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+++ MetOp in orbit at last +++ Citation CJ4 launched at NBAA +++ Fourth Ariane 5 launch of 2006 succeeds +++ AGS Industries submits NATO proposal +++ A380 profitability slips to 420 aircraft +++ Piper unveils PiperJet +++ Blue Wings sings for A320s +++ News in brief +++
MetOp in orbit at last
Neuer Wettersatellit im All
For 28 years, Europe has been operating its famous Meteosat weather satellites in geostationary orbit. Today, they were joined by the first of a brand new generation of meteorological satellites. MetOp is designed to provide a closer view of the atmosphere from low earth orbit, delivering data that will improve global weather prediction and enhance our understanding of climate change. The first of three satellites developed under a joint programme being carried out by the European Space Agency and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation (EUMETSAT), MetOp-A was successfully launched from Baikonur, Kazakhstan by a Russian Soyuz 2/Fregat rocket operated by the Euro-Russian company Starsem.
The Soyuz 2 launcher, on its first operational mission, lifted off at 18:28 CEST (16:28 UT) with the 4093kg spacecraft encapsulated in a new 4.1m diameter payload fairing, similar in shape and size to that of Ariane 4. The newest member of the nearly 50-year old Semyorka family of boosters, Soyuz 2 is due to be launched from French Guiana from 2008 onwards. Some 69 minutes after launch, the Fregat upper stage released the first MetOp satellite into a circular orbit at an altitude of 837km over the Kerguelen archipelago in the South Indian Ocean. With a slightly retrograde 98.7 deg inclination, this orbit will enable MetOp-A to circle the globe from pole to pole while always crossing the equator at the same local time, i.e. 9:30 am. Known as 'sun-synchronous', this type of orbit allows revisits to almost each point of the Earth's surface under similar solar illumination conditions on an approximately daily basis.
MetOp-A will form the space segment of the EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS), designed to collect atmospheric and environmental data to complement the hemispheric survey conducted from geostationary orbit by the Meteosat system. EPS will be operated in coordination with the US Polar Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) system managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While NOAA satellites are deployed in an 'afternoon' orbit (i.e. crossing the equator in the afternoon, local time), Europe's MetOp will take up service in a 'morning' orbit. To fulfil its ambitious mission, MetOp-A incorporates a comprehensive remote-sensing payload consisting of a set of new-generation European instruments, plus a set of 'heritage' instruments provided by the United States similar to those flown on current NOAA satellites.
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Citation CJ4 launched at NBAA
Neuer Geschäftsreisejet von Cessna
As promised, Cessna launched the new Citation CJ4 business jet today at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) conference and annual meeting, filling a niche in the company's product range for a larger, longer-range version of the popular CJ line. "We've used new technology developed from our latest jet models, such as the Citation Mustang and the Citation Sovereign, as well as advances targeted specifically at the CJ4, to create an airplane that is truly a combination of top-notch engineering advances," said Cessna Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jack J. Pelton. "The CJ4 offers the strongest performance and payload balance yet in the CJ series, with more standard features and passenger comforts than ever before. Rather than just a stretched CJ3, the Citation CJ4 is a true upward extension to the single-pilot-certified family of Citations. It does share the CJ pedigree and will certainly follow the success of the Citation CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3, while offering the amenities and system architecture our customers in 2010 will demand."
First flight of the CJ4 is scheduled for the first half of 2008 and entry into service is set for the first half of 2010. The introductory price is expected to be $7.995 million in 2006 dollars. Since launching the program several weeks ago, Cessna already has taken more than 70 orders for the new jet, 25 of which will be included in third quarter backlog for contracts that were completed by the end of September. Configurable for seven to eight passengers in the main cabin, the CJ4 is expected to have a full fuel payload of 1,000 pounds and maximum payload of 2,100 pounds, more than 300 additional pounds compared to the typical CJ3. The CJ4 is expected to have a cruise speed of 500 miles per hour (435 KTAS).
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Fourth Ariane 5 launch of 2006 succeeds
Neuer Ariane-Start
On 13 October, an Ariane 5 ECA launcher lifted off from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana on its mission to place two satellites into geostationary transfer orbits and deploy a demonstration antenna. Lift-off of flight V173 took place at 21:56 GMT/UTC (17:56 local time, 22:56 CEST/Paris). The satellites were accurately injected into the correct transfer orbits about 30 minutes later. The payload satellites were DIRECTV 9S, which will supply television broadcast services to the contiguous United States of America, Alaska and Hawaii, and Optus D1, which will provide fixed communications and satellite broadcast services over Australia and New Zealand. The mission also carried an additional passenger, mounted on the Ariane Structure for Auxiliary Payloads (ASAP) platform at the base of the payload stack. The Japanese Space Agency's LDREX-2, a 1/25th scale version of an antenna that will be used on the ETS-8 engineering test satellite, was flown to validate the deployment process of the lightweight reflector.
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AGS Industries submits NATO proposal
Gefechtsfeldauklärer im Angebot
AGS Industries GmbH has submitted its program proposal for the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance program in response to a Request for Proposal received from NATO last May. The response confirms the $4.2 billion (EUR 3.3 billion) procurement cost ceiling for a NATO AGS core capability and now places the program start as an agenda item for action at the upcoming Conference of National Armament Directors (CNAD) meeting at the end of this month. "Our proposal is fully compliant with the NATO AGS requirements," said AGS-I CEO and Managing Director, Larry Harrell. "In addition, we've lowered the overall program risk and cost. It is fully executable, affordable and will achieve all of our industrial participation objectives. NATO commanders will be pleased to see that the operational capabilities of the system are assured. We are confident that CNAD is now in a position to make positive decisions to start the Design and Development (D&D) phase."
The major objective of the AGS-I Design and Development proposal is to achieve full design maturity for the AGS system to include the conversion of the Airbus A321 into a high performance mission aircraft. Another key factor is including the Transatlantic Cooperative AGS Radar (TCAR) development program, which is making strong progress. The use of TCAR is a significant step towards transatlantic technology sharing and represents a major contribution to the overall program. TCAR is a high-performance side-looking, wide area multi-mode ground surveillance sensor developed under agreement between France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States. It is being cooperatively developed by the leading national radar manufacturers from both sides of the Atlantic, leveraging American and European technologies from existing programs. It is important to continue this large radar development program in order to ensure national access to this transformational technology.
In focusing on reducing program cost, risks and using existing systems to the benefit of the entire Alliance, one element of this effort includes the "off-the-shelf" RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft which is already combat-proven in military operations and will be equipped with the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) sensor. The Global Hawk MP-RTIP sensor has just started a rigorous year-long flight test program. The cost-saving measures also include reducing the number of unmanned platforms from five to four, limiting the number of ground stations and additional system-wide reductions. In addressing cost benefits, Harrell said: "Our efforts on the D&D proposal place both industry and NATO in a position to proceed with the program and shorten the overall time to full operational capability by almost a year."
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A380 profitability slips to 420 aircraft
Airbus: Neue Details der A380-Probleme
During an investor conference in Hamburg, EADS revealed new details on the scope of the A380 problems. It said the aircraft will reach the break-even point with the delivery of the 420th A380, according to the latest analysis, compared with 270 aircraft in a 2005 business plan. Airbus estimated as recently as mid-2004 that the A380 would be profitable after 250 deliveries. The A380's lifetime deliveries will total 751 aircraft, unchanged from a 2005 forecast, Airbus Chief Financial Officer Andreas Sperl said.
Meanwhile, the Airbus A380 MSN009 powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, took off from Toulouse for a six and a half hour flight to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia where it will complete a series of high altitude tests. Addis Ababa is an airport situated at 7,500 feet, from which the A380 will perform tests to validate the engines' performance from high altitude airports. The A380 is scheduled to continue from Addis Ababa at the end of this week for hot weather tests to be performed at Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The A380 is piloted by test pilots, Etienne Tarnowski and Ignacio Lombo. The other crew members are Test Flight Engineer, Bruno Bigand and Flight Test Engineers, Manfred Birnfeld and Jean-Philippe Cottet. MSN009 is the fifth developmental A380 aircraft that joined the fleet of A380 test aircraft in August. The A380 MSN009 is powered by four GP7200 Engine Alliance engines, which have a capacity of delivering a thrust up to 81,500 pounds (37 tonnes) each. Six A380 customers have selected the Engine Alliance GP7200 engine for a total of 82 firm aircraft orders.
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Piper unveils PiperJet
Geschäftsreisejet von Piper
Piper announced that it will expand into the jet market with the all-new PiperJet, a revolutionary new aircraft that will offer customers a class-setting combination of performance, style, utility, capability and pricing. In making the announcement at the National Business Aviation Association's Annual Meeting and Convention, Piper revealed that the PiperJet's clean-sheet design incorporates single-engine turbofan power for optimum cost efficiency, state-of-the-art safety measures, and a strong, smooth all-metal body. The PiperJet will be capable of reaching a cruising speed of 360 knots and a maximum operating altitude of 35,000 feet. The six passenger PiperJet -- with an option for either a seventh seat or enclosable lavatory -- offers a mission-capable profile and sensuous luxury that sets the standard in its class, with a range of 1,300 nautical miles* and a full-fuel payload of 800 lbs.
Built using state-of-the-art design and manufacturing processes, the PiperJet will feature the latest in integrated glass avionics, a luxurious interior and advanced manufacturing techniques pioneered by Piper. Priced from $2.199M (in 2006 USD with a CPI-W escalator), the PiperJet will provide unbeatable value while delivering Piper's legendary uncompromising standards.
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Blue Wings sings for A320s
A320 für deutsche Fluggesellschaft
The airline Blue Wings, together with its shareholder Alpstream, has signed a contract with Airbus for 20 A320 Family aircraft, confirming a commitment announced during the Farnborough air show in July this year. Blue Wings is a German airline, based in Dusseldorf, in which Swiss investment holding Alpstream AG, based in Zurich, has a substantial holding. Alpstream AG is an affiliate of the Russian National Reserve Corporation. Blue Wings' order comprises 16 A320s and four A321s, seating 150 and 210 passengers respectively. The engine selection is still to be made, but is in line with the flexibility offered by the Airbus Single Aisle Family. The airline will increase its operations by starting new routes from Germany to destinations in Turkey and the CIS, primarily on behalf of tour operators. "Our signature under the Airbus contract follows our decision in favour of the A320 Family that we made this summer”, said Jörn Hellwig, Member of the Alpstream AG Board and CEO of Blue Wings. "We are looking forward to introducing the aircraft on routes between Germany and growing markets, offering customers and passengers more comfort and choice", he added.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
The first eleven of 44 Diamond DA20-C1 and one DA40 aircraft have arrived at Doss Aviation, at the Pueblo Colorado airport for the USAF Initial Flight Screening (IFS) Program. The program is a 40 day 25 hr flight screening course for up to 1700 United States Air Force officers annually. "We chose Diamond aircraft because they best met the USAF technical specification. They combine excellent high density altitude performance and low operating, insurance and acquisition costs. There simply is no other proven cost-competitive aircraft on the market," said Frank Hunter, President of Doss Aviation. The Diamond DA20 is also used at the United States Air Force Academy, for their IFT (Introductory Flight Training) program. "Being located near Colorado Springs, we have had the opportunity to monitor the performance of the USAFA-IFT fleet of Diamond DA20s, and we have been impressed with the aircraft performance, safety, operating cost and Diamond's service support. We look forward to receiving the first class of fifteen student pilots scheduled to arrive for our USAF-IFS program, this month."
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Lufthansa has signed a contract for 35 new aircraft from Airbus, confirming an earlier announcement by the airline in September. The order is for five A319s, ten A320s and 15 A321s, as well as five long range A330s. In addition, the agreement also includes options for a further 30 A320 Family aircraft. The choice of engines for the aircraft is still to be made. Cabin configurations will be similar to the Airbus single-aisle and long-range aircraft in Lufthansa's fleet.
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Boeing announced that Guggenheim Aviation Partners, LLC (GAP), the U.S.-based aviation investment firm, acting on behalf of one of its investment funds, has ordered four 747-8 Freighters, with an option to order an additional two airplanes. At list prices, the order is valued at approximately $1.12 billion. Delivery of the 747-8 Freighters will begin in 2009. These airplanes were added to the Boeing Orders and Deliveries Web site on Oct. 5, attributed to an unidentified customer.
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Raytheon in partnership with the Spanish Army and the U.S. Air Force, recently conducted three successful surface-launched firings of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) at Sweden's missile test range in Vidsel, Sweden. The firings consisted of a telemetry shot against a sub-scale target drone, which resulted in a skin-to-skin hit, and two shots successfully demonstrating Raytheon's new command destruct/self destruct (CD/SD) capability for AMRAAM in the surface launch mode. The CD/SD capability provides greater flexibility in the employment of Surface Launched AMRAAM (SL-AMRAAM) while engaging cruise missile and unmanned aerial vehicle threats. The capability helps mitigate collateral damage when used in a surface launch role within an urban environment. Additionally, CD/SD software provides the capability of a programmable self-destruct to help reduce fratricide. These successful tests concluded more than 24 months of work on the Software Upgrade Program 2006 for AMRAAM.
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Allegheny Technologies announced that it has signed a long-term agreement with Boeing for the supply of titanium products for commercial aerospace applications. The expected total revenue under the agreement at base prices from 2007 through 2015 is approximately $2.5 billion. The aerospace titanium mill products covered by the agreement include ingot, billet, bar, rectangle, plate, and sheet. "We are pleased to be a key contributor to Boeing's long-term commercial aerospace growth plan," said Patrick Hassey, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Allegheny Technologies. "ATI is investing to grow our titanium sponge, melting, and finishing capabilities to help meet the robust global demand for titanium products. Through this long-term agreement ATI becomes a major supplier to The Boeing Company. "As a key supplier to the aerospace markets for nearly 50 years, ATI has consistently invested in technological innovation and improvement in quality and customer support systems. ATI's position as a secure and reliable producer coupled with our strategic growth initiatives allows us to fully support our aerospace jet engine customers and provide significant growth for ATI's aerospace titanium products to the airframe market."
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ARINC Direct announced it has extended its SKYLink broadband Internet service for business jets to the skies above more than 20 countries in Europe. The expansion effectively doubles geographic market coverage for SKYLink, today's only commercially available ultra-high speed Ku-band Internet satellite service for business aircraft. ARINC Direct also noted the sale of its 50th set of avionics to its SKYLink launch customer, Gulfstream Aerospace. About 20% of Gulfstream's new G450 and G550 aircraft are ordered with BBML (Broadband Multi-Link) avionics for SKYLink broadband service, and this percentage has been steadily rising since introduction of the service in April 2005.
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Lockheed Martin has entered into a contract to upgrade and enhance the capabilities of the C-130J Super Hercules transports flown by four international operators. Valued at approximately $110 million, this enhancement will allow the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy and Denmark to benefit from a joint program that represents a significant milestone in international cooperation on a major weapon system. "This contract clearly demonstrates the tremendous growth capability and global effectiveness of the C-130J program," said David Haines, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130 programs. "This Block Upgrade program allows multiple nations to collaboratively acquire enhanced capabilities for their aircraft while sharing the cost of development, design, test and integration. It also allows the operators to set the timeframe to field the increased capabilities."
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Goodrich and Lufthansa Systems have entered into a teaming agreement to jointly bring Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Systems to the marketplace. The system includes Goodrich EFB hardware, which features built-in video surveillance capabilities and Lufthansa's EFB "Skybook" applications software, ground infrastructure and data services. The teaming agreement allows Goodrich to provide end-to-end EFB system solutions that include aircraft integration, certification and aftermarket support services. "Complementary is the best way to describe the EFB system teaming agreement between our two companies," said Jan Mathiesen, Vice President, Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems. "Combining Goodrich EFB hardware and Lufthansa Systems EFB software positions us to lead the way in creating a truly 'paperless cockpit' solution for airline operators," Mathiesen added. SkyBook from Lufthansa Systems is designed to streamline information processes in the cockpit, to meet information quality and speed requirements. By providing access to current operational data and other relevant documents, SkyBook facilitates process improvements and substantial cost savings in: training; aircraft maintenance; documentation delivery; distribution; logistics; and fuel costs. SkyBook not only succeeds in reducing the volume of paperwork in airplane cockpits; it also equips airlines with a platform that supports all on-board processes with a series of applications, rendering them nearly paperless.
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Pratt & Whitney Canada announced that its PW617F engine, selected to power the Embraer Phenom 100 very light jet (VLJ), has successfully completed its maiden flight on P&WC's Boeing 720 flying test bed (FTB), marking a significant milestone in its development program. The four-hour maiden flight achieved 20,000 feet and included a number of tests to assess the engine capabilities. Subsequent flights characterized the engine up to 41,000 feet. “The engine performed flawlessly and exceeded our expectations,” said Dan Breitman, vice president – Turbofan Development, P&WC. PW617F certification is expected in the fourth quarter of 2007.
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Embraer and CAE have signed an agreement to form a global training joint venture, which will provide comprehensive pilot and ground crew training to Embraer customers of the Phenom 100 Very Light Jet and Phenom 300 Light Jet aircraft. The initial training program will be offered at CAE SimuFlite, Dallas, Texas, beginning with the Phenom 100 entry into service in 2008. Plans for the joint venture include expansion to Western Europe and Eastern U.S. Under the terms of agreement, the joint venture will provide entitlement training and post-entitlement training for pilots, maintenance technicians, and dispatcher personnel. This is CAE's first training program for the Very Light Jet and Light Jet markets.
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Adam Aircraft announced that Magnum Jet has chosen the A700 AdamJet for its new Very Light Jet (VLJ) ownership and management program and future air limo service. "Adam Aircraft is eager to help launch Magnum Jet's innovative and comprehensive ownership program, which extends the breadth and depth of the emerging Very Light Jet marketplace," said Adam Aircraft founder and CEO Rick Adam. "The Magnum Jet mission fits the A700 AdamJet operating profile, which is to fly well over 1,000 hours a year. With a delivery order for 101 A700 aircraft, Magnum Jet has placed their confidence in Adam Aircraft as a leader in the VLJ marketplace."
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EADS and SITA, the world's leading service provider of IT business solutions and communications services to the air transport industry, have signed an agreement which aims to provide integrated airport mobile radio and IT solutions to the airport industry. This will optimise the aircraft turn around at airports by giving support to airport processes, improving productivity and enhancing efficiency and security. Airports and airlines are under increasing pressure to do more, quickly and cheaply, especially in light of LCCs and current fuel prices. The joint solutions of EADS Secure Networks and SITA will ensure improvement in the flow of information, which is an important requirement of airports to optimise the process chain from arrival to departure, or turn around of aircraft. EADS Secure Networks is a leading supplier in digital mobile radio systems for airports and SITA is the world's leading provider of IT business solutions and communication services for the air transport industry. The cooperation of these industry leaders will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of operations at an airport. EADS is a member of the Task-Force for Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) of EUROCONTROL, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation. It is the company's aim to improve the information dissemination especially during the turn around process of an aircraft, typically enabling a ramp agent to report EOTB (Estimated Off-Block Time) delays quickly, accurately and decisively to the relevant parties.
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Pilatus revealed that it has a program underway to certify the Next Generation PC-12. The company's flagship business turboprop will receive several major enhancements, including fully integrated avionics, a new cockpit design, higher performance, and advanced systems. “How is Pilatus celebrating the success of the world's best selling turbine powered business aircraft? By making it even better,” says Ignaz Gretener, Vice-President Business Unit General Aviation of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. “We strive to continuously meet and exceed customer expectations, and these improvements are the latest in a long series of customer-driven changes we've made to enhance the PC-12.” The Next Generation PC-12 will feature state-of-the-art Honeywell Primus Apex avionics. Four large displays, including two PFDs and two MFDs, provide an unprecedented amount of viewing area and integrate flight information, engine monitoring, aircraft configuration, pressurization, and environmental controls. Flight and weather data, charts, aircraft system information, and trip planning functions are all within easy reach, while a new cockpit environment designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA sets a new standard for ergonomics and aesthetics. Higher performance comes from the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P, which delivers 15 % more thermodynamic power for faster climbs and higher cruise speeds by utilizing single crystal CT blades and a new compressor configuration.
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Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics recently received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) on the new Bombardier Learjet 60 XR business jet. The installation was completed by Rockwell Collins' certification center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Pro Line 21 integrated avionics package for the Learjet 60 XR includes four 8-inch x 10-inch LCD displays. Other Rockwell Collins content includes the Pro Line 21 Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) radios; dual FMS-5000 flight management systems; solid state weather radar; and Rockwell Collins Integrated Flight Information Systems (IFIS).
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Jet-Care International announced that it has added Pratt & Whitney International and Williams International to its Honeywell and General Electric engine trend monitoring program portfolio. Jet-Care also announced additional services as well as launching a new print advertising campaign that will appear in business aviation publications over the coming months. The campaign represents Jet-Care's most significant marketing campaign in size and scope underscoring its reputation as the leading engine trend monitoring company worldwide.
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A payload consisting of a sensor with a focal plane array large enough to capture images of the entire earth from a geosynchronous missile warning satellite is in development by Raytheon under a $54.4 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. The Alternate Infrared Satellite System program, as it is known, calls for Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems to design and build a developmental integrated sensor assembly for the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The Air Force is seeking to develop a solution with lower cost and risk than the geosynchronous missile warning satellite in parallel development by another contractor for the third Space Based Infrared System. "The program takes advantage of a single full-earth staring instrument to look for infrared plumes and provide early warning of ballistic missile launches," said Brian Arnold, vice president for Strategic Systems. "The lack of moving parts allows for a lighter, more affordable payload and fewer opportunities for component failure, while the non-moving, wide-angle infrared optics capture the earth's surface at high fidelity." The staring approach enabled by the large focal plane array also will allow the warfighter to detect infrared events of brief duration, such as the activity of short-range theater missiles.
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Raytheon's Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) Block II, an updated version of the battle-proven weapon that offers significantly lower unit costs and an additional payload option, successfully flew its first U.S. Navy test flight Oct. 12. The test, flown at China Lake Naval Air Station, Calif., on an F/A-18, demonstrated both weapon system performance and aircraft compatibility. "We have teamed with the Navy to create JSOW Block II, the most cost-effective standoff weapon," said John O'Brien, Raytheon's JSOW program director. "Our first flight of a Block II JSOW represents a major step forward in this program and offers warfighters improved battlefield capabilities at a fraction of the cost of most standoff weapons available worldwide." Block II continues to maintain JSOW's low radar cross section and infrared signature. These are key stealth features and ensure a high probability of JSOW survival en route to highly defended targets. JSOW won the 2005 Department of Defense David Packard Award for Excellence in Acquisition for Block II cost reduction initiatives. Raytheon funded the development of a new payload option for the JSOW A that is also part of the Block II program. This new version uses a 500-pound BLU-111 (MK-82) warhead and is designated the AGM-154A-1. The BLU-111 variant is the lowest cost JSOW variant and eliminates unexploded ordnance concerns of cluster munitions while maintaining or increasing effectiveness against a broad target set. It is primarily intended for the international market.
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Piaggio Aero Industries has signed an agreement with Pratt & Whitney Canada to acquire 25% of the share capital of P&WC Turbo Engines Corp., which is in charge of the production of the PW206 - PW207 helicopter engines. Through the newly-formed, 100% controlled company Piaggio Aero Engines Canada S.p.A., Piaggio Aero is entering into an alliance with one of the world's most prominent manufacturers of aircraft engines, squarely hitting its target of increasing its business in a top technological area such as mechanical engineering for helicopters. With its 25% acquisition of P&WC Turbo Engines Corp., Piaggio Aero is adding to its business a participation in a new series of engines that is making its mark in the world helicopter market.
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ARINC Direct introduced an on-line tool to help its business aviation customers leverage their fuel purchasing power. The Virtual Fuel Desk, an industry first, allows operators and flight departments to “shop smart” for aircraft fuel while planning flights. It provides on-line comparative pricing from multiple fuel suppliers at virtually all major U.S. and Canadian airports and FBOs frequently used by business aviation. Users get “one-click” purchasing capability on line, and they can buy fuel at favorable rates pre-negotiated by ARINC Direct. The Virtual Fuel Desk service is now included with all ARINC Direct subscriptions. “Our Virtual Fuel Desk allows operators to search more efficiently and get the best pricing. They no longer need to scan multiple websites and weekly price lists, or make multiple phone calls,” stated Steve Means, Vice President, ARINC Aviation Solutions. “We gather all the latest information here and make it available on-line. Our customers can simply point-and-click to obtain the fuel release of their choice.” Customers can still purchase fuel through the company's full-service fuel desk, which covers more than 2200 locations worldwide.
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The Board of Directors of SASappointed Mats Jansson new President and CEO of SAS. He is 54 and was most recently President and CEO of Axel Johnson AB with sales of some SEK 43 billion and 14,000 employees in 25 countries (2005). The Johnson Group works in areas ranging from distribution of consumer products to industrial production. "Mats Jansson is a respected leader who for twelve years has been President and CEO of a large number of major companies with Nordic and international operations, including Catena/Bilia, Fazer and Axfood," says Egil Myklebust, Chairman of the SAS Board of Directors. Mats Jansson will begin his employment with SAS 1st January 2007.
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced that AI-001, the first Army I-GNAT ER unmanned aircraft produced for the U.S. Army, has recently passed 5,000 flight hours. This aircraft, initially deployed in March 2004, has been involved in continuous operations and achieved this major milestone on its 428th combat mission. “This record achievement is a testament to the reliability and flexibility of Predator series aircraft that have provided such tremendous support to our combat forces operating in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Thomas J. Cassidy, Jr., president, Aircraft Systems Group, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. “With the highest full-mission capability rate of any operational U.S. Army unmanned aircraft system [UAS], the Army I-GNAT ER, a derivative of the combat-proven Predator, continues to prove its worth as one of the most durable and operationally flexible UAS ever built.”
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Alteon Training, a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing, announced that Sherry Carbary has been named president of Alteon. Carbary will be responsible for Alteon's business performance and day-to-day operations. Carbary moves to the Alteon leadership position after being vice president of Strategic Management for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. She replaces Patrick Gaines, who has been named Boeing vice president of Customer Support for the Asia-Pacific region.
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VIP charter operator JETALLIANCE of Austria is to acquire two more A318 Elites, adding to its previously placed order for one aircraft and becoming the first to place a repeat order for the newest member of the Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) Family. It also has an Airbus ACJ on order. JETALLIANCE Flugbetriebs AG is one of the world's leading business-jet enterprises, with a fleet of 37 aircraft with an average age of only 3.5 years - one of the youngest in Europe. It operates under JAR OPS 1 in Europe, but is also FAA part 129 certificated, allowing it to fly commercially in the USA and Canada. JETALLIANCE has chosen the standarised 14-seat Elite + cabin layout for its A318 Elites. It has yet to announce a choice of engines to power the aircraft.
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Tiger Airways, Singapore's fast growing low-fare carrier has placed an order for eight more Airbus A320s. Tiger Airways currently operates a fleet of seven A320s, with the latest order bringing the airline's backlog of deliveries to 13 aircraft. The A320s will be deployed on the airline's regional network that currently extends to 15 cities in seven countries. Tiger Airways' A320s will be configured in a 180-seater all economy configuration and be powered by IAE V2500 engines. The latest A320 order by Tiger Airways serves to highlight the outstanding popularity that the A320 Family has enjoyed with both established and start up low-cost carriers in the Asia - Pacific region over the past few years. Low-cost carriers in Australia, China, India, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore have ordered more than 300 A320 Family aircraft during the past three years. Almost 560 A320 Family aircraft are already in service with more than 40 airlines across the region.
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Airbus said it will cut 1,000 temporary workers and reduce work hours at its German operations, the first steps in a major restructuring triggered by delays in its A380 superjumbo project. The European aircraft maker said it would not renew contracts with employment agencies supplying about 1,000 of its 7,300 temporary workers in Germany. It also announced a raft of measures for its regular staff in Germany, including cutting work schedules to as little as 28 hours a week for some employees — though without reducing their pay. The workers will be expected to make up the hours later, when orders are healthier. The measures will affect all seven Airbus facilities in Germany and are covered by a 2003 agreement with labor representatives, the company said.
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NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has made the first measurements of the day and night temperatures of a planet outside our solar system. The infrared observatory revealed that the Jupiter-like gas giant planet circling very close to its sun is always as hot as fire on one side, and potentially as cold as ice on the other. "This planet has a giant hot spot in the hemisphere that faces the star," said Joe Harrington of the University of Central Florida, Orlando."The temperature difference between the day and night sides tells about how energy flows in the planet's atmosphere. Essentially, we're studying weather on an exotic planet." The finding represents the first time any kind of variation has been seen across the surface of an extrasolar planet, a planet beyond our solar system. Previous measurements of extrasolar planets described only global traits like size and mass.
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Eurocopter, through the company Heli Invest, its Warsaw-based representative in Poland, has recently signed two contracts - for the first EC135 and the first EC145 in Poland respectively. Both contracts were finalised with two important corporate customers in Poland. Due for delivery early next year, these two sales mark the entry of the company's advanced light twins in the Polish market, adding to the fleet of EC120 B and EC130 B4 helicopters (presently seven machines in total) already sold and operational in Poland. The fact that Heli Invest is also Eurocopter's certified maintenance and service centre in Poland encouraged the customers' decisions to opt for these two top-selling twin-engine helicopters.
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Lufthansa is further expanding its global network. In the forthcoming winter season, it will offer flights to a total of 183 destinations in 78 countries (winter 2005/2006: 181 destinations in 76 countries). Available capacity across the network will be increased by 3.3 per cent. European services will grow by 6.0 per cent, long-haul services by 2.2 per cent. Lufthansa passengers will thus have a choice of 12,908 flights per week. Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is a new destination in the long-haul network, while additional flights will be offered to San Francisco and São Paulo. On European routes, Lufthansa is augmenting its services to Moscow, Innsbruck, Geneva, London City Airport, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia during this winter timetable, which is valid from 29 October 2006 to 24 March 2007 and coincides with winter time in many countries in Europe. Kolkata is Lufthansa's sixth destination in India From 1 December 2006, Lufthansa passengers will be able to fly non-stop to Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, for the first time. The new service will operate thrice weekly from Frankfurt. Lufthansa is thus steadily strengthening its position as the market leader in the Asian subcontinent. With 88 flights a week, it offers more connections between Europe and India than any other airline. “Our winter timetable underpins our sound strategy of further augmenting our network in key target growth markets such as India,” explains Dr. Holger Hätty, member of the Airline Board, Lufthansa German Airlines. “With almost 300 flights a week to 24 destinations, Lufthansa remains the strongest European airline in the Asian market.”
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On the occasion of the inauguration of the exhibition “Architect Carlo Mollino – create modernity”, in Turin, Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company, has presented for the first time the Molynx, study of a new-generation UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to be used for land monitoring and surveillance. The general layout of the new aircraft, displayed within the exhibition in scale 1:4, reminds the aeronautic passion of Mollino who designed many, especially acrobatic, aircraft during his career as designer. And in fact one of these project, for a 4/5-seat twin-engine air vehicle, has inspired the Molynx project, an unmanned, surveillance aircraft operating at high altitudes (up to 45.000 feet) with a long endurance (up to 30 hours). The Molynx will integrate on board advanced sensors, operating both in optical and electromagnetic band, such as synthetic aperture radars, optical sensors, infrareds and hyper-spectrum analyses sensors. Thanks to these equipments it will be possible to monitor the ground for long periods and in all weather conditions, providing real time essential data of all those phenomena (rains, pollution, hydro-geological situation, traffic, and last, but not least, also the archaeological resources' search), which are of vital interest specifically for those national and international institutions committed to the civil protection and environment safeguard.
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Northwest Airlines announced an expansion of its European flight network with new service to Brussels, Belgium and Dusseldorf, Germany, as well as the first and only nonstop service between Hartford, Conn. and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The airline, in cooperation with its joint venture partner, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, also announced that it will add more flights in the Detroit - Amsterdam and Boston - Amsterdam markets.
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In Vienna nine leading European aeronautics companies (AgustaWestland, Airbus, Alenia Aeronautica, Dassault Aviation, Eurocopter, Liebherr-Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, SAFRAN, and Thales) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Aeronautics Joint Technology Initiative “Clean Sky.” Clean Sky will boost the European aeronautics research that will provide greener products and systems. In response to increasing public concern on the impact of aviation on the environment, Clean Sky will facilitate the early introduction of innovative products that will contribute to European sustainable growth in response to ACARE 2 goals. The Clean Sky JTI is a large technological research programme that will radically improve the impact of air transport on the environment through technologies and solutions enabling step changes in the reduction of noise, emissions, and fuel consumption for future aircraft. Clean Sky will be the largest European aeronautics research project ever. Its total budget is estimated at EUR 1.7 billion and, if the European Parliament and Council of Ministers agree the proposal, will include financing from the 7th Research Framework Programme. Bringing together major European aeronautics research stakeholders on this unprecedented scale will deliver integrated technology demonstrators that pave the way for greener aircraft. “Today's declaration by nine major players in the aerospace industry illustrates industry's willingness to mitigate any environmental impact aerospace might have” said European Science and Research Commission Janez Potoènik, who was present at the annual gathering of the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe. He went on to emphasise the importance of co-operation within the sector to go further, including in the context of a public-private partnership designed to stimulate research in this field. “By working together, we can identify and overcome obstacles to the implementation of this technology in all its very many applications,” said the Commissioner. “We can tackle technology bottlenecks, raise public awareness and appreciation, address issues such as safety, and develop standards that ensure technology developed in Europe is used not just here but around the world.”
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Raytheon has signed contracts with NetJets Aviation and NetJets Europe for the purchase of 48 additional Hawker aircraft, 30 Hawker 750s and 18 Hawker 900XPs, for NetJets' global fleets. The order is valued in excess of one half billion dollars. Deliveries will commence in 2007 and continue through 2009. "The Hawker 750 and Hawker 900XP will set new standards for quality, performance and value in the light-mid and mid-size classes of aircraft," said Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of Raytheon Aircraft Company. "The NetJets name is synonymous with safety, quality and service, and I know that each and every Raytheon Aircraft Company employee is totally committed to ensuring that we meet the high standards of performance NetJets has come to expect from us. We are honored and delighted that they have chosen the Hawker 750 and 900XP." "We are excited to be the launch customer for the Hawker 750 and Hawker 900XP. This order reflects the increased demand for NetJets private aviation solutions in both the US and in Europe," said Richard Santulli, chairman, NetJets Inc. "The Hawker 900XP will be an integral part of our Columbus-based NetJets Aviation program. It complements our existing fleet in the United States, providing our owners with greater choice and longer range while continuing to maintain the high standards that have made NetJets the market leader. The Hawker 750 is a fantastic fit for our European customers enhancing our NetJets Europe fleet. Raytheon Aircraft Company's commitment to customer service and quality aircraft makes it an ideal partner to help NetJets ensure availability 24 hours a day, 365 days a year." The new Hawker 750 will be a 2,100 nm NBAA IFR range airplane with four passengers, strategically positioned with the largest cabin in the light-mid size aircraft segment. It will have the same cabin as the Hawker 800-series, but the ventral fuel tank will be replaced with a heated external baggage compartment with 32 cubic feet of additional baggage capacity. The Hawker 750 cabin measuring 5'9" in height and 6'0" in width will be far superior in both comfort and size to anything in the light-mid size category. The airplane will continue to use the highly successful Honeywell TFE731-5BR engine and state-of-the-art Collins Pro Line 21 avionics package. The aircraft will feature a new Hawker interior designed specifically for the 750 and for this market segment. Priced at $11.2 million standard and $11.9 million typically equipped in 2007 dollars, certification is planned for Q3 2007 and deliveries will begin in the Fourth Quarter. The Hawker 900XP will launch Honeywell's new TFE731-50R engine providing improved hot and high altitude performance with over 2,800 nm NBAA IFR range with six passengers allowing it to make a one-stop flight from New York to Honolulu 99.9 percent of the time. It also will have the same cabin size as the Hawker 800-series, the largest and most successful cabin in its class. Featuring a factory-customized interior by the Little Rock Completion Center, and Raytheon Aircraft Company designed winglets, the 900XP will be well positioned to continue to be the most preferred airplane in the mid-size segment. Standard priced at $13.9 million, certification is expected mid-year 2007 with deliveries to begin in the Third Quarter.
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Boeing Business Jets announced it has won seven orders for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 747-8. Undisclosed customers have ordered one 787-8, three 787-9 and three 747-8 airplanes specifically designated for the VIP market. These orders are already reflected on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website. Boeing does not reveal the identity of private owners at the request of its customers. "Boeing has a long legacy of providing jets to the VIP market," said Steven Hill, Boeing Business Jets President. "Boeing airplanes are renowned for their high reliability, comfort and advanced technology, and that reputation extends to the VIP market with the 787 and 747-8. We are thrilled with the continued success of the original Boeing Business Jets airplane family and the amazing market interest in our widebody jets."
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Rolls-Royce predicts continued growth in business jet deliveries through the remainder of the decade and forecasts an engine market worth $70 billion over the next 20 years, with medium and large business jets dominating in terms of aircraft and engine value. The company's annual business jet forecast was released today at the National Business Aviation Association Annual Meeting and Convention in Orlando, Florida. Rolls-Royce forecasts that 51,000 engines, valued at $70 billion, are needed over the next 20 years to meet demand for 24,000 new corporate jet aircraft; from very light jets through business jetliners. Demand is being fueled by the business community's increasing recognition of the value of using business jets as a productivity tool. Of the 24,000 new corporate aircraft expected to enter the market, nearly half are expected to be in the medium or large business jet category. In fact, according to the market forecast, only the very popular commercial 130-190 seat aircraft will surpass the medium and large business jet category in deliveries over the next 20 years. The forecast predicts that nearly 12,000 medium and large business jets will be delivered between 2006-2025. In terms of fleet size, this market segment is expected to grow 142% to a total of more than 16,500 aircraft by 2025.
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DHL is forming a strategic partnership with Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc., a wholly owned unit of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (AAWW), a leading provider of global air cargo services. The partnership will significantly improve service to DHL Express customers shipping goods between the U.S. and Asia by securing long-term access to greater air capacity on Trans-Pacific air routes, reducing transit times and increasing reliability of delivery on both sides of the Pacific. The commercial agreement will run for up to 20 years and will provide DHL Express guaranteed access to aircraft capacity in key global markets. In addition, DHL will have access to additional available aircraft capacity from Atlas Air, Inc., another subsidiary of AAWW, as agreed between the parties. The long-term partnership will provide Polar a long-term committed revenue stream, and strengthen the company's position as a reliable source of main deck freight capacity. With this strengthening, Polar's existing customers will be assured continued access to reliable, high quality service levels. "This key strategic partnership ensures we can meet the rapidly rising demand for air cargo capacities between the U.S. and Asian destinations. DHL Express is already the market leader in Asia and the partnership with Polar will help us offer even higher quality levels to customers, while at the same time improving profitability on the fast-growing routes between the U.S. and Asia," said John Mullen, CEO of DHL's Express division. "The Trans-Pacific route is one of the most rapidly growing and competitive trade lanes globally and adding capacity through an even stronger presence in the U.S. is a crucial factor in supporting our dynamic Asian business. Polar is the ideal partner to achieve that. Our long-term partnership will benefit both companies and enhance competition in the express delivery sector of the air cargo market." To cement the relationship, the parties have signed a letter of intent under which DHL will invest $150 million (119 million euros) to acquire a minority 49 percent equity stake in Polar, including a 25 percent voting interest, consistent with all U.S. laws and regulations. The payment will be in cash, $75 million to be paid upon closing of the transaction, and $75 million to be paid in two installments on January, 15, 2008 and Nov. 17, 2008 subject to certain acceleration provisions. In addition, DHL will enter into a 20-year block space agreement with Polar to obtain guaranteed capacity on routes to major Asian destinations. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals and completion of definitive documentation, is expected to close in late 2006 or early 2007. Polar will continue to operate as an independent company and there will be no integration with DHL or any of its units.
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ExpressJet Holdings announced the creation of a new division of its ExpressJet Airlines subsidiary: ExpressJet Corporate Aviation, designed to provide distinctive travel solutions for corporations, aircraft brokers, hospitality companies, sports teams, schools and others. ExpressJet Corporate Aviation will begin operations in December 2006 with EMB-145XR aircraft and is initially expected to grow to a dedicated fleet of ten aircraft by May 2007 with the potential to add an additional five aircraft. The aircraft will be flown under ExpressJet Airlines' CFR 121 operating certificate to bring the same world-class service, support and reliability to corporate aviation that ExpressJet provides in scheduled operations doing business as Continental Express. The ERJ-145XR aircraft will be configured with 50 redesigned seats for enhanced passenger comfort, and each seat will include XM radio with over 100 channels of audio entertainment through an agreement with LiveTV. In addition to the basic service offering, customized flight service options will give customers an opportunity to create a unique flight experience.
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Charles Edelstenne was unanimously voted President for 2007 at the ASD Annual Convention. Mr. Edelstenne takes over after Dr. Thomas Enders. “I feel particularly honoured to take over to day the presidency of ASD for one year. Thomas Enders has done an excellent job in turning ASD around, and I will preside over an organisation that is agile and fast acting. ASD represents the whole European Aeronautics, Space, Defence, and Security industry, which covers the most important spectrum of key technologies in Europe. We must use this unique position not only to consolidate earlier excellent results of the industries we represent, but also in order to face a changing environment. To prosper in the long term we must create a platform to establish policies and positions and to co-ordinate actions on matters of common interest, at European and International levels,” said Mr. Edelstenne in his inauguration speech.
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British Airways has launched a competition for new longhaul aircraft by issuing tender documents to aircraft and engine manufacturers. The competition, called a request for proposal (RFP), is the first step in a lengthy process before the airline makes a decision on fleet growth and replacement for the next decade. Airbus and Boeing, and engine manufacturers, Engine Alliance, General Electric and Rolls Royce plus other key component suppliers, have been invited to bid. British Airways' chief executive, Willie Walsh, said: "For the past four years, we have grown capacity by using our aircraft more efficiently. In order to continue to grow our longhaul business we now need additional longhaul aircraft. We remain committed to generating an economic return for our shareholders.
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The announcement made by Airbus regarding delays to its A380 aircraft has led to the decision to suspend production of the Trent 900 engine for one year. This decision forces the ITP Group to carry out staff reductions which will affect 180 workers from ITP, ITA and PCB. The majority of that figure corresponds to the manufacturing area of the parent company, Industria de Turbopropulsores, S.A. (ITP), in its Zamudio centre. Also affected are ITA, a company located in Zamudio which manufactures aeronautical pipes and of which ITP is a 100% shareholder, and Precicast Bilbao (PCB), an investment casting engineering firm located in Barakaldo in which ITP has a majority holding of 60%. ITP is responsible for the design, manufacture and assembly of the Low Pressure Turbine for the Trent 900 engine. ITA is under contract to supply both rigid pipe sets for the A380 and the whole set of rigid pipes that go into the Trent 900 while PCB has contracts to supply cast metal products necessary for the manufacture of Trent 900 engines. ITP takes part in the Trent 900 programme as a RRSP (risk-revenue shared partner), and with a 16.6% stake, ITP is Rolls-Royce's biggest partner in the programme. It also has the greatest share on a percentage basis of any Spanish business in the overall A380 programme. With this in mind, ITP plans material and non-material investments amounting to more than 200 million euros, both in R&D and in its production plants in the period up to 2010. ITP is sixth in the ranking of Spanish companies when it comes to investment in R&D, and is the leader in the Basque Country.
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In its 15th annual Business Aviation Outlook, Honeywell forecasts delivery of approximately 12,000 new business aircraft from 2006 through 2016, generating industry sales of $195 billion. Through the first half of 2006, the industry's recovery from the last trough in 2003 continues to build momentum. Year-to-date, the number of aircraft delivered is up almost 26 percent compared with the same point in 2005 and industry-wide sales are up just over 26 percent, according to Honeywell Aerospace. For 2006, Honeywell Aerospace forecasts deliveries of up to 850 new business jets, up from 737 in 2005. Deliveries in 2007 are expected to exceed 1,000 for the first time in industry history. “Industry growth is moving into unprecedented territory,” said Rob Wilson, President, Business & General Aviation, Honeywell Aerospace. “2006 has already shaped up as a record year for the industry. If current growth projections for the global economy hold, 2007 should be even better and will set a new all-time high delivery record.” Wilson said that “order intake across most business jet categories remains strong and with backlogs approaching 2,500 aircraft, 2007 will likely be a banner year for the industry.” The 2006 survey indicates record aircraft deliveries will continue into 2007. North American purchase expectations improved after a noticeable drop in 2005, and Asian expectations expanded significantly. Overall, respondents to this year's survey said they expect to replace or expand the equivalent of about 26 percent of their fleets over the next five years, up from about 23 percent in the 2005 survey. The increase in overall purchase expectations reflects the strong contribution of the North American market segment, which continues to account for about 61 percent of new aircraft deliveries over the next five years. Purchase expectations trended up in Asia, Africa and the Middle East and remained fairly steady in Europe. Aggregating all regions, five-year purchase expectations remained above 23 percent for the sixth consecutive year. Over the five years 2007 to 2011, the 2006 survey forecasts demand for 3,600 to 4,000 aircraft globally, not including demand from fractional ownership operators.
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Emirates has finalized an agreement to purchase 10 Boeing 747-8 freighters, powered by GEnx engines. The purchase agreement for the 45 GEnx engines is valued at more than $600 million (USD). Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2010. Emirates has also signed an 10-year, $300 million OnPoint Solutions agreement for the maintenance and overhaul of the GEnx fleet.
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The delivery of 15 Revision-7 pods in September to the Air Combat Command by the 693rd Armament Systems Squadron's High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Targeting System Program is more than two months ahead of Raytheon's contract requirement date. The pod is mounted to the side of an F-16 aircraft and provides critical combat identification capabilities to pilots as they patrol the air above the battlefield. It allows a pilot to detect, locate and identify ground-based emitters. Armed with this data, a pilot can decide to avoid or engage a site. Unlike previous versions of HTS that relied heavily on HARM's ability to track radiating targets to complete the kill chain, this precision targeting capability allows the use of a variety of precision guided munitions to destroy targets. Once global positioning system coordinates are obtained, they can be targeted regardless of whether the target is emitting. This is the first major leap for the Air Force in transitioning from a mindset of suppression of enemy air defenses to a destruction of enemy air defenses.
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At the 59th Annual National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention, Snecma introduced the name Silvercrest for its proposed new-generation engine family for super mid-size to large business jets. Silvercrest's thrust range will be from 8,000 to 11,000 pounds. The typical application will be a large cabin, long-range aircraft with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) between 45,000 and 60,000 lbs. The engine design integrates specific features that will also meet the needs of 40 to 60-seat regional jets, whenever relevant market conditions allow carriers to replace their existing fleets. "Following the launch of a core engine technology demonstration last January, today's announcement of the Silvercrest name for our proposed family of jet engines represents an additional step in refining a concept aimed at bringing the latest of commercial engines technology and reliability to the business aviation community," said Jean-Pierre Cojan, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of Snecma's Commercial Engine Division. "Branding our future engine family will help us to promote it in the business aviation marketplace in view of a program launch that will take place as applications materialize for
Silvercrest products."
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Boeing has begun flight testing for the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) program and has generated "first light" of ATL's high-energy chemical laser in ground tests, achieving two key milestones in the laser gunship development effort. During the "low-power" flight tests, which began Oct. 10 and conclude this fall, the ATL ACTD system will find and track ground targets at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. A low-power, solid-state laser will serve as a surrogate for ATL's high-power chemical laser. To prepare for the tests, the ATL aircraft, a C-130H from the U.S. Air Force 46th Test Wing, was outfitted with flight demonstration hardware at Crestview Aerospace Corp. in Crestview, Fla. The hardware includes the beam director and optical control bench, which will direct the laser beam to its target; weapon system consoles, which will display high-resolution imagery and enable the tracking of targets; and sensors.
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China published a white paper on space activities, illustrating the development of China's space industry over the past five years and its plans for the near future. The white paper, the second of its kind since 2000, is titled "China's Space Activities in 2006" and released by the Information Office of the State Council, China's cabinet. The white paper introduces the aims and principles of China's space development, progress made in the past five years, development targets and major tasks for the next five years, development policies and measures and international exchanges and cooperation. The white paper says it has been 50 "splendid" years since China embarked on the road to develop its space industry, starting in 1956. For half a century, China has made eye-catching achievements, and ranks among the world's most advanced countries in some important fields of space technology. In the new stage of development, China will "center its work on the national strategic goals, strengthen its innovative capabilities and do its best to make the country's space industry develop faster and better," the white paper says.
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Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui) and Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Bedek Aviation Group (IAI), an Israeli aerospace company, agreed to establish a joint venture company to perform the conversion of 767-300 Aircraft from passenger to special freighter configuration. Mitsui and IAI are planning to establish the fifty-fifty joint venture early in 2007 and to launch a business converting B767-300 passenger aircraft into cargo freighters. The new company will invest in the development of a supplemental type certificate prototype aircraft in order to obtain Federal Aviation Administration approval. The target of conversion is 80 to 100 fleets in 10 years. The size of the global cargo freighter market is expected to triple over the next 20 years due to booming demand in China, India and other countries. The number of cargo freighters is forecasted to double to about 3,500 during the same period, and in particular, the ratio of medium-wide-body aircraft, including the B767-300, will increase. In particular, it is anticipated to have a greater demand for converted freighters than production freighters.
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The three residents of the International Space Station spent a busy week with varied science and technical tasks as they began their second month in orbit. Expedition 14 Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria and Flight Engineer Mikhail Tyurin practiced using the manual docking system for the Russian Progress cargo ship. They rehearsed rendezvous; fly around maneuvers and approach and docking with an on-board simulator. During the training, technicians at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan completed preparations for the launch of a Progress cargo craft on Monday, Oct. 23 at 9:40 a.m. EDT. It is scheduled to dock to the complex Thursday, Oct. 26 at 10:28 a.m. EDT. NASA TV live coverage starts at 10 a.m. EDT Thursday. The Progress is filled with more than two tons of food, fuel and supplies for the station and its crew. Also aboard are new spare parts for the Russian Elektron oxygen-generation system, which has been shut down since last month.
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Eutelsat Communications announced that Astrium will build the HOT BIRD 10 broadcast satellite which will be launched in first quarter 2009 and positioned at the Group's 13 degrees East location. Following HOT BIRD 8 and 9, it is the third high-power broadcast satellite based on Astrium's Eurostar E3000 platform that will be located at Eutelsat's premium video neighbourhood for cable and satellite broadcasting. The procurement of HOT BIRD 10 underpins Eutelsat's objectives to continue to renew capacity at its HOT BIRD neighbourhood, to raise in-orbit redundancy and security for broadcasting clients and to increase overall flexibility across its satellite fleet. Eutelsat's 13 degrees East neighbourhood today broadcasts 950 television channels and 540 radio stations to 110 million cable and satellite homes across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Astrium's Eurostar E3000 platform was selected by Eutelsat for the HOT BIRD 8 satellite, which went into full commercial service this month, and HOT BIRD 9 which was ordered from Astrium in May this year. With each satellite equipped with 64 high-power Ku-band transponders spanning the entire range of 102 Ku-band frequencies at 13 degrees East, they will together deliver customers exceptional levels of security and in-orbit redundancy for the development of digital entertainment services and HDTV channels.
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Honda Aircraft Company announced that it received well over 100 individual customer orders with deposits for the $3.65 million HondaJet during the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in Orlando, Florida. The company began sales of its advanced light jet on October 17 and has experienced demand in excess of expectations over three days of sales. "We are extremely pleased with the early customer response to HondaJet. In addition to the strong demand we have experienced from individuals, we are negotiating with a number of fleet customers as well," said Michimasa Fujino, president & CEO of Honda Aircraft Co., Inc. "Due to this overwhelming response, we are now considering an increase in our production plan to meet the needs of our customers." HondaJet will be produced by the Honda Aircraft Company at a dedicated manufacturing facility in the United States. Toward this end, on October 11 of this year, the company submitted its application for type certification of HondaJet with the Federal Aviation Administration.
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Boeing and the U.S. Air Force MILSATCOM Systems Wing have signed a $1.067 billion contract for up to three more Wideband Gapfiller Satellites (WGS), if all options are exercised. The Block II satellites will be similar to the three Block I satellites already in production. Under Block II, Boeing will add a radio frequency bypass capability designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms requiring ultra-high bandwidth and data rates demanded by unmanned aerial vehicles. "This new Block II contract gives the Air Force the flexibility to independently exercise options for long-lead material, production and launch services for WGS F4 through F6," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Adam Mortenson, WGS Block II program manager. "One WGS satellite will provide more throughput than the entire Defense Service Communications Satellite (DSCS) constellation currently on station, which translates into improved effectiveness of our worldwide forces, and ultimately, into lives saved."
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Northrop Grumman formally announced plans to compete for and capture the U.S. Navy's newest maritime surveillance program. The company will propose a maritime Global Hawk derivative as the centerpiece of its Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) campaign. "Drawing upon six decades of experience successfully producing maritime surveillance and unmanned aerial systems, we will offer a solution that meets the critical needs of our Navy customers and helps them achieve their goal for a transformational maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) warfighting capability," said Robert A.K. Mitchell, Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems sector vice president of Special Programs. "Our approach will include a maritime Global Hawk, quite simply the most cost-effective, lowest risk, persistent ISR capability available today and the ideal companion system to the Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft," Mitchell added.
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AgustaWestland, in collaboration with Mitsui Bussan Aerospace is proud to announce that the Japanese Coast Guard has selected the AW139 helicopter to replace their ageing Bell 212's for deployment at Search and Rescue bases throughout Japan. Three helicopters have been ordered this year as the initial phase of a replacement programme for up to 24 helicopters. The AW139 has been selected as the best helicopter capable of carrying out demanding maritime search and rescue and maritime patrol missions following a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process by Japanese Coast Guard officials. The AW139 will be fully capable of all-weather, day and night operation, and ship-based operations, and will be equipped with state-of-the-art mission equipment including a rescue hoist and a high definition FLIR to maximise operational effectiveness. Speaking after the announcement, Renzo Lunardi, AgustaWestland's Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing said “We are delighted by the Japanese Coast Guards decision to buy the AgustaWestland AW139, which further builds on our extensive relationships with Japanese Government agencies and commercial operators. The AW139 is the best performing helicopter in the medium twin engine class and will provide the Japanese Coast Guard with an exceptional aircraft and operational capability.”
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Pratt & Whitney Canada has successfully completed today the first engine run of its new generation PW210 turboshaft engine. "This first run of a PW210 engine represents an important milestone in this exciting development program," said Walter Di Bartolomeo, Vice President, Engineering, P&WC. "The engine ran exceptionally well and met all of our performance expectations." The PW210 is a new generation turboshaft engine offering best-in-class performance in the 1,000 shp class for single and intermediate/medium category twin-engine helicopters. Incorporating the latest advances in material and compressor technology, as well as a dual channel, full authority digital electronic control system (FADEC), the PW210 will set a new standard in performance, ease of operation, as well as in fuel consumption. It will also provide a significant improvement in power-to-weight ratio over current engines in its class. Launched in February 2005, the first model, the PW210S, has been selected for the new Sikorsky S-76D helicopter targeting corporate, offshore oil, hospital, airline and government operators around the world.
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Lufthansa is launching a new staff recruitment marketing campaign. With innovative and eye-catching motifs, the Aviation Group is stepping up its quest for talents. “Recruiting the right people for each job is our objective,” explains Doris Krüger, Director Corporate Personnel Marketing and Recruitment. “We are treading a new and innovative path. With a number of diverse and rather unusual motifs in personnel marketing, our aim is to enter into dialogue with interested and prospective applicants. This new approach is an ongoing development, which is consistent with Group-wide uniform standards for all communication channels utilized for staff recruitment,“ she said. Lufthansa is offering positions in the Aviation Group to 2,500 new staff in this year alone. By year-end, around 260 flight attendants and 65 station staff are to be taken on in Frankfurt. A further 140 flight attendants and 30 Service Professionals for passenger services at the airport are to be recruited in Munich. The new Lufthansa staff recruitment campaign, which is to run up to March 2007, will feature in different media. Alongside the internet, it will appear in print publications from the tourist industry, the hotel and restaurant trade as well as in health and lifestyle magazines and on advertising space in underground and tram stations in Frankfurt and Munich. Eye-catching photos to drive home the campaign message include a glass perched perilously on the armrest of a seat in the aircraft cabin or a cuddly puppy left behind by a child, which has to be put on the next flight so as to be reunited with its young owner. Accompanying the photos is a brief text urging applicants to use their ingenuity and initiative to resolve the problem. Follow-up campaigns are in the pipeline for other target groups.
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Lufthansa Technik, the leading provider for VIP & Executive Jet Solutions, and Andrew Winch Designs, one of the most innovative and technically competent design teams, launched their joint VIP interior concept for the Boeing 787. At a press conference during this year's 59th NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention in Orlando, Florida, both companies unveiled a nose-to-tail design and expressed their confidence to attract VIPs as well as executive jet owners and operators around the globe to decide for the brand-new airplane. “The decision on a Boeing 787 is more than an acquisition: it is as well a statement for absolute perfection in the most advanced form available. Together with Andrew Winch Designs we are taking up this idea of maximising the experiences offered by the extraordinary act of flying, and designed a total experience in the air, not just a beautiful environment”, said August W. Henningsen, Chairman of the Executive Board, Lufthansa Technik AG. “With the Boeing 787 however, even a proven track record and determination is not enough. To realize the full potential of the 21st century's dreamliner, we set out to re-explore the dimensions of quality and creativity to create a 787 in line with perfection.”
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Following the agreement reached between SWISS and the executive committee of Aeropers, the union of the company's Airbus pilots, the union's members have now also voted to approve the proposed new Collective Labour Agreement for Airbus cockpit personnel. As a result, the new CLA will now enter into effect on November 1. The new Collective Labour Agreement for the cockpit personnel of the SWISS Airbus fleet will be valid for three years. The new accord pays due and full regard to both the company's ongoing restructuring and the intensified competitive environment, and will further strengthen SWISS's foundation for sustainable future growth. The new forward-looking agreement will also ensure continued favourable working terms and conditions for the employees concerned.
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Boeing is pleased to have signed a purchase agreement with China Southern Airlines for six Boeing 777 Freighters, with first delivery anticipated in fourth quarter 2008. China Southern Airlines is a long-time partner and we look forward to working closely with China Southern to finalize the order to support its growing transpacific operations. The airline will be the first Asian carrier to operate the 777 Freighter. The Boeing 777 Freighter is the world's largest and most capable twin-engine freighter, with a revenue payload capability of 229,000 pounds (103 metric tonnes) and a range of 4,885 nautical miles (9,047 km).
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Worldwide sales of Airbus Corporate Jetliners reached a record level again this year, with 20 of the aircraft sold so far in 2006. Pacing this business volume is the A318 Elite - the shortest-fuselage member of the Airbus Corporate Jetliner Family, which has logged 22 orders and commitments since the programme's launch announcement last November. The no. 1 A318 Elite made its maiden flight earlier this month, and will be ready for cabin outfitting this winter. It is to be delivered to A318 Elite launch customer Comlux in Zurich, Switzerland in spring 2007. Airbus will certify the A318 for an operating ceiling 41,000 ft., and the aircraft will be qualified for steep approach operations at airports such as London City.
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The second prototype participating in the flight test and certification programme of Grob Aerospace's spn, made its first successful flight today, 29 September 2006. At the controls were Grob Aerospace test pilots, Gerard Guillaumaud and Alan Lawless. After performing initial handling tests and system checks, the aircraft landed again safely after 35 minutes. According to chief test pilot Guillaumaud, “It was a real pleasure to fly our second prototype today and by that we achieved an important mile stone in our test program”. The flight today took off from the company airport in Tussenhausen-Mattsies and was also first maiden flight of a spn jet aircraft from here. The aircraft will immediately join the flight test program. Dubbed P2, the second spn prototype is the first aircraft to be equipped with an enhanced version of the Honeywell Primus Apex avionics suite, which offers the most user friendly and state of the art cockpit available for light jets. The enhanced Primus Apex reduces pilot workload, which particularly benefits single-pilot operation, and allows greater integration of future avionics upgrades and options. The flight envelope of the spn has been now fully opened in flight tests on the first prototype, P1, and production of the third prototype, P3, is poised to start in early October for entry into service in early 2007. The spn, which carries a price tag of Euro5.8 million, is on target for European EASA certification during the third quarter of 2007 and for US FAA certification during fourth quarter 2007. First customer deliveries are to commence in the fourth quarter of 2007.
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Lord Drayson, UK Minister for Defence Procurement, has announced that the contract for the new Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer Mk128 has been agreed with BAE Systems. The contract, which was signed this morning, gives the go-ahead for 28 Hawk Mk128 aircraft to be produced for training future fast jet pilots for next generation combat aircraft such as Typhoon and the F-35 Lightning II and includes support of spares and ground equipment. The production contract follows a design and development programme for two Hawk Mk128 aircraft which has been taking place over the past two years. During this time BAE Systems has been working closely with the UK MoD to develop a highly capable advanced jet trainer. Following the signing, Mark Parkinson, managing director of the Hawk programme for BAE Systems commented: “This is a significant milestone for the Hawk programme and a clear example of how BAE Systems and the UK MoD can work together to meet the UK's military requirements. This aircraft has the very latest navigation and avionics systems which enable future combat pilots to experience features which were previously only available to them on front line aircraft. By training on a significantly more capable aircraft, the UK's front line pilots will be able to further enhance their combat flying skills.”
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