Mooney’s Two New Models Now FAA-Certified
Mooney Aircraft’s updates of its two classic single-engine models now are FAA-certified, the company announced in April. The M20U Ovation Ultra and the twin-turbocharged M20V Acclaim Ultra both come with an all-new interior and a Garmin G1000 NXi panel. The once all-metal airplane now has a composite-wrapped cabin, which the company says produces a quieter ride. The original Mooneys had a single door, but the new versions come with two wide doors for easier access to the cabin. The company has started to take orders for the first batch of 50 airplanes planned for this year’s production.
Collier Trophy Goes To Blue Origin
Blue Origin took home the 2016 Collier Trophy, bestowed by the National Aeronautic Association in March, “for successfully demonstrating rocket booster reusability with the New Shepard human spaceflight vehicle.” The Blue Origin team completed five successful test flights of a single booster and engine. “Blue Origin’s New Shepard program is remarkable,” said Jim Albaugh, chairman of NAA. “Developing the first new large liquid-hydrogen rocket engine in almost 20 years and demonstrating repeatable vertical takeoffs and landings makes the long-sought-after goal of low-cost reusable rockets and access to space a reality.” The Collier Trophy is awarded annually “for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America…the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use.”
