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UPDATE
Week ending 21 December 2003
+++ Boeing 7E7 approved for offer to airlines +++ Mars Express releases Beagle 2 +++ Smithsonian opens new aviation museum +++ Air Canada confirms 90 aircraft order from Bombardier and Embraer +++ NetJets orders 50 Hawker 400XPs +++ Czech cabinet confirms Gripen deal +++ News in brief +++
Boeing 7E7 approved for offer to airlines
Neuer Airliner jetzt offiziell im Angebot
On December 16, Boeing announced that the Board of Directors has given the company's Commercial Airplanes unit the go-ahead to begin offering for sale the new 7E7 Dreamliner passenger airplane. Boeing can now make sales proposals to airlines around the world. The company expects those sales proposals to result in firm customer commitments and a production go-ahead, or formal launch, in 2004.
"The board's decision validates the 7E7's compelling business case and the tremendous customer interest in this airplane," Boeing President and Chief Executive Officer Harry Stonecipher told more than 3,000 7E7 team members gathered today at Seattle's Washington State Convention and Trade Center. "The 7E7 is a game changer and we're anxious to begin offering it to our airline customers." Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally, and 7E7 Senior Vice President Mike Bair presented the 7E7 business case to the board of directors at a meeting in Chicago yesterday.
Boeing also announced that Everett, Wash., has been selected as the final assembly location for the 7E7, following a six-month evaluation of proposals from sites across the United States. Boeing and McCallum Sweeney Consulting, Inc. evaluated the proposals against criteria designed to find the final-assembly location that would best support the 7E7 business plan. "We are excited to continue our partnership with the state of Washington and the city of Everett on the 7E7," said Bair. "Many states submitted extremely competitive proposals and many factors weighed into the decision. But it's clear that the best overall solution for Boeing and the 7E7 is to place final assembly in Everett."
Boeing has been working with more than 50 airlines around the world to define the requirements for the 7E7. The 7E7 family of airplanes will carry 200 to 250 passengers on flights up to 8,300 nautical miles. Three models of the airplane are in development, including a short-range version for flights of 3,500 nautical miles with 300 passengers in two-class seating. The 7E7 will be more efficient, quieter and have lower emissions than other airplanes while offering passengers greater comfort and the convenience of direct, non-stop flights between more cities around the world. Boeing forecasts a need for between 2,000 and 3,000 airplanes in the 7E7's market segment over the next 20 years
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Mars Express releases Beagle 2
Lander trennt sich von europäischer Marssonde
On 19 December, ESA's Mars Express flawlessly released the Beagle 2 lander that it has been carrying since its launch on 2 June this year. Beagle 2 is now on its journey towards the surface of Mars, where it is expected to land early in the morning of 25 December. Mars Express, Europe's first mission to Mars, has passed another challenging milestone on its way towards its final destination. At 9:31 CET, the crucial sequence began to separate the Beagle 2 lander from Mars Express. As data from Mars Express confirm, the pyrotechnic device was fired to slowly release a loaded spring, which gently pushed Beagle 2 away from the mother spacecraft. An image from the on-board visual monitoring camera (VMC) showing the lander drifting away is expected to be available later today.
Since the Beagle 2 lander has no propulsion system of its own, it had to be put on the correct course for its descent before it was released. For this reason, on 16 December, the trajectory of the whole Mars Express spacecraft had to be adjusted to ensure that Beagle 2 would be on course to enter the atmosphere of Mars. This manoeuvre, called 'retargeting', was critical: if the entry angle is too steep, the lander could overheat and burn up in the atmosphere; if the angle is too shallow, the lander might skim like a pebble on the surface of a lake and miss its target. This fine targeting and the release were crucial manoeuvres for which ESA's Ground Control Team at ESOC (European Space Operations Centre) had trained over the past several months. The next major milestone for Mars Express will be the manoeuvre to enter into orbit around Mars. This will happen at 2:52 CET on Christmas morning, when Beagle 2 is expected to land on the surface of Mars.
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Smithsonian opens new aviation museum
Udvar Hazy Center eröffnet
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a companion facility to the National Air and Space Museum's flagship building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., celebrated its public grand opening on Monday, Dec. 15. Located on the property of Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va., the Udvar-Hazy Center provides a second location for the display of the Air and Space Museum's unparalleled collection. Together, the two facilities will eventually house almost all of the museum's aircraft and large space objects. Until now, many rare and historic artifacts have been in storage because the Mall building was unable to accommodate massive flight icons such as the space shuttle Enterprise and the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, as well as numerous collections of smaller artifacts.
The Dec. 15 opening date was selected as a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first powered flights by the Wright brothers (Dec. 17, 1903), and to mark the next century of air and space exploration. The new center is named for its most generous individual donor, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, who pledged a total of $65 million for the project. He is president and chief executive officer of International Lease Finance Corp., a worldwide commercial aircraft-leasing company. The total cost for the project—for design, site infrastructure, construction, move-in and start-up—is approximately $311 million. Congress mandated that only non-federal funds be used for the center's construction. The museum needs to raise $90 million to build the second phase of the center—including a restoration hangar and archive and storage space—and to cover all outstanding notes. The center will ultimately contain 760,000 square feet of space.
Unlike traditional museum galleries, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center displays artifacts in an open, hangar-like setting. At the opening, visitors will have access to some 80 aircraft, some 60 large space artifacts, dozens of aircraft engines and other artifacts displayed in thematic groupings. Adjacent free-standing exhibit stations encourage visitors to explore the artifacts' historic context through text and images. The aviation hangar contains three levels of aircraft—two levels suspended from the building's huge trusses and a third on the floor. The suspended aircraft have been hung in their typical flight maneuvers. Visitors will see an aerobatic airplane hot-dogging upside down, a World War II fighter angling for a victory and a small two-seater flying level. Walkways rising about four stories above the floor provide nose-to-nose views of aircraft in suspended flight.
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Air Canada confirms 90 aircraft order from Bombardier and Embraer
Großbestellung von Air Canada angekündigt
On Dec. 19, Air Canada today announced it has reached agreements in principle to purchase 45 Bombardier and 45 Embraer aircraft as part of its previously announced North American fleet strategy. A decision on an additional 15 aircraft will be made following further negotiation. These manufacturers were chosen following an evaluation of aircraft types in the 50-, 70- and 100-seat categories from amongst the world's leading aircraft manufacturers.
"Now that we have clarity in the completion of our equity process, pressing matters relating to Air Canada's restructuring should proceed without delay in the interests of all stakeholders. The small jet aircraft are fundamental to our emergence as a stronger, more cost effective airline. For this reason we are moving forward with this order now," said Robert Milton, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are confident that our decision is in the best interests of our customers and economic stakeholders. For customers, these aircraft mean low cost, high frequency jet service to a wide selection of destinations in Canada and the United States. For Air Canada, they will provide the flexibility and cost-competitiveness to serve dozens of North American markets on a financially viable basis.
The Bombardier order consists of 15 firm 50-seat CRJ-200 and 30 firm 74-seat CRJ-705 aircraft. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in September 2004. The order also contemplates the potential for Air Canada to exercise options to acquire 45 additional aircraft. Air Canada will configure the CRJ-200 aircraft in a single Hospitality class of service with 50 all-leather seats, four seats abreast offering 31 inches of legroom. The CRJ-705 aircraft will be configured in two classes of service with nine seats in Executive Class featuring three abreast seating offering 38 inches of legroom, and 65 seats in Hospitality with four abreast seating offering 33 inches of legroom.
The Embraer order consists of 45 firm 93-seat Embraer 190 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in November 2005. The order also contemplates the potential for Air Canada to exercise options to acquire 45 additional aircraft. Air Canada will configure the Embraer 190 aircraft in two classes of service with 9 seats in Executive Class with three abreast seating offering 38 inches of legroom, and 84 seats in Hospitality with four abreast seating offering 33 inches of legroom. Both cabins will feature all leather seating and spacious overhead bins.
Both purchase commitments are subject to a number of conditions including financing on satisfactory commercial terms, final documentation and obtaining requisite approvals, which may include those from Trinity Time Investments under the Court-approved Trinity Time Investment Agreement, GE Canada Finance Inc. in its capacity as DIP financing lender and the Court overseeing the company's restructuring under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).
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NetJets orders 50 Hawker 400XPs
Großauftrag von NetJets für Raytheon
NetJets has placed an order for 50 new Hawker 400XP light jets and eight new Hawker 800XP mid-size jets from Raytheon Aircraft Company with a total value in excess of $360 million. The aircraft will be added to the NetJets fractional aircraft ownership program. The order includes an option for an additional 50 Hawker 400XP aircraft, bringing the total potential value to more than $600 million. In addition, discussion is underway on a long-term maintenance agreement for this new order that includes the existing Hawker 800XP and Hawker 1000 business jets in the NetJets fleet of fractionally owned aircraft. As a result of this order the Hawker 400XP will become NetJets' new entry-level fractional aircraft ownership offering. The eight Hawker 800XPs will join the 75 Hawker 800XPs and Hawker 1000s already in NetJets fractionalaircraft ownership program. Deliveries of the Hawker 400XP will begin in 2004 and continue through 2009. The Hawker 800XPs will be delivered beginning December 2003 and through 2005.
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Czech cabinet confirms Gripen deal
Saab Gripen für die Tschechische Republik
On 17 December, the government of the Czech Republic at a cabinet meeting has confirmed the recommendation of its evaluation committee to select Gripen as the interim air defence solution to meet the Czech Republic's national and NATO needs. Gripen will replace the Russian MIG 21 aircraft currently operated by the Czech Air Force. FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) will now, on behalf of the Swedish government, embark on a period of negotiation with our Czech partners in order to achieve successful implementation of this important contract. Sweden has offered the Czech Republic to lease 14 new Gripen aircraft of the latest version (twelve single seater and two dual seater) for a period of up to ten years. The offer also includes training of Czech pilots and maintenance personnel as well as a logistic package. The Czech Republic is the second NATO nation to select Gripen for its air defence. Hungary became the first with its decision in 2001. Subject to successful contract negotiations, Czech Air Force Gripen fighters will be delivered between April and August in 2005. FMV is an authority responsible directly to the Swedish government. FMV is responsible for the procurement and support of defence materiel throughout its life cycle from the initial study stage through to disposal.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
IABG, together with its partner, IMA, officially opened a new test hangar for the operational strength tests on the Airbus A380 in Dresden. The aim of these tests is to simulate the loads, which occur during its life, on the aircraft. To this end, the complete aircraft structure is integrated into a test frame and, with the help of hydraulic and pneumatic loading facilities, the service life behaviour is tested. The service life test represents the largest operational strength test conducted on a complete airframe to date. The test will begin in November 2005. The differing flight sequences to be expected are simulated with a succession of load cycles. These can total several million. A simulated flight only last a few minutes, because it is conducted in a time-accelerated manner and only those load states are tested, which could have a damaging effect on the aircraft structure. Taxiing on a very uneven runway is simulated, as are all loads during flight. The test results provide an important contribution to the maiden flight and the certification of the A380.
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Qantas Airways' new low-cost carrier, Jetstar, has signed a contract with Airbus for 20 A320s and taken options on a further 40. Together with three leased A320s, Jetstar will operate an all-Airbus fleet of 23 aircraft by mid 2005. Melbourne-based Jetstar will use its A320s on services within Australia commencing in July 2004, with the first of the leased aircraft. Deliveries of the purchased A320s will begin in October 2004. Jetstar's Airbus A320s will each seat 177 passengers in a high comfort all-economy layout, with the most spacious cabin of any low-cost carrier in Australia – they will also have the most individual space for carry-on baggage. The aircraft will be powered by International Aero Engines V2500 engines. “As you might expect, economics played a big role in our choice of the Airbus A320 Family for Jetstar,” says Qantas Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Dixon, “but we also liked the competitive edge that its modern design and more comfortable cabin will give us in the low-cost arena.”
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EADS Defence Electronics and Lufthansa Technik intend to cooperate on the integration of electronic self-protection systems in aircraft particularly endangered by man-portable missiles in the hands of terrorists. These self-protection systems include warning sensors which detect approaching missiles and report the danger to a central computer. This in turn automatically initiates suitable countermeasures such as the launching of countermeasures or the jamming of the missile's seeker head. “The new technologies we are using here, contribute substantially to the protection of endangered aircraft,” explained Johann Heitzmann, head of the EADS Defence Electronics Business Unit. “Thanks to our experience in the military field, we have exactly those capabilities and products which are needed for this purpose in the civilian sector.”
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Germanwings has announced a further expansion of its services for the coming summer season. Seven new destinations will be offered from Cologne/Bonn, namely Palma de Mallorca. Flights to this holiday destination will allow Thomas Cook to promote “super price” packages through its Neckermann brand. A new intra-German flight will be to Munich, thus competing with dba. Then there will be Warsaw and the three Nordic capitals Helsinki, Oslo and Stockholm.
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The first production EH101 Helicopters for Denmark and Portugal made their maiden flights from AgustaWestland's plants at Yeovil, UK and Vergiate, Italy respectively on 12th December, marking an important milestone achievement for these contracts. The aircraft for Portugal and Denmark will be cleared to operate at 14,600 kg (32,186 lb) all up mass with an alternative all up mass of 15,600 kg (34,392 lb). This one ton increase in all up mass translates into an equal increase in useful load for the EH101, further improving its already impressive load lifting capabilities. The aircraft features the new generation EH101 cockpit display system, comprising six large integrated display units (IDUs) and two integrated standby instrument systems (ISIS). Portuguese and Danish pilots will commence flight training on the EH101s prior to the first deliveries to Portuguese and Danish Air Forces in 2004. The Danish Government awarded a contract for 14 EH101's for search and rescue and utility roles in September 2001. This was followed in December 2001 by the announcement of Portugal's decision to purchase 12 EH101's for SAR, Combat SAR and fishery protection. Amedeo Caporaletti, Chief Executive Officer of AgustaWestland commented - “We have achieved a nine month programme from start of build to first flight on these new EH101 variants - marking an excellent achievement towards delivering the aircraft to our customers on time. The EH101 was selected by both customers after a series or rigorous evaluations alongside the Sikorsky S-92 and NH90 and we look forward to the EH101 entering service with the Air Forces of Denmark and Portugal.”
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Mike Redenbaugh, Chief Executive Officer of Bell Helicopter, announced the formation of a new organization within Bell Helicopter. The new organization is identified as Bell XWORX. Speaking about Bell XWORX, Mr. Redenbaugh said; “The Bell XWORX will bring together several organizations that have been developing new ideas and products at Bell Helicopter for many years. Now all of them will be contained in one organization. The synergy of effort that results will provide Bell, and thus our customers, a tremendous development capability.” The Bell XWORX will be responsible for the rapid development and prototyping on new vertical solutions for emerging and changing requirements. It will address all aspects of the industry including manufacturing processes, cost containment and new technology integration. Located at the Bell facility in Arlington, Texas, the Bell XWORX has already begun work on numerous projects, to include the full-scale flying prototype of the HV-911 Eagle Eye UAV.
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Australia's defence force was cleared of any attempt to rig a A$5 billion, or $3.7 billion, helicopter contract in favour of U.S. Sikorsky. The government called in the inspector general of defence to investigate after a senior scientist complained of pressure to skew the bid assessment to favour Sikorsky's Black Hawk. But a spokeswoman for Defence Minister Robert Hill said the inspector general had reported back to the head, or secretary, of the Defence Department with no adverse finding.
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The Bell 407 fleet has surpassed the 1,000,000 flight hours mark. The major milestone was reached in November. One million hours, that equals a little more than 114 years or just less than 11 and a half decades or around 41,667 days. No matter what terms you use to describe it, 1 million hours is a lot of time. The FAA certified the Model 407 for flight in February 1996 and deliveries began soon thereafter. Today there are 548 delivered Model 407's operating in 41 countries. Bell 407s fly several different missions for various customers: corporate businesses, EMS operators, law enforcement agencies, and utility industry leaders.
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The Board of Directors of the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI) has decided to award the totality of the shares of the Empresa Turbo 2000, the holder of 53.2% of the company Industria de Turbo Propulsores, S.A. (ITP), to Sener Grupo de Ingeniería (Sener), for the amount of 132 million euros. In this way, Sener, which already had 50% of Turbo 2000, becomes the owner of the totality of the capital. This sale transaction is pending of its being approved by the Council of Ministers, after the previous positive report by the Consultative Board of Privatizations. The financial offer submitted by the winning group scores high in the evaluation range made by the independent assessor, Invercaixa, and exceeds [by] 56 million euros the preferential right price agreed in the Articles of Association of Turbo 2000, which were approved in 1989. Sener's participation in Turbo 2000 also was part of the sale offer which this state-owned entity made, as was agreed between Sener itself and SEPI. As a result, the amount which the buying group will have to pay for the remaining 50%, owned by SEPI, will be of 66 million euros.
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Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force have begun flight testing the latest block of software developed for the C-5 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP). Testing began on Dec. 12 with a 4.8-hour flight from the company's facility here in an upgraded C-5B. Called Block 2.1, this is the third of four major software builds in the modernization program. It alone represents one third of the total amount of software code to be developed for AMP. More than 90 percent of the code to be developed for AMP is now in flight test. “Block 2.1 brings a significant increase in functionality to the C-5's new digital avionics suite,” said June Shrewsbury, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Strategic Airlift. “We have a structured plan in place where each new software block builds on what was accomplished previously. When we are done, the combination of hardware and software in AMP will allow Air Force crews to fly unrestricted anywhere in the world.”
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Textron announced that Jack J. Pelton has been named President and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company. Pelton will report to Textron Chief Operating Officer Steven Loranger and replaces Charlie Johnson, who has retired after more than 20 years with the company. For the past four months, Pelton, 45, has filled this leadership role at Cessna while Johnson was on medical leave. He joined Cessna in November 2000 as SVP of Product Engineering with full responsibility for the company's engineering and product development activities, including new aircraft design, development, flight test and certification, and product improvements for all aircraft in production and service.
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IATA welcomes the decision by the UK Government to move ahead with much needed expansion of the London area airport capacity. Commenting on the British Government decision, Giovanni Bisignani, IATA Director General and CEO said, The UK Government report draws a clear conclusion in tackling the tough issue of how to increase UK airport capacity. Immediate capacity extension at Stansted and the willingness to move ahead at Heathrow will provide the capacity that is essential for the UK economy and for the aviation industry. The expansion of Stansted Airport is a useful decision in the European context, but there is no room for two intercontinental hubs in the London area, Bisignani added. The consolidation trends and liberalisation in international aviation will induce airline mergers and further stimulate hub and spoke systems for long haul connections. Heathrow is and will remain the global gateway and hub that London and the UK need. IATA urges the UK Government to proceed speedily to complete the environmental study that will enable further expansion at Heathrow to be delivered. Congestion at Heathrow causes delay, environmental damage and financial loss, which can only be overcome by providing adequate capacity for efficient operations there. IATA and the airlines are looking forward to working with BAA to implement the expansion plan in the most cost-effective and timely way.
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Lockheed Martin has chosen Pratt & Whitney and Hamilton Sundstrand to provide the propulsion system for its entry in the U.S. Navy's Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) competition. The Lockheed Martin entry is a technically advanced, highly updated derivative of the P-3 Orion maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft currently in service. The proposed aircraft will have four engines and propellers. After evaluating several competitors, Lockheed Martin selected a variant of the Pratt and Whitney PW150A turboprop engine as the best overall value because of its technical performance, low risk, schedule, life cycle costs, and ability to meet MMA mission requirements. The PW150A turboprop, a 7,000 shp-class engine, is part of the highly successful PW100 engine family, a global leader in the regional airline turboprop market that has accumulated more than 80 million operating hours on more than 1,900 aircraft. Lockheed Martin selected the eight-bladed Hamilton Sundstrand NP2000 propeller, which is currently in production for the Navy's E-2C Hawkeye aircraft and C-2 aircraft retrofit program.
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Raytheon Aircraft has been awarded a $228 million contract by the U.S. government for 47 T-6A aircraft and associated program training devices. This is the 11th straight option year exercised, out of a potential total of 19 for the entire program. The current option exercise extends deliveries through 2007. The JPATS program, which is the primary pilot training program for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, calls for nearly 800 aircraft through the year 2017. To date, the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy have ordered 301 aircraft, and 149 have been delivered -- 120 to the U.S Air Force and 29 to the U.S. Navy. The total value of the acquisition program to date, including options, is $2.3 billion.
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On December 12, Raytheon Aircraft delivered the first two of seven Beechcraft King Air B200s destined for pilot training at the U.K.'s RAF Cranwell Military Air Academy as part of the Multi-Activity Contract and Multi-Engine Pilot Training Interim Solution managed by Serco Defence and Aerospace (“Serco”). Serco was awarded the prestigious RAF Cranwell contracts in June 2003. All seven deliveries will be completed by March 2004. The contract introduces the Beechcraft King Air series to Royal Air Force training, which includes approximately 5,500 fleet flying hours per year and 3,000 simulator hours.
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Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force have received authorization from the Department of Defense to develop and produce hardware for an airborne radar system that will dramatically increase the service's ability to detect, track and identify both stationary and moving ground vehicles, and low-flying cruise missiles. The Pentagon's Defense Acquisition Board approved the acquisition strategy for the Air Force's Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) on Dec. 4. The endorsement, known as Milestone B, sets in motion a series of events expected to put Northrop Grumman, the MP-RTIP prime contractor, under contract for Phase II of the program by early 2004. Phase II marks the beginning of the MP-RTIP system development and demonstration phase. MP-RTIP is a modular, active electronically scanned array radar system that can be scaled in size for integration on manned and unmanned airborne platforms. The Air Force plans to deploy the new radar on the RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned aerial reconnaissance system and the E-10A Multi-Sensor Command and Control Aircraft (MC2A).
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Raytheon Company has been awarded a $298.2 million contract from the Naval Air Systems Command(NAVAIR) for full-rate production (FRP) of the AN/ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) pod for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' F/A-18 fleet. The contract, for FRP lots 1 and 2, calls for the production of 88 units, associated spares, special tooling and test equipment, and sustaining engineering support. Contract deliveries are currently scheduled to be complete by Nov. 2006. The FRP contract follows the Navy's declaration of initial operational capability on Sept. 10. In the Navy's final operational evaluation report issued on Sept. 4, ATFLIR received the highest possible grade of "operationally effective and suitable" and recommended its introduction into the fleet.
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A new plan for delivering future success in the UK aerospace industry was launched. At a conference to launch the DTI Aerospace Innovation and Growth team's (AeIGT) implementation plan, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt pledged that DTI would help deliver additional support to meet the industry's future needs. Patricia Hewitt said it would mean exploring all the possible funding sources, including Regional Development Agencies, other Government Departments, and the Research Councils, as well as DTI, to find the support needed. She stressed it would leverage matching investment from the industry and would need their full co-operation to achieve. Patricia Hewitt said: “The aerospace industry has traditionally enjoyed strong Government support. We have always worked closely together, and the industry is fully entitled to expect that to continue in future.” As an example of this support, Patricia Hewitt announced £234,000 of DTI funding to boost skills in the sector. The funding will back a year long project and will be matched by the partners to total £597,800.
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An agreement signed by ESA and Inmarsat brings the reality of reliable mobile broadband communications services a step closer. For the first time, global mobile broadband services will be available for those at sea, in a plane or travelling on land virtually anywhere in the world. This agreement marks the first collaboration between ESA and Inmarsat on system engineering activities and will extend the capabilities of the new Broadband Global Area Network System (BGAN) to be offered by the Inmarsat I-4 satellite constellation. Following the launch of the first of the fourth generation Inmarsat satellites in 2004, BGAN is expected to become operational for land services in 2005. BGAN is designed to meet the growing demand from business and private users for high-speed internet access and multimedia connectivity, and a wide range of tele-services, including tele-working and distance learning. Applications will include internet and intranet access, video on demand, web TV, videoconferencing, fax, email and LAN access at speeds of up to 432 kbit/s to notebook-sized terminals almost anywhere in the world. This BGAN extension project will establish the specification and definition for directional as well as omni-directional BGAN platforms and services for maritime, aeronautical and land mobile applications. Definitions for the land portable BGAN platform are already in place, but the technical challenges of developing service specifications for truly mobile platforms are considerable, and need to address issues such as availability and quality of service under mobility and propagation dynamics.
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US Air Force officials released a list of operational shortfalls Dec. 17. The list came from a two-year analysis of current and future warfighting effects and capabilities, a process called a capabilities review and risk assessment. The assessment identified and prioritized critical operational shortfalls in such areas as: Global information grid. There is a need for a globally interconnected capability that collects, processes, stores, disseminates and manages information on demand to warfighters, policy makers and support people. Battle-space management. There is a need to implement effects-based planning and provide a common operational picture to the warfighter. Fleeting and mobile targets. There is a need to reduce the time needed to find, fix, track and target hostile forces. Battle-damage assessment. There is a need for a toolkit and clarified definitions for commanders to determine effects-based decisions across the battle space. Base defense. There is a need to clarify roles and responsibilities between the Air Force and sister services. Cargo airlift. There is a need for a study to review requirements and prepare for possible force-structure changes . "These are some of the key examples on a corporate list of 50 prioritized capability areas," said Brig. Gen. Stephen Goldfein, director of operational capability requirements. "These priorities present the most significant and immediate Air Force-wide capability objectives."
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The Honourable David Pratt, Canadian Minister of National Defence and the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, announced the issue of the Request for Proposals for the Maritime Helicopter Project. Maritime Helicopter Project has as its primary goal the procurement of 28 fully integrated maritime helicopters, a simulation and training suite, integrated logistic support, ship modifications, and a 20-year in-service support contract.
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Civil helicopter deliveries fell again in 2002, but have rebounded in 2003 and are expected to register modest gains until peaking at mid-decade. As order backlogs for many of the new models are worked off, subsequent deliveries are projected to fall off gradually to near current levels by 2012. For the 2003-2012 period reviewed in its World Commercial Rotorcraft Market analysis, Forecast International is projecting shipments of nearly 9,500 commercial rotary-wing aircraft (including 3,600 piston-powered models), valued at just under $19 billion. In terms of sales revenues, Eurocopter continues its strong market dominance, a trend expected to continue into the early years of the next decade. In terms of actual aircraft deliveries, however, Robinson Helicopter will lead all others with its lower cost piston-powered R22 and R44 models. Bell Helicopter has yet to announce a new strategic business plan. Forecast International analyst Bill Dane notes that “there have been intermittent reports of further upgrades of its current models, but plans to unveil a new design to replace the popular 206 JetRanger/LongRanger series have apparently been shelved.” The company is also concerned over the sluggish sales performance of its 427 twin, currently certificated for VFR-only operations, and is working on an enhanced variant with its Korean partner Samsung.
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The Raytheon Company board of directors has elected William H. Swanson, 54, chief executive officer and president of Raytheon, as chairman of the board, effective January 28, 2004. He replaces Daniel P. Burnham, 57, who will retire from the company. "The board is deeply satisfied with the direction of the company under Bill's leadership, and we are delighted to have him take on the additional role of chairman," said Warren B. Rudman, lead director of the Raytheon board of directors and former U.S. senator. "His proven record of leadership and performance make him one of the most respected leaders in the defense industry," Rudman added.
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The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is extending a five-year, $50 million revolving facility to finance the export of Russian-made Tupolev cargo aircraft. The first orders are from two Chinese airlines for what is the world's fastest growing aviation market. The transaction breaks new ground for the Bank, marking its entry into the financing of aircraft manufacturing and giving a boost to a Russian high-tech sector capable of delivering sophisticated but competitively-priced planes to markets in the Pacific Rim, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, said Noreen Doyle, the EBRD's First Vice President. Given the huge investments made during the Soviet era in this sector, the Bank is keen to help Russia re-build a competitive industry that can integrate into the global aviation economy, Ms Doyle added at a loan-signing ceremony in London.
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Following the Spanish government's choice of the HAD version Tiger, and in line with the desire of Eurocopter to establish Eurocopter España, its Spanish subsidiary, as the third cornerstone of the group, it has been decided: To regroup all of the helicopter activities of the EADS group in Spain around Eurocopter España, now wholly controlled by Eurocopter. As compensation, EADS CASA receives a 5% stake in Eurocopter capital within the framework of an increase in capital to 581,614,047 euros. Furthermore, a seat is reserved for EADS CASA to join the Eurocopter Supervisory Board. Through this operation, Eurocopter becomes a Franco-German-Spanish group now ready to fully meet the needs of the Spanish market not only in the civil and parapublic sectors, but also in the military sector.
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The Eurocopter president, Fabrice Brégier, symbolically handed over the keys of the 400th single engine AS 350 B3 Ecureuil helicopter to leave the Eurocopter assembly line to the Australian motorcycle world champion, Michael Doohan, during a ceremony at the Marignane site. The 365 AS 350 B3s already delivered have performed some 402,000 flight hours. In all, close to 2,460 Ecureuil/Fennec single engine helicopters have been sold in more than 65 countries, to almost 1,100 customers, whose operational experience totals nigh
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Alcatel Space has chosen Arianespace to orbit France's new Syracuse IIIB military communications satellite for the French defense procurement agency DGA. Alcatel Space and Arianespace announced today that they have signed the launch contract for the Syracuse IIIB satellite. Syracuse III will be launched by an Ariane 5 at the end of 2005 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Built by Alcatel Space on a Spacebus 3100 platform, Syracuse IIIB will give armed forces significantly higher performance in terms of data throughput, operational flexibility and resistance to countermeasures and attacks. It will weigh about 3,750 kg at launch.
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Embraer delivered the first ALX Super Tucano multi-purpose military turboprop to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The ceremony, which took place at the Gaviao Peixoto facility in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo, was attended by high-ranking military and civilian authorities, Embraer executives, employees and technical personnel, as well as partners and suppliers that participated in the project. “Today, with the ALX, we are realizing one more dream, which is the result of a historical and successful partnership between FAB and Embraer,” said Mauricio Botelho, Embraer President and CEO. “With differentiated levels of technology, versatility, performance and cost-efficiency, the plane symbolizes an important step to ensure the efficiency of Brazilian strategic defense systems.” The ALX will become part of the Amazon Surveillance System's (SIVAM) air fleet, together with Embraer's EMB 145 SA and the EMB 145 RS surveillance aircraft. Additionally, it will be used in basic and advanced training missions for FAB pilots.
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Tillmann Mohr, Director General of Eumetsat, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, signed the launch contract for the MSG 3 weather satellite at the European Space Agency headquarters in Paris. Also present were Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA, and Per Tegner, Chairman of the ESA Council. The launch of MSG 3 is scheduled for the first half of 2009 from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, using an Ariane 5 launch vehicle. MSG 3 is the ninth satellite that intergovernmental organization Eumetsat has entrusted to the European launcher. Arianespace's order book already includes the MSG 2 satellite, slated for launch in the first quarter of 2005.
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The presiding committee of the Supervisory Board of Thomas Cook AG has put forward to the Supervisory Board proposals for appointments to the Executive Board, which it is to discuss at its extraordinary meeting on 18 December 2003. The shareholders of Thomas Cook AG, Deutsche Lufthansa AG and KarstadtQuelle AG, intend to appoint quickly an experienced, competent and internationally recognised management team in order to underline their clear commitment to the leisure travel group and its future. Wolfgang Beeser is to become Chairman and CEO of the four-man Executive Board of Thomas Cook AG with effect from 1 January 2004. The former Chairman of the Board at NUR Touristik is an experienced and recognised top executive in the leisure travel business. "Wolfgang Beeser knows the leisure travel group and the industry, and enjoys the confidence of both its owners," said Supervisory Board Chairman Jürgen Weber and his Deputy Wolfgang Urban on the new CEO's proposed appointment.
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The latest study from Frost & Sullivan reveals that due to recent military developments and the United States' use of UAVs the global market for unmanned aerial vehicles is expanding and accelerating the development of such specialized weapons in Europe. Over the last two decades, the propensity for small-scale, low-intensity conflicts (LIC) has increased dramatically worldwide. As various armies participate in more expeditionary roles in overlapping geographic areas and use interoperable systems, seamless information sharing has become vital. "UAVs play a key role in the run for battlespace information dominance and will be increasingly present in future conflicts," notes Shai Shammai, research analyst at Frost & Sullivan. He goes on to say, "Their strongest selling point is probably their endurance capability of quietly loitering over targets for over 24 hours." Another strong appeal to the military sector is the ability of the technology to enable remote fighting, reducing the number of troops in the front line. With better viewing and launching angles than helicopters, modern UAVs are more accurate and cause less collateral damage.
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According to the currently valid winter timetable, LH 526 requires 14 hours and ten minutes to cover the 13,207 kilometres between Frankfurt and Buenos Aires. On the longest route in Lufthansa's worldwide route network, the customers experienced a double premiere with the Airbus A340-600 on 15th December. The brand-new aircraft with the registration D-AIHB is due to rise into the night skies at 21.45 hours. In addition, the cabin aboard "Hotel Bravo" as it is referred to in flyers' jargon, will for the first time have a new Business Class. The longest bed of its class, the completely new seat concept as well as the unique entertainment and information programme make innovation and quality directly perceivable for the passengers. "With the Airbus A340-600 and the new Business Class we offer optimal comfort, more room, more quiet and an excellent service. A wide-awake concept to arrive at the destination refreshed after a good sleep. Business travellers, in particular will appreciate this", said Wolfgang Mayrhuber, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO, Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Before the first operational flight of the aircraft with the name Bremerhaven, which was only delivered on 25th November in Toulouse, several procedures remained to be completed. For example, a total of 28 flying instructors underwent flight training in Leipzig and at Baden Airport (Karlsruhe). They are now passing on their experiences with "Hotel Bravo" on the South American route to their colleagues in the cockpit. All A340 pilots have previously familiarized themselves with the special features of the new production series in the simulator.
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XTAR, a joint venture between Loral Space & Communications and HISDESAT, S.A., announced that it has entered into an agreement with Arianespace to launch its XTAR-EUR satellite aboard an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle. The XTAR-EUR satellite is now undergoing final testing at Space System/Loral (SS/L) in Palo Alto, CA. The launch of XTAR-EUR is currently planned for early second quarter 2004. With its launch arrangements and funding requirements secured, XTAR expects to begin offering its X-band services to government users in the United States, Spain, and other friendly and allied nations in July 2004, shortly after launch and the completion of in-orbit testing. Service will commence at the highly desirable 29 degrees East Longitude orbital slot providing a footprint extending from the Eastern Atlantic to Southeast Asia. Weighing 3,600 kilograms at launch, XTAR-EUR is based on SS/L's space-proven 1300 platform and carries twelve wideband and high-power X-band transponders. The satellite will feature on-board switching and multiple steerable theater beams that allow X-band capacity to follow its users as they travel anywhere within the footprint of the satellite. XTAR-EUR is designed to operate with existing and planned defense communications terminals around the world.
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The first aircraft produced by HEAI - Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry Company Ltd., the joint venture established between Embraer with Harbin Aircraft Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. and Hafei Aviation Industry Co., Ltd., (companies controlled by AVIC II - China Aviation Industry Corporation II), was rolled out and completed its first flight earlier today. The ceremony was attended by high ranking Chinese and Brazilian government authorities, executives from China's top airlines, as well as representatives of partner and supplier companies. “The first Embraer aircraft manufactured outside Brazil represents Embraer's long-term commitment to the Chinese aviation industry, from both the airline operation and industrial points of view,” said Maurício Botelho, President and CEO of Embraer. “We firmly believe that the satisfaction of our customers is the most important focus of our entrepreneurial action and Harbin Embraer is well positioned to undertake this endeavor in the Chinese marketplace, producing our worldwide successful ERJ 145 aircraft family with the same quality standards and level of product support as those manufactured in Brazil.”
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Orbital Sciences Corporation announced that it has signed a major new contract in its geosynchronous (GEO) communications satellite manufacturing business. Optus Networks, Pty., based in Sydney, Australia, has placed a firm order for two spacecraft that will provide Ku-band fixed communications and direct television broadcasting services to Australia and New Zealand. The two new satellites, which will initiate Optus' D-series of satellites, will be based on Orbital's Star(TM) platform and will carry 24 transponders, with 8 back-up channels also available. The first satellite, known as D-1, will generate approximately 4.0 kilowatts of electrical power and is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2005. The second satellite, D-2, will generate approximately 4.7 kilowatts of power and is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2006. Financial details of the contract were not released.
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Another test of the IAI Arrow weapon system was conducted successfully. This was the eleventh Arrow Interceptor test and the sixth test of the complete weapon system. It was a routine development test as part of the ASIP program which is being jointly carried out by Israel and the U.S.A. The test objectives were to demonstrate the system's improved performance, including a higher altitude interception of an incoming target.
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The Rolls-Royce powered US-1A Kai aircraft, manufactured by ShinMaywa of Japan, successfully completed its first flight in Kobe, Japan on 18 December. This latest version of ShinMaywa's seaplane family is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100 turboprop engines. A CTS800-4K engine produced by LHTEC, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Honeywell, is also fitted to the aircraft to drive the boundary layer control system that provides the US-1A Kai with a short take-off and landing (STOL) capability. The US-1A Kai is being developed by ShinMaywa to provide an enhanced search-and-rescue capability for Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force. The first flight marks the start of an intensive flight test program that will demonstrate the capability of the aircraft and its propulsion systems.
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Saab and Grintek have announced their intention to increase cooperation, whereby Saab is to acquire just over 20% of Grintek. The acquisition is dependent on Grintek shareholders' approval of the deal, and a decision is expected by mid January 2004. Grintek Ltd supplies electronics-related products and services to sectors within telecommunications, defence, mining, avionics, air traffic management, security and power utilities markets in South Africa and selected export markets. The Group is listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange and has a market value of around ZAR 600 million. Grintek has approximately 1,300 employees, many of whom are engineers and technicians. Saab and Grintek already cooperate in Grintron Pty Ltd, with Grintek Ltd owning 51% and Saab 49% of the stock. Grintron operates in the defence segment in South Africa and on the export market.
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Embraer delivered the fifth EMB 145 SA aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). This is the eighth of a total of eight Embraer aircraft to be commissioned with SIVAM, the Amazon Surveillance Program, being five EMB 145 SA (Surveillance Aircraft) and three EMB 145 RS (Remote Sensing). Dubbed R 99-A by FAB, the EMB 145 SA is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft equipped with a powerful radar mounted on top of its fuselage for surveillance and monitoring air traffic, and fitted with special systems that intercept radar and communications signals, providing intelligence on them.
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Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully passed the "final exam" of a three-year project aimed at demonstrating a faster, less expensive way for airborne weapon systems to detect, track and destroy moving ground targets. In the early October test of the Affordable Moving Surface Target Engagement (AMSTE) system, a Northrop Grumman-led team used two Ground Moving Target Indicator radar sources and a U.S. Air Force F-16 carrying a live Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) weapon to detect, track and obliterate a remotely driven M-60 tank moving through a congested and potentially confusing traffic environment. Just prior to the engagement, the tank crossed paths with several vehicles at an intersection. The AMSTE tracking system successfully maintained track through the confusion. AMSTE is jointly sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.S. Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector is the AMSTE prime contractor.
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The UK Ministry of Defence announced that the EADS/MBDA team has signed the contract to begin development of a new integrated air defence command and control system for the UK armed forces. Announcement of the selection of EADS/MBDA team as one of two Assessment Phase prime contractors was made on 26 th June, 2003. The contract is worth around £40M. Under the prime contract, the team comprising EADS Defence and Communications Systems and MBDA will demonstrate a new Air Defence Command and Control System integrated with the MBDA Rapier Field Standard C air defence missile system and the Starstreak High Velocity Missile (HVM) which are both currently in service with the UK armed forces. The ADC4I (Air Defence Command, Control, Communications, Computing, Intelligence) solution, Caracal, is based on EADS products already in service with the German Armed Forces offering a low risk military off-the-shelf solution for the UK.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that Qantas Airways of Sydney, Australia has placed a firm order for six new 50-passenger Bombardier Q300 turboprops and has taken options on two additional Bombardier Q300 aircraft for the carrier's QantasLink regional airline operation. Deliveries are scheduled for the first half of 2004. The new Bombardier Q300 aircraft will replace older model 36-seat Dash 8 Series 100 aircraft currently operated by QantasLink for its services to regional Australia.
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NASA has renamed the Space Infrared Telescope Facility, its newest space observatory, for the late astronomer Dr. Lyman Spitzer, Jr.. The official name is now the Spitzer Space Telescope. The Spitzer Space Telescope program is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA's Office of Space Science in Washington D.C. Science operations are conducted at the Spitzer Science Center at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. In concert with the renaming, NASA also released the first scientific images from the Spitzer telescope. The Spitzer telescope was built, integrated and tested at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company facilities in Sunnyvale, California, and was launched on Aug. 25, 2003 from the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Space Systems is also providing mission support for Spitzer spaceflight operations in conjunction with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the California Institute of Technology.
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NASA has tested rocket engines and parachutes that could be instrumental in developing the first spacecraft crew launch escape system in almost 30 years. The tests pave the way for a series of integrated Pad Abort Demonstration (PAD) test flights to support NASA's Orbital Space Plane (OSP) program. Launch pad abort tests support development of a system that could pull a crew safely away from danger during liftoff. Knowledge gained from the testing will reduce the future design and development risks of a launch escape system that could be used for the OSP. "PAD is the first launch pad crew escape system NASA has developed since Apollo," said Chuck Shaw, PAD Project Manager at the Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston. "The engine and parachute tests followed successful vehicle wind tunnel tests in September."
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A team of engineers from Northrop Grumman and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. have demonstrated that a new, specially designed fuel tank made from composite materials can safely hold and contain liquid hydrogen under simulated launch conditions. The tests were conducted Nov. 22 at the Marshall Center, as part of NASA's Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) program, an ongoing effort to develop and mature technologies required for a next generation reusable launch vehicle. Liquid hydrogen is an essential but highly volatile fuel used in the combustion process that propels rockets. It must be stored and used at -423 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that causes most materials to become quite brittle. Liquid hydrogen also has an extremely fine molecular structure, which allows it to seep through the tiniest of holes.
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BAE Systems has been awarded a £207 million maintenance contract which will guarantee availability of the VC10 fleet to the Royal Air Force until the beginning of the next decade. The current fleet of 19 VC10 aircraft operates out of RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. The role of the VC10 fleet is to provide the RAF with an in-flight air refueling capability and a cargo and passenger-carrying service. The RAF brought its first VC10s into service in 1966 and is the only operator of the VC10 aircraft in the world. The signing of the contract marks the culmination of two years' work between the Defence Logistics Organisation's Equipment Support (Air)'s Air Refuelling and Communications Fleets Integrated Project Team (IPT), BAE Systems Customers Solutions and Support and the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA).
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Avions de Transport Régional (ATR) and the Czech flag carrier Czech Airlines (CSA) have announced an order for seven new ATR 42-500s. These will be the first aircraft of the –500 generation operated by the airline. With this order, CSA will renew and increase its existing fleet of 4 ATR 72s and 5 ATR 42s, bringing it to a total of 12 ATRs by the end of 2005. Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has delivered 661 aircraft (372 ATR 42 and 289 ATR 72).
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A Lockheed Martin-built Atlas III rocket carried a Navy communications satellite into orbit, ending the year on a high note for International Launch Services (ILS), with six successful missions. The Atlas III launch vehicle left the pad at 9:30 p.m. EST (02:30 Dec. 18 GMT), depositing the satellite into an elliptical transfer orbit about 32 minutes later. The satellite is the 11th in the series called UHF Follow-On (UFO), based on the 601 model built by Boeing Satellite Systems (BSS). Atlas vehicles have launched all 11 UFO satellites, beginning in 1993. The program is managed by the U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). Mark Albrecht, president of McLean-Va.,-based ILS, said: “Through the UFO program, we have developed a long-standing synergy among the three partners - BSS as the prime contractor, building the satellites and contracting with ILS for the launches, on behalf of the Navy. ILS and the Lockheed Martin Atlas launch team are proud to have played a part in providing vital communications capabilities worldwide to America's military.”
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An aging fleet of combat search and rescue helicopters is leading US Air Force officials on a quest for a new personnel recovery vehicle. The HH-60G Pave Hawks that comprise the CSAR helicopter fleet are 14 years old on average. The oldest are 23 years old and have surpassed the 7,000 flying-hour mark. The aging aircraft cannot meet mission requirements, officials said. “We have some requirements that the HH-60G does not meet,” said Lt. Col. Griffith Massey, Air Force chief of CSAR and special operations forces requirements. “The six main areas are speed, range, cabin space, survivability, battle-space awareness and all-weather operability.
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The satellite test model for the first German satellite reconnaissance system is taking shape. At the beginning of September, OHB-System AG, the company that chiefly commissioned the five radar satellites and the ground station, delivered the assembly stand for the radar payload (the SAR Sensor) to TESAT Spacecom in Backnang. After integrating the high-power amplifier for the radar pulses, Tesat has now successfully demonstrated its functionality. Following this, an electronic unit that produces radar pulses and receives and stores echoes will be added to the stand at Alcatel Space in France. The final integration of the satellites will take place at OHB in Bremen. The space technology company has built a new integration hall for the SAR-Lupe system with a total area of more than 800m2 at Bremen's Technologiepark.In addition to the test model, the subsystems for the preliminary flight model of the five satellites are already being built in the integration hall. OHB sees huge potential for marketing this satellite technology for civil users as well. As a result, it has forged a number of partnerships, including with US company Space Imaging and France's Alcatel Space.
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On Dec. 17, investor Paul G. Allen confirmed international speculation that he is the long-rumored sponsor behind the innovative SpaceShipOne project, which broke the sound barrier today during its first manned test flight. SpaceShipOne and its White Knight turbojet launch aircraft represent the first private non-government effort to demonstrate a low-cost manned space effort. SpaceShipOne is a contender for the coveted X-prize. “Today's milestone and the SpaceShipOne project would never have been possible without Paul's tremendous support,” said Burt Rutan, the acclaimed inventor and aerospace engineer who leads the project along with his research and development team at Scaled Composites, which Rutan founded. “Paul shares our energy and passion for not only supporting one-of-akind research, but also a vision of how this kind of space program can shape the future and
inspire people around the world.”
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