FLUG REVUE update: Week ending April 4, 2004

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UPDATE
Week ending 4 April 2004

+++ Tiger HAP certified +++ X-43A hypersonic scramjet flight succeeds +++ ATV integrated at Bremen +++ EADS forms Russian company +++ Austrian sees turnaround +++ Fraport profits up +++ News in brief +++

Tiger HAP certified
Qualifikation für den Tiger HAP

The French Armament Agency DGA (Délégation Générale pour l'Armement), through its aircraft department SPAé (Service des Programmes Aéronautiques), has granted Eurocopter the military type certification for the HAP version of the TIGER combat helicopter on March 29th. In addition the European Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation OCCAR has granted the qualification for this helicopter version on March 30th. Both events are being considered as major program milestones for Eurocopter in the Tiger program.
Type certification and qualification are the decisive prerequisites for the delivery of the Tiger to the French armed forces which will commence shortly. “Today's assertion of the DGA and OCCAR is a great success for Eurocopter as it attests that the Tiger's extremely high standard of technology is ready for equipping the French Army” says Fabrice Brégier, CEO and President of Eurocopter.
This qualification entails the entire weapon system of the French Tiger version as well as the general avionic system and vehicle part that are common for all Tiger versions. The work for certification and qualification assessment has been done through specialists of DGA and BWB (Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung), including tests performed at French and German official test centers. The extension of certification and qualification to the German UHT version is planned in the next three months. A complementary certification and qualification for integrated Electronic Counter Measures is already scheduled for the second semester of 2004.

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X-43A hypersonic scramjet flight succeeds
Mach 7 für die X-43A

NASA's second X-43A hypersonic research aircraft flew successfully, the first time an airbreathing scramjet powered aircraft has flown freely. The unpiloted vehicle's supersonic combustion ramjet, or scramjet, ignited as planned and operated for the duration of its hydrogen fuel supply, which lasted about 10 seconds. The X-43A reached its test speed of Mach 7. "It's been a great, record-breaking day," said Larry Huebner, NASA Langley Research Center's Hyper-X propulsion lead. "We achieved positive acceleration of the vehicle while we were climbing, and maintained outstanding vehicle control. This was a world-record speed for air-breathing flight," Huebner said.
The flight, originating from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, began at 12:40 p.m. PST, as NASA's B-52B launch aircraft carrying the X-43A lifted off the runway. The X-43A, mounted on a modified Pegasus booster rocket, was launched from the B-52B just before 2 p.m. The rocket boosted the X-43A up to its test altitude of about 95,000 ft. over the Pacific Ocean, where the X-43A separated from the booster and flew freely for several minutes following scramjet engine operation, in order to gather aerodynamic data.

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ATV integrated at Bremen
Astrium: Integration des ATV

Europe's first Automated Transfer Vehicle ATV, has been integrated and is currently being electrically tested in Bremen. For the first time the three ATV elements are linked electrically in order to verify flight readiness: the propulsion module, the fully equipped avionics bay and the integrated cargo carrier. With the completion of these tests, the engineers from EADS Space Transportation have achieved another milestone on the way towards the first flight of the unmanned space transporter to the International Space Station, ISS. Under contract to the European Space Agency ESA, EADS Space Transportation is developing and building this completely new space vehicle. “We are highly satisfied with the test results. We have relied heavily on the expertise and competence of our engineers and the excellence of our facilities,” said Josef Kind, President of EADS Space Transportation, in Bremen on Wednesday.
“With ATV, Europe has developed a unique Space transportation vehicle: unmanned, fully automated and highly flexible, with a payload of 9.5 metric tons. ATV has the potential for further applications. We have created the space vehicle for future in-orbit services such as transport and supply.” Mr. Kind continued. ATV is one of the largest and technically most challenging Space vehicles ever developed and built in Europe. “ATV is a completely autonomous space transporter. EADS Space Transportation has demonstrated that it has the know-how to develop, integrate, and test such complex systems. In this I must highlight the development of the propulsion system and the avionics unit, that is the software required for flight control and automatic docking to the Space Station. We here in Europe have worked hard to achieve this over the past few years.” said Josef Kind.
In the next weeks, “Jules Verne”, the first ATV flight unit, will be transferred from the Bremen facilities to the ESA/ESTEC test center in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. Here special tests will be performed to confirm ATV's ability to survive launch conditions and the harsh space environment. Launch on the Ariane 5 from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, is scheduled for 2005.

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EADS forms Russian company
Russische Firma von EADS gegründet

EADS has paved the way for increased business activities in Russia by founding OOO EADS, a company according to Russian law, headed by Vadim Vlasov (39). “Vadim Vlasov as President & CEO of OOO EADS will bring a new momentum to our Russian business,” said EADS CEO Rainer Hertrich on Thursday. “His experience and his determination will leverage our cooperation programmes and marketing activities in Russia.” The cooperation programme between EADS and the Russian aerospace industry is strongly moving ahead. “Airbus has invited Russian aviation companies to bid for subcontract work for the annual amount of $ 10 million,” announced Vadim Vlasov. “Our target is to increase manufacturing progressively to reach a volume of up to $ 40 million annual production work for Airbus in the forthcoming years.”
“The EADS Technology Office, which was opened last year, is currently evaluating more than 40 cooperation projects in research and technology between EADS and various Russian scientific institutions,” said Vlasov. The Airbus Engineering Centre ECAR, which is the first engineering facility established by Airbus in Europe outside its home countries, currently employs some 50 Russian engineers. The engineering staff will increase to 100 by the end of 2004. ECAR already performs extensive work in disciplines such as fuselage structure, stress testing and systems installation.

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Austrian sees turnaround
Aufwätrstrend bei Austrian

A range of factors – including a marked improvement in passenger volume based on innovative marketing campaigns against the background of a revival in economic activity in the final four months of last year, a policy of consistent reduction in unit costs and active management of currencies, interest rates and risk – combined to produce a clear improvement in EBIT in the financial year 2003 compared to 2002.
The EBIT of the Group increased strongly by EUR 21.9m or 52.9 %, from EUR 41.4m in 2002 to EUR 63.3m last year, while also achieving a sharp improvement in profit before tax, from EUR 4.2m in 2002 to EUR 25.7m last year. Once again, the Austrian Airlines Group generated a strong cash flow from operating activities of EUR 345.2m. Even compared to last year's record figure of 70.5 %, the Group succeeded in increasing its passenger load factor on scheduled services further still to the new record of 71.3 %.
In an analysis of the trend of the Austrian Airlines Group, Chief Executive Officer Vagn Soerensen made the following statement: “Despite the tough conditions in the first six months of 2003, we managed to increase our EBIT by over 50 % last year and to continue to reduce liabilities and thereby our net gearing. While we were still concentrating on the reorganisation of the Group in 2002, we were able to devote the 2003 financial year to the optimisation of our structures and processes, increasing our ability to withstand crises and to broad market offensives. We are now the clear number one provider of flights and aviation services heading into Central and Eastern Europe, and will take advantage of the eastward expansion of the European Union to expand rapidly. The turnaround process of our Group regained high speed!”

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Fraport profits up
Gutes Ergebnis für Fraport

In fiscal 2003, Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide achieved considerably higher revenues and earnings. The airport management company recorded an EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) of Euro503.4 million. Thus, despite the difficult market environment, the company slightly surpassed the previous year's figure after adjusting for the Manila write-down. Consolidated net income climbed by eight percent to Euro115.2 million. Fraport AG's executive board and supervisory board recommend a dividend payment of Euro0.44 per share.
Despite the impact of the Iraq war, the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) disease, and the weak global economy, sales of the Fraport Group rose by 1.7 percent to Euro1,834.3 million. A major factor contributing to this growth included, in particular, additional profits from security services. At the beginning of the reporting year, an increase in airport charges by an average of two percent at the company's Frankfurt home base also had a boosting effect.
The total number of passengers at the Fraport Group's airports rose by 1.9 percent to 70.6 million in 2003. At the Group's Frankfurt (FRA) and Antalya (AYT) airports, a noticeable recovery in demand in the second half of 2003 nearly offset the drop in passengers during the first half of the year, when both airports had been extremely affected by the Iraq conflict and SARS. For the total year, passenger volume at Frankfurt fell only 0.2 percent short of the previous year's level. Excellently positioned for the low-cost aviation market, the Group's Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) served 2.4 million passengers and again recorded above-average growth of 67.3 percent.
With an EBITDA of Euro503.4 million, Fraport exceeded the previous year's figure of Euro502.5 million, which was adjusted for the complete write-down of the company's project in the Philippines. In addition to the steady increase in revenues, this growth was attributable to the moderate rise in operating expenditures. As a result of strict cost management – which also allowed for a strong reduction in costs for consultancy services – non-staff expenses decreased by 4.4. percent to Euro503.5 million. In contrast, personnel expenditures rose 8.6 percent to Euro933.9 million, mainly because of an increase in personnel for security.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

Northrop Grumman Corporation has developed and successfully tested a Reaction Control Subsystem (RCS) engine for next-generation reusable space launch and transportation vehicles. The new engine burns nontoxic propellants, an achievement that enhances safety, reliability and affordability. Developed by the company's Space Technology sector under a contract awarded in 2001 for NASA's Next Generation Launch Technology program, the RCS Thruster is made of a pure alloy - platinum iridium - and burns a combination of liquid oxygen and ethanol. These two developments eliminate the need for a ceramic coating currently used to protect RCS engines from damage caused by historically used toxic propellants. RCS engines on Space Shuttle orbiters have been replaced as a result of service, handling or foreign object damage to such coatings, which are only three to six thousandths of an inch thick. In addition, workers need to take stringent, time-consuming safety precautions when maintaining or repairing hardware that currently uses toxic propellants. "Our RCS Thruster increases the reliability, maintainability and safety of space vehicle engines," said Sonya Sepahban, vice president and deputy of technology development for Northrop Grumman Space Technology. "We began developing this 'clean propellant' engine more than two years ago. It's the first uncoated RCS engine developed and tested in the United States for NASA. We believe this engine will greatly increase both vehicles' utility and reusability."
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MTU Aero Engines, one of the world's largest aircraft engine manufacturers, announces the successful pricing of a private offering of Euro275 million of 10-year Senior Notes due 2014, upsized from an original Euro240 million offering following strong investor demand. The Senior Notes have been priced at an attractive 8.25% coupon per annum, which compares favourably with recent offerings in the industry. "The lively interest taken in the Senior Notes emphasizes the capabilities and attractiveness of MTU Aero Engines," according to Dr. Klaus Steffens, MTU Aero Engines' chief executive officer. Reiner Winkler, chief financial officer, noted: "This has been an essential stride forward in the optimization of our capital structure." The proceeds will be used to fund the recent acquisition of MTU Aero Engines by funds managed by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's assigned the securities a rating of B2 and B respectively.
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The organisers of Aerospace Testing Expo Hamburg announced the launch, in 2005, of a North American Aerospace Testing Expo which will debut at Long Beach Convention Centre in California, in October 2005 with over 150,000 sq. ft of exhibition space. “This will bring the hugely successful formula of the rapidly growing 'European' show into the heart of the North American aerospace community”, said Tony Robinson, CEO UK and International Press Events. He was speaking at today's Opening Day of Aerospace Testing Expo Hamburg which this year is expecting a record visitor attendance of over 6000 visitors to see over 300 international exhibitors including Boeing and Airbus. “Aerospace Testing Expo North America will provide the vast and diverse aerospace test engineering community with the first dedicated international trade show with supporting technology forums focused exclusively on the key areas of aerospace testing, evaluation & inspection – for both the Civil & Military sectors”, said Robinson.
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On Monday, 29 March 2004, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia officially became NATO-members. With the accession, General James L. Jones, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, assumed responsibility to safeguard the new NATO members, including the defence of their airspace. SACEUR has delegated this authority for Romania, Bulgaria and Slovenia to the Commander of Allied Air Forces South, and the authority for the Baltic States and Slovakia to General Robert H. Foglesong, Commander, Allied Air Forces North (AIRNORTH), headquartered in Ramstein/Germany. Simultaneously, COMAIRNORTH has taken on the responsibilities as Regional Air Commander, Regional Air Defence Commander, and Regional Airspace Control Authority for the Baltic States and Slovakia just as previously for the other nations in NATO's Northern region. Air policing is one of the key aspects of common security and defence for the Alliance. Due to the lack of sufficient national air forces, SACEUR has directed that routine Alliance air policing be expanded to include the national airspace of the Baltic States, controlled by HQ AIRNORTH, and Slovenia, controlled by HQ AIRSOUTH. This military mission is intrinsically linked to the status of Alliance membership; therefore, the airspace of the new members must receive the same level of security as that of the other members.
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Orbital Recovery has formally initiated the development of its ConeXpress ORS space tug in a program leading to the start of full-scale production this September, and the first launch in 2007. The go-ahead was confirmed by last week's initiation of the Phase B1 leading to preliminary design review, which is backed by private and European Space Agency funding for the Dutch Space-led industrial team. ESA is participating through its ARTES 4 public-private partnership program, in which the multinational organization provides matching funds for the spacecraft's development. “We are delighted to have passed this extremely important milestone, which had moved the company from its pre-operating phase into the mainstream,” said Philip Braden, the Chief Executive Officer of Orbital Recovery Ltd. “Our industrial team -- which includes Arianespace, the German Space Agency, Kayser-Threde and others -- is now in place, and is fully involved in the development activity.” The marketing campaign for ConeXpress ORS also is moving into full swing, with discussions underway with several operators for early missions of the space tug. Allocation of flight opportunities has begun, and the initial launch slots are in the process of being assigned, Braden added.
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US-based ViaSat has awarded a Euro 20 million contract to EADS Defense Electronics (DE) for supplying core electronics enhancing the US armed forces' network-enabled capabilities. As reported by EADS on Monday, the contract covers the delivery of 400 power amplifiers, the core component of the U.S. Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS). MIDS equipment is being integrated in many US fighter jets, vehicles and naval ships and provides the capabilities for setting up a data communications network and thus allows networked operations to be carried out. MIDS enables the establishment of a comprehensive situation picture in near real time and improves the cooperation of multinational forces. EADS Defense Electronics was chosen as supplier in the face of strong competition from the US based on the precision and reliability of equipment previously supplied. “The build-up of the MIDS data link system within NATO,” said Johann Heitzmann, President and CEO of EADS Defense Electronics, “is a key prerequisite of net centric operations. With its longstanding experience in high frequency technology, EADS Defense Electronics will play a leading role in this aspect of transformation.”
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Thanks to wider government support, international cooperation and innovative value-added products, the commercial and civil remote sensing market has strengthened significantly over the past year. According to a recent analysis by Forecast International, “The Market for Civil and Commercial Remote Sensing Satellites,” approximately 170 remote sensing satellites will be manufactured between 2004 and 2013, 130 of which are slated for production within the next five years. Forecast International's reported value of production for these systems is approximately $15.5 billion, with $10.1 billion of that amount being generated in the first half of the 10-year forecast period. The commercial and civil remote sensing market can be broken down into two categories: Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) systems and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems. The GEO systems are mostly used to monitor global climate and the weather conditions on Earth. In contrast to LEO systems, GEO spacecraft usually feature complex payloads that contribute to their higher costs. For that reason, although the GEO sector represents a tiny portion of the civil remote sensing market in terms of production – only 10 satellites expected over the next 10 years – it accounts for almost $1.4 billion of the overall value of production. Not bad considering that the 161 LEO systems earmarked for production during the period are expected have a total estimated value of $14.1 billion. With that in mind, Alcatel Space is expected to retain an approximate 30 percent market share in the defined GEO segment, in both unit production and value. Astrium, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Orbital Sciences will each carry a 10 percent market share in terms of unit production.
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For the second time, Boeing has been selected to launch another satellite for DigitalGlobe in support of the Colorado-based company's expanding space imaging business. As with the October 2001 launch of DigitalGlobe's QuickBird satellite, Boeing will provide launch services aboard a Delta II rocket for DigitalGlobe's next generation satellite, WorldView. The launch will occur from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., no later than 2006. Boeing is also partnering with DigitalGlobe to provide technical work for various support functions of the new WorldView satellite system. “Since the successful launch of QuickBird, DigitalGlobe has become the dominant provider of imagery and ��HG�b�*�zn�'�� @a�r�@�2�X��b��<\��8�({��B�!P:�i\ ~�L�;Hŧ��d~况�� ʞ�X|�2u��+�� hI�S'�� L3��+�j�%��d��4(�H��0M��!j�@&��82י,�"&��:@l��4[-��;G��Y�=��&Üx�1�;Ǹ��(r��sDV�0��I�K��3hY�(N��>�}*E��TnRR��1�|��=�!��~�#<�d�$0Q��0��[�T:`,��= �C�~��<��#��#� 1��|F�1�(1�>�`��F�=KM��,�C�zp� ],��m��`�IC�� @S��`r��֍�H��x~- T#V=G| ��Z��t2E�1�y`8WG0� h �D�Z�Gs��_ unications and aviation electronics solutions, was awarded a $79 million contract by NAVAIR PMA-271 to provide Block I Modification upgrades for the U.S. Navy's fleet of E-6B aircraft. The program has a potential value to Rockwell Collins of approximately $300 million over 10 years. The Block 1 modification addresses legacy system integration deficiencies and projected obsolescence issues by providing the E-6B aircraft with an open system architecture for the mission avionics, and upgrading primary mission systems including the Digital Airborne Intercommunication Switching System (DAISS) and Intercommunications System (ICS) (DAISS/ICS), the mission computer set, and the Ultra High Frequency Command, Control and Communication (UHF C3) system. In addition, the electrical power and cooling systems will be modified to improve preflight, post-flight and ground alert operations.
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The flight model of the European Physiology Modules Facility (EPM) has been shipped by OHB to EADS Space Transportation, Bremen, for integration in the COLUMBUS module. A corresponding EPM training model for teaching astronauts how to use the laboratory in space was sent to ESA's European Astronaut Center in Cologne at the end of February. EPM is made up of several modules with standardized interfaces allowing the astronauts to perform various tasks. One of these modules is Cardiolab, which comprises a medical diagnostics system developed by OHB subsidiary STS for astronauts' cardiac/circulatory systems. A further module, which has been developed by French company ERMES (MEEMM), will be used for neurological measurements. Other planned modules will measure bone density, for example.
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Sikorsky Aircraft announced that Chairman Dean C. Borgman plans to retire on July 1, 2004, bringing to a close a distinguished and rewarding rotorcraft career that stretches back to the 1960s. Borgman has held the position of Chairman since 2003, prior to which he served for nearly five years as the Company's president. Borgman expressed his strong confidence in Sikorsky President Steve Finger. “In the months we have worked so closely together here, I have been continually impressed by Steve's clarity of vision, his relentless pursuit of our great future, and his unwavering commitment to delight our customers. Under Steve's leadership, I have very high expectations for Sikorsky.”
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Northrop Grumman Corporation successfully shipped NASA's Aura Earth Observing System (EOS) satellite to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., yesterday. The 22.5-foot-tall, 3.25-ton satellite will serve as a space-based chemical laboratory, helping scientists to better understand the Earth's ozone, air quality and climate. "Shipping a satellite to the launch site is an exciting and momentous step towards achieving the ultimate goal of getting it on-orbit and operating," said Dana Southwood, Northrop Grumman's EOS program manager. "Once on-orbit, Aura's instruments will gather the most comprehensive measurements of atmospheric gases ever, including ozone. Aura is the first satellite capable of collecting data that will allow scientists to gauge the concentration and movement of gases in the troposphere - the region of the Earth's atmosphere some seven to 10 miles above its surface that most affects daily human life."
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Vision Systems International, LLC (VSI), a leader in advanced Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) technology, continues its successful Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) program with the receipt of a $62.6M contract award from Boeing, St. Louis for the delivery of more than 400 additional systems. Under the contract, VSI will provide JHMCS display systems, including spares, technical support and support equipment for the LRIP 4 (Low Rate Initial Production) acquisition. This procurement fills US government domestic requirement for the USAF F-15, F-16 and USN F/A-18 platforms as well as Foreign Military Sales (FMS) production commitments including: Australia (F/A-18, Chile (F-16), Finland (F/A-18), and Poland (F-16). Additional this award fulfils commercial commitments from Boeing for the F-15K program for South Korea. Deliveries under LRIP 4 are currently in process and will continue through 2005.
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The Apache Attack Helicopter – one of the most advanced helicopters in the world – completed trials on HMS Ocean that will eventually allow it to fly operations at sea. The trials test the limits of the new helicopters to ensure they can be safely operated under the different conditions at sea. Further trials will involve other Royal Navy ships and pilot training will follow. The completion of this trial marks an important milestone in the overall program, which aims to achieve an initial Maritime Operating Capability next year. With the first trial now complete, the Apache – considered one of the most significant weapons systems to enter service with the British Army in recent times – can now prepare to operate from ships in support of both land and amphibious operations anywhere in the world. Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Bach said: “Completing these trials is a major milestone in this program. Apache is a hugely flexible and formidable fighting platform and being able to operate from sea will ensure it plays a major part in all manner of operations for years to come. The successful completion of the trials has boosted the already impressive capability of this aircraft.”
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An airplane landing at Kabul International Airport is a fairly common occurrence these days. What is uncommon however, is when the airplane landing is the world's largest -- an Antonov 124. On 30 March, one of these massive cargo aircraft capable of carrying 125 tons, landed at the Kabul airport and disgorged an even more incredible cargo. In the morning haze a crowd gathered on the tarmac of Kabul International Airport to welcome the arrival of three Apache helicopters from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The first three of six Apaches, which traveled 6,000 kilometers from their home base with 301 and 302 Squadrons at the Royal Dutch Air Force base in Gilze en Rijen, The Netherlands, had been partially dismantled for their journey. The first to be unloaded were the blades for the main rotors measuring 14.6 meters in diameter.
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ESA's Technology Transfer Programme is to supply state-of-the-art technologies to assist adventurer Bertrand Piccard's flight around the world in a single-pilot solar-powered aircraft, as the ultimate demonstration of the potential for pollution-free flight. Back in 1999 Piccard and co-pilot Brian Jones were the first people to balloon around the world non-stop. Piccard has now launched Solar Impulse to repeat his global circumnavigation, this time in a pollution-free solar-powered aircraft. This ambitious project is being presented at the '32nd International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques and Products' to open in Geneva, Switzerland, this week. The proposed aircraft resembles a glider, but with a mammoth 70-metre wingspan, exceeding that of a Boeing 747. Completely covered by solar cells and equipped with possibly two tail-mounted propeller engines, the plane will be capable of unassisted take-off and will carry the necessary batteries for night flying.
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Qantas said it would acquire five additional two-class Boeing 737-800s for its domestic operations. The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Geoff Dixon, said the new aircraft would increase the airline's 737-800 fleet to 33 by the end of 2005. “The acquisition of these five aircraft continues our strategy of growing the two-class Boeing 737-800 Qantas domestic fleet,” Mr. Dixon said. “Qantas has taken delivery of 21 737-800s since February 2002 and another two will be delivered in the middle of this year. A further ten 737-800s will join the fleet between December 2004 and December 2005.
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A Proton launch vehicle successfully deployed a military satellite officially called “Cosmos-2406” at 13:06 Moscow Time. This was the second Proton launch in two weeks. On March 16, a Proton Breeze M successfully launched the W3A satellite in a commercial mission for International Launch Services. Built by Khrunichev State Research and Production Center in Moscow, Proton is one of the premier launch systems in the world.
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The Joint-Unmanned Combat Air System X-45A successfully carried out an inert-weapons release March 20, marking the first weapons release from the internal bay of the high-speed, stealthy unmanned aircraft. “All testing leading up to (the) weapon jettison went extremely well,” said Maj. Mike Marston, an X-45A test pilot. “The time and preparation put in paid big dividends when the inert weapon successfully cleared the aircraft's internal weapon bay.” Along with successfully releasing an inert, unguided small smart bomb, the testing demonstrated the aircraft's maximum envelope of about 495 mph and 35,000 feet. It also verified proper operation of the weapons bay door and tested its ability to transmit a radar image to the ground operator within time and bandwidth constraints, said 2nd Lt. Devon Christensen, Air Force Flight Test Center X-45A deputy program manager.
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Northrop Grumman Corporation announced that it has selected Terma A/S, of Denmark, to design and develop three-dimensional (3-D) audio algorithms and software for the communications system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector, under contract to Lockheed Martin, is developing software-defined radios that provide numerous advanced communications, navigation and identification (CNI) capabilities for the F-35 JSF. The 3-D audio, to be integrated into the CNI system, provides spatial separation of sounds and signals to improve the pilot's reaction time and allow the pilot to focus on critical alerts and conversations. "Terma looks forward to the challenge of providing state-of-the art 3-D audio technology to the F-35 JSF and we are very proud to be a part of the international effort," said Borge Witthoft, Terma executive vice president.
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