FLUG REVUE update: Week ending January 18, 2004

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UPDATE
Week ending 18 January 2004

+++ Bush announces new space vision +++ Airbus now Number 1 +++ German defence cuts announced +++ Bombardier delivers first Challenger 300 +++ Spirit moves on Mars +++ GlobalFlyer unveiled +++ News in brief +++

Bush announces new space vision
Neue US-Raumfahrtpläne: Mond und Mars

US President George Bush announced a new vision for the Nation's space exploration program. The President committed the United States to a long-term human and robotic program to explore the solar system, starting with a return to the Moon that will ultimately enable future exploration of Mars and other destinations. The President's vision affirms our Nation's commitment to manned space exploration. It gives NASA a new focus and clear objectives. It will be affordable and sustainable while maintaining the highest levels of safety.
The benefits of space technology are far-reaching and affect the lives of every American. Space exploration has yielded advances in communications, weather forecasting, electronics, and countless other fields. For example, image processing technologies used in lifesaving CAT Scanners and MRIs trace their origins to technologies engineered for use in space.
NASA spends, and will continue to spend, less than 1 percent of the Federal budget. Our Nation's investment in space is reasonable for a tremendously promising program of discovery and exploration that historically has resulted in concrete benefits as well as inspiring Americans and people throughout the world. The President's plan for steady human and robotic space exploration is based on the following goals:
First, America will complete its work on the International Space Station by 2010, fulfilling our commitment to our 15 partner countries. The United States will launch a re-focused research effort on board the International Space Station to better understand and overcome the effects of human space flight on astronaut health, increasing the safety of future space missions. To accomplish this goal, NASA will return the Space Shuttle to flight consistent with safety concerns and the recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. The Shuttle's chief purpose over the next several years will be to help finish assembly of the Station, and the Shuttle will be retired by the end of this decade after nearly 30 years of service.
Second, the United States will begin developing a new manned exploration vehicle to explore beyond our orbit to other worlds -- the first of its kind since the Apollo Command Module. The new spacecraft, the Crew Exploration Vehicle, will be developed and tested by 2008 and will conduct its first manned mission no later than 2014. The Crew Exploration Vehicle will also be capable of transporting astronauts and scientists to the International Space Station after the Shuttle is retired.
Third, America will return to the Moon as early as 2015 and no later than 2020 and use it as a stepping stone for more ambitious missions. A series of robotic missions to the Moon, similar to the Spirit Rover that is sending remarkable images back to Earth from Mars, will explore the lunar surface beginning no later than 2008 to research and prepare for future human exploration. Using the Crew Exploration Vehicle, humans will conduct extended lunar missions as early as 2015, with the goal of living and working there for increasingly extended periods. The extended human presence on the Moon will enable astronauts to develop new technologies and harness the Moon's abundant resources to allow manned exploration of more challenging environments. An extended human presence on the Moon could reduce the costs of further exploration, since lunar-based spacecraft could escape the Moon's lower gravity using less energy at less cost than Earth-based vehicles. The experience and knowledge gained on the Moon will serve as a foundation for human missions beyond the Moon, beginning with Mars.
The funding added for exploration will total $12 billion over the next five years. Most of this added funding for new exploration will come from reallocation of $11 billion that is currently within the five-year total NASA budget of $86 billion. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 budget, the President will request an additional $1 billion to NASA's existing five-year plan, or an average of $200 million per year.

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Airbus now Number 1
Lieferzahlen: Airbus überholt Boeing

With 305 deliveries in 2003, Airbus slightly exceeded its target of 300, and remains approximately at the same level as 2002 (303), despite the difficulties and uncertainties experienced in the air transportation business during 2003. These deliveries represent 52 percent of the year's total deliveries. They include the first A318 deliveries to Frontier Airlines of the USA and to Air France, as well as the first A340-500s to Qatar, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines. These deliveries make for a turnover of 19.3 billion euros, including Airbus Military SL for a small amount.
In 2003, Airbus achieved 284 new firm orders from 24 customers, including 155 for the A320 Single Aisle Family, six A300-600s, 89 for the A330/A340 Family, and 34 for the all new double-deck A380. These orders, valued at US$ 32.8 billion at catalogue prices, give Airbus a 54 percent market share in the category of aircraft above 100 seats. When taking cancellations into account, Airbus' net order book comprises 254 aircraft, with Airbus maintaining a 52 percent market share. Overall, these results reflect the progressive leadership of Airbus in all market segments of this highly competitive market, in which the company today offers a complete product range – from 100 to 555 seats - which is clearly becoming the reference. The success is especially significant in the wide-body field. The orders placed by four customers, including two new ones, for Airbus' A380 double-decker, which is due to first fly in early 2005, are significant and confirm the market's interest in the all new airliner. And in its own market, the A330/A340 programme got more than 80 percent of all orders. Thanks to these orders, Airbus is able to maintain a high delivery backlog of 1,454 aircraft, which, at current rates, represents some five years of production.
Commenting these results, Noël Forgeard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus said: “All in all, Airbus managed the difficulties of 2003 quite well and, with its highly competitive product range – the most modern and complete in the industry – it is now in a good position to fully benefit from the market recovery when it comes. Yet for 2004, we expect the market to remain soft, with deliveries close to 300”.

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German defence cuts announced
Struck kündigt Einschnitte an

Germany has announced major cuts in military spending as it aims to revamp its armed forces. Defence Minister Peter Struck says up to 26 billion euros will be cut from the budget for arms procurement, troops and military bases. As Germany faces major financial restraints, Mr Struck said the plan was "about switching military planning from unrealistic projects back to realism". Rural towns say they will be hard hit by the possible closure of 100 bases.
Mr Struck said that on top of the closures and spending cuts, the army would be cut by 35,000 troops to about 250,000. "That will open up room for targeted weapons investment from 2012," he said. Despite the cuts, Mr Struck insisted Germany would honour procurement contracts that had already been signed such as the orders for 180 Eurofighter combat aircraft, the Tiger combat helicopter and NH90 transport helicopter. However, projects such as upgrading the Patriot missile defence systems and plans to buy a pilotless reconnaissance drone for the navy, will be scrapped.

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Bombardier delivers first Challenger 300
Challenger 300: Erste Lieferung

Bombardier Aerospaces Challenger 300 business jet entered service on January 8, 2004. The aircraft was delivered to Bombardier Business Jet Solutions on December 23, 2003, to be operated in the Bombardier Flexjet fractional ownership program. With yesterday evening's first customer flight, the Bombardier Challenger 300 officially becomes the first purpose-built aircraft in the emerging super-midsize market segment to enter service. Aircraft serial number 20006 is the first of 25 Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft ordered by Bombardier Flexjet, and features a standard interior floor plan with double-club seating.
Since its official launch at the 1999 Paris Air Show, the Bombardier Challenger 300 (then Bombardier Continental) has enjoyed one of the most successful introductions in aviation history. Developed following an intensive 24-month market research program with aircraft owners, its all-new design is tailored to market demands for a reliable, cost-efficient, transcontinental business jet with a spacious cabin.

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Spirit moves on Mars
Rover setzt sich in Bewegung

Overnight Monday to Tuesday, Spirit began rolling. It backed up 25 centimeters (10 inches), turned its wheels and pivoted 45 degrees. "The engineering team is just elated that we're driving," said JPL's Chris Lewicki, flight director. "We've cut loose our ties and we're ready to rove." After two more pivots, for a total clockwise turn of 115 degrees, Spirit was ready for driving onto the martian surface very early Thursday morning. Engineers and scientists have determined where on the martian surface the lander came to rest. NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter was used in a technique similar to satellite-based global positioning systems on Earth to estimate the location of the landing site, said JPL's Joe Guinn of the rover mission's navigation team. Other researchers correlated features seen on the horizon in Spirit's panoramic views with hills and craters identifiable in images taken by Mars Global Surveyor and Odyssey. "We've got a tremendous vista here with all kinds of features on the horizon," said JPL's Dr. Tim Parker, landing site-mapping geologist.
The spacecraft came to rest only about 250 to 300 meters (270 to 330 yards) southeast of its first impact. Transverse rockets successful slowed horizontal motion seconds before impact, said JPL's Rob Manning, who headed development of the entry, descent and landing system. The spacecraft, encased in airbags, was just 8.5 meters (27.9 feet) off the ground when its bridle was cut for the final freefall to the surface. It first bounced about 8.4 meters (27.6 feet) high, then bounced 27 more times before stopping.

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GlobalFlyer unveiled
Neues Rutan-Flugzeug für Weltumrundung

The world's media gathered in the Mojave Desert in California January 8th, to witness the unveiling of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, the groundbreaking aircraft that has been designed and built to attempt the first non-stop solo circumnavigation of the world. In the vast hangars of Scaled Composites, world leaders in aircraft design and construction, Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer's unique shape will be revealed for the first time. Designed by aviation legend Burt Rutan, its unveiling will mark the end of a long and complex period of research. Now the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer is set to take to the skies to begin an intense flight testing programme with the aim of possibly attempting its record-breaking flight as soon as April 2004.
"The project team have also been progressing on a number of other parts of the record attempt including the launch airport, fine-tuning of the route and location of mission control. We hope to be able to announce these details in the coming weeks.Steve Fossett's visit to the Mojave desert is destined only to be a flying one in every sense. Immediately after the plane's unveiling, he is embarking upon a new attempt to become the fastest man to sail around the world. But before leaving for that incredible adventure, Fossett commented:

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

The second Bombardier Global 5000 (s/n 9130) took off from Bombardier's Downsview, Ontario facility at 11:37 EST on January 8 and returned at 15:28 EST. During the course of its successful four-hour flight northwest of Toronto, it reached a maximum altitude of 17,000 feet (5,182 m), and a maximum indicated airspeed of 340 knots (380 mph;630 km/h). Bombardier Aerospace test pilots captain Mark Schlegel and co-pilot Steve Gorton flew the aircraft and reported that it performed as expected. Also on board was lead flight test engineer Ray Tamburro. The aircraft will be delivered to the Bombardier Completion Centre in Montreal later this month for the installation of a production interior. Flight testing for environmental control system validation and interior function and reliability will begin as soon as the interior installation is complete. It will then join the first aircraft as part of the two-aircraft flight test program.
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Sea Launch Company successfully deployed Loral's Telstar 14/Estrela do Sul 1 communications satellite into orbit on January 10. All systems aboard the Space Systems/Loral 1300-series spacecraft are reported in excellent condition. The Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket lifted off at 8:13 pm PDT (4:13 GMT, January 11) from the Odyssey Launch Platform, positioned at 154 degrees West Longitude, on the Equator. All systems performed nominally throughout the flight. The Block DM-SL upper stage inserted the 4,694 kg (10,350 lb) spacecraft into a high perigee geosynchronous transfer orbit right on target. As planned, a ground station in Western Australia received the spacecraft's first signal, shortly after spacecraft separation. The spacecraft's final orbital position will be 63 degrees West Longitude. The Telstar 14/Estrela do Sul 1 satellite was built by Space Systems/Loral and will be operated by Loral Skynet do Brasil. The spacecraft carries 41 high-powered Ku-band transponders with five unique and interconnecting coverage beams. The satellite will serve growing markets such as broadcast video and cable programming, Internet backbone connectivity, VSAT data and other telecommunications services. More than fifty percent of the satellite's power will be focused on Brazil, providing dedicated Ku-band solutions for the Brazilian marketplace. The satellite's other beams will cover the Americas and the North Atlantic Ocean, where Connexion by Boeing will use the satellite to support its Internet-to-aircraft service.
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Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow combat helicopter pilots soon will “see” farther and more clearly, thanks to a next-generation day-night sensor system. Boeing began flight-testing at its Apache production facilities in Mesa, Ariz., on Lockheed Martin's upgrades for the U.S. Army's Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) program following weeks of integration activity. The Army's M-TADS/PNVS project, under Team Apache Systems, is a joint Boeing and Lockheed Martin program. The new sensors will give Apache pilots greater situational awareness and combat effectiveness. The upgraded system logged its first flight aboard an Apache Longbow in early November 2003. The upgrade consists of advanced target acquisition/designation and night vision capabilities for U.S. Army Aviation using improved Arrowhead™ kits supplied by Lockheed Martin for the TADS/PNVS. The first Army unit equipped with Arrowhead kits will be fielded by June 2005.
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Veteran NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao will replace William S. McArthur, Jr., as the commander of Expedition 9, the next mission aboard the International Space Station. The change in crew assignment is a result of a temporary medical issue related to McArthur's qualification for this long duration flight. Because of medical privacy considerations, no information about McArthur's condition will be made public.
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Schweizer Aircraft has received FAA certification for an increased takeoff horsepower rating on the Model 333 helicopter. The power increase raises the maximum five-minute take-off power limit from 252 SHP to 280 SHP. This new horsepower boost significantly increases the 333's hover performance capacity as well as take-off and rate-of-climb performance. The hover out-of-ground effect ceiling increases by as much as 6000 feet. The power increase, coupled with the derated engine installation on the 333 also provides exceptional performance during high gross weight operations in high and hot environments.
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Max-Viz announced it has achieved the first in a long series of planned FAA certifications of its EVS-1000 Enhanced Vision System (EVS) on helicopters. The Bell 212, Bell 412 and Bell 412EP helicopters have been awarded FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of the Max-Viz EVS-1000. "This FAA certification opens the door to another significant market for us," said Jean Menard, director of sales for Max-Viz. "We're looking at potential installations in more than 200 registered U.S. civilian Bell 212 and 412 helicopters. Add to that civilian helicopters from other countries and U.S. military and government rotor aircraft -- and the window of opportunity for sales is even greater." Many aviation industry experts have concluded that every registered civilian aircraft and helicopter will be equipped with some type of situational awareness and enhanced vision system by the year 2010.
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The viability of a reusable launch vehicle got a major technological boost recently when Northrop Grumman Corporation delivered the first composite fuel-tank structure to be made without using an autoclave. The new manufacturing process, which offers the promise of fuel tanks 10 to 25 percent lighter than comparably sized single-use aluminum tanks, would enable heavier payloads and lower operating costs for reusable space vehicles. Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems delivered one-half of a 10.5-foot diameter composite fuel tank to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., on Oct. 10. The half-tank was produced as part of a contract option under NASA's Next Generation Launch Technology program, an effort to develop and mature technologies required for a next-generation reusable launch vehicle.
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Over the weekend, flight controllers and the Expedition 8 crew located the apparent cause of a slight pressure decay aboard the International Space Station. The decay, which appeared to have begun Dec. 22, was traced to a braided flex hose on the Earthward-facing observation window in the Destiny Laboratory Module. Expedition 8 Commander Michael Foale and Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri detected the hose leak using ultrasound equipment. Foale reported that the hissing sound stopped after the hose was disconnected. Preliminary data indicates that the Station's pressure has stabilized. Flight controllers will continue to study pressure aboard the ISS over the upcoming weekend. The are planning to ask the crew to close the hatches to divide the Space Station into three separate sections for leak checks and to gather data on air pressure fluctuations. Foale and Kaleri will be located in the Zvezda Service Module during the weekend. The hatches are scheduled to be reopened on the night of Jan. 18.
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Swiss International Air Lines transported a total of 10.66 million passengers on its scheduled services in the 2003 business year, posting a systemwide seat load factor of 72.4 per cent. Seat load factor for intercontinental services stood at 78.0 per cent, while seat load factor for the European network amounted to 59.6 per cent. Traffic trends were especially encouraging in the fourth quarter: seat load factor stood at 75 per cent, a 4.2-percentage-point gain on its prior-year equivalent. The network modifications introduced with the 2003/04 winter schedules and the new “Swiss in Europe” business concept both had a positive impact on traffic levels in the fourth quarter of 2003. The period saw some 2.4 million passengers carried on SWISS scheduled flights, raising seat load factor to 75 per cent, a 4.2-percentage-point improvement on the prior-year result. Some 1.8 million of these passengers were carried on the European network, while a little over 625 000 customers used SWISS's intercontinental services. Fourth-quarter seat load factor for Europe stood at 61.7 per cent, an 8.4-point increase on its prior-year equivalent, while intercontinental seat load factor for the quarter amounted to 80.4 per cent, a 0.8-point improvement on the same period last year. The new route network's beneficial effect on traffic levels was reflected in encouraging November and strong December results. The latter brought increases in traffic volumes in all markets except Africa, with a correspondingly substantial rise in seat load factors: December seat load factor for Europe was a 7.4-point improvement on the same month in 2002, while the intercontinental seat load factor for December was 3.8 points up on prior-year levels.
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EADS has become the driving force in global aerospace. “We are extremely proud about our achievements since the foundation of our company, and especially in the last year,” EADS' CEO Philippe Camus highlighted in a new year's address before the press community in Paris. “In many areas, EADS now serves as the model of a highly successful cross-national company with a truly global business portfolio. With Airbus we have turned EADS into the innovation leader in commercial aircraft and have become the global No.1 in this market, defining a new global standard with the A380,” Camus said. EADS has also become a global force in defence. “We are now a leader in many segments of the defence market, and we are reshaping our competitive offering through tankers, transporters, missiles, satellites, space-systems, and air defence - the full spectrum of capability,” Camus stated. “Finally, we are succeeding in engaging the industrial and technological engine of Europe towards the security threats a more unstable and unpredictable world. EADS has done much to encourage European governments to invest in the latest defence capabilities,” Camus said. “In this process we have played an important role in bringing the two sides of the Atlantic alliance together on common programmes in areas such as missile defence, air defence, long range strike, commercial aircraft security and many other areas.” Camus also highlighted that in 2004, EADS' defence business growth is expected to offset the decline of Airbus revenues brought about by the combination of the US currency weakness and slightly lower deliveries. “We have achieved strong progress in balancing our portfolio among the defence, space and commercial businesses. That's why EADS expects a 20 percent profitability increase in 2004 following the space turnaround, the successful ramp up of deliveries in our missile programmes, Eurofighter, military helicopters and the acceleration of the A400M development revenues.” EADS has successfully weathered the downturn in the commercial aviation business. It has delivered profitable results on a par with the best European companies. “We have managed to deliver solid returns in a weak market, while still maintaining momentum in our future programmes such as the A380.”
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United Technologies Corp. received a $250 million payment from DaimlerChrysler. In consideration for this payment, which follows DaimlerChrysler's sale of MTU Aero Engines GmbH (MTU) to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR), UTC has released DaimlerChrysler from certain commitments previously made in support of MTU. UTC expects to use this first quarter 2004 gain to undertake cost reduction actions across its businesses. MTU is a longtime strategic partner of UTC's Pratt & Whitney business unit, participating in many of Pratt & Whitney's commercial gas turbine aircraft engine programs. Pratt & Whitney President Louis Chenevert said, “We look forward to continuing our strategic relationship with MTU under KKR's ownership.”
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Goodrich has been selected as a main systems supplier for the integration of the wheel and braking system for Sukhoi Civil Aircraft's new Russian Regional Jet Family (RRJ). The jets are being developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft company in Moscow along with additional support from Ilyushin, Yakovlev and Boeing. Goodrich will be integrating and supplying the wheels, carbon brakes, brake control system, tire pressure indicating system and brake temperature monitoring system technologies for this new series of aircraft. Goodrich and Sukhoi Civil Aircraft will be participating in a joint development phase that will start in February 2004. First flight is expected in mid-2006 with certification planned in 2007. Sukhoi is forecasting over 800 aircraft to be sold for the 60, 75 and 95 seat aircraft variants until the year 2022. Beyond the seat variants, customers also will have a choice between two wheel and brake configurations -- a 2-wheel or 4-wheel system. These systems will allow for landings on various runways.
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ANA (All Nippon Airways) and Boeing announced that the two companies have signed a definitive service agreement for the installation of the the Connexion by Boeing, mobile Internet service on the air carrier's long-haul fleet of aircraft. The announcement was augmented by an agreement with SES AMERICOM for satellite coverage over the North Pacific region, to be used by ANA and other leading global air carriers. During a joint press conference in Tokyo, Connexion by Boeing President Scott Carson praised ANA and SES AMERICOM for their contributions and support in helping to make connectivity possible for people on the move in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Last December 29, once finalised the development phase, the Spanish Air Force and EADS CASA Military Aircraft have signed a contract, valued aprox. 186 Millions Euros with a duration of four years, for the F-18 Hornet fleet mid life upgrade. On January 15 the first aircraft, serial nº 62, belonging to Ala 12 (Wing) based at Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid), has landed at the company facilities in Getafe, where the upgrade works will be carried out. The arrival at the hangar is scheduled with a rhythm of one aircraft per month. EADS CASA Military Aircraft is planning to deliver to the SpAF, at least, dos aircraft before the end of this year. The software team of the SpAF Armament and Experimental Logistics Centre (CLAEX) and EADS CASA Military Aircraft have actively collaborated in the design and development of the software and in the integration and testing of the new avionics equipment, as well as in the complete development of the modified system integration software.
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CHC Helicopter Corporation announced that its European operating division has been awarded a new three-year contract (plus a two-year option) in the North Sea for the provision of offshore helicopter flight hours from its pool of Super Puma AS332L aircraft. This new contract, awarded as a result of a combined tender consisting of Eni UK Limited, BG Group, and ConocoPhillips Petroleum Company UK Ltd. will commence February 1, 2004, from CHC's base in Aberdeen, Scotland. Anticipated revenue from the contract is estimated at approximately CDN $34 million over the initial three-year period.
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Boeing announced that European low-fare carrier Ryanair ordered two more Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 jetliners for its burgeoning fleet. Although announced today, the two orders were included in the 2003 Boeing Commercial Airplanes order book. The Dublin-based carrier, considered to be the fastest growing airline in Europe, already operates 69 Boeing 737s, carrying passengers on 146 routes in 16 European countries.
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On 15 January Ryanair commenced 4 new daily routes from London Stansted to Austria, Italy, Germany and Spain with fares starting from an incredible £1.99 GBP (+ taxes). The four new daily routes to Linz (Austria), Bari (Italy), Erfurt (Germany), Jerez (Spain) bring the total number of Ryanair daily routes served from London Stansted to 71. In addition, Ryanair commenced 2 new daily from Stockholm to Rome and Milan (Italy), 2 ne daily routes from Frankfurt Hahn to Barcelona (Reus) and Tampere (Finland) and also A NEW DAILY ROUTE linking Brussels to Valladolid in Spain.
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Frankfurt Airport (FRA) served almost 48.4 million passengers in 2003, nearly equaling the previous year's passenger level. Despite the difficult market conditions, Germany's largest airport registered only a slight 0.2 percent drop in passengers in 2003 versus 2002. The share of transfer passengers at FRA grew by one point to 54 percent in 2003 - further increasing FRA's importance as a major hub in the international air transportation system. Fraport also met the forecast for its 2003 annual financial results, despite the many negative effects on global aviation; As planned, Fraport expects earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to reach about EUR500 million for 2003. At the beginning of the 2003, fears of the Iraq war dampened travel activity. Then in March, the Iraq conflict and the infectious Asian SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) disease from Asia intensified the downward trend in air travel. This was further exasperated by the slackening world economy. By the middle of the year, however, there was an indication of a light recovery in passenger volume. With passenger traffic growing again in October, FRA was able to reach the previous year's passenger level for 2003. In the fourth quarter, passenger figures even exceeded the comparable quarter of the previous best year. Intercontinental traffic proved to be the growth engine here. As the SARS crisis dissipated, the particularly important Asian market began to stabilize. In December 2003, FRA welcomed over 3.5 million passengers - a new record figure for this month. The passenger volume increased 2.8 percent over the corresponding month in 2002. FRA's cargo throughput increased by 4.5 percent in December to approximately 132,000 metric tons.
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Alcatel Space, a subsidiary of Alcatel, announced today the signature of a contract to build and deliver, in orbit, a new telecommunications satellite for WORLDSAT, LLC, an SES GLOBAL company. This advanced, high-powered hybrid C/Ku-band satellite, named WORLDSAT-3, will operate over the Pacific region. The satellite's Ku-band payload has been designed to meet the particular requirements of Connexion by Boeing, WORLDSAT's key strategic customer. In addition, the C-band payload will be available to broadcasters, cable programmers, Internet service providers, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and private networks for next generation communication and content distribution solutions. The in-orbit handover of the satellite will occur by end of 2005. Alcatel Space's innovative approach of adapting the AMC-13 satellite currently under construction, was a key element in this success. Based on a Spacebus 4100 platform, WORLDSAT-3 will feature an 18 transponder C-band payload and a 20 channel Ku-band payload covering all major airline corridors over the Pacific.
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At a press conference held at the Austrian Embassy in Bratislava, Chief Commercial Officer Dr. Josef E. Burger gave an upbeat assessment of Austrian Airline's plans for the transformation of the Central European transport landscape: “With the eastward expansion of the European Union, the economic region surrounding Vienna and Bratislava is set to grow in importance in coming years. As the pan-European specialist in Central and Eastern Europe and market leader in Slovakia with over 30 percent market share, we shall make an active contribution to the ongoing improvement of Slovakia's international air connections.” From 1 May 2004, the Austrian Airlines Group will launch its daily connections from Slovakia to the cities of London, Paris and Brussels. Initially, these services will be provided by one Boeing 737 stationed in Bratislava. The Slovakian air travel market is distinguished by high growth potential: between 2001 and 2002, for example, passenger volume at Bratislava Airport rose by 25.5 % to around 370,000 passengers. The new direct connections, which are due to be integrated into the Austrian Airlines Group flight schedule from May onwards, are the highest-volume routes coming out of Slovakia. With sales revenues of around EUR 15 million, Slovakia is the second-largest market for the Austrian Airlines Group. The new direct flights from Bratislava will start from EUR 70 return excluding taxes and charges. The major benefit to passengers lies in the ability to combine flights via Vienna. For the first year, the Austrian Airlines Group plans to generate traffic volumes of approximately 155,000 passengers with these three new routes. As part of its Focus East core strategy, the Austrian Airlines Group has set itself the goal of increasing passenger volume from and to Central/Eastern Europe by 2008 by 50 % (from around 1.25 million to 1.9 million passengers). The company has maintained a representative office in Slovakia since 1992, and has served the city of Kosice in Eastern Slovakia since 1996. The Austrian sales network has been expanded in Slovakia to manage the new offensive. The Austrian Airlines Group can also be booked locally over the internet at www.austrian.sk.
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Saab and Grintek have increased their cooperation, whereby Saab acquire just over 21% in Grintek. The Grintek shareholders' have approved the deal. "South Africa's selection of Gripen for its future air defence, created the basis for Saab's relationship with Grintek. Over the past six years we have broadened our collaboration and we are looking to expand this relationship at a broader corporate and commercial level," said Saab AB executive director Kjell Möller. Grintek Ltd supplies electronics-related products and services to sectors within telecommunications, defence, 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. Grintek has approximately 1,400 employees, many of whom are engineers and technicians.
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A team consisting of Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and Boeing Phantom Works has been selected by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to flight test the Endothermically Fueled Scramjet Engine Flight Demonstrator (EFSEFD), also known as the Scramjet Engine Demonstrator - WaveRider (SED-WR). The first year contract, which is valued at $7.7M (total program value is estimated at approximately $140M), was awarded to the team to explore the airbreathing system-level potential of scramjets through multiple flight tests that will begin in the 2007-2008 time frame. Each flight will consist of one P&W engine that is based on technology from the Hydrocarbon Scramjet Engine Technology (HySET) program and will be integrated by Boeing into an expendable WaveRider configured air vehicle. During the flight demonstrations, an SED-WR will be carried by a B-52 aircraft to an altitude of about 35,000 feet and released. Initially propelled by a solid rocket booster, the scramjet demonstrator take-over will occur at approximately Mach 4.5 where it then will accelerate to flight speed between Mach 6.0 to 7.0+.
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Since 1 January 2004 the former Swiss Defence Procurement Agency operates under its new name armasuisse. armasuisse is the Procurement and Technology Center of the DDPS. With its around 1000 employees, armasuisse develops tailor-made solutions for military and civilian customers. As Procurement and Technology Center of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS, armasuisse (formerly known as Defence Procurement Agency) is responsible for the development, evaluation, procurement and disposal of systems, equipment and infrastructure for the armed forces and other customers. swisstopo, a corporate sector of armasuisse, produces maps and geotopographic data.
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BAE Systems Australia, as a subcontractor to The Boeing Company, has successfully completed three major design reviews for Project Wedgetail - on schedule and within budget. These reviews follow four reviews held earlier this year for the Wedgetail Electronic Warfare and Ground Support Segments, and demonstrate the continued development of the design baseline for the Australian Industry Component of the state-of-the-art Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system.
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The SDTI (Système de Drones Tactiques Intérimaire – Interim Tactical UAV System) which will equip the French Land Forces from mid 2004 and on, has completed its acceptance flight test campaign at the flight test centre of Istres (South of France). The system has performed, within the planned schedule, all the acceptance tests required by the French DGA. The performance validation flights have been carried out in an airspace shared with the numerous civil and military users of the Istres base, a “first” in France. The STDI system has thus demonstrated its operational performance, reliability and capability to operate safely in an airspace managed by ATC (Air Traffic Control). During the flights the UAVs have delivered high resolution images, in particular of the flooded areas in the Rhône delta.
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Cologne/Bonn airport got a boost in the arm last year, with Low Cost Carriers providing many new passengers and facilitating a plus of 43 per cent to 7,84 million. This is a new record for the airport. For 2004 a further 10 per cent growth is expected.
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Indra has been selected by the Eurofighter consortium to lead the final development of the automatic testing systems for the most critical elements of the Eurofighter's avionics. The four partners of the consortium (EADS Germany, EADS Casa, BAE Systems and Alenia) have set aside a budget of 53 million euros for this order, and the Spanish company will have two and a half years to deliver. The project concludes the final development stage of the systems that will allow the proper functioning of the 48 avionics units on board the future European fighter jet to be monitored, and the objective is to have the system completely finished and up-and-running by the end of 2005, and then to progress to the production stage.
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ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain welcomed the new vision for the US space exploration program, announced by President Bush from NASA. President Bush committed the United States to completing the International Space Station by 2010, and to a long-term human and robotic program to explore the solar system. The first step would be a return to the Moon to enable future exploration of Mars and other destinations. “This” said ESA's Director General, “is very good news for the space sector and thus for ESA too”. Dordain told the press that ESA's ongoing Aurora Programme, launched two years ago, is already studying the technologies needed for robotic and human missions to the Moon and to Mars. ESA looks forward to working with NASA, and other space agencies, on a human mission to Mars. Dordain told the press that 2003 had been marked by failures and successes in space but “there is a great deal of solidarity between space agencies”. This meant genuine sympathy when things went wrong and rejoicing at one another's achievements. When outlining the events planned for 2004 Dordain said that ESA's top priority was further cooperation with the European Union to implement a European space policy. “Europe is already a key actor in space but more can be and must be done to answer the needs of European citizens and of an enlarging Europe” he said. Agenda 2007, the Director General's vision of ESA in the coming years, calls for an increase of 30% in ESA activities by 2007. In his Agenda 2007 document Dordain says that this increase is needed because of the demand for new services resulting from the enlargement of the European Union, the need to bridge the digital divide and the new tasks assigned to the European Union, such as those for defense and security. In particular he stresses that space must become more relevant for Europe's citizens with the use of space technology to help meet demands for greater security, a healthier environment and a better quality of life. ESA missions planned in 2004 include the launch of Rosetta to the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko in February, the mission of ESA astronaut Andre Kuipers to the ISS in April, the Ariane 5 ECA qualification launch in June and ESA's first Earth Explorer mission Cryosat, planned for the autumn. In February the December Council session will finalize decisions relating to three new launcher programs: European Guaranteed Access to Space, Soyuz launches from Europe's spaceport in Kourou and the Future Launcher Preparatory Programme.
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The U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Command has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation's Mission Systems sector a contract to define the requirements needed tobuild a communications network for military, intelligence and space agencies. The Transformational Communications MILSATCOM (TCM) network, which will be based on a single, overarching communications architecture, will transform the way the Pentagon conducts its military operations. The TCM program is a communications overhaul initiative driven by increasing bandwidth demands and represents a step toward the government's goal of developing a space-based and ground communications and networking infrastructure. This network will have the flexibility to allow seamless information sharing among all command, control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance users. The TCM will also link existing Department of Defense, civilian, and intelligence community communications networks to provide the warfighter with on-demand communications services.
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Fraport AG considers the expert appraisal delivered by TÜV Pfalz (the Palatinate Technical Inspection Agency, Germany) a clear confirmation of the position Fraport has taken and pursued to date. This recent appraisal was undertaken to assure the quality of the opinion rendered by RWTÜV (the Rhine-Westphalia Technical Inspection Agency) and to compare the different methods of risk assessment. TÜV Pfalz states that RWTÜV considerably overestimated the risk, because it used the so-called DOE Method. Central statements of RWTÜV do not hold up under close critical scrutiny. DOE, the U.S. Department of Energy, is the main contractor in the U.S. nuclear weapons program. The so-called DOE standard was initially developed to assess the risk of aircraft crashing into plants storing or processing highly dangerous nuclear material. TÜV Pfalz rates as "basically suitable" the method used by the Gesellschaft für Luftverkehrsforschung - which Fraport AG included in its zoning application to access the risk of FRA's Airport Expansion Program.
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