FLUG REVUE update: Week ending 1 August 2004

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UPDATE
Week ending 1 August 2004

+++ Finmeccanica signs for AgustaWestland +++ Canada selects Sikorsky H-92 +++ X-Price flights planned for September +++ A310 MRTT performs in-flight refuelling +++ IATA sees substantial growth +++ Cessna delivers 150000 th single +++ News in brief ++

Finmeccanica signs for AgustaWestland
Hubschrauberhersteller jetzt voll in Finmeccanica-Bestiz

Further to the announcement on 26 May 2004, Finmeccanica announces that it has signed definitive agreements with GKN plc in relation to the proposed acquisition of GKN's 50 per cent stake in AgustaWestland, the helicopter joint venture for £ 1.001,5 million (approximately Euro 1.506 million). Finmeccanica will furthermore acquire real estate assets currently owned by GKN and already utilised by the joint venture for a sum of £ 62 million (approximately Euro 93 million). This amount includes the sum of £35 million to be held in escrow and repaid to Finmeccanica by way of a reduction of the purchase price if the Future Lynx contract has not been awarded to AgustaWestland by the UK Ministry of Defence, in two specified stages exceeding certain revenue thresholds, by 31 May 2008. The transaction is conditional upon approval by GKN shareholders and required regulatory approvals. Completion of the transaction is expected by the end of 2004.
Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica, said “ I am delighted that we have now signed definitive agreements with GKN for the outright acquisition of AgustaWestland only two months after the signing of the heads of agreement. This landmark transaction fits perfectly into our strategy to internationalise our exposure to defence budgets and to increase selectively the dimensions of our core Aerospace & Defence business. Thanks to full consolidation of AgustaWestland we will take complete control of the largest of our JVs thereby significantly increasing Finmeccanica's direct access to cash flows generated by its subsidiary companies. On a proforma 2003 basis, Finmeccanica would increase both its Aerospace & Defence revenues and backlog by about 20%”.

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Canada selects Sikorsky H-92
Sikorsky H-92 gewinnt in Kanada

On 23 July, the Government of Canada announced the selection of the Sikorsky Aircraft-led Maritime Helicopter Team to replace Sea King helicopters currently in service with the Canadian Forces. The selection was made as part of Canada's $3-billion Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP) for the acquisition of 28 aircraft. The Maritime Helicopter Team will furnish the Sikorsky H-92 SUPERHAWK medium-lift helicopter and support services over the next 20 years. The first helicopter will be delivered in 2008. Canada's new H-92s will be multi-mission capable and will perform anti-submarine patrols, surveillance and ship-borne duties, and a wide range of utility roles such as Search and Rescue support, cargo and personnel transport, and disaster relief support.
Sikorsky Aircraft has reiterated its long-term commitment to Canada by joining with two leading Canadian companies to form The Maritime Helicopter Team. General Dynamics Canada, based in Ottawa, Ontario, is responsible for the H-92 systems integration and will furnish a 100 percent Canadian-developed and built Mission Data Management System. L-3 MAS Canada, based in Mirabel, Quebec, brings proven performance in long-term in-service support for the Canadian Forces. The Sikorsky H-92 Maritime Helicopter Team was selected over the AgustaWestland team and its EH-101 Cormorant offering, which apparently was disqualified months ago. A Lockheed Martin/NH Industries consortium NH-90 proposal was eliminated earlier.

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X-Price flights planned for September
Rutan plant X-Price-Flüge

The X PRIZE Foundation announced key next steps by two of its top competitors for the ANSARI X PRIZE. The American Mojave Aerospace Ventures, LLC Team (a partnership between Paul G. Allen and Burt Rutan and his team at Scaled Composites) announced that it has given its official 60-day notice and has scheduled its first competition flight on September 29th, 2004, at the Mojave Airport Civilian Aerospace Test Center in Mojave, California. To win the $10 million, SpaceShipOne will need to make a second flight within two weeks, by October 13th, 2004. In addition, the Canadian da Vinci Project Team, based in Toronto, Canada, announced its plans to roll-out its completed Wild Fire spacecraft for public viewing and photo opportunities on Thursday, Aug 5th, 2004, at its Downsview Airport hanger in Toronto. The da Vinci Project Team, widely heralded as a contender for the $10 million, will pursue its own ANSARI X PRIZE space flight attempts this Fall.
If successful, Mojave Aerospace Ventures will make history by launching a privately financed, manned spaceship to 100 km altitude, twice within two weeks, each carrying a pilot and the weight and volume equivalent of two additional passengers. On June 21st, Mike Melvill, a pilot for Mojave Aerospace Ventures, became the first commercial pilot to enter suborbital space, earning astronaut wings and a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Similar to the June flight, the competition launches will take place at the Mojave Airport Civilian Aerospace Test Center in Mojave, California. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the historic events. Parking passes for public attendance can be purchased on the X PRIZE website (www.xprize.org).

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A310 MRTT performs in-flight refuelling
Erste Luftbetankung mit A310 MRTT

Airbus has successfully started in-flight refuelling trials as part of the certification process of the A310 Multi-Role Transport Tanker (MRTT), achieving in-flight refuelling with an Airbus aircraft for the very first time. The successful achievement by the A310 MRTT of this important milestone marks the arrival by Airbus in the military mission aircraft market. The in-flight refuelling trials included both “dry contacts” as well as “wet contacts” with two receiver aircraft, one Panavia Tornado and one F18 “Hornet”. Up to 270 US gallons of fuel were transferred for the F18, while the Tornado received up to 260 US gallons.
The Airbus A310 MRTT is based on the A310 passenger jet converted to a multi-role mission aircraft, providing military customers with an economic solution for passenger and cargo transport needs as well as air-to-air refuelling missions. Currently six A310s are scheduled for conversion to MRTT versions by a consortium of Airbus and Lufthansa Technik AG. Four aircraft will join the German Air Force, while Canada will receive another two. Three of these aircraft, including the one that was used for the refuelling trials, are undergoing conversion at Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) – an EADS company - in Dresden, Germany, while the conversion work on the other three aircraft will be performed at Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, Germany.

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IATA sees substantial growth
Passagierzahlen steigen

"International passenger traffic growth in the first half of 2004 substantially exceeded our expectations. If current growth trends prevail, and barring any unforeseen event, we could end the year with double digit growth, surpassing our March expectation of 7.5% for the year," said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Results for the first six months of 2004 indicate increases of 20.4% in international passenger traffic and 13.0% in cargo over 2003. This growth outstrips the capacity expansion of 13.2%, resulting in a half-year passenger load factor of 73.0%. For June 2004 heightened capacity control resulted in a load factor of 75.6%.
The better-than-expected growth can be attributed primarily to three factors: improvement of the underlying traffic trends, a strong recovery from the SARS crisis and the impact of cyclical economic growth factors. Compared with 2000, which was the last normal year for the industry, half-year traffic results are more sobering. International passenger traffic is up 8.4%, while cargo shows growth of 16.2%. The average load factor for the first six months of 2004 (73.0%) is 1.4 points above 2000 levels. The high price of jet fuel continues to be the greatest threat to industry profitability. Oil prices remain approximately US$6 per barrel above anticipated levels for 2004, which adds up to US$6 billion in costs to the industry.

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Cessna delivers 150000 th single
Einmot-Produktionsrekord bei Cessna

On July 27, Cessna established another industry-first by delivering its 150,000th single engine piston aircraft, a 172S Skyhawk SP. Cessna is the world's leading general aviation manufacturer and has delivered more airplanes than all other commercial manufacturers combined. More than half the aircraft flying in the world today are Cessnas. The 150,000th aircraft is commemorated by a one-of-a-kind 150,000th emblem, and was delivered to Sporty's Pilot Shop during a ceremony held at EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The 172S Skyhawk SP will be Sporty's 2004 Super Sweepstakes Grand Prize. The airplane is valued at over $200,000.
“This is a great day for Cessna and the general aviation industry,” said Cessna's President and CEO, Jack Pelton. “From day one, Cessna has set out to teach the world to fly. We have challenged ourselves to design and manufacture airplanes that meet customers' needs. Our customers are the most important part of our business, and we refuse to give them anything other than industry leading products with renowned quality, superior performance, and incomparable safety records. “It is appropriate that a 172 Skyhawk is Cessna's 150,000th single engine piston airplane. Not only is the 172 the world's best selling airplane, it is a timeless classic that has proven itself to be the world's safest and most reliable. The 36,000-plus aircraft in the 172 fleet have earned this impressive status by accumulating millions of flight hours while being flown in nearly every scenario imaginable.”

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

The second “Double Star” research satellite was placed into orbit on Sunday morning (25 July), carrying European instruments built by EADS Astrium's satellite specialists in Friedrichshafen. The launch with a Long March 2C/SM booster occurred at 9:05:18 h (CEST) from the Tai Yuan Launch Centre in China's Shanxi Province. Double Star is the first scientific space technology project carried out jointly by the European Space Agency ESA and the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA). The two-satellite mission will investigate the Earth's magnetosphere and its interaction with solar wind. The two Double Star spacecraft will also complete the flotilla of four Cluster research satellites by simultaneously taking identical measurements, but in different locations. EADS Astrium was also prime contractor for ESA's Cluster program. The four Cluster satellites have been successfully operating on orbit since the summer of 2000. The Double Star satellites have a total of 16 scientific instruments on board, eight of which are from Europe. With one exception, the European instruments are all flight spares from the Cluster program. They have been refurbished and upgraded for the Double Star mission. On ESA's behalf, EADS Astrium GmbH has co-ordinated the procurement and modification of the European instruments for the new mission. Furthermore, highly skilled EADS Astrium engineers have monitored and supported satellite integration and system-level tests in China.
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Oman's Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib al-Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs signed on Saturday (25 July) at his office at Mua'skar Bait Al-Falaj an agreement with the French N.H.I Company to provide the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) with 20 NH90 helicopters in order to replace some of current the RAFO Helicopters. The general manager of the French company signed the deal for his side. The signing of the agreement came as part of Oman's efforts to develop the SAF defence capabilities and train Omani cadres, ONA reported. Under the term of the agreement, the French company will enter into joint development projects with the Omani side. The signing ceremony was attended by Air Vice Marchal Yahya bin Rasheed al-Juma'ah, RAFO Commander, Brigadier Mohammed bin Saleem bin Nassir al-Mazidi, director-general of finance and accounts, Air Commodore Khalid bin Mohammed al-Sulaimi, director-general of procurements and contracts, the director of the project and representatives of the French company. RAFO Commander said the new aircraft will enhance the crops capabilities in carrying out its various missions and in supporting the Armed Forces and citizens in remote areas.
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BAE Systems announced that it has achieved its first shakedown flight of a day/night, all-weather visibility system being developed under the U.K. Ministry of Defense's CONDOR II helicopter technology demonstrator program. The flight trials are being undertaken on an Army Air Corps Lynx operated by 667 (D&T) Squadron AAC at Middle Wallop, Hampshire. The equipment under trial includes BAE Systems' latest-generation LCD helmet-mounted display and a wide-field-of-view array of uncooled infrared and low-light sensors that are stitched and fused to project images of the outside world on the helmet's visor. The system also incorporates BAE Systems' TERPROM ground-collision and obstacle-avoidance software. TERPROM generates cues and warnings, overlaid onto the fused image on the visor, to warn the pilot of terrain threats and obstacles such as pylons and overhead cables. "This first flight represents a significant milestone in the CONDOR II program," said Mike Austill, managing director of Avionic Systems for BAE Systems Platform Solutions. "Achieving first flight in just over a year from contract award is a credit to both the MoD and the industry team. We expect to learn a great deal from these trials that, coupled with work we are undertaking in the U.S., will give our military helicopter pilots a significant capability enhancement."
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An AH-1Z nearing completion of weapons firing tests in Arizona ingested hot rocket exhaust into its engines, which prompted program officials to halt the test and return the aircraft for evaluation. The unexpected event occurred during the final stage of weapons testing when the rocket exhaust from a launch of multiple 2.75-inch rockets caused the helicopter's engines to fluctuate in power and "over-torque" the drive train, according to program officials. As a result of the over-torque, the H-1 test team at the Army's Yuma Proving Ground followed established procedures by halting the test and landing the aircraft. Program engineers will evaluate data and hardware to understand what happened and prevent it in the future, as is typically done in rotorcraft over-torque situations.
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AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Agusta Aerospace Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of AgustaWestland, has been selected to provide the Phoenix Police Departments Air Patrol Unit with a new A109 Power. Established in 1974, the Air Patrol Unit initially consisted of one helicopter. A few months later, a fixed wing and two additional helicopters were added. Now with the ever changing world situation and the changing face of law enforcement, Phoenix's Air Patrol procured an aircraft that will meet their mission of today and is fully capable to meet the unknown missions of the future.
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Kaman Aerospace announced that Grizzly Mountain Aviation, of Prineville, Ore., has taken delivery of a second K-MAX helicopter for logging, fire fighting and power line construction. The aircraft is en route to Ontario, Canada, where it will support a large power line project before heading home to the Pacific Northwest. "The addition of a second K-MAX to our fleet will significantly increase our logging and fire-fighting capabilities," said Mark Stafford, president of Grizzly Mountain Aviation. "Our K-MAX has been very reliable, flying some 2,000 hours annually in support of our year-round logging operations. We are excited about expanding our business and taking on new projects,” said Stafford.
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NASA is moving ahead with plans to redesign a part of the Space Shuttle external fuel tank that investigators believe played a critical role in the Space Shuttle Columbia accident. The Space Shuttle program will soon begin manufacturing and installing an improved bipod fitting, which connects the external fuel tank to the Shuttle during launch. A Critical Design Review Board of NASA managers, engineers and aerospace contractors last month approved the new design, a significant milestone in the effort to return the Shuttle to safe flight. The approval allows workers to begin incorporating the new fitting on External Tank No. 120, the tank slated for flight on the next Shuttle mission, designated STS-114. Investigators believe that during Columbia's launch in January 2003, insulating foam from the bipod area fell off the external tank and damaged the left wing of the Space Shuttle. The new design addresses the Columbia Accident Investigation Board recommendation to reduce the risk to the Shuttle from falling debris during liftoff. It eliminates the foam covering from the bipod fitting and replaces it with four rod-shaped heaters. The heaters will serve the same primary function as the foam, preventing ice buildup on the tank's bipod fittings. The design will be retrofitted on the 11 existing tanks and incorporated into the manufacture of all new tanks. Lockheed Martin Space Systems will do the work at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Delivery of the retrofitted tanks to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, is expected in October.
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New Piper announced that it will offer Avidyne's FlightMax Entegra Integrated Flight Deck as optional equipment on all of its entry-level aircraft, making Piper's deployment of the Entegra system the most extensive application of advanced glass avionics in general aviation. The Entegra system will be offered in the PA-28 family of aircraft – the Warrior III, Archer III and Arrow. These entry-level aircraft will join the ranks of the Saratoga II HP, the Saratoga II TC, the Piper 6X and the Piper 6XT, which, when the system was introduced on the aircraft earlier this year, became the only six-place aircraft delivering this state-of-the-art avionics system. Entegra's EXP5000 PFD presents standard flight instrumentation, including electornic attitude direction indicator (EADI), electronichorizontal situation indicator (EHSI), altitude, primary engine instruments, airspeed, and vertical speed.
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Bombardier Aerospace confirms that it has concluded an agreement with US Airways on a revised delivery schedule. The agreement calls for 23 Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft to be converted to CRJ700 or CRJ900 Series aircraft. This will result in a revised total firm order model mix of 37 CRJ200 and 48 CRJ700/900. In addition, the schedule for delivery of the remaining aircraft has been extended from April 2005 to March 2006 to accommodate US Airways' current financial restructuring and re-fleeting plans. As this agreement was anticipated, there will be no effect on Bombardier's current production rate or overall planned delivery schedule for the current fiscal year.
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The Italian Head of the State, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, and the Minister of the Defence, Antonio Martino, attended the ceremony held at Fincantieri's shipyard in Riva Trigoso (Genoa) to mark the launch of the aircraft carrier, the “Cavour”, which was ordered by the Italian Navy in November 2000. Also present at the ceremony were the Chief of Staff of the Defence, Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Sergio Biraghi. Fincantieri was represented by its Chairman, Corrado Antonini, its Deputy Chairman, Roberto Tana and its Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe Bono. The ship's godmother was Mrs Antonella Augusta di San Martino di San Germano and the vessel was blessed by the Archbishop of Genoa, H.E. Tarcisio Bertone. Through the “Cavour”, a cutting edge, high tech vessel which is a key element in Italy's fleet renewal programme, Fincantieri has further strengthened its long-standing, close relationship with the Navy.
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NASA is working with two major Silicon Valley corporations, SGI and Intel, to dramatically increase the Agency's supercomputing capacity to meet critical national goals. The three organizations have formed a uniquely innovative partnership in which each is contributing resources and capabilities to the joint collaboration. As part of 'Project Columbia,' NASA will integrate a cluster of 20 interconnected SGI Altix 512-processor systems, for a total of 10,240 Itanium 2 processors, to significantly increase the Agency's capability and capacity through creation of 'the Space Exploration Simulator.' The new machine will be based at NASA Ames Research Center in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. It will provide an estimated 10-fold increase in NASA's current supercomputing capacity. "NASA is excited to be working with industry in an innovative way to allow the agency to deploy a versatile capability in supercomputing," said NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe. "This will enable NASA to meet its immediate mission-critical requirements for return to flight, while building a strong foundation for our space exploration vision and future missions," he added.
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Northrop Grumman is helping the U.S. Air Force develop collision-avoidance technology that will make it safer for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to share airspace with piloted air vehicles. Under a new Sensing for UAV Awareness contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Dayton, Ohio, Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector will verify the attributes of a "see-and-avoid" sensing architecture it designed under a previous contract. The architecture defines the way that data is collected from different kinds of UAV sensors (such as electro-optical, infrared and radar) and then "fused" to create an integrated view of the airborne environment. The UAV's autonomous flight-control system uses this data to make appropriate adjustments in the air vehicle's speed, altitude etc., to avoid a mid-air collision. Northrop Grumman will validate the performance of the architecture using a simulation that includes actual sensors and a current traffic collision-avoidance system. The company expects to complete work on the contract, valued at $1.9 million, in 2007.
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Lockheed Martin announced that it has been awarded a $178.5 million, two-year contract extension from NASA for Space Shuttle and International Space Station mission operations support work. Lockheed Martin Space Operations (LMSO) will perform the work on the Mission Support Operations Contract (MSOC). This contract extension exercised by NASA, brings the total contract value to $246,298,890. Under the MSOC, LMSO will provide space operations and data services support for Space Shuttle missions and International Space Station expeditions. These services include mission operations and planning ground systems support for the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, as well as ground systems services for JSC's Emergency Operations Center, the Electronic System Test Laboratory and Space Communications Integration. LMSO will also provide ground system services for the Houston Support Room/Backup Command and Control Center in Russia, and an Integrated Planning System.
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The collaboration between the Experimental Flight Centre of the Italian Air Force and Aermacchi has been strengthened in view of the type certification of the new advanced trainer M-346. The fourth flight of the aircraft marked the beginning of a joint flight test activity. This happened less than two weeks after the maiden flight, testifying the maturity of the aircraft, due to its accurate design and the intensive ground tests conducted over the last few months. In its fourth test flight, the M-346 was flown by Col. Eugenio Lupinacci, chief of the IAF Experimental Flight Wing of Pratica di Mare, and by Olinto Cecconello, Aermacchi Experimental Chief Test Pilot.
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Rolls-Royce Turbomeca (RRTM) has announced that civil type certification has been granted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the latest model of the class-leading RTM322 range of helicopter engines - the 2,428 shp 01/9 engine, developed to power the NH Industries NH90 multi-role helicopter. “Certification of the latest RTM322-01/9 represents yet another milestone for the extremely successful RTM322 family. Having passed the most stringent of certification tests with flying colours, this new variant will open up a range of new markets for RRTM,” said Stuart Mullan, President – Helicopters, Rolls-Royce plc. Emeric d'Arcimoles, Chairman and CEO of Turbomeca, said: "The RTM 322 is the lead engine on the NH90 and, in a very competitive environment, it continues to demonstrate why it is the world's leading engine in its class today."
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Alcatel today announced the delivery of the second flight model of the Helios II high-resolution (HR) instrument to EADS Astrium for integration on the Helios IIB satellite in Toulouse, slated for launch in late 2009. This very-high-resolution optical imaging instrument will ensure the continuity of the Earth observation mission within the scope of the Helios II defense program. Helios II is the second generation of the Helios I defense and security program. The system comprises two satellites, Helios IIA and Helios IIB, in sun-synchronous orbit. French defense procurement agency DGA was designated by the French, Belgian and Spanish defense ministries as program manager, while French space agency CNES is the system prime contractor, and EADS Astrium is prime contractor for the two satellites. Alcatel Space has already supplied the two imaging systems currently in orbit on the Helios 1A and Helios 1B satellites. In mid-December 2002, it delivered the HR instrument for Helios IIA, which should be launched by the end of the year.
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Northrop Grumman Corporation and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) of Norway have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly identify and develop potential opportunities for KDA to produce composite parts and subassemblies for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Northrop Grumman is responsible for design and integration of the F-35's center fuselage, a major section of the aircraft. "This memorandum with KDA will help Northrop Grumman and the F-35 industrial team find ways to increase Norway's industrial involvement in the development of the world's most advanced multirole stealth combat aircraft," said Steve Briggs, Northrop Grumman vice president and the company's F-35 program manager. "The F-35 offers allies such as Norway unprecedented levels of interoperability and increased capability at an affordable price."
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EADS, the world's second largest aerospace and defence group, has achieved strong results growth in the first half year of 2004. The company reached an EBIT (pre-goodwill and exceptionals) of Euro 985 million in the first six months, 66 % higher than the figure for the same period of 2003 (Euro 592 million). The EBIT margin has increased from 4.5 % to 6.8 %. The EBIT improvement was particularly driven by Airbus, which delivered twelve aircraft more than in the same period last year with a higher proportion of A330/A340 family aircraft, and by the Space Division, which had already achieved close to break-even by mid-year. As usual, the Defence businesses are expected to contribute stronger results in the second half of the year. The Defence and Security Systems Division was held back, as previously announced, by a restructuring charge in the second quarter. Thanks to the market improvements particularly in civil aviation, EADS has increased its 2004 EBIT target to about Euro 2.1 billion, up from the previous target of Euro 1.93 billion. The EADS CEOs Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich said: “Growth throughout our industry is now accelerating, and we are positioned to be the beneficiary of this. Our sustained investment in technology and constant cost control give us a competitive platform to grow the business across our range of products.” EADS revenues increased by 12 % in the first six months to reach Euro 14.6 billion (first half year 2003: Euro 13.1 billion). Revenues increased in all Divisions except Military Transport Aircraft, where no A400M revenue milestone was recognised before July. The EADS order intake amounted to Euro 13.5 billion from January to June 2004. In the same period 2003, EADS had recorded large contracts such as the Euro 20 billion A400M procurement and 21 orders for the A380. Therefore, order intake was down on a year-on-year comparison, but still remained close to the level of revenues. The order book of EADS increased slightly compared to year-end 2003, reaching Euro 179.9 billion at the end of June 2004. Out of this total, Euro 44.7 billion are from the Defence businesses.
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The EC 225, the most developed version of the Super Puma family of medium-sized twins (11-ton class) has just received its IFR Airworthiness Certificate in compliance with the latest version of the JAR 29 standard from the new European Airworthiness Safety Agency (EASA). This certification is initially applied to a flight envelope with a maximum altitude of 20,000 feet (6,000 m) and an operating envelope including temperatures between – 15C° and + 40C°. This envelope, which is already sufficient for aircraft operational use, will be extended to –30C° and + 50C, and for flight in icing conditions by mid-2005. The aircraft performed its maiden flight in November 2000 and has already flown passenger transport missions, in particular OFFSHORE and VIP, and public service missions like Search and Rescue (SAR). This commercial aircraft has a takeoff weight of 11,000 kg; and a takeoff weight of 11,200 kg with sling capacity.
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Sikorsky Aircraft hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to announce the grand opening of its new Commercial Aircraft Center, where all S-76 and S-92 civil helicopters will now be assembled. The new 14,000 sq. ft. assembly center is tangible evidence of Sikorsky's commitment to its Lean Manufacturing principles and Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) programs, which encourage employees to work smarter and more efficiently. This method of working reduces inventory, adds value to the supply chain and ensures that Sikorsky helicopters are affordable to our government and commercial customers. What was previously a storage space stockpiling excess inventory is now a state-of-the-art assembly facility, created solely by more effectively utilizing existing square footage.
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MTU Aero Engines supervisory board appointed an additional executive vice president: As of August 1, Bernd Kessler (46), who so far headed Honeywell's global Aerospace Aviation Aftermarket Services business in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, will lead MTU's global civil engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities. These are currently headed by Paul Grall, who retires at year's end. Kessler will join the MTU Aero Engines executive board of management.
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Northrop Grumman delivered the 75th EA-6B Prowler aircraft wing center section to the U.S. Navy five months ahead of schedule. The delivery is a milestone in the Navy's plan to replace wing center sections on its fleet of high-demand, carrier-based electronic attack aircraft to ensure their availability to support the nation's global war on terrorism. The EA-6B's wing center section is the wing assembly of the aircraft that extends from wing-fold to wing-fold. The wing-folds allow the Prowler's wing tips to be folded so that the aircraft can be stored close together on aircraft carriers.
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SAR-Lupe is the future satellite system which the German Federal Armed Forces will be using for radar-based reconnaissance operations. The first of a total of five satellites is currently being built by Bremen-based space technology company OHB-System AG, the principal contractor for the project. “Our satellite concept is unique in the market place at the moment,” explains OHB's CEO, Prof. Manfred Fuchs. “The intelligent combination of largely already existing and proven components has given rise to a new system offering top image resolution,” he continued. Yesterday, OHB was able to demonstrate the potency of the new system to the customer once more. Using the first satellite model of SAR-Lupe, various imaging tests were performed. The data gained confirmed that SAR-Lupe will comply with the image-quality specifications of the customer, the German Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement. OHB has established a ground station in Gelsdorf near Bonn for controlling the satellite and evaluating image data. This station went into operation on Wednesday, July 28, 2004. As a result, it will now be possible to train future users under real operating conditions to ensure that they are ready when the first satellite is launched next year.
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NASA announced the selection of one industry- and one academic-led team to conduct advanced electric-propulsion technologies research in support of the Vision for Space Exploration. The advanced electric-propulsion technologies program is part of Project Prometheus, within NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. Total value of the work to be done over a three-year period is approximately $7 million. Northrop Grumman Space Technology, Redondo Beach, Calif., has been selected to develop a nuclear-electric pulsed inductive thruster system. This award is valued at approximately $3 million to be performed over a two-and-a-half-year period. Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., has been selected for an approximately $4 million contract, with work to be performed over three years, to advance the technologies of a lithium-fed magnetoplasmadynamic thruster system.
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Lufthansa wants to offer its customers a noticeable improvement in the quality of ground processes at its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Technical innovation and efficient management are creating new advantages for the passengers. Lufthansa is now presenting a new management structure, within the scope of which, in future, the two hubs will be managed as operatively independent units. "Our two main airports will thus become more customer-friendly, efficient and internationally more competitive", according to Lufthansa's Chairman of the Executive Board Wolfgang Mayrhuber. "The journey by air starts and ends on the ground and here too, in future, we want to increasingly set ourselves apart in the competition with other airlines". He said that customers want to travel quickly and comfortably and to make transfers without stress. The reorganisation takes this principle into account. It is customer and future-oriented, supports the employees and the airports through clear customer/supplier relations. The processes should be defined and managed locally close to the customer. Correspondingly, as of 1st October, the hub managers will bear responsibility for the service quality, the passenger and baggage processes, punctuality, commercial relations with the airports and other suppliers as well as the future development of the hubs.
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An Arrow anti-ballistic missile successfully intercepted and destroyed a target today during a joint United States-Israel test program. The test was part of the ongoing Arrow System Improvement Program (ASIP), which is carried out by Israel and the United States. This was the twelfth Arrow intercept test and the seventh test of the complete Arrow system. The test was conducted at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California. The objectives of the test were to demonstrate the Arrow system's improved performance against a target that represents a threat to Israel. The test represented a realistic scenario that could not have been tested in Israel due to test – field safety restrictions. The target, representing a real threat in the region, was launched from a maritime platform and was supplied by the MDA Targets Office.
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Boeing confirmed an order by Air China Cargo for two Boeing 747-400 Freighters, valued at approximately $400 million at list prices. The first airplane is scheduled for delivery in November 2005, followed by the second delivery in March 2006. The two freighters will be used on Air China Cargo's routes between China and North America. Air China Cargo's two new Boeing 747-400 freighter airplanes will be powered by Pratt & Whitney 4056 engines.
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Fincantieri, through its Naval Vessel Business Unit, has recently signed two contracts with the Indian shipyard of Cochin; the contracts relate to design and assistance during the construction of a new aircraft carrier, the “Air Defence Ship”, for the Indian Navy. One of the most important players in the Indian shipbuilding industry, Cochin shipyard is active in the field of merchant and naval shipbuilding as well as ship conversions and repairs. The first contract covers assessment of the entire ship's design and responsibility for “propulsion system integration” in addition to providing assistance to the shipyard during installation of the engines and during the successive phase of tests of integration and sea trials. During the development of the design a team of officers of the Indian Navy and engineering experts from Cochin shipyard will work in Italy together with Fincantieri technical staff at the headquarters of the Naval Vessel Business Unit.
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EADS North America has announced the appointment of Norbert H. Fortier (Lt. Col., U.S. Army, Ret.) as Director of U.S. Army Transport Aircraft Programs for EADS CASA North America. Colonel Fortier's responsibilities will include supporting EADS CASA North America's offer of the C-295 and CN-235 military airlifters for the increasingly important intra-theater lift missions of the U.S. Army in North America and abroad.
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Reductions of up to 75 per cent in Harrier repair turnaround times, plus average cost savings of 25 per cent, are resulting from the work of a joint BAE Systems/Defence Logistics Organisation maintenance and repairs team. In January 2003 a Harrier 'pulse line' facility was established at RAF Cottesmore to reduce the turn-around time for aircraft maintenance. A key aim was cut the time taken to design and implement Harrier aircraft repairs. A pilot program was established next to the 'pulse line' hangar. The team included Royal Air Force personnel, plus BAE Systems Customer Solutions & Support design and structures engineers who were able to respond with 'on-the-spot' engineering advice and designs for repairs. This new integrated organization achieved reductions of up to 75 per cent in turn-around time for design authority-approved repairs. It also realized corresponding cost savings, typically 25 per cent lower than the traditional post-design services approach.
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Cessna announced that the world's most popular and safest training airplane, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, will soon offer a factory-installed, all-glass cockpit. Beginning in early 2005, Cessna will debut the Garmin G1000 fully-integrated avionics system on 172 Skyhawks. Cessna will initially focus on offering two versions of the Skyhawk G1000 avionics package: 172R Skyhawk GA and 172S Skyhawk SP with NAV III. The 172R Skyhawk GA is designed to address the operational requirements of the flight training market, as well as for those wanting the latest in glass cockpit technology and safety without the need for an autopilot or FIS XM/weather datalink. The 172S Skyhawk SP NAV III option incorporates nearly all of the same features as the NAV III G1000-equipped Skylanes and Stationairs, which were introduced with resounding success in late 2003
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Thai Airways has announced plans to outlay Bt96 billion (US$2.3 billion) over the next five years buying 14 new aircraft. The plan will see Thailand's flagship airline buy a raft of long-range aircraft of varying capacities for services to Europe, the United States and Australia, Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak was quoted as saying. Eight of the aircraft are to be purchasd from France's Airbus, with the remainder to come from either Airbus or Boeing. The airline is due to take delivery of the eight Airbus aircraft - five A340-600s and three A340-500s - at the start of 2005.
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