Category Archives: airplanes

Daher unveils the TBM 940

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The new model TBM 940 will bring more automation in the cockpit to ease handling of the very fast turboprop aircraft with a smart and stylish cabin.

Check out the cool new improvements to an already great airplane.

Pompano Beach, Florida, USA, March 7, 2019 – Daher today introduced the latest version of its single-engine very fast turboprop aircraft – the TBM 940 – which sets new standards with the integration of an automated throttle and automatic deicing system, along with enhancements to style and ergonomic elements inside the cabin.

Succeeding the current TBM 930 as the upper-end product in Daher’s TBM family, the TBM 940 marks important steps forward in further upgrading aircraft performance, safety and comfort. The TBM 940’s launch was announced today during the Safety Seminar meeting of the TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA), held in Pompano Beach, Florida, USA.

“The TBM 940 redefines the ultimate private aircraft: user-friendly, safe and efficient for both pilots and passengers,” said Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of the Daher Airplane Business Unit. “This newest TBM family member underscores our firm commitment to constant improvement for the ownership and operational experience with our very fast turboprop aircraft.”
 
One key TBM 940 feature is its automated throttle – the first ever installed on a standard production turboprop aircraft weighing less than 12,500 lbs. (5.7 metric tons). Fully integrated with the autopilot, this single power lever autothrottle automatically adjusts the aircraft’s speeds based on the preset flight profile – from climb-out to the landing approach.

In addition to reducing pilot workload, the autothrottle enables a TBM 940 to be operated to the edge of approved power regimes for its Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D turboprop engine, providing optimum performance and efficiency from the powerplant.

Engine parameters display is also simplified through an intuitive single smart gauge.

Also introduced on the TBM 940 is increased automation for the deicing system – another first in the TBM’s aircraft category. When icing or ice accretion is detected – and if the pilot does not take action – the system is automatically activated for deicing of the airframe, windshield, propeller and the engine’s particle separator. An amber CAS (Crew Alerting System) message is displayed by the avionics, advising the pilot to clear the automatic activation and revert to the manual control mode.

The automatic deicing protection and autothrottle are fully aligned with Daher’s e-copilot® strategy of introducing functionality for improved operational safety on the TBM product line.

Inside the TBM 940’s cabin, Daher has incorporated ergonomic and style upgrades that include redesigned seats, additional thermal insulation for the cabin sidewalls, a new central shelf with side storage, an additional 115V electrical outlet at the right rear seat panel, and USB ports (bringing the overall total of USB ports to six for passengers and three for the pilots).

The TBM 940 retains the same range and handling qualities that made Daher’s TBM 900 series a true success, with more than 267 aircraft in this product line delivered from the overall production to date for the very fast turboprop aircraft.

Certification of the TBM 940 by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to be received at Aero Friedrichshafen 2019, the largest European airshow for general aviation, allowing new aircraft deliveries late spring this year.

100 DRONE LIGHT SHOW RETURNS TO ILLUMINATE NIGHT SKY AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2019

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

More than 100 drones in simultaneous flight during night air shows on July 24 and 27

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 19, 2019) — The dazzling drone light show that made its debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh last year is returning in 2019, with more than 100 lighted drones taking flight during the night air shows on July 24 and 27 during the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.”

The 67th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The night air shows have become a favorite of the weeklong event, featuring a new perspective on the precise flying skills displayed by aerobatic pilots.

The EAA AirVenture demonstrations will expand on the 2018 debut by Great Lakes Drone Company, based in Watervliet, Michigan. The company is one of just two U.S. companies authorized by the FAA for such displays.

“EAA and Great Lakes Drone Company worked closely with the FAA to make this pioneering and innovative event possible in 2018, and we’re aiming for even bigger things this year,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of marketing and business development. “What makes this event especially memorable are the intricate maneuvers that are capable by more than 100 synchronized drones, highlighting the possibilities of safe and responsible drone flying.”

Great Lakes Drone Company has done numerous drone shows as stand-alone highlights at events and has been invited to additional air shows after last year’s performance at Oshkosh. During AirVenture, the LED-equipped drones will perform a 10-minute custom-designed “The History of Flight” show complete with musical accompaniment. The company will also exhibit during AirVenture in the Main Aircraft Display area, giving an opportunity for attendees to engage throughout the week with the drone operators and software developers.

“Through the combined efforts of EAA, the FAA and Great Lakes Drone Company, last year we made history in the infancy of the commercial UAS industry by incorporating a commercial UAS operation into an active air show performance,” said Matt Quinn, president of the Great Lakes Drone Company. “We cannot imagine a more appropriate venue to perform with our self-built fleet at the home of homebuilt aviation. EAA AirVenture will be forever our ‘air show home’ where together we push the boundaries of aerial entertainment. Like any other aerial performer returning to Oshkosh, we will be doing it bigger, better and providing the audience an experience of a lifetime!”

The EAA AirVenture Oshkosh night air shows begin at 8 p.m. on July 24 and July 27, and are included with AirVenture admission. Announced schedules are subject to change based on weather or operational conditions.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

DRONE SHOWS TO LIGHT UP THE SKIES OVER LAKELAND DURING SUN ‘n FUN

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For Immediate Release

February 11, 2019

Lakeland, FL: You saw them at the Olympics, and most recently at the Super Bowl. Now, airshow fans at the annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland can look forward to something special – the first public drone light show performance at a Florida airshow. Over 60 of the specialized aerial robots will lift off together, taking flight twice during the week-long event. SUN ‘n FUN organizers are confident that this dazzling multi-colored aerial light display set to music, dubbed the “Star Dance Spectacular,” will be one of this year’s most memorable highlights.

“Drones are the latest in aviation technology, and it’s exciting to have a display like this to showcase just one of the incredible uses for them,” said Greg Gibson, Airshow Director for SUN ‘n FUN. “A drone light show has been on the top of our request list from the fans, and we are very proud to bring this cutting-edge demonstration to our audiences.

The science behind the spectacle is even more impressive than the twinkling, shape-shifting scenes played out against the backdrop of night. It can take up to three months to program the complex interactions and movements of so many drones that must move simultaneously while accounting for wind, humidity, and other factors. Great Lakes Drone Company, who produces the exhibition, is one of only a very few companies in the world capable of putting on drone performances of this scale. SUN ‘n FUN’s Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), their STEM-based education complex, provides the perfect venue for this type of 21st century presentation, and an exhibit area on the ground will be part of the overall experience for show-goers.

“SUN ‘n FUN is a world wonder of aerial entertainment, and we are honored to bring our technology to this legendary show,” said Matthew Quinn, president of Great Lakes Drone Company. “One of our key goals is to partner in communities to further aerospace education, and the award-winning programs at ACE is a perfect fit. Not only will we perform at SUN ’n FUN with our aerial night shows, but during the day we will feature STEM education in our exhibit and have a few other special surprises we can’t wait to announce in the weeks to come.”

The SUN ‘n FUN “Star Dance Spectacular” will take place during the night airshows that begin at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 6th. The performance will be the closing act following a dazzling array of breathtaking performances and pyrotechnics by some of the world’s most renowned aerial artists.

About SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc.:

SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events, inspiring and educating people of all ages. Year round events, including the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo which is one of the world’s largest of its kind, raise funds for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE). SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In annually raises over $2M for ACE enabling the delivery of STEM-related and aerospace education programs engaging over 35,000 youth each year. Additionally, ACE manages and allocates up to $445K/year in aerospace scholarships. For more information, www.flysnf.org.