Category: BizJet

ALUULA Composites is Revolutionizing the Wind Sports Sector – Your Industry Could be Next

ALUULA Composites Inc. is a new advanced materials technology firm creating the next generation of extremely strong, lightweight materials. The company’s unique patented fusion process binds outer layer films to an ultra-light and ultra-strong core, Based and manufactured in Victoria BC, ALUULA is a proven game-changer in kiteboarding performance. After three years, ALUULA is already best in class in wind sports. Now this innovative company is developing next-level materials in conjunction with top companies around the world in aerospace, outdoor gear, sailing, and defense.

ALUULA is the brainchild of British Columbia-based chemists and engineers with a passion for outdoor sports. Their initial objective was to engineer materials that would better serve kiteboarding and the quickly growing wing foiling market. Both had inherited legacy materials and seaming techniques from the sail industry. Technical advancements and material development had stalled. However surging interest in these wind sports started driving innovation and development of new materials. The weight, strength, and performance objectives were clear, but the ALUULA Composites team also understood that a next generation material would have to be tough enough to withstand harsh sun and abrasive beach environments. The challenge was on.

First introduced in 2019, ALUULA’s innovative composites quickly transformed what was possible in wind sports. Not only was it significantly lighter (around half the weight), but it was also stiffer and stronger than existing composite materials.

A kiteboarder using a lightweight ALUULA composite kite can fly in much lighter wind, while increased stiffness delivers much better performance in stronger winds. What was considered impossible before, is now possible. Recently, professional kiteboarder Giel Vlugt performed the first ever “Double Megaloop” using an ALUULA-powered kite – a manoeuvre that eluded riders for more than 15 years.

“We’ve been working closely with ALUULA Composites to launch a new generation of kites. Our team riders and customers are simply blown away by what’s now possible,” said Richard Myerscough, CEO and founder of Ocean Rodeo.

WHAT EXACTLY IS ALUULA?
ALUULA is a new class of composite materials built from components with eight times the strength- to-weight ratio of steel, and yet lighter than nylon, polyester, or aramid. ALUULA Composites have developed a patented fusion process to bind high tech fibres and technical films together without using heavy glues.

IT’S ONLY THE BEGINNING
Water-based wind sports formed the perfect proving ground for this new generation of composite materials. Now the potential of ALULLA Composites is extending far beyond kiteboarding and wing foiling into a world of new possibilities.

“We’re receiving inquiries from a variety of industries from outdoor sports to aerospace. Our ability to fuse ultralight and strong technical materials at the molecular level is generating great interest,” said ALUULA COO John Zimmerman.

ALUULA is in co-development with leaders in several industry sectors where lighter and stronger composites provide clear advantages. These efforts are driving further innovation and Intellectual Property in the material bonding sciences. Meanwhile, very promising additional cross-linking technology development continues between ALUULA and its chemistry partners.

Jamco America Announces Decorative Branding Panels

Jamco America, an experienced interior products suppliers and turnkey aircraft interiors integrators, announced its new durable, aesthetically pleasing decorative branding panels. These panels offer airlines a cost-effective solution to update their aircraft’s forward and mid cabin areas. Branding opportunities include the use of color and embossed logos and other decorative features.

“The new Jamco decorative branding panels provide a perfect opportunity for airlines to refresh or rebrand the cabin interior,” said John Cornell, director of R&D at Jamco America. “These new panels are not only beautifully finished, but are extremely durable, which translates into a long lasting and cost-effective solution for airlines.”

Jamco America’s decorative branding panels are thermoformed and are currently being provided at the door one area and mid cabin for narrow-body single aisle aircraft.

Thales Strengthens Partnership with Dassault Through Maintenance Agreement for Electrical Systems on Falcon 900 and 2000 Fleets

The successful partnership began with the Falcon family of Business Jets back in the seventies starting with the Falcon 50 followed by the Falcon 200, Falcon 900 and Falcon 2000, and most recently the Falcon 6X. Dassault Aviation and Thales share the same commitment to excellence in design innovation and for reliable and affordable electrical generation and conversion products. More than 2100 Falcon aircraft operate worldwide cumulating over 21,000,000 flight hours in 2021.

Both companies achieved a new stage in their relationship through the signature of a partnership agreement on April 1st, 2022. Through this agreement Thales and Dassault Aviation will bring to Falcon operators unprecedented value for Premium Services along with significant reductions in Direct Maintenance Cost (DMC) and a robust incentive campaign for Starter Generators P/N 8060-160 upgrade to a new P/N 8060-170.

This upgrade offer on the Thales Starter Generator improves DMC while providing annual savings for operators thanks to design enhancements that help reduce maintenance operations including brush wear inspections and removals.

“This reinforced partnership between Thales and Dassault now gives us the unique opportunity to offer Dassault Falcon customers the ability to reduce their maintenance costs when selecting a generator under this program,” Benoit Lefondré, senior director, Worldwide Falcon Spares at Dassault Aviation said. “We also have the ability to offer extra benefits for Operators who are part of the Falcon Advantage Program.”

Nextant Aerospace Bolsters Presence at Orlando Sanford Airport 

Nextant space announced that it is opening a new office at Orlando Sanford International Airport (ICAO: KSFB) on the Constant Aviation campus. The action comes in response to increased demand for specialized aircraft engineering, design, drafting and analysis for all aspects of aircraft modifications and upgrades in the southeastern U.S. 

“Nextant Aerospace is a global leader in aircraft and component remanufacturing and servicing, and has been a key provider of unmatched engineering service solutions to the private aviation industry,” said Mark O’Donnell, Nextant Aerospace’s executive vice-president. “The opening of a dedicated Nextant office at Orlando Sanford will allow us to serve more customers in a part of the country with an abundant number of aircraft that will benefit from our offerings.”

In addition, Nextant is in the process of hiring professionals based on a robust pipeline of aircraft owner projects requiring:

§  In-house aerospace engineering, design, drafting and analysis for all aspects of aircraft modifications and upgrades, applying Nextant’s 13 years of experience as the first remanufacturer of business jets.

§  Structural repair and component upgrades, including such critical elements as Beechjet and Hawker 400-type aircraft horizontal stabilizers, Challenger 300/350 engine inlets, Beechjet and Hawker 400 step reinforcement and Challenger 300 thrust reverser doors.

§  Inspection services in the eddy current, ultrasonic, magnetic particle and liquid penetrant non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.

§  Landing gear repair and overhaul; Nextant has completed more than 380 aircraft landing gear replacements and overhaul procedures on a wide variety of aircraft.

The presence of additional Nextant Aerospace staff on the ground at Orlando Sanford will have further benefits, including much faster turnaround time for aircraft in need of avionics system engineering, structural engineering, design and drafting, aircraft and part certification, product support and services, the company said. 

Second Beechcraft Denali Completes First Flight, Expanding Flight Test Program to Two Aircraft

Textron Aviation has completed first flight of its second Beechcraft Denali flight test article as momentum builds for the clean-sheet aircraft’s certification program. The milestone flight follows the Denali prototype, which completed its first flight in November 2021. The Beechcraft Denali is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc.

The second test aircraft joins the first Denali prototype in the important flight test program that substantiates the segment-leading performance expected of the Denali. The aircraft’s flight lasted two hours and one minute, reaching a max altitude of 15,500 feet with a max speed of 240 ktas. To date, the program has accumulated more than 250 flight hours.

“This flight is another vitally important step for the Beechcraft Denali program as the aircraft will be used primarily for testing aircraft systems like avionics, cabin environmental control and ice protection,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. “The team has made great progress, accomplishing key goals in the flight test program, and the Denali team heads into the second half of 2022 with a great deal of momentum.”

The Denali flight test certification program is expected to eventually include a third flight test article and three full airframe ground test articles as it expands operational goals focusing on testing aircraft systems, engine, avionics and overall performance.

Oriens Aviation Joins Cirrus Aircraft’s Network of Authorized Service Centers

Oriens Aviation is now able to offer third party maintenance and repair overhaul (MRO) work on the Cirrus SR family of single-engined piston aircraft.  It is expanding its presence at its London Biggin Hill Airport HQ to accommodate the type, which has become increasingly popular in Europe with first time owners.  

At AERO Friedrichshafen, Germany in April, Cirrus highlighted nearly 40% of buyers of the SR2X series in 2021 were new to aviation and 25% of SR orders were outside the U. S., prompting the manufacturer to open a regional operations office in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Oriens Aviation offers an attractive South East London MRO location, complementing existing UK providers in Guernsey, Gloucestershire and Leeds.

A number of Oriens engineers completed their factory training on the SR in readiness to support the SR2X. Oriens’ general manager for Maintenance, Stuart Locke, will oversee technicians and engineers on the type, as well as committing further investment to equipment and tooling.  The business is currently recruiting additional B1/B2 engineers. 

“We are delighted to become a Cirrus SR2X Partner,” said Locke. “The Cirrus is a fantastic aircraft and a great brand in personal aviation, testament to its excellent sales performance. We look forward to working with the team in Europe, supporting UK and European owners.” 

Robert Walters, Commercial Director at London Biggin Hill Airport, said: “Oriens Aviation is seeing fantastic growth here at London Biggin Hill and we are thrilled the company is now a Cirrus SR2X Partner. Additionally, with the exclusive distribution of Pilatus and Tecnam, Oriens Aviation plays an important role here at the Airport and is a vital part of our business aviation ecosystem.”

Titan Tool Supply Introduces Industrial Videoscope Series 

Titan Tool Supply announced the global market introduction of its TVM Series, a family of accurate, handheld industrial videoscopes.

Offered in four standard models, TVM Series industrial videoscopes provide high-quality, speedy remote visual inspection and diagnostic capabilities across a diverse array of applications. All TVM Series models feature a 4.3-inch monitor and user-friendly button technology. Individual models are further offered with a choice of either a 4.5 mm or 6.2 mm diameter cable, and either a 1.5 m or 3 m working cable length. All TVM Series cabling further includes a Tungsten braided sleeving for added durability and reliability within dirty or harsh industrial applications. 

The mechanical joystick that is incorporated into each Model TVM Series unit is expressly designed for ease of operator control. It offers full-360° four-way articulation, as well as operator-applied and guided input capabilities, for smooth, accurate, and direct control of both the camera and articulating camera tip during remote visual inspections. The camera can also accurately hold its designated position after joystick pressure is released. Design of the articulating camera tip incorporates a series of high-intensity LEDs with five-step intensity control. The LEDs allow the joystick to guide the videoscope more accurately and easily through narrow bores, channels, curves, and other complex geometries, and including in areas where diminished lighting conditions may otherwise be of concern. 

Typical applications for the TVM Series include aviation MRO, automotive service inspections, casting inspections, cavity inspections, diesel and gasoline engine repair, locomotive maintenance, ship maintenance, industrial machinery and equipment monitoring, manufacturing quality control, or virtually any other industrial application requiring accurate, cost-effective remote visual inspection. 

Duncan’s Sawatzki Receives Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award

During a recent reception at Duncan Aviation in Lincoln, Neb., Leo Sawatzki, retired Manager of Engine Acquisition and Sales and a long-time aircraft technician with Duncan Aviation, was honored as a recipient of the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. 

The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named in honor of Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. Taylor served as the Wright brothers’ mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft. The award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. 

Award recipients are required to have worked for 50 years in an aviation maintenance career. They must have been an FAA-certificated mechanic or repairman working on N-registered aircraft maintained under the federal aviation regulations for a minimum of 30 of the 50 years required.  

Sawatzki was awarded this recognition in 2020, but the pandemic delayed its presentation. During a reception held at Duncan Aviation, Leo and his wife Linda were honored and presented the award by Owen Grimm, DOT/FAA FAASTeam Program Manager. 

Sawatzki has enjoyed a 50-year career in aviation, 32 of those years dedicated to serving at Duncan Aviation. He began his aviation career after graduating from Westside High School in Omaha, Neb., and joined the US Navy during the Vietnam War.  

“I had no idea what I wanted to do when I joined the Navy,” said Sawatzki. That was until the age of 19 when he sat in the cockpit of an F4 Phantom and heard the roar of the engines for the very first time. “It was the most awesome thing I’d ever experienced—the power and smell of the engine burn. I’ve never lost the passion for jet engines.”  

In 1973, Sawatzki stepped off the Navy ship USS Constellation and signed on as a jet engine mechanic with Duncan Aviation in Lincoln. At that time, there were nine mechanics in the entire company. All nine did airframe work, engine work, and even painted the aircraft. They worked on Learjets, Citations, King Airs, Barons, and Bonanzas. 

Over the years, Sawatzki was promoted to Lead Mechanic, Service Manager, and Supervisor when the first Duncan Aviation Engine Shop was opened. 

“We wouldn’t have an engine shop if it weren’t for Leo,” said Doug Alleman, Vice President of Customer Service. “He initiated a letter-writing campaign that resulted in our engine shop becoming established and authorized.”  

Duncan Aviation Chairman Todd Duncan expressed his appreciation for the experience and wisdom Sawatzki imparted during his tenure at Duncan Aviation. “We grew and flourished because of people like Leo and those who came before and after him.” 

Causeway Introduces New Lightweight Interior, Britten-Norman is First Customer

Causeway Aero Group has developed unique lightweight Semi-Flexible Laminate (SFL) panels for aircraft interiors that provide improved levels of thermal protection, allowing bulky insulating blankets to be removed. In some applications, there could be up to a 25% weight saving. As they could be fitted closer to the aircraft inner skin, there may also be a modest increase in cabin dimensions.

The SFL panels have a vac-formed core with laminates on either side. The cabin side can be decorated to suit customer requirements and, with an anti-bacterial coating, would be ideal for air ambulances.

Causeway also sees a market for the technology in smaller passenger aircraft, military transport aircraft and helicopters.

Launch customer is Britten-Norman and Causeway is actively working to design and produce a new modern interior for the BN-2 Islander, including sidewalls, ceiling and cockpit area. The nine-seat aircraft has been in production since 1967 and continues to sell, particularly to remote areas where its impressive performance allows it to operate from very short and basic airstrips.

The new interior can be installed during production or during a retrofit under a minor STC.

Collins Aerospace Opens Additive Manufacturing Center, Expands Repair Capabilities at Monroe, N.C. Facility

Collins Aerospace announced the opening of a new additive manufacturing center and the expansion of its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities at its campus in Monroe, North Carolina. The company completed a $30 million expansion of the site in 2021 and has since invested an additional $15 million as part of the Monroe City Council and Union County Board of Commissioners MAGNET100 economic development incentive program.

Collins’ new additive manufacturing center in Monroe includes two 3D printers with plans to add more in the future. The new facility will join the company’s existing global network of additive production centers in Iowa, Minnesota, and Singapore, and additive research centers in Connecticut and Poland, to support the next generation of aircraft with state-of-the-art systems and optimized designs.

“Through a process of joining materials layer upon layer to make parts from 3D model data, additive manufacturing offers several key benefits compared to traditional manufacturing,” said Kevin Myers, vice president, Operations for Collins Aerospace. “By using additive manufacturing to produce aircraft parts and components, we can help reduce weight, cost and time to market, and provide more sustainable solutions for our customers.”

Collins maintains a worldwide network of 75 MRO sites to serve its global customer base. Opened in 2004, Collins’ 160,000-square-foot Monroe MRO facility serves more than 300 customers across the aerospace and defense industry. The site repairs more than 6,500 unique part numbers for commercial and military aircraft—including actuation systems, helicopter rescue hoists and air management systems—and provides aircraft-on-the-ground services.

Through its investments in the site, Collins has added new advanced manufacturing equipment to streamline operations, improve quality control and enhance employee safety. Collins has also increased the size of Monroe’s workforce, bringing on more than 70 new employees in the past year, and is continuing to hire for additional openings.

“Our Monroe site is one of Collins’ largest MRO facilities in the world, and the repairs we provide are essential to keeping our airline and military customers’ aircraft in service,” said Mary DeStaffan, Monroe site general manager for Collins Aerospace. “We’re proud to call Monroe home, to continue to invest and grow in the community here, and to support the region’s growing aerospace cluster.”

“Collins Aerospace is a vital corporate partner and a cornerstone of our aerospace cluster here in Monroe and Union County,” stated Monroe Mayor Marion Holloway. “Not only are we excited about the current success of the company and their investments here, but their continued commitment to the residents of our community.”