AVweb’s weekly search of the news in the world of aviation turned up some updates in the light airplane sector, as well as an award for Airbus’ electric trainer and a first flight for Bell’s new 505 helicopter. Van’s Aircraft and Dynon have worked to create a dual display option for the popular RV-12 LSA. Both screens are individually configurable. The dual touchscreen is an option on the RV-12 Skyview Avionics order form for E-LSA builders, and is available as an option on S-LSA RV-12s. An optional kit that adds a second screen to a flying RV-12 with a single screen is also available. Meanwhile, Flight Design is nearly ready to fly its new four seat C4 aircraft and in final preparation sent a team to Continental Motors manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama. The two companies have been working closely on the project. As the engineers prepare for the upcoming first flight of the proof-of-concept aircraft, Flight Design’s technical team attended a weeklong session covering detailed operational knowledge about the Continental IO-360-AF powerplant that has been selected for the C4.
Airbus Group’s all-electric, CO2-free E-Fan aircraft has been recognized by Popular Science magazine with the 2014 Best of What’s New Award in the aerospace category. The editors of the publication have selected the two-seat E-Fan – which is dedicated to pilot training – after reviewing thousands of products in search of the top 100 technological innovations of the year. The aircraft creates zero emissions in flight and on the ground, with an electric taxiing system and a significant noise level reduction, providing advantages to airports. On the rotarywing side, Bell Helicopter this week announced its successful first flight of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X(TM) helicopter. The maiden flight took place at the company’s Mirabel, Quebec manufacturing facility. “We have seen tremendous response from the market for the Bell 505, and today’s exciting flight marks another step toward delivering the high-performance, high-value aircraft our customers have been asking for,” said Matt Hasik, senior vice president of commercial programs at Bell Helicopter.
