Berlin Air Show – ILA 2008 – Taking place next week

ILA - Berlin Air ShowThe world’s oldest air show, the ILA, is taking place between 27 May and 1 June 2008 at Berlin-Schönefeld Airport (Germany). Over 1,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries are expected at this most important meeting place for the industry anywhere in Europe this year. The partner country at the ILA2008 is India, which has announced its largest-ever presentation at any foreign aerospace show. Over 300 aircraft of all sizes and categories will be on display on the ground and in the air.

The Air Show will be open for general public from 30 May to 1 June, offering an amazing static and air display.

Some of this year’s highlights are the Memorial Flight – 60 years airbridge with Douglas DC-3 and US Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, USAF Rockwell B-1B Lancer on flying display (as well as on static display), Airbus A380-842 on flying display, A330-200 and A320 on static display, A320 featuring the Airbus/DLR/Michelin-fuel-cell-system, which was successfully tested in flight in February this year – a civil aviation’s “first”, Messerschmitt Me 262 on flying display, as well as many jet fighters performing breathtaking high-performance shows like Panavia Tornado, F4-F Phantom, Eurofighter Typhoon, MiG-29 Fulcrum, F-5E Tiger II, F-16, F-86 Sabre. Helicopters that will be seen in flying action include Bell UH-1D, Sikorsky CH-53, NH-Industries NH90, Eurocopter Tiger, MBB BO 105, Boeing CH-47 Chinook.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) of this year’s partner country, India, intends to display its single-engined HJT-36 “Sitara” jet trainer, the light military and civil helicopter “Dhruv” and the “Tejas” light combat aircraft for the first time in Europe.

Depending on the weather conditions, a Wing Walkers Show with a Boeing Stearman PT17 can be admired.

More information: http://www.ila-berlin.de/ila2008/home/index_e.cfm

I will attend the Air Show at the weekend public display to take some photos for you!
(If you can offer a trade visitor ticket, please feel free to contact me. (Red Bull maybe? 😉 )

Video – The 3 types of planes in Red Bull Air Race

Watch this video and learn more about the airplane types used by various pilots in the Red Bull Air Races.

MXS
The MXS is a new breed of aircraft representing the latest in state of the art design and technology. The plane was designed using advanced computer solid modeling with emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency. The MXS stands alone in that it is constructed entirely of “Aerospace” grade carbon fiber which provides superior strength and durability never before seen in an aircraft of this type. The technologically advanced MXS is expected to set a new standard in overall aircraft design for the Red Bull Air Races.

Edge 540
Zivko Aeronautics of Oklahoma, USA had a mission to produce a plane that could perform precise standard maneuvers at speed and leave ample creative room for professionals to develop new figures. The result of is the Edge 540. The small one-seater airplane (a two-seater version is also available) is as precise and controllable as it is aggressive. The Edge is a ‘Shoulder Wing’ plane with extremely stiff wings. The use of a steel tube frame with composite fairings results in an extremely light, durable and stable fuselage. The Edge 540 has the highest aerobatic thrust to weight ratio of any competition aircraft.

Extra 300SR
The competition format of the Red Bull Air Race requires a standard of airplanes which so far has not been produced in aviation history on an officially certified level. ‘Extra Aircraft’, with its long experience in building world leading aerobatic airplanes, has now developed a race tool to meet today’s requirements for the new format of the Red Bull Air Race. The aircraft meets the demanding and stringent limits of the German Aviation Authority “LBA” (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt) as the acting authority for EASA (European Air Safety Agency). The design pays special attention to an aerodynamic wing optimized for low drag and high lift. Overall weight was drastically reduced within the technical boundaries for safe operation. The result is a plane capable of flying in a wide speed range, giving the pilot the option of flying very sharp turns at relatively low airspeeds.

Red Bull Gives Canadians Wings

Red Bull Air RaceDetroit, MI (USA) & Windsor, ON (Canada) will be the third stop on a ten city worldwide tour to make up the 2008 Red Bull Air Race World Series schedule. On May 31 and June 1, twelve of the world’s best pilots will introduce Canadians to a new dimension in motorsport. The pilots will pull up to 10 Gs with unprecedented skill and precision in their high-performance race planes just feet above the Detroit River in a captivating race against the clock.

The Detroit-Windsor race will follow the San Diego stop on May 3 and 4, and the 2008 season opener that took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE on April 10 and 11 where British racer Paul Bonhomme brought a first-place finish back to Great Britain. In 2007, 4.5 million spectators attended 10 stops worldwide.

2008 Red Bull Air Race World Series - Abu Dhabi
Red Bull Air Race 2008 season opener in Abu Dhabi

The Detroit-Windsor race will be staged along the Detroit River, which is one of the world’s most trafficked international shipping lanes. There will be two ticketed areas on both the Detroit and Windsor sides of the river that will offer all the necessary amenities and services including Jumbotron screens to get a birds-eye view of the race action.

Windsor’s rich knowledge in the automotive industry as well as its abundance of sports fans make it an ideal stop for the Red Bull Air Race World Series. The city shares an international border with the US and is located on the other side of the Detroit River. This race will mark the first time the Red Bull Air Race will take place between two countries at the same time, making world history for the Series and for the cities of Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan.

“This is a world class event, an event that is so large that I don’t think people from Detroit or Windsor have truly grasped how significant it is,” said Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis at the official launch of the event today at the Detroit City Airport. “We are very proud to be part of this unique opportunity: the first time the Red Bull Air Race has taken over two countries at the same time. Once again building on that wonderful legacy of two nations working together, two regions working together, and two cities providing the event, providing the fans, providing opportunity.”

“The city of Detroit is proud to welcome the Red Bull Air Race World Series on our international waterfront this May,” added Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. “This is yet another example of how Detroit is an ideal host for premium sporting events like the Red Bull Air Race, which will help further place our fine city on a global stage.”

This will be the first year a Canadian city is included in the Red Bull Air Race Series. The 2008 Series returns to London, Budapest, Porto, and Perth, which all held races in 2007. Tickets to the Detroit-Windsor race can be purchased at www.redbullairrace.com.

Each race will comprise two days of competition: Qualifying Day and Race Day. The overall series points leader will be crowned Red Bull Air Race World Champion after the season finale in Perth, Australia in November. In the Red Bull Air Race, the world’s best pilots race at speeds reaching 260 mph, enduring forces of up to 10 Gs as they navigate a low-level, aerial race track made of air-filled pylons.

Source: Red Bull

Pictures of the Day – A380 at FIDAE Airshow

These awesome photos are showing Airbus A380-861 MSN009 (F-WWEA) doing a spectacular, dust raising flight demonstration at FIDAE Airshow 2008, taking place in Santiago de Chile till April 6.

Airbus A380 at FIDAE Airshow Chile
Airbus A380 at FIDAE Airshow Chile
Photos by anfemabra

More pictures from FIDAE can be found at: Anfemabra’s Flickr Album & Nicotremus’ Flickr Album

Found via Yoove.net Flickr Tickr

A380 at FIDAE Airshow

Airbus S.A.S. LogoAirbus will be present at the FIDAE Airshow 2008, the “Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio”, taking place in Santiago de Chile from 31st of March to 6th of April. On this occasion an A380 development aircraft will take part in the daily flying demonstrations and can also be viewed at the static display area throughout the week. The aircraft will arrive in Santiago de Chile on the 29th of March, landing for the first time on Chilean soil.

Visitors to the show will be able to find out more about the entire Airbus product line at the indoor stand of its parent company EADS, located in the main hall stand no E39 of the Exhibition Centre. The exhibit will feature scale models of the A380, the new long range wide-body A350 XWB, and the new A330-200 Freighter. Airbus executives will be present at the EADS chalet (row D 4-8).

Visit: http://www.fidae.cl for more information.

Source: Airbus

Airbus attends Singapore Airshow

Airbus S.A.S. Logo Airbus today announced that they will attend the Singapore Airshow, Asia’s largest Airshow, taking place in Singapore from 19th to 24th February. The manufacturer’s participation will feature an A380 development aircraft, which will take part in the daily flying schedule and will also be on view at the static display area throughout the week.

Visitors to the show will be able to find out more about the entire Airbus product line at the indoor stand of its parent company EADS, located in the main hall (H23) of the new Changi Exhibition Centre. The exhibit will feature scale models of the A380, new widebody A350 and the popular single aisle A320. Airbus executives will be present at the EADS chalet (row CD12 to CD18).

Airbus will hold a press conference on Wednesday 20th February, starting at 10h15, with Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Visit singaporeairshow.com.sg for further information

Source: Airbus

Save the Red Barons

Today I’ve got an email from AirShowBuzz, asking for your help.
On December 3, The Schwan Food Company decommissioned the Red Baron Pizza Squadron after 28 years of amazing air show flying. The Red Barons are truly an American treasure and their abrupt retirement is a devastating loss to the national aviation heritage.

Save the Red Barons

Please click on the link below to go to AirShowBuzz.com and sign the petition.

Please pass this link around and encourage all your friends to do the same. Also, if you have an account with Digg.com be sure to vote for the submission below so they can bring this to the attention of as many people as possible. Together we might all be able to make a difference so future generations can enjoy the sights and sounds of the greatest civilian formation team of all time.

Sign the petition – Save the Red Barons
Digg it

Statement by The Schwan Food Company

“The Red Baron Squadron has been an incredible asset to our company and we are very proud of its long successful history,” said Bill McCormack, executive vice president. “The retail grocery industry has experienced considerable change over the past few years. And, as a result, we have decided to refocus our Red Baron marketing program and to discontinue the Red Baron Squadron.”
“We are very proud to have been a part of such a legendary program,” said Jayson Wilson, director of flight operations and left wing pilot – speaking on behalf of the Red Baron Squadron pilots, technicians and administrative staff. “We can all say we were a part of something really special. The air show community and our fans have been great. We’ll miss all of them.”

Facts about the Red Baron Squadron

  • More than 2,000 formation aerobatic air show performances
  • Flown more than 80,000 passengers
  • Traveled more than six million miles
  • Red Baron pilots fly in formation less than a wingspan apart while performing aerobatic maneuvers such as loops, clover leafs, hammerheads and barrel rolls.
  • The Red Baron Squadron® aircraft are fully-restored historic Boeing Stearman biplanes built between 1941 and 1943.
  • The Boeing Stearman was the primary training aircraft in the United States, Canada and Europe during World War II. More pilots have trained in a Stearman than any other plane.
  • 42 pilots have been members of the Red Baron Pizza Squadron’s 28 year history.
  • The Red Baron Pizza Squadron won the Art Scholl Award in 1995 and the Bill Barber Award in 1993.

Dubai Airshow 2007 – Airbus Orders Overview

Airbus S.A.S. LogoAirbus ended the 10th Dubai Airshow with major orders, re-enforcing customer confidence in its leading product range. During the show, Airbus received 163 firm orders valued at US over $28 billion at catalogue prices, from 10 customers. Airbus also won its largest ever order in terms of value for 70 A350 XWBs and 11 A380s from Emirates Airline. In addition, it received 132 commitments from three customers.

Orders in detail

  • C Jet Limited of Hong Kong has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the first VIP Airbus A350XWB, becoming a new customer for the type. Called the Airbus A350XWB Prestige the aircraft will feature a VIP cabin customised to C Jet Limited’s needs.
  • New Egyptian airline Nile Air has agreed to buy 9 Airbus A321 aircraft. The privately owned regional carrier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus to base its future fleet on the A321 aircraft.
  • Airblue, Pakistan’s fastest-growing airline has signed a firm contract for eight Airbus A320s, taking their total order for the A320 Family to 14. In late November 2006, Airblue signed firm contracts for six Airbus A320s. The aircraft will be configured to seat 157 passengers in two classes.
  • Al Jaber Aviation, a member of the Al Jaber Group, has placed a firm order for two Airbus A318 Elites and has signed a letter of interest for two Airbus A380s. Al Jaber Aviation is the first company to purchase the Airbus A318 Elite in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aircraft will be powered by CFM International CFM56-5B9/P engines.
  • Oman Air has signed a firm contract with Airbus for 5 new aircraft from the A330 Family. The order is for 3 A330-300s and 2 A330-200s. No engine choice has been made.
  • Yemenia, the official carrier of the state of Yemen, based in Sanaa, has signed a firm contract for ten Airbus A350 XWB aircraft as part of its long haul fleet modernization programme. Yemenia’s A350 XWBs will be configured in a comfortable two-class configuration with seating for 18 passengers in First Class and 265 in Economy.
  • DAE Capital, the aircraft leasing and financing division of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to buy 100 aircraft from Airbus. The order is for 70 A320 Family and 30 A350 XWB Family aircraft.
  • Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Kingdom Holding company, has signed a firm order with Airbus for an A380 Flying Palace, becoming the first customer for the VIP version of the new double-deck airliner. … more
  • Air Arabia, the first and largest low cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, has signed a firm contract for 34 Airbus A320 aircraft with an option for 15 more. … more
  • Saudi Arabian Airlines, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 22 Airbus A320 aircraft as part of the fleet modernisation plans. The agreement allows Saudia to increase the order by eight further A320s. … more
  • Dubai based Emirates Airline has signed a firm contract for 81 Airbus wide-body aircraft – 50 Airbus A350XWB -900 plus 20 -1000, and 11 additional A380s – in an agreement which could eventually rise to 131 aircraft. According to Airbus, this is largest ever order in terms of value. … more
  • Riyadh based National Air Services (NAS) has signed a firm contract to buy 20 Airbus A320 Family aircraft for the company’s budget airline arm, nasair, following an earlier agreement signed at the 47th International Paris Air Show in Le Bourget. The agreement includes 18 purchase rights.
  • C Jet Limited, has placed a firm order for an Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ), becoming a new customer. …more

Source: Airbus