+++ First upgraded E-3A delivered to NATO +++ Hawker 4000 certified at last +++ Mars Global Surveyer probably lost +++ Space Station astronauts on spacewalk +++ Airbus market outlook predicts 22700 airliers to 2025 +++ News in brief +++
First upgraded E-3A delivered to NATO
Modernisiertes AWACS in Manching übergeben
On 21 November, Boeing announced the completion of a major mission system production upgrade for the first NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft under the $1.32 billion Mid-Term Modernisation Programme. Boeing delivered the aircraft to NATO during a ceremony at the European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) facility in Manching, Germany. EADS, as an industry partner and subcontractor to Boeing, completed the modification on schedule. The entire fleet of 17 AWACS aircraft, based in Geilenkirchen, Germany, is on track to be upgraded in 2008. Boeing also is modifying two NATO AWACS mission simulators into the Mid-Term configuration. "Achieving this milestone represents the culmination of a true international effort by many talented people from across North America and Europe, including NATO, the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Programme Management Agency, Force Command, the U.S Air Force and more than 15 key subcontractors from 12 nations," said Lee Strom, Boeing NATO AWACS Mid-Term Programme production and retrofit program manager.
The enhancements provide a superior view of the battlespace by integrating data from various AWACS sensors, as well as from other sources, and an increased capacity in the number of targets it can manage. The enhancements include: New situation display consoles with flat-panel displays offering a Windows-like environment; a mission computing system with an open architecture allowing cost-effective future upgrades to the hardware and software; multi-sensor integration that improves the reliability and accuracy of target tracks and identification and eases operator workload; digital communications systems to improve crew access and use of radio links including improved over-the-horizon communication via satellite links; broad-spectrum VHF radios that will support increased operations with Eastern European nations' air and ground forces. An improved identification friend or foe system compatible with emerging international air traffic control systems requirements; and upgraded aircraft navigation that takes advantage of the new Global Positioning System.
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Hawker 4000 certified at last
Zulassung für neuen Geschäftsreisejet
Raytheon Aircraft has received Federal Aviation Administration Type Certification for the Hawker 4000 super-midsize business jet. "The Hawker 4000 is the most advanced super-midsize jet in the world today," said Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of Raytheon Aircraft Company. He added: "It has the features of a much larger airplane in a super-midsize body with technology that leads the industry in almost every respect. With an intelligent balance of speed, range and payload, through advanced integrated systems and a composite fuselage, the Hawker 4000 is truly a breakthrough aircraft."
Constructed of advanced composite material, the Hawker 4000 fuselage features a 72-inch stand-up cabin with a 77.5-inch width. A flat floor runs the entire length of the aircraft, leading to a large baggage area. The baggage compartment is accessible on the ground through an exterior door or during flight through the cabin. An eight-place interior configuration is standard with fully-articulating executive seats in double club format. The interior can be completely customized with a wide variety of materials and cabin finishes available.
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Mars Global Surveyer probably lost
Keine Verbindung mehr zur Marssonde
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor has likely finished its operating career. The spacecraft has served the longest and been the most productive of any mission ever sent to the red planet The orbiter has not communicated with Earth since Nov. 2. Preliminary indications are that a solar panel became difficult to pivot, raising the possibility that the spacecraft may no longer be able to generate enough power to communicate. Engineers are also exploring other possible explanations for the radio silence. "Realistically, we have run through the most likely possibilities for re-establishing communication, and we are facing the likelihood that the amazing flow of scientific observations from Mars Global Surveyor is over," said Fuk Li, Mars Exploration Program manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, Calif. "We are not giving up hope, though."
Efforts to regain contact with the spacecraft and determine what has happened to it will continue. NASA's newest Mars spacecraft, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, pointed its cameras towards Mars Global Surveyor on Monday. "We have looked for Mars Global Surveyor with the star tracker, the context camera and the high-resolution camera on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter," said Doug McCuistion, Mars Exploration Program director at NASA Headquarters. "Preliminary analysis of the images did not show any definitive sightings of a spacecraft."
The spacecraft evaluated landing sites for the twin NASA rovers that landed in 2004 and sites for future landings of the Phoenix and Mars Science Laboratory missions. It monitored atmospheric conditions during aerobraking by newer orbiters. It served as a relay link for the rovers and provided mapping information about their surroundings. "When we watched the launch 10 years ago, we wondered if we would make the specified mission length. We certainly were not thinking of a 10-year operating life," said JPL retiree Glenn Cunningham, who managed the Global Surveyor project through development and launch.
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Space Station astronauts on spacewalk
Weltraumspaziergang von der ISS
Two residents of the International Space Station ventured outside the complex Wednesday for a 5 hour, 38 minute spacewalk to reposition, deploy and relocate equipment, and to take a swing at a commercially sponsored activity. With Flight Engineer Thomas Reiter inside to monitor systems, Expedition 14 Commander Mike Lopez-Alegria and Flight Engineer Mikhail Tyurin opened the hatch to the Pirs Docking Compartment airlock at 6:17 p.m. CST as the station flew over the Atlantic Ocean near the west coast of Africa. They wore Russian Orlan spacesuits for the 19th spacewalk conducted out of Pirs since it was mated to the Russian segment of the station in September 2001 during Tyurin's first flight as part of Expedition 3.
After setting up tools and equipment outside Pirs, Tyurin placed a
three-gram golf ball on a spring-mounted tee and clamped it onto the ladder next to the Pirs hatch. Appearing uncomfortable with his feet planted on the ladder, Tyurin used a gold-plated six-iron to tap the golf ball safely away from the aft end of the Zvezda Service Module. Tyurin said he was pleased with his golf shot, and Russian flight controllers chose not to have him hit another ball so the crew could tackle other tasks. Tyurin's golf shot was part of a demonstration for a commercially sponsored endeavor between a Canadian golf company and the Russian Federal Space Agency. The golf club and three balls were flown to the station on recent Russian Progress cargo ships. NASA's safety analysis showed that the balls will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up in about three days. The balls weigh only about as much as three one-dollar bills. The two spacewalkers then moved to the end of Zvezda where the recently arrived ISS Progress 23 cargo ship is docked. Tyurin released a latch on one of the antennas for the craft's Kurs automated rendezvous system that failed to retract when the Progress docked on Oct. 26. Tyurin and Lopez-Alegria attempted to move the so-called "orientation" antenna back to its retracted and stowed position with their hands and with a prybar, but the antenna would not budge. Russian flight controllers also sent commands to drive the antenna to its retracted position, but that also failed.
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Airbus market outlook predicts 22700 airliers to 2025
Optimistische Prognose von Airbus
Between 2006 and 2025, some 22,700 new passenger and freight aircraft valued at US$2.6 trillion will be required by aircraft operators, according to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast. This represents an increase of some 5,400 aircraft compared with the previous one. Of the newly produced airliners, Airbus forecasts that some 21,900 new passenger aircraft of more than 100 seats will be needed, creating an average delivery close to 1,100 passenger aircraft per year, up from around 800 two years ago. This requirement results from an average annual traffic growth in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) of 4.8 per cent, leading to passenger traffic growth of around two and a half times and an increase in the world aircraft fleet of some 14,600 aircraft. Freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) are forecast to increase by six per cent annually over the same period, generating the need for 3,580 freighter deliveries (mostly conversions), of which 800, or 22 per cent, will be factory-built freighters. Most significantly, the period will be marked by an increasing demand for new more fuel-efficient airliners, to help address airline operating costs as well as environmental concerns. This factor will lead to a higher replacement rate of over 12,000 aircraft. "Over the next 20 years the number of passenger aircraft will more than double. Since 2000, new operators as well as strong economic growth especially in emerging economies has fuelled expansion of nearly 30 per cent in available seats", said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. "This trend is continuing with the Asia-Pacific region expected to grow to a third of the worldwide market by 2025", he added. The requirement for twin-aisle passenger aircraft will continue to grow strongly with some 5,300 new twin-aisle aircraft being delivered in the next two decades. Valued at some US$1,009 billion, this makes up for about 42 per cent of the total value of all passenger aircraft delivered. The largest segment will be in the 250 and 300 seater market with a need for some 3,750 new aircraft. Airbus covers this segment with its A330/A340 family, in addition to the forthcoming A350XWB family of aircraft. Another 1,550 larger twin aisles will be needed in the 300 to 450 seat category, which Airbus can also address with the larger A340-600. More than 70 per cent of all aircraft delivered within the next 20 years will be single-aisle types (100 - 220 seats), which translates into more than 15,300 aircraft or 42 percent by value of all passenger aircraft delivery. While mainline single aisle aircraft demand will be highest in Europe and North America, in Asia, the low-cost market is expected to quintuple its fleet from 236 to over 1,300 by 2025.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Korean Air took delivery of the first of its two Airbus A300-600Fs at EADS EFW´s facility in Dresden, Germany. The airframe bearing the MSN 717 was formerly operated by the Korean airline itself as a passenger aircraft. It touched down in Dresden for conversion into freighter configuration in August 2006. Korean Air´s second A300-600 aircraft is currently under conversion. “I am delighted to welcome the number one commercial cargo airline as a new customer. Korean Air made a great choice to convert the popular Airbus A300-600 wide-body aircraft to enlarge its freighter fleet”, said Horst Emker, President and CEO of EADS EFW.Celebrating the delivery of first A300-600, Mr. Lee Jong-hee, Korean Air President and COO said, “ We are so glad to take delivery of first A300-600. It will greatly help us strengthen our cargo business and maintain our status as the number one commercial cargo airline.”With the delivery of A300-600, Korean Air expects to utilize its own cargo fleet fully meeting cargo demand effectively. The A300-600 converted freighter will be mainly used on short haul routes.As of today, EADS has delivered a total of 133 converted freighter aircraft to over 20 customers worldwide.
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Sabena Airline Training Center (SATC) has placed an order for six Diamond DA20-C1, four DA40s and three DA42 Twin Stars. The fleet will be used in SATC's flight training program at its new location at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona."We selected Diamond because it offers us a family of aircraft – from 2-seater to twin – that have important cost advantages over other training aircraft, while providing our customers (airlines) next generation training with the G1000.We believe that the combination of recently developed aircraft and state-of-the-art instruments will yield the best possible airline pilot training at a competitive price.We expect high fleet use (100-150 hrs per month per aircraft), low maintenance cost (parts – labor), low downtime (labor – fleet use) and low operating cost (fuel)," said Kris Van den Bergh, Managing Director / Head of Flight Training at SATC, Scottsdale."SATC also uses Diamond aircraft at their European location, and we are delighted that they have selected Diamond again for their operation in Arizona," said Chuck Glass, Diamond's Director of Fleet Sales.
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The DLR Institute for Flight Guidance, in collaboration with the EUROCONTROL Experimental Centre, has developed an operational concept and logical architecture for a Total Airport Management system. The new concept builds on the current CDM (Collaborative Decision Making) system for airports to produce a comprehensive airport management system based on an Airport Operations Plan (AOP). The concept envisages an Airport Operations Control Centre or APOC in which people responsible for individual areas (such as the airport, air traffic control, airlines etc) come together in order to draw up, dynamically update and implement this plan with a tactical and strategic time horizon (30 minutes to several months). Operators would be supported in this decision-making process by technical assistance systems such as the recently presented Total Operations Planner CLOU and other, existing systems such as AMAN, DMAN and TMAN. This entire approach is known as human-centred automation, which refers to technological development centred around people and processes. Because the requirements of individual airports can vary significantly, the Total Airport Management system allows for several variants in its implementation, be it cost-effective solutions for small airfields, a distributed virtual airport control centre or a real control centre for European transport hubs. This approach is designed to enable airports to serve as innovative integration models for the air transport network by operating an efficient, results-oriented Air Traffic Management system. The concept was presented at the closing event of the EUROCONTROL CDM Task Force in Brussels, where it was enthusiastically received. Prototype applications for these assistance systems will be presented next February on the DLR stand at the ATC Maastricht 2007 international trade fair.
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QinetiQ's Sea King helicopter XZ575 has successfully completed the first flight using advanced composite main rotor blades. Lasting for around four minutes, the flight was a significant milestone in the evaluation of the Carson Helicopters' blade for the UK Sea King helicopter with the new blades producing data indicating significant performance gains.The flight was the culmination of many months of hard work carried out across QinetiQ and the Aircraft Test and Evaluation Centre at Boscombe Down and was supported by the MOD's Sea King and Future Rotorcraft Capability IPTs and Agusta Westland. Andrew Sleigh, QinetiQ's Group MD for Defence and Technology said: “This is thought to be the most significant modification made to a helicopter in the UK by a non aircraft manufacturer. Because the new blades had not been certified by any organisation independent of the manufacturer, they were fitted for the trial as a QinetiQ modification – one of the most significant aircraft modifications ever made by us.“Based on Carson Helicopter's longer version of blades used on the Sikorsky S61 helicopter, these were the first set of blades produced by Carson for the UK Sea King helicopter. The rotor blades use advanced aerofoil sections, increased twist and a swept tip to produce significant performance gains. A similar blade to that being tested by QinetiQ has shown a 2000lb increase in hover capability.The QinetiQ Carson blade test programme is intended to examine aircraft handling, performance and vibration characteristics and has now undertaken 22 hours of flying. The trial is due to be completed later this month.Initial results from the test programme, which are supported by theoretical modelling carried out by QinetiQ, indicate that the Carson blades have the potential to significantly increase performance and so greatly increase the operational flexibility of the Sea King.
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Alenia Aermacchi has signed a contract with the Malaysian Defence Ministry for the supply of eight MB-339 CM aircraft. The contract is worth a total of around EUR 88 million, and as well as MB-339 training aircraft, includes the supply of spare parts, ground equipment and services for a period of two years. The agreement also covers aircraft maintenance and the production of components for civil aircraft with Malaysian companies. The MB-339 CM will be manufactured by Alenia Aermacchi and used by the Royal Malaysian Air Force in Kuantan in the role of lead-in fighter, to train Malaysian pilots to fly front-line combat aircraft, including the new recently-acquired Sukhoi 30 MKM.
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EADS Defence & Security Systems and the Government of Finland have announced the official approval of a four year Offset project for the integration of up to 45 Finnish Aerospace, Defence, Dual-use and Advanced Technology companies into the two leading international e-business platforms for the Aerospace and Defence industry, Epicos and Exostar. "EADS is one of the largest Aerospace & Defence companies in the world, with a strategic interest in working with Finnish companies. The Epicos Project provides EADS with means to communicate with the Finnish Industry, but at the same time, through this project, EADS will also build a closer partnership with Finnish Industry.
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Goodrich is celebrating the ground breaking of a new 110,000-square-foot, purpose-built facility in Dubai. The site will provide Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services to customers in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Goodrich has one of the largest global MRO presences in the industry and provides critical MRO services to the worldwide fleet of commercial and military aircraft. Aaccording to N.S. (Pandri) Pandarinath, Vice President MRO, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Goodrich's Customer Services team, "This new site allows our Customer Services team to provide localized support and enables us to bring multiple Goodrich MRO capabilities under one roof. It's all about speed and ease of doing business and having the right assets in the right place at the right time for our customers." Operations began last month at Goodrich's start-up facility in Jebel Ali, UAE, following successful completion of all necessary, statutory approvals. Goodrich's repair services encompass components and systems from aircraft nacelles, cargo, de-icing and sensor systems, to aircraft evacuation systems. Completion of the new facility is anticipated in the third quarter of 2007.
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SES ASTRA, an SES GLOBAL company, has announced today that it has awarded the contract for the construction of its new satellite, ASTRA 3B, to the European satellite manufacturer ASTRIUM. As prime contractor for ASTRA 3B, ASTRIUM will design and build the satellite. ASTRA 3B will be a state-of-the-art Ku and Ka-band spacecraft designed for the distribution of both direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast services and two-way broadband services across Europe. After ASTRA 2B and ASTRA 1M, ASTRA 3B is the third ASTRA satellite to be built by ASTRIUM. The satellite will have 52 transponders of which 20 transponders are to replace existing in-orbit capacity and 32 transponders which will create new capacity, thereby strenghtening 23.5E as the third orbital hotspot for European DTH services. ASTRA 3B is expected to be launched end of 2009. ASTRA 3B will be built on a Eurostar E3000 platform, the latest version of the highly successful Eurostar series. Seven Eurostar E3000 are currently in operation in orbit, and 10 more are at various stages of production. To date, 45 Eurostar satellites of various series have been ordered from ASTRIUM, 31 of which have been successfully launched and have proven to be highly reliable in commercial service.
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SkyWest announced that it has been selected for the first allocation of regional jet flying related to an existing Request For Proposal (RFP) by Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Delta). The first allocation of aircraft consists of 12 Bombardier CRJ700s, previously operated by Comair, Delta's wholly owned subsidiary. The aircraft will serve markets from Delta's hub in Cincinnati and will begin to transition to SkyWest, Inc. in February 2007. The aircraft will operate under a contract flying arrangement with Delta. SkyWest, Inc. has yet to determine which of its airline operating companies will operate the aircraft at Cincinnati. As a result of this additional regional jet flying, SkyWest, Inc., on a combined basis, will operate 228 regional jet aircraft and 24 turboprop aircraft for Delta. "We are pleased to have been selected for this first allocation of aircraft and are excited about expanding our relationship with Delta," said Bradford R. Rich, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of SkyWest, Inc. He continued, "We believe this selection is an indication of our ability to provide high quality at competitive pricing and we will remain very focused on seamless execution."
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AgustaWestland announced the signing of two contracts with two different Malaysian private customers: an AgustaWestland Grand to Weststar Aviation Sdn. Bhd for VIP/Corporate transport missions and an A119 Koala purchased by Innovest Aviation Sdn. Bhd. Both helicopters will be configured for Corporate/VIP transport. The Grand to Weststar Aviation Sdn. Bhd will be delivered in 2007 and it will be configured with six passenger VIP interior to shuttle people between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in just over 1 hour of flight. Weststar Aviation Sdn. Bhd is the latest addition to the growing number of aviation operators worldwide benefiting from the performance of the Grand. Since the AgustaWestland Grand was unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2004 over 100 orders have been placed by customers in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australasia, Africa and the Middle East. The aircraft has dominated sales in its class in the corporate/VIP transport market where over 50% of its sales have been made.
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The Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Datuk Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi, officially launched Eurocopter Malaysia's Regional Maintenance Centre in Subang, Selangor. The event, which showcased the full-force of Eurocopter Malaysia's capabilities and resources, was witnessed by over 100 guests, made up of Cabinet Ministers, high-level representatives from the industry, loyal customers and partners. Eurocopter Malaysia (ECM), a subsidiary of the world's No1 helicopter manufacturer's was represented by its Managing Director, Philippe Lubrano. Also present was Phillippe Harache, Executive Vice-President of Eurocopter Group in France. Eurocopter Group is a division of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), the global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. EADS was represented by head of EADS International, Christian Duhain.
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Boeing named Air Cruisers, Honeywell and Thales as partners for GoldCare, the lifecycle support solution for the 787 Dreamliner. "These three aviation industry leaders play an important role in helping provide the innovation that will make the 787 such a great performer," said Bob Avery, Boeing's vice president of 787 Services & Support. "By joining GoldCare, they have committed to an innovative new business strategy that will help customers reduce cost and enhance predictability as they acquire and operate their Dreamliner fleet."
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The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team held a successful Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the F136 engine being developed for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The review, a three-month process led by the F-35 Program Office and Lockheed Martin, is a key milestone in the F136's System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase. The SDD program was launched in August 2005 with a $2.4 billion contract to the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team. The PDR assesses the progress to the F136 design and its unique hardware, as well as the strategy to move the engine into a production phase later this decade. Other officials involved in the review included technology specialists from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, and defense officials representing the F-35 program's international participants. "Completing this review process gives us the green light to proceed with the activities leading to the next major milestone, the Critical Design Review in late 2007," said Jean Lydon-Rodgers, president of the Fighter Engine Team. "The comments from the review team were very positive. The F136 program is moving forward on-budget and on-schedule.
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The second fully modernized Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy test aircraft made its first flight Nov. 17 from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. This is the second of three aircraft that will comprise the new C-5M test fleet. "The C-5M represents a true recapitalization program for a critical capability, ensuring a viable strategic airlift resource for America through the year 2040," said George Shultz, vice president, Lockheed Martin C-5 Modernization program. "Modernized C-5 Galaxy aircraft will improve the fleet aircraft availability and the overall reliability and maintainability, while reducing total ownership costs," Mr. Shultz said. "The C-5M provides the U.S. Air Force and American taxpayer with a significant return on their investment."
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Next summer Lufthansa passengers will have a wider choice of flights to the United States. Additional daily nonstop flights to Denver and Detroit will be offered to supplement Lufthansa's already extensive route network in North America. “The increase in our services to Denver and Detroit will enable us to offer our customers two flights a day, at different times, to these popular destinations,” explains Dr. Holger Hätty, member of the Airline Board, Lufthansa German Airlines. For the first time, Lufthansa will fly nonstop from Munich to Denver, making it the tenth North American destination to be served from its hub in southern Germany. From 31 March 2007, flights to Denver will be operated daily from Munich as well as from Frankfurt.
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The Supervisory Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG appointed Carsten Spohr as CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board for a three-year term at its meeting in Frankfurt today. Carsten Spohr is to take over at the helm of Lufthansa Cargo with effect from 15 January 2007. He succeeds Jean-Peter Jansen, who stepped down as Chairman for health reasons in March 2006. Stefan Lauer, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, who took over as interim Chairman, is to re-assume his post then as Supervisory Board Chairman of Lufthansa Cargo AG. Carsten Spohr will be succeeded by Karl Ulrich Garnadt, Group Representative and Head of Hub Management Munich since October 2004. With effect from 15 January 2007, Karl Ulrich Garnadt is taking over as Executive Vice President Services and Human Resources at Lufthansa Passenger Airlines.
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EADS CASA and PTDI have signed today a licensing agreement for the production and assembly of the EADS CASA C-212-400 light military transport aircraft by PTDI. Final assembly of the aircraft will be performed both at the facilities of PTDI in Bandung and the facilities of EADS CASA in San Pablo, Seville. The agreement is a boost for the local aerospace industry in Indonesia that will be supported by EADS CASA. This agreement makes the C-212-400 much more cost-competitive and will enable this aircraft to revive sales in the light turboprop segment market in the region. The agreement will allow PTDI to commercialize the light transport version of the aircraft in Indonesia and ASEAN zone. Deliveries from Bandung to Indonesian customers and ASEAN neighbors, will provide a significant amount of workload to PTDI.
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The French defense procurement agency (DGA) has awarded Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) a contract to conduct a joint VTOL UAV (DVI) study. It covers the definition study of a VTOL UAV that meets joint Army and Navy needs. The challenge of the DVI study – which lays the base for future UAV programs – lies in defining a UAV capable of carrying out a wide range of missions in diverse theaters, from takeoff in mountainous terrain and in hot weather to landing on a frigate in extremely difficult aerological and maritime conditions. The solution being studied by Sagem Défense Sécurité is based on Bell Helicopter's Eagle Eye convertible UAV. It follows on a teaming agreement signed in June 2004 between the two companies to offer European armed forces a new generation of VTOL UAVs. The DVI study combines Sagem Défense Sécurité's know-how in designing UAV systems with a world-class helicopter manufacturer's expertise. It calls on a wide gamut of skills, ranging from the electronic mission system to propulsion, which must provide the required power reserve for use in the specified conditions. As a technological breakthrough, the Eagle Eye tilt rotor UAV is already selected by the US Coast Guard for the largest maritime protection program in the world:
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The Swiss Pilots Association (SPA), the union representing the regional pilots employed by Swiss European Air Lines, has rejected the company's offer in the present negotiations on a new Collective Labour Agreement. Despite concessions on the part of Swiss European, the SPA is not prepared to negotiate further on the offer currently tabled. Throughout the negotiations the SPA has refused to acknowledge the realities of the market and ignored the fact that AVRO regional aircraft with an average capacity of 95 seats operate in a segment and competitive environment different from that of an Airbus of the A320 family with an average capacity of more than 160 seats. The SPA's insistence on salary maximisation is unacceptable. The union's demands would result in a cost increase of approximately 35% over existing levels. The terms of the individual employment contracts that took effect April 1, 2006, were intended to serve as transitional provisions until the new CLA came into force. Swiss European will now be unilaterally improving its terms and conditions for pilots in various areas. Swiss European remains willing to engage in dialogue. The airline will communicate further details over the next few days.
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RUAG Aerospace, a subsidiary of the RUAG technology group, has secured an order worth around CHF 12 million to supply self-protection systems for helicopters belonging to the Swedish Air Force. The Emmen-based company's Integrated Self-Protection System (ISSYS) protects aircraft and helicopters against guided missiles and laser-guided weapon systems by using flares to deflect the weapons from their target. ISSYS has already been successfully incorporated into the Swiss Air Force's fleet of Cougar helicopters. Now a contract to outfit helicopters belonging to the Swedish Air Force has been signed, the first portion of which is worth CHF 12 million.
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PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Indonesian Aerospace) and Korean Aerospace Industry/Daewoo International signed a cooperation agreement, respectively represented by M. Mochajan as Ctr. President Director of PTDI and Mr. Hae Joo Chung, President and CEO Korean Aircraft Industries LTD and Mr. Tae Yong Lee President & CEO Dewoo International Corporation. This is a breakthrough for both companies to produce KO1 trainer aircraft, since the former cooperation was limited to manufacturing aircraft components by PTDI for KAI. The trainer is really needed by many countries to train their pilots, mostly air forces, for their successful missions.
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Munich Airport, the “job engine,” is firing on all cylinders. Figures released in the airport's latest employment survey – which is conducted every three years – reveal the strongest growth trend since the airport opened: The latest survey reports that, as of the June 30, 2006 reporting date, the 554 companies and public authorities operating at the airport employed a total workforce numbering 27,400 – a gain of 4000 employees, or 18 percent, since the last survey was taken at the end of 2003, and the largest increase since the airport opened. Statistically, these figures show that Munich Airport generated four new jobs daily over the past two and a half years. The largest employer at the airport remains the FMG Group. The number of employees working for FMG and its subsidiaries increased 2 percent as compared with 2003 to 7,415. The most powerful job engine at the airport is currently Lufthansa, which has bolstered its total workforce by 1800 new staff members since the last survey and now employs 7154 people. To continue expanding its flight schedule in Munich, the airline plans to hire 750 more people in the coming months.
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Korea on Nov. 22 signed a formal contract with Boeing of the United States valued at about $1.59 billion, the country's defense procurement agency said. On Nov. 8, Korea awarded its much-coveted surveillance aircraft project to Boeing after the two sides concluded price negotiations. "The contract was signed between the Defense Acquisition Program Agency (DAPA) and Boeing," Song Ha-ki, chief of the international contract team at DAPA. But he refused to reveal the exact amount of money for the contract, saying it had exceeded DAPA's target price. According to defense officials, Boeing had initially asked for about $1.9 billion, but whittled down the price in a series of negotiations. They argued that the price is much lower than those of Turkey and Australia. The contract would enable Boeing to win the project, code-named E-X, which aims to provide four 737 AEW&C spy planes to Korea by 2012. Both sides refused to reveal the range of prices addressed in the negotiations. In August, Korea chose Boeing as the sole bidder for its project to procure early warning aircraft, dropping Israeli aircraft manufacturer IAI ELTA from the competition. But Korea declined to confirm whether Boeing was the winner of the project until they completed price negotiations for the contract. In September, Korea extended the deadline for price negotiations with Boeing for the purchase of surveillance aircraft until the end of November because of a wide difference in the range of prices. The surveillance plane project is aimed at strengthening the aerial surveillance capability of Korea. Korea plans to deploy the first surveillance plane in 2011 and the other three in 2012.
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A newly-arrived RQ-4 Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle made its first operational Air Combat Command flight from here Nov. 21. The first Global Hawk flight from Beale signifies the end of the base's and communities' five-year wait for the aircraft, and the beginning of local training flights as the base continues to gain more aircraft and normalize the mission. "This is an important day for Beale and the surrounding community as we flew the first complete sortie from Beale and for Air Combat Command," Brig. Gen. H.D. Polumbo Jr said . "This flight symbolizes the first of many training missions designed to prepare our crews for missions over Iraq and Afghanistan and worldwide in the global war on terror." The Global Hawk provides Air Force and joint battlefield commanders near real-time, high-resolution, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance imagery to fight the war on terrorism. Since 2001, the Global Hawk has flown more than 5,000 hours overseas in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. "Although designed as surveillance and intelligence-gathering aircraft, Global Hawks flown locally are not currently outfitted with sensors used during overseas missions," General Polumbo said. "Beale's Global Hawk aircraft are used to train pilots, sensor operators and maintainers so they are ready for combat missions over Southwest Asia."
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Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $1,046,165,392 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This action provides for (23) F-22 aircraft and (1) F-22 replacement test aircraft. This action supports the F-22 Lot 6 Full Production contract.
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Boeing is pleased that Korean Airlines has announced its purchase of 25 Boeing airplanes. The airline announced that it is purchasing 10 777-300ERs, five 747-8 Freighters, five 777 Freighters and five Next-Generation 737s, at a list value of approximately $5.5 billion. This is the largest commercial airplane commitment in Korean history. "Korean Air is a world class airline, and we value our long relationship with this important customer," said Larry Dickenson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Sales. "Korean Air is buying the world's most fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft to meet their requirements, and we look forward to continuing our strong working relationship. We are proud to produce the airplanes that play a key role in Korean Air's plans for growth and leadership."
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Orbital Sciences Corporation announced that it has been selected by SES NEW SKIES of the Netherlands, to design, build and deliver the NSS-9 commercial communications satellite. This satellite will be based on Orbital's flight-proven STAR 2 platform, which will generate 2.3 kilowatts of payload power and carry 28 active transponders. The NSS-9 satellite will be located at 183 degrees East longitude, but will also be capable of being deployed to other locations in the SES fleet. The NSS-9 satellite order is the 18th Orbital geosynchronous commercial communications satellite ordered by customers throughout the world, including the North American, European and Asia/Pacific markets. Mr. Robert Bednarek, President and Chief Executive of SES NEW SKIES, said, "With the procurement of NSS-9 for launch in 2008 and the upcoming launch of NSS-8 in January 2007, SES NEW SKIES will significantly expand its transmission capacity, in-orbit back-up and overall fleet flexibility in the best interest of our customers. This ongoing fleet development serves to demonstrate the long-term commitment that the SES Group brings to global satellite coverage and connectivity. We look forward to working closely with Orbital on the NSS-9 mission, and are confident that they will deliver an excellent spacecraft that matches SES' high quality standards." The NSS-9 is the second order placed in 2006 by an SES GLOBAL member company for satellites based on Orbital's STAR platform.
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Boeing is being awarded a $674,116,428 cost-plus-award fee contract. This action provides for Delta IV Launch Capability for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) rocket program. This effort includes launch and Range Operations for Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.; Mission Integration Mission Unique Development and Integration; System Engineering and program management; subcontractor support; factory support engineering; and special studies.
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The German radar satellite TerraSAR-X will be launched from Baikonur on 27 February 2007 on a Dnepr-1 rocket. This new launch date has now been announced by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) along with its industrial partners Astrium GmbH and Infoterra GmbH, responsible for the commercial exploitation of TerraSAR-X data.The launch originally planned for 31 October 2006 had to be shifted after an unsuccessful launch of a rocket of the same type last summer. The single cause of this launch mishap was discovered and, after considering all necessary preparatory activities, 27 February has been selected as the new launch date. TerraSAR-X is the first German satellite to be built in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between DLR and EADS Astrium. Europe's leading satellite system specialist, EADS Astrium, contributes to the cost of development, construction and deployment of the spacecraft. The scientific exploitation of TerraSAR-X data will be conducted by DLR, while Infoterra GmbH is responsible for the commercial marketing. Circling Earth on a polar orbit at an altitude of 514 kilometres, TerraSAR-X, with its active antenna, will collect new-quality X-band radar data of the entire planet. The satellite will operate independent of weather conditions, cloud coverage and illumination, and will be capable of delivering data at a resolution of up to 1 metre.
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