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+++ Ariane launches heaviest satellite +++ Fraport sees continued growth +++ Last upgraded P-3C for Germany delivered +++ Columbus module arrives at the Cape +++ Aer Lingus to leave oneworld +++ News in brief +++
Ariane launches heaviest satellite
Schwerster Satellit von Ariane 5 gestartet
On Saturday evening, May 27, Arianespace placed two satellites into geostationary transfer orbit: Satmex 6 for the Mexican operator Satélites Mexicanos S.A. de C.V., and Thaicom 5 for the Thai operator Shin Satellite Plc. The 27th Ariane 5 launch, 13th success in a row, and a new record for satellite mass delivered in orbit The launch was the 27th mission for Ariane 5 and the 13th success in a row, further proof that Arianespace sets the global standard for launch services, meeting the needs of operators around the world. Arianespace set a new record with this launch, boosting two satellites totaling more than 8,200 kg. into orbit. In just a little more than nine months, Arianespace has used six Ariane 5s to boost 11 satellites into geostationary transfer orbit.
This is the fourth time that Mexico has used Arianespace to launch a communications satellite. Mexico had already chosen Arianespace to launch Solidaridad 1 in November 1993, Solidaridad 2 in October 1994 and Satmex 5 in December 1998. Thaicom 5 was the fifth satellite launched by Arianespace for private Thai operator Shin Satellite, following Thaicom 1 in December 1993, Thaicom 2 in October 1994, Thaicom 3 in April 1997 and Thaicom 4 in August 2005. Shin Satellite Plc, one of the largest operators in the Asia-Pacific region, has shown its continued confidence in Arianespace.
The mission was carried out by an Ariane 5 ECA launcher from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Liftoff was on Saturday, May 27 at 6:09 pm local time in Kourou (5:09 p.m. in Washington, D.C., 4:09 p.m. in Mexico City, 21:09 GMT, 11:09 p.m. in Paris, and on Sunday, May 28 at 4:09 a.m. in Bangkok).
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Fraport sees continued growth
Hauptversammlung von Fraport
Fraport AG's executive board chairman Dr. Wilhelm Bender declared 2005 "A year of progress for our company," while addressing today's annual general meeting (AGM) at the Jahrhunderhalle in Frankfurt-Höchst, Germany. During his review of fiscal year 2005, Bender told shareholders about achievements at Frankfurt Airport (FSE:FRA): the on-schedule hand-over to Lufthansa of land for building the new A380 maintenance base, the return of the US Rhein-Main Air Base, the successful world premier of the Airbus A380 superjumbo at Frankfurt Airport, as well as the completion of the public hearings on FRA's planned expansion program. The Fraport Group's revenues rose by 4.6 per cent to EUR2.1 billion in 2005. Due to strict cost management, EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation) again grew disproportionately faster than revenues - climbing by 6.1 per cent to EUR547.5 million. Profit for the year even increased more markedly by 17.4 per cent to EUR161.5 million.
Because of this gratifying business development Fraport's executive and supervisory boards are recommending to the annual general meeting of shareholders a dividend increase of 20 per cent to 90 euro cents per share for 2005. In fiscal year 2005 Fraport continued to be a job generator. The number of staff employed within the Fraport Group increased by six per cent to nearly 28,000 at year end. At Frankfurt Airport alone, Fraport hired 1,225 people - an increase of 7.4 per cent. According to Bender, these figures verify that the air transportation industry continues to be a growth market: "Therefore, we cannot afford delaying the planned expansion program at Frankfurt Airport." Bender emphasised that Fraport continues to steer a successful course: "Thus, we expect EBITDA to climb and annual results to increase substantially in 2006."
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Last upgraded P-3C for Germany delivered
Modernisierung bie Lockheed Martin abgeschlossen
Lockheed Martin delivered the 10th upgraded P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft originally contracted by the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command as part of a foreign military sale to the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN). Meanwhile, the P-3Cs were sold on to Germany for operations from the Navy base at Nordholz. Under the 2001 contract, Lockheed Martin was awarded more than $73 million to upgrade 10 P-3C aircraft to a unique customer configuration which included advanced computer processing and mission systems integration capabilities; improved communications systems; and state-of the-art acoustic and non-acoustic sensors. The first upgraded aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Navy in November 2003.
"The P-3 has been an exceptionally capable and durable aircraft for U.S. and international operators for more than 40 years," said Rick Kirkland, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Maritime Surveillance Enterprise. "With this history, and with more than 400 P-3 aircraft in use by U.S. and international operators, we understand how critical it is to create solutions that ensure the continued availability of the P-3 aircraft for many years to come." "To meet the demands expected to be placed on the aircraft in the years ahead, Lockheed Martin is developing aggressive programs to identify and respond to structural aging issues; providing refresh technology to keep the aircraft's mission capabilities on the cutting edge; and developing systems that operate effectively with other domestic and allied platforms to support the requirements of combatant commanders," added Kirkland.
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Columbus module arrives at the Cape
ESA-Modul für ISS in USA eingetroffen
NASA celebrated the arrival of an important component to the International Space Station, the Columbus research laboratory. Columbus is the European Space Agency's primary contribution to the station. It arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Tuesday from Germany. Over the past week, it was unloaded from its transport aircraft and taken to its temporary home in Kennedy's Space Station Processing Facility, where it will be prepared for launch. It was welcomed Friday in a ceremony attended by guests from both sides of the Atlantic. Columbus will expand the research facilities of the station, providing researchers the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the area of life, physical and materials sciences. It was manufactured by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) company in Bremen, Germany, and Alcatel Alenia Space in Turin, Italy. It will launch aboard the space shuttle, on the seventh of the shuttle's upcoming missions to the station.
"The arrival of Columbus is a major milestone in moving forward to complete the station," said Michael Suffredini, NASA's space station program manager. "The delivery of Columbus to Kennedy to begin processing for flight signifies the strong international partnership and planning required for the operation of the station." The module has the capability to hold up to 10 payload facility racks of experiments. Each rack provides independent controls for power and cooling and communication links to researchers on Earth. In addition, four exterior mounting platforms will enable the station crew to conduct experiments outside the module.
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Aer Lingus to leave oneworld
Änderung in der oneworld-Allianz
Aer Lingus has confirmed to its oneworld partners that it intends to leave the alliance but retain bilateral links with a number of the grouping's key member airlines. The timing and terms for its withdrawal will be considered at the next meeting of the alliance's Governing Board, but it is likely to be in early 2007, as the three new recruits lining up to join oneworld board the alliance in its biggest expansion to date - Japan Airlines, the largest airline in the Asia-Pacific region; Malev Hungarian and Royal Jordanian. Aer Lingus' strategy has changed fundamentally since it joined the alliance six years ago and is no longer convergent with oneworld's. The alliance's key target market is the multi-sector, premium, frequent international traveller, while Aer Lingus has repositioned itself as a low fares point-to-point carrier.
The departure of Aer Lingus - currently the smallest airline in oneworld, with 13,765 million of the total 761,794 million available seat kilometres capacity offered in 2005 by its existing members - will come as alliance's three recruits increase its capacity by more than 20 per cent. Talks are progressing between oneworld and other airlines interested in joining. Aer Lingus is in discussions with various oneworld members with the aim of retaining strong bilateral links with them, and its intention is to conclude these agreements before its leaves oneworld.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
EADS Defence & Security Systems (DS) and Terma have agreed to explore further business opportunities particularly in the fields of Command & Control, Air Defence, Electronic Warfare, Future Soldier Systems and radar technology. "EADS Defence & Security Systems is mastering leading-edge technologies for security and military applications, and this is excellently suited to jointly offer sophisticated solutions together with an experienced player like Terma", explained Bernhard Gerwert, responsible for international Marketing and Sales of DS and CEO of EADS Defence Electronics. "We have a very successful partnership which we will enhance even further in the months to come." EADS Defence & Security Systems has several programmes running together with TERMA, particularly in the field of Coastal Surveillance and Electronic Warfare. As a comment upon the new cooperation, Terma's President & CEO, Jens Maaløe, stated that he sees a wide range of interesting perspectives in the co-operation agreement which will provide both companies with additional competencies.
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Goodrich announced that it has entered into a teaming agreement that includes Jeppesen as a supplier of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications and data for Goodrich's EFB system. The system includes Goodrich EFB hardware, which features built-in video surveillance capabilities, and Jeppesen EFB applications, such as: terminal charts; Airport Moving Map; Enroute Moving Map; and the Jeppesen data distribution and management system. The teaming agreement allows Goodrich to provide end-to-end EFB system solutions that include aircraft integration, certification and aftermarket support services. "Teaming between our two companies on EFB is a huge step towards creating a truly 'paperless cockpit' for airline operators," said Jan Mathiesen, Vice President, Goodrich Sensor Systems. "Jeppesen is the leader in EFB software applications and navigation charts. Goodrich is the leader in EFB display and computing hardware, aircraft integration and product support services. The combining of our respective capabilities is a logical evolution that gives airlines and flight crews immediate flight operations business value," Mathiesen added. The avionics-grade Goodrich EFB system features an optically enhanced, high resolution display which provides easy viewing in day or night conditions. The system also uses the latest Intel Pentium 1.8GHz mobile processor with standard 1GB memory to execute Jeppesen applications at rapid speeds. Standard EFB connectivity includes ARINC 429 aircraft data bus interface, USB Ethernet and wireless options (802.11 and 2G/3G cellular phone communications) allowing flexible, efficient data uploads and downloads. An integrated video server is also standard. With optional Goodrich video surveillance system cameras, the EFB system provides flight crews with a complete view of the cockpit door and forward galley area to enhance cockpit security and ultimately, overall aircraft safety.
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Lufthansa Flight Training GmbH (LFT) has signed a cooperation agreement with Rheinmetall Defence Electronics in order to achieve level D qualification under JAR-STD 1A for the AVIOR laser projection system before the end of this year. Lufthansa Flight Training has over 50 years of experience in the training of cockpit and cabin crews, and is one of the leading training providers in the market. Under the cooperation agreement, Rheinmetall Defence Electronics is going to upgrade an Airbus A-340 full flight simulator for LFT according to the specifications of the AVIOR laser projection system in order to have it licensed by Germany's Federal Administration of Civil Aviation (LBA). This step would make the AVIOR laser system only the second projection system in the world, after the raster-calligraphic CRT, to be licensed for high-quality level D simulators. Laser technology gives the AVIOR system major advantages over CRT systems in terms of resolution (HDTV), contrast, brightness, depth of focus and colour space, while also ensuring maximum fault tolerance and availability. Laser projection requires virtually no mechanical components, which eliminates the job of replacing and regularly adjusting tubes, as is required with the raster-calligraphic CRT. This means that the life cycle costs (LCC) are considerably lower than those of the CRT. Furthermore, the unlimited depth of focus makes adjusting the system far easier and removes the need for focussing by means of lenses. The excellent black level that is characteristic of laser light enables night approaches of outstanding quality. At the same time, projection of the light points, which is important for civil flight simulation, is at least on a par with CRT projection. The compactness and light weight of the projection head (20 kg – 30 kg) permit a completely new approach to the design of future simulators because the laser system is up to ten times lighter than raster-calligraphic CRTs (200 kg - 250 kg).
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The residents of the International Space Station ventured outside their orbital home Thursday night to conduct a 6-hour, 31-minute spacewalk to repair, retrieve and replace hardware on the U.S. and Russian segments of the complex. Clad in Russian Orlan spacesuits, Expedition 13 Commander Pavel Vinogradov and NASA Flight Engineer and Science Officer Jeff Williams opened the hatch to the Pirs Docking Compartment airlock at 6:48 p.m. EDT to begin the 65th spacewalk devoted to station assembly and maintenance. It was the sixth spacewalk for Vinogradov and the second for Williams. The spacewalk began as the station flew 220 miles over southern Asia. After setting up tools and tethers outside Pirs, Vinogradov and Williams used the telescoping boom, designated Strela, attached to the airlock to transport them to the forward area of the Zvezda Service Module that connects to the Zarya Module. There, Vinogradov installed a new nozzle to a valve that helps vent hydrogen into space from the Elektron oxygen-generator in Zvezda. Elektron uses the process of electrolysis to separate hydrogen and oxygen from water in the system. Oxygen is circulated into the cabin atmosphere while hydrogen is vented overboard. An existing nozzle on the hull of Zvezda used for that purpose had become clogged, reducing Elektron's efficiency, forcing Elektron to use the same vent line currently employed by a contamination monitoring device. Two weeks ago, Vinogradov rigged a vent line inside Zvezda as the precursor to the installation of the new vent valve nozzle on the exterior of the module. The refurbished Elektron is scheduled to be reactivated on Monday.
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According to a preliminary NTSB report, on April 25, 2006, at approximately 0341 mountain standard time, an unregistered Predator B aircraft, collided with the terrain approximately 30 statute miles northwest of Nogales, Arizona. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was registered to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. The public use flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. An instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed and activated for the flight. The UAV sustained substantial damage. There were no injuries to persons on the ground. The flight originated from the Libby Army Airfield (HFU), Sierra Vista, Arizona. The flight was being flown from a ground control station (GCS) located at HFU. The GCS contains two nearly identical consoles, pilot payload operator (PPO)-1, and PPO-2. During a routine mission, a certified pilot controls the UAV from the PPO-1 console and the camera payload operator (typically a U.S. Border Patrol Agent) controls the camera from PPO-2. The aircraft controls (flaps, stop/feather, throttle, and speed lever) on PPO-1 and PPO-2 are identical. However, when control of the UAV is being accomplished from PPO-1, the controls at PPO-2 are used to control the camera. The pilot reported that during the flight the console at PPO-1 "locked up", prompting him to switch control of the UAV to PPO-2. Checklist procedures state that prior to switching operational control between the two consoles, the pilot must match the control positions on the new console to those on the console, which had been controlling the UAV. The pilot stated in an interview that he failed to do this. The result was that the stop/feather control in PPO-2 was in the fuel cutoff position when the switch over from PPO-1 to PPO-2 occurred. As a result, the fuel was cut off to the UAV when control was transferred to PPO-2. The pilot stated that after the switch to the other console, he noticed the UAV was not maintaining altitude but did not know why. As a result he decided to shut down the GCS so that the UAV would enter its lost link procedure, which called for the UAV to climb to 15,000 feet above mean sea level and to fly a predetermined course until contact could be established. With no engine power, the UAV continued to descend below line-of-site communications and further attempts to re-establish contact with the UAV were not successful.
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For a decade now, ESA satellites have been continuously surveying fires burning across the Earth's surface. Worldwide fire maps based on this data are now available to users online in near-real time through ESA's ATSR World Fire Atlas. The ATSR World Fire Atlas (WFA) – the first multi-year global fire atlas ever developed – provides data approximately six hours after acquisition and represents an important scientific resource because fire is a major agent of environmental change. "The atlas is an excellent resource that provides a glimpse of the world that was not previously possible, and which is certain to allow ecologists to address both new and old questions regarding the role of fire in structuring the natural world," Matt Fitzpatrick of the University of Tennessee's Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology said. More than 50 million hectares of forest are burnt annually, and these fires have a significant impact on global atmospheric pollution, with biomass burning contributing to the global budgets of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide. In the past decade researchers have realised the importance of monitoring this cycle. In fact, WFA data are currently being accessed mostly for atmospheric studies. Quantifying fire is important for the ongoing study of climate change. The 1998 El Niño, for example, helped encourage fires across Borneo which emitted up to 2.5 billion tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere, equivalent to Europe's entire carbon emissions that year.
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Rockwell Collins has completed its acquisition of the simulation assets of Evans & Sutherland, a leading provider of visual simulation solutions for military and commercial customers. Under the terms of a previously-announced agreement, Rockwell Collins acquired Evans & Sutherland's military and commercial simulation assets and certain liabilities, including simulation facilities in Salt Lake City, Orlando and the United Kingdom, in a $71.5 million cash transaction. As part of this transaction, Rockwell Collins has exclusive rights to the Evans & Sutherland laser projector for simulation. Approximately 200 former Evans & Sutherland employees have joined Rockwell Collins. "We are pleased to welcome Evans & Sutherland's simulation business to the Rockwell Collins family," said Tony Syme, vice president, Simulation & Training Solutions for Rockwell Collins. "The highly realistic images provided by their hardware and software offerings, as well as the knowledge and expertise of these employees, will further broaden and enhance Rockwell Collins' simulation and training offerings."
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The European Defence Agency now has accurate data available on what its 24 participating Member States (all EU Member States except Denmark) spend on Defence Research and Technology. Collecting such data is an essential element of the Agency's activities on improving Europe's performance in Defence R&T, as called for under the European Council's Hampton Court agenda. The Agency's participating Member States (pMS) will spend collectively just under EUR 2.3 Billion on Defence R&T in 2006, an increase of 5.3% compared with 2005 (approx. EUR 2.1 Billion). This EUR 2.3 Billion represents approximately 1.25% of the total defence expenditure of the pMS, estimated at EUR 180 Billion annually (up from 1.19% from 2005). There is a wide variety among pMS in their national Defence R&T expenditure. The six largest spenders account for 93.1% and the largest three 77.8% of the total in 2006, up from 92.8% and 76.7% respectively in 2005. Out of total Defence R&T expenditure in 2006, the pMS will spend almost 88% on national R&T projects and programmes. Only 12.3% is spent collaboratively (with at least one other country), compared with 10.2% in 2005.
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Delta Air Lines has become the world's largest airline between the United States and Europe in terms of destinations served, seat capacity and weekly flights with the introduction of new and expanded service between the United States and Athens, Greece; Edinburgh, Scotland; Venice, Italy; and Kiev, Ukraine. More than 200 Delta customers enjoyed the new nonstop flight from Atlanta to Athens yesterday, with additional inaugural flights scheduled for customers flying from New York-JFK to Kiev on Thursday; from Atlanta to Edinburgh on Monday; and from Atlanta to Venice on Tuesday. “Becoming the world's largest airline between the United States and Europe is an exciting milestone in our efforts to reinvent when and where Delta flies to become a truly global airline,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta's executive vice president – Network Planning and Revenue Management. “Since March we have successfully launched 11 new routes across the Atlantic and have significantly increased options for our customers to choose Delta for travel to more global destinations than at any time in our history. We are pleased that our customers are responding favorably to our new services and we look forward to serving a record number of customers across the Atlantic this summer.” With the completion of this week's expansion, Delta will offer customers more than 50 daily flights to 29 trans-Atlantic destinations from its international gateways in Atlanta, Cincinnati and New York-JFK – more than any other airline from the United States. Additionally, Delta will operate the only nonstop service of any U.S. airline between the United States and eight European destinations: Athens, Greece; Budapest, Hungary; Düsseldorf, Germany; Istanbul, Turkey; Kiev, Ukraine; Moscow, Russia; Nice, France; and Stuttgart, Germany.
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Sikorsky Aircraft announced that it has selected CDI-Aerospace, a division of CDI Corporation, to open and operate a third Engineering Design Center in the U.S., this one in Bozeman, Mont. The Design Center will support Sikorsky's aftermarket, commercial, and U.S. and international government business. CDI Corporation (NYSE:CDI), based in Philadelphia, has roughly 18,500 employees and revenues of approximately $1.2 billion.
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The first serial Mi-28N helicopter (Night Hunter) manufactured by Rostvertol Plc has been handed over to Ministry of Defense of Russia on 29.05.2006 after total cycle of factory tests. By a decision taken in common, the serial helicopter will join two test samples of Mi-28N being tested by Ministry of Defense of Russia. The rotor craft should prove its performance; pass tests of airborne radio electronic equipment complex including armament during State tests. The Mi-28N helicopter has passed live bore sighting of gun armament at the manufacturing plant and proved its full conformity with specified tactical-technical requirements. In the near future the second serial Mi-28N will pass plant flight tests and later it will be handed over to the Ministry of Defense of Russia.
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An enhanced vision system (EVS) for Citation Excel/XLS operators and an Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS) for CJ1 and CJ2 aircraft were among the product enhancements introduced to more than 400 Cessna Citation operators at the annual customer conference hosted by Cessna Aircraft. In addition to product enhancements, Cessna also detailed several new programs designed to enhance flight planning and maintenance for all Citation operators, developed in response to feedback from operators at past conferences.
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QinetiQ has signed a Euro 7.3m, four year contract, covering its contribution to the European 'Galileo InReach' Consortium for Phase CDE1 of the European Galileo system. The Consortium, led by the Belgian company Septentrio Satellite Navigation (SSN), is contracted by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop the Galileo second source Test User Segment (TUS). This will play a crucial role in the end to end evaluation and performance validation of the Galileo system during the In-Orbit Validation (IOV) phase. The Consortium previously competitively bid, won and successfully completed the Phase C0 contract of the Galileo TUS. This addressed atmospheric propagation analysis, validation of the user requirements, receiver architecture design and specification for the test support tools (TST). Phase CDE1 was awarded by ESA as a follow on contract to build on these.
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For the second year in a row, Munich Airport has been named the "Best Airport in Europe" in an international survey of more than seven million passengers from 93 countries. Passengers also rewarded Munich´s high level of efficiency by voting it number three worldwide, up from place four last year, in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2006. In response to receiving the high accolades in this year´s survey, Munich Airport CEO, Dr. Michael Kerkloh, says "Munich Airport is greatly honored that passengers have again chosen us as the number one in Europe." The awards are based on the annual Airport Survey conducted by Skytrax, an independent air transport research body. The survey is the largest customer survey of airport standards internationally, and was conducted this year between September 2005 and May 2006. Passengers were asked to measure more than 40 aspects of customer satisfaction for airport product and service standards at more than 165 airports around the world—ranging from ease of catching connecting flights to the cleanliness of restrooms and security checks. Munich Airport held on to its number-one spot in Europe for what customers cited as its overall "service efficiency, the ease of the transit process, variety of facilities and ground transportation options." Worldwide, Munich has moved up one notch to place number three behind Singapore Changi Airport and Hong Kong International Airport.
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An important milestone was recently passed when the first test doors were delivered from Saab to Boeing, to be used in the so-called “barrel test”. “The barrel test consists of the aft part of the fuselage from behind the wing. The test will be subject to cabin pressure and simulated flight loads and it will see static and fatigue loads. The barrel test doors are prototype designs that were developed early in the project to meet the requirements of this test. For the production aircraft the large cargo doors have been further optimized for weight saving reasons”, said Mats Rudlund, industrial manager in the 787 program at Saab Aerostructures.
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The first successful guided firing of the MILAN ER (Extended Response) development missile took place on 18 May at the DGA test centre in Bourges, southwest France (ETBS). Milan ER is the latest generation of MBDA's MILAN land combat missile which is in service with over 40 customers worldwide. The development firing served to prove the aerodynamic properties of the system as well as guidance and control characteristics, the correct behaviour in-flight of the new components of the missile at medium range, and, particularly, the jet deflection device and the remote control wire (the missile was fitted with a 3,000m spool). The operation was carried out in the same way as for the MILAN missiles currently in service, including the aiming of the line of sight, firing mechanism and starting phase of the missile and the sighting by the gunner up until the point of impact on the target. This test was the first step in a series of development firings scheduled to take place before the end of the year to validate the range performance and manoeuvrability characteristics of the missile, as well as the operational use with the ADT firing post. The ADT firing post has already been trialled at the ETBS test range in March this year completing the industrial development phase of the programme. The firing post is now undergoing qualification.
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EADS Astrium has purchased a 42% stake in the Brazilian company Equatorial Sistemas. This partnership will strengthen the presence of EADS Astrium in Brazil by enabling it to become a privileged partner in Brazilian space programmes in particular those from the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) and its industrial part the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE). EADS Astrium will first provide engineering assistance and Know-How to Equatorial Sistemas, and will supply optical equipment and instruments, and radar systems for Brazilian space programmes. Equatorial Sistemas was founded in 1996 to meet the requirements of the Brazilian space programme. The company designs, manufactures, tests and qualifies aerospace components. Equatorial Sistemas established itself as prime contractor the WFI (Wide Field Instrument) imager for the China-Brazil Earth observation satellite programme and the humidity sounder for NASA's AQUA satellite. The partnership with EADS Astrium will enable Equatorial Sistemas to develop its capabilities and to acquire new skills in order to become a major industrial partner of the INPE.
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Boeing began final assembly of the first 737-900ER (Extended Range), the newest member of the world's most successful single-aisle airplane family. The wings and landing gear shown here are being joined to the 737-900ER fuselage in the Boeing manufacturing facility in Renton, Wash. Last-stage assembly and interiors installation will begin once the airplane joins the moving assembly line. The 737 derivative incorporates an extra pair of exit doors, a flat aft-pressure bulkhead and other structural and aerodynamic changes that allow it to carry more passengers and fly farther than the 737-900. The twin-engine jet can carry up to 215 passengers and fly up to 3,200 nautical miles (5,900 km). The 737-900ER, destined for Indonesian-based launch customer Lion Air, will embark on a five-month flight test program later this year.
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BAE Systems has delivered the first electronic warfare system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, Texas. The EW suite, provided by BAE Systems in Nashua, N.H., and delivered April 28, will serve as one of the key sensor systems for F-35 pilots, enhancing their situational awareness and self-protection through next generation threat identification, monitoring, analysis and countermeasures. The two major assemblies that were delivered make up the heart of the fighter's EW system, and will be used by Lockheed Martin in integration tests at its Fort Worth facility. "The entire system including apertures weighs less than 190 pounds, making it one of the lightest, most capable digital receiver-based systems in the world," said Dan Gobel, vice president of BAE Systems' Joint Strike Fighter EW program.
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Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC) announced that the Hawker 4000 super-midsize jet completed its Function and Reliability testing on Friday, May 26. RAC and the FAA are currently working together to finalize the required documentation that will allow the FAA to issue the Type Certificate.
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Leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus, and major Polish applied research group, Technology Partners, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on aeronautics research and technology projects. The agreement is an important step towards strengthening Airbus' partnership with Poland and opens the door for huge development opportunities for Polish scientists. The MoU was signed on 1st June in Brussels by Dr. Tomasz Koœmider, President of Technology Partners, and Dieter Schmitt, Airbus Vice President of Research and Technology. The cooperation will focus on different projects in the field of material sciences, particularly in surface technologies, ergonomics and environmental technologies, mathematical modelling, measurement and testing. The agreement is an opportunity for Polish scientists and industrialists to work hand in hand with Airbus to develop and create innovative aeronautic solutions using the latest technology. The MoU will be valid for five years, however, the research programme will continue longer.
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Volvo Aero has received expanded orders for SEK 110 M from the Swedish National Space Board after successful preliminary design reviews. The orders involve TPX and SWEA, two demonstration projects in which Volvo Aero is demonstrating technologies for next generation rocket engine turbines and nozzles. The TPX project, which has now received an order amounting to SEK 50 M, will realize several of Volvo Aero's previously patented technologies and represents the start of a new family of turbines for future turbo pumps. The new contract finances work until the delivery of hardware for testing in turbo pumps, scheduled for fourth quarter 2007. The SWEA project has been under way since autumn 2004. The goal is that the sandwich nozzles designed and produced in the project will be tested full scale on a Vulcain 2 engine in Germany during the fourth quarter 2007. The new order, valued at SEK 60 M, finances the project through to delivery of the nozzle hardware for engine testing.
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Development trials of the BAE Systems Helmet Equipment Assembly (HEA) have been successfully carried out on Eurofighter Typhoon. The avionics Mk 1 helmet was fully tracked for the first time into Typhoon's computer systems, representing a significant step forward in the development programme. Trevor King, Typhoon Weapons System Delivery Director at BAE Systems, said: “This is the first time the full avionics capability has been exercised with this standard of helmet. The HEA is now at a relatively advanced stage of development and these trials will ultimately support acceptance, by the customer, of the production standard helmet. This is a major milestone on the Typhoon programme.”
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Pratt & Whitney's F117 engine program has logged more than four million flight hours of operation for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. Supporting military, disaster relief and humanitarian missions around the world, the F117-powered C-17 serves the strategic airlift and mobility needs of the U.S. Air Force and the British Royal Air Force. "This four million hour milestone is a testament to the durability and reliability of the F117 engine," said Bev Deachin, director of Airlift and Mobility Programs for Pratt & Whitney. "The entire F117 team is extremely proud to be a part of this exceptional air system."
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Orbital Sciences announced that it has been awarded a $23 million contract for two Minotaur I space launch vehicles by the United States Air Force (USAF) Rocket System Launch Program (RSLP). The two new missions will launch the TacSat-2 and TacSat-3 satellites in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The TacSat-2 launch will demonstrate Orbital's ability to carry out an operationally responsive launch service just six months after the contract award. The second launch is scheduled to take place within a year of the first launch, currently scheduled for September 2007. The TacSat-2 and -3 satellites are two in a series of experimental spacecraft designed to demonstrate new technologies and capabilities for providing responsive space-based support of military operations. The TacSat series of satellites, plus the quick-reaction Minotaur I launches, are key parts of the U.S. government's effort to develop Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) systems. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland AFB, NM is leading the TacSat-2 and -3 joint development teams in partnerships that include space organizations from the Air Force, Navy and Army. The rockets that will launch TacSat-2 and -3 satellites are the seventh and eighth Minotaur I space launch vehicles to be ordered by the USAF and are the 18th and 19th orders placed for the complete Minotaur family of launch vehicles.
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On 31 May, Cessna commemorated the start of production of the Citation Mustang business jet in Independence. "There is another cause for celebration - the very first Citation Mustang produced in Independence, Kan., will roll off the manufacturing line today," Pelton said. "It will be the first business jet Cessna has ever produced outside of Wichita, Kan. Our Independence employees should be very proud of this and of all they've accomplished." To bring the Mustang to Independence, Cessna invested more than $20.4 million in building expansion, adding more than 120,000 square feet. The expansion includes a new flight test building, new paint facility and a new customer center with a showroom hangar where customers are first presented the keys to their new airplane.
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The “Clean Sky” JTI (Joint Technology Initiative) Workshop organised by AeroSpace & Defence Industries of Europe (ASD) took place in Brussels today presenting the ambitious 7-year Research Framework Programme plan for a greener generation of European aircraft. A large participation of the European aeronautic network is required in order to ensure successful implementation of the Clean Sky JTI. The event gave an opportunity for possible associates and partners to express their views and present relevant areas of excellence. More than 200 representatives of industry, research centres and universities participated in the workshop. The JTI is the instrument proposed by the European Commission within the 7th Research Framework Programme (FP7) in order to set up a long-term public- private partnership. Its objective is to undertake large-scale technological research and development programmes and to support a strong continuous industrial research, coordinated at European level. “The “Clean Sky” JTI is a major initiative that will deliver innovative technologies and solutions enabling drastic reduction of fuel consumption, noxious emissions and oise for the next generation of air transport systems as well as an “ecologic/economic” design of the vehicles”, underlined Dieter Schmitt, the JTI Steering Board Chairman. The “Clean Sky” JTI group created by a core team of nine of the industrial primes of the aeronautics industry: AgustaWestland; Airbus, Alenia Aeronautica, Dassault Aviation, Eurocopter, Liebherr Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Safran and Thales, presented the technical contents of the JTI introduced the plate-form and informed of the ways to join the initiative. In addition, the potential associates and partners presented their companies and research skills and interests. Jack Metthey, Director of the Transport Directorate, DG Research of the European Commission stressed that considerable work has gone into the preparation of the Clean Sky JTI. “We have carried out some initial assessment on Clean Sky such as a Socio-Economic assessment earlier this year. The Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE) has also been consulted and the plan is to launch an independent cost benefit analysis”, he said.
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SAS received the maximum allotment in the Swedish government's procurement process for foreign air travel that was recently completed. The government selected SAS as its supplier on all 105 destinations in Europe, North America and Asia for which SAS had submitted offers.
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EADS CASA has received at its facilities in Madrid the first A330 platform from Airbus for conversion into Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) for the Royal Australian Air Force. EADS CASA will supply five (5) of these new generation air to air refuelling aircraft and associated training and support systems under the 1.400 million Australian dollar (825 million euro) contract signed at the end of 2004. The aircraft will enter service before the end of 2009.
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Rolls-Royce broke ground for its new outdoor jet engine testing facility at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. This new facility will be used to test development and prototype jet engines for performance, noise, validation of safety systems and other factors. Initially, it will test the company's latest, high-thrust Trent engines, the Trent 1000 and Trent 900, being developed for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380 respectively. Work is expected to begin at the site in the second half of 2007. This is the first Rolls-Royce test facility of its kind outside the UK and the first built from the ground-up in the US. Last year, the company announced its intent to relocate this testing capability from the UK to the US. There are only three such testing facilities in the world.
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Boeing and Cathay Pacific Airways have signed an agreement for the purchase of two additional Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners, exercising existing purchase rights and bringing the airline's total 777-300ER commitment to 18 airplanes over the past six months. Cathay Pacific ordered 12 777-300ERs from Boeing in December 2005, as well as four additional airplanes from International Lease Finance Company.
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Sikorsky and China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration on the development and manufacture of civil helicopters. Under the MOU, Sikorsky and AVIC II will discuss helicopter manufacturing, assembly, flight test, engineering design and analysis, and new product development in the light, intermediate, and medium classes. The companies will also explore establishing Changhe Aircraft Industry Corporation under AVIC II as a second source for the S-76(TM) helicopter airframe. Sikorsky and AVIC II announced the MOU during a joint press briefing today in Beijing. Sikorsky's business relationship with AVIC II dates back more than a decade to the development of the S-92A(TM) helicopter, the world's newest medium-lift helicopter. Changhe, an AVIC II subsidiary, manufactures the S-92A tail pylon.
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Europe's space players met this week in the Netherlands at ESA's Industry Space Days 2006, a major forum for those operating in the space sector. An estimated 400 participants from European small and medium sized companies attended, together with representatives of the major space industries and agencies. Industry Space Days 2006 (ISD2006) took place at ESTEC, ESA's European Space Research and Technology Centre from 29 to 31 May. It is the fourth time this bi-annual event has been organised by ESA. During the three-day meeting, speakers from ESA, the EC and industry brought participants up to date on the latest developments in the space industry and on business opportunities within the space sector. The conference proved particularly fruitful for participants from European small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). More than 6000 business meetings were pre-arranged and 30 SMEs participated in the technology exhibition organised during the event. In his opening address, ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain, highlighted recent European successes in space stressing that “all these successes are the success of European industry, because European industry is reliable and competitive.” His address was followed by keynote speakers: Françoise Le Bail, EC Deputy Director General for Enterprise and Industry; Pascale Sourisse, Alcatel Alenia Space CEO and President of Eurospace; and Michel Courtois, ESA's Technical and Quality Management Director.
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The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded Thales a study contract to assess the feasibility of firing munitions from a tactical unmanned air vehicle (TUAV). As part of the capability-based approach to UAV systems proposed by Thales, the programme will analyse the benefits and operational constraints of deploying air-launched weapons from remotely operated aircraft. +++
A team of Lockheed Martin, Marshall Aerospace and Rolls-Royce has been awarded a contract for the long term support of the United Kingdom's fleet of C-130 aircraft. The initial value of the contract to Lockheed Martin is approximately $300 million with potential of over $1.2 billion throughout the life of the program. The Hercules Integrated Operational Support (HIOS) contract will ensure that the UK's C-130 fleet is maintained at a high level of readiness. The C- 130Ks (formally referred to as Hercules C. Mk 1 and 3) and C-130Js (Hercules C. Mk 4 and 5) are used to support and conduct airlift operations, deliver operational medical capability and ensure vital supplies are in place to support front line theaters of operations. The RAF's C-130s have also been at the forefront of humanitarian relief work across Africa and recently in support of earthquake relief missions in the mountains of Pakistan.
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SkyTeam announced today that the alliance is seeing strong momentum in network development on a global and market level as China Southern continues to make progress on fulfilling alliance joining requirements and as Portugalia Airlines takes the first steps toward becoming a SkyTeam Associate Airline. The announcement was made during a press briefing in conjunction with the SkyTeam Governing Board's meeting today in Paris. In addition to network development, the executives provided updates on key SkyTeam service areas. SkyTeam continues to build its world network as it targets regions of key growth and connectivity. During the meeting, the executives reflected on the addition of Aeroflot, one month after SkyTeam officially welcomed the airline as the tenth alliance member. With the addition of Aeroflot, SkyTeam's network now serves 373 million passengers with nearly 15,000 daily flights to more than 728 destinations worldwide. Alliance executives reported that China Southern is on track to become a full member of SkyTeam. Experts from the airline and alliance are working together to ensure finalization of this process takes place next year. China is one of the fastest growing airline markets in the world and presents opportunities for SkyTeam. As the largest airline in the People's Republic of China, China Southern's addition to SkyTeam will expand the alliance's service in key regions, while adding a well-positioned, modern hub in Guangzhou airport to the alliance's hub network. Also during the meeting, SkyTeam announced Portugalia Airlines as the next Associate Airline candidate. The SkyTeam Associate Program serves carriers, including current partners of alliance members, who are interested in alliance benefits but may not meet all strategic criteria necessary to become full SkyTeam members. Portugalia is expected to complete all joining requirements and achieve SkyTeam Associate Airline status by 2008. Air France will serve as the airline's sponsor, liaising between Portugalia and SkyTeam, facilitating its integration, as well as representing Portugalia in SkyTeam decisions.
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NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida has selected Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services Inc. to deliver an Atlas V rocket for the Mars Science Laboratory mission to carry a large rover to the red planet in the fall of 2009. The six-wheeled rover will explore Mars for two years, examining sites to identify where the building blocks for life may exist. The total Mars Science Laboratory launch service price is $194.7 million. That cost includes NASA launch services and mission integration requirements. This is a firm-fixed price contract. The launch services for Mars Science Laboratory are being acquired under the existing NASA Launch Services multiple award procedures.
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Horst Teltschik, President Boeing Germany, has announced his decision to retire from the company at the end of June 2006. A successor will be announced shortly. "Horst Teltschik has successfully led Boeing's wide-ranging business activities in Germany for more than three years," said Laurette Koellner, President of Boeing International Relations. "We respect Horst's decision to dedicate more time to his public commitments and to his family. We thank him for his dedicated services to Boeing."
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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) took delivery of its first ATR 42-500 aircraft. This aircraft is the first to be delivered following the signature of a contract for seven new ATR 42-500s unveiled in November 2005 for a total value of US $100 million. The delivery ceremony took place in Toulouse in the presence of Syed Farooq H. Shah, Deputy Managing Director of PIA and Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. PIA, which is the Flag Carrier of Pakistan, will take delivery of two other aircraft in November and December 2006 and four more until May 2007.The aircraft will replace PIA's aging F-27 aircraft fleet operated on socio-economic routes. Thanks to that delivery, ATR enters a new country.
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Austrian Airlines concluded with Skytanking ASIG GmbH & Co. KG a 3-year contract to perform into-plane fuelling operations at Austrian Airlines home base Vienna International Airport on a wider scale. The first official flight to be refuelled by Skytanking ASIG GmbH & Co. KG departed in the early morning hours. Commenting on the contract award, Thomas Kleibl, Austrian Airlines Chief Financial Officer said, “By increasing our self-supplied amount of jet fuel from 15% to 22%, and with a mid-term goal to further increase this level to 50%, the operation is getting to a size where Austrian Airlines does not have sufficient internal ressources to handle the volume without a qualified partner. With Skytanking ASIG, we have chosen a partner that has supported us with know-how throughout the length of the project. Furthermore, we are certain that in Vienna, Skytanking ASIG will increase the competition in the refuelling sector, an effect from which the entire airport will benefit.”
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