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UPDATE
Week ending May 5, 2002
+++ PC-21 rolls out +++ Frankfurt and airlines sign deal on fees +++ Saab changes Austrian proposal +++ Review brings NASA closer t to new Launch Vehicle +++ Boeing explores CargoLifter +++ Sikorsky delivers 2500th Hawk helicopter +++ News in brief +++

PC-21 rolls out
Pilatus präsentiert PC-21

On April 30, Pilatus unveiled its new PC-21 trainer at Stans in Switzerland. The turboprop aircraft is deemed to be a step ahead of rivals and the manufacturer hopes to get a large slice of the market in coming years. No buyer was named yet, but four air forces (among them the RAF) were involved in the design of the aircraft. The PC-21 will sell at 8 to 10 million Swiss Francs. The first prototype should fly within 60 days. A second aircraft is planned in anticipation of certification and first deliveries by the end of 2004.
According to Pilatus, the PC-21 expands the training envelope whilst minimizing life-cycle costs. It maximizes training efficiency by combining the economies of Turboprop operation with high aerodynamic performance and a state-of-the-art Training System. In November 1998, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd privately funded the development of a new training system, the PC-21. In order to meet both the expectations of modern air force training systems and the need to minimise through-life costs, the design had to be completely new. The PC-21 development programme, which commenced in January 1999, focused on three core objectives: Superior aerodynamic performance when compared with any other turboprop trainer currently on the market , a more powerful, flexible and cost effective integrated training system than any other turboprop or jet trainer in the World, a life cycle support cost that did not exceed current turboprop benchmarks.
A Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68B turboprop engine incorporating an electronic power management system, and a five-blade graphite propeller powers the aircraft. Other key features include a high-efficiency swept wing with ailerons and spoilers, automatic yaw compensation, pressurised cockpit, automated cockpit conditioning, an anti-g system and on board oxygen generation. The aircraft uses the very latest Martin Baker Mk 16L ejection seat with zero-zero performance and command ejection.
Systems integration is the key element of the PC-21 cockpit design philosophy. There are three 6x8 inch AMLCD main displays and two AMLCD standby displays in each cockpit. All displays are NVG compatible. In addition the front cockpit has a head-up display (HUD). The rear cockpit can be fitted with a HUD repeater. Inputs to the system are made via the multi-function display soft keys, the up-front control panel and the HOTAS. Digital recorders track all displays for effective debriefing, even after solo sorties. The instructor can de-couple himself from the student's display selections in order to monitor accurately the aircraft position, even if the student has made erroneous inputs. In an emergency, the student can select full flight safety mode, even if the syllabus profile would deny the student access to some of the functionality of the avionic system. The training software is easily adapted to the requirements of the syllabus and the PC-21 software is compatible with computer-based training, cockpit procedure trainers and simulators. The aim is to create the perfect environment for the student and instructor in accordance with the requirements of the syllabus and the ability of the student.

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Frankfurt and airlines sign deal on fees
Gebührenvertrag zwischen FRA und Fluggesellschaften

The Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG), the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Luftfahrtunternehmen (ADL) - a grouping of seven German holiday carriers - and Lufthansa signed a general agreement with Fraport AG on the development of air-port fees and charges at Frankfurt. The agreement for the first time fixes the amount by which take-off, landing and parking fees for aircraft as well as passenger handling charges may be increased long term until 2006 and sets an upper limit. Lufthansa welcomes in particular the key clause in the agreement, which states that price increases are dependent on the volume of traffic. Accordingly, a set amount of the additional earnings derived by the airport operator from the growth in passenger traffic will be credited to the airlines. The risk of a decline in passenger numbers is likewise shared proportionately. In signing the agreement, the airlines have also declared their willingness to pay the costs of the passive noise protection programme for local residents set up by the airport operators, Fraport AG, to a maximum sum of about €76 million. Lufthansa has repeatedly underlined its support for a fair balance between business interests and the justified concerns of people living near the airport.
The agreement links airport charges with actual traffic development. This new charging agreement is based on the 2001 proceeds from airport charges, which are related to the number of departing passengers and which serve as a reference ratio. Under the agreement, this reference ratio will be increased by a rate of about two percent annually, if the forecast for passenger figures is reached. If passenger traffic grows faster than planned, the resulting higher income will go to the airlines on a pro rata basis - i.e., one-third for the airlines and two-thirds for Fraport AG. The risk of passenger traffic developing below plan will be shared on the same pro rata basis.

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Saab changes Austrian proposal
Neues Gripen-Angebot für Österreich

On 30 April 2002 the Gripen team submitted a modified proposal, as requested, for the delivery of up to 30 fighters for the air force of the Austrian Army. The biggest difference between this and the proposal of 23 January 2002 concerns the period of time in which the new aircraft would be delivered. As required by the Request for Proposals (RFP), the Gripen team could deliver the first 5 new fighters in mid 2005 and another 7 by the end of 2005. The delivery of all aircraft could be completed by the middle of 2007. Such exceptionally fast delivery is only possible thanks to the close co- operation that has existed between the Swedish and Austrian air forces for decades. Parallel to this, an extremely detailed training and educational programme for Austrian pilots and technicians would be conducted. In addition, in the new proposal there are also further possibilities for the financing of the project, which could be transacted partially through a bank consortium led by Erste Bank and partially through Swedish banks. Comprehensive proposals for industrial co-operation also constitute an important part of the modified offer.

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Review brings NASA closer t to new Launch Vehicle
Neue Startsysteme: Konzepte ausgewählt

NASA is another step closer to defining the next-generation reusable space transportation system and successor to the Space Shuttle. The Space Launch Initiative (SLI), a NASA-wide effort defining the future of human space flight, has completed its first milestone review -- resulting in a narrower field of potential candidates for the nation's second-generation reusable space transportation system. "To use the resources afforded by space, it's critical to increase reliability and safety while at the same time reducing the cost of space transportation," said Art Stephenson, director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., which manages the SLI for the Office of Aerospace Technology. "The Space Launch Initiative is doing the groundwork to accomplish these goals and create a second-generation launch system."
The recent review, called the Initial Architecture Technology Review, analyzed and evaluated competing second-generation reusable space transportation architectures and technologies against NASA and commercial mission requirements, as well as safety and cost goals. Architecture refers to the complete transportation system design -- that is, the vehicles and their components that fly into space, as well as the ground operations needed for launch. The transportation system design includes an Earth-to-orbit reusable launch vehicle; on-orbit transfer vehicles and upper stages to put satellites into orbits; mission planning; ground and flight operations; and support infrastructure, both on orbit and on the ground.
Three contractor architecture teams -- The Boeing Company of Seal Beach, Calif.; Lockheed Martin Corp. of Denver; and a team including Orbital Sciences Corp. of Dulles, Va., and Northrop Grumman of El Segundo, Calif. -- presented dozens of potential architectures for review. The review allows the Space Launch Initiative to target investments and support what the program manager called the "up-front, homework part of the program" -- furthering technologies to aid in the development of a second-generation reusable launch vehicle. Another review will be held in November to further narrow potential space transportation architectures to two or three choices

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Boeing explores CargoLifter
US-Firma plant Studien mit Luftschiffhersteller

Boeing and CargoLifter AG announced that they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore potential business opportunities for the development and use of "Lighter-than-Air" (LTA) vehicles for commercial, military and homeland security applications. The LOI - signed by George Muellner, president of the Boeing Phantom Works R&D division, and Carl von Gablenz, CEO of CargoLifter AG - provides the basis for a more detailed joint study of possible business opportunities beyond CargoLifter's current business focus on using LTA vehicles for transporting heavy and outsized cargoes. Such opportunities could include the development of a stratospheric airship for commercial and military applications. For all such applications LTA vehicles offer a number of potential performance and cost benefits over traditional aircraft. They are environmentally friendly and require only a small logistics infrastructure. They provide constant lift independent of air speed, enabling high endurance and lengthy loitering. Their lift capability increases exponentially with vehicle size rather than only directly with wing area. They provide a stable platform with low G forces and virtually zero shock loads. And their low air speeds allow for more simple and affordable structures.

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Sikorsky delivers 2500th Hawk helicopter
2500. H-60-Hubschrauber ausgeliefert

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. marked delivery of the company's 2,500th production Hawk helicopter during an April 26 ceremony in Hilo, Hawaii with the Hawaii Army National Guard. The 2500th production Hawk is one of four new UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters that were delivered at the end of 2001 and have been assigned to the Hawaii Army National Guard Company D 1-207th Aviation Regiment. Sikorsky delivered the first production H-60 aircraft in 1978, a U.S. Army UH-60A Black Hawk. Sikorsky later developed several H-60 derivatives including the Seahawk, Jayhawk, and Pave Hawk, and as well as the international variant S-70 for export. More than 2,000 H-60s and their derivatives currently serve in all five branches of the U.S. military, and more than 600 S-70s have been delivered or are on order with 25 other nations across the world. "We celebrate production of the first 2,500 H-60 aircraft and we look forward to manufacturing and upgrading many more," said Sikorsky President Dean Borgman. "The Black Hawk and Seahawk have been the workhorse for U.S. and international military fleets since the late 1970s and will continue to serve this role for decades to come. The versatile H-60/S-70 has proven its mettle in a multitude of missions on every continent."

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

The U.S. airborne law enforcement community continues to embrace single-engine helicopters (MD 600N, MD 520N, MD 500E, MD 530F) manufactured by MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) in Mesa, Ariz. MDHI has confirmed sales of one MD 500E to the Columbus, Ohio, Police Department, and one MD 600N to the Indianapolis, Ind., Police Department. At the same time, sales of single-engine helicopters are being completed to four additional U.S. law enforcement operators that currently operate MD helicopters. Columbus, a repeat customer, will take delivery of its aircraft this year. The Indianapolis Police Department's Tactical Air Patrol Unit operates a Bell Jet Ranger and two Hughes 300Cs.
+++
On the basis of material upgrades to the US air defence posture and enhanced cooperation between civil and military authorities, and following a recent US evaluation of homeland security requirements, the North Atlantic Council today agreed to terminate Operation Eagle Assist effective 16 May 2002. This decision concludes NATO's historic first deployment of assets in direct support of operations in the continental United States. It also reflects the North Atlantic Council's great satisfaction with the significant contribution to counter-terrorism efforts that the Allied Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACS) aircraft have made.
+++
On April 29 EADS CASA delivered the first TCA (Trainer & Cargo Aircraft) to NATO for their NAEW&C (Nato Airborne Early Warning & Control) fleet after undergoing an overhaul in Getafe. The overhaul contract, signed in November 2001, is the first contract to be made solely between EADS CASA and NATO. Along with companies from three other nations, EADS CASA is a member of the European consortium responsible for the development of the Eurofighter combat aircraft and, as such, has many years experience working with the agencies of NATO. This new contract proves beyond a doubt that EADS CASA is prepared and able to meet the requirements of all of the alliances future programs. This program also signifies a new line of work for EADS CASA and the ability to compete to win overhaul contracts for any type of large civil or military aircraft (such as the future A-400M Military Transport Aircraft among others).
+++
EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company is strengthening its defence business by expanding its manufacturing capabilities. As the company announced on Thursday, EADS and Siemens N.V. (Belgium) signed a contract covering the take over of Siemens' Oostkamp plant near Brugge/Belgium by EADS. “We have a longstanding relationship to Oostkamp being a substantial supplier to our defence programs. As we are expanding and globalizing our defence business, it is very important to us to integrate the manufacturing capabilities of Oostkamp and the experience of its employees into our production strategy“, explained Stefan Zoller, CEO and President of EADS Systems & Defence Electronics. The implementation of the acquisition which still requires the approval of the merger control authorities will then take effect retroactively as of January 1, 2002. This will be a further step in EADS' strategy to strengthen the international presence of its defence business.
+++
On May 2, 35 small containers with a total of 2.3 tons of scientific and technical equipment left the premises of OHB-System AG, Bremen, for the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The components shipped include the C.E.B.A.S. mini-module developed and built by OHB-System, a self-sufficient aquatic eco-system that will fly its third space mission in July on board the Space Shuttle Columbia. With a water volume of 8.6 liters, C.E.B.A.S. will be the biggest aquarium that has ever been flown into orbit. This miniature ecosystem accommodates swordtails, small multicolored bream, water snails and plants that will ensure each other's mutual survival in outer space. One of the objectives of the mission is to examine the impact of gravity on the development of ecosystems. For one thing, the findings will serve as a basis for fundamental research on the effects of gravity on the ecosystem of our earth. For another, studying aquatic life in conditions of weightlessness may provide valuable information for future missions to Mars. Further studies of the sensory organ for weightlessness are to provide knowledge of the mechanisms behind space and sea sickness.
+++
Raytheon Company, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $39,760,348 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-00-C-5482) for production, test and delivery of ten MK 49 MOD 3 Guided Missile Launching Systems (GMLS) for the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Program to support German National requirements. The Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) MK 31 Guided Missile Weapon System is co-developed and co-produced under a NATO Cooperative Program between the United States and German Governments. The Rolling Airframe Missile is a missile system designed to provide anti-ship missile defense. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (50 percent) and Ottobrunn, Germany (50 percent), and is to be completed by November 2006. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
+++
New York's JetBlue Airways has converted two more A320 options into firm orders, bringing its total number of A320s on firm order to 76. The two aircraft announced today will be delivered to the airline in December 2002 and May 2003. This is JetBlue's second firm order of the year, following a January 2002 order for 10 A320s. Both newly ordered aircraft will be powered by International Aero Engines' V2500s.
+++
The U.S. Air Force has successfully completed its first training missions over the Distributed Mission Training (DMT) network, an architecture developed by TRW Inc. that ties together high resolution flight simulators over a high- speed fiber-optic network. Through this network, pilots and reconnaissance operators at Air Force bases hundreds of miles apart are now able to rehearse missions together in a computer-generated environment. "While many events have been conducted over the network to date, these were the first formal training missions with actual pilots and aircrew in the seats," said Dr. Mike Papay, TRW's DMT program manager. "All three stages of the training -- briefing, mission execution, and debriefing -- went smoothly, and we received some outstanding feedback from the pilots." The current DMT network links together four Boeing F-15 simulators in mission training centers and four threat stations at both Eglin and Langley Air Force bases in Florida and Virginia respectively, 14 PLEXSYS Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) training consoles at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, and TRW's Network Operations Center in Orlando.
+++
Boeing recently delivered its 400th 777, a 777-200ER (extended-range) airplane to Asiana Airlines. The Korean carrier is leasing the airplane through International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). This is the 23rd 777 purchased by ILFC, one of the largest 777 customers, and will be Asiana's third 777. The airplane will be configured in two classes to seat 310 passengers. "When we built the first 777, our goal was to make a great airplane," said Perry Rushton, a 777 functional test technician who worked on both the first and 400th airplane. "After nine years of production we not only have a great airplane, but we've improved our production processes and reduced manufacturing flow days from 71 to 37."
+++
ATR participate to the improvement of the safety of air transport by presenting reinforced cockpit doors and associated systems for ATR aircraft. As a response to the terrorist attacks of September 2001 and the new FAA regulation requirements for security on commercial aircraft, ATR is putting in place a retrofit campaign of cabin doors dedicated to all series of ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft. The reinforced cabin door is designed to be able to withstand heavy gun bullets and is framed and locked to prevent cockpit intrusion from any undesired person. This new system developed by ATR engineers also comply with regulatory requirements on cabin smoke, fire detection and aircraft de-pressurization. The operating system allows opening of the cabin door by the pilots from their seats, without need to leave the cockpit or to stand up.
+++
The first 15 students to undergo pilot training in the Air Force's newest trainer, the T-6A Texan II, completed the second phase of Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at the 3rd Flying Training Squadron here April 26. The 13 Air Force and two Navy students now enter the T-6 track selection process to find out their follow-on assignments for the next phase of training. They will transfer to other bases to complete training in a different airframe. Students will progress to the fighter/bomber track in the T-38, the tanker/transport track in the T-1, C-130 track in the T-44 or the helicopter track in the UH-1.
+++
Cathay Pacific Airways announced that it has placed firm orders to purchase six new passenger aircraft in a positive step to position the airline to offer more choice to customers and secure a larger market share as demand in the air travel market grows. The airline has ordered three Boeing 777-300 and three Airbus A330-300 passenger aircraft for delivery in 2003 and 2004. Both types of aircraft are currently deployed by the airline on short- and medium-haul regional routes. Later this year, Cathay Pacific will also take delivery of the first of three long-range Airbus A340-600 aircraft for use on ultra-long-haul routes to Europe and North America.
+++
Beginning May 1, Austrian Airlines resumed its round-trips Montreal-Vienna and Toronto-Vienna services with departures three times weekly each, so that there is a daily except Sunday connection from Canada right into the heart of Europe. “This resumed connections come again at just the right time as more and more Canadians are choosing Austria as a tourist destination,” says Dr. Josef E. Burger, Austrian Airlines Chief Commercial Officer on the occasion of the inaugural flight from Vienna to Montreal.
+++
At the Guiana Space Centre, Kourou French Guiana, Mr Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director of Launchers, and Mr Gérard Brachet, CNES Director General, signed a contract on funding to cover the fixed costs of "CNES/CGS facilities". The total amount of these fixed costs over the five years from 2002 to 2006 is put at EUR 617.4 million. This contract follows on from the decision on Guiana Space Centre (CSG) funding taken on 15 November last year in Edinburgh by the ESA Council meeting at ministerial level, under which the Agency will cover two-thirds of the fixed costs, EUR 411.6 m. The other third is being met by CNES out of its budget for national activities, bringing the overall French contribution to 56% of the total. The ESA member states' decision on this collective funding effort is a mark of their solidarity with Europe's launcher sector and the importance they attach to it.
+++
Kaiser Electronics, a Rockwell Collins business, has successfully flown its first projection display system on a F/A-18E/F Super Hornet at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in China Lake, California. The Digital Expandable Color Display (DECD) is a 6 x 6-inch reflective micro Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) projection-based smart display. The DECD program is part of the Boeing F/A-18E/F cost reduction initiative (CRI) aimed at reducing costs and improving performance and reliability of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
+++
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft announced the measures it is taking to re-launch itself as a service business following the cancellation of the Avro RJX program and the cessation of regional aircraft manufacturing by the company. The new business will be focused on three business strands - Customer Support, Engineering and Asset Management. The new business builds upon a strong base with over 1100 aircraft in service worldwide, over 160 customers and a turnover (excluding residual manufacturing) of £170 million a year. Its aircraft are strongly represented in many key markets such as Europe where they are the most numerous among airlines belonging to the European Regions Airline Association.
+++
The Dutch and US governments have agreed to postpone a deadline for a decision on Dutch participation in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project until June 12, the Dutch defence ministry said in a statement. The previous deadline had been April 26. Although the Dutch cabinet has approved participation in the JSF project development phase, a recent parliamentary vote was hung, leading the government to ask for a delay until after national elections scheduled for May Dutch industry, which has been lobbying in favour of the project, aims to obtain eight to 10 billion dollars (8.8 billion-11.0billion euros) in contracts as a result of participation.
+++
Increasing global competitiveness in satellite technology and counterproductive regulations threaten U.S military superiority in space, according to a new CSIS report. In order for the United States to maintain information dominance through satellites for remote sensing, intelligence, communication and navigation, the U.S. government should ease export control restrictions to allow greater U.S. participation in the global satellite market. The study, Preserving America's Advantage in Satellite Technology, examines the nature and quality of commercial satellite services available on the global market; and the failure and costs of U.S. efforts to prevent potential opponents from gaining access to satellite services by restricting the participation of U.S. firms in the marketplace. The report, written by a ten-member panel of policy experts and former government officials, offers recommendations to enhance the viability of the U.S. satellite industry, while protecting national security. "In an era of fierce competition and overcapacity in satellite manufacturing, supportive government policies and a positive regulatory environment will be a key determinant for a healthy space industry. In seeking superior space capability, the United States has not paid enough attention to its commercial industrial base or to the commercial satellite market, which is where most of the nations of the world concentrate their satellite activities," the report states. "Broad U.S. technology transfer restrictions are counterproductive, as they reduce the commercial sales that are the key to sustaining the U.S. satellite industrial base. The effect of denying U.S. satellites, components, and technology to the global market has been to encourage other nations to develop non-U.S. sources of supply."
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*March 31, 2002 *March 24, 2002 *March 17, 2002 *March 10, 2002 *March 3, 2002

*February 24, 2002 *February 10, 2002 *February 3, 2002

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