HQ Relocated to Wichita, Defense Arm Launched, USAF Orders Revealed

Bombardier had a busy month, publicizing a number of corporate changes, orders, and happenings as they readjust to a changing jet market. The company has renamed its Specialized Aircraft division into Bombardier Defense, reflecting its expansion and addressing a key growth area for their portfolio of mission-focused aircraft. The arm has confirmed that it received a firm order for additional modified Global 6000 aircraft from the USAF in support of its Battlefield Airborne Communications Node program.

Volocopter's Full-Size Prototype Successfully Takes to the Skies in Initial Testing

Volocopter proudly unveiled footage of their first completed VoloCity aircraft taking flight, posting it online to hearten investors and eVTOL fans abroad. The demonstrator provides solid proof of concept for the underlying layout and design of the aircraft, marking the first time a fully dressed and outfitted VoloCity has completed a test flight. It took to the skies for a brief time over an airfield north of Paris, France, to the applause of excited employees happy to see their hard work come to fruition. Volocopter described the flight as the culmination of 11 years of effort, a major step in their goal to have their electric VTOL aircraft ready for commerc

Li-Ion Unit Available to Replace Older NiCAD Honeywell Units in Business Jets

True Blue Power has proclaimed users of older Honeywell Grimes emergency battery systems freed from the nickel-cadmium ecosystem with the release of their new TS60 lithium-ion Emergency Battery Power Supply. The TS60 is approved for more than 13 business jet models, including names like the Boeing 737-200, Hawker 750 through 1000, and the Bombardier Challenger 600 series. True Blue Power advertises it as a direct replacement for the older, aged battery tech used in the original Honeywell Grimes parts, boasting fully modern cell chemistry, vastly increased performance, and significantly reduced maintenance.

Interior Outfitting Begins At Freshly Completed Facility

The first production G600 jet completed at their Dallas, Texas facility has been delivered, showing a quick response to the continuing boom in bizjet demand. The new location was expanded in June of last year to provide additional capacity for specialized interior outfitting in the company's new production jets. Customers shopping the G600 have a plethora of options, being able to configure a floor plan with separate rooms, living areas, crew quarters, passenger seating, and galleys to suit their particular mission. The Dallas location was designed in tandem with the company's customer service expansion at nearby Fort Worth Alliance airport, set to open later this year. <

Battle Creek Facility Sees new Management to Oversee Projects

Duncan has announced the installation of longtime employee Shawn Andrews as the new Airframe Manager for their Battle Creek, Michigan location. Andrews has been a part of the operation since 1995, being hired by Kal-Aero right before its sale to Duncan. His previous work at Yokota AFB had given him a base of expertise on the Hawker 800, working as a contract maintenance tech and onboard flight mechanic for the FAA and DoD.