Editor Carl Chance, Wings Over Kansas’ aviation & aerospace correspondent, former news consultant and producer for Wingspan Air & Space Channel.
Endeavour, Weather Look Good for Monday Launch
Fri, 13 May 2011 09:47:03 AM CDT
Teams at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida continue to prepare space shuttle Endeavour for a liftoff on Monday at 8:56 a.m. EDT. Everything is going on schedule reported NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding. "I’m really proud of our teams working so hard over the last couple of weeks," said Spaulding. "All the teams here at Kennedy and all the other centers have done an outstanding job to get us ready for this launch on this historic and final flight of space shuttle Endeavour." Joe Delai, STS-134 payload manager said all is ready to go and he and his teams are ready to support this launch. Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the current forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions a launch time. There may be some storm disturbance around the time the rotating service structure is to be rolled back, now scheduled to begin at noon on Sunday, but launch day is looking good for Kennedy and also for booster recovery and abort landing sites. NASA Managers will conduct a prelaunch news conference scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday and will air on NASA TV and www.nasa.gov/ntv.
Bombardier to Display Six Business Jets at Upcoming EBACE Show
May 12, 2011 — Montréal Aerospace
Global Express XRS jet renamed Global 6000 jet
Leading business aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace is set to land in force at this year’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 16-19. Six of its high-performance Learjet, Challenger and Global business jets will be on static display at the show, emphasizing Bombardier’s comprehensive aircraft range – the widest product offering of all business jet manufacturers.
As we move towards the first deliveries of the new Global Vision flight deck, Bombardier has renamed its leading Global Express XRS jet the Global 6000 jet. All Global 6000 jets will feature the Global Vision flight deck, which is on track for entry into service in 2012.
“These past few months have been very exciting for Bombardier. The interest in our newly expanded Global aircraft family confirms our position as an innovator and an industry leader,” said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “We’re delighted to once again come to EBACE and showcase our superb product line to this key customer audience.”
The super light Learjet 45 XR aircraft, midsize Learjet 60 XR aircraft, super midsize Challenger 300 jet, the widebody Challenger 605 jet, the large cabin Challenger 850 jet, and the ultra long-range Global 6000 aircraft will be open for viewing on static display at the Geneva International Airport.
Bombardier Aircraft on Static Display at EBACE 2011
Learjet 45 XR aircraft: When compared to its closest competitor, the eight-to-nine passenger Learjet 45 XR aircraft flies faster and farther, with more passengers*. The Learjet 45 XR aircraft passenger cabin area is approximately 15 inches (38 cm) longer and features the only double-club seating configuration in its class, making it the perfect business tool for charter and fractional operators.
Learjet 60 XR aircraft: The Learjet 60 XR aircraft is a proven model of performance, comfort, value and technology in the midsize jet market segment. It delivers a high cruise speed of Mach 0.81 (861 km/hr), superior climb capabilities, proven fuel efficiency and low direct operating costs per nautical mile*. The jet’s higher operating altitudes – certified to 51,000 ft (15,545 m) – translate to time savings due to better winds, less traffic and less turbulence.
Challenger 300 aircraft: This first true super midsize aircraft offers transcontinental range and superior long-range cruise speed, with eight passengers. It can fly Geneva-Dubai non-stop with a full payload and its superior airfield performance allows it to operate out of 5,000-foot (1,524-m) runways with ease*. The Challenger 300 jet offers the best performance and value in its class combined with dispatch reliability consistently over 99.7 per cent – this aircraft has exceeded customer expectations since its entry into service in 2004.
Challenger 605 aircraft: The Challenger 605 jet builds on the legacy of quality and reliability of its predecessor, the acclaimed Challenger 604 jet, leading its market share segment throughout the world. Featuring one of the widest stand-up cabins of any large category business jet available today, the Challenger 605 jet can whisk five passengers from Geneva to New York non-stop*, in superior comfort. The Bombardier Enhanced Vision System (BEVS) is offered as optional equipment on the Challenger 605 jet.
Challenger 850 aircraft: The Challenger 850 aircraft combines the proven performance and value of the Challenger business jet with the outstanding dependability of a CRJ200 airliner. The Challenger 850 aircraft is a unique solution for executive requirements offering unparalleled flexibility and comfort, taking advantage of the widebody cabin, reliability and maintainability of its airliner heritage.
Global 6000 aircraft: The Global 6000 business jet, formerly the Global Express XRS, features the largest cabin of any purpose-built corporate aircraft – offering more cabin volume and more floor space than its closest competitor. No other business jet in the ultra long-range segment matches the high-speed range capability delivered by this aircraft, offering the ultimate in cabin comfort.