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+++ F-35 final assembly starts +++ Falcon 900DX takes flight +++ Bombardier launches Corporate Shuttle Solutions +++ Spain and Greece join Neuron +++ America West/US Airways merge +++ News in brief +++
F-35 final assembly starts
Endmontage des JSF hat begonnen
Workers at Lockheed Martin joined the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's 35-foot-wide carbon-fiber composite skinned and metal structure wing to the aircraft's fuselage on 16 May, uniting three of the F-35's four major sections - the forward fuselage, the center fuselage and the wing. The assembly milestone was completed on schedule, and marks the beginning of F-35 final-assembly activities. "We knew that the F-35's completely digital design and manufacturing process would yield impressive results, but the precision and accuracy in the way the pieces of this first airplane fit together is almost beyond imagining," said Bob Elrod, executive vice president and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program general manager. "It's just about perfect, and it is helping us stay on schedule for first flight next year." The F-35's aft-fuselage, built by BAE Systems in Samlesbury, England, was delivered to Lockheed Martin officials on May 17 and shipped to the Fort Worth plant, where it will become the final major subassembly joined to the rest of the aircraft. The horizontal and vertical tails, also made by BAE Systems, will be completed and delivered a short time later. The center fuselage, produced by Northrop Grumman in Palmdale, Calif., arrived in Fort Worth on May 3, and was immediately mated to the Lockheed Martin-built forward fuselage.
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Falcon 900DX takes flight
Erstflug der Dassault Falcon 900DX
On May 13, Dassault Aviation's facility in Bordeaux, Merignac (France) at 01:45 PM (GMT+2), the new Falcon 900DX took flight for the first time. Test pilots Etienne Faurdessus and Philippe Narbey were at the controls. The flight lasted 3 hours and 10 minutes. During the flight, the airplane was taken to an altitude of 41,000 feet and to a maximum speed of 370 knots. Low speed handling qualities down to 130 knots in the clean configuration were checked as well as down to 100 knots with the landing gear lowered. "All systems performed flawlessly," explained Faurdessus. "We verified aircraft and navigation systems. The new fuel system was tested with several fuel transfers to check correct pump operation and to make sure the newly designed fuel tanks properly fed the engines.
The Falcon 900DX fills an important niche between the 3,800 nm Falcon 2000EX and 4,500 nm Falcon 900EX. The 4,100 NM range of the new 900DX enables non-stop flights across the globe, matching city pairs like Geneva and Detroit or New York and Athens. Likewise, Caracas and Paris can be as easily connected as Chicago and Rome. Airport performance has always been a strong attribute for Falcons but the 900DX's excellent thrust-to-weight ratio will enable customers to easily use smaller airports previously inaccessible to large-cabin aircraft. With the exception of the structure of the fuel tanks and the forward section, the Falcon 900DX shares the same engines (Honeywell TFE31-60), avionics and other cockpit and cabin equipment as the Falcon 900EX and comes standard with the EASy flight deck. The fuel system was partially redesigned from the 2000EX and 900EX EASy models. This process makes it possible to provide the aircraft with a large number of new features and improvements without significantly increasing its price over its predecessor, the Falcon 900C. Additionally, development cycle time has been reduced by using the front fuselage of the Falcon 2000EX which has a direct effect on the production cost of the 900DX.
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Bombardier launches Corporate Shuttle Solutions
Neue Shuttle-Modelle von Bombardier
Bombardier introduced th Bombardier Corporate Shuttle Solutions - a complete family of Bombardier Challenger corporate shuttle jets, backed by a full engineering, program, sales and customer support team on May 17. It marks the first time in aviation that an aircraft manufacturer launches a family of corporate shuttle aircraft. The three new Bombardier Challenger corporate shuttle models - the Bombardier Challenger 850, 870 and 890 - combine proven reliability drawn from 1,233 Bombardier CRJ aircraft delivered, superb operating economics and widebody cabins with flexible configurations to meet the needs of shuttle operators. Bombardier is launching its new Corporate Shuttle Solutions to meet the evolving needs of both existing shuttle operators and a new generation of potential users. Bombardier research shows that a sizeable and aging worldwide fleet of corporate shuttle aircraft is due for replacement in the near future. Concurrently, multi-national organizations that fly their employees to and from locations either remote or underserved by commercial airlines are looking to maximize productivity and schedule flexibility while reducing costs.
The Bombardier Challenger 850, Challenger 870 and Challenger 890 aircraft are derived from the Bombardier CRJ200, CRJ700 and CRJ900 regional jet platforms, respectively, and offer the proven advantages of a widebody cabin, low direct operating costs, outstanding dispatch reliability and ease of maintenance, all hallmarks of the pioneering Bombardier CRJ airliner family. Each aircraft model offers a choice of three floorplan configurations that optimize passenger seating, galley and lavatory options to suit a wide range of needs. All models feature stand-up cabins, a flat floor and a minimum 31 inches between seats. The Standard Cabin has CRJ economy class seating throughout, with four seats per row. In this configuration, the Challenger 850 seats 50 passengers and can fly up to 1,537 nautical miles (2,847 km), the Challenger 870 seats 70 passengers and can fly up to 1,923 nautical miles (3,561 km), and the Challenger 890 seats 90 passengers and can fly up to 1,721 nautical miles (3,187 km). The Split Cabin offers executive-type seats and cabin furnishings in the forward cabin and CRJ economy class seating placed four abreast in the aft cabin. In this configuration, under certain conditions, the Challenger 850 seats 32 passengers (6 forward/26 aft) and can fly up to 1,970 nautical miles (3,648 km), the Challenger 870 seats 44 passengers (8 forward/36 aft) and can fly 2,235 nautical miles (4,139 km); and the Challenger 890, seats 52 passengers (12 forward/40 aft) and can fly up to 2,031 nautical miles (3,761 km). The Deluxe Cabin configuration has business class seating throughout with three seats per row. In this configuration, under certain conditions, the Challenger 850 seats 27 passengers and can fly up to 2,232 nautical miles (4,133 km), the Challenger 870 seats 42 passengers and can fly 2,235 nautical miles (4,139 km), and the Challenger 890, seats 52 passengers and can fly up to 2,031 nautical miles (3,761 km).
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Spain and Greece join Neuron
Neuron: Dassault mit weiteren Partnern
On 19 May EADS CASA and Dassault Aviation signed the contract to establish the participation of the Spanish side of EADS within the Neuron programme. Neuron is a technology demonstrator for an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle whose maiden flight is planned for 2010. This programme is led by Dassault Aviation and will include the participation of several European aeronautical industries. With this contract EADS CASA keeps progressing in its strategy of being the reference company in Spain for National and International programmes related to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, supported by the important technological capabilities achieved with systems integration, communications and data link, complex carbon fibre structures, mission systems and ground stations developments, among others. EADS CASA responsibilities and workshare of the Neuron programme will include some of these capabilities. Negotiations of this contract have been conducted in firm coordination with the Spanish Ministry of Defence.
On 18 May, Hellenic Aerospace Industry and Dassault signed a cooperation agreement for the development of the nEUROn unmanned combat aerial vehicle demonstrator as part of the consortium formed by France, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Greece. The largest aeronautics companies in Europe are taking part in this 6-year development scheme: the French company Dassault Aviation, the Swedish SAAB, the Italian firm ALENIA, the Spanish CASA (EADS) and RUAG from Switzerland. HAI's involvement in military development programs is in line with the Ministry of Defence's policy aimed at the Greek defence industry handling projects of high technological added value.
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America West/US Airways merge
Fusion von US-Airliens
On 19 May, America West Holdings and US Airways announced an agreement to merge and create the first full-service nationwide airline, with the consumer-friendly pricing structure of a low-fare carrier. Operating as the first national low-cost (LCC) hub-and-spoke network carrier, customers can look forward to simplified pricing, international scope, access to low-fare service to over 200 cities across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, and amenities that include a robust frequent flyer program, airport clubs, assigned seating and First Class cabin service. America West Holdings Corporation Chairman, President and CEO Doug Parker said: "Building upon two complementary networks with similar fleets, closely-aligned labor contracts and two outstanding teams of people, this merger creates the first nationwide full service low-cost airline. Through this combination, we are seizing the opportunity to strengthen our business rather than waiting for the industry environment to improve. A combined US Airways/America West places the new airline in a position of strength and future growth that neither of us could have achieved on our own."
US Airways President and CEO Bruce Lakefield said: "US Airways has a strong franchise and great employees that will be enhanced by America West's strengths and success in the low-fare, low-cost marketplace. That we have secured such an impressive slate of equity investors and partner support in a period of such industry uncertainty is a strong indication of the prospects and enthusiasm for this transaction. It has been my objective to ensure the long-term viability of US Airways and the security of our outstanding employees; this merger with America West will accomplish that objective." Subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court overseeing US Airways' pending Chapter 11 case and transaction closing, which is anticipated to occur this fall, the merged airlines will operate under the US Airways brand under the leadership of CEO Doug Parker. The merged airline's 13-member board will be comprised of one member from each of three new equity investment companies, six members from the current America West board, including Parker as chairman, and four members from the current US Airways board, including Lakefield as vice-chairman. The combined airline's headquarters will be consolidated into America West's headquarters in Tempe, Ariz. For regulatory purposes, both airlines will operate under separate operating certificates for a transition period of two to three years, keeping flight crew, maintenance and safety procedures for each airline separate. To ensure that the substantial consumer benefits are realized quickly, however, the airlines will work together to coordinate schedules, frequent flyer programs and other marketing programs as soon as practical.
The merger is expected to create one of the industry's most financially stable players, with over $10 billion in annual revenues and a strong balance sheet that includes approximately $2 billion in total cash at closing with which to weather the current industry environment and fund further growth strategies. The airline's strong cash balance is expected to be created through a combination of current cash on hand at US Airways/America West, $350 million of new equity commitments (which may be supplemented with additional commitments), and proceeds from a contemplated $150 million rights offering. In addition, the merged airline will receive cash infusions of over $1.1 billion, principally from partners and suppliers (approximately $675 million), asset-based financings or sales of surplus aircraft (approximately $250 million) and release of certain cash reserves (approximately $200-300 million).
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Lufthansa Technik - the global provider for VIP & executive jet solutions -presented its design ideas and floor plans for a VVIP version of the Airbus A380. Following the signing of a preliminary agreement with Airbus for a future cooperation on completion projects, both companies unveiled a model of 3,70m length at the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) on 18 May in Geneva, which shows the upper deck of the A380 in a VVIP configuration. With the launch of its A380 VVIP activities Lufthansa Technik will be at the forefront to support customers to individually design their A380 VVIP interior as well as taking over its certification and production. "The Airbus A380, which just had its maiden flight some days ago, is an enormous challenge for any completion center in the world. To create and build a state-of-the-art interior as well as to integrate the latest technologies for in-flight entertainment & communication requires encompassing resources and a proven track record within the VIP & executive jet environment. Combining these tasks we will be uniquely positioned to serve the A380 VVIP community," says Bernhard Conrad, Senior Vice President Completion Center & Head of approved design organization.
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The second Lockheed Hercules C-130, modernized for the FAV (Fuerza Aérea Venezolana, or Venezuelan Air Force), successfully made its first test flight out of Maracay airbase (Venezuela). The refurbishment and modernization was conducted on site, in industrial partnership between FAV engineers and technicians and EADS SOGERMA Services teams. This event confirms respect on the part of EADS SOGERMA Services for its commitments to its customers. The aircraft is the second in a series of six to undergo heavy maintenance and modernization work. Besides modernization of the avionics, the workscope calls for a complete maintenance overhaul, and installation of a new auxiliary power unit (APU) and an air-conditioning system that requires significant structural modification, as per a Lockheed service bulletin, developed by EADS SOGERMA Services. The operation concludes with a flight test campaign.
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Icelandair's service from San Francisco to Europe was launched May 18, 2005, with the arrival of flight FI 671 from the airline's hub in Reykjavik, Iceland. The inaugural flight will include Halldor Asgrimsson, Prime Minister of Iceland, along with numerous dignitaries from the government of Iceland and Icelandair's Head Office. San Francisco International Airport is Icelandair's sixth North American gateway and first direct service from the west coast, with current gateways in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Boston, New York-JFK, Baltimore/Washington-BWI and Orlando. San Francisco operations include two weekly flights May 18-June 1 and September 3-October 15 (Wednesdays and Saturdays), increasing to four from June through August (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays). Flights are scheduled to arrive from Iceland at 6:30pm and depart from San Francisco at 11:30pm.
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The German site of Turbomeca, Turbomeca GmbH situated in Hamburg, is changing its name to Turbomeca Germany GmbH. Richard Musil, the Manager of Turbomeca Germany, declares: "The change of name was necessary for reasons of consistency since most of the other Turbomeca sites use the Turbomeca name followed by the area from which they operate. This new name will define each of us as a full member of a worldwide network". Turbomeca Germany started up in 1991 and today employs 15 people. It is responsible for supporting about 820 engines with more than 140 customers distributed within 12 countries (Austria, Czech Republic, Danmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Lithuania, Norway, Rumania, Slovakia, Sweden).
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EADS Astrium has been awarded a contract from the Korea Aerospace and Research Institute, KARI, to design and manufacture the first Korean multi-function geostationary satellite "COMS". The highly advanced COMS satellite has three payloads; one for meteorology, one for ocean observation and one for communications. COMS will provide meteorology data to end-users around the globe, oceanography data for the Korean peninsula and experimental communications services in Ka-band, all from its orbital locations 116º and 138° East. COMS is the third Earth observation spacecraft designed and manufactured for the Asia-Pacific region by EADS Astrium confirming the company's leading position in the market. As prime contractor for COMS, EADS Astrium will be responsible for the design and build of the satellite including both the meteorology and ocean imagers - the communications payload will be provided by KARI in Korea, as a Customer Furnished Equipment. COMS provides continuous image monitoring with the extraction of high resolution meteorological data from its multi-spectral imager. It will give early warning of hazardous weather conditions including storms, floods, sandstorms, etc and provide data on the long-term changes in sea surface temperatures and cloud patterns. Earth observation data from COMS will be relayed to a processing station. Once processed, the data will be resent via the COMS satellite to weather forecasters, Earth observation centres etc around the world.
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Connexion by Boeing celebrated its one-year in-service anniversary by moving beyond the Internet in announcing the next level in its evolution. Beginning this summer four channels of television will be delivered directly to Connexion by Boeing customers aboard select flights offered by Singapore Airlines. Accessible by passengers' laptops, the global availability of satellite television content marks yet another "first" for Connexion by Boeing. The television lineup, which will be distributed across the Connexion by Boeing global network, will consist of the following: BBC World - BBC World is the BBC's commercially funded international news and information television channel, broadcasting globally in English 24-hours-a-day to 258 million homes. EuroNews - EuroNews broadcasts 24-hours-a-day providing live breaking news as it happens, with constantly updated bulletins containing in-depth coverage of the day's top news, sport, business and European affairs, together with a comprehensive weather forecast and face-to-face interviews with top world leaders. Eurosportnews - Eurosportnews, the sports news channel of the Eurosport Group, the leading pan-European sports channel. CNBC and MSNBC - NBC Universal Cable is making available globally either CNBC, CNBC Europe or CNBC Asia, depending on flight origination and MSNBC programming, which will be available within the United States. Connexion by Boeing television initially will be available on Singapore Airlines flights and service availability will be expanded later this year to include other airlines that are offering the award-winning high-speed mobile Internet service.
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The European Caravan fleet will experience significant growth in 2005. By mid-year, Cessna will deliver 10 new Caravans to operators in Spain, Finland, Poland, and Russia. Approximately 60 Caravans currently operate in Europe. "The Caravans we are delivering to these countries are to operators that have never owned a Caravan before," said Pana Poulios, Cessna Regional Sales Manager. "Part of the reason these customers are joining the Cessna Caravan family is the irrefutable reputation the Caravan has established over the last 20 years as a highly reliable and economical workhorse with superb mission flexibility for executive transport, personal use, or cargo operations."
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JA Flight School, located at Austria's Oberwaltersdorf Airport (LOAV), has been recognized by Cessna as an authorized Cessna Pilot Center (CPC). This is the first CPC in Austria. JA Flight School's single engine fleet includes several NAV II (Bendix King) and NAV III (Garmin G1000) equipped single engine aircraft: two 172R Skyhawks, three 172S Skyhawk SP, one 182T Skylane, and one T182T Turbo Skylane. The JA Flight School is a partner enterprise of Jetalliance and the Avia Consult Group. They offer complete training for a Private Pilots License (PPL) through a commercial Air Transport Pilots license (ATPL). The JA Flight School is the only school in Austria to offer immediate training and rating for the CPL/IR/Multiengine on the Citation CJ1.
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EADS Defence Electronics has been awarded a contract worth more than € 10 m by the Australian Department of Defence for the supply of the Missile Launch Detection System (MILDS - AN/AAR-60) missile warning systems to protect helicopters and wide-body aircraft against missile attacks. As reported by the company on Wednesday, the missile warning systems will be provided for the SA70A "Blackhawk" and CH-47 "Chinook" helicopters for integration under the "Echidna" project in the helicopters' self-protection suites. Similarly, standalone MILDS systems including cockpit control and display unit as well as an inertial navigation unit are being supplied to upgrade the self-protection capability of the Australian AP3C "Orion" Maritime Patrol Aircraft. "With a very low false alarm rate and fast detection combined with automatic initiation of countermeasures, MILDS relieves the pilot's workload in time-critical situations and ensures the safe return of both crew and aircraft. This is another good example for EADS´ innovative products and high tech solutions that meet the growing and changing requirements for military services", explained Bernhard Gerwert, CEO and President of EADS Defence Electronics.
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Following the signing of the agreement with BAE Systems, Finmeccanica has created a new Defence Electronics division, making the Italian group Europe's second-largest operator in the sector and sixth-largest in the world. The new division will generate revenues of more than EUR 3 billion and employ about 19,000 people. Together with the acquisition of 100% of AgustaWestland and the creation of the Space Alliance, this operation represents one of the three cornerstones of Finmeccanica's strategy of growth, international expansion and consolidation in its main areas of excellence. It is also a big step forward in the group's increased focus on aerospace and defence. The deal entails: the return of the Italian assets of AMS NV under the full control of Finmeccanica. AMS SpA (renamed Selex Sistemi Integrati) now heads up the air traffic management (ATM) and air traffic control (ATC) operations acquired from BAE Systems in the UK, Gematronik in Germany and ASI in the US. Pro forma revenues for 2004 were EUR 616 million, and the company has production facilities in Italy, the UK, the US and Germany. The creation of a new company, Selex Sensors and Airborne Systems, owned 75% by Finmeccanica and 25% by BAE Systems, which will take control of the group's avionics business. Pro forma revenues for 2004 were EUR 1.58 billion, and the company has production facilities in Italy, the UK and the US. The acquisition by Finmeccanica of BAE Systems' military and secure communications arm, which has been merged into Selenia Communications (renamed Selex Communications). Pro forma revenues for 2004 were EUR 895 million, and the company has production facilities in Italy, the UK, Germany, Turkey and Romania. In addition, the Finmeccanica subsidiary Elsag will be merged into the new Defence Electronics division. Elsag operates in IT and systems integration in the field of security.
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Lockheed Martin has signed a contract with the Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) of Japan to build its next geostationary telecommunications satellite. Designated BSAT-3a, the 1.8-kW satellite will provide direct broadcast services throughout Japan following its scheduled launch the second quarter of 2007. Contract terms were not disclosed. B-SAT previously issued an authorization to proceed to Lockheed Martin for start of satellite design and construction. The BSAT-3a communications payload comprises eight 130-W Ku-band channels and will be located at 110 degrees East longitude. With a design life of more than 13 years, BSAT-3a is based on the award-winning A2100A platform manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS), Newtown, Pa. BSAT-3a marks the 12th Lockheed Martin satellite contract awarded in the 1- to 4-kW small-class satellite range and the second in 2005.
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Boeing has selected Astronautics Corp. of America to provide the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The 787 is the first Boeing aircraft that will offer dual Class 3 EFBs as a standard system. The EFB is a key element of the 787 seamless network that "e-Enables" the flight deck by giving pilots all the information they need to fly the airplane in a user-friendly digital format. The EFB is designed to contain all documentation and forms that pilots carry -- aeronautical maps and charts, manuals for fault reporting and operations, minimum equipment lists and logbooks -- in digital format, and puts them at the crew's fingertips.
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Boeing Business Jets announced rapid progress toward achieving what no other ultra-large-cabin, long-range business jet manufacturer has accomplished - selling 100 business jets. BBJ continues to lead in that market by outselling its nearest competitor by a factor of 4 to 1. Since its inception in 1996, BBJ has won orders and commitments for 97 airplanes, winning six within the past six months. The latest orders and commitments for four BBJs and two BBJ 2s came from customers in the Middle East region, the United States and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Fifty-seven customers have ordered 83 BBJs and 14 BBJ2s. About 40 percent of BBJ customers are private individuals, 38 percent are government heads of state, and the remaining customer segment is divided between corporate and charter operators.
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The second prototype of the M-346, new Aermacchi's advanced trainer, has performed its maiden flight today. The aircraft has taken off from Venegono airfield at 10.11 a.m., local time, piloted by Olinto Cecconello, Aermacchi's Chief Test Pilot. The 42 minutes flight, has allowed the new prototype performance and the correct operation of the airborne systems to be evaluated. The second M-346 prototype will permit the program to be pushed ahead at the fastest pace, as it will accomplish a part of the aircraft qualification tests. In particular, the second prototype will be used to assess the structural characteristics and flying qualities of the machine, while the first will be dedicated to the engine and system qualifications, as well as to the extension of the envelopes associated with the flight controls software.
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Rockwell Collins announced that its Tailwind 550 satellite television system has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation on the Boeing 767-200/-300/-400 aircraft. The installation, which was performed by Jet Aviation in Basel, Switzerland, allows the aircraft to receive Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) TV channels in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. "Staying connected with the world while flying is increasingly important to our growing customer base," said Tim Rayl, senior director, Airshow Systems for Rockwell Collins. "Rockwell Collins is committed to developing and delivering superior cabin system products, such as the Tailwind 550, that provide customers real-time information while in flight."
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United Airlines announced that it has reached a five-year agreement with United Express partner Mesa Air Group to operate 30 replacement aircraft under the United Express name, beginning in Fall 2005. "We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Mesa, a move that supports United Express's goal to maintain reliable operations in each of the markets we currently serve," said Sean Donohue, United's vice president for United Express and Ted. "These replacement aircraft will generate significant savings and will largely complete the selection of carriers to replace Air Wisconsin." Last month, United announced that it had reached agreements with SkyWest and GoJet to operate 30 aircraft under the United Express brand. Together, the agreements with Mesa, SkyWest and GoJet replace 60 of the 80 aircraft currently being operated for United by Air Wisconsin Airlines. No stations will be closed as a result of the agreement; however, schedule changes may occur as United takes the opportunity to reduce United Express capacity to fit customer demand.
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As the large amount of data collected by the ESA Huygens probe during its descent onto Titan is being processed, new views of this fascinating world become available. The Descent Imager Spectral Radiometer (DISR) team have now produced the first complete 'stereographic' and 'gnomonic' mosaic images. Using special image projection techniques, the team combined a series of images captured by Huygens while rotating on its axis at an altitude of about 20 kilometres. The DISR on board Huygens took its series of photographs of the ever-approaching surface in sets of three, or 'triplets', as it dropped through Titan's atmosphere on 14 January this year. The images sent back to Earth partially overlap, due to the probe's rotation during the descent and due to the overlap between the fields of view of the different cameras.
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Boeing began testing its fourth block of software for the X-45A unmanned aircraft during a flight May 13 at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Following a series of successful ground and taxi tests in April and early May, the Boeing Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems' (J-UCAS) X-45A completed its 51st flight demonstrating that the basic command and control and flight functionality shown in the previous software block worked properly with the new software. This was the first test of the Block 4 software with the aircraft flying to approximately 15,000 feet at 0.40 Mach. The software used and tested on the X-45A may be offered as a candidate for functionality in the development of the J-UCAS Common Operating System.
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Sichuan Airlines has signed a contract with Airbus for the purchase of six A320s and two A319s. The aircraft, scheduled for delivery from late 2005 to 2008, will be powered by IAE's V2500 engines."The aircraft will help us enlarge our fleet and increase our operational capability on high-altitude routes," said Lan Xinguo, President of the Sichuan Airlines. The relationship between Airbus and the Sichuan Airlines can be dated back to 1995, when the Chengdu-based carrier became the first A320 operator and first fly-by-wire operator in the Chinese mainland. Currently, it has a fleet of eight A320s, four A321s and two A319s, which have been operating successfully.
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The Helicopter Group of the French Sécurité Civile took delivery of its final EC145. The order covered a total of 32 helicopters, all of which now proudly bear the colors of the Sécurité Civile. In the factory's delivery center, Mr. Philippe Breval (Program Manager, EC145 Commercial Helicopters) handed over the helicopter's documentation to Mr. Christian Gautié (Manager, Aeronautical Programs Department) and Mr. Jean Michel Rochelet (Technical Advisor, Head of the Airmobile Resources Group [GMA]). The fleet of EC145 twin-engine helicopters operated by Eurocopter's French launching customer Sécurité Civile has chalked up approximately 23,000 flight hours since the delivery of the first aircraft in April 2002. Since the first helicopters began entering service, a close cooperative effort has been established between Eurocopter, the Aeronautical Programs Department (SPAé) of the French Armament Procurement Agency, and the Sécurité Civile. For several months, engineers and technicians from Eurocopter and the government Flight Test Center (CEV) have provided assistance to the pilots, notably with the helicopter's mountain tests. In fact, 26% of the emergency missions performed by the Sécurité Civile are mountain and high-mountain rescues. The Sécurité Civile also performs sea rescues, fire-fighting missions, patrol operations, and emergency medical transport. At the end of 2004, some 62 EC145s were in service throughout the world, and had completed 39,000 flight hours. These helicopters are mainly operated in the EMS, Law Enforcement, Corporate and Offshore sectors. Meanwhile, the EC145 has successfully entered the EMS market in the U.S. and Mexico and also made its début in the South Pacific region. A total of 19 EC145s are planned to be delivered in 2005.
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The Marine Corps' newest utility and attack helicopters, the Bell UH-1Y and AH-1Z, made their first shipboard landings May 7 while conducting shipboard compatibility testing, or "sea trials." Operating aboard the Multipurpose Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bataan off the Virginia Capes, the two aircraft made 267 landings during nearly 30 flight hours in both day and night operations to test their ability to operate in the shipboard environment. Program officials are satisfied with the results. "We met all the test objectives we hoped to accomplish," said Matt Funk, the H-1 lead flight test engineer for sea trials testing. "The idea was to verify shipboard compatibility by looking at the aircraft's ability to operate in the maritime environment and during all aspects of shipboard operations."
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Sagawa Express Co. Ltd, one of the largest cargo business companies in Japan, has established a subsidiary Galaxy Airlines Co. Ltd and selected Airbus A300-600 Freighter to inaugurate its own air transport business in Japan. This contract includes a firm order for one A300-600F, plus an option for another A300-600F. With acquisition of its own freighter, Sagawa intends to offer lower fares than those of the existing air transport services, while promising next-day delivery service to distant destinations to/from Tokyo. The new subsidiary plans to increase its freighter fleet as business grows.
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Norsk Helikopter AS and Sikorsky Aircraft commemorated the first Norsk S-76C+ helicopter to achieve 10,000 flight hours in a ceremony held last Thursday. This is the first offshore S-76C+ helicopter to reach this significant milestone. A Sikorsky team consisting of Chris Eggert from WCS, Kevin Henderson from HSI and Jack Donahue from Worldwide Sales, presented a plaque to Norsk Managing Director, Ivar Eie, commemorating the event. Norsk attendees included Dag Johan Saetre, Technical Director, Tormod Veiby, Engineering Manager, and about 25 additional Norsk employees. Also attending the event was Gunnar Johannessen, Logistics Director for Total, the oil company that has utilized Norsk's S-76C+ since it entered service in 1996.
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Honeywell announced that it has successfully completed the second engine to test (SETT) for the HTS900, with a production version dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC), achieving all designed power specifications. "Honeywell is expanding its commitment in rotor powered aircraft with an engine we believe will deliver the reliability and low cost of ownership our customers have come to expect," said Barry Eccleston, Vice President and General Manager, Propulsion Systems Enterprise, Honeywell Engines Systems & Service. "With the combination of a next generation impeller, offering state of the art aerodynamic efficiency and a rugged wide chord axial compressor for improved erosion resistance and tolerance to foreign object damage, the HTS900 will be the engine of choice for future helicopter applications." The HTS900 incorporates a new cooled gas producer (GP) turbine compressor technology for improved performance. The engine will produce more than 925 Shaft horsepower at Takeoff Power rating at sea level on a standard day. The engine is expected to deliver Specific Fuel Consumption levels of .54 lb per shaft horsepower or a 5% decrease from earlier Honeywell helicopter engines.
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Swiss International Air Lines (Group) generated total income from operating activities of CHF 853 million for the first three months of 2005 (first quarter 2004: CHF 846 million). The first-quarter result from operating activities (EBIT) before restructuring costs amounted to minus CHF 10 million, which compares to minus CHF 69 million for the prior-year period. The 2005 first-quarter total income and EBIT results include non-recurring income of CHF 43 million deriving from a transfer of slots at London Heathrow Airport to British Airways. Cash and cash equivalents totalled CHF 506 million on March 31, compared with CHF 481 million at the end of last year. Swiss International Air Lines (Group) generated total income from operating activities of CHF 853 million in the first quarter of 2005, compared to CHF 846 million for the same period last year. The result from operating activities (EBIT) before restructuring costs amounted to a loss of CHF 10 million, which compares to a loss of CHF 69 million before restructuring costs for the prior-year period. The EBIT result includes non-recurring income of CHF 43 million deriving from the transfer of slots at London Heathrow Airport (for the summer timetable period) to Brit-ish Airways. These funds were used directly to repay a loan from Barclays Bank. SWISS in-curred restructuring costs of CHF 6 million in the first three months of 2005. These related to the reorganisation of the call centres for the Swiss market and the cessation of business for the company's Basel-based Europe Continental Airways (Crossair Europe) subsidiary. The high price of jet fuel produced additional costs of CHF 54 million for the first three months compared to the same period a year ago. Only just over 40% of these additional costs could be recouped through the fuel surcharges levied on passenger air tickets. Financial expenses for the first quarter of 2005 amounted to CHF 30 million (prior year: CHF 13 million) and comprised ordinary interest payments on financial liabilities and CHF 14 million in non-cash currency exchange losses on outstanding debt. The currency losses derive from the fact that the US dollar gained in strength against the Swiss franc in the course of the first-quarter period. The financial income of CHF 2 million (prior year: CHF 5 million) for the period consists of ordinary interest income from cash and cash equivalents and fixed-term deposits. SWISS continues to implement its current cost reduction programme throughout all areas of its organisation. And, in doing so, it continues to put a particular focus on maintenance, repair & overhaul, on ground handling and on raising internal productivity.
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Honeywell announced that its new TFE 731-50 turbofan engine has begun flight tests on Honeywell's Falcon 20 testbed aircraft. The engine has accumulated 26 flight hours and nearly 100 hours of cumulative run time. The program is on schedule to meet a 2006 certification. Engine testing will continue through a series of flight tests to verify and validate altitude performance and operability. Previous ground testing has demonstrated the engine has exceeded goals for improved thrust and fuel efficiency. The engine is designed to deliver up to 5,000 pounds of take-off thrust and will be offered with integrated nacelle and thrust reverser systems. The TFE731-50 is a low risk derivative of the current -60 production engine, utilizing a common core and a scaled wide chord damperless fan.
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Honeywell announced that it is offering a new Web Flight Planning service that enables business aircraft operators to create and file flight plans using any personal computer connected to the internet -- with no special software required. "This new system is incredibly intuitive. It leads you step by step through the process," said Scott Hamilton, Director, Honeywell Flight Support Services. "To reduce workload while permitting personalization, we configured the system so pilots can directly enter information that is unique to their particular aircraft and preferences. Then, they simply select their aircraft from a list of more than 240 aircraft models," Hamilton said. "From then on, the system automatically bases flight plans on operator preferences and performance data provided by the aircraft's manufacturer."
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The Rolls-Royce CorporateCare program -- corporate aviation's most comprehensive engine care service -- has booked 40 new orders with customers worldwide in the first quarter of 2005. Rolls-Royce now has more than 450 aircraft under CorporateCare(R) or other flight hour agreements, with contract values exceeding $900 million. Stephen Friedrich, Director of Aftermarket Business, Corporate and Regional Aircraft for Rolls-Royce, said today at EBACE: "Rolls-Royce was the first company to market Power-by-the-Hour programs in the 1960s and CorporateCare(R) was standardized across all of the Rolls-Royce current production engine offerings for business jets in 2002." The most recent addition to the CorporateCare network was the official signing of European Flight Service (EFS) coverage for its new BR710-powered Gulfstream G550, scheduled for delivery later this year.
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Geoff Sheerin, President of Canadian Arrow and Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria have announced that they have joined forces to form a new corporation called PLANETSPACE that will complete construction and testing of its first suborbital rocket called the Canadian Arrow. The goal of the company is to make space flight available to the public within 24 months. PLANETSPACE expects to fly almost 2,000 new astronauts in the first five years of flying and generate revenue from suborbital flights of USD $200 million in the fifth year. Fares will start at USD $250,000 for a suborbital flight, including fourteen days training. Canadian Arrow has completed a number of increasingly powerful engine tests, as well as a successful drop test of the space capsule and recovery system. Canadian Arrow's most recent engine test achieved 50,000 pounds of thrust, demonstrating Canadian Arrow's ability to achieve suborbital flight and making it the most powerful liquid propellant rocket engine ever built and tested in Canada. Canadian Arrow has also filed for patents on its rocket vehicle and engine modifications. Dr. Kathuria is no stranger to privately funded space flight. Dr. Kathuria was a founding director of MirCorp, the company that made history on April 4th, 2000 when it launched the world's first privately funded manned space program and signed up Dennis Tito to space as Earth's first space tourist or "citizen explorer." MirCorp was a joint venture with RSC Energia. RSC Energia launched the first satellite (Sputnik), sent the first man to orbit the Earth,(Yuri Gagarin), built the Mir Space Station, and is a major partner in the International Space Station. "Eventually, our goal is to make PLANETSPACE a public company," said Mr. Sheerin, who will serve as President and CEO of the new company. "Space should be open to all people, and all people should also have the opportunity to invest in the future of space travel."
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Marquis Jet, the global leader in private jet cards, was once again recognized as the "Best of the Best" by Robb Report in its annual report, which hits newsstands May 24th. Marquis Jet provides access to the world-renowned NetJets fleet, 25 hours at a time. The Marquis Jet Card program was named 'Best Jet Card Program' based on Marquis Jet's exclusive alliance with NetJets and its many high-end value-added benefits. Larry Bean, editor of the Robb Report said, "We continue to be impressed with the quality control, level of service, and range of aircraft that Marquis is able to offer its clients because of its association with NetJets." In this year's "Best of the Best" issue, Robb Report acknowledges Marquis Jet as the pioneer in offering 25 hour blocks of flight time and praises Marquis Jet for its highly unique offerings geared towards giving its Card Owners the ultimate in private aviation. Robb Report cites Marquis Jet for introducing two new innovative and exclusive programs:
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NASA, in collaboration with the Florida Space Research Institute (FSRI), announced a new Centennial Challenges prize competition. The MoonROx (Moon Regolith Oxygen) challenge will award $250,000 to the first team that can extract breathable oxygen from simulated lunar soil before the prize expires on June 1, 2008. For the MoonROx challenge, teams must develop hardware within mass and power limits that can extract at least five kilograms of breathable oxygen from simulated lunar soil during an eight-hour period. The soil simulant, called JSC-1, is derived from volcanic ash. The oxygen production goals represent technologies that are beyond existing state-of-the-art. NASA's Centennial Challenges promotes technical innovation through a novel program of prize competitions. It is designed to tap the nation's ingenuity to make revolutionary advances to support the Vision for Space Exploration and NASA goals.
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The Kharafi group of Kuwait has placed a new firm order for an Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ), for delivery in September this year. The Kharafi group was the first customer for the Airbus ACJ, which Twinjet of the UK began operating on its behalf in November 1999, on a mixture of company business and ad hoc charters. The order also makes the Kharafi group the first repeat private client for the Airbus ACJ, and is thus a renewal of its confidence in the aircraft.
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The Korean Defense Ministry said on Wednesday (May 18) that it will build some 250 advanced utility helicopters beginning in 2012, as part of its long-term arms procurement project to replace the Army's aging helicopter fleet. Under the six-year project, dubbed the Korean Helicopter Project (KHP), the ministry will develop six prototypes of the new transport helicopter by December 2011, Kim Joo-kyun, director of system development and management of the KHP, said in a meeting with reporters. Kim said a total of 1.3 trillion won (some $1.3 billion) will be spent for the research and development of the advanced aircraft. Production costs per unit might be some $15 million.
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GE Honda Aero Engines LLC has recently completed component and engine core tests to validate several new enhancements to the performance of its HF118 turbofan engine for light business aircraft. GE Honda Aero Engines LLC is a 50/50 joint venture company formed in late 2004 to manufacture and market the HF118 family of commercial turbofan engines ranging in thrust from 1,000 to 3,500 pounds. The initial HF118 engine will be rated in the 1,700-pound-thrust class. several recent enhancements to the performance of the HF118 turbofan include: The cooperative design and testing effort in recent months on the HF118 engine has already resulted in an improvement in specific fuel consumption of approximately 4 percent and weight reduction of approximately 8 percent. Honda's enhancements to its state-of-the-art high-pressure compressor (HPC) have increased airflow and improved efficiency. Improvements in the high-pressure turbine (HPT) include new blades using GE's advanced, single-crystal material and that were designed using 3-dimensional aerodynamic (3-D aero) design technology.
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NASA successfully launched a new environmental satellite today for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It will improve weather forecasting and monitor environmental events around the world. The NOAA-18 (N) spacecraft lifted off on May 20 at 6:22 a.m. EDT from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on a Boeing Delta II 7320-10 expendable launch vehicle. Approximately 65 minutes later, the spacecraft separated from the Delta II second stage. "The satellite is in orbit and all indications are that we have a healthy spacecraft," said Karen Halterman, the NASA Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) Project Manager, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, Md. "NASA is proud of our partnership with NOAA in continuing this vital environmental mission," she added. Flight controllers tracked the launch vehicle's progress using real-time telemetry data relayed through NASA's Tracking and Date Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) starting about five minutes after launch. Approximately 26 minutes after launch, controllers acquired the spacecraft through the McMurdo Sound ground station, Antarctica, while the spacecraft was still attached to the Delta II. Spacecraft separation was monitored by the TDRSS. NOAA-18 will collect data about the Earth's surface and atmosphere. The data are input to NOAA's long-range climate and seasonal outlooks, including forecasts for El Nino and La Nina. NOAA-18 is the fourth in a series of five Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites with instruments that provide improved imaging and sounding capabilities.
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CAE has been awarded a contract to provide an Airbus A320 full-flight simulator to Germany's Lufthansa Flight Training Berlin (LFTB). The twenty-fifth simulator that the Lufthansa Group has ordered from CAE since 1980, the simulator has a list-price value of C$14 million, and represents CAE's first full-flight simulator order of fiscal year 2006. "We are delighted to build on our already longstanding relationship with the Lufthansa Group," said Marc Parent, CAE's Group President, Simulation Products.
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The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded the independent arts organisation the Arts Catalyst in London a contract to carry out a 6-month study on possible future cultural utilisation of the International Space Station (ISS), the European aspects of the Station in particular. "The International Space Station is a great achievement of human ingenuity and international cooperation, as well as a cutting-edge research facility. But the European Space Agency believes strongly that the cultural world too should have a say in the future of space exploration. We therefore want to open the ISS to a new community of artistic and cultural users," emphasises Daniel Sacotte, ESA's Director of Human Spaceflight, Microgravity and Exploration.
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Ryanair confirmed that following a round of direct negotiations with its staff in the month of April, it had implemented a 3% pay increase backdated to 1st April 2005. This 3% increase will apply to all staff groups across Europe who participated in the direct negotiations with the Company. Only the Dublin based pilots chose not to negotiate directly with the Company and as a result they have not at this time enjoyed a pay increase, however the door remains open to this group should they choose to avail of it. All of Ryanair's other people will benefit. Ryanair's Director of Personnel, Eddie Wilson said: "This salary increase is a reward for the productivity and the dedication of our people who continue to work hard to make Ryanair Europe's No 1 low fares airline. While traffic growth remains strong, higher oil prices mean that cost control remains vital.
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The European Union said Thursday it still hopes to resolve a row with the United States over aircraft subsidies without resorting to legal action, despite a new aid request by Airbus which risks re-igniting the dispute. The US government warned it could yet pursue legal recourse at the World Trade Organization against the EU after European aircraft maker Airbus appealed for British government aid to develop its A350 long-haul plane. The EU's executive European Commission said that public aid to help the launch Airbus's new A350 airliner was legal under WTO rules and that Brussels still wanted a deal with the US over state aid for aircraft makers. "In the view of the Commission, the launch investment is WTO legal and as things currently stand it is part of the commercial landscape for aircraft development in the EU," spokeswoman Francoise Le Bail told a news conference. Earlier Thursday, Airbus said it had lodged a request with the British government for reimbursable launch aid for its A350 program, prompting US competitor Boeing to cry foul. Brussels and the United States have been trying for months to negotiate an agreement to end the dispute over state subsidies to Airbus and Boeing, to avoid taking the case to the WTO.
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Embraer vehemently refutes statements attributed to Bombardier and published in newspapers over the past few days. According to one such statement, the Brazilian company would use military contracts as a means to obtain government funding. The facts show the accusations are unfounded. In the last five years, Embraer's revenue totaled US$ 13.8 billion, with sales to the Brazilian Air Force representing US$ 500 million, or 4 percent of the Company's total revenue. During the same period, deliveries to the Brazilian Air Force totaled 16 airplanes, including eight ISR aircraft, seven Super Tucanos and one AMX. In the same period, Embraer invested US$ 1.1 billion in research and development with applications in commercial and executive aviation, as well as in industrial capabilities expansion.
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Effective immediately, Lufthansa Bombardier Aviation Services (LBAS), based in Berlin (Germany), has become a new member of Platinet - the premium support service for VIP customers. Initially Platinet offered its services only for large VIP, government and business jets, it is now expanding its support portfolio to include small and midsize business jets markets. LBAS is part of Bombardier's factory service center network providing a full range of service and maintenance operations for Bombardier Learjet, Challenger and Global Express customers in Europe, Africa, the CIS and the Middle East. "As the newest Platinet partner LBAS will strengthen its global business aviation network. With our expertise and maintenance, repair & overhaul capabilities for Bombardier airplanes we will jointly serve operators with mixed fleets of small and large jets in the most efficient way with a single point of contact," says Andreas Kaden, Managing Director of Lufthansa Bombardier Aviation Services.
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Boeing is pleased the Board of Directors of Air France has approved the purchase of five Boeing 777 Freighters, with options to buy three additional 777 Freighters. "Air France already operates a fleet of 777-200ERs and 777-300ERs. The high level of commonality among the three 777 models will bring Air France additional benefits in terms of lower operating costs, initial investment and common infrastructure," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. In addition to Air France, Air Canada announced its plans to include the 777 Freighter in its future fleet in April. Boeing expects to formally launch the airplane this year. The Boeing 777 Freighter, with a capacity of more than 100 tonnes, will be the world's largest and most capable twin-engine freighter. Due to enter service in fourth quarter 2008, the 777 Freighter will fly farther than any other freighter. It will be based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR Worldliner, the world's longest-range commercial airplane.
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Fraport AG's multi-phase architectural competition for the planned Terminal 3 at the southern side of Frankfurt Airport (FRA) has been completed. After meeting for intensive discussions during the last two days, the competition jury chose the winning design. The experts selected the concept of Prof. Christoph Mäckler from Frankfurt. The decision for the winning project was based on the following key criteria. The concept was convincing because of its functionality, which very much meets all operational requirements. Furthermore, the extremely flexible concept allows for demand-driven modular development of the various construction phases until 2015. Also, Mäckler's proposal stayed exactly within the prescribed budget for the Terminal 3 project. Prof. Barbara Jakubeit, Fraport AG's executive board member responsible for real estate development, said: "This clearly defined concept provides a convincing design solution for the new airport development area at the southern side of FRA, while meeting the needs of continental Europe's biggest airport so that it will continue to stand tall in international comparison." The Terminal 3 project will be built in several phases until 2015, in keeping with demand. Thus, FRA's total capacity will eventually expand to about 82 million passengers per year - including about 25 million passengers at Terminal 3 when it is completely finished.
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National Air Services (NAS), the largest and fastest-growing independent provider of private aviation services in the Middle East, today announced it has a signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, to order three large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350 business-jet aircraft. This preliminary agreement comes less than two years after NAS ordered three large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G300 business-jet aircraft, all of which have since entered service.
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Within the current certification test program of the GROB Ranger G 160 more than 180 spins have been flown in 13 different aircraft configurations. The aircraft showed the predicted safe behaviour. The intentionally initiated spins were completely controllable and always recoverable. The flight characteristics of the Ranger G 160 are also in this respect exemplary and fully confirm the design of its flight controls. This marks an important milestone within the test and certification program.
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At Launch Pad 39B, an External Tank (ET) tanking test is in progress on May 20 for the Return to Flight (STS-114) mission to the International Space Station. The ground operations team at KSC fills the ET with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants. The team evaluates how the tank, Orbiter, Solid Rocket Boosters and ground systems perform under "cryo-load," when the tank is filled with the two ultra-low-temperature propellants. The tank filling and draining portion of the test takes about 11 hours. It includes a simulated countdown through the T minus 31 second hold. Prior to the test, engineers and technicians added new ET instrumentation to troubleshoot two issues from the April 14 tanking test. The instrumentation will provide data to analyze the liquid hydrogen sensors that gave intermittent readings and the liquid hydrogen pressurization relief valve that cycled more times than standard during April's test. On Monday, Discovery will undergo hot-fire tests of Auxiliary Power Units. Technicians are preparing to roll Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on May 24. Discovery will be detached from its ET and lowered into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new ET and Solid Rocket Boosters. It will roll out to the launch pad in mid-June.
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