Page 16 - January 15 Volume 19 Number 1

NBAA 2014
Posts
Blockbuster
by LeRoy Cook
Continuing on a recent string announced to take advantage of this 5,000 and 6,200 n.mi., respectively.
optimism. Gulfstream Aerospace surprised most of the crowd by unveiling planned G500 and G600 models, positioned just above the G450 and G550, incorporating a larger fuselage cross-section that will be slightly smaller than the G650’s. Among the many innovations of the G500/600 are active fly-by-wire sidestick flight controls instead of control yokes, designed to move in unison whether either pilot or the AFCS is flying the aircraft. The new airplanes will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW800-series engines, the
first time Gulfstream has not used Rolls Royce powerplants on its larger products. G500/G600 range at Mach .85 is projected to be
of highly successful Business
Aviation Conventions and Exhibitions, the National Business Aviation Association’s 2014 show in Orlando, Florida’s Orange County Convention Center was another blockbuster. Over 100 aircraft were stuffed into static displays on the Showalter Flying Service ramp at Orlando Executive airport and inside the convention center itself. The exhibitor count of 1,100 firms held steady with the pace of the latest record-setting shows, as did the total of 26,000 registered attendees from 95 countries worldwide.
The mood at NBAA 2014 was upbeat and hopeful; all signs point to continued growth
in business flying activity, with new products
The already-taxiing G500 is slated to fly in 2015 and the G600 will follow in 2017. A longer-range Gulfstream G650ER was certificated at show time, bringing the G650’s capability up to 7,500 n.mi.
At show time, Dassault was preparing to roll out its 8X long- range business jet, solidifying its lineup of new-technology aircraft, with first flight scheduled for Q1 2015. With a cabin 3.5 feet longer than the 7X, the 8X will offer added range and comfort. Dassault’s twin- engine, wide-cabin 5X continues in ground test, aimed at a first flight in Q2 2015. Meanwhile, perennial supersonic bizjet hopeful Aerion announced a partnership with Airbus to help develop its Mach 1.6 AS2 SSBJ.
Textron/Cessna brought the number-two production example of
14 • TWIN & TURBINE
JANUARY 2015