Jessica is Executive Editor of Business & Commercial Aviation magazine. She started as Editor of ShowNews Online, Aviation Week's on-site trade show daily published at the Paris Air Show, NBAA Annual Convention, Singapore Air Show and at other significant aerospace gatherings.
Jessica has worked in television production and management consulting. While not yet a licensed pilot, Ms. Salerno has received flight instruction and has soloed.
After garnering almost $14 million in pledges from thousands of individuals through a crowdfunding campaign, startup XTI Aircraft has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to convert the expressions of interest in its unique aircraft into investments. XTI hopes to develop the TriFan 600, a six-place vertical-takeoff-and-landing business aircraft with two tilting ducted fans in the wing and a third fan in the rear fuselage for lift and control. The company launched its crowdfunding campaign in August.
Airbus Helicopters recently flew a model H120 powered by a high-compression diesel engine burning Jet-A in place of the model’s standard Turbomeca Arrius turboshaft. The goal of the project is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions of light rotorcraft. The 30-minute flight occurred Nov. 6 at Marignane, France, under Europe’s Clean Sky research program. The aircraft’s a 4.6-liter V8 was developed by TEOS, a French race car powertrain specialist, and Austro Engine.
Astronics Corp. through its wholly owned subsidiaries Astronics AeroSat and Armstrong Aerospace, debuted its new VVIP aircraft connectivity system components at the NBAA Convention in November. The AeroShield low-drag radome and composite adapter plate technology combination provide significant benefits to VVIP aircraft operators installing connectivity systems to include reduced drag, simplified installations and lower weight.
