Training Aircraft Engine Manufacturer Austro Engine is Researching Future Propulsion Systems

Austro Engine GmbH, a sister company of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH, in cooperation with the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) – owned by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) and the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs (BMDW), and the Vienna University of Technology have launched a program, supported by Bosch General Aviation Technology GmbH, to develop a bivalent hydrogen engine. The research project is scheduled for completion by end of 2024.

“In renowned studies, hydrogen is regarded as the energy storage medium of the future. Undoubtedly, many challenges in the production and especially handling as well as infrastructure are not yet clarified. True to the motto “If you don’t go forwards you go backwards”, Austro Engine is taking responsibility for the next generation of propulsion systems for General Aviation,” said Felix Zahradnik, Chief Technology Officer, Austro Engine. “In addition to highest efficiency with lowest emissions, factors such as operating costs, safety and worldwide availability have been decisive in determining the strategy of future propulsion concepts. We see our long-term future not only with sustainable aviation fuels, but also believe that hydrogen direct combustion might be a good propulsion system for General Aviation.”

There are two different methods for the direct combustion of hydrogen in a piston engine. The initial ignition of the air/hydrogen mixture can be done either by a spark plug or an ignition jet. The advantage of initiating the combustion by a spark plug is a constant 100% hydrogen operation, which in the ideal case was generated 100% regeneratively. However, if the ignition jet method is chosen, there are clear advantages for General Aviation. In the present case, the ignition jet is generated by the existing combustion process with kerosene. The substitution rate of kerosene by hydrogen can be adjusted for combustion stabilization but can also be modulated to 100% kerosene operation due to the current lack of availability of pure hydrogen in some regions of the world. The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) instead of conventional fossil kerosene for the ignition jet also meets the requirement of 100% substitution of fossil components and has no disadvantages compared to the spark plug-powered hydrogen engine in terms of sustainability.

Despite the early development stage of this project, considerable success has already been achieved. A 90% energy substitution rate at part load was achieved, which means a 99% reduction in CO emissions and 89% in CO2 emissions. In addition to the focus on reducing CO and CO2, the already extremely low emissions of unburned hydrocarbons (HCs) at full load (maximum take-off power) were also reduced by 25%. Besides basic research and combustion development, topics such as durability (hydrogen embrittlement) and EASA certification are the focus of the further course of this project. All research has been currently solely done on a test bench. Further information will be released after completion of the three-year program.

“Partnerships across industry borders are crucial to achieve sustainability in aviation. At Bosch Aviation Technology we are proud to be technology partner of Austro Engine and the Vienna University of Technology in public funded projects, which integrate hydrogen in an existing engine line-up,” commented Christian Grim, General Manager Bosch General Aviation Technology GmbH. “We are convinced that hydrogen will play a major role in regard to sustainable aviation solutions if used with fuel cells or in hydrogen engines. To face decarbonization as a major challenge for General Aviation, it will become increasingly important to search for alternative propulsion systems.”

Diamond Aircraft and Austro Engine, together with Lufthansa Aviation Training, are also working on Sustainable Aviation Fuels options for the Austro Engine powered aircraft line.

Source: Diamond Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft

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Cirrus Aircraft Celebrates 9,000 SR Series Deliveries

Cirrus Aircraft unveiled a new, destination-inspired Limited Edition aircraft to commemorate the 9,000th SR Series aircraft delivery. The 9,000th Limited Edition SR Series reflects the thousands of Cirrus Aircraft owners who embody the Cirrus Life™ empowering them to travel to different destinations without constraint or boundaries. Whether it is to grow one’s business, spend time with family or explore the world, Cirrus aircraft owners are experiencing more from the comfort of their advanced, luxurious SR Series aircraft.

“The SR Series continues to move people, businesses and imaginations as we reach another significant delivery milestone,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “Our talented Xi Design Studio collected inspiration through the lens of our customers and the worldwide travel and freedom personal aviation offers. The 9,000th SR Series delivery means that 9,000 owners are living the Cirrus Life enabled by the best-selling high-performance piston aircraft in the industry for over two decades. The SR Series is one of the safest aircraft as it includes the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) and a suite of integrated safety features as standard equipment. Through our expanded aircraft ownership ecosystem, we are excited to continue introducing more people to Personal Aviation™.”

From the onset of the Cirrus aircraft ownership experience, customers work alongside the company’s Xi Design Studio to personalize their new aircraft. Founded in 2009, the Xi Design Studio carefully curates an exclusive experience leveraging advanced technology, world-class engineering and a leading-edge Paint and Finish Facility to build a one-of-a-kind Cirrus aircraft.

Cirrus Aircraft’s Xi Design Studio showcases its artistic prowess through the compelling Limited Edition’s bold design and color collection. Thematically named Limited Edition designs, ‘Balos,’ ‘Lava,’ ‘Magma’ and ‘Santorini’ were inspired by different international destinations and illustrate the company’s range of premium and bespoke paint schemes. In partnership with Sherwin-Williams, Cirrus Aircraft reformulated signature hues, namely, Lava orange and Aegean blue, to create a bold and eclectic splash of color.

To commemorate 9,000 SR Series deliveries, the number nine was thematically integrated throughout the design. The ‘9’ iconography inspired the sleek and aerodynamic lines on the fuselage, along with the many exterior graphic details. The theme continues inside the cabin with several custom touches on the seats and embroidery.

With the release of the 9,000th Limited Edition, Cirrus Aircraft introduced newly designed Cirrus All-Weather Floor Liners engineered for adventure travel to protect the aircraft floor from mud, sand, water, dirt and more. Each liner features a customized badge commemorating the delivery milestone. Standard SR Series All-Weather Floor Liners for G1-G6 aircraft are available for purchase. Additionally, every 9,000th Limited Edition SR Series aircraft owner will be outfitted with the newly announced Bose A30 Aviation Headset and Garmin® International’s D2™ Aviation watch with custom bands matching the 9,000th livery for a premium flight experience.

Meticulous craftsmanship, bespoke design and daring colors turn heads with the 9,000th Limited Edition SR Series and are a testament to Cirrus Aircraft’s customers’ unwavering passion to seek new experiences and travel the world.

About Cirrus Aircraft   

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet™, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 15 million hours, and 250 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Source: Cirrus Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Cirrus Aircraft

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Pipistrel Boosts US Distribution Network With Appointment of Lanier Flight Center

Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, has expanded its US distribution network with the appointment of Lanier Flight Center as its distributor for five southeastern states.

A leading aircraft sales, maintenance and training provider, Lanier Flight Center will be responsible for sales, service support and training for Pipistrel’s ultralight, light sport and type certified aircraft, including the Alpha Trainer, Velis Electro and Panthera. Lanier Flight Center will oversee sales and service in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.

“The appointment of Lanier Flight Center covering this region underlines our commitment to establish a strong network of distributors that support the needs of our US based customers. As an authorized Cessna Pilot Center (CPC), Lanier Flight Center provides an exceptional experience to customers and we’re excited for them to join the Pipistrel family,” says Steve Mckenna, director of sales and marketing, Pipistrel.

“We’re familiar with Textron as an authorized CPC and extending this relationship to include Pipistrel really cements the success of our existing partnership,” adds Troy Wheeler, president, Lanier Flight Center. “For 20 years in this industry and many accomplishments in the air, our most lasting influence will be our connection to many within the aviation community, including business aviation. We look forward to supporting Pipistrel customers across an important region that is helping to drive the future of aviation.”

The partnership expands on Pipistrel’s existing distribution network, which was boosted earlier this year with the appointment of Lincoln Park Aviation (LPA) as Pipistrel’s distributor for 15 US states in the northeast.

US customers with sales, service or contract queries based outside of the territories covered by Lanier Flight Center or LPA can contact Pipistrel directly.

About Pipistrel

In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000. Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.

Source: Textron Press Release
Photo Credit: Textron (shown as meta image)

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Crane Aerospace & Electronics to Supply New Converter on Bye Aerospace’s eFlyer 2 Series of Electric Aircraft

Crane Aerospace & Electronics, a segment of Crane Co., has been selected to provide its new High Voltage DC-DC Converter to Bye Aerospace – an aircraft manufacturer applying clean, all-electric propulsion systems to its airplane designs. Crane A&E’s new converter will be placed on Bye Aerospace’s eFlyer 2 series of electric aircraft, which is to be certified under 14 CFR Part 23 by the FAA.

The aerospace industry’s move toward alternative energy sources has created new demand within an aircraft’s power supply architecture. Crane A&E has filled a major industry void with its modular High Voltage DC-DC Converter, which supports traditional, all-electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen platforms. A&E’s HV DC-DC Converter provides 4kW of power and owns a wide input (600v nominal, 450-800v) range. Regardless of electrical power source, Crane A&E’s high-power converters will convert high voltage source power into an aircraft’s traditional 28v DC bus or 270v DC bus.

“We are pleased to provide Bye Aerospace our High Voltage DC-DC Converter for its new all-electric eFlyer 2 platform,” said Hilary King, Crane A&E VP & GM of Sensing & Power Systems. “This state-of-the-art power converter is derived from our breakthrough technology and is an extension of our rich expertise in innovative electrical power solutions supporting the future of electrification for the aerospace and defense industry.”

Crane A&E’s power converter delivers high density in a small package, has parallel capability and is greater than 97% efficient. In addition to adapting to varying power inputs, the converter also supports different cooling options through one of several modules. These cooling mechanisms include liquid, fan and conduction cooling, giving customers enhanced electrical system design flexibility.

George E. Bye, CEO of Bye Aerospace, expressed his gratitude to Crane A&E for being an engaged supply chain partner filling a critical requirement. “We appreciate Crane A&E’s enthusiasm and technical expertise for this revolutionary airplane,” he said.

About Crane Aerospace & Electronics

Crane Aerospace & Electronics delivers innovative systems, components and services for commercial aircraft, defense platforms and space systems, which have proven reliability in mission-critical environments. Products and services are organized into six integrated solutions: Electrical Power Solutions, Fluid Management Solutions, Landing Systems, Microwave Solutions, Cabin Systems and Sensing Components & Systems.

About Crane Co.

Crane Co. is a diversified manufacturer of highly engineered industrial products. Founded in 1855, Crane Co. provides products and solutions to customers in the chemicals, oil & gas, power, automated payment solutions, banknote design and production and aerospace & defense markets, along with a wide range of general industrial and consumer related end markets. The company has four business segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Process Flow Technologies, Payment & Merchandising Technologies and Engineered Materials. Crane Co. has approximately 11,000 employees in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. 

About Bye Aerospace

Bye Aerospace has developed and is in the process of FAA certifying a family of zero-emission, electric-aircraft that are one-fifth the operating cost of traditional airplanes. As a pioneer in electric aviation, Bye Aerospace has established itself as a leader with a production back log of nearly 900 aircraft. Based in Denver, Colo., Bye Aerospace was founded by George E. Bye, who is Chairman and CEO. 

Source: Crane Aerospace & Electronics Press Release
Photo Credit: Bye Aerospace

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Global Pilot Training Group, AeroGuard, Expands Fleet and Plans to Add Over 20 Aircraft in 2023

Phoenix, Arizona, United States headquartered AeroGuard has announced the acquisition of three new planes in the last few weeks, including two in the last two weeks as part of their plan to add more than 20 aircraft in 2023. These developments mark a major milestone in the groups’s expansion, enabling it to offer a wider range of pilot training programs and accommodate an increasing number of students. The additional planes will help AeroGuard increase its training capacity and meet the growing demand for skilled pilots in the aviation industry.

These aircraft are to support strong growth being seen across their programs. The domestic-focused Pathway Program is growing strongly year over year, and they are establishing a new offering with Arizona State University, training up to 250 students as part of a bachelor degree program; and with the world-renowned Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific.

These aircraft will join AeroGuard United States bases standardized fleet of 70+ aircraft comprised of Piper Archers and Piper Seminoles. Through this standardized fleet, AeroGuard aims to provide a singular learning process, so students have a structured training experience. This isolates the learning of new skills, as opposed to learning different aircraft controls and features. As such, these aircraft will first spend time with AeroGuard’s FAA Diamond Award winning team of mechanics to ensure they match the rest of the AeroGuard fleet, before hitting the flight line in the coming weeks.

With the expanding fleet and new partnerships, AeroGuard is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for skilled pilots in the industry and provide their students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

The school expects to add more than 20 aircraft to their continually growing fleet as the year goes on – representing a growth of over 25%.

Source: AeroGuard Press Release
Photo Credit: AeroGuard (shown as meta image)

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Swedish Flight School Orders Two Tecnam P2010

Tecnam announced that the innovative Swedish Airline Training Organization, Green Flight Academy ordered two P2010 Tdi, with the option for an additional three more in 2024.

Green Flight Academy AB (GFA) was established 2021 as a result of the region’s major growth investment in northern Sweden and Skellefteå’s position as one of Europe’s centres for green conversion technologies.

Green Flight Academy offers the world’s first airline pilot programme designed with sustainability in mind, one of the world’s most environmentally friendly ways to become a pilot. This is why Green Flight Academy has chosen the Tecnam P2010 Tdi.

The P2010 airframe, with its wide, composite, fuselage design and the all-metal wing and stabilator, has proven to be the perfect platform to match the CD-170 engine performance and capabilities. The “Twenty-Ten” consolidated comfort, with three doors and dedicated baggage access, its Italian style and proven reliability perfectly match the fuel efficiency granted by the use of Jet fuels or Sustainable Aviation Fuels. SAF is already available at many airports throughout Europe which means that up to 80% of net CO2 emissions can be saved by its utilization. The modern, dual FADEC controlled powerplant technology grants extremely low operating costs and emissions, and it is coupled with the most innovative Garmin G1000Nxi avionic suite.

The aircraft offers outstanding consumption that ranges from just 4.5 USG/hr (17 litres/hr) at 55% power, to 7 USG/hr (27 litres/hr) at 75% power with constant performances up to 8,000ft and operations up to 18,000ft, allowing the P2010 Tdi to definitely “soar higher”. With a range exceeding 1,000nm and endurance reaching 12 hours, the P2010 Tdi is the perfect choice not only for Flight Training Organizations (which can count on a single refueling for a whole training-day), but for private mobility, too.

TECNAM, which produces the most complete, fuel efficient and less emitting fleet (both single and twin engine) for Flight Training Organization, is constantly committed to provide the most achievable and sustainable solutions towards a greener future and successful business for its valuable clients.

Cecilia Holmlund, Green Flight’s Operations Manager stated: “It is important for us to work with manufacturers who have a clear commitment to sustainability, which Tecnam does. The P2010Tdi is a high-quality aircraft and with its long range, Garmin 1000Nxi avionics and integrated autopilot, makes it a complete training aircraft for us. Most importantly, they have fuel-efficient engines and therefore fits perfectly into our ambition to be the world’s most sustainable flight school with the world’s most sustainable fleet.”

Tecnam Green Fleet.  Based on recent data and industry benchmarks, flight training schools operating Tecnam’s single and twin-engine fleets can save as much as 10 tons of CO2 emissions for every single student graduating with a Commercial Pilot License – a 60% reduction compared to legacy fleets using Avgas 100LL fuel. (Based on 155 flight training hours, including 30 hours on the twin.)

Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer said: “Tecnam’s approach to sustainable innovation is based on three non-negotiable principles: Our solutions are real, sustainable and practical. We are proud to be a part of the sustainable aviation revolution and to leave a better world for the generations to come.”

About Green Flight Academy

Green Flight Academy is reinventing flight training by making it more sustainable while training future pilots for new challenges ahead. By using new technology, including electric and fuel-efficient diesel airplanes, environmental impact is reduced. Consideration, openness and innovation are all vital parts of transforming flight training for the future.

Source: Tecnam Press Release
Photo Credit: Tecnam

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