Aircraft

In the wake of Hawker Beechcraft’s announcement that it plans to sell the company to Beijing-based Superior Aviation for $1.79 billion, certain aspects of the deal are raising eyebrows among skeptical industry watchers. A number of analysts quoted in multiple news reports have questioned the large sum being offered for the company, maintaining such an […]

Bombardier announced at the Farnborough Airshow this week that its three Learjets currently in development are progressing toward certification on schedule. The Learjet 85, 70 and 75 are expected to enter into service next year, the company said. It may appear overly ambitious to develop three new jets simultaneously, but the Learjet 70 and 75, […]

Embraer has announced that Boeing will supply a new advanced weapons system for the company’s Super Tucano in a move that aims to strengthen Embraer’s bid against competitor Hawker Beechcraft for a highly contentious $355 million Air Force contract. The system, announced at the Farnborough Airshow this week, features so called laser and GPS-controlled “smart” […]

If you’re headed to Oshkosh later this month for EAA AirVenture, expect to see a lot more yellow on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport — specifically, Piper Cub Yellow. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the legendary J-3 Cub, the model that launched Piper Aircraft Co. in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, in 1937, and […]

Hawker Beechcraft on Monday announced an exclusivity agreement with Superior Aviation Beijing Co. in a deal that, if completed, will allow the Chinese-based company to acquire Hawker Beechcraft for a purchase price of $1.79 billion. Hawker Beechcraft reps say Superior intends to continue present operations at the debt-plagued company while also pouring investment into the […]

Chinese state-owned manufacturer Avicopter this week received the type certificate for its AC311 light utility helicopter, expanding the AVIC subsidiary’s growing product portfolio. The AC311 is a single-engine helicopter that is reminiscent of the Eurocopter AS350. It has an mtow of 4,850 pounds, can carry six people and is offered with a choice of Honeywell […]

When Cessna put production of its Corvalis single-engine speedster on hiatus two years ago following a delamination event of a wing structure — no one got hurt — the company clearly had its work cut out for it. It not only had to fix its production processes, something the company says it has successfully done, […]

European aerospace giant Airbus will build its first U.S. factory in a move aimed at making the company more competitive against archrival Boeing. The new plant in Mobile, Alabama – due to open in 2015 – will employ 1,000 people when it reaches full production capacity. Airbus said it hopes the factory will lower costs […]

There are certain ungainly looking airplanes whose great utility and flying manners bring with them a kind of charm that belies their looks. The GippsAero GA8 Airvan might just be this kind of airplane. With its squared-off features and asymmetrical shape, it is kind of an odd duck, the kind that no pilot walks by […]

Terrafugia has completed phase one of six planned phases in its flight-testing program for the single-engine, pusher prop Transition flying car. This first phase included testing of the airplane’s stability and power on and off handling. Engine-cooling and propeller settings for various flight conditions were also evaluated. “It’s a real airplane; we’re flying it whenever […]