started all this in 1948."
Launch customer delivery
The first P2012 Traveller will be delivered to United States regional airline Cape Air in early 2019. Cape Air is based in Hyannis, Massachusetts and is one of the largest independent regional airlines in the US. Cape Air has been recognized as "One of the Top Ten Small Airlines in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler.
More info on Tecnam P2012: https://p2012.tecnam.org