The German major aviation trade fair, AERO Friedrichshafen is celebrating its 25th birthday. On Wednesday, April 5, the global show for general aviation started with great results. The 2017 edition opened with a record participation of 707 exhibitors from 39 countries, some 100 more than in 2016, presenting the best results in its history. Not only more vendors came to this AERO, even the visitors numbers raised to a new record.
On closing day AERO project manager Roland Bosch told us that AERO 2017 has set a double record: 34,200 trade visitors (2016: 30,800, 2015: 33,900) and the highest number of exhibitors adding: "Good flight weather, a great anniversary party, satisfied exhibitors, and above all, a visitor and exhibitor record."
The fair-chief Klaus Wellmann said: "It is now clear that our AERO is the most important business meeting for the industry in Europe, many premieres and novelties were presented here."
The largest general aviation exhibition in Europe showcased numerous premieres and innovations. From gliders to business jets, everything is on the exhibition grounds with a huge presence of European UL aircraft (comparable to U.S. LSAs) and growing numbers of business aircraft.
This 25th anniversary edition of AERO was different, because of the airshow on a normally static exhibition. On a day prior to the start and on closing day, several electrically propelled aircraft flew their rounds silently in the sky over the airport.
A real fireworks of novelties could be found in almost any exhibition hall, specially in Hall A7 where the e-flight-expo takes place. The special exhibition (a sort of Siemens AG show) showcased many novelties in the electric aircraft world. This "electric" trend, already strong in 2016, has once more picked up speed. Companies such as Siemens AG, Pipistrel, Geiger, MGM_Compro, Evolaris, Engiro, just to mention a few, and some universities, are presenting the latest electric-powered aircraft and increasingly with hybrid propulsion systems. New powerplants and systems, specially the range extender solutions as well as interesting alternatives to conventional propulsion systems are coming to the market. The overall trend is: less noisy and ecological drive train solutions. We have noticed new electric drives but many more range extender solutions which are able to keep electric-powered airplanes and helicopters airborne much longer. Electric motors are already pretty common in the noncertified (UL) aircraft world, as with Siemens heading toward GA but for the first time we could see an electric motor and turbine combination, a hybrid, on board an Italian (UL) helicopter Konner K2.
EASA rewrites the CS-23 in an almost revolutionary way, offering a new way for a new era in general aviation, according to most OEMs.
EASA Certification Director Trevor Woods presented on the first day, EASA’s rewritten CS-23 certification rules for small aircraft. According to EASA their CS-23 are new, smart, and flexible rules, prepared with and for a safe innovative GA industry. The re-organized CS-23 framework removes design limitations for manufacturers and opens the way to innovation; first time in history that EASA has done this before the FAA.
Aircraft
Tecnam is back to AERO after a two-year absence, but with many novelties. Tecnam announced the official launch of the Slot Deposit Program for the P2012 Traveller. The twin Lycoming-engined, 11-seat P2012 Traveller prototype took center stage on Tecnam's display, interrupting the test flight program to be present. Tecnam's biggest airplane, the P2012 Traveller, was flown in from Italy marking its public debut. P2012 list price is €2,200,000 and with a deposit 100,000 Euro, Tecnam currently secures to potential customers delivery positions in 2019 freezing the price to order level.
The Tecnam P2012 Traveller first flew on July 21, 2016 and is on track for both EASA and FAA certification during 2018 with deliveries planned for 2019. The initial flight test results have enabled the Tecnam Design Team to improve the maximum take off weight (MTOW) to 3.600 kg (7,937 lbs.).
Tecnam revealed at AERO Friedrichshafen a substantially modified, upgraded, and improved Mark 2 version of the P2002 Sierra featuring the brand new 135-hp Rotax 915 iS/ISC turbo, fuel-injected engine. The introduction of the P2002 Sierra MkII with Rotax 915 iS engine is in response to Tecnam’s customers' demand for a modern and powerful engine which gives the airplane a higher payload and assures shorter take-offs.
Tecnam modernized the Rotax 912 iSC powered twin P2006T. The MkII version features a number of significant enhancements including the introduction of the Garmin G1000 Nxi Next Generation Flight Deck and improved levels of comfort for passengers and pilots.
Tecnam unveiled a new version of P Twenty Ten, the Mk 2. The single-engine, four-seat airplane, which was first presented in 2010, received a Lycoming IO-390 fuel-injected engine equipped with a VP prop. The IO-390 delivers 215 hp at 2,700 rpm. It features a tuned induction system, roller tappets, and ‘Slick Start’ ignition system.
Pipistrel: As in previous years, the company had a significant presence on the AERO exhibiting almost all products. According to Pipistrel's CEO Ivo Boscarol, the most important aircraft is the four-seat Panthera, which is now powered by a Lycoming IO-540. The Panthera is now heading toward serial production with more than 200 changes since the release of the first flying prototype. The Panthera features more leg and head room; deliveries will start in May 2017. Further highlights included the APLHA Electro in the electric aircraft area which underlines Pipistrel's leadership in this field.
Diamond Aircraft: The Austrian manufacturer brought few surprises to AERO 2017. The biggest was the unveiling of the DA50, a large, single-engined aircraft. The DA50 is now powered by a Safran SMA SR305 diesel engine with single power control. The turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder, opposite engine was one year extensively tested and will power the DA 50 four- and five-seater versions called -IV and -V. The -IV version is intended as a training aircraft and will be powered solely by a 230 hp, the -V with 260-hp SMA engine. The -VII version will be a seven-seater, with retractable gear and will be powered by a six-cylinder, diesel SMA engine SR460 with 360 hp or a gasoline Lycoming counterpart. The Ukrainian Ivchenko-Progress AI-450S turbine will be offered too. According to Diamond the SMA engines have linear fuel burn characteristics, and burn approx. 4.6 U.S. gal per 100-hp output. The DA50 is a modern and efficient single with the widest body and highest payload in this class.
Dries announced at the press conference Diamond's "Rotary Trainer Concept" helicopter called Dart-280. It will be powered by a nondisclosed, jet-fuel engine with 280 hp which will spin a three-bladed main rotor, while the "Finestron" tail-rotor will be electrically driven. MTOM is 1,350 kg/2,990 pounds; payload will be 556 kg/1,200 pounds, according to Dries.
The DART-450, the all-carbon made tandem trainer with the side-stick, will cost with ejection seats approx. 3,000,000 Euro and thus be the lowest priced, turbine-powered trainer aircraft on the market, Dries said.
The refined and customizable version of the DA42-VI called "Customized," features sophisticated interiors and exteriors with new colors chosen by the customer. According to Dries, the tilt-wing aircraft idea was abandoned as this "doesn't have sense." A nondisclosed quadrocopter is likely to be developed.
Piper: In addition to Simon Caldecott’s primary role as the Piper president and CEO, he is also attending the 2017 AERO Friedrichshafen as the current chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). “AERO Friedrichshafen is an essential event for Piper Aircraft and presents the perfect opportunity to showcase our line of value leading aircraft,” said Caldecott. “We are delighted to have our M600 aircraft on display for the first time in Europe during the 25th anniversary of AERO Friedrichshafen." The trade show on the shores of Lake Constance is a prime meeting place for the aviation community and the perfect venue to promote Piper’s top of the line product and launch its M600 European demo tour. Simon added, "In addition to the opportunities to promote our products, it is the perfect venue to collaborate with other industry leaders and meet face to face with representatives from EASA.”
Atol: The Finnish manufacturer presented the final production version of its UL amphibian. As we have heard from Anssi Rekulla (CEO), the aircraft is powered by the Rotax 912 iS and can be ordered at AERO for a discounted price of 149,000 euros (plus tax). Currently five aircraft are being built, deliveries are scheduled for the middle of 2017. The Atol features a new, fully redesigned cabin and retractable floats at the wing ends.
Atol Avion announced the creation of Atol USA Inc., a joint venture between Finland’s Atol Avion and a U.S.-based investor group for the production, distribution, and support of the Atol 650 LSA in the North American market. Atol USA also announced the selection of Brunswick Landing for its U.S. headquarters and production facility.
Blackshape, the Italian manufacturer, launched the Bk160 – Gabriél, the two-seat, tandem, composite aircraft with EASA CS-VLA certification. The Gabriél is the EASA CS-VLA version of the Bk100 – Prime called European UL/microlight. The Bk160 is powered by a 160-hp Lycoming IO-320 engine. The MTOW is 1,650 pounds or 750 kg; base price of the tandem-trainer aircraft is 281.400 Euro.
Equator Aircraft, the Norwegian company, a typical start-up enterprise, succeeded to impress the public with its P2 Xcursion. Equator has created an interesting amphib, two seater with a hybrid propulsion system (EHPS) where the prop on the vertical stabilizer is driven by a 100 kw (134 hp) electric motor which receives the electric energy from a dislocated Wankel combustion engine/generator power unit and/or from a battery pack. The prototype should soon start with ground/water testing and the maiden flight is planned for the summer.
Flight Design pretty surprisingly showed up at AERO 2017, not only with its already known high-wing aircraft range but with a brand new, low wing, composite two-seater. This aircraft was developed with Korean investors and thus named KLA-100 which stands for Korean Light Aircraft. FD resumed the delivery of the CTLS, CTLSi, and CTSL from Kherson/Ukraine a few weeks ago. The former FD CEO Matthias Betch told us that intensive negotiations with new investors for the takeover of the activities of Flight Design are possibly to be closed by the end of April.
The well-known Italian UL manufacturer, Nando Groppo, surprised the public with a brand new two-seater called G70. The "G" stands for Groppo and "70" for his age. This newest Groppo creation is still made as a high-wing and metal made airplane but new is now the seat arrangement: side-by-side and not in tandem as on other Groppo aircraft. The G70 went airborne in December 2016 and should be modestly priced at 66,000 Euro (plus tax) powered by a Rotax 912ULS engine.
MGM-Compro: This specialist for electric drives showcased in Hall A7 almost all its electric drives, which are installed in an airplane. MGM-Compro showcased electric motors, speed controllers, battery management systems, and charging devices on board of the following aircraft: Archeopteryx Airplane, Flike Multirotor by ByeGravity, Electric Skyleader, GP 14 SE Velo by GP Gliders, Ego Trike, and SONG Electric Aircraft.
evolaris aviation gmbh, a spin-off created by the University of Applied Science Bern, has developed an electrical high power motor for the Swiss aerobatic aircraft VOTEC EVOLARIS over the past two years. This electric motor will replace the existing 4/6 cylinder combustion engines made by Lycoming/Continental and other traditional manufacturers. First prototype tests of the motor were done in December 2016 and flight tests are planned for autumn 2017.
aErol: After building the 2 Solar Impulse electric airplanes and flying non-stop over the Pacific in Solar Impulse 2, Solar Impulse’s co-founder André Borschberg is taking electric propulsion technology a step further. H55, which he co-founded, is developing and will leverage the potential of electric propulsion in the world of aviation, making air transport cleaner, quieter, safer, and more affordable.
H55 focuses on the entire propulsion chain starting from the energy source and its management, right through thrust and power, as well as pilot interface and all control systems. H55‘s electric demonstrator aircraft, aEro1, which was showcased at this AERO, has successfully flown more than 50 hours, with a battery endurance exceeding more than one hour.
Volocopter 2X: This AERO was the world premiere of the Volocopter series model 2X. The flying taxi is just about to be launched onto the market at the price of 300,000 € After six years of development e-volo presented the Volocopter 2X, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft powered purely by electric energy and capable of carrying two passengers. In addition to the failure tolerance due to the Volocopter’s redundancy concept and its ability to fly emission-free, the low-noise operation marks another important advantage over other VTOL aircraft.
The 2X is the consequent evolution of the VC200 prototype toward everyday use. Its battery replacement system allows for a quick swap and makes it ready for operation within a few minutes. The 2X also leaves a very attractive optic impression. The Volocopter 2X has been developed for approval as an ultralight aircraft and should receive “Multicopter” type certification that shall be created under the new German UL category in 2018. Anyone with a Sport Pilot License (SPL) for multicopter will be able to fly the Volocopter 2X. With granting of the type certificate, series production of the 2X is set to start for the German air sports market. Until then, several pre-series models shall be used for test flights and demonstrations. The Volocopter 2X has not only been designed as a sport aircraft but also as a demonstrator for future urban mobility systems. By 2018, the first Volocopter 2X models with special permit are set to be used as flying taxis in pilot projects. The technology also allows for remote-controlled and even autonomous flights. For the first flying taxi pilot projects, e-volo assumes the Volocopter 2X will still be pilot-controlled due to the currently applicable regulations. Initially, remote-controlled or autonomous taxi flights can be carried out unmanned as necessary. Right now 300 persons are listed as interested buyers. Price as UL 300,000 €.
MSW Aviation AG was present in Hall A7 at the e-flight expo. The company was founded by Max Vogelsang, a well-known Swiss aerobatic and test pilot, in 1991. Over the past 25 years Vogelsang has constructed six different types of aerobatic aircraft called VOTEC. The first and most popular airplane he created is named VOTEC 322, a two-seater which original purpose was training. It is equipped with a Lycoming IO-540 or 580 which allows high-performance aerobatics at 250-350 hp and g-loads up to +/- 10.
To achieve an even higher performance at aerobatic competitions, the VOTEC 322 was modified into a one-seater version called VOTEC 351. The VOTEC 351 is fitted with a Lycoming IO-580 allowing the maximum performance of 350 hp. It has a minimum weight of only 605 kg and endures the same amount of maximum g-loads +/- 10. Therefore, it is commonly used in upper class aerobatic competitions.
Due to the growing demand for training in aerobatic planes Vogelsang fashioned the two-seater VOTEC 252 with side-by-side seating to allow more efficient training. This aircraft is equipped with a Lycoming IO-540 or 580 that ensures high-performance aerobatics at 250-350 hp and it endures g-loads up to +/- 8.
The newest member of the VOTEC fleet is called VOTEC EVOLARIS. This one-seater aerobatic aircraft is equipped with the evo220, which was newly developed by evolaris aviation gmbh.
Esqual: The Swedish UL manufacturer gained German UL certification in 2016 and showcased its aircraft at this AERO. The sleek, low-wing, all composite aircraft has a price tag of 83,000 Euro (plus tax) for a base model.
SEA: The Swiss-Italian manufacturer premiered its newest aircraft called Siren at AERO 2017. The holder of the FAI speed record, the well-known Risen with retractable undercarriage and the distinctive V-tail, is gaining momentum. From this fair on, a variant with a fixed gear, Siren, will enrich the market. This new aircraft is offered with the Rotax 912 ULS or 914 engines at a start price of 109,000 Euro in a basic trim (plus tax). The Siren will be available as an experimental or with an Italian UL registration; by the end of 2017 it will have a German UL-approval (DULV).
After extensive flight trials, the newest aircraft of the Remos family, the Remos GXiS, came back to AERO. Remos received the German UL certification of the all-composite, high wing at this fair. The certification as a European LSA is on the way and is planned by the year-end. In addition to the high-end aircraft GXiS, the aircraft builder from Pasewalk also brought the proven GXNXT to Friedrichshafen.
The very active Italian manufacturer, ICP, premiered a variant of the all-metal, high-wing, Ventura 4 at AERO. Ventura 4 is the four-seat experimental variant of the two-seater ultralight aircraft shown last year. The Ventura 4 is powered by the four-cylinder Lycoming O-360 with 180 hp. The aircraft will be offered as an S-LSA (600 kg MTOW) with two seats, as EASA VLA (750 kg) with three seats, and four-seater as an experimental (800 kg).
Innovaviation: The Italian FX-1 is a fourth-generation UL airplane, is carbon made, and it has a long heritage, with roots in the successful European UL JetFox - popular some decades ago. This new, computer-aided design (CAD) has been carefully engineered to optimize all aspects of a proven configuration. Designed by Alfredo Di Cesare, it incorporates many improvements and refinements that came from the knowledge and experience of working with similar designs, and from a clear understanding of the preferences of today’s discerning sport-plane pilots. Powered by a Rotax 912ULS this aircraft has a price of 98,000 Euro (plus tax).
Stemme: The company from Berlin debuted the Twin Voyager S12 with "Next Generation Instrumentation." New product features include aerodynamically optimized LED lighting that "interacts" with the surrounding traffic. It lights up and flashes automatically when other aircraft are percepted in surroundings. The new S12 instrument panel "2018 model" was on display for the first time. According to Stemme, its products, specially the S12, are selling so well that the present production rate is right now being doubled and the whole 2017 production is already sold-out.
Just a few days after AERO, Stemme announced its merger with Remos AG, the German maker of the GX light-sport aircraft. Remos has been making structural components for the Stemme motor gliders since 2014. Existing product will continue to be marketed under the current brand names, but Stemme AG will be the name of the combined business going forward. In addition to the line of consumer motor gliders, Stemme manufactures the ECARYS ES15 motor glider as a surveillance aircraft for government and military use.
The French helicopter manufacturer, MC Aeronautique, debuted its HTC 130 UL helicopter. This new design surprises with the ballistic rescue chute (on top of the rotor head) and a proprietary engine called HT422i. This two-cylinder, two-stroke engine develops 130 hp out of 1,600 cc³ and weighs dry 35 kg. The engine is ECU controlled and fuel-injected. This two-cylinder engine is offered in an unusual configuration where two structurally independent engines are connected only by an engine casing and drive over a clutch and single power shaft. This engine configuration still retains the 130-hp output (reving at half of the rpm) but in a case of one engine failure, the other is able to deliver the full power.
The Northern Italian insulation specialist, Teknofibra, has further developed its insulation materials specially made for aviation. The new material, which resists temperatures of more than 1,200 C can also be distinguished from the "old" one by a different color (gray instead of black). It has 20 percent better insulation properties and is currently being tested according to highest aviation standards for certified aircraft. Custom made firewalls can be manufactured on customer demand in two to four days.
Engines
Rotax: BRP Rotax, together with its sales partner, Franz Aircraft Vertriebs GmbH, is exhibiting in Hall A3-301. The superstar was the Rotax 915 iS. The engine still has the best power in this class, delivering the nominal power up to 15,000 feet and a service ceiling of 23,000 feet. A new main theme of this show was the online registration for Rotax engines, which will be held at the booth. Customers who register can get the Engines newsletter from BRP Rotax. In the future, the registered customers as an add-on service will automatically receive information about all possible changes affecting the motor. Also in the case of motor theft, this registration helps, since in the case of a recorded theft, repeated registration of the engine becomes impossible. BRP Rotax informed the AERO audience about the latest development steps on the 135-hp Rotax 915 iS, four-stroke, four-cylinder turbocharged aircraft engine with inter-cooler and redundant fuel injection system. Actually the engine is undergoing a final calibration in real flight mode. Since the maiden flight last March 12, 2016, the Rotax 915 iS aircraft engine has accumulated 250 flying hours and 10,000 hours on test benches. Currently more than 40 design-ins are in progress and some OEMs displayed their airplanes, equipped with the newest Rotax engine at AERO. The certification process will be started in second quarter of 2017 and the serial production is planned for the second half of 2017.
The Italian engine manufacturer, MW-Fly Engines, has now received ASTM approval for its engines. For the first time MW-Fly engines will be present at the AERO. As of now, all MW-Fly engines can be ordered in a right-hand and left-hand version. In addition to the engines, EFIS displays as well as Constant Speed propeller governors are available.
Geiger Wankel, which last year exhibited surprisingly one- and two-rotor Wankel engines with 50 and 100 hp, this year brought a 200-hp strong Wankel Twin. Two, two rotor 100-hp engines are coupled together driving a single propeller over a clutch and a gearbox. The two engines weigh together 90 kilos, ready to fly with the governor 160 kilograms. In addition, there will soon be two single-disc engines with a power of 120 hp, which will weigh 110 kilos. Geiger received an order of 100 units on the second day of AERO.
Continental Motors diesel engines are popular with flight schools around the world said Continental President and CEO Rhett Ross at AERO. Their popularity stems from the benefits that they provide to the pilot, operator, and maintenance organizations. The CD-155 offers simple, single-lever operation, and allows use of aircraft in regions where avgas is not available. Ross introduced Septo Adije Sudiro which owns a larger pilot's school in Indonesia. They already converted two gasoline 172 Cessnas to diesel engines and another 18 Pipers will shortly follow; the reason is non available avgas and its 300 percent higher price than that of a Jet-fuel. This was a perfect match to a CMD announcement from April 6 that it has received both its American and European supplemental type certificate (STC) by the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the Cessna 172 family of aircraft powered by the jet fuel diesel engine CD-155 (114 kw, 155 hp). The certification now includes the integration of Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system. The European STC allows the direct conversion (retrofit) of avgas engine equipped C172 to Continental Motors Group’s diesel power plants. To display engine data in the avionics system for the models 172 R and S, the integration of Garmin G1000 NAV III avionics with wide area augmentation system (WAAS) is required.
The imminent EASA certification of the newest CD-300 diesel engine was confirmed as the paperwork was submitted to EASA and it's only a matter of days till the paperwork is processed.
D-motor announced several new products. Alain Dejager told us that the six-cylinder is being redesigned and the production method is changed. The cylinders get thicker walls, and bore and stroke are increased. This makes the engine slightly longer and wider, but with 130 hp also more powerful. The ignition system is now part of the engine, which should facilitate the installation in the aircraft together with electrical connections.
The specialist for electric drives from Aachen, Engiro, brings several new drive innovations. A Range Extender has been specially developed for hybrid aircraft. This compensates for the disadvantages of purely electrical driven systems during longer flights. The new RE20-3 Range Extender is driven by a Wankel single-rotor engine from Geiger. This 30-kw unit will soon be available as a 60-kw unit.
Instruments - Electronics
Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., and Jeppesen, a Boeing Company, announced new wireless data transfer capabilities for Jeppesen terminal charts that are accessed through select Garmin avionics and the iOS-based Garmin Pilot app. This development enhances the integrated data capabilities from the two companies that advance cockpit technology and improve the flying experience for general aviation pilots.
This year Garmin is exhibiting the complete range of all its products. The Electronic Flight Instrument G5 for certified aircraft is premiering in Europe. The EASA-certified GTX 335/345 are also shown in combination with a G1000 Integrated Flight Deck. Interesting for the UL community: Garmin used this year's AERO to launch the new Garmin pilot application.
Dynon presented its new flagship, the SkyView HDX, for the first time in Europe. According to Dynon, the device has completely new, symbol-controlled touch controls with simplified screen navigation, which reduces the working load of the pilot. The display can now be operated over the entire screen surface and is less reflective. In addition, the brighter, better-resolution HD display has a much wider viewing angle.
This is the first AERO for TQ-Avionics from South Germany. In the summer of 2016, the electronics specialist took over the Avionics division of Dittel. The established company has been developing and manufacturing special electronics for years, also for civil and military aviation. The company offers a new 8.33 KHz radio for the conversion to the new radio standard at a special price. The device, named KRT2, is equipped with a TFT color display, weighs only 360 grams and fits into a standard round shaft (57 mm). The device is also available in mini-versions in portrait or landscape format. In addition to the radio, the new S-Mode transponder KTX2 was also presented.
Autogyros
As a real novelty, besides small refinements and model updates, we can list as follows: Trixy Aviation, Austria, introduced Trixy Spirit and TrixSea; EDM Aerotec, Germany, CoAX2D obtained the German UL helicopter certification; the AutoGyro from Hildesheim, Germany, replaced the MTOsport with MTOsport2017; and NIKI Aviation, Bulgaria, received the provisional certification for its autogyros Kalithea (traditional model) and Lightning (fitted with a thrust propeller which is integrated in the rear boom).
HeliTec from France developed and presented its own helicopter called HTC 130. The HTC 130 is a two-seater and fits with an 280 kg empty weight in the French UL class 6. The entire panel consists of riveted aluminum plates. Above the rotor head there is a "Junkers" rescue parachute, which can be deployed at a height of 60 meters above ground. The heart-piece of the helicopter is the two-cylinder two-stroke engine developed in-house. It delivers 135 hp, burns about 20 l/h in the cruise mode and weighs only 35 kg. A German certification is planned. For those with higher power needs, the engine can be doubled but fitted with a single shaft output.
AutoGyro, the world market leader in the production of autogyros, launched MTOsport2017, an open tandem seater, after more than 1,400 predecessors (MTOsport) were sold. In modern design, it shows the current state of the art in this field. Optically the biggest difference is the additional tube, a bar, located along both sides of the autogyro. This tube gives additional safety and takes away the fear to first-time users. The main rotor pole is now foldable, which allows easy storage in a car garage and easier road transportation. This rotor solution is retrofittable to older models. According to the new CEO, Ulrich Gehling, the basic price will only increase by 5 percent and thus will be net of 60,000 €.
The company Konner from Italy presented several years ago a self-developed gas turbine, which burns diesel/automotive fuel and delivers 250 hp. It is used in two-seater helicopters K1 and the four-seater K2. Since the last show, Konner has developed a hybrid turbine. A 90 PS horsepower electric motor is now integrated into the power train, which when activated covers the power peaks and thus makes the turbine more powerful and more fuel-efficient. In an emergency, e.g. in the case of engine failure, the electric motor is usable for safer landings.
Rainer Farrag, with his company Trixy Aviation from Austria/Slovenia, surprised again the audience with two new devices. First is the Trixy Spirit, an open, side-by-side seater powered by a BMW motorcycle engine, listed at 40,000 €. The company also presented the amphibious vehicle TrixSea, which has side floats for stabilization on the water, is fitted with retractable landing gear and with a proprietary turbocharged Rotax engine conversion.
