Aviation
Look at the Gorgeous Cobalt Co50 Valkyrie Private Plane..!
San Francisco, Calif. – Cobalt, the premier manufacturer of design-centric private aircrafts, today announced over $50 million in pre-orders of the company’s first model, the Co50 Valkyrie, within the first 90 days. Following the public launch on November 12, 2015, the fully certified version, Co50 Valkyrie, has seen significant interest from investors, pilots and travel enthusiasts around the globe. Cobalt also welcomed a new test pilot to the team. James Schwartz, a former Delta pilot, will command Cobalt’s test program for FAA certification.
“The Cobalt Valkyrie is a magnificent airplane and it has created a tremendous amount of much-deserved interest,” said James Schwartz, lead test pilot at Cobalt. “It’s a beautiful design, profoundly enjoyable to fly, and it will outperform anything in its class. I’m very happy for the opportunity to fly the Valkyrie, and excited to lead Cobalt’s flight test program.”
Upon opening the order book, Cobalt received hundreds of inquiries to buy the plane, including 29 orders that were placed within the first 24 hours. Many of the interested buyers are from top technology companies in Silicon Valley like Google and Apple. In addition to huge pre-orders from the U.S., the company also witnessed strong pre-order sales in top international markets, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Brazil.
“Cobalt’s initial pre-orders have exceeded my expectations,” said David Loury, founder and chief executive officer of Cobalt. “The growing demand for the Valkyrie illustrates the real desire that people have to purchase a private aircraft that’s design-centric, sleek and super fast. My vision is to reinvigorate the personal aviation market, starting with the Valkyrie.”
Built for speed. The Valkyrie is the fastest private aircraft in its class with the ability to travel up to 260 knots. In contrast, other single engine piston aircraft usually tap out at 242 knots. Cobalt’s Valkyrie is the fastest single engine piston plane in its category.
Super safe. The Co50 Valkyrie is a canard aircraft, equipped with a forewing to prevent the plane from stalling in the air. This provides a tremendous peace of mind to pilots and ensures the industry’s safest landings and takeoffs. Cobalt promotes the highest standards of safety in the industry. An onboard parachute is also provided for an additional sense of security.
Modern, elegant design and craftsmanship. Inspired by classic fighter jets with clean lines and premium finishes, the Co50 Valkyrie impresses with understated elegance. The exterior comes in a range of custom finishes including dark colors, typically harder on composites. The interior features premium leather seats, hand stitched by former Hermès craftsmen. The dashboard design is equally impressive with only one on/off switch and a tasteful place for your iPad. Cobalt will exclusively manufacture the Co50 Valkyrie in California to ensure quality standards and fast delivery to early buyers.
Amazing visibility. Pilots flying Cobalt’s Valkyrie will appreciate the beautiful, expansive visibility above and below. Co50 Valkyrie has the largest one-piece canopy in the world and unrivaled visibility with a 320-degree view.
Luxurious comfort. The Valkyrie comfortably seats five people, including the pilot, with ample storage for golf clubs, skis and suitcases. The Valkyrie’s propulsion engine is located in the rear of the plane, allowing for a quiet, comfortable cabin.
Additional Specifications:
- Category: 5-seat Single Engine Piston
- Turbocharged 350HP, retractable, IFR-capable
- Oxygenized non-pressurized
- Cruise range: 1050 nautical miles (nmi) with NBAA IFR reserves
- Customization: Interior and exterior are fully customizable upon request
- Exact dimensions: 30 feet long x 30 feet wide x 10 feet high
Pricing and Availability
The Valkyrie costs $595,000 and is available for U.S. pre-order with a $15,000 deposit. The Valkyrie is targeted for availability in 2017. Additional options, including the type certification package, can be added during the pre-order process.
To ensure a handcrafted approach is taken with each and every plane, Cobalt has opened a wait list for the near-term to focus primarily on the production of all current pre-orders. Cobalt remains committed to building exceptional, high-end, custom planes. A safe production ramp up, consistent exceptional craftsmanship, and conformity to FAA regulations is Cobalt’s first priority to ensure the utmost satisfaction from all of its customers.
About Cobalt
Cobalt’s mission is to transform the private aircraft experience with a new category of planes that are design-centric, stunningly sleek, modern, as well as super fast, safe and easy to fly. Cobalt’s founder and CEO, David Loury, an aerospace engineer, French entrepreneur and designer, had the vision to improve the flying experience 10 years ago when he founded Cobalt. Cobalt’s first plane, the Co50 Valkyrie, debuted in San Francisco and is now available for U.S. pre-order.
Source Courtesy : Cobalt Media
Liked it ..!?
Share with your friends and family
Aviation
HAL’s Indigenous Tejas MK-1A completes its first maiden flight
The inaugural flight of the first production series fighter of LCA Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced iteration of the LCA Mk-1 recently inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru Today.
Over the past several days, the Defence PSU HAL has been conducting various taxi trials in preparation for this milestone.
The maiden flight lasted 18 minutes and marked a triumph for the project. The Mk-1A boasts several enhancements, including digital radar warning receivers, an advanced AESA radar, improved beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, and external self-protection jammer pods.
The upgraded Tejas Mark 1A aircraft features a larger cockpit canopy, enhancing the pilot’s outside visibility and facilitating better movement of their helmet. Additionally, the air intake has been redesigned to supply faster airflow to the engine, enhancing performance. Modifications to the vertical radar in the tail section have been made to improve control during turns. Overall, these upgrades elevate the aircraft’s standards compared to previous versions, providing increased comfort and functionality.
Under a contract worth Rs 46,898 crore signed in 2021, HAL is mandated to deliver 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets between March 2024 and February 2028. This follows the completion of the order for 40 Tejas Mk1 jets valued at Rs 8,802 crore, of which 32 single-seat fighters and two twin-seat trainers have already been delivered.
The IAF, which currently operates two Tejas squadrons named ‘Flying Daggers’ and ‘Flying Bullets’, has deployed one squadron in the southwestern sector. Recognizing the significance of the Tejas in bolstering its fleet, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the acquisition of an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. However, the final clearance from the cabinet committee on security (CCS) is pending before the order can be placed.
With the IAF grappling with a decline in the number of its fighter squadrons, which currently stands at 31 against the required 42 to effectively counter threats from China and Pakistan, the Tejas assumes a crucial role in filling this gap. Despite initial skepticism, the Tejas has evolved into a flagship platform for India, garnering attention and accolades at numerous defense and aerospace exhibitions worldwide.
However, it is essential to note that the IAF recently experienced its first loss of a Tejas Mk 1 fighter aircraft due to an air crash on March 12.
Aerospace
South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling
The first aerial refuelling test of South Korea’s indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter jet was successfully completed, marking a key milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.
Refueling from a Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KC-330 aircraft off the southern coast, the Boramae fighter jet took off from Sacheon Airbase, some 183 miles southeast of Seoul. The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) hailed this development, which represents a significant advancement for this state-of-the-art aircraft.
The successful aerial refueling test corresponds with a staged production plan intended to ease worries brought forward by the feasibility assessment carried out a year ago. The research recommended cutting production to just 20 units and made additional test suggestions. A DAPA official continues to state that after discussions with pertinent agencies, plans are in place to conclude verification testing by June of this year and complete a contract for the remaining 20 units by February of the following year.
The kf 21, which has been compared to the Turkish KAAN and the Indian AMCA, has a more stealthy airframe than fourth-generation aircraft, but it is not yet capable of fifth-generation fighter capabilities. However, in the future, modifications such as internal weapons bays might force South Korea to reclassify it as a fifth-generation fighter. Even while South Korea has made significant strides towards constructing the KF-21, other countries, including Turkey and India, are also stepping up their efforts to push plans for creating fifth-generation fighter jets.
As an initial phase, KAI boramae intends to manufacture a two-seat variant of the kai kf 21 boramae equipped with manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. According to current plans, the Block 2 kf 21 fighter is slated for an upgrade to a low observability (LO) configuration, elevating it to the status of a fifth-generation fighter.
Additionally, KAI has put forward a proposal for the development of a Block 3 kf 21 boramae fighter jet, categorized as a sixth-generation fighter. This iteration would be larger, boasting enhanced stealth features and capabilities. It would incorporate more potent engines and operate within a comprehensive ‘system of systems’ framework, integrating with unmanned effectors for increased effectiveness.
With the KF-21’s production set to start later in the year, DAPA intends to finalise an agreement with KAI by the beginning of 2024. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is expected to receive 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032.
The whole production plan for 40 kf21s has been approved by the Defence Project Promotion Committee, with an estimated cost of 7.92 trillion won (US$5.9 billion) between now and 2028.
Aviation
Laser Attack on Aircraft after flying over at Mexico Fireworks Festival
In a shocking turn of events, a passenger jet was nearly blinded by the intense beams of hundreds of laser pointers wielded by festival-goers at a pyrotechnics festival in Tultepec, Mexico.
The harrowing incident unfolded last weekend during the National Pyrotechnic Festival, an annual celebration showcasing Mexico’s rich tradition in fireworks production and usage.
Video footage captured the moment when a passenger jet, en route to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, soared above the festival grounds. As the aircraft approached, the sky became illuminated with a multitude of green laser beams, creating an eerie glow around the plane.
https://twitter.com/fl360aero/status/1770277290695385593
The sight was both astonishing and terrifying, as the lasers posed a serious risk to the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Social media erupted with condemnation towards the festival-goers, labeling their actions as idiotic and dangerous.
Social media erupted with condemnation as the video spread rapidly, with users expressing outrage at the dangerous behavior of the festival attendees. Many denounced the act as foolish and illegal, highlighting the potential consequences of such reckless actions.
It is currently unclear if the police are investigating the video or if the airline targeted has complained to air safety officials.
Airlines
Indigo contributed 31 crores to India’s political party for election funds
In a recent disclosure, it has come to light that Rahul Bhatia, the promoter of IndiGo, along with companies under his InterGlobe Group, has made significant donations totaling Rs 56 crore to four political parties. Additionally, SpiceJet, led by Ajay Singh, has contributed Rs 70 lakh to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The data further reveals that InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd, a part of the InterGlobe Group, purchased 11 electoral bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each on May 10, 2019, amounting to a total of Rs 11 crore. Similarly, Interglobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, acquired 5 electoral bonds worth Rs 1 crore each on October 23, 2023, totaling Rs 5 crore.
InterGlobe Real Estate Venture and InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd directed the lion’s share of their political contributions, totaling Rs 31 crore, to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Surprisingly, the second-largest recipient was the Trinamool Congress (TMC), receiving Rs 16.2 crore from Bhatia. Additionally, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd allocated Rs 5 crore to the Congress party, while Bhatia contributed Rs 3.8 crore to its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Rahul Bhatia, individually, also made substantial contributions through electoral bonds, purchasing bonds worth Rs 20 crore. On April 7, 2021, a total of 29 electoral bonds were acquired, with 19 bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each and 10 bonds at Rs 10 lakh each, summing up to Rs 20 crore. When combined with the donations from IndiGo and its affiliated companies, the total contributions from the promoter and associated entities reach Rs 56 crore.
On the other hand, SpiceJet, once a prominent player in the Indian aviation industry, has seen a decline in its market position, currently ranking fifth in terms of market share. Despite this, the airline has engaged in political contributions, with donations made in three separate installments.
-
Aviation2 months ago
COMAC’s C919 to Showcase at Upcoming Singapore Air Show
-
Aviation2 months ago
Airbus is building the first H125 helicopter assembly line in India with TATA.
-
Aviation2 months ago
Boeing 777X will not be displayed at the Singapore Airshow 2024
-
Aviation2 months ago
Airbus & Boeing predict these many aircraft and pilots for India in next 20 years
-
Aviation2 months ago
China Constructs World’s Largest Civil Wind Tunnel Complex to compete with Boeing & Airbus
-
Aviation2 months ago
Air India selects RECARO seats for new Aircraft
-
Aerospace2 weeks ago
Korean Air to open Asia’s largest aircraft engine MRO cluster