Thrush Aircraft began shipment of the first three of some twenty shiny new dual cockpit model Thrush 510G’s to China this week. It is the single largest order ever for the company and, with the included spare parts and training, one valued well into eight figures.
Heilongjiand State Farms Beidahuand Group in Jiamusi, China will take delivery of the newly FAA-certified dual cockpit 510G’s upon their arrival in country – which is anticipated in a little over two weeks. The first three aircraft are being ferry flown from Thrush headquarters in Albany, Georgia, and the remaining seventeen will be containerized and shipped via ocean transport for the more than 7,000 mile journey.
In preparation for the aircraft’s arrival in China, Thrush has been conducting pilot and mechanic training at the company’s Training Center in Albany over the past two months. In addition, once the aircraft arrive in Jiamusi, Thrush will be providing additional on-site orientation and assistance to help crews there in putting the new aircraft to work as soon as possible. At least six of the new Thrush 510G’s are planned to be ready for service during China’s 2013 spray season. The country’s primary crops that utilize aerial application include rice, soybeans and corn.
“The airplanes destined for Jiamusi represent a tremendous milestone for everyone here at Thrush, and for the State of Georgia – as well as a meaningful validation of the increasing levels of cooperation and trade between our nation and China,” said Payne Hughes, president of Thrush Aircraft. “Our customers in China did an almost unbelievable amount of research, comparisons and evaluations prior to purchase,” he continued, “and I’m darn proud they selected us for such an important order.”
Headquartered in Albany, Georgia, Thrush Aircraft manufactures a full range of aerial application aircraft used in agriculture, forestry and fire fighting roles worldwide. Founded in 2003, Thrush is well-known for building the most durable aircraft in the aerial application industry, as well as the best flying – from both pilot and operator perspectives. All Thrush models provide superb visibility, light control response, and a high degree of maneuverability and speed, along with superior efficiency and low direct operating costs. Today there are more than 2,000 Thrush aircraft operating in some 80 countries around the world.
About the Thrush 510G
The 510G was FAA-certified in October, 2012 and has quickly gained an enthusiastic following – as its new GE H-80 engine, combined with the rugged Thrush 510 airframe, is proving to be a extremely effective combination for operators in a wide variety of environments, as it brings a higher level of performance to agricultural operations – from enhanced hot and high capabilities, to higher cruise speeds, improved reliability, and increased fuel efficiency over other aircraft in the category. The dual cockpit version of the Thrush 510G was certified in July, 2013.
