UPDATE
Week ending 25 July 2004
+++ Airbus clinches new big orders +++ UK defence minister announces cuts +++ Bombardier announces new commercial aircraft family +++ Snecma/Saturn form joint venture +++ Missile defense MOUs signed +++ Thales wins Watchkeeper +++ Arianespace launches Anik F2 +++ News in brief +++
Airbus clinches new big orders
Neue Bestellungen für Airbus
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has selected Airbus' widebody long-range aircraft and the new generation double-deck Airbus A380 for its future growth. The Abu Dhabi based full-service airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to purchase 24 Airbus aircraft, including four of the highly advanced double-decked A380s, four ultra-long range A340-500s, four A340-600s and twelve A330-200s, the most efficient widebody twin. Deliveries to Etihad are to begin in 2006 for the A330-200s and A340-500s, and in 2007 for the A340-600s and A380s. The A340-500s and –600s will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500s – the A330 and A380 engines have yet to be selected.
Etihad will use the aircraft to further develop its route network within the Middle East and to Europe, Asia, India and to North America. Etihad currently operates a fleet of six aircraft, including four of the market leading A330-200s and an Airbus A340-300. Dr Ahmed Bin Saif al Nahyan, chairman of Etihad Airways said, "Today is a truly significant day in Etihad's young existence. I cannot recall a time in airline history when a start-up operation, barely eight months old, has had the confidence, resources and ambition to place orders for 24 new widebodied and very large aircraft. If you think the last eight months have been busy for us – this is nothing compared to what the coming months and years have in store."
In total, Airbus announced commitments for 84 aircraft, including options, worth around $10.6 billion during the Farnborough airshow, reflecting an increasingly strong recovery in the world airliner market. In addition to the new business, Airbus presented awards to its top ten suppliers, recognising their efforts in product development and support. Airbus also renewed a long-term industrial co-operation with Turkish industry, for the construction of A320 Family fuselage panels.
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UK defence minister announces cuts
Streichungen bei den britischen Streitkräften
Air power is critical to the prosecution of modern warfare. Over the next 10 to 15 years an accelerating transformation of our air power will enable quicker, more precise and more decisive operations at range, delivered by multi-role Typhoon and Joint Combat Aircraft equipped with highly capable weapons. The Typhoon programme is now moving forward towards initial operating capability, with indications that the aircraft is demonstrating excellent performance and good reliability. We expect to sign a contract for the second tranche of Typhoon aircraft as soon as we complete satisfactory negotiations over price and capability. The investment in our air forces is already producing in substantial improvements in existing aircraft. The Tornado GR4 is now one of the most potent offensive aircraft systems in the world, fully capable of day and night operations in all weathers. The Harrier GR9 development programme is on course to deliver a significantly more capable platform with much wider versatility including for carrier-borne operations. The Tactical Information Exchange Capability project will examine how the effectiveness of the GR4 and GR9 can be further enhanced by improving their networked capability. The Tornado F3 aircraft is now equipped with AMRAAM and the world-leading ASRAAM air to air missiles and is fully networked through the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System. The new Storm Shadow long-range air to surface missile proved itself as a world-beater during the recent Gulf War. New precision guided Paveway IV bombs will further enhance our overall capability in the short-term.
With these significant advances in capability we now judge that we need to reduce the types and overall numbers of the RAF fast jet force, providing a firm baseline for transition to the multi-role era. We will reduce the number of the air defence Tornado F3 squadrons by one, and bring forward the withdrawal of 2 Jaguar squadrons to 2006, with the final Jaguar squadron to be disbanded in 2007. These changes in the force structure and the achievement of planned organisational efficiencies, will lead to a reduced RAF manpower requirement to around 41,000 by 2008. This will also allow us to close RAF Coltishall airfield by December 2006. We will also be undertaking an extensive review of our future requirement for airfields. Following an extended period of consultations we have decided to rationalise the basing requirements of a number of RAF Logistic Support and Communication units. The RAF also plays an essential enabling role in support of expeditionary operations through its strategic and tactical airlift capability. The core of this capability remains the fleet of C-130 aircraft and, from 2011, the A400M. To accommodate larger items we have already announced that we were considering the options for retention of C-17s after A400M enters service. I am pleased to announce that we intend to buy the current fleet of four at the conclusion of the current lease arrangement and to purchase one additional aircraft bringing our C-17 fleet up to five aircraft.
We will reduce the number of Nimrod MR2 aircraft from 21 to 16, reflecting a lower submarine threat to the UK at least, but acknowledging the Nimrod force's wider capabilities. The requirement could in future be met by around 12 of the more capable Nimrod MRA4 although much work will be required with industry before a decision is reached. We will disband one F3 squadron early, reflecting a slightly reduced need for deployed air defence capability.
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Bombardier announces new commercial aircraft family
Cseries-Flugzeugfamilie wird untersucht
Bombardier Aerospace announced the name of its new commercial aircraft family and revealed the aircraft's distinctive black and white livery. The CSeries, for Competitive, Continental, Connector, would target airlines operating aircraft in the lower end of the 100- to 150-passenger market, a large segment that is not well served by any aircraft in production today. Many air carriers in that category currently rely on aging DC9, Fokker 100, Boeing 737 Classic, BAe-146, MD80 and other aircraft that are scheduled to retire by the end of the decade, leaving the field open for innovative replacements.
"The market for the 100- to 150-passenger commercial aircraft segment is estimated at $250 billion U.S., or roughly 6,000 aircraft over the next 20 years," said Gary Scott, President, Bombardier New Commercial Aircraft Program. "There is a huge potential customer base in the lower end of this segment, especially among existing main line and the fast growing low cost carriers. We are very excited about the prospects of developing a new family of aircraft that is optimized to meet their needs. And I'm pleased to say our customers are telling us the same thing." During its year-long feasibility study, Bombardier will develop a family of aircraft that focuses on the needs of this market with specifications that will see the CSeries aircraft family operate at costs 15 per cent lower than aircraft currently in production and 20 per cent lower than older out of production airplanes in use today.
The CSeries aircraft family will be designed in two basic five-seat abreast versions. One version will be designed to carry 110- to 115-passengers, while a larger version will seat 130- to 135-passengers. Each of the two variants can be configured for either short-haul travel with a 1,800 nautical mile range or for transcontinental flights of up to 3,200 nautical miles.
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Snecma/Saturn form joint venture
Triebwerkskooperation: Gemeinschaftsfirma gegründet
NPO Saturn and Snecma Moteurs have made an important step in their collaboration by creating a joint venture which will be in charge of the management of the SaM146 Propulsion System program for the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ). The new company called PowerJet, will be in charge of the entire SaM146 program management, including design, production, marketing and customer support and services. PowerJet will have two operating entities, one in France and one in Russia. It will capitalize on the industrial capabilities of the two parent companies to optimize the Propulsion System program process. "PowerJet offers a major opportunity for the Russian aviation industry, at a time when it is ready to reenter the global regional transport market," said Yuri Lastochkin, Chief executive officer of NPO Saturn.
To complement their industrial collaboration, NPO Saturn and Snecma Moteurs will create a joint production company, which will make components for the SaM146, as well as parts and modules for other engines manufactured by the two companies, such collaboration in production of commercial engine parts having started since 1995. Construction of an open-air test stand for the SaM146 development program has started. It is located at NPO Saturn's test center near Rybinsk. This 20 million dollar facility will handle both performance and certification tests. It will be among the world's most modern installations of this type and will play a major role in engine development.
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Missile defense MOUs signed
Absichtserklärungen zur Raketenabwehr
Lockheed Martin and Finmeccanica signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore partnership opportunities on missile defense programs in the United States, Europe and around the world. The companies will identify areas in which they have compatible capabilities that can be collaboratively applied to benefit current and future customers. The MOU also addresses the potential of joint investments in key technologies that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of current and emerging missile defense programs.
Lockheed Martin and EADS, announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore partnership opportunities on missile defense programs in the United States, Europe and around the world. The companies will identify areas in which they have compatible capabilities that can be collaboratively applied to benefit current and future customers. The MOU also addresses the potential of joint investments in key technologies that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of current and emerging missile defense programs. Initial areas of discussion between the two companies will focus on missile defense initiatives including sea-based systems; systems integration; Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC); early warning and sensor networking; interceptor concepts and systems; and targets and countermeasures.
Nor throp Grumman Corporation and EADS announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding to begin collaborating on ballistic-missile defense solutions. Specifically, the memorandum establishes an industrial framework to enable and structure formal discussions between the two companies in order to identify and pursue business opportunities in the emerging global ballistic-missile defense market "The memorandum is an important first step towards building a relationship that will serve as the foundation for business arrangements on future endeavors in the global missile-defense market," said Donald C. Winter, corporate lead executive for missile defense and sector president, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. "We expect our relationship to go beyond a single project, to include multiple projects in the area of sensors, weapons, command and control, battle management and infrastructure support."
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Thales wins Watchkeeper
UAV-System wird von Thales geliefert
Geoff Hoon named Thales Defence Ltd as the preferred bidder for the multi-million pound WATCHKEEPER (unmanned aerial vehicles) programme, at this year's Farnborough Air Show. The WATCHKEEPER programme represents the central element of the UK's current plans for acquiring UAVs, which will provide UK battlefield commanders with accurate, timely and high quality imagery. Speaking at the Farnborough Air Show, Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon said: "Farnborough is an important event in the defence calendar and I am pleased to be here to give my support to the defence industry. Today's decision, which gives Thales Defence Ltd preferred bidder status, marks an important step for this hugely significant military programme. Our evaluation of the two bids has been extremely thorough and we have identified Thales Defence Ltd as offering the best value for money and potential to deliver the required capability. Negotiations will start immediately and the contract will only be let once these have been successfully concluded."
The MOD will now negotiate a contract for the delivery of this important capability. The letting of this contract worth several hundred million pounds will depend on the successful completion of these negotiations and the formal main investment decision (Main Gate), expected to be later this year. The aim is to bring WATCHKEEPER into service as soon as possible with capability beginning from around the end of 2006. The programme cost is in the order of £800M.
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Arianespace launches Anik F2
Größter Kommunikationssatellit gestartet
On 17 July Arianespace orbited the largest communications satellite ever: Anik F2 for North American operator Telesat. With its 15th successful mission, the standard Ariane 5G ("Generic") launcher continues to demonstrate its technical and operational maturity. Furthermore, Ariane 5 has proven its ability to handle a complete spectrum of missions, from scientific missions requiring special orbits to the largest commercial payloads into geostationary transfer orbit. Telesat is a pioneer in satellite communications and system management. It deploys a fleet of satellites that provide broadcast distribution and communications services across the Americas, and is a highly respected consultant and partner in satellite ventures around the world. Telesat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCE Inc., a leading communications company with shares listed in the United States, Canada and Europe. Anik F2 is the fifth Canadian satellite to be lofted by the European launcher, following Anik E2 in April 1991, Anik E1 in September 1991, MSAT 1 in April 1996 and Anik F1 in November 2000.
Flight 163 was carried out by an Ariane 5 Generic launcher from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Liftoff was on Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 9:44 p.m. local time in Kourou (8:44 p.m. in Washington, D.C. and in Ottawa; at 00H44 GMT; and 2:44 a.m. in Paris on Sunday, July 18). Positioned at 111.1 degrees West, Anik F2 will provide cost-effective, two-way high-speed Internet access to businesses and consumers located anywhere within a footprint covering all of North America, and it will also open the door to new government broadband services for such applications as tele-learning, tele-health and e-services. Anik F2 has a design life of 15 years
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
The EU Commission has today authorised rescue aid for the Italian airline Alitalia. The aid consists of a Euro 400 million bridging loan at a short-term market rates which must be repaid on expiry to enable arrangements to be worked out for the possible restructuring of the company without additional State aid. The Commission has examined the rescue aid for Alitalia notified by Italy and has authorised it after checking that it complies with Community rules, notably: the aid is in the form of loan guarantees of 400 million euros granted at market rates with a replyment period which must not exceed 12 months; the amount of aid is limited to what is needed to manage the company; Italy will send the Commission either a liquidation plan or a restructuring plan for Alitalia within six months of authorisation of payment of the aid. The loans will be repaid within the periods specified; the aid is also warranted on the grounds of serious social difficulties. 22 200 salaried staff as well as 8 000 other jobs are linked to the company's future. Furthermore, the possibility of the Italian aid having any adverse spill-over effects on other Member States will be avoided by the clearly defined arrangements laid down in the decision. This decision for the authorisation of rescue aid does not conflict with the "one time, last time" principle, which applies only to restructuring aid. The decision is therefore in line with previous decisions, such as the one concerning the Belgian airline Sabena, for which the Commission authorised rescue aid in 2001 even though restructuring aid had been accepted earlier. Italy has given an undertaking that the possible future restructuring plan will not contain any further State aid.
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With some qualifications, the first Air Force Fleet Viability Board assessment shows the C-5A Galaxy has at least 25 years of service life remaining. While the aircraft is among the oldest in the Air Force inventory, officials reported there are no major structural life issues. In the board's judgment, with avionics and engine modifications, the C5-A has the service life remaining. The report indicates the aircraft still requires significant maintenance effort and support costs, but nothing disproportionate to the enormity of the aircraft itself. This was the first aircraft to be assessed by the board. "In this age of trying to make important weapon-system decisions with severely constrained budgets, the C-5A assessment provides valuable insight into the aircraft's projected technical fitness, costs and availability," said Col. Francis Crowley, the board's director.
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Siemens AG has signed a breakthrough agreement with , a division of The Boeing Company, to become its first global customer for real-time high-speed in-flight Internet services giving 200,000 traveling Siemens employees the choice to remain "connected" in the air. "Siemens is a global company with more than half of its 417,000 employees traveling throughout the world each year. We are always looking for ways to enhance their experience on the road and the Connexion by Boeing service is going to be a great benefit that makes their travel time more productive and more enjoyable," said Lutz Stammnitz, head of Corporate Mobility Services for Siemens AG. "As we continue to make the Connexion by Boeing service available on more airlines and routes, Siemens employees will be able to stay connected to what's important to them and to what's needed to do their job while traversing North America, the Atlantic Ocean, Europe and across Asia all the way to the Far East," said Boeing's David Friedman, vice president of Marketing and Direct Sales. "We are delighted that Siemens is joining the ranks of our existing corporate customers and we look forward to enabling them to use their travel time more effectively. Siemens is joining our service at a time when corporations can still benefit from securing special promotions for their employees."
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SUN-AIR of Scandinavia, a British Airways franchise partner based at Billund, Denmark signed a contract yesterday with Dornier 328Jet manufacturer AvCraft for two Dornier 328 turboprops. The contract was ratified and signed at the Farnborough Air Show by SUN-AIR Owner and Chief Executive Niels Sundberg and AvCraft Chief Executive Ben Bartel. The two 328s will be delivered in November this year, both sporting British Airways colours. Furthermore, SUN-AIR recently reached agreement to acquire six more 328 turboprops from Debis Air Finance. These aircraft will join the fleet from October, complementing a 14-strong BAE Jetstream 41 and ATP fleet.
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Boeing sees a $5.4 trillion market for new commercial airplanes and aviation services during the next 20 years, which will bring about a doubling of the world's airplane fleet by 2023 and accommodate a forecasted 5.2 percent annual increase in world air travel. The company released its 2004 Current Market Outlook today during the Farnborough Air Show. The report, is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and respected analysis of the commercial aviation market. "The long-term market outlook remains positive," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Marketing Randy Baseler. "Even severe downturns such as we've experienced during the past few years do not change the fundamentals of economic growth and the need for people to travel." Boeing projects that operators will invest $2.0 trillion for approximately 25,000 new commercial airplanes during the next 20 years. Of that: 17 percent (4,290 airplanes) will be regional jets, 59 percent (14,770 airplanes) will be single-aisle airplanes, 21 percent (5,150 airplanes) will be for intermediate, twin-aisle airplanes, and 3 percent (790 airplanes) will be for 747 and larger airplanes.
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Boeing has delivered the first production CH-47F Chinook helicopter two months ahead of schedule, marking the beginning of the U.S. Army's Chinook modernization program. The aircraft, the first of seven Lot 1 deliveries, will be used initially for flight demonstrations. The remaining six aircraft in Lot 1, all MH-47G Special Operations Chinooks, will be delivered by March 2005. To ensure that the U.S. Army Special Operations forces can meet high priority operational needs, Boeing will next remanufacture approximately 30 more G-model Chinooks before the next CH-47F is delivered in 2006. Boeing will deliver more than 300 F-model Chinooks to the U.S. Army between 2006 and program completion. Boeing delivered the first of two F-model engineering and manufacturing development prototypes in May 2002. Like the prototypes, the first production CH-47F not only will extend the service of the fleet, but features numerous upgrades over its predecessors, including reduced vibration, improved avionics and more powerful engines to help improve mission performance and reduce operation and maintenance costs. The aircraft's improved cockpit design offers improved situational awareness to support interoperability requirements.
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MBDA, Europe's leading guided missile systems company, and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore technological cooperation in the area of missile defence. Under the MoU, MBDA and IAI will evaluate mutually reinforcing technologies and experience in order to support future ballistic missile interceptor system concepts. The agreement was signed by MBDA's Chief Executive Officer, Marwan Lahoud, and Moshe Keret, President and CEO of IAI, at the Farnborough Air Show. Under the accord, both companies have undertaken to examine their respective capabilities and expertise to see how best to evolve active defence systems to counter future threats. "Existing systems are well adapted to counter current and foreseen threats, but the future will certainly see a new generation of ballistic missiles with even more advanced capabilities. It is, therefore, imperative that we start thinking now about the technologies that will be needed to enable us to combat these threats. IAI and MBDA are united in this view and in the belief that together they can develop the innovations which will result in effective solutions", Marwan Lahoud said.
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Bell Helicopter Chief Executive Officer Mike Redenbaugh today announced that Air Methods Corporation has placed an order for fifteen Bell Model 427i twin-engine helicopters. According to Aaron Todd, Chief Executive Officer of Air Methods Corporation this order is part of the Air Methods long-term fleet expansion and modernization program. The 427i aircraft are scheduled for delivery beginning in late 2007. The agreement provides for a minimum delivery of three aircraft per year. Commenting on the sale Mr. Redenbaugh said, "We are both pleased and excited about this sale to Air Methods. The 427i is an aircraft that will have tremendous performance capability. To have it operated by the largest provider of air medical transport services for hospitals in the business is a testimony to the acceptance the 427i has already received in the market place. We couldn't be more pleased."
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Delta Air Lines announced that it has reached an agreement with Boeing to revise its delivery schedule for Boeing 777 and 737-800 aircraft for the years 2005 through 2009. Delta expects this agreement to reduce its capital spending requirements by nearly $1 billion for the years 2004 through 2006. Delta wil defer two 777 deliveries, originally scheduled for 2005, to 2008; (Delta announced on Feb. 10 that it planned to sell these 777s, but now has elected to defer delivery instead.), defer three 777 deliveries, originally scheduled for 2006, to 2009; defer five 737-800 deliveries, originally scheduled for 2006, to 2007; accelerate eight 737-800s, originally scheduled for 2008, to 2007; finally, Delta has agreed to cancel all of its current option rights to purchase 777 and 737-800 aircraft for the years 2005 through 2007, and has agreed to terminate all of its option and rolling option rights to purchase 757 aircraft.
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SIMMAD, the French defence ministry's integrated aeronautical equipment support structure, has awarded Thales a major contract for the through-life support of Thales equipment deployed on the first 120 Rafale combat aircraft. This seven-year contract, worth 200 million euros for around 100,000 flight hours, covers the maintenance of equipment supplied by Thales (RBE2 radars, Spectra electronic warfare systems, optronics, IFF identification systems, cockpit display systems, communication systems, MDPU* mission computers, data-storage units, interface units) and associated test systems. Thales will conduct repairs, deliver replacement parts and provide technical support for delivered systems and guarantee spare parts availability for the French forces.
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EADS welcomed VT Group as full shareholders in AirTanker, the consortium currently in exclusive negotiations with the UK Ministry of Defence to provide air refuelling and air transport services to the RAF. EADS is the largest shareholder in the consortium with a 40 percent holding. Other shareholders are Rolls-Royce, Cobham (both with 20 percent), Thales and VT (both with 10 percent). Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich, CEO's of AirTanker share-holder EADS, said: "EADS is delighted to welcome VT formally into the AirTanker consortium. VT's decision to form a deeper rela-tionship with AirTanker and to invest in the project re-inforces the commitment of all AirTanker's shareholders to conclude a PFI con-tract that meets the MoD's requirements."
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Raytheon has received a $123 million contract for production of more than 2,700 Tube-launched Optically tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles including TOW 2B Aero, TOW 2B, and TOW practice rounds for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and international customers. The contract was awarded June 4 by the Acquisition Center of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command and the Close Combat Weapons Systems project office, Program Executive Office for Tactical Missiles at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala.
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Airbus confirms that the Turkish national carrier Turkish Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of 36 Airbus single aisle and wide body aircraft, further strengthening Airbus' presence in Central Eastern Europe. The purchase agreement is expected to be signed shortly. This agreement renews the partnership between Turkish Airlines and Airbus that began in 1984, when the A310 became the first Airbus aircraft to be operated by the Istanbul-based airline. Now, 20 years on, following the introduction of the A340-300 in its fleet in 1993, Turkish Airlines has opted to use the modern and efficient Airbus family products, by acquiring 19 A320's, 12 A321's and five A330-200's. The new aircraft will support Turkish Airlines' aggressive growth strategy.
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Bell Helicopter announced the first flight of Bell's MAPL tail fan demonstrator at Bell's new XworX research center in Arlington, Texas. On Thursday July 15th, the aircraft lifted into a hover, performed some low-speed maneuvers including pedal turns, and landed. The demonstrator will be used to explore the flight characteristics of this protected, low-noise anti-torque device intended for use on Bell's new MAPL line of light helicopters (the Modular Affordable Product Line.) Mr. Redenbaugh said, "This is an extension of protected anti-torque development at Bell that started in the 1970s with small-scale testing and includes the Ducted Tail Rotor demonstrations done ten years ago. We are developing a tail rotor for our customers that will be quieter, more effective, and more reliable with lower operating costs."
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Kingfisher Airlines, India's new value-based carrier, has chosen Airbus' A320 family to inaugurate services among major Indian cities. It has signed a memorandum of understanding for the acquisition of four Airbus A320s from Airbus, and taken options on eight more. In addition, it is in negotiation with leasing companies for the lease of a further four A320s. Deliveries of the leased aircraft will begin in the first quarter of 2005, while those of the new aircraft from Airbus will start in the last quarter of 2005.
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AgustaWestland unveiled at Farnborough 2004 the Agusta Grand new top-of-the-range light twin helicopter developed to meet diversified market demand and providing levels of cabin space and payload that until now could only be met by larger more expensive helicopters. AgustaWestland is committed to provide the marketplace with a modern, comprehensive commercial product line, ranging from single-engine to heavy multi-engine helicopters. This new intermediate size helicopter with light twin economics fits as a natural addition to the product line, at the upper end of the light twin FAR/JAR 27 segment. The Grand has a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 3,175 Kg./7,000 lb. The combination of 815 shp new generation Pratt & Whitney PW207C turbo shaft engines with electronic control (FADEC) and an uprated transmission ensure outstanding performance, in both hovering and forward flight, including Full Class 1 operation. The resulting payload/range capability and the very high cruise speed make the Grand an unrivalled helicopter in its category.
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His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, has signed a key agreement extending Royal Saudi Air Force Tornado work at the Programmed Depot Maintenance facility at Alsalam Aircraft Company in Riyadh. The initial agreement with the option to extend provides the platform for future work to be carried out at Alsalam. Programmed Depot Maintenance, or PDM as it is widely known, was set up by Alsalam and BAE Systems in 1997. The purpose is to carry out deep strip maintenance that is 'programmed' into the life of an aircraft. The original decision to transfer this work to Alsalam, with BAE Systems acting in its role as the design authority, was highly significant. It set up the notion of transferring expertise and technology-based systems to the Kingdom.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that Air Nostrum of Valencia, Spain hasigned a follow-on order for 20 additional Bombardier CRJ200 50-seat regional jet aircraft. The order is valued at an estimated $512.6 million U.S. The contract gives Air Nostrum the right to convert some or all of these aircraft to other members of the Bombardier Regional Aircraft product line, including the CRJ900 and CRJ700 regional jets, or the Bombardier Q400 turboprop. Air Nostrum has taken delivery of 25 CRJ200 aircraft from an earlier order for 31; the airline also operates 19 50-seat Q300 turboprops in its fleet. Delivery of the 20 aircraft announced today will increase the Air Nostrum fleet of Bombardier aircraft to 70, making the airline Europe's largest single operator of Bombardier regional airliners.
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A test team from the Global Power Fighters Combined Test Force at Edwards AFB moved a step closer to demonstrating the full combat capability of the newest variant of the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Maj. Bill Peris, a 416th Flight Test Squadron test pilot, fired the AIM-9X from an F-16 recently, successfully acquiring and scoring a kill against a Navy subscale drone. This was the third time the AIM-9X was fired from an F-16, marking the variant's first guided launch from the aircraft. During the test mission, Major Peris was flying at medium altitude in an operationally representative engagement. A C-130 Hercules crew, taking off from Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, Calif., released the target drone over a test range at nearby China Lake Naval Air Weapons Center, Calif., where the test mission took place.
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UK Science Minister Lord Sainsbury joined with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) to promote a future of close cooperation to achieve diverse goals in space. Lord Sainsbury outlined his vision for the UK's future in space at this year's Farnborough Airshow. Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA, and Rear Admiral Craig Steidle (Ret.) Associate Administrator for NASA's Office of Exploration Systems, joined him at a special press conference to mark the show's first-ever "Space Day." Lord Sainsbury told an audience which included representatives from the UK, European and US space industry: "Space has enormous potential to improve our lives. This potential can be realized most effectively by working together with international partners." "We do take different approaches in some areas, and often set different priorities and objectives. But we also have far more in common, and working together offers us the best way of achieving our diverse goals." The Minister referred to past and present success, stemming from close working within the international community. He also welcomed the recent agreement between the EU and US, which will enable Galileo, the new European civilian satellite navigation system, to complement existing US GPS services.
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The combined Chilean Armed Services recently completed a series of evaluation tests of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter which is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and features an avionics system and glass cockpit provided by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd. (IAI). HAL and IAI demonstrated the Dhruv's capabilities in various configurations that would correspond to the Chilean Armed Services operational requirements. The HAL/IAI team, which consisted of pilots, engineers and logistics specialists, brought four Dhruv helicopters to Chile, along with ground support equipment, spare parts and documentation. The demonstrations in Chile were performed under a joint venture company owned by IAI and HAL, which is responsible for worldwide marketing and product support for the international version of the Dhruv helicopter.
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Thales announced that its digital Head-Up Display System has been chosen by Airbus Military for the new A400M military transport aircraft. The digital Head-up Display is the latest step forward in the development of a full-digital cockpit. This new-generation HUD ushers in further advances in terms of deeper system integration, more flexible operation and higher-quality graphics, with specific LCD technology features. The basic version offers Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) capability, enhancing situational awareness at greater distances during low-visibility conditions. This feature provides advanced warning to the flight crew with the added potential of decreasing their reaction time in critical situations. By incorporating LCD technology in HUDs, Thales provides air forces that operate the A400M the same benefits found on LCD-based head-down displays (HDD). This is the first time that an HUD of this type has been fitted on a military aircraft. Thales is the only manufacturer today with proprietary in-house production for the critical active matrix liquid crystal displays. The HUD LCD will be developed in France and in the United Kingdom. Thales has been selected by Airbus Military to develop and supply the Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) modules for the new A400M military transport aircraft. The Integrated Modular Avionics solution maximizes the benefits of reuse of the A380 IMA concept and is adapted to the specific requirements of the A400M.
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On 20 July 2004, in the margins of Farnborough Airshow, the EU (the European Commission and the governments of the EU Member States most concerned) and Japan (METI) brought together EU and Japanese aerospace industries to build a closer relationship and industrial cooperation. In this regard, Trade Commissioner Pascale Lamy stated : "Today, civil aerospace is a global industry. Worldwide subcontracting has become an industrial reality. We see our role in facilitating such business practices wherever possible. The EU-Japan meeting on industrial cooperation is part of this effort. "Today the potential for industrial cooperation between both regions does not yet match the tremendous capabilities of Japanese and European aerospace companies. We need to change this over time by promoting a more favourable environment for international trade and international industrial cooperation in the aerospace sector."
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The first Russian Kamov-32 (KA-32) helicopter, equipped with Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) Lahav Division avionics package, was delivered on June 22nd, 2004 to the Republic Of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) by the Korean Company LGI. The delivery took place in a ceremony at the ROKAF's air base in Cheongju, Korea. The helicopter is the first in a series of seven new KA-32 helicopters procured by ROKAF via LGI. The helicopter designed by the Russian Company Kamov, manufactured by the Russian helicopter manufacturing company KumAPE, and transferred to LGI's facility for customization and integration of the IAI's Lahav Division avionics suite. The following six helicopters will be delivered to ROKAF by the first half of year 2005. The helicopter will join ROKAF's other Search and Rescue helicopters.
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Following an agreement by Federal Minister of Defense Dr. Peter Struck with his Netherlands colleague, Henk Kamp, the national arms directors of both nations undertook in the autumn of 2003 negotiations on the purchase of P-3C Orion long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. On 13 July, 2004 the officiald agreed on the purchase of eight aircraft, including all logistic elements to ensure supportability. In addition to spare parts, this includes documentation, ground servicing and testing equipment as well as a simulator. The agreement also covers also the training of flight and technical personnel of the German Federal Armed Forces. The financing of the project is secured. Subject to parliamentary authorization by the Bundestag Budget Committee, planned for the autumn 2004, the contract could be signed before the end of the year. The aircraft are to transferred to Germany from the autumn of 2005 to the spring of 2006, and will equip Naval Aviation Wing 3. The Breguet Atlantic long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft used until now by the navy have nearly reached the end of their service life. With the introduction of the P-3C Orion, the Navy will maintain its capability for long-range maritime reconnaissance and improve its technological capabilities
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The first of Japan's fleet of Northrop Grumman Corporation-built E-2C early-warning command and control aircraft to be upgraded to the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 configuration completed its maiden flight on July 14. The aircraft, one of 13 E-2C Hawkeyes that Japan operates, was modified and upgraded by a Japan Hawkeye industry team that includes Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.; Toshiba; and Yamada Corporation. Kawasaki Heavy Industries did the final modifications at its Gifu, Japan facility. Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector, the U.S. Navy's E-2C prime contractor, performed the engineering work for the modification program and provided the modification kits. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery to the Japan Air Self Defense Force in the September 2004 timeframe.
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Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) Lahav Division has developed a unique mid-air collision avoidance system for helicopters. The Tactical Mid-Air Collision Avoidance (TMACA) system is a proven solution to prevent collisions during helicopter tactical mission and formation flights. Helicopters equipped with TMACA are netted to each other in a "system envelope" arrangement. The system can be used for both military and civilian helicopter fleets. The system envelope monitors all helicopters on the network for unexpected traffic with an 15 second or less impact flight path, a 40-meter or less gap between helicopters or a hover-landing collision situation. The network calculates collision conditions using a Dynamic High Trajectory Evaluation algorithm and automatically alerts the pilot with recommended avoidance measures if a potential collision is predicted.
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The Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company AB139 achieved 2,000 hours total flight time in early July 2004. In addition to this achievement, the third pre-production AB139, I-EPIC, achieved 1,000 flight hours while completing an intensive flying period in Phoenix, Arizona, USA on the certification flying for the AB139 Honeywell Primus Epic System.
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The EU Commission took further action to tackle the discriminatory bilateral aviation agreements signed by Member States. By reserving traffic rights for national carriers, these agreements prevent free competition in the provision of international air transport between the European Union and the United States, to the detriment of the airline industry and consumers. Vice President Loyola de Palacio said "It is over one and a half years since the European Court of Justice ruled that the discrimination between EU airlines embodied in the Member States' bilateral agreements with the US is contrary to EU law, yet that discrimination still remains in place. Member States must take the necessary measures to comply with the Court rulings. It is unacceptable that Member States continue to be party to agreements that deny consumers and airlines the benefits of the European Single Market more than one and a half years after the Court judgments. Moreover Member States which do not have "open skies" agreements should not now negotiate on their own such agreements with the US."
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Boeing and Emirates said the Dubai-based airline will order up to 13 Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes valued at $2.96 billion dollars at list price. Four of the airplanes are on firm order and will be delivered during 2006. The rest are covered by purchase rights that extend through 2012. Emirates, which now operates 21 Boeing 777s, next year begins receiving a separate group of 777-300ERs from leasing companies. At that point it will operate the 777-200, 777-200ER, 777-300, and the 777-300ER, becoming the third airline to operate the four 777 models. By late 2007 Emirates will have 51 Boeing 777s, giving it one of the world's largest 777 fleets.
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EADS Astrium has just signed in Bangkok, a contract for delivery of THEOS, the THai Earth Observation System with the Thai Ministry of Science and Technology's Space Agency (GISTDA). THEOS will be fully owned and operated by GISTDA and will provide Thailand with worldwide geo-referenced image products and image processing capabilities for applications in cartography, land use, agricultural monitoring, forestry management, coastal zone monitoring and flood risk management. THEOS will provide access to any part of Thailand in less than 2 days. The THEOS contract includes the production and launch of one optical satellite, as well as the development of the ground segment necessary to operate and control the satellite directly from Thailand. This is naturally accompanied by state of the art facilities for image archiving and processing. The ThEOS satellite is based on the new generation of EADS Astrium Optical Earth Observation high performance satellites, the AstroSat product line, and benefits from EADS Astrium's extensive experience in this field which started with the SPOT and METOP satellites.
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The Assessment Phase for the production of the biggest and most powerful aircraft carriers ever built in the UK is to be extended to enable further risk reduction work to be undertaken, Lord Bach, Minister for Defence Procurement, announced. Lord Bach also announced that the Ministry of Defence and industry (BAE SYSTEMS / Thales UK) have agreed the Alliancing principles for the Future Carrier Programme (CVF). The Assessment Phase extension will give the MoD the opportunity to fully realise risk reduction activity, including de-risking the technology, supply-side arrangements and the programme's contractual arrangements, key tenets of Smart Acquisition. During this time, the Department will also conclude the final Alliance Agreement and the contracts for the next phases, before moving to the main investment decision during 2005.
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The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has renewed its confidence in Thales by awarding a new contract, worth 85 million euros, to develop a second demonstrator for the RBE2 electronic scanning radar with active array antenna for the Rafale combat aircraft. This new contract will demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of equipping the Rafale combat aircraft's RBE2 electronic scanning radar with an active array antenna based on European technology. It also covers risk assessment associated with radar integration (thermal, mechanical, electrical environment) and in-flight operational testing. In April 2002, the DGA appointed Thales to develop a first active array radar demonstrator based on the RBE2. This first demonstrator successfully achieved its objectives, flying for the first time on the Mystère 20 testbed aircraft at the Cazaux flight test centre in December 2002, and for the first time on the Rafale in April 2003.
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The Commonwealth of Australia has awarded SaabTech an order for adaptation and flight trials of the BOL Countermeasure Dispensing System for the Royal Australian Air Force's F/A-18 Hornet. "We are proud to be selected to be evaluated on the Australian Air Force's F/A-18 fighters. The order shows that the BOL system is a world leading product well-established in the field of self-protection internationally," says SaabTech's president Björn Erman. The Australian Air Force will be the first customer to evaluate BOL on the F/A-18. The test and trial contract, that is valued at 16,5 MSEK (approx 2,2 MUSD), opens up for later manufacturing programs.
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Northrop Grumman and Manassas, Va.-based Aurora Flight Sciences announced a landmark collaborative business agreement to design, develop and produce tactical, long-endurance unmanned air vehicle (UAV) systems based on Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)-developed UAVs. The agreement, which addresses growing worldwide demand for UAV systems, marks Northrop Grumman's entry into the tactical, long-endurance UAV market. It will allow the company to rapidly develop affordable UAV systems for a broader, more diverse set of military and civilian missions.
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Some 8,979 rotorcraft with a value of $80.1 billion are expected to be built throughout the world in the 2004-2013 period, predict Teal Group analysts in their latest world rotorcraft forecast released today at the Farnborough 2004 Air Show in Farnborough, England. This includes 4,396 machines for civil users, worth $12.2 billion, and 4,583 military machines worth $67.9 billion (all in 2004 US dollars). These numbers represent strong growth over the previous ten years (1994- 2003) when production totaled 7,793 machines worth $51.1 billion (comprising $39.4 billion military market and $11.7 billion civil market). Again, all figures are in 2004 US dollars.
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In a deal valued at over $230 million, Bell Helicopter, a Textron company, is delivering 26 Bell 412EP medium twin-engine helicopters and associated equipment to Pakistan. Bell, which delivered 9 of the aircraft to Pakistan last month, will deliver the rest over the next ten months. The Bell 412EP has been a top performer around the world in a wide variety of military and civil missions. An excellent utility aircraft, the Bell 412EP helicopters will be used primarily for personnel transport, emergency medical service and disaster relief. The Bell 412EP is in service with a number of nations including the United Kingdom which employs a dozen aircraft in its Defence Helicopter Flying School. Bell has delivered 100 of its 412 helicopters to Canadian Forces, which use the aircraft for search-and-rescue and emergency medical transport, among other missions.
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NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe today acknowledged the tough financial decisions that have to be made by Congress in passing the fiscal year 2005 budget, but asked the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations to restore more than $1 billion of recommended cuts made Tuesday by the appropriations subcommittee. "Over the course of the past year, Congress has called for the President to articulate a vision and strategy for space exploration. The President's budget proposes the means to support the Vision for Space Exploration while the Subcommittee's position does not provide the resources," said the Administrator in a letter to Committee Chairman C. W. Bill Young, Republican congressman from Florida's 10th District. "We are encouraged that the Subcommittee endorsed the Vision for Space Exploration in their markup, indicating they are hopeful that it may be possible to augment NASA funding as the appropriations process moves forward." Tuesday, members of the subcommittee recommended to the full Appropriations Committee a $15.1 billion budget for NASA, cutting about $1.1 billion from the President's 2005 fiscal year submission. The NASA budget is part of a $93 billion spending bill that also provides funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the National Science Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency. "The Subcommittee-recommended funding level for NASA would adversely affect its ongoing science and technology programs, as well as the NASA workforce, and will delay plans for FY 2005 critical technology design efforts needed to better define the architecture in support of the Vision for Space Exploration," the Administrator continued in his letter. "It is very important that these design efforts go forward in FY 2005 to enable NASA to address the long-lead, high-risk requirements that will form the basis for informed decisions by Congress on next steps in the Exploration plan."
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Embraer and Luxair have announced a commercial proposal to exercise two ERJ 135s options and to include one more option for an aircraft of the same type in Embraer's order book. Under such proposal, Luxair shall be firming up the two ERJ 135 options in the following weeks, with deliveries of the 37-seat airplane taking place in the first quarter of 2005. Luxair is currently operating a fleet of eight ERJ 145s nicknamed "Eurojet," and now intends to use these two additional ERJ 135s on its network for longer routes and to serve London City airport (LCY) from Luxembourg.
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Mr. Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, and Mr. Dimitris Sioufas, Minister for Development, signed the Agreement on Greece's accession to the ESA Convention, at the Agency's Paris Headquarters. Greece formally applied to join ESA in September 2003. Under the Accession Agreement, it will become a full member state by December 2005 at the latest, following a transition period. "We warmly welcome Greece to the European Space Agency", said Jean-Jacques Dordain. "We look forward to the new member state fruitfully extending its participation in various fields, including the new space programs Europe is preparing for the future".
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Lockheed Martin recently completed a successful Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) radar. Advanced Hawkeye, now in development by Northrop Grumman, is the U.S. Navy's next-generation airborne early warning and battle management system and will be the Navy's airborne node in the service's transformation to fighting warfare of the future. Lockheed Martin leads the AHE industry team responsible for design and development of the Hawkeye's next-generation radar. The company received a $413.5 million contract from prime contractor Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems (IS) in August 2003 to begin the System Development and Demonstration (SD&D) phase. Current production Hawkeye 2000 aircraft use Lockheed Martin's AN/APS-145 airborne radar.
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Rolls-Royce announced that the Trent 900 engine had passed the latest in a series of mandatory tests required for safety certification by the airworthiness authorities. The engine, which will be the first to enter service on the Airbus A380, has cleared the 150-hour endurance test, which involved running at maximum power for extended periods. This allowed development engineers to monitor the Trent 900's behaviour at high shaft speeds and to prove its thermal capability at operating temperatures higher than those typically experienced in airline service. Over 40 per cent of the engine's time on the test bed was spent at thrusts of 86,000lb and above – well in excess of the 70,000lb thrust required at entry into service. The engine, which will be certified at 80,000lb thrust to allow margin for future growth, also performed more than 100 re-starts as part of the exercise.
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Eurocopter Deutschland and Airbus have signed a contract to increase competitiveness in the world market. Herewith the German Eurocopter facility, as a supplier for Airbus passenger and cargo doors, will contribute significantly to the reduction of costs. This goal will be reached mainly by further extending the automatic production process and by including production shares from low-cost countries. After intensive negotiations, Eurocopter and Airbus both reached a satisfying result. According to Airbus, Eurocopter proved with this contract once again that, in addition to its innovation capability, which was demonstrated, a few weeks ago with the introduction of the world's first all-composite aircraft passenger door, it also possesses the necessary market competitiveness. This makes Eurocopter an important and reliable partner. Bert Stegkemper, Head of the German Eurocopter sites, stated: "With this contract we do not only extend our strategic partnership with Airbus. We also qualify Eurocopter as a manufacturer of airplane passenger and cargo doors for the entire world market."
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After considering six different mission studies, all aimed at increasing understanding of potentially dangerous near Earth objects (NEOs), the European Space Agency (ESA) has decided to develop a mission to actually move an asteroid. Of the six missions under consideration, three were space-based observatories for detecting NEOs, while the others proposed rendezvous scenarios. The decision to develop one of the later options was taken in light of recent advances in Earth-based observation of asteroids, according to ESA. The recommendation was made by an expert NEO advisory panel, chaired by Alan Harris of the German Aerospace Centre. Dr Harris said: 'The task has been very difficult because the goalposts have changed. When the studies were commissioned, the discovery business was in no way as advanced as it is now. Today, a number of organizations are building large telescopes on Earth that promise to find a very large percentage of the NEO population at even smaller sizes than visible today.'
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TAI's General Manager, Mr Oktay TEZSEZEN, and EC's C.E.O, Mr Fabrice BREGIER, have signed on July 13, 2004 a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in order to extend their cooperation on Super Puma / Cougar aerostructures production. The objective is to consolidate TAI as a Centre of Excellence being at term the sole source for Super Puma / Cougar and EC225 / 725 helicopters for complete structures for Eurocopter world-wide needs. Within the Phenix 2 Contract (30 Cougar AS532) and the EUROTAI Consortium, TAI already manufactured major sub-assemblies for this Programme (complete fuselage, tail boom, canopy, cargo floors, sliding cowlings and engine cowlings). Besides, TAI also assembled 28 Cougar helicopters out of 30 in their plant.
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Boeing Gr (GMD) program team and the Missile Defense Agency emplaced the first GMD interceptor in its underground silo at Fort Greely, Alaska on July 22. The operation involved the use of a special crane to lower the interceptor into the silo. The interceptor is the first of up to 16 planned for emplacement at the GMD site at Fort Greely by the end of 2005. Earlier this month, the Boeing GMD Team and MDA dedicated the GMD site, marking completion of construction at the site. The GMD system consists of integrated ground-based interceptors, a variety of sensors and an expansive battle management command, control and communications network, capable of protecting the homeland from a limited long-range ballistic missile attack. As prime contractor for the GMD program, Boeing is responsible for the development and integration of the GMD system components, including the ground-based interceptor; ground-based radar prototype; battle management, command, control and communication systems; early warning radars; and interfaces to the Defense Support Program early warning satellite system. Other GMD team members include Orbital Sciences Corp., Raytheon, Northrop-Grumman and Lockheed Martin.
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LTA Technologie AG has signed a Letter of Intent with Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik to buy an enlarged version of the NT 07 airhisp with up to 19 seats. Currently, the technical feasibility is being researched.
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EPI Europrop International GmbH (EPI), the joint company formed by the four leading European aero engine companies to offer the TP400-D6 turboprop for the A400M transport aircraft, has achieved a significant milestone in the development of the TP400-D6 engine. The preliminary design review of the TP400-D6 engine, which validates the main conceptual design of the engine and the preferred technologies and architecture, was successfully concluded last month. EPI will begin now all the detail design and the certification tests. "The success of this review is an important step for the development of the TP400-D6 engine and is a result of the great efforts made by EPI and its parent companies to meet all requirements of the A400M aircraft ", said Prof. Dr. Günter Kappler, Managing Director of EPI. He added : "The engine development is on schedule within the partner companies, with the first ground tests of the TP400-D6 planned in August 2005. ".
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Since the first EVS was installed on an in-service Air Force C-37A aircraft in May 2002, Gulfstream has installed another 56 in the large-cabin, ultra-long-range GV; 15 in the large-cabin, long-range GIV-SP; 8 in the large-cabin, long-range G400; and 2 in the large-cabin, mid-range G300 aircraft. "C-37A" is the Air Force designation for the ultra-long-range Gulfstream V business jet.
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Sudan is reported to have taken delivery of the last of 12 MiG fighter jets purchased from Russia in a deal signed three years ago. Although the Sudanese government says the jets are needed to defend against external threats, delivery of the planes comes as the Khartoum government faces increasing criticism for its involvement in the conflict in the western Darfur region and hints that the international community may step in if conditions do not improve. The Sudanese government denies these fighter jets will be used against its own people. But given the widespread charges of government complicity in the deaths of an estimated 30,000 civilians in Darfur, Russia's delivery of these last two MiGs is coming under new scrutiny.
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Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) recently marked the 1,000,000th operating hour of its PW200 turboshaft engine fleet, further confirming the engine series' leadership position in the world light-twin helicopter market. „This remarkable milestone demonstrates the tremendous inroads the PW200 engine family has made over the past decade," said Mr. Alain M. Bellemare, President, P&WC. "It has become a dominant force in the light-twin helicopter market, capturing roughly 70 per cent of new deliveries in this fast-growing segment, especially in the law enforcement, emergency medical services and corporate markets. "Mr. Bellemare noted that PW200 engines are continuing to be selected by a large majority of operators to power their new light-twin helicopters. "This ongoing success is being driven by superior engine performance, low operating costs and P&WC's unparalleled customer support network," he said.
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