Flight News On Corporate Business VIP Jets Flights
Flight News On Corporate Business VIP Jets Flights
Thanks to evolving technology any jet can now be considered as an executive or VIP transport. Size is of no consequence and can range from the small personal jet up to the leviathans, such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380.
Consequently there is an overlap in classification with some jets that used to be called VLJs now defined as light or entry-level jets.
The one common theme connecting them all has been the global economic problems of recent years. The economic situation has led to massive layouts of production and management personnel, forcing recalibration of production volume to meet the ability of the market to absorb new aircraft. A new study, The Market for Business Jet Aircraft, released by Forecast International at the end of 2010,projects that a total of 11437 business jets, worth an estimated $217,5-billion ,will be produced from 2010 through 2019.
The report also indicates that business jet production, which has dropped sharply since late 2008, will continue declining through 2011.
A recovery in overall business jet build rates will not occur until 2012.
This report was extensively covered in the February edition of World Airnews, but it should be mentioned here again that the study indicates that aircraft demand from fractional programmes helped spur the, market to great heights in past years but deliveries to fractional fell off substantially in 2009.
According to Raymond Jaworowski, Forecast Internationals senior aerospace analyst, "The focus of many fractional providers is on improving operations, reducing costs and consolidating aircraft fleets.
"The business jet market is not yet in recovery, but the worst of the market downturn is over," said Jaworowski."Order intake remains sluggish, but the wave of order cancellations and delivery deferrals experienced in late 2008 and much of 2009 has receded. The market is no longer in freefall."
Meanwhile, demand is already starting to recover for larger, high-value business jets, but it remains moribund fro small and medium models. The top end of the market in particular is drawing considerable attention, with Bombardier recently launching its new Global 7000 AND Global 8000 models to compete with the Gulfstream G650.
It all suggests that the marketing people have a tough job on their hands. Certainly the customer is in a strong position and the range and scope of the following representative listing of business jets, offers considerable choice.
The following review deals with the various corporate cum-VIP aircraft. The listing is in alphabetical order according to the manufacturer of each type.
Airbus
Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) Family comprises the A318 Elite, Airbus ACJ and A320 prestige. The Family features a reinforced structure to carry extra fuel tanks in the cargo hold for intercontinental range, a higher and more efficient cruise-altitude of 41000 feet, air stairs for autonomy and high-thrust engines for optimum take-off performance.
Wide-body comfort is provided by the A330-200 prestige, which accommodates 50 passengers. The A340-300 prestige carries 75 passengers, while the A340-500 covers the longest-range flights, also with 75 passengers.
The A340-600 Prestige is the super-stretch version. The A380 Prestige is the modern leviathan, offering two main decks for accommodation and unsurpassed baggage capacity.
C-Jet Limited, of Hong Kong, has signed for the first VIP Airbus A350XWB.Called the Airbus A350XWB Prestige; the aircraft will feature a customized VIP cabin.
The Airbus Corporate Jet Centre (ACJC),which specializes in Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) VIP cabin completion and associated services based in Toulouse, France, has delivered its sixth cabin to an undisclosed customer in the Middle-East and confirms a growing backlog of Airbus Corporate Jet completions. The ACJCs latest delivery is an A320 Prestige equipped with Airbus GSM (global system for mobile communications) onboard system.ACJC has succeeded in adapting the supplicated GSM technology to the VIP cabin and airframe systems, enabling guests to use their mobile phones during flight.
The Airbus Corporate Jet Centre also specializes in tailor-made services and maintenance for ACJs, including the A320, A330 and A340 families.
Airbus delivered 15 corporate jets in 2010, worth more than US$ 1, 5-billion at list prices, setting a new record for this facet of its business. The aircraft comprised 13 A318 Elites, Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJs) and A320 Prestiges, plus two VIP wide body A330/A340s.
Airbus also won eight orders for its corporate jets in 2010, taking total orders to date to more than 170 aircraft. The new orders are seven from the A318 Elite/Airbus ACJ/A320 PrestigeFamily, plus one A330/A340.
Aerion Corporation
Currently in development, the Aerion supersonic business jet is designed to fly at twice the speed of today's aircraft, while offering economy of operation comparable with conventional long-range business jets.
Key to this performance is patented supersonic natural laminar flow technology that substantially reduces drag at supersonic, as well as high subsonic cruise speeds. This design allows the use of existing power plant technology, namely the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 .Range at high subsonic speed is more than 4500 nautical miles and range at supersonic speeds exceeds 4000 nautical miles.
Additional details and preliminary results relating to a new round of flight tests in collaboration with NASAs Dryden Flight Research Centre were released recently. These tests, which took place in July and August 2010 and achieved a top speed of Mach 2, 0, mark the latest milestone in preliminary engineering activities for the SBJ.
Data gained from the initial series of five data flights aboard a NASA F-15B aircraft are being analyzed by comparing the static pressures recorded at 60 points on the flat plate at varying speeds and altitudes with those predicted by aircraft computer models, including the test pylon and flat plate test article. Engine inlet parameters are included in the model and adjustable to achieve the best fit with the measured pressures during the F-15B tests.
This process has been completed and the design of a test article to be used in the next series is well advanced .The design goals include achieving maximum extend of supersonic laminar flow, confirmation of its robustness under realistic conditions and cross flow pressure gradients.
When the aerodynamic optimization of the new test article has been completed, mechanical design and fabrication to NASA flight test criteria will be carried out by Aerion.Then, after ground and flight qualification tests by NASA, the second phase of the tests will be performed.
Currently the specification indicates a wingspan of 19, 57m, length of 45,19m and a height of 7; 09 m .Maximum take off weight is quoted as 40823 kilograms with a maximum fuel load of 20593 kilograms.
Antonov Design Bureau
The AN-74TK-200 has been designed to carry up to 52 passengers or 10 tones of cargo. An executive version is intended to carry 12 passengers and is fitted with additional heat and sound insulation and a passenger entertainment system.
The AN-74TK-300 features a passenger cabin interior designed and developed by InterAMI Interior.
Though the aircraft was initially conceived as an updated version of the An-74, this modification has virtually become a separate marquee with improved aerodynamic characteristics, which offer increased speed and lower fuel consumption and modern comfortable passenger cabin.
The An-74 VIP is an executive aircraft whose concept is based on the combination of a standard cabin and the provision of an additional compartment that can be used to carry either a team of attendants or oversized freight, such as a car.
Depending on the layout, the aircraft can carry 10 to 16 passengers over a distance of 2160 nautical miles to 2700 nautical miles.
The An-148-100 regional passenger jet is intended for transportation from 68 to 85 passengers over a distance of up to 2376 nautical miles. It has demonstrated an ability to operate from poorly equipped, unpaved, ice and snow-covered runways. Due to the position of the under-floor cargo compartments it is not necessary to use special ground equipment when loading/unloading the baggage.
Ivchenko-Progress State Enterprise has designed a new-D-436-148 engine for the An-148 family. It is equipped with FADEC and meets all the requirements of international regulation. The assigned engine life is said to be 40000 hours, 20000 cycles. Fitting Western-made engines is possibility, though no definite plans have been announced.
Anew variant adapted fro VIP Operations is designated as An-168 in Ukraine and as Antonov Business Jet (ABJ) in Russia.
BAE Systems Asset Management
The Avro Business Jet (ABJ) has a number of advantages both in terms of acquisition and operation. One feature is the immediate availability and affordability of the aircraft.BAE Systems Asset Management has a number of aircraft available and more continually coming on line that are ideal candidates for conversion to the corporate aircraft role.
With the recent entry into service of two more Avro Business Jets (ABJ) with operators in Europe and Latin America, this brings the total of ABJs in service or under conversion Worldwide to 24 aircraft.
A particular advantage is its exceptional airfield performance which opens up possibilities to access remote airports or to get in and out of "down-town" city centre airports.
The ABJ is fully Stage 3 noise compliant and is capable of meeting the proposed Stage 4 noise limits.
This has prompted the concept ,developed in association with design consultancy Design Q to introduce two new variants of the ABJ.These are Explorer one and Explorer Four that blend the airfield performance with a commodious fuselage and development of a unique Air Deck viewing platform.
The concept includes full domestic features for passengers and crew and is an attempt to combine the elegance of a maritime yatch with the flexibility of an aero plane .On the ground, to reveal a concealed platform that is hydraulically extended to create what is referred to as the "ultimate living space".
Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group
The BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) family is derived from the Next-Generation 737 family. The BBJ, BBJ2, and BBJ 3 are products of a joint venture, which began in July 1996 by The Boeing Company and General Electric co.
The BBJ combines the size of the 737-700 fuselage with the strengthened wings and landing gear from the larger and heavier 737-800. The combination provides a business jet having maximum range capability of 6200 nautical miles although requiring less than 1829 meters of runway. Typical seating can range between eight and 50 passengers, depending on the model.
The first BBJ received FAA and JAA certification in 1998.The BBJ 2, announced in 1999, is based on the 737-800 and is 39,5 meters long. It has 25% more interior space than the BBJ and twice the luggage space. The aircraft entered service in 2002.
The BBJ 3, which was launched in 2006, is based on the 737-900ER (extended range) and is 42,1 meters long. It provides 35% more interior space that the BBJ and 89% more luggage space.
Al BBJs are fitted with Aviation Partners blended winglets, which create more efficient flight characteristics, translating into approximately 250 nautical miles of additional range with the same fuel and payload.
The BBJ is flexible enough that customers can have a passenger seating area as well as an executive lounge, a private office and stateroom; whatever best suits their specific requirements.
In 2009Boeing introduced the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) Convertible for customers with special requirements. This reconfigures the aircraft from all-passenger to all-cargo configuration in less than eight hours.
As with Airbus, virtually all other Boeing models can be adapted to a private or VIP role.
The Boeing, wide-body business jet product line now includes the 777,787 Dream liner and the 747-8 .Boeing Commercial Airplanes provides aircraft to Boeing Business Jets, which then delivers them "green" to a customer-selected completion centre for interior configuration and paint.
At EBACE 2009, Boeing announced a cabin modification of the 747-8 VIP that adds an extra 807 square feet of floor space above the main deck of the aft cabin. The modification requires rerouting of wiring, hydraulics and air-conditioning items and has been designed by Green point Technologies.
Bombardier Learjet Family
Bill Lear's vision lives on under Bombardier patronage, with the Learjet 40XR, 45XR and 60XR versions. Capable of operating at cruise speeds of up to Mach 0, 81, the Learjet 40XR is certificated to 51000 feet. It is designed to fly with full fuel and a payload up to 914 kilograms.
Powered by Honeywell TFE731-20-BR turbofans, the aircraft has significantly reduced balanced field lengths at higher temperatures, improved time-to-climb capabilities, parti-cularly under ISA plus conditions, and faster high-speed cruises at all levels.
Now, there is an optional wide area augmentation system (FMS) that provides greater power to pilots via enhanced navigation capabilities and increased landing flexibility. In addition, the Learjet 40XR now has a range increase of 268 nautical miles.
The Learjet 45XR aircraft is an evolution of the Learjet 45, designed to deliver greater payload-range capabilities through a 454Kilograms increase in maximum takeoff weight and enhanced engine performance.
The aircraft also features Honeywell TFE731-20-BR turbofan engines, leading to significantly reduced balanced field lengths at higher temperatures, improved time-to-climb capabilities, particularly under ISA plus conditions and faster high-speed cruise at all altitudes.
In service since July 2007, the Learjet 60XR retains the combination of value and performance of its Learjet 60 parent, while adding one of the most advanced cockpits on the market. The Learjet 60XR succeeds the Special Edition Learjet 60 aircraft. Maximum cruise speed is Mach 0, 81 or up to 465 knots .The aircraft is certificated to 51000 feet and will cruise routinely at FL 410 and higher.
With the new Learjet 60XR Signature Series, there is a choice of newly appointed cabin environments with optional floor plans that provide greater legroom, new seats and a host of entertainment and productivity features. These interiors features redesigned and revitalized toilet areas.
In-flight connectivity options are also moving to the next level for the Learjet aircraft family, as customers can now benefit from Air cell Swift Broadband systems as optional equipment .Operators can now choose from a full range of in-flight connectivity and communication features including Voice,Internet,e-mail and cockpit data services.
Launched in 2007, the new Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Bombardier Aerospace jet to feature an all-composite structure and will be the first all-composite structure business jet designed for type certification under FAR Part 25.
The aircraft will offer a high-speed cruise of Mach 0, 82 and a transcontinental range of up to 3000 nautical miles .The Learjet 85 is designed to provide a larger, more comfortable cabin than any existing midsize aircraft, offering eight passengers a stand-up cabin built to ensure superior productivity and comfort.
Power will be two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B turbofan engines. At 6100 pounds of take-off thrust, the PW307B engine incorporates advanced technologies, including a TALON low-emissions combustor, an advanced shock management fan for increased flow capacity and powdered metal, high-pressure turbine disks for improved efficiency.
The flight deck will feature Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion with three, high resolution,15-inch diagonal LCD displays, synthetic enhanced vision, advanced human-machine interface including graphical flight planning capability, integrated flight information systems with electronic charts, dual advanced flight management systems ,electronic checklists linked to the engine indicating and crew alerting system(EICAS) and integrated circuit breaker control.
Lufthansa Technik has been selected to develop the new aircrafts cabin management system (CMS) .The digital, Ethernet-based CMS and in-flight entertainment system will intergrate all passenger entertainment and cabin environment management fuctions in a single system.
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