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UPDATE
Week ending May 18, 2003
+++ E-10A order for Northrop Grumman team +++ Lufthansa looses 415 million Euros in first quarter +++ USAirways places record regional jet order +++ 'Urgent Action' to reach agreement on European Space Policy +++ Bell to build US101 +++ Austria reveals Eurofighter cost +++ News in brief +++
E-10A order for Northrop Grumman team
Neuer Aufklärer in Entwicklung
The Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Raytheon Multi-sensor Command and Control Aircraft (MC2A) team has received a pre-system development and demonstration contract, with a total value of $215 million, for Weapon System Integration (WSI) of the U.S. Air Force's new E-10A aircraft. ”The next generation of Air Force airborne ground surveillance and battle management command and control capability is underway with the award of this contract,” said Alan Doshier, sector vice president for Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems, Airborne Ground Surveillance and Battle Management Systems business area. ”All three members of our team bring strong legacies that provide the Air Force with the best value option for the MC2A program. With the system integration expertise Northrop Grumman has in programs such as Joint STARS combined with airframe excellence from Boeing and radar integration proficiency from Raytheon, the E-10A will bring a new level of ISR capability to the war fighter.”
Increment 1 of the Air Force's evolutionary acquisition program for the E-10A provides for a cruise missile defense and advanced airborne ground surveillance and targeting capability. The E-10A will include the Northrop Grumman/Raytheon Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) radar and an advanced Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) subsystem integrated on a Boeing 767-400ER aircraft. The BMC2 subsystem will be separately competed later this year. The three companies announced a unique teaming agreement a few days earlier that capitalizes on their expertise in legacy systems used by the Air Force today. Under the agreement, Northrop Grumman is responsible for overall program management and system engineering, mission system design, airframe modification, system integration and operational flight-testing. Boeing will perform major structural modification design, air vehicle analysis and performance assessments and airworthiness testing. Boeing will also produce one 767-400ER airframe for the E-10A test bed under a separate contract with the government. Raytheon's primary responsibilities include radar and radome installation, support to system engineering, system integration and test for the cruise missile defense functionality.
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Lufthansa looses 415 million Euros in first quarter
Hoher Verlust für Lufthansa
The continuing weak economy, the after-effects of the Iraq war and the SARS disease have led to a worldwide decline in the demand for air travel. These overlapping crises also had a serious impact on the Lufthansa Group's business in the first quarter of 2003. The company was hit particularly hard by the consequences of the SARS epidemic in the Asia/Pacific region, where Lufthansa had earlier emerged as the market leader ahead of other European airlines. Despite prompt capacity cuts and cost savings Lufthansa was unable to buck this trend, and consequently posted a negative operating result of -415 million euros. This compares with an operating profit of 12 million euros in the same period last year. "Air transport worldwide is facing its greatest economic crisis ever. The situation has never been so serious", Jürgen Weber said, presenting the first-quarter figures. "If we want to remain a healthy company and keep our staff on board, we have to further reduce our costs in cooperation with our internal and external partners." Strict cost discipline and higher productivity would remain at the core of Lufthansa's success, he emphasised.
Lufthansa acted swiftly at the beginning of 2003 and introduced a comprehensive package of drastic measures. Capacities at Lufthansa and its regional partners were trimmed by an equivalent of 70 aircraft. Capital expenditure and other expenses were cut back, a further D-Check initiative - "Cash 100" - was launched and, in addition to a recruitment freeze, the company also took steps to lower staffing costs. "We must make a concerted effort to take timely contingency measures if we want to keep ahead of our competitors, even in times of crisis," Weber said. But there would come a time after the crisis, and it was vital to be well prepared for that, he added. Lufthansa was therefore pressing ahead with its future-oriented projects, such as inflight Internet access, the introduction of business jets, improved seats on intercontinental routes and a new service offer for top customers. "Cost saving is important, but cost saving alone is not the future," Weber stressed. "At the same time we must invest in our products for tomorrow if we want to keep a competitive edge. We have proved repeatedly that we can overcome crises by pooling our strengths."
In the light of the first-quarter results and the latest traffic results and booking figures, Lufthansa no longer anticipates a positive operating result for the year as a whole. In view of the current uncertainties, it is impossible to estimate the expected loss. But Lufthansa remains as before one of the most financially robust airlines with high liquidity. "Thanks to our financial strength we will be able to maintain the position we have achieved, even if the crisis proves to be protracted. Of that I am convinced", Weber said. "But we cannot afford to sit idly by. We must take decisive action and then seize our opportunities."
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USAirways places record regional jet order
Großauftrag für Bombardier und Embraer
US Airways has set into motion another key element of its business recovery plan today with an agreement to purchase a total of at least 170 Canadair and Embraer regional jets from Bombardier Aerospace of Canada and Embraer of Brazil, respectively. The first aircraft delivery is scheduled for October 2003. The order equally splits between the world's two leading regional jet manufacturers a combination of 170 firm orders and 380 options to purchase aircraft. The estimated value of the firm order, based upon list price, is approximately $4.3 billion. Financing terms were not disclosed.
"These new regional jets will enable US Airways to generate additional revenue by growing our route network and competing more vigorously in short-to-medium-length haul markets," said US Airways President and Chief Executive Officer David N. Siegel. "The RJs also will enable us to increase hub feed by adding new markets that were too distant for turboprop aircraft, and replace current turboprop flying, which will please many customers who prefer jet aircraft. Regional jets will allow us to replace and complement larger jet aircraft on routes with poor to marginal performance, which then can be re-deployed to operate in more profitable destinations, such as the Caribbean and on other routes where we currently do not fly."
Under the Bombardier agreement, US Airways has firm orders for 60 CRJ Series 200, 50-seat single-class aircraft; and 25 CRJ Series 700, 75-seat dual-class aircraft. The 50-seat order for the CRJ Series 200 aircraft is scheduled to be delivered beginning in October 2003 to US Airways Express wholly owned subsidiary PSA Airlines. All firm order CRJ aircraft will be delivered by April 2005. US Airways also has placed firm orders for 85 Embraer 170, 70-seat, dual class aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled for November 2003 to MidAtlantic Airways, a regional jet division of US Airways, Inc. US Airways has the option to convert the Embraer 170s to Embraer 175s with 76 seats. All Embraer 170 deliveries are to be received by September 2006.
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'Urgent Action' to reach agreement on European Space Policy
EU drängt auf rasche Initiativen in der Raumfahrtpolitik
The decision to address the obstacles hindering the development of a comprehensive space policy has been described as 'crucial to the long term interests of the Union' by ministers who adopted a resolution on the subject at the EU Competitiveness Council on 13 May. Ministers welcomed the work already achieved by the Commission, in cooperation with European Space Agency (ESA) and Member States, in drawing up the Green Paper on space policy. However, given the current critical situation in the European space sector, mainly in the launch services and the commercial satellite markets, ministers noted that issues raised during the green paper consultation need to be addressed with some urgency. With respect to this, the Council called for concrete action to be taken with regard to the Galileo project and the restructuring of European launchers. Furthermore, reaching a framework agreement between the Community and ESA by the end of 2003 would also help bring the EU a step closer to the development of an overall policy on space, agreed the Council.
The Council reminded the Commission that stronger international cooperation is crucial to the development of a comprehensive space policy, especially considering the recent emergence of several new space powers. To help in the process of maintaining international cooperative ties, the Council proposed a joint meeting between the EU Council and the ESA council at ministerial level for sometime in the second half of 2003. The Council also adopted conclusions on the EU defense equipment policy and in particular on 'the importance of putting in place arrangements, which could lead to greater cost-effectiveness, improved harmonization of standards, and more efficient planning and procurement of defense equipment and research, technology and development (RTD), based on technological innovation.' To follow the progress of such arrangements, the Council called on the Commission to draw up a report by the end of 2003, based on preparatory action taken in relation to the development of security related research.
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Bell to build US101
EH101: Angebot für US-Streitkräfte
AgustaWestland announced May 15 that it has reached agreement with Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company, of Fort Worth, Texas to form a Joint Venture company to manufacture the US101 helicopter in America. The Joint Venture company will act as a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin which, as prime contractor and systems integrator, will have overall responsibility for the program and delivery of the US101 helicopter to the customer. The US101 is the American version of AgustaWestland's EH-101 helicopter, widely considered to be the most advanced medium lift helicopter in production today.
The US101 will be built in America to fulfill the US Government's 21. century helicopter requirements of the United States Air Force and Coast Guard in their search and rescue missions, and the Marine Corps as an executive transportation replacement for the 30-plus-year-old Marine One helicopter. Stephen C. Moss, President of AgustaWestland Inc. referred to the selection of Bell as the "perfect partner to join Team US101. It will be great to have the prestige and professionalism of the Bell team to build this helicopter in the U.S." An EH101 Merlin Mk3 deployed from the UK Royal Air Force is currently in the USA to provide orientation flights for members of congress, the military and the media.
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Austria reveals Eurofighter cost
1,96 Mrd. Euro für 18 Flugzeuge
At a press conference on Friday, Austria's defense minister Günther Platter confirmed that Vienna will buy 18 Eurofighters to replace its ageing Drakens. The new fleet will cost 1.96 billion euros, Platter said in the first public disclosure of the amount of the purchase, which was fiercely contested by opposition Social Democrats and Greens during electoral campaigning last year. The Eurofighter Typhoon won the bidding process last year, against the Saab Gripen and the F-16, although it was considered the most expensive solution. Initially, 24 fighters should be bought, but after the floods last summer, the number was reduced to keep budget deficits under control. Platter has defended the purchase, saying the constitution required the government to ensure "by any means available" the country's defense.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Lufthansa announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arlington, VA-based US Airways, covering the establishment of a long term strategic alliance centered around code sharing. "We are looking forward to working with US Airways to improve the travel options of our customers by enhancing access to both parties' extensive networks, code-sharing, joint promotions, and customer services such as through-check-in, lounge access and mileage accrual," said Juergen Weber, Chairman and CEO of Lufthansa German Airlines, adding "US Airways has indicated its interest in also joining the Star Alliance and we strongly support their participation in Star as well. This is a newly invigorated company, one with a clear focus on providing world-class service to its customers in a way that ensures the success of the business - priorities which we share." US Airways President and CEO David Siegel said, "This new alliance with Lufthansa comes at a very exciting time for US Airways, as we begin implementing the business goals we set forth during our restructuring. We are the biggest carrier on the East Coast, and bring to Lufthansa our base of four million active frequent flyers and feed traffic. Our customers will see new destinations and additional customer service benefits - enhancements we plan to multiply as we move towards membership in the Star Alliance."
+++
The premier European aerospace and defense group EADS and Chile's national aerospace leader ENAER (Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica de Chile) will explore new opportunities for cooperation. Both companies signed a strategic framework co-operation agreement in Santiago / Chile. The cooperation will include areas such as structures and systems for Airbus aircraft and Eurocopter helicopters, aircraft maintenance, military trainer aircraft, missiles, defense electronics and telecommunications. Additionally, the partners will evaluate how the EADS marketing network can support the marketing of Pillán trainer aircraft built by ENAER. The agreement was signed by Alfredo Guzman, the Executive Director of ENAER, and Jean-Marc de Raffin-Dourny, EADS Senior Vice President and Head of Business Development in the presence of Michelle Bachelet, Chilean Minister of Defence and the Ambassadors of France, Germany and Spain.
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Bremen-based space technology company OHB-System AG has developed on behalf of elop Ltd., Israel a system for transmitting complex data streams swiftly from space. The system is implemented in a multispectral camera (MSC), which is to generate high-resolution images for geographic information systems on board the South Korean earth observation satellite KOMPSAT-2. It operates very reliably and quickly and can process large volumes of data. Thanks to its certified suitability for space, it is resistant to all environmental factors. Over the next two weeks, the customers together with the South Korean space agency KARI will attend presentations demonstrating the efficiency of this highly sophisticated channel-coding and encryption unit and receive instruction on its use from OHB's development engineers. For this purpose, OHB has additionally developed an automatic testing system to check and audit all performance perimeters. After a thorough training phase this will also be made available to the customer.
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There are just 46 more days until the opening of Munich Airport's new Terminal 2. As workers complete the finishing touches in the new facility – jointly built and operated by Munich Airport and Lufthansa – test operations are now entering the final phase. So far 2,600 "passengers" have repeatedly checked in as part of the trial runs, conducted on 35 different testing dates since January 14th. After check-in, they proceed through security screening to board their virtual flights at the 31 departure gates. To date, 17,500 bookings have been performed for about 350 simulated take-offs. The 40 check-in counters and 27 automated check-in stations have handled approximately 35,000 luggage items handed over by test passengers. Ground service employees have fed an additional 56,000 suitcases into the newly designed baggage transport facility. The test operations have also involved 153 aircraft – from the little Avroliner RJ 85 to the Boeing 747 jumbo jet. Today, with a supporting cast of 400 extras, the passenger handling facilities underwent their first so-called crowd test. The script called for numerous trial operations ranging from simple check-ins at manned desks or automated stations to complex transfer procedures. Passengers changed planes under all conceivable scenarios – within the Schengen and non-Schengen traffic segments and crossing over between these areas. Boarding procedures will be tested for aircraft docked at the terminal and parked at remote positions. Today's testing schedule also covered simulated passenger arrivals and the subsequent baggage pick-up. During the first phase of the testing operations – the so-called basic testing phase – tests were limited to individual functional areas such as check-in, baggage distribution or baggage sorting. The first tests of passenger handling at the departure gate and aircraft positioning procedures were also performed on an isolated basis. Now the testers are interlinking the individual test runs to permit the most realistic possible reflection of future terminal operations. These integrated test operations simulate complete process chains, from passenger check-in to security and passport control through to aircraft boarding. Flowing in the other direction, the process chain for passenger arrivals will be put through its paces, covering all processes from the docking of the aircraft through immigration screening and baggage claim to customs clearance.
Twice a week for a total of 42 testing days, the trials require the mobilization of approximately 3,600 acting passengers. After completion of the test runs on June 4, the commissioning team will then have four weeks for fine tuning before the opening on June 29, 2003.
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An Atlas V rocket placed the Hellas-Sat satellite into orbit on May 14, marking the 65th consecutive successful flight for Atlas, its builder Lockheed Martin and mission provider International Launch Services (ILS). This was the second launch in the Atlas V series, Lockheed Martin's powerful current-generation vehicle. It lifted off at 6:10 p.m. EDT (22:10 GMT), placing the Hellas-Sat spacecraft in a supersynchronous transfer orbit 31 minutes later. Satellite controllers have confirmed that the Hellas-Sat spacecraft is functioning properly. The Atlas V rocket placed the satellite into a nearly perfect transfer orbit: apogee of 85,458 km (target was 85,554 km), perigee of 312.2 km (target was 312 km), and an inclination right on target at 17.06 degrees. Hellas-Sat is the first telecommunications satellite for Greece and Cyprus. The satellite is an Astrium Eurostar 2000+ model that will provide voice, video, data and broadcast services over Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
+++
In the first quarter of 2003, Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide posted a 6.9 percent increase in sales to EUR429.4 million. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) climbed 10.6 percent to EUR110.8 million; Group profits jumped 42.5 percent to EUR25.8 million. Despite the negative impact of the Iraq war, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and the weak economy on the aviation industry, Fraport was clearly able to increase sales revenues over the same quarter last year. A major contributing factor for the almost seven percent increase was the positive income development at the Frankfurt home base, which was helped by an increase in airport charges at Frankfurt, the moderate traffic growth, and especially by the increasing demand for security services. In particular, Fraport's ICTS Europe subsidiary profited from the 100-percent hold-baggage screening required throughout Europe since the beginning January this year. Because of the growing business of ICTS Europe, the Group's employment level increased 8.6 percent from 20,567 to 22,340 people for the comparable time period. Because of this as well as the increase in negotiated wage rates, personnel expenditures rose 11.9 percent to EUR227.1 million.
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Embraer reached a historical landmark with the delivery, to Alitalia Express, of the 700th aircraft of its highly successful ERJ 145 family, produced at the Company's main facilities in Brazil. In a ceremony held at Embraer in São José dos Campos, top executives of Alitalia, Alitalia Express and Embraer celebrated the memorable event. "There are not many aircraft manufacturers in the world that can claim such an outstanding record for a single family of aircraft,” said Embraer President and CEO Mauricio Botelho. "The overwhelming success of the ERJ 145 family constitutes a good measure of our permanent commitment and dedication to the full satisfaction of our customers, by designing and producing aircraft that combine top comfort levels, operational efficiency and unmatched economics." Currently Embraer's ERJ 145 family order book stands at 879 firm orders, plus 388 options.
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EADS North America welcomed the announcement by the US Coast Guard of its decision to procure two CN-235 aircraft for the Maritime Patrol Aircraft platform. As stated by the Coast Guard, these aircraft will be the first of a multi-year, multi-aircraft acquisition, under the Integrated Deepwater System (IDS) program. "We are extremely pleased by the Coast Guard selection of the CN-235 to be their Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The medium range capabilities of this aircraft will be very supportive of the many missions required of the Coast Guard--from Homeland Security, to environmental protection, fisheries enforcement, drug and migrant interdiction, search and rescue," said Ralph Crosby, Chairman and CEO of EADS North America. "This is a clear validation of the capability, flexibility and value of the CN-235 as a surveillance platform."
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Lockheed Martin officials, along with officers from the United States and Italian Air Forces, participated in a rollout ceremony today at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, for the first of 34 F-16 fighter aircraft to be provided to Italy under a program known as "Peace Caesar." The Italian Air Force chose the leased F-16 option as the most cost-effective solution to replace its aging fleet of Tornado and F-104 fighters. The lease is for five years with a five-year follow-on option. Four non-flyable F-16 aircraft are being supplied for generation of spare parts. "The F-16 being rolled out here today is the result of more than two years of effort at Hill Air Force Base that have produced an F-16 fighter jet with additional airframe service life, an upgraded engine and other modifications," said Robert T. Elrod, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company's executive vice president of programs. "This was a complex program, and the teamwork it took to make it happen is unmatched. The U.S. Air Force has done a tremendous job getting this plane ready, and Lockheed Martin stands ready to fulfill its obligations after the plane is delivered to Italy in June."
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NASA announced the selection of William (Bill) W. Parsons as the new manager for the Space Shuttle Program. Parsons, the director of the NASA John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) in south Mississippi, succeeds Ronald D. Dittemore, who announced his resignation April 23. "Bill is a talented leader, motivator, and he's deeply devoted to the success of the Space Shuttle program," said William F. Readdy, Associate Administrator of Space Flight at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "His management, technical experience, and dedication to safety are vital as we move forward and prepare to start flying again." Parsons has served as Center Director since August 2002. He was first assigned to SSC in 1997 as the Chief of Operations of the Propulsion Test Directorate. Parsons relocated to NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston to become the Director of the Center Operations Directorate, and he later served as the Deputy Director of JSC. He returned to SSC in 2001, and he served as Director of the Center Operations and Support Directorate.
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Delivering a keynote address at a U.S. Government-sponsored conference on commercial remote sensing in Washington, D.C. today, Secretary of Commerce Don Evans said, "The remote sensing industry is poised for great market penetration. At our department, we recognize the promise of the remote sensing industry." During Operation Iraqi Freedom the industry "provided timely and accurate information," said Secretary Evans. "This is a forward-looking policy that confirms the government's long-term commitment to the high-resolution commercial satellite industry," said Robert Dalal, CEO of Space Imaging. This new directive supersedes one signed by President Clinton in March 1994 and supports the U.S. in maintaining a competitive commercial high-resolution satellite business in the worldwide market. "Nine years ago, the White House committed to enhance U.S. industrial competitiveness in the remote-sensing field. Today, the White House stated the government will rely to the maximum practical extent on U.S. commercial capabilities and ensure U.S. companies continue to lead this important emerging technology," said Dalal. Dalal continued, "I'm also pleased that the new policy directs many federal agencies to use commercial satellite imagery and services. The Pentagon's National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) is already a key customer, now other agencies will have an opportunity to see the value in our imagery. Space Imaging has led this industry with double-digit growth and by being the first company in the world to launch a commercial high-resolution satellite. We are producing timely imagery at the right price, resolution and capacity needed by government users."
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Jeppesen and Alteon, subsidiaries of Boeing, have signed a joint marketing agreement to create a broader source for aviation training and provide more fully integrated solutions for operators of commercial jetliners. The new initiative was announced at the World Aviation Training Symposium. "This joint marketing agreement is key to our strategy and future plans," said Ray Marzullo, vice-president, Boeing Flight Services. "Being able to satisfy all of a customer's training and educational needs through the collaboration of these two firms is precisely why Boeing has acquired these industry-leading companies." Jeppesen and Alteon offer their industry-leading training at 22 state-of-the-art locations around the world. Through its Jeppesen Academy unit, Jeppesen offers basic and advanced courses to aircrews and flight operations management personnel in areas such as human factors, basic and advanced flight operations management, international flight planning, airspace systems and more.
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Boeing and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow the two companies to discuss cooperation in the areas of unmanned systems, network-centric operations and other large-scale systems integration efforts. The initial area of cooperation under the MOU will involve integrating the command and control architecture for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems' Predator unmanned aircraft system into both the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and the AH-64 Apache helicopter platforms. The ultimate goal is to "fuse" the disparate systems, and in turn increase connectivity and interoperability between manned and unmanned aircraft. "Unmanned systems and network-centric operations, are extremely important to the transformation of the military," said Mike Heinz, Boeing vice president and general manager, deputy of Integrated Defense Advanced Systems (IDeAS). "We plan to rapidly develop and provide new technologies and system-of-system solutions to our customers that will meet their evolving needs with currently fielded and developing systems, and lead to major increases in operational effectiveness."
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Boeing officials delivered the first production aircraft from the Canadian Forces CF-18 Modernization Program, Phase 1, to the Department of National Defence in a ceremony held today at Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Accepting on behalf of the department was the Honourable John MacCallum, Minister of National Defence. The Phase 1 program, valued at CAD$880 million, will modernize the fleet of 80 CF-18 aircraft to the specifications of newer models through avionics configuration upgrades. Completion of Phase 1 of the contract will bring the Canadian Air Force into full inter-operability with Allied forces. Boeing was awarded the contract in April of 2001. As part of its contract with the Government of Canada, Boeing is committed to provide CAD$507.5 million in industrial regional benefits throughout Canada. "Today is another proud moment in our 80 year history in Canada," said Tony Parasida, Boeing vice president for the F/A-18 program. "Delivering this aircraft, on time and on budget, is testimony to the world class team we formed to meet a vital requirement of the Canadian Armed Forces."
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OHB Technology AG boosted its total revenues considerably in the first quarter of 2003 compared with the year-ago period. As a result, it has confirmed its guid-ance for this year of revenues of over EUR 100 million in tandem with a substantial increase in per-share earnings over the previous year (EUR 0.23). In the quarter under review, the OHB Technology Group's total revenues came to EUR 17.39 million, with earnings per share equaling EUR 0.10. Business in the first quarter of 2003 was characterized by an above-average volume of capitalized development work. Cash and cash equivalents stood at EUR 26.7 million at the end of the quarter, equivalent to EUR 1.79 per share. Order books were valued at EUR 253.7 million on March 31, 2003. Work on a series of promising new projects has already been commenced or is about to get under way in both the Space Technology and the Telematics business units. Thus, the Euro-pean Space Agency ESA recently named OHB-System as the main contractor for the produc-tion of a study on the new ”SWARM” satellite system within the next nine months. Four small satellites will be responsible for recording ultra-precise measurements of the earth's geomag-netic field and any changes in it.
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Turbomeca announces that Air Logistics, L.L.C. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Offshore Logistics, Inc.) took delivery of their first Sikorsky S-76C+ aircraft powered with two Turbomeca Arriel 2S1 engines on April 28th. This marks the introduction of Turbomeca engines into Air Logistics' S-76 fleet and the beginning of a long-term relationship between the helicopter operator and the engine manufacturer. Turbomeca representatives were in attendance at the delivery. Russ Spray, President of Turbomeca Engine Corporation, remarked on the occasion, "Everyone at Turbomeca is pleased with Air Logistics' selection of the Arriel-powered S-76C+ and we look forward to providing extraordinary engine support over the lifetime of the aircraft". The aircraft, serial number 760527, will be ferried to Air Logistics' Louisiana base this week where it will be prepared for introduction to service.
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Magellan Aerospace Corporation announced that it was selected by Hurel-Hispano as the manufacturer of exhaust nozzles for the Rolls-Royce and Engine Alliance engines offered on the Airbus A380 aircraft. The contract, valued at $160 million dollars ($Cdn), will be carried out in Magellan facilities in Canada and the U.S. with deliveries beginning in 2003. The nozzles are an assembly of formed titanium sheet metal requiring precise management of complex processes for exotic materials. A leader in exhaust system design and manufacture, Magellan is well known for its brazed honeycomb technology used in areas subjected to high heat and vibration. Magellan also manufactures a similar exhaust system for the Airbus A340 Trent 500 engine.
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The Naval Air Systems Command's (NAVAIR) E-6 Mercury Program Office recently sent the first of 15 E-6B aircraft to the Boeing Aerospace Support Center at Cecil Field, Fla. to be modified with a new cockpit and an advanced communications package. The E-6 provides airborne command, control and communications between the President, Secretary of Defense, and U.S. strategic and non-strategic forces. The mission system and cockpit display upgrades will improve mission avionics, provide additional data processing capabilities, and increase reliability and maintainability for the Mercury. The mission system upgrade provides Automated Data Processing, Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) and Weight Savings. Wide bandwidth data capability is also included through integration of a phased array antenna system. The improvements include Secure Internet Protocol Router Network and Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Network functions. Highlights of these functions include two separate onboard servers (classified and unclassified), access to servers on the ground via command managed local area network communication links, airborne user interface via laptop computers, and Ku band (high-speed) uplink and DAMA or Northstar Network (up to 16Kbps) downlink.
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During 2002 AgustaWestland, the Anglo-Italian helicopter company jointly owned by Finmeccanica SpA of Italy and GKN plc of the UK, firmly established itself as the leading player in the world helicopter market with revenues of EUR 2,722 million. Pre-exceptional EBIT increased by EUR 70 million and, as a percentage of revenue, delivered an 11.0% margin compared with 9.2% in 2001. This improvement in performance was based on increased volumes of high value-added activity and rationalisation and integration benefits of the Italian and UK operations. Orders booked in 2002 amounted to EUR 2,536 million (+7%), partly due to increased customer support activity. The outstanding order book at 31 December 2002 amounted to EUR 7,146 million. This represented approximately three years of revenue. In 2002 AgustaWestland delivered 100 aircraft of which 45 were for civil customers. At the end of 2002, the total workforce stood at 8,942 employees.
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Boeing and Przemyslowy Instytut Telekomunikacji (PIT) of Poland announced today plans to jointly study a missile defense architecture. A Memorandum of Understanding signed by PIT and Boeing calls for the companies to jointly examine the architectural parameters for a regional missile defense system. James Evatt, senior vice president of Missile Defense Systems, a business unit of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, said, "PIT is a critical component of our central European global Missile Defense partnerships. This agreement also represents another important step in global cooperation that is critical for the future security of our nations, military forces, and allies."
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