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Aviation
Supersonic business jet
In terms of technology, supersonic is the future. Since the Wright brothers’ first flight, the quest for aviation has been higher, further, faster. With the retirement of the Concorde in 2003, it might seem like a strange time for a dramatic reintroduction to supersonic travel. Imagine jetting from New York to Miami in an hour and a half, or darting from New York to Tokyo in less than 10 hours – including a stop to refuel. That’s the $1.4 billion dream of aerospace pioneer Bill Tracy, whose startup Aerion is hoping to build the first supersonic business jet, or SBJ. Billionaire investor Robert Bass backs Reno-based Aerion Corporation. The company is placing its bets on its natural laminar flow technology developed and patented by Dr. Richard Tracy. This supersonic project claims the capacity for eight to 12 passengers, a range of 4,000 nautical miles, sales prices of $80 million and entry into service by 2012. It’s a matter of balancing the technology available today with the economics to ensure that there’s an economic case to make the investment to go forward.
One of the biggest differences in Aerion’s approach is that their product is designed to fly subsonically over land, which doesn’t violate the Federal Aviation Administration’s current sonic boom regulations. Aerion’s 90,000-pound design utilizes a thin, unswept leading edge wing and T-tail to achieve natural laminar flow at a Mach 1.5 maximum range cruise. With its Pinocchio-esque nose and slender fuselage, a model of the SBJ in Tracy’s office bears some resemblance to the iconic Concorde.
Oprah gets a Global Express XRS
A $50 million mansion with 6 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms spread over 42 acres, a massive home theater, a man-made lake with rare fish and having Montecito sandstone bricks hand-laid in the quarter-mile long driveway if this much luxury wasn’t enough for Oprah she chose to go shopping, and what did she buy … a luxury plane! Now she definitely needs a private jet for herself as she resides in California and works in Chicago. It has been reported that she will soon receive a custom-built Global Express XRS from Bombardier Aerospace. The $47-million executive jet has seating for 10 passengers and has a leather interior with designer fixtures for the bathroom and galley. There is an aft stateroom for naps as well as a crew rest area and of course a large main cabin with every amenity Oprah could possibly require.
Italian Carrier Air One to get LiveTV
Are you a movie buff or somehow who needs a crane to pull you away from your beloved idiot box? Then this dope will be most advantageous to you. LiveTV has entered into an agreement with leading Italian carrier Air One, to provide in-seat audio/video systems on the airline’s fleet of new Airbus A320 aircraft. The service will offer multi-channel audio and video programs from on-board digital servers displayed on individual seatback screens. This is the first time the LiveTV multi-channel audio/video system will be available in Europe. Under the terms of the agreement, it will provide the system equipment as well as Support and Content Management services. Its wireless aircraft data link will be installed on all aircraft, enabling fast content uploads and data exchange between ground stations and the aircraft.
It proves that the in-seat audio/video system has made conventional overhead video systems obsolete. In-seat systems will become the new standard for in-flight entertainment on single aisle aircraft.
Omega to make solar powered plane with SolarImpulse
On May 12th 2006 in Cite du Temps in Geneva, Omega officially announced its partnership with SolarImpulse, which is currently planning an innovative and technically challenging exploit to fly an aero plane around the world powered only by solar energy. To mark the official announcement of the partnership between Omega and SolarImpulse, Omega presented its exhibition “After the Moon, the Sun’. In keeping with the pioneering spirit and quest for discovery and exploration, OMEGA will perpetuate its heritage with this celestial adventure along with SolarImpulse-rated as the best in European aeronautical technology, materials development, engineering and avionics.
When visiting the exhibition, the relationship between Omega and SolarImpulse becomes clear through their common goal of undertaking human and technological adventures, while raising awareness of the importance of developing new technologies and finding alternative energy sources for the benefit of future generations.
Buying the Luxurious Life
Ever wish you didn’t have to take off your shoes at the airport? Or fool around with lost luggage, missed flights due to traffic or not getting the reservation you wanted at an upscale restaurant? Think Bill Gates or Indian steel giant Laklshmi Mittal have worried expressions about these travel inconveniences?
Being a multi-millionaire or billionaire not only entitles you to less worry lines, but also the tools you need to travel well. While most of us have to worry with cheeky hotel clerks, sloppy rent-a-car associates and busy travel agents, the richer-than-us folks have people working behind the scenes to bring them trouble-free travel. From private flight crews, concierges, chefs, limousine drivers, personal assistants and pilots; the upper crust enjoy a fine and carefree holiday.
The luxury that tops the list for me is a private plane which is why I like the Gulfstream 200. This jet offers the range and comfort of a large cabin business jet for a midsize cabin price. In addition, an impressive cruise speed of 540 mph makes the Gulfstream 200 ideal for nonstop transcontinental travel.
Passenger comfort is one of the many hallmarks of this super midsize business jet. Its spacious cabin seats nine passengers comfortably and offers 6’3″ of stand-up headroom, which exceeds all other aircraft in its class and is taller than most large cabin jets. Furthermore, the fully heated and pressurized baggage compartment in the Gulfstream 200 is the largest in its class with 150 cubic feet of space. Offered in the U.S. by NetJets Aviation.
Think you’re ready to give up the rush to the airport, ticket agents, lines and coach seating? Sign me up! Cost, $2.5 million.
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