FLUG REVUE update: Week ending September 15, 2002

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UPDATE
Week ending September 15, 2002

+++ Cessna announces two new aircraft +++ Gulfstream unveils G150 +++ Learjet 40 flies +++ NASA orders Hubble successor +++ MMA study contracts +++ MTU pursues lightweight materials +++ News in brief +++

Cessna announces two new aircraft
CJ3 und Mustang angekündigt

Cessna Aircraft introduced two new business jets at the National Business Aviation Association conference in Orlando, FL. These two new aircraft underscore Cessna's technological and market leadership and reinforce the company's focus on organic growth. Building upon the success of the Citation family, Cessna is announcing the Citation CJ3, which incorporates the most popular features of the CJ2 and offers greater speed, range and comfort than any of its predecessors. The CJ3 is priced at $5,795,000. The first flight of the prototype is anticipated in the second quarter of 2003, with type certification in the second quarter 2004. First customer deliveries are expected in the third quarter 2004. The dual channel Williams International FJ44-3A engines utilize next-generation component aerodynamics and provide 2,780 pounds of thrust -- 14% more takeoff thrust and 12% more cruise thrust than the engines used in the CJ2. Designed for single pilot operation, the CJ3's maximum cruise speed is 417 knots at 33,000 feet. The Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system encompasses the same features as the CJ2, while integrating many additional features. Cessna has included the Co-Pilot's Primary Flight Display with second air data computer as standard equipment. Other integrated avionics features include a file server system with cursor control panel and enhanced map overlays, among others. Passengers of the CJ3 will have additional comfort due to the 24-inch length increase in the passenger cabin. Standard seating is in a six-seat, center-club configuration. Other new interior features include LED indirect cabin lighting and dropped aisle lights; as well as a standard forward refreshment center, with a 10-inch wider work surface than the CJ2.
In addition, the company is unveiling an all-new entry-level jet designed to fill a major void in the turbine aircraft market. Named the Mustang, this aircraft has two turbofan engines and provides more speed, range and altitude capability than currently offered by any single or multi-engine piston or turboprop aircraft available today. The Citation Mustang will offer customers the same renowned quality, safety, value and support that have been the foundation of the Citation program. Priced at $2,295,000, the Citation Mustang is $1.5 million less than the lowest-priced business jet on the market today and is an affordable upgrade for more than 12,000 individuals and companies that operate cabin class piston twins and turboprops. Cessna anticipates type certification in mid-2006 with first customer deliveries in the fourth quarter 2006. The Mustang offers a cruise speed of 340 knots and maximum operating altitude of 41,000 feet. It will incorporate a leading-edge avionics system that includes large displays, FMS and situational awareness. The Mustang's fuselage encompasses a comfortable 300 cubic feet interior that will accommodate two pilots and four passengers in a club configuration, as well as generous external baggage capacity.

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Gulfstream unveils G150
Neuer Jet von Gulfstream

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation introduced a broad new product line by renaming its business jets. The "new" fleet now consists of the Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G500, Gulfstream G400, Gulfstream G300, Gulfstream G200, Gulfstream G150 and Gulfstream G100. "The Gulfstream G300 and the Gulfstream G500 are products that will address emerging market segments with an excellent combination of cabin size, performance and options that far outpace what the competition can offer," said Raynor Reavis, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "The G500 and the G300 will enter service ahead of the competition by one to two years, respectively. The G500 will compete directly with the Global 5000 and the Falcon 7X, and the G300 competes directly with the CL604 and the F2000EX." "The G300, which will bring an exceptional value package, is an aggressive move by Gulfstream to reclaim the market segment originally developed by the company with the Gulfstream III. This new product will reintroduce Gulfstream quality, reliability, speed and cabin size to this market and we expect it to be very successful," added Reavis.
Gulfstream will continue to complete the final phase of manufacturing for the mid-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G100 and the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 at its company-owned facilities in Dallas and Appleton. The wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150 is being designed, developed and certified in a joint effort between Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and Gulfstream.
Available now, the first deliveries are scheduled to enter into service in 2005. The Gulfstream G150 comes complete with a wide cabin for additional passenger and crew comfort at a surprisingly affordable price. Gulfstream and IAI engineers drew upon the company's experience in the business jet market to develop an aircraft that offers the best range and speed of any aircraft in its class. Powered by two fuel-efficient Honeywell 731 engines, the Gulfstream G150 will offer the best performance in its class. With a range of 2,700 nautical miles, the wide-cabin, high-speed G150 will be able to fly from New York to Los Angeles nonstop in just 5 hours and 50 minutes -- saving 1 hour and 600 pounds of fuel over its nearest competitor. Available in three configurations this aircraft is capable of accommodating six to eight passengers comfortably. The wide-cabin features stand-up headroom, ample aisle space, and generous seated headroom and legroom. The 100 percent fresh-air cabin will feature the generous window previously available only on the G200 to provide more natural light for additional passenger comfort. The G150 also offers competitive warranty, training and maintenance programs and combined with the Gulfstream reputation for safety, reliability, comfort and performance, the G150 will meet individualized mission requirements.
Gulfstream announced that it has received an order from NetJets for its new wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150 business jet. The firm order for 50 aircraft plus 50 options, which also includes a multi-year product support agreement, has a potential value of $1.5 billion. Deliveries of the Gulfstream G150 to NetJets are scheduled to commence in 2005 with the firm orders expected to continue through 2010. The new wide-cabin, high-speed G150 was introduced by Gulfstream on Sunday evening, September 8, prior to the official opening of the National Business Aviation Association annual meeting in Orlando.

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Learjet 40 flies
Neuer Geschäftsjet im Testprogramm

The Bombardier Learjet 40, which was introduced at the Farnborough Air Show in July, surpassed two major milestones within a week when the prototype of the new super-light business jet flew for the first time on August 31 and the first production model made its maiden flight six days later on September 5. Both first flights departed from Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport, site of the Bombardier Learjet manufacturing facility and the Bombardier Flight Test Center. Pete Reynolds, vice-president, flight test, Bombardier Aerospace, and Doug May, flight test and engineering test pilot, Bombardier Aerospace, were at the controls of both aircraft for the unprecedented double accomplishment. Eric Nordberg acted as flight test engineer on both flights, as well. "I can't recall any other aircraft program where the test article and the first production model have flown so close together,” Mr. Reynolds said. "Normally, once an aircraft concept is announced, it takes months before a prototype is produced and flown. traditionally, the first production airplane follows significantly later. To fly both within six weeks of the announcement of the concept is pretty extraordinary. We're really pleased that both flights went so well.”
All of the Bombardier Learjet 40 certification testing will be flown in the two aircraft which flew last week. The first flights were conducted using standard Production Flight Test procedures. The testing will continue over the next year with the prototype (serial number 45-001) focusing on stability and control, flight dynamics, performance, and basic systems changes which differ from the Bombardier Learjet 45. The first production aircraft (serial number 2001) will be assigned to fly production verifications for the redesigned systems and conduct testing related to the interior and available options. Type certification to stringent regulations from Transport Canada and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected in the third quarter of next year. Certification from the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) is on target for the first quarter of 2004, with entry into service expected soon thereafter.

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NASA orders Hubble successor
Neues Weltraumteleskop von TRW

NASA selected TRW, Redondo Beach, Calif., to build a next-generation successor to the Hubble Space Telescope in honor of the man who led NASA in the early days of the fledgling aerospace agency. The space-based observatory will be known as the James Webb Space Telescope, named after James E. Webb, NASA's second administrator. While Webb is best known for leading Apollo and a series of lunar exploration programs that landed the first humans on the Moon, he also initiated a vigorous space science program, responsible for more than 75 launches during his tenure, including America's first interplanetary explorers. The James Webb Space Telescope is scheduled for launch in 2010 aboard an expendable launch vehicle. It will take about three months for the spacecraft to reach its destination, an orbit 940,000 miles or 1.5 million kilometers in space, called the second Lagrange Point or L2, where the spacecraft is balanced between the gravity of the Sun and the Earth. Unlike Hubble, space shuttle astronauts will not service the James Webb Space Telescope because it will be too far away.
The most important advantage of this L2 orbit is that a single-sided sun shield on only one side of the observatory can protect Webb from the light and heat of both the Sun and Earth. As a result, the observatory can be cooled to very low temperatures without the use of complicated refrigeration equipment. These low temperatures are required to prevent the Webb's own heat radiation from exceeding the brightness of the distant cool astronomical objects. Before and during launch, the mirror will be folded up. Once the telescope is placed in its orbit, ground controllers will send a message telling the telescope to unfold its high-tech mirror petals.

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MMA study contracts
US Navy sucht Orion-Nachfolger

Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp. were each awarded $7 million Defense contracts on 10 Sept. for the Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) program Component Advanced Development (CAD) work effort, NAVAIR officials said. MMA will recapitalize the capabilities of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF), providing dominance in ASW, ASuW, and maritime reconnaissance and surveillance environments well into the 21st Century. The contracts represent the first five months of an 18-month industry effort to support MMA CAD. The purpose of CAD is to perform requirements analysis in support of the Operational Requirements Document development, define the MMA system architecture, quantify and reduce MMA system risks, evaluate total ownership costs, and develop detailed plans and schedules for each MMA system alternative. CAD will continue until Milestone B, at which time the System Development and Demonstration phase will commence. The schedule beyond MS B is alternative-dependent, however an Initial Operational Capability of 2012 is targeted. MMA, a Naval Air Systems Command program under PMA-290, is a key capability provider in the CNO's Transformation Roadmap (Sea Strike, Sea Shield, Sea Basing). It will have the significant ability to operate with U.S. and Coalition forces in defending the Homeland against external attacks, in deterring aggression and coercion in critical regions, in swiftly defeating adversaries in two overlapping wars while preserving options for a decisive victory in one of those conflicts, and in conducting a limited number of lesser contingency operations.

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MTU pursues lightweight materials
Neue Triebwerkswerkstoffe von MTU

Under a program sponsored by the Bavarian Ministry of Economics, Transport and Technology, MTU Aero Engines is moving full steam ahead with its investigations into lightweight materials which, implemented with innovative casting technologies, it hopes can be used in production components for engines and exhaust turbochargers. These materials, specifically titanium aluminides, would help to significantly reduce weight, fuel consumption and emissions. MTU estimates they may ultimately reduce component weights by as much as 50%, compared to current materials. When Dr. Klaus Steffens, MTU Aero Engines president and C.E.O., presented the first titanium aluminide test blade to Bavaria's Minister of Economics Otto Wiesheu, he commented: "This weight reduction is a quantum leap in the engine industry. I doubt there will be any alternative technology to it in the foreseeable future."
If MTU succeeds in maturing the technology for industrial use, the company will become a leader in the field worldwide, appreciably improving its competitive viability. The MTU chief added that in the long haul, this would help secure jobs at the company's Munich location and moreover generate new jobs in Bavaria. It is hoped that the technology program, pursued jointly with academia, research institutions and industrial partners, will by 2006 culminate in the first use of titanium aluminide blades in production engines.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has invited Adam Aircraft to participate in a demonstration of their new research & development program focused on developing technologies to create a small aircraft transportation system (SATS). Under the project, NASA has initiated a five-year $69 million research program that will develop and evaluate new technologies and operating procedures in ground and flight research at several airports around the country, culminating in technology flight demonstrations by mid-2005. The ultimate goal of the SATS program—to provide practical new options for travel-weary Americans—may be realized sooner rather than later thanks to research done at NASA Langley Research Center. According to Dr. Bruce Holmes, Manager of the General Aviation Programs Office, "SATS represents a national opportunity to create an affordable and safe transportation alternative that frees people and products from today's system delays by creating access to more communities in less time.”
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced its international monthly statistics for scheduled international airline traffic. Passenger raffic for July remained on average 7.9% below levels in July of 2001. Freight traffic was up 10.5% over July 2001 levels. IATA Director General and CEO, Giovanni Bisignani commented that "Current recovery signs in the freight market are encouraging, although the main passenger business is still significantly down. The air freight trend is often a leading indicator of global economic trade recovery. We are seeing a fragmented picture of traffic volume by region with Asia now slowly growing, while the US and Europe continue at levels below 2001. Overall capacity appears to be lining up with demand, although the level of capacity reduction varies markedly by region. The key will be to ensure that the airlines do not pursue passenger volume at the expense of profitability."
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The first of four Low Rate Initial Production, or LRIP, MV-22 Osprey aircraft resumed flight test operations at Bell Helicopter's Tiltrotor Assembly Center in Amarillo, Texas. The aircraft--the second V-22 to fly since December 2000--logged 4.6 flight hours during two flights and completed several conversions from helicopter to airplane mode and back. The MV-22, Aircraft #21, was piloted by Bill Leonard and Jim Lindsey. Mr. Lindsey said flying the V-22 again was a real pleasure and credited the ground crews at Amarillo for getting the aircraft ready. The aircraft achieved a straight and level maximum airspeed of 250 kts and attained an airspeed of 275 kts in a dive. "This is a great effort by everyone involved and we look forward to Aircraft 22, 23 and 24 making their first flights at Amarillo and joining the V-22 flight test program," Bell Boeing Joint Program Deputy Director John buyers said.
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Teal Group announced completion of a new survey of the commercial satellite launch market for 2000-2003 at the US Space Foundation's International Space Symposium being held in Toulouse, France, during September 10-13, 2002. The study forecasts 33 and 31 commercial satellites will be launched to earth orbit in 2002 and 2003 respectively. Conducted as part of the World Space Systems Briefing, the study breaks out the commercial satellites launched worldwide by manufacturer and launch service provider, as well as by satellite and launch vehicle models and costs. Its purpose is to gauge recent trends in the market and offer a near-term outlook. "One of the things we wanted to find out was how soon the market would recover from the poor year it had in 2001, when only 16 commercial satellites were launched," says Marco Caceres, lead analyst for Teal's World Space Systems Briefing, the 1,400-page, monthly-updated competitive intelligence service. "We now have enough data to be able to forecast a 52% increase in both the number and value of satellites that will be launched this year, compared to last year, and the market should remain steady through 2003."
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Bombardier Flexjet, the premier fractional ownership program of Bombardier Aerospace, is pleased to announce that the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) has selected Bombardier Flexjet to provide a two-year test of fractional business jet services. This landmark decision marks the first time that the U.S. Government has utilized a fractional aircraft ownership program. The U.S. Congress commissioned a two-year test program for NASA to evaluate the potential that a fractional ownership program might provide in terms of operational flexibility and cost-savings. The program provides NASA with a ½ share of a Bombardier Learjetâ 31A aircraft and a 1/16 share of a Bombardier Learjet 60, equating to approximately 450 flight hours per year.
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The Bombardier Challenger 300 made its official debut at Orlando Executive Airport on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2002. It will remain on static display until Thursday, Sept. 12, 2002. "The Bombardier Continental was designed to embody all of the attributes that have become synonymous with Challenger aircraft over the last two decades,” stated Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft, on-hand to greet the freshly painted Bombardier Challenger 300 business jet. "It fits the family perfectly and, once in service, it will undoubtedly help uphold the Bombardier Challenger's stellar reputation for reliability, durability and proven performance.” Current production models in the Bombardier Challenger family include the Challenger 300, 604 and 800 (previously the Bombardier Challenger Special Edition). Launched as the Bombardier Continental at the Paris Air Show in 1999, the Bombardier Challenger 300 has enjoyed one of the strongest introductions in corporate aviation history.
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Northrop Grumman Corporation's Integrated Systems sector has achieved another milestone in preparation for the first flight of its X-47A Pegasus experimental unmanned air vehicle (UAV) with the successful completion of the vehicle's second taxi test at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif. Northrop Grumman designed and built the Pegasus unmanned system with its own funds to demonstrate aerodynamic qualities suitable for autonomous flight operations from an aircraft carrier as part of the company's naval unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV-N) program. Built mostly with composite materials, Pegasus measures 27.9 feet long with a nearly equal wingspan of 27.8 feet. The second low-speed taxi test conducted Sept. 6, was designed to demonstrate more extensively integrated navigation and control. Steering performance also was further demonstrated as the vehicle turned onto a runway and moved down it in a zig-zag pattern. The first taxi test in July exercised the initial capabilities of the X-47A's command and control, steering, brakes and navigation. Results from both tests will be analyzed as part of the preparation for first flight.
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Cessna Aircraft Company delivered the 100th Citation CJ2 on August 27, 2002 to TitleMax Aviation, Inc. The aircraft will be used for TitleMax Aviation's corporate travel. "I chose the CJ2 for several reasons, but most importantly because it allows me to maximize my profitability by accomplishing more work in a shorter amount of time,” TitleMax CEO Tracy Young said. "The CJ2's single pilot rating and short field performance made it stand out from the competition.”
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AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica and GKN company, has delivered two A109 Power to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) on September 10, 2002, at its Vergiate plant, Italy. The two early delivered A109 Power will be utilized as training aircraft by Swedish pilot and technician. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract calling for the supply of 20 Agusta A109LUH in June, 2001. The A109LUH, to be designated HKP15 under the Swedish configuration, will be incorporated into the Swedish Armed Forces as a new light utility helicopter system. The new helicopter will replace three older helicopter systems. The primary purpose of the HKP15 is to serve as a cost efficient system for tactical education and advance training of crews. In addition, the new helicopter will be used for other missions, including utility, ASW, SAR and MEDEVAC. The HKP15 will be operated from both permanent and field bases, with some of the helicopters equipped for ship based operations.
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One year after the tragic events of 11 September 2001 in the United States of America, total scheduled passenger traffic of the world's airlines has stabilized following the sharp decline last year, with "zero growth” anticipated for 2002. Traffic should rebound in 2003, mainly due to an expected overall strengthening of the world economy. The latest forecasts prepared by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) also indicate that passenger traffic should show robust growth in 2004. In the longer term, assuming continuation of restored consumer confidence and a stable economic and operating environment, global scheduled passenger traffic growth can be expected to proceed at about 5 per cent per annum, measured in passenger-kilometres performed (PKPs), back in line with pre-2001 trend projections. During 2001, the already weakened operating climate for air transport services associated with a slowdown of the world economy was exacerbated by a steep traffic decline and sharply rising costs triggered by the aftermath of 11 September. Preliminary estimates show the world's scheduled airlines suffered an aggregate net loss of some U.S. $12 billion in 2001. The drop in demand for air travel also resulted in revenue and job losses at airports and by other service providers, aircraft manufacturers and their suppliers. Related sectors were also directly or indirectly affected from the downturn in civil aviation industries, including trade and tourism, international business, financial services and, in turn, economies at large. Total (international and domestic) scheduled passenger traffic generated by airlines based in ICAO's Contracting States was 3 017 billion PKPs in 2000 and is estimated at just over 2 900 billion PKPs for both 2001 and 2002. Traffic is expected to rise to over 3 100 billion PKPs in 2003 and 3 300 billion PKPs in 2004. Traffic development will vary by geographical region because of the impact of specific local, intra- and inter- regional factors. Traffic of both North American and European carriers is expected to show a decline in 2002, for the second year in a row, before recovery gets fully under way. North American carriers were hardest hit by the shrinking demand following 11 September, and their passenger traffic is not expected to recover to year 2000 levels until 2004. The share of world passenger traffic by North American carriers is consequently expected to decline from 39.0 per cent in 2000 to 36.2 per cent by 2004. Carriers of Africa, Asia/Pacific and the Middle East managed to achieve at least minimal growth in 2001, with increased growth anticipated from 2002 onwards.
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Goodrich Corporation will obtain FAA certification for a four-point, flight crew restraint system in 2002 for the Air Tractor family of agricultural aircraft. Dubbed SmartBelt, the system will be the first inflatable restraint system ever certified by the FAA for the pilot's seat.This product is just one possible configuration of the SmartBelt inflatable restraint family and includes the Inflatabelt lap belt restraint, the SmartBelt shoulder harness restraint, and coaxial head/neck protection restraints. The products can be used for virtually any type of seating configuration, including passenger, flight and cabin crews, and even side-facing seats. In addition to general aviation applications, the product is applicable in business, regional, commercial, military, and government applications.
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In its advance report, the Hamburg-based magazine "DER SPIEGEL" reports among other things on 'technical problems during the build-up of series production' for the European fighter aircraft Eurofighter, in particular concerning the manufacture of the carbon fibre skins for the vertical tail unit. EADS, as part of the manufacturing consortium, emphasises that these production build-up difficulties actually arose several months ago at a partner company's production plant. The deficiencies mentioned occurred during the implementation of an automated production unit and only affected a few of the tail unit skins for the first series aircraft ready for delivery. The manufacturing process has already been brought up to the required standard several months ago and is now running smoothly. The air forces to be supplied with the Eurofighter were informed of the matter by the manufacturing consortium. The companies involved have assured the air forces that they will complete the aircraft's entry into service in accordance with the national planning criteria and the contractual agreements. To this end, the training for the first flight instructors of the German Luftwaffe will begin as planned in April 2003 at EADS in Manching so that flight operations within the first German Eurofighter air wing can be commenced in October of the same year, also as planned. A danger which was insinuated by "DER SPIEGEL" concerning flight operations with the Eurofighter series aircraft has been strenuously repudiated by the industry. In addition, EADS emphasises that the conjecture occasionally expressed by the media that Great Britain intends to reduce the quantity of Eurofighter aircraft ordered was rejected as incorrect by Prime Minister Tony Blair only a few weeks ago.
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The U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has selected the twin-engine MD Explorer for deployment over land and water as part of its overall campaign to reduce the production and distribution of illegal drugs in the United States. The contract, which was awarded on September 6, 2002, is for a base year and four one-year options. The DEA selected the MD Explorer for its light utility helicopter program after a competitive evaluation. "This is another great win for the MD Explorer and for our company,” said Henk Schaeken, chairman and chief executive officer of MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI). "We look forward to supporting the DEA, and this important program, for many years to come.”
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Northrop Grumman announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Electron Devices and Ruggedized Displays businesses to L-3 Communications. "We continue to actively manage our portfolio to meet the 21st century transformational needs of the U.S. military," said Kent Kresa, Northrop Grumman chairman and chief executive officer. "These are excellent, well-managed businesses. However, our long-term strategic plan is to concentrate on mission enabling electronic systems."
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Embraer announced that the Legacy, the newest entry into the super mid-size business jet category, has received full type certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Achieving this major program milestone clears the way for first U.S. deliveries of the Legacy, scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. "The Legacy is a new way of thinking that strikes an ideal balance between capability and cost, comfort and common sense,” said Sam Hill, Embraer vice-president for the corporate aviation market. "Its combination of size, speed, range and price represents a change in the way business jet owners will view the current competitive offerings.” The aircraft received certification from the Brazilian aviation authority (CTA) in December 2001, and from the European Joint Aviation Authorities in July 2002.
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In the course of their own strategic Europeanisation and within the scope of the privatization of French state companies the OHB Group acquired 34% of the French electronic specialist ELTA S.A., Toulouse. ELTA gained experience in the development and manufacturing of highly secure electronic systems for the aerospace industry since 1975. The company is in particular specialized in technologies and equipment for data acquisition, -measuring and –transmission as well as for positioning and control of mobile assets. Hence the aeronautics segment and the area of telematics of the OHB Group are optimally complemented. By acquisition of the ELTA shares the market entry in France will be facilitated and pushed. Due to the close co-operation of ELTA with major companies and industrial sectors especially in France the OHB Group will have new clientele and trading segments accessible on the important French market. With this partnership OHB as well as ELTA consolidate their European identity and strengthen their position in the field of aeronautics and telematics.
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Arianespace orbited the Intelsat 906 communications satellite for international communications provider Intelsat. This accurate early morning mission came one week after the latest successful launch of an Ariane 5. Intelsat 906 is the fifth satellite to be launched by Arianespace in the Intelsat IX series -- the new generation of satellites deployed by this global communications provider. It also was the 22nd Intelsat satellite carried by Ariane. The collaboration between Arianespace and Intelsat goes back to 1983. Sixty percent of the Intelsat satellites in operation today were orbited by the European launcher, making the company Arianespace's largest customer. The first series IX satellite, Intelsat 901, was launched by Arianespace on June 9, 2001 (Flight 141), followed by Intelsat 902 on August 30, 2001 (Flight 143), Intelsat 904 on February 23, 2002 (Flight 148) and by Intelsat 905 on June 5, 2002 (Flight 152).
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Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $2,152,441,897 cost plus award fee contract modification to provide for restructuring of the Space Based Infrared Systems High component engineering, manufacturing and development on Sept. 6, 2002. The current modification re-baselines the program, redefines the incentive structure and extends the period of performance to 30 June 2010.
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The F-22 Raptor has for the first time successfully conducted a test flight while carrying external stores under its wings. During the late August test at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., two radar-guided AIM-120 missiles were suspended from pylons attached to the aircraft's two outboard hardpoints. The F-22 is designed to carry weapons internally, but weapons also can be carried externally on two inboard and two outboard hardpoints during deployments or during military operations when stealth is not critical to mission success.
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AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica and GKN company, has delivered two A109 Power to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) on September 10, 2002, at its Vergiate plant, Italy. The two early delivered A109 Power will be utilized as training aircraft by Swedish pilot and technician. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract calling for the supply of 20 Agusta A109LUH in June, 2001. The A109LUH, to be designated HKP15 under the Swedish configuration, will be incorporated into the Swedish Armed Forces as a new light utility helicopter system. The new helicopter will replace three older helicopter systems. The primary purpose of the HKP15 is to serve as a cost efficient system for tactical education and advance training of crews.
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GKN Aerospace Services announced that it has extended its involvement in the development of new aerospace technologies for The Boeing Company's Sonic Cruiser. GKN announced it has joined a technology development sub-team being led by Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. This follows a Boeing announcement in July that GKN was selected as a member of its primary Sonic Cruiser technology development team. "This agreement represents another example of our continuing strategy of establishing partnerships with significant aerospace contractors. By tailoring our manufacturing systems and procedures to compliment each customer, we can be thought of as an extension of the customer's internal operations,” said Jay Fitzsimmons, president and chief executive officer of GKN Aerospace Services St. Louis.
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Swiss International Air Lines is disappointed that the Transport Commission of the Parliamentary Upper Chamber will not, for the time being, take a decision on the State Treaty with Germany. The application of restrictions on flight approaches to Zurich on weekends and southern German holidays, effective October 27, will mean massive operational difficulties and additional costs for SWISS. "The facts concerning the State Treaty are on the table” explains SWISS CEO André Dosé. The Swiss airline has little understanding for the decision by the Parliamentary Upper Chamber Transport Commission not to take a decision for the time being. It has already been taken into consideration that, already in October, the restrictive regulations come into force at weekends. The expensive, and for the clients, inconvenient, delays hit, above all, SWISS, which is in the process of being built up. Also hit are the other airlines operating in Zurich and Unique Zurich Airport. SWISS cannot accept the justification advanced that it is first necessary to clarify economic and legal questions resulting from the restrictions on weekend flights and during southern German holidays.
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In preparation for the arrival of the Progress 9 cargo ship later this month, Russian flight controllers commanded the Progress 8 cargo ship to fire its thrusters Wednesday night in a maneuver to raise the International Space Station's orbit. The maneuver increased the orbit by 2.2 kilometers (1.4 miles). Progress 8, which is currently attached to the aft end of the Zvezda Service Module, will be undocked from the station and commanded to burn up in Earth's atmosphere Sept. 24. Progress 9 is scheduled to deliver its supplies to the station Sept. 29.
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In its seventh flight conducted from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota, India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C4, successfully launched an exclusive meteorological satellite, METSAT, into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The PSLV carrying METSAT lifted-off at 3.55 pm Indian Standard Time and the satellite was injected into orbit about 20 minutes later. Immediately after its injection, the solar array on board the satellite automatically deployed as per the plan.
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