Market Intelligence: -Training Aircraft Developments

Training Aircraft Manufacturer flies for the first time parrallel hybrid configuration Aircraft

Tecnam Aircraft, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce and Rotax specialized teams, successfully flew the new P2010 H3PS hybrid aircraft for the first time on December  21st, 2021, at precisely 3:54 pm CET. The Permit to Fly was issued by ENAC, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority.

The flight was performed by Tecnam’s Chief Experimental Test Pilot Lorenzo De Stefano, with Tecnam, Rolls-Royce and Rotax Teams on the ground assisting in this historic moment.

Tecnam P2010 H3PS is powered by a 104kW Rotax 915 IS engine coupled with a 30kW Rolls-Royce electric motor, totaling 134kW (180hp) powertrain in a fully integrated parallel hybrid configuration. As such, this four-seat aircraft is first of its kind.

According to Tecnam Aircraft’s R&D Director Fabio Russo, the H3PS successful flight test demonstration marks a major milestone on the aviation industry’s journey towards de-carbonization and R&D on alternative powertrains.

“Though H3PS is not intended for market purposes, our successful flight tests demonstrate that hybrid powertrain, with combustion engine coupled with an electric motor, can bear the same useful load of the traditional 180hp combustion engine,” said Russo.

H3PS, which stands for “High Power High Scalability Aircraft Hybrid Powertrain”, is a project funded under the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. Launched in 2018, the project has reached its objectives. With H3PS’ success, Tecnam Aircraft and project partners have validated the aircraft’s scalability potential, lower emissions, state of the art power management technology, building a viable launchpad for future green aircraft models.

Commenting on the future developments, Tecnam’s Managing Director Giovanni Pascale Langer stated that the company will continue to focus on driving the green transition in aviation.

“Tecnam’s approach to innovation is truly sustainable,” said Pascale Langer. “Our development focuses on three key pillars: environmentally friendly, technologically viable and marketable solutions. We do this by leveraging our multi-generational expertise, research and development, next-generation technology, and strategic partnerships.”

“I look forward to seeing H3PS inspire more innovation and drive our industry forward with cleaner, more efficient technologies,” Pascale Langer concluded.

Rob Watson, President of Rolls-Royce Electrical added: “The successful first flight of the P2010 H3PS demonstrator is a pioneering achievement by the team to advance hybrid-electric flight.  Working with Tecnam and Rotax has been hugely beneficial, and this project has continued to build our capabilities in delivering all-electric and hybrid-electric power and propulsion systems for the advanced air mobility market. Rolls-Royce is committed to investing in the technology solutions to enable and deliver sustainable aviation.”

“We are very pleased that we could intensify our collaboration with Tecnam and Rolls-Royce within the H3PS project. The tests showed that there are still challenges to take up, however due to the efforts of all three parties the test flight could be concluded with deeper understanding and of course with a safe landing. The project showed that the joint venture with the qualified knowledge of these three global player companies in aviation lead to very interesting and future-orientated results for innovative propulsion systems”, said Michael Dopona, Head of design Organization BRP-Rotax.

“In December 2021 ENAC issued the permit to fly, for research and development purposes” – commented the Director General of ENAC, Alessio Quaranta – “to the first Made in Italy General Aviation aircraft powered by hybrid propulsion system (electric – unleaded fuel): the Tecnam P2010 H3PS. It deals with an important technological innovation in favor of savings in consumption and emissions. ENAC actively participated this challenge in developing the new propulsion system and its integration within the Tecnam P2010 airframe, in line with Authority commitment towards a Sustainable Aviation future”.

Source: Tecnam Press Release

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Cirrus Aircraft announces 13 Year High for Aircraft Deliveries in 2021

Cirrus Aircraft announced another strong year of new aircraft deliveries in 2021 with the SR Series maintaining its status as the best-selling, high-performance piston aircraft for the twentieth year in a row.

In addition to delivering 442 SR Series aircraft and 86 Vision Jets in 2021, Cirrus Aircraft announced the G2+ Vision Jet, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and UK certification for Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, expanded its Cirrus Services™ community and offerings, and delivered the first of five TRAC SR20s to Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus (K-State). Cirrus Aircraft also grew its national footprint for premium flight training, aircraft management, factory service and concierge customer experiences.

“Our team has accomplished incredible milestones this past year. Not only did we reach a 13-year high of new aircraft deliveries, but we also introduced new innovations within the SR Series and Vision Jet product lines and increased connectivity between pilot and aircraft by growing the Cirrus IQ ecosystem,” said Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus Aircraft. “In 2022, we are continuing to invest in our people, products and services to constantly elevate the ownership experience.”

To date, Cirrus Aircraft has delivered over 8,500 SR Series aircraft. This last year marks the eight consecutive year the company delivered more than 300 SR Series aircraft.

Recent developments specifically related to the pilot training industry include;

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French Flight School receives two Sonaca 200 Aircraft

30 Aircraft French Flight School, Aeropyrenees receives its order of two Sonaca 200 Aircraft which it ordered last year to replace its Grob 155A aircraft. Aeropyrenees signed purchase agreements for the two Sonaca aircraft as well as a Piper PA28 and TB20 in 2021.

For more information, kindly contact Aeropyrenees.

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US University receives 2 new Cessna 172 Skyhawk Aircraft

Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics (SOA) received two new Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft from Textron Aviation in Independence, Kansas last week. With its enrollment steadily rising, these aircraft are already operational on the SOA’s flight line, bring the total training fleet to 27.

“This investment in our fleet reflects our commitment to excellence and the overall growth of our program,” said Dr. Rick Roof, SOA Dean. “It also ensures that we have world class training resources for our students.”

With the recent purchase of these aircraft, the fleet now includes 22 single-engine Cessna and five Piper Seminole twin-engine aircraft.

“These additions are both technically advanced Garmin G1000 Nxi-equipped aircraft,” Roof said, noting that the Cessna Skyhawk offers a safe, stable, and reliable training platform. “That’s important to us. It simplifies and standardizes our flight training programs by maintaining a consistent learning environment for our students.”

According to its manufacturer, Textron Aviation, the Skyhawk is the most popular single-engine aircraft ever built and has achieved a reputation for being the ultimate flight training aircraft for student pilots. At a cost of over $400,000 per plane, it offers simplistic flight characteristics, a slow landing speed, lenient stall, great visibility, and a sophisticated glass cockpit outfitted with Garmin G1000 avionics.

The new Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) ensure Liberty students are trained with the latest technological innovations within the realm of general aviation avionics systems. In addition to the Garmin G1000, these new Cessna 172 aircraft are equipped with a factory fitted Safe Flight Angle-of-Attack (AoA) indicator, and a new Garmin GI275 solid state standby attitude indicator. Both of these advancements provide heightened awareness and overall increased safety of our flight training program, according to Roof.

“Paired with our industry-recognized flight simulator department, these new aircraft provide a state-of-the-art training environment for our flight students,” Roof said. “Our simulators are configured to replicate the Cessna 172, so the two work hand-in-hand in creating a seamless transition from flight simulator to aircraft.”

Residential enrollment in Liberty’s SOA, the largest faith-based aeronautics program in the United States, recently surpassed 600 students, including 450 students enrolled in a degree requiring flight training. The school now has more than 50 flight instructors providing training Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to midnight. The program is currently training 225 flight course students this semester and these new aircraft will help meet the requirements of continued program growth.

“The School of Aeronautics is thankful for the continued support of Liberty University’s Executive Leadership team and their investment in the continued growth of our program,” he said.

The Cessna Skyhawk is also used by both the Liberty Belles’ Air Race Classic and National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) flight teams.

For more information, kindly contact Liberty University.

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