U P D A T E
Home | UPDATE | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Inside | Datafiles
Week ending February 24, 2002
+++ A340-500 makes maiden flight +++ Embraer 170 airborne +++ First flight of an EASy-equipped Falcon. +++ More EC 135/EC 155 for German Border Guard +++ Boeing delivers 1,000th 757 +++ News in brief +++
A340-500 makes maiden flight
Erstflug des Airbus A340-500
The ultra-long range A340-500, Airbus' longest range airliner to date, made its first flight on 11 February, completing a successful mission which lasted 5 hours and 52 minutes. The first A340-500 took off from the Blagnac international airport in Toulouse, France at 10.25 hours local time (09.25 GMT), and returned at 16.17 hours local time (15.17 GMT). The maiden flight was captained by Airbus Chief Test Pilot Jacques Rosay and co-piloted by Experimental Test Pilot Richard Monnoyer. The crew was comprised of flight test engineers Didier Ronceray and Sylvie Loisel-Labaste - the first woman crew member for a maiden flight at Airbus - and test flight engineer Bruno Bigand. The A340-500 is powered by four Trent 500 engines from Rolls Royce. Commenting on the flight, Jacques Rosay confirmed that the new aircraft and engines had handled as anticipated. "The A340-500 is 6.5 metres shorter than its high capacity sister, the new A340-600, that flew for the first time last April. But thanks to cockpit commonality and fly-by-wire controls, their flight handling characteristics are practically identical and indeed, like any other A330/A340 Family aircraft," he said. "We are very proud to have completed our market-leading A330/A340 Family - and extended its versatility still further with our longest range aircraft to date."
The A340-500 took off at a weight of 280 tonnes (617,290 lbs), including around 30.5 tonnes (67,240 lbs) of flight test instrumentation to record the thousands of parameters necessary for a thorough analysis of the aircraft's in-flight performance. This maiden voyage marks the beginning of a comprehensive flight test campaign involving two A340-500s in 340 flight hours, which will culminate in certification and entry into airline service in the fourth quarter of 2002.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Embraer 170 airborne
Jungfernflug des Embraer-Regionaljets
The Embraer 170, its first jet of a new 70-to-108-seat aircraft generation, flew for the first time on February 19. Prototype #0001, bearing Brazilian register PP-XJE, was declared airborne from the 10,000-ft. runway 15 by the Sao Jose dos Campos control tower at exactly 11:37 hours UTC/GMT (08:37 hrs. local).“This is another milestone for Embraer, a very special and rewarding moment to be in our minds forever”, enthusiastically remarked Mauricio Botelho, Embraer President and CEO. “The roll out ceremony in late October 29 was remarkable for all of us, but to watch our new, bigger bird taking off was pure joy, which I want to share with every Embraer employee, to whom I present my compliments for their determination and commitment”, he added. Upon deplaning from the Embraer 170, test pilots Jose Carlos Rodrigues and Eduardo Camelier, together with flight test engineer Gilberto Cardoso, were pleased with the maiden flight. Everything went according to plan, they said. “Above all, it was truly satisfying and the aircraft did better than was foreseen, it was beyond expectations. The first impression was excellent. Embraer has another great aircraft,” said Capt. Rodrigues. PT-XJE was aloft for two hours and thirty minutes and several maneuvers were performed to check the aircraft's flight characteristics. The landing gear and flaps were cycled exhaustively under in-flight aerodynamic loads, with good results.
Current certification date for the Embraer 170 is set for fourth quarter 2002. However, Embraer will immediately re-evaluate the Program schedule in the coming days to determine if this is still feasible. The development of the other family members, the Embraer 175, 195 and 190, proceeds as planned, aiming at first deliveries on July 2004, December 2004 and December 2005, respectively.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
First flight of an EASy-equipped Falcon.
Dassault testet Falcon mit EASy-Cockpit
On February 21, the Falcon 900EX s/n 97, the EASy cockpit development aircraft, made her maiden flight from Merignac Dassault facility. The EASy cockpit is dominated by 4 large screens that display all informations from aircraft sensors affecting systems, communications, navigation and flight management. This new flight deck, in development within Dassault for many years, is a major evolutionary step in cockpit technology for business jets and commercial aviation. The EASy cockpit will then be progressively introduced in other Falcons, notably in the Falcon 2000EX in 2004 and in the Falcon 7X in 2006.Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
More EC 135/EC 155 for German Border Guard
Grenzschutz bestellt mehr Eurocopter
The German Federal Border Guard (BGS, i.e. Bundesgrenzschutz) is underscoring its role as Eurocopter's largest civil customer. With a new order for an additional eleven EC 135 and two EC 155 helicopters, the BGS is expanding its existing fleet of the two Eurocopter models to a total of 37, making it the world's largest operator of these aircraft. The contract is worth Euro 68 million. Deliveries of the EC 135 will commence in 2002, of the EC 155 in 2003. The BGS began modernizing its fleet in 1997 when it signed a contract for initially 13 EC 155 light transport helicopters (LTH) and eleven EC 135 liaison helicopters (VBH). The two models replace helicopters which have been in service for more than 30 years. The EC 135 replaces part of the Alouette II SA 318 fleet, the EC 155 supersedes various Bell models. In addition, the BGS flies 17 BO 105 CBS-5 Super Five, 22 Puma SA 330s and three Super Puma AS 331 L1s from Eurocopter. In total, the BGS operates 92 Eurocopter helicopters. The BGS is setting new standards in Europe for the technical equipment of its EC 135s and EC 155s as police helicopters. The aircraft on order have high-skid landing gear (EC 135), external loudspeakers, tactical multi-frequency radio sets, gyro-stabilized daylight and thermal imaging camera, searchlights (with infrared), Avionique Nouvelle, moving map (AeroNavIII), weather radar and four-axis autopilot. The EC 155s are additionally equipped with hoisting winches, cargo sling, fast-roping system and, as from 2003, a de-icing system. The BGS is breaking new ground as the first customer to order the Hellas laser obstacle warning system. A total of 25 systems will be ensuring improved safety of the new helicopters in flight and thus optimized serviceability, while at the same time reducing hazards to pilots.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Boeing delivers 1,000th 757
1000. Boeing 757 ausgeliefert
On February 14, the Boeing Company celebrated a major milestone with the delivery of the 1,000th 757. The airplane, a 757-200, was adorned in the livery of American Airlines. In the history of commercial aviation, only seven commercial airplane programs have achieved 1,000 or more airplanes. Boeing can claim six of the seven with the 707, 727, 737, 747, 757 and the McDonnell Douglas MD-80. “We are proud of the skill and craftsmanship that goes into every 757,” said Pat Shanahan, 757 program vice president and general manager. “Designed for fuel efficiency and quiet operation, the 757 continues to perform with exceptional economics, low noise levels and nmatched versatility. Since its introduction, the 757 have been the right airplane for airlines to operate. It's a proven profit maker.” The 1,000th delivery of the 757 also symbolizes the continued momentum of the 757 program following strong market success last year. In 2001, the 757, which also is available with Pratt & Whitney engines, was the third best-selling airplane model behind the 737 and 767. The 757-300 model expanded into new markets by premiering in scheduled, dual-class service after years of success in the European inclusive tour operator market. That momentum continues this year with key deliveries to several North American and European carriers.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
CHC Helicopter Corporation announced that its wholly owned subsidiary CHC Scotia, of Aberdeen, Scotland, has been awarded a 30-month contract by Kerr-McGee North Sea (U.K.) Limited. The contract includes an extension option for an additional two years. The contract is for the dedicated services of a new AS 332L2 Super Puma Mk II helicopter, as well as additional pool services from CHC's fleet of AS 332L Super Pumas. It takes over from a previous contract providing only shared pool arrangement, and results in increased revenue for CHC, as well as improved service and greater access to aircraft for Kerr-McGee. Concurrent with the contract award, CHC has taken delivery of its 12th Super Puma Mk II - the most advanced helicopter currently servicing the offshore oil and gas industry.+++
The Boeing Company's million contract to upgrade the radar system of France's fleet of four E-3 AWACS aircraft will be the most significant upgrade to the fleet since its delivery in the early 1990s. It also will bring the French surveillance radar capability up to the same standards as their NATO allies. Boeing, as prime contractor and systems integrator, will ship the modification kits to Air France Industries beginning in the spring of 2004. AFI, under a subcontract with Boeing, will perform the installation and checkout at its facility in Le Bourget, France. Installation is scheduled to be completed in 2006. Boeing will flight-test the upgraded aircraft at the French AWACS Main Operating Base in Avord, France.
+++
In 2001, MD Helicopters, Inc. achieved a revenue of $133 million, a more than 15 percent increase over 2000. It has a substantial backlog of 58 aircraft of approx. $135 million. Twin-engine deliveries increased in 2001 and are expected to increase again in 2002. It continues to be popular in Europe and is gaining momentum among U.S. air medical operators and is entering new markets such as offshore oil in Indonesia. However, deliveries were down from 41 in 2000 to just 28 helicopters, including: 20 MD Explorers, 4 MD 500Es, 2 MD 600Ns, and 2 MD 520Ns
+++
Lockheed Martin Aerospace Company has awarded to GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) a $126 million contract to provide CF6-80C2 propulsion systems for the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy Reliability and Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP). The propulsion system includes the CF6-80C2 engine, the thrust reverser, and nacelle. The SDD phase is the first step in this long-term program. The RERP is part of a comprehensive modernization plan for the C-5 Galaxy fleet to meet the Air Force's future heavy airlift requirements while greatly reducing the fleet's operating costs. During the SDD phase, GEAE will provide 14 CF6-80C2 propulsion systems to support a three-aircraft flight test program scheduled to begin in 2005. The contract also includes an option for four additional propulsion systems for a potential fourth aircraft. Propulsion system deliveries are targeted to begin in 2004.
+++
Boeing and The Insitu Group recently agreed to develop a prototype unmanned aerial vehicle system based on Insitu's Seascan aircraft, a move that could bolster Boeing research of small, long-range unmanned platforms. Through this agreement, Bingen, Wash.-based Insitu will build for Boeing a prototype known as Scan Eagle, using Boeing systems integration, communications and payload technologies. Financial terms of the 15-month agreement aren't being disclosed. Seascan is a ship-based surveillance platform weighing about 33 pounds with a nearly 10-foot wingspan. Ultimately it may be able to travel 5,000 miles during a three-day flight.
+++
Boeing Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche Prototype No. 1 is preparing for retirement after successfully completing its final scheduled test flight on Jan. 30. "From the start, Comanche Prototype No. 1 demonstrated superior flight qualities," said Chuck Allen, Comanche Program Office director. "Our test pilots were very satisfied with its performance, and it provided precisely the information we needed to improve the design as we progress toward production." During its final flight, the test aircraft evaluated a new fan dynamic pitch flight control algorithm. Recently, Prototype No. 1 also tested variable stiffness landing gear used for landing on uneven terrain, and new, longer rotor blades with anhedral tips. The flight evaluations may lead to design improvements in these components.
+++
A Boeing Delta II rocket launched the latest additions to the Iridium satellite constellation on February 11 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. at 9:44 a.m. PST. The Delta II launch vehicle deployed five satellites into low-Earth orbit to serve as spares for Iridium Satellite's worldwide communications network. Monday's launch of IS-1 marks the first Delta mission of 2002 and the 101st Boeing Delta II mission since 1989. The first satellite was placed into orbit 62 minutes into the mission, followed by the other four within 23 minutes. The next Delta II launch is a U.S. Air Force Global Positioning Satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
+++
FINMECCANICA announces that its subsidiary Alenia Aeronautica and Boeing Commercial Airplanes have reached an agreement regarding development work on the proposed Boeing Sonic Cruiser. The Sonic Cruiser is a new airplane concept unveiled by Boeing in March 2001. The agreement signed for the Sonic Cruiser, which represents and important opportunity for the growth of the Italian aerospace technological and industrial field, confirms the close links between Boeing and the FINMECCANICA Group.
+++
The Alenia Aeronautica C-27J Military Tactical Transport first production standard aircraft has successfully concluded a two week deployment at the Kiruna Airport in the North Sweden. The aircraft has been tested to gather operational data in extreme cold weather environment. The C-27J left the Alenia Aeronautica plant at the Caselle (Turin) airport towards Kiruna and despite the strong 70 Knts head wind, Kiruna was reached after 6 Hours of a non stop flight. During the trials at Kiruna airport, the aircraft and the relevant system have been tested on ground and in flight, at severe and extreme low temperature as low as –36°C simulating operations as a the aircraft should be encounter in his life. More than 15 flight hours have been performed out of the area, including a specific landings testing at various approach speed on the 1200 metres snow cover airport of Pajala in North Sweden. During the trials the aircraft was piloted by the Com.te Gianluca Evangelisti (Alenia Chief test pilot), Com.te Agostino Frediani (Alenia Senior Test Pilot) and co-Pilot Com.te Enrico Scarabotto (Alenia Test Pilot).
+++
Gripen International has further strengthened its partnership with the Polish aerospace and defense industry by signing two new industrial co-operation agreements which are linked to supply of the Anglo-Swedish Gripen multi-role fighter to meet the national and NATO defense needs of Poland for the next 30 to 40 years. Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Gripen partner Saab AB and PZL Swidnik, Saab personnel have, following evaluation, confirmed that capabilities at Swidnik will suit the development of advanced new carbon-fiber (CFC) manufacturing techniques. This enables the Polish aerospace company to be considered as a supplier of complex CFC parts for Gripen, including nose and main landing gear doors.
+++
The first Boeing 757-300 airplane powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW2040 engines takes off from Renton, Wash., for its first flight. This maiden flight coincides with the first flight of the first 757-a 757-200-20 years ago. Known for its versatility and exceptional fuel efficiency, the 757 was the third best-selling Boeing airplane model behind the 737 and 767 last year. Until now, all of the 757-300s have been built with Rolls Royce engines. This airplane is destined for Northwest Airlines, the first Boeing customer to select Pratt & Whitney engines for the 757-300. The single-aisle jetliner embarks on a three-month flight-test program that is scheduled to end in May with U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and Europe's Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) validation. A higher thrust version of the engine-the PW2043-also will be certified to provide additional performance capability.
+++
A restructuring of the satellite operations of Boeing Space and Communications will enable the world's leading satellite provider to position itself to compete more aggressively in a highly competitive market. Boeing Space and Communications (S&C) is a unit of The Boeing Company). The satellite operations' restructuring will also include consolidation of facilities, job reductions, and the streamlining of design and production. The affected operations, BSS of El Segundo, Calif., and its subsidiary, Boeing Electronic Dynamic Devices of Torrance, Calif., currently employ more than 9,000 combined. Approximately 11 percent of jobs will be reduced, including 900 in El Segundo and 150 in Torrance. As previously announced, Boeing is increasing its capital spending in El Segundo to add 30,000 square feet of integration and test capabilities, while reconfiguring the BSS factory along Lean Manufacturing Practices. In addition, the company remains on track to begin production in El Segundo of 12 of the U.S. Air Force's next-generation Global Positioning Satellites (GPS IIF) in the fourth quarter 2002.
+++
Thanks to ion propulsion, the Artemis mission is turning near-defeat into a success story. Nominal operations could start this summer, with ESA's satellite, manufactured by Alenia Spazio as prime contractor (I), playing a significant role in the pursuit of high technology and advanced telecommunications. On 12 July 2001, 30 minutes after lift-off from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, it became apparent that the Ariane 5 launcher had propelled the Artemis satellite into a transfer orbit that was lower than expected, with the apogee (the most distant point from Earth) at only 17 000 km rather than the nominal 36 000 km. Preparations for the remaining orbit-raising manoeuvre, using the ion engines, required a considerable amount of work, mainly due to the need to shift the spacecraft from its nominal Earth-pointing to an in-flight pointing orientation. New onboard flight control laws had to be defined and corresponding new software written, tested and implemented under pressure of time. New operational procedures had to be established and hardware configured in a way for which it was not initially conceived. All this turned out to be a very challenging task, never attempted before by Europe on a communication spacecraft. In January 2002 all new software modules were completed and fully tested by Alenia Spazio and Astrium . Today, Artemis starts spiralling out of ist safe parking orbit to bridge the gap of some 5000 km at a rate of roughly 1 km per hour.
+++
In the lead-up to first flight of the world's first civil tiltrotor, the BA609 is being prepared for ground run testing at Bell Helicopter's Flight Research Center in Arlington, Texas. While four (4) BA609's are in the development program, efforts are currently focused on bringing BA609 serial number 001 to first flight quickly and safely. Set to begin in April, Ground tests on the BA609 will test the powerplant, hydraulics, electrical systems and overall design conformity prior to the aircraft's first flight this summer. Thus far, testing has gone well, with hydraulic proof pressure tests completed in December 2001, electrical systems testing completed in January 2002, and system functional tests underway. The critical next step involves flight control software checkout in the Vehicle Management System Integration Laboratory (VMSIL), after which the aircraft will undergo ground runs followed by first flight.
+++
During the first day of HELI-EXPO 2002, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation delivered its one thousandth helicopter produced to a repeat customer, Richard Mulholland of Tampa, Florida. To commemorate this significant milestone, Enstrom hosted an informal champagne gathering at their booth on Thursday afternoon. The guests included a wide range of Enstrom owners, operators, maintainers, and key suppliers. Richard Mulholland has been a successful trial lawyer in Florida since 1960. He purchased a new Enstrom 280F in 1982. The helicopter is used in his law business to take aerial photographs and to reduce his travel time. Mulholland also uses his helicopter in his extensive land development business to check on progress at various sites and to locate new properties for acquisition. His business visitors continue to be impressed with the aerial view of the Tampa Bay skyline. The Enstrom F28A went into rate production in 1968 at Enstrom's facility in Menominee, Michigan, sixty miles north of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Over the years, Enstrom has designed and built 949 piston-powered helicopters and 51 turbine-powered helicopters.
+++
Turbomeca announced the launch of the demonstration phase of a new engine in the evolution of the Arrius family. To be called the Arrius 3 TECH, this new high technology engine will provide power in the range of 600 to 700kw. A dual channel FADEC will control the engine to ensure high reliability. This new engine is dedicated to fulfilling the requirements of future single engine or light twin helicopters such as the evolutions of the Eurocopter EC135, Agusta A109 or Bell 427.
+++
Global Helicopter Technology has recently completed 56 hours of ground and flight testing of a re-engined UH-1H Huey, incorporating the PT6-67C engine. The engine upgrade matches the renowned reliability of the Huey helicopter with the latest evolution of the Pratt and Whitney PT6 engine. Global is conducting the testing as part of a research, development, and certification project that will culminate in an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate in June 2002. The helicopter will utilize Global's Tail Rotor Enhancement Kit (TREK), which increases the hot and high capabilities of the Huey. The TREK is an economical means for operators to utilize the increased engine power of the PT6 without having to upgrade the entire drivetrain like the Huey II. The secret to the TREK is that it provides increased tail rotor blade angle, but only during hot and high conditions. The tail rotor authority at sea level is replicated at altitudes up to 12,000 feet.
+++
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has now delivered the first five production S-76C+ aircraft built with fuselages completed in the Czech Republic by Aero Vodochody. After installation of the dynamic components and flight certification at Sikorsky Aircraft, the aircraft interiors were finished at the company's Completion Center partner, Keystone Helicopter Corporation, in West Chester, Penn. In 2000, Sikorsky selected Aero Vodochody as the prime supplier of S-76 airframe assemblies, and also designated Keystone as an S-76 completion center. Keystone has now accomplished the interior, paint and option installation for 11 new production S-76C+ aircraft. Aero Vodochody began delivery of completed fuselages in January 2001 and has now shipped 10 to Stratford. From now on, all newly delivered S-76 production aircraft will have been completed with Aero Vodochody supplied airframes.
+++
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Shanghai Little Eagle Science & Technology Co. (SLEC) and Schweizer Aircraft Corporation today announced plans to pursue the manufacture of a version of the Schweizer Model 269 Series helicopter for the Chinese civil market. The selection of the 269 series helicopter is a major step toward finalizing the planned joint venture between Sikorsky and SLEC. In September 2001, Sikorsky and SLEC announced they were in negotiations to create Shanghai Sikorsky Helicopter Co., which would be Sikorsky's first equity joint venture in the People's Republic of China.
+++
HELI UNIONAIR, a Nuremberg (Germany) based helicopter operator, has just signed a contract for a VIP-equipped EC 155, thus becoming the first company in Germany to purchase Eurocopter's new medium-twin for VIP and corporate missions. It will be available for charter all over Europe. The aircraft will feature the "Avionique Nouvelle" (New Avionics) cockpit, single- and dual-pilot IFR, a de-icing system and VIP 4-8 seat configuration complete with tables and bar. It will be delivered by the end of this year. According to Johannes Krueger, owner of HELI UNIONAIR, the EC 155 was selected for its outstanding VIP comfort as well as its performance and de-icing system. Founded in 1989 and employing some 20 staff, HELI UNIONAIR is a highly dynamic and flexible company. It is active in passenger transport, utility work, air ambulance, film and photo flights, logging and environmental work such as forest and crop spraying and powerline inspections/repairs. In addition, the company operates a flight training school and its own JAR 145 certified maintenance facility.
+++
Bell Helicopter Textron aircraft deliveries for 2001 saw a slight decline in the total number of aircraft sold over 2000. Financial market pressures as well as other major impact occurrences had a definite influence on the market. As we enter 2002 Bell Helicopter sees signs of an improving market. Company changes, focus on customer support and early indicators of market improvement look favorable for 2002. In fact Bell Helicopter had orders placed for 45 new helicopter in December 2001, a definite bright spot.
+++
Heli-Expo 2002 was Eurocopter's forum for the North America launch of its new product in the four metric-ton class: the twin-engined EC 145. The event coincides with the aircraft's receiving FAA certification on the opening day of the show. The EC 145 follows in the footsteps of the BK 117 C-1, and like its predecessor, it is the result of a cooperative effort with the Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), who is using the type designation BK 117 C-2. A full-scale mock-up in EMS configuration is displayed on Eurocopter's booth. VFR certification for the EC 145 was granted by the German Federal Aviation Authority (LBA) in late 2000 and by the French Aviation Authority (DGAC) in June 2001, followed by single and dual pilot IFR certification in October 2001. American FAA certification was granted on February 14, 2002.
+++
Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems, part of Lockheed Martin UK, is one of four companies working on the assessment study phase of the British Army's revolutionary new WATCHKEEPER programme. The MoD announced that it is about to invite bids for the forthcoming risk reduction phase of the programme. WATCHKEEPER will use unmanned air vehicles, equipped with powerful, all weather sensors, to gather real-time imagery from behind enemy lines, and relay it to ground stations where critical intelligence will be extracted. Already used successfully by the US in Afghanistan , these systems are set to revolutionise warfare by providing critical information to commanders on the ground, without putting aircrew in harm's way.
+++
The Australian investment group Tesna has decided to acquire 30 A320 Family airliners from Airbus - A320s and A321s - and to take an option on another ten, and has signed an MOU with Airbus to this effect in Toulouse on 10th February 2002. Under the terms of the agreement, delivery of the aircraft to be operated by Ansett will begin in the second half of this year, and Airbus will provide all the training and field service support for these aircraft in Australia. When announcing the deal, Tesna Co-Chairman Lindsay Fox stressed the significance of this agreement: “Airbus' A320 Family is the most modern, efficient and environmentally friendly airliner family currently available, and will enable us offer our passengers the highest level of comfort, alongside the greatest operational flexibility and lowest operating costs.” And Co-Chairman Solomon Lew added: “I have confidence that this acquisition provides the basis for Ansett to grow and prosper in an extremely competitive and growing market”.
+++
Snecma Services Participations (SSP) has acquired all shares in Snecma Sabena Engine Services (SSES), previously an equally-owned joint venture with Sabena Technics. At the same time, the company is changing its name to “Snecma Services Brussels.” This acquisition reflects Snecma Services' commitment to the long-term development of its international network of repair centers, to better serve an expanding portfolio of customers.
+++
Just three years after celebrating the delivery of its 2,000th set of Airbus wings, the UK-based wing design and manufacturing operation of Airbus has delivered its 3,000th set of wings to the aircraft final assembly lines. This 3,000th wing-set is for an A321 aircraft, one of the hugely successful Airbus single-aisle family, which is scheduled for delivery to major Airbus customer US Airways. The fully completed and tested wings - equipped with all moving flying surfaces, electrical, hydraulic and fuel systems - were delivered from Airbus UK's Broughton, North Wales site on Monday 18th February 2002 to Hamburg, Germany (where the wings will be attached to the aircraft fuselage on the single-aisle final assembly line). Dispatched on the Airbus A300-600 Super Transporter aircraft "the Beluga", the 3,000th wing set travelled as part of a double-load (together with the 3,001st set). They were carried in special jigs which increase transportation efficiency by holding two complete sets of single aisle wings in each delivery flight.
+++
The Korean government plans to break ground in June for the construction of a space center where locally made satellites would be launched in 2005. If everything goes as planned, Korea will become the ninth member of the global "satellite club." The site chosen for the site is a 4.95 million square meter lot in Goheung County, South Jeolla Province. The construction will cost 150 billion won (about $115 million). The center will consist of 11 component parts including a launch pad, lift-off control tower, booster assembly facility and a space lab. Once the construction is completed in 2005, the government plans to launch a small experimental satellite, followed by five research satellites and four multipurpose satellites until 2015. Subsequently, the government plans to offer the space center for commercial launch purposes, as well.
+++
BAE Systems has recently completed the final ejection test to qualify the Eurofighter Typhoon Two Seat Crew Escape System. The successful test, carried out from a BAE Systems test rig at 600 knots, the highest airspeed in the aircraft's escape envelope, was performed at Langford Lodge, Martin-Baker Aircraft's test facility near Belfast. The test replicates escape of the crew from the aircraft and involves jettison of the canopy and ejection of both seats in sequence. Completion of the test is a significant step in ensuring the maturity of the series production aircraft. The evidence provided by this test also contributes to the clearance required for the Customer to put the aircraft into Service with the operating Nations.
+++
BAE Systems announced preliminary results that reflect the success of its strategies. BAE Systems delivered to the plans it announced, and finished 2001 with a strong order book and balance sheet. Profit before interest of Pound 1,260 million an increase of 32.6% over last year, order book Pound 43.8 billion, up 6.8% from last year, Earnings per share 23.4p. 2001 was a year that brought significant changes to the company. Among these were the completion of the transformation of the merger to a unified company, the integration of the North American businesses acquired in 2000, and good progress in securing important new business. Most notable in new business secured were the Joint Strike Fighter, the Type 45 Destroyer, and the Airbus A380 order book.
+++
The Sikorsky MH-60S, the U.S. Navy's first newly designed helicopter in more than a decade, officially entered the fleet today in a ceremony here at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, Calif. The Navy's Helicopter Master Plan calls for the purchase of up to 237 MH-60S aircraft. The Helicopter Master Plan also calls for the Navy to reduce the number of rotorcraft airframes from seven to two; the MH-60S and the Sikorsky MH-60R. The MH-60S will be initially assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Three (HC-3) at NAS North Island. HC-3 will train pilots, aircrew and maintenance personnel on the aircraft, which will then see initial fleet service at HC-5 in Guam this summer.
+++
On 30 January 2002, EADS/LFK Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH, the German Missile Company of EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, punctually delivered the first production units destined for the ATA antitank armament of the Tiger helicopter to Eurocopter. The ATA firing post enables the Hot and Trigat LR antitank guided missiles to be launched from the helicopter. The ATA series production contract awarded to EADS/LFK by Eurocopter provides for the delivery of various firing post assemblies for a total of 90 German and French Tiger helicopters. The first delivery of production equipment comprises components of the ATA firing post which are specific to both Hot and Trigat LR.
+++
MTU Aero Engines is the German Air Force's industrial lead partner on the engine side of the cooperative agreement inked today between the BWB German Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement and industry. The pact defines the close collaborative partnership of the German services with industry in the maintenance of the Eurofighter and its equipment. Compared with earlier weapon systems, the agreement will reduce the aircraft's maximum price for initial logistic support services, including maintenance costs, by as much as 20%. MTU has from the start taken a lead role in the formulation and development of the cooperative industry-military model.
+++
On February 22, Northrop Grumman Corporation announced that it has forwarded a proposal to TRW's board of directors to enter into negotiations to combine the two companies. The proposed transaction would deliver $47 in value of Northrop Grumman common stock for each share of TRW. "We believe the strategic combination of Northrop Grumman and TRW will provide tremendous value to the shareholders of both companies," said Kent Kresa, Northrop Grumman's chairman and chief executive officer. "Northrop Grumman's electronics and systems integration capabilities, combined with TRW's space and systems expertise, would create a strong contributor to the nation's satellite and missile defense requirements.
+++
Boeing workers have begun assembling the 747-400ER, the first of two new longer-range 747-400 airplanes. Mechanics Monday loaded eight seat tracks and 22 floor beams into an assembly tool, kicking off a four-month factory journey that will culminate with the airplane's rollout in June. Together, these seat tracks and floor beams provide structural strength and comprise much of the forward section's floor grid. This grid is located just aft of the 747's nose section -- one of the most recognized shapes in the world.
+++
Atlantic Coast Airlines (ACA) has received the first of 32 328JET airliners that will enter service for ACA's United Express operations. ACA already operates 29 of the 32-passenger jetliners as a Delta Connection carrier and is scheduled to receive one additional 328JET for that operation shortly. The first United Express 328JET will enter revenue service on February 15 between Washington's Dulles International Airport and New Jersey's Newark International Airport.
+++
Aeronavali, an Alenia Aeronautica/Finmeccanica Company, signed an agreement with Boeing Airplane Services for the ACF (Advanced Common Flightdeck) modification of up to 52 DC-10Fs, including options. Along with the modification a maintenance inspection will be also carried out on the aircraft. The aircraft, a mix of DC-10-10Fs and DC-10-30Fs, are operated by FedEx Express. The value of the modification agreement is worth 83 Million Euro (73 Mil.$), including options, and with the inclusion of the additional maintenance activities the total value will exceed 100 Million Euro.
+++
EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company will develop the new air surveillance network for Lithuania. As reported by the company, the EADS Business Unit Systems & Defence Electronics has received orders worth approx. 30 million Euro for its 3D radars. The contract for the set-up of the new mobile air surveillance system has been placed by the Defence Ministry of the Republic of Lithuania. This advanced system will mainly consist mobile 3D radar equipment and the evaluation and networking software.
+++
Lufthansa is further expanding long-haul services out of Munich. Come May 1, the airline is beginning six flights weekly from its southern German hub to the new destination of Boston, one of three new intercontinental destinations available in spring. Aside from Boston, Lufthansa is adding Tokyo and Shanghai to its timetable. All in all in the summer flight schedules, 39 flights weekly operated by an Airbus A340 will be on offer ex Munich to a total of seven long-haul destinations. Feeder flights are available from all German airports. In the coming weeks, Lufthansa is resuming its North America programme with daily connections from its southern hub: Flights re-commence to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport on March 2 and San Francisco on March 31. Daily connections to Chicago remain in the timetable. In the Asian network, Lufthansa is laying on thrice-weekly flights to Shanghai from March 15 and six weekly to Tokyo from April 18. Services to Hong Kong, however, will be reduced to three flights a week.
+++
The French Air Force took delivery of the first of two Airbus Corporate Jetliners (ACJ) it ordered in 2001. The hand-over ceremony took place at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France. The ACJs will be used for the transport of government officials. The French Air Force ACJs can seat around 50 passengers, and have a range of up to 10,000 km enough to fly non-stop from Paris to Africa, the West Indies, India or the US East Coast, at a very competitive operational cost. These ACJs will in fact be the first two fly-by-wire French Air Force civilian aircraft, offering a very high level of commonality with the Airbus ultra-long-range four engines A340 Family of aircraft.
+++
From 4 March 2002 onwards, Styrian business passengers travelling to the Ruhr Region will be able to get an extra hour's sleep in the morning, and will be getting home a lot earlier in the evening, thanks to a new direct Austrian Airlines Graz-Dusseldorf-Graz daily connection. Instead of taking off for Dusseldorf from Graz-Thalerhof airport at 6.15 in the morning, as is presently the case, a Tyrolean Airways Canadair jet will now leave Graz almost an hour later at 7.10 a.m., flying direct to the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis and arriving just 85 minutes later, at 8.35 a.m.
+++
“We can really build on this spirit…” Vagn Soerensen said spontaneously upon receiving the results of the ballots on the personnel costs savings measures within the Austrian Airlines Group. The Chief Executive Officer went on to declare “...together, we've created an important prerequisite for the necessary turnaround!” In an exemplary demonstration of solidarity towards the corporate group and the path to restructuring proposed by the Management, the employees of the Austrian Airlines Group have accepted the package of measures aimed at achieving personnel costs savings. The package requires each employee of the airlines of the Austrian Airlines Group to make his or her own personal 8% contribution. In-flight personnel of Austrian Airlines expressed their acceptance by an 89% majority, while 75% of in-flight employees at Lauda Air and 75 % of these personnel at Tyrolean Airways also voted for the plan. Commercial-technical employees at Austrian Airlines made clear their faith in the group strategy by a 70% vote, while at Tyrolean Airways even that figure rose to 73 %. From Lake Constance in the west of the country, Rheintalflug employees gave their consensus with utmost clear 95 % in both corporate sections.
+++
MBDA is very satisfied with the French MoD's decision to launch the Naval Scalp programme. The Naval Scalp is based on the airborne Scalp EG/Storm Shadow missile, whose functions are re-used for the most part, as well as a high number of equipment items. The objective in France is to give the ability to strike ground targets to two classes of new vessels: the multi-mission frigates (FMM), with 17units scheduled for production, and the "Barracuda" attack submarines, with 6 units scheduled for production.
+++
Boeing Commercial Airplanes continues to build its development team to help provide advanced materials technologies for the Sonic Cruiser and other potential new airplanes. Vought Aircraft Industries is the latest partner to be named to the team. The Sonic Cruiser is a new airplane concept unveiled by Boeing in March last year. The airplane has a dramatic new configuration and is designed to fly as fast as Mach 0.98, shortening travel times with fuel consumption per passenger comparable to today's best performing widebody twinjets. “Vought and Boeing have a strong relationship based on a history of working together,” said Jeff Luckey, director of Supplier Management for the Sonic Cruiser program. “Vought's experience in aerostructures will be an asset to the team.”
+++
Private Mexican operator Satélites Mexicanos S.A. de C.V. (Satmex) has selected Europe's Ariane to launch its Satmex 6 satellite from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, during the first quarter of 2003. The launch contract should be signed shortly. Satmex 6, a Space Systems/Loral-built satellite, is currently under construction at SS/L's facilities in Palo Alto, California. Weighing approximately 5,700 kilograms at liftoff, the satellite will be positioned at 109.2 degrees West and carry 36 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders. Satmex will use the state-of-the-art Satmex 6 satellite to bolster its telecommunications and internet transmission capacity for all of Mexico, as well as other parts of North America and Latin America.
+++
Virgin Atlantic Airways confirmed that it will be the launch customer of the new Airbus A340-600 with the first aircraft entering service in June 2002. Four aircraft will be delivered between June and October with a further six entering service by 2006. The total order is worth approximately $1.9 billion. The A340-600 will seat 319 passengers with 50 Upper Class seats, 28 in Premium Economy and 241 in Economy. This represents a 25% increase in capacity per aircraft compared to the airline's current A340-300 fleet, which will be replaced by the new aircraft.
+++
MTU Maintenance Canada, a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler`s MTU Aero Engines, continues to expand its international network of CFM56-3 customers to include India. MTU serves two Indian domestic carriers: Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines. Located in Mumbai, India, Jet Airways, India`s “World Class Domestic Airline” operates 245 flights daily to 44 destinations throughout India. The company also prides itself in having the youngest fleet in India consisting of the modern 737-400/-700 and 800 as well as the ATR 72-500. Currently the company operates ten CFM56-3 powered 737-400s and twenty CFM56-7 powered 737-700/-800s.
+++
Northrop Grumman Corporation has delivered the first upgraded E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) aircraft to the U.S. Air Force under the Computer Replacement Program (CRP) two weeks ahead of schedule. This is the first of 10 aircraft being upgraded from the Block 10 configuration to Block 20 with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) data processing capability. The Block 20 E-8Cs contain COTS technology computers for operating the Joint STARS surveillance equipment.
+++
The Missile Defense Agency and the 2/43rd Air Defense Artillery Battalion conducted a test of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 system Feb. 16 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. A PAC-2 missile successfully intercepted and destroyed a QF-4 full-scale drone aircraft. However a second PAC-2 missile and a PAC-3 missile missed their assigned sub-scale targets. The causes of the two intercept failures are currently under investigation, officials said. The test was conducted as a simultaneous engagement in which one PAC-3 missile was to engage and intercept a cruise missile target, while two PAC-2 missiles were to engage and intercept a full-scale aircraft emitting radar-jamming signals and another sub-scale aircraft.
+++
Elbit Systems Ltd. announced that it has been awarded a contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) for the supply and operation of the new light trainer aircraft for the Israel Air Force (IAF). The new trainers will replace current Piper aircraft and will be used for screening in initial phases of pilot training, currently performed by Piper and Zukit aircraft. The contract for operation of the aircraft is for ten years and will be performed by Cyclone a subsidiary of Elbit Systems.
+++
Globalstar L.P. announced that it has reached agreement with several of its major creditors to restructure the company's debt and, in order to facilitate the timely completion of the restructuring, has filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. Normal company operations and customer support will continue uninterrupted while Globalstar operates under Chapter 11 protection, and the company intends to continue providing its telecommunications services in the normal course.
+++
Transavia airlines, a charter and scheduled service carrier based in The Netherlands, has announced an order for four Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 airplanes. All four airplanes are scheduled for delivery in spring of 2003. Transavia currently operates an all Boeing fleet consisting of both 737 and 757 airplanes. This order continues the process they have started to both renew and expand their fleet by adding Next Generation 737 airplanes. Transavia plans to say farewell to the last 737-300 in their fleet next winter.
+++
SNPE and Snecma have resumed discussions on the creation of Herakles, an equally-owned subsidiary that would consolidate their solid propulsion operations. Herakles would become the European leader in this sector, which is a key to both defense and space applications. The two groups, in agreement with government authorities, have defined a new framework for the project. It will be carried out in three phases, from the end of March 2002 to June 2005.
+++
Snecma, ONERA and the CNRS signed a science and technology agreement officially launching their joint Advanced Combustion Initiative, known by its French initials INCA (Initiative en Combustion Avancée). The signing ceremony was co-chaired by Jean-Paul Béchat, Chairman and CEO of Snecma, Geneviève Berger, Director General of the CNRS and Jean-Pierre Rabault, Chairman and CEO of ONERA. Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, was the honorary chairman. The event took place in the Snecma Museum at the company's Melun-Villaroche site. Combustion is of course an integral part of the aircraft and rocket engines produced by Snecma. Today, the company faces a daunting three-pronged challenge: achieving failsafe operation, minimum environmental impact (reduction of NOx, CO2, soot and other polluting emissions) and competitive costs.
+++
Stork will participate in the further development and production of the US Joint Strike Fighter. This is subject to approval by the Dutch parliament of the decision taken today by the Dutch Council of Ministers for participation by the Netherlands in the development phase of this major aircraft programme. In parallel with the parliamentary discussion of the Dutch participation, the companies involved in the Dutch aerospace industry will start final negotiations with Lockheed Martin, the US company which will develop and build the JSF. The resulting orders for the participating companies in the Dutch aerospace cluster - if the Netherlands at a later stage decides to purchase the JSF - are expected to reach a total of $ 10 billion over a period of 25 years, based on the production of 6,000 aircraft. Up to $ 5 billion of these orders is expected to be awarded to Stork. This will be the largest order ever in the 175-year history of the company.
+++
Frankfurt Airport (airport code = FRA) has maintained its position as Europe's most efficient hub airport, according to the Association of European Airlines (AEA) punctuality statistics for 2001. As in 2000, FRA continues to be the most punctual major hub airport in Europe, with only about 20 percent of FRA's departing flights delayed last year. According to international regulations, a flight is considered delayed when the actual arrival or departure time deviates by more than 15 minutes from the original scheduled time. Fraport AG rejects the AEA's published description of Frankfurt Airport as a "middle field" performer in the punctuality ratings for 2001. Results of the AEA study show that FRA's European competitors - major hub airports - all had higher delay rates in 2001: 23.9 percent at London.Heathrow, 27.3 percent at Amsterdam-Schiphol and 30.3 percent at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. With a 33 percent delay rating, Milan-Malpensa Airport placed at the end of the AEA ranking.
+++
Member States of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) today endorsed a global strategy for strengthening aviation security worldwide and issued a public declaration at the conclusion of their two-day High-Level, Ministerial Conference held at ICAO Headquarters in Montreal. A central element of the strategy is an ICAO Aviation Security Plan of Action, which includes regular, mandatory, systematic and harmonized audits to enable evaluation of aviation security in place in all 187 Member States of ICAO. An indicative cost of the security oversight programme is US$ 17 million, of which more than 15 million will have to come from new contributions. The programme will cover initially the period 2002 to 2004 and serve to identify and correct deficiencies in the implementation of ICAO security-related standards.
+++
The EchoStar VII telecommunications satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems for EchoStar Orbital Corporation, was launched successfully on February 21 from this seaside launch complex aboard an Atlas IIIB rocket provided by International Launch Services. Liftoff occurred at 7:43 a.m. EST and initial contact with the satellite, called acquisition of signal, was confirmed at 8:43 a.m. EST from the Lockheed Martin satellite tracking station in Uralla, Australia. EchoStar VII is based on the Lockheed Martin A2100 AX satellite bus optimized for direct broadcast applications. The spacecraft, with nearly 10 kilowatts of power, will provide satellite TV services over the United States and will include spot-beam coverage. EchoStar VII is the fifth EchoStar satellite built by Lockheed Martin and is the third EchoStar satellite constructed on the award-winning A2100 design. The satellite will operate at 119 degrees West Longitude orbital location.
+++
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Previous updates are still available:
Die News der letzten Wochen sind weiter abrufbar:
February 10, 2002
February 3, 2002
January 27, 2002
January 20, 2002
January 13, 2002
January 6, 2002
December 23, 2001
December 16, 2001
December 9, 2001
December 2, 2001
November 25, 2001
November 18, 2001
November 11, 2001
November 4, 2001
October 28, 2001
October 21, 2001
October 14, 2001
October 7, 2001
January to December 2000
January to December 1999
January to December 1998
January to December 1997
September to December 1996
Home | UPDATE | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Inside | Datafiles
Copyright 2002 by Motor-Presse Stuttgart. All rights reserved.
Last updated 22 February 2002
FLUG REVUE, Ubierstr. 83, 53173 Bonn, Germany