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+++ Successful first run of the TP400-D6 +++ NH90 ends French trials +++ JAL to join oneworld +++ Bombardier suspends CRJ200 +++ TIPS Industries submits NATO AGS study +++ Schweizer delivers 1000th helicopter +++ First Internet-built student satellite successfully launched +++ Swiss European Air Lines to take off on November 1 +++ News in brief +++
Successful first run of the TP400-D6
Neuer A400M-Antrieb auf dem Prüfstand
EPI Europrop International GmbH announces that the successful first engine test of the TP400-D6 engine has taken place on 28 October at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg in in Ludwigsfelde. The first engine test of the TP400-D6 engine was witnessed by representatives of the participating European governments, together with representatives of OCCAR (Organisation Conjoint de Cooperation en matiere d'Armement), Airbus Military SL company and shareholders of EPI. “EPI is delighted with the successful first ground test of the TP400-D6 engine", said José Massol, Managing Director of EPI. He added : “It marks a new step forward in the development and the validation of the advanced engine technologies for the A400M aircraft."
During the tests, the TP400-D6 engine performed exactly as expected. The engine is designed for civil-standard life, reliability and availability in a military operation environment. The TP400-D6 engine is a three-shaft configuration combining the most advanced state of the art of engine modules developed by the partners of EPI (Snecma, Rolls-Royce, MTU, ITP). It will deliver a maximum power output in excess of 11,000 shaft horsepower at sea level. The engine benefits from proven technology derived from the outstanding expertise in military and civil aero engines, including a dual Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). The certification of the engine is scheduled for October 2007 with the A400M first flight due shortly after.
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NH90 ends French trials
Französische Heeresflieger testen NH90
The NH90 was in the hands of the Gamstat (Airmobile Group of the French Army Engineering Branch) for an evaluation of its tactical capabilities. The test aircraft was the PT4 with German Army markings. The trials team of pilots Jean Colin (Gamstat) and Jean-Michel Feydey (CEV), flight test engineer Denis Petitpas (CEV), flight engineer Dominique Uhring (Gamstat), and systems officer François Maches (Gamstat) have logged 13 flight hours. Eurocopter Deutschland had supplied a team of ground mechanics to help prepare the helicopter. The main aims of the trials were to verify that the mission system operated as intended in an operational environment, and to validate the flight vision system. Another objective was to study work sharing between crew members.
After an initial daytime familiarization flight, the majority of the missions took place at night to successively test the utilization of the standard ALAT night vision goggles (NVG) and then the Topowl helmet coupled to the piloting FLIR. Both systems will be fitted on the ALAT aircraft. The FLIR-coupled Topowl helmet displays a vizor-projected image from an infrared camera pointing in the direction in which the pilot is looking. The pilot can thus control his aircraft "from the outside" without interference from the cockpit structures. This concept will revolutionize nighttime nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flying according to the Gamstat crew, who did however report that a short period of adaptation was necessary. The nighttime NOE flights were made in the Valence (Drôme) area at heights of 0 to 400 ft and at speeds of 130 to 140 kts. NOE observation flights were also flown by Gazelles equipped with the Viviane sight or Mistral missiles to measure the infrared signature of the new European tactical transport helicopter.
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JAL to join oneworld
Allianzmitgliedschaft angestrebt
Oneworld has warmly welcomed the announcement by Japan Airlines (JAL) today that it is to seek membership of the world's leading quality global airline alliance. JAL is the biggest carrier in the Asia-Pacific region. In terms of group revenues, it would become the largest member of oneworld. Using virtually all other measures, it would be in the alliance's biggest three, alongside American Airlines and British Airways. Until now, Japan Airlines was the only one among the 20 biggest international airlines in the world (IATA members) not to have joined or sought membership of one of the three key airline groupings. oneworld brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business -- Qantas, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, LAN, Finnair and Aer Lingus, besides American Airlines and British Airways, plus their 12 affiliates. Royal Jordanian is a member elect, and will start offering the alliance's services and benefits from around the turn of 2006/2007. Hungary's Malev signed a memorandum of understanding in May 2005 as its first step towards an invitation to join the alliance. oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch said: "Japan Airlines would be an ideal fit with oneworld, as we have said often in the past. It is a high-class carrier, with an excellent reputation for its customer service and management and an enviable network that complements those of our existing members. JAL would expand oneworld's existing network by around 10 percent, adding add 68 destinations -- 56 of them in Japan and five in China. It would add one territory -- Guam. oneworld's existing members currently serve 134 countries and 599 destinations. With JAL, Royal Jordanian and Malev, the oneworld map would extend to 686 destinations in 140 countries and territories. JAL currently has extensive bilateral agreements with oneworld partners American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, LAN and Qantas.
Oneworld is the only alliance whose members achieved a collective profit in 2004 -- some US$1.5 billion net, against combined losses by its two rival alliances of around US$10 billion. It offers more alliance fare and sales products than any of its competitors, earning almost US$600 million for its member airlines in 2004, with the seven million passengers transferring between oneworld members generating revenues totalling US$1.6 billion in the year. It has since April this year been the only alliance to enable customers to transfer between flights by all of its member airlines using electronic tickets.
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Bombardier suspends CRJ200
Vorläufiger Produktionsstop für Regionaljet
On 28 October, Bombardier announced that, as of mid-January 2006, it will temporarily suspend the production of its CRJ200 aircraft to realign its production to the current market outlook for 50-seat regional jets. Production of the Challenger 850 business aircraft, the corporate variant of the CRJ200, will continue on the existing assembly line. Bombardier will also resume production of its world-renowned Bombardier 415 amphibious firefighting aircraft to meet expected demand in the coming years. The impact on the level of employment from the temporary suspension of the CRJ200 production will result in the implementation of the remaining 660 of the 1,135 layoffs announced last August. These layoffs will take place at Bombardier's Montréal-area and Belfast facilities, starting in November 2005. The total number of layoffs is mitigated by the new production of Bombardier 415 and the positive effect of increased Bombardier business aircraft deliveries. The total number of Bombardier aircraft deliveries for this fiscal year 2005/06 will remain, as planned, approximately the same as last fiscal year.
In the last 13 years, the CRJ200 aircraft's success has been a great asset for Bombardier. However, the combination of increased passenger traffic, lower yields and more relaxed pilot scope clauses are driving regional airlines toward larger capacity aircraft. With our well-established customer base and regional aircraft such as the CRJ700/CRJ900 jets and Q400 turboprops offering outstanding economics, we are ready to capitalize on these market trends. We must, however, continue to manage our production schedule to remain competitive and achieve our goal of increased profitability. This means making difficult but necessary decisions,” said Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace.
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TIPS Industries submits NATO AGS study
Studie zur Bodenaufklärung vorgelegt
The TIPS industries, working with the TCAR team, have submitted a study commissioned under a 22 million euro NATO contract, the first in a series of contracts for the recently launched Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) program. The contract addressed issues such as overall system and radar-sensor development, program risk and cost, as its main priorities. The submission came during the Conference of National Armament Directors meeting on October 26. "Completion of this study is yet another important milestone that confirms this program is both affordable and executable," commented Alan Doshier, vice president of Northrop Grumman ISS International, Inc., speaking for the TIPS industries. "Our team is confident of its abilities to deliver this program. We have further refined the baseline mixed fleet, and addressed TCAR integration while reducing program costs and risk. Second, in the course of performing this study, we've demonstrated that the NATO's AGS Team –- industry, NATO and national governments –- is now one team with one mission, focused on executing the program."
NATO's decision to proceed with the program, based on the TIPS mixed fleet equipped with the TCAR sensors, meets the NATO requirement for the AGS core capability. The NATO AGS system will provide situational awareness through a shared common ground picture that will be available to NATO and national decision makers. The TIPS mixed fleet of manned and unmanned systems will provide the Alliance with a core component for the NATO Response Force, providing a critical capability designed to meet its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and command-and-control requirements for the 21st century. The mixed-fleet solution will also support a variety of new mission requirements for NATO including nation building, homeland security and humanitarian relief.
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Schweizer delivers 1000th helicopter
1000 Hubschrauber geliefert
On 21 October, Schweizer Aircraft celebrated a significant milestone at its facility by delivering the 1000. Schweizer helicopter in company history, a 300CBi, to Gerry and Bonny Friesen of BC Helicopters. The 300CBi is part of the venerable 269 Series, which Schweizer purchased from Hughes Helicopters in 1983. Schweizer is a subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft, which is part of United Technologies Corp. Executives and employees from Schweizer and Sikorsky along with representatives from BC Helicopters attended the ceremony. Paul Schweizer, Schweizer's president, said the delivery marked a momentous day in company history. “The transition of the 269 Series program from Hughes Helicopters to Schweizer Aircraft has been a true success story. The purchase of the 269 Series enabled Schweizer to diversify its product base, increase its manufacturing and engineering sophistication, and expand its business. With the support of our employees, the 269 Series helicopter program has been revitalized and expanded, making this important achievement today a possibility and enabling Schweizer to become a leader in both light helicopters and unmanned vehicles,” said president Paul Schweizer.
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First Internet-built student satellite successfully launched
Studenten-Satellit im All
SSETI Express, a low Earth orbit spacecraft designed and built by European university students under the supervision of ESA's Education Department, was successfully launched at 08:52 hrs from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on a Russian Cosmos 3M launcher. At 10:29 hrs this morning, the ground control centre at the University in Aalborg (DK) received the first signals from the satellite. SSETI Express (SSETI being the acronym for Student Space Exploration and Technology Initiative) is a small spacecraft, similar in size and shape to a washing machine (approx. 60x60 x90 cm). Weighing about 62 kg it has a payload of 24 kg. On-board the student-built spacecraft were three pico-satellites, extremely small satellites weighing around one kg each. These were deployed one hour and 40 minutes after launch. In addition to acting as a test bed for many designs, including a cold-gas attitude control system, SSETI Express will also take pictures of the Earth and function as a radio transponder.
The challenge has been for the 23 university groups, working from locations spread across Europe and with very different cultural backgrounds, to work together via the Internet to jointly build the satellite. The Student Space Exploration and Technology Initiative, which provides the framework for the mission, was launched by ESA's Education Department in 2000 to get European students involved in real space missions. The initiative aims at giving students practical hands-on experience and encourage them to take up careers in space technology and science, thereby helping to create a pool of talented experts for the future.
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Swiss European Air Lines to take off on November 1
Schweizer Regionallinien ausgegliedert
Swiss European Air Lines has been issued its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) by the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation. This removes the final obstacle to the commencement of operations for SWISS's new subsidiary, which will now begin on November 1. In transferring its regional flight operations to a separate business entity, SWISS aims to raise its competitiveness in the sector and lay the foundation for future European growth. Swiss European Air Lines is a fully-owned SWISS subsidiary which will operate “wet-lease” services in the European market on behalf of its parent company. Swiss European, which will serve some 30 destinations, will adopt the high quality, safety and training standards of its parent company, will feature SWISS products and will operate under the SWISS brand. Commercial responsibility for its operations, however, will remain with SWISS.
All the aircraft of the present SWISS regional fleet – 18 Avro RJ 85/100s and eight Embraer 145s – will be transferred to the new company. These aircraft will retain their present familiar SWISS liveries, but will also bear the legend “Operated by Swiss European Air Lines” under their cockpit window. The first Swiss European flights will take to the skies at 06:00 next Tuesday, November 1 when LX 2991 (from Basel) and LX 2801 (from Geneva) depart for Zurich. The first Swiss European flights from Zurich will be the 07:05 departures for Stuttgart (LX 1164), Copenhagen (LX 1266) and Warsaw (LX 1344).
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
AERO Vodochody has launched preparations for delivery of formed sheet metal aluminum components for ARIANE 5. The parts will be installed in one of the rocket segments. The customer is German company MT Aerospace of Augsburg. “We produce jet aircraft, turboprop aircraft, and helicopters, but this order would represent the first production of rocket parts in AERO Vodochody. It is the first test order that we should deliver to MT Aerospace by the end of this year. We have already obtained RFP's for further ARIANE parts, which could be produced in our company. That indicates that the business partner is counting on us for a long run.” said John Talacko, AERO Marketing Manager – parts and services. The total volume of the first order is in the magnitude of hundred thousands of CZK. The order covers 12 items of ten pieces each, including production of tooling. The size of the largest part – the cable duct – is approximately 75 x 55 cm.
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Columbia Helicopters is pleased to announce an agreement with the Canadian government, to acquire eight recently-retired Vertol CH-113 “Labrador” helicopters. The Canadian government previously used these aircraft to conduct Search and Rescue operations. These aircraft will join the 15 similar models that are already part of Columbia's fleet of heavy-lifting helicopters. The first three helicopters have already arrived at the company's headquarters at the Aurora State Airport in Oregon. “These aircraft will help us to strengthen our position within the industry,” said Mike Fahey, President of Columbia Helicopters. “In turn, this will allow us to provide a more cost-effective product to our customers worldwide.”
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On 21 October, Embraer announced the delivery of its 100th E-Jet. The aircraft is an EMBRAER 175 belonging to Air Canada, which has already placed nine jets of this model in scheduled passenger service. Delivery of the 100th EMBRAER 170/190 aircraft comes only 19 months after Embraer's first E-Jet delivery. "The delivery of our 100th E-Jet is a great achievement for our new family of aircraft. We are honored that Air Canada, our first worldwide EMBRAER 175 operator, is receiving this commemorative airplane," said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer's Executive Vice-President, Airline Market. "With 60 Embraer E-Jets on firm order -- 15 EMBRAER 175s and 45 EMBRAER 190s -- Air Canada is uniquely positioned to reap the benefits of this new family of aircraft, specifically designed for the 70 to 110 seat market." Air Canada ordered 15 EMBRAER 175s, with deliveries to be completed in January 2006. Configured to offer premium comfort and service to 73 passengers in two classes, the carrier's new airliners have nine executive seats plus 64 hospitality seats, and offer an in-flight entertainment system with individual screens for all passengers.
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Five years ago few would have imagined the U.S. Air Force would enthusiastically announce that it was expanding the number of Predator unmanned air vehicle (UAV) squadrons from three to 15. However, according to Forecast International unmanned vehicles analyst Larry Dickerson, the global war on terrorism has prompted the United States to pump significant amounts of money into its UAV programs. The Market for UAV Reconnaissance Systems – including air vehicles, ground control equipment and payloads – is expected to be worth $13.6 billion through 2014. “Although the popularity of UAVs continues to grow worldwide, the United States is by far the largest single market,” said Dickerson. “American firms have a value share of more than 50 percent of this market and could gain control of a further 5-10 percent over the next decade,” he added. The dominance of these American companies can be attributed in part to the large U.S. requirement and the high cost of certain systems it is currently acquiring such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV. “The value of Global Hawk production over the next 10 years could reach $3.5 billion,” Dickerson said. Northrop Grumman believes that sales of the Global Hawk air vehicles could exceed 200 units.
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Global demand for new military transports is projected at 929 aircraft worth nearly $54 billion during the next ten years, according to a new Forecast International study, The World Market for Military Transport Aircraft – 2005-2014. Although the Boeing C-17 and Lockheed Martin C-130J will maintain their hold on the market through this decade, some major changes are in the offing. Boeing will deliver the last of 180 C-17 heavy-lifters by mid-2008 and, although it appears likely that an additional 40 units will be procured, the line is expected to close by the end of 2010. Boeing hopes to instead build KC-767 tankers for the USAF by decade's end. "Boeing's market exit will leave Lockheed Martin to battle for sales against the larger new A400M from Airbus Military, and the smaller transport models offered by EADS CASA and Italy's Alenia," according to Forecast International aviation analyst Bill Dane. "Lockheed Martin had a brief scare in early 2005 when the Pentagon sought to cut short the manufacturer's multiyear C-130J contract in a budget-trimming measure, but that plan was shot down." The line continues to roll, providing the manufacturer time to drum up more export sales.
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The US Marine Corps, through the Naval Air Systems Command, accepted delivery, (Oct.15, 2005) of the first AH-1Z Cobra and UH-1Y utility helicopters to enter the fleet. The two aircraft, manufactured by Bell Helicopter are part of the Marine's H-1 Upgrade Program, and had been operated by a joint Bell-Government Integrated Test Team (ITT) during the Engineering Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the program. They will be transferred to the Operational Test Unit at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, to immediately begin Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) training. The H-1 Program is a major upgrade to remanufacture the US Marine Corps fleet of AH-1W SuperCobras to the AH-1Z and build completely new UH-1Y utility helicopters to an advanced configuration featuring common engines and flight dynamics. The program involves 180 AH-1W SuperCobra helicopters. Upon completion, the AH-1W becomes the AH-1Z. UH-1N helicopters will be phased out of service as new UH-1Y helicopters are built and delivered. The H-1 upgrades include an 84% commonality between the two aircraft including engines (GE-T700 engines), four-blade all-composite, hingeless, bearingless main rotor system and tail rotor, identical drive trains, hydraulics and electrical distribution systems. By using common systems the cost of the logistics support process for the two helicopters will be dramatically reduced and will allow for vastly improved shipboard operability. Far less critical shipboard space will be needed to store spare parts and support equipment to support the two helicopters comprising the H-1 Program.
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NASA Administrator Michael Griffin today named veteran scientist Lisa J. Porter as associate administrator for the Aeronautics Mission Directorate. She will lead the agency's aeronautics research efforts and continue to lead NASA's efforts in the development of national aeronautics policy in cooperation with other government agencies. Porter most recently served as the NASA Administrator's senior adviser for aeronautics. She came to the agency following her service as senior scientist in the Advanced Technology Office of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in Arlington, Va.
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Bell Helicopter presented a formal proposal in response to the Army's Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) request for proposal issued July 27, 2005. Bell is offering its successful 412EP medium twin-engine helicopter. "The Bell 412EP is a reliable, proven aircraft that can fulfill the Army's LUH missions," said Mike Miller, Executive Director of Army and Air Force Business Development for Bell Helicopter. "There are currently more than 700 Bell 412s operating throughout the world in a wide variety of commercial and military missions. The Bell 412 fleet has logged more than three million flight hours and has already proven it can perform missions such as homeland security, civil search and rescue, medical evacuation, counter drug operations and more. In fact, 384 Bell 412s are conducting similar missions in the military or para-military services of 28 other countries today."
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The US Air Force's first Joint and Combined Air Dominance Center of Excellence is now open for business in Lakenheath, UK. Lt. Col. Dave Slade, the center commander, said the Air Force established the center in response to the changing security environment in European Command's area of responsibility with the advent of the global war on terrorism and the expansion of NATO, said. “The JCAD Center of Excellence will increase (European Command), (U.S. Air Forces in Europe) and NATO air dominance capabilities using a cross flow of ideas,” said Gen. Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong, USAFE commander. “Through enhanced teamwork, advanced academics, doctrine development, tactical concepts cross talk and in-flight training, the center will ensure our warfighters' continued dominance of air and space,” General Foglesong said. With new countries becoming allies, "We feel building a common baseline for air dominance operations will ensure operational success in the future,” Colonel Slade said. The colonel said Lakenheath is the center's site for a variety of reasons. Foremost is the strong relationship that exists between U.S. and British air forces. Also favoring Lakenheath, he said, is that it is home to the 493rd Fighter Squadron and it is close to vast areas of over-water training airspace.
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Boeing and Lockheed Martin announced that they have received a Second Request for information from the Federal Trade Commission relating to their filing pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Anti-Trust Act regarding the formation of the United Launch Alliance, LLC (ULA). The companies said they believe the government needs more time to complete its review and reiterated their commitment to the transaction and the benefits it could bring to the U.S. government. "Bringing together two launch systems to provide assured access to space at lower cost and with greater efficiency is an extremely complex undertaking, and it is imperative that together we work through all the details to the satisfaction of all the government agencies involved," said Michael Gass, who is designated to become president and CEO of United Launch Alliance. ULA is a joint venture to be established by Boeing and Lockheed Martin to provide two families of expendable launch vehicles to U.S. government customers.
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On 27 October, at 08:52 CEST, a COSMOS-3M launcher carrying a multinational payload was launched on schedule. The rocket took off at the Plesetsk launching pad located 800 kilometers north-east of Moscow, successfully placing the RUBIN-5 microsatellite developed by OHB as well as other payloads in orbit. RUBIN-5 is the fifth communications satellite from the RUBIN range, which OHB-System has been developing and enhancing since 2000. Located on the upper stage of the rocket, it initially transmitted information on velocity, vibration loads and the rocket position. RUBIN transmits this data in e-mail form via the Orbcomm satellite communications system. In this way, it is possible to track the rocket in orbit reliably and without any loss of data. In addition, RUBIN is managing and monitoring various technology experiments, including the Advanced Solar Antennae (ASOLANT), which were realized by the Lausanne Polytechnic University in conjunction with OHB-Teledata GmbH for the European Space Agency ESA. In addition, a detector is being carried on board to collect data allowing the volume of micrometeorites (debris) in solar-synchronous orbits to be calculated. OHB-System AG is conducting this project together with Fraunhofer Ernst-Mach-Institut, Freiburg. A GPS receiver developed by the German Aerospace Center DLR deployed in conjunction with a 3D magnetometer is supplying information on the position of the satellite platform. As well as this, a camera is providing images of the satellite separations and sending these to the ground station via the ORBCOMM network and the Internet.
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Inherinting from the long history of Eurocopter Service Japan the customer-minded approach, Eurocopter Japan coordinates the network and the sales activities in Japan, with the distributor EuroHeli, also a member of the Eurocopter Family. Eurocopter Japan has been created to better address present customers' needs, as well as to tackle business development activities. Stephane Ginoux is Eurocopter Japan CEO, as well as Managing Director of EuroHeli. With its fleet of 355 helicopters presently in Japan, Eurocopter is holding more than 50% of the Japanese Civil and Para-public market. Some highly exposed customers such as the Japan Defense Agency, the National Police Agency, the Tokyo Fire department along with numerous prefectural Fire Bureaus and Police Departments are used to flying Super Pumas or Dauphin, down the range to the EC135.
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Boeing is installing the first radio frequency (RF) cables in the EA-1 aircraft as it continues production of the first two EA-18G flight test aircraft, EA-1 & EA-2. RF cabling is essential in connecting the specialized avionics required to perform the airborne electronic attack mission of the EA-18G. When completed, each aircraft will have more than 2,500 feet of RF cabling, about five times the amount installed in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which shares a common airframe with the EA-18G. "We're right on schedule with the modifications," says Bob Feldmann, EA-18G program manager for Boeing. "Every day, we move closer to our goal of flying this aircraft, and demonstrating its incredible capabilities for our Navy customer."
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While China this week hailed the successful landing of Shenzhou 6, its second manned spacecraft the mission is far from over. The spacecraft's orbital module, which served as both a living area and space laboratory for Shenzhou 6 astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng, will continue to circle Earth for at least six more months after firing its engines to reach a higher orbit, China Central Television (CCTV) reported Thursday. “This is an important event that will test the capability of the orbital module, to keep it working for a long time in space,” Liu Junze, the aircraft controlling office director at Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center, told CCTV. “It will also lay the foundations for space station designs in the future.” Shenzhou 6's orbital module – which uses solar panels to generate power – fired its engines twice to boost itself into a 220-mile (355-kilometer) orbit, state media reported.
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Alabama officials approved construction of Airbus North America's engineering center in Mobile, Ala. Construction of Airbus' newest facility in the United States is set to begin in January 2006. The facility, which is scheduled to open in January 2007, will be responsible initially for assignments related to Airbus' new A350 aircraft, including the design of interiors such as ceiling panels, sidewall panels, overhead stowage bins, interior furnishings, seats, crew rest compartments, lavatories and galleys. "We're pleased to be bringing more skilled, high-quality jobs and growth to the U.S. and Alabama economies," said Allan McArtor, chairman of Airbus North America Holdings. "Mobile is a growing, high-tech community, and the enthusiasm of the region in welcoming us has been most impressive."
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Eos, the first single-class, premium transatlantic airline, celebrates its first full week of service between New York JFK and London Stansted airports with its official inaugural flight. The airline features a revolutionary 48 "suite" cabin configuration, providing its guests unparalleled comfort, space and personalized service. The basic unrestricted round trip fare is $6,500, although, Eos is offering a special introductory price of $5,000 round trip until January 3, 2006. To celebrate the official inaugural flight, ticketed passengers, dignitaries and members of the media have been invited to join Eos management and board members at JFK's Terminal Four for a pre-flight reception toasting the airline's launch.
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Northrop Grumman announced the selection of Mobile, Ala., as the site of its KC-30 Production Center. The company declared its intentions last month to compete for the U.S. Air Force's next-generation air refueling tanker program. Northrop Grumman is entering the competition as the prime contractor with EADS North America as their principal sub-contractor. The Northrop Grumman KC-30 is based on the successful Airbus A330 commercial aircraft, currently in production. As the prime contractor, Northrop Grumman will be responsible for contract management, major sub-systems decisions and all military modifications to the A330 advanced refueling airframe supplied by EADS North America. This same airframe has already been selected by Australia and the United Kingdom as the basis for their future tanker programs.
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The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Rockwell Collins have successfully demonstrated Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) in operational tactical aircraft. "The changing nature of warfare, where real time communication exchanges are paramount, makes TTNT an important element in conducting future military operations," said Bruce King, Rockwell Collins vice president and general manager of Communications Systems, Government Systems. "This successful demonstration enables DARPA and Rockwell Collins to move much closer to bringing this technology to the warfighter." The demonstration and testing of TTNT Phase 3 terminals took place Sept. 12-30 at the Naval Air Weapons Station in China Lake, Calif. Fifteen prototype Phase 3 terminals, which were built to fit within the Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) form factor terminals, were used in a multi-platform demonstration to validate the TTNT requirements in a flight demonstration using tactical combat aircraft.
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For the first time since Hurricane Katrina, NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss., returned to its primary business Tuesday, testing space shuttle main engines. Engineers successfully test-fired an engine for 520 seconds; the time it takes a shuttle to reach orbit. Tuesday's engine test is an indication that Stennis and the region are working toward recovering from the storm. The test was a continuation of a certification series on the Advanced Health Management System, which monitors the engine's performance. It enables the engine to shut down if unusual vibrations are detected in the turbopump. It's an upgrade that provides a significant improvement for lower risk for shuttle main engines. Other engine parts were tested and certified, such as a fast-response temperature sensor.
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Farnborough International Limited, the organisers of the Farnborough International Airshow 2006, announced recently that marketing efforts are being accelerated to encourage commercial helicopters to be displayed at the expanded and improved Business Aircraft Park that will be a central feature of the Show. Dubbed the 'show within the show', the Business Aircraft Park at FIA2006 will be in a new location easily accessible from the main exhibition area, close to chalet rows J and K, and in full view of all other chalet rows. As at FIA2004, the Business Aircraft Park will be a three-day show (Monday 17 to Wednesday 19 July 2006), during which exhibitors will be able to take clients for customer demonstration flights aboard their aircraft. There will be a number of options for hosting customers. A reception building housing a lounge area with refreshments will be sited at the entrance to the Park. Alternatively, exhibitors may erect a support structure near to their aircraft housing an exhibit as well as a hospitality area.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced it will establish a world-class manufacturing facility in Querétaro, Mexico to complement its existing manufacturing sites. The company will be investing approximately $200 million US in equipment, buildings and start-up costs over the next seven years. Scheduled to be implemented in phases starting in May 2006, capabilities at Bombardier Aerospace's new Mexican facility will initially include the manufacture and assembly of wire harnesses for Bombardier aircraft. Bombardier Aerospace is in the process of evaluating the impact of the transfer of these activities on its workforce. Later in 2006, the new facility is scheduled to start manufacturing major structural aircraft components currently being built by Bombardier Aerospace suppliers. Details on the type of components to be manufactured will be finalized in the coming months. By the end of 2006, employment at the Querétaro facility is expected to reach 300 skilled and trained workers and increase to 600 by the end of 2007.
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Jacques Barrot, Vice President of the European Commission in charge of Transport, has appointed Karel Van Miert, former European Commissioner, to take up the role of mediator for Galileo. Mr Van Miert's mission will be to act as mediator between Member States and European industry in order to facilitate decisions on the Galileo programme. Over the past few weeks, some decisions at industrial level have been delayed for various reasons, partly because of the complexity of the industrial organisation. We want to see urgent progress, because teams of experts from the industry have been brought together and a truly European stock of scientific, economic and financial expertise on satellite navigation has emerged. These teams now have to get down to work in order to prepare the launching of the first four satellites of the Galileo constellation. Galileo is the first big industrial EU project. It represents an enormous opportunity for research and mobility in Europe, for job creation and for industrial competitiveness. A large number of countries in the world want to participate in the programme. Galileo is a project that only a united Europe can accomplish. A divided Europe can only endanger the success of the project. Jacques Barrot calls on all those concerned, including Member States, agencies and industry, to lend their help and support to Karel Van Miert so that he can successfully accomplish his mission as quickly as possible.
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At Frankfurt Airport (FRA), the number of takeoffs and landings planned for the upcoming Winter Timetable 2005/2006 – effective Sunday, October 30 – will increase by 2.6 percent compared to last year's corresponding schedule. Germany's largest airport will be served by 129 scheduled passenger airlines from around the world offering regular flights via FRA to 294 destinations in a total of 111 countries, including 132 destinations in intercontinental traffic. Frankfurt Airport continues to dominate the long-haul market. In terms of the number of seats offered per week, FRA will account for 70 percent of Germany's long-haul flights; in comparison, Munich's share will be about 15 percent. Likewise, Frankfurt Airport will be unchallenged in freighter services on long-haul routes, which will account for 75 percent of Germany's total takeoffs and landings in this category during the new schedule. Compared to the Winter 2004/2005 Timetable, the new schedule will feature 10 additional carriers such as Armavia from Armenia, DBA from Germany, Etihad Airways from the United Arab Emirates, and SN Brussels from Belgium. New destinations in FRA's Winter Timetable 2005/2006 will include Guangzhou in China, Erbil in northern Iraq, and Port Harcourt in Nigeria.
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J. C. Bamford Excavators Ltd., a global leader in construction equipment, added to its fleet of Sikorsky S-76 helicopters with a recent contract signing for an S-76C++. Delivery is scheduled for September 2006. This transaction marks the first planned delivery of an S-76C++ into the European market by Sikorsky. “Clearly we are very happy to continue our strong association with Sikorsky,” said Captain Steve Hogarth, JCB Chief of Operations – Aviation. “JCB is arguably one of the busiest European corporate helicopter operations. We will put this aircraft into service to transport our VIP clients throughout Europe. This acquisition will allow us to continue to support one of our core values: to provide superior customer care.”
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Jet Airways has signed a Purchase Agreement with Airbus for ten A330-200s, becoming an early Indian customer for the popular A330 family. The deal reaffirms Jet Airways' selection of the aircraft in June. Jet Airways also has taken options for another ten aircraft. Deliveries of the A330s will begin in the first quarter of 2007, making Jet Airways the very first Indian carrier to receive brand-new airliners in this category. Jet Airways is already an A340 operator, having begun A340-300E services to London earlier this year, using leased aircraft. It plans to use its Airbus A330s on a mix of regional and international flights. Cockpit commonality means that the A330 and A340 will nicely complement each other.
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Boeing reported that third-quarter 2005 net income increased to $1,011 million, or $1.26 per share, compared with $456 million, or $0.56 per share in the year-ago quarter. Third-quarter revenues declined to $12.6 billion from $13.2 billion last year. Earnings for the quarter include a $0.62 per share benefit from tax settlements and adjustments. The company estimates that the month-long International Association of Machinists (IAM) strike caused 21 fewer airplane deliveries in the quarter and reduced results by $0.25 to $0.30 per share. "Our third-quarter results and our increase in guidance underscore our operating strength," said Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman and chief executive officer. "Although we faced some challenges this quarter, Commercial Airplanes continued its tremendous sales success, completed firm configuration of the 787 Dreamliner, and reached an agreement with the IAM that supports continued growth and competitiveness. At the same time, Integrated Defense Systems delivered strong margins while achieving key milestones on leading- edge programs such as Future Combat Systems. Across Boeing, we are focused on executing our growth plans and improving our margins." Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) continued winning key customer orders during the third quarter while aggressively managing for profitability and investing for long-term growth. It won 202 gross orders from a broad range of customers, launched the 737-900 Extended Range with an order from Lion Air, and completed firm configuration for the 787 Dreamliner. To date, the 787 has captured orders and commitments from 24 customers for 293 airplanes since its launch, including 194 firm orders and additional commitments for 99 airplanes. During the quarter, IDS completed the sale of its Rocketdyne operations to United Technologies for $700 million in cash and the establishment of long- term supply agreements. That resulted in a pre-tax gain of $582 million, of which $573 million was recognized in Launch & Orbital Systems and $9 million was recorded in the Other segment. The sale will also produce an additional pre-tax, non-cash charge of approximately $190 million in the Other segment during the fourth quarter of 2005 related to the curtailment and settlement of post-retirement plans and the transfer of post-retirement liabilities. Excluding the Rocketdyne sale, the IDS third-quarter operating margin was 9.9 percent.
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Airbus top executives held "Executive Forum 2005" in Tokyo, attended by some 300 guests from Japan's major airline companies, aviation industries, governmental organizations, as well as from financial companies. Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Gustav Humbert and Chief Operating Officer – Customers John Leahy presented a consolidated update on the performance on the European manufacturer and on industry expectations for the coming years. Glen S. Fukushima, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Japan, delivered the opening speech and chaired the Executive Forum. In his opening remarks, Mr Humbert said: "We consider Japan to be a key country for Airbus, both in terms of a potential buyer of aircraft and as a partner in industrial co-development and co-production. Airbus is still committed to this important market. In February this year, Airbus has appointed Glen S. Fukushima to build a team at Airbus Japan to formulate a locally focused strategy that will provide attractive solutions to the Japanese market and industry." "We are optimistic that, over time, the quality, technology, fuel-efficiency, and other superior attributes of our aircraft as well as the opportunities for Japanese industry will be fully appreciated, as it is done in the rest of the world," he added.
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NetJets Aviation (NJA) signed an initial contract with its flight attendants, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division, through Columbus- based Local 284. The ratification of the contract follows a vote by the flight attendants in favor of the agreement negotiated by their executive council. The vote, which took place October 17, was supported by an overwhelming majority of the flight attendants. The contract, is the first for the flight attendants and offers significant signing bonuses, wage increases, increased clarity of work rules concerning work schedules, duty and rest, increased benefits, and a defined right to the grievance and mediation process. The contract becomes amendable in 2010.
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Continental Airlines announced it will launch daily nonstop flights between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Cologne, Germany, starting on May 10, 2006, pending government approval. This will be the first scheduled service between the U.S. and Cologne since 1990. Continental flight CO110 will depart New York/Newark daily at 6:45 p.m. and arrive in Cologne at 8:10 a.m. the next day. Flight CO111 will depart Cologne/Bonn Konrad Adenauer Airport daily at 10:35 a.m. and arrive in New York/Newark at 1:20 p.m. the same day. Flying times will be approximately seven hours and 25 minutes eastbound and eight hours and 45 minutes westbound. The frequency of service will be reduced to five flights weekly during the winter to account for the traditional seasonal reduction in demand. "We continue to develop our New York hub to take advantage of its strategic location," said Jim Summerford, Continental's vice president, Europe, Middle East and India. "Newark Liberty is America's doorway to Europe, and it gives European travelers a breadth of connecting opportunities, which is unrivaled among U.S. hubs."
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An agreement on space-based information services and access to, and provision of, Earth Observation data was signed today by ESA and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. The signature took place at ESRIN, the ESA Earth Observation Centre in Frascati, Italy. Dr Volker Liebig, Director of ESA's Earth Observation Programme, signed the agreement on the 'Specific arrangement concerning the development of space-based information services and the access to and provision of Earth Observation data' on behalf of the ESA Director General, Jean-Jacques Dordain, while Mr Freddy Dezeure, Director of Programme and Resource Management of the EC Joint Research Centre (JRC), signed on behalf of the EC. "This document defines the respective tasks and responsibilities of ESA and the JRC for a strong coordinated approach to the use of Earth Observation data in support of the information services of the EU. This will strengthen cooperation with the EU and secure the GMES (the joint EC-ESA initiative for Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) as a major information management and policy support tool for Europe," said Volker Liebig.
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Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, a supplier of laser-based remote-sensing systems, is debuting its new WindTracer Terminal Doppler Solution at the 50th Annual Conference and Exposition of the Air Traffic Control Association. The WindTracer Terminal Doppler Solution combines Lockheed Martins proven lidar technology with unique radar technology capable of high performance and reduced ground clutter interference. The result is an all-in-one wind detection system that increases the safety of flight operations for the aviation industry and the traveling public, and improves runway management with direct economic benefit. The company's flagship commercial product, WindTracer, was designed to provide air traffic control personnel with advanced warning of wind hazards, enabling them to offer precise, timely direction to pilots during takeoff and landing. It uses an eye-safe laser with precision pointing and scanning capabilities to reflect off aerosols 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair, collecting wind data over a broad volumetric area. In addition to LMCT's lidar technology, and all the features and capabilities already offered in WindTracer, the new WindTracer Terminal Doppler Solution integrates traditional Doppler radar technology, resulting in an all-encompassing, economical airport solution. Rain or shine, the WindTracer Terminal Doppler Solution achieves wind shear detection rates of at least 95 percent. The unit is self-contained within an environmental equipment shelter; it is typically sited on airport grounds and operates unattended. In the tower, air traffic controllers reference alerts generated by the lidar and radar, which are combined into one data stream and displayed in a manner consistent with that used by the conventional Terminal Doppler Weather Radar.
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On 27 October ESA's Director of Human Spaceflight, Microgravity and Exploration Mr Daniel Sacotte signed a contract for the launch preparations and first operations of the European Robotic Arm (ERA) on the International Space Station (ISS). The contract, worth 20 million Euro, was signed with Dutch Space, the Industrial Prime Contractor leading an industrial consortium of European companies. The contract signing took place at the Erasmus User Centre at ESA's European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. Originally ERA was scheduled for launch on a Space Shuttle, together with the Russian Science and Power Platform, which was intended to become its home base for operating on the station. Last year Russia introduced the Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) as a new module to be added to the ISS and proposed also the possibility that ERA could be installed, launched and operated on the MLM. Since the MLM is designed for launch on a Russian Proton rocket, ERA will no longer be carried into space on a US Space Shuttle, but aboard Proton, This requires some technical, operational and contractual re-arrangements between the parties involved.
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Boeing confirmed that Air New Zealand has placed an additional order for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, adding two airplanes to its earlier two-airplane 787 order. Air New Zealand is the second 787 customer to place a follow-on order for the popular new Boeing jetliner, having placed its initial order in June as part of a long-haul fleet announcement. The two new airplanes are valued at $260 million at list prices.
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The House of Representatives voted to let NASA continue buying Russian spaceships to deliver astronauts and supplies to the space station until 2012. The Senate already adopted a similar measure, though some minor details need to be worked out before the legislation is finalized. NASA Administrator Michael Griffin and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice asked Congress earlier this year to amend a arms control law that prevented the space agency from buying spaceships from the Russians. The intent of the law was to prevent Russia from providing nuclear technology to Iran. NASA has relied upon Russian Soyuz spacecraft to get its astronauts to and from the International Space Station since the Columbia accident in 2003 grounded the shuttle fleet. Only one shuttle mission has flown in the nearly three years since. However, Russia's obligation to provide such rides ended with a Soyuz that launched earlier this month. Beginning next year, NASA faced the prospect - barring more normal shuttle flights - of having no way to get its astronauts to the $100 billion international station. "Without legislative action, NASA will have limited access to the ISS until the U.S. Crew Exploration Vehicle is ready to be deployed," said Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., during a brief floor debate before the House voted to approve the change.
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Rockwell Collins delivered the 100th operational C/KC-135 GATM modified aircraft to the U.S. Air Force. "The C/KC-135 GATM program reflects Rockwell Collins' commitment to understanding our customers' requirements and valuing their trust in us to perform high quality work that is on time and on budget," said Rockwell Collins Government Systems Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Churchill. As the prime avionics systems integrator for the U.S. Air Force C/KC-135 GATM program, Rockwell Collins is providing technology that allows military aircraft to operate in an ever changing commercial airspace environment by meeting world wide Communication/Navigation/Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) mandates. If the options for all 417 aircraft are executed, the estimated total value will be approximately $780 million.
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October 30, marked the start of the new winter timetable at Munich Airport. Airlines have booked slots for approximately 156,000 take-offs and landings for the period up to March 25, 2006. This represents an increase of more than 2 percent in the number of scheduled flights as compared with last winter's timetable. During this winter season, 91 airlines will be operating scheduled services from Munich Airport to 192 destinations in 67 countries. This winter, southern Germany will have much better links to South America: With the return of Varig, Munich Airport welcomes back an airline with a long tradition. The Brazilian airline will operate a scheduled code-shared service with its Star Alliance partner Lufthansa, flying an MD-11 aircraft three times a week to the financial and trading metropolis of Sao Paulo. This winter it will also be easier to fly to Brazil's neighbor Argentina. Aerolineas Argentinas is increasing from three to five the number of weekly flights from Munich via Madrid to Buenos Aires. There will also be a weekly charter flight to Rio de Janeiro. The Saturday flight will be operated by Varig, with bookings handled by the agency MTM Reisen. Royal Air Maroc is a newcomer in Munich. The Moroccan state airline will be departing twice a week to Casablanca.
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Deutsche Lufthansa AG holds in the meantime a total of 4.5 million shares in the Frankfurt Airport operating company, which is equivalent to about 4.95 per cent of Fraport's nominal capital. The purchase price, amounting to around 170 million euros, was funded entirely from existing financial resources. Lufthansa intends in the short term to increase its stake to 5 per cent. “We are investing at the Frankfurt base in Germany's air traffic infrastructure. Our stake in the airport operator will intensify our partnership with Fraport and lastingly strengthen our airline's position at the major Frankfurt hub,“ commented Lufthansa Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber. The investment underpins the objectives of the ”Air Traffic for Germany“ initiative. It is a good development for the entire air traffic system in Germany. Competition in the industry is no longer between airlines and alliances but between air traffic systems in their entirety, encompassing airlines, airports and air traffic control, said Mayrhuber. Seamless flight connections in Frankfurt also strengthen other airports linked with the hub by Lufthansa. “We have a stake in Munich's Terminal 2 and all have profited from it: customers, the airport and the airline. That is precisely also our aim in Frankfurt.“ The stake in Fraport AG is a strategic investment in our core business, Mayrhuber added. It will allow Lufthansa to leverage influence in the airport's development, improve cooperation and enhance quality on the ground for the benefit of customers. ”That will strengthen our competitive position.“ Moreover, Fraport AG generates strong returns. “The investment in the airport operator will pay off,“ observed Mayrhuber. Fraport Chairman Dr. Wilhelm Bender was equally positive: “We wholeheartedly welcome Lufthansa as a shareholder in the company. Its financial investment will strengthen the successful system partnership between Lufthansa, Star Alliance and Fraport.“
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South Africa's first completed Gripen fighter was unveiled in a roll-out ceremony as it left the production line. The aircraft, which will be the first of 28 Gripens delivered into South African Air Force service from 2008, will now be prepared for a rigorous and thorough flight test programme to integrate South Africa's customized avionics and mission systems. Speaking, on behalf of the South African Government, at the roll-out ceremony in Linkoping, Sweden, South Africa's Minister for Public Enterprises, Alec Erwin, highlighted the strategic significance of South Africa's Gripen acquisition and its role as a catalyst for broad industrial, trade and economic development in South Africa. Sweden's Minister of Defense, Mrs Leni Björklund, said Sweden would continue to further develop its already strong strategic political, defence, industrial and economic links between Sweden and South Africa:
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The maiden flight of the first Hungarian dual seat Gripen aircraft took place yesterday at Saab in Linköping, Sweden. The aircraft, which was flown by a test pilot from Saab, was painted with the new gray Hungarian national insignia on the aircraft. “This flight is yet another important milestone for the Hungarian program and demonstrates that the production of Gripen aircraft for Hungary is continuing according to plan” – says Mats Hansson FMV Program Director for the Gripen for Hungary program. Following this maiden flight, the aircraft now enters a period of ground and flight-testing to verify that all systems are operating in accordance with the Hungarian Gripen configuration plan. This is the first of 2 (two) Gripen dual seat aircraft, together with 12 (twelve) Gripen (single seat) aircraft, that Hungary will lease for a period of 10 years, before taking ownership of the aircraft under the terms of the agreement signed between the Swedish and Hungarian authorities in February 2003. Deliveries of the 14 Gripen aircraft to Hungary will take place between March 2006 and December 2007.
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Vagn Soerensen, 45, whose current contract as Chief Executive Officer of Austrian Airlines AG runs until the end of September 2006, will not be extending his contract for a period extending beyond that date. Explaining the exclusively private reasons for his decision, Vagn Soerensen made the following statement: 'For the past twenty years, my career has required that I spend all my time outside Denmark, where I was born and spent my youth. Extending the term of my contract of employment would mean that my family and I would be unable to return to Denmark for another four to five years. After careful consideration, therefore, I have decided that we should move back to my home country.'
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TopSat, the low cost micro-satellite designed and built by a QinetiQ-led consortium of British companies, was successfully launched for the first time this morning from the Plesetsk launch site in Northern Russia. The 07:52 BST launch was the culmination of a programme that began in 2000 and which is jointly funded by the British National Space Centre (BNSC) and the UK Ministry of Defence. TopSat, which is attracting increasing interest from international government and commercial customers alike, is designed to provide 2.5 metre resolution imagery at much reduced cost to larger satellites. Typically, current generation imaging satellites with a comparable performance will cost in excess of five times more than TopSat. The system addresses many remote sensing applications including disaster relief, environmental monitoring, crop management, land use, border control and security use.
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The Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) program, managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) since October 2003, will be transitioning to Service leadership by November 1, 2005. The new joint U.S. Air Force/Navy office will be headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, and will continue to be supported by personnel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., and other Navy facilities. The objective of the J-UCAS program is to develop, demonstrate and transition an affordable, lethal, survivable, and supportable unmanned combat air system to meet the operational needs of the Air Force and Navy. DARPA has been working with two air vehicle prime contractors, The Boeing Company and Northrop Grumman Corporation, to design, build and demonstrate full-scale, flight-worthy air vehicles and mission control elements. A unique attribute of this program is the coordinated development of a Common Operating System (COS) that will provide the mission functionality for the unmanned combat air vehicles within the system. The COS is being developed by the two vehicle prime contractors in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory serving as the integrator/broker. This consortium-like business arrangement also permits other technology contributors to provide advanced software applications and “best of breed” algorithms. “It has been my privilege to be involved with this precedent-setting and historic program,” said Dr. Michael S. Francis, J-UCAS program director at DARPA. “The interest in the J-UCAS concept, combined with our joint team's notable successes, have given us the opportunity to rapidly transition the program to the Services.”
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The U.S. Navy announced that one of its nine Nimitz-class aircraft carriers will replace the USS Kitty Hawk as the forward deployed carrier in the Western Pacific, and will arrive in Yokosuka, Japan in 2008. The USS Kitty Hawk is nearing the end of its service life and will return to the United States in 2008 to be decommissioned. The United States values Japan's contributions to the peace, security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting U.S. forces forward deployed there. These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japn Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet our common strategic objectives. Additionally, the forward deployment of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier ensures the ability of commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet to fulfill the U.S. government's commitment to the defense of Japan, and the maintenance of international peace and security in the Far East in support of the treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.
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Eurofighter Typhoon, the world's best selling new generation fighter aircraft took to the air over Vienna on Wednesday October 26th to help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Austrian armed forces. Four Eurofighter aircraft with their all powerful Eurojet engines were there to support the National Day events during a fly past which included the full range of Austria's air force capability, past and present. The four European air forces from the Eurofighter core programme (Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) and the industrial Eurofighter consortium with the Partner Companies Alenia Aeronautica/Finmeccanica, BAE Systems and EADS in Germany and Spain had all undertaken to bring Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to support this very important event, demonstrating the close Eurofighter partnership now enjoyed by the five nations.
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