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Tragic Crash in the Reno National Air Races

On Thursday September 16th, the P51 Mustang “Galloping Host” crashed in the crowd, killing his pilot, James Leeward, and causing multiple fatalities and critical injuries. This is a dreadful day for the whole aviation family.

We’re all sad after this awful accident. In those terrible hours, all our thoughts are going to the victims and their families. The Big Frog Team is safe and we are keeping in contact with them.

Pilots often say that sky’s not the limit. Sadly, sometimes, it is.

A whole set of World Premières!

For their first participation in Reno this year, the Team established on wednesday a whole set of World Premières :

- first diesel-powered racer designed and simulated on computer (with our CATIA and SIMULIA solutions)
- first diesel-powered aircraft to succed in qualifying at the Reno National Air Races
and above all,
- first diesel-powered aircraft victory and in his first race!

This first victory rewards the skills, involvement and passion of the whole Team and the excellence of French technologies, including our 3D design and simulation solutions, the SMA innovative diesel-cycle aero-engine and the perfect intergration of all those elements in the NXT airframe thanks to the Passion for Innovation Program.

Last but not least, congratulations to the pilot, French Air Force Captain Christophe Delbos. Usually a Mirage 2000 fighter pilot, “Bobos” (his official pilot nickname) made a perfect race. Diving on the first pylon like an eagle, he grabbed the race first position right from the start and kept it during the race six laps! According to him, the aircraft went quite well, allowing him to fully concentrate on clean trajectories until he heard the “Race finished” announcement confirming his victory in his helmet.

Once a curiosity after his qualification, Big Frog is now one of the stars of those 2011 Reno Air Races. No doubt Michel Detroyat, the only French winner way back in 1936, would be proud of his successors.

Gentlemen, you have a victory! May it be the first one of a long collection!

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