FAA Approves World’s First Light Jet
The FAA has given the world’s first very light jet (VLJ) certification to Eclipse Aviation’s Eclipse 500. The aircraft company made the announcement at this year’s EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh. Eclipse expects full type certification of the 500 by August 30th, after which it can begin fulfilling existing customer orders. The company anticipates delivering more than 50 of the new aircraft before the end of 2006.
Boeing to Disconnect In-Flight Internet Users
Boeing Company has announced it will be phasing out Connexion by Boeing, a service that enables airlines to provide in-flight satellite-based Internet to passengers. Existing customers include Lufthansa, Air China, and Korean Air among others. The reason for the discontinuation is a lack of profitability. With the rising cost of fuel and other expenses, airlines have been reluctant to subscribe to the Connexion by Boeing service though it's been available for six years. Another problem is that most airplanes are simply too old to accommodate the newer technology. Retrofitting older aircraft with on-board communications systems is expensive and not usually cost-effective. Installing the necessary wiring in new aircraft is cheaper, but most airlines can't afford to invest in new airplanes now or anytime in the immediate future.
Boeing Presents New EA-18G Growler Warbird - Airplanes
Boeing presented the first EA-18G Growler, the airborne electronic attack aircraft designed to replace the EA-6B Prowler. The EA-6B Prowler began service in 1971, and the U.S. military has used it extensively to jam hostile radar and communications systems. The EA-18G Growler has several advantages over the older EA-6B Prowler, not the least of which is its mission flexibility. The EA-18G can be launched from ground-based runways and aircraft carriers alike. The airplane is an offshoot of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, a two-seat war fighter. The EA-18G Growler has inherited the F/A-18F Super Hornet's advanced communications system, weapons, and sensors. A Navy representative present at the presentation ceremony remarked that he believed the need for electronic warfare would only increase over time. The United States military is hoping that the EA-18G Growler will fulfill that need.
Airlines Celebrate 60 Years of Transatlantic Flights to NYC
Air France and KLM are jointly celebrating their 60th anniversary of flight service from Europe to New York City. On May 21, 1946 KLM flew from Amsterdam to New York with 44 passengers. Air France left Paris on June 24 with the same number of passengers and destination. The transatlantic flights at that time were about 20 hours long. By comparison, today's flights between New York and Paris take about seven hours.
Airplane Contrails May Increase Global Warming
A new study published in the journal Nature suggests that contrails produced by airplanes may be increasing global warming. Contrails are the cloud-like white streaks planes often trail behind them. Contrails form when the air temperature is less than 40 degrees F/4 degrees C and the air is humid. Opinions are mixed, but some scientists believe that contrails trap heat in our atmosphere, much like real clouds do, thereby increasing the greenhouse effect.
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