FLUG REVUE update: Week ending December 3, 2000

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UPDATE

Week ending December 3, 2000

+++ Qantas orders Airbus A3XX +++ Boeing launches longer-range 747 +++ A400M to get six-company turboprop +++ Cougar / Super Puma MK 2+ flies +++ Bombardier CRJ700 certified +++ Endeavour delivers solar cells to ISS +++ Austrian takes control at Lauda Air +++ News in brief +++

Qantas orders Airbus A3XX
A3XX-Start rückt näher

Qantas has become an A3XX launch customer while also ordering A330s in a major fleet modernisation plan that will see it become an Airbus customer for the first time. Qantas has signed for 12 A3XXs and taken a number of undisclosed options, confirming its earlier expression of interest in the world's newest and largest airliner. The A3XXs will provide extra capacity on the "kangaroo" route between Australia and the UK, via Singapore and Bangkok, on which Qantas currently operates 17 B747 flights each week. The A3XXs will also provide growth on non-stop trans-Pacific flights between Australia and the United States with improved payload capability for passenger and freight. Deliveries of the Qantas A3XXs will begin in 2006. Each of the Qantas A3XXs will seat 524 passengers in a high comfort, long-range first, business and economy layout. Engines will be selected early next year.
In addition the Qantas commitment for 13 aircraft of the A330 family will provide for growth on domestic trunk routes and international regional routes. Deliveries of the A330s will begin in the second quarter of 2002. The A330-200s will seat around 35 passengers in Business Class and 262 in Economy Class in the domestic configuration and the A330-300s will accommodate 36 Business Class and 278 Economy Class in the international configuration.
"Our selection of the Airbus A3XX and A330 reflects both our commitment to quality service for our passengers, and to the most economical aircraft that will help us to deliver shareholder value," said Qantas Chairman Margaret Jackson. Including Qantas, five renown customers have placed orders for a total of 44 A3XXs and taken 36 options. When it enters service in 2006, the A3XX will bring new standards of flying to the whole world. It will introduce wider seats and a more spacious cabin for all passengers, as well as 15-20 per cent lower operating costs per seat than today's largest competing airliner. Designed to use existing airports, the A3XX will help airlines to cope with the doubling of passenger traffic that will occur in the next 15 years, especially on heavily travelled trunk routes.

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Boeing launches longer-range 747
747 mit größerer Reichweite für Qantas

On November 28, Boeing confirmed the launch of the first member of the 21st century Boeing 747 family of airplanes - the Longer-Range 747-400 - based on the announcement from Qantas Airways for six of the jumbo jets. The Longer-Range 747-400 (formerly called the 747-400X) will enter service with Australia's flag carrier in 2002. "The 747 has been the driver of this airline's long-haul success since 1971," Qantas Chairman Margaret Jackson said today. The Longer-Range 747-400 is the same size as today's 747-400 but has more range or "payload" capability. It blends the latest in passenger amenities found in the 777 with exceptional performance to support long-range, non-stop, high-demand routes. The Longer-Range 747-400 has an increased takeoff weight of 910,000 pounds (412,770 kilograms). This takeoff weight increase of 35,000 pounds (15,876 kilograms) over existing -400s allows operators to fly about 500 miles (435 nautical, 805 kilometers) farther or carry 15,000 pounds (6,800 kilograms) more payload, either in the form of extra cargo or a full load of 416 passengers.
The Longer-Range 747-400 is the lead member of what Boeing envisions as a 21st century 747 family. The 747X family includes the 747X and 747X Stretch, either of which will enter service in 2005. The 747X will be the world's longest-range airplane, capable of flying more than 10,300 miles (8,975 nautical miles, 16,640 kilometers) while the 747X Stretch becomes the world's largest 747, with three-class seating for more than 520 passengers.

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A400M to get six-company turboprop
TP400-Triebwerk für Airbus A400M

Airbus Military Company (AMC) has selected the TP400 engine to power the planned A400M European transport aircraft. The three-shaft turboprop engine will be jointly developed and manufactured by the six participating companies of FiatAvio (Italy); ITP (Spain); MTU Aero Engines (Germany); Rolls-Royce (UK and Germany); Snecma Moteurs (France) and Techspace Aero (Belgium).
The TP400 is a turboprop engine with a range of power between 10,000 and 13,000 shaft horse power. It is a three shaft engine concept built around the M88 core engine which takes advantage of the recognised know-how of Rolls-Royce three shaft engine technology. It also incorporates state of the art technologies from the other partners. The provisional workshare percentages under the TP400 programme will be 24.8 per cent each for Rolls-Royce, Snecma and MTU, 13.6 per cent for ITP, 8 per cent for FiatAvio and 4 per cent for Techspace Aero. Assignment of the major engine components and roles has also been agreed by the partners. Rolls-Royce will be responsible for the low-pressure compressor and overall integration, Snecma for the high-pressure compressor and high-pressure turbine, MTU for the intermediate-pressure and low-pressure turbines and final assembly, ITP for the engine casings and dressings, FiatAvio for the propeller gearbox and Techspace Aero for the accessories.
A joint venture company, with headquarters in Munich, Germany will be set up to manage the programme and to act as a single point of contact for customers. The participating companies will staff the management company in accordance with their percentage participation in the programme. The TP400 management company will be one of the major partners of AMC.

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Cougar / Super Puma MK 2+ flies
Super Puma MK 2+ absolviert Erstflug

The new MK2+ version of the medium-lift (11-tonne category) twin engine, Cougar /Super Puma helicopter has just completed its maiden flight from the Eurocopter plant in Marignane. Hervé Jammayrac, as X test pilot, Bernard Turcat, as test flight engineer and Daniel Sémioli, as test flight mechanic, crewed the helicopter. The flight lasted approximately 50 minutes, during which the behavior of the helicopter and its systems within the planned flight envelope were confirmed.
The French Air Force plans to benefit from the very enhanced performance of this new version for its future Combat, Search and Rescue helicopters and has already placed orders for it. The chief differences between this version and the MK2 are that it has a new main rotor system, a reinforced main gearbox, a new power plant installation and a new integrated flight and display system. The Cougar / Super Puma MK2+ will continue to use the Spheriflex main and tail rotor heads, whose technology and performance have been demonstrated and also offer lower maintenance costs. The five main rotor blades of the Cougar / Super Puma MK2+ benefit from a state-of-the- art airfoil design. They have a composite spar with parabolic blade tips with an anhedral profile. This 5-blade configuration ensures a particularly low vibration level for the helicopter. The main rotor system has a diameter of 16.2 meters. The rotors and the horizontal stabilizer can be fitted with a de-icing/anti- icing system to permit flying in severe icing conditions.
The MK2+ is available in both civil and military versions, and compared with their MK2 counterparts they offer substantially enhanced performance, especially as regards the payload. In-flight refueling will be possible for military version to increase the helicopter's operating range. This system has already been successfully tested on a Cougar MK2. The JAR 29 European Civil certification is scheduled for the end of 2002 and the military qualification for the French Air Force in 2003.

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Bombardier CRJ700 certified
Zulassung für die Bombardier CRJ700

Bombardier Aerospace has announced that Transport Canada has awarded the 70-passenger CRJ700 Series regional jet the same aircraft type rating as the 50-passenger CRJ100 and 200 Series models. U.S. Federal Aviation Administration approval is expected to follow shortly. "This approval translates into enormous cost savings for existing CRJ operators who add the 700 Series to their fleets," said Steven A. Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft. "Operators are spared the expense of training or checking in a full flight simulator therefore cutting training costs significantly. In addition, a common pilot pool gives airlines more flexibility in assigning flying duties among their pilots.
The CRJ700 Series is scheduled to begin airline service with launch customer Brit Air of France in the first quarter of 2001 and will be the first of the new 70-seat-class airliners in the market. The CRJ700 Series has attracted 182 firm orders from American Eagle (25), Atlantic Southeast Airlines (12), Brit Air (12), Comair (20), Delta Connection (25), GECAS Leasing (25), Horizon Air (30), Lufthansa (20), Maersk Air (3) and Shandong Airlines {subject to Chinese government approval}(10).

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Endeavour delivers solar cells to ISS
Raumstation erhält große Solarzellen

On December 1, Space Shuttle Endeavour successfully lifted off from Cape Canaveral at 3.06 (GMT). On board were five astronauts, including Marc Garneau, Canada's first astronaut in space. When Endeavour's crew arrives at 19.57 (GMT) on Saturday 2 December, they will be the first visitors to the International Space Station (ISS) since its resident crew arrived on 2 November. During its 10-day mission Endeavour's astronauts will connect the package of giant solar arrays and associated electronics, batteries, radiators, and support structure to the Station. Subsequent pairs of arrays will be delivered on shuttle flights currently scheduled for 2002, 2003, and 2006. The functional testing of the solar array flight hardware has involved several extension and retraction cycles of the 107-foot deployment mast and solar array blankets. Additionally, all individual solar panel circuits have been flash-tested with simulated sunlight to verify output power. Further, a close inspection has ensured that individual solar cells can withstand the harsh environment of space while converting sunlight into electricity. Arrays have also been exposed to harsh vacuum and thermal environments that simulate conditions 200 miles above the Earth's surface, and tested further in an acoustic chamber to simulate the violent shaking vibrations that accompany launch aboard the Space Shuttle. The technology has already been flight proven in a demonstration prototype solar array replacement flown by NASA and Space Systems on the Russian MIR space station.

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Austrian takes control at Lauda Air
Lauda Air mit neuem Management

In an extraordinary meeting on Saturday, 25 November 2000, the Supervisory Board of Lauda Air Inc. took note of the results of the special survey, executed by the independent accountant KPMG. The assignments of the members of the board, Otmar Lenz and Peter Henning Thöle have been terminated after Niki Lauda had resigned on Tuesday, 21 November already. In order not to lose any time when introducing restructuring measures of long-term effectiveness, the Supervisory Board appointed a well-experienced and competent management team - suggested by the representatives of the major shareholder Austrian Airlines - also with immediate effect.
The assignment of the new management board of Lauda Air will be to ascertain the actual economic situation of the company as soon as possible. Furthermore they are going to restore the arrangement, following the corporation law as well as the principle of the commercial duty of care for the company, and to realize the return to the profit wedge. In addition, they will have to prepare a convincing budget for the business year 2001 as well as a long-term prognosis for a successful future of the company. Among others, these measures are the basis for the positive integration of Lauda Air Inc. into a newly restructured Austrian Airlines Group.
The Supervisory Board furthermore approved the transfer of 11.1 % of the share-capital of Lufthansa in Lauda Air to Austrian Airlines.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

The first production EJ200 engines have succesfully completed the Pass-off test and are therfore available for incorporation into Eurofihgter 2000 Aircraft. The enignes meet fully the thrust required in service and were under weight compared to specification. Engines are to be installed in March 2001 and flown in August. NETMA has also signed a contract for spare parts supply with Eurojet.
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A Boeing-led team, including Northrop Grumman's Electronic Sensors and Systems Sector, Havelsan, Turkish Airlines (THY) and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), has been selected to begin negotiations on developing the Republic of Turkey's new airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) system. Negotiations on a contract, worth approximately $1.5 billion, could begin early next year. The system includes six 737 AEW&C aircraft, an option for one more, plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system modification support. "The selection by Turkey, along with the earlier selection by the Australian Defence Force, validates the 737 AEW&C system as the centerpiece for the next generation of airborne early warning systems," said Patrick Gill, Boeing 737 AEW&C programs manager.
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Bombardier Aerospace has announced that the world's fleet of Dash 8 aircraft reached the milestone 10 million flight hours on Nov. 21, 2000. Since the first revenue flight of a Dash 8 on Dec. 19, 1984, the aircraft have flown an estimated 2.67 billion miles (4.3 billion km) and carried an estimated 294 million passengers or roughly 10 times the population of Canada. In fact, in October 2000 Dash 8 operations comprised 23% of all Canadian airline operations. In the much larger U.S. market Dash 8 aircraft made up 4.5% of all airline operations. In all, 74 customers in 57 countries operate about 560 Dash 8 and newer Q Series Dash 8 aircraft. Backlogged orders total 90. "The Dash 8 family's successful longevity is directly due to its low operating economics and its rugged reliability," said Steven A. Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft. "We have continuously upgraded the aircraft as new technologies such as the Noise and Vibration (NVS) system have become available and we are confident of selling many more Q Series aircraft in the years ahead."
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Saab Training Systems in Huskvarna Sweden, the world's leading supplier of laser based simulators, has been awarded a contract from the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) for the development of a simulator for the anti-tank helicopter PAH-1 A1 with the HOT missile system.
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Transaero has taken delivery of its first Airbus aircraft, an A310-300, becoming a new Airbus operator in Russia. The Moscow-based carrier joins some 190 airlines worldwide currently flying over 2,350 aircraft from Airbus' product range. Transaero operates the aircraft under an operating lease agreement arranged by Airbus Asset Management Division. It will use the European widebody-twin to enhance its service on routes from Moscow to Tel Aviv, London, Frankfurt and Almaty. In the airline's spacious configuration, the A310 will seat 36 passengers in business class and 150 in economy, and is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines.
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UK-based carrier Monarch Airlines has signed a firm order for five A321s, confirming an intent announced in July. According to the purchase agreement, the aircraft will be powered by V2500 engines from International Aero Engines. Monarch's new A321s, seating 220 passengers in a comfortable single class layout, will be operated on the airline's growing scheduled and charter network in Southern Europe, with first deliveries scheduled to begin in 2002. Monarch Airlines already operates a fleet of five A320s and three A321s on its Monarch Crown Services scheduled network from London Luton and Manchester to Spain and Gibraltar, in addition to its charter routes from Gatwick, Manchester, London Luton and Birmingham airports in the UK to Mediterranean resorts. It also operates four A300s and 2 A330s on routes further afield.
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Japan Airlines (JAL) has placed an order to purchase eight Boeing 777-200ERs and three 767-300ERs. The 777s and two of the three 767s will be direct replacements for JAL's fleet of 10 MD-11s. The third 767-300ER will allow JAL to better accommodate the new second runway at Narita Airport, outside of Tokyo, which is scheduled to open during the summer of 2002. The value of the new airplanes at list prices is estimated at $1.6 billion. Deliveries are scheduled between 2002 and 2004. The MD-11s will be traded in to Boeing, demonstrating the company's ability to provide total solutions to its customers. Boeing will manage the conversion of the airplanes into cargo configuration, and then deliver them to United Parcel Service as MD-11 Freighters. "This is a terrific example of Boeing total solutions at work," said Seddik Belyamani, executive vice president, Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group. "It is an innovative business arrangement that addresses the needs of two very important customers." According to Japan Airlines, replacing the MD-11s with these new 777s and 767s will improve JAL Group cash flow by approximately $100 million annually.
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Eurocopter and its Australian based subsidiary EIP (Eurocopter International Pacific), announced a substantially increased Australian Industry Involvement program in its bid for the Australian Army's Air 87 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter contract. The Australian Army is seeking 20 to 25 armed reconnaissance helicopters to replace Kiowa and Iroquois in this role. Eurocopter, the world's largest manufacturer of military and civilian helicopters, has proposed the Tiger, its reconnaissance/fire support helicopter currently in production with a 1st batch of 160 helicopters for the French and German armies (80+80). The configuration of the French reconnaissance and fire support version is particularly well suited to respond to the ADF requirements, thus minimizing the need for customization. In addition, Tiger's fully integrated sensors/weapons/flight management system allows rapid and accurate reaction by the 2-member crew in a very demanding environment. Tiger is capable, compliant, adaptable and can be integrated in the ADF structure in a straightforward manner.
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EADS SOGERMA has just delivered the first upper shell of the 15-21 section of the A340-500 which has been accepted by EADS AIRBUS representatives in the Rochefort facility. This section of the A340-500 is manufactured on the assembly line which integrates new technologies with large capacities, especially an automatic five axe riveting machine as well as one of the largest rolling machines in Europe in the field of aeronautics. The shell of the A340-500 includes a new technical specification with two passengers door frames. It has been designed and produced by EADS SOGERMA successfully in the record time of seventeen months. A new building was opened by EADS SOGERMA in its Rochefort facility in October 1999, jointly with the delivery of the first A340-600 shell. This building is dedicated to the manufacturing of AIRBUS A330/340-500/600 sections. The production rate will gradually rise to reach three sections per month in 2003 for each aircraft type.
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The Surface-to-Air Missile Operations Center SAMOC produced by the EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company has demonstrated its full functionality in a quality assurance inspection conducted by the Federal Office for Defense Technology and Procurement (BWB), thus passing an important milestone on its way to operational service with the German Air Force. SAMOC has been developed at the Ulm site of the EADS Defence Electronics and Telecommunications business unit. During the inspection by the BWB, the fault-free functioning of the software with which this mobile antiaircraft operations center is equipped was tested on original hardware and also under conditions involving real air situations, EADS announced on Wednesday . For this purpose, the SAMOC operations center was set up at the EADS site in Ulm and connected to the German Air Force airspace control network, with links being established to the higher airspace control centers and to operations centers at the tactical level. At the same time, members of the Air Force received training on the air defence command post. "SAMOC demonstrates the enormous improvements in the performance of existing defence systems that can be achieved through the well-targeted use of network technologies as well as modern command and control systems," commented Dr. Stefan Zoller, Head of the Defence Electronics and Telecommunications business unit at EADS.
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International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC), a unit of American International Group, has signed the definitive agreement for its purchase of 40 jetliners, the Boeing Company announced. The agreement includes eight new Boeing Longer-Range 777 models, 25 777-200ERs (extended range) and seven Next-Generation 737s. This brings total 777 orders to 113, a record single year total. The complete order is valued at approximately $5.6 billion at list prices. The order initially was announced, pending the signing of the definitive agreement, at the Farnborough Air Show earlier this year. The 777s previously had not been included by Boeing in its order totals, however the 737s were previously included and attributed to an "unidentified" customer.
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BAE SYSTEMS North America has completed its $1.67 billion acquisition of Lockheed Martin Aerospace Electronics Systems (AES). The AES business complements BAE SYSTEMS established electronic systems business and adds a world-leading information and electronic warfare component. It strengthens BAE SYSTEMS position as a major player in the global defence market and a fundamental constituent of the US defence industry. BAE SYSTEMS chief executive John Weston said: "This is a watershed in the evolution of the company. BAE SYSTEMS now has a strong presence in the defence industry in the United States - the world's biggest single defence market. It is a powerful signal of the determination of the United States to create a transatlantic defence industrial community to further the aims of the North Atlantic alliance" AES is a world leader in the design and production of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the US military and other US government entities as well as an expanding base of international clients.
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The largest environmental programme of South America - protection of the Amazon regions - is going to be implemented. Therefore, Brazil intends to modernise its police authorities with the PROAMATEC project (increase of the presence of the federal police). On behalf of the Brazilian government, the state-owned French company Sofremi has awarded the contract (total volume: US-$ 425 million) to the two partner companies EADS Deutschland GmbH and Thomson-CSF/Paris. Dornier GmbH, a corporate unit of EADS, will be responsible for the implementation of the German programme share. This was reported by Dornier GmbH on Monday in Friedrichshafen. Dr. Stefan Zoller, CEO of Dornier GmbH and Head of the EADS Business Unit Defence Electronics and Telecommunications: "We are glad that the government-level talks and negotiations between Brazil, France and Germany are stimulating the Amazon project. We are highly pleased about this success because it gives us the unique opportunity to use our technical know-how and our system capability in reconnaissance and information technology in a large area".
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Honeywell has said it has scheduled a special shareowner meeting for January 10, 2001 to approve its proposed merger with General Electric Company The meeting will be held at the company's headquarters in Morris Township, New Jersey, starting at 10 a.m. EST. The record date for determining shareowners entitled to vote on the merger is December 1, 2000. Proxy materials will be mailed to shareowners around December 8. Honeywell also said that both it and GE filed on November 15, 2000 pre-merger notification materials under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
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Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company has built the tank for the first new Centaur upper stage that will fly atop the company's Atlas V next-generation rockets. Built at Lockheed Martin's facilities in San Diego, Calif., the Centaur tank arrived at the company's facilities located near Denver, Colo., where final assembly and installation of engines, avionics, harnessing and other components will be completed. Substantial progress also has been made on the first Atlas V rocket booster, designated AV-001. The booster's liquid oxygen tank and RP-1 fuel tank have been built at the company's facilities near Denver and are undergoing tests and inspection. The RD-180 rocket engine will be attached to the booster and final assembly completed by April of next year, when AV-001 will be shipped to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
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Rolls-Royce today handed over the first Pegasus Mk107 engine to power the Royal Air Force (RAF) Harrier GR7 aircraft fleet. The decision to upgrade UK Harriers was taken last December in an agreement worth up to #350 million to Rolls-Royce. Forty Pegasus Mk107 engines will be delivered initially with an option to upgrade a further 86 engines. This contract was one of the first 'quick wins' for Smart Procurement, delivering significant cost, performance and reliability improvements to the RAF while ensuring the continued production of Pegasus engines for Rolls-Royce.
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Another milestone in the US Air Force's Expeditionary Aerospace Force process was passed as the Aerospace Expeditionary Force Cycle 2 started Dec. 1. The first AEF cycle, which was implemented on Oct. 1, 1999, ended Nov. 30. he goal of this evolution is to improve the AirForce's ability to rapidly deploy light, lean and lethal elements of aerospace forces anywhere on the globe, officials said. To meet this challenge, the Air Force assigned people and equipment from active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units into 10 Aerospace Expeditionary Forces, two crisis-response Aerospace Expeditionary Wings and five lead mobility wings. During the 15-month cycle, forces assigned to an AEF are scheduled to deploy or be on call for one three-month period. In AEF Cycle 2, the AEWs assigned to Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, will rotate on-call status every 120 days, ensuring one AEW is always ready to respond to pop-up contingencies. In addition to AEFs and AEWs, the Air Force's five designated lead mobility wings are also ready to respond to humanitarian crises around the world.
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The growing population of satellites flying above our planet can now be guided by global satellite navigation systems just as easily as by ground-based systems, thanks to the pioneering work of ESA and two leading European satellite manufacturers and operators. ESA has helped develop two new GPS (Global Positioning System) space receivers, the TOPSTAR 3000 in conjunction with the French-based company Alcatel and the SGR in collaboration with Surrey Satellite Technology in the UK. Both receivers will bring more accurate, affordable satellite tracking to the commercial user. The TOPSTAR 3000 is designed for telecommunication and observation commercial missions with strong reliability requirements, and the SGR is ideal for use with the smallest type of satellites, weighing from a few hundred to just 5 kg.
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Bombardier Aerospace has concluded a major sale of 27 50-passenger CRJ regional jets with Atlantic Coast Airlines Holdings (ACAI) of Dulles, Virginia for its Atlantic Coast Airlines/United Express operation. Value of the order is estimated at approximately $594 million U.S. ($831.6 million Cdn.). The contract represents the conversion of 27 conditional orders to firm orders by the airline. In August 2000, when Atlantic Coast announced its conditional orders, it also placed three firm CRJ200* orders that are now designated for its United Express program. Including today's agreement, Atlantic Coast has ordered a total of 96 CRJ200 aircraft, 34 of which are delivered and in service. Atlantic Coast first ordered CRJ aircraft from Bombardier in January 1997 when it placed an order for 12 and secured options on an additional 36. The airline's initial CRJ aircraft entered Atlantic Coast's fleet in the summer of that year.
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SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen has submitted a proposal in response to the Hungarian government's request for information (RFI) for the modernization of the Hungarian Air Force. The proposal is based on the supply of up to 24 NATO-interoperable Gripen fourth-generation multi-role/swing-role fighters. Supported by a flexible finance package and an innovative industrial cooperation program that would provide significant long-term economic benefits, the aircraft would be delivered from 2005. The specific benefits to Hungary of a Gripen solution are: From 2005, the delivery of up to 24 fourth-generation NATO-interoperable Gripen fighters, (including four two-seater variants) which will form the core of Hungary's modernized air force to fulfill its national defense and NATO requirements. Linked to the procurement of Gripen, an opportunity to further stimulate Hugarian industry in both the commercial and defence sectors through the development of strategic partnerships with key European companies. A long-term and flexible finance proposal, backed by the governments of Sweden and the United Kingdom, that could delay the normal initial capital outlay involved with a major acquisition program. A complete logistics and pilot-training support package which could include the opportunity for a number of Hungarian pilots to train with the Swedish Air Force on Gripen, enabling the early establishment of fully qualified multi-role/swing-role operational instructors and pilots. "A new-build Gripen solution is the best possible option for the Hugarian Air Force, for Hugarian industry and for the Hugarian national economy," states Jan Narlinge, managing director, SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen. "It provides the best long-term solution for Hungary, not just in terms of meeting national and international defense obligations, but also in terms of affordability and delivering economic benefits."
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Bright, computer images of landing gear wind noise are enabling NASA engineers to pinpoint loud and preventable aircraft flight sounds more easily than in the past, raising the prospect of quieter take-off and landings. In a series of tests conducted at NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, the sounds have been depicted as colored images on a computer screen. These new test data provide critical visual information to aircraft designers concerned about possible enforcement of stricter aircraft noise rules.Engineers anticipate that lower aircraft noise limits also will be issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization, which makes airplane noise rules for much of the non-U.S. aviation community.
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In a signing ceremony at Air Material Command Headquarters, Værløse Air Base, the Royal Danish Air Force ordered three Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules tactical transport aircraft. The order also includes an option for a fourth. The aircraft will be 'stretched' configuration C-130J-30s, equipped with an enhanced cargo handling system and a comprehensive integrated electronic warfare system. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2003. In addition, the order contains options for an accompanying logistics goods and services package.
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The first wing and the first fuselage for prototype #1 of the Bell/Agusta 609 were mated on November 29, 2000, at Bell's Flight Research Center, Arlington, Texas. First flight for the BA609 is scheduled for late next year, with FAA certification planned for 2003, with deliveries to follow. Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company is a joint venture between Bell Helicopter Textron and Agusta, a Finmeccanica company, to design, develop, produce and market the BA 609 civil tiltrotor and the AB139, which is a conventional new medium twin engine helicopter. The company will produce a total of four prototype tiltrotor aircraft for flight testing and certification.
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The young startup airline Virgin Blue is the first customer on the Australian continent to contract with Lufthansa Technik AG (LHT). Owned by Virgin Holding, the new airline began operating at the end of August. LHT will be supplying components for its fleet, which consists at the moment of three Boeing 737-400s, a number expected to grow to five before the year is out. The contract will run for four years. Lufthansa Technik will be stocking a basic supply of the most important components in Brisbane, where Virgin Blue has its home base. The Australian airline will also have access to LHT's worldwide components pool. The intention is gradually to convert an initially limited line of components into a full line, which will be available under LHT's Total Components Support (TCS) program. In addition, LHT is negotiating with the Australian low-price carrier about supplying components for the already ordered ten Boeing 737-700s, the first of which will join the Virgin Blue fleet in April 2001.
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Saab Ericsson Space, headquartered in Goteborg, Sweden will acquire 65% of the leading Dutch space company Fokker Space. Stork, the major aerospace industry in the Netherlands, will acquire the remaining part of the shares. Fokker Space is a prime supplier of solar arrays, is also a specialist in advanced robotics technology and is prime contractor of the European Robotic Arm. The company's expertise in "light-rigid'' and strong structural components has led to close involvement in the Ariane launcher development and production program. Fokker Space has 400 employees and Euro 100 million in annual sales. This move further strengthens Saab Ericsson Space competitiveness on the international space market. The build up of an independent strong network of subsystem suppliers started successfully some years ago with the acquisition of the two leading Austrian space companies, today reorganised into Austrian Aerospace. The acquisition of Fokker Space is a continuation of this strategy.
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