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UPDATE
Week ending April 27, 2003
+++ X-31 makes history with first automated ESTOL ++ Cessna Citation CJ3 flies +++ JetBlue orders 65 Airbus A320 +++ Connexion test successful, says Lufthansa +++ Columbia accident investigation progresses +++ OHB gets contract for small satellites +++ F-35 is overweight for now +++ Poland signs up for F-16 +++ Scaled unveils SpaceShipOne +++News in brief +++
X-31 makes history with first automated ESTOL
Automatische STOL-Kurzlandung mit X-31
The VECTOR test team completed the world's first fully automated, thrust vectored landing at Patuxent River on April 22, and plans subsequent landings this week at increasing angles of attack and decreasing speeds. At about 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon Apr. 22, German Naval Reserve Cmdr. Ruediger Knoepfel flew the X-31 into an invisible engagement box in the sky, then watched as the aircraft controlled itself to touchdown before he took over control and lifted off again. "Today we saw what we have worked three years for," Knoepfel said. "We have proved the basic functionality of our system."
Since the X-31's arrival here in April 2000, the VECTOR test team has been exploring the mechanics of automated, thrust vectored, extremely short takeoff and landing, with the focus on landing as the more difficult portion of ESTOL. The X-31 uses thrust vectoring - controlling the direction of its engine exhaust with paddle-like vanes - to maintain control at high angles of attack and reduced speeds, even well below the typical landing speed for an aircraft of its type. Thrust vectoring was engaged for the Apr. 22 ESTOL touch-and-go, said Navy deputy program manager Bill Voorhees, but for the first attempt the angle of attack was limited to 12 degrees, which is the aircraft's normal landing attitude. Future attempts will increase the angle of attack one degree at a time, up to a maximum of 24 degrees before the program's conclusion on Apr. 29. At 24 degrees angle of attack, landing speeds are reduced 30 percent. The automated ESTOL landing maneuver has already been demonstrated at altitude, with Knoepfel and fellow project test pilot Marine Corps Maj. Cody Allee having flown approaches in past months up to 28 degrees angle of attack to a "virtual runway" at 5,000 feet.
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Cessna Citation CJ3 flies
Erstflug der Citation CJ3
Cessna Aircraft Company's newest light business jet, the Citation CJ3, has successfully completed its first flight. The CJ3 departed from McConnell Air Force Base on 17 April at 9:20 a.m., and landed at Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport at 11:03 a.m. The airplane was piloted by Dan Morris and Russ Williams. During the 1.7 hour flight Morris and Williams tested the CJ3's basic stability and control; operated the landing gear, flaps, speedbrakes and trim system; and evaluated engine operating characteristics and slow flight capabilities. According to Morris, “The CJ3 has several unique features which are new to Cessna's CitationJet family. Two features that we watched closely today were the dual channel FADEC controlled Williams engines, and the upgraded Collins avionics. We are very happy with how all systems performed on this first flight. The airplane reacted exactly as we anticipated.”
The CJ3 is Cessna's first new airplane of the millennium. Since its introduction in September 2002, over 160 orders have been received. The CJ3 incorporates the successful features of the CJ2 while also providing a longer cabin and tailcone, new Williams International FJ44-3A engines, and advanced Collins avionics. The CJ3 is priced at $5,895,000 in 2003 dollars. Type certification is anticipated in the second quarter 2004, with first customer deliveries in the third quarter 2004.
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JetBlue orders 65 Airbus A320
Großauftrag für Airbus
New York low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways has placed an order for a further 65 firm Airbus A320 aircraft, plus options for an additional 50 A320s. The newly ordered aircraft will be delivered starting in 2004 and running through 2011. Each will feature IAE V2500 engines, paralleling the rest of JetBlue's current 41-strong A320 fleet. This new order brings the airline's number of aircraft on firm backlog with Airbus to 111 A320s. “In the post-September 11th environment and the market complexities that have resulted, it is more critical than ever for the hard-hit U.S. airline industry to rebound,” said David Neeleman, CEO of JetBlue Airways. “The best way for JetBlue to take part in this process is through controlled growth with safe, economical and comfortable aircraft. We're confident these newly ordered aircraft will continue to please our Customers, Crewmembers and investors alike.”
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Connexion test successful, says Lufthansa
Lufthansa mit Internet an Bord zufrieden
Following its conclusion, Lufthansa and Connexion by Boeing, a business unit of The Boeing Company, have announced that based on passenger usage and response, the three-month in-flight Internet connectivity service demonstration has been a resounding success. During the pioneering demonstration that began January 15 on the Frankfurt-to- Washington - Dulles route, airline passengers have used the latest satellite-based broadband communication technologies – including wireless fidelity (WiFi) access onboard – to send and receive e-mails, access the World Wide Web or their firewall-protected corporate intranets, entertain themselves and to stay in touch with friends and colleagues. “We've been absolutely delighted with the level of passenger acceptance and the pioneering enthusiasm demonstrated by the entire Lufthansa team in its efforts to generate in-market awareness of the service capabilities,” said Connexion by Boeing President Scott Carson. “The passenger feedback we've received from both the Lufthansa and British Airways demos has been extremely valuable and overwhelmingly positive and, together, we are working to bring a robust and revolutionary new communication service to their passengers, and to airline passengers worldwide.”
More than 140 Lufthansa flights have flown with broadband connectivity onboard. An average of 50-80 simultaneous users per flight accessed the service. 95 percent of respondents to post-flight surveys reported being very or extremely satisfied with the service. The service bandwidth capability was the most acclaimed service aspect. Passengers described the speed-of-service as somewhere between ISDN and DSL-quality. The service demonstration concluded on April 18 when LH flight 419 from Washington – Dulles landed at Frankfurt. Lufthansa will factor the data gathered during the demo into its decision on equipping its long-haul fleet of aircraft with the Connexion by Boeing service, which would commence in 2004.
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Columbia accident investigation progresses
Shuttle-Absturz:Unfallgründe werden eingegrenzt
At a meeting on 24 April with the NASA Accident Investigation Team (NAIT), the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) received evidence supporting multiple scenarios in an ongoing effort to develop a CAIB agreed working scenario. This process will continue. The CAIB determined that in order to finalize a primary working scenario, more work is required in four areas of analysis. Those four areas are: aerothermal analysis, foam impact testing, testing of flown reinforced carbon carbon panels, and metallurgical analysis from debris. The NAIT provided an overview of the latest data recorder information and the CAIB issued its guidance based on that data and board investigators' continuing analysis of the latest orbiter debris.
Earlier, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board issued two preliminary recommendations to NASA. Additionally, the Board issued several facts regarding the shuttle program. Recommendation One: Prior to return to flight, NASA should develop and implement a comprehensive inspection plan to determine the structural integrity of all Reinforce Carbon-Carbon (RCC) system components. This inspection plan should take advantage of advanced non-destructive inspection technology. Recommendation Two: Prior to return to flight, NASA should modify its Memorandum of Agreement with National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) to make on-orbit imaging for each Shuttle flight a standard requirement. This recommendation was issued because of the board's finding that the full capabilities of the United States Government to image the Shuttle on orbit were not utilized.
The board will include the following facts in its final report: The Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) system (including all RCC, supporting structure and attaching hardware) is an essential component of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Thermal Protection System (TPS) and has a Criticality Rating of 1 (loss of crew - loss of vehicle). The RCC composite consists of a reinforced carbon-carbon substrate that carries the structural loads, a tetraethyl orthosilicate impregnation that reduces inherent substrate porosity, a silicon carbide treatment that protects the substrate from oxidation, and a sealant coating that provides additional oxidation protection. These composite structures are attached to the shuttle by a metal support system.
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OHB gets contract for small satellites
Satellitenauftrag für OHB in Bremen
OHB-System AG has prevailed over the strong competition with its bid for four identical small satellites for the European Space Agency ESA for studying the changes in the earth's magnetic field. In its capacity as principal contractor, OHB will be working with Dutch space agency NLR, Danish Space Re-search Institute DSRM and further partners on a Phase A study for a satellite constellation to be known as SWARM over a period of nine months. This project comprises four low-orbit small satellites on two polar orbits, which will provide the most precise measurements ever on the earth's magnetic field and track changes over time. Alongside two other concepts, SWARM forms part of ESA's “Earth Explorer Opportunities Missions” programs. Following the completion of the Phase A studies, which are to be con-ducted simultaneously, ESA will make a decision on which of the missions is to be carried out. If SWARM is selected, the entire project will have a volume of some EUR 100 million. In this case, OHB-System will be seeking the system manage-ment role with an expected contribution of its own of 30-40 %.
At the end of last week, the German Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement was briefed on the current status of the SAR-Lupe project for critical design review pur-poses in line with schedule. The ground station comprises two parts – the satellite ground segment for tracking the satellites and receiving the raw visual data and the user ground segment for processing and evalu-ating data. With the successful completion of this briefing, OHB is still within the contractual schedule. At the same time, the customer ex-pressed its satisfaction with the work performed by the OHB Team.
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F-35 is overweight for now
Gewichtsprobleme bei der F-35
A successful Preliminary Design Review (PDR) has the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter team looking ahead to upcoming milestones while closing out a handful of remaining PDR issues. As with all tactical aircraft programs, the most significant immediate challenge is weight reduction and control. The F-35 Air System PDR, a major program milestone in which the government and contractors review progress on each of the F-35's on-board and off-board systems, was held at the company's Fort Worth plant March 24-27. The purpose of PDR is to assess the aircraft's early design in preparation for the next major program milestone, Critical Design Review (CDR), scheduled for spring 2004.
"PDR showed that our preliminary design meets the F-35 Key Performance Parameters, and our balanced design approach achieves present and future F-35 Air System requirements and solutions," said Tom Burbage, executive vice president and general manager of the Lockheed Martin F-35 JSF program. Rear Adm. Steven L. Enewold, the F-35 deputy program executive officer, added, "We've seen significant design maturation since last year's Air System Requirements Review milestone, and we need similar gains for CDR." In defining the F-35's overall baseline design, PDR clears the way for the development team, including subcontractors, to enter into the critical design phase and to begin manufacturing long lead-time parts for the first series of development aircraft. The program remains on schedule for CDR in 2004. While the vast majority of F-35 systems were judged to be progressing as planned, a small number of issues remained open. Some have been resolved since the close of PDR, while engineers continue to work a remaining few. Two of the open issues were related to volume constraints in the highest- density areas of the fuselage: the weapons bay and engine cavity. Weapons clearances and the routing of wiring/plumbing posed the main challenges. In recent weeks, engineers incorporated configuration adjustments to resolve those issues.
The remaining significant issue involves higher-than-expected preliminary weight estimates of F-35 structural elements. The issue -- mostly attributable to structural arrangement, load paths and design immaturity (owing to the early stage of the program) -- is under intense study.
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Poland signs up for F-16
Offsetvertrag mach Weg für F-16-Kauf frei
The Polish Minister of Economy, Labour and Social Policy and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, a business area of Lockheed Martin Corporation signed a Master Offset Agreement valued at $6.023 billion as part of Poland's procurement of 48 F-16 C/D Block 52 aircraft. The agreement details a series of specific offset projects designed to bring high technology, new jobs and growth to the Polish economy. The agreement complies with Polish law and allows for the immediate implementation of all agreements contained in the Letter of Offer and Acceptance between Poland and the United States, initialled in March 2003. "I am delighted with the fact that after much difficult negotiations, the two sides have come to an agreement," said Deputy Minister of Economy Jacek Piechota. "It was in the interest of Lockheed Martin to conclude this agreement allowing the sale of the F-16s to proceed, and it is in our interest to take advantage of the unique opportunities that a strategic economic relationship with the United States provides us. This agreement is a success for Poland, and the long term benefits to the Polish economy will allow us to play a full role in the new competitive environment of the European Union."
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Scaled unveils SpaceShipOne
Rutan stellt Raumfahrtprojekt vor
On 18 April, Scaled Composites unveiled the existence of a commercial manned space program. This previously hidden, active research program has been in the works at its facility for two years. This program includes an airborne launcher (the White Knight), a space ship (SpaceShipOne), rocket propulsion, avionics, simulator and ground support elements. Master of Ceremonies, Cliff Robertson, introduced Burt Rutan who explained the history and the components of the program. Other dignitaries who attended the event were Dr. Maxim Faget (pioneer configuration designer of the early NASA space program from the Mercury through the Apollo programs), Erik Lindbergh (grandson of Charles Lindbergh and President of the Lindbergh Foundation), and Dennis Tito (Soyuz space tourist).
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
The China Aviation Supplies Imp. & Exp. Group Corporation (CASGC) signed a General Terms Agreement (GTA) with Airbus in Beijing for a firm bulk order of 30 Airbus aircraft, scheduled for delivery from 2004. Under the agreement, these 30 aircraft, including 4 A330s, 16 A319s and 10 A320s, will be operated by China Southern Airlines Group, Air China Group, China Eastern Airlines Group, Hainan Airlines and Sichuan Airlines. Airbus President and CEO Noel Forgeard Airbus and CASGC President Li Hai signed the agreement at the Great Hall of the People. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin witnessed the signing ceremony. Importantly, the A330 will operate with an airline on the Chinese mainland for the first time. The A330 will enable Chinese airlines to open new domestic trunk routes and new international routes, while significantly reducing operating costs. The A320 and A319 will do an outstanding job for airlines, providing passengers with more comfort, higher reliability and unbeatable operating economics.
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The latest meeting of the Sky & Space Intergroup of the European Parliament revealed strong converging views between the European Commission, the European and national Parliaments and industry for the creation of a genuine European space policy. Guest speaker Philippe Busquin, Commissioner for Research, requested a real institutional framework for the space sector in Europe, comparable to the one in the US. At a gathering of the Sky & Space Intergroup of the European Parliament on 22 April in Brussels, guest speaker Philippe Busquin (Commissioner for Research) addressed the Green Paper on European Space Policy. Participants of the meeting included parliamentarians from European and national parliaments as well as industry representatives. The purpose of the Green Paper on Space, the public consultation of which should be finalized on 24 June, is to underline the strategic importance of space to the European Union and the necessity for ESA and the EU to convey a common political vision.
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In a “roll-out” ceremony, the first modernised AOLOS-289 reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been handed over by EADS to the German armed forces. The modernisation of the CL-289 unmanned reconnaissance systems is carried out by EADS Systems & Defence Electronics. The contract with an original volume of EUR 27m has been awarded by NAMSA (NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency) to Dornier GmbH, a subsidiary of EADS. The extensive development activities with final test flights of the prototypes have been successfully carried out by EADS Systems & Defence Electronics in due time. As reported by Dornier GmbH on Thursday, the original contract volume has been increased in the meantime by additional adaptation orders to an overall volume of approx. 36 million euros. The AOLOS-289 programme mainly covers the conversion of the flight software for the on-board UAV computer. With start-up of first batch delivery, a total of 160 vehicles for Germany and France will be upgraded into the new configuration in series production.
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Bombardier Aerospace and U.K-based FlyBE. (formerly British European) have agreed to a contract for the purchase of advanced Bombardier Q400 regional airliners. The agreement includes 17 firm orders for Bombardier Q400 aircraft valued at $362 million U.S. ($543 million Cdn.) and a further 20 options. Deliveries of the 78-seat aircraft are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2003. The total value of the contract, if the 20 options are exercised, could reach $818 million U.S. ($1.23 billion Cdn.). Addition of the 17 Bombardier Q400 aircraft will increase FlyBE.'s Q400 fleet to 21 aircraft. The airline also operates 15 BAe 146 jets. "The Bombardier Q400 delivers fantastically low operating costs, which is critical to our regional low fares business model. The Q400 is set to become the workhorse of the regional low fares market and we are very pleased to be the leading exponent of the product," said Jim French, managing director of FlyBE. "We announced last year our intention to streamline our fleet to two aircraft types. With the announcement today to standardize on the Bombardier Q400, we will drive millions of dollars in operating cost savings, and help consolidate our position as Europe's No. 1 regional low fares provider."
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Boeing engineers are designing the Orbital Space Plane (OSP) for NASA utilizing nearly 50 years of expertise in producing spacecraft. Boeing is one of three contractor teams developing proposals for the program which includes the spacecraft, ground operations and all supporting technologies needed to conduct missions to and from the International Space Station. Boeing was awarded a $45 million contract modification on the NASA Space Launch Initiative program for work on the space plane. The modification extends the current contract through July 2004. The Orbital Space Plane will be a multipurpose spacecraft that can perform crew rescue vehicle and crew transfer vehicle missions for the space station. It will be compatible with current expendable rockets and future reusable launch vehicles and will seat four to six people.
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For the first time, companies representing all levels of the aerospace supply chain have come to agreement on a set of guidelines for the customer / supplier relationships. The "Principles of Conduct in the European Aerospace Supply Chain" marks a significant step in the collaboration of customers and suppliers throughout the whole supply chain at a time when the whole aviation sector faces strong economic challenges. The global economic downturn, the impact of September 11, 2001 on the airline industry and its suppliers, and extended consolidation within the aerospace industry require all companies to work closely and as effectively as possible together. "The Principles of Conduct are an important element for the future competitiveness of our industry", AECMA President Bengt Halse says, "They represent best practice, and their application will benefit companies, both large and small". The Principles of Conduct call for customers and suppliers to aim at developing and maintaining stable and equitable relationships. These should be based on the reliability of suppliers, their reputation for service, integrity and their high standards for quality, safety, delivery and competitiveness
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Flight test results have demonstrated that the A340-500 has exceeded performance predictions and confirmed the aircraft's status as the world's longest range aircraft. The A340-500 will fly further and carry more payload than initially estimated, generating even more profit for its operators. With its advanced wing design and four Rolls-Royce Trent 556 powerplants, the A340-500 offers airlines take-off and climb performance superior to those previously calculated. For a given take off distance, available take off weight is increased by up to seven tonnes, offering more range and more payload carrying ability. Where runway length is not critical, operators will benefit from the lower engine maintenance costs resulting from a higher thrust derate. The A340-500's climb capability will permit operators to secure the most favourable altitudes and routes. The A340-500's payload range with a full payload of 313 passengers is increased to 8 700 nm (16,100 km) at 368 tonnes (811,300lb) take off weight. The aircraft is also available to new customers with an optional 372 tonne (820,100 lb) maximum take off weight, increasing the aircraft's full passenger payload range to 8,850 nm (16,400 km). This new option also includes increases in maximum landing weight and maximum zero fuel weight to 243 tonnes (535,700 lb) and 230 tonnes (507,050 lb) respectively. Available payload is increased by up to five tonnes (11,000 lb). These optional weights are available without structural modification to the aircraft.
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Rick Adam, CEO of Adam Aircraft Industries, announced that Rheinland Air Service (RAS) and Adam Aircraft agreed on the terms for RAS to become the designated dealer to sell and service the Adam family of aircraft. The agreement will include the sales and service responsibilities of both the A500 twin-engine pressurized piston and the A700 twin jet in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The initial order is 14 aircraft. Rheinland Air Service is centrally located in Western Europe and within 15 minutes of Düsseldorf International Airport. RAS has established its credibility in the European general aviation market with a modern facility that is equipped to handle substantial growth, servicing piston, turbine and jet aircraft, and distributing parts for several major general aviation companies. According to the Managing Director, Johannes Schaesberg, "We are interested in Adam Aircraft, because we believe in its innovative design, outstanding performance, and the capability to develop a very attractive family of aircraft with affordable price tags. Adam Aircraft fills a market segment in high demand in Europe."
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The Columbia Orbiter Memorial Act, born in the legislation introduced in March in the Senate by Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), and in the House of Representatives by C.W. Bill Young (R-Fla.), was signed into law by the President last Wednesday. NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe said, "The actions by the Congress and the President to honor the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia is heartfelt by the entire NASA family and by the entire country. A national memorial in the Nation's capital will serve as a reminder about what the crew of Columbia stood for, bravery, honor, and the quest for knowledge. I feel it will help inspire future explorers and help keep the spirit of exploration alive in America. We at NASA are grateful for the support from Senator Stevens and Congressman Young for the timely and thoughtful legislation and their caring approach to commemorate the Columbia crew."
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LORD Corporation — global leaders in the management of vibration, noise and motion — has successfully completed diagnostic testing and development of an Active System to control vibration in the Hindustan Aeronautics, Ltd. (HAL) Advanced Light Helicopter, otherwise known as the Indian DHRUV. The twin-engine DHRUV is unique in its ability to reach high altitude and high temperature areas — necessary functions for search and rescue operations. As the sole supplier of main and tail rotor elastomeric bearings and isolators for the current pylon isolation system, LORD joined efforts with Hindustan earlier this year with the objective of minimizing vibration in the fuselage of the 12-passenger, two-crew member aircraft.
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NASA managers have decided to postpone the launch of SIRTF (Space Infrared Telescope Facility) aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket until no earlier than mid-August 2003. The delay will allow engineers enough time to change out one of the nine solid rocket motors attached to the Delta II rocket, which had multiple delaminations within the layers of material that comprise the engine-nozzle exit-cone liner. "There simply is not enough time to remove and replace the rocket motor to support a SIRTF launch in advance of the Mars Exploration Rover-B launch window," said Karen Poniatowski, Assistant Associate Administrator for Launch Services at NASA Headquarters, Washington.
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"Singapore-Changi International Airport's 30% rebate in landing charges and 10% rebate on rent charges to assist the aviation industry during the worst crisis in its history once again shows its leadership among the world's airports," commented IATA Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani. The announced rebates will be in effect from 1 May until 31 December 2003 are in addition to the 15% reductions in landing and rental charges announced in November 2002 as part of the Singapore Air Hub Development Fund. "The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has hit aviation with a full body blow on top of our struggle to cope with the aftermath of the Iraq war and a global economic slowdown," said Bisignani. "The cooperation of Changi at this most difficult moment should be an example for other airports. As passenger numbers decline, particularly in Asia-Pacific, reigning in costs is essential for the survival of the industry. Changi's prudent and timely response should be the model for all of our airport and ATS providers."
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Raytheon Company announced that effective July 1, 2003, ist chairman and chief executive officer, Daniel P. Burnham, 56, has decided to step down as chief executive officer of the company. Burnham will continue to serve on the board as non-executive chairman. "Dan Burnham has brought a clear vision, strong leadership and critical change to Raytheon," said Warren B. Rudman, lead director of the Raytheon Board of Directors and former U.S. Senator. The board of directors today named William H. Swanson, 54, currently president of Raytheon, to succeed Burnham as CEO. Swanson will assume his new responsibilities as president and chief executive officer effective July 1, 2003.
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Business aviation specialist PrivatAir has received its first Airbus A319 at the Airbus delivery centre in Hamburg, Germany. This is the first Airbus aircraft in PrivatAir's fleet, making the airline a new Airbus operator. The aircraft delivered now is the first of four A320 Family aircraft, that PrivatAir will take on lease from CIT Aerospace. All four aircraft, two A319 airliners and two A319 Long Range (LR), will be powered by IAE V2500 engines from International Aero Engines. The two A319 airliners will be operated mainly for Airbus internal services between the company's head quarters and biggest site in Toulouse, France, and two other big facilities in the Airbus system: Bristol/Filton in the UK and Hamburg in Germany. The routes will be served five days a week, Monday to Friday. With a capacity of 126 seats in a single-class layout, the PrivatAir A319s offer reliability, lower unit costs as well as a significant upgrade for Airbus passengers on these routes compared to previous services with older-generation regional aircraft.
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Thomas Cook Airlines took delivery of the first new Airbus A320 that has been purchased for its UK fleet. This A320 will be operated from London Gatwick and Manchester airports, and will serve holiday destinations around the Mediterranean. The aircraft joins a fleet of 23 Airbus A320s aircraft already in service with Thomas Cook's airline operations in the UK, Belgium and Germany.
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The AMR Board of Directors accepted the resignation of CEO and Chairman Don Carty. The Board named Edward A. Brennan as Executive Chairman and current President and COO Gerard J. Arpey as the new Chief Executive Officer. Arpey continues as President. Ed Brennan, on behalf of the AMR Board of Directors, thanked Don Carty for his years of service and dedication to the company. They were especially grateful for his stewardship during the most difficult years in aviation history. AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, Inc., reported a first quarter net loss of $1.04 billion, or $6.68 per share. This compares with a net loss of $1.56 billion, or $10.09 per share, in the first quarter of 2002, which included a cumulative effect of accounting change of $988 million, or $6.38 per share. "Our first quarter results were truly dreadful," noted AMR's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Don Carty. "The results we reported today clearly demonstrate the negative effects from high fuel prices leading up to the Iraq war, and passenger concern about traveling before and after fighting commenced," Carty said.
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Boeing reported a net loss of $478 million, or $0.60 per share, for the first quarter of 2003 on revenues of $12.3 billion. The loss included previously announced non-cash, after-tax charges totaling $818 million, or $1.02 per share, related to the company's analysis of goodwill impairment, and $159 million, or $0.20 per share, to strengthen reserves and revalue assets in Boeing's customer finance portfolio. However, the underlying performance of the company's aerospace businesses was strong. Excluding the $1.02 impact of goodwill impairment charges, adjusted earnings per share* totaled $0.42. “During the first quarter we continued to run healthy businesses in dynamic market conditions. Integrated Defense Systems delivered strong results in its growing markets, and aggressive management at Boeing Commercial Airplanes again resulted in solid performance,” said Boeing Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Phil Condit. Condit added, “Boeing Capital is managing conservatively, and Boeing's balanced portfolio of aerospace businesses underpins our continued strength and profitability.”
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Northrop Grumman Corporation's Integrated Systems sector and teammate Schweizer Aircraft Corp. have extended their string of successes in developing a new four-blade rotor for the U.S. Navy's RQ-8 Fire Scout vertical tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (VTUAV). The two companies conducted a successful test flight of the new rotor on a Fire Scout manned prototype helicopter April 18 at Schweizer's Elmira, N.Y., facility, including ground, hover, taxi and flight evaluations. The new four-blade rotor will extend Fire Scout's range, payload and endurance. To date, the Northrop/Schweizer team has conducted 20 test flights with the new rotor hub mounted on a Schweizer Model 333 helicopter. For the latest flight, the rotor hub with four Fire Scout blades flew a 45-minute test flight that included hover in and out of ground effect, traffic pattern flight, and an up-and-away flight to 2500 feet at 108 knots.
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Ronald D. Dittemore, a 26-year NASA veteran, announced his intention to step aside as the Space Shuttle Program Manager at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to pursue other opportunities. Dittemore, who has served as the Shuttle program manager for more than four years, will remain in his current position until the Columbia Accident Investigation Board finishes its investigation and a complete "Return to Flight" path has been established. "My decision to leave the Space Shuttle Program has been a very difficult one, but it is a decision that I began struggling with long before the tragedy of the Columbia accident," Dittemore said. "The timing of my departure is based on what I believe will allow for the smoothest management transition possible, as the pace of work to return the Shuttle to flight begins to ramp up."
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Raytheon Company is developing a revolutionary aircraft structure technology that could change in flight to adapt to mission requirements, targets and other changes in battle. Raytheon received a $4.1 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its work under the Morphing Aircraft Structures program. Raytheon is proposing adaptive wing technology for its cruise missile mission vehicles. Prototypes are scheduled to be tested in early 2005. Morphing wings is the first in a series of steps to permit a cruise missile to travel at high speeds to a target area, loiter and then move to another target area, with speed changes from 0.3 Mach to 3.0 Mach. The technology ultimately could be applied to other platforms and future air vehicles, manned and unmanned.
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Raytheon Company's Space and Airborne Systems was recently awarded an $8 million cost plus fixed fee contract to design and demonstrate the world's first Synthetic Aperture LADAR (Laser Radar) Tactical Imager (SALTI). SALTI will provide the first airborne optical synthetic imagery capability to the warfighter. It will provide improved clarity of electro-optic wavelengths for imaging targets and will not suffer from the normal glint returns associated with common X-band synthetic aperture radar. SALTI promises to provide essential standoff and target identification to manned and unmanned airborne platforms with unprecedented resolution. The contract was awarded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Advanced Technology Office with the Air Force Research Laboratory serving as technical and program execution agent. Contract work will be performed at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems facilities in El Segundo, Calif.; Tucson, Ariz; and Texas. Upon completion, Raytheon will deliver the SALTI system to DARPA's Advanced Technology Office.
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The International Air Transport Association gathered the world's airlines with the WHO in Bangkok on Wednesday, 23 April to refine battle plans in the war on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). "The impact of SARS on the global air transport has been devastating," said Kevin Dobby, IATA's Corporate Secretary who heads the association's SARS Task Force. "The industry is completely engaged with the WHO and will do whatever is necessary to fight the spread of SARS. This is our number one priority." The meeting heard some encouraging news from the WHO. "We were told by WHO that SARS is transmitted by droplets through close person to person contact and not through the air. We were also reassured that the disease is communicable only after symptoms of the disease appear. As a result the WHO reassured the industry that the screening procedures for passengers being implemented at airports are effective. As evidence, of the 200 million travelers who have boarded aircraft since the beginning of this crisis, there have bee less than 5 cases of possible transmission in the cabin-and these were on flights that occurred before screening procedures were put in place," explained Dobby. "As we see screening procedures intensifying around the world with questioning of passengers and body temperature checks it is clear that air travel is being made even safer."
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A Proton launch vehicle lifted off at 10:37 a.m. (12:23 a.m. EDT) and successfully placed the Cosmos - 2397 satellite into geostationary orbit. Separation occurred approximately six and a half hours later. This was the first Proton launch of 2003. The next launch is scheduled on April 29 (April 28 in the United States) when the Proton will carry the AMC-9 satellite to orbit for Alcatel Space and SES Americom under the auspices of International Launch Services. Built by Khrunichev State Research and Production Center in Moscow, Proton is one of the premier launch systems in the world.
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The first Mid & Outer Fixed Leading Edge for the Airbus A380 was delivered to Airbus at a ceremony today in Linköping. With 31 meters length, this is the largest single component that Saab has ever manufactured. The Airbus A380 will be the world's largest passenger aircraft, with capacity for 555 passengers. Its maiden flight is slated for the early 2005, and deliveries to customers will begin in 2006. "Saab has a long tradition as a skilled and trustworthy aircraft manufacturer, and that has enabled us to participate in this project as a risk sharing partner. The delivery of the first Mid & Outer Fixed Leading Edge represents a major success, and is a step in the process of making the manufacture and supply of structural components one of Saab's core activities," says Åke Svensson, Vice President and General Manager of Saab Aerospace and from July 14th, appointed to be CEO of Saab.
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Rockwell Collins' high-speed SATCOM system has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) on the Challenger 600, 601 and 604. The installation and STC was completed by Bombardier Aerospace. The Collins HST-900 enables enhanced passenger connectivity, including access to e-mail and the Internet while in flight. Designed as a companion to the Collins SAT-906 satellite communications system, the HST-900 provides high-speed connectivity using Inmarsat's Swift64 service. The STC permits the use of Aero safety services in the flight deck and simultaneous voice and high-speed data in the cabin. This capability is made possible through a Rockwell Collins proprietary software management system that ensures the flight deck maintains its priority and pre-emptive receipt of essential communications. The management system also validates frequency assignments to ensure there is no potential interference with GPS frequencies.
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The government of Gabon has extended for another year the contract under which Lufthansa Consulting (LCG) has been restructuring its national airline, Air Gabon. The recently signed extended contract acknowledges the successful cooperation of the two companies to date and reaffirms the Gabon government's confidence in the abilities of the German firm of management consultants. For the past two years, in an effort to stabilize the airline, LCG consultants have held key executive positions in its top management and in the management of all its departments. Their primary aims have been to recapitalize the African carrier and strengthen its competitive position. They have thus far succeeded in increasing its productivity and in returning its financial situation to a positive trend.
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Fraport AG has begun major renovations of Frankfurt Airport's Runway North (07L/25R), one of the airport's two 4,000-meter-long parallel runways that are used for take-offs and landings. To be completed in the summer of 2005, the Runway North renovation project will comprise 300 incremental construction steps carried out during nighttime hours so as not to affect regular operations. Fraport AG's Traffic and Retail (VTM) division will be investing some EUR38 million to renovate Runway North, which handles approximately 200,000 aircraft movements per year. The lifeline of any airport, runways require regular maintenance. Surface damage and fissures can lead to undesirable vibrations in aircraft during taxing, landing and take-off. Thus, construction work has already begun and could not be postponed any longer. Planned with meticulous precision, construction work on the highly utilized runway can only be done in small steps during the nighttime from 22:30. After 6:00 in the morning, the runway (following control and inspection) has to be ready again for unrestricted regular operations. Therefore, this extraordinary renovation project has been divided into 300 individual steps to be completed over 300 nights. Construction work has to be halted during the height of the summer and winter seasons and during periods of heavy rain. The runway's asphalt surface, including some sections that are more than 30 years old, has to be broken up and removed. A 60-centimeter-thick asphalt layer is applied on the compacted gravel and sand runway foundation. Following intense testing of materials, Fraport's construction department decided to use a high-tech mixture of asphalt and synthetic resin, which can be applied even during relatively low temperatures and then used shortly thereafter by aircraft taking off or landing.
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In March 2003, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) recorded 3.8 million passengers, 5.3 percent fewer than in the same month last year. Bookings of flights and package tours were down because of the continuing weak economic environment in Germany and the impact of the Iraq war. Destinations in the southeast European region, North Africa and the Middle East have been hit hardest. The outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), an infectious lung disease, in southeast Asia also had an impact on passenger figures: A reliable growth factor at FRA during the last few months, Far East traffic also declined in March. As a pre-emptive step in response to the current situation in international aviation, Fraport AG's executive board and works council already in March agreed on a comprehensive package of contingency measures. Some of these measures are now being implemented. For example, they include reducing overtime hours, accumulated flex-time hours and accrued vacation entitlements, rescheduling shifts, and reducing the use of external personnel. "Our goal is to cut costs in keeping with lower demand and to continue avoiding business-related layoffs", said Fraport's CEO, Dr. Wilhelm Bender. Further measures, such as short-time working, will be introduced if the already implemented measures do not suffice to prevent staff redundancy.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced hat Regional Airlines Holdings, Inc. (REGCO) of Toronto has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire 10 68- to 78-passenger Bombardier Q400 airliners and take options on an additional 15. A Letter of Intent is a signed proposal, which establishes all the details of the general contract including training, parts, warranty, price and payment terms. This is the first step taken before a purchase agreement is concluded. The LOI was signed by REGCO president and Chief Executive Officer Robert Deluce during a brief ceremony at the Bombardier de Havilland facility attended by Pierre Beaudoin, president and Chief Operating Officer of Bombardier Aerospace and representatives from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
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Delta Air Lines reported a net loss of $466 million and a loss per share of $3.81 for the March 2003 quarter. This is compared to a net loss of $397 million and loss per share of $3.25 for the March 2002 quarter. Excluding unusual items described below, the March 2003 quarter net loss and loss per share were $426 million and $3.49, respectively. The First Call consensus estimate for the quarter was a loss per share of $3.51, excluding unusual items. In the March 2002 quarter, Delta had a net loss of $354 million and loss per share of $2.90, excluding unusual items described below. Note 1 to the attached Consolidated Statements of Operations shows a reconciliation of the reported net loss to the net loss excluding unusual items, as well as a reconciliation of other financial measures including and excluding unusual items. “Even as we face the greatest financial crisis in Delta's history, which is deepened by the impact of military action in Iraq, Delta continues to successfully reduce costs, preserve liquidity, and implement the strategic elements of our long-term plan for survival," said Leo F. Mullin, chairman and chief executive officer. “This plan has allowed us to end the March quarter with $2.5 billion in cash and short-term liquidity. I remain confident that we are taking the right steps to stabilize and strengthen our company while meeting the needs of our customers."
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