JORDAN AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES

Founded 2001 to provide aviation-related services to Middle East, Africa and Asia. By late 2003, had formed alliances with Remos of Germany, Lilienthal of Ukraine and SportCopter and Zenair of USA for local assembly of various light aircraft, as detailed. Awarded Production Certification No.1 (J-SCH-01) by Jordanian Civil Aviation Authority on 4 December 2003, initially for assembly of CH2000, first of which flew in Jordan on 14 December 2003. Had sold 25 aircraft (types not disclosed) by end of 2003.
The 6,200 m² (66,650 sq ft) Queen Alia plant is staffed by engineers trained and certified in Canada.
Associated ventures include flight training, research and development, aerial work (pipe/power-line monitoring, agricultural spraying), support of law enforcement, aerial tourism and spare parts supply.
Aircraft offered by JAI have been given local names, as summarised:
Hawk-I CH8000: Version of Zenith Super STOL CH 801 metal, four-seat lightplane. Offered with 134 kW (180 hp) Lycoming or 169 kW (227 hp) SMA Diesel. Military version known as Shark. In March 2005, USD6 million contract received for six (plus training and spare parts) in spraying role for Iraq Ministry of Agriculture. Production certificate (J-SCH-O2) issued 16 June 2005.
RaLi: Version of German Remos G-3 Mirage composites, two-seat ultralight.
SAMA-CH2000: Version of AMD Zenith CH2T (CH 2000 Alarus) metal two-seat lightplane and primary trainer; retains 86.5 kW (116 hp) Textron Lycoming O-235 engine. Four ordered by Royal Jordanian Air Academy (RJAA) at Amman for delivery from November 2003; demonstrator, US-built CH2000 N604AM, displayed at Dubai Air Show, 7 to 12 December 2003. First Jordanian-built, JY-MA8, flew 14 December 2003. Deliveries to RJAA began 24 January 2004. Options include Sandel 3308 EFIS for instrument training.
SAMA CH2000 MTSA: Surveillance version (launched as CH2000-S330) with Harris secure comms (30 to 50 mHz and 1.5 to 60 mHz) and ventral, gyro-stabilised Ultra 8500FW IR and TV imaging turret, having 450 mm telephoto and 3.5 km (2.2 mile) range from 600 m (2,000 ft); IFR capable; fuel capacity increased to 129 litres (34,0 US gallons; 28,3 Imp gallons) for up to 5 h 30 min endurance and range of 470 n miles (870 km; 540 miles) at 60-70 kt (111-130 km/h; 69-81 mph).
In October 2004, 16 SAMA CH2000-S330s ordered for Iraqi Air Force in USD12 million contract placed by US Army and including training (pilots and engineers) and long-term support. Deliveries began February 2005, following issue of Supplementary Type Certificate for turret installation on 25 November 2004.
SAMA CH2000-A: Uprated version with 104 kW (140 hp) Lycoming and multifunction displays.
SAMA CH2000-B: Available from 2006 with 99 kW (132.8 hp) Thielert Centurion 1.7 Diesel engine.
SAMA CH2000-C: Available from 2007; enlarged wing and rudder; Diesel power under consideration.
Hajanah: El Gavilán EL-1 Gavilán 358 eight-seat utility transport (261 kW; 350 hp Textron Lycoming TIO-540) last produced in Colombia. Available in EL-1, EL-1C, EL-1D and EL-1T versions. Production rights acquired via Zenair in 2005.
Shibel: Viper ViperJet two-seat personal jet; available in MT3 and MMP3 versions.
The following no longer appear to be receiving promotion:
Barq S Copter: Single-seat autogyro. Version of Sport Copter Lightning, US manufacture by Sport Copter Inc, Rotax 503 UL engine; 37,0 kW; 49,6 hp. Weight 114 kg (252 lb) empty; 272 kg (600 lb) max T-O; max level speed 55 kt (101 km/h; 63 mph); max rate of climb 305 m (1,000 ft)/min; range 90 n miles (161 km; 100 miles).
Gulf Bird X-34: Three-seat ultralight development of Lilienthal X-32.
RumBird X-32. Tandem-seat ultralight. Version of Lilienthal X-32 Bekas.
Gulf Bird Observer: X-32 variant with surveillance equipment as for CH2000-S330, but VFR avionics. Optional alternative of aerial mapping camera.
Sea Copter: Floatplane version of Vortex S Copter.
Vortex S Copter: Single-seat autogyro. Version of Sport Copter Vortex, Rotax 582 UL two-stroke, 48.0 kW (64.4 hp) but Subaru EA81 offered by JAI. Rotor diameter 7.62 m (25 ft 0 in); max T-O weight 345 kg (760 lb); max level speed 87 kt (161 km/h; 100 mph); max rate of climb 365 m (1,200 ft)/min; range 147 n miles (273 km; 170 miles). Optional enclosed cockpit with, or without, doors.
Vortex 2S Copter: Two-seat autogyro. Version of Sport Copter 2, Subaru EA81 flat-four engine, 82.0 kW (110 hp) or turbocharged 119 kW (160 hp). Weight 295 kg (650 lb) empty; 589 kg (1,300 lb) max T-O; max level speed 113 kt (209 km/h; 130 mph); max rate of climb 265 m (1,200 ft/min; range 269 n miles (498 km; 310 miles).