FLUG REVUE update: Week ending 30 January 2005

UPDATE - Week ending 30 January 2005

+++ Big boost for 787 (previoulsy 7E7) +++ Lockheed Martin wins Presidential Helicopter +++ Airbus A380 order from China +++ ISS – the way forward +++ EuroSystems deal signed +++ Eurocopter remains No.1 +++ Final offers for Galileo concession +++ News in brief +++

Big boost for 787 (previoulsy 7E7)
Boeing 787-Großauftrag aus China

On Jan. 28, Boeing and officials from the Peoples' Republic of China signed a preliminary agreement for the purchase of 60 Boeing 7E7 Dreamliners by Chinese airlines. The agreement, which will be finalized at a later date, is valued at approximately US$7.2 billion, based on average list prices. The airplanes will be delivered to six Chinese carriers -- Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Shanghai Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. Each carrier is scheduled to receive its first 7E7 in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. As members of the 787 launch customer team, the six Chinese carriers will be critical partners in developing the 787 family of airplanes.
Concurrent with the announcement, the 7E7 was formally designated the Boeing 787 Dreamliner -- continuing the long and successful line of Boeing "7-series" airplanes. "We used 7E7 to highlight the airplane's dramatic efficiency advantages," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "All those advantages and more continue with this official model designation for the airplane ." Since the naming of the initial 707, all Boeing commercial jets have been named in succession based on the 7-7 formula: 717, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777 up to the latest Boeing commercial jet transport, the 787.
The 787 was launched in April of last year with an order of 50 airplanes from Japan 's ANA (All Nippon Airways). Air New Zealand, First Choice Airways, Blue Panorama, Primaris Airlines, Japan Airlines, Continental Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines also are among the 787's 14 announced customers. Today's agreement brings the total number of announced orders and commitments for the 787 to 186 airplanes. Production of the 787 will begin in 2006. First flight is expected in 2007 with certification, delivery and entry into service in 2008.

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Lockheed Martin wins Presidential Helicopter
Sikorsky H-92 unterliegt US101

The US Department of Defense announced on 28 January that the team led by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Owego, N.Y., has been selected to build the new presidential helicopter (VXX) based on its U.S. 101 medium lift helicopter, thus beating an offering from Sikorsky (H-92). This $1.7 billion, cost plus award fee contract will launch the VXX program's system development and demonstration phase during which the program will integrate a “system of systems” with a modern, in-production aircraft to provide the president with safe and reliable helicopter transportation. “Today's announcement is a significant milestone that caps an exhaustive and deliberative source selection process that carefully followed the Federal Acquisition Regulations,” said John Young, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition. “The determined effort, long hours and hard work by both the VXX government team and the two industry teams will ensure a high level of quality and safety for future presidents, as well as a timely, efficient and effective program execution.”
“This decision truly reflects the best value and capability for the American taxpayer who is funding it, the Marines who will operate it and the future presidents who will fly in it,” Young added. “Under this replacement program, with its technology and performance improvements, a single platform will provide better savings in total ownership costs, engineering, maintenance and logistical support over the lifetime of the program,” Young said. “The president needs a more survivable helicopter while the nation engages in the Global War on Terrorism, and we are committed to providing it as soon as possible.” The original Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program of record proposed an initial operating capability in 2013. The VXX program was accelerated in 2003 with a currently planned IOC in fiscal year 2009.

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Airbus A380 order from China
China Southern chooses A380

On 28 January, China Southern Airlines Company Limited and China Aviation Supplies Imp. & Exp. Group Corporation (CASGC) have signed in Paris a General Terms Agreement (GTA) with Airbus for the purchase of five A380s. This is the first commitment placed by a Chinese carrier for the A380, which herewith becomes the 15th customer for the all new very large Airbus airliner. “As one of the largest carriers in China, we are pleased to join the list of renown customers for Airbus' new double-decker. We believe that the A380 will further build our image of reliability, punctuality and efficiency and increase our competitiveness in the global market, ” said Liu Shaoyong, Chairman of China Southern Airlines Company Limited. “We also hope that the acquiring of the A380 will help China become a powerful civil aviation giant.” With this agreement, Airbus has now 154 orders and commitments from 15 customers for the A380 programme. Built to the latest and most stringent requirements, the world's first full-length twin-deck aircraft embodies the most advanced technologies, providing unbeatable operating costs, more range, and greater comfort for passengers.

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ISS – the way forward
Internationales Treffen zur Raumstation

The Heads of space agencies from the United States, Russia, Japan, Europe and Canada met in Montreal, Canada, on 26 January to review and further advance International Space Station (ISS) cooperation. At this meeting, the Heads of Agency reviewed the status of ongoing ISS operations and NASA's plans for Space Shuttle return to flight. The Heads of Agency endorsed the Multilateral Coordination Board approved ISS configuration. The partners reaffirmed their agencies' commitment to meet their ISS obligations and to complete ISS ssembly by the end of the decade, and to use and further evolve ISS in a manner that meets their research and exploration objectives
The Partners discussed and agreed on plans for continued support of the ISS consistent with planned ISS research and utilisation. Of particular interest to the Partners is the increased use of ISS and early opportunities for an enhanced crew of greater than three after the Shuttle returns to flight. ISS transportation needs will be met by a mix of support vehicles from across the Partnership. Planning includes support by Russian Soyuz spacecraft, the U.S. Space Shuttle, the automated logistics re-supply capabilities provided by Russian Progress vehicles, the ATV and HTV spacecraft to be provided by Europe and Japan respectively, as well as the capabilities from potential future commercial providers. The ISS Heads of Agency agreed to meet again in Fall 2005 to review the progress on planned ISS activities. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue the unprecedented international cooperation that has characterized the ISS Programme to date. This cooperation has enabled the Partnership to safely maintain human presence on-orbit and keep the ISS in a productive state of operations and utilisation, including the continued use of Canadarm2 during the current hiatus in Space Shuttle flights. The ISS Heads of Agency also expressed their appreciation for the outstanding work being conducted by the ISS on-orbit crews and confirmed their readiness to continue with ISS assembly when the Space Shuttle returns to flight in the May 2005 timeframe.

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EuroSystems deal signed
BAE und Finmeccanica unterzeichnen Vertrag

Finmeccanica and BAE Systems have signed the final agreement for EuroSystems in the Defence Electronic sector. The agreement is of great strategic and economic value for Finmeccanica in terms both of the group's competitive position and of its objectives to achieve strategic and operational autonomy. “Thanks to this operation, Finmeccanica will rank second in Europe and sixth worldwide in defence electronics”, said Chairman and CEO Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, “generating revenues of more than EUR 3 billion in the sector. EuroSystems will make a huge contribution to the group's objectives of growth and increased focus on aerospace and defence”.
Under the agreement, Finmeccanica will acquire a number of important UK-based assets in the sectors of avionics, military and secure communications and air traffic control. Since AMS will now operate independently, synergies will be created with other group companies, making Finmeccanica a leading systems integrator in the electronics field. Under the agreement: a new avionics company will be set up, controlled 75% by Finmeccanica and 25% by BAE Systems;
Finmeccanica will acquire BAE's military and secure communications assets; the Italian assets of AMS NV will come back under the full control of Finmeccanica. AMS SpA will now head up the air traffic management and air traffic control assets acquired from BAE Systems in the UK, Germany (Gematronik) and the USA (ASI).
The new agreement is particularly important from an industrial standpoint for the avionics business, since it completes Finmeccanica's range of skills and products, especially in the sector of electronic warfare self-protection systems. The group's existing know-how and technologies will be further enhanced by BAE's state-of-the-art systems and skills, for example in the field of active radar and electro-optics. The acquisition of BAE Avionics will enable Finmeccanica to speed up its strategy of penetrating the US market, thanks to BAE Avionics' participation in a number of important military programmes that are expected to see strong growth in the next few years.
On 28 January, Alcatel and Finmeccanica announced the signature of final agreement to merge their space activities through the creation of two joint ventures companies, to which both partners will contribute their respective satellite industrial and service activities. The first company, Alcatel Alenia Space, of which Alcatel will hold 67% and Finmeccanica 33%, will combine Alcatel Space and Alenia Spazio's activities. It will concentrate on the design, development, and manufacturing of space systems, satellites, payloads, instruments and associated ground systems for civilian and military applications. The headquarters of Alcatel Alenia Space will be located in France, with plants in France, Italy, Belgium and Spain. With estimated 2004 sales of 1.8 billion euros and around 7,200 people, it will create the European leader in satellite systems and services. The second company, Telespazio, of which Finmeccanica will hold 67% and Alcatel 33%, will combine Telespazio with Alcatel Space Services and Operations activities. It will concentrate on operations and services for satellite solutions, which includes control and exploitation of space systems as well as value-added services for networking, multimedia and earth observation. Its headquarters will be located in Italy with plants in Italy, France and Germany. With estimated 2004 sales of 350 millions euros and around 1,400 people, it will be a key player in the space services market.

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Eurocopter remains No.1
Gutes Jahr für Eurocopter

In 2004, Eurocopter secured its position as the world's No. 1 with orders for 332 new helicopters and a turnover up by 7%, while leading the way once again in the civil and parapublic sectors, and strengthening the export prospects of the NH90. The following orders were placed for production helicopters: 39 EC120 Colibris, 146 from the Ecureuil/Fennec/EC130 family, 67 EC135s, 13 from the BK117/EC145 family, 32 from the Dauphin/Panther/EC155 family, 15 from the Super Puma/CougarEC225/EC 725 family and 20 NH90s. The total number of orders taken - including new and pre-owned (35) helicopters, Customer Support services and R & D activities - was valued at 3.24 billion euros, up by 26%. In terms of value, 70% of these orders were for export, and the remaining 30% for domestic use in France, Germany, and Spain. The breakdown was 51% for the military sector and 49% for the civil/parapublic sector. The consolidated orders for production helicopters were worth 1.7 billion euros, an increase of 21.4%
The turnover increased by 7% in 2004, representing a total of 2.78 billion euros. The main contributors were the delivery of 279 helicopters (49%), Customer Support activities (35%), and R & D and Miscellaneous activities (16%). Exports accounted for 56% compared to 44% for domestic use in France, Germany, and Spain. The civil and parapublic sector generated 53% of the turnover, and the military sector 47%.
In 2004, Eurocopter's efforts to improve customer satisfaction have been crowned with success, and the company has now joined the leaders in its category. This drive will be continued in 2005, notably with the interconnection of 3 logistic hubs (respectively in Hong Kong, Dallas and Roissy), improved Overhaul & Repair cycles, prior training of advisory teams for better anticipation of the needs of each group of customers, and optimum relations with the equipment manufacturers based on the concept of "Shared Success, Shared Effort".

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Final offers for Galileo concession
Angebote für den Betrieb von Galileo

On 25 January, the iNavSat consortium delivered its final offer to the Galileo Joint Undertaking (GJU) to become the Galileo concessionaire, deploying the Galileo satellite constellation, integrating EGNOS and operating all subsequent services. The consortium was chosen in October as one of the two final bidders. The preferred bidder is expected to be announced in February 2005. The iNavSat offer is based on a through technical due diligence in the light of user and market demands, which are complemented by the background and know-how of over 40 international iNavSat partners. They have contributed valuable experience in their given fields of expertise (e.g. automotive, telecommunication, information technologies, Safety of Life applications) to the successful commercial implementation of Galileo. The iNavSat financial proposal has been approved by 8 European leading banks, with some willing to contribute equity to the iNavSat investment. The iNavSat offer minimises public sector contribution over the 20 year concession period. The iNavSat risk mitigation and insurance scheme, which has been approved by leading insurance companies, secures sustainability of the Galileo Programme over the concession period The iNavSat consortium will take full responsibility for system deployment, operation and performance after completion of the in-orbit-validation phase. The iNavSat consortium was founded by EADS Space, Inmarsat Ventures and the Thales Group, who are the respective European market leaders in the fields of aerospace, mobile satellite communications and navigation-based products and services. Together they bring an unmatched array of experiences and skills to the Galileo Programme.
Galileo is a European Union project to develop a new advanced satellite navigation system, more advanced than existing satellite navigation systems. The winning concessionaire is expected to take the lead in arranging private financing of the deployment and operational phases of Galileo, and ultimately would become the Galileo Operating Company.
Also on 25 January, Eurely, the consortium formed by Alcatel, Finmeccanica, AENA and Hispasat, today provided its final proposal for the Galileo Concession. The offer submitted to European Commission by Eurely, contains further details and binding commitments to manage the services of the new satellites based European navigation system, in addition to the original proposal of September 2004. The Eurely proposal exceeds the European Commission and ESA requirements for the systems, due to the unrivalled competence and strengths of all its international partners in satellites services. The Eurely business plan is already today fully funded, as equity and other financing, on a non recourse basis, are over-subscribed. Eurely's unmatched industrial competence is based on the strong and diverse experience developed by the partners in all space related manufacturing, operations and services as well as applications domains. Eurely still continues to attract major European companies eager to cooperate on an exclusive basis to develop applications in the domain of their expertise. More than 40 companies from a wide variety of business sectors, such as telecommunications, civil works and road management, railways and defence have joined Eurely in the meantime.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

There was palpable joy and relief at Bremen-based space technology company OHB-System AG when a very special COSMOS-3M launcher successfully placed two Russian military satellites in their intended orbits last Thursday at 4:00 CET after taking off from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. What set this launcher apart was the fact that it was fitted with fairing specially adjusted to carry the SAR-Lupe satellites. The tip of the launcher had to be modified to accommodate the three-meter wide parabolic antenna fitted to the radar satellites currently being developed at OHB. Based in Omsk, PO Polyot, the company producing the launchers, developed and built the fairing on behalf of Bremen company COSMOS International and successfully proved its functionality with today's launch. “With this success, Polyot and COSMOS International have demonstrated that SAR-Lupe can be reliably launched using the modified COSMOS carrier,” said Dr. Ingo Engeln, who is responsible at OHB for the SAR-Lupe project, adding that this marked a further key step in the implementation of the project.
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Thales and DCN warmly welcome the 25 January announcement by the French defence minister, Michèle Alliot-Marie, concerning the launch of the design phase for France's second aircraft carrier (PA2). This important step marks the end of the preparatory study phase, in which Thales and DCN have been closely involved. The current studies, which began in June 2004 and will be completed this summer, include risk reduction studies and an evaluation of opportunities for cooperation between the British and French aircraft carrier programmes. Once these studies have been completed, the final design definition phase will begin. In June 2004, Thales and DCN announced their decision to combine their strengths and set up an integrated Prime Contract Office to jointly lead the future French aircraft carrier programme. A jointly owned company will assume the role of prime contractor on this programme. This company will have a four-member board of directors, with equal representation by Thales and DCN, chaired by a DCN nominee. This company, which is currently being set up, will lead the PA2 programme from conception to completion and support implementation of cooperation with the United Kingdom's future aircraft carrier programme.
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Northrop Grumman and Boeing have completed and signed a formal agreement to compete as a team for NASA's new Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) and related human lunar exploration systems. The agreement was signed on Jan. 21, just one week after the one-year anniversary of the nation's decision to renew its commitment to space exploration. It concludes a negotiation process that began in October when the companies signed a memorandum of agreement to explore teaming opportunities. The major participants in the agreement are Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector and Boeing NASA Systems. Under the agreement, Northrop Grumman will serve as the team's leader and prime contractor during the initial development phase of the CEV, known as Spiral 1. During this period, which will demonstrate the CEV's ability to operate safely with astronauts in low-Earth orbit, Boeing will serve as Northrop Grumman's teammate and principal subcontractor. During Spiral 2, which will begin the expansion of human space exploration to the moon and beyond, Boeing will serve as prime contractor for the lunar mission elements. For this work, Northrop Grumman will serve as Boeing's teammate and principal subcontractor.
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In a year of continuing challenges in the commercial airline industry, Boullioun Aviation Services neared its delivery totals from 2003 and extended its strong aircraft placement performance for a fourth straight year, thanks in large part to its focus on modern, standard-body aircraft that are favored by low-cost airlines. In 2004, Boullioun delivered nine new and 10 used aircraft to carriers in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States. In addition to the deliveries, Boullioun extended leases for an additional three aircraft. Reflecting overall industry trends, many of Boullioun's deliveries in 2004 went to new low-fare carriers such as Aero Flight, Jetstar Asia and Vueling, and established low-fare and charter airlines such as Air Berlin, Air Europa, Sterling, Travel Service, TUI and USA3000. Boullioun also continued its expansion in the growing Asian markets with deals with Hainan, Shandong and SriLankan, built new relationships with flag-carriers AeroMexico and KTHY, and completed a first transaction with the all-business carrier PrivatAir.
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With the introduction of the 555-passenger Airbus A380 aircraft, an Aon aviation expert says the world's aviation industry must now look to the past to accommodate what may be its future. Wayne Wignes, president of Aon's Aviation Group, says the A380, with a tail assembly nearly 80 feet high and a fuselage measuring nearly 240 feet, poses significant insurance challenges for the airlines. He predicts insurance liability limits will rise for the entire industry, regardless of whether a given airline places an order for the A380. "An airline doesn't have to own the aircraft to be affected by the increased liability limits," he says. "There will likely be a need for an alternative capital market for this airplane. Airlines will probably have to carry $3 billion in liability limits to indemnify themselves. That pushes the edge of the financial capabilities of the traditional aviation insurance market, which usually works with liability limits in the $1.5 to $1.75 billion range. That is simply a bridge too far for a small community with finite resources. So the airlines will have to depart from their traditional approaches."
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In connection with the planned Northwest landing runway for Frankfurt Airport, Fraport AG is launching a voluntary program for purchasing residential properties or compensating owners of homes, which will be overflown at extremely low altitudes after FRA's expansion. More than 1,200 homes in Florsheim am Main will be eligible for the Fraport Casa program. Fraport is aware that a new landing runway and expanded airport capacity will create additional blight, which previously could not be anticipated. The Fraport Casa program was designed to compensate residents for these burdens. For reasons of non-discrimination, the voluntary program will also apply for some residential areas in Raunheim (south of Florsheim am Main), which are already overflown at low altitudes today, as well as about five to ten houses in Kelsterbach. Unmatched in Europe to date, the Fraport Casa program is now being officially launched. A detailed information brochure will be distributed in the areas that come within the scope of the program. As it did with FRA's current noise abatement program, the airport company will set up an information office for the Fraport Casa program at the Frankfurt Airport Center (FAC 1) opposite Terminal 1, where Fraport experts will be available twice a week to discuss details with interested residents. The affected overflight zone is defined according to a flight altitude of 350 meters above ground level. Featuring a 180-meter wide core zone and 60-meter wide transition zones - both to left and right - the total zone affected is 420 meters wide.
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WestJet enhanced its position as the low cost and innovation leader in Canadian aviation in 2003 when it became the North American Blended Winglet launch operator for Boeing Next Generation 737-700 series aircraft. Now, WestJet enters the record books again as the inaugural customer for Aviation Partners Boeing's 737-600 Blended Winglet Performance Enhancement Program. "WestJet invested in the future last year with orders and options for 94 737-700 Blended Winglet Systems," says Aviation Partners Boeing CEO Mike Marino. "We are now pleased to announce that WestJet will become our partner in certifying Blended Winglets for the 737-600. Flight testing, with a WestJet-provided aircraft, will run from March - May 2006 with FAA and Transport Canada certification expected the following July."
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Moderate production of aviation turboshaft engines will take place in the near future despite an essentially flat civil turboshaft outlook, with the slight uptrend being propelled by major military rotorcraft programs (including re-engining efforts). According to Forecast International's “The Market for Aviation Turboshaft Engines” analysis, several of those programs will hit their stride later in the 2005-2014 period, compensating for weakening civilian turboshaft engine production. Re-engining of existing U.S. fleets (U.S. Marine Corps AH-1s and CH-53s, U.S. Army AH-64s and UH-60s) will also be substantial, though those programs will be subject to possible budgetary cuts. For the 2005-2014 timeframe, Forecast International projects the production of 21,544 aviation turboshaft engines, including 9,868 commercial and 11,676 military engines. Military sales will account for $7.68 billion of the total market's $11.26 billion in projected value. Over half of the market activity will occur in the 1,200.01-2,500 shp range, and more than 40 percent of those engines will be General Electric T700/CT7 series units. That engine program alone makes GE the largest player in the turboshaft market in terms of revenues ($3.24 billion, representing 28.8 percent of total market value). Turbomeca will, however, be the market leader in terms of units manufactured (5,209 compared to GE's 4,785). The U.S. Army will be GE's biggest T700 customer, retrofitting UH-60s on a massive scale through 2014; eventually more than 1,000 UH-60 Black Hawks may be upgraded with T700-GE-701D engines.
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With more than 26.8 million passengers in the year just ended – a gain of 2.6 million on the previous year – Munich Airport posted the strongest growth in passenger volume in its history. Commenting on the rapid expansion of the total passenger volume – nearly 11 percent as compared with the prior year – Dr. Michael Kerkloh, Munich Airport's CEO, stated that Munich has further solidified its competitive position among the major hubs: “This sharp rise in growth makes Munich the “European champion” among the 10 busiest airports. No other airport in this "airports champions league" reported double-digit growth in passenger figures for the past year.” Munich also set a new record for take-offs and landings in 2004. The 370,000 commercial aircraft movements marked an 8 percent increase as compared with the previous year. Also benefiting from the massive growth in traffic was the airfreight segment, which also reached a new record level with a 26 percent increase. For the first time, the airfreight handled at Munich Airport, including trucked freight, exceeded 300,000 metric tonnes. The strong upward trend in traffic figures also boosted the company's total revenues. Preliminary figures show an increase in total revenues in 2004 to approximately 654 million Euros. Due to the substantial investments and additional operating costs for Terminal 2, which opened in June 2003, the airport expects to report a loss of 55 million Euros.
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Boeing demonstrated the versatility of its new 8.5-inch rocket engine, which at 1,100-pounds,is the highest performing rocket engine in its class. Developed by Rocketdyne, part of Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems, the Multi-Use Thruster, or MUT, was designed to meet current and future requirements for a variety of customer needs. Current applications could include missile defense, strategic weapon platforms and space launch. In the future, MUT could be used in space exploration systems for in-space operations, point-to-point transit, and landing on planetary surfaces. "The versatility of the MUT is a needed attribute in rocket engine design," said Bill Burns, Division Director, Attitude Control Propulsion Systems. "Given the MUT's variable thrust levels, as well as the flexibility of using operational-enhanced propellants, we think we have a real winner here. It's by no means a stretch to call the MUT a 'thruster for all seasons'."
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Northrop Grumman announced it will install and flight test its commercial aircraft protection system on a Boeing 747 and MD-11 this year. The system, called Guardian, represents the successful transfer of proven military directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) technology to protect commercial aircraft from attack by ground-based, shoulder-fired missiles. Under its contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Northrop Grumman recently completed the design and fabrication of the first Guardian systems. This year's testing will be part of the Federal Aviation Administration certification process. The company estimates its Guardian system, which is based on combat-proven, laser-based technology currently in production for the U.S. military and international customers, ultimately will cost approximately half of recent published reports.
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Raytheon's option to proceed with its X-band thin radar aperture (XTRA) contract has been exercised, allowing the company to produce the next generation radar antenna technology for the J-UCAS (Joint Unmanned Air Combat System) that could revolutionize manned and unmanned combat systems. The AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory) exercised the option following the proof of concept phase of the contract that was issued in April 2004. "This is a significant confirmation of the innovative technologies that are at the heart of the next generation systems Raytheon is developing for our customers," said Nick Uros, vice president of Advanced Concepts and Technologies business unit. "The design of the XTRA antenna is a revolutionary technology and low cost approach to what exists today."
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Gulf Helicopters of Doha, Qatar has signed a contract to purchase an S-92 aircraft to serve VVIP missions. Delivery is scheduled for 2006. "We are excited to add Gulf Helicopters to the growing list of S-92 customers across the world," said Joseph Gigantelli, Regional Vice President for Sikorsky. Previously, Turkey and Turkmenistan selected the S-92 for head-of-state missions. Turkey has contracted for one and Turkmenistan for two S-92s. In November 2004 Canada signed a contract to purchase 28 H-92s, the military variant of the S-92, for its Maritime Helicopter Program. The H-92 is also under consideration as the next helicopter for the President of the United States. Sikorsky has 89 orders to date, including options, for the S-92 and H-92.
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Oblicore, Inc., a leading provider of Enterprise Service Performance applications, announced that DFS, Germany's Air Navigation Services organization, selected Oblicore to automate the management and reporting of service level agreements (SLAs). This is an important application as DFS is responsible for controlling Germany's air space, one of the world's busiest. Each year, 1,700 air traffic controllers coordinate 2.2 million flight arrivals and departures at 17 international German airports, and oversee more than 2.7 million flight movements through German airspace. In response to the movement toward a competitive environment for air traffic control services initiated by the German government, DFS wanted to make its IT processes more efficient, while improving quality and reducing cost. In order to examine IT processes and improve their effectiveness, DFS needed to increase visibility into its current service offerings. After evaluating numerous providers of service level management software, DFS selected Oblicore because its application, Oblicore Guarantee(TM), enabled DFS to not only measure service level performance, but also the impact that service levels have on business processes and commitments.
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The Thales UK WATCHKEEPER team has been awarded a contract worth over £6M by the UK MoD as part of the progress towards the main investment decision point. This critical path activity contract will include aspects of airworthiness approval, defining evaluation and acceptance criteria and ground systems integration risk reduction. In July 2004 Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon named Thales as the preferred bidder to deliver the UK's WATCHKEEPER Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) programme. The WATCHKEEPER programme at around £800M will provide UK Armed Forces with vital battlefield intelligence and will be a key enabler in the drive towards Network Enabled capability.
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Wind River Systems, the global leader in Device Software Optimization (DSO), announced that Northrop Grumman selected Wind River Platform for Safety Critical as the device software foundation for the mission computer and vehicle management computer on the X-47B portion of the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) programme. Northrop Grumman will produce and flight-test three X-47B unmanned demonstration vehicles with associated mission-control and logistical support elements. Flight demonstrations are expected to begin in 2007. "By design, flight critical systems require reliable, secure software to ensure the success and safety of military operations," said Rick Ludwig, J-UCAS Business Strategy and Development at Northrop Grumman. "The X-47B is designed to be a highly capable, fully-networked air warfare system, making software selection a critical component for the J-UCAS programme. Wind River's proven safe and secure technology combined with its expertise in safety critical application development, provides us with the foundation we need to develop and run this air warfare system that will support the full spectrum of military operations."
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The XTAR-EUR telecommunications satellite payload for Arianespace Flight 164 was fueled at the Spaceport in French Guiana today (January 26) in preparation for its launch on a heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA in February. Once in orbit, XTAR-EUR will be operated by XTAR -- a joint venture of Loral Space & Communications and HISDESAT, S.A., with its telecommunications relay services offered to government users in the United States, Spain and other friendly and allied nations.
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On 26 January, Bombardier introduced Skyjet International, the first integrated global charter services programme capable of providing travelers with unrestricted and fixed-price access to more than 900 business jets worldwide. Bombardier also announced it is establishing Skyjet International in the Middle East region, expanding a successful network already operating across Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America. Together with the new Middle East operation – scheduled to begin service in February 2005 – the current Bombardier Flexjet Europe and Bombardier Flexjet Asia-Pacific programmes are being grouped under the Bombardier Skyjet International banner, the most recognized and trusted brand in the business jet charter market. Skyjet International will offer a block-hours programme valid across all regions through its Jet Membership Card as well as Ad-Hoc Charter services.
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Ballistic Recovery Systems and Velocity, maker of the popular canard aircraft kit, proudly announce that "the design for our XL-5 experimental plane to add the BRS parachute due to customer requests has reached the final stage and we have received our first orders. With the addition of the BRS system, glass cockpit and new quick build we think that the popular BRS Parachute system will increase the passenger comfort level and add to the exceptional safety features already integrated into our design," said Scott Baker Vice-President Velocity Aircraft. This economical, fast versatile canard design airplane now can have all the latest enhancements available. "We're delighted that someone who recognizes our advances in technology, chooses to incorporate it into their products has already received orders for the parachute systems. We want to continue to do our part to make aviation safer for everyone who wants to fly," said Larry E. Williams President and Chief Operating Officer of BRS. Velocity first approached BRS in 2004, a company record year for saves with 18. The Experimental plane design company wanted to offer additional safety and comfort for the larger airplanes at the top of the product line. The XL Dash5 model airplane extras include, a bench seat that accommodates three children, extra baggage space, extra packing versatility and extra useful load. Velocity customers requested that if the parachute could be added this, additional piece of mind would be welcomed by the passengers and pilots. These requests lead to the modifications and the adaptation of the proven BRS technology and now we can add this system to production kits. "Our safety system complements Velocity Kit Plane technology -- this is truly a business venture both companies can benefit," added Williams.
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Northwest Airlines announced that it has ordered eight additional Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft. The additional A330s will fly international routes and will replace, on a one-for-one basis, DC10-30 aircraft in Northwest's fleet beginning in 2006 and continuing through 2007. With these additional A330 aircraft, Northwest will be able to replace the DC10-30 on all trans-Atlantic routes operated by Northwest. The order includes six of the -300 series, configured with 34 seats in Northwest's new World Business Class and 264 seats in coach class, and two of the longer-range -200 series aircraft, with 32 seats in World Business Class and 211 seats in coach class. The aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4168A engines, the engines on Northwest's existing A330 fleet.
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Elbit Systems announced that its US subsidiary has been awarded a follow-on contract to supply Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) to Gulfstream for all their large cabin aircraft models. The multi-year contract is valued at approximately $20 million. The EVS will be installed on the top of the line Gulfstream G450 and ultra long range G550 as production standard items. The system will also be available as optional equipment on the Gulfstream G300, G350, G400 and G500. President and CEO of Elbit Systems Joseph Ackerman commented, "We are very pleased with the continued development of the EVS as a leading system for enhanced safety and improved performance of commercial aircraft and are happy that Gulfstream has further endorsed our system by placing a multi-year order to extend our partnership. This groundbreaking development has been made possible thanks to the technological expertise of our team, and it is representative of our group's technological capabilities."
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On January 26, Boeing and Flugleidir Icelandair Group announced a firm order for 10 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes plus five purchase rights. The value of the 10 firm aircraft is $650 million at list prices. The Flugleidir Icelandair Group, Icelandair's parent company, will lease the airplanes to other carriers as part of its strategy to grow its business outside Iceland . The airline, based in Reykjavik , Iceland , has not announced customers for the airplanes. This is the first time the Icelandic company has purchased new airplanes for lease to other airlines. The company will work with its partner Sunrock to place the aircraft.
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ESA's SMART-1 captured its first close-range images of the Moon this January, during a sequence of test lunar observations from an altitude between 1000 and 5000 kilometres above the lunar surface. SMART-1 entered its first orbit around the Moon on 15 November 2004. It has spent the two months following spiralling down to the Moon and testing its array of instruments. The first four days after being captured by the lunar gravity were very critical. There had been the risk, being in an 'unstable' trajectory, of escaping the Moon's orbit or crashing onto the surface. Because of this, the electric propulsion system (or 'ion engine') started a thrust to stabilise the capture. The ion engine was switched on until 29 December, allowing SMART-1 to make ever-decreasing loops around the Moon. The engine was switched off between 29 December and 3 January 2005 to allow scientists to start observations. At this point, the AMIE camera took the close-up lunar images. The engine was switched off again to optimise fuel consumption on 12 January, and SMART-1 will spend until 9 February making a medium resolution survey of the Moon, taking advantage of the favourable illumination conditions.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that U.K.-based FlyBE, one of Europe's leading low cost airlines, has placed a firm order for 20 additional Bombardier Q400 high-speed turboprop airliners. Delivery of the 20 aircraft will increase the FlyBE Q400 fleet to 41 aircraft. The transaction announced today is valued at approximately $485 million U.S. and represents the conversion of FlyBE's 20 options to firm orders. The announcement increases firm orders for the Bombardier Q400 to 141 aircraft. As of December 31, 2004, 88 had been delivered to 10 operators in North America, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region.
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One of the two prototypes of the new Pilatus PC-21 crashed on Thursday, January 13, 2005. The accident claimed the life of Pilatus Aircraft's chief test pilot; and a young woman who was close to the crash site when the accident happened was also seriously injured. The accident occurred not during a test flight but in the course of a training flight in preparation for an air show. Pilatus is shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic event. Immediately after the accident, the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA) ordered the grounding of the remaining PC-21 prototype. This grounding has since been unconditionally rescinded, in view of the BFU's findings to date. Further information on these actions is provided in the FOCA's own media release of January 21, 2005: The lifting of the FOCA's flying ban means that there are now no restrictions in force on the PC-21's operation. Pilatus received type certification for the PC-21 from the FOCA on December 23, 2004. The remaining PC-21, registration HB-HZA, has so far been serving as the aerodynamic prototype in the PC-21 development program. This aircraft will now be brought up to the status of system prototype, and should return to flight operations in two months' time. Completion of the first series-production PC-21 has been brought forward: the aircraft concerned should be ready to fly by the end of August 2005. It will then be used to help secure the type's IFR and autopilot certification. “Series production of the PC-21 has already begun and will continue as planned,” says Oscar J. Schwenk, President & CEO of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. “Further series-production aircraft will be available from December 2005. Pilatus has lost time through this tragic accident. But the PC-21 program is not in any jeopardy. And there is currently no reason to make any technical modifications to the aircraft's design.” Pilatus has already been in further contact with potential PC-21 customers. In particular, discussions are continuing with Armasuisse on the procurement of the PC-21 for the Swiss Air Force
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Vought Aircraft Industries announced that it has received a contract with a potential value of $1.3 billion to manufacture the cabin structure for Sikorsky's UH-60L, M, S and S-70A variants of BLACK HAWK helicopters. The contract potentially covers 1,100 shipsets of structure delivered over the next 15 years. Planning and manufacturing under this contract have already begun at Vought's facility here. The company has hired about 30 employees to support the work and may add up to 100 more as the program matures. The first phase of Vought's contract with Sikorsky includes 350 shipsets through 2009.
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Executive officials from the Lebanese Army arrived at Robinson Helicopter Company to take delivery of their first two Robinson R44 Raven II Helicopters. General Nouhad Zebian, Lebanese Air Force Commander, was accompanied by Generals Ghassan Al Mahtar and Antoine Bou Jawdeh, Colonel Gaby el Kahi, and Major Imad Moubarak for a tour of the Robinson facility and acceptance flights in their new aircraft. General Zebian, a certified helicopter pilot, was pleased to have the opportunity to fly one of the two ships that will soon be shipped to Lebanon and immediately integrated into the pilot training program at the Lebanese Air Force Base. The students at the Rayak Air force Base in Bekka Valley will enhance their military training by learning to fly in a Robinson R44 helicopter during the second year of their program. “We think it is a good machine for students to complete their first 100 hours of flying,” General Zebian said of the R44 Raven II. “This will provide students with extensive knowledge and in-flight experience to prepare them for their third year of training with larger, military helicopters.”
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Boeing confirmed that Thai Airways International (THAI) placed a previously unidentified order for six 777-200ER airplanes, valued at approximately US$1.1 billion at list prices. The order, booked during last year's fourth quarter, was listed in the unidentified category on Boeing's orders and deliveries website. “THAI was a launch customer for the Boeing 777 program and has been operating that airplane, the best in its class, from the very beginning," said THAI President Kanok Abhiradee. "We're purchasing 777-200ERs for our long-haul routes primarily because of the 777's exceptional reliability, economics, and efficiency." Deliveries will begin in August 2006 and continue into October 2007. The airplanes will feature a tri-class configuration and be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent-892B engines. The 777-200ERs will join THAI's current fleet of 83 airplanes, most of which are Boeing 737s, 747s, and 777s.
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Ryanair announced that it will launch 6 new routes from Europe to Dublin this Summer with fares a fraction of the price of Aer Lingus' lowest each way fare. The destinations are Biarritz, Carcassonne, Rome, Eindhoven, Doncaster Sheffield and Frankfurt-Hahn. Announcing Ryanair's six new routes in Dublin today, Ryanair's Deputy Chief Executive, Michael Cawley, said: “These six new routes from Europe to Dublin are great news for Irish consumers, Irish tourism, and Irish jobs. By launching low fare flights to Germany, Italy and the South of France, Ryanair will make Europe affordable for Irish consumers at fares that are less than half the price of Aer Lingus' so called lowest prices. We also expect that more than half of the traffic on these new routes will be European visitors, who will no longer be deterred by Aer Lingus' high fares. Ryanair will use its large marketing presence in these overseas markets to drum up business for Irish tourism. Ryanair expects to carry over 500,000 passengers per annum on these six routes, this will create over 500 new jobs here at Dublin Airport. These new links show what can be done if Bertie Ahern would honour his election promise and deliver a competing second terminal instead of three years of dithering. A competing second terminal would bring 5 million new passengers per annum and create 5,000 jobs, these routes today are just a taste of what's possible if only decision would replace dithering as the tourism policy of Bertie Ahern's Government.”
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The first UK-built “generative” navigation payload (which generates and transmits a primary navigation signal that is not reliant on GPS) has been successfully tested by EADS Astrium at its Portsmouth facility as part of Europe's Galileo global satellite navigation programme. The Galileo System Test Bed (GSTB) V2/B Engineering Model (EM) comprises engineering and qualification model payload equipments, including state-of-the-art atomic clock and digital signal generation technology. The successful integration and test of this engineering model marks the first time that a “fully generative” navigation payload has been built and tested in Europe. “This successful test is a major technological step forward proving our capability to build primary navigation signal payloads which generate independent signals and do not require GPS for reference,” said Dr Mike Healy, Director of Earth Observation, Navigation and Science for EADS Astrium in the UK.
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The German news magazine “Der Spiegel” claims that the German Air Force Eurofighters have only limited combat readiness and that development costs appear to be higher than expected. On Saturday, the German Ministry of Defence rejected this story and confirmed that all development tasks were running according to plan. Regarding the alleged limited mission capability, Eurofighter GmbH has repeatedly emphasized, and reiterates again, that the performance standards of Eurofighter are implemented and released in stages. This is a common process and is applied by the international aerospace industry worldwide. Contrary to Spiegel's reporting the Development Aircraft have already proven Eurofighter's capabilities including gun firing, carriage of external fuel tanks and firing of air-to-air missiles. Series production aircraft have all of these capabilities, but release of relevant clearance to service pilots is a progressive, staged approach. The electronic self-defence system DASS will also be introduced in stages and is to be fully implemented by December 2006. Type acceptance for the first aircraft now being delivered with the initial stage of DASS clearance was granted by the NATO-Eurofighter Agency in December 2004 and the first individual aircraft to this standard entered service with the Spanish Air Force before the end of last year. The German Air Force has received eight aircraft thus far. As was planned, one aircraft is used exclusively for training of maintenance crews, while the remaining aircraft are currently being operated in an evaluation programme looking at operational issues such as tactics and logistics. These aircraft and their service release will gradually be upgraded to the full production standard. This is a very common strategy at this early stage of their in-service life. Based on these facts, the European aerospace industry representing 100, 000 jobs involved in the Eurofighter programme and a major plank of national defense strategy in five European nations can only challenge the motivation and objective “Der Spiegel” pursues with this 'information policy'.
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The US Department of Defense announced the top 10 Defense contractors for fiscal 2004 were: 1. Lockheed Martin Corp. ($20.7 billion); 2. The Boeing Co. ($ 17.1); 3. Northrop Grumman Corp. ($11.9); 4. General Dynamics Corp. ($9.6); 5. Raytheon Co. ($8.5); 6. Halliburton Co. ($8.0); 7. United Technologies Corp. ($5.1); 8. Science Applications International Corp. ($2.5); 9. Computer Sciences Corp. ($2.4); 10. Humana, Inc. ($2.4).
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Alcatel announced the signature of a new 150 million US dollar contract with Embratel's satellite arm, Star One, the largest satellite solutions company in Latin America, for the construction of the satellite Star One C2 for South America, Mexico and Florida. It is the second satellite that Alcatel will build for the Brazilian operator. Based on Alcatel Space Spacebus 3000B3 platform, Star One C2 satellite will be delivered in 24 months and positioned at 65° West. This second satellite in the C series will be fitted with 44 transponders, 28 C-band and 16 Ku-band and 1 X-band. Star One C2 will replace the Star One B2 satellite in the C band for direct TV broadcasting over south America, Mexico and Florida (US) and will provide new optimized capacity in Ku band for telephony and trunking transmissions over two coverage zones: Brazil and Mexico.
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The Russian Technology Office (RTO) of EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company has been operational since October 2003 and has already initiated more than 30 research and technology contracts, with a further 40 projects for EADS and its business units under evaluation. This was announced by Daniel Deviller, the Chief Technology Officer of the European aerospace and defence group. “Because of its achievements in aerospace and the excellent education system, Russia is a partner of choice in research and technology for any aerospace company, and certainly for EADS,” said Deviller at the EADS Technology Forum in Moscow on Tuesday. At the Technology Forum, the capabilities of the Russian scientific community were presented to the research and technology managers of EADS. “RTO is also an excellent example of how EADS uses Russian technology, thus bringing work to Russian institutes,” said Deviller. Collaboration on research and technology between Russia and Western Europe is part of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement, which was signed between EADS and Russian authorities in 2001. This agreement is aimed at bringing benefit to both sides through joint activities in all areas of aerospace technology.
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At a ceremony, Saab presented the first Hungarian Gripen to roll off the production line at its factory in Linköping, Sweden. The ceremony took place in the presence of the Hungarian Defence Minister Mr Ference Juhász and the Swedish Defence Minister Mrs Leni Bjorklund as well as representatives from the Hungarian MOD, the Hungarian Air Force, the Hungarian Ambassador to Sweden. From Sweden, FMV's acting Director General, Saab's Deputy CEO and the MD for Gripen International were also in attendance. “The roll-out of the first Hungarian Gripen is a significant milestone in the Gripen for Hungary program. I am delighted that the Swedish government and Swedish industry have demonstrated their technical and program management excellence in the delivery of Gripen aircraft to the Hungarian government” says FMV Program Director Mats Hansson. During 2005 there will be another 5 Hungarian Gripen aircraft in production. They will be completed during 2006 with the first aircraft being delivered in March 2006.
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Embraer announced the formal launch of new versions of the EMBRAER 190 and the EMBRAER 195, respectively the 100- and 110-seat aircraft of its brand new four-model E-Jet Family. The new Advanced Range (AR) versions come to meet current and potential customer requirements for increased range and operating flexibility. JetBlue, the launch customer for the EMBRAER 190, is also the first operator to opt for the new AR version, converting its order of 100 firm aircraft plus 100 options from LR (Long Range) into AR. “Embraer is constantly assessing the requirements of its customers, and the new EMBRAER 190/195 versions represent an attractive alternative to those airlines needing some extra range thus increasing their operational flexibility and market coverage,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer Executive Vice-President for Civil Aviation Market. The EMBRAER 190/195 AR versions have structural reinforcements in the fuselage, wings, pylons and flight control surfaces that allow the aircraft to be operated at higher Maximum Takeoff Weight and Maximum Landing Weight, translating in up to 300 nautical miles (nm) additional range, depending on specific operational conditions of each individual airline. In standard conditions (Long Range Cruise, full passenger load and FAR reserves) the nominal range of the EMBRAER 190 AR version is 2,300 nm while the EMBRAER 195 AR's is 2,100 nm.
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Northern Sky Research (NSR) released the latest update to its industry-standard study, Broadband Satellite Markets, 4th Edition. The report is a comprehensive analysis of the worldwide market for enterprise & SME VSAT networks, consumer and SOHO broadband satellite services, and satellite ISP trunking applications. This new study segments the satellite broadband market into its integral pieces in order to provide an in-depth regional analysis of each critical issue driving and restraining market growth. The study presents the satellite industry with timely and pertinent data regarding growth in IP VSAT sites, subscribers to satellite broadband services, projected service revenues, revenues from sales of customer premise equipment, bandwidth demand, and leased commercial satellite transponders. Further, the study is completely integrated with NSR's Global Assessment of Satellite Demand study such that the two offer the most detailed analysis of demand for commercial satellite services available to the industry. At first glance, the broadband satellite sector appeared to suffer through a difficult year in 2004. The launch of the iPSTAR-1 satellite was delayed once again, WildBlue and Telesat Canada did not manage to bring their new services to market, and DIRECTV essentially commandeered the next generation broadband SPACEWAY-1 and -2 satellites to be used exclusively for TV broadcasting. A year ago the industry thought that 2004 would see the launch of services from all of these programs, but instead another year slipped by and doubts have increased from some quarters that satellite broadband services will ever take off.
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German Defense Minister Peter Struck has announced the investment of billions of euros for defense projects this year, including participation in the MEADS air defense system, a project currently run by Italy and the United States.
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General Electric Company has structured agreements with five world-class aero-engine manufacturers on the new GEnx engine. The five international companies combine for an approximately 36 percent share of the new GEnx engine, which is under development to power the Boeing 7E7 and Airbus A350 twin-engine aircraft. The five companies are Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) of Japan, Avio SpA of Italy, Volvo Aero of Sweden, Techspace Aero of Belgium and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) of Japan. "The long history between GE and these companies is fantastic," said Ken Foley, general manager of international programs for GEnx. "The GEnx will be our most advanced commercial engine, and teaming with these leading aerospace companies is a huge boost to our program."
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From 3 April 2005 onwards, the Austrian Airlines Group will incorporate the Swiss city of Basle into its scheduled route network. Up to three flights a day will operate on the new Vienna-Basle-Vienna routes. After Zurich, Geneva and St.Gallen/Altenrhein, the 'EuroAirport' of Basle-Mulhouse-Freiburg will become the fourth Swiss airport to be integrated by the Austrian carrier into its global route network, which currently covers 130 destinations in 66 countries on every continent. With this new connection, a total of 108 flights a week will operate between Austria and Switzerland. As Chief Commercial Officer Dr. Josef E. Burger noted when questioned about the expansion in the Austrian product between the two neighbouring countries: 'Basle is now set to become the fourth Swiss city incorporated into the Austrian Airlines Group network. As a result of this new move, we offer an area-wide product on the Swiss market, one which will be of considerable interest both for local traffic and for the rapid connections it will provide to Vienna and out into our global route network. Target destinations in Asia and the Pacific Rim region will now be little more than a brief stop at Vienna International Airport away, similarly to cities in Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Israel and the Middle East.'
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Eurocypria Airlines is the latest customer of Lufthansa Technik Malta. The wholly owned subsidiary of Cyprus Airlines, Ltd. will send its Boeing 737-800 fleet over the next three years for their C-checks to Malta. The fleet of four aircraft which are equipped with winglets will show up once a year for a comprehensive maintenance program at the Lufthansa Technik Malta facilities. Furthermore, Eurocypria Airlines which mainly operates charter flights from Euro-pean destinations to Cyprus, is the launch customer for the Boeing 737NG (737-600/-700/-800/-900) maintenance activities of Lufthansa Technik Malta.
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Cessna ended 2004 with deliveries totaling 897 aircraft: 179 Citations, 64 Caravans and 654 single engine piston aircraft. Cessna concluded the year with a remarkable 63 Citation deliveries in the fourth quarter compared to 48 one-year ago. In addition, over 330 Citation orders were received in 2004. Year-end sales revenues totaled $2.5 billion and the order backlog stood at $5.4 billion. “This has been a solid year for Cessna,” said Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. “We laid the foundation that will help ensure future growth for the remainder of the decade. In addition to exceeding our 2004 aircraft delivery and order goals, we also refreshed our product line by announcing two new Citations. We also began deliveries of three newly certified Citations and four newly certified single engine airplanes. These new product announcements and deliveries are a testament to Cessna employees' commitment to innovation and growth.
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The residents of the International Space Station are back inside their home after venturing outside. The crew performed a 5-hour, 28-minute spacewalk to install a work platform, cables and robotic and scientific experiments on the exterior of the Zvezda Service Module. Clad in Russian Orlan spacesuits, Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov left the Pirs Docking Compartment airlock at 2:43 a.m. EST. They quickly set up tools and tethers for their excursion. With no one inside, Station systems were either deactivated or put in autonomous operation for the duration of the spacewalk. Hatches were also closed between the U.S. and Russian segments of the complex in the unlikely event the crew would not have been able to return to the outpost.The crew first installed a Universal Work Platform at the forward end of the large conical section of Zvezda. They mounted a German commercial experiment called Rokviss (Robotics Component Verification on ISS) on the platform. The Rokviss consists of a small double-jointed manipulator arm, an illumination system and a power supply. Chiao and Sharipov also installed cabling and an antenna for the robotic device to receive commands. At first the antenna did not receive the proper power. Chiao and Sharipov returned to the antenna work site and remated two electrical connectors. Russian engineers then reported the Rokviss system was operating normally.
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