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Week ending December 15, 2002
+++ Ariane 5 failed again +++ Eurofighter returns to flight status +++ United files for Chapter 11 +++ BA609 starts ground tests +++ BAE Systems shares plummet +++ Shuttle lands after weather delays +++ Northrop Grumman / TRW merger approved +++ A340-500 achieves certification +++ Lufthansa Technik takes Shannon Aerospace +++ News in brief +++
Ariane 5 failed again
Neue Trägerrakete musste zerstört werden
The latest Ariane 5 versions maiden launch failed on Wednesday night. According to Arianespace, initial data analysis showed that the countdown, engine ignition and initial phase of flight were normal. A first anomaly occurred 96 seconds into the mission, involving the cooling circuit for the Vulcain 2 engine that powers the main cryogenic stage. From T + 178 sec to T + 186 sec, the engine speed changed and a significant flight control perturbation occurred. At T + 187 sec, the Ariane 5's payload fairing was jettisoned as planned, but the launcher's attitude was not correct. The launcher subsequently demonstrated erratic behavior. In compliance with range safety procedures, the launcher was destroyed at approximately 456 sec. into the mission. The Ariane 5 was at an altitude of about 69 kilometers and a distance of 800 kilometers off the coast of French Guiana. Jean-Yves Le Gall announced that an independent inquiry board is being set up, with members to be named within a few days. The board will have two main objectives: 1. Ensure that the Flight 157 anomaly will not affect upcoming launches of the baseline version of Ariane 5. 2. Analyze, understand and correct the Flight 157 failure causes so that the 10-ton-payload Ariane 5 version can resume launches with high reliability. The launch date for the next scheduled Arianespace mission, Flight 156, which will use an Ariane 4 to orbit the NSS-6 satellite, has been confirmed for the evening of Tuesday, December 17.
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Eurofighter returns to flight status
Flugversuche des Eurofighter werden fortgesetzt
Eurofighter GmbH received the following statement from the Accident Investigation Committee (AIC) covering the incident involving Eurofighter Typhoon DA6: “Following a detailed investigation of data relating to the accident involving Eurofighter Typhoon DA6 on 21 November, 2002, the official Government Accident Investigation Committee (AIC) met again on 05 December, 2002, and reported the following observations. The investigation has been provided with significant evidence that has identified areas of probable cause and the actions required to address these. The exceptional effort made by Eurofighter and Eurojet to provide information and assistance to the Committee is noted. Eurofighter Typhoon DA6 was fitted with two early development EJ200 engines (designated 03A standard). During a test flight in the Toledo region of Spain the aircraft was flying at 45,000 feet at a speed of Mach 0.7. While stabilizing the aircraft to perform the test point both engines suffered a surge that resulted in a double engine flame out. The aircrew attempted to recover the situation but were unable to re-light the engines. Both crew ejected safely from the aircraft. It is also noted that only one Eurofighter aircraft in the fleet is currently in use with these older engine standards. The engines are being removed and replaced with a later standard pending further investigation. The AIC established that subsequent engine models are not susceptible to similar effects. The remainder of the fleet operate later design standard engines. The Committee recommend a return to flying for the remaining engine types as early as possible following National Airworthiness Authorization and conditions.”Meanwhile, the UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Dr. Lewis Moonie, declared that progress towards the entry to service of Typhoon has been reviewed closely since the start, in April 2002, of test flying with the instrumented production aircraft. The process of gathering flight safety and performance data, which is necessary to accept aircraft into service, is taking Industry longer than the agreed schedule. The large volume of work to resolve outstanding and arising design issues, although individually minor, has also progressed more slowly than expected. As a result, we have concluded with our international partners and with Industry that the evidence required to permit contractual acceptance of the aircraft by the four partner nations will not be complete before the end of March 2003. Allowing for the joint, four-nation acceptance process, aircraft should then be ready for hand-over to the Royal Air Force by the end of June 2003. In any event, following the loss of a development aircraft in Spain on 21 November, it is essential that there is a time allowance for the realignment of test flying tasks. Further delay cannot be ruled out until the causes and implications of the crash are fully understood. This second delay, since the contract was placed with industry, to Typhoon's entry to service is extremely disappointing, but safety remains paramount, and we will only accept aircraft that meet the agreed specification. Every effort will be made to accelerate the entry to service and work-up process to prevent or minimise any delay to the operational employment of Typhoon, scheduled for the second half of the decade. It is this latter date, of course, when the RAF are able to use the aircraft on operations, that is so critical.
At Manching in Germany, EADS declared that the first two-seater for the Luftwaffe will be flown to the Air Force's Technical Academy 1 at Kaufbeuren in January 2003 to be used in the training of the first ground crews. Seven additional twin seaters are scheduled for delivery by 1 October to Fighter Wing 73 Steinhoff with pilot training to start subsequently. Starting in April 2003 the first six instructor pilots of the German Air Force will receive their training in Manching at EADS Military Aircraft. The Weapon System Support Centre, a cooperative venture between the German Air Force and EADS Military Aircraft, will go into service in Spring 2003 at Manching to be responsible for logistic support.
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United files for Chapter 11
Das größte Airline-Vergleichsverfahren der Geschichte
On December 9 UAL Corp, the parent company of United Airlines, announced it and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries have filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division in Chicago. The Chapter 11 process will facilitate UAL's restructuring which is designed to restore the company to long-term financial health while operating in the normal course of business. UAL said that during its Chapter 11 case, it will maintain its ability to continue its global operations and continue its long-standing commitment to its customers, safety and reliability. Chapter 11 permits a company to continue operations in the normal course while it develops a plan of reorganization to address its existing debt, capital and cost structures. Glenn F. Tilton, chairman, president and chief executive officer of UAL, said, “United Airlines will continue to provide customers with the same experience and level of service they have come to expect. We stand by our commitment to provide customers with convenient schedules, quality onboard services and the most extensive route network in the U.S. and abroad. Most importantly, throughout this process, customer safety will continue to be our number one priority. We have a solid record as a safe and reliable airline, and we intend to maintain and build upon that record.”
UAL stressed that it is business as usual and that current and future tickets on United flights will be honored, and United will continue to participate fully in the Star Alliance. Mileage Plus participants continue to be able to accrue and redeem mileage on United and all partner airlines. The company said that its other code-share agreements will not be affected by the filing. Red Carpet Clubs remain open and ready to serve customers.
To ensure the smooth operation of the airline, the company said that it has requested relief from the bankruptcy court allowing it to, among other things, continue customer programs including Mileage Plus and Red Carpet Clubs, continue making regular and timely payments to fuel vendors, hotels and other services, obtain debtor-in-possession financing, assume clearinghouse and interline contracts and pay employee salaries, wages and benefits without interruption.
UAL reported that in conjunction with its filing, it has arranged commitments for $1.5 billion in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing. The DIP financing is structured as a $300 million facility from Bank One and a $1.2 billion facility from a group that is led by J.P. Morgan Chase and Citibank, and includes CIT Group and Bank One. Access to $700 million of the $1.2 billion facility is subject to certain terms of the facility. Such terms require that the company achieve performance milestones under its business plan, which include substantial cost savings in the near term. In addition to approximately $800 million in unrestricted cash-on-hand, the DIP financing will provide adequate liquidity to meet the anticipated needs of UAL and all of its operating units to continue normal operations throughout the Chapter 11 process.
Lufthansa declared that all potential risks for the company have been evaluated and found to be small and manageable. Juergen Weber, CEO of Lufthansa: "In the past we have seen a number of examples where airlines restructured themselves successfully under Chapter 11. I am convinced that our friends of United Airlines will succeed with their efforts too. This is why we are currently investigating how we – in addition to commercial measures already initiated - can assist United Airlines financially without any risk to Lufthansa."
Boeing Capital said it will work closely with United Airlines and its bankruptcy trustee to determine what will happen in the aftermath of the airline filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, said President Jim Palmer. “We are obviously concerned by United's decision to file for bankruptcy, but have been well aware of the possibility,” he said. Boeing Capital has approximately $1.3 billion in financings to United in its $11.5 billion portfolio. Palmer said that the total amount is secured by collateral, primarily 777-200ERs that have delivered in the past three years.
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BA609 starts ground tests
Bodenläufe mit dem zivilen Kipprotor
On December 6, the Bell/Agusta 609, jointly developed by Bell Helicopter, a Textron company and by Agusta, an AgustaWestland company, began its first ground runs in preparation for first flight. Ground runs for the world's first commercially available tiltrotor are being conducted at Bell's Flight Research Center, Arlington, Texas. The BA609 will undergo 40 to 50 hours of aircraft ground run testing prior to its first flight. During this process all of the aircraft systems will be tested and thoroughly checked. Changes will be made if required. No date has been set yet for the first flight. With its rotors in the vertical position, the tiltrotor is able to take-off, land and hover like a traditional helicopter. When the rotors are tilted forward to the horizontal position, the aircraft is able to fly with the high speed and range of a turboprop fixed wing airplane. The transition from helicopter mode to airplane mode takes 20 seconds, as does the transition from airplane mode to helicopter mode. This versatile capability enables the BA609 to fly with twice the speed and range of conventional helicopters. The BA609, a six to nine passenger aircraft, is expected to be certified by the FAA in 2007 with first deliveries to begin immediately following. Bell/Agusta will produce a total of four prototype tiltrotor aircraft for flight-testing. Final assembly for production aircraft will take place at Bell's Amarillo, Texas, facility with another assembly line to be established at the Agusta plant in Italy. Fuji Heavy Industries of Japan has the contract to build all of the production fuselages for the BA609. All parts and components for both lines will come from the exact same source yielding aircraft that will be identical whether assembled in Italy or Texas.
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BAE Systems shares plummet
Programmprobleme führen zu Vertrauenskrise
Shares in BAE Systems slumped from 163 pence to around 100 pence last week as confidence in the company evaporated after an unexpected warning that problems related to two of its biggest programmes could incurr substantial losses. The group said that it had entered into talks with the UK Ministry of Defence to discuss possible changes to contracts. In a statement issued to the City, BAE Systems said "additional issues" had arisen in its contracts to supply three Astute-class submarines and a fleet of 18 Nimrod anti-submarine aircraft to the Ministry of Defence. The company was unable to give an estimate of the extra cost and time delay that the problems might cause. It hoped to have reached an assessment of the cost implications by the time of the announcement of its preliminary results for 2002 next February, the statement said. The Ministry of Defence indicated that BAE Systems could not expect the taxpayer to pick up the bill for any increase in the cost of the two projects. A spokesman said: "We have made it clear to the company that the MoD cannot protect it from cost overruns which have arisen from its failure to perform. "We are exploring these two contracts and looking at areas where there is scope to vary them in terms of value for money for the taxpayer and in the nation's defence interests." In February, the MoD announced that its £2.8bn order for 21 Nimrod MRA4 anti-submarine aircraft for the RAF had been reduced to 18 aircraft.
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Shuttle lands after weather delays
Landung nach Wetterverzgerung
On September 7, Shuttle Endeavour descended to a flawless landing at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, ending four days of landing attempts thwarted by bad weather and returning home an International Space Station crew that spent 185 days in space. Commander Jim Wetherbee guided Endeavour to a touchdown on KSC's shuttle runway at 1:37 p.m. Central, completing a 5.74-million-mile journey that added a new segment to the space station's growing backbone and exchanged resident space station crews. Endeavour's landing completed the final shuttle mission of the year and brought home the station's Expedition Five crew -- Commander Valery Korzun, Science Officer Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer Sergei Treschev. The Expedition Six crew -- Commander Ken Bowersox, NASA ISS Science Officer Don Pettit and Flight Engineer Nikolai Budarin -- remain on the International Space Station, beginning a three-month stay. Ending a 14-day flight aboard Endeavour today were Wetherbee, Shuttle Pilot Paul Lockhart and Mission Specialists Mike Lopez-Alegria and John Herrington. Official landing times for Endeavour include main gear touchdown at 1:37:12 p.m. Central which equates to 13 days, 18 hours, 47 minutes and 25 seconds Mission Elapsed Time. Nose gear touch down occurred at 1:37:23 p.m. Central or 13 days, 18 hours, 47 minutes and 36 seconds Mission Elapsed Time. Wheels stop for Endeavour occurred at 1:38:25 p.m. Central or 13 days, 18 hours, 48 minutes and 38 seconds Mission Elapsed Time.
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Northrop Grumman / TRW merger approved
Neuer Rüstungsgigant in USA
Northrop Grumman Corporation announced that the merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman with and into TRW Inc. was completed following the approvals of the stockholders of Northrop Grumman and TRW at special meetings of stockholders. TRW will survive the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman. As previously announced, based on the exchange ratio for the merger, TRW shareholders will receive 0.5357 shares of Northrop Grumman common stock for each share of TRW common stock, with cash paid in lieu of any fractional share of Northrop Grumman stock which otherwise would be issued to the TRW shareholders. "As the second largest defense company in the nation, the combined TRW/Northrop Grumman will be a true industry leader with an unparalleled portfolio of technologies, expertise and capabilities. When the merger is complete, TRW shareholders will receive Northrop Grumman stock, which will enable them to participate in the upside potential created by the combination of these two great businesses. Together with TRW, Northrop Grumman will be a highly competitive organization and well-positioned in each of the fastest growing sectors of the defense industry."
Donald C. Winter, 54, has been named a corporate vice president and president of the Northrop Grumman Mission Systems sector, formerly TRW Systems, where he served as president and chief executive officer. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, with expected 2003 revenues of $3.9 billion, employs approximately 16,000 people and is headquartered in Reston, Va.
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A340-500 achieves certification
Neuer Langstrecken-Airbus zugelassen
Airbus has been granted type certification for the ultra-long-range A340-500 on December 3rd by the European Joint Aviation Authorities, following a certification campaign, which benefited from the aircraft's 100 per cent systems commonality with the larger A340-600. The A340-500 has a shorter fuselage and a longer range than the A340-600, which received its type certificate in May 2002. Since its maiden flight on 11th February 2002, the A340-500 successfully completed some 400 flight hours in more than 150 flights in a certification campaign which involved two test aircraft and focused on the A340-500's own particular geometry and configuration. Following the example set by its sibling, the A340-600, the A340-500 flight test results have fully met and, in some cases, significantly exceeded customers' expectations. “This major milestone marks the completion of our market-leading long-range family, which has won 55 per cent of all sales in its category,” said Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Noël Forgeard. “With the longest range in the world, the A340-500 offers a new and relaxing flight experience to passengers seeking to travel non stop between distant city pairs without the inconvenience of an intermediate stop.” Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Lufthansa Technik takes Shannon Aerospace
Übernahme des SR Technics-Anteils
On December 12, Lufthansa Technik AG announced that it has closed an agreement to acquire the 50 percent shareholding of SR Technics in Shannon Aerospace. This makes Lufthansa Technik the 100 percent sole owner of the Shannon-based aircraft overhaul company in the West of Ireland. Neither company has released any information about the transaction price. Shannon Aerospace is Europe's leading provider of heavy maintenance services for narrowbody aircraft. It performs heavy airframe overhaul as well as other kinds of MRO services, primarily on Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s. With its acquisition of the remaining 50 percent of Shannon Aerospace, Lufthansa Technik's level of employment in Ireland reached 1,500. More than 450 employees work in Lufthansa Airmotive Ireland, the aero engine repair facility in Dublin. The remaining more than 1,100 are employed in the Shannon region at Lufthansa Shannon Turbine Technologies and Lufthansa Aircraft Painting Shannon as well as in Shannon Aerospace (850). "Shannon Aerospace has consistently and reliably produced a high quality product for our customers around the world. The acquisition of the remaining shares demonstrates our continued faith in the future of this market and the ability of Shannon Aerospace to compete successfully," Lufthansa Technik's CEO, August Wilhelm Henningsen, said. Despite recent difficulties in the airline industry, Lufthansa Technik predicts a growing demand for the aircraft overhaul services, both for Lufthansa German Airlines and for other customers. With assistance from Shannon Aerospace, the company recently established an additional overhaul facility in Budapest, Hungary, as well as set up a new Airbus A330/A340 overhaul facility in Manila, Philippines. The bulk of maintenance services provided by Shannon Aerospace consists of heavy airframe maintenance on narrowbody aircraft. The Shannon overhaul facility, which started production in 1992 has an area totaling more than 35,000 square meters ( 376,700 sq. ft.) and is in one of the country's largest closed hangars. D checks and C checks are performed on Boeing 737s, 757s, 767s and MD-80s as well as on the Airbus A320 family. Shannon Aerospace provides other MRO services as well.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
The Irkutsk/Basic Elements consortium has now submitted a detailed contract proposal for the takeover of the Airbus component manufacture and the 729/928 programme to Fairchild Dornier insolvency manager Eberhard Braun. It differs from previous documents and therefore further discussions with creditors have to take place before a decision on the future of the company can be taken.+++
The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) has signed an exclusive teaming agreement with GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) for the Definition Phase of its Mako family of advanced trainer and light combat aircraft. EADS selected a derivative of GE's F414-GE-400 fighter engine, which powers the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, for the Definition Phase of the Mako single-engine aircraft family. EADS envisions the Mako family encompassing an advanced trainer, lead-in fighter trainer, and light combat aircraft, all targeted for international sales. The Definition Phase is expected to continue through 2004. GEAE and EADS will work together to complete the technical definition of the Mako aircraft and its subsystems, the F414M engine installation, and the definition of the single-engine features for the F414M. Specifications, certification plans, maintenance plans, and other necessary documentation will be defined in preparation for launch of the Development Phase.
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On 10 December the first Eurocopter EC 145 was officially handed over to the Directorate of the French Gendarmerie in a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Gendarmerie Central Flight Training Academy at Villacoublay. In the ceremony, Eurocopter President Jean François Bigay symbolically handed over the keys of the new helicopter to the Director General of the French Gendarmerie, Mr. Pierre Mutz. The Gendarmerie has ordered eight EC 145 helicopters to replace the Alouette III helicopters, which have now been in service for nearly 40 years. The EC 145 was chosen because it was the most capable of satisfying the requirements of the assigned missions in terms of availability and the extended operating conditions. The EC 145 will chiefly be operated by the units responsible for mountain rescue operations - in particular the PGHM (Gendarmerie High-Altitude Mountain Rescue Unit) - or by the GIGN (Gendarmerie Rapid Intervention Squad), whose EC 145 will be stationed at Villacoublay. Jointly designed with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) in Japan, the EC 145 has an especially spacious cabin that is configurable in several layouts, and carries up to 10 persons (9 passengers and a pilot).
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The growing commercial success of Eurocopter helicopters in Switzerland has prompted an in-depth examination of their maintenance in the last few months. The CEO of Europavia Holding, Mr. Gredig, held a press conference on 6 December on the company site at Belp. He explained that Europavia (Suisse) SA has over 40 years experience in selling Eurocopter helicopters and related support products in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and is also a privileged partner of Eurocopter in this field. The other company, Swiss Helicopter Maintenance, grew out of the maintenance activities of Heliswiss, Eliticino and Aviatech. It is an officially accredited Eurocopter Maintenance Center.
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NASA has chosen the Delta II expendable launch vehicle, provided by Boeing Launch Services, Inc. to launch 19 NASA and NASA-sponsored medium-class scientific payloads between 2006 and early 2009. Boeing Launch Services, Inc. is headquartered in Huntington Beach Calif. and is a wholly owned subsidiary to The Boeing Company. This is a firm fixed-price launch service task order awarded under the terms of the current NASA Launch Services contract and has a value of $1.2 billion, if all options are exercised. The contract calls for 12 firm launches with options for seven more. This "19-Pack" acquisition will maintain an important niche capability in the domestic launch vehicle medium-performance class while assuring access to space for NASA's highest priority planetary and earth science spacecraft. Twelve launches are planned from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and seven are planned from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Seven launches are scheduled in calendar year 2006, six in calendar year 2007, two in calendar year 2008, and four in calendar year 2009.
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In the first step of a two-step process, NASA selected four proposals for detailed study as candidates for the 2007 "Scout" mission in the agency's Mars Exploration Program. NASA's Mars 2007 Scout selection process is the first fully competed opportunity for scientific missions to the Red Planet. "This Scout selection will serve as a trailblazer for what we plan to be a continuing line of a small, yet exciting, class of Mars missions," said Orlando Figueroa, Director for the Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters, Washington. "These four outstanding proposals represent innovative ideas for exploring Mars on a modest budget to answer several priority questions about the Red Planet," said Dr. Ed Weiler, Associate Administrator for Space Science at NASA Headquarters. "I'm very pleased that this competition produced such a wide range of incredibly exciting ideas and I congratulate all members of the science teams involved," he said. Following detailed mission-concept studies, due for submission by July 2003, NASA intends to select one of the mission proposals by August 2, 2003, for full development as the first Mars Scout mission. The mission developed for flight will be launched in 2007. The selected mission concepts are: SCIM (Sample Collection for Investigation of Mars); ARES (Aerial Regional-scale Environmental Survey); Phoenix: Dr. Peter Smith, University of Arizona, Tucson; MARVEL (Mars Volcanic Emission and Life Scout).
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Bombardier Flexjet opened up the benefits of private jet travel to more people across Europe via its Jet Membership programmes through a smaller annual commitment of flying time. Customers can now purchase a block of 25 guaranteed flying hours across a fleet of Bombardier business jets, instead of the previous 50-hour minimum. Like all of the Jet Membership programmes, the new 25-hour option guarantees 24-7 access to a fleet of over 50 Bombardier business jets across Europe. The fleet is made up of the Bombardier Learjet 31A, Learjet 45, Learjet 60 and Challenger 604 aircraft. “Bombardier Flexjet has always been committed to understanding the specific needs of the European market and creating business travel solutions to meet these requirements. The new 25-hour programme is another example of how we're listening to our customers, and it is part of our mission to develop new ways to make business jet travel more accessible, and affordable, to more travellers across Europe,” said Dan Maiden, newly appointed managing director, Bombardier Flexjet.
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The team of technical and financial experts sent by the Air Force to investigate a potential cost overrun in the engineering, manufacturing and development phase of the F/A-22 Raptor program recently completed its initial report. The team estimated that the cost increase would be between $700 million and $1 billion, said Dr. Marvin R. Sambur, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, in a Dec. 6 Pentagon briefing. The increase is being driven by schedule extensions caused in large part to resolving development issues with avionics software stability and fin buffeting, and not by aircraft performance issues. "The aircraft continues to perform superbly in flight tests and is demonstrating those revolutionary capabilities we expect it to deliver," Sambur said. To cover the estimated increase, the Air Force will not ask for additional funding but will instead source the cost from within the current funding of the F/A-22 program. This could mean that the Air Force may have to reduce the number of Raptors it purchases by five or six aircraft. "We have to show that we're committed to this program," Sambur said. "There is tremendous pressure on us to keep (this increase) as small as possible. "The (F/A-22) program is more fragile than a lot of people realize. There comes a certain point where if we continue having significant issues the Air Force will have to go back and re-evaluate the program." Sambur said that these cost increases cannot continue unchecked, and the service may be forced to "draw a line in the sand."
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The U.S. Court of Federal Claims issued a stay of its August 2001 decision in the long-running A-12 aircraft case, ruling that the immediate collection action proposed by the government of $2.3 billion from Boeing and General Dynamics is not in the national interest and that the companies have raised substantial issues in the appeals process. “We have stated consistently that we feel we have a strong legal case in the A-12 litigation, and we are pleased that our focus can now shift to the merits of our case on appeal,” said Doug Bain, Boeing senior vice president and general counsel. At issue is how the government terminated the A-12 military aircraft program in 1991 and whether Boeing and General Dynamics owe the government money as a result of the contract termination. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the case on January 9 with a decision expected later in the year
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An efficient, timely, revolutionary process, developed by NASA, may help design the next generation of space vehicles. Engineers at NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., in collaboration with astronauts from NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, are using the Virtual Flight Rapid Integration Test Environment (VF-RITE) to develop and evaluate vehicle designs that may eventually ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station. The new process quickly and efficiently incorporates virtual test-flight data into the design process creating a continuous dialog between test pilots and vehicle designers. "The objective of the VF-RITE project is to produce systems and infrastructure to facilitate the use of aerodynamic data from CFD (computational fluid dynamics) technology in real-time, piloted flight simulation," said Julie Mikula, Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS) lead. CFD uses high-speed computers to solve basic equations to predict complex fluid flow patterns across the surface of an object. "The flight simulation data and input from the astronaut test pilots allow the design team to apply 'return knowledge' to improve vehicle performance," she said.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that it has expanded its maintenance services for Bombardier business jets in Europe by opening two new sites. Lufthansa Bombardier Aviation Services GmbH (LBAS) has recently begun providing factory service for Bombardier Learjet 60 and Challenger aircraft at a satellite location at Rhein-Main Airport in Frankfurt. As well, Bombardier Challenger operators may also choose to take their aircraft to Metro Business Aviation at Stansted Airport in the United Kingdom which is now designated as a Bombardier Challenger Authorized Service Facility (ASF). Some 230 Bombardier business jets are currently based throughout Europe. The Frankfurt facility will utilize hangar space currently held by Jet Connection Business Flight AG, a longtime operator of Bombardier business jets. The Frankfurt-based commercial air charter company currently operates four Bombardier Learjet 60 and one Challenger 604 and will also operate two Bombardier Challenger 300 (previously known as Bombardier Continental) super-midsize business jets. In addition, Jet Connection is also a key member of the Bombardier Flexjet Europe Jet Membership program which offers a variety of innovative, affordable and fully flexible service options specifically designed to meet the needs of European business leaders and entrepreneurs.
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Northrop Grumman Corporation's Integrated Systems sector has successfully completed the first supersonic free flight of its Miniature Air-Launched Interceptor (MALI) at Naval Air Warfare Center, China Lake, Calif. All test objectives were met. The Nov. 26 flight achieved a major milestone toward completing Northrop Grumman's advanced technology demonstration program for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. MALI is being developed to demonstrate the ability to intercept incoming cruise missiles in air-to-air engagements. The vehicle was launched from an F-4 fighter at an altitude of 20,000 feet MSL. Following launch, it flew for 11.5 minutes in a racetrack pattern through nine waypoints. The vehicle reached air speeds of up to Mach 1.1, achieving the primary objective of supersonic flight. The test also achieved the following objectives: captive carry on the F-4 prior to launch; separation from the launch aircraft; vehicle engine start and transition to stable flight; normal operation of all flight critical sensors including the inertial measurement unit, GPS and air data system; proper fuel system operation; proper engine operation throughout the flight; and safe recovery from the designated area at the test range. MALI is one of a family of miniature vehicle systems in development by Northrop Grumman. Another derivative in that family is a candidate for the Air Force's Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD) program.
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As part of the airline's fleet renewal and expansion plans, Air Calédonie International, otherwise known as Aircalin, has taken delivery of its first new Airbus aircraft, an A330-200, becoming a new operator of the market-leading A330/A340 family. Air Calédonie International has placed a firm order for two A330-200s, and the aircraft will be put into service on the airline's routes from Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, to Osaka, Tokyo, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Papeete.
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FlightSafety Boeing Training International (FSB) and Virgin Blue Airlines announced Brisbane as the proposed site for a new joint training centre located in Australia - the first in the region for both companies. The state-of-the-art facility will be built at Brisbane Airport. Construction is set to begin early next year, with the training centre expected to take its first intake of customers by the end of 2003. Particularly convenient to Australian and Asia/Pacific airline customers, FSB's and Virgin Blue's Brisbane Training Centre will provide:
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Advancing its strategy to expand in the helicopter parts and service market, Textron Inc. announced that it acquired the helicopter skid shoe business of Carbide Technology, Inc., based in Calimesa, California. This technology-leading $1 million business line will become part of Edwards & Associates, Inc, a unit of Textron which provides parts, service and customization for the helicopter market. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Skid shoes protect helicopter landing gear and other equipment from abrasion damage resulting from contact with hard surfaces. The patented technology products that Textron is acquiring are extremely durable due to a carbide coating which provides a larger degree of protection, preventing skid tube wear and premature replacement. These products are sold to training academies, original equipment manufacturers, operators and private helicopter owners.
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Cubic Defense Applications group, a unit of San Diego-based Cubic Corporation, has introduced a new version of its personnel locator system. The company unveiled the advanced lightweight airborne search-and-rescue system at the Emergency Response 2002 Conference and Exposition, December 11-13, 2002, in Jacksonville, Florida. The company's predecessor Personnel Locator System (PLS) – the AN/ARS-6 (V) is the standard search-and-rescue avionics system for the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and NATO. Completely re-engineered with the latest in advanced microelectronics, Cubic's new AN/ARS-6 V12 system is smaller, lighter and more powerful. The V12 PLS is interoperable or compatible with all U.S. deployed combat survival radios, including the company's own URX 3000 and 4000 GPS Survival Radios. A new state-of-the-art Wideband DF antenna from Chelton Electrostatics, Inc., provides the system with highly accurate bearing measurements to all emergency beacons from 70 MHz to 410 MHz, up to 8-channel auto-scan and GPS position decode with the latest generation of 406 MHz COSPAS/SARSAT beacons.
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Turbomeca and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation have announced that the new Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 Engine will power future Sikorsky S-76 Helicopters. The contract was finalized on October 29, 2002 and aircraft certification is scheduled for the first half 2005. The Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 engine is the latest version in the Arriel family. It provides 6% more power than its predecessor the Arriel 2S1 engine. The Arriel 2S2 is equipped with a double channel EECU (Electronic Engine Control Unit). The installation of the 2S2 and the initial tests of the S-76 prototype aircraft will take place at CGTM (Compagnie Générale des Turbo Machines), a Turbomeca subsidiary based in Pau-Uzein which specializes in flight tests and maintenance of Turbomeca engines. The Arriel has proven its reliability in various difficult missions including EMS, airborne law enforcement, corporate, utility, tourism, and offshore petroleum operations.
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Russia's second-largest airline, Siberia Airlines (SBI), has contracted with Lufthansa Technik AG (LHT) to prepare a Total Technical Support TTS package for its newly acquired western-built aircraft. The contract covers the customized complete technical servicing of initially two Airbus A320s. Being the first operator of that type of aircraft in the CIS makes the Novosibirsk-based airline a pioneer. The carrier wants to increase the number of western-built planes in its fleet of nearly 50 aircraft. To support continuous operations at customer's homebase, Lufthansa Technik has stationed there four experienced mechanics who will be working with Siberia mechanics to provide maintenance up to and including the monthly A check. In the process, the Russian technicians will be becoming qualified to service the new aircraft type on their own. Engineering services and logistical support are part of the maintenance package. LHT's collaboration with Siberia Airlines began before the start of the latter's A320 flight operations. Lufthansa Technik helped the airline get the two aircraft certified under the rules of Europe's Joint Aviation Authority (JAA).
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The Javelin missile system has been selected as the Australian Army's anti-armour and bunker-busting weapon of choice, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced. "Australian Special Forces soldiers in Afghanistan were equipped with a number of Javelin weapons prior to their deployment as a defence against armoured threats," Senator Hill said. "The shoulder-fired direct fire guided weapon, manufactured by Raytheon/Lockheed Martin, was not fired in anger by Australian soldiers. However, it is a highly valuable additional capability for our Special Forces."
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The final test of the planned intercept of a long-range ballistic missile target over a Pacific Ocean test range involving the use of the interceptor's surrogate booster rocket could not be completed when the interceptor and the booster failed to separate, the Defense Department announced December 11.The test was the eighth in a series designed to determine the feasibility of developing and deploying anti-ballistic missiles using "hit-to-kill" technology against an incoming threat missile during the mid-course phase. This was the second time that the interceptor failed to separate from the booster rocket. This particular booster will not be used again. Two new booster designs are currently in development and will undergo flight testing beginning next spring, according to the Defense Department statement.
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Indra is the only Spanish company to participate in the European program to build the Tornado combat/fighter aircraft, having been chosen by Galileo Aviónica, on behalf of the manufacturing consortium Panavia, to develop and provide the new generation maintenance systems for the actual European combat aircraft. The framework agreement signed contemplates the delivery of up to 14 test-benches within a year, for an amount of 17 million euros. Initially, these test-benches will be supplied to the Italian Air Force, once Galileo develops the test programs, although supply to Great Britain is foreseen in a second phase of the project. The new generation of automatic testing systems for the Tornado will be based on the standard test-bench model developed by Indra for the Spanish Ministry of Defense. This model allows to program the benches with different tests for on-board electronics in aircrafts, armored vehicles and ships, thus facilitating maintenance tasks and reducing costs. In parallel, Indra has an agreement with Galileo Aviónica for the commercialization in the European Automatic Test Systems (ATS) market, so that the Italian group will use Indra's standard test-bench as basic nucleus of its maintenance systems. Galileo Aviónica covers the avionic activities and on-board radars of Finnmeccanica, the Italian leading group in high technology and defense. This agreement will reinforce the existing collaboration ties between the two companies, in the ATS area, since 1994, with programs like those of the EF-2000 Typhoon or the AV-8B Harrier.
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The Aerospace Industries Association called for renewed efforts to modernize the U.S. civil air transportation system at its 38th annual Year-End Review and Forecast luncheon today. AIA President and CEO John W. Douglass said that the decline in air passenger traffic and the resulting business crisis for the airlines was masking a long-term problem in civil aviation. Additionally, he said, 2002 saw a deep drop in commercial space launch activity. Douglass described these problems as a "creeping crisis" that will impact economic growth in the future. Speaking to 350 representatives of the media, industry and government, Douglass said that because air traffic delays have abated, public pressure to modernize air traffic control, build new runways and install new equipment has dissipated. "The good news is, we know that air traffic will return to former record levels and continue to grow. The bad news is, the old problems of cancellations and delays will too." Douglass asked the aerospace community to support the recommendations in the final report of the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. The report, he said, focuses on the hurdles the U.S. aerospace industry must overcome if it is to remain 'cutting edge' in an increasingly competitive global market. "A modern transportation infrastructure is the cornerstone of economic growth," he said, "If the U.S. is to remain competitive in the global market, we must design and build an air traffic management system that goes well beyond the OEP (Operational Evolution Plan)."
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Officials from Boeing and the Italian Ministry of Defense have signed the final contract for four new 767 Tanker Transport aircraft and five years of contractor logistics support. Italy became the first customer for the 767 Tanker Transport last year when it selected the aircraft in a competition to replace aging 707 tankers in the Italian Air Force. "The successful negotiation of this contract between the Italian Ministry of Defense and Boeing marks a key milestone in establishing the 767 Tanker Transport as the perfect solution for air-refueling needs around the world," said Bob Gower, vice president of tanker programs for Boeing. "This contract is the result of great teamwork and highlights a continued commitment by Boeing to the Italian government and our Italian industry partner, Alenia Aeronautica, along with its subsidiary Aeronavali." The Italian Air Force will receive its first 767 Tanker Transport in 2005, with deliveries continuing until early 2008. The first aircraft will be modified into a tanker configuration at the Boeing facility in Wichita, Kan. The three subsequent aircraft will be modified by Aeronavali at its facility near Naples, Italy.
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Cyprus Airways is entering a new era with the integration into its fleet of its latest generation A330-200 widebody aircraft, which will be followed by a second aircraft in Spring 2003. Both aircraft are being leased from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) and powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. The Larnaca-based carrier plans to use the A330-200 on its popular existing destinations such as London while having the potential to serve also profitably more distant cities thanks to the long range of the aircraft and its impressive versatility. In addition, the A330-200 large cargo holds are ideally suited to the expansion and growth of the lucrative Cyprus-UK freight market. Cyprus Airways has chosen a spacious layout, seating 30 passengers in Business and 265 in Economy. Each class is furnished to provide outstanding passenger comfort with individual in flight-entertainment devices through the cabin.
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The last satellite of the European Communications Satellites ECS-4, still in operations is being put into retirement after 15 years of service. The ECS-4/Eutelsat I-F4 satellite was launched on 16 September 1987 and used for more than twice its design lifetime of 7 years. Between 1983 and 1988, ESA launched five of their ECS satellites built by Astrium. The ECS design was the basis of Astrium first generation of commercial communications satellites. Four of the ECS were successfully launched, and were operated by Eutelsat as their first generation satellite program before they launched their own satellites. All four spacecraft have far exceeded their design requirements. ECS-1, ECS-2 and ECS-5 have already been decommissioned following over 13, 9 and 12 years of successful operation respectively, well over their 7-year design lifetime. ECS-3 suffered a launch failure in 1985.
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Following the expiry at end-November 2002 of the state-underwritten public liability guarantees against damage arising from war and terrorism risks, the Austrian Airlines Group has insured itself against such risks on the free market. This insurance claim, which has become increasingly important since the tragic events of 11 September 2001, covers possible damage caused by aircraft to third parties (persons and property on the ground) as a consequence of war or terrorist activities. Since 1 December 2002, the Austrian Airlines Group has been insured against this risk within the so-called KSAF pool, one of the largest aviation pools in the world. This has involved Austrian Airlines working together with SAS Scandinavian Airlines, KLM and Finnair to spread the costs of such insurance cover. The total aviation risks of the airlines in the KSAF pool are covered by insurance and reinsurance companies including AIG, ACE, Allianz, Francona, Swiss Re, La Reunion Arienne and others. The Wr. Städtische and UNIQA companies are also participating, though at a lower percentage. Coverage against public liability due to terrorism runs to a total of US$ 750 million per claim. After 11 September 2001, the Austrian Airlines Group had already taken out insurance of up to US$ 150 million on the free market; until end-November 2002, liability for the difference between the two sums was accepted by the Austrian state against payment of a premium. In total, the insurance cover now agreed on the free market is less expensive than the previous combination.
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The Supervisory Board Meeting of Austrian Airlines AG held on 11 December 2002, has approved the company's result target for 2003. A strongly positive result from operating activities (EBIT) of over EUR 40 million has been forecast for the 2002 financial year. In addition to this, the business plan, which defines the concept for the continued dynamic development of the Austrian Airlines Group in coming years – up to and including 2006 – was presented to the Supervisory Board Committee. Despite extremely difficult overall conditions following the dramatic events of 11 September 2001, the Austrian Airlines Group fundamentally improved its business trend. It achieved this by introducing without delay the most extensive restructuring programme ever undertaken at the company. In December 2001, it was forecast to break even on the EBIT level in the financial year 2002. Six months into 2002, this forecast had been revised upwards. On 24 October 2002, based on the best business trend ever in the third quarter of 2002, the results forecast for the full year was raised to EUR 35 to 40 million (on an EBIT basis). Now, according to the latest results forecast for the full year 2002, it appears that the Austrian Airlines Group will generate an EBIT of over EUR 40 million. Commenting upon the success of the past financial year, Chief Executive Officer Vagn Soerensen made the following statement: “We have succeeded in gaining market share and restructuring the Austrian Airlines Group in the course of past twelve months. As a result, we have created the prerequisites for increasing our profitability and corporate value.”
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A Russian State Failure Commission has been formed to investigate the anomaly that occurred during the Nov. 25 launch of a Proton K/Block DM rocket with the Astra 1K satellite. The commission has exonerated the three-stage Proton K launch vehicle, and is focusing its investigation on the Block DM fourth stage. Initial flight data indicate that the Block DM performed successfully during its first main engine firing. The anomaly occurred at the start of the second Block DM main engine burn, and the satellite was placed in a much lower orbit than intended. The launch was carried out under the auspices of International Launch Services (ILS), a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Corp. and two Russian companies, Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center and RSC Energia. The commission is led by Anatoli Koroteev, general director of the Thermal Processes Institute of the Keldish Center, and includes representatives of all organizations involved in the design, manufacture, operation and support of the Proton K/Block DM launch vehicle.
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Space Imaging announced today the establishment of European Space Imaging, the company's newest commercial Regional Affiliate. As a Regional Affiliate, European Space Imaging will have the ability to collect and sell Earth imagery and related products from the Ikonos satellite. The headquarters as well as the receiving antenna and processing facility will be located in Munich, Germany. The contract was signed Oct. 16, 2002. Owned and operated by Space Imaging, Ikonos is the world's first high-resolution commercial imaging satellite. "European Space Imaging represents an important step in our business model. The capabilities of Space Imaging's Regional Affiliate program and the Ikonos system are truly unique to this industry," said John Copple, Space Imaging's chief executive officer. "European demand for high-resolution satellite imagery comes from a diverse range of government and commercial clients. Because of this healthy market demand, I'm confident that this ground station will see a significant return on investment." Markets that will benefit from the quality, speed and accuracy of the Ikonos system include mapping, urban planning, telecommunications, national security, infrastructure planning, disaster assessment, agriculture and forestry.
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The Norwegian company Presens AS has signed an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop and qualify a combined pressure and temperature sensor for spacecraft propulsion systems. This contract is strategically important to both ESA and Presens as there are currently no European suppliers of high-accuracy pressure sensors for spacecraft applications. Today, practically all pressure sensors found in European spacecraft are supplied by US manufacturers. This cooperation between Presens and ESA helps ensure the availability of European technology to the space industry in the future. The product development project is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2003. For Presens, this contract opens an exciting new market for their unique sensor technology, which provides high-accuracy measurement of extreme pressure under demanding and unstable environmental conditions. Their patented sensor technology is, for example, installed in ultradeep subsea oil and gas fields worldwide. “Presens' experience with low mass, high accuracy sensors for demanding applications was one of ESA's key criteria for distinguishing them as an attractive development partner”, says Mr Martin Lang at ESA .
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BAE SYSTEMS has completed the sale of its Heckler & Koch small arms business to Heckler & Koch Beteiligungs GmbH, a German registered company established for the purpose of the acquisition. BAE SYSTEMS has disposed of its interest in the equity of four legal entities being H&K GmbH, H&K Inc, HEKOSA and NSAF Ltd., which together comprise the H&K small arms business. Clive Richardson, Managing Director of BAE SYSTEMS RO Defence, who managed Heckler & Koch, commented "Heckler & Koch was bought by BAE SYSTEMS plc in 1991, and we have invested and supported the business since that time to ensure that it maintains its standing as the leading manufacturer of small arms. I am confident that this sale will enable the business to grow and prosper in the future. "
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The Council of the European Space Agency announced the appointment of Mr Jean-Jacques Dordain as the next Director General of ESA, for a period of four years. He will succeed Mr Antonio Rodotà, whose term of office ends on 30 June next year. Mr Jean-Jacques Dordain, a Frenchman born on 14 April 1946, obtained an engineering degree from the Ecole Centrale in 1968. Before joining ESA in 1986, he held several positions at the Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA): first, from 1970 to 1976, as researcher in the field of propulsion and launch vehicles; then, from 1976 to 1986, as coordinator of space activities; and finally, from 1983 to 1986, as Director of Fundamental Physics. In 1977 he was selected by CNES among the first French astronaut candidates.
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