FLUG REVUE update: Week ending February 8, 2004

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UPDATE
Week ending 8 February 2004

+++ Galileo: Three operators competing for the concession +++ EU outlaws airport subsidies +++ ESA confirms launcher funds +++ A340-500 on longest route +++ News in brief +++

Galileo: Three operators competing for the concession
Drei Bieter für Galileo-Lizenz

The Galileo joint undertaking has completed the first phase of the procedure for selecting the future concession holder of the European satellite navigation system. The second phase will now go ahead with the three consortia of companies on the shortlist. In response to the results, Loyola de Palacio, Vice-President of the Commission said: “The preselection results are very encouraging. They endorse the European institutions' approach : the private sector is willing to invest heavily in the GGalileo programme. The quality of the three tenders selected augurs well for the competitive negotiation phase”.
The three consortia of companies selected to participate in the second phase are the "Eutelsat consortium", consisting in particular of Eutelsat, Hispasat, LogicaCMG and AENA, the "Inavsat consortium", consisting in particular of Inmarsat Ventures, EADS Space and Thales, and a consortium consisting in particular of Vinci Concessions, Alcatel Participations and Finmeccanica. Each shortlisted tender was submitted by a consortium consisting of a small number of lead partners, backed up by a cluster of companies from the most diverse fields, notably financial institutions and companies working on various applications of satellite radionavigation. The wide range of candidates from different sectors of the economy who responded to the call for tender is evidence of the importance attached by all sectors to the Galileo programme.
An information day for industry will be held on 9 March 2004 to allow the three shortlisted consortia to present themselves and to invite companies in all sectors interested in satellite navigation, for example air transport, oil prospecting, insurance and agriculture, to participate in the programme. The procedure for selecting the future concession holder, conducted by the GALILEO joint undertaking, began on 17 October 2003 with the publication of a concession notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. It consists of two phases : the preselection phase which has just been completed and the competitive negotiation phase.

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EU outlaws airport subsidies
Ryanair muss Subventionen zurückzahlen

On 3 February, the European Commission took a major decision of significance for the future of air transport by ensuring full competition between carriers operating out of regional airports. It authorises certain forms of aid which permit genuine development of new routes under clearly defined conditions. However, other direct aid granted by the Walloon Region and partly by BSCA is incompatible with the proper functioning of the internal market and will have to be repaid. The Commission is thus committing itself firmly to promoting increased competition which will enable low-cost carriers to establish themselves throughout the European Union, subject to compliance with uniform rules on competition between carriers, and for the maximum benefit of consumers. "This legal decision is well balanced: it brings greater transparency into contractual relations between airlines and airports, especially regional airports", stressed Loyola De Palacio, Vice-President of the Commission with responsibility for energy and transport. "It will also help the development of 'low-cost' operations, which are very clearly what consumers want, whilst also ensuring equitable conditions of competition for all airlines. All players in the same arena must be able to play by the same ground rules. All airlines must be aware of the possibilities offered and only genuine competition is truly capable of safeguarding consumers' rights", she explained.
The Commission was required to deliver its opinion on a complaint lodged in 2001 concerning the advantages granted to Ryanair at Charleroi airport by Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA), the airport's managing body, and the Walloon Region (Belgium). When considering this case, the Commission took full account of the main thrusts of European policy and law in the context of the single market for air transport. In the case of Charleroi, the Commission concluded that no private operator in the same circumstances as BSCA would have granted the same advantages. Since the private market investor principle had not been adhered to in this case, the advantages granted to Ryanair constitute State aid which could distort competition in favour of Ryanair. In general terms, the European Commission aims to guarantee that the advantages granted at a particular airport are not discriminatory and benefit from a greater transparency.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the European Commissions ruling for fair competition with respect to subsidies at European airports. We are happy to see governments are taking action to eliminate market distortions caused by subsidies, said Giovanni Bisignani IATA Director General and CEO. The value chain in the air transport industry is clearly warped and subsidizing a single market sector only adds to market distortion. It is encouraging to see policy makers working towards an effective and efficient overall air transport industry, the starting point for which is a level playing field, said Bisignani.
Ryanair's Head of Communications Paul Fitzsimmons said: “The EU Commission ruling will, as Commissioner de Palacio herself confirmed – increase air fares and will reduce the ability of publicly owned airports to compete on a level playing field against privately owned airports. If the Commission was so concerned about a level playing field, they should have asked the complaining airlines to move to Charleroi and benefit from the low costs available at Belgium's low cost airport, instead of forcing Charleroi to increase costs and increase fares to consumers. If ever one needed evidence that this decision is bad for consumers, the fact that it has been supported by the association representing the high cost airports (ACI), the association representing the high fare airlines (the AEA), and Easyjet (just another high fares airline) endorses Ryanair's view that yesterday's decision is bad for competition, bad for publicly owned airports, and bad for the Europe's consumers.”

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ESA confirms launcher funds
Gelder für Ariane 5 und künfige Startraketen

The Member States of the European Space Agency have agreed to release the funds needed to put Ariane 5 back on track and actively prepare the development of future launchers. Moreover, cooperation with Russia in the field of launchers is now a reality through an agreement that provides the framework for the “Soyuz at the Guiana Space Centre” programme - with Soyuz launchers operated by Arianespace as of 2006 - and joint activities in the field of future launchers. The decisions taken unanimously by the ESA Member States consolidate, now and for the longer term, Europe's access to space, enhancing its ability to meet the needs of its citizens. Europe can now count on a strong and stable launcher sector while it works towards a new generation of launchers. Following the agreement, Europe's commercial launch operator, Arianespace, is equipped to sustain Europe's guaranteed access to space while competing on the global launch service markets.
"Europe can today fly high: we have a launcher which is highly appreciated worldwide and the preparation of future developments is now a reality” said ESA Director General Jean- Jacques Dordain. “And when, in 2006, Soyuz lifts off from Europe's spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana) we will have reached with our Russian partner another important milestone for Europe in space.” “Once more, when Europe's future is on the line, the Member States are able to find the energy to overcome the difficulties, coming up with the right solutions at the right time, “ he added.

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A340-500 on longest route
SIA startet Singapur – Los Angeles nostop

A Singapore Airlines four-engine A340-500 has successfully operated the longest non-stop commercial air service in the world, with its first flight between Singapore and Los Angeles. The A340-500 departed at 16.00 Singapore local time and completed the 14,093 km / 7,609 nm sector to Los Angeles in 14 hours 42 minutes. This new daily service operates non-stop in both directions on a sector that is over 1000km / 540 nm longer than the previous record distance for a non-stop round trip commercial service between Hong Kong and Newark. Singapore Airlines is planning to inaugurate an even longer route between Singapore and New York in mid 2004. Designated “A345LeaderShip” by Singapore Airlines, the aircraft seats 64 in an enhanced Raffles Business Class and 117 in all new Executive Economy Class. The cabins for both classes feature special areas and amenities for passengers to socialize and relax on ultra long haul services up to 18 ½ hours in duration. With four Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines for the best economy and reliability on ultra long haul flights, the A340-500 enjoys unmatched operational flexibility on non-stop flights over remote areas – such as oceans, mountain ranges and polar regions.
Singapore Airlines placed its original A340-500 order for five firm and five option aircraft in 1999. The airline is also a launch customer for the A380 Super Jumbo with 10 firm orders and 15 options. Singapore Airlines will be the first airline to put the A380 into service in spring 2006.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

Philippe Busquin, EU Commissioner for Research, presented a communication on 3 February, seeking approval for a Preparatory Action aimed at preparing the ground for an EU security research program from 2007. Recent world events and societal changes have led to security becoming a leading global challenge, states the communication. Therefore, 'Europe needs to invest in a 'security culture' that harnesses the combined and relatively untapped strengths of the 'security' industry and the research community in order to effectively and innovatively address existing and future security challenges,' reads the Commission proposal. The proposed Preparatory Action will last for three years, and will be allocated a budget of around 64 million euro. It will aim at bridging the gap between civil research, which is supported by the EU's Framework Programmes, and defense research, which is not. It will also bring together all stakeholders in order to assess how to best serve the end user community.
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Under the umbrella of the SOSTAR-X demonstrator programme, EADS CASA Military Aircraft and the Spanish Ministry of Defence have signed an agreement for the integration of a new Data Link system developed by the Spanish industry. NATO is planning to acquire a new Air to Ground Surveillance (AGS) system and five European countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Holland), together with their main industries, have joined in the consortium SOSTAR GmbH to respond to this requirement. For months the consortium has been developing the SOSTAR-X (Stand-Off Surveillance and Target Acquisition Radar) demonstrator programme, including a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that provides images, videos and target track information and allows data recording during the mission and subsequent in ground analysis, after landing. The Spanish MOD and EADS CASA Military Aircraft are proposing the integration of a complete new Data Link system that uses TDCL (Tactical Common Data Link) terminals. These terminals provide the Wide Band required for Real Time transmission of the radar information. The incorporation of this Data Link system will dramatically enhance the operational capability of the SOSTAR-X.
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The Spanish Air Force has recently endorsed the enhanced version of the mission planning system TAMPS (Transport Aircraft Mission Planning System) developed by EADS CASA Military Aircraft engineering. TAMPS is a modern system based on Windows, with all the easy handling advantages offered to the users by this operational system. The system manages data concerning airports control, restricted areas or airways and provides navigation instructions, both civil and military. All the information required to plan a mission will be loaded on a normal portable PC that is transported in the aircraft to the mission area or simply wherever needed.
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems, announced that it has produced the one-hundredth Predator remotely piloted aircraft for the U.S. Air Force. Integrated with the most advanced command and control technology as well as the latest multi-targeting sensor package, Predator 100 represents the multi-mission Predator capabilities which are deployed in combat today supporting the U.S. war on terrorism. As one of the most reliable aircraft in the U.S. inventory, Predator 100, like its predecessors, will be flown on an instrument flight plan in National Air Space from the company's flight operations facility in California to Indian Springs Air Force Base in Nevada for delivery to the U.S. Air Force. Predator has provided the U.S. with persistent intelligence, surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance information on combat areas deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans since 1995, logging over sixty percent of all flight hours in combat. Predator is also in use by the U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force.
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AgustaWestland has signed a new support agreement directly with the French MoD support agency SIMMAD (Structure Intégrée du Maintien en condition opérationnelle des Matériels Aéronautiques de la Défense) to enhance the availability of the French Navy Lynx fleet. The agreement, which became effective in January 2004, provides for repair and overhaul of the helicopters complete transmission and rotor system. Bert Brookes, Customer Support Director, commenting on the new agreement said, AWe are confident the signing of this agreement will greatly enhance the support provided to the French Navy which will translate into greater operational availability of the French Navy Lynx fleet, just as similar agreements have done with other Lynx operators. We also hope to extend this agreement to cover other components to provide a total support package in the future.
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Honored with the 23rd Innovation Award of the German Industry, MTU Aero Engines' new high-pressure compressor for the PW6000 passed its first endurance test with flying colors. After very nearly 1,800 cycles and over 480 hours under test, the six-stage transonic compressor boasts good mechanical health. This is what the dirty layout said when the compressor for the engine to power the A318, Airbus' smallest progeny, was stripped at MTU's Munich facility. It is currently being inspected for defects and damage. Dr. Anton Binder, head of commercial programs at MTU is highly gratified with the results. He said: “This is an important step toward the certification of the PW6000 with our compressor in it.” The earlier tests had been made under the technology validation program using extensive instrumentation, whereas the present endurance run was made at production conditions. The Munich, Germany-based engine builder has since received a second module for inspection. MTU's compressor for the PW6000 was inspired by the technologies developed under the government- sponsored Engine 3E technology program. Pratt's PW6000 with MTU's compressor inside is slated for delivery beginning in 2005.
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The French defence ministry confirms that Mrs. Alliot-Marie, minister of defence, has decided an audit of the Rafale programme, notably to determine the technical and financial impact of integrating complementary services and capabilities, and the evolution of payment and invoicing schedules. Various solutions to these issues are being examined. In any case, no major program milestone will be affected: the schedule of operational milestones set out by the multiyear defense blueprint will be met; the air force's first operational Rafale squadron, based at Saint Dizier, will enter service in 2006 as planned; and the first nuclear-capable squadron will enter service in 2008. Compared to these goals, additional decisions regarding the delivery rates of aircraft already on order may be taken; any such decision will however have no impact on the coherence of the production organisation. In particular, a second multiyear order of Rafale aircraft will be awarded in the course of 2004. Regarding the contract for the development of the F3 standard, its technical definition was completed at the end of 2003; the procedure for the approval of the related contract has been audited and authorized, and the defense ministry intends to award the contract by the end of this month.
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The families of the Space Shuttle Columbia STS-107 crew and NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe unveiled a monument commemorating the astronauts and their mission at Arlington
National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Administrator O'Keefe said, "This memorial will remind us of the dedication and sacrifice made by those brave individuals willing to risk their own lives to further humanity's knowledge about space exploration." "Our obligation is to ensure their loss was not in vain. We will return the Space Shuttle to flight as safe as humanly possible, and we will continue to lead humanity into the unknown," Administrator O'Keefe said.
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Rockwell Collins has been selected by South African Airways to provide in-flight entertainment (IFE) equipment on 11 new Airbus A319 aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2004. The agreement calls for the installation of Rockwell Collins' Programmable Audio Video Entertainment System (PAVES) onboard the aircraft. The system offers overhead video on 8.4-inch retractable monitors featuring wide viewing angles and crisp, bright picture quality. The system also provides 24 channels of high-fidelity digital in-seat audio programming.
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Boeing and Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) confirmed they have finalized an agreement for the acquisition of three Boeing 747-400 Freighters. The order is valued at approximately $600 million at list prices. NCA will receive its new 747-400 Freighters beginning in 2005 through 2006. "Our current fleet of 747 Freighters has proven to be a great revenue and profit generator for NCA," said Takuro Uchiyama, president -- Nippon Cargo Airlines. "We are confident that these new 747-400 Freighters will follow in the tradition of their predecessors and become the backbone of our operations."
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Boeing and the UK research and technology company QinetiQ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore potential collaboration on the development of a variety of technologies, including aviation security, air traffic management, acoustics, lighting and cabin interiors, fuel cells and lightweight materials. Boeing's leadership in commercial and military aircraft, along with QinetiQ research, could also allow for development of lighter-than-air-vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, systems integration and network centric operations.
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Boeing has selected Hamilton Sundstrand and Rockwell Collins as partners for selected portions of the systems for the all-new Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner passenger jet. Boeing has entered into the final stages of negotiations to define work statements and pricing with these companies. Additional 7E7 systems partners will be announced in the weeks ahead.
"Selecting systems partners is an important milestone in our program plan," said Mike Bair, senior vice president of the 7E7 program. "We have been engaged in defining systems capabilities at a very high level in cooperation with a large group of candidate partners. Now we can begin to move into detailed development." Hamilton Sundstrand, based in Windsor Locks, Conn., has been selected to provide four major systems: the 7E7's auxiliary power unit, environmental control system, remote power distribution units and the electrical power generating and start system.
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The following is a statement by NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe regarding the Administration's fiscal year 2005 budget proposal. "The Administration's 2005 budget request for NASA implements the new U.S. space exploration policy. This budget for the 2005 fiscal year reflects the President's vision, which is to advance U.S. scientific, security and economic interests through a robust space exploration program. This exploration vision is affordable, fiscally responsible, and sustainable. As the President stated in his speech, we are embarking on a journey, not a race. We begin this journey knowing that many years of hard work will be required, yet we can look forward to achieving exciting results in the near term. The new space exploration policy is the product of months of extensive and careful deliberations. The importance of these deliberations increased with the findings of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, which emphasized the importance of setting clear, long-term goals for the nation's human space flight program. To achieve these goals, NASA will plan and implement an integrated, long-term robotic and human exploration program structured with measurable milestones. NASA will execute the plan using the best available resources, accumulated experience and technology.”
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Boeing delivered the 200th T-38C Talon jet trainer modified as part of the T-38 Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) to the United States Air Force. Deliveries of the upgraded T-38 began in November 2000 following an engineering and manufacturing development program. The more than 80 Boeing people who work on the T-38 AUP program at Williams Gateway Airport have implemented numerous lean techniques, reducing cycle time and delivering aircraft to the customer ahead of schedule. The 200th upgraded T-38 will be stationed with the Air Education and Training Command's 560th Flying Training Squadron, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
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A combat proven EH101 helicopter landed at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Patuxent River, MD, bearing Lockheed Martin's proposal to provide the president of the United States with a new Marine One helicopter fleet. The 5,000-page proposal describes the US101 team's technical solution for a Marine One helicopter. The document also details the platform's record of dependable performance in some of the harshest conditions imaginable; the experience of the U.S.-led international team; and cost. NAVAIR issued the request for proposals on December 18, 2003. Proposals were due today. The aircraft delivering the proposal is one of two Royal Air Force helicopters that served in Bosnia last year in support of the United Nations security force. Four countries currently operate 92 aircraft in a variety of mission roles. The US101 medium-lift platform offered by the US101 team will be an American-built variant of that proven platform.
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The French defence procurement agency, the DGA (Délégation Générale pour l'Armement), has awarded MBDA a development and procurement contract for the new Block 3 variant of the Exocet MM40 surface-to-surface anti-ship missile. The contract also gives MBDA the go-ahead to evolve the air-to-surface Exocet AM39 for integration onto the French Navy's new multi-role Rafale combat aircraft. The French Minister of Defence, Madame Alliot-Marie, announced her plans for upgrading the French Navy's anti-ship missile capability during the 2002 Euronaval Exhibition in Paris. Since then, MBDA has undertaken extensive pre-definition work on the new Block 3 variant and subsystems which has resulted in the decision to place the contract.
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Bristow Helicopters Ltd, on the 12th January, 2004 signed a contract for the supply of 2 x EC 225 and 2 options with Eurocopter. Just like in the 1980's Bristow has thus become the flagship of the most modern helicopter to be introduced in the oil industry. With this firm order valued at about 32 million euros, Bristow has opted decisively to make a large leap forward, renewing all the while its confidence in the Super Puma family. The Bristow fleet has logged more than 800,000 flying hours, including 30,000 hours for the fleet leader.
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EADS Space has been awarded a 900,000 euro study by ESA to carry out the first definition of a Rover to explore the Martian surface and search for life. The study led by EADS Astrium is part of ESA's Aurora program that aims to one day put a European astronaut on Mars. The ExoMars Rover is the next step in the exploration of the red planet and will enable European scientists to build up a bigger picture of the Martian environment as the rover travels up to many kilometers over the surface. Sampling the environment at many different sites is not only important in searching for the signs of life, but is the first step in taking humans to Mars. Before humans are able to step out onto the Martian surface it is vital that scientists have built up a complete picture of the planet and understand the atmosphere, the surface and sub-surface structure in detail. The best way to do this is with a robotic mission that can investigate Mars over a wide area. This is exactly the goal of ESA's first Aurora flagship mission, ExoMars and its rover.
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced the award of a contract with the Canadian Forces to deploy the company's ALTAIR unmanned aircraft, a variant of the proven Predator B, in support of the Atlantic Littoral Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Experiment (ALIX). ALTAIR will be integrated with a multi-mode maritime radar as well as an electro-optical, infrared camera for littoral and maritime surveillance off the east coast of Canada. The deployment will commence in August, 2004 and involve beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) operation of the aircraft and distribution of radar and video imagery to various end users throughout the Canadian land, air and maritime forces. Launched from a main operating base at Goose Bay, Newfoundland and flown on an instrument flight plan, control of the aircraft and payload will be passed to an Ottawa-based remote operations center for BLOS satellite communication operations. The surface search radar and camera video imagery will be passed to two separately-located remote video terminals (RVT). Acquisition and exploitation of payload data by existing maritime, air and ground forces will elevate situational awareness throughout the Canadian Forces. The deployment will conclude in September.
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The first-ever continuous moving assembly line for a combat fighter jet is under consideration by the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter team. Adopting such an approach could increase production efficiency, reduce floor space and avoid an estimated $300 million in expenses over the life of the program. "Affordability is the cornerstone on which the JSF program is built, and we're beginning to see how a continuous moving assembly line could help us meet our commitment to keep costs low," said Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 JSF program general manager. "We are in the process of weighing the up-front investments against the long-term returns. So far, we like what we see." In late January, members of the F-35 production team from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and BAE SYSTEMS gathered on the Lockheed Martin factory floor in Fort Worth to begin laying out a preliminary plan for a continuous moving line. Using a full-scale F-35 model, the team simulated processes for installing aircraft systems as the jet crept along an imaginary track.
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Rockwell Collins announced it has delivered the 1000 th Head Up Display (HUD) to The Boeing Company for the F/A-18C/D/E/F aircraft. Rockwell Collins' Kaiser Electronics business has provided the HUD units for all models of F-18 aircraft since 1977, when the company won the initial contract. Under that contract more than 600 HUDs were delivered for F/A-18A/B model aircraft. The relationship continued in 1987 with the contract award for the next generation of F-18 aircraft, the C/D model. Units being delivered today are for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the latest model of that aircraft.
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The Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd. has awarded GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) an engine production contract valued at $80 million for F404-GE-102 engines for the T-50 advanced jet trainer/fighter lead-in trainer (AJT/LIFT). The T-50 advanced jet trainer is a Republic of Korea indigenous program managed by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). KAI will produce the T-50 AJT/LIFT for the ROKAF, which has approved the initial production of 94 aircraft and has funded for 25 aircraft. Production of the T-50 will begin in 2005. There is a potential for more than 600 aircraft for international sales.
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The Ka-27 Helix helicopter, fitted with the Kopye-A radar, has started progressing through flight tests. Four flights have been carried out. The radar is being tested both for domestic and exported Ka-28 Helix helicopters, as well as modernization of helicopters of this type, exported earlier. The first batch of Kopye-A radars, designed to be fitted on Ka-27 helicopters, is to be manufactured next year. This delivery is envisioned by the 2004 state defence order.
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Goodrich Corporation for the full year 2003, the company reported net income of $111 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, on sales of $4,383 million. For the full year 2002, net income was $118 million, or $1.14 per diluted share, on sales of $3,809 million. The increased sales of $574 million are primarily attributable to the Aeronautical Systems businesses, which represented about $755 million in incremental sales in 2003, offset by reduced sales for products associated with commercial aircraft original equipment production and aftermarket parts and service. The results from continuing operations for both years include certain charges totaling $95 million for 2003 and $77 million in 2002.
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DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, and Lufthansa Cargo, world market leader in international air freight traffic, announced joint operation on five international routes. Both DHL and Lufthansa Cargo benefit from this long-term strategic cooperation. DHL and its customers profit from reduced transit times between the US, Asian and European markets. Lufthansa Cargo secures its base capacity utilisation in the long term and offers its customers new intercontinental connections. “These new intercontinental routes will provide DHL customers with even greater connectivity and choice when shipping between the world's three major continents,” said Uwe Doerken, CEO DHL Express. “This is another example of DHL growing with its customers – they told us they needed these routes and timings, and we've delivered them.”
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Raytheon Aircraft and NetJets have signed a 10-year maintenance contract for Hawker 1000, Hawker 800XP and Hawker 400XP business jets in the NetJets' fleet. The contract, with options beyond the initial 10 years, will provide NetJets with full maintenance for the three aircraft types. Hawker 1000 and 800XP heavy maintenance work will be performed at the Hawker Service Center in Little Rock, Ark., and Raytheon Aircraft Services – Tampa will handle such service for the Hawker 400XP. In addition, the maintenance agreement covers NetJets' aircraft-on-ground resolution and light line maintenance at NetJets and Raytheon Aircraft Services facilities.
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The Boeing Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) missile recently completed integration onto the U.S. Navy P-3C Orion. "Integrating the SLAM-ER onto our P-3C aircraft is a huge leap in capability. We can now launch a precision weapon from more than 150 miles from the target, strike it and stay out of harms way", said Navy Commander John Coffey, P-3 Weapons Deputy Program Manager. Following a three-year process that included extensive development and operational testing, the SLAM-ER can now be used on the Navy's anti-submarine and anti-warfare fleet. Currently, 19 of the first 59 P-3Cs have been modified with the remaining scheduled for completion this year.
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The global space industry continued to grow in 2003, fueled by a significant increase in U.S. military contracts and continued growth in its commercial markets. According to the '2004 State of the Space Industry,' a recently released publication of the International Space Business Council, the industry generated $96.9 billion in revenues in 2003 and is expected to reach $104.6 billion in 2004. Among its conclusions are that a rebound in commercial orders for satellites and launch vehicles, combined with an increasing U.S. Department of Defense budget for space systems, and a rise in consumer satellite services are driving the industry toward greater growth. According to Scott Sacknoff, author of the report, “As we begin 2004, there is a sense of optimism when it comes to the space and satellite marketplace. We see that all of its core markets are on the upswing. Government funding for space is on the rise, commercial orders for satellites and launch vehicles have rebounded, and the uptake of consumer services for satellite TV, radio, and broadband are all increasing. Most importantly for the future, we see a number of new ventures, entrepreneurs and small businesses entering the marketplace.” The report cites that for the industry, 2003 was a mixed year which saw China's first manned launch, new rovers on the moon, the failure of the Space Shuttle, and the marketplace for commercial satellites and launchers trying to recover from a recent bottom.
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The US Air Force's newly created Fleet Viability Board will begin assessment of the KC-135E/R Stratotanker in April. The Air Force Fleet Viability Board stood up in August and was created in response to a directive from Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche to create an agency that could provide senior leaders with an unbiased assessment of the service's aircraft fleet longevity. Despite recent controversy and discussion surrounding that tanker fleet, the assessment will remain impartial and fair, said the board's director, Col. Francis P. Crowley. “The Fleet Viability Board looks to have total impartiality and objectivity in doing an assessment,” Colonel Crowley said. “We don't seek to prove anybody's point. What we are looking for is the best answer for our national defense and for the American taxpayer.”
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The Sikorsky-led VH-92 Team submitted to the government its fully-compliant proposal for the next generation presidential helicopter, a major milestone in the company's effort to continue its service to the Commander in Chief. “We believe we have the best value proposal and the safest and most secure Marine One system in the competition, and we are honored to submit this document on schedule to our customer,” said Sikorsky President Steve Finger. “The safety and security of the President of the United States is our number one priority, just as it has been since the first presidential helicopter flight in a Sikorsky helicopter nearly 47 years ago.” The VXX competition, as it is formally designated, will decide which helicopter system will be developed and deployed to HMX-1, the U.S. Marine Corps squadron that is responsible for moving the President by helicopter. The Sikorsky VH-92 is competing against an international consortium offering a helicopter designed and developed in Europe.
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Pratt & Whitney's (P&W) first F135 production configuration test engine (FX631) has successfully completed its first test run to full power with full afterburner. The F135 will power the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. This milestone represents the first time FX631 has been run to full augmented power. FX631 has performed exceptionally well through its first quarter of testing in 2003 and is continuing its success in 2004 with this milestone. To date FX631 has completed several key testing objectives and accumulated over 150 hours of total run time. “It's just awesome,” said Bill Gostic, Director of F135 Engine Programs at P&W. “To have gone from concept to running at full afterburner thrust on our first engine in production configuration in only two years is astonishing. I once again tip my hat to the entire F135 Propulsion System Team for a continued job well done.”
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Harbin Embraer announced the sale of six ERJ 145s to China Southern Airlines. The contract marks the first order placed by a Chinese airline with Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry Co. Ltd. (HEAI), the joint venture between Brazil's Embraer and China's Harbin Aircraft Industry Co. Ltd. (HAI) and Hafei Aviation Industry Co. Ltd. (HAFEI), both controlled by China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II). “This initial order rewards Embraer and its Chinese partners' efforts to expand and strengthen commercial ties with clients based in this rapidly developing economy,” said Maurício Botelho, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Embraer. “The fact that in such a short time, teams of technicians have been trained, an assembly line has been implemented, followed by the rollout of the first ERJ 145 produced in China and the first order for this aircraft, only reflects Embraer's determination and commitment to our presence in that country.”
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Although Operation Iraqi Freedom saw no major aerial engagements between the involved combatants, this will not hinder sales of air-to-air missiles in the future. Sales of air-to-air missiles (AAMs) over the next 10 years will total $12.2 billion, according to Forecast International's “The Market for Air-to-Air Missiles.” Some 49,379 missiles will be produced, the lion's share by American and European firms. “The value of annual production will steadily increase over the next 10 years, reaching $1.5 billion by 2013,” said Forecast International missile analyst Larry Dickerson. “A large part of this market – nearly 50 percent – will be controlled by U.S. and Western European companies,” he said. “Raytheon will have the largest single share of this market at 28 percent, but this is somewhat misleading,” said Dickerson. “Raytheon's hold on the top position in this market is actually much stronger once you remove certain non-competitive countries from the calculations,” he said. “An example of a 'non-competitive' country is the People's Republic of China, which produces thousands of missiles each year but would be lucky to export a few hundred,” Dickerson remarked. “MBDA is the dominant player from Europe, but has only half the market share of Raytheon,” said Dickerson. “Still, Raytheon's lead has not stopped BGT of Germany from developing the IRIS-T, which will compete against the AIM-9X,” he said. “No company stays on top of a market forever, and MBDA and BGT plan to take market share from Raytheon,” Dickerson added.
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The AMC-10 telecommunications satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin for SES AMERICOM, was successfully launched today from Cape Canaveral aboard a Lockheed Martin-built Atlas IIAS rocket provided by International Launch Services (ILS). Initial contact with the satellite, called acquisition of signal, was confirmed at 7:53 p.m. EST from the Lockheed Martin satellite tracking station in Uralla, Australia. "We are extremely proud to deliver mission success for such a loyal, long-standing customer as SES AMERICOM," said Ted Gavrilis, president, Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS). "AMC-10 is the ninth A2100 that Lockheed Martin has built for SES AMERICOM as part of a successful association that spans 25 years."
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India's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has awarded an Engineering Development Contract valued at $105 million to GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) for engines that will be used for Limited Series Production of Tejas, the country's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The development contract calls for GEAE to provide 17 F404-GE-IN20 engines, as well as logistics support. First engine delivery is scheduled for 2006. Limited Series Production of the LCA will begin in 2005. There is a potential for 250 LCAs for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Flight-testing of LCA prototypes with an F404-GE-F2J3 engine began in 2001. To date, three LCA prototypes have completed more than 150 test flights, including supersonic flights. In all, seven prototype LCAs are scheduled to fly with F404-GE-F2J3 engines. The F404-GE-IN20 engine for the Limited Series Production aircraft will be a variant of the F404-GE-402, modified to power the single-engine LCA with redundant features and a control system with an advanced FADEC (full authority digital electronic control). The engine will greatly benefit from its commonality with the more than 3700 F404 engines in service worldwide.
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Enstrom Helicopter closed its books on 2003 by achieving its goal of nearly doubling production from nine helicopters in 2002 to 17 helicopters last year. "This is an exciting time to join Enstrom," said Jerry Mullins, whose presidency was announced last month. "We've been able to achieve a smooth transition in leadership and still focus on the company's original goals. One of those goals was nearly doubling our production. It's a nice way to start my new job."
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The Swiss Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau published its report on the investigation into the loss of Crossair flight CRX 3597 near Bassersdorf, Switzerland, on November 24, 2001. The aim of the official report is to identify the causes of the accident for the purpose of prevention, rather than to attribute blame. If the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office decides to open proceedings, SWISS is keen to see this case fully clarified. The safety recommendations relating to SWISS were implemented shortly after the accident. The final findings on the precise course of events and the cause of the accident, two years after it occurred, do not demand any further actions, the report concludes. Crossair flight CRX 3597 from Berlin Tegel crashed on approach to Zurich Airport on November 24, 2001. The captain dropped below the minimum flight height. The report does not reveal why the safety net inside and outside the aircraft failed to function. The highly experienced captain had all the qualifications required for the flight. He was, in addition, an instrument flying specialist and training officer for the Federal Office for Civil Aviation. Both Crossair and SWISS have always fulfilled all national and international safety requirements. Indeed, SWISS has adopted a best-practice approach to flight safety since its foundation, aligning its own flight safety measures and standards to the best in the airport sector.
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Fraport is astonished by the statement from the Working Group of the SFK Accident Commission (Arbeitsgruppe Störfallkommission) because various expert opinions (eg., from technical inspection agencies) have judged compatibility of the planned northwest runway and Ticona's operations to be generally unproblematic. The reasons given by the working group are not convincing. Nevertheless, we will check these arguments thoroughly and present our position, especially in the Zoning Procedure. However, we do not see any need for reopening public discussions on locations for Frankfurt Airport's new runway. Rather, Fraport will once again show in the Zoning Procedure documentation – after weighing all relevant criteria – why the northwest runway location is the only suitable option.
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A second major milestone was completed in realising the launch of the Kompsat-2 satellite with the Rockot launch vehicle. The Electrical Interface Checkout between Launch Vehicle Telemetry Measurement System (TMS) and Kompsat-2 was successfully performed during the third week of January 2004 at KARI's facilities (Korea Aerospace Research Institute) in Daejon, South Korea. The Telemetry Measurement System supplied by Khrunichev was used to simulate the Launch Vehicle Telemetry, to receive the data from the Spacecraft and to downlink the telemetry to the Spacecraft Monitors in order to verify the status of Kompsat-2 Spacecraft and finally to validate the Software.
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