FLUG REVUE update: Week ending 17 October 2004

1
7

O
C
T
O
B
E
R

2
0
0
4

UPDATE
Week ending 17 October 2004

+++ Eurocopter: New helicopter with China +++ Clean demonstrator tested +++ 7E7 engine competition goes to Rolls-Royce +++ EADS an Boeing cooperate on GPS +++ Diehl works with General Atomics on UAVs +++ New ISS crew on the way +++ Supersonic biz-jets proposed +++ News in brief +++

Eurocopter: New helicopter with China
Neue Hubschrauberentwicklung mit China

The President of the People's Republic of China, Mr. HU Jintao and the French President, Mr. Jacques Chirac have witnessed the signature of a Cooperation Framework Agreement between China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II), represented by its President, Mr. Zhang Hongbiao, and Eurocopter, represented by its President, Mr. Fabrice Brégier on October 9, 2004 in Beijing. This agreement aims at launching the development and manufacturing of a new advanced helicopter which will complement the existing range of products of both companies. This helicopter will incorporate the latest technologies and will be available on the market by 2010.It will fulfil the needs of the fast growing Chinese market as well as the world market. This venture between Eurocopter and AVIC II is a new step for the friendly and fruitful cooperation which has prevailed between the two companies for more than 25 years, in particular with the Z9, China-made Dauphin and the best-selling EC120 now also manufactured in China by Harbin Aircraft Industries.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

Clean demonstrator tested
Neue Triebwerkstechnologie auf Höhenprüfstand

The Clean engine demonstrator is successfully undergoing its first tests at the Stuttgart altitude test facility, the only test rig of this type in Germany. On Monday, October 11, MTU Aero Engines, Snecma Moteurs and Stuttgart University's Aircraft Propulsion Institute, on behalf of all stakeholders in the European technology program, invited 40 leaders from industry, politics and the scientific community to witness the impeccable performance of some of the world's most advanced engine technologies. MTU Aero Engines president and CEO Dr. Klaus Steffens noted: "For a long time to come, Clean-based engines will be the thing to beat in commercial aircraft propulsion, even if it takes us another 10-15 years to get it into production."
Serge Eury, Snecma Moteurs Research & Technology Vice president, said: "For any such complex system of pan-European partnering to succeed, the parties must be committed to cooperation. Such collaborative spirit is increasingly essential particularly for environmental issues where national go-it-alone research efforts are becoming now obsolete." EC representative Rolando Simonini emphasized the significance of European technology sponsorship. "Clean is tangible evidence of the technology and management capabilities of the European aviation industry vis-a-vis its competitors. One of the basic challenges of European policy-making is to strengthen this competitive position through suitable programs." David Price, head of the European commission review team, added that this program has proven the success of European cooperations which in addition strongly support a cultural exchange.
Clean is an EU-sponsored demonstrator of technologies for "green?? turbofan engines. Present considerations are to adopt substantial technologies of the program into the EU's next framework program. Engines to come are expected to use new techniques - for exemple intercooling and heat recovery - to reduce fuel consumption by more than 20% and appreciably lower nitrogen oxide emissions and noise levels over comparable current engines. MTU manages the Clean program and is in charge of the high-speed low-pressure turbine and the recuperator. Snecma Moteurs has the technical leadership of the program and is responsible of the core engine with a new compressor and combustor. Volvo Aero contributes some of the casings plus final assembly, Avio designs, manufactures and tests the combustion chamber.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

7E7 engine competition goes to Rolls-Royce
ANA wählt Trent 1000 für 7E7

On 13 October, Rolls-Royce announced that Japan's ANA (All Nippon Airways) had chosen the Trent 1000 engine to power its new, flagship fleet of 50 Boeing 7E7 Dreamliners. The value of the deal is $1 billion (£560 million). As launch customer for the 7E7, ANA's decision establishes the Trent 1000 as the lead engine for the aircraft's development program. Entry into service is scheduled for 2008. Charles Cuddington, Managing Director - Airlines, at Rolls-Royce, described the Trent 1000 selection as "a significant strategic development for Rolls-Royce in Japan. As launch customer for the 7E7, ANA is showing itself to be an industry leader. It's a powerful vote of confidence in Rolls-Royce which recognizes our ability to bring new, low-risk products to market through consistent, successful development programs. I'm delighted to welcome back ANA as a Rolls-Royce customer," he added.
Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) have joined the Trent 1000 program as risk and revenue sharing partners (RRSPs). MHI will have a 7 per cent share of the program by supplying the engine's combustor and low-pressure turbine blades, while KHI's 8.5 per cent share involves an agreement to assemble and supply the intermediate pressure compressor module. Discussions are continuing with other potential RRSPs. In the only other engine decision announced to date, Air New Zealand also chose the Trent 1000 for its Boeing 7E7s. Preliminary design of the Trent 1000 will be completed by the end of the year, with first engine run scheduled for Spring 2006. Engine certification is due in mid 2007, followed by flight testing later that year, and entry into service in Spring 2008.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

EADS an Boeing cooperate on GPS
Zusammenarbeit bei GPS vereinbart

EADS Astrium and Boeing intend to cooperate in the field of satellite navigation. In the first stage, the two companies want to jointly develop a computer model capable of simulating the mutual behaviour of U.S. GPS navigation satellites and the future European Galileo system. This model will enable precise forecasts to be made of how changes to the overall system - for example, the launching of a new satellite - will affect users. Representatives of both companies signed the respective contract on the sidelines of an international conference on the topic of satellite navigation in Long Beach, Calif. "Following the political agreement, we now want to cooperate at an industrial level in order to exploit the enormous benefits that will arise for users all over the world through the interaction of different satellite navigation systems," explains Evert Dudok, Director of Earth Observation, Navigation and Science at EADS Astrium.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

New ISS crew on the way
Soyuz zur Raumstation gestartet

On 13 October the tenth crew of the International Space Station successfully rocketed into space beginning a six-month mission. A Soyuz spacecraft carried Station Expedition 10 Commander and NASA Science Officer Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov to orbit along with Russian Space Forces Test Cosmonaut Yuri Shargin. The Soyuz launched at 11:06 p.m. EDT from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. At the time, the Station was flying about 230 miles above West Africa. With Sharipov at the controls, the Soyuz is on course to catch up and dock with the Station at 12:25 a.m. EDT Saturday. The hatches between the arriving Soyuz spacecraft and the Station will be opened at about 3:25 a.m. EDT Saturday. Chiao and Sharipov will stay aboard the Station until April. Shargin will spend eight days onboard the Station conducting science experiments. Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka, Flight Engineer and Science Officer Mike Fincke and Shargin will undock from the Station and return to Earth Saturday, Oct. 23.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

Diehl works with General Atomics on UAVs
Zusammenarbeit bei Aufklärungsdrohnen vereinbart

The corporate division Diehl VA Systeme of the Diehl Group, Nürnberg, merged both of its subsidiary companies Bodenseewerk Gerätetechnik GmbH und Diehl Munitionssyteme GmbH & Co.KG on September 17, 2004. The new company operates under the name Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG and has its headquarters in Überlingen. Both companies had been interacting closely within the corporate division Diehl VA Systeme, which concentrates the defence as well as the avionic activities of Diehl. With its merger Diehl meets the future requirements of the German armed forces. Facing new threat scenarios, the Bundeswehr is undergoing a dramatic transformation with regard to size, structure and deployment contingencies. Concentrating resources, especially technological capabilities, safeguards and enhances Diehl´s competitive edge in the traditional areas of expertise covering missiles and intelligent ammunition. Moreover, it improves positioning in the expanding markets of reconnaissance, force protection, training and simulation as well as the increasingly important homeland security market.
Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG, Überlingen, and the American company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., San Diego, have agreed on close cooperation in the expanding market segment of "Unmanned Aerial Vehicles." This cooperation is of strategic importance for Diehl, because it adds essential sophistication to the core business area reconnaissance and protection. The partnership with the U.S. company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in California, which belongs to the leading manufacturers of UAVs worldwide, provides the corporate division Diehl VA Systeme access to production of the UAV Predator. This UAV operates in medium altitudes and will be offered in Germany for deployment in the entire armed forces. Both partners will have an equal work share in the net product for the German market.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

Supersonic biz-jets proposed
Zwei Firmen bieten überschallschnelle Geschäftsreisejets an

Revolutionizing modern business travel by removing the greatest obstacle in supersonic travel, a group of aviators, investors, designers and production engineers, with a proven record of success, has tackled the once thought unreachable challenge of suppressing sonic boom, and has designed a jet that will cut by half the travel time between many long-distance destinations.After three and one-half years of work, Supersonic Aerospace International (SAI) revealed that it has successfully confirmed the design for the Quiet Supersonic Transport (QSST) which will facilitate transcontinental and intercontinental supersonic travel. The QSST will be able to comply with or exceed all applicable environmental standards and FAA rules for takeoff and landing noise.
Unlike any other jet ever built, the QSST uses innovative aerodynamic shaping and employs a patented inverted V-tail, allowing the aircraft to achieve unprecedented levels of sonic boom suppression - even when flying at least twice the speed of current civil aircraft. Advanced integrated design features reduce sonic boom level to less than 1/100 that of the Concorde. The QSST program has been managed by J. Michael Paulson, son of leading aerospace pioneer Allen Paulson, using funds Allen Paulson left in trust for this project. The QSST is the only jet with a patented design to produce an aerodynamically shaped sonic boom signature making it possible to secure legal permission to fly supersonic over populated land areas throughout the world.
General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce have provided original, competing engine concepts for possible placement in the QSST. Applying the latest engine technologies all three companies have developed engine concepts that provide highly efficient cruise while retaining quiet airport operations that meet or exceed current and future noise regulations. The latest emissions reduction technologies ensure that QSST satisfies all environment concerns - worldwide.
Competing with SAI is Aerion Corporation, a Reno, Nev.,-based company styling itself as an "advanced engineering group formed to reintroduce commercial supersonic flight," which says it can design a supersonic biz-jet that could enter service as soon as 2011. The company was formed in 2002 to acquire, advance and commercialize the supersonic technology of ASSET Group. Aerion's Chief Technology Officer, Richard R. Tracy, headed that company. In addition to Tracy, Aerion's board includes Brian E. Barents, former president of Galaxy Aerospace and Learjet. According to Aerion its planned SSBJ will incorporate patented technology designed to use laminar-flow principles to substantially reduce drag at high subsonic and supersonic speeds, allowing it to use existing powerplant technology: two Pratt and Whitney JT8D-219 turbofans. Aerion says the aircraft's range will be roughly the same at both subsonic and supersonic speeds: in excess of 4,000 nm. Most important, however, for its viability in the marketplace, the aircraft has a low sonic-boom signature and will be designed to cruise at up to Mach 1.1 without a boom. Its maximum cruise speed will be Mach 1.6. Presently, the company says it is in "advanced development" and has completed in-flight testing of a supersonic natural laminar flow wing section, engine/airframe integration studies and initial systems design.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite

NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

In a "note verbale" dispatched today to the US, the EU rejects the US unilateral abrogation of the EU-US 1992 agreement on large civil aircraft as being invalid under international law. The EU refutes the arguments used by the US for terminating the agreement as "groundless and unsubstantiated" and in particular the allegations of EU non-compliance with the terms of the agreement. The EU also reiterates its strong concerns regarding the massive subsidies to be granted by the US to the Boeing 7E7 in violation of the 1992 Agreement and rejects the unilateral abrogation as an attempt by the US to escape from its obligations under the Agreement. The EU requests that both parties hold consultations before any definitive decision in the US is made in respect of the granting of support to the Boeing 7E7. Finally, the EU expects the US to take the necessary steps to ensure full compliance with its international obligations under the Agreement.
+++
Bombardier Aerospace announced that Air New Zealand, a Star Alliance partner, has signed a contract to acquire 17 Bombardier Q300 50-seat turboprop aircraft. In addition to this firm order, the contract includes options on an additional 10 Q300 and 13 Bombardier Q400 70-seat aircraft. The 17 firm Q300 aircraft will be operated by Air New Zealand's wholly owned regional airline, Air Nelson, which operates domestic services as Air New Zealand Link. The firm orders are valued at approximately $269.5 million US, which could increase to $716.0 million US if all options are exercised. Deliveries will begin in 2005.
+++
Aviation Technology Group (ATG) and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) have signed a strategic cooperative agreement for the design, development, and manufacture of an Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT). The AJT is an innovative concept based on ATG's two-seat jet, the Javelin, and is optimally suited for a variety of advanced military training and support requirements. Integration of the Javelin prototype is in its final stages and handoff to flight operations is scheduled for this month. The ATG and IAI partnership is a cooperative development process which also includes joint global marketing, engineering and co-production of the Javelin AJT. The agreement maximizes commonality between the Javelin civil aircraft and the military advanced jet trainer. It also utilizes long term IAI's proven experience in commercial and military aircraft certification. Final assembly of the aircraft will take place in New Mexico and Israel allowing increased logistical flexibility. IAI will invest equity and matching funds in ATG for the advanced trainer derivative and the aircraft will be the central element of an integrated system that includes flight simulators, ground-base training systems, and maintenance and logistics infrastructures. The dual-engine Javelin AJT will optimize aircraft performance during advanced and pre-operational training, allowing pilot trainees to better develop data analysis, information management, decisionmaking, and situational awareness skills.
+++
Bombardier Aerospace introduced the new Bombardier Learjet 40 XR, an enhanced version of the Learjet 40 light business jet that entered service in January 2004. The Learjet 40 XR surpasses the outstanding performance of the successful Bombardier Learjet 40 by flying even further under hot and high conditions and out of challenging airfields, and by delivering a faster time-to-climb performance and reducing flight times. "The Bombardier Learjet 40 XR continues to raise the high standard we've established in the light business jet segment and exemplifies Bombardier's continued investment in our Learjet family," stated Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "It will offer the highest performance in its class to fully satisfy those light jet operators with the most demanding mission requirements."
+++
Adam Aircraft announced the rollout of the first customer aircraft from the company's assembly facility at Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado. "Although this is our sixth rollout, it is really special because it's the first customer airplane," said Rick Adam, CEO of Adam Aircraft.
Having recently received Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) by the FAA on September 30, 2004, Adam Aircraft is beginning full-scale production of A500 aircraft. Before year-end 2004, two customer aircraft will be delivered and production will be ramped to 40 aircraft in 2005. "Rollout of the first customer A500 is a very exciting event," said Joe Walker, President of Adam Aircraft. "The company has shifted its A500 development activities to production and support of customer aircraft." During A500 development, a large percentage of Adam Aircraft's engineering efforts were spent on optimizing the A500 for production. Modular designs for all major airframe components, engines, and systems, allow the aircraft to be efficiently assembled. Use of high performance carbon fiber material, reduces the part count of each aircraft, resulting in a higher quality construction. These, and other modern design features on the A500, directly benefit the manufacturing process.
+++
China Eastern Airlines and Airbus have signed a contract for the purchase of 20 A330-300 aircraft for fleet replacement and expansion, becoming the first customer of the type in the Chinese mainland. The aircraft, to be deployed on both regional and domestic trunk routes, will increase the airline's competitiveness in both international and domestic markets. "As one of the three major airline groups in the country, China Eastern has maintained sound momentum of development. Purchase of the 20 A330-300s will satisfy the needs of strategic development of China and accommodate growing aviation market demand," said Luo Chaogeng, President of China Eastern Airlines Co., Ltd. "Introduction of the aircraft will enlarge our fleet and give a boost to our growth."
+++
+++
Flag carrier Air China has signed a contract with Airbus for six additional A319s. The aircraft, powered by CFM International's CFM56-5 engines, are scheduled for delivery in 2005. The carrier plans to deploy the aircraft mainly on Chengdu-Lhasa and other routes linking high-altitude airports in Sichuan Province and Tibet in southwest China which Air China serves with A319 and A340-300 aircraft.
+++
The Bombardier Global 5000 high-speed intercontinental business jet has received type approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). FAA certification paves the way for on-time entry into service of the Bombardier Global 5000 by January 2005. With FAA type approval, the Bombardier Global 5000 has now completed its primary certification program. Transport Canada (TC), the lead regulatory agency on the program, awarded full certification on March 12 of this year. The European Aviation Safety Association (EASA) granted type approval on July 15. The Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) issued its letter of recommendation to member countries on August 26. "With FAA type approval and impending entry into service by year end, the Global 5000 program is solidly on track," said Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft.
+++
Deliveries and orders were robust during the third quarter at Dassault Falcon. In total, 16 new aircraft were delivered in the third quarter which represents a marked increase from the second quarter (12 deliveries) as well as an increase over last year's third quarter (11 deliveries). Orders in North America were strong and international orders more than doubled versus the previous quarter. "The demand for our aircraft has continuously increased worldwide since the market turnaround one year ago," said Charles Edelstenne, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. "The third quarter showed us that international orders are strengthening while the North American market remains impressive."
+++
Boeing and Turkmenistan Airlines recently finalized a definitive agreement for two Boeing 717-200 airplanes valued at $80 million at current list prices. The airplanes will be delivered during August 2005. They will join Turkmenistan's fleet of passenger airplanes, which is currently five 717-200s, three 737-300s, and four 757-200s. The airline will operate the 717s primarily on domestic routes.
+++
Boeing Business Jets announced five new commitments for orders, sustaining the momentum for a program that's now sold out through 2005. In addition, Boeing Business Jets has placed six airplanes from the existing fleet with new customers, increasing its year-to-date placement and sales activity to 11. "The interest in the BBJ during what has been a very challenging business environment underscores the value customers place on the airplane's comfort and flexibility, and its reliability, payload, range, and customer support," BBJ President Steven Hill said during a media briefing at the National Business Aviation Association's 57th annual Exhibition & Convention in Las Vegas.
+++
Pratt & Whitney Canada will re-introduce the JT15D-4 engine model into production in the third quarter of 2005. All current production Service Bulletins will be incorporated to bring the new production model to the latest modification standard. "This will provide significant benefits to operators of the Cessna Citation II aircraft through improved rental support," said Benoît Brossoit, Vice President - Service Centers. Additionally, P&WC will provide operators with the opportunity to refurbish their aircraft with new engines through P&WC's Fleet Enhancement Program.
+++
Thales in Germany has been awarded a contract by IT-Amt, the German procurement agency for C3 solutions, for the delivery of TRM 6021-type SATURN manpack radios to equip the German Armed Forces. These radios will provide secure ground-to-air communication means and will be in service with the German Air Force, Army and Navy for the next 15 years. For the first time, Thales in Germany will supply communication equipment in the V/UHF frequency range using the advanced standard NATO waveform SATURN. This contract award marks an important milestone for Thales as the company is making inroads in a new market segment in Germany.
+++
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has been awarded a contract to provide engine critical hardware to the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine system for the new Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The contract covers the production of the F135's 5th Stage High Pressure Compressor (HPC) Integrally Bladed Rotor (IBR) and under this contract P&WC will deliver hardware to the F135 System Design and Demonstration (SDD) ground test and flight test engines and later to production engines. The 5th Stage IBR is a major rotating component in the F135's compressor module. This titanium IBR was designed to take full advantage of the technologically advanced high-speed blade milling capabilities available at P&WC, a world-class leader in the production of titanium IBR's. The use of IBR's helps the F135 meet aggressive weight and performance requirements by reducing the total number of parts in an engine. One IBR can replace over 100 separate pieces, by incorporating the individual blades and the rotating disk into one solid piece. Using the efficient manufacturing capabilities at P&WC also helps meet F135 affordability goals.
+++
Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force recorded two major milestones in the C-5 Galaxy modernization effort last week. The first production aircraft modified under the C-5 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) was completed, and that aircraft was then delivered to Lockheed Martin to begin the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP). "These modernization programs ensure that the C-5 fleet will be viable for the next 40 years," said June Shrewsbury, Lockheed Martin's vice president of strategic airlift. "The avionics upgrades provide the crews with a modern cockpit and improved safety of flight, while the reliability enhancement and re-engining program delivers the performance expected by the warfighter. We look forward to demonstrating these enhancements to the Air Force. Modernization of the C-5 fleet represents an exceptional fiscal value and makes a significant contribution toward filling future airlift requirements."
+++
Rolls-Royce said that the market for business jets is on the upturn with stronger deliveries predicted beginning in 2005 and beyond. The company projects more than 500 aircraft deliveries for 2004, on par with 2003 levels. Revealed in the company's latest business jet forecast - covering the 2004 to 2023 market - the industry is in the beginning of a stronger market for business aircraft as virtually all of the key market driver indicators have turned positive and are trending up. "Economic indicators, coupled with a reduced inventory of viable used aircraft and growth of share purchases at fractional companies, support our increased delivery forecast," said Ian Aitken, President - Corporate & Regional Aircraft for Rolls-Royce. The age profile of current in-service business jets also shows there will be a wave of replacement orders through the forecast period. Almost 40 percent of today's business jet fleet is 20 years of age or older. The Rolls-Royce forecast illustrates a strong market for all sectors across the business jet landscape over the next 20 years. The long term forecast projection shows the need for 23,000 aircraft with a delivery value of $284 billion for micro-jets through business liners. For the first time, Rolls-Royce has projected a new segment called "micro-jets". This segment, comprised of very small four to six seat jet aircraft, is forecast to have 8,000 aircraft deliveries over the projected period. The traditional business jet sector is forecast to have 15,000 aircraft deliveries through 2023 - up slightly from the Rolls-Royce 20 year forecast published last year. While it is anticipated that all business jet sectors will see growth in deliveries, the medium to very long-range sector will have two-thirds of aircraft delivery value over the forecast period.
+++
Boeing today delivered Japan Airlines International's (JAL) first 747-400 Freighter, the first of two new 747-400Fs for the Tokyo-based carrier. The new airplane will enter an extensive Japan Airlines 747 fleet, which currently numbers 77 Boeing 747s - more than any other carrier. Ten of those are 747-200Fs. The second 747-400 Freighter is also scheduled for delivery later this month.
+++
Bremen-based space technology company OHB-System AG has received an order from the European Space Agency ESA for extension work on the EPM research laboratory, which is to be used to conduct medical examinations on board the International Space Station ISS. ESA is utilizing the time arising from the postponement of the launch of the European laboratory module COLUMBUS, which has been caused by the ongoing interruption to US Shuttle flights, to additionally enhance the experimental equipment. The extension phase will last for two years pending the planned launch of the COLUMBUS on board a US Shuttle. One of the aims is to extend the scope for servicing the EPM medical research laboratory as the US space agency NASA will be reducing the planned number of flights to the ISS. OHB-System AG developed and built the EPM as part of the ESA's microgravitation program. The purpose of this program is to investigate the effects of weightlessness on human physiology. The experiments will be primarily performed to determine the response of and strain on the human body in gravity-free conditions particularly in the light of the resumption of manned space flight and possible Mars missions. The extension project has a volume of EUR 3 million. As part of the extension program, negotiations are currently being held for further contracts for optimizing other payloads in which OHB-System AG played a key role.
++++
Rockwell Collins recently performed a successful flight test of its Tailwind 500 satellite television system in Europe and the Middle East. During the test on a Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft, the Tailwind 500 system received live programming from the Hotbird satellite constellation for Europe and the Nilesat and Arabsat satellites for the Middle East. The test revealed the robustness of the operational footprint from the satellites and confirmed the system's ability to receive content while on the ground, during taxi, and in the air. The Tailwind 500 system is designed for super-midsize and larger business jets. The system receives signals from major Ku-Band direct broadcast satellites or digital video broadcast satellites with service available in the Middle East, Europe and the contiguous United States. Additional regions and services will also be added in the near future, expanding Tailwind's reach to other regions of the earth. It is compatible with the various subscription and free-to-air TV services available throughout multiple regions.
+++
Piaggio Aero has selected Rockwell Collins' Pro Line 21 integrated avionics system for its Avanti P180, bringing advanced capabilities to the flight deck of this aircraft. "Piaggio selected the Pro Line 21 system based on its proven performance, planned growth capabilities and improvements in life cycle costs. We are excited to have been given the opportunity to bring to the flight deck the level of quality and performance that is commensurate with the standard of excellence of Piaggio's Avanti," said Denny Helgeson, vice president and general manager of Business and Regional Systems for Rockwell Collins.
+++
Boeing has begun mission system flight tests on the first of 17 NATO AWACS aircraft upgraded under the $1.3 billion Mid-Term Modernization program. The tests culminate seven years of engineering, manufacturing and design, and through operational scenarios will demonstrate the upgraded capabilities of the NATO customer's mission system. Testing is scheduled to be completed in March 2005. The modernization includes integration of state-of-the-art enhancements to the fleet's computers, displays, communications, navigation and target identification systems. Hardware to retrofit the rest of the fleet is currently in production. "This highly flexible mission system provides NATO AWACS aircraft with the ability to receive mission orders via software from a remote location and updates via satellite data links," said Mark Ellis, Boeing NATO AWACS programs manager. "The system will electronically integrate the updates into the mission computing system, significantly enhancing the fleet's capability."
+++
Bombardier Aerospace announced that the Special Edition Bombardier Learjet 60 midsize business jet - featuring a comprehensive array of avionics and interior options - is now the production standard for new Bombardier Learjet 60 aircraft. Furthermore, all new Special Edition Bombardier Learjet 60 aircraft purchased prior to December 31, 2004 will include a "Comprehensive Maintenance, Warranty and Training" package. Initially offered for a limited time, positive customer reaction has prompted Bombardier to include the Special Edition package, representing over $1.0 million U.S. worth of options, now standard equipment on the midsize business jet.
+++
After over two years, Indian Airlines Board gave its final nod to go ahead with its plans to buy 43 Airbus aircraft, besides leasing nine wide-bodied planes. At its meeting here, the Board decided that the March 2002 proposal for acquiring 20 A-319s, 19 A-321s and four A-320s, "does not need to be revisited" and urged the government to take expeditious steps to secure the approval of the Public Investment Board (PIB), IA officials said.
+++
Initial Operating Capability (IOC) has been declared for the Army's new generation of Attack Helicopter. The Apache AH Mk1 will be the cornerstone of the Armed Forces' new Joint Helicopter Command and is considered one of the most significant weapons' systems to enter service with the British Army since the tank in 1916. IOC is a significant step towards the platform reaching full operating capability. Lord Bach, Minister for Defence Procurement, said: "I am delighted that IOC has been declared for the new Apache Attack Helicopter. This is a considerable achievement and evidence of how equipment projects are benefiting from the principles of Smart Acquisition. Apache is a hugely flexible and formidable fighting platform which will form part of 16 Air Assault Brigade and support 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. It can be armed with a variety of weapons including Hellfire missiles, CRV7 rockets and 30mm cannon rounds, and with its on-board surveillance and target acquisition systems the Apache provides a major increase in capability over its predecessor."
+++
The CSA selection board, Board of Directors and Supervisory Board selected the Airbus SAS offer as the most favourable offer received in response to the Czech Airlines' tender for 12 new generation medium-haul aircraft. In the coming years, Czech Airlines will thus add the most modern Airbus A320 and Airbus A319 medium-haul aircraft to its fleet. The airplanes will be powered by engines manufactured by CFM International S.A. consortium, the offer of which has also been selected as the most favourable. In accordance with the Strategy for the period of 2004-2014, approved by the Shareholders' meeting, Czech Airlines launched the tender for 12 medium-haul aircraft on 30 April 2004 and requested proposals from aircraft manufactures - Airbus and Boeing, as well as engine manufacturers - International Aero Engines and CFM International S.A.
+++
On 12 October in Hong Kong, in the context of French President Jacques Chirac's visit in China and in the presence of Francois Loos, the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, COHC President and CEO Li Jian Yi and Eurocopter President and CEO Fabrice Brégier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering the supply of EC 155 B1 and Super Puma helicopters. According to Fabrice Brégier, "the signature of the MoU underlines Eurocopter's active and beneficial cooperation with the Chinese aviation industry which started more than 25 years ago, confirms the company's firm intent to extend and strengthen its links with China, and testifies to the healthy growth of the Chinese industry - and in particular that of COHC".
+++
Airbus has announced plans to further increase its procurement from China, making it reach $120 million (U.S.) by 2010, double the target for 2007. Airbus has already committed to increase its industrial procurement from Chinese suppliers from today's level of $15 million to $60 million by 2007. The contracts to achieve this goal have all been signed. Five Chinese companies are already involved in producing parts for Airbus aircraft, namely Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, Xi'an Aircraft Company and Hong Yuan Aviation Forging & Casting and Guizhou Aviation Industrial Group.
+++
L-3 Communications announced that the New Zealand Ministry of Defense has selected L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3 IS) for a contract valued at approximately $200 million to upgrade mission and communication-navigation systems for New Zealand's P-3K maritime patrol aircraft. The upgrades to the six aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force will include the replacement of the data management system, radar, electro optics, communications and navigation systems. The mission systems upgrade involves the installation of new imaging radar electronic sensor equipment (video and infrared camera) and mission management systems. The upgrades also include ground-based support and training facilities.
+++
GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. Brazil's low-fare, low-cost airline, plans to add six additional Boeing 737 aircraft to its fleet during the fourth quarter of 2004 (4Q04), two of which will be used to initiate the international flights to Buenos Aires (Argentina). GOL ended the third quarter with a fleet of 23 aircraft and the 4Q04 expansion will bring GOL's total fleet size to 29 by year-end and permit GOL to increase the number of destinations served to 37, from its current 31.
+++
Atlas Air Service has placed an order for three of Cessna's newly announced Citation CJ2+. Atlas Air Service is Cessna's Citation Authorized Sales Representative for Germany, and is the first to place a fleet order. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in late 2006 and early 2007. "I have sold 16 CJ2s to German customers and every operator is impressed by the CJ2's great performance, low operational cost and reliability," said Michael Laux, Managing Director of Atlas Air Service. "Most of the CJ2 operators come from heavy turboprops and they are surprised they can operate their CJ2 less expensively. Plus, they can cruise approximately 100 knots faster, fly 20,000 feet higher, and have less workload in the cockpit. My customers often say, 'Why buy a truck, if I can have a Porsche for less money?' "
+++
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced that the RQ-1/MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft has achieved a milestone of 100,000 flight hours. This significant achievement occurred on September 27, 2004, during a routine combat mission over Iraq with the U.S. Air Force Predator number 61 (P-61). In June 2004, GA-ASI family of unmanned aircraft achieved 100,000 total flight hours - the accomplishment of 100,000 flight hours for a single model of aircraft is truly extraordinary. Predator, developed in 1994, has been operational in every U.S. conflict since 1995, and has amassed almost 70,000 combat flight hours. Configured with an electro-optical and infrared camera system and synthetic aperture radar, Predator has provided field commanders and the National Command Authority with a unique surveillance and reconnaissance intelligence capability for more than nine years.
+++
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., a provider of essential information solutions, announced that the government of Finland is extending its use of RADARSAT-1 information and has signed a pre-launch commitment for RADARSAT-2 information. ImageOne Co. Ltd., Japan's leading provider of satellite imagery and services has signed a prepaid, pre-launch commitment to distribute RADARSAT-2 information to the commercial Japanese market. The total value of these RADARSAT agreements is about $4.3 million CDN.
+++
Orbital Sciences Corporation announced that it successfully launched two medium range target vehicles in a one-week period that supported the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Critical Measurements Program, Campaign 4 (CMP-4). The launches, both of which originated from Wake Island, located in the central Pacific region, took place on September 29 and October 6. Orbital's role in the test was to supply the boost vehicle, integrate the mission payload that was supplied by Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratories and conduct launch operations as contracted by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Orbital's Launch Systems Group in Chandler, AZ led the company's participation in the program.
+++
Aviation Protection Systems announced that it has obtained exclusive rights from ELTA Systems Ltd. (ELTA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and a leader in defense electronic systems and technology, and Israel Military Industries (IMI), one of the major national defense contractors for the State of Israel, to bring the unique, dark flare-equipped Flight Guard anti-terrorist aircraft defense system to the United States. Independently owned and privately funded, Aviation Protection Systems has already established business offices in the Miami area and begun to introduce Flight Guard to key constituencies within the aviation industry. Already in use by more than a dozen customers on over 15 different types of aircraft, including military, commercial and private airplanes, Flight Guard protects military and commercial aircraft from the danger posed by shoulder-fired missiles, known as Man-Portable Air Defense Systems or MANPADS, an increasingly common tool of terrorists worldwide. Experts estimate that over 10,000 MANPADS weapons sit in the hands of terrorists today.
+++
The Iraqi air force's 70th Squadron will take possession of the first two SAMA CH2000 light air surveillance aircraft Oct. 29, in Basrah, as the first delivery of an addition to the force that will number eight to 16 aircraft. In standing up the balance of the aircraft, the Iraqi air force will receive two CH2000 airplanes per month - deliveries kicking off in December - with final deliveries completing the $5.8 million acquisition at the end of March. The SAMA CH2000 is a two-seat single engine-prop airplane equipped with forward- looking infrared - a multi-sensor imager offering high performance, precision, and high level imaging, officials said. The aircraft also will be equipped with state-of- the art communications systems guaranteeing continuous and secure air and land communications using various bandwidths, and are capable of day and nighttime missions.
+++
Boeing has been awarded $767 million in funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to continue the X-45C portion of the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) demonstration program over the next five years. The award is "a huge step forward that allows the Boeing team to build upon the tremendous success of the X-45A and deliver a revolutionary system capable of gaining rapid access to enemy battlespace and engaging sensitive and high-value targets," said Boeing Integrated Defense Systems President and CEO Jim Albaugh. The J-UCAS X-45 program is a DARPA/U.S. Air Force/U.S. Navy/Boeing effort to demonstrate the technical feasibility, military utility and operational value of an unmanned air combat system for the Air Force and the Navy. Under the J-UCAS X-45C Capability Demonstration Program (CDP), Boeing will build and demonstrate three X-45C air vehicles, two mission control elements, and integrate a common operating system technology. The first X-45C flight is scheduled in early 2007 with initiation of Operational Assessment taking place that same year. The assessment will focus on the X-45's ability to conduct suppression of enemy air defenses; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and strike missions for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy.
+++
SWISS has reported an average seat load factor of 75.2% for the first nine months of 2004, a 3.6-percentage-point improvement on the same period last year. Seat load factor on the company's intercontinental services rose 3.6 percentage points to 80.9% for the period, while its European services saw seat load factor increase 3.1 percentage points to 62.1%. SWISS carried a total of seven million passengers in the first nine months of the year. Third-quarter seat load factor amounted to 78.6%, one percentage point up on its 2003 equivalent. Cargo load factor for the first nine months of 2004 amounted to 85.8%, a 2.2-percentage-point improvement on the same period last year. The modifications effected to its route network under its current corporate restructuring had a positive impact on the load factors recorded by SWISS for the first nine months of 2004. The company posted a seat load factor of 75.2% for the period, a 3.6-point increase on the equivalent result last year. SWISS carried a total of seven million passengers on its scheduled services in the first nine months of the year. A year-on-year comparison of absolute passenger figures is not meaningful in view of the decrease in production resulting from adjustments to the route network.
+++
The US Department of Homeland Security, Border and Transportation Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection posted official notice that Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. has been awarded a contract for Bell 430 helicopters for Border Protection's twin turbine medium utility helicopter requirement. The contract is worth an estimated $164M. Speaking of the win, Michael Redenbaugh, chief executive officer of Bell Helicopter, said, "Bell Helicopter made a commitment several years ago to increase our focus on supporting airborne law enforcement and non-DoD U.S. federal organizations. Our products are the best in the world and our Homeland Security enforcement agencies deserve nothing less. Bell is exceptionally proud that our people and products won the confidence of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as the best value for their important mission."
+++
General Electric and Honda Motor have formally established a new joint venture company, GE Honda Aero Engines LLC, which is pursuing the launch of Honda's HF118 turbofan engine in the light business jet market. The definitive agreement creating the joint company was signed by David Calhoun, president and CEO of GE Transportation; and Takeo Fukui, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co.; at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two companies had announced a strategic alliance last February. The 50/50 joint company is owned by GE Transportation, the world's largest manufacturer of jet engines, and Honda Aero, Inc, a wholly-owned Honda subsidiary established to manage Honda's aviation engine business.
+++
The Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders of AERO Vodochody a.s. decided on Friday, October 8, 2004 to terminate the capital participation of Boeing Ceska s.r.o. (BC) in this company. The share of BC in the amount of 35.2907 % of shares was divided into two halves, which were bought by Letka, a.s. and the Czech Consolidation Agency (CKA). The Czech state thus became through Letka, a.s. (53,30755 %) and CKA (46,65495 %) the owner of 99,9625 % of shares of AERO Vodochody a.s. At the same time, all the representatives of BC in statutory bodies of the AERO Vodochody a.s. resigned (the member of the Board of Directors Vladimír Jaroš and Jirí Capek and the member of the Supervisory Board Jan Bubeník). The number of members of the Board of Directors was decreased from five to three. The reason of the leaving of BC from AERO Vodochody a.s is that the expectations of the Czech government of the year 1998, when the government decided on the capital entry, were not fulfilled. BC should have helped with their knowledge and experience to fast development of the company, especially in the sales of its aircraft and with its transformation into an efficient and customer-oriented company. With BC leaving, the Czech government expressed its interest in future development of AERO Vodochody a.s. and has created a number of measures, the aim of which is the financial stabilization of the company.
+++
The Citation CJ1+ was announced as the successor to the market-pacing Citation CJ1. The Citation CJ1+ offers more performance, new integrated avionics, enhanced cabin features and expanded standard equipment compared to its predecessor. "The CJ1 product line has introduced many turboprop owners to the benefits of owning and operating a jet. The Citation CJ1+ will continue in that tradition of being the first jet that many operators own," said Cessna's President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. "We updated the CJ1 because our customers told us they wanted a jet like the CJ1 with interior updates, FADEC engines, integrated avionics and improved performance. The CJ1+ is our answer to their requests." The Citation CJ1+ is powered by the new Williams' FJ44-1AP dual-channel FADEC controlled engine. At 41,000 feet, the CJ1+ can travel more than 20 kts faster than the CJ1. Plus, the 100-pound gross weight increase of the CJ1+ allows it to carry more payload greater distances. Maximum IFR range with single pilot and three passengers is 1,285 nm.
+++
Cessna Aircraft Company has unveiled a new generation of today's best selling light business jet - the Citation CJ2+. The Citation CJ2+ will provide the most advanced avionics suite ever seen on this class of aircraft, FADEC engines, increased maximum payload, and more standard equipment compared to an equally equipped Citation CJ2. According to Cessna President and CEO Jack J. Pelton, "The Citation CJ2 has done exceptionally well in the marketplace and would be a tough act for any model to follow other than the CJ2+. With the CJ2+, we have an airplane that retains the successful features of the world's best selling business jet and enhances them. The superior performance, enhanced avionics, more standard features and tremendous price savings are clear-cut advantages to customers and are already driving sales." The price of a 2004 Citation CJ2+ is $5,525,000. Cessna anticipates FAA certification for the Citation CJ2+ in the fall of 2005 and first customer delivery in the first quarter of 2006. Already, Cessna has received 35 customer orders for the CJ2+, of which 22 are firm with non-refundable deposits and contracts and the remainder are in the process of final closing. Like its predecessor, the Citation CJ2+ will be designated as a model 525A and will serve single pilot operators. It will receive FAR Part 23 certification normal category. Preliminary performance and specifications for the Citation CJ2+ are dramatic improvements to the Citation CJ2.
+++
Pilatus Aircraft and Honeywell are pleased to announce Federal Aviation Administration certification of an avionics package that enables the Pilatus PC-12 to meet the new Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) requirements that will soon be mandatory in most of North America for flight at high altitudes. The mandate requires aircraft flying from 29,000 to 41,000 feet above sea level to be capable of controlling their altitude accurately enough that air traffic controllers can safely space traffic at 1,000-foot altitude increments rather than the present 2,000-foot spacing. The rule will take effect in the United States and Canada beginning January 20, 2005. RVSM requirements are already in place over northern Canada, Europe, Australia, the North Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. The PC-12 RVSM avionics system includes two next-generation AM-250 altimeters coupled to the KFC 325 Flight Control System's Altitude Pre-Selector and a dual pitot-static system. An RVSM system upgrade is also available for existing PC-12s. AM-250 altimeters can be purchased separately for aircraft already equipped with a KFC 325. Honeywell Authorized Sales and Service Centers or authorized Pilatus Centers can install the equipment.
+++
Gulfstream Aerospace is the first classic business-jet manufacturer to offer ultra-high-speed Internet connection capability during flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the first installation of Gulfstream's Broad Band Multi-Link(tm) (BBML) system on a GIV business-jet aircraft. Through SKYLinkSM by ARINC Direct broadband service, access to the Internet is more than 10 times faster than the most widely used in-flight, "high-speed" data service. Costs for this service are significantly lower than typical service fees on commercial airlines.
+++
NBAA's 57th Annual Meeting & Convention, held from October 12 to 14 in Las Vegas, closed with a total of 31,189 Attendees, a 9.2 percent increase over last year's total of 28,574. A record 1,084 Exhibiting Companies occupied a million square feet of exhibit space in the Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition, 87 aircraft were on Static Display at Henderson Executive Airport and approximately 75 Informational Sessions were offered throughout the week on topics ranging from safety and security to training and the emerging very light jet market.
+++
Lufthansa has improved its traffic performance in the first nine months 2004. The Lufthansa Group increased passenger and freight volumes as well as capacity utilisation in comparison to the same period of the prior year. The number of passengers carried grew by 12.7 per cent to 38.6 million. The 14.3 per cent increase in available capacity was outpaced by the growth in sales, which climbed by 16.1 per cent. As a result, capacity utilisation rose by 1.2 percentage points to 74.3 per cent. In the first three quarters of the year, Lufthansa Cargo transported around 1.3 million tonnes of freight and mail. This is eleven percent more than in the same period last year. The cargo load factor rose substantially and at 66.2 per cent exceeded the prior-year figure by 2.1 percentage points. The Lufthansa Group raised its overall load factor (passenger and cargo business) by 1.7 percentage points to 70.9 per cent.
+++
Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany's busiest airport, again registered noticeable traffic growth in September 2004. From July to September 2004, FRA even achieved the best results for passenger traffic, airfreight tonnage, and aircraft movements of any third quarter in the airport's history. Frankfurt Airport recorded double-digit cargo growth in the reporting month, with total airfreight tonnage climbing 14.9 percent to 147,711 metric tons. This represents the third-best monthly cargo result in FRA's history. Routes to and from South America experienced particularly robust growth rates of about 60 percent. The strong North American and Far East cargo markets recorded increases of 12.6 and 14.6 percent respectively.
+++
German VIP & Executive Jet services provider Lufthansa Technik AG is launching a new design and engineering service for green completions as well as cabin refurbishments and modifications. Initially called PROJECT U it integrates engineering and design and emerges into a fully integrated process. To offer VIP & Executive Jet owners and operators an intelligent completion the emotional, visual and style aspects are developed with constant reference to engineering requirements and opportunities. Experience means everything in the world of aircraft completions and modifications. Lufthansa Technik has a decades long track record of world class engineering design and industry best practice, believing in total quality and an "open book" approach to individual projects. From custom layouts to certification, on board systems to implementation the Hamburg-based engineers have been always led by great technical solutions to exceed the expectations of their worldwide customer base. Now PROJECT U aims to expand this approach by fusing the engineering design with a process that helps the engineers and consultants to better understand VIP & Business Jet operators´ needs and desires.
+++
Effective immediately, BizJet International, based in Tulsa (Oklahoma), has become a new member of Platinet, the premium service for VIP customers established in early 2004. For large VIP, government and business jets, Platinet - The Global Support Network - offers worldwide a package of services from a global alliance of aviation services providers. Within the alliance Lufthansa Technik subsidiary BizJet International will provide technical servicing particularly of Airbus A319 Corporate Jets and Boeing Business Jets as well as of larger VIP jets from North and South America. The network currently consists of Air Routing Group (operational support in flight planning and aircraft handling), Trade-Air (materials logistics), Harrods Aviation (local fixed-base operations - FBO), Service People (Hamburg-based FBO and charter service operation) and Cross Freight (Hamburg-based logistics operation specializing in this market segment). Lufthansa Technik itself performs Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) services, dispatches rapid-response teams to deal with AOGs (aircraft on ground), and provides the central project management.
+++
Thrane & Thrane, the leading supplier of Inmarsat satellite communication systems, and Lufthansa Technik, the global specialist for the integration of high-tech in-flight entertainment on Business Jets, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to deliver the latest communication solutions to the VIP and business jet market. Effective immediately, the MoU is an extension of the two companies' existing in-flight communication collaboration on the Mobile Access Router (MAR), which was launched at EBACE 2004 in Geneva. The alliance brings together Lufthansa Technik's expertise in in-flight connectivity and entertainment based on innovative engineering solutions with Thrane & Thrane's extensive experience in global mobile satellite communication system development. The result is the strongest integrated cabin solution available, geared specifically to the needs of the business jet market.
+++
British Airways has taken delivery of the first of seven Airbus A321s that it will operate, adding to the A319s and A320s that it is already flying. The Airbus A321s will operate on European routes, giving passengers a comfortable and spacious cabin. Each of British Airways' Airbus A321s seats 183 passengers in a two class layout, and is powered by International Aero Engines V2533-A5s. British Airways became an Airbus operator in 1988, when it began flying A320s, and added A319s to its fleet in 1999. Its franchise operators British Mediterranean Airways and GB Airways both have all-Airbus fleets that include five A321s.
+++
Bell's new tail fan demonstrator helicopter is back at the company's XworX facility in Arlington, Texas, following a successful round of high altitude flight-testing in Leadville, Colorado. While in Colorado the aircraft demonstrated OGE (out of ground effect) hover at over 11,700 feet, and flight at an altitude greater than 13,000 feet. It also demonstrated left and right sideward flight up to 45 knots. On the return trip to Texas following testing, the aircraft visited Air Methods at Denver's Centennial Airport and demonstrated its very low noise signature. The tail fan demonstrator aircraft completed its first flight on July 15, 2004. The demonstrator is being 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.)
+++

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite