AERO Friedrichshafen: GA Show Surprises with Trendsetting Products
All new airplanes, old airplanes face-lifted, and important news, from the world of electric flight together with news from the avionics bay are proving again – that AERO is the most successful European light aviation show.
AERO Friedrichshafen, the global show for general aviation and Europe’s largest GA trade show, once more surprised from the very first day. AERO surprised with many new and innovative designs and with lots of just plain cool pilot’s gear! The AERO 2016 took place from April 20 to 23 on the shores of Lake Konstanz in Southern Germany, directly on the Swiss border.
Aero in many ways differs from U.S. shows. First, it is an expo and not a fly-in as SnF and AirVenture; secondly it is organized and managed not by volunteers but by a highly motivated professional crew of employees led by the AERO Show Director Ronald Bosch. AERO 2016 is not only geographically located in Europe’s heart but it is without a doubt “the” European aviation event and increasingly even the world’s main trendsetter specially in the field of electric flight, European micro-light/LSA and increasingly in GA. Our European correspondent Marino Boric was on-site feeling the daily, strong heart-beat of the show.
Since 2010, since the introduction of AERO on a yearly basis, previously it was held every second year, AERO is stressing all and specially UL/LSA manufacturers. Is it possible to bring a novelty every year? Is that doable? The astonishing answer of AERO seems to be: yes it is! This year 606 exhibitors were at AERO, some 100 more than in 2010 and only 15 less than in 2015 that was the “bigger AERO” because of the glider manufacturer presence which is only in uneven years. This year 30,800 visitors went through the gates - a slight increase compared with the directly comparable AERO 2014.
A real fireworks of novelties could be spotted directly after going through the main entrance gate to the Foyer West where the e-flight-expo took place. The special exhibition – a sort of Siemens AG show was accompanied by presentations in various lecture rooms as part of the AERO Conferences 2016. Companies such as Siemens AG, Pipistrel, Yuneec, Alisport, Axter Aerospace, Geiger Engineering and others, plus institutions such as GAMA or the University of Ulm were presenting the latest aircraft powered by electric and hybrid propulsion systems as well as interesting alternatives to conventional propulsion systems. Besides this, AERO offered to the specialized visitor and interested exhibitor/insider more than 150 presentations and lectures.
This Aero showcased a large rotary wing aircraft section and an increasing number of light and business jets. Besides traditional helicopters, the gyrocopter manufacturers are traditionally showing a strong presence. The autogyros are booming in Europe since 2013 and this development is not flattening out. Many of those stylish devices are finding utilization as work devices for civil, military, and governmental use. Regulations in Europe allow light gyroplanes with no more than two seats to weigh up to 1,234 pounds (560 kilograms) which is 200+ pounds more than in the past, making it possible to carry more luggage, payload, or fuel on board.
The next AERO will take place April 5-8, 2017. www.aero-expo.com.
e-flight world premieres at AERO in Foyer West:
Hybrid Panthera
Pipistrel is showcasing the first hybrid aircraft in general aviation, the Hybrid Panthera is born as a result of the Hypstair project that will be presented in the July issue of AMT. It is powered by the Siemens 200-kw electric motor and a Rotax 914 turbocharged gasoline engine that is used to drive the electric generator.
Extra 330LE
This aircraft is a flying testbed for Siemens SP260D electric propulsion system. The 330LE is based on the German Walter manufactured Extra 300L, a fully acrobatic, tandem, two-seater aircraft. Siemens intends to use the 330LE for flight test and for optimization of electric propulsion systems based on the SP260D electric motor. The Siemens' 260-kw motor (5 min. max) with its giant torque, available from the very start should fit well to acrobatic flight. Endurance? On WOT, my guess-estimate, not more than 15 to 20 minutes.
Magnus eFusion
The Hungarian Ul aircraft manufacturer Magnus Aircraft Corp. premiered another electric-driven aircraft at AERO. eFusion is a two-seat, composite, side-by-side airplane with fixed landing gear. The used airframe was originally designed for light aerobatic use. Siemens designed for eFusion a robust and safe aviation battery system which powers the Siemens 60 kw electric motor (85 kw max.) specially designed for use in very light, Light Sport and European UL – Ultra Light aircraft. MTOW is 1,320 pounds (600 kg) as the U.S. LSA's and EW is 903 pounds (410 kg). Maximum airspeed of the eFusion is stated with 97 KIAS. Maiden flight was performed on April 11 in Hungary.
e-Volo
e-Volo showcased the Volocopter, the first multicopter, in previous years but now the company of Stephan Wolf has received from the German authorities a provisional certificate of airworthiness which allows it to fly not only unmanned but with a pilot on board. In addition to above listed electric aircraft, electric propulsion systems for use on gliders were explained at the AERO conferences using the example of an ASG-32EL. Besides this major announcement, I spotted many interesting proposals by small manufacturers that offered the possibility to add electric motors to the existing gas engines, mainly for use with the Rotax 912 engines.
GA Aircraft
Piper
Piper CEO Simon Caldecott told the press that some 100 Piper aircraft have been ordered by University of North Dakota, which is "one of the largest single trainer orders during the past decade“. UND has more than 2,000 students and currently operates 120 aircraft. First deliveries will start by year's end and will last for eight years.
UND's Donald Dubuque said at AERO that Piper's DX diesel might be of interest in the future but for now only a Lycoming-powered aircraft will be ordered. Simon Caldecott announced price reductions on Piper M-class line and the Seneca. The M500 that is here at AERO for the first time in Europe has been reduced in price from $2.26 million to $1.99 million. The Matrix price dropped by $40,000 to $899,000, while the Seneca 5 price dropped by $50,000 to $979,000. Caldecott gave an update on diesel-powered aircraft, saying that six Archer DX were sold and some more are coming down the line – the one on display arrived from the factory just prior to AERO.
TBM, Daher
Daher announced the TBM 930, which differs from the 900 in its avionics system: the Garmin G3000 avionics suite, with touchscreen controls and three wide-format displays in an upgraded interior. The new interior features redesigned seating and headrests, new choices for wood or carbon finishes, and polished metal parts. Main enhancements are “E-Copilot” capabilities for reduced pilot workload and increased safety that include: ESP - flight envelope monitoring through the electronic stability and protection and the USP - under-speed protection systems; both were added to the autopilot. These electronic monitoring and stability augmentation systems assist the pilot in maintaining the aircraft in a stable flight condition when flight parameters are exceeded. Also on board are new aural alerts for stall, over speed, landing gear extension, and oxygen mask use.
Honda
The HondaJet CEO Michimasa Fujino told the press that he has overseen the HondaJet from conception to the certification. The industrialization/certification alone took 10 years. Fujino said that the HondaJet is 10 to 17 percent more efficient than other light jets, adding that the company has about 100 orders on the books and that seven aircraft were delivered. Fujino attended a small delivery ceremony where the showcased HondaJet was handed over to the new Swiss owner that will use it as a demonstrator. Fujino said the Greensboro, NC, factory can produce two to three airplanes a month, but intends to manufacture 40 units in next 12 months.
ONE Aviation
ONE Aviation, was showing for the first time the European certified Eclipse 550 with German registration. This brand new production aircraft was flown to Germany by CEO Alan Klapmeier and President Ken Ross. Klapmeier told us that these jets will be available in Europe for demo flights during the few next months. Klapmeier and Ross talked about the one year anniversary of ONE Aviation, and where the company stands after the first year in Europe. The company Jet Lounge has been announced as official and exclusive representative for the Eclipse 550 and Eclipse SE in 10 European countries with Ms. Alexandra Knorr as its managing director. ONE Aviation has delivered three new Eclipse 550 and one Eclipse SE to Europe. Recently the EASA certification for the Eclipse 550 and the Eclipse SE has been achieved. In a few months ONE will announce the European EASA training partner for Eclipse 550 training. ONE Aviation/Eclipse has recently, entirely reconstituted the original assembly line in Albuquerque, NM, and the company is now taking more of the previously outsourced work back in house.
Cirrus
Cirrus president Pat Waddick said that the SF50 Vision Jet, the first production model is just about to complete its maiden flight. Waddick said that four test aircraft have accumulated some 1,700 hours and that the Cirrus Vision Jet will revolutionize the regional transportation with its simplicity. The first four Vision Jets are on the production line and nearing completion. Waddick said the Cirrus has received some 600 orders and that Cirrus expects to deliver about 50 airplanes in the first full year of manufacturing; 125 jets/year are the production goal afterward. Waddick presented the media with an in-depth situation report on the SF50 testing showing several videos of testing procedures and a SF50 canopy mock-up drop from a helicopter. Initial CAPS testing was done from a race car on a racetrack. The SF50's automatic flight control system will be an integral part in the CAPS deployment sequence and will pitch the airplane into slower flight if the pilot commands a CAPS deployment outside the system's airspeed envelope. The Knoxville, TN, flagship location of the Vision Center will be the home to the Customer Experience team and encompass Vision Jet and SR series training, sales, delivery, maintenance, support, personalization, fixed base operations, and more. Groundbreaking of the Vision Center commenced in November 2015, with the grand opening of the factory service center scheduled for mid-2016 and the complement of full services opening in 2017.
Diamond
Diamond is traditionally exhibiting at AERO only every second year; more precisely in uneven years. Despite this fact, Diamond's CEO Christian Dries was really satisfied with the production numbers of the DA62 twin, priced at $1.3 million, that are currently one aircraft a week and this number is likely to rise to 60 to 62 airplanes a year. The DA62 is dominating the twin market with approximately 46 sales out of 110 total and is being adapted for charter operations with an additional belly pod for more luggage capacity.
News From the Field of European UL/LSA Airplanes (472.5/600 kg MTOM)
European UL/LSA airplanes (472.5/600 kg MTOM), European UL (472.5 kg MTOM), and European LSA (600 kg MTOM) airplane categories are similar to the U.S. LSA aircraft. The main differences besides two different MTOM are that European UL/LSA aircraft are allowed to have retractable gear, in-flight adjustable propeller, and are not limited with any maximum level speed.
Jihlavan airplanes, Skyleader
The star of the Aero 2016 was the UL-39 the "jet for everybody“. Jihlavan airplanes from Czech Republic has created the strongest buzz among all small aircraft manufacturers with a fighter like aircraft. Even the name of the airplane – UL39 - is pretty similar to the Czech Let-39 “Albatros” jet trainer. UL (Ultra Light) is a tandem two-seater, low wing, all carbon airplane powered by a ducted fan that is driven by a BMW S1000RR motorcycle, four-cylinder powerplant with guess-estimated 190 hp. This hi-rev engine transmits the power to a 24-inch (60 cm) ducted fan via a gearbox that is further increasing the rpm by a factor of 1.3. The aircraft was developed in the last 14 years by Professor Robert Theiner, Czech Tech. University in Prague and his students. This pretty compact fighter replica has only 6.9 m wingspan with 8.5 m² wing area, is 7.2 m long and 3 m tall. Leading edge portion airfoil is MS – 0310 which strongly resembles the Let 39 airfoil. The aircraft features a retractable tricycle-type landing gear that is also carbon made. According to the manufacturer, the aircraft is intended to operate in European UL category with a MTOW of 1,000 pounds (472.5 kg), but at the same time respecting the requirements of the CS-VLA. Empty weight is stated to be 710 pounds (322 kg), cruise speed 140 KTS (260 km/h), stall speed 35 KTS (65 knh), and endurance 300 nm or 550 km. Upon the reaction of Aero visitors, the future of this already flying aircraft will be decided.
Bücker & Funk, FK Leichtflugzeuge
One of the best known German airplane designers Peter Funk is surfing on the retro-wave. After his successful, retro interpretation of the Jungman FK 131 biplane in 2013, this year he debuted another old looking airplane called BF 139 Clubman. As the Jungmann, the Clubman will belong to the German UL aircraft class (similar to the U.S. LSA). The Clubmann is powered by a retro-looking Verner seven-cylinder radial engine and is - despite its look - based on the proven FK Lightplanes, modern bestseller FK 9, high wing German UL. A kit version is in development; ready to fly the Clubman is priced arround $77,000 (68,000 Euro) with the Rotax 912 or $3,400 (3,000 Euro) more if the radial Verner engine is ordered.
ICP
The Italian UL manufacturer ICP is well known worldwide for its Zenair alike airplanes. The volume and kit manufacturer from North Italy premiered a new high-wing, all-metal aircraft called Ventura which ICP intends to conquer the U.S. and other (overseas) markets. The new airplane looks like other ICP designs (all metal, high-wing) but it is a complete new design. The wing and the fuselage are deeply redesigned, the cabin is much wider 49 inches (125 cm) with space for two, three, or four seats – all depending on the intended certification. Under the cowling the ICP Ventura will install the proven Rotax 912ULS engine but for the U.S. market the Lycoming 320 is more likely. Base - launch - price for Rotax powered Ventura are 49,990 Euro (approx. U.S.$57,000).
Pipistrel
For Pipistrel this was one of best AERO's of the last decade. Just weeks ago Pipistrel sold 194 Virus SW 80 aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy (IN) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) where it will be called "GARUD“. Pipistrel showcased the Hypstair project Panthera hybrid aircraft and the whole range of its aircraft. Pipistrel's CEO Ivo Boscarol received EASA LSA approval for the Virus SW 100 aircraft. It can now fly as an EASA PtF LSA in Europe, taking advantage of the 600 kg MTOW.
AQUILA Aviation
AQUILA Aviation International GmbH presented its new owner. It has gone through some turbulent times and in January it was purchased by BPlas from Turkey. The BPlas, a leading high-tech company from the Turkish industrial city of Bursa, was introduced to the AERO public. The company is active in the international automotive field and has good relations with the Turkish Air Force.
SEA – Swiss Excellence Aircraft
After the great success and the world speed-record attempt last December, where the company owner Alberto Porto achieved with the 100-hp stock Rotax 912 ULS, Sea Risen the 174,41 knots (323km/h) FAI world speed record (status: pending), the sales of the aircraft have picked up and serial production has started.
Swiss Excellence Airplanes (SEA) S.A. announced its new model called “Siren”. This will be the new European and U.S. LSA variant and will become a base model or the little sister of the Risen. This aircraft will feature a fixed, tricycle undercarriage. This fix gear version will look like the retractable gear Risen, will deliver an incredible performance (top speed 157 kts or 290 km/h, with 100-hp Rotax 912 ULS) and it will be very aggressively priced. The "Siren" will cos,t according the SEA co-owner and designer Alberto Porto, from $114,000 (99,000 Euro).
Remos
The German manufacturer Remos AG was again present. The turbulent (financial) times are gone and the former volume UL manufacturer is back on track. Remos brought a brand new aircraft called GXiS that is a premium model fitted with Dynon/Garmin glass screens and the Rotax 912iS, fuel-injected engine under the re-designed cowling. Remos intends to certify the GXiS model in an European LSA category – the EASA certification is planned by end of 2016. Besides the 912is fuel injected engine on board, the GxiS featured a “smart start” electronic device that simplifies the Rotax 912iS start sequence - basically reducing the workload to a start of a modern car.
Next Aircraft
MD3 Rider is an Italian ultralight and light-sport aircraft that was originally designed in the Czech Republic and initially produced by Flyitalia of Dovera, Italy. The production ended in 2011, but production was resumed by a new company in 2013, Next Aircraft of Rivanazzano, that re-introduced the Raider to the European market at this AERO.
Stemme
The German, premium motor-glider manufacturer showcased for the first time the brand new Stemme S12, a production aircraft SN#2. The aircraft with an enormous wing-span of 25 m and high-end glide ratio of 1:53 was fitted with Stemme characteristic folding propeller and curious, cork plated instrument panel. The company sold two S12 during AERO and the order backlog has exceeded 20 aircraft. As in past years, Stemme will organize another Stemme Horizon Tour 2016 where actual and prospective owners can fly Stemme motorgliders in scenic areas of Swiss/French Alps.
Helicopters
EDM Aerotec
The CoAX 2D is the best example of the new generation of helicopters born in Europe. This German manufacturer expects that its 1+1 seater will be in Germany either this year or at least in 2017 certified as the first UL – Ultra Light helicopter. The MTOW of this helicopter powered by the Belgian six-cylinder piston engine, D-Motor, LF 39 with 125 hp will not exceed 450 kg or 992 pounds. CoAX weighs empty 617 pounds (280 kg). www.edm-aerotec.de
Konner
The Italian manufacturer introduced in 2014 and 2015 its K1 two-seat helicopter powered by the proprietary Konner manufactured 250 hp gas-turbine. This year Konner surprised the audience with a K2 helicopter which was developed on customer order from Australia. The K2 features two seats but is called 2+2 seater because behind the two seats there is space for another two seats or for bulky cargo. The large looking K2 is based on the Konner K1 and shares almost all structural, turbine, and drivetrain components. Price of the K2 is $398,000 (350,000 Euro), the smaller K1 goes for $284,000 (250,000 Euro). en.konnerhelicopters.com
Engines
BRP- Rotax
BRP-Rotax exhibited the whole product range at Aero with the German service partner Franz Aircraft GmbH. The highlight was the new Rotax 915iS engine, which made its European premiere in Friedrichshafen. The engine is based on the proven powerplant concept of the Rotax 912/914 engine family, and derived from the fuel-injected 912iS. The all-new 915iS delivers 135 hp and is the strongest engine in Rotax aviation engine program. The engine has, according to the manufacturer, the best power to weight ratio in its class and is able to keep the full take-off power to at least 15,000 feet (4,570 m) and has a service ceiling of 23,000 feet (7,010 m). Marc Becker, manager aircraft business, and Christian Mundigler, Rotax aircraft engine sales, gave the deep-insight into the 915iS development process, informed us that the 915iS after thousand hours on the dyno is right now flying in Austria on board the Aquila aircraft and has logged some 50 flying hours. We received information that the 915iS engine has a different reduction gear now using a torsional dampener for smoother engine operation.
Besides the 915iS engine premiere, Rotax Franz showcased several of his add-on technical delights. On display were ingenious, lightweight and easy-to-mount thermostat solutions for coolant and for oil. Besides this Franz showcased an ingenious solution for a fuel pump which can be placed directly in the fuel tank and which does not use electrical power for operation.
Lycoming
Michael J Kraft, senior vice president and general manager, Lycoming Engines division, told the press that the most exciting happenings for Lycoming right now are related to the iE2 engine technology on two aircraft. The first owner-built piston-powered Lancair Evolution arrived at Sun ‘n Fun and was on its way back routed through Williamsport, PA, for the engineering staff to see and fly the airplane. The Lancair Evolution is a high-performance pressurized retractable gear aircraft and is powered by a twin turbocharged intercooled 350-hp iE2 engine. Also recently, the Tecnam P2012 Traveller, a new large twin piston aircraft, had its official roll-out and taxi a few weeks ago. This aircraft is powered by two TEO-540-C1A iE2 engines, the second model derivative of the certificated iE2 product line. “We’re quite excited that the iE2 is now making its way from some very specialized aircraft like the Northrop-Grumman Firebird optionally piloted vehicle to broader use aircraft for civilian applications,” said Kraft.
Continental increases diesel engines TBR to 2,100 hours
Continental Motors Group, an AVIC International Holding Corporation company, after endless years of waiting raised the TBR (time between replacement) of its Diesel CD-100 series engines to 2,100 hours. Rhett Ross said that this lifetime increase affects all CD-135 and CD-155 engines manufactured since Dec. 1, 2015, incorporating revision status 2 design changes. The lifetime extension was possible due to several design improvements engineered in the last two years. The TBR of the CD-155 increases from 1,200 hours to 2,100 hours; the CD-135 from 1,500 to 2,100 hours. The gearbox and timing chain TBR will double from 600 to 1,200 hours once EASA issues the final paperwork for these components. The new extended TBR applies to new engines coming off the assembly line in Continental's St. Egidien, Germany, factory, as well as replacements being sent to the field. Another big announcement: Continental has partnered with Aviall as its domestic and international Master Distributor for aftermarket parts; this partnership is effective immediately. Aviall will be responsible for providing Continental Motors gasoline engine spare parts and diesel parts will be added in Phase II at a later date. Ross also announced that the company's high-power diesel, the 310-hp V-6 CD-300, is proceeding through certification and will be production ready by early 2017.
Safran, SMA
The French engine manufacturer SMA, a subsidiary of Snecma (Safran group), announced the STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) for the installation of its SR305-230E compression-ignited, diesel cycle engine on Cessna 182. The STC and a SR305-230E engine offer significant increase of performances compared to former versions of C182 currently in operation. SMA also unveiled a diesel-cycle, engine demonstrator with high power density, which could be able to compete with a turbine’s performances in the 400- to 800-hp power range. The demonstrator was only a single-cylinder engine apparently able to develop 135 hp with only 0.62 liter displacement; making a projection this could result in a 800-hp, six-cylinder engine, 3.6-liter displacement weighing only 530 pounds (240 kg). This means a 0.35 lb/hp/hr (210g/kwh) jet fuel consumption and a 1.5 hp/lb (2.5 kw/kg) power density. More on this engine in an upcoming issue.
Instruments
Dynon
Dynon introduced the SkyView SE to Europe at AERO Friedrichshafen. Dynon's new SkyView SE SV-D600 7-inch and SV-900 10-inch displays are priced hundreds of dollars lower than the existing SkyView displays. According to Dynon, the SV-D600 and SV-D900 are made specifically for VFR aircraft and pilots who want the easiest to use and learn flight and engine instruments on the market. They feature a simple and clear display, with almost no menus to navigate in flight. Yet they retain already known Dynon EFIS capabilities like one-button COM radio tuning and two-axis autopilot. By removing SkyView's mapping capabilities, even the 7-inch SkyView SE display has a large, easy-to-read Primary Flight Display, including pilot-selectable "steam gauges". SkyView SE is the successor to Dynon's highly successful D100 series instruments (which remain available) and are priced similarly to them. Dynon expects these new displays to be popular with European ultralight/light sport aircraft, where the low weight and low cost help make factory-built aircraft affordable.
Garmin
The big player in cockpit instrumentation premiered in Europe the aera 660 device, a brand new, cost-effective, purpose-built aviation portable. This device is priced in the US at around $850 and will be available now even in Europe. This feature-rich navigation device includes expanded Connext wireless capabilities and streamlined database updating.
The Garmin booth was always packed with visitors; on Friday we spotted Garmin's Jessica Koss at the booth with the German superstar, rapper and twin aircraft pilot Smudo. He was there giving autographs causing temporarily visitors traffic break-down.
Garmin introduced European FliteCharts and continues to expand its global aviation chart coverage with the release of European terminal charts on the first day of AERO, including instrument approach charts, SIDs, STARs, and airport diagrams. Additional charts such as ground movement charts and airport diagrams are also available as part of the European FliteCharts database. European FliteCharts cover the following countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland, and United Kingdom
Highlights: The aera 660 is a 5-inch/12.5 cm capacitive touchscreen portable, with a built-in GPS/GLONASS receiver, Connext wireless capabilities, WireAware. The user-interface is similar to the GTN 650/750, G3X Touch and aera 795/796 series so it will be easy to transition between the aera 660 and other existing Garmin products in the cockpit. The 3D Vision page displays 3D topographic landscape while overlaying GPS-derived airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, and attitude information when paired with a compatible attitude source. Included are a pilot-selectable presentation of flight instruments displays in classic, round gauges, or tapes on the 3D Vision page.
Connext wireless connectivity enables wireless database updating via Wi-Fi, supports connectivity with VIRB XE. Aera 660 is tailored to helicopter operators including WireAware wire strike avoidance technology, which provides both aural and visual alerting when operating near power lines. Operators within Europe can take advantage of a new Enhanced Basemap, which precisely displays visual landmarks and geographic locations.
