Air Capital Aviation Report

Air Capital Report, April 17, 2011

Editor Carl Chance, Wings Over Kansas' aviation & aerospace correspondent, former news consultant and producer for Wingspan Air & Space Channel.

Cessna Continues to Grow in China.

SHANGHAI, April 13, 2011 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron, Inc. Company, opens its exhibit in China for the Shanghai International Air Show as one of the leading general aviation companies in the country in terms of deliveries.

“The China market is very special to Cessna and we continue to focus our efforts here in terms of sales, manufacturing and customer support,” said Trevor Esling, Cessna Vice President, International Sales. “We have important relationships throughout the country and continue to expand our presence here to ensure we have the resources to support our growing fleet.” Cessna customers in China operate nearly 200 propeller aircraft and 26 Citation business jets in a variety of roles including training, business travel and special missions. Customers include the China Flight Inspection Center of the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the Civil Aviation Flying University of China.

Included in the Cessna China fleet are nine Caravan Turboprops (two more deliveries expected this month) flying a variety of missions including passenger service, cargo and aerial photography.

Recent deliveries include three Citation Sovereigns to CFIC in December, in 2009, a Citation XLS operated by the CFIC landed and took off from Qamdo Bangda Airport (BPX/ZUBD) in Tibet, demonstrating the aircraft’s capability to operate at the world’s highest airport at 14,219 feet (4,334 meters).

Cessna is also working with Chinese industry on aircraft production. Shenyang Aircraft Corporation produces Cessna’s Model 162 Skycatcher light sport aircraft. SAC has delivered more than 100 aircraft and Cessna holds orders for close to 900 more aircraft. Cessna has been active in Hong Kong in terms of operations and product support and has plans for further growth in Mainland China in the near future.

Boeing to Promote Innovative Solutions at Army Aviation Exposition.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 15, 2011 – The Boeing Company will showcase a wide array of aviation, training, support and technology solutions at the 2011 Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Annual Professional Forum and Exposition. This year’s event takes place April 17-20 in Nashville.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security aviation platforms including the AH-64D Apache, CH-47F Chinook, A160T Hummingbird, and AH-6I Light Attack/Reconnaissance helicopter and will be highlighted at the show. With a focus on technology, innovation and solutions, the Boeing exhibit at Booth #510 also will feature V-22 Osprey and ScanEagle models, tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance solutions, and integrated training and logistics solutions.

“Boeing is continuing to make the investments needed to ensure we meet our customers’ expectations, and that military men and women have the tools required to succeed on the battlefield,” said James Moran, Boeing vice president of Army Systems. “It’s an honor to support Army Aviation with Boeing products and services, and to support soldiers with the solutions needed to meet current and emerging mission needs.”

Boeing Receives Contract for SM-3 IIB Concept Design.

Missile Defense Agency Contract supports DOD’s Phased Adaptive Approach.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 11, 2011 – Boeing announced that it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to develop the Standard Missile-3 Block IIB (SM-3 IIB). This $41.2 million, 32-month contract is for the concept definition and planning phase of the project.

SM-3 IIB is a key component of the Department of Defense’s Phased Adaptive Approach for missile defense in Europe. It will provide capability against emerging longer-range ballistic missile threats.

Boeing’s SM&DS and Phantom Works organizations are working jointly to apply SM&DS’ proven missile defense development and production experience and PhantomWorks’ technological innovation to the SM-3 IIB project. This combination of Boeing capabilities and weapon production experience will deliver an affordable solution that meets the requirements of this important national defense program.

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