FLUG REVUE update: Week ending 29 August 2004

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UPDATE
Week ending 29 August 2004

+++ UH-Tiger achieves military certification +++ Lufthansa Cargo to cut 480 jobs +++ Thai selects A380 +++ Singapore Airlines buys 777-300ER +++ BAE and Northrop Grumman develop anti-missile devices +++ Traffic growth undermined by fuel costs +++ Mars Odyssey mission continues +++ MTU completes Clean engine +++ Sikorsky to acquire Schweizer +++ News in brief +++

UH-Tiger achieves military certification
Kampfhubschrauber endlich zugelassen

The German Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung (BWB) has granted on Tuesday, August 17 2004, the type certification for the German combat helicopter variant UH-Tiger (Unterstützungshubschrauber Tiger). Only one day later the governmental executive organization of the Tiger programme, OCCAR DT in Bonn, Germany, expressed the qualification for Eurocopter's ambitious combat helicopter. Type certification and qualification is considered as a very important milestone successfully closing the chapter of the Tiger aircraft and weapon system development.
In addition both are the pre-requisite for delivering the first French and German helicopters to the bin-national Tiger pilot school Le Luc in southern France from October 2004 on. The French HAP Tiger version received the same status 4 months ago. The type certifications for the French and German Tiger helicopters were achieved in close and extremely efficient cooperation between both national certification authorities, BWB and DGA (Délégation Générale pour l'Armement), thus underlining the successfully cross border cooperation in armament development and acquisition between France and Germany.
Furthermore, both the serial HAP and UHT currently proof their high production quality and reliability in respective acceptance flights. In addition, this has already been encountered on other serial Tiger's which had been provided with so called preliminary airworthiness certifications for troop trials and instructor pilot type ratings. Both helicopters versions, the UH-Tiger and Tiger HAP will undergo a further certification and qualification step in 2005, when improvements originating from current troop trials and additional equipment as well as functionality ordered by France and Germany beyond the original development contract will be implemented.

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Lufthansa Cargo to cut 480 jobs
Sparmaßnahmen bei Lufthansa Cargo

Lufthansa Cargo is adopting a comprehensive package of measures in responding on the offensive to structural change in the airfreight industry. Within the framework of a company-wide “Excellence + Growth“ programme, launched at the end of 2003, the cargo carrier has initiated a broad range of activities to set the airline on course for profitable growth and raise the company's value. The programme, in essence, is designed to turn Lufthansa Cargo into a process-oriented organisation. The object of the company's process management is to intensify its customer focus, slim down its internal structures and generally speed up its processes.
Additional measures are being taken to fuel growth and further reduce costs. That also includes saving on labour costs: Ten per cent of the jobs at Lufthansa Cargo (equivalent to 480 employment years) are to be reduced by 2006. The bulk of those cuts will come in administrative areas. Already by the end of the present year, a probable 150 jobs or so will be shed through normal fluctuation. Chairman Jean-Peter Jansen: “In face of an extremely volatile market environment coupled with aggressive competitors and substantial currency effects, the measures we are taking are essential for achieving lasting, profitable growth. With “Excellence + Growth“, we are aiming for a profit of 233 million euros by 2006.“

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Thai selects A380
Neuer Auftrag für Airbus A380

Thai Airways International has taken another major step in its long term fleet expansion plan, by deciding to acquire six A380 double decker aircraft, which will be delivered in 2008/09, and herewith becoming a new customer for the type. The airline is also committed to expanding its new fleet of A340-500s and A340-600s, by deciding to acquire one additional aircraft of each type. The airline previously placed an order for three A340-500s and five A340-600s in August 2003, with all eight of these aircraft due for delivery in 2005. The additional A340-500 and A340-600 will be respectively delivered in 2007 and 2008.
Thai Airways International's A380s are destined to operate on major trunk routes from Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi airport to destinations in Europe, whilst the A340-500s will be operated on a completely new network of ultra long-haul services from Bangkok to North America. The A340-600s will be deployed on services to cities in Europe and North America. Thai Airways International currently operates an Airbus fleet of 21 A300-600Rs and 12 A330-300s on regional and domestic routes. With Thai Airways International's selection, Airbus has now 139 orders and commitments from 13 customers for the A380 programme.

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Singapore Airlines buys 777-300ER
Großauftrag von SIA für Boeing

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to thirty-one (31) Boeing B777-300ER (Extended Range) aircraft. Eighteen of the thirty-one aircraft are firm orders for delivery between 2006 to 2010, while the remaining thirteen are subject to exercise of purchase rights. At list prices, the order is worth approximately US$7.35 billion, including the cost of spares and spare engines. General Electric GE90-115B engines will power the twin-engine aircraft.
The order reinforces SIA's standing as the biggest customer for the Boeing 777. SIA presently flies fifty-five B777s, and has another four B777s on firm order. With this latest order, the number of B777s in the SIA fleet will eventually reach seventy-seven units. The B777-300ER, seating about 350 passengers and with a range of 7,000 nm, will be deployed on SIA's long-haul and medium-haul routes. The new order will allow SIA to achieve capacity growth of between 4 and 6% a year. At the same time, it will maintain SIA's fleet as one of the industry's youngest, as the B747-400 is progressively retired.
As with previous orders, SIA expects to finance the purchase largely from internally generated cash flow, but if attractive, the Airline will consider other options like leasing or debt financing. SIA had also sought proposals from manufacturers for suitable aircraft to operate on its regional routes. The manufacturers offered the Airbus A330-200 and the new Boeing 7E7 for evaluation. SIA has decided not to place any order for the regional aircraft because the proposals submitted did not meet SIA's financial criteria. The airline will continue to use the B777-200 to serve the regional routes. SIA currently operates 89 wide-bodied aircraft comprising 29 B747s, 55 B777s and five A340-500s, with firm orders for an additional four B777s and 10 A380s. SIA will be the launch customer for the A380 in 2006.

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BAE and Northrop Grumman develop anti-missile devices
Airliner-Schutz: Erste Entwicklungsaufräge

On 25 August, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology directorate announced that teams led by BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman have been selected for agreement negotiations to begin Phase II of the Counter Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) System Development and Demonstration Program. Each team will build and test prototypes to determine whether a viable technology exists that could be deployed to address the potential threat that shoulder-fired missiles pose to U.S. commercial aircraft. Under the agreements, each team will receive approximately $45 million over 18 months.
During Phase I, which lasted from January through July of this year, selected contractors developed plans to adapt military-use missile detection and countermeasure technologies for commercial aircraft use. Over the next 18 months, the selected teams will each continue with development, demonstration, and testing of Counter-MANPADS devices on commercial aircraft, and complete engineering, manufacturing, installation, and operations and support planning documents. Third parties will be brought in to thoroughly test and validate the individual design approaches. The selected contractors each bring operational experience to this important effort through their partnerships with major air carriers.
In November 2003, 24 candidates submitted White Papers in response to a solicitation issued the first week of October 2003. Of that group, five contractors were invited to submit full proposals. Three contractor teams, led by BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, and United Airlines, were awarded agreements in January 2004 for the six-month Phase I and were funded at $2 million per team. After Phase I, based on the results of their work and on their proposals for Phase II, BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman have been selected for Phase II by a panel of government representatives including officials from the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, Transportation, and Justice. Phase II selections were based on four categories: Technical Design, Management, Phase I Performance, and Phase II Cost Proposal.
During the Phase II contract, which is valued at $45 million, Northrop Grumman will complete the design, fabrication, installation, flight testing and certification of prototype counter-MANPADS systems for two commercial aircraft: the Boeing 747 and the MD-11. For the DHS program, Northrop Grumman is adapting its directional infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) system, an anti-missile system currently in production and deployed on a variety of military aircraft around the world.

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Traffic growth undermined by fuel costs
Fluggesellschaften leiden unter Kraftstoffkosten

“International passenger and cargo traffic growth continued to exceed expectations through July, however the extraordinarily high level of oil prices points to yet another year of significant airline losses," said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA. "Ending the year with double-digit passenger growth is possible given the industry's performance for the first seven months of 2004. This includes a significant one-off rebound in traffic from SARS in 2003. More importantly, we are seeing a solid recovery in the underlying growth of international passenger traffic over the past year," said Bisignani.
Asia continues to display a strong rebound from the traumatic events of 2003 with the January to July passenger traffic showing a 29.4% improvement on 2003 levels. Middle Eastern carriers exceeded that with 33.5% growth. All other regions also reported double digit year-on-year growth for the January to July period. When compared to the same period in 2000, the severe shocks of the last several years are apparent. Global passenger traffic in the first seven months of 2004 was just 8.2% above 2000 levels. By comparison, European carriers posted only 2.1% growth for the same period. Freight volumes show solid and accelerating growth. Driven by buoyant world trade and far less distorted by SARS and other shocks affecting passenger traffic, year-on-year freight volumes grew 14.1% in the first seven months of 2004 over 2003 and 15.3% when compared to 2000. "Positive traffic results have been overtaken by fuel costs. They are our biggest nightmare," said Bisignani.

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Mars Odyssey mission continues
Marsorbiter arbeitet weiter

NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter begins working overtime after completing a prime mission that discovered vast supplies of frozen water, ran a safety check for future astronauts, and mapped surface textures and minerals all over Mars, among other feats. "Odyssey has accomplished all of its mission-success criteria," said Dr. Philip Varghese, project manager for Odyssey at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. The spacecraft has been examining Mars in detail since February 2002, more than a full Mars year of about 23 Earth months. NASA has approved an extended mission through September 2006. "This extension gives us another martian year to build on what we have already learned," said JPL's Dr. Jeff Plaut, project scientist for Odyssey. "One goal is to look for climate change. During the prime mission we tracked dramatic seasonal changes, such as the comings and goings of polar ice, clouds and dust storms. Now, we have begun watching for year-to-year differences at the same time of year."
The extension will also continue Odyssey's support for other Mars missions. About 85 percent of images and other data from NASA's twin Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, have reached Earth via communications relay by Odyssey, which receives transmissions from both rovers every day. The orbiter helped analyze potential landing sites for the rovers and is doing the same for NASA's Phoenix mission, scheduled to land on Mars in 2008. Plans call for Odyssey to aid NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, due to reach Mars in March 2006, by monitoring atmospheric conditions during months when the newly arrived orbiter uses calculated dips into the atmosphere to alter its orbit into the desired shape.

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MTU completes Clean engine
Versuchsaggregat vor wichtigen Tests

MTU Aero Engines once again sets the pace in the development of low ecological impact and fuel-thrifty aircraft engines. Jointly with its European partners, the company in late July completed and released the Clean engine (Clean = Component validator for environmentally friendly aero engine) for testing. A series of trials under the leadership of MTU will be run on the engine at the Stuttgart University's altitude test cell starting September. "Clean marks a quantum leap in our progress toward a new generation of super-clean engines," emphasized MTU president and CEO Dr. Klaus Steffens, commenting on the completion of the engine. "When in use, it will benefit the environment, passengers and airlines alike.” Dr. Günter Wilfert, who heads up the Clean program at MTU, noted that "with this demonstrator, we'll prove that oxides of nitrogen emission can be reduced by as much as 80%, carbon dioxide emission 20% and fuel consumption 20%."
In mid-July, Volvo Aero had assembled the demonstrator—designed to validdate the functional reliability of the geared turbofan and heat exchanger concept--and had shipped it to MTU's Munich facility for final instrumentation. Participation in this project comes as a natural continuation of the company's technology development activities towards tomorrow's engine. Launched under the three-nation Advanced Ducted Propfan (ADP) program and the German Engine 3E research effort, these activities are now being continued under the EU's 5th Framework Program. As it stands, the better part of MTU's technologies is being adopted—in the transition from the conventional powerplant to the advanced thermodynamic cycle engine—into the technology needed to sustain the next engine generation. The Clean engine has been conceived, developed and built these past four years by seven partners under MTU's program management and Snecma's technical leadership. MTU developed the turbine center frame and the sophisticated high-speed low-pressure turbine, which will be a key component in all geared turbofan engines to enter service early in the next decade. It also contributes its heat exchanger technology.

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Sikorsky to acquire Schweizer
Schweizer von Sikorsky aufgekauft

On 26 August, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., announced an agreement to acquire Schweizer Aircraft Corp., a privately owned U.S. company specializing in the light helicopter, reconnaissance aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) markets. “Schweizer Aircraft is a great strategic fit for Sikorsky, providing us with proven leadership, a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, and immediate access to the light helicopter and UAV markets,” said Sikorsky President Steve Finger. “Their ability for rapid prototyping makes them an excellent choice for advanced concept evaluation and their high focus on product safety aligns well with Sikorsky's own. Our mutual strengths, combined competencies, and spectrum of aircraft and aftermarket services will create new opportunities for the employees of both organizations and creates value for our shareholders.” The leadership of both companies has approved the transaction. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Schweizer will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sikorsky. Schweizer Aircraft has produced 2160 sailplanes, 2650 agricultural airplanes, more than 60 special purpose fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned vehicles, and more than 900 helicopters. The company manufactures three proprietary helicopters: the piston-powered

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

On 23 August, assembly of the wing for the first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter started at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, less than two months after the plant initiated the aircraft's forward-fuselage assembly. "With wing assembly under way, and with aft-fuselage assembly expected to begin this week, all of the F-35's four major subassemblies will be in production," said Bob Elrod, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 JSF program general manager. "The F-35's advanced, modular assembly process is designed to increase production speed dramatically while improving quality and reducing costs." The first phase of wing assembly started Monday when workers loaded an aluminum bulkhead and a front spar onto an assembly fixture. Nine more spars will be added to complete the wing skeleton. Once the skeleton is complete, the upper and lower carbon-fiber composite skins will be attached. It will then be mated to the other F-35 subassemblies beginning in the spring of 2005. Progressive, Inc., of Arlington, Texas, produced the wing bulkheads. The front spar was made by Thayer of St. Louis. When the 35-foot wing's structural assembly is complete, technicians will add internal systems such as pumps, sensors and electrical components.
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The Korean Fighter Program (KFP), the largest project for the build-up of air-force war potential in the nation's history, has been completed successfully. The Air Force has taken over 140 KF-16 jet fighters from the Korea Aerospace Industries on Aug. 20 and posted them to airborne combat units. This has brought the first-phase KFP project that produced 120 KF-16 fighters from 1991 to 2000 to a close, and the second-phase project that has built 20 more fighters since 2003. Under the KFP project, the nation has not imported fighter jets as finished products, instead introduced technology from the United States and produced them here under license, helping to strengthen the war potential of the Air Force as well as establishing the growth of the domestic aerospace industry.
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Lockheed Martin successfully completed a demonstration of manned and unmanned aircraft collaboration as one of the advanced command and control concepts it is developing for its Unmanned Combat Armed Rotorcraft (UCAR) program. The goal of UCAR is to demonstrate the technical feasibility, military utility, and operational value of an unmanned rotorcraft system capable of autonomous collaboration with manned and unmanned air and ground systems. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is developing the UCAR system jointly with the U.S. Army. The demonstration, conducted in late July at Lockheed Martin in Owego, NY, simulated an operational mission involving multiple UCAR vehicles and one Longbow Apache helicopter flown by an Army pilot. The demonstration involved testing of advanced ground- and air-based command and control concepts as well as Lockheed Martin's collaborative autonomy design.
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Rolls-Royce and Helijet International Inc., a Canadian-based air travel and excursion company operating Rolls-Royce Model 250-powered aircraft, have signed an exclusive agreement on the supply of Model 250 engines, parts and support. Stuart Mullan, President of Helicopters for Rolls-Royce, said: "This unique support agreement is another example of how Rolls-Royce is offering best-in-class service to operators, bringing value to its customers while ensuring stability and growth for our business." Under the arrangement, Rolls-Royce will work to minimize Helijet's direct operating costs, while ensuring that Helijet's passengers continue to benefit from the safety of Rolls-Royce original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Helijet will also benefit from its exclusive use of the Rolls-Royce Model 250 FIRST (Full-service Integrated Rolls-Royce Support Team) network of repair and overhaul providers.
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Starting 31. October, SAS Scandinavian Airlines meet changing customer preference with a vitalized new offer for business travelers on European routes. Business and Economy Class are mature concepts in the airline industry and their structure of rules and restrictions have been challenged by the simple rules and low prices of the low cost airlines. Market studies have confirmed, however, that there is a demand for airlines offering more than just a low price. SAS Scandinavian Airlines are now addressing the different travelers' needs, regardless of their purpose of travel. The new offer is based on extensive market research of approximately 4.000 travelers from eight countries and tailored to three identified and distinct customer segments: Economy - A basic product for the price sensitive; Economy Flex - Increased flexibility and more efficient travel for time-savers. A new offer, Economy Flex, is tailored to the customers whose main concern is efficient travel. Economy Flex gives greater flexibility including free rebooking and refunds, priority check-in, fast lane security in Copenhagen and Stockholm, advance seat reservation,
dedicated seating and a complimentary meal and beverages; Business - Better service in Business Class for comfort seekers.
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The EuroNav IV, a high performance task management system and digital map tailored to the requirements of professional helicopter flight, is now available. The modular system offers a wide variety of applications for EMS, military, paramilitary and civil operations. The EuroNav is available as a standalone system with a dedicated display range or as an integral part of an existing avionics suite. It is designed for the professional helicopter operator who requires a highly integrateable system with extensive hard disk capacity, a high variety of interfaces, and maximum mission support capabilities. Apart from detailed raster, vector and elevation mapping, the system provides unique functions tailored to the needs of military, police and SAR / EMS operators. The EuroNav can be linked to a wide range of onboard avionics, including an existing FMS.
Setup and configuration options are highly variable and can be configured to each customer's requirements. The basic setup consists of the RN6 map generator plus shock mounting tray, one or more displays, a data loader and a control unit.
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Engineers at NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC) in Mississippi have successfully tested what's expected to be the last of three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) that will carry the next Space Shuttle into orbit. The engine tested Thursday will be shipped to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., for installation on Space Shuttle Discovery for its Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114. NASA plans to launch Discovery to the International Space Station no earlier than March 2005. The test began at about 9:10 p.m. EDT August 19. It ran for 520 seconds, the length of time it takes a Space Shuttle to reach orbit. Initial indications are all test objectives were successfully met.
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Embraer broke ground on a new aircraft assembly facility at Cecil Commerce Center, with Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton among other distinguished guests manning ceremonial shovels with Embraer President and CEO Maurício Botelho. The facility, scheduled for completion in 2005, will be dedicated to supporting U.S. defense and homeland security programs. “In 2004, Embraer celebrates its 35th anniversary and the first 25 years of continuous presence in the United States,” said Maurício Botelho. “It is of great relevance that also in 2004, we start to build our Jacksonville facility, which will bring new, high-technology jobs to the local community, and clearly attest to our long-term commitment to satisfying the needs of U.S. defense and homeland security programs with highly efficient, reliable and low cost products. With this new investment, Embraer is proud to strengthen its presence in the great state of Florida.”
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Moog Inc. announced that it has been selected by Airbus Military to supply flight controls for the new-generation military airlifter, the A400M. The initial contract for approximately $50 million covers the development phase beginning immediately as well as the production of the first 180 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2009 and will run through approximately 2018. This win will increase sales in future years but does not change the Company's recently disclosed outlook for its fiscal year 2005 Moog is responsible for the design, manufacture, and integration of eight fly-by-wire servoactuators for control of the aircraft's primary flight surfaces. These include conventional electrohydraulic actuators for the aileron, elevator, and certain spoilers, plus advanced technology electrohydrostatic actuators for positioning additional spoiler panels.
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On 19 August, Space Imaging announced that is has sold over $1.6 million of IKONOS satellite imagery to The Alaska Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (ADMVA) for the new Alaska Aviation Safety Project (AASP). The ADMVA has contracted with E-Terra, a leading GIS applications integrator, headquartered in Anchorage, to use the IKONOS imagery to develop accurate, flight simulation training modules of the 12 key mountain passes for the AASP. The new training modules will help Alaska meet the new Federal Aviation Administration's requirement of reducing the state's aviation accident statistics by 20 percent before 2008. The Medallion Foundation, a non-profit aviation safety organization that provides management resources, training and support to the commercial and private Alaskan aviation community, will also utilize the E-Terra training modules.
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Fifteen months after President Bush declared the end of combat operations in Iraq, the Middle Eastern country's fledgling Air Force obtained its first two aircraft. The Iraqi Air Force received two SB7L-360 Seeker aircraft the first week of August, according to Omar Massarweh, a manager at Seabird Aviation Jordan LLC, the joint Australian-Jordanian entity that manufactured the planes. The two-seat surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, which were immediately put into service flying missions, will be used to watch over oil pipelines, power lines, roads and other important Iraqi infrastructure. "These aircraft will allow cost-effective aerial surveillance of essential infrastructure in Iraq and timely reporting of potential terrorist threats," Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile said in a news release from the country's Washington embassy. The two aircraft were paid for by the Coalition Provisional Authority, which identified "urgent patrol needs," Massarweh said. Reconstruction efforts have been hampered by insurgents who are sabotaging key infrastructure.
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The first two MTR390 engines to power Australia's Armed Reconaissance Helicopter ARH Tigers were delivered to Eurocopter Australia. The delivery marks the beginning of the Australian assembly of 40 MTR390s over a three-year period. The MTR390 is a collaborative engine developed by MTU, Turbomeca and Rolls-Royce. Clemens Linden, Managing Director of MTR GmbH, the company responsible for the engine, said: "This milestone is not just about delivering hardware, but is also the introduction of genuine indigenous Australian capability to build and support its own fleet."
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South African Airways (SAA) took delivery of its first Airbus A319 twin-engined jetliner, to launch the modernization of its domestic and regional fleet with new cost-efficient, state-of-the-art aircraft. SAA has ordered 11 A319s and 15 of its slightly larger sister, the A320. The A319s will be delivered over the next year and will replace older generation aircraft. The delivery starts the second phase of SAA's ongoing comprehensive fleet modernization program, which was launched in 2002 with an order for 42 new Airbus aircraft. The program commenced with the introduction of new ultra-efficient long-range A340-600 and A340-300e aircraft replacing obsolete Boeing 747s Classic and 767s.
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ThyssenKrupp Airport Systems Inc. and Indal Technologies Inc. have combined the latest in bridge and automation technologies to field the world's first fully automated passenger boarding bridge. Following ThyssenKrupp's win of the new terminal projects in Toronto for over 75 bridges, Indal Technologies integrated their innovative Automated Passenger Bridge solution with a ThyssenKrupp apron drive bridge at the infield terminal. Now, with the simple push of a button, all functions of bridge deployment and retraction are initiated. For over 40 years, Indal Technologies' systems have facilitated the landing of naval helicopters onto the decks of small ships in rough seas and extreme weather - even at night. The same technology used by these high-performance systems has now been transferred to fully automate the passenger boarding bridge functions for commercial airlines.
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Following a six-month internal investigation, the project team behind Beagle 2 has produced a report detailing the possible causes of the disappearance of the Mars lander, and a second document outlining the lessons learned as a guide for future missions. Beagle 2 formed part of Europe's Mars Express mission to the Red Planet, but following its successful ejection from the orbiter on 19 December 2003, the lander failed to establish communications with mission control on 25 December and has not been heard from since. The first report notes that following the comprehensive internal review of the mission, no definitive cause for its failure could be identified due to a paucity of data. 'However, a review of pre-launch assembly, integration and test data and post launch cruise telemetry data, and some post mission theoretical studies, allows the team to assign likelihood to a particular failure mode irrespective of whether there is any absolute evidence for or against it.' The report stresses that analysis of the ejection images show that Beagle 2 was ejected at the correct velocity and spin rate. Despite the successful ejection, however, it is apparent that the lander could have failed at any number of subsequent stages in its journey to the planet's surface. For example, observations from Mars Express, backed up by data from NASA's Spirit and Opportunity rovers, showed evidence of unusually low atmospheric density at 20 to 40 kilometers above the planet in early January. 'If such a condition existed over the Beagle 2 landing site [on 19 December], it may have prevented successful landing.' Therefore improved characterization of the Martian atmosphere if critical to the success of future missions, according to the Beagle 2 team. Furthermore, break up of the thermal protection tiles or failure of the front heat shield during entry cannot be ruled out, and similarly, malfunction of the electronics system during the various high shock environments encountered by the craft is also a possibility. Other possible explanations for the lack of contact from Beagle 2 include damage to the lander's antenna, and the failure of the craft's folded components to deploy properly due to damage sustained during landing, although the team stress that all stages of the deployment were tested on numerous occasions.
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Boeing, in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, hosted the first Aerospace Manufacturing Symposium in Hanoi, Vietnam. The symposium is Boeing's first step to facilitate the exchange of ideas between its supplier/partners and Vietnamese government agencies and businesses. The goal is to help participants better understand how Vietnam can establish a viable aviation industry and create new business relationships. “Today's conference offers us a valuable opportunity to exchange views and further enhance mutual understanding to work out measures aimed at promoting bilateral economic cooperation and in civil aviation as a whole," said Nguyen Bich Dat, vice minister of Planning and Investment. "Boeing has great financial capacity, sophisticated technologies and rich experience in this field, thus enjoying high international prestige." Attending the symposium were approximately 200 participants, including vice ministers from the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Transport, and a director general within the Ministry of Industry. Also attending were other Vietnamese government officials, business leaders, and executives from Fuji Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing, General Electric Aircraft Engines, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce.
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Asiana Airlines, one of the newest members of the Star Alliance, has selected Connexion by Boeing as its provider of high-speed Internet-based communications onboard its long-haul fleet. The letter of intent agreement calls for the first installation of the Connexion by Boeing mobile connectivity service to commence in production on Asiana's 777-200ER airplane targeted for delivery in July 2005, with service starting shortly after that. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
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The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a $56.5 million risk reduction contract to fund program management, engineering and logistics support for the Presidential Helicopter Program through November 30, 2004. These efforts will further reduce potential technical risks associated with the program before the Navy awards the presidential helicopter contract in December 2004. "This contract enables us to continue risk reduction activities and ensure system maturity for the Presidential Helicopter Program," said Stephen D. Ramsey, US101 vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin. "Through this contract, we will continue to work closely with the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, MD, to ensure the quick production start of these helicopters so that we can meet the customer's first aircraft delivery requirement of 2008."
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Australia's F/A-18 Hornet fighter and AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft will be equipped with long range missiles capable of destroying land and sea targets, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced. Senator Hill said Defence would choose from the following three long-range air-to-surface weapons: Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missile (JASSM) manufactured by American company Lockheed Martin which is a stealthy long range missile that can reach targets from about 400 kilometres away; a variant of the precision-attack cruise missile KEPD 350 manufactured by the European company Taurus Systems GmbH that has a range of about 350 kilometres; and the Stand-off Land Attack Missile - Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) manufactured by American-based Boeing that is modelled on the Harpoon anti-shipping missile, currently used by the Australian Defence Force and has a range of more than 250 kilometres.
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The State Concern of Civil Aviation “Azerbaijan Hava Yollari" (AZAL) has signed a contract with Airbus for three Airbus A319s and one Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ). The Baku-based company thus becomes a new Airbus airline customer as well as - on behalf of the Republic of Azerbaijan – a new Airbus ACJ client, joining the many governments that have already selected it. AZAL will receive its first A319 in mid 2005. All aircraft will be powered by CFM56-5 engines from CFM-International. The contract was signed in Berlin at a ceremony in the presence of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
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The emergence of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft has emphasised the importance of developing training aircraft with increased capabilities. The military training market is a highly vibrant one and participants are challenged to keep pace with changing requirements. Recent analysis from Frost & Sullivan estimates the aggregated global market for basic and advanced/fighter lead-in trainer aircraft at US$42.0 billion during the 2004 to 2025 timeframe. "Though fourth generation aircraft are extremely easy to fly, operating them at their full potential is likely to prove difficult," says Shai Shammai, Analyst Consultant with Frost & Sullivan's aerospace and defence practice. "In a bid to 'sweat their assets' more effectively, air forces are trying to increase the pilot training per student." The growing importance of net-centric warfare is also expected to positively influence the industry and necessitate the introduction of newer syllabi and screening procedures. Moreover, it is likely to open up new market for upgrades as demand for specially designed net-centric-enabled trainer aircraft soars.
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The one millionth flight hour of the E-2 Hawkeye was celebrated in early August in Norfolk, Va. The milestone was commemorated by the U.S. Navy and the aircraft's manufacturer, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Aug. 14 at the annual East Coast Hawkeye-Greyhound Ball. The Hawkeye is the Navy's all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management airborne early warning, command and control aircraft. “The Hawkeye will remain the eyes of the fleet and will provide the foundation upon which warfighting will be transformed in the coming years,” said Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) E-2/C-2 Program Manager Capt. Robert LaBelle. “We look forward to the two millionth flight hour celebration.” Introduced in 1964, the E-2 Hawkeye was the first carrier-based aircraft designed to perform the all-weather airborne early warning and command and control mission. Since its combat debut during the Vietnam conflict, the E-2 has served the U.S. Navy around the world.
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Alliance partners SWISS and American Airlines have agreed to more closely co-ordinate their Zurich – New York JFK schedule for greater passenger convenience. From the start of the winter timetable on October 31, SWISS' and American Airlines' services will be re-timed to offer greater choice and flexibility for customers travelling between New York JFK and Zurich, as well as to points beyond within Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa. Passengers arriving at New York JFK will also be able to benefit from conveniently timed connections to all major US cities.
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The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Rolls-Royce have extended an innovative service support contract for the Rolls-Royce RB199 engine, which powers the MOD's fleet of Tornado aircraft in service with the Royal Air Force. This extension takes the value of the pilot contract to £12 million. The initial pilot contract, under which Rolls-Royce guaranteed availability on three modules of the RB199 engine, has already demonstrated substantial cost savings thanks to a 34 per cent reduction in module repairs, despite the number of aircraft flying hours exceeding the planned level. A further module and three accessories are now to be added to the pilot contract from July onwards, in order to include Goodrich Engine Control Systems, H S Marston Aerospace and DARA St Athan and Sealand in the development of the concepts and behaviours that will be required to support eventual whole engine availability contract.
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On 27 August, Northrop Grumman announced the U.S. Marine Corps has successfully integrated and tested the company's LITENING Advanced Targeting (AT) system on the F/A-18D Hornet aircraft. The F/A-18D is the eighth U.S. platform with the system. The Marine Corps fielded the systems following successful integration and flight-testing conducted by a Marine Corps, NAVAIR and Northrop Grumman team at the Naval Air Warfare Center's China Lake, California range. The test culminated with the release of a laser-guided weapon that scored a direct hit on a target. The initial capability was achieved using LITENING ATs borrowed from Marine AV-8Bs. The Marine Corps intends to procure 60 LITENING AT pods to support its fleet of 72 F/A-18Ds.
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BAE Systems celebrated early delivery of its low-cost, lightweight, Electronic Warfare (EW) suite to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., for development of the next-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a multi-role, supersonic, stealth aircraft. The EW suite, provided by BAE Systems' Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS), will serve as the nerve center for F-35 pilots, enhancing their situational awareness and self-protection through next generation threat identification, monitoring, analysis and countermeasures. Special guests included Chairman Duncan Hunter of the House Armed Services Committee and Reps. Charles Bass and Jeb Bradley.
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Due to the continuing rise in the price of crude oil, and with it the kerosene purchase price (currently standing at US$ 490 per ton), the Austrian Airlines Group has been forced to make a moderate adjustment to its fuel surcharge. Increases of EUR 3.00 on long-haul flights, or EUR 6.00 for flights to Australia, are being made on a selection of the intercontinental scheduled long-haul services on which fuel consumption is highest. There will be no increase whatsoever in the fuel surcharge on short- or medium-haul flights.
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