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Week ending May 25, 1997
+++ EC may block Boeing/McDonnell merger +++ Eurofighter compeletes second official flight test phase +++ Airbus details AE31X data +++ Changes in the executive management at KLM +++ First contract for SRTM-Radarmission +++ A340-500/600 windtunnel tests exceed expectations +++ US defence review proposes cuts in procurement +++ British Airways sells USAirways stock +++ Dasa and Georgia: Joint development of new satellite antenna systems +++ Losses at Deutsche BA mount +++ Kormoran 2 production completed +++ New assembly schedule for the International Space Station approved +++ News in brief +++
EC may block Boeing/McDonnell merger
Einwände der EU-Kommission gegen Fusion
The European Commission has formally delivered its objections against the planned Boeing/McDonnell Douglas merger, after repeatedly warning that it might declare "illegal" the deal. EU officials have argued against the merger on anti-trust grounds, and said the resulting company would control too large a market share and pose a threat to European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus Industrie. If the EU continues its hard line about the deal, the merged entity could face fines of up to $5 billion, as well as a host of lawsuits in Europe.Philip M. Condit, chairman and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company, said that Boeing would "continue to work with the EC to help the Commission better understand the data that underlies the process and the benefits that accrue to customers, suppliers, employees and shareholders." "However," Condit added, "the U.S. Federal Trade Commission should be given the lead in this case, as it so obviously concerns key U.S. interests, not the least of which is in the sovereign area of defense. There continues to be debate about 'spill-over' to commercial airplane programs," Condit said. "This issue was dealt with in the1992 bilateral trade agreement," he noted. " We continue to comply with the bilateral. Since 1993, when we have submitted reports to the U.S. government on this issue, there have been no instances of benefits accruing to U.S. commercial airplane programs from currently funded U.S. Department of Defense or National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contracts."
On the issue of so-called "exclusive" contracts, Condit emphasized that the recent decisions by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are not related in any way to the planned merger, and, in the case of American Airlines, the exclusive agreement was made public prior to the merger announcement. Condit also emphasized that in the case of both American and Delta, the airlines approached Boeing for the exclusive arrangements following an aggressive sales campaign between Boeing and Airbus.
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Eurofighter completes second official flight test phase
Offizielle Überprüfung des EF2000 in Italien
The second so called "Official Preview" of the Eurofighter 2000 has been successfully completed in Italy. During a four week period ending May 9, a team of experts from the air force test centres of the four participating nations put prototype DA7 (fitted with EJ200 engines) through its paces. A total of seven test flights, including supersonic flight, five ground tests and two taxi tests were conducted. Total flight time was six hours, 31 minutes, instead of the planned eight hours. According to Alenia, comments by flight crews and satisfactory test results point to the ability of the weapons system to meet its performance goals. Now a detailed analysis of the data will be made and a final report submitted to the Air Staffs of the four countries.Meanwhile, doubts about the German commitment to the Eurofighter are rising, with comments by defence minister Rühe that the EF2000 could well be cut if defence spending shrinks further. Despite the new discussion, Luftwaffe Chief-of-Staff, LtGen. Bernhard Mende, remains cautiously optimistic that the Eurofighter will be ordered. "The need for a modern fighter to replace the ageing Phantoms is not at all in doubt", he said in a speech to members of the Freundeskreis Luftwaffe (German Air Force Association) in Bonn. "Besides, the ability to patrol ones airspace is a part of national souvereignity. And there is no longer a dispute about prices", he added, conceding that "in the current political climate, a decision for EF2000 demands courage. But without courage, you never reach your goals".
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Airbus details AE31X data
Details des Airbus AE31X vorgestellt
After the signature of a framework agreement with Aviation Industries of China, Airbus Industrie Asia is optimistic that final contracts on the development of the new 100seater can be signed by the end of the year. The aircraft, previously known at the AE100 but now referred to as the AE31X, should be ready for service by mid-2003. Two versions are envisaged:- the AE316 with a fuselage length of 30,7 metres and 95-105 seats. Take-off weigth would be 50000 to 53000 kg, and range 3100 to 5100 km in a high-gross weight configuration.
- the AE317 will be stretched to 34,5 metres for 115-125 passengers. Weight goes up to 54000 to 58000 kg, with the same range performance as the smaller model.
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Changes in the executive management at KLM
KLM-Chef Pieter Bouw tritt zurück
Mr. Pieter Bouw, President and Chief Executive Officer of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, has expressed his wish to resign his position on August 5, 1997, the date of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. The KLM Supervisory Board will inform the KLM Works Council of its intention to appoint KLM Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Leo M. van Wijk as Mr. Bouw's successor. Mr. Bouw was responsible for developing and gradually shaping the concept of a Global Airline System, with KLM's alliance with Northwest Airlines as an example. After more than six and a half years as President, Mr. Bouw is reported to be considering that the time is ripe for a transfer of leadership. He began his career at KLM on September 1, 1967. He joined the KLM Board of Managing Directors in 1987, and was appointed President on January 1, 1991. The Supervisory Board will also inform the Works Council of its intention to appoint Mr. Peter F. Hartman (47) as a Managing Director, effective August 5. Mr. Hartman, currently Executive Vice President Engineering & Maintenance, joined KLM in October 1973. KLM's fiscal 1996/97 resulted in a disappointing net income of NLG 236 million after a pretax provision for non recurring restructuring costs of NLG 290 million largely in connection with the Focus 2000 transformation program.
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First contract for SRTM-Radarmission
Erster Vertrag für SRTM-Radarmission mit Space Shuttle
The creation of a global digital surface model of the Earth is the objective of the Shuttle Radar Topgraphy Mission (SRTM) in September 1999. The German Space Agency DARA contracted Daimler-Benz Aerospace for implementing this mission. A first contract was signed, valued at DM 6,6 million for phase C1. This phase is aimed at the definition of interfaces to NASA's SIR-C Interferometer and the Shuttle as well as system requirements for the X-SAR Interferometer. The mission concept is based on the results of two Shuttle missions in 1994 with the German/Italian X-SAR sensor. In combination with NASA's SIR-C sensor these missions for the first time gathered multifrequency radar data from space for geo sciences, especially topographical data of Earth's surface. The new SRTM mission is a combined effort of NASA, DARA, DLR (the German aerospace research facility) and Italy's space agency ASI.
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A340-500/600 windtunnel tests exceed expectations
Gute Windkanalresultate für A340-500/600
According to British Aerospace, the wing for the new A340-600 has achieved its first major high speed milestone with excellent results in the Aircraft Research Association wind tunnel at Bedford 
(UK). The tests have proved that the aerodynamic objectives for the stretched versions of the A340 have bben met or exceeded. The A340 wing area has been increased from 361 sq m to 437 sq m with a wing box insert comprising a tapered insert in the wing box aft of the front spar, with wing extensions and winglet. this approach was taken to provide a cost -effective solution to optimum structural weight; increased range; enhanced cruise performance; greater fuel volume for even more range and maximum commonality of systems, surfaces and main landing gear. When launched, the A340-600 will be the largest Airbus yet, seating 378 passengers in three classes with a range of 7300 NM. The A340-500 will cary 313 passengers with a range of 8300 NM, permitting non-stop flights such as Los Angeles to Sydney. Entry into service is targeted for the last quarter of 2001.
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US defence review proposes cuts in procurement
Weniger Flugzeugkäufe für die US-Streitkräfte
The so-called Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), a six-month analysis fo the "threats, risks and opportunities for the US national security" by the Pentagon, has reaffirmed the two major regional conflict strategy, but proposes a host of cost-saving measures to free money for a full-fledged modernization programme. The main points affecting Air Force and aerospace contractors include:- a cut of 60000 active-duty soldiers, including 27000 by the USAF
- two rounds of base realignment and closures, including a consolidation of laboratories and research, development and test facilities
- shift of one fighter wing from active to reserve status (then 12 active and 8 Reserve fighter wing equivalents)
- consolidation of fighter and bomber units
- reductions in continental air defense
- reduction of Lockheed Martin F-22 procurement from 438 to 339, "consistent with greater capability" against F-15
- increase in US Navy Joint Strike Fighter buy to 480 aircraft, with introduction starting in 2008
- cut in US Navy F-18E/F procurement to 548, with an option to go to 785 if there are delays in JSF (previous request was 1000)
- acceleration of MV-22 Osprey delivieries to the Marine Corps, but cut to 360 examples, "consistent with system's superior capability".
- Slowdown of Lockheed Martin THAAD theater missile defense programme due to technical problems. Shifting deployment form 2004 to 2006. National Missile Defense remains as a high priority
British Airways sells USAirways stock
British Airways verkauft USAirways-Anteile
British Airways has completed its divorce from USAirways by selling more than 14 million shares of USAir common stock. The transatlantic partnership broke up when British Airways pursued a deal with a larger partner, American Airlines. USAirways confirmed that British Airways sold its remaining stock on May 21st. But USAirways is still pursuing an antitrust lawsuit against its former partner because of the proposed deal with American Airlines. The sale of the huge block of stock sent USAirways shares down $3 at $34.875. It was the most heavily traded stock on the New York exchange. British Airways once owned more than 20 percent of USAirways' voting stock. But the British partner became impatient because USAirways could not get its unions to agree to cost-cutting contract concessions. The partnership effectively ended when British Airways announced plans to merge its transatlantic operations with American Airlines. That deal is still awaiting regulatory approval. On Tuesday May 22nd, USAirways bought back 12,000 shares of its preferred stock from British Airways for $126.2 million. British Airways then converted its remaining preferred shares into common stock, and sold that stake today. USAirways has told employees it plans to reduce flights and make drastic job cuts if no agreement is reached on contract concessions.
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Dasa and Georgia: Joint development of new satellite antenna systems
Dasa und Georgien entwickeln neue Satellitenantennen
Daimler-Benz Aerospace has signed a contract with the Georgian Institute for Space Constructions (IWK, Tbilisi) for a feasibility study on a large expandable antenna for geostationary telecommunication satellites. Both partners envisage an antenna with a diameter between 12 and 17 m. Such an antennna system would allow the use of mobile telecommunication systems for a huge area or region by using only one satellite instead of a system depending on large numbers of satellites. Compareable antennas have been developed by US companies like Hughes. With this step Germany and the CIS plan to make use of the existing market potential.
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Losses at Deutsche BA mount
Höhere Verluste für die Deutsche BA
According to British Airways, the losses at its German subsidiary Deutsche BA were on the way up in the 1996 financial year (ended March 31., 1997). Detailed figures were not revealed. Deutsche BA flew 2,35 million passengers last year, a plus of 6,8 per cent. Turnover rose by 5,7 per cent to 520 million DM. In 1997, the company hopes for a rise to 31, million passengers, with an average share of 40 per cent on the routes it serves. After restructuring and installation of a new management, Deutsche BA now concentrates on German domestic services in competition with Lufthansa.
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Kormoran 2 production completed
LFK schließt Serienfertigung des Kormoran 2 ab
Dasa subsidiary Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH (LFK) has handed over the last Kormoran 2 to the German navy. Production of the 124 anti-ship missiles at the Schrobenhausen plant had commenced in December 1991. The new model was developed from the Kormoran 1, using latest advancements in microelectonics and inertial systems. It is specified to have a usefull life of 15 years, but this will probably be extended to 20 years, so that a replacement will not be needed before 2015. Kormoran 2 is 4.4 m long and weighs 630 kilogramms. Meanwhile , Tornados of the Marinefliegergeschwader 2 have conducted life fire tests with the Kormoran 1 over the Mediterranean. The exercises in cooperation with the US Navy included 30 launches to evaluate new tactical scenarios. Another 50 Kormoran 1s will be expended in maneuvers at Roosevelt Roads (Puerto Rico).
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New assembly schedule for the International Space Station approved
Neuer Montagezeitplan für die Internationale Raumstation beschlossen
The International Space Station Control Board has approved a new assembly schedule for the International Space Station (ISS). Although the launch of the first ISS module in space, the Russian built Functional Energy Block (FGB) is delayed by eight months full-fledged research flights to ISS can begin in August 1999, only four months later than originally planned. Launch date options for ESA's Columbus Orbital Facility remain under evaluation though and will probably be set in a Space Station Control Board meeting in fall 1997 together with launch dates of all flights after Utilization Flight 5 in Jun 2002.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
About five months late, the McDonnell Douglas MD 600N light helicopter has received its FAA certificate May 15. The first of up to 30 deliveries scheduled for 1997 is expected to take place in early June to AirStar Helicopters, a tour operator at Grand Canyon. Customers in Switzerland and Germany will also receive their machines in 1997. The MD 600N is a stretched, eight-seat derivative of the MD 520N, powered by an 808 shp Allison 250-C47M turbine. Price is quoted as 1,25 million US-Dollars.+++
The German airports need to get colser together to combat a shift of passengers to nearby foreign airports, says Dr. Wilhelm Bender, chief executive at Frankfurt/Main. He therefore has declared his interest in a 50 per cent stake of Flughafen Dusseldorf when that is sold by the Government of Norhtrhine-Palatinat.
+++
On May 12, a new variant of the Rolls-Royce RB211, the -524G/H-T, received its approval from the UK CAA. It includes the complete high-pressure system of the latest Trent 700 engine, which powers the A330. "The G/H-T will give a two per cent improvement in fuel burn - the best of any engine option in the 747-400 - a weight saving of 200 lbs per engine, increased temperature margins, better performance retention and longer life on-wing", Rolls-Royce claims.
+++
SAGEM has won the competition for the development and production of a squadron-level mission planning and post-flight analysis system for the Dassault Rafale fighter. The SLPRM will be used both by the Armée de l'Air and the Aeronavale and progessively repalce all existing mission planning systems, says the manufacturer.
+++
After lengthy negotiations, Bell Helicopter has bought 70 per cent of Romanian military aircraft manufacturer IAR Ghimbav. It will pay 25 million US-Dollars and has commited to spend another 37 million in upgrades to the production facilities at Brasov (Transylvania), where the AH-1RO attack helicopter will be produced.
+++
The tailless X-36 remotely piloted aircraft produced by McDonnell Douglas completed its much delayed first flight on May 17 at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (Edwards AFB, California). The subscale prototype lifted off from Rogers Dry Lake at 7:08 am, reached an altitude of approximately 4900 ft and landed again after about five minutes. Project pilot Larry Walker, who commanded the vehicle from the ground, said that the takeoff was good and handling was great. An additional 24 test flights on the X-36 are scheduled at Dryden during the next six months. Total programme cost for development, fabrication and test is approximately 20 million US-Dollars.
+++
SilkAir, the regional subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has selected the Airbus Industrie A320 family to fly into the 21st century with the announcement of its intention to purchase up to 18 aircraft from the product line. The package covers firm orders for three 124-seat A319s and five 150-seat A320s, plus options for a further ten aircraft of any type from the family. The aircraft will replace the airline's existing Boeing 737 fleet. Deliveries of the aircraft on firm order are scheduled to begin in September 1998.
+++
Hughes has delivered the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) to NASA on May 15th. MODIS is one of the keystone science instruments for NASA's Mission to Planet Earth. It will provide wide-field-of-view coverage of Earth in 36 spectral bands, ranging from visible to long wave infrared. From a sun-synchronous polar orbit, the sensor will measure Earth's land, oceans, and athmosphere to provide scientists around the world with an opportunity to construct models of the Earth's dynamic ecosystems.
+++
The CASC/Airbus Training and Support Center near the Capital Airport in Beijing was inaugurated on May 20 by visiting French President Jacques Chirac and Chinese Premier Li Peng at a ceremony attended by 250 government officials, airline representatives and aerospace executives. The center -- the first and most modern combined training and customer support facility in China -- was established in 1995 jointly by CASC (China
Aviation Supplies Import & Export Corporation) and Airbus Industrie. It represents an initial investment of $50 million (U.S.) by Airbus Industrie.
+++
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group targets a production rate of 43 airplanes per month by the second quarter of 1998. Production of the 737 will be 24 airplanes per month. That number includes a combination of the Next-Generation and current model 737s. In the second quarter of 1998, the 747 rate will increase from four airplanes per month to five. The 777 rate will go from seven airplanes per month to five beginning in March 1998. Production of the 757 will increase from four to five airplanes in the second quarter of 1998. Production of the 767 is currently expected to remain at four airplanes per month throughout 1998.
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On May 21, a McDonnell Douglas Delta-II rocket successfully put Telenor's Thor-II into orbit. The launch, delayed twice because of bad weather, took place at 6:39pm EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Station in Florida. The Thor-II satellite is a Hughes HS-376 type satellite, one of the most popular platforms in the world, and is fitted out with 15 ku-band transponders. Using digital compression, the satellite is expected to deliver up to 75-channels of television to viewers in the Scandinavian region.
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Previous updates are still available:
May 18, 1997
May 11, 1997
May 4, 1997
March 23, 1997
March 16, 1997
March 9, 1997
March 2, 1997
February 23, 1997
February 16, 1997
January 26, 1997
January 19, 1997
January 12, 1997
January 5, 1997
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Copyright 1997 by Motor-Presse Stuttgart. All rights reserved.
Last updated May 23, 1997