Fri, Apr 24, 2009
Partners With Teledyne Continental Motors, Swift
Enterprises
In a partnership with Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) and
Swift Enterprises, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) announced
the successful test flights of its certificated Beechcraft Bonanza
G36 on unleaded aviation fuel and Swift Sustainable Fuel. HBC leads
the industry as the first major aircraft manufacturer to accomplish
this using Swift Fuel. This is the first step toward the future of
unleaded gas and sustainable fuel powered aircraft and an example
of HBC's sustainability efforts and longstanding history of
developing leading technologies for general aviation aircraft.
"This is another big step in our sustainability initiative and
technology leadership at HBC," said Ed Petkus, HBC vice president,
Product Development and Engineering. "It is also something that
will delight general aviation pilots. The partnership with TCM and
Swift Enterprises exemplifies the leadership of our companies and
our commitment to supporting the technologies necessary to find an
alternative to 100LL. I am confident our customers and the entire
aviation industry will benefit from our efforts."
"TCM has established a leadership role in the important mission
to help develop an alternative to 100LL that is affordable, safe
and renewable," said Rhett Ross, president of TCM. "We will
continue to leverage our engineering resources and strategic
alliances until a workable alternative is available for piston
aircraft."
"We project that Swift Fuel will extend aircraft range through
increased efficiency and could cost up to 50 percent less per
gallon than 100LL," said Jon Ziulkowski, Swift Enterprises Vice
President of Renewable Fuels. "This will be a big boost to piston
aircraft operators and something we are proud to be involved
in."
The collaborative work with TCM and Swift Enterprises began last
year to develop engine technology and test unleaded and sustainable
fuels for use in piston aircraft. A fuel specification is being
developed for unleaded aviation gasoline and more testing is
planned for the coming weeks and months.
In February, HBC announced the formation of a Wichita
sustainability coalition. By partnering with TCM and Swift
Enterprises to investigate the future of aviation gas, HBC is
furthering its efforts to improve sustainability for the entire
life cycle of its aircraft.
HBC is also active in the Coordinating Research Council and
General Aviation Manufacturers Association Avgas
Committees.
More News
Aero Linx: International Business Aviation Council Ltd IBAC promotes the growth of business aviation, benefiting all sectors of the industry and all regions of the world. As a non->[...]
"During the annual inspection of the B-24 “Diamond Lil” this off-season, we made the determination that 'Lil' needs some new feathers. Due to weathering, the cloth-cove>[...]
Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offer>[...]
Also: Seaplane Pilots Association, Rotax 916’s First Year, Gene Conrad After a decade and a half of struggling with the FAA and other aero-politics, G100UL is in production a>[...]
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for >[...]