Innovative Aircraft Are in Demand at the AERO
In a first tour of the international aviation exhibition AERO (April 9 to 12, 2014), journalists were able to experience innovations from the area of general aviation already on Tuesday, a day before the opening of the fair: The Germany premiere of a business jet, a brand-new biplane with a retro look, and an inexpensive single-seater aircraft took center stage.
At the AERO, machines are presented from all areas of general aviation. This includes all civilian aircraft, helicopters, gliders, ultralight aircraft, and gyrocopters that do not belong to the sphere of scheduled flights or charter flights. Within general aviation, a particularly nostalgic form of flying is possible with the Waco YMF-5D, which was presented for the first time at the AERO. The biplane looks at first glance like a classic airplane, but in reality it is a brand-new aircraft in a retro look. Flying in this machine with an open cockpit appeals to pilots who appreciate a classic feeling of flying but do not want to deal with the technical shortcomings of a vintage aircraft or difficult-to-find spare parts. U.S. aircraft manufacturer Waco was already active in the thirties of the last century and is famous for its graceful and elegant aircraft. According to the words of Peter Bowers, CEO of Waco Aircraft Corporation, the new Waco YMF-5D is equipped with the latest technology in the cockpit and may even be flown in poor visibility and in clouds. It provides space for a pilot and up to two passengers.
Another famous manufacturer is Cessna, a company rich in tradition. The thoroughbred business jets of this U.S. manufacturer are virtually the “Ferraris of the skies” among general aviation aircraft. The company Atlas Air Service AG is the largest partner for business jets from Cessna in Europe. The company based in northern Germany’s Ganderkesee is exhibiting the latest business jet of type Citation M2 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. With a travel speed of almost 750 km/h, the M2 can accommodate up to seven passengers plus a pilot. The twin-engine jet can fly 2400 km non-stop. In recent years, Atlas Air Sales Director Hans Doll was pleased about the numerous jets of the Citation series sold, and he also has great expectations for the new M2 at the AERO.
At the other end of the spectrum, the propeller-driven single-seater Aerolite 120 is also celebrating a Germany premiere at the exhibition. This aircraft belongs to the category of ultralight aircraft. These are one- or two-seater machines that are easy to fly, very quiet, and economical in consumption, and for which a built-in parachute rescue system is mandatory in Germany. The Aerolite 120 weighs only 120 kg empty and is powered by a mere 28 hp two-stroke engine. Ready to fly at a price of 25,000, it is one of the least expensive motorized aircraft at AERO. Another advantage: For this extremely lightweight aircraft with a travel speed of 70 to 100 km/h, the pilot needs to have an ultralight pilot’s license but does not need to undergo a medical fitness examination like normal pilots.
An increasingly important issue for pilots is also protection against potential laser attacks from the ground, which can dazzle, cause severe eye injury, or even bring on a loss of one’s sense of balance. As a world premier at the AERO, Horst Rieker from the German Center for Aerospace DLR presented the “Electronic Laser Eye Protector,” a system that protects pilots of aircraft and helicopters from these dangerous light attacks.
One of the world’s largest manufacturers of aircraft instruments and navigation equipment is the U.S. company Garmin. At the AERO, Garmin employee Jessica Koos presented a new development of her company for pilots and aircraft owners within general aviation: Known as the glass cockpit, it brings together several functions in a large display screen. It allows the pilot to use a touchscreen and finger pressure to zoom in on or shrink important or relevant information or allow it to completely fill the frame.