A_P_2015_04

10 African Pilot April 2015

Aviation Business

of innovative composite thermoplastic technology, which reduces weight
and increases damage tolerance. To power its H160, Airbus Helicopters
has selected the new Turbomeca 1,100-shp. Arrano engine, which offers
signifi cant reductions in fuel consumption for improved range and payload
performance, along with a reduced environmental footprint. An optimised
maintenance concept designed to signifi cantly decrease the need for on-site
servicing will contribute to lower operational costs for the helicopter.

Additional features of the H160 include electric landing gear, requiring less
maintenance whilst also allowing more payload to be carried; easy access
to various maintenance areas, which was taken into consideration during
the concurrent engineering process; along with fl exibility in the maintenance
plan to match operators’ needs and constraints thanks to the MSG-3.

Airbus Helicopters has invested heavily in the H160 programme to ensure
effi ciency throughout development. Three dedicated prototype aircraft are
fully supported by two new ground-based integration test means that enable
comprehensive validations of the various system integrations to ensure the
highest levels of maturity before the H160’s fi rst fl ight and shorten the entire
development process. The Dynamic Helicopter Zero is a test bench fully
representative of the rotorcraft’s dynamic systems, the main and tail rotor
fl ight controls, along with hydraulic, electrical, avionics and health/usage
monitoring systems whereas the System Helicopter Zero integrates the
H160’s avionics, electrical harnesses, fuel system, hydraulics, fl ight controls,
lighting and all key elements that are connected electrically and involve
software. Development of the H160 began in 2013, with the defi nition of the
fi nal aircraft confi guration confi rmed this year. The helicopter’s fi rst fl ight will
also take place in 2015 and service entry is planned for 2018.

NEW BELL 407GXS TO THE MIDDLE EAST

During February, Bell Helicopter announced the sale and delivery of 16 new
Bell 407GXs to BBM Inc. of Reno, Nevada. The aircraft will be operated in
the Middle East and confi gured to suit a changing variety of urgent mission
profi les, ranging from casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) to reconnaissance.
The aircraft were presented to Fred Hees, CEO of BBM Inc. in a formal signing
ceremony at International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX).

The Bell 407GX delivers power and speed with a smooth, quiet ride and a
spacious cabin that accommodates six passengers. The aircraft also features
the fully-integrated Garmin G1000H™ fl ight deck, providing critical fl ight
information at a glance for greater situational awareness and increased safety.
The Bell 407GX fl ight deck’s high resolution LCD screens host primary fl ight
and multi-function display information, including Helicopter Terrain Awareness
Warning System, Helicopter Synthetic Vision Technology™, Traffi c Information
Systems and more. The Bell 407GX also features a tail rotor camera, allowing
the pilot a clear view of the tail during take-offs and landings.

DASSAULT AVIATION PREDICTS BRIGHT FUTURE

FOR INDIAN BIZJET MARKET

Dassault Aviation presented its Falcon fl eet of large cabin, long range business

jets at Aero India, India’s largest airshow for both military and civil aircraft.The

10th edition of this prestigious event, which opened on 18 February, took place

at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. Dassault is the Indian market

leader in the large cabin, long range aircraft segment, with 22 aircraft currently

in service and several more on order. Most new orders are for longer range

Falcon models like the Falcon 7X and the new fl agship Falcon 8X that are

capable of fl ying non-stop to London City Airport from anywhere in India.

The Falcon 7X, with its large cabin and advanced systems largely derived from

military aircraft, is particularly prized by Indian customers. Its ultra-quiet roomy

interior, available with a shower option, allows passengers to disembark fresh

and relaxed after a 13-hour fl ight. Its London City Airport rating can save two

hours off a typical London business trip, whilst its exceptional versatility allows

it to serve the most demanding destinations even at short, elevated and hot

airfi elds. Last year, the aircraft completed trials that will permit it to operate out

of the highest commercial airports in the world. More than 250 7Xs have left

the assembly line since the model was certifi ed in 2007.

The new 6,450 nm / 12,000 km Falcon 8X, which was rolled out last

December and the all-new 5,200 nm / 9,630 km Falcon 5X, introduced in

2013, are also receiving a warm reception on the Indian market. The 8X

made its fi rst fl ight in February and is due to begin deliveries by mid-2016. It

will offer the longest cabin and the lowest ownership and operating costs in

its class, along with the same advanced technology and operating fl exibility

as the 7X. The Falcon 5X, expected to take to the air later this year, will

feature the largest cabin cross-section of any business jet and the lowest

ownership and operating costs in the large cabin category.

The Falcon 2000LXS, certifi ed in 2013, is also expected to prove popular

with Indian customers. The LXS offers a short-fi eld capability comparable

with smaller midsize and super midsize business models, but with a range

and comfort level far better than these aircraft. Fifteen units of the Falcon

2000 series are already in service with large Indian corporate operators in

Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bangalore.

In anticipation of the expected market rebound, Dassault Aviation continues

to reinforce its regional support presence. The company recently opened a

new Bangalore offi ce and will soon authorise Ligare Engineering, a division of

Ligare Voyages, the largest Indian Falcon operator, to provide AOG Service

Level Maintenance for the Falcon 7X at its Delhi service facility.The deal with

Ligare Engineering follows previous Authorised Service Centre agreements

with Taj Air/Metrojet, for the Falcon 2000 series and Air Works India, for the

Falcon 900EX/LX line. Both of these operations are located in Mumbai and

supported by satellite facilities around the country.

Dassault Falcon 7X

Bell 407GXS