Eurocopter ups EC175 specs
Eurocopter has released enhanced performance specifications for its EC175 medium utility helicopter, due to begin deliveries later this year. Under the revised specs, Eurocopter upped the baseline payload/radius of action capacity to 16 passengers at 135 nautical miles, a 30 per cent increase over the initial performance baseline. For longer range missions, the EC175 will
Air New Zealand, QantasLink top industry awards
Air New Zealand has been recognised as the world’s top airline for the second time in three years, while QantasLink has taken honours as the top regional carrier. In its 38th annual awards, US based industry journal Air Transport World recognised Air New Zealand for its product innovation, use of social media and environment initiatives,
Think tank calls for Growlers
An independent airpower think tank has called on the Australian government to begin converting at least six of the RAAF’s F/A-18 Super Hornets into ‘Growler’ electronic warfare aircraft. The Canberra based Williams Foundation says a dedicated EW capability remains the “one missing component” of what will soon be the best air power system in Australian
Brisbane flight training school gets new simulators
The Brisbane based Airline Academy of Australia has taken delivery of two next generation flight simulators. The US made Redbird FMX simulators are the first Redbird devices to be CASA certified in Australia. Each has quick change cockpit configurations and instrument displays, enabling them to replicate every aircraft in the Air Academy training fleet. The Air
Boeing and CSIRO partner on biofuels
Boeing and CSIRO have launched a year-long study on the potential for growing new feedstocks in northern Queensland that could be turned into sustainable aviation biofuels. The first phase of the study will focus on current and potential biomass production systems based on grasses and fast growing trees that would not disrupt current grazing and
“Minor cracks” discovered in A380 wings
What Airbus describes as “minor cracks” have been discovered in the wings of several of its flagship A380 superjumbo jets. The affected aircraft include the Qantas aircraft, VH-OQA, that suffered a mid-air engine explosion after taking off from Singapore in November 2010. Both Qantas and Airbus say the cracks do not present a safety risk.
