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UPDATE 
Week ending April 22, 2001
+++ Eurofighter CAPTOR radar flight test success +++ EADS opens signature measurment facility +++ Austrian Airlines: positive result in 2000 +++ Shuttle mission with first Europan astronaut launched to ISS +++ 737-900 certified +++ News in brief +++

Eurofighter CAPTOR radar flight test success
Captor Radar im Härtetest

EADS has reported that from March 15 to 29, 2001 a major test campaign with the Eurofighter CAPTOR radar (ECR 90) was performed with the development aircraft DA 5. Test objective was the assessment of the air-to-air modes of the CAPTOR in a multi-target, heavy clutter and interference scenario. For the seven radar flights, the German Air Force Base Rostock-Laage close to the Baltic Sea in North-East Germany, home of the Fighter Wing (JG/Jagdgeschwader) 73 "Steinhoff", was chosen. The JG 73 base was able to provide all necessary facilities, such as up to 20 target aircraft airborne simultaneously, a GPS position measurement of all targets and ample airspace for manoeuvers with 20-ship formations. The EADS-based Eurofighter DA 5 was equipped with two external 1000 litre fuel tanks for maximum endurance, four AMRAAM air-to-air missiles and a flight profile recorder (FPR) pod from BGT, replacing one of the standard-fitted AIM-9L short-range missiles. The FPR data were used to assess the formation set up on the JG 73 debriefing system. Via a mobile telemetry ground station supplied by EADS CASA the aircraft and CAPTOR data were recorded and evaluated directly on the base and simultaneously sent to the EADS flight test ground station in Manching (South Germany) by encrypted data link for further exploitation and monitoring.
After five flights against four target aircraft and one versus a ten-ship formation (either MiG-29 or a mix of F-4F and MiG-29 from JG 73) March 28 was the highlight of the campaign. Twenty aircraft - 16 F-4F and four MiG-29 plus two spare aircraft to take over position in the event one target aircraft would have to return to base - were airborne within a few minutes to check the Eurofighter's CAPTOR capabilities. The radar modes during the exercise included priority search in look up/down head-on closing and track-while-scan in look up/down head-on closing and tail-chase.

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EADS opens signature measurment facility
Signaturvermessungsanlage in Betrieb genommen

EADS Military Aircraft has opened a highly sophisticated signature measurement facility at ita Manching test center. It is unique in Europe, the company claims, and can take aircraft of up to 45 tons to a maximum height of 13 metres. The first test was conducted with a Tornado, and further campaigns are planned for May and June. EADS is researching Stealth technologies for many years, not only for fighter aircraft, but for civil applications (buildings at airports etc.) as well.

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Austrian Airlines: positive result in 2000
Gewinn für Austrian trotz schwierigen Umfelds

The Austrian Airlines Group has experienced a strong increase in its result from operating activities (EBIT) for 2000 despite external conditions that were in part extremely difficult. EBIT in 2000 amounted to EUR 83.8 million/ATS 1,153.1 million, compared with EUR 18.9 million/ATS 260.1 million in 1999. The Group was also able to achieve a significant rise in its profit before tax of EUR 41.0 million/ATS 564.2 million, against EUR 22.8 million/ATS 313.7 million the previous year. By preparing its Financial Statements according to International Accounting Standards (IAS) for the first time, the Austrian Airlines Group decisively improved international comparability of its results. Furthermore, Lauda Air, which was previously consolidated at equity, has been fully consolidated as of November 2000. The adverse development at Lauda Air had a negative effect of EUR 18.2 million/ATS 250.4 million on the consolidated result.
As passenger numbers and cargo volumes showed increases once again, and following the full consolidation of Lauda Air for the first time in November and December 2000, the revenue of the Austrian Airlines Group rose by 17.2 % to EUR 1,735.8 million/ATS 23,885.1 million. The operating revenue of the Group increased significantly in 2000: at EUR 1,967.9 million/ATS 27,078.9 million, it was 27.8 % up on the previous year. Sharply increased fuel prices and one-off expenses due to the change of alliance resulted in considerable negative effects for the Austrian Airlines Group. At EUR 1,884.1 million/ATS 25,925.8 million, operating expenses in the report period were 23.9 % up on those in the previous year.
With a total of 8,445,572 people being carried (+5.2 %), passenger numbers of the Austrian Airlines Group reached record levels in 2000. Of these, 6,892,311 passengers were carried in the scheduled service segment and 1,553,261 in the charter service segment. The passenger load factor on scheduled services was increased by 1.5 percentage points to 68.2 %. With a total of 121,514 freight and post tons (+ 8.9 %), the capacity increase resulting from the introduction of new aircraft was fully sold in the market. As with passengers, a new transportation record was also achieved in the Cargo division.

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Shuttle mission with first Europan astronaut launched to ISS
Erster Europäer auf dem Weg zur ISS

On April 19, Europe sent its first astronaut to the International Space Station when Space Shuttle Endeavour and its seven-strong crew lifted off from Kennedy Space Center at 14:41 local time (20:41 Central European Summer Time). Italian ESA astronaut, Umberto Guidoni (46) and his six colleagues left a pleasant spring afternoon in Florida behind them at the start of a two-day journey which will see them docking with the Station some 260 km above the Earth's surface on 21 April. The 11-day STS-100 mission is the ninth Shuttle visit to the International Space Station and will involve at least two space walks. The main payloads are the Italian-built Raffaello multi-purpose pressurised logistics module (MPLM) and Canada's giant robotic arm. Both are crucial elements in the ongoing construction of the Space Station and the initiation of scientific experimental work. A UHF antenna, for in-orbit communications during space walks, is also on board.
The MPLM is a pressurised module with a sophisticated internal life support system, allowing astronauts to work inside it and unload equipment while berthed at the Station. It is the only module capable of delivering the special racked experiments prepared for the Station's laboratories. In addition, it will serve as a 'removal van', carrying other equipment and supplies to and from the Station. On this mission the Raffaello MPLM is carrying experiments for the US Destiny laboratory module, together with vital supplies and equipment both for the astronauts living on the Station and for future construction and maintenance work.

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737-900 certified
Zulassung für Boeing 737-900

On April 17, the newest and largest member of the Boeing 737 family, the Next-Generation 737-900, earned type certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).The certification formally recognizes that the 737-900 has passed the stringent design and testing requirements mandated by the FAA and JAA, clearing the airplane for passenger service. The certification clears the way for the first 737-900 to be delivered to launch customer Seattle-based Alaska Airlines in mid-May. Three other airlines, Continental, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Korean Airlines, also have placed orders for the airplane. To receive certification, the 737-900 had to complete a flight-test program that began when the airplane made its first flight on Aug. 3, 2000. Over the course of eight months, the program's two flight-test airplanes completed 296 flights, 156 hours of ground testing and 649 hours of flight testing. "We are extremely proud of our newest 737-900 and its most recent milestone," said Carolyn Corvi, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. "As the 737-900 enters service, it marks the culmination of eight years of work and continues to make the 737 the best-selling airplane in the world."

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

At EADS, e-business is more than just a fashionable catchword. At the Augsburg plant of EADS Military Aircraft, where components for Eurofighter and Airbus are manufactured, Internet-based processes for the procurement of structural parts and services are increasing in importance. By utilising so-called Internet auctions ("reverse auctioning" or "e-bidding"), the Augsburg plant is resorting to innovative methods of awarding contracts. In the year 2000, orders were placed via Internet auctions for floor crossbeams, forged parts and work on single components worth approximately _ 13 million - which corresponds to roughly 15 percent of the plant's annual procurement volume. Such Internet auctions offer a manufacturing facility with high procurement volumes several advantages: "The circle of potential suppliers can be greatly expanded. The competition takes place in a direct and transparent manner. And we can quickly and clearly identify the bidders offering the best price-performance ratio," explains Dr. Lutz Bertling, Director of the Augsburg plant. The savings that can be achieved by the plant using this method of procurement in the future run to several million marks per year. The tendering companies also profit from this auctioning principle. Especially companies that have up to now not been among the regular suppliers thus have the chance to show their qualities in a fair comparison and win new orders. Four Internet auctions are planned for the year 2001. The Augsburg plant estimates that in future contracts for considerably more than half of their procurement volume can be awarded on the basis of the results of the online auctions. Last year there were three auctions, the first being held in June and addressing suppliers of aluminium profiles for floor crossbeams.
+++
The first Boeing C-17 destined for the United Kingdom Royal Air Force made its initial acceptance flight at Long Beach. The flight of UK1 took place just days after the announcement of the signing of the Military Aircraft Release -- a UK requirement declaring airworthiness of the C-17. UK1 is the first of four aircraft that will be delivered to the United Kingdom this year. Delivery of UK1 to the Royal Air Force is set for May 17. The following three aircraft will be delivered this summer. The United Kingdom is leasing the aircraft for seven years with two possible one-year options for contract extension.
+++
TURBOMECA announces that a new version of its ARRIUS engine, the ARRIUS 2B1A-1, has been certified for the light twin-engine helicopter EC 135 of Eurocopter. This version will allow a performance level never before obtained in category A (V.T.O.L) : the increasing of the take-off weight of the EC 135 up to 2835 kg, which is the maximum allowable weight for the helicopter and authorised by Eurocopter. This take-off weight can be operated at outside temperatures up to ISA + 5* (20*C at sea level). This range corresponds to the needs of the majority of customers. Therefore, available as a dual-source on the EC 135, the ARRIUS offers the best market performances. Through the certification of this new version, TURBOMECA has once again shown its great capacity to develop the performance of its engines, without making major changes to the helicopter, and to respond quickly to the needs expressed by its customers: for example, Thames Valley Police (England) have just chosen their second EC 135 helicopter with Turbomeca engines. It will be equipped with the ARRIUS 2B1A_1 engines, the sole engine available to date that allows a 2835 kg take-off weight on that aircraft in category A. The ARRIUS 2B2, an even higher performing version, should authorise take-off weights of 2835 kg at even higher temperatures. This should be certified by the end of 2001 and brought into service mid 2002.
+++
A Pentagon-appointed panel recommended the Marine Corps' troubled V-22 Osprey program continue but with "bare minimum" production because of serious concerns about the aircraft's safety and design. The panel agreed Wednesday that the Osprey was the best aircraft suited for Marine missions but plans to advise the Pentagon the aircraft needs various repairs and redesign work before it can return to flight. "The V-22 is probably the best answer available," panel member Norman Augustine said. "It's not ready today, though, for operational use -- not close to it." Among the problems cited were a software glitch in the aircraft's computer software and a need to redesign inside the plane's engine casing, where mechanics have found hydraulic problems. "By any standard, I would describe this as a troubled program," Augustine said. "Four crashes and 23 lives lost. That's a troubled program." The panel plans to publish its final report on the Web on April 30, a day before the Senate and House Armed Services committees are scheduled to hold hearings on the findings. At its first public hearing in February, the panel heard from supporters of the program and family members of those killed in the crashes.
+++
The Naval Reserve took delivery of its newest logistics aircraft, the C-40A "Clipper," on Saturday, April 21, 2001, in a ceremony at Naval Air Station / Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. The Clipper meets or exceeds international noise and environmental requirements that are a problem for the current fleet of Naval Reserve C-9 Skytrains, of which almost 25 percent are 30 years or older. The Clipper is also more fuel-efficient and offers increased range and payload capabilities. "Our C-9s have been true workhorses, but the Clipper provides the Navy with a new breed of aircraft and environmental guidelines," says Rear Adm. John B. Totushek, commander of Naval Reserve Forces. "The Clipper will increase the Navy's capabilities to better serve commanders-in-chief across the globe."
+++
NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) announced their agreement on the framework of a potential bilateral cooperative agreement, that could result in ASI development of a U.S. Habitation Module for the International Space Station. This agreement allows the U.S. to explore an alternative approach to achieve full crew Habitation for the ISS within the constructs of the President's FY2002 budget blueprint guidance and budget run out. The Habitation Module which was to house crew quarters and other essential habitability functions for three to four additional ISS crew was considered a high cost-risk element, and as such, its funding was redirected to address cost challenges in maintaining the core U.S. assembly elements and high priority ISS objectives. This cooperative proposal will be part of NASA's ongoing program assessment, which includes possible decisions to develop and deploy U.S. elements or enhancements beyond completion of the U.S. core, within available funding. Successful restoration of a habitation capability for six or more crew would significantly increase the availability of crew time to conduct important research. NASA and ASI are discussing launch services, additional Space Shuttle and ISS astronaut crew opportunities and assignments, ISS utilization, and increased visibility for the Italian role in the ISS partnership as possible consideration for Italy. Any increase in U.S. research utilization to be provided to ASI would be enabled through the increased capabilities realized through the provision of habitation for an expanded crew complement.
+++
To build on its world-class capabilities in navigation and to meet customer needs, Lockheed Martin has established a new business unit within its Space Systems Company. This new Navigation Systems business unit will direct the company's efforts as it pursues new business opportunities in the space-based navigation systems marketplace. In addition to pursuing opportunities to develop the third generation Global Positioning System (GPSIII) and Global Multi-Mission Service Platform (GMSP), the new business unit will provide a new level of corporate commitment to the development of systems required to meet the rapidly expanding needs in this market and its customers.
+++
Bombardier Aerospace is pleased to announce that Singapore Airlines (SIA) has placed a follow-on order for two additional Learjet 45 super-light business jet aircraft. This new order will increase SIA's fleet of Learjet 45 aircraft to six - all operating in a specialized pilot training role.
+++
On the strength of new orders and a large backlog of 551 aircraft, Bombardier Aerospace announced a production rate increase to 14.5 aircraft per month from its current rate of 12.5 for its pioneering 50-seat CRJ regional jet. The 14.5 aircraft per month rate will be reached during Bombardier's 2003 fiscal year and, for that year, Bombardier targets165 aircraft deliveries and 174 for the following year. During its current 2002 fiscal year, Bombardier plans 135 50-seat CRJaircraft deliveries. Since Jan. 1, 2001, Bombardier Aerospace has signed commitments for 96 firm, 53 conditional and 144 optioned CRJ100/200* aircraft. These firm commitments have come from Skywest Airlines (35) and Air Wisconsin Airlines (51) in the United States, Air Dolomiti (3) in Europe, Cameroon Airlines (1) in Africa and China Yunnan Airlines (6) in China. "In light of our commercial success, the rate increase will allow us to better supply our customers," said Michael Graff, president and chief operating officer, Bombardier Aerospace. "The move will add up to 1,000 people to Bombardier Aerospace in Montreal," he added.
+++
The US Aerospace Industries Association reports that record imports and lower exports combined in 2000 to reduce the aerospace trade balance to $26.7 billion, down $14.3 billion--or 34.7 percent--from the 1998 record high of $41 billion. Exports last year dropped $7.8 billion from the previous year to a total of $55 billion. Imports rose $2.9 billion to $28 billion, a record high. Exports of civil transports accounted for the majority of the drop--$6 billion--and imports of civil transports increased by $2 billion. AIA President and CEO John W. Douglass said that the decline in exports could be attributed in part to the cyclical nature of civil transport manufacturing. But he added that a rise in sales of foreign built aircraft to U.S. air carriers accounted for the growth in imports. AIA sent a letter April 11 to President George W. Bush saying that his proposal to cut the U.S. Export-Import Bank's budget in FY 2002 by 25 percent was particularly ill-timed in light of the current trend in exports and will further erode U.S. aerospace exports. The Ex-Im Bank, Douglass said, "is the only facility available to counter the liberally funded foreign export credit agencies used by competitors of the U.S. aerospace industry." With imports rising and exports falling, he wrote, "it hardly seems appropriate to reduce thebank's appropriations at this time."
+++
During a captive flight test campaign at the Bundeswehr Technical Centre WTD 61 in Manching, the image assisted navigation system of the Taurus KEPD 350 missile has been successfully tested for the first time. Operating in conjunction with the image assisted navigation installed on a Tornado aircraft, on 11 April 2001 the infrared seeker identified 19 out of 20 possible predefined waypoints on the ground. This was announced by Taurus Systems GmbH, a subsidiary of LFK-Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH (2/3) and member of EADS, and the Swedish company Saab-Bofors Dynamics AB (1/3) today. The captive flight campaign is part of the ongoing development contract which the German-Swedish joint venture Taurus Systems GmbH was awarded by the Federal Office for Defense Technology and Procurement (BWB) in 1998. The image assisted navigation system, which is a stand-alone feature of the standoff missile for Tornado, provides this weapon system with an unrivalled mission spectrum when it is on operational sorties.
+++
Fairchild Dornier gained Canadian type certification for the 328 turboprop aircraft, and delivered the first 328 in Canada to Shell Canada Limited. Shell Canada will use the aircraft, equipped with a gravel kit, to support company activities in northern Alberta. According to Shell Canada's Chief Pilot Bill Gillespie, the Fairchild Dornier 328-130, now based in the Shell Aerocentre at Calgary's International Airport (CYYC) in Alberta, will operate five to six days a week flying six sectors a day. The gravel kit protects the underside and propulsion system of the aircraft from loose objects on non-paved runways. The Shell aircraft, leased from GE Capital Canada Equipment Financing, will operate in a 32-seat configuration. Fairchild Dornier received Canadian type certification March 26 from Transport Canada for all 328-100 models, including the Shell Canada Model 30. Original FAA and JAA certification was achieved in 1993 for the 328 turboprop, and more than 100 have been delivered to customers around the world.
+++
EADS, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, has officially opened its U.S. corporate office in Washington, DC. EADS is the world's third largest defense and aerospace company with annual worldwide sales exceeding $21 billion, and more than 88,000 employees. "Establishing a formal Washington presence for EADS is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a corporate commitment to strengthening our transatlantic ties and grow our U.S. economic contribution," said CEOs Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich. "Our impressive portfolio of companies and products will only be stronger as we focus more on the North American market. It is a logical strategic step for EADS." The Washington office helps coordinate the overall efforts of EADS companies in the United States, particularly by building partnerships with U.S. industry for both government programs and commercial projects.
+++
Boeing has delivered Lauda Air's first Boeing Next-Generation 737-700. The airplane will be the first Boeing 737-700 to operate out of Austria. Vienna-based Lauda Air, which has ordered eight Next-Generation 737s, will use the airplane for scheduled service in Europe and on charter routes to Greece, Spain and Turkey. The carrier already has Next-Generation 737-600s and 737-800s in its fleet. The airline also operates several other Boeing models, including 767-300ERs, its flagship 777-200ERs, 737-400s and 737-300s.
+++
Dassault Aviation has won an order from Warren Buffett's Executive Jet group for 25 of its Falcon 2000EX business jets and six Falcon 2000s. The jets sell for approximately $25 million per plane, bringing the total value of the order to over $700 million. Executive Jet will use the planes for their NetJets fractional aircraft ownership programmes in the United States and Europe.Delivery of the Falcon 2000EX is scheduled to begin in mid-2004, while the six Falcon 2000s are to be delivered in 2003. Executive Jet also took out options on an additional 25 2000EX jets. NetJets placed its first order for 66 Falcon 2000s in 1998 and over twenty of these are now in operation.
+++
On April 20, Northrop Grumman announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Electronics and Information Systems Group of Aerojet-General Corporation for $315 million in cash. Aerojet-General is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GenCorp Inc. The Aerojet-General unit had 2000 revenues of $323 million and specializes in spaceborne sensing for early warning systems, ground systems that process data from space-based platforms, and smart weapons technology for high- priority U.S. government national security programs. "The acquisition of Aerojet-General's Electronics and Information Systems Group enhances our capabilities in space sensors and systems and strengthens our advanced battlefield management business focus," said Kent Kresa, Northrop Grumman's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Their strong customer base and core technical expertise in remote sensing systems, signal processing and ground systems are highly complementary to Northrop Grumman's defense electronics businesses as well as our thrust into information warfare and further increases the company's missile defense program capabilities."
+++
EADS Airbus has selected a Zonal Drying system for its Airbus long range aircraft family, i.e. all A330 and A340 models. The Zonal Drying system will initially be offered to Airbus customers as an option and especially in combination with a cabin air humidification system. CTT is teamed with Nord-Micro for programme management and providing the system with digital control and monitoring capabilities. Availability of the first system is scheduled for 2002. The Zonal Drying System has been in airline operation since 1994 and provides benefits ranging form fuel savings to reduced maintenance costs. "This is a breakthrough for us," said Torbjorn Johansson, CTT Systems AB president. "We have worked continuously on increasing the awareness of our system and the very good reasons for using dry air in aircraft. Condensation costs the aerospace industry a significant amount of money every year. To have Airbus recognize the system benefits is just great," he added. The CTT Zonal Drying System is designed to combat water condensation in the thermal and acoustic insulation of modern passenger aircraft. Airlines can use the Zonal DryingSystem to reduce maintenance costs by increasing the service life of the insulation and realize significant fuel savings by eliminating the non-revenue weight of the accumulated water condensate. By keeping dry the area between the interior trim panels and the aircraft skin, the Zonal Drying System also reduces corrosion and the risk of failure of electronic systems and wiring.
+++
An Air France Concorde flew to Istres from Paris to start a new round of tests aimed at putting the supersonic jet back into commercial service following last year's disaster. Officials at the European aerospace firm EADS said the jet would undergo two or three days of tests at the Istres base next week with new tyres designed by France's Michelin.France's civil aviation authority (DGAC) has granted Concorde a month-long permit, which expires on May 10, to perform ground and flight tests at the base near Marseille.
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Previous updates are still available:
Die News der letzten Wochen sind weiter abrufbar:

*April 15, 2001 *April 8, 2001 *April 1, 2001

*March 25, 2001 *March 18, 2001 *March 11, 2001 *March 4, 2001

*February 25, 2001 *February 18, 2001 *February 4, 2001

*January 28, 2001 *January 21, 2001 *January 14, 2001 *January 7, 2001

*January to December 2000 *January to December 1999 *January to December 1998 *January to December 1997 *September to December 1996

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