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Week ending July 6, 1997
+++ Pathfinder lands on Mars +++ Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to merge +++ US Federal Trade Commission approves Boeing/McDonnell Douglas +++ NH90 starts tests of fly-by-wire controls +++ Eurowings announces record profits +++ New SAR center of the Luftwaffe inaugurated +++ New freight hub for Air France at Hahn airport +++ British Airways threatened by strikes +++ Revised Eurocontrol convention signed +++ Sweden orders more JAS 39 Gripen +++ News in brief +++
Pathfinder lands on Mars
Erste Marslandung seit 20 Jahren
The Mars Pathfinder, the first spacecraft to land on the red planet in the more than 20 years, touched down on July 4 at 19.07 German time. Prior to landing, Pathfinder endured extreme temperatures for about three minutes as it rocketed through Mars' thin atmosphere, protected by a Lockheed Martin Astronautics-built aeroshell. Parachutes and airbags cushioned the impact of the NASA spacecraft. After overcoming early problems with the incompletely retracted airbags and a communications glitch between the rover and the lander, the six wheeled Sojourner was rolled off its ramp at about 8 am Sunday morning German time. By then, all systems were functioning perfectly, according to the NASA scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, who now look forward to exciting exploration opportunities in what appears to be a former riverbed on Mars.As usual, NASA is offering lots of information and pictures on the Pathfinder mission on the internet. You may try http://www.jpl.nasa.gov or http://www.mars.eso.org for more details (Sites correct as of June 4, 1997, but could change over time).
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Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to merge
Neue Mega-Fusion in der US-Rüstungsindustrie
In what is possibly the last of the US aerospace mega-mergers, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman on July 3 announced that their respective boards of directors unanimously approved a definitive agreement to combine the companies. Following shareholder approvals and U.S. government regulatory reviews, the transaction will create a broad-based defence technology company with estimated 1997 revenues of approximately $37 billion and nearly 230,000 employees.Under terms of the agreement, Northrop Grumman shareholders will receive 1.1923 shares of Lockheed Martin common stock for each share of Northrop Grumman stock. The transaction, which is valued by experts at 11,6 billion US-Dollars, is expected to close by the end of 1997. The combination is consistent with Lockheed Martin's long-term growth strategy to expand core businesses and move into closely related emerging markets, the company said.
"We enter this transaction in the strongest position in our history, which augurs well for the future," said Kent Kresa, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Northrop Grumman. Kresa will join the Lockheed Martin board of directors along with two other members of the Northrop Grumman board to be determined. Kresa also will serve as vice chairman of Lockheed Martin and will have a strong role in the transition.
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US Federal Trade Commission approves Boeing/McDonnell Douglas
Boeing/McDD-Fusion von US-Kartellamt genehmigt
On July 1, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) unconditionally approved the proposed $14 billion merger between Boeing and McDonnell Douglas, clearing the way for the two companies to formally join August 4 to become the world's largest aerospace and defense firm. The five-member commission headed by FTC Chairman Robert Pitofsky said in a statement that after months of study "the acquisition would not substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly in either defense or commercial aircraft markets." The FTC also concluded that the merger would not affect competition in the space market, in which the two united companies will be a major force."We are deeply gratified that the Federal Trade Commission has given unconditional approval to the Boeing/McDonnell Douglas merger after such a thorough review," Phil Condit, Boeing's chairman and CEO, said in a statement. With FTC approval in hand, shareholders from the two companies will meet separately July 25 to vote on the merger. "We are delighted with the FTC decision and look forward to bringing these two great companies together," Harry Stonecipher, MDC's president and CEO, added in the statement. Condit will remain chairman and CEO of the new Boeing, while Stonecipher will become Boeing's new president and chief operating officer.
Just days after the FTC decision, an EU advisory committee recommended that the merger be blocked unless it is substantially changed. If "adequate remedies", thought mainly to concern the exclusive supplier deals forged with three US airlines, were not forthcoming, the European Commission could veto the deal on July 23. So there are now three weeks to conduct furhter negotiations with Boeing, which could theoretically be banned from doing business in the EU and be fined 5 billion US-Dollars.
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NH90 starts tests of fly-by-wire controls
Fly-by-Wire-Steuerung im NH90 aktiviert
On July 2, the second prototype of the NH90 has flown for the first time with its Fly-By-Wire Primary Flight Control System (PFCS) activated. According to NH Industries, this is another important step in the development of the new European multi-role helicopter. Chief test pilot Guy Dabadie and his crew confirmed their overall satisfaction of the system, it was said. The trial started at 5:30 pm and lasted for about 20 minutes. Speeds of over 90 kts and turns with 30 degree bank angles were achieved.A preliminary validation capaign for the NH90 fly-by-wire system had been carried out, on a test bench, during a twenty month definition and validation work. As a safety measure, PT2 retains mechanical backup controls, which were used since the first lift-off on March 19. Both prototypes have now logged around 150 flight hours. In total, five NH90s will be used in the test programme.
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Eurowings announces record profits
Rekordgewinn bei Eurowings
Despite growing competition, a flat intra-German market and high-level fuel prices, largest German independent carrier Eurowings announced record profits for 1996. According to Eurowings chairman Reinhard Santner, 1996 was the best year ever in the company's history. Profits after taxes climbed to DM 10,4 Mio. (1995: DM 2,1 Mio.), whereas turnover saw a 11,6 percent increase to DM 457 Mio. Passenger figures rose to 1,9 million. The 1996 success to a high level relates to Eurowing's cooperation with Air France and KLM, Santner said. Feeder services for both the French and the Dutch airline accounted for 36 percent of total turnover. For 1997, Santner forecasted an 15 percent increase in revenues, but a decline in profits. Charter operation with Airbus A319, launched last year, showed a very promising start. A few weeks ago, Eurowings converted an option for another A319, bringing the A319 fleet to four after delivering. Within the next ten years, Eurowings according to Santner will spend DM 600 to 800 million for a fleet renewal program.
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New SAR center of the Luftwaffe inaugurated
Luftwaffe stellt SAR-Zentrale in Münster in Dienst
On July 16, the Lufttransportkommando (air transport command) will officially inaugurate its new SAR center at Münster. This new facility, which boasts the latest in communication facilities, replaces the previous SAR-Leitstelle at Goch. It will now coordinate and control all military SAR assets in Germany, which comprises 17 helicopters. These are also available for civil rescue activities, which actually account for 95 per cent of all missions. The helicopters are stationed at the following locations:- SAR-Kommandos: Laage, Diepholz, Holzdorf, Nörvenich, Erfurt, Pferdsfeld, Ingolstadt, Landsberg
- SAR-Rettungszentren (civil): Hamburg, Neustrelitz, Rheine, Bad Saarow, Jena, Koblenz, Würselen, Nürnberg, Ulm
New freight hub for Air France at Hahn airport
Air France eröffnet neuen Fracht-Hub am Flughafen Hahn
On July 2nd, Air France opened a new freight hub at Hahn airport in the Hunsrück area. At Hahn, a former military airfield, the French carrier plans to ship 60000 tons of freight a year. Up to 100 jobs are going to be created. On the same day, a German court dismissed a lawsuit of eight people living in the neighborhood. They had complained about civil aircraft operation noise at Hahn airport.
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British Airways threatened by strikes
Streiks bei British Airways?
9000 members of cabin crew who are organized in the Transport and Workers' Union announced they will strike for 72 hours from Wednesday, July 9th. Union's ground staff will decide on strike action soon. Employee representatives say, BA chief executive Robert Ayling failed to discuss cost-cutting measures in detail with staff. Ayling last year announced to cut costs by one billion pund sterling (DM 2,8 Mrd.) until the turn of the century.
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Revised Eurocontrol convention signed
Minister unterzeichnen neue Eurocontrol-Konvention
On June 27, the Ministers of Transport of the 26 member states of Eurocontrol signed the revised Convention of the organization in Brussels. The signing ceremony was the final step in a long process which began in 1992, when it was found that the amended 1981 Convention restricted Eurocontrols ability to carry out its responsibilites more effectively. The revised Convention provides for the reformulation of Eurocontrol's tasks and the creation of a new institutional structure which should foster the expansion of available airspace capacity to meet traffic demand. Also, ATM planning will be strengthened by combininb en-route and airport policies. Eurocontrol will be involved in creating a global satellite navigation system. Co-operation between civil and military authorities will be reinforced, and majority voting should make decision making easier. Nethertehless, the ministes acknowledged that the attainment of these and other objectives is a difficult undertaking that will require hard work, since many different views and specific national concerns linger on.
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Sweden orders more JAS 39 Gripen
Neuer Auftrag für die Gripen
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has ordered an additional 64 Gripen multi-role fighters for the Flygvapnet. This third batch comprises 50 single seaters and 14 two-seat Gripen, to be deliverd between 2003 and 2007. The total orderbook thus rises to 204. The nes JAS 39 will equip another four squadrons in the Swedish Air Force. In addition to the order, the Government in Stockholm decided on a programme to explore the growth potential of the Gripen.With this latest order as a stable basis, Saab and its marketing partner British Aerospace are continuing their sales campaigns in various countries. In Austria, Saab is offering parts manufacture to companies like Böhler Schmiedetechnik and FACC, even if the fighter competition is not yet official. Saab an BAe stress that the Gripen is still the only 4th generation fighter in service, with 40 aircraft delivered so far. The export standard is fully NATO compatible and offers optional air-to-air refuelling.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is concerned that US Congressional action will increase the tax burden on international travel from and to the United States by ten to 15 billion Dollars over ten years. Proposals by various committees want to raise departure taxes to 15,5 Dollars, introduce an arrival tax of 15,5 Dollars, or add a 10 per cent tax to the value of US domestic segments of international flights.+++
GKN Westland Aerospace has acquired Aerospace Composite Technologies Limited for 21 million Pounds. The company designs and manufactures two main products: aircraft cokcpit windows and electrical anti-icing systems principally for engine nacelles and rotor blades. It thus fits into GKN Westlands Aerospaces strategy to become a fiert-tier supplier to the world's leading prime contractors.
+++
Augsburg Airways has pushed the passenger figures at its home airport to 70115 in the first six months of the year. This is an increase of 44,8 per cent. With its new services from Munich (under Lufthansa contract), the airline carried 130 per cent more passengers than in the first half of 1996. "All routes show a positive trend", said managing director Olaf Dlugi, while noting that the Frankfurt feeder service needs more marketing to be accepted fully.
+++
The ISO (Infrared Space Observatory) will be able to continue its mission for another ten months, Aerospatiale has said on June 3. This timeframe was established after checking the remaining helium that is needed to cool the instruments at 1.73 degrees Kelvin. This extension of the mission will allow scientists to study areas of the cosmos which were not accessible during the initial 18 month period. ISO, built by prime contractor Aerospatiale for ESA, was launched on November 17, 1995.
+++
British Regional Airlines will start services on the Berlin - Manchester route on August 18, with two flights per day (one on Saturdays). The BA franchise partner will use its new Embraer EMB-145 jet. BA Regional Jet is also serving the Hannover - Manchester route, currently using BAe ATP turboprops.
+++
The German Diehl group has said that it has no intention to sell its BGT subsidiary, which is involved in missiles and aircraft equipment. It is known that Dasa is interested in the company to put it together with its Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH unit and integrate it into its broad cooperation deal with Matra (Lagardere). Thomas Diehl itself has said that international cooperation in the defence field is necessary. Though the prime focus will be on Europe, transatlantic partnerships should not be neglected, he commented at the presentation of the 1996 financial results.
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United Airlines has ordered an additional eight Boeing 767-300 for delivery form 1998. They will be powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. United has now 50 aircraft on order form the US manufacturer, and 42 from Airbus. On June 30, it took delivery of its first of 28 A319s at Toulouse. The orders are part of a fleet renewal programme that should reduce maintenance costs by 100 million US-Dollars a year.
+++
South Korea has produced its first locally-made Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter, and become the sixth nation making the Fighting Falcon.The Samsung Aerospace Industries Company spent 1.126 million US-Dollars in facility investments and employed a workforce of 4,000 experts over the past three years for the development of a South Korean version of the fighter, the KF-16. With the production of the fighter, South Korea's technological levels in fighter production-management and test-evaluation have reached 90 percent and 60 percent of those of advanced nations respectively, Yonhap News Agency reported. South Korean Defense Ministry plans to arm its air force with a total of 120 F-16s by 1999: twelve directly imported in the first phase, 36 assembled in South Korea in the second phase and 72 locally produced.
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On July 1, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation celebrated the first customer delivery of a fully completed Gulfstream V aircraft. The Gulfstream V, serial number 507 and painted white with gold trim, was presented to representatives of the first owners of a Gulfstream V, Ambassador and Mrs. Walter H. Annenberg. Ambassador Annenberg is a publishing magnate and was the United States Ambassador to England during the Nixon administration. Mrs. Annenberg was President Reagan's Chief of Protocol.
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At 6.09 am German time on June 5, the Russians have launched an unmanned cargo vehicle carrying repair equipment to the damaged Mir space station. The Progress capsule is to dock with Mir on Monday. Repair attempts at the crippled station will not start until mid-July to allow the cosmonauts more training time for the work, which is labelled as "not easy". Main task will be the installation of a new hatch to the Spektr module, allowing the passage of power lines to restore energy supply to the station.
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June 29, 1997
June 22, 1997
June 15, 1997
June 8, 1997
June 1, 1997
May 25, 1997
May 18, 1997
May 11, 1997
May 4, 1997
January to March 1997
September to December 1996
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Copyright 1997 by Motor-Presse Stuttgart. All rights reserved.
Last updated July 6, 1997
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