Market Intelligence: -Suppliers

USA-based SimViz Labs Announces Major Update on its A320 FMS Trainer

Arizona, USA – Following the successful launch of its A320 FMS Trainer, SimViz Labs is back with a major update aimed at making training even more immersive and aligned with how pilots operate in real-world environments.

The latest version introduces support for landscape orientation on iPads, giving users the flexibility to train in a layout that mirrors the cockpit experience more closely. This update isn’t just about screen rotation — it’s about bringing the trainer closer to how pilots work in actual airline operations.

With the new Navigation Display in PLAN view, pilots can now visually follow their programmed routes, including SIDs, STARs, and direct-to entries. It adds an essential layer of spatial awareness and interactivity to the training process.

The update also reinforces SimViz Labs’ focus on realism. Users can follow complete airline workflows, starting with the DIFRIPPS preflight setup and performance initialization. The trainer is powered by a global navigation database, supporting accurate and practical route programming.

This update reflects SimViz Labs’ ongoing mission to modernize FMS and automation training with tools built specifically for today’s pilots.

Source: SimViz Labs
Photo Credit: SimViz Labs

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Piper Aircraft Powers EAA AeroEducate Program as New Principal Sponsor

USA – Piper Aircraft is proud to announce its principal sponsorship of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AeroEducate program, a free online resource inviting K-12 students to explore aviation and aerospace. This sponsorship underscores Piper’s dedication to fostering aviation enthusiasm among students of all ages.

“We’re very excited to welcome Piper as a new Principal Sponsor of EAA AeroEducate,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s Vice President of Youth Education. “Piper’s longstanding commitment to aviation education aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire and support the next generation of aviators. We look forward to working together to expand opportunities for youth to explore and pursue meaningful careers in aviation.”

AeroEducate offers virtual and hands-on STEM activities that explore flight principles and aviation careers, engaging students with digital badges for their achievements. Through Piper’s sponsorship, AeroEducate participants gain direct access to the Piper Flight School Alliance network, connecting them to premier flight training programs across the nation. AeroEducate also equips teachers, parents, and youth leaders with tools to inspire future aviators and innovators.

“Piper Aircraft is proud to champion EAA’s AeroEducate program,” said John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft. “Building on our longstanding support of EAA’s AirVenture Aviation Gateway Park, we’re excited to sponsor an accessible initiative that educators and parents can embrace, one that ignites curiosity, fosters learning and inspires students to explore aviation beyond the classroom.

About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft, Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500®, and M350® – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer® LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered light aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete, technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

About AeroEducate
AeroEducate is a launchpad into the exciting world of aviation! Created by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) alongside North Carolina State University and global partners, this program is all about bringing the wow of aviation to curious minds everywhere. At the heart of AeroEducate is a series of virtual and hands-on aviation activities designed to spark curiosity and fuel ambition. As students dive in, they’ll explore everything from flight principles to aviation careers—all while earning digital badges that show off their achievements. AeroEducate isn’t just for students—it’s a one-stop shop for teachers, parents, EAA chapters, and youth leaders to access tools that help inspire the next generation of aviators, engineers, astronauts, and innovators. AeroEducate offers ready-to-use, hands-on group activities to help youth explore aviation concepts through fun, engaging STEM lessons that spark curiosity and teamwork.

Source: Piper Aircraft
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

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Piper Announces New Seminole DX Powered by DeltaHawk

USA — Piper Aircraft is excited to announce the new Piper Seminole DX—a diesel-powered PA-44 Seminole featuring DeltaHawk’s FAA-certified, DHK4A180 180-horsepower, heavy fuel, compression ignition engine. The Seminole DX was born from a successful collaboration between Piper and DeltaHawk announced in early 2024. Piper will begin taking position reservations at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, July 21-27, 2025.

The liquid-cooled, 180HP turbo-charged DeltaHawk engine produces turbine performance at 40% better fuel efficiency versus reciprocating avgas engines, while also achieving a significant reduction in cost of ownership due to fewer moving parts. The engine is approved for JET A and JET A-1 fuels, with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) approval pending. Piper will use a Piper-owned STC to integrate DeltaHawk’s firewall-forward kits into the Seminole production line. The kit includes counter-rotating DeltaHawk engines and three-blade, full-feather propellers. Additionally, the aircraft will have an advanced cabin temperature control system utilizing the engines liquid cooling to ensure a comfortable flight experience in diverse conditions.

“The market has been heard, loud and clear regarding the need for a reliable, cost-effective, heavy fuel, multi-engine training platform,” said John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft, Inc. “The new Seminole DX fills that market void perfectly. Based on interest received since our MOU announcement last year, we anticipate global market demand for the Seminole DX to be between 25 to 40 aircraft per year over the next 10 years. The DeltaHawk team has been a pleasure to work with over the past 16 months as they epitomize quality and customer focus. Future collaborations are in process as well.”

A 20-year Long Term Supply Agreement (LTSA) designates DeltaHawk as the exclusive heavy fuel, piston engine supplier for the Piper Seminole. Certification flight testing begins in November 2025, with FAA certification expected in Q3 2026, followed by certifications from Transport Canada, EASA, and India’s DGCA. Deliveries of 2027 model year Seminole DX aircraft are anticipated to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.

“The installation of our certified DHK engine in the legendary Piper Seminole is a perfect match with our industry-unique features to provide the lowest cost of ownership and the simplest and safest multi-engine training platform ever,” said Christopher Ruud, Chief Executive Officer of DeltaHawk Engines. “Just as important, we see this new 20-year agreement not just in terms of engines, but also as a wonderful step by Piper, utilizing DeltaHawk’s powerful innovation, while creating environmental sustainability for general aviation worldwide.”

The Seminole DX offers significant performance enhancements* over the current PA-44 Seminole, including a 35% reduction in fuel burn, a 32% increase in single-engine climb rate, and a 70% higher single-engine absolute ceiling.

*Note: Performance metrics are preliminary and subject to final certification testing.

Piper and DeltaHawk are exploring further engine applications for both the PA-28 Archer and PA-46 M-Class platforms, strengthening their partnership for future innovations.

About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered light aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete, technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

About DeltaHawk Engines
Based in Racine, Wisconsin, DeltaHawk Engines is a privately held manufacturer of advanced-design FAA-certified jet-fueled piston engines for general aviation aircraft and hybrid power systems. DeltaHawk holds numerous patents for its clean-sheet engine designs, and its team of engineers, designers, manufacturing specialists, and certification experts is building an entirely new generation of revolutionary piston engines.

Source: Piper Aircraft
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

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Elixir Aircraft Signs MoU with Flight Simulator Manufacturer ALSIM to Complement its Integrated Flight Training Solution

France / USA – Elixir Aircraft, the 4th generation training aircraft and ALSIM, the global leader in certified flight training devices, are proud to announce a MoU to deliver a complete and next generation flight training solution combining real aircraft cockpit and high-fidelity flight model for pilot training.

This flight training device will include Garmin® G3X touch avionics, GTN750, GFC 500, GNC 355 and G5 backup instruments. The full cockpit replica of the Elixir aircraft includes single lever, a single throttle control, double slotted flaps switch, ballistic parachute and a landing gear simulator.

The simulator will apply for FTD, AATD (FAA) and FNPT II (EASA) certification standards.

In this agreement, Elixir Aircraft will provide access to aircraft data to develop high fidelity flight model. ALSIM will bring its experience to not only develop best in class simulator but also provide the appropriate service to follow the evolution on time.

Arthur Léopold-Léger, CEO and co-founder of Elixir Aircraft, explains: “We are very happy to sign this MoU. As our fleet grows, especially among flight schools aiming to improve their training tools with limited costs and environmental footprint, our customers are asking us to provide a high-quality FNPT II/AATD/FTD5 solution. Elixir Aircraft chose ALSIM based on its high quality immersive simulation for flight training and user experience.”

Jean-Pierre Simon, managing director of ALSIM, adds: “We have built a strong relationship with Elixir Aircraft over the years, united by our shared commitment to equipping pilots with cutting-edge, high-quality training technology. We are excited to further this collaboration as we develop innovative flight training solutions.” 

The flight schools interested in pre order their Elixir Aircraft flight training simulator can contact either ALSIM or Elixir Aircraft sales team.

About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft is a French aircraft manufacturer founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global light aviation. Based in La Rochelle, it has over 200 employees and is recruiting massively. Elixir Aircraft designed and has been building a 4th-generation two-seater aircraft, certified EASA CS-23 since 2020 and very soon FAA FAR Part-23. Elixir Aircraft uses technology from the world of competitive sailing, the “Carbon Oneshot” (in one piece), to simplify structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs ($50/h fuel and maintenance). There are 35 Elixir aircraft currently in operation, with over 300 of the 4th-generation Elixir aircraft on the order book (firm orders, pre-orders and letters of intent). In June 2023, the French President announced a 13-million euro subsidy for Elixir Aircraft. In early 2024, Elixir Aircraft announced the closing of its development financing for the next 5 years, with a budget of 40 million euros. In June 2025, Elixir Aircraft was chosen by ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) to renew its fleet of VFR aircraft. Elixir Aircraft is preparing to open a new 15,000 m2 facility in La Rochelle and another in Sarasota, Florida.

About ALSIM
ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPT II, FNPT II MCC and AATD flight simulators since 1994. ALSIM is widely acknowledged for its know-how, built on over 30 years of experience in flight simulation. We’re proud to say our hardware & software is made 100% in house, which means peace of mind for our customers. Innovation is at the heart of ALSIM’s mission. By continuously anticipating the evolving needs of flight schools and training centers, the company remains at the forefront of pilot training technology. To date, over 450 ALSIM simulators are installed and certified in more than 60 countries, serving a network of more than 400 clients worldwide.

Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft

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Piper Aircraft Receives USD 155 Million Up to 188 Aircraft Order from UND Aerospace

USA — Piper Aircraft is proud to announce a historic new fleet agreement for up to 188 aircraft, valued at approximately $155M, with the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences (UND Aerospace). This contract solidifies a partnership of nearly four decades that will continue to shape the future of pilot training for the next eight-to-ten years, positioning both organizations at the forefront of aviation training and innovation.

The contract includes an initial order of 145 aircraft, comprised of both the Archer TX and Seminole, over an eight-year term beginning in 2027, with the potential for up to 188 total aircraft through an optional two-year extension into 2036. This agreement surpasses UND’s 2016 order for 112 aircraft, concluding in 2026.

“Piper remains a vital collaborator in the continued success of flight training at UND,” said Robert J. Kraus, PhD, PfMP, Dean of UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship as we prepare the next generation of pilots for careers in the airlines, business aviation, and the U.S. military. The entire Piper team has been outstanding—responsive to our needs and collaborative in enhancing the components and capabilities of the Archer TX and Seminole.”

In today’s dynamic training market, flight schools worldwide rely on robust, cost-effective aircraft and collaborative customer support to maximize fleet utilization. Piper credits much of its success in meeting these customer support demands through 24/7 technical support, parts availability, and a seamless customer experience.

“The Piper Archer TX and Seminole are a perfect fit for UND Aerospace. The Piper team is great to work with and continues to provide top-notch customer service for our students and aviation program,” stated Jeremy Roesler, Director of Flight Operations at UND Aerospace. “The aircraft are dependable and play a big part in keeping our students safe in all of their phases of pilot training. Without a doubt, Piper is the leading manufacturer for the commercial pilot training community.”

For many years, Piper and UND Aerospace have maintained a strong working relationship, with UND consistently selecting Piper trainers for their dispatch reliability and ease of maintenance, innovative technology, and overall suitability for a high-use flight training environment.

“Piper values the relationship we share with UND at the highest level,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper, and a UND Aerospace alum. “The world-class flight training at UND sets the standard for the entire industry. To see them once again choose our aircraft and associated support systems is the ultimate point of pride for the 1,500 hard working men and women at Piper Aircraft.”

“UND Aerospace is thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Piper Aircraft, a company that not only delivers reliable and advanced training platforms like the Archer TX and Seminole at a fair price, but also stays ahead of the curve with innovative safety and convenience features,” said Chad Martin, Aircraft and Fleet Sales Manager, UND Aerospace. “Piper’s exceptional customer support and their downright fun-to-fly aircraft make them an ideal fit for our program—and the people behind the planes make the experience even better.”

UND Aerospace operates a training fleet that totals 176 aircraft and devices, including the 20 Archer TX and Seminole aircraft delivered in 2025. Between the 1,300 flight hours per airframe averaged annually per Archer TX, with approximately 900 hours per Seminole, UND’s choice of fleet aircraft must be able to withstand the rigors of a high-use flight training environment, while taking into account the unique needs of a program of UND’s size.

“The teamwork between Piper and UND Aerospace is first rate,” said Dan Kasowski, UND Aerospace Director of Maintenance. “This partnership and willingness to work together has helped craft the Archer TX and Seminole into the preeminent training aircraft for UND and the rest of the flight training world.”

UND Aerospace utilizes their Piper fleet to achieve 125,000 flight training hours each year at their flagship Grand Forks campus in North Dakota, and an additional 65,000 hours at its Phoenix, Arizona campus, demonstrating its scale and focus on producing skilled pilots.

About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered light aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete, technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. 

Source: Piper Aircraft
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

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USA’s Paragon Flight Training Reaches Milestone with Announcement of All-Piper Aircraft Fleet

Florida, USA – Paragon Flight Training, an award-winning flight training academy based at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida, with additional locations in Punta Gorda, Florida, and LaGrange, Georgia, announces the completion of its strategic transition to a fleet comprised exclusively of Piper aircraft. This is a major component of an ambitious investment plan the company unveiled in 2022 that emphasized fleet modernization among other key industry-leading goals. The company now owns 32 Piper trainers, (31 of those being Pilot 100i aircraft) with six additional Pilot 100i units planned for delivery before the end of 2025.

“Our collaborative relationship with Piper goes back to 2021 and is based on our experience that the Piper Pilot 100i aircraft is an exceptional training platform and the gold standard in the industry,” said Chris Schoensee, Paragon Flight Training President. “This is a major milestone in Paragon Flight’s 19-year history and reinforces our commitment to providing a consistent, premier flight training experience for students, regardless of location. With top notch aviation industry collaborators like Piper, and a company-wide culture of professionalism, safety and responsibility that celebrates the flight training experience, we are enthusiastic about our leadership position in flight training.”

As of today, Paragon Flight owns roughly 15% of all Piper Pilot 100i aircraft in existence. In December 2024, Paragon Flight took possession of the 200th serial number Pilot 100i, after receiving the 100th serial number aircraft in January 2023. The Piper Pilot 100i was first introduced in 2020. One of Paragon’s recently-delivered Pilot 100is can be seen on display at the Piper booth throughout the week at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper Aircraft commented on the strong relationship between the two companies.

“We are proud to continue working with Piper Flight School Alliance member, Paragon Flight Training, one of the largest and earliest supporters of the Pilot 100i platform, and are excited to support Paragon’s growth with increased Pilot 100i aircraft deliveries this year,” Gunnarson said. “We look forward to their all-Piper fleet driving continued advancement across each of their three flight training locations in Florida and Georgia.”

About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft, Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500®, and M350® — offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer® LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered light aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete, technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

About Paragon Flight Training
Paragon Flight is an award-winning flight school headquartered at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida. Holding FAA and SEVIS accreditations, the company trains commercial, professional, and recreational pilots as well as offering military pilot training for domestic and foreign governments. With multiple locations in Florida and Georgia, Paragon Flight now has more than 34,000 square feet of training facilities in the Southeastern United States. 

Source: Piper Aircraft

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Airline Owned FTO United Aviate Academy Places Order for 3 Piper Seminole Aircraft

USA – Piper Aircraft is proud to welcome United Aviate Academy (UAA), United Airlines’ wholly owned flight school, as the newest member of the Piper Flight School Alliance. As such, UAA has entered into a purchase agreement for up to three multi-engine Piper Seminole aircraft, with the option to purchase additional aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in late 2025. The Piper Seminole will serve as multi-engine training aircraft for UAA, supporting their rigorous and comprehensive pilot training curriculum.

UAA is one of the nation’s premier pilot training academies, providing students with an opportunity for a career in the flight deck with United upon successfully completing all Aviate program and hiring requirements. With over 300 graduates since opening in 2022, UAA’s nearly 90% overall pass rate for FAA checkrides reflects the quality of training provided to their dedicated student base. In the past twelve calendar months, over 57,000 flight hours have been logged at UAA with 32,000 lessons completed.

“Welcoming United Aviate Academy to the Piper Flight School Alliance with their first Seminole purchase is a proud moment for Piper Aircraft,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper Aircraft. “UAA represents an exemplary standard of flight training, and Piper looks forward to supporting their operation with the rugged, reliable Seminole.”

By joining the Piper Flight School Alliance, UAA unlocks exclusive benefits ranging from integrated training support to co-branded marketing and prioritized service access, all aimed at elevating flight training programs.

“We are very excited about adding the Piper Seminole to our aircraft fleet,” said Michael Hales, CEO of United Aviate Academy. “The Seminole is not only a robust airplane with all the bells and whistles, but specifically designed for the next generation of pilots learning the intricacies of multi-engine flying. It is the gold-standard of multi-engine flight training at schools around the country, and the world.”

About the Piper Seminole
The Piper Seminole is the most widely used multi-engine training aircraft in the world. Known for its dispatch reliability, ease of operation, and gentle handling, students and instructors alike appreciate the predictable flight characteristics and traditional six-lever throttle quadrant, promoting multi-engine flight proficiency from a student’s first takeoff.

About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft, Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500®, and M350® – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer® LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered light aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete, technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

Source: Piper Aircraft

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Aviation Distance Learning Provider CPaT Announces New Partnership with Panda Flight Academy

Japan – CPaT Global, a leading provider of distance learning for the airline and aviation industry, announced that it has been awarded a new contract with Panda Flight Academy (“PFA”). CPaT will be providing PFA with their Airbus A320 Enhanced Aircraft Systems courses and their Boeing B737NG Aircraft Systems courses and Interactive Classroom for both fleets. 

“CPaT is honored to support PFA with our comprehensive training solutions,” said Capt. Greg Darrow, CPaT’s Vice President of Sales. “This partnership further strengthens CPaT’s footprint in Japan and underscores our commitment to providing innovative, flexible training tools that meet the evolving needs of pilot training organizations around the world.” 

“We are excited to partner with CPaT Global to enhance the quality of training we provide to our airline partners,” said Noriyuki Shibata, Vice president of PFA. “CPaT’s flexible and advanced training solutions, especially for the A320 and B737, allow us to deliver high-quality, cost-effective pilot training. The ability to offer aircraft systems courses fully in Japanese is a major benefit, and something no other provider in the world can match.” 

PFA, a division of All Nippon Airways(“ANA”), with training centers located at Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan.

About CPaT
CPaT Global, LLC (CPaT) is the market leader in distance learning for the aviation industry. CPaT delivers software-as-a-service applications to more than 400 global aviation customers, serving 100,000+ individual training users each year. CPaT pioneered the use of distance learning in aviation training 30 years ago and has built on that legacy to offer new and imaginative training solutions that are practical, forward-looking, and invaluable. CPaT transforms aviation instruction by providing smart training solutions, with in-depth content and interactive courseware spanning aircraft systems, general subjects, and operational procedures.

About Panda Flight Academy Inc.
ANA has established PFA on December 1, 2011 to respond to the expansion of the aviation market, including LCC, and to provide efficient training for pilot license holders hired by airlines. We provide high-quality training services based on actual airline experience with high productivity at lower cost, training airline pilots to lead the next era of worldwide services.

Source: CPaT
Photo Credit: CPaT

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