Category: BizJet

Lorin Coil Service Center Offers Services for Anodized Aluminum Customers

Lorin Industries announced that its Coil Service Center (CSC) offers comprehensive services available in the industry for leveling, sheeting, coil slitting, shearing, custom packaging and more. Whether destined for architectural, transportation, or consumer goods use, Lorin’s anodized aluminum is ideally suited for its end use thanks to the CSC’s services.

In addition, Lorin operates an in-house laboratory for color-matching and other testing. Experts measure and test the color value (according to the Hunter L. A. B. 3-dimensional color scale), anodic layer (using ASTM B137 testing), and gloss to verify that all are in specification multiple times during each manufacturing run. The testing laboratory uses an Atlas Weatherometer to perform accelerated weathering tests on Lorin materials to make sure they stand the test of time. What’s more, the lab has capabilities for other testing such as Salt Spray, Anodic Layer Seal Quality, and Abrasion Resistance, so customers can request test results from their particular coil anodized product if we are notified of such need in advance.

When it comes to logistics, whether the anodized aluminum coils are secured to skids, shrink wrapped, or custom crated, Lorin transports its material to customers conveniently and damage-free. The company offers international packaging designed by packaging engineers, as well as proven, specialized packaging for domestic shipments. Lorin’s sheet stock skids are designed to provide protection surrounding the entire package, and the company builds custom crating when necessary to protect shipments.

Anodized aluminum is most often shipped to manufacturers in full coils, which can weigh up to 15,000 lbs. While this is a suitable bulk delivery method for many, it’s not ideal for all applications. Lorin’s CSC also delivers cut-to-length anodized aluminum sheets for clients who require or prefer leveled, sheeted material, such as for architectural projects that require panels of anodized aluminum or consumer goods with smaller parts. Lorin delivers the following range of anodized sheet segment sizes: gauge range of 0.004″ (0.1mm) up to 0.080″ (2.0 mm); loading width range of 7″ (178 mm) up to 62″ (1575 mm); and cut segment lengths from 8″ (203 mm) up to 182″ (4622 mm).

When shearing anodized sheets to custom lengths and widths, Lorin utilizes leveling techniques that do not damage the anodic layer, ensuring the visual and performance benefits of the coil anodized aluminum are not compromised, thus ensuring a high quality end product.

Lorin offers a full service center to provide our customers with high quality made in America products and outstanding service and attention to detail.

 

Ace Aeronautics Opens Aircraft Paint Booth and Media Blast Facility

Ace Aeronautics announced the grand opening of its aircraft paint booth and media blast facility located in Guntersville, Alabama. This facility will add to the company’s capabilities, providing military, commercial and general aviation customers an additional component offering or turnkey service.

“The new media blast and paint center will accommodate CH/MH-47, UH/MH-60, and AH-64 or smaller from a U.S. Army helicopter perspective,” says Darrell Kindley, Ace Aero president and chief executive officer. “Our booth is designed to accommodate two of those aircraft for paint simultaneously, while the media removal area is configured for one aircraft at a time. Additionally, this paint facility will handle King Air BE-350 and below from a general aviation perspective.”

The facility expansion is only part of the growth Ace Aero will experience over 2020. Recently, the company completed approximately 58,000 square feet of campus expansion including a new hangar and general office space.

“In response to the high demand for aircraft storage and MRO space, Ace has invested a significant amount over recent years to meet this need for military and commercial customers,” says Tracy Stapleton, vice president of business development. “The opening of our state-of-the-art paint booth is just one example of our investment to bring excellent facilities and services to our customers.”

Jet Maintenance Solutions and Becker Avionics Partner

Jet Maintenance Solutions (JET MS) has begun a partnership with Becker Avionics.

“We are pleased to begin our partnership with Becker Avionics, a reputable and history-rich aircraft communication and navigation equipment producer. Our partnership is yet another step towards a wider and quality-oriented list of suppliers, available to Jet Maintenance Solutions clients. With further goals of strengthening the company’s global brand, we believe that continuous search of new partnerships will allow Jet Maintenance Solutions to excel, deliver high-quality services and provide an unmatched level of flexibility when it comes to aircraft maintenance and repair as well as in spare parts supply services,” says Vytis Zalimas, the CEO of Jet Maintenance Solutions.

“We are proud to announce our partnership with Jet Maintenance Solutions, looking forward to cooperate successfully and strengthen our mutual businesses on an international basis. With Jet Maintenance, we have found a reliable, highly professional and well known partner in the sector of maintenance and repair for private and business jets,” adds Detlef Haag, the CEO of Becker Avionics.

Jet Maintenance Solutions says they are focused on becoming a one-stop shop for all private and business jet maintenance and repair matters. Being the first provider of Bombardier CL604 7800 landings inspection and a noble name in design and fitting of luxury centered interiors, Jet Maintenance Solutions is constantly improving and extending its list of services available to custom tailored business and regional aircraft.

GORE Introduces New High Performance Aerospace Wires

W. L. Gore & Associates announced a new solution that meets higher voltages as the trend continues towards aircraft electrification to reduce the impact of air transport on the environment. GORE High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, deliver a combination of mechanical strength and electrical reliability without increasing wire bundle size or weight, the company says.

Ensure System Reliability over Time

GORE High Performance Aerospace Wires, GWN3000 Series, provide a higher level of mechanical and electrical performance over time in current and next-gen aircraft. They ensure EWIS (electrical wire interconnection systems) reliability, increase operational readiness, improve safety and reduce total lifecycle costs, according to the company.

The GWN3000 Series meets and even exceeds new rigorous industry standards that require higher levels of electrical and mechanical durability for wire bundles operating in extreme aerospace environments.

“We’re excited to offer a single, long-term solution to the industry that can solve complex EWIS challenges in today’s and next-gen aircraft,” said Jim Carothers, product manager.

New-generation engines and aerodynamic optimization have lowered fuel burn during the past half century of jet-age travel. However, recent efficiency and environmental gains are incremental compared to the paradigm shift inherent in an eventual transition to all-electric aircraft. That revolution and the near-term steps required to achieve it rely not just on new battery technology, but also the ability to deliver power sufficient to replace current systems based on combustion, hydraulics or pneumatics.

Gore’s chemically inert wire insulation does not degrade after exposure to harsh chemicals or humidity, the company says. The GWN3000 Series also reduces the risk of chafing, abrasion, and cut-through failures while easily tolerating wide temperature ranges. This new wire insulation meets mechanical, electrical, and material stability needs in one solution for complex wiring systems in commercial and defense aircraft.

For more information about the GWN3000 Series of GORE High Performance Aerospace Wires for commercial and defense aircraft, visit gore.com/highperformancewires.

Greene Tweed Announces New L-Cap Seal for Hydraulic Systems in Aerospace Applications

Greene Tweed, maker of high-performance seals, thermoplastics, composites, and engineered components, announced the release of its new L-Cap seal for hydraulic systems in aerospace applications.

Made with proprietary Avalon PTFE, Arlon PEEK, and elastomer materials, Greene Tweed’s new L-Cap seal exceeds industry standards for performance and durability, ensuring long service life, minimal fluid leakage, and excellent performance across a broad temperature range.

Used in critical flight actuation systems, Greene Tweed’s L-Cap seal provides superior fluid sealing in hydraulic cylinders under extremely high pressures. The company’s proprietary Avalon PTFE, Arlon PEEK, and elastomer materials ensure high durability and minimal wear over the lifetime of an aircraft. Greene Tweed’s proprietary materials exceed the low-temperature performance requirements set forth by aviation industry standards without sacrificing high-temperature performance.

Greene Tweed’s L-Cap seal also delivers leak prevention, exceeding customer requirements for minimizing hydraulic fluid leakage. In addition, L-Cap seals are easier to install than other aviation rod seals, thereby reducing actuation system failures upon initial startup.

Greene Tweed’s durable L-Cap seals function well in single- or dual-seal hydraulic cylinders and are designed to mitigate the pressure trap that can occur in dual-seal systems by enabling pressure relief, all without a complicated or costly seal design.

Elliott Aviation Delivers the First of 23 TBM 940’s with  HomeSafe Autoland

Elliott Aviation, a Garmin aftermarket dealer, has delivered the first of 23 TBM 940’s with HomeSafe Autoland. The company was selected by Daher as the exclusive retrofitter in the U.S. for their recently certified Garmin HomeSafe Autoland feature in the TBM 940. Elliott Aviation will be installing the system in 23 U. S.-based aircraft. These aircraft were sold to include the HomeSafe Autoland system, once the certification (Service Bulletin) was approved. An additional 26 aircraft are eligible for the upgrade as a customer option.

Elliott Aviation has been a TBM Authorized Service Center since 2005, and their aircraft sales division, Elliott Jets has been a dealer for new TBM aircraft since 2005. As Garmin’s leading aftermarket dealer, they have been installing Garmin G1000 NXi upgrades in the TBM since 2018. In addition, they have installed more Garmin G1000/G1000 NXi retrofits in King Airs than all other dealers in the world, combined. They have completed more than 50 Garmin G5000 retrofits, which includes the Citation Excel/XLS and the Beechjet 400A/Hawker 400XP, which is more than any other dealer, the company says.

“For the past 15 years, we’ve had a great partnership with Daher and we’re happy they have partnered with us to complete their HomeSafe upgrades,” says Conrad Theisen, director of Avionics Sales at Elliott Aviation. “Our reputation with both Garmin and Daher makes us an excellent choice for TBM 940 operators.”

Elliott Aviation will proactively be contacting all eligible US-based aircraft that were sold with the HomeSafe Autoland system to schedule the upgrades. Installation of the HomeSafe Autoland upgrade in the TBM 940’s will take place at their headquarters in Moline, IL,

ExecuJet Haite Completes the Largest Business Jet Inspection Performed in China

ExecuJet Haite Aviation Services China announced the completion of China’s largest business jet inspection and first 96-month check on an Embraer Lineage 1000.  The aircraft was delivered in eight weeks to meet a demanding delivery schedule which included all defect rectification work and service bulletins. The completion was done even with the challenges posed by the global fight against the Covid-19 epidemic and the daily logistic hurdles that were overcome by both ExecuJet Haite and Embraer to ensure a timely delivery for the customer.

Asian Sky Group (ASG), a business aviation consulting firm, acted as the owner’s representative overseeing and managing the delivery process, said, “We were very impressed by ExecuJet Haite’s agility, efficiency and ability to adjust to a very demanding timeline under the complicated restrictions of the current times. The project was completed ahead of the estimated time which enabled the client to conduct additional value-added activities before taking delivery, all supported and conducted by ExecuJet Haite’s professional and dedicated team. The standard of work, level of commitment, timely reports and responsiveness of Paul and his team made a tremendous difference and gave the client the confidence they needed throughout the process. We commend and thank them for their execution of this significant project and congratulate them for the achievement.”

The M8 inspection—conducted at 96 months, 4,800 hours, or 2,400 cycles—is the largest for the Lineage, encompassing more than 4,600 total man-hours of maintenance and requires specialized tooling, equipment and specific knowledge of the airframe and interior. Key elements include the removal and inspection of thirteen auxiliary fuel tanks, a full cabin interior removal and re-installation, rudder and elevators are removed, as well as the pulling of hundreds of panels for various structural inspections.

“This achievement truly demonstrates our outstanding capabilities to complete complex maintenance projects with an unwavering commitment of our team to the highest standards in quality, service and safety,” adds Paul Desgrosseilliers, general manager.

Airbus Corporate Jets Launches ACJ TwoTwenty Business Jet

Airbus Corporate Jets has launched the ACJ TwoTwenty business jet, creating what they have dubbed a new market segment: “The Xtra Large Bizjet.” This offer includes for the first time a flexible cabin catalogue, addressing the requirements of the heavy and long-range business jet categories.

“We are proud to extend the ACJ product Family with the launch of the ACJ TwoTwenty. The aircraft combines intercontinental range, unmatched personal space and comfort for all passengers. This latest technology platform offers unbeatable economics and unrivalled reliability,”said Benoit Defforge, president ACJ. “Based on its compelling market appeal, we see promising demand for this aircraft in the growing business jet market.”

While occupying the same parking space and being able to take off from the same airports as competing business jets, the ACJ TwoTwenty will offer three times more cabin space, yet with a third less operating costs benefiting from the high performance of Airbus’ latest A220 Family. The A220 Family is the quietest, cleanest and most eco-friendly aircraft in its category, featuring a 50 percent reduced noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft, and up to 25 percent lower fuel burn.

The ACJ TwoTwenty is a clean-sheet design aircraft, based on Airbus’ A220-100, featuring advanced materials and state-of-the-art technologies. The cabin will offer two times better connectivity than its competitors, a Wi-Fi system across all the cabin and latest innovations such as electro-chromatic windows and LED lighting.

The ACJ TwoTwenty will have an increased range enabling the aircraft to fly up to 5,650 nm/10,500 km (over 12 flight hours), directly connecting city pairs like London and Los Angeles, Moscow and Jakarta, Tokyo and Dubai as well as Beijing and Melbourne, benefitting the entire A220 Program.

Comlux, with its ACJ-approved completion center in Indianapolis and proven experience in outfitting and upgrading VIP interiors, has been selected as exclusive partner for the outfitting of the first 15 cabins to the latest addition of the ACJ program. Leveraging Comlux’s long standing experience in business jet operations as well as cabin outfitting, its knowledgeable completion team is partnering with ACJ’s head of Creative Design, Sylvain Mariat. He is recognized for having created the most innovative flying experiences.

Featuring  73m²/785 ft² of floor space distributed over six wide VIP living areas, the ACJ TwoTwenty offers selected interior arrangements and handcrafted furnishing. The cabin will allow up to 18 passengers to work, share, dine and relax at their discretion thanks to its cabin versatility.

More than 200 Airbus corporate jets are in service on every continent, including Antarctica, the company says.

AEVEX Aerospace Acquires IKHANA and Geodetics

AEVEX Aerospace announced its acquisitions of IKHANA Aircraft Services and Geodetics Incorporated. IKHANA Aircraft Services, headquartered in Murrieta, Calif., is a full-service provider of aircraft engineering, modification, and maintenance solutions (see Aviation Maintenance cover story on IKHANA here). Geodetics Incorporated, headquartered in San Diego, Calif., designs, develops, and manufactures commercial high-precision positioning and assured navigation products and solutions.

We are thrilled to welcome both of these great companies into the AEVEX family,” said Brian Raduenz, AEVEX CEO.

Each brings unique, world-class capabilities that are consistent with our strategic vision to offer our customers the full spectrum of airborne ISR solutions—from systems engineering and technology integration to mission operations and data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

IKHANA has a long history of engineering, modification, and certification of both jet and turboprop aircraft with extensive experience on a variety of commercial and special-mission aircraft. Geodetics builds a suite of low size, weight, and power (SWaP) products for high-precision, assured positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) that are readily adaptable to any system requiring high-fidelity solutions. Additionally, Geodetics produces application-specific LiDAR mapping and photogrammetry solutions.

When we looked at how to take IKHANA to the next level of growth, AEVEX was the obvious choice,” said John Zublin, President and CEO of IKHANA. “The capability and cultural fit are compelling, and our combined expertise will offer unmatched agility and tailored support to a wide range of customers.

The demand for our solutions is growing dramatically, and a combination with AEVEX is the logical next step for us,” said Dr. Lydia Bock, president and CEO of Geodetics. “AEVEX shares our passion for quality and performance and provides unique insights and access for the continued evolution of our solutions to meet the needs of both civilian and national security customers.

AmSafe Sanitized Restraints Protect Passengers and Reduce Aircraft Turn Time

In response to concerns about health, safety and the need to help passengers feel more comfortable flying again, AmSafe has engineered, tested and produced a sanitized seatbelt that demonstrates a 99.9% reduction in viral/bacterial load. In a recent study, 88% of travelers indicated that an airline’s effort and commitment to minimize the opportunity to be exposed to bacteria, viruses, microbes and pathogens is important and 65% of passengers indicated that they are concerned with being in contact with seats and seat belts, the two items that can’t be avoided.

 “In our research we are seeing that passenger expectations about cleanliness have changed.  They are also, in many cases, willing to change their preferences for an environment that gives them additional health safety benefits,” Bill Gehret, AmSafe vice president of Sales, says. “In fact, our research has shown that 74% would be more likely to book a flight with that airline that has sanitized seatbelts versus one that did not.”

Behind this technology is embedded silver-ions that provide over two years of protection for passengers and boasts a 93% reduction in bacteria in the first 10 minutes of exposure, the company says.  AmSafe has tested this new product at high usage cycles to verify its longevity, tolerance to cleaning with alcohol disinfectants and compliance to TSO C22G and TSO C114 requirements.

To make it easy for airline adoption, they can maintain the same base part number as the original AmSafe restraint, allowing Airlines to treat the change from a standard seatbelt to a sanitized seatbelt the same as merely changing the color.

Herb Mardany, President of AmSafe adds, “AmSafe has a long history of research, development and testing that inspires confidence in our products.  Add our commitment to helping customers improve safety, reduce cleaning costs and aircraft turn times and this is what enables us to be the world leader in restraint technology.”

The AmSafe Sanitized Restraint is available NOW in polyester or nylon and in any color.  Operator specified custom options such as identifying tags or buckles are also available.