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Week ending March 5, 2000
+++ Boeing launches 777-200X/300X +++ Airbus claims A340 preferred by travellers +++ Dasa revenues and profits up in 1999 +++ MiG 1.44 flies +++ Raytheon and BGT in strategic alliance +++ Frankfurt to prepare impact study in support of expansion +++ Dutch to join RTM322 for NH90 +++ News in brief +++
Boeing launches 777-200X/300X
777 Super-Langstreckenjets gestartet
On February 29, Boeing and General Electric jointly announced the long-awaited launch of the 777-200X/300X super long-range models of the successful 777 commercial airplane. The announcement followed a decision by the Boeing board of directors to authorize full production go-ahead of the newest members of the 777 airplane family. This announcement moves the longer-range Boeing 777-200 and -300 airplanes into production, with first deliveries beginning in September 2003. Both airplanes will be powered by higher-thrust derivatives of the GE90 engine. Accoording to Boeing, the new 777s will address much of the market demand for airlines to offer more point-to-point services, opening up new routes. This phenomenon, called fragmentation, is increasing rapidly, especially over the Pacific. The longer-range 777-200 will be the world's longest-range commercial airplane, capable of flying more than 10,100 miles, for example from New York to Kuala Lumpur. The longer-range 777-300 serves as the ideal replacement for early 747s, providing comparable capacity but efficient, twin-engine economics on such routes as Paris to Los Angeles.
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Airbus claims A340 preferred by travellers
A340 beliebter als Boeing 777?
Countering the Boeing 777-200LR/-300LR launch, Airbus feeled compelled to publish a survey conducted by UK-based market research company MORI, in January this year. This alledgedly shows that the A340 is preferred for its seating and engine configuration by a five to one factor over its closest competitor. When aircraft were identified by name, 69 per cent of all business travelers surveyed stated that they would prefer to fly Business Class on an A340 and, when flying Economy Class, 60 per cent of those surveyed would also opt for the A340. A wide sample of frequent flyers from North America, Europe and Southeast Asia, all of whom take flights of over seven hours at least four times a year, were polled for their preferences concerning seating and the importance of the number of engines on long trans-ocean flights. The results showed that 91 per cent of Business Class travelers prefer seats between aisles to be doubles rather than triples. Economy class favored four-abreast seats between aisles - a feature of the A340 - in comparison with its direct competitor's more cramped five-abreast (preferred by only 6 per cent). Indeed, passengers naturally reject seating arrangements which trap them between fellow travelers and considerably hamper their access to an aisle.
Airbus thinks that this overwhelming passenger preference is directly echoed in terms of market share. To date, the A330/A340 Family has sold 557 aircraft to 54 customers - over 100 more orders and 80 per cent more customers than the 777 program. During 1999 alone, 68 A330/A340s were sold, achieving a 75 per cent market share as compared to the 777 program.
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Dasa revenues and profits up in 1999
Mehr Gewinn bei der Dasa
In 1999, Dasa increased revenues by 5 % to EUR 9.2 billion and operating profit by 17 % to EUR 730 million, it was revealed at the DaimlerChrysler account press conference. Revenue growth was especially strong at the Commercial Aircraft business unit, where higher sales of Airbus aircraft and aircraft components led to a growth of 13 %. Full details will be presented on March 8.
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MiG 1.44 flies
Erstflug der Mikojan MiG 1.44
After endless delays, the MiG 1.44 has made its first flight on 29 February at Zhukovsky. Vladimir gorbunov was at the controls during the 18 minute sortie just before noon. Speeds of 500 - 600 km/h and a height of 1000 m or so was reached. The test article for a planned but now obsolete new Russian air force fighter, the 1.44 is currently financed by MiG itself. It is said that it will make 27-28 flights to prove some technologies which may be interesting for other fighter projects. MiG claims supercruise, supermaneuvrability and stealth features for its 1.44.
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Raytheon and BGT in strategic alliance
Kooperation zwischen BGT und Raytheon
Bodenseewerk Gerätetechnik (BGT) and Raytheon have entered into a strategic alliance covering missile projects, namely- Enhanced Paveway III (co-prooduction for the German air force)
- HARM C (co-production for the German Luftwaffe
- HARM follow-on (joint development and production if there is a US/German agreement on the programme)
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Frankfurt to prepare impact study in support of expansion
Ausbau des Flughafens Frankfurt: Umweltstudie beginnt
On the basis of the recently issued report of the Mediation Group tasked with examining airport expansion, Flughafen Frankfurt/Main AG (the Frankfurt Airport company) will soon begin site investigations to evaluate three recommended options. These options include a landing strip located northeast of the airport, a landing strip northwest of the airport, or a full (take-off and landing) runway south of the airport. All options are located outside the existing airport boundary. Extensive environmental compatibility studies for the three options are required and must be given priority attention so that all ecological concerns can be analyzed from the outset. Flughafen Frankfurt/Main AG plans to commission the internationally renowned Senckenberg Research Institute (which also runs Frankfurt's famous Senckenberg Museum of Natural History) to manage and coordinate the ecological investigations at the recommended sites. Comprehensive knowledge of existing flora and fauna (at all recommended sites) is an essential part of such investigations. It is necessary to carry out an ecological inventory wherever the available official maps and documentation do not provide sufficient evidence of the prevalence of various species of flora and fauna. Over the entire growing season, from March to October, experienced specialists will conduct field inspections to record existing biotopes, plant species and vegetation groups. Methods to be used for recording the fauna will include watching, ultra sound,video surveillance, (insect) traps, etc. Only qualified experts familiar with different animal and plant species will be used for conducting the field inspections. Thus, disturbances to flora and fauna, inevitably caused by such field inspections, will be kept to an absolute minimum. It has been purposely decided to do an inventory of all the proposed sites so that ecological considerations can be fully incorporated in the evaluation and opinion-forming process.
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Dutch to join RTM322 for NH90
RTM322-Triebwerk: Holland beteiligt
Rolls-Royce Turbomeca has signed an agreement with VGT, the Dutch Gas Turbine Association, clearing the way for future involvement by Dutch industry in the RTM322 engine programme. The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed in London, sets out arrangements for a minimum workshare in the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca engine equal to the number of RTM322-powered NH90 helicopters purchased by the Dutch government. This will be calculated as a percentage of the total four-nation programme that also includes Germany, France and Italy. The Dutch are expected to require 20 naval variants of the twin-engined NH90, which would be operated from Royal Netherlands Navy frigates. Workshare arrangements will be managed by the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs. Eldim, which already manufactures parts for the RTM322 programme, Jamo Precision Industries,Standard Aero, Stork RMO, plus possibly other Dutch companies, will be among those selected to conduct the assembly and test of engines ordered by the Netherlands.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
The Swedish company Saab has chosen Rohde & Schwarz as radiocommunications equipment supplier for the modern fighter aircraft Gripen. A first order was placed, amounting to DM 18.5 million for introduction and delivering of the SERIES 6000. These compact VHF/UHF transceivers operate in the 30 to 400 MHz range and are designed as software radios. This allows easy integration of EPM (electronic protective measures) modes such as Have Quick I/II, SECOS, SATURN to licensed countries, but also of national standards, via software download at any time. Following the Eurofighter Typhoon, this is the next fighter aircraft program won by Rohde & Schwarz for the supply of the latest generation of radio equipment.+++
The Belgian airline Sabena has placed a repeat order for four Airbus Industrie A340-300 four-engined long-range aircraft. The new A340s for the Brussels-based carrier will be delivered in 2001 and 2002. Sabena currently operates four A340s, eight A330 widebody twins, and twelve Airbus Industriesingle-aisle A320 Family aircraft, all of which share similar flight decks, systems and fly-by-wire flight controls.
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Inmarsat, leading provider of satellite communications services to the maritime industry, and partner navtec GmbH, have together launched navtec global-3, a new Inmarsat-E emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPRIB). The navtec global-3's compact size makes it particularly suitable for leisure and fishing vessels, as well as commercial fleet vessels. The navtec global-3 is the smallest, lightweight, float-free L-band EPIRB available for marine use, measuring only 210mm diameter by 210mm high and weighing less than 1200g. An Inmarsat-E EPIRB has already proved its potential as a life-saving maritime service. It has already been used in three sea rescues that resulted in no loss of life.
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On March 1, Boeing has confirmed that South African Airways (SAA) has announced its intent to order 21 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s. This deal includes a combination of purchased and leased airplanes. Deliveries will begin in May of this year. "We selected the Next-Generation 737-800 with winglets to serve the regional and domestic needs of SAA," said Coleman Andrews, SAA chief executive and president. Boeing announced the availability of winglets as an option on the Next- Generation 737-800 earlier this month. With the new winglets, the Next-Generation 737-800 is more economical and flies farther than the A320, delivering more value and performance to the customer.
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Hawaiian Airlines has signed a definitive agreement for 13 Boeing 717-200 twinjets, with rights to purchase another seven airplanes. The order is valued at approximately $430 million. Boeing and Hawaiian Airlines announced in Sept. 1999 that the airline had signed a letter of intent to purchase the airplanes, plus options. The signing announcement today formalized that decision. Delivery of the first Hawaiian 717 will be in February 2001, with the remainder scheduled in the same year. The 717s will replace Hawaiian's 15 DC-9s and will join 13 DC-10s, maintaining the carrier's commitment to flying an all-Boeing fleet.
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NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, has awarded two new contracts with a combined value not-to-exceed $150 million (with no option years), to Raytheon Systems Company, Marlborough, MA, and Computer Sciences Corporation, Federal Sector - Civil Group, Rockville, MD, to provide air traffic management system development and integration for research and development in the Aerospace Directorate at Ames. Under the terms of each contract, the requirements will be stated in performance-based contract task orders for technical research and development, studies and task activities for air traffic management concepts and automation technologies.
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Boeing and Thiokol Propulsion have joint in the development of a new air-launch system Designed as a possible launch system for the U.S. Air Force's proposed Space Maneuver Vehicle (SMV), AirLaunch would lift approximately 7,500 lb. (3,000 kg.) to low Earth orbit (LEO), with launch-on-demand features at competitive prices. SMV is a small, unpiloted reusable spacecraft designed to support a variety of military space missions ranging from satellite deployment to terrestrial and on-orbit support. The AirLaunch system consists of two basic configurations. The first would support the military and would be capable of placing an SMV into LEO. The second configuration would be available for civil, commercial and military applications using a Conventional Payload Module. A modified Boeing 747-400F will carry the AirLaunch vehicle to a predetermined launch altitude.
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Over the fortnight from 16 to 27 October this year an ESA parabolic flight campaign will give some 30 international student teams of researchers (approximately 120 students in all) the chance to experience near-zero gravity (weightlessness). The campaign will use a specially adapted Airbus A300 that will take off from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport in France to carry out experiments in weightlessness and test instruments and equipment prior to spaceflight. The primary aim of this campaign is to provide an exceptional educational opportunity for European undergraduates to design their own microgravity experiments and fly them. To gain a place on the campaign, students (over 18 years of age) are invited to submit (http://www.estec.esa.nl/outreach/pfc) by 31 March.
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On 1 March 2000, the Republic of Moldova became the 29th Member State of the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) following the deposit of the instrument of accession on 5 January 2000. The application was first submitted on 15 September 1999 and unanimously accepted by the Organisation's Permanent Commission on 7 December 1999. The Republic of Moldova has been a Member of ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) since December 1996 and as such, it was invited to participate in all activities relating to the Central Flow Management Unit (CFMU) and European ATC Harmonisation and Integration Programme (EATCHIP). The Moldovan civil aviation administration has, as a result, undertaken a number of actions necessary to achieve the common objectives of EATCHIP, now EATMP (European ATM Programme), and to bring its ATM system and services to the same level as the other ECAC States.
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Air Mobility Command announced Feb. 25 the stand down of 198 of the 546 C/KC-135s in the Air Force inventory as a precautionary measure for a potential stabilizer trim actuator problem. The directive applies to specific aircraft identified by tail number throughout the Air Force inventory. An immediate time compliance technical order will be issued. AMC officials stress there was no precipitating incident, accident, or system failure causing the stand down. This restriction is being imposed as a precautionary measure due to a manufacturing problem discovered during an assessment of processes developed to replace a stabilizer trim actuator on an aircraft. Failure of the gear could result in a jammed stabilizer. As a result, the stabilizer could be stuck in a position that potentially hinders the airplane from going up or down with input from the pilot.
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Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Cologne, has issued a Multi-Currency Commercial Paper Programme with a volume of EUR 1 billion. This will give the company a suitable tool for raising outside capital, when required, flexibly and at favourable rates. The maximum life of a bond is two years minus one day. The arranger of the Commercial Paper Programme is Dresdner Kleinwort Benson. Along with Deutsche Bank, ING Barings, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Société Générale and Warburg Dillon Read, Dresdner Kleinwort Benson will also act as a dealer and perform the duties of an issuing and paying agent. The issue of the CP Programme is Lufthansa's first foray into the capital market for six years. By opening up to European CP investors Lufthansa is creating optimum conditions for its further development as an aviation group in the coming years.
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Swissair plans to successively transfer most of its flights operating out of Geneva to Crossair beginning with the summer 2000 timetable. This message was given by SAirGroup management to Geneva government representatives and to Geneva Airport officials. The number of daily departures from Geneva Airport will also be expanded and optimised. In the future, most flights out of Geneva will be operated by Crossair while others will be flown by Qualiflyer Group partners on a codeshare basis. Swissair will continue to operate flights from Geneva to New York, London, Moscow and Zurich. New flights from Geneva will include an additional weekly connection to Tel Aviv, three daily flights to Vienna and, at a later point in time, a daily connection to Rome. At a media conference held in Geneva, SAirGroup CEO Philippe Bruggisser underscored that additional connections from Geneva may only be operated by aircraft that conform to the needs of the corresponding market. While Swissair's smallest aircraft has 120 seats, the smaller aircraft of Crossair and other partners are ideal for serving certain destinations as often as several times a day. This better corresponds to the needs of the customer.
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Germany has joined the international efforts to assist Mozambique in its rescue and supply missions after the devastating floods hitting the African country in the last few weeks. On 3 March, an A310 of the Luftwaffe with a organizing staff flew to Maputo. It was followed on 4 March by a chartered Antonov An-124, which brought three Puma helicopters of the Border Guard from Cologne/Bonn to Maputo. A day later, another An-124 ferried four UH-1 helicopters to Africa. The German contingent is mainly working in the north of Mozambique.
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Snecma will share in a contract formthe European Commission worth 101 million Euro for research that will develop advanced aero-engine technology needed for the future generation of aircraft. Together with MTU it will jointly lead a consortium of nine partners to develop some of the most important technologies for Advanced Performance Cycle Engines with a total cost of almost 50 million Euro and a share of 40 per cent for Snecma. The CLEAN vehicle is based on a high efficient core provided by Snecma in collaboration with Fiat Avio, a high speed high temperature low pressure turbine provided by MTU in collaboration with Volvo Aero and a heat exchanger provided by MTU.
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From 26 March, Austrian Airlines plans to resume flights on the Vienna - Belgrade route. Pending official approval, there will be one flight per day from Monday to Friday, the same level as it was before the embargo against Yugoslavia.
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In an important test the Pars 3-LR anti-tank missile hit a moving Leopard tank at the German Meppen proving grounds an March 2. The firing took place from the ground, although Pars 3-LR is intended for use on the Tiger attack helicopter.
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On March 3, the previous AIRCENT command (Allied Air Forces Central Europe) became HQ AIRNORTH, subsuming AIRCENT and Allied forced Northwestern Europe. It will remain at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The area of responsibility wil grow substantioally in size. It will comprise the former "Central REgion", Poland and the Czech Republic, plus the United Kingdom and Norway as well as airspace above the Notrh Sea and the Baltic Sea.
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The Sukhoi S-37 Berkut has flown at supersonic speed for the first time at the end of January. In 60 flights, some 50 hours were achieved by now. There are roumours that Suchoi will bring the experimental fighter to Farnborough.
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February 27, 2000
February 20, 2000
February 13, 2000
February 6, 2000
January 30, 2000
January 23, 2000
January 16, 2000
January 9, 2000
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Last updated 4 March 2000
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