5
D
E
C
E
M
B
E
R
2
0
0
4
|
UPDATE
Week ending 5 December 2004
+++ Eurofighter Tranche 2 approved in Germany +++ Steffens to step down as MTU president +++ Successful first test of the TP400-D6 compressor +++ Eurocopter delivers the 100th EC 130B4 +++ LH and Rolls-Royce form overhaul company +++ DB deplores low-cost airline tax advantage +++ Finmeccanica takeover of AgustaWestland complete +++ News in brief +++
Eurofighter Tranche 2 approved in Germany
Bundestag stimmt weiterer Produktion zu
"With today's approval from the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag, on the German side the way has been opened up for the signatures to be set to the long-awaited four-nation call-off contract for the second batch of Eurofighter aircraft," Rainer Hertrich, Co-CEO of EADS, stated on November 2, commenting on the parliamentary release of funds for Eurofighter procurement. Tom Enders, CEO of the Defence and Security Systems Division of EADS (DS), underscored the positive signal this decision would send out for the ongoing final deliberations of the other participating nations. "This is a good day for the NATO and EU partner air forces of Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain, who will now receive a further total of 236 modern fighter aircraft. Furthermore, as the aircraft are equipped with the latest information and data transmission systems, complete compatibility with the global military information, command and control networks within the European and transatlantic defence alliances is ensured. Eurofighter is thus the first European combat aircraft that without reservation meets the requirements of the NATO and EU forces relating to Network Enhanced Capabilities."
Tranche 2, as now approved by the Budget Committee of the Bundestag, is the second sub-contract within the umbrella contract for a total of 620 aircraft destined for the air forces of the four partner nations. Tranche 2 covers 236 aircraft for the four partner air forces with 89 aircraft dedicated to the Royal Air Force, 68 for the German Air Force, 46 for the Italian Air Force, and 33 to be delivered to the Spanish Air Force. The tasks for Tranche 2 include both production and development for the extended air-to-ground mission capability of the Eurofighter, which will involve integration of state-of-the-art precision weapons for this role.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Steffens to step down as MTU president
Überraschender Führungswechsel in München
MTU Aero Engines' supervisory board regretfully satisfied Dr. Klaus Steffens' request to relieve him of his position as president and CEO at the end of 2004 on account of divergent views of the company's further development. The supervisory board expressed its sincere thanks to Steffens for his long years of service to the company. Steffens has been named to MTU Aero Engines' supervisory board as of January 1, 2005. Having served in various leading positions internationally with Ford, Steffens joined MTU Aero Engines in 1996 as vice president engineering/production. In 2000, he was appointed president and CEO. During his tenure, Steffens, who holds a doctor's degree in engineering, had a major role in promoting MTU Aero Engines' globalization, expanding its maintenance business and, with its participation in the GP7000 (Airbus A380), PW6000 (Airbus A318) and TP400-D6 (Airbus A400M) engine programs, laying a solid foundation for the company's long-term, profitable growth. Under his responsibility, the company's growth clearly outpaced the market. Steffens has shepherded the company successfully through its sale to U.S. private equity investors Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) and in its first year under new ownership led it along the proven strategic route to outstanding commercial viability. MTU Aero Engines' supervisory board in an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, December 9, 2004, will confer regarding Dr. Steffens' succession.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Successful first test of the TP400-D6 compressor
Testbeginn für A400M-Triebwerk
EPI Europrop International GmbH (EPI), the joint company formed by the four leading European aero engine companies to offer the TP400-D6 turboprop for the A400M transport aircraft, has announced that the successful first run of the TP400-D6 Intermediate Pressure Compressor (IPC) has taken place in Munich on 30th November. During the tests the IPC performed exactly as expected. The five-stage IPC of the TP400-D6 engine is a lightweight design with four Titanium blisk-rotors. The IPC is located at the interface to the nacelle and intake and is, therefore, a key-element in the safe operation of the engine when integrated into the A400M. The test was witnessed by shareholders of EPI, together with representatives from the Airbus Military Company, OCCAR (Organisation Conjoint de Cooperation en matiere d'Armement) and politicians from the partner countries.
"The first run of the IPC is an important milestone for our customers and it demontrates the efforts made by MTU Aero Engines to meet this requirement for the TP400-D6 engine program ", said Prof. Dr. Günter Kappler, Managing Director of EPI. He added : "The engine development is on schedule within all the partner companies of EPI, with the first ground tests of the TP400-D6 planned in August 2005."
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Eurocopter delivers the 100th EC 130B4
EC 130B4: Hundertste Lieferung
On November 25 at Marignane, Mr Xavier de La Servette, Ecureuil/AStar program Director of the Eurocopter Group, handed over the keys of the 100th EC 130 B4 in a VIP " Stylence " configuration to Mr Michael Dye, Chief Pilot of the american company Kendall-Jackson Wines Estates Ltd. For the company Kendall-Jackson, the helicopter is an important tool in its daily vineyard operations and has become something of a trademark. It is used for executive transportation, as a tour helicopter, pickup truck, and aerial surveillance platform.
Launched into the market during the HAI 2001, the EC 130 B4 is the latest member of the proven Ecureuil/AStar family and was designed to occupy a strategic position in relation to the competition. It has an additional passenger seat and complies with the new helicopter noise-reduction regulations - in particular the US "Grand Canyon National Park" (GCNP) rules. The EC 130 B4 is the quietest helicopters in its class. In fact, at the MTOW it is 8.5 dB below the ICAO limit and 0.5 dB below the GCNP standard.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
LH and Rolls-Royce form overhaul company
Neuer Triebwerkswartungsbetrieb in Thüringen
Rolls-Royce and Lufthansa Technik announced on 29 November that a site near Erfurt in Thuringia, Germany, will be the location of their 100 million Euro aero engine overhaul joint venture. The facility will create around 500 jobs. N3 Engine Overhaul Services was founded by Rolls-Royce and Lufthansa Technik AG in February 2003 and from 2007 it will provide technical support for Rolls-Royce market-leading Trent 500, 700 and 900 engines which power the Airbus A340-500/-600, A330 and A380 aircraft. Managing Director of Rolls-Royce's Aero Repair and Overhaul business John Paterson said: "We're delighted to be establishing this joint venture with Lufthansa Technik here in Germany. We have completed a comprehensive site search that focused on a location that could offer the best in logistics, a competitive cost structure and the potential for high-quality manpower. It's excellent news for both our companies, for N3 and its future customers." Details of the facility are now being planned with construction work due to begin at the end of 2005, with completion expected at the end of 2006.
The N3 joint venture workforce will grow to around 250 by the end of the first year of operations and is expected to increase to around 500 within three years. By the end of its first year of operation, N3 Engine Overhaul Services expects to overhaul about 50 engines and to double that total within two years. The facility will have the capacity to handle 200 engines per year and in addition to engine servicing, the company will also offer the repair of engine parts. Servicing the Trent engines of Lufthansa's own planned fleet is expected to account for up to 40 per cent of its work volume. A similar volume of work is expected to come from European, African and American customers whose engines are covered by Rolls-Royce TotalCare agreements. Lufthansa has chosen Trent series engines for all three types of its new Airbus wide-body aircraft.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
DB deplores low-cost airline tax advantage
Bundesbahn gegen Billigairlines
Recent years have seen drastic changes in the competitive environment for rail passenger traffic in Germany. A study conducted by Toulouse University and presented in Brussels today shows that since the end of 2002, low-cost airlines have achieved enormous growth on both domestic and international routes. For Deutsche Bahn's long-distance division, this trend means an immense increase in competition on important routes such as Berlin - Stuttgart, Berlin - Munich and Hamburg - Vienna. A survey conducted by Münster University in July 2003 confirms a pronounced migration from rail to air, with rates as high as 40 per cent in some cases.
Although Distorted competition between low-cost airlines and rail passenger traffic is willing to face this competition, it nevertheless demands that the same competitive conditions apply to all market players. In contrast to airlines, railway companies in Germany have to pay both mineral oil and green tax - a burden which is anything but negligible: Deutsche Bahn is the main payer of green tax in the whole of Germany. What is more, the full VAT rate is payable on rail tickets for cross-border journeys, whereas airlines are exempt from VAT.
According to a survey by Eurocontrol, the market share of the low-cost airlines in Germany is currently rising at a faster rate than in other European countries. One of the reasons for this development is that German rail companies are also in a worse tax position than their European competitors. In France, for example, where the full VAT rate is 19.6 per cent, the French railways have to pay VAT at a rate of just 5.5 per cent. Railway companies in Germany, on the other hand, have to pay the full rate of 16 per cent on distances of 100 kilometres and more. There are similar differences with regard to mineral oil tax. Deutsche Bahn consequently demands that this distortion of the competitive conditions be remedied as soon as possible - in particular the abolition of tax discrimination in national and international competition.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Finmeccanica takeover of AgustaWestland complete
AgustaWestland nun in italienischer Hand
Finmeccanica announced the completion of the acquisition of GKN's 50% shareholding in the helicopter joint venture AgustaWestland N.V. (AW) and the acquisition of the real estate assets owned by GKN and used by the joint venture for a total transaction consideration of 1,496 million euros (1,001.5 million pounds) and 92 million euros (62 million pounds) respectively. The total transaction consideration includes 52 million euros (35 million pounds) held in escrow. This amount will be repaid to Finmeccanica by 31 May 2008, if AW is not awarded the Future Lynx contract by the UK Ministry of Defence. The sale of 93 million STM shares to Cassa depositi e prestiti, for 1.44 billion euros, will constitute the main source of financing for the acquisition. The completion of this transaction, which was announced on 26 November, is expected to occur by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Finmeccanica will draw on the Group's existing financial resources and the Revolving Credit Facility established in July.
Following the acquisition, Finmeccanica will consolidate 100% of AW with effect from 1 December 2004 for the profit and loss account and 31 December 2004 for the balance sheet. The goodwill arising from the acquisition of GKN's shareholding in AW is estimated to be approximately 850 million euros. Following the introduction of the International Accounting Standards, with effect from January 2005, the goodwill will no longer be amortised
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
In a new study titled "The World Market for Military Rotorcraft," Forecast International is predicting that 5,448 military rotorcraft, with an estimated value of $84 billion, will be produced in the 2004-2013 period. This total includes both new-build rotorcraft as well as major modifications such as the Boeing AH-64D and the Sikorsky UH-60M. A total of 1,668 major modifications are forecast, with an estimated value of $14.3 billion. Forecast International projects that annual military rotorcraft production will increase through most of the 2004-2013 timeframe. In addition, the value of this production, as measured in constant 2004 U.S. dollars, is also expected to grow through nearly the entire period, with the growth in value of production outpacing the growth in unit production. This is due to an increasing proportion of relatively expensive rotorcraft in the annual mix. Sikorsky, along with its newly acquired subsidiary Schweizer, is projected to be the market leader both in unit production and production value. The Connecticut company is expected to produce 1,237 military helicopters worth some $20.6 billion. Boeing is predicted to be second in unit production with 983 rotorcraft produced, and Eurocopter (with subsidiary Australian Aerospace) is third with 554 units. The Eurocopter total does include production by the NH Industries consortium, in which Eurocopter is a leading participant. In terms of production value, the Bell/Boeing V-22 tiltrotor aircraft partnership is expected to be second to Sikorsky, with $18.3 billion. Boeing alone is third with $12.9 billion.
+++
US Airways, GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), and GE Engine Services (GEES) have reached a comprehensive agreement on aircraft leasing and financing, and engine services, which will provide the airline with short-term liquidity, reduce debt, lower aircraft ownership costs, enhanced engine maintenance services and leases for new regional jets, while preserving the vast majority of US Airways' mainline fleet owned by GECAS. If approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and all conditions are met, the transaction will provide US Airways with $140 million in interim liquidity through a new bridge facility and the deferral of aircraft debt and lease payments coming due over the next six months. In total, US Airways expects the agreement to provide over $80 million in annual cash savings and aircraft ownership and engine maintenance costs. In addition, GECAS will lease up to 31 new 70 and 90-seat regional jet aircraft to US Airways over the next three years, and US Airways would return 25 of its 281 mainline aircraft over the same time period. The agreement calls for the return of 10 Airbus 319s in 2005, and 15 Boeing 737-300s in 2006 and 2007.
+++
Saab AB and Airbus have signed an agreement for the development and production of the crew entrance door for the A400M military transport aircraft. The contract value could be up to MSEK 400 considering the market potential and makes Saab a risk-sharing partner in the A400M program. "We are proud that Airbus has chosen Saab Aerostructures to develop and produce the crew entrance door for the A400M. We look forward to take part in the A400M project as a partner. We have enjoyed good cooperation with Airbus for many years, and the fact that they have chosen us as a supplier in this project shows that they have great confidence in us," says Pontus Kallén, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Saab Aerostructures. Saab Aerostructures will be responsible for development, production, and support of the crew door for the A400M. The first unit will be delivered to Airbus in 2006.
+++
IATA reported a 10.8% year-on-year increase in scheduled international traffic for October that took year-to-date traffic growth to 16.9% compared to first 10 months of 2003. International cargo traffic posted similar gains of 12.4% for October 2004 compared to October 2003 and 14.0% for the first 10 months of 2004 compared to the same period for 2003. "Despite a negative economic environment and continued uncertainty in the price of oil, international traffic is growing at breakneck speed. Unfortunately traffic growth and profitability do not always walk hand in hand and we still expect industry losses in excess of US$4 billion for this year," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO. "The sharply reduced value of the US dollar is changing some of the industry's short-term dynamics," said Bisignani. It is an incentive for travellers to visit the US at a time when many US carriers are re-deploying capacity from low-yielding domestic markets to higher yielding international routes. On the cost side, it improves the competitiveness of US carriers, but also provides some relief to non-US carriers battling the continuing extraordinary price of fuel. Load factors averaged 74.6% for the first ten months of the year but yields continue to suffer from intense competition.
+++
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract by Rainbow DBS Company LLC, a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation, to build its next five geostationary telecommunications satellites. Designated Rainbow Ka-1 through Rainbow Ka-5, and situated at their final orbital locations of 62W, 71W, 77W, 119W, and 129W degrees, the satellites will provide direct broadcast services across the continental United States (CONUS). In addition, the most western satellites at 119W, and 129W degrees will provide service to Alaska and Hawaii. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The flexible designs of the spacecraft payloads feature multiple Ka-band spot beams as well as half-CONUS beams. Rainbow Ka-1 through Rainbow Ka-5 are based on Lockheed Martin's A2100AX satellite, with a predicted service life of 15 years.
+++
SAS has been selected as the Swedish government's single largest supplier for destinations in North America and Europe (including London and Paris). In most cases, SAS was also selected as supplier in both business and economy class. Last summer, the government conducted a similar procurement process for domestic routes and selected SAS as the supplier on 61 of 63 routes. "We regret that the government did not choose SAS for Brussels. However, we do not believe that it is possible to fly profitably and offer a sustainable product at the level to which the hyper-competition pressed the prices in the bidding process," Håkan Olsson added.
+++
The Expedition 10 crewmembers wer back inside the International Space Station after taking a short ride. They flew their Soyuz spacecraft from one docking port to another to clear the way for two spacewalks next year. Having configured Station systems for autonomous operation, Expedition 10 Flight Engineer and Soyuz Commander Salizhan Sharipov and Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao undocked the Soyuz from the Station's Pirs Docking Compartment at 4:32 a.m. EST, as they flew 225 miles over the southern Atlantic Ocean. Sharipov, seated in the center seat of the Soyuz descent module compartment, and Chiao seated to his left, backed the capsule away from the Station approximately 98 feet. They flew the Soyuz laterally along the Station approximately 45 feet before rotating the craft 135 degrees to align it with the Earth-facing docking port on the adjacent Zarya module. The vehicle was held in position for eight minutes of station-keeping, ensuring correct alignment of docking mechanisms, before the crew began the final approach toward the Station.
+++
Boeing will use software from Delmia Corp. and Intercim, Inc., to digitally define how its all-new 7E7 Dreamliner commercial airplane will be built and maintained. The combination of their software products -- DELMIA V5 DPM Shop and Intercim Velocity -- will create a three-dimensional shop-floor information system. Those software tools will integrate with the program's digital definition tool -- Dassault Systemes' product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions -- using a single 7E7 database. The DELMIA software defines the assembly and maintenance processes. Planners will use the software to define and validate the content and sequence of assembly and maintenance operations. Shop-floor personnel will use the data to view three-dimensional standard work instructions.
+++
Lockheed Martin has named Ross Reynolds as the head of the company's Air Mobility line of business. In this new role, Reynolds will have overall responsibility for the C-130J Super Hercules, C-5 Modernization, C-27J Spartan and Air Mobility Support (AMS) programs. Reynolds had previously served as vice president, C-130J programs, since November 2000. Under this new organization, the head of each of the four product areas will report to Reynolds.
+++
On superannuation of Shri NR Mohanty, Chairman HAL on 30 November 2004, Shri Ashok K Baweja has been appointed as Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with effect from 01 December 2004. Shri Ashok K Baweja joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in 1972 as Management Trainee. He worked in different assignments in Manufacturing, Production Planning in the Helicopter and Engine Divisions. While at the Engine Divsion he conceptualised the Industrial & Marine Gas Turbine business, which is now a full fledged Division of HAL, besides managing a large number of engine programmes. He was General Manager for the ALH programme and the Helicopter Division prior to his appointment as Director (Design & Development) in September 1998 on HAL's Board.
+++
A Boeing program to modernize the U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber is the latest Integrated Defense Systems program to meet the Company's key requirements for networked combat readiness. Boeing defense programs are required to meet internal Company criteria ensuring the systems and platforms are delivered with the inherent ability to seamlessly share data and voice communications via mobile wireless networks. This capability - known as interoperability - is a key tenet of network centric operations, in which networked systems share information and are able to dynamically reallocate resources based upon operational needs. The Boeing criteria for NCO readiness incorporate customer requirements while helping to ensure the interoperability of enduring Boeing platforms. Boeing Strategic Architecture, the organization that developed the collection of interoperability standards and interfaces known as the Strategic Architecture Reference Model, is responsible for setting the internal criteria and certifying each of the programs. Compatibility with the SARM is among Boeing's key internal NCO requirements and ensures Boeing-built systems remain compatible with standards recommended by the newly formed Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium, of which Boeing is a founding member.
+++
On 24 November 2004 Ms Petra Buzkova, the Czech Republic Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, and Mr Lars Fredén, Head of ESA's International Relations Department, signed the Plan for European Cooperating State Charter in Prague. The Czech Republic now becomes the second European Cooperating State to whom ESA has granted that status. Hungary was the first country to sign a Plan for European Cooperating State (PECS) in November 2003. The signature of the PECS Charter by the Czech Republic and ESA followed on from the signing of the European Cooperating State Agreement on 24 November 2003. It will allow the start of the PECS activities agreed on by ESA and the Czech Republic and specified in the Charter, that will take place over a five-year period.
+++
Lockheed Martin has received a $15.6 million contract to integrate the Armed Helicopter mission kit for the MH-60S helicopter. The award represents Phase III of the U.S. Navy's Armed Helo program. Phase III, a two-year effort, covers integration from the preliminary design review, completed by Lockheed Martin in Phase II, through completion of operational testing. The Armed Helo mission kit includes sensors, avionics, weapons, integrated self-defense (ISD) and survivability capabilities. Initial operational capability of the Armed Helo is scheduled in September 2006.
+++
The Indian government has shortlisted Bell Helicopter for the supply of 200 helicopters to the country's defense forces, a senior company official said. If Bell Helicopter wins the order it will shift production of its seven-seater 407 model to India, said Max Wiley, vice president of Asia Pacific operations. Bell Helicopter has offered to supply 60 ready-to-use helicopters and manufacture the rest in India under a license agreement with the country's state-owned aircraft manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
+++
Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH and Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. and have formed a groundbreaking alliance to market a family of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the U.S. government. Teledyne Brown will adapt Rheinmetall's proven UAV system to provide the U.S. with reliable, superior and flexible UAV systems designed for real-time reconnaissance and surveillance as well as armed reconnaissance. Under the lead of Teledyne Brown, Prospector is the premier system being developed for the American market on the basis of the German UAV system KZO. It is a multipurpose reconnaissance system that requires no runway for launch, allows for changeable payloads in the field and provides high precision navigation and targeting. A second system, Thunder, bases on the UCAV system TAIFUN of Rheinmetall Defence Electronics and provides the ability to oversee the battlefield, identify targets and engage targets with weapons on board.
+++
Virgin Atlantic Airways announced that the launch site for the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer record attempt will be the Salina Municipal (KSLN) Airport, Kansas, USA. Mission control will also be based in Salina at Kansas State University at Salina. The record attempt is planned to take place from early January 2005 dependent on favourable weather conditions and the route will take the aircraft over cities such as Montreal, London, Paris, Rome, Cairo, Karachi, Shanghai, Tokyo, Honolulu, Los Angeles and Chicago. The radical aircraft will be piloted by Steve Fossett, the current Round the World Record holder in both balloons and sailboats. He will attempt to break the last great aviation record by making the first solo non-stop flight around the world. The pioneering aircraft -- the world's most efficient jet plane -- has been designed by aviation legend Burt Rutan. It is hoped the record attempt will be successfully completed within 80 hours. Sir Richard Branson will follow the flight in the support aircraft and is the reserve pilot.
+++
Intelsat, Ltd. today said that its Intelsat Americas-7 satellite experienced a sudden and unexpected electrical distribution anomaly that caused the permanent loss of the spacecraft on November 28, 2004 at approximately 2:30 am EST. Consistent with existing satellite anomaly contingency plans, Intelsat has made alternative capacity available to most of its IA-7 customers, many of whom have already had their services restored, reflecting Intelsat's intention to ensure a smooth transition for its customers. Intelsat is working with Space Systems/Loral, the manufacturer of the satellite, to identify the cause of the problem. The satellite, which operated at 129° West, was launched in September 1999 and covered the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Central America, and parts of South America. The satellite was self-insured by Intelsat. The upcoming launch of the IA-8 satellite, currently scheduled to occur on December 17, 2004, will provide 36 Ku-band, and 24 C-band, equivalent transponders to the Intelsat North American fleet and help mitigate the impact of the permanent loss of IA-7.
+++
Airbus' A320 Family is to benefit from lower maintenance costs following an increase in the intervals between scheduled maintenance tasks, which has just been approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada. The latest approvals for the A320 Family mean that the time between A-checks will increase from 500 to 600 hours, that C-checks will go from every 15 months to every 20 months or 6,000 flight hours. In addition, the five-year heavy-maintenance check interval can be extended to six years, and the ten-year heavy maintenance check to 12 years. These improvements are the result of some two years of work involving the airworthiness authorities, airlines flying Airbus A320 Family aircraft, engine-manufacturers, major suppliers and Airbus.
+++
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Connexion by Boeing announced the signing of a definitive service agreement for the installation of high-speed, in-flight Internet service on the carrier's long-haul fleet. This agreement positions SIA, the world's leading commercial airline, as one of the first carriers to offer real-time broadband service for its passengers. SIA will achieve another world's first in 2005 when it brings live international TV on board, beamed through Connexion by Boeing to the passengers' laptops.
+++
Sikorsky delivered two S-70 BLACK HAWKs to the Royal Thai Army. His Excellency Mr. Kasit Piromya, Royal Thai Ambassador to the United States, accepted the aircraft logbooks as part of the ceremonial transfer of title. With the delivery, the Royal Thai Army now has five S-70 BLACK HAWKs. The aircraft were acquired through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Sikorsky had previously delivered six S-70B SEAHAWKs for shipborne service and six S-76s for search-and-rescue to the Royal Thai Navy via FMS.
+++
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) customer training marked a major milestone when it welcomed its 50,000th student in St. Hubert. Philip J. Rizan, Quality Standards Inspector with Air Methods Corporation, was presented with a plaque by Maria Della Posta, Vice President, Customer Support, P&WC, during a ceremony held at the St-Hubert facility to celebrate the event. P&WC's customer training services have increased over the years in response to demand and continuous improvement. In 1992, P&WC opened a second training centre in Ludwigsfelde, Germany, for its European customers. In 1995, a third centre opened in Singapore and, in 2002, a fourth in Beijing, China. The training centres welcome about 1,600 students a year. P&WC also offers on-site training with the same instructors and support material. In the past year, more than 1,200 customers were trained in their own facilities by P&WC instructors.
+++
In a handover ceremony on 28 October at Agusta Vergiate plant, Italy, the first of four AB139 helicopters for the Aga Khan Development Network ( AKDN) was handed over. The AB139s will be operated in the remote and mountainous regions of South and Central Asia to ferry personnel and material for the construction of the three University of Central Asia (UCA) campuses. The UCA, which is the first international university anywhere in the world dedicated to the problems and needs of mountain communities, will reach 40 million potential beneficiaries in Central Asia alone. Founded by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, and the Aga Khan, the University aims to foster economic and social development throughout the vast and impoverished mountain zones of Central Asia. The AB139s will be based in Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic), Dushanbe (Tajikistan) and Islamabad (Pakistan).
+++
Vought Aircraft announced it has signed an agreement for site development regarding its structural work share on the new 7E7 Dreamliner program. Vought has also reached agreement on all key terms and conditions for the program contract with Boeing and will continue to work toward finalization of a definitive contract during the remainder of this year. Vought also announced it is finalizing a joint venture with Alenia North America, Inc. in support of the Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner program. The joint venture, called Global Aeronautica, LLC, will join and integrate fuselage sections from Vought, Alenia Aeronautica S.p.A. of Italy and other structural partners, which together represent more than 60 percent of the 7E7 fuselage. This integration work will entail the joining of the majority of the fuselage sections and the installation and testing of the associated system elements.
+++
The Minister for Defence, Mr. Willie O'Dea, has authorised his Department to open negotiations for the acquisition of six new helicopters for the Irish Air Corps. Two Light Utility EC 135 helicopters will be acquired from Eurocopter and will be used mainly for pilot training. Four Utility AB 139 Helicopters will be acquired from the Bell Agusta Aerospace Company, Italy and will be operated by the Air Corps in a general purpose military operational and training role.
+++
Boeing engineers completed the first series of wind tunnel tests for the 737 Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) program on Nov. 5 under the Systems Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract. Low-speed wind tunnel tests began on an 11 percent scale model of a 737 MMA on Oct. 28 in Boeing's 20 ft. by 20 ft. subsonic wind tunnel facility in Philadelphia, PA. The facility is the largest privately owned wind tunnel in the United States and can subject models to wind speeds up to 215 knots. The full series of stability and control testing is expected to conclude in two weeks.
+++
BAE Systems North America recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with MiKES, Inc., Ankara, Turkey, for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. The agreement, signed in September, with MiKES (Mikrodalga Elektronic Sistemler Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.), is the fourth MOA this year furthering BAE Systems' commitment to involve the international partners of the JSF program. The agreements support BAE Systems during the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phases of the JSF Electronic Warfare (EW) program. Each MOA establishes an industrial relationship with one supplier for each country.
+++
Reports indicate that DaimlerChrysler has blocked moves by French President Jacques Chirac to place current Airbus chief Noel Forgeard as the sole head of EADS. DaimlerChrysler, the largest EADS shareholder, has agreed with other major investors to maintain the aerospace group's dual chief executive structure when it expires next year, newspapers said. "The idea of one chief executive alone is really at this stage dead," the newspaper quoted a source at the French media group Lagardere as saying.
+++
Marking a new chapter in the history of the Indian Air Force, the first indigenously built multi-role Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft was today handed over to the force here. Built by HAL with Russian technology, the frontline twin-seater was rolled outat the Ozar airbase. Addressing the ceremony at the sprawling air force base, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said India's defence policy is based on a very basic foundation and the country does not have any territorial ambition.
+++
Aerojet, a GenCorp Inc. company, conducted a series of simulated flight condition tests of its high-speed hypersonic engine for the HyFly program. HyFly (Hypersonic Flight) is a high-speed, long-range strike missile demonstrator program. Tests of the Aerojet engine were conducted in a wind tunnel at speeds of Mach 4, 5 and 6.5. Flying Mach 6.5 is the equivalent of hitting a target 600 miles away in less than 10 minutes. Aerojet is designing and building the hypersonic engine for Boeing Phantom Works, who will integrate the engines into the HyFly flight test vehicles. "Aerojet's demonstration of its uniquely designed hypersonic engine demonstrates the company's abilities to meet the new needs of the nation's military," said Aerojet President Michael Martin. "Our hypersonic engine technology will enable the U.S. military to reach long-range threats in
+++
Saab Aviocomp AB has signed an agreement with Embraer Aviation International under which it will support Embraer with rotable component maintenance for a designated component package that is included in Embraer's Pool Program. The agreement is on a long-term basis and value could be up to MSEK 100 considering the market potential. Saab Aviocomp is already an authorized Service Center for Embraer and this new agreement is a development of the good cooperation between the companies.At present there are more than 150 aircraft of the ERJ135/145 model delivered in Europe by Embraer.
+++
The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has appointed Thales as prime contractor for the ground segment of the Syracuse III military satellite communication system. The system will provide end-to-end communication services between mainland France and out-of-area theatres of operations and offer Internet services in the battlespace. Syracuse III will provide French forces with the interoperability and security required for out-of-area deployments by joint multinational forces. Thales will be working with Alcatel Space, which is prime contractor for the space segment for which it is building the first two satellites. Alcatel Space will have a 30% workshare on the ground segment.
+++
USS Wasp (LHD 1) completed a 10-day exercise testing the V-22A Osprey off the Mid-Atlantic coast, Nov. 12-23. The multipurpose amphibious assault ship spent nearly two weeks at sea helping more than 100 flight engineers, contractors, government employees and Marine Corps pilots collect data and aviation information about the military's future transport aircraft. Osprey test pilot Marine Maj. Frank Conway was one of five pilots to qualify to fly at night using night vision goggles and night vision devices. The two-year V-22 pilot said he preferred the fleet's new mode of transportation to its predecessor, the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, because of its jet speed, long-range capabilities and convenient pilot-friendly mechanisms. "The difference between flying the V-22 and the CH-46 is like night and day," said Conway of Lindenword, N.J. "The Osprey has top of the line equipment with a computer that pretty much does everything. The V-22 is an airplane that occasionally hovers for takeoffs and landings. You instantly go from hovering vertically off the deck to an airplane that can travel 200 knots in 10-12 seconds. The deceleration is even more impressive. It's like having 'Bugs Bunny' air brakes and stopping in mid-air. The Osprey will better serve the mission of the troops and the Navy/Marine Corps team."
+++
EVA Air and Lufthansa Technik have signed a Total Component Support TCS contract. Over the next twelve years the Taiwan-based carrier and the German MRO specialist will cooperate on the component management of EVA Air's growing fleet of Airbus A330-200 airplanes. EVA Air will operate five Airbus A330-200 by the end of the year and adds another five during 2005. Under the new Total Component Support TCS contract Lufthansa Technik will provide a home base stock at the Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport near the country's capital Taipei. Including the participation in Lufthansa Technik's comprehensive material pool, more than 300 Line Replaceable Units (LRU) will be handled by the component division in Hamburg as well as their maintenance and repair. After recently announcing the first total component support and management contract in the United States, the German MRO provider could now also broaden its customer base in Asia.
+++
Qatar Airways has chosen Ameco Beijing, China's leading aircraft maintenance company, to conduct line maintenance for its scheduled flights. Ameco Beijing will provide transit checks and release services for the airline company's direct flights between Beijing and Doha. Qatar Airways' Asia-Pacific Line Station Coordinator Mr. Hassan Al-Fadli said that Qatar Airways chooses Ameco Beijing as its technical services provider in Beijing due to the company's "highly qualified technical force, good quality, modern equipment and facilities as well as its ability to provide swift responses to customers' queries."
+++
SWISS will be charging a new "Swiss Service Fee" for its ticketing services in its home Swiss market from January 3, 2005 onwards. The new fee will be levied for its advisory and processing services in selling SWISS air tickets, and will apply to all sales at SWISS ticket desks, via the SWISS Call Centres and on the SWISS www.swiss.com website.
+++
Lockheed Martin announced that Dain M. Hancock, Executive Vice President and President of Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics Company, will retire after nearly 40 years of service. The company also announced that Ralph D. Heath will succeed Hancock, effective January 17, 2005. Hancock has been responsible for all of the corporation's military aircraft business activities since November 1999. With some 28,000 employees and major locations in Fort Worth, Texas; Marietta, Georgia; and Palmdale, California, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' product lines include combat aircraft, air mobility, advanced development programs, and reconnaissance aircraft.
+++
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Previous UPDATES are still available:
November 28, 2004
November 21, 2004
November 14, 2004
November 7, 2004
October 31, 2004
October 24, 2004
October 17, 2004
October 10, 2004
October 3, 2004
September 26, 2004
September 19, 2004
September 12, 2004
September 5, 2004
August 29, 2004
August 22, 2004
August 15, 2004
August 1, 2004
July 25, 2004
July 18, 2004
July 11, 2004
July 4, 2004
January - June 2004
January - December 2003
January - December 2002
January - December 2001
January to December 2000
January to December 1999
January to December 1998
January to December 1997
September to December 1996
|
