Two vie for supersonic supremacy
Aerion, backed by billionaire US investor Robert Bass, and a newly formed group - Supersonic Aerospace International (SAI), are seeking support for their programmes to bring supersonic business jets to market later this decade.
SAI is backed by Michael Paulson, son of Gulfstream's late founder Allen Paulson, who was today revealed as having funded Lockheed Martin to design a low supersonic boom aircraft. It will release further details of its programme on Tuesday.
Bombardier launches hot-and- high Learjet 40XR
Bombardier launched the Learjet 40XR with uprated Honeywell TFE731-20BR turbofans, claiming orders in the bag and promising delivery in the first quarter of 2006.
It says the new powerplants "dramatically" improve hot and high performance and has its eye on US west coast operators in particular.
Boeing announces BBJ orders
Boeing announced orders for five new Boeing Business Jets and said the programme was now sold out through 2005.
It says deals have been sealed in India, Asia, Africa, Russia and the Middle East. Sales now total 91.
Embraer's Legacy to reach new heights
Embraer is to raise the operating ceiling of its ERJ-135-based Legacy from 39,000ft to 41,000ft in response to pressure from customers.
An upgrade including structural reinforcement will be incorporated in new aircraft from March next year and be made available to existing operators through a service bulletin.
Williams extends FJ44 product line
Engine manufacturer Williams revealed two improved versions of the FJ44 turbofan – the FJ44-1AP advanced version now flying on Cessna's CJ1+, and a derated version of the FJ44-3A to be used on the CJ2+.
The FJ44-1AP has an all-new fan among other enhancements and will provide up to 2,100lb of take-off thrust, a 12% increase in altitude thrust, and a 5%-pls reduction in cruise fuel burn.
Forecasters see resurgent business aviation market
Three company forecasts released at the show confirmed widespread evidence of a recovery in the business aviation market.
Honeywell's long-established survey added 500 jets to its 10-year forecast, predicting purchases of 8,300 jets worth $131 billion. Rolls-Royce foresees a need for 23,000 aircraft over 20 years including so-called microjets; and Embraer expects sales of 7,560 aircraft between 2005 and 2014.
Interior upgrade for Hawker 800XP
The Hawker 800XP is getting additional baggage space and a new cabin management system as part of a complete interior upgrade.
Aft baggage space volume and usability is improved and Rockwell Collins Airshow 21 cabin management system provides touchscreen controls at every seat.
Sikorsky gearbox drives down cabin noise
Sikorsky is showing a new "quiet zone" gearbox for the S-76C+ which cuts cabin noise by some 3dbA and is in service on one machine already.
All corporate/VIP examples of the type from 2005 will feature the new system and a retrofit programme is being developed.
Airport access causes friction
Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport has been defending itself after several exhibitors claimed customers had been unable to land because of congestion during the show. The airport says operators have known for months about the restrictions.
Airbus, Boeing and Fokker were all unable to take part in the static display at neighbouring Henderson Executive Airport. Airbus says it then obtained rights to park its A319 Corporate Jetliner at McCarran but was today furious after claiming that that deal was then withdrawn, forcing it to move the aircraft to Arizona for the show.
And finally…
The Flight Group launched the world's first convention evening publication – Flight Evening News – at the show today. Headline news from all three days' issues will appear here.
Source: Flight International
