FLUG REVUE update: Week ending October 5, 2003

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UPDATE
Week ending 5 October 2003

+++ Air France and KLM join forces +++ V-Bird to start operations at Niederrhein +++ Ariane 5 launches three satellites +++ ESA awards the first Aurora mission design contracts +++ Robinson delivers 5000 helicopters +++ COSMOS launches small satellites +++ News in brief +++

Air France and KLM join forces
Größte europäische Fluggesellschaft entsteht

On 30 September, Air France and KLM announced that they expect to conclude an agreement that would lead to the creation of Europe's leading airline group through a share exchange offer by Air France for KLM common shares. The new group will be called Air France-KLM and will capitalize on two well-known brands, strong hubs and complementary networks. This major strategic step is unprecedented in the European airline industry and is expected to create substantial value for shareholders. The Boards of both companies believe that this proposed combination is in the best interest of customers, shareholders and employees of both groups and represents a significant opportunity for further growth.
The Supervisory Board and Board of Managing Directors of KLM have unanimously recommended the transaction. The Air France Board has authorized the Chairman and CEO of Air France, Jean-Cyril Spinetta, to sign the agreement enabling the implementation of the combination between the two airline companies. Air France and KLM expect to sign the transaction agreement within the next few weeks.
The main Financial Terms of the Proposed Exchange Offer are: 11 Air France shares and 10 Air France warrants for 10 KLM common shares; 3 Air France warrants give the right to subscribe or to acquire 2 Air France shares at an exercise price of EUR 20; maturity of 3.5 years after the closing of the transaction, exercisable after 18 months. The indicative value of the offer is 16,74 Euro per KLM common share. The envisaged transaction values the common share capital of KLM at approximately EUR 784 million (including the theoretical value of the warrants) and the exchange offer represents a premium of 40 per cent over the closing share prices of KLM at September 29, 2003 and 77 per cent based on the average closing share prices of Air France and KLM shares over the last three months.
Combined, Air France and KLM have EUR 19.2 billion in aggregate annual revenues, serve 226 destinations worldwide, operate a fleet of some 540 aircraft and employ approximately 106,000 people (in the fiscal year 2002/03). In creating one group, while maintaining two operating companies and building on the strengths of their respective brands, hubs and networks, the group will continue to focus on three core businesses: Passengers (77 per cent of aggregate revenues), Cargo (14 per cent) and Maintenance (4 per cent).
The proposed transaction will strengthen the SkyTeam alliance, which will become the second largest alliance worldwide. In most areas, the group will also continue to benefit from ongoing cooperation with the respective partners of both airlines. Furthermore, in the medium term, the combined group could be reinforced by the potential integration of Alitalia.
Air France and KLM have identified and evaluated a number of areas for potential synergies. These are expected to gradually increase and have a positive impact on the consolidated operating income of at least of EUR 385-495 million as of the fifth year on an annual basis. Synergy benefits should be realized through network optimization, improved deployment of assets (both for the passenger and cargo businesses), better offerings in maintenance and cost savings in the fields of procurement, sales and distribution, maintenance and information technology. Customers can expect to benefit from these synergies through an extended route network with increased flight frequencies, attractive pricing and seamless service throughout the network.
The KLM restructuring plan announced in April 2003 will not be impacted by the implementation of the above-mentioned synergy plan and KLM management remains committed to delivering the EUR 650 million improvements in operating income by April 1, 2005.
Following the proposed combination of Air France and KLM and as soon as legally possible, it is the intention that all Air France assets will be contributed to a newly created operating company (Air France). The currently listed Air France Company, renamed Air France-KLM, will then hold two operating companies: Air France and KLM. The combination is structured to ensure and protect KLM's international traffic rights going forward. Notably, 51 per cent of voting interest in KLM will be held by two Dutch Foundations and the Dutch State during a transitional period of three years. The current option agreement with the Dutch State will remain in place, subject to certain amendments.

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V-Bird to start operations at Niederrhein
Neue Billigfluglinie

A new airline, Netherlands-based V-Bird Airlines, has announced the start of services from Niederrhein airport at Weeze (near the Netherlands border) at the End of October. The company has leased three Airbus A320-200 aircraft from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), painted in a silver and blue scheme. They are powered by CFMI CFM56 engines and will be leased until June 2007. Options are held with ILFC for up to six further A320s for delivery through 2006. At first, six destinations will be served, i.e. Berlin-Schönefeld, Munich, Maastricht, Vienna, Nizza and Helsinki. According to reports, the airline has a capital of 20 million Euro.

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Ariane launches three satellites
Erfolgreicher Start von drei Satelliten

On September 27, Arianespace orbited two geostationary communications satellites: INSAT-3E for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and e-BIRD for European operator Eutelsat. The mission's third payload, ESA's SMART-1 lunar probe, was successfully injected into an orbit that will take it to the Moon. With its 13th successful mission, the standard Ariane 5G ("Generic") launcher confirmed its technical and operational maturity. This is the third successful Ariane 5 mission in 2003. It confirms the decisions made by the ministerial-level European Space Agency (ESA) Council, which approved the Ariane 5 support plan and also gave the go-ahead for the construction of a Soyuz launch pad at the Guiana Space Center. This will provide Arianespace with a complete family of launchers, enabling the company to remain a leader in the commercial launch services marketplace. These decisions resulted in the recent agreement signed by Arianespace and EADS Space Transportation at the Paris Air Show for production of a batch of 30 Ariane 5 launchers to ensure the continuity of Arianespace's launch service. The higher productivity that results from this order will improve the Ariane launcher's competitiveness for the benefit of all customers.
For this mission, Ariane's selection by a leading international operator, as well as the Indian and European space agencies, clearly reflects widespread recognition of Arianespace's top-flight launch service. INSAT-3E is the 11th Indian satellite to be orbited by Europe's launcher. Arianespace and ISRO have worked together for over 22 years, starting with the 1981 launch of India's first satellite, Apple. e-BIRD is the 20th satellite that Arianespace has launched for Eutelsat. The first satellite ever deployed by Eutelsat was ECS 1 - a payload launched by Ariane in 1983. SMART-1 is the 25th ESA satellite to use the Ariane launcher. It will be followed next year by the Rosetta spacecraft, along with the first of nine ATV cargo vessels that will support the International Space Station.
Flight 162 was carried out by a standard Ariane 5 "Generic" launcher from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Liftoff was on Saturday, September 27, 2003 at 8:14 p.m. local time in Kourou (23:14 GMT, 7:14 p.m. in Washington, D.C., and on September 28 at 1:14 a.m. in Paris, and 4:44 a.m. in Bangalore, India).

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ESA awards the first Aurora mission design contracts
Neue Forschungssondenpläne der ESA

A major milestone in ESA's long-term Aurora programme of Solar System exploration has been passed with the announcement ofthe winners of competitive contracts for two of the programme's key robotic missions – ExoMars and Earth re-entry Vehicle Demonstrator (EVD). A major milestone in ESA's long-term Aurora programme of Solar System exploration has been passed with the announcement of the winners of competitive contracts for two of the programme's key robotic missions – ExoMars and Earth re-entry Vehicle Demonstrator (EVD). Alenia Spazio (Italy), Alcatel Space (France) and EADS Astrium (France) are heading the three industrial teams selected to carry out a full mission design for ExoMars, the Aurora exobiology mission to Mars. At the same time, two industrial teams, headed by EADS LV (Launch Vehicles) of France and Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) of the United Kingdom respectively, have been selected for the pre-development phase (officially known as Pre-Phase A) of the EVD mission.
The ExoMars mission, to be launched in 2009, is the first of the major Flagship missions in the Aurora programme. It includes an orbiter and a descent module that will land a large (200 kg), high-mobility rover on the surface of Mars. After delivery of the lander/rover, the ExoMars orbiter will also operate as a data relay satellite between the Earth and the vehicle on the Martian surface.
The second Aurora Flagship mission is a Mars Sample Return (MSR), planned for 2011. Its main goal will be the retrieval of rock samples from the Martian surface and subsurface for subsequent analysis in laboratories on Earth. In order to ensure the success of this challenging mission, a number of new technologies will have to be developed and tested. Conceived as a small, technology-driven Arrow-class mission, the Earth re-entry Vehicle Demonstration will be used to validate the design of the small MSR capsule that will bring back the precious samples of Martian soil.

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Robinson delivers 5000 helicopters
5000. Hubschrauber ausgeliefert

Robinson Helicopter Company reached another milestone with the delivery of its 5,000th helicopter. Since delivering the first R22 in October 1979, Robinson Helicopter Company has produced 3,489 R22 and 1,511 R44 helicopters, including 171 R44 Raven IIs. The 5,000th helicopter, an R44 Raven II, was shipped to National Airways Corporation (NAC) of Lanseria, South Africa. NAC became a Robinson dealership in 1990. The 57-year-old corporation is the largest general aviation company in South Africa, and one of the largest in all of Africa with offices in 7 cities. In addition to selling and maintaining Robinson helicopters, NAC offers helicopter and fixed-wing sales; maintenance and refurbishment; aircraft parts and avionics sales and support; charter; and pilot training. The recent delivery is NAC's 75th Robinson helicopter.
Demand for Robinson helicopters continues to grow. In response, the company is increasing its workforce to 850 employees, an additional 150 production workers since April. The factory now produces 9.5 helicopters a week and is building toward an 11 helicopter-per-week goal by the end of October. To meet long-term growth, Robinson has begun construction on an additional facility, which will nearly double its manufacturing capacity. The company broke ground in July on the new 215,000 sq. ft. building located adjacent to the current factory. In addition to increased production facilities, an expanded delivery center and training facility will also be located in the new building. Once completed, the new building will allow Robinson to meet increased production goals and reduce delivery time on new aircraft and spare parts.

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COSMOS launches small satellites
Kleinsatelliten mit COSMOS gestartet

On 27 September, on the stroke of 8:11:43 am CET, a COSMOS booster rocket was launched into space with its payload of six multinational satellites. The rocket was launched from Plesetsk Space Center, 800 kilometers northeast of Moscow, and successfully brought the satellites on board, including OHB's micro-satellite RUBIN-4-dsi, into their respective orbits. OHB, via its subsidiary COSMOS International Satellitenstart GmbH, organized and carried out the services associated with the launch of South Korean research satellite KAISTSAT-4, which was also on board.
The orbital telematics experiment Rubin-4-dsi developed by OHG is located on the upper stage of the COSMOS and transmits information on the rocket's acceleration, vibration load and position. Rubin will transmit this information to earth via e-mail using the Orbcomm satellite communications system. In this way, it will be possible to track the rocket in orbit reliably and without any data loss.
RUBIN-4-dsi is the fourth micro-satellite from the RUBIN series developed and maintained by OHB. The first was launched in July 2000 and transmitted approximately 1,600 e-mails with measuring data from outer space. RUBIN-2, a much more complex follow-up model, and RUBIN-3 came at the end of 2002.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

Eurofighter announced the start of integration of the METEOR Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile to the Eurofighter Typhoon Weapon System, following recent 'fit and form' trials at BAE SYSTEMS Warton facility. The trials were conducted with a representative METEOR missile and Eurofighter Typhoon IPA1. The ground tests were conducted by a joint BAE SYSTEMS and MBDA team in a first phase of 'fit and form' compatibility checks with the underfuselage MEL stations plus MFRL. The trials proved successful with no clearance or access problems. METEOR trials will include flight trials in support of the Meteor Development programme which will be conducted in 2005. METEOR is planned for introduction to service with Eurofighter Typhoon fleets for Enhanced Operational Clearance. In operational service Eurofighter will be able to carry up to six METEOR missiles designed to optimise Beyond Visual Range engagement performance with a new generation missile. Clearance for full METEOR capability is included with Tranche 2 enhancements currently under negotiation for signature at the end of 2003.
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Alitalia completed the sale of a 40 % shareholding in the subsidiary company Alitalia Maintenance Systems, which is specialized in the maintenance and repair of aircraft engines, to Lufthansa Technik. From now on, Alitalia Maintenance Systems S.p.A. will be managed jointly by the partners, with the declared intention of creating a "center of excellence" for engine maintenance and repair work, by taking full advantage of the established experience and know-how of Alitalia and Lufthansa Technik in this highly specialized field. Lufthansa Technik will transfer mainly GE CF6 engines to Rom's airport Fiumicino, while Alitalia will send engine components to Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg. The entry of Lufthansa Technik into the partnership will lead to a significant increase in the activities for the engine workshop at Fiumicino airport, making it possible to achieve substantial economies of scale in the running of the plant. For Lufthansa Technik the engagement means new possibilities in the capacity management and additional business in the field of engine parts and components repair. The entry of Lufthansa Technik into the partnership will lead to a significant increase in the activities for the engine workshop at Fiumicino airport, making it possible to achieve substantial economies of scale in the running of the plant. For Lufthansa Technik the engagement means new possibilities in the capacity management and additional business in the field of engine parts and components repair.
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Raytheon's next generation Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) has successfully intercepted combat realistic targets in two recent flight tests. The latest version of AMRAAM, AIM-120C-7, is in production and has been developed in the Preplanned Product Improvement (P3I) Phase 3 program. An AMRAAM P3I Phase 3 missile with its advanced electronics scored a direct hit Aug. 19 against a full-scale target at Eglin Test Range at Eglin AFB, Fla. This developmental test shot successfully demonstrated the missile's ability to defeat threat realistic electronic attack techniques. Another AMRAAM P3I Phase 3 missile was launched Sept. 6 against a sub-scale target at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., and again scored a directhit. This developmental test shot successfully demonstrated AMRAAM's nextgeneration capability against a combat realistic target employing complex
electronic attack techniques.
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The U.S. Air Force has selected a Northrop Grumman Corporation-led team for the next phase of competition to develop the Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) subsystem for the Air Force's new E-10A Multisensor Command and Control Aircraft. The Northrop Grumman team will refine its proposed architecture for the BMC2 subsystem under the new six-month, $4 million award. A final down select for the BMC2 subsystem competition is expected in spring 2004.
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Embraer announced that Saarbrücken-based Cirrus Airlines and its partners have ordered one Embraer 170, with an option for another unit of the type. Delivery is expected in December 2004. Cirrus Airlines is the youngest member of Lufthansa Partner (since March 2000) and connects to the major German economic centers in a code-share agreement with Lufthansa. With its current fleet of 13 regional aircraft, Cirrus carried some 200,000 passengers over its route network in 2002. Cirrus's CEO, Gerd Brandecker, said “The spacious four-abreast cabin and the superb economics, combined with the Embraer 170 capability for take-off and landing on short runways has made our choice of aircraft an easy one. We look forward to fly our customers in the style for which Embraer aircraft are renowned.”
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SMART-1's revolutionary propulsion system was successfully fired at 12:25 UT on 30 September, 2003, in orbit around the Earth. Engineers at ESOC, the European Space Agency's control centre in Darmstadt, Germany, sent a command to begin the firing test, which lasted for one hour. This was similar to a trial performed on Earth before SMART-1 was launched. Several months ago, the ion engine, or Solar Electric Primary Propulsion (SEPP) system, had been placed in a vacuum chamber on the ground and its functions and operation were measured. Now in space and in a true vacuum, the ion engine actually worked better than in the test on ground and has nudged SMART-1 a little closer to the Moon. This is the first time that Europe flies an electric primary propulsion in space, and also the first European use of this particular type of ion engine, called a 'Hall-effect' thruster. The SEPP consists of a single ion engine fuelled by xenon gas and powered by solar energy. The ion engine will accelerate SMART-1 very gradually to cause the spacecraft to travel in a series of spiralling orbits - each revolution slightly further away from the Earth - towards the Moon. Once captured by the Moon's gravity, SMART-1 will move into ever-closer orbits of the Moon.
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In the first step of a two-step process, NASA has selected two teams to conduct concept studies for the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Mission, the fourth investigation in NASA's Solar Terrestrial Probe mission line. The proposals selected for further study address the scientific objective of the MMS mission, to explore and understand fundamental plasma-physics processes of magnetic reconnection, particle acceleration and turbulence in the Earth's magnetosphere. These three processes, which control the flow of energy, mass and momentum, within and across magnetospheric boundaries, occur throughout the universe and are fundamental to our understanding of astrophysical and solar system plasmas. The selected proposals that will provide instrument suites dedicated to the pursuit of the MMS science objectives are: "An Instrument Suite for the Magnetospheric Multi-Scale Mission," led by Dr. James P. McFadden of the University of California at Berkeley; and "Solving Magnetospheric Acceleration, Reconnection, and Turbulence," led by Dr. James L. Burch of Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio.
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McAlpine Helicopters announced the North East Police EC135 recently recorded a total flight time of 5,000 hours over less than a four year period, making it the world fleet leader on this type. McAlpine have also taken delivery of the 300th EC135. This particular aircraft will be going into police operations in the North Midlands (Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire). Of the 300 EC135's produced McAlpine have committed 35 and delivered 26 into the UK. The UK airborne law enforcement market is currently McAlpine's biggest customer and possibly the largest collective market in the world. In fact, McAlpine have just signed their 4th consecutive framework agreement for the UK Police.
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Former Eurocopter boss Dr Siegfried Sobotta officially takes over from Simon, Lord Glenarthur as chairman of the European Helicopter Association, the body that fights the operators' corner when new rules threaten to make life tougher than it need be. Simon Glenarthur, who has steered the EHA for the last seven years, is handing the controls to a man with vast experience of the international aerospace and automotive industries at the highest level. Glenarthur's last duty as Chairman was to sign an agreement to cooperate with the European HEMS and Air Rescue Committee. His co signatory was Gerhard Kugler, founder of Germany's ADAC EMS helicopter service and one of the best-known names in the medical helicopter community. By working more closely together, EHA and EHAC hope to have more influence with Europe's regulatory bodies. 'There's no monopoly on wisdom here, we need all our strengths,' Glenarthur commented.
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The International Air Transport Association began rolling out a new safety program this week that puts in place the first global audit process for airlines. For the first time, the IATA Operational Safety Audit program (IOSA) will enable airlines to review their safety processes using a world-wide standard. "Safety is IATA's top priority," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA Director General & CEO. "In these difficult times for the airlines, IOSA introduces a best-of-breed safety review process that will contribute to achieving our ambitious safety objectives." Qatar Airways CEO, Akbar Al Baker said, "Qatar Airways is pleased to be the first airline audited under the new program. IOSA was developed to bring harmony and efficiency to the airline operational safety audit environment. There is no doubt that these attributes will make a significant contribution to aviation safety." By offering a single internationally accepted audit process for airlines, IOSA will replace a multiplicity of current audit practices that until now lacked common standards and consistency. An IOSA audit will remain valid for a two-year term. This means that airlines save time, manpower and the expense of performing repeated audits mandated by governments to establish code-share agreements.
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Keystone Helicopter has signed a five-year contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to provide completion services for the new VIP S-92 helicopter. The completion work will include design, certification and custom interior installation, as well as exterior painting of the aircraft. The first VIP helicopter under the S-92 contract is scheduled to be completed in December 2004 for delivery to one of Sikorsky's large northeast corporate customers. Keystone Helicopter will perform the work at their West Chester, Pennsylvania, facility.
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Computer Sciences Corporation announced that it has been awarded a contract to provide simulator-based flight training and related aviation training support activities to the U.S. Army Aviation Center at Ft. Rucker, Ala. CSC estimates the value of the contract, which has twelve base years and one eight-year option period, to be in excess of $1.1 billion if all options are exercised. Under the contract, called Flight School XXI, CSC will help the Army maximize its use of high technology training methodologies and virtual flight simulators to enhance training effectiveness and significantly reduce costs. CSC will provide, manage, operate, maintain and upgrade a suite of virtual flight simulators that support Army rotary flight training. The company will also perform related aviation training support activities. Flight School XXI serves as a foundation for improved Army aviation training by supporting current and future force training requirements and significantly enhancing the combat readiness of new aviators. Over the past six years, CSC has provided similar services at Ft. Rucker under the Joint Test and Evaluation Contract.
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Bombardier Aerospace has finalized the sale of a new Bombardier Learjet 45 light business jet to the Irish Government. The Irish Minister for Defence Mr. Michael Smith and Bombardier Aerospace officially finalized the transaction today during a brief ceremony held in Dublin. The aircraft, designed for eight passengers, is scheduled for delivery in December 2003 in preparation for Ireland's assumption of the European Union (EU) Presidency in January 2004. It will be based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel near Dublin, from where it will offer nonstop service throughout Europe including such cities as Brussels, Athens and Budapest.
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The Board of Directors of the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI) has approved the conditions for the privatization process for the stake which it has in Industria de Turbopropulsores (ITP) through the company Turbo 2000. Previously to the beginning of the process, SEPI has reached an agreement with Sener by which the later grants a sale mandate to SEPI so that it will be able to offer in the privatization process the totality of Turbo 2000's shares and which make possible the control of ITP. As a result of this agreement, Sener commits itself to submit a binding offer, although in the case that its offer did not win, Sener will be able to exercise its preferential call option, matching the best financial offer which might have won the interim privatization bid instead of the price agreed in the Turbo 2000's Articles of Association, which were approved in 1989.
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ThalesRaytheonSystems has signed a 70 million euros (approximately $78 million) contract with the French defense procurement agency, Delegation Generale pour l'Armement (DGA), to develop a demonstrator for a new generation of air defense radar. The contract will be conducted in partnership with the Thales Group. The demonstrator production will mark the first phase in the development of a new generation of mobile, multi-functional, modular radars (M3R) and a new line of products. With unprecedented range capabilities on low radar cross-section targets such as cruise missiles, these radars will provide an effective response to a diverse threat environment encompassing both conventional air defense and antitactical ballistical missile (ATBM) low-level and very low-level threats.
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Lockheed Martin Corporation's Space Systems Company and Northrop Grumman Corporation's Integrated Systems sector have moved NASA a significant step closer to its goal of launching a safe, affordable Orbital Space Plane (OSP) by 2008. The two companies have agreed to establish a teaming arrangement to compete for the full-scale development of the OSP. Lockheed Martin will lead the new team as the system prime contractor while Northrop Grumman will serve as Lockheed Martin's principal teammate and subcontractor. NASA expects to select a prime contractor team for the full-scale OSP development by August 2004. NASA has specified that the OSP must provide a crew rescue capability for the International Space Station by 2008, a two-year acceleration in the OSP development schedule outlined last spring. A two-way crew transfer OSP is also required by 2012. OSP will be launched on either an Atlas V or Delta IV rocket.
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Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) Malat Division has been awarded a contract for the supply of a Ranger UAV system to the Finnish Defense Forces (FDF). The Finnish Ministry of Defense signed a contract with an industry consortium consisting of IAI, Oerlikon Contraves (the consortium's lead partner), and RUAG Aerospace Industries. This consortium develops and manufactures the Ranger UAV system. The FDF purchased the first Ranger UAV system, about four (4) years ago for approximately $20 Million. Following a thorough and successful evaluation phase, with complete satisfaction from the results, the FDF decided to purchase the second system. Under the contract, the customer will receive a complete Ranger UAV system, including air vehicles, advanced avionics system enables precision autonomous navigation and operation, stabilized electro-optical payloads, a ground control station uniquely designed for the extreme climate conditions, and an advanced communication system, allowing for the transmission of fully operational detection and identification information of various targets to the fields' commanders in real time.
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On 1 October 2003, Stork Aerospace officially handed over the first fixed wing leading edge ('J-Nose') for the A380 mega-airliner to the European aircraft builder Airbus. Work on this leading edge is expected to generate an average turnover of approximately EUR 20 million a year for Stork over a period of several decades from 2004 onwards. Firm commitments received by Airbus so far for the A380, which with seats for 555 passengers is the largest commercial airliner ever to be built, have now reached a total of 129. For each wing Stork will supply 26 meters of wing components in 8 different sections, applying thermoplastic composites. Production of these components is now starting-up at the Hoogeveen site of Stork Aerospace, where the first J-Nose was handed over today.
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China Southern Airlines signed with Airbus a purchase agreement today in Guangzhou for 4 A330-200s, becoming the first customer of the aircraft in the Chinese mainland. Deliveries of the aircraft, powered by Trent 700 engines of Rolls Royce, will start in 2005. This is part of the General Terms Agreement signed on April 25 in Beijing. The China Aviation Supplies Imp. & Exp. Group Corporation (CASGC) signed the GTA with Airbus for a firm bulk order of 30 Airbus aircraft, to be operated by the China Southern Airlines and several other Chinese carriers.
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Sea Launch Company, marking its tenth successful mission, deployed the Galaxy XIII/Horizons-1 communications satellite into orbit for PanAmSat Corporation, of Wilton, Conn., and JSAT Corporation, of Tokyo, Japan. All systems aboard the Boeing 601 HP spacecraft are sending healthy data back to ground controllers. The Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket lifted off at 9:03 pm PDT (4:03 GMT, October 1) from the Odyssey Launch Platform, positioned at 154° West Longitude, on the Equator. All systems performed nominally throughout the flight. The Block DM-SL upper stage inserted the 4,090 kg (9,081 lb) Galaxy XIII/Horizons-1 satellite into a high perigee geosynchronous transfer orbit on time and on target. As planned, a ground station in Fucino, Italy, picked up the spacecraft's first signal, shortly after spacecraft separation. The spacecraft's final orbital position will be 127° West Longitude.
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DigitalGlobe, Longmont, Colo., is being awarded a 5-year contract to assure the availability of high-resolution imagery from the next series of U.S. commercial imagery satellites and to strengthen the National Imagery and Mapping Agency's (NIMA) alliance with the industry. The contract, known as NextView, affords the U.S. government greater access and priority and more advanced capability and capacity than any other previous commercial imagery contract. This contract was procured competitively via a 2-phased acquisition approach with two offers received. The NextView period of performance goes through the end of fiscal year 2008 with a potential to award more than $500,000,000 through the life of the contract.
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The first operational F/A-22 Raptor was delivered to the Air Force's F/A-22 schoolhouse at Tyndall AFB Sept. 26. Tyndall, once known as “The Home of Air Superiority” became “The Home of Air Dominance,” with the arrival of its first F/A-22. The Raptor will eventually replace the F-15 Eagle and sets the foundation for the next generation of combat-fighter pilots. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Harrigian, commander of the 43rd Fighter Squadron here, flew “Raptor 18” from the Lockheed Martin Corp. assembly plant in Marietta, Ga., to Tyndall. Harrigian's squadron will train future F/A-22 pilots.
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One of the world's most advanced military fast-jet training systems was officially unveiled at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. The system, which includes state-of-the art flight simulators, means the crews of the RAF's latest Tornado bombers can learn and practice highly complex flying and battle skills before taking to the skies for real. As part of a £215 million Private Finance Initiative (PFI), the system trains both students and experienced aircrews on the latest Tornado aircraft, the GR4 - an aircraft that flew 20,000 sorties during recent operations over Iraq. Minister for Defence Procurement Lord Bach said: “This highly advanced training system incorporates the latest training technology and will help ensure that our front line aircrews get the very best in training. The Tornado GR4 training service is invaluable in allowing our aircrews to hone their professional skills in a safe yet challenging simulated environment, ensuring that they get the maximum benefit from every minute spent training in actual aircraft.
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The "Direccion General de Trafico" of the Spanish Ministry of Interior has signed a contract for 4 AS 355N Ecureuil and 2 EC120B Colibris for delivery between 2003 and 2006. Contract value is Euro 12 million. Operating out of 6 bases, the six new helicopters will be used for traffic surveillance and traffic flow control. The "Direccion General de Trafico" presently operates a fleet of 19 Eurocopter helicopters : 6 EC 120B Colibris, 6 AS 350B2s and 7 AS 355 N, which have logged more than 100,000 flight hours to date. It has been working with Eurocopter for approximately 30years and is one of the first parapublic operators in Europe.
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Eagle Helicopter AG of Zweisimmen, Switzerland has taken delivery of a Kaman Aerospace Corp. K-MAX “aerial truck” helicopter for use in logging and construction. Eagle was leasing the aircraft prior to their decision to purchase. Stephan Speiser, president, Eagle Helicopter AG, said, “Our customers feel the K-MAX is the best helicopter for price and lift capacity, and its low-noise signature is well-liked in this region of small villages and many tourists.” Roger Wassmuth, Director, K-MAX Marketing and Sales for Kaman Aerospace, said, “Eagle flew their leased K-MAX for over 1,000 hours in 15 months and then decided to purchase the aircraft, a strong endorsement on the utility and effectiveness of the aircraft as well as the flexibility of the lease-to-buy program.”
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AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica and GKN company, has been awarded a contract by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence for the supply of eleven Agusta A109 Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) together with an initial product support and training package. The aircraft will be operated by Malaysian Army Aviation. The contract is worth more than 70 Million US$ and includes a substantial package of Transfer of Technology to the Malaysian Industries.
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Avio Holding SpA (owned 70% by the Carlyle Group and 30% by Finmeccanica) and Fiat SpA have finalised the agreement for the acquisition of Avio SpA, under the terms and conditions decided on 1 July 2003 when the contract was first signed. Finmeccanica will pay EUR 142.5 million for its share of the assets. Avio SpA designs, develops and manufactures aircraft engine components, power transmission systems, low-pressure turbines, and naval and space propulsion systems. It also operates in aircraft engine conversion and maintenance
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China's largest aircraft maintenance company, Ameco Beijing, is joining up with Lufthansa Technik to enhance substantially the services offered for the overhaul of landing gear. The services already being provided for Boeing 747 and 737 landing gear will be expanded by the addition of services for Airbus A320 and A300-600 aircraft as of the end of 2003. This step will make Ameco a full-service provider of all landing gear services on the growth market in China and enable the company to handle aircraft types from the two large manufacturers. The new service for Chinese airline customers is being made possible by intensifying the cooperation between Ameco and Lufthansa Technik: besides customer care and contract management on the site, Ameco will be responsible for removal and installation of the landing gear as well as for part of the repair work. Lufthansa Technik, together with its global network, will provide the replacement landing gear and guarantee the supply of spare parts. The new service will be supplemented next year by joint engineering support as well as aircraft on ground (AOG) support around the clock.
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Diamond Aircraft has previewed the world's first certified application of the fully integrated G1000 Glass Flight Deck in its DA40-180 Diamond Star. In contrast to currently available glass cockpits, the fully integrated G1000 system dispenses with conventional panel mounted avionics equipment and offers additional features previously unavailable in propeller driven airplanes. The system includes dual PFD/MFD sunlight readable 10-inch display panels, a centrally mounted audio controller and a remote mounted avionics compartment. The flexible equipment architecture allowed Diamond's engineers to completely redesign the instrument panel to provide improved viewing angles, accessibility, cockpit space, ventilation and aesthetics. The all new instrument panel consists of several flat planes, each angled to offer the best viewing angles and operating ergonomics. The entire panel is finished with integrally lit, laser etched polycarbonate overlays, normally found only on turbine aircraft.
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