Also: Viasat-uAvionix, UL94 Fuel Investigation, AF Materiel Command, NTSB Safety Alert
Norges Luftsportforbund chose Aura Aero's little 2-seater in electric trim for their next glider tow aircraft. The INTEGRAL E takes the low-wing, tricycle gear, bubble canopy design and replaces an assortment of piston engines with Safran's ENGINeUS electric power plant. The result, which should enter service in 2026 (or thereabouts, given developmental delays). French sport plane manufacturer Elixir Aircraft announced a continuation of its never-ending production expansions, this time adding facilities in the US and France. Stateside, Elixir will open a reassembly facility in Florida at the Sarasota Bradenton Airport. Parts delivered from France w
With Acquisition Finished, NYSE Delisting is On the Way
Kaman Corporation has been fully digested by its acquiring company, Arcline Investment Management L.P. The transaction was announced in January, representing an all-cash transaction of approximately $1.8 billion adding ("Arcline”) in an all-cash transaction with a total enterprise value of approximately $1.8 billion. “We are thrilled to announce the completion of this value-maximizing transaction with Arcline and are proud to have delivered an outcome that is in the best interest of our shareholders, employees and customers,” said Ian K. Walsh, Kaman Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we enter our next phase as a private company, we are confident
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30th AERO Friedrichshafen Wraps
The 30th edition of AERO Friedrichshafen (April 17 - 20, 2024), the leading global trade fair for General Aviation, Air Sports and Business Aviation, has come to a successful close. "We already had high expectations for the anniversary AERO, but the trade fair far exceeded our expectations this year despite the far from ideal weather conditions," says Stefan Reisinger, Managing Director of trade fair organizer fairnamic GmbH. Tobias Bretzel, Show Director AERO, adds: "Over 680 exhibitors from 38 countries and the high number of visitors from all over the world underline the international significance of AERO..."
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EASA Grants 'Permit to Fly' for Aura Aero Integral E
EASA has granted AURA AERO the "Approval for Flight Conditions for Permit to Fly" for its innovative two-seater electric aircraft, the INTEGRAL E. This significant step, announced at the conclusion of the AERO Friedrichshafen 2024 event, paves the way for the forthcoming flight test campaign in France, as the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) will now issue the necessary authorization based on this permit. INTEGRAL E, the latest addition to the INTEGRAL family of aircraft, which includes the INTEGRAL R and INTEGRAL S, both powered by single-piston engines, represents a pivotal achievement in electric aviation.
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First Kodiak 100 Series III Delivered at AERO Friedrichshafen
Daher Aerospace achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of its first Kodiak 100 Series III aircraft to a Polish customer, marking a new expansion in its European market presence. The event was celebrated at the AERO Friedrichshafen trade show in Germany, where the aircraft was officially handed over. The new owner, Polish businessman Mariusz Saran, was represented by Piotr Lasek of Plane4you, a company that assists clients in acquiring new and pre-owned aircraft. Saran, who began flying three years ago, sought a dependable aircraft to visit customers and partners across Europe. The Kodiak 100 Series III was chosen for its ability to operate from the diverse airstrips thr
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AIR Avionics Debuts Updated CAS at AERO Friedrichshafen
At the AERO Friedrichshafen 2024, AIR Avionics, a leading German manufacturer of avionics systems, unveiled significant updates to its AIR Traffic collision avoidance products, which are crucial for enhancing flight safety in Europe's congested skies. These systems are heavily relied upon by thousands of pilots daily, ensuring safer navigation through busy airspace. The updated features, which were introduced during the expo, include a comprehensive overhaul of the traffic depiction on AIR Traffic Display units. This redesign aims to simplify the visual presentation of nearby aircraft, allowing pilots to assess and react to potential conflicts more quickly and effectively.
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Loitering Munition Sees Increased Popularity Now that it's 'Battle Proven'
AeroVironment's efforts in Ukraine apparently won them some customers around the beltway, with a nearly $9 million order being placed from the United States Marine Corps. The small, semi-autonomous loitering munition provides troops with "organic, anti-armor/anti-personnel, precision fire capability at the tactical level," while being packable to boot. AeroVironment's $8.9 contract could eventually be worth $249 million, if everything is exercised. “AV offers a battle-proven and production-ready system to support OPF-L to meet the Marine Corps’ requirements,” said AeroVironment's Senior Vice President of LMS, Brett Hush.
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Mooney M20K Fatal Accident; Pilot Loses Control in IMC
The NTB has concluded its investigation into an accident involving a Mooney M20K aircraft that resulted in the death of the pilot. The crash occurred on June 10, 2022, shortly after takeoff from an airport in Camarillo, California. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact after the pilot lost control during flight. The NTSB's final report attributes the probable cause of the accident to the pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control of the aircraft after entering IMC. These conditions were characterized by low visibility, mist, and cloud tops ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet. On the day of the accident, the instrument-rated pilot, who was unfamiliar with the airport, p
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