FLUG REVUE update: Week ending September 7, 2003

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UPDATE
Week ending 7 September 2003

+++ Grece signs for NH90 +++ T-50 lead-in trainer flies +++ Greece signs for AH-64D Apache Longbow +++ Eurofighter tests IRIS-T +++ News in brief +++

Grece signs for NH90
NH90-Auftrag aus Griechenland

NH Industries announced that on August 29, in Athens, Doctor Spyros Travlos, Director-General for Financial, Planning & Defence investment of the Hellenic Ministry of Defence and Gérard Maitrepierre, General Manager of NH Industries, signed a purchase contract for 20 NH90 helicopters plus 14 in option. In addition to this contract, an offset agreement involving Hellenic Aircraft Industry (HAI) and other hightech Hellenic industry groups has also been signed between the Hellenic Ministry of Defence and NHIndustries. The 20 NH90 firm order, amounting (to) 657 million euros, includes 16 Tactical Transport variants and 4 Special Operations variants to be operated by the Hellenic Army. All helicopters can be converted into Medevac variant with 4 ordered roll change medical kits. The 14 options are composed of 12 tactical transport and 2 special operation variants. All the NH90 to be operated by the Hellenic Armed Forces are equipped with Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines.
First NH90 Tactical Transport will be delivered to Greece by late 2005 and the whole firm series will be completed within the year 2010 (including option). With Greece as a ninth European customer, the NH90 confirms its primacy as a first ranking equipment of modern armed forces in terms of rationalisation, standardisation, mission performance and optimum interoperability. This contract now brings the NH90 sales record up to 325 firm orders and 86 options.

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T-50 lead-in trainer flies
Koreanische T-50: Erstflug der LIFT-Version

The Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT) version of the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic fast jet trainer made its initial flight on Aug. 29. The aircraft was flown by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) from the air base at Sachon, South Korea. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is the prime contractor in the development of the T-50, and Lockheed Martin is the principal subcontractor. The second T-50 LIFT aircraft will be the fourth and final flight-test aircraft in the Full-Scale Development program and is expected to have its first flight this week.
The main differences from the advanced jet trainer (AJT) T-50 version are the addition of a radar and an internal 20 mm gun. The multimode radar is the APG-67(V)4 built by Lockheed Martin's Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems. It is the latest version of a system that is operational on Taiwan's Indigenous Defensive Fighter.Both T-50 versions have seven stores stations (one on each wingtip, two under each wing and one on the fuselage centerline), have a stores management system, are able to carry up to 9,500 pounds of external load and will be certified to carry up to three 150-gallon external fuel tanks. The T-50 LIFT version will be certified to employ the gun and various combinations of SUU-20 training dispensers (carrying BDU-33 practice bombs and 2.75-inch rockets), MK-82 500-pound bombs, MK-83 1,000-pound bombs, MK-84 2,000-pound bombs, TGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground training missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and the Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation pod.

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Greece signs for AH-64D Apache Longbow
Apache Longbow für Griechenland

The Greek Ministry of Defense has signed a commercial contract with Boeing for the purchase of 12 AH-64D Apache Longbow combat helicopters with an option to purchase an additional four Apache Longbows. The agreement includes the acquisition of the Longbow fire control radar, the new Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight (MTADS), support equipment, training services, maintenance support and offsets according to the Hellenic requirements. The Hellenic Army will add the next-generation Apache Longbows to its current fleet of 20 AH-64A Apaches, which entered service in 1995. Greece is the eighth international defense force to select the combat-proven AH-64D and the second customer to increase their current fleet size by adding the AH-64D. The contract with Greece for the AH-64D Apache Longbow program will be managed by Boeing, as prime contractor, through commercial practices. Some parts of the contract will be completed through government-to-government contract agreements.

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Eurofighter tests IRIS-T
IRIS-T: Flugtests mit Eurofighter

Eurofighter Development Aircraft DA1, operated by EADS Military Aircraft, has flown a new weapon for Eurofighter, IRIS-T (Infra Red Imaging System – Tail/Thrust Vector Control) on 27 August 2003. The 30 minute flight took place from EADS facilities at Getafe near Madrid with two IRIS-T Missiles mounted on the tip stub stations of DA1. The flight was performed to check the handling behaviour of the aircraft with IRIS-T missiles fitted and is the start of a flight test campaign, which includes handling, flutter, environmental and avionics testing. It will include five firings later this year to qualify the missile for operation with Eurofighter. EADS Military Aircraft is the lead company for the integration programme. Further flight testing will be performed with DA1 and other Eurofighter Development Aircraft at EADS Military Aircraft in Manching and Getafe as well as at Alenia Aeronautica and Italian Air Force sites in Italy. Ground tests including compatibility checks with Eurofighter's missile launchers and avionics systems have already been conducted very successfully.
IRIS-T (Infra Red Imaging System – Tail/Thrust Vector Control) is a modern short range air to air missile which has been selected by the German, Italian and Spanish Air Forces as their replacement for the proven AIM-9L Sidewinder short range air to air missile. Clearance for the full IRIS-T capabilities on the Eurofighter will be available with Tranche 2 fully using the misssile's off-boresight and lock-after-launch capabilities. IRIS-T offers high agility due to thrust vector control, +/-90 degrees off-boresight look angles of the seeker, lock-after-launch capabilities, image processing with resistance against counter measures and a built in test feature. IRIS-T has been developed by an international consortium led by Bodenseewerk Gerätetechnik (BGT).

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

Air Force Secretary Dr. James G. Roche testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on Sept. 3 to answer questions about the 2004 Air Force Tanker Lease Proposal. The final defense committee hearing will be held Sept. 4, in the Senate Armed Services Committee. Testimony before the commerce committee was not required; however, committee chairman Sen. John McCain and other members used the forum to voice concerns over issues related to procurement methods and cost. “It is considerably more expensive to lease rather than buy the aircraft, and, as (the Congressional Budget Office) stated in its report, 'rather than eliminating difficult budgetary decisions, the lease merely postpones them',” McCain argued. Roche countered in a statement to the committee, saying “Under the lease option, the Air Force can afford to field this new fleet of tankers at a quicker pace than under a traditional purchase plan. “Jump-starting replacement of the older, less-capable tankers enables faster modernization of air expeditionary forces,” Roche said. “The lease not only advances the first delivery by three years, it puts the 100-aircraft fleet at the disposal of our frontline commanders for combat operations by (2011), five years ahead of the planned purchase.”
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The Boeing Company, JAL Group and Mitsubishi Corporation today confirmed they have finalized an agreement for the acquisition of seven new Boeing 767-300ER airplanes, which is a follow-on order to increase JAL Group's 767 fleet to 40 by 2006. The airplanes will be operated through an operating lease arrangement with Mitsubishi Corporation. The order is valued at approximately $850 million at list prices. Boeing has carried the order on its Web site as an unidentified customer since booking it in June. With this order, air carriers in Japan account for 34 percent of Boeing Commercial Airplanes' 2003 orders. JAL Group will receive its first new 767 during 2004. Deliveries will continue through 2006. The carrier will use the two-class, 237-seat airplanes on domestic and regional networks.
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Boeing named David Ivry as president of Boeing Israel. He will represent the company's business interests and coordinate companywide business activities in Israel. He will be based in the Boeing office in Tel Aviv. Ivry will lead the company's country strategy-planning process, strengthen Boeing's local presence in Israel and identify new opportunities for the company. “David brings a tremendous amount of professional experience, customer insight, industry knowledge and market expertise to this position,” said Boeing Chairman and CEO Phil Condit. “His background closely matches with the industries, markets and technologies where Boeing pursues its business opportunities. I expect that he will make significant contributions to strengthening Boeing's presence and expanding our relationships in Israel.”
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Researchers at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif., have completed a milestone series of evaluation flights for a revolutionary flight control system that could enable future aircraft suffering major system failures or combat damage to be flown to a safe, controlled landing. The Intelligent Flight Control System (IFCS) research, aboard a highly-modified NASA F-15B aircraft, focuses on development of "self-learning" neural network software for aircraft flight control computers. In its final form, the software would compare data from how the aircraft and its systems are operating with a database of how it would normally operate, and automatically adjust the flight controls to compensate for any damaged or inoperative control surfaces or systems. The IFCS project team successfully met research objectives by evaluating in flight a passive online Parameter Identification (PID) algorithm, or software code, and an online learning Dynamic Cell Structure (DCS) neural network algorithm. This is a significant step for real time PID and neural net technology, and serves as a significant proof of technology for the project's direct adaptive (Generation I) flight control concept.
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Aero Vodochody, aircraft manufacturer, has new orders for the production of the helicopters Sikorsky S-76C+ in the middle of 2003. The number of the firm's contracts increased by 11 helicopters, which are being manufactured by AV for Sikorsky Aircraft. The new contract for the production of civil helicopters will extend the firm's total supply for 2003 by three helicopters to 21 pieces. In 2004 AV should produce 26 helicopters. SA demands the helicopters mainly for the US market. In case of the growth of demand in Europe, the number of the firm's contracts could further increase. AV and SA arranged a 10- year contract worth USD 300 mil in Apr 2000.
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Armor Holdings, Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of security products and vehicle armor systems serving law enforcement, military, homeland defense and commercial markets, announced today that it has executed a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement") to acquire Simula, Inc, for $110.5 million, payable in cash or, at the option of Armor Holdings, in a combination of cash and registered shares of Armor Holdings common stock. "We expect the acquisition of Simula to diversify our product base, expand our technical capabilities and enhance our position as a leading supplier of armor, safety, and survivability systems to the U.S. and foreign militaries, as well as to first responder personnel," said Warren B. Kanders, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Armor Holdings.
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A Falcon-20 aircraft has recently been specially fitted out to accelerate the operational testing, evaluation and rolling development of the Eurofighter Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS). Mike Rickett, BAE Systems Avionics DASS Project Director, said “Following a series of shakedown flights, the DASS has successfully demonstrated its ability to simultaneously detect and jam multiple Air Defence weapon radar tracking systems, during sorties over the RAF Spadeadam EW Training Range.” He expressed complete satisfaction with the results achieved so far. Performance exceeded our expectations and has already surpassed those obtained from the successful series of trials conducted in Typhoon DA4, during the autumn of 2002. The Falcon-20, in parallel with the program's development aircraft, will continue the flight trials program throughout the summer of 2003 in support of both the initial entry into service and continued Tranche 2 development of the DASS.
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Ryanair announced it had carried a record 2.14m passengers in August, a new monthly passenger record. That's the highest number of passengers it has ever carried in one month in its eighteen-year history. It's 140,000 more than in July this year which was also a record-breaking month. UK Sales Manager Kathryn Munro said: "Our passenger figures are soaring! Last month Ryanair became the first low fares airline outside the U.S. to carry 2 million passengers in one month but in August we've even surpassed that record.
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NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe today announced the selection of veteran astronaut, astronomer, and astrophysicist Dr. John M. Grunsfeld as the agency's new Chief Scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington. He succeeds Dr. Shannon Lucid, effective immediately. Grunsfeld, who played an integral role in two Space Shuttle servicing missions to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), has studied astronomy and physics throughout his career. As NASA's Chief Scientist, he'll work to ensure the scientific merit of the agency's programs. "John has a deep interest in astronautical science and has the hands-on experience to back up what he has taught in the classroom," said Administrator O'Keefe. "With his background in physics and astronomy, John is a natural selection to direct NASA's important space-based science objectives."
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The Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon, welcomed the news that the Indian government has selected the BAE Systems Hawk as the new Advanced Jet Trainer for the Indian Air Force. The deal, for the supply of 66 aircraft, support equipment, spares and long term in-country support services, is important for the UK/India defence and trade relationships, and will provide jobs in both India and the UK. Once the deal is finalised, the contract would result in the majority of the aircraft being manufactured in India, and would allow for a long term joint production agreement between BAE Systems and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
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Northrop Grumman Corporation's Integrated Systems sector has been named an industry partner on the U.S. Army's Future Combat System (FCS) program by Boeing and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), the program's lead system integrators. The win marks a major expansion of the sector's role as a provider of integrated systems solutions for the Army. Integrated Systems will develop and produce the FCS program's Class IV unmanned aerial system (UAS) based on the RQ-8 Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (VTUAV).
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Lockheed Martin announced that Raytheon, ITT, and General Dynamics have joined its team to develop the U.S. Air Force's next generation Global Positioning Satellite system, GPS III. Lockheed Martin had previously announced Spectrum Astro as a key partner on the program. The Lockheed Martin-led team is currently preparing for the GPS III Phase A competition. “The addition of Raytheon, ITT, and General Dynamics further adds to the best of industry team we are putting together to provide an incredibly more innovative and capable system for our customer,” said John Sundquist, vice-president, Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems. “We are excited to combine our expertise with that of our partners in designing and producing a best value system that will be able to meet the needs of our customer for the next several decades.” GPS III will address the challenging military transformational and civil needs across the globe, including advanced anti-jam capabilities, improved system security and accuracy, and reliability. The new satellite system will enhance space-based navigation and performance and set a new world standard for positioning and timing services. The team selected to meet this challenge will provide system and sustaining engineering, satellite development and production, Control Segment upgrades, and continuous research and development for this evolutionary system.
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The new Swiss FLORAKO military air defence ground environment is expected to be operational at the beginning of 2004. The core system is currently undergoing the acceptance phase. FLORAKO replaces today's FLORIDA military air defence ground environment, which has been in operation for over 30 years. With Armament Programs 1998 and 1999 the Swiss Parliament approved 728 million CHF for the complete modernization of airspace space surveillance. FLORAKO includes radar stations, computers for the preparation of the air situation, means of electronic identification, for communication, control of opera-tions, airspace management, and training. In addition FLORAKO offers the prerequi-sites for the establishment of a common civilian and military air situation. FLORAKO makes possible a modern airspace management and is a central system for the future maintenance of air sovereignty and air defence.
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In a major step towards refurbishing the ageing VVIP fleet, India cleared the acquisition of five executive jets from the Brazilian firm Embraer at a cost of Rs. 7.27 billion The deal for buying four executive 14-seater jets for the IAF VVIP squadron to ferry visiting dignitaries and one for the Border Security Force was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security which met under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Briefing newsmen, Secretary, Defence, Ajay Prasad said the jets would replace the ageing Avros. The first three aircraft would be delivered within 19 months of signing the contract with the Brazilian firm.
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Indias first lunar mission would be accomplished within five years, ISRO's new acting chairman G Madhavan Nair said. In his first interaction with reporters here after taking over as ISRO chief, Nair said “we will have our spacecraft orbiting around the moon in the next five years.” The design activities and experiments for the mission were going on and the ISRO had got necessary approvals from the Union government for the project, he said. Nair said two engines for the mission had been tested and the stage tests were getting along. The cryogenic tests would be carried out very soon. The educational satellite `edusat' would be launched next year providing links between IITs, Indian Institute of Science and major educational institutions, he said.
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The upper-stage engine model provided by Pratt & Whitney (P&W) for use on Lockheed Martin's Titan-Centaur (TC) missions will be retired after the September 2003 TC-20 launch. This RL10 model, the RL10A-3-3A is the last of the RL10A-3 family, which has supported the Titan family of vehicles since the rocket's first flight in 1974. “This engine proved to be one of the most reliable and safe rocket engines in the world with 100 percent mission success during its support of the Titan series,” RL10 P&W Program Director for Upper-Stage Programs Dennis Mills said. “It has helped power some of this nation's most memorable, scientifically significant and militarily important payloads.”
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A CFM56-3C engine in service with Malev has just established a new all-time world record for initial time on wing. Earlier this month, the engine reached 40, 538 hours and 17,405 cycles without a single shop visit, surpassing the previous record of 40,531 hours set in 2000. CFM56-3 engines are part of the best-selling CFM56 engine family, which is produced by CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs and General Electric Company. The engine was part of the original installation on a new Boeing 737-500 delivered to Hapag-Lloyd in December 1990; Malev has been leasing the aircraft since 1999. During its in-service life, the engine has undergone routine inspections but has remained trouble free. Malev plans to remove the engine for overhaul in September, so the ultimate record will be established at that time.
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Northrop Grumman Corporation, which is developing the satellite communications payloads for the Department of Defense's Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) program, has opened a multimillion-dollar facility to produce phased array antennas for the satellites. Phased arrays direct radio frequency beams electronically rather than by moving reflectors mechanically. These steered, "agile" beams will significantly increase the coverage areas and permit the Advanced EHF system to deliver faster, highly secure communications to military users moving rapidly through the battlefield.
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Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, announces that the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream IV (GIV) business jet fleet has surpassed 2,000,000 flight hours. The first GIV aircraft entered service in 1987. The last GIV, the 500th, rolled off the production line in December 2002, marking the production start of the new, large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G400 and the new, large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G300. The GIV is the best-selling business aircraft in its class. The GIV is holder of more than 70 world records, including eastbound and westbound around-the-world speed records. The GIV continues to meet the air transportation needs of individuals, corporations, fractional owners, charter companies and governments, including heads of state. It remains the most dependable aircraft in its class with a dispatch reliability rate of 99.74 percent.
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Air traffic management related delays dropped dramatically during July and August, despite a recordbreaking number of flights, EUROCONTROL, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, said. More planes took to the skies above Europe in July and August 2003, than in any previous July or August in aviation history. An average of 25,138 aircraft in July and 25.127 in August moved through the airspace of 36 European states(1). Despite the increasing numbers of flights, these two months also saw remarkably low levels of air traffic management related delays– with an average of 1.9 minutes per aircraft in July and 1.6 in August. The previous record for the number of flights in any July was in 2001, when the daily average was 24,913 aircraft. At that time, the average delay was 4.6 minutes. The busiest previous August was in 2001, with a daily average of 25,049 flights and an average delay of 3.4 minutes. The all time busiest month was September 2000 when there was an average of 25,370 flights per day. “In July and August, air traffic controllers in Europe did a great job dealing with this large number of flights. Europe's air traffic system is now operating better than any time in the past, safely handling record numbers of flights with very low delays for this peak time of year,” said Mr. Víctor M. Aguado, Director General of EUROCONTROL.
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