U P D A T E
Home | UPDATE | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles
Week ending June 20, 1999
This week, we bring you a much enlarged issue of our UPDATE with all the important news from the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget. Setting off with the spectacular crash of the Su-30MK fighter, the show brought major contract signings like the Tiger attack helicopter order, Crossairs selection of Embraer for regional jets, the usual Boeing and Airbus order sprees, the UK announcement of Raytheon as ASTOR winner, discussions on future European airlifters and medium-range air-to-air missiles and much more. A full report and lots of pictures will be in the August issue of FLUG REVUE, due out on July 19. Don't miss it! In the meantime, follow these links:+++ Dasa and CASA sign memorandum of understanding +++ Production contract for Tiger signed +++ Su-30MK crashes at Le Bourget +++ Airbus: restructure or no money for A3XX +++ Embraer reveals 4.9 billion Dollar order with Crossair +++ Airbus "sells" 146 aircraft during Le Bourget +++ Boeing Orders at Paris rise to $3 billion +++ Airline profits in 1998 rach 3,1 billion US-Dollars +++ Lufthansa: Worsened conditions diminish expectations for 1999 +++ Fairchild sells 25 Envoy 7 business jets +++ Eurowings orders more ATRs +++ Bell/Agusta AB139 unveiled +++ Raytheon wins UK's ASTOR program +++ ISS in space junk scare +++ Pratt & Whitney develops new Upper-Stage Rocket Engine +++ News in brief +++
Dasa and CASA sign memorandum of understanding
Europäische Fusion zwischen Dasa und CASA
Confirming the rumours of recent days, Dasa and CASA announced their merger deal on June 11 at 4 pm in Madrid. Dasa has thus beaten British Aerospace and Aerospatiale in the race to snap up a stake in the Spanish aircraft maker. "We value this step as a great success for Dasa and above all a good signal for the European aerospace industry. This merger is going to be the first major cross-border business combination in the European aerospace industry and an incentive for further steps. It will strengthen DaimlerChrysler's global position in this field." This was how Jürgen E. Schrempp, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler AG, commented on the decision of the Spanish state holding company SEPI to choose Dasa. "Jointly we are now in the position to take the largest cross-border step in the restructuring of the European aerospace industry and thus make an excellent contribution toward consolidating and optimizing the success of major programs such as Airbus and Eurofighter," declared Dr. Manfred Bischoff, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (Dasa, Munich). The combined company will have sales revenues of 11 billion Euro and a workforce of 53000 people. Dasa and CASA complement each other, not only in their development activities but also in their production and sales capabilities. This opens up considerable potential for a joint increase in corporate value, for accessing new markets and for generating new business. The merged aerospace activities will be part of the DaimlerChrysler Group, the world's leading provider of transportation products and services.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Production contract for Tiger signed
Tiger-Vertrag in Paris endlich unterzeichnet
In presence of Jean-Yves Helmer, Head of the French Armament Agency, DGA, and Dr. Hans-Heinrich Weise, National German Deputy Armament Director, Detlev Petry President of the BWB (Federal German Agency for Military Technology and Procurement) signed the production contract for the Franco-German combat and support helicopter, Tiger, on June 18, 1999, during the International Aerospace Exhibition at Le Bourget. Patrick Gavin, Chairman, and Dr. Siegfried Sobotta, Co-Chairman of Eurocopter, welcomed this decisive step towards production of the Tiger, one of the most important military programmes ever launched in Europe. They expressed their thanks to the two Ministries of Defence for the high priority given to the Tiger programme by the governments of Germany and France. The contract signals clearance for Tiger production. An initial batch of 160 helicopters, 80 for Germany and 80 for France, will be procured. The German Army's total requirement of 212 and the French Army's requirement of a total of 215 Tiger helicopters remains unchanged. Production and final assembly of the machines will be at the Eurocopter plants in Donauwörth (Germany) and Marignane (France). Cost and work shares are divided between the two partner countries on a 50:50 per cent basis. Deliveries will commence in 2002. The Tiger programme is of utmost importance for the European helicopter and equipment industry. The order for the production of the helicopters will subsequently increase, as of 2001 and 2003, to a total of 2000 jobs in each of the countries envolved, thus safeguarding high-technology industrial capacities in Germany and France, as well as increasing the European industry's competitiveness in the international market in the long term.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Su-30MK crashes at Le Bourget
Spektakulärer Absturz der Su-30MK
The Aerosalon got off to a spectacular start on Saturday, June 12, when the Sukhoi Su-30MK crashed soon after take-off for its display. Starting a routine corksrew descent, test pilot Vyacheslav Averyanov had the impression of leaving the display boundaries and heading towards some houses on the outside of the field. He then continued to turn, loosing too much height for recovery. The tail hit the ground, rupturing the left engine nozzle and some fuel lines. Full thrust and energy were sufficient to gain some height again, before the two Zwezda K-36 ejection seats of Averyanov and his backseater vladimir Shendrik worked flawlessly. Both men were unhurt and back for a press conference the other day. The Su-30MK was the first prototype, used to test improvements for the Indian air force order. Irkutsk factory officials and Sukhoi general designer Simonov claimed that enough money is available to build another aircraft and complete tests on time.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Airbus: restructure or no money for A3XX
Politker machen Druck auf Airbus
The partners of the Airbus Industrie consortium were told by their respective governments they must restructure the company if they want to develop the new A3XX aircraft. The governments want the consortium turned into a Single Corporate Entity (SCE) or a proper company with its own factories by September. The French government meanwhile, has announced that it is willing to loan at least 200m francs in repayable launch aid to Airbus to develop the A3XX. Talks between the Airbus companies to form an SCE have previously broken down but have been bolstered with the recent announcement that two of the companies, Dasa and CASA, are to merge.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Embraer reveals 4.9 billion Dollar order with Crossair
Crossair wählt Embraer-Regionaljetfamilie
In Le Bourget, Embraer registered an aviation industry record when it announced a US$ 4.9 billion purchase order agreement with Swiss regional carrier Crossair. The contract confirms the purchase of 40 ERJ-145 50-seat jetliners, of which 15 are firm orders and 25 options. As the launch customer of the new ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 programs, Crossair has signed a purchase agreement for 30 firm orders for both the 70-seat ERJ-170 and the 108-seat ERJ-190-200 regional jets. In addition, Crossair has placed options on a further 100 aircraft, although the exact breakdown between the two versions has not yet been decided. Thus, Crossair has defected from the Fairchild Dornier 728/528/928 family, which it did study closely together with Lufthansa for several months."I am proud and happy to be entering into what I anticipate will be a long and friendly partnership with a company which I have long admired and which has earned for itself an enviable reputation", stated Mr. Moritz Suter, Crossair's President and CEO. "We at Crossair will do our utmost to contribute to the success of the new programs and thus ensure that they will be beneficial for both partners", he added.
With development costs for the ERJ-170 and ERJ-190-200 programs reaching the US$ 850 million figure, Embraer has scheduled delivery of the first ERJ-170 for the end of 2002, while delivery of the first ERJ-190-200 will take place in spring of 2004. "Aside being a major milestone in Embraer's history, this contract is especially significant to this company. In deciding to be the ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 launch customer, Crossair has given a clear sign of the confidence and trust that Embraer and its products enjoy in the regional aviation market. Moreover, in view of Crossair's unique position as Europe's leading regional airline and renowned for its creative and effective operations, its decision to be Embraer's launch customer for the ERJ-170 and ERJ-190-200 shall spur further sales orders for these products among other operators in the world", said Mauricio Botelho, President and CEO of Embraer.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
ISS in space junk scare
Raumstation entgeht nur knapp Kollision mit Müll
NASA has revealed that an error by flight controllers prevented the new international space station from moving out of the way of dangerous space junk. The rocket debris ended up passing at a safe distance, it was said. Initially, the U.S. military organization that tracks objects in space predicted the rocket chunk would pass within one kilometre of the space station on June 13. It ended up coming no closer than 2,5 kilometres. The debris was Russian in origin and fairly large. At last count, the U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs, Colo., was tracking more than 8,700 manmade objects in orbit, most of that junk. The maneuvering command, drawn up by both U.S. and Russian engineers, was sent from the Russian control center outside Moscow on Saturday night. But the command contained faulty instructions, and the space station's computers rejected it. The station was left without motion control for an entire orbit.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Airbus "sells" 146 aircraft during Le Bourget
Gute Auftragslage für Airbus in Paris
Airbus Industrie announced orders for 146 aircraft at the Paris air show. This includes 93 firm orders and 53 commitments. The deals, which started off with a 30 aircraft firm order for single-aisle A320 Family aircraft from debis AirFinance, also included the announcement of a 60-aircraft firm order from ILFC, which raises the US lessor's total Airbus Industrie's total firm orders to 342 aircraft. The order also included the first firm order for the newly launched A318, of which ILFC will take 30. Other developments during the week included the announcement by Singapore-based S.A.L.E. of their intention to purchase 23 single-aisle aircraft, including 20 A320s and three A321s. AirLanka also made public their firm order for three A330-200s, further bolstering the strong orderbook for this newest twin-engine production model in the A330/A340 long range family. Northwest Airlines also announced an MOU for 30 A320 Family aircraft, which will make it Airbus Industrie's largest A320 Family airline customer with 150 aircraft in its fleet.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Boeing Orders at Paris Rise to $3 billion
Aufträge für drei Milliarden Dollar für Boeing
On June 17,. Boeing announced additional orders for 19 Boeing jetliners from four customers. TAROM Romanian Air Transport (four 737-700s and four 737-800s), Lauda Air, (one 767-300ER), Delta Air Lines (six 7378-800s, one 757-200, two 767-300Ers) and Hapag-Lloyd (one 737-800) have placed orders. These announcement brought to 118 the number of orders Boeing has announced this year, including a total of 62 airplanes announced during the Paris week. In addition to the 19 jetliners mentioned above, Boeing earlier announced orders by Jet Airways, Midway, the CIT Group, Korean Air and Southwest Airlines. The company also has announced plans by International Lease Finance Corporation to order as many as 100 Next-Generation 737s.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Raytheon wins UK's ASTOR program
ASTOR Radaraufklärer wird von Raytheon geliefert
Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL), the UK subsidiary of Raytheon Company has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Airborne Standoff Radar (ASTOR) program, beating Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The #800 million (US $ 1.3 billion) airborne radar surveillance program provides day/night and all-weather imagery of the ground over a large area. The imagery can be analyzed on board the aircraft and passed in near real-time to ground stations and other military systems."Our approach offers the most effective Airborne Standoff Radar technology capability but at the lowest risk, and is an excellent example of how international partnerships can work in a competitive environment, to the benefit of the customer," said Raytheon President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. Burnham. Raytheon's winning proposal combines proven radar technology with a defined upgrade path, the best aircraft in the Bombardier Aerospace Global Express, and the ground station expertise of Motorola, providing the British Armed Forces with the most technologically advanced system in the world. With the ASTOR program decision, Raytheon can now also work toward marketing its system worldwide, including to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Alliance Ground Surveillance program.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Airline profits in 1998 rach 3,1 billion US-Dollars
Gewinne für die Luftverkehrsgesellschaften 1998
In 1998 IATA airlines made a net profit of USD 3.1 billion on turnover of USD 142.7 billion on scheduled international services, a drop of USD 1.9 billion compared with 1997. While capacity grew at a lower rate than 1997 (5.2% vs. 6.9%), passenger and cargo traffic saw a reduced level of growth at 2.2% and thus, did not keep pace with capacity growth. Cargo traffic was particularly weak in 1998. These are the headline data from WATS. IATA's World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) is the most up-to-date and comprehensive source of airline statistical information.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Lufthansa: Worsened conditions diminish expectations for 1999
Schlechtere Aussichten für Lufthansa
Lufthansa Chairman Jürgen Weber was able to present the best Group result in the company's history to shareholders and guests attending the 46th Annual General Meeting in Cologne. All the Group companies posted a profit. The greatest share was contributed by Lufthansa AG, which lifted its revenue by 4.7 per cent. Shareholders will also benefit from the company's performance. The dividend per share has increased by 22 per cent to DM 1.10. Taking the tax credit of DM 0.47 into account the gross dividend for 1998 will be a full 67 per cent higher than in the previous year.The current year 1999 is also weighed down by the Kosovo war, which requires some 300 Lufthansa flights a day to be diverted. In addition there has been dramatic rise in competition in some parts, particularly on the North Atlantic routes. "Lufthansa cannot escape the pressure this has unleashed throughout the industry. The month of April and part of May did not go as expected," Weber said. "If the situation does not change significantly in the near future we will have to revise our projected results downwards." Much would depend on the continuation of global economic developments, which involved considerable imponderables, he added. In a reference to experts who predict greater global economic stability and more favourable conditions for the year 2000, he said Lufthansa again expected a significantly improved result inthe coming year.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Fairchild sells 25 Envoy 7 business jets
Weitere Aufträge für Fairchild Aerospace
Flight Options Inc., the fastest growing national fractional ownership company, announced at the Paris Air Show it will buy 25 Fairchild Aerospace Envoy 7 business jets in a deal valued more than $760 million. The Envoy 7 is developed from the same airframe as the Fairchild Aerospace 728JET, the first in a family of advanced airliners in the under-100 seat class. The Envoy 7 will be the largest aircraft in Flight Options' fleet of more than 50 aircraft.The Envoy 7 was introduced in October 1998, and deliveries to initial customers are set to begin in 2002. The Envoy 7 features a cabin 128 inches across, and almost 7-feet high, giving it nearly twice the cabin volume of its competitors, yet is competitively priced at $30.5 million. The Envoy 7 will comfortably accommodate 12 people on intercontinental flights with comfortable seating, large conference facilities - even a stateroom equipped with a shower.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Eurowings orders more ATRs
Weitere ATR-Turboprops für Eurowings
With the placement of a further order for aircraft, Eurowings Luftverkehrs AG sets forth the renewal of its turboprop fleet.Reinhard Santner, Chairman of the Board, Eurowings Luftverkehrs AG, announced in Paris that the airline, one of the largest regional airlines in Europe, has ordered five new ATR 42-500 aircraft from the French-Italian manufacturer ATR. Speaking to journalists at the international Aerosalon in Le Bourget, Reinhard Santner estimated the volume of the contract at approximately 68 million US $. The aircraft will be delivered to Eurowings by the beginning of next year and will replace older ATR turboprop aircraft in the airline's fleet. The aircraft will be used in European scheduled flight service. Eurowings, the largest operator of ATR aircraft in Europe, has flown with aircraft produced by the European manufacturer consortium since 1986.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Pratt & Whitney develops new Upper-Stage Rocket Engine
Neues Raketentriebwerk von Pratt & Whitney
On June 15, Pratt & Whitney (P&W) announced the development of a new advanced high-performance liquid- hydrogen-fueled rocket engine. Designated the RL50, the engine is being developed as an upper-stage power plant for both domestic and international launch vehicles. "We see market need and growth for cryogenic upper-stage engines and intend to fill that need with the RL50," stated Larry Knauer, newly appointed president of P&W's Space Propulsion business unit. "The engine complements our current RL10 engine family and will help to further strengthen our position as the leader in providing upper-stage propulsion." The RL50, configured to meet future launch vehicle manufacturers' requirements for increased performance and payload delivery capability, will provide more than double the thrust of the highest performing RL10 engines presently in service, to levels greater than 50,000 pounds of thrust. The RL50's performance increase will come in a package approximately the same size as P&W's RL10, currently the industry's workhorse upper- stage engine for Atlas, Titan and, most recently, Delta launch vehicles.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Bell/Agusta AB139 unveiled
AB139 Mock-up enthüllt
Bell and Agusta used Le Bourget to start the marketing drive for their new medium-sized mulit-role helicopter. A full-size AB139 mock-up was unveiled on June 12, showing an NH90-like helicopter with large cabin, sliding doors, retractable undercarriage and five-blade main rotor. The first prototype is to fly in late 2000, with deliveries following in late 2002. A price of six million US-Dollars for the basic machine was mentioned. Agusta had worked on the AB139 for some years before Bell joined in the programme, taking a 25 per cent stake. Both companies also will put out some work to risk sharing subcontractors, like GKN Westland, Honeywell (Epic Avionics) and Swidnik in Poland (fuselage).
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
On June 16, the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia has signed a contract for the purchase of one Canadair 415 amphibious aircraft, with delivery scheduled for the spring of 2000. The order brings the Croatian fleet to five waterbombers: two Canadair 215 and three Canadair 415 aircraft.+++
Immediately following the creation of the Aerospatiale Matra company, Aerospatiale Matra and Lockheed Martin signed an agreement (MOA) to cooperate on a very important Korean project, furthering their goals not only of Transatlantic cooperation, but also of working together as a global team. Aerospatiale Matra and Lockheed Martin agreed today to provide for potential industrial cooperation with the new Korean Aircraft Industries (KAI). This agreement allows for potential industrial exploration with KAI on new aerospace and defense programs. This project will allow the two companies to build an alliance with a major Asian player in the aerospace and defense market. Aerospatiale Matra and Lockheed Martin take this opportunity to confirm that they are also continuing their discussions for further partnerships on tanker transport and multi-mission large military aircraft programs.
+++
On June 15, John Battle, UK Minister for Industry and Energy, welcomed the launch of a new Foresight Associate Programme, 'Air Travel - Greener by Design' which aims to minimise the environmental impact of air transport. Welcoming the new 'Air Travel - Greener by Design' programme, Mr Battle said: "Air travel is now part of our everyday lives. But even though today's aircraft are 70% more fuel efficient than those of 40 years ago, the growth in traffic means that aviation emissions are set to double by 2010. "The challenge we face is how to retain the benefits of air transport while reducing its environmental impact to sustainable levels. "The answer lies in engineering solutions and advances in science and technology. In applying that new knowledge to improvements in design and performance; and in collaboration between all those organisations with an interest in sustainable aviation." The Associate Programme will be taken forward by the Aviation Environment Group under the management of the Society of British Aerospace Companies.
+++
Kaman's K-MAX helicopter has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for operations under instrument flight rule (IFR) conditions. The certification meets a U.S. Navy requirement for vertical replenishment aircraft. The Navy has requested proposals for leasing civil-IFR certified vertical replenishment (VERTREP) helicopters able to transfer cargo between ships at sea by day or night. The Navy plans to deploy detachments of VERTREP helicopters aboard Military Sealift Command ships for resupplying the Atlantic fleet.
+++
Raytheon Company and Airbus Industrie recently signed an exclusive agreement to cooperate in the development of the air refueling version of the Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), to be based on the Airbus A310-300 aircraft, and to jointly pursue MRTT sales. The air-refueling version will be a new derivative of the existing A310 freighter/passenger combination aircraft. This cooperative effort by Raytheon and Airbus Industrie follows their recently completed proposal to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to provide the Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system installed on an Airbus 310. In addition, a similar proposal has been submitted to the Turkish government. According to the MRTT agreement, Raytheon's Aircraft Integration Systems (AIS) segment, which is leading Raytheon's Australian and Turkish efforts, will become the Design Authority for the airborne refueling tanker version of the MRTT. AIS will develop the modification, obtain certification of the aircraft modification, and either provide modification services or provide customers with modification kits and instructions for installation.
+++
Twenty-five of the world's top aerospace companies have joined the Boeing Joint Strike Fighter industry team -- called the "One Team." This expansion of the industry team is a crucial step toward making the Joint Strike Fighter the most cost-effective major weapons system possible. The team is focusing resources on winning the JSF Engineering and Manufacturing Development decision in 2001. "Boeing and the original six members of the One Team have selected the best companies in the aerospace industry who share a commitment to building the most affordable and effective aircraft possible," said Frank Statkus, Boeing vice president and JSF general manager. "They bring unparalleled technical and management expertise to bear on our must-win goal for the EMD phase." The new members were chosen based on their superior performance during the current Concept Demonstration phase of the program.
+++
Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS) rolled out the first C-27J "Spartan" military tactical transport aircraft from the Alenia Aerospazio facility in Caselle (Turin), Italy. The launching of the C-27J upgrade program was announced in 1997 during the Paris Air Show, and the roll-out highlights a program which is on schedule. Two other aircraft are presently being readied at the same facility to enter the flight test program, leading to JAR 25 civil certification by Registro Aeronautico Italiano (RAI), the Italian airworthiness Authority, by the end of 2000. This will be followed by certificate of military qualification from the Italian Ministry of Defense based on performance tests conducted by the Italian Air Force. The C-27J maintains the key features of the G222 tactical military transport -- large cargo compartment size, payload capability, ruggedness and sustained 3g maneuverability -- and incorporates key features from Lockheed Martin's C-130J -- avionics and Rolls Royce AE2100 propulsion system -- to increase range, speed, performances and reliability to create the world's premier military medium tactical transport.
+++
On June 14, Bombardier Aerospace announced that its new 66- to 78-seat Q400 turboprop airliner has been awarded its Transport Canada type certificate. The certification, to Transport Canada CAR 525, Amendment 86 came just 48 months after the official launch of the Q400 program at the Paris Air Show in June 1995. U.S. certification to FAR 25, Amendment 86 is expected in about a month, with European Joint Airworthiness Authority JAR 25, Change 14 approval to follow during the summer. The extensive certification program involved five flight test aircraft which accumulated about 1,900 flight hours in more than 1,400 test missions.
+++
Bombardier Aerospace announced that Seattle-based Horizon Air became the North American launch customer for its new Q400 with a firm order for 15 of the 350-knot 70-passenger airliners. Horizon Air also took options on an additional 15 Q400 aircraft. Value of the firm order is approximately $321 million U.S. ($472 million Cdn.). Horizon Air is scheduled to take delivery of the aircraft between August 2000 and the third quarter of 2001. With its Q400 aircraft, Horizon Air plans to replace older 37-seat Dash 8(R) Series 100 aircraft on some routes and complement its newer 37-seat Q200 aircraft on others.
+++
Elbit Systems Ltd. announced at the Paris Air Show that it has recently signed a contract with Eurocopter to supply digital map systems for their Super Puma MK1 helicopters for the Swiss Air Force. The contract calls for the supply and integration of digital map systems for 12 helicopters as well as ground support equipment needed for operation and maintenance. The digital map is a highly advanced system that presents the helicopter pilot with all flight data, including navigation, obstacles, topographical maps, aerial and satellite photos.
+++
At the Paris Air Show, IAE (International Aero Engines AG) announced that it is evaluating a new engine variant named the V2500-A7. Taking as its basis the market-leading V2500-A5, the new variant would incorporate technologies and knowledge from IAE's shareholders -- Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation (JAEC) and MTU. "The underlying principle of the -- A7 is IAE's dedication to support customers in achieving their business objectives," said Mike Terrett, President and CEO of IAE. "Anticipating the future engine needs of our customers and implementing best-in-class technology to fulfil those needs is an important part of that support. The V2500-A7 would provide overall improvements in value and cost for all operators while addressing specific needs of the market for lower emissions and increased thrust flexibility.
+++
On June 14, Bombardier Aerospace officially unveiled a partial cabin mockup of its proposed BRJ-X regional twinjet airliner in the 90- to 115-seat class. The mockup, which represents one of many possible BRJ-X interior configurations, consists of a custom-designed front left lavatory, front right galley displaying hot meal capability, two rows of business class seats at 101.6 cm (40-inch) pitch, five rows of economy seats at 81.3 cm (32 inches), passenger service units (PSUs) and overhead bins. The bins are a unique, passenger-friendly design being evaluated by Bombardier Aerospace. The entire bin rotates downward to approximately eye level, making it easier to stow baggage while at the same time preventing "overstuffing".
+++
Bombardier Aerospace announced the launch of its all-new Bombardier Continental business jet on the opening day of the 43rd Paris Air Show. "I am extremely pleased to announce that our board of directors has approved the launch of the Bombardier Continental - an aircraft that will deliver the best value in its class and is destined to become the new benchmark against which all competitive aircraft will be measured," declared Mr. Brown, president and chief executive officer, Bombardier. "Development of this all-new aircraft with a group of international risk-sharing associates continues according to schedule and we are on target for first flight in 2001 and to enter corporate service in 2002." Michael Graff, president and chief operating officer, Bombardier Aerospace, described the orderbook: "To date, we have some 75 letters of intent which we expect to successfully convert into firm orders over the next several months, in addition to 25 Continental aircraft that will go in our Flexjet fractional ownership program, bringing our commitments to date for the aircraft to 100 units," he stated.
+++
The Russian Khrunichev State Space Center has bought 45 SS-19 missiles to be transformed into the Rokot boosters, Center General Director Anatoly Kiselyov said at a news conference in Le Bourget. A model of the Rokot booster meant for putting into the orbit satellites with a weight of up to two tonnes is displayed at the stand of the Khrunichev Center at the 43rd international aerospace show. Two launches of the Rokot boosters will be made this year from the Plesetsk space center, Kiselyov said. The Center took up the program bearing in mind the vast market of small satellites to remain till 2010. A joint venture has been formed with the German Dasa concern to promote the Rokot.
+++
The MAPO company and Germany's Dasa planned to sign an agreement at the Le Bourget aerospace show to modernize MiG-29 fighters of East European countries with due account of the NATO standards, MAPO General Director, General Designer Nikolai Nikitin has said. In his words, the document will be a basis for a Russian- German intergovernmental agreement on the further cooperation between the two companies. The MAPS Russian-German joint venture can do the modernization of up to 100 fighters and the modernization's cost can reach 1.7 billion German marks within the next five years.
+++
On June 11, Globalstar announced the successful launch of an additional four low-earth-orbiting (LEO) satellites into space, bringing the total number of Globalstar satellites that have been successfully launched to 24. Globalstar's satellites, manufactured by prime contractor Space Systems/Loral, were launched on June 10 at 9:48 a.m. EDT aboard a Boeing Delta II launch vehicle from the Cape Canaveral Air Station in Florida. "With only two more successful launches of four satellites each Globalstar will have the coverage required to initiate a regional roll-out of service in September," said Bernard L. Schwartz, chairman and chief executive officer of Globalstar.
+++
On June 11, the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) and the U.S. Army announced a successful intercept with a target by the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile in a flight test at the White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The intercept, which took place at 7:19 a.m. (EDT), occurred over the central portion of the national missile range. The Hera target, which simulated a Scud ballistic missile such as those seen during Operation Desert Storm, was destroyed on impact. This test was THAAD's first successful intercept of a ballistic missile. All THAAD elements participated, demonstrating integrated performance of the entire system. Today's test was the tenth in a planned series of 13 Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PDRR) flight tests to verify the THAAD prototype design and performance of the system components.
+++
The Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) team recently began modifications to transform a Northrop Grumman-owned BAC 1-11 aircraft into a flying avionics test bed for the JSF program. The test bed will be used to fly prototype multi-sensor JSF avionics under real-life conditions difficult to produce during simulation. Integrating avionics systems on a flying test bed will reduce the need for sensor flights during the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the program. "When this is accomplished, it will represent the first time that a product development team validated their modeling and simulation before the EMD phase," said Carl Huncharek, JSF deputy director for Mission Systems. "The result will be lower risk and lower cost for our JSF program." Flight testing of the Lockheed Martin prototype JSF active electronically scanned array (AESA) on the BAC 1-11 will begin in the fourth quarter of 1999.
+++
The Satellite Business unit of DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (Dasa, Munich) augments its participation in the Argentinian Satellite Operator Nahuelsat SA of Buenos Aires. On Wednesday, Dasa announced at the Paris Airshow that it completed a share purchase of 10 percent equity from the French Aerospace group Aerospatiale which leads almost to doubling its shareholding to 21 Percent. Other Aerospace shareholders in Nahuelsat comprise G.E. Americom and Alenia. Nahuel has been founded in 1993 by Dasa als a lead investor in a team with Aerospatiale and Alenia; since that time Nahuelsat sells transponder capacity in Latin America.
+++
On June 18, Boeing confirmed Singapore Airlines' (SIA) choice of the 777-200ER (extended range) - the world's longest-range jetliner - to serve ultra long-range routes between Singapore and European destinations. The airline - known for its award-winning service - announced today it would exercise 10 options from a major 777 order placed in November 1995. The original order - 34 orders and 43 options - was placed just five months after the world's newest and most advanced jetliner family entered service. In announcing its decision, Singapore Airlines said today's announcement "will allow SIA to phase out progressively the A340-300 fleet, which is currently deployed on the thinner routes to Europe and North America."
+++
Executive Jet, Inc. plans to purchase a record 100 new Raytheon Aircraft Hawker Horizon super mid-size business jets to serve the company's NetJets fractional ownership fleet. Executive Jet placed an order for 50 Hawker Horizons, valued at approximately $1 billion with support activities. Executive Jet also received options for 50 aircraft, which if exercised would make the program worth $2 billion, including support work. The contract is the largest business jet fleet transaction in Raytheon Aircraft's history. It also increases the Hawker Horizon order book, including options, to 150 aircraft. Deliveries of Executive Jet's initial 50 Hawker Horizons will begin in 2002 and continue through 2008. Under previously announced deals, Executive Jet plans to purchase 56 Hawker 800XP mid-size business jets for its NetJets program, 20 of which have been targeted for its NetJets Europe program.
+++
Fairchild Aerospace Corporation's Dornier Luftfahrt unit has selected Israel Aircraft Industries as a major supplier partner on the 44-seat 428JET regional jet program. Under terms of the initial agreement worth more than $80 million, IAI will be responsible for system engineering and integration, flight testing and certification support. Further discussions between the two companies could lead to IAI manufacturing the fuselage and performing final assembly. Customer customization and delivery will occur at Dornier Luftfarht in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. Fairchild Aerospace launched the 428JET program in 1998 and has firm orders and options for 85 units, with deliveries beginning in the spring of 2003. The aircraft has high commonality with the company's 32-passenger 328JET, providing operators with the opportunity to expand fleets easily and economically. Both the 328JET and 428JET provide more room per passenger than any other regional jet.
+++
The Rolls-Royce Trent 500, sole powerplant for growth versions of the Airbus Industrie A340, has exceeded its planned certification thrust of 60,000lb after less than three hours on test, demonstrating better than predicted levels of performance, it was announced at the Paris Air Show. The initial development engine reached a thrust of 68,000lb. In service, the Trent 500 will be rated at 53,000lb for the A340-500 and 56,000lb for the A340-600. Testing of the latest Trent variant began ahead of schedule on May 29 at the company's Derby facilities and continues on plan. The first engine is due to complete 60 hours running by the end of June.
+++
Rolls-Royce Canada Limited and BMW Rolls-Royce have signed a 10-year agreement under which the Rolls-Royce facility in Montreal will provide complete repair and overhaul services for the Dahlewitz, Germany-based manufacturer's BR715 jet engines. The agreement designates the Rolls-Royce Canada facility as the primary repair and overhaul facility in North America for the engines, which power the Boeing 717. Rolls-Royce Canada will invest up to $10 million (Canadian) in the necessary tooling and test cell modifications. BMW Rolls-Royce will provide technical assistance to Rolls-Royce Canada including training, technical publications, technical representatives and specialist assistance.
+++
Sikorsky's S-92A HELIBUS was introduced to the world aerospace community at the Paris Air Show. The utility variant on static display allowed viewers to see the large cabin and rear ramp attributes that spell mission versatility. Meanwhile, flight development of the medium-lift helicopter continues to expand at the company's Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. With the first three of five development aircraft now at the facility, the ground and flight testing of the S-92 are well underway. Aircraft number 3 joined the development program in May and will begin flying in July 1999.
+++
On June 16, Northrop Grummn and Airbus announced an agreement to jointly pursue an aircraft/system configuration to meet NATO's Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) requirement. The two companies are cooperating in this effort to determine the best Airbus aircraft to integrate the US andvanced radar.
+++
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Previous updates are still available:
Die News der letzten Wochen sind weiter abrufbar:
June 13, 1999
June 6, 1999
May 30, 1999
May 23, 1999
May 16, 1999
May 9, 1999
May 2, 1999
April 25, 1999
April 18, 1999
April 11, 1999
April 4, 1999
January to March 1999
January to December 1998
January to December 1997
September to December 1996
Home | UPDATE | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles
Copyright 1999 by Motor-Presse Stuttgart. All rights reserved.
Last updated June 19, 1999
FLUG REVUE, Ubierstr. 83, 53173 Bonn, Germany