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"New" Piper Jet

Piper went back to the drawing board with its single-engine Piper jet and the result is the Altair. The new aircraft differs substantially from the proof-of-concept Piper jet and includes a redesigned fuselage that is substantially larger than the stretched Meridian body that served the original.The tail-mounted engine stays but the longer nacelle and reworked tail give the aircraft a sleeker appearance. Company executive vice president, Andy Groom, said the new aircraft was aimed at both the business and owner-pilot market and suggested larger versions of the aircraft were possible in the future. He declined to say whether future designs would have more engines.

Groom said the company learned a lot from the proof-of-concept aircraft and there would be some direct transfers, such as the Garmin G3000 flight deck. However, a traditional dual yoke replaces the side stick controllers that were in the prototype. Groom also expected the 160 position holders on the old design to transfer their commitment to the new design.The new aircraft will be ready for customers in 2014 and will be priced at $2, 5-million.

Big Order for Embraer

Any doubts that Embraer will be a major player in the business aircraft market have evaporated as Net jets announced its intention to buy 125 phenom 300 light business jets from the Brazilian plane maker.Net jets placed a firm order for 50 phenoms and optioned 75."We expect to buy all the aircraft," Net Jets' CEO, David Sokol, told a jammed news conference at NBAAs press day. Sokol said the choice of the phenom 300 was based on input from customers and the features and performance they wanted

Sokol said the billion dollar deal would be a fundamental part of its fleet refreshment plan and older Citations and Hawker Beech craft aircraft would be retired as the phenoms came on line starting in2012. The Net jets phenom 300s will be unique and the feature package in the so-called platinum Edition will not be available to other customers.

Speed Records

During the show, Hawker Beech craft Corporation (HBC) received recognition for setting six world speed records in its flagship Hawker 4000 business jet between October 2009 and April 2010.For the second year in a row, National Aeronautic Association (NAA) president, Jonathan Gaffney, presented the official certificates for the marks, which are sanctioned by both the NAA and the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI), to HBC chairman and CEO, Bill Boisture, and executive vice president Shawn Vick at the NBAA convention."These records are a testament to the performance and technology of the Hawker 400," said Shawn Vick.

Surprise Announcement

In perhaps the most surprising announcement of NBAA 2010, Sikorsky confirmed it intended to invest in Eclipse Aerospace, prompting speculation that the sometimes bizarre story of the original very light jet might have a happier than expected outcome."This agreement in principle affords us an opportunity to invest in a great product and to further leverage our strong aftermarket and product support capabilities for fixed-wing application," Sikorsky VP, Mark Cherry, said in a statement.

Eclipse owner, Mason Holland, is understandably thrilled about the recent events. "We are elated about this potential new venture with Sikorsky Aircraft and the phenomenal reach we can extend to Eclipse Jet owners by access to the global service, support and supply chain network of Sikorsky,"Holland said."With the closing of this agreement we would have it all-a phenomenal fuel efficient twin-engine jet, an enthusiastic customer base and a fantastic support staf, all coupled with the depth and strength of a sound and experienced partner, Sikorsky Aircraft," he added.

Electric –Powered Cessna 172

An electric-powered Cessna 172 proof-of-concept aircraft will be ready to fly by April this year, Bye Energy and Cessna said at NBAAs convention. The two companies are collaborating on the project, which was announced earlier last year at EAA Air Venture.George Bye, CEO of Bye Energy, said the project was making steady progress."This is an ambitious effort, but we are continuing to uncover additional efficiencies with electric powered flight," he said.

Cessna CEO, Jack Pelton, said progress toward first flight of the electric 172 demonstrator was "encouraging news for the future of mainstream general aviation."When the project was introduced in July, Pelton said the electric power plant offered significant benefits, but there were significant challenges to get there. He believed Bye Energy had "gotten off to a good start in understanding those challenges and how to overcome them."

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