Airplanes Channel: Aircraft, Jet Charter, Pilots, Heritage, Photos, Video, Events, News » airbus

eGenius at International Aero Expo

Editor — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:25:52 +0000

The 2011 International Aero Expo in Friedrichshafen, Germany, was host to a variety of exhibitors that attended the show to display their latest products and aircraft to buyers and to the public. The expo ran from 13 April to 16 April, and featured a diverse collection of aviation products, which included the new eGenius. This technology demonstrator was the project of Airbus, while the designers and builders of the prototype were from the University of Stuttgart. The presentation of the eGenius aircraft was a breakthrough for both Airbus and the university.

Airbus has been looking into developing ideas and prototypes of airplanes that can be developed and promote greener aviation solutions. The eGenius is a two-seater aircraft, which is propelled electrically, and is the start of a project managed by Airbus to investigate the possibilities of introducing electricity into aircraft as an alternative source of power and energy. The eGenius has been constructed with a fuselage large enough to spaciously accommodate two pilots, and has a wingspan of 16.86 meters. It has an engine power output of 60 kW and can reach a maximum cruising speed of 235 kilometres per hour. It also has a flight range of four hundred kilometres.

Airbus Senior Vice President of Product Strategy and Market Forecast, Christopher Emerson, commented on the vision that Airbus has with the development of the eGenius aircraft, saying: “It is our European Aviation Vision 2050 to reduce CO2-emissions by 75%, NOx by 90% and noise by 65% compared to levels in 2000. Airbus is therefore carefully studying all technologies available today for future alternative aviation energy-sources. By sponsoring experimental projects like the ‘eGenius’, we are gathering valuable experience and data for our further analyses and research activities in this area.”

Over and above the electric propulsion development project, Airbus has also been working with universities to create other alternative sources of energy, such as the fuel cell technology project that will hopefully be lead to aircraft being able to operate on the ground without emissions being released. With the development of the eGenius, Airbus is able to further their research and their development of alternative energy sources, striving to make the aviation industry environmentally friendly.

New Exhibit for Carolinas Aviation Museum

Editor — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:12:37 +0000

On 15 January 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 started to taxi down the run away. The massive Airbus A320 was given permission to take off by the LaGuardia Airport in New York, but shortly after lifting off the runway, near tragedy struck. A flock of geese ended up in the flight path of the aircraft, causing all the engines to fail and leaving pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger no choice but to perform an emergency landing. With not many options available to him, he decided to put the plane down as gently as possible on the Hudson River.

This incident captured the attention of many people around the world, as it is so rare that a successful emergency landing is performed on water. The actions of Sullenberger saved the lives of his crew and passengers, and the incident became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson”. All one hundred and fifty-five lives on board the flight that day were saved, with only five injuries being reported.

A warehouse in Kearny has been home to the airplane for the last two years, but after numerous negotiations the Carolinas Aviation Museum has managed to secure the purchase of the plane for their establishment. Reassembly of the aircraft will take some time, and the museum hopes to have US Airways Flight 1549 on the floor by May 2011. The president of the museum, Shawn Dorsch, commented on their plans for the aircraft, saying “It’s a fantastic piece of history. It has everything from the dents from the birds to the Coke cans and the food carts to the markings from the NTSB investigation on the aircraft. It’s just fascinating to walk around the aircraft. Except for the passengers’ belongings, it’s like a time capsule.”

Founded in 1992, the Carolinas Aviation Museum has been dedicated to the history of aviation. A display such as this, that pays tribute to the successes of the aviation industry, is not only memorable but exciting for all those who visit. The museum hopes to increase its visitors from thirty thousand to a hundred thousand through this additional exhibition, and will be able to share the Miracle on the Hudson with future generations from all over the world.

Farnborough International Airshow Set to Be a Success

Editor — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:55:13 +0000

Taking place in the UK, the world-renowned Farnborough International Airshow attracts large numbers of aerospace industry participants every two years. This year’s event began on a positive note on Monday, 19 July 2010, as rival companies Boeing Co. and Airbus reported that they had received new orders totaling almost $18 billion already. This is hopefully indicative that the aviation industry is on the rise again.

As carriers emerge from the economic crisis of recent years, the demand for planes is set to increase. Airplane-leasing companies are in the market for airplanes and there are certain to be a variety of important leasing orders placed during the Farnborough International Airshow. Boeing already boasts an order from Emirates Airlines for thirty 777-300ERs, to a value of $9.1 billion. On top of that, GE Capital Aviation Services has made a $3 billion order for forty Boeing 737-800s. Airbus, on the other hand, received an order from Air Lease Corporation for fifty-one A320s, valued at $4.4 billion. Aeroflot, will be purchasing eleven A330-300s, and GECAS has ordered an additional sixty A320s from Airbus. This is certainly a fantastic way to kick-off this exceptional event.

What can visitors to the Farnborough International Airshow expect? The trade show features approximately 1 300 exhibitors from 38 countries. Participants from the commercial, private, civil and military sectors will display a variety of aircraft, technology and equipment. The trade show is designed to create opportunities for meetings, negotiations and the announcement of transactions. One of this year’s highlights is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s debut. There is also a themed conference program aimed at trade visitors.

The Farnborough International Airshow will also be introducing a program on Futures Day, 23 July 2010, aimed at young people between 7 and 21 years of age. Futures Day will include workshops, presentations, a treasure hunt, opening ceremony, Tri-Nation Rocketry Final and other activities.

On the weekend of 24 and 25 July, the airshow will be open to the public. A great selection of attractions will keep everyone in the family entertained. Visitors can look forward to the air display, static aircraft displays, the Space Pavilion, the Bloodhound supersonic car, fun rides, the Crafty Arty Party, flight simulators, and much more.

So whether you are in the aerospace industry, or are simply an aviation enthusiast, the Farnborough International Airshow is the place to be this week.

Commuter

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:21 +0000

Heading off on vacation or going on an important business trip? You will likely be flying on a commuter aircraft. Commuter airplanes vary in size from those which seat just a few passengers to those which seat over 100. All commuter planes have a cargo hold in which baggage and other goods are stored during flight.

Commuter aircraft are fitted to ensure the comfort of commuters over both short distance flights (nationally) and long distance flights (internationally). Commuter planes have developed to the point where refuelling on certain long journeys is unnecessary thus making such flights quicker and more convenient.

Airbus 380

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:21 +0000

The Airbus A380 is the world’s largest passenger airplane. The first flight of the Airbus A380 took place in France in April 2005, and its first commercial flight was made by Singapore Airlines on 25 October 2007, from Singapore to Australia. Because of the airplane’s enormous wingspan, before it could go into commercial service, some airports needed to undertake renovations to safely accommodate the Airbus A380, particularly during taxiing maneuvers.

The Airbus A380 can carry up to 555 people when seating is arranged in three classes. When the plane is configured for only economy class, the maximum number of passengers increases to 853. The passenger version of the Airbus is designated A380-800, whereas the freight-only version is A380-800F.
The Antonov An-225 is the only freight-carrying airplane larger than the A380-800F. The closest competitor to the Airbus A380-800 is Boeing’s 747-8.

Some of the features of the Airbus A380 are fly-by-wire flight controls which pilots will direct with the use of side sticks, similar to arrangements in modern jet fighter aircraft. Also borrowed from military technology are some of the avionics systems incorporated in the glass cockpit. Cutting-edge navigational systems come standard, including an engine parameter display, and multi-functional displays that will provide the crew with relevant flight management information.

Anticipated A380-800 Specifications:

Maximum speed: 0.89 Mach
Cruise speed: 0.85 Mach
Range: 8,000 nm
Length: 239′ 6″
Wingspan: 261′ 10″
Height: 79′ 1″
Maximum weight: 1,235,000 pounds
Empty weight: 610,200 pounds
Engine(s): Four GP7270 Trent 970 engines
Crew: Two
Passengers: 555

Due to the Airbus A380′s expansive interior, it will be possible to install many luxury amenities and EADS hopes that they will be a big customer drawcard. They may include duty-free shops, beauty salons, bars, and lounges. Some customers, Virgin Atlantic among them, have discussed the possibility of installing showers, sleeping berths, casinos, and workout equipment on board their own Airbus A380s.

C295

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:21 +0000

The EADS CASA C-295 is primarily a transport airplane designed to carry troops, equipment, or perform medical evacuations. Its versatility makes it especially attractive to countries that may be involved in a variety of missions, whether they’re humanitarian or military in nature.

The C-295 is manufactured by EADS CASA, a consortium of several European aircraft manufacturers which includes Airbus and Eurofighter, which in itself is a consortium of four member countries. The C-295 became operational in 2001, and 50 of the transport planes are already in the Air Forces of six countries: Poland, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Algeria, and Jordan.

Though the C-295 can hold large amounts of heavy cargo, it can land and takeoff on short, unpaved runways. This makes the plane especially useful for operations in unimproved areas such as those often relied on during humanitarian airlifts or wartime missions. An added advantage to the C-295 is its rear cargo door. It allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo and can be opened in flight for airdrops of cargo or troops. Depending on the mission, the cabin space can be configured to hold the maximum amount of cargo and/or troops (including injured personnel on litters).

The C-295 Persuader is a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare version of the C-295. Because such missions require a plane that can travel at slow speeds and low altitudes in order to perform visual inspections, the C-295 is well suited for maritime patrols. Long missions are typical, and the Persuader can accommodate the flight crew’s needs with sleeping areas as well as sufficient cargo room and observation posts.

Specifics about the C-295:

Maximum speed: 260 kts
Cruise speed: 300 mph
Maximum range: 3,040 nautical miles
Length: 80 feet, 4 inches
Wingspan: 84 feet 8 inches
Height: 28 feet 3 inches
Maximum takeoff weight: 51,150 pounds
Maximum payload: 20, 392.75 pounds
Engine(s): Two Pratt & Whitney Canada 2,645 SHP PW127G engines
Crew: Two
Contractor: EADS CASA

References:
EADS CASA

Airbus

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:21 +0000

Airbus opened for business in 1970, and by 2006 had grown to employ 55,000 people. Airbus manufactures aircraft that have more than 100 seats. Based in Toulouse in France, Airbus is an European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company. They produce 14 different aircraft, including the A380, which will have seating for 555 people and be the world’s largest civil airliner.

Airbus also manufactures aerial tankers used for military transport and in-flight refueling. Airbus plants are located across Europe. Each plant manufactures various sections of the aircraft, which are completely assembled in Toulouse and Hamburg.

Airshow China A Huge Success

Editor — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:37:56 +0000

Sales at China’s biennial air show skyrocketed this year with the show closing with total sales valued at around US$4 billion. There were concerns that the global financial crisis would affect the show negatively. Now, it seems, those concerns were completely unfounded since there was around a US$1 billion increase in total sales compared to the last show.

The seventh edition of Airshow China closed on Sunday with a record increase in deals and sales. The event was held in the city of Zhuhai on the southern coast of China and saw deal makers and aircraft manufacturers from across the globe in attendance. The previous Airshow China held in 2006 saw fifteen deals signed involved a total of 98 aircraft, the sum value of which was US$3 billion. The 2008 Airshow China took a giant leap forward from this previous mark, with sixteen deals signed for a total of 102 aircraft, the value of which amounts to US$4 billion. The six-day show also proved to be a great launching pad for the country’s fledgling aerospace industry into more main-stream airplane companies. It was the first time ever that a Chinese commercial aircraft was sold to a U.S. Company.

It seems that the record-breaking U.S. deal came about as a possible answer to the financial crunch that has been affecting the global market. Both Boeing and Airbus were among the 600 civil and military manufacturers and parts suppliers that attended the air show. Many of those in attendance had hopes that China’s bustling aviation market would be able to help cushion the already devastating impact that the world financial crisis has had on the industry. By the end of the show, it seemed Airbus had found a potential answer to its problems; it secured an order for 20 A320 aircraft from the aviation leasing arm of the Bank of China. The deal amounts to roughly US$1.1 billion. General Electric also crunched a major deal, making an agreement under their aircraft leasing arm to take five of the domestically produced jets made by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China. The deal amounted to US$732.4 million and General Electric still has the option to buy 20 more of these aircraft. This is China’s largest export aircraft deal ever.

So it seems that while other parts of the globe are fretting, China’s aerospace industry has gotten off to a great start. The next Airshow China will be held in 2010 in the same city and no doubt will also be a massive success.

Pratt & Whitney Team With Airbus For Turbofan Testing

Editor — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:20:39 +0000

Airbus has teamed up with Pratt & Whitney to conduct a series of flight tests designed to evaluate the PW1000G technology demonstrator engine. The engine features Pratt & Whitney’s patented Geared Turbofan (GTF). This is one of a number of tests that will be conducted by Airbus along with various major engine manufacturers.

The series of tests are a part of Airbus’ efforts to find newer and better ways to power aircraft without damaging the environment. The company is continually conducting extensive research and development into a number of different future technology options in the hopes of discovering the best possible means to achieve their goal. The new tests, which are being done at the airbus flight test facility, will run until the end of the year. Airbus is using its own A340 to conduct the tests. The aircraft is based in Toulouse and is often used to test various technologies. It is already fully equipped and evaluated and is the perfect candidate for the job. Further to this, Airbus already has a complete understanding of how the aircraft performs aerodynamically so it is much easier to assess the benefits of any technology added to the test aircraft. The main focus of the testing will be the PW1000G’s various design elements, such as the fan-drive gear system.

The company’s decision to test the new technology falls in line with the comments made by Airbus EVP Strategy and Future Programs spokesperson Christian Scherer when he said: “Airbus is already delivering the world’s most eco-efficient aircraft. Sensitive to our position of being an industry leader, it is imperative to us that we continuously explore all technology developments to achieve our ambitious targets today and in the future.” Through testing this and other engines, Airbus will be able to get valuable data that can validate both the fuel burn and CO2 emissions of new engine technology. Before the tests commence Pratt & Whitney conducted their own flight test campaign, using a Boeing 747 to do so. Airbus’ inspiring attempts to test new engine technologies have also led to them being the first aircraft manufacturer to get flight test results from the brand new PW1000G.

Fuel Inerting Rule Issued by US FAA

Editor — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:17:57 +0000

The new fuel inerting rule that is about to be instated by the US FAA may have a number of airlines grumbling about cost, but it can also potentially save thousands of lives. The rule will require US airlines to retrofit as many Boeing and Airbus passenger aircraft as possible, at a cost of about $150,000 to $400,000 per aircraft over a period of seven years.

Ever since TWA Flight 800 exploded off Long island twelve years ago, a lot of time and energy has been put into ensuring that the incident isn’t repeated. At the time all 230 people on board were killed as the aircraft’s center fuel tank exploded as started its climb from New York’s JFK airport. The problem? Fuel vapor ignition. At the time the only system in existence that could prevent this atrocity weighed more than 300 pounds and was extremely costly. Fortunately technology has come a long way since then and now technological breakthroughs have resulted in a decrease in weight, complexity, size and cost. This has lead to the FAA making the decision to ensure that all airlines install ‘inerting’ devices on passenger jets with center fuel tanks. The new rule was instituted on 18 July and will likely see as many as 2,730 aircraft retrofitted with the new fuel inerting systems. The move will likely cost the aviation industry approximately $435 million over the course of 35 years and will see changes made to all existing aircraft models. It will also require that any new aircraft leaving the production lines from 2010 will have to be fitted with the device. It seems simple enough and few will argue with the value of the cost of the operation over the thousands or even millions of lives that can ultimately be saved by making use of this important technology.

So how does the technology work? It is quite simple actually – the device that is fitted to the tanks reduces the risk of explosions by replacing some of the oxygen with nitrogen. This might not remove all the oxygen, but the FAA has determined that an oxygen concentration that is brought down to as low as 12% is enough to greatly reduce the probability of fuel tank explosion. While the FAA has been in favor of instating such a rule for a long time now, the technology simply hasn’t been readily available. However, recent years has brought to the fore a lightweight nitrogen generating system that has now made the move a more viable endeavor. By removing the moveable parts used in the heavy, expensive military counterpart, the mechanism’s weight was reduced to just 106 pounds for a Boeing 737 and 257 pounds for a Boeing 747. Also, permitting a higher percentage of oxygen than previously allowed made the equipment smaller, lighter and cheaper. This means flights in the near future will be much safer for commercial flight passengers and pilots.