FLUG REVUE update: Week ending February 18, 2001

U
P
D
A
T
E

UPDATE

Week ending February 18, 2001

+++ Eurocopter reveals EC 130 B4 +++ NEAR lands on asteroid +++ Destiny module added to ISS +++ AB139 makes maiden flight +++ AgustaWestland merger completed +++ Safety strategy 2000+ launched by IATA +++ EADS: Rekordzahlen für 2000 +++ F-4 upgrade for Greece tested +++ Rolls-Royce to launch new Trent engines +++ News in brief +++

Eurocopter reveals EC 130 B4
Neue Ecureuil-Version vorgestellt

At this year's HeliExpo, in Anaheim California, Eurocopter once again introduced a brandnew product to the world market: the light single-engined EC 130 B4, latest member of the successful Ecureuil / Squirrel / AStar family. This new aircraft was designed to position itself as advantageously as possible against the competition by adding another passenger seat, and to comply with the new regulations for helicopter noise limitations, particularly with the US "Grand Canyon" standard. It is one of the quietest helicopters in the world, flying at 84.3 EPNdB. This is 7 dB below the ICAO limit and 0.5 dB below the GCNP (Grand Canyon National Park) regulation. The EC 130 B4 has 23 percent more cabin space than the other Ecureuil / Squirrel / AStar versions. It can accommodate seven high comfort seats, or eight seats in medium-density configuration.
The EC 130 B4 received JAA and FAA certification in December 2000. Deliveries to customers will commence in September 2001. This schedule includes four helicopters going into service with launch customers in spring. The aircraft will log over 100 flight hours per month for the next six months. A Eurocopter technical representative will monitor customer feedback and answer the operators' questions. A support platform has already been set up in the US at American Eurocopter. It will be followed by an equivalent in Europe, then in the rest of the world. Expanding by geographical areas, Eurocopter can guarantee trouble-free logistical support, especially for spare-part availability.
The continued market success of Eurocopter's Ecureuil / Squirrel / AStar / TwinStar family hits a new peak during HeliExpo 2001 with the delivery of the 3000th aircraft. It is in fact an EC 130 B4, latest addition to the single-engined AStar product line, and the operator is Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, USA. This company is the launch customer for the ultra-quiet, spacious, high-performance new helicopter. Being the largest helicopter operator in Hawaii and a long-standing Eurocopter customer, Blue Hawaiian will add the EC 130 B4 to its existing AStar fleet and fly it for an average of 100 flight hours per month in tourism/sightseeing missions.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

NEAR lands on asteroid
Erste Landung auf einem Asteroiden

After orbiting the asteroid Eros for one year and recording unprecedented images of that small celestial body, the spacecraft made history again on February 12 when it touched down on the surface. Scientists at The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Laurel, MD, confirmed touchdown, some 196 million miles from Earth, at 3:07 p.m. EST. The spacecraft continued to send images of the boulder-strewn surface until the last minute, when it was so close to the surface that its field of view was only 20 feet across. Mission officials estimated touchdown speed at a little over 3 mph.
NEAR Shoemaker's final descent started with an engine burn at 10:31 a.m. (EST) that nudged the spacecraft toward Eros from about 16 miles (26 kilometers) away. Then four braking maneuvers brought the spacecraft to rest on the asteroid's surface in an area just outside a saddle-shaped depression, Himeros. When it touched down, NEAR Shoemaker became the first spacecraft ever to land, or even attempt to land on an asteroid. The success was sweetened by the fact that NEAR Shoemaker was not designed as a lander.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

Destiny module added to ISS
Neues Modul für die Raumstation

The International Space Station took a big step forward when the Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off from Florida on 7 February 2001. In the Shuttle's cargo bay was the US laboratory module Destiny - an 8.5-metre cylinder that can accommodate up to 24 equipment racks for experiments. Destiny will also add to ISS command and control facilities, linking with the European-built avionics of the station's Service Module. Although it will be at least four years before the construction of the station is complete, Destiny's arrival means that scientists can now begin to reap the benefits of the project. The new addition brings the mass of the station to over 100 tonnes. With external dimensions of 73 by 52 by 27.5 metres, the ISS now has more habitable space than Russia's ageing Mir station.
It took almost two days in space before the Shuttle's orbit matched that of the ISS and its crew could get to work on the delicate business of assembly. The job required three long-planned spacewalks, overseen by veteran Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins. In between spacewalks, Shuttle Commander Ken Cockrell used Atlantic's thrusters to raise the station's orbit by about 25
kilometres.
For the team already aboard the space station, the arrival of the Shuttle was a welcome diversion. Commander Bill Shepherd and Cosmonauts Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikaler - the Station's first regular crew - were celebrating their hundredth day in orbit as Atlantis took off. Before their guests arrived, they gave their cramped living quarters an early spring clean, and sent a Progress craft laden with rubbish to burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere more than 300 kilometres below. When the three men say goodbye to Atlantis after a week-long visit, they can look forward to another month of orbital duty before the next crew arrives.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

AB139 makes maiden flight
Erstflug der Agusta/Bell AB 139

The Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company AB139 made its successful first flight on February 3, 2001, at Agusta's Cascina Costa plant in Italy thus marking the entry into the development flight test activities. Agusta Test Pilots Bruno Bellucci and Gabriele Zanazzo piloted the AB139 during the flight, with Flight Test Engineers Fiorenzo Mussi e Marco Montorfano on board. This first flight lasted 45 minutes during which initial airworthiness tests, hovering, lateral and forward flight, handling qualities and subsystems checks were performed. These initial tests, in which a continuous speed of 120 kt was easily achieved, have confirmed the excellent characteristics and the smoothness of this new medium twin helicopter whose performance will become a benchmark against which all other helicopters of this class will be confronted. This major milestone was achieved just after 19 months from the unveiling of the AB139 mock-up at Paris Le Bourget '99. The AB139 IFR certification under JAR/FAR part 29 regulations will take place in 2002. First deliveries will follow.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

AgustaWestland merger completed
Neue Hubschrauberfirma nimmt Betrieb auf

As of 12 February, following the implementation of the completion process, AgustaWestland is now fully operational. Finmeccanica SpA of Italy and GKN plc of the UK each own 50% of the newly created company. The completion follows both the agreement signed by Finmeccanica and GKN on July 26 2000 and the subsequent European regulatory approvals. With an expected combined 2000 revenues of more than $2.4 billion and a civil and defence order book of about $8 billion, AgustaWestland is a powerful force in the world helicopter industry. It is a leader in a number of the world's most important programmes and has an impressive pipeline of new products and technologies. Kevin Smith, an Executive Director of GKN and Managing Director of its Aerospace Businesses is Chairman of the Board of AgustaWestland, Amedeo Caporaletti is Chief Executive and Richard Case is Managing Director.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

Safety strategy 2000+ launched by IATA
IATA startet neue Sicherheitsinitiative

Safety is the number one corporate objective for IATA. At its last meeting, the Board of Governors unanimously approved the launch of an enhanced and comprehensive safety strategy developed by the IATA Safety Committee. The implementation of "Safety Strategy 2000+", will position IATA as the leader of global airline efforts to achieve continuous improvements in safety. "Safety Strategy 2000+" calls for consolidation and integration of safety efforts at IATA with other industry organisations for greater effect, including regional airline associations, aircraft manufacturers and the Flight Safety Foundation. It concentrates on Controlled-Flight-Into-Terrain (CFIT), Approach-and-Landing and Loss-of-Control accidents, which represent the greatest threat, while maintaining awareness of other hazards through the integration and evaluation of safety data from various sources. Under "Safety Strategy 2000+" regional safety priorities will be established and best means for regional safety initiatives determined and implemented. Proper evaluation of the impact of safety initiatives in conjunction with constant monitoring of the industry safety performance, will be key in ensuring the strategy is effective and delivers the desired continuous improvement in safety.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

EADS: Rekordzahlen für 2000
Hohe Aufträge und Umsätze für EADS

EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company achieved a record order intake of EUR 49.3 billion in the year 2000. This is an increase of 50.8 % against the pro forma 1999 combined figure of the founding companies Aerospatiale Matra, DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (Dasa) and Construcciones Aeronáuticas (CASA) and shows the exceptional performance of the new group. At year-end, the orderbook amounted to the record level of EUR 133 billion, up 30 % against the 1999 pro forma figure, as the European number one in the aerospace and defence industry announced on February 16, 2001.
EADS group revenues for the first business year reached EUR 24.2 billion on a pro forma basis, an increase of 7.3 % compared with the 1999 pro forma revenues of EUR 22.6 billion. Continuing to increase its market share, the Airbus division achieved revenues of EUR 14.9 billion, up 17.5 %. With 311 aircraft (1999: 294 aircraft) delivered, Airbus successfully continued to increase its production rate to a record level. The Military Transport Aircraft division recorded revenues of EUR 316 million in 2000. The revenues of the Aeronautics division reached EUR 4.7 billion in the past year, almost 10 % up from 1999, and this has been achieved even before the major military contracts obtained over recent years (Tiger, NH90, Eurofighter) start to have an impact on sales. Eurocopter delivered 289 helicopters, compared to 242 in 1999, and maintained its worldwide number one civil market share of 38%. Military aircraft revenues were sustained by the Tornado upgrade programme. Maintenance grew in line with the world's aircraft fleets, confirming again the growth potential in this area. In a difficult market environment, revenues of the Space division increased slightly to EUR 2.5 billion (+0.7 %). Revenues of the Defence and Civil Systems division decreased to EUR 2.9 billion (- 24 %) in 2000, particularly due to the anticipated de-consolidation of the civil telecom joint ventures with Nortel that had already been announced at the time of the IPO.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

F-4 upgrade for Greece tested
Flugversuche für griechische F-4 gehen weiter

EADS Military Aircraft has now finished flight testing for the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) of the Hellenic Air Force F-4 upgrade programme in Manching. The formal IOC which has been requested from the German Air Force Airworthiness Authority is expected during February 2001. The IOC provides certification for the following operational use by HAF: Air to Air Capability, incl. AMRAAM firing (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile), Air to Ground Capability for all conventional weapons for Training Purpose (Simulation Mode)
The flight test programme so far contained 102 flights with different software versions. The latest software version tested covers the full contractual functionality and has proven that the complete new Avionics system including radar and IFF (Identification Friend Foe) is working satisfactory.
As in every newly developed complex avionics software there are still some non-compliancies to the original specifications. Those problems are known by the Hellenic Air Force and will be corrected according to the priorities agreed with the customer. The programme will now continue with a final test phase to demonstrate the air-to-ground bombing accuracy by real bomb releases. Between May 1999 and December 1999 a total of 15 aircraft were provided by HAF to Hellenic Aircraft Industry (HAI) in Tanagra for the production modification programme. All 15 aircraft have been modified and five of them completely tested. These modified aircraft are ready to be handed back to HAF for operational use after receipt of the formal IOC from the German authorities. The rest of the 15 aircraft will be ready for handover to HAF within the next four months.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

Rolls-Royce to launch new Trent engines
Neue Trent-Versionen für A380 und 767

Rolls-Royce announced further development of the Trent aero engine family, comprising the Trent 900 for the Airbus Industrie A380 family and the Trent 600 for the Boeing 747X and Longer Range 767-400ER aircraft. The Trent 900 and 600 are the latest members of the highly successful Trent family of aero engines, based on the unique Rolls-Royce three-shaft design. Thirty customers and operators have ordered more than 1,400 firm and option Trent engines worth more than 12 billion Pound. John Rose, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce, said: "The new Trent programme will reinforce the position of Rolls-Royce as a leader in the world civil aviation market, as well as strengthening the company's links with the world's two major airframe manufacturers.
It was also announced that the UK Government is providing investment of 250 million Pounds for the Trent 900 and Trent 600 for which they will receive a commercial return from future engine sales. The Trent 900 has been selected by Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and International Lease Finance Corporation for their A380s. The A380's first flight is scheduled for 2004, with entry into service in 2006. The Trent 600, for Boeing, is due to receive engine certification in 2003.
The Trent 900 will have a 116 inch diameter fan and will be certificated at 80,000lb take-off thrust. The initial in-service rating will range from 68,000lb to 75,000lb thrust. The Trent 600 will have a 102 inch diameter fan and will operate at 68,000lb to 72,000lb thrust.
On February 16, Rolls-Royce announced that Qantas has chosen Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines to power its new fleet of 12 Airbus Industrie A380 airliners. The Trent remains the only engine selected by A380 customers. Qantas has placed firm orders for 12 A380s with deliveries to begin in 2006 as part of a US$4.6 billion dollars fleet programme. Qantas becomes the third airline to select Trent-powered A380s, following previously announced decisions by Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. A total of 49 aircraft are now ordered and on option, representing the supply of nearly 200 Trent 900 engines.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

The DRF (German Air Rescue Service) has reported 24979 promary rescue missions flown in 2000, a rise of 1553 over 1999. DRF and its partners operate 30 rescue stations throughout the country. In total, 65700 EMS flights were made in Germany, with the ADAC and the Border Guard also contributing to the effors.
+++
A new phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) competition began Saturday, Feb. 10, when the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) X-35C touched down at the U.S. Navy's flight-test center at Patuxent River, Md. The arrival capped a transcontinental flight from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. - the first such long-distance flight by a JSF demonstrator.
+++
Pratt & Whitney Canada has announced that Deutsche Rettungflugwacht E.V. (DRF), the German Air Rescue Service, has selected the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2 engine to power its new fleet of Eurocopter EC135 helicopters. "We have spent four years undertaking an extensive evaluation of the EC135 in active EMS service, including the powerplant options. Our conclusion is that the PW200 series technical performance and P&WC's customer support represent, for us, the most appropriate package available," explained Dr. Jochen Schmidt, General Manager of DRF. "P&WC's European-based logistics field support network and repair and overhaul services are well placed to meet the needs of our operation." The PW206B2, a growth engine for the EC135, is built from the PW207 power section coupled with the existing PW206B reduction gearbox. It allows the EC135 to operate at higher Category "A" take-off weights.
+++
The Dutch National Police are expected to sign a contract in early March to purchase eight twin-engine MD Explorer helicopters with an option to purchase two more. The first two aircraft would be delivered in November 2001. "The Dutch Police have decided that the MD Explorer is the best aircraft for their demanding mission, and we are extremely pleased to have another new customer in Europe," said Henk Schaeken, chairman and chief executive officer of MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI). "This is an important victory for our growing company."
+++
The first Sikorsky S-92 helicopter to include customer-inspired design changes conducted its first flight Feb. 8 at the company's Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach Florida. S-92 Program Chief Pilot Bob Spaulding and co-pilot Ron Doeppner guided the aircraft in basic hover controllability checks. Then, S-92 aircraft #5 was flown through a series of climbs and descents, as well as airspeed and vibration checks out to 120 knots. Meanwhile, the last of five S-92 prototypes is being assembled at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation's Stratford, Conn., facility. It will join other S-92 aircraft in flight test during the second quarter of 2001, and will incorporate the planned avionics configuration change to Rockwell Collins displays. Sikorsky has increased the S-92 cabin length by 16 inches (41 cm), reduced the height of the tail pylon and relocated the horizontal stabilizer. The charges came in response to customer requests for additional cabin space and a larger main cabin door.
+++
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation announced that the first production S-76C+ airframe has been received from its new supplier, Aero Vodochody, as part of the manufacturing process restructuring that began in 2000. Meanwhile, Sikorsky delivered the first three new S-76C+ helicopters at the close of 2000 from its new Completion Center partner, Keystone Helicopter Corporation, in West Chester, Pa. Among these on-schedule deliveries was a new aircraft to the flight department of Sikorsky's parent, United Technologies Corporation. Another was for airline operation in Japan, and the third was an executive-configured aircraft for a customer in Turkey.
+++
The first Boeing 757 Special Freighter (SF) lifted off onf February 15 for its first flight since undergoing passenger-to-freighter modification at Boeing Airplanes Services' Wichita facility. The 757-200SF, piloted by Boeing Capt. Gerald Whites, covered much of the Kansas countryside during the three-hour flight. The airplane is to be delivered in early March to launch customer DHL Worldwide Express. During today's flight the crew performed engine, system, instrument and flight control tests. After successfully demonstrating its performance, the 757SF will operate under Boeing's Supplemental Type Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The airplane is the first of 44 airplanes Boeing Airplane Services is purchasing, converting and providing to DHL under a multi-year arrangement as part of a total fleet management
solution.
+++
On February 14, Boeing confirmed Singapore Airlines' intent to order 10 777-200s with options for 10 more. According to Singapore Airlines, the order is valued at approximately $4 billion. The 777's unmatched economics and range provide unlimited possibilities to its operators. With its faster speed, the 777 family of airplanes has shorter trip times than its competitor. SIA previously ordered 61 777s in November 1995 as part of a 77-plane order that included 16 airplanes for its leasing associate, Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise. With this latest order, the number of 777s in operation on firm order and on option will total 81 to
SIA.
+++
Bombardier Aerospace has announced that it has sold a second Global Express business jet aircraft to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) for use as a special mission aircraft.The JCAB, which ordered its first Global Express in November 1999, placed the following order last month after conducting extensive evaluations of several competing aircraft. The JCAB intends to use its Global Express fleet for flight inspection and airways calibration within Japan.
+++
NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, announced the award of an Engineering and Technical Support (ETS) contract to the McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., located in St. Louis, Missouri. The ETS contract, worth up to $35 million, provides for the engineering, technical support, and other technical services for Dryden's two F/A-18 research aircraft, F-15 research aircraft, several F/A-18 mission support aircraft, and a planned U.S. Air Force C-17 test aircraft.
+++
The Finnish Ministry of Trade and Industry, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. and Patria Industries Oyj have on 31 January, 2001 reached a negotiation result which, when implemented, means that EADS becomes an owner of 26.8 % of the shares in Patria Industries Oyj and a strategic industrial partner of the Patria Group. The Finnish Cabinet Committee on Economic Policy has today approved the negotiation result. The execution of the transaction is subject to the parties finalising the necessary agreements and the approval of the respective agreements by the Finnish Government and the Board of Directors of EADS and Patria Industries Oyj as well as the appropriate competition authorities. This process is estimated to be completed before the summer. The Patria Group and EADS have identified and will continue to explore various areas where to develop and materialise industrial cooperation for mutual benefit. Furthermore, the aim of the industrial cooperation is to strengthen Patria's marketing and technology base and to secure the availability of best industrial practices to Patria in selected areas.
+++
On February 7 at 7:28 local time in Kourou, Arianespace launched two European military communications satellites: Sicral for the Italian ministry of defense, and Skynet 4F for the British Ministry of Defence. Following Arianespace's second successful launch of the year, chairman and CEO Jean-Marie Luton said, "For the first time in its history, Ariane has orbited two European military communications satellites on a single mission. This is concrete proof that the Ariane system has met the political and strategic goal set back in 1973, of giving Europe independent access to space. Sicral, Italy's first military satellite, will provide communications services for the Italian ministry of defense. Leading the satellite program was the Italian consortium Sitab, including Alenia Aerospazio for the satellite, FiatAvio for propulsion systems and launch operations, and Telespazio for the ground segment. Sicral weighed 2,596 kg. at liftoff, and is fitted with nine SHF, UHF and EHF transponders. It will be positioned at 16.2 degrees East. Skynet 4F, built by Astrium Ltd. in Stevenage, U.K., will provide strategic and tactical communications services for the British armed forces. Predecessors Skynet 4B, 4C and 4E were launched by Arianespace in December 1988 (Flight 27), August 1990 (Flight 38) and February 1999 (Flight 116), respectively. Skynet 4F is equipped with eight SHF, UHF and S-band transponders. It weighed 1,489 kg. at liftoff and will be positioned at either 1 degree West or 6 degrees East.
+++
Data Link Solutions, L.L.C. (DLS), a BAE Systems/Rockwell Collins company, has been issued a contract by the NATO Eurofighter-2000 and Tornado Development, Production and Logistics Management Agency (NETMA). DLS will provide 12 Multi-functional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminals for integration of Link 16 capability on Eurofighter aircraft. With this contract, NETMA is securing the early integration of Link-16 capabilities into the weapon system. The terminals will be initially used for rig testing at the EADS-CASA facility in Madrid, Spain. Production deliveries will begin in early 2002. The incorporation of Link-16 capabilities represents a significant step in making the Eurofighter one of the most capable new generation swing-role fighters, and ensures interoperability with NATO forces well into the 21st century. The MIDS Low Volume Terminal represents the latest generation of Link-16 equipment incorporating secure data and voice into a single, small, affordable and highly reliable unit.
+++
On February 9, the Hungarian defence ministry announced that it will go for used F-16s out of the US desert to replace its MiG-29 fighters from 2004. Negotiations on the delivery of teh 24 aircraft will start soon. To keep the MiG-29s going until the arrival of the Fighting Falcons, a limited upgrade programme with EADS is being planned. The Gripen camp reacted swiftly to the new development, with Swedish Ambassador to Hungary, Staffan Carlsson, offering the Hungarian Air Force the loan of up to 24 NATO-interoperable Gripen fourth-generation, swing-role fighters to meet its short-term NATO and national defence needs. The offer, submitted on behalf of SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen AB, supported by the governments of Sweden and the United Kingdom, complements an RFI response for the longer-term purchase of new fighter aircraft submitted last December. Speaking in Budapest, Torbjörn Edberg, regional director SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen said: "We believe the cost of the new Gripen proposal is lower than that proposed for its older-generation competitors. If necessary, Hungary could extend the initial loan period or replace loan aircraft with the new Gripen fighters as part of a future purchase."
+++
With the recent order from Atlantic Coast Airlines Holdings Inc., the Fairchild Dornier 328JET order book stands at 232 orders and options for the 32-seat regional jet. Recently, the fleet of in-service aircraft surpassed the 50,000 cycle mark, reaching the milestone with an overall mission completion rate of greater than 99 percent. To date, with 46 aircraft worldwide reporting, the 328JET fleet has amassed more than 54,000 flights with a 99.35 percent completion rate for the flights scheduled. Results for the most recent week of operations for which data is available (ending Jan. 25), the fleet report showed a mission completion rate of 99.91 percent mission completion rate with only two flights cancelled of more than 1,000 scheduled for that week.
+++
The first Fairchild Dornier 728JET tail cone assembly has been completed by MAN Technologie AG in Germany and shipped to Honeywell in the United States for compatibility testing with the auxiliary power unit. The 3.6-meter aft assembly was designed and manufactured at MAN Technologie's factory outside Munich. The completed assembly was turned over to Dr. Günter Kappler, Fairchild Dornier engineering senior vice president, at MAN's Munich factory for shipment to Honeywell. At the Honeywell facilities in Phoenix, the tail cone will be tested for functionality and compatibility with the RA 220 APU selected for the 728JET.
+++
The new airport for Athens, 'Eleftherios Venizelos' at Spata, is scheduled to open on 1st March 2001 to replace the existing airport at Hellenikon. The success of this opening is dependent on a range of associated infrastructure developments being completed and fully operational prior to this date. "The road access to the new airport is of major concern", said IATA Director General Pierre Jeanniot today. "Safe and timely access is essential, otherwise planes will leave late and without passengers, and staff will be late for work". An inspection by IATA and airline representatives earlier this week showed that progress on the road construction was significantly behind schedule. "We have raised this matter with the Greek Government on a number of occasions over the last fifteen months, but primary and secondary road access has failed to materialise, as had been promised by 31st January 2001", said Jeanniot. "Clearly, the airport access tollway, 'Attiki Odos', which is planned to be the main passenger access to and from the new airport, will not be ready for opening. Additionally, the southern access route to the prime staff housing areas surrounding the current Hellinikon airport has been upgraded only partially, and will not have sufficient capacity to handle the many employee car journeys".
+++
The integration of a helmet mounted display, to further enhance the combat capability of the SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen fourth-generation swing-role fighter has passed a significant milestone, with a successful series of test flights in Linköping, Sweden, using a 'Guardian' helmet-mounted display system (HMD). Flown by test pilot Magnus Olsson, the compatibility of the 'Guardian' display with Gripen's advanced avionics and cockpit was verified, ahead of a programme to fully integrate the system for export launch customer South Africa, which has a requirement for 28 aircraft. The system is also being optimised for use with the IRIS-T advanced short range air-to-air missile which is being adopted as the standard air-to-air combat weapon for Swedish Air Force Gripen fighters. 'Guardian' is produced by Pilkington Optronics, in partnership with Cumulus (a division of Denel) and Kentron of South Africa. It provides Gripen aircrew with flight reference data, weapons information and a weapons aiming capability through the pilot's visor, without the need to look down at cockpit instrumentation or forward through the head-up display. Weapons aiming, using this system whatever the pilot's viewing angle of the target.
+++
Boeing recently flight tested an advanced third-generation forward-looking infrared (FLIR) targeting pod on an F-15E, the latest test that demonstrates the aircraft's capacity to accept a new system without time-consuming modifications. During two early December flights on F-15E1, Boeing test pilot Joe Felock and weapon system operator Rick Junkin validated the basic functional operation of the Northrop Grumman Litening II pod and the pod's interoperability with aircraft sensors and avionics. For nearly four years Boeing has used E1, the first F-15E, as a technology demonstration platform.
+++
The first of three hypersonic (X-43A) research vehicles started the final preparations toward a flight in early summer, as the second vehicle arrived on January 31, 2001, at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif. After successful completion of electrical and mechanical checks, mating of the X-43A to the Pegasus( rocket booster was accomplished on January 10, 2001. Pegasus( is built by Orbital Sciences Corp, Dulles, Va. The Orbital and Dryden team members performed several mission simulations to validate the Hyper-X vehicle system operations.
+++
BAE Systems North America announces that it has reached agreement to sell Flight Simulation and Training, Tampa, Florida, to CAE, Toronto, Canada, for $80 million cash. "Flight Simulation and Training is an excellent company, whose core competencies will be better served in a company with similar expertise. CAE is just such a company,'' said Mark Ronald, president and CEO, BAE Systems North America. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2001, contingent on receiving required regulatory approvals in the United States. This sale underpins the intention on the part of CAE and BAE Systems PLC to explore a strategic relationship addressing military training opportunities globally.
+++
Lockheed Martin has completed assembly of the first C-130J-30 for the U.S. Air Force (USAF). The aircraft was rolled out of the company's main production building on Jan. 25. This aircraft is the first of five extended fuselage length USAF C-130Js currently under contract. Following painting, flight test and preparation, the C-130J-30 will be flown to the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, Calif., to begin airdrop testing. The aircraft will then be joined by two more C-130J-30s for a three-month test program.
+++
On February 5, Oman Air announced a combined purchase and lease commitment for a fleet of five Boeing Next-Generation 737s (four 737-700s and one 737-800). Oman Air also announced a commitment for two additional 737-700 options. The value of the two firm orders is in the neighborhood of $130 million. The announcement was made at a press conference in Muscat, Oman, by Abdul Rahman Al Busaidy, general manager of Oman Air. Oman Air will introduce the first two new Next-Generation 737 airplanes into service in December 2001.
+++
Pratt & Whitney Canada has announced that it is launching the development and installation of a new PT6C-67D engine on the UH-1 Huey Helicopter. The new engine will significantly enhance performance and availability while reducing operating costs of the aircraft - all at a very competitive acquisition cost. The PT6C-67 series engines derive from the large PT6 family, which powers many turboprop aircraft, such as the Cessna Caravan and Beech 1900. Recently, the PT6 marked another success by being selected for the Bell Agusta BA609 and the Agusta Bell AB139. With these selections, the PT6C-67 became the reference engine for the new generation of medium-class helicopters and tiltrotors. P&WC expects to obtain an Engine Type Certificate (TC) for the new, Electronic Engine Control (EEC) equipped PT6C-67D engine from Transport Canada in October 2001 and to obtain a helicopter Supplementary Type Certificate (STC) from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the first quarter of 2002.
+++
The Delegation Generale pour l'Armement defense procurement agency has awarded a fixed-cost contract worth about 1 billion euros to the manufacturers involved in the production of the Rafale combat aircraft. The contract finances the development of the aircraft's weapon system to the improved F2 configuration standard. The companies involved are Dassault Aviation, Thales Systemes Aeroportes and Thales Optronique, Matra BAe Systems France and Sagem, acting as co-contractors for the purposes of this contract. The contract's work schedule calls for delivery of F2-standard Rafales to the French air force and navy by 2005, following the multiyear order for 48 aircraft awarded in 1999 and the service introduction in 2000 of the first F1 standard production aircraft with France's naval aviation. The F2 standard will be additional to the current F1 configuration, which was designed for air-to-air missions, and will give the aircraft the necessary capabilities for air-to-ground missions. The F2 configuration will integrate the OSF electro-optical observation system and the MIDS into the aircraft's weapon systems tactical datalink into the aircraft, and will allow it to carry and fire SCALP air-launched cruise missiles and AASM modular air-to-ground weapons in addition to MICA and Magic 2 air-to-air missiles.
+++
Arianespace announced that it has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to launch the Artemis (Advanced Research & Technology Mission) satellite. Artemis will be lofted into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 between June and August 2001, and positioned at 21.5 degrees East over central Africa. "By signing this contract few months before the launch, Arianespace once again demonstrates its responsiveness and flexibility in meeting customer requirements,'' Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Marie Luton said. Built by prime contractor Alenia Aerospazio, Artemis is an experimental telecommunications satellite. It will carry two payloads for high-speed inter-satellite links -- one laser and one for S and Ka bands, as well as an L-band payload for mobile communications in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and neighboring maritime regions.
+++
The fleet of NATO-AWACS reconnaissance aircraft with their distinctive, disk-shaped radar antennas above the fuselage and the NATO trainer cargo aircraft of the same size will be made safer by means of advanced identification and collision warning systems of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS. Dornier Flugzeugwerft GmbH in Manching, selected as the prime contractor by the NATO agency NAPMA, has awarded a contract for the delivery of four identification and collision warning systems to the EADS Defence Electronics Business Unit. The new systems will be produced by EADS in Unterschleißheim near Munich and Rockwell-Collins Deutschland in Heusenstamm. This was reported by Dornier GmbH in Friedrichshafen on Thursday. The ordered systems are composed of the EADS new generation IFF transponder for friend-foe identification (STR2000) and the ACAS computer of Rockwell-Collins for collision warning (TTR921). Johann Heitzmann, Member of the Executive Board of Dornier GmbH and Head of the Airborne Systems Division: "Installation and tests will be started in the summer and completed by the end of 2001. The contract includes the optional delivery of another 19 systems starting this year."
+++
The airlines of the SAirGroup's SAirLines division - Swissair, Crossair and Balair - performed a total of 598 375 flight hours in 2000 (a 5.2-per-cent increase on 1999) and carried over 19.2 million passengers (7.4 per cent more than the prior-year period). Total production showed a 7.9-per-cent increase in available-tonne-kilometre terms, while total revenue-tonne-kilometre volume rose 5.7 per cent. Seat load factor improved slightly from 72.7 to 73.1 per cent. Swissair carried 15.05 million passengers in 2000 (an 8.6-per-cent improvement) and posted a seat load factor of 73.3 per cent, an 0.6-point increase on the prior-year result.
+++
The President and CEO of the SAirGroup's SAirLines division, Moritz Suter, has named a new CEO for French airlines AOM, Air Liberté and Air Littoral. The SAirGroup holds substantial minority stakes in each of these airlines. The boards of the three airlines agreed to Mr. Suter's proposal to name Marc Rochet CEO. Mr. Rochet, 50, succeeds Paul Reutlinger in this function. "One of my most pressing concerns was to quickly find a proven airline professional to look after these duties," stated Mr. Suter. Marc Rochet was previously CEO of Aéromaritime where he presided over the merger of Air Outre Mer/Minerve SA, and, later, of Air Liberté/TAT (Touraine Air Transport). Upon taking up his duties on February 15, Mr. Rochet will meet with representatives of the airline unions.
+++
A decision on the recapitalisation of Sabena that was to be made at the February 8 extraordinary shareholders' meeting in Brussels, has been postponed until February 23. A corresponding proposal by Sabena's Board of Directors was approved at the shareholders' meeting. While coming closer together, no definitive and formal agreement was reached between Sabena and its unions on the provisions contained in the "Blue Sky" restructuring programme. Dr. Eric Honegger, SAirGroup Board Chairman, stated: "The contractual obligation between the Belgian government and the SAirGroup regarding the recapitalisation of Sabena expires on February 27, 2001. The SAirGroup is not prepared to extend this deadline
+++
The SAirGroup and LOT Polish Airlines have agreed to continue their successful partnership. The SAirGroup holds a 37.6-per-cent stake in LOT, which will remain a member of the Qualiflyer Group alliance. Meeting last weekend in Basel, Jan Litwinski, President and CEO of LOT Polish Airlines, and Moritz Suter, President and CEO of SAirLines agreed to continue what has developed into a successful partnership. Speaking about the meeting Mr. Litwinski stated: "Our cooperation with the SAirGroup and our common business programme, aimed at ensuring a successful future, have developed very positively." Moritz Suter, who oversees the SAirGroup's airlines and airline holdings, added: "The SAirGroup believes strongly in the successful future of LOT as well as in the beneficial partnership of the two companies."
+++
On February 6, CAE announced that its Military Simulation and Training Division has been awarded a contract extension by the German Armed Forces to provide for on-site maintenance of flight simulation equipment. The value of the contract is about $15 million (Cdn). CAE's collaboration with the German Armed Forces covers the maintenance of flight simulators for fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters. CAE is a long-time partner of the German Armed Forces and maintains almost every flight simulator in service with this customer. "We see the extension of this contract as confirmation of the quality of CAE's work to date. It is a long-term relationship built on the reputation and high reliability of CAE simulators," said Dieter Wolf, Managing Director of CAE's operation in Germany. CAE's German operation employs more than 500 people, of whom over 150 are working full time at 25 simulators sites in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and the United States.
+++

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite