Fresh out of the paint and upholstery shops, the Stratos 714 is displayed at Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Stratos 714 is being shown for the first time at the EAA AirVenture 2017 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The freshly painted and upholstered prototype has been on display all week. It was also scheduled for an in-flight demonstration during the show.

Since the first flight, on Nov. 2, 2016, the aircraft has flown 37 times. The Stratos 714 is a multi-role very light jet (VLJ). It is designed to support personal, business, and air taxi use. Seating six people, it can travel 1,200nm at 400kts. With a lighter cabin load, it can extend cross country legs up to 1,600nm.

“We have been very pleased with the results of the initial flight test program,” said Stratos CEO Michael Lemaire. “We were able refine the flight controls, improving the feel, and the pilots who have flown the aircraft have given us great feedback.”

The Stratos 714 has a high thrust-to-weight ratio and this results in excellent take-off performance. Factory test pilot Sean Van Hatten said: “The takeoff is really an event in this airplane. When you reach rotation speed, the airplane simply levitates off the ground.”

Carsten Sundin, the CTO and chief designer said: “It has been a long road, with extensive designs and tests. The time invested has resulted in a true business jet performance that is within reach of an owner-operator for the first time. We have taken a methodical approach in the design and we anticipate only minor design changes will occur in the certification process. Parallel to the design effort, we have built a solid foundation to support certification and production. This includes production-quality tooling, parts traceability, costing systems, and facilities infrastructure.

Stratos is not taking deposits until closer to certification. However, it is recording expressions of interest on its website.

Structural composite swept blade props improve performance of Beechcraft King Air 350 turboprop.

Hartzell Propeller and Raisbeck Engineering are collaborating on new structural composite swept blade props for the Beechcraft King Air 350 turboprop. Hartzell Propeller's exhibit at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 will feature a King Air 350 modified by Raisbeck Engineering with Hartzell's newest structural composite 106" diameter, lightweight five-blade propellers.

The aircraft will be at Hartzell's Booth 296-297 in the Main Aircraft Display Area during EAA AirVenture. Hartzell designed and manufactures the King Air propellers and Raisbeck performed the flight tests for the supplemental type certificate (STC), which it expects soon.

The King Air 350 propellers are an extension of the propeller blade technology advancements developed jointly by Hartzell and Raisbeck for the King Air 90, King Air B200 series, and King Air 300 series aircraft.

The King Air 350 collaboration by the Hartzell Raisbeck team has led to an increase in take-off, climb and cruise performance with decreased noise. The five-blade technology, designed specifically for the King Air 350, greatly increases the utility of the world's most popular twin-engine turboprop.

"By taking advantage of the aerodynamic effect of blade sweep, the strength of lightweight structural composites and robotic manufacturing technologies, Raisbeck and Hartzell have greatly improved performance across the board in all flight phases," said Hartzell Propeller Executive Vice President JJ Frigge. Hartzell's new five-blade swept propellers replace the standard Hartzell four-blade aluminum blade propellers.

Raisbeck Engineering Vice President of Sales and Marketing Lynn Thomas said, "This lighter prop provides improved single-engine climb performance, unlimited life blades, increased takeoff acceleration, and is quieter."

Brings Morane-Saulnier Type L replica to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and showcases latest turboprop.

A flightworthy replica of the World War I-era Morane-Saulnier Type L Parasol airplane – an ancestor to Daher’s TBM fast turboprop aircraft – is being showcased for the first time during EAA’s AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in, July 24-30, 2017 at Wittman Regional Airport, Wisconsin.

This historic airplane is the result of a six-year adventure that started in 2011 with the 100th anniversary of Daher’s roots as an aircraft manufacturer. The Type L replica project has been supported from the start by Daher, which provides workspace, tooling, and expertise.

“We decided to exhibit the Type L at Oshkosh in 2017 because this year marks the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I – which had an enormous influence in the development of aviation,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, the senior vice president of Daher’s airplane business unit, and president of SOCATA North America, its U.S subsidiary.

The replica’s construction project is managed by the Association Héritage Avions Morane-Saulnier, whose volunteers – both retired and current workers of Daher and its predecessor companies – have brought their energy and passion to this effort. Some of them are Morane-Saulnier veterans in their mid-80s. This replica retains the Type L’s Parasol’s original wooden structure, along with the wing-warping system and the aircraft’s all-moving-surface rudder and stabilizer.

To date, more than 15,000 man-hours have been invested by the volunteers in tasks ranging from woodworking to computer-assisted design. As the Morane-Saulnier aircraft is being built to fly, modern upgrades have been incorporated, including the substitution of a 110hp Rotec radial engine in place of the original Le Rhone rotary 80hp engine.

“Giving a ‘rebirth’ to the Type L represents the excellence in manufacturing and ingenuity that is reflected today in our TBM 910 and TBM 930 aircraft – which are recognized for their performance and quality,” Chabbert added.

TBM 910 makes its U.S. public debut Daher also is showcasing the latest member of its fast turboprop aircraft family for the first time publicly in the U.S. with the TBM 910’s appearance during AirVenture.

It is equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi all-glass integrated flight deck that replaces the previous G1000 configuration used on Daher TBM 900 versions. The high-resolution display and state-of-the-art processors provide a faster boot-up and software loading, while enabling the system to manage more aviation data and maps, such as visual approach plates.

“Since the TBM 910’s formal announcement only three months ago, this aircraft has captured attention of the owner/pilot market, and a dozen already have been delivered to enthusiastic customers on both sides of the Atlantic,” Chabbert said.

The TBM 910 benefits from the same range and performance that have contributed to the success of Daher’s TBM 900-series six-passenger pressurized single-engine turboprop aircraft, and this latest version also includes technical features such as the TBM e-copilot for lower pilot workload.

The TBM 910 enhanced interior includes the optional AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag in the torso section of 4-point seatbelts at the two cockpit seats. When triggered, the airbag deploys up and away from the seated occupant, providing protection to the head, neck and torso. The TBM 910’s AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag meets FAR 23.562 26g requirements for pilot/co-pilot seats, and provides additional safety for survivable impacts.

Graflight 8 engine FAA certification expected by the end of 2017.

New Richmond, Wisconsin-based EPS Diesel expects to complete the FAA certification process by the end of this year for its Graflight 8 engine. Work toward a type certificate has been layered with the process that will lead to a production certificate. Concurrently, EPS has been expanding its facilities. The latest addition is a two-story hangar at the New Richmond Regional Airport (KRNH) that adds a total of nearly 15,000ft2 to the 9,000ft2 hangar they started with. The new structure is intended to be used for engine testing and for developing supplemental type certificates (STCs) for existing aircraft models. The facility will host state-of-the-art AC dynamometers and data acquisition systems (DAQ). The new addition also has outdoor test capabilities providing propeller test stands fully equipped with data acquisition systems and space for EPS’s novel mobile engine test laboratory (METL).

Earlier this year, the administrative staff moved into a new, larger office space. EPS also has a fourth facility that has been used for concept and conforming engine assembly. Later this year, the company will break ground for a new manufacturing building that will be set up for producing certified engines.

The Graflight 8 diesel engine, with a range of 320hp to 420hp, offers a Flat Vee configuration to fit many legacy single or twin engine aircraft and innovations including a patented glow plug, a new firing order, a carbon/steel crankcase, and software that will monitor all engine functions.

After a two-year hiatus, EPS is attending EAA’s AirVenture, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where it will occupy exhibit spaces 16 and 17, just west of Exhibit Building C. EPS President Michael Fuchs and VP Steven Weinzierl, who founded the company 11 years ago, will be presenting three forums during AirVenture.

El Segundo, California, head office integrates functionality, company culture, and brand identity.

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc. chose to relocate to a new 14,000ft 2 location in El Segundo, California, to create a modern, welcoming space with an executive feel. The new office spans one floor, providing space for 27 staff, conference rooms, teaming rooms, executive offices, guest offices, a café, and break room.

The design team from IA Interior Architects worked with Aerojet Rocketdyne staff to create a modern and welcoming space reflective of the mature and conservative company culture. Natural and muted colors are used with wood finish accents, providing a blank canvas to highlight branded signage, company colors, and product exhibits such as an actual-size rocket motor with explanatory plaque in reception.

Incorporating Aerojet Rocketdyne’s brand colors throughout the workspace creates brand identity and recall for the company and its customers. Red and blue accents on chairs and in logos are consistent yet subtle, and custom wall graphics integrate brand messaging throughout the physical space. Floor-to-ceiling-height glass and continuous glass partitions thread through reception, work, and meeting spaces to create a transparent and collaborative atmosphere. Maximum natural light opens the space to a welcoming and community-based destination.

A long hallway leading to offices provides a gallery space to display representations of the company’s visions and business. The design team created a graphic wall concept for various topics, including a defense wall, space wall, values wall, brand wall, applied ingenuity wall, and video wall to exhibit Aerojet Rocketdyne. These private offices host the company executives and their assistants, the only staff at this location. Office furniture is custom designed to meet the client’s desired appearance and function. Amenity spaces include two main break rooms and an Aerospace Lounge.

Given the client’s interest in incorporating audio and visual components, electronic features are integrated in every space. Upon entry to the reception area, guests are greeted with a video wall displaying clips of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s company vision and products. Rooms throughout of the office maintain restricted access with card readers necessary for entry. The main conference room has six large monitors, each spanning 65" diagonally, connected to the main computer system to allow virtual brainstorming and training sessions. Conference rooms and board rooms also contain large customized tables that provide power and data access at every seat.