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+++ Subsidies dispute goes to WTO +++ MEADS development contract signed +++ First flight of the M-311 demonstrator +++ OHB Technology and Apollo Capital Partners acquire MAN Technologie +++ Sikorsky unveils X2 demonstrator +++ Final Phase of SOSTAR-X Integration started +++ News in brief
+++
Subsidies
dispute goes to WTO
EU und USA: Suventionsstreit
eskaliert
In light of the European Commission's unwillingness to halt new
subsidies for large civil aircraft, and with EU Member States preparing
to commit $1.7 billion in new risk-free launch aid subsidies for
Airbus, the United States has filed a request for the establishment of
a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panel to resolve
the dispute. "For almost a year, the United States has tried to
convince the EU to negotiate an end to subsidies for large civil
aircraft," said U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman. "So we were
pleased when, on January 11th of this year, the EU agreed to a
standstill on launch aid while we negotiated an end to subsidies.
Unfortunately, at this point, the EU is no longer willing to hold off
on launch aid, and has only proposed to reduce subsidies, not end
them." "We continue to prefer a negotiated solution, and we would
rather not have to go back to the WTO. But the EU's insistence on
moving forward with new launch aid is forcing our hand," added Portman.
"We still believe that a bilateral negotiated solution is possible,"
said Portman, who noted that out of the 100 concluded WTO cases
involving the U.S. since the WTO was founded, more than a third were
satisfactorily resolved following negotiation. "But the negotiations
won't succeed unless the EU recommits to ending subsidies."
Boeing said that it „strongly supports the U.S. Trade
Representative's decision to seek a WTO dispute resolution panel in the
U.S. government's effort to end the dispute over launch aid to
Airbus. We agree with USTR that a negotiated
settlement is preferable and hope serious U.S.-EU discussions will
continue as litigation proceeds. Boeing stands ready to support USTR in
any way necessary to bring a prompt end to market-distorting subsidies
to Airbus."
In response to the US action, the EU has decided to call on the WTO to
adjudicate the legality of subsidies granted to Boeing. EU Trade
Commissioner Peter Mandelson stated: "Since I took office in November
last year I have consistently tried to resolve this dispute through
negotiation, despite my growing concern about the scale of government
and other public support to Boeing. But I have found that the US wishes
to talk only about the immediate ending of European launch investment
for Airbus, and has never wanted to engage in a serious, even-handed
discussion of the much larger subsidy programmes for Boeing. "I am
confident that launch investment for Airbus is compatible with WTO
rules. I also believe that the United States is vulnerable on what
Boeing receives. I regret the action taken by the United States in
bringing this dispute between the two companies to the WTO, thereby
turning their back on negotiation. However I have great respect for Rob
Portman, and he and I have agreed to work to ensure that this dispute
does not affect our co-operation on wider bilateral and multilateral
trade issues. We have worked together well so far, and intend to
continue to do so." The subsidies the United States grants to Boeing
distort trade to the detriment of Airbus and breach US obligations
under the WTO. Consequently, the EU has decided to resume action in the
WTO to confirm through a WTO panel the illegality of these subsidies.
The EU will focus its WTO case against the subsidies granted to
virtually all Boeing programmes and in particular on the unprecedented
gifts from Washington State intended to help production of Boeing's new
B787 programme (these include tax exemptions, infrastructure and
personnel subsidies worth more than US$7 billion). Boeing also
continues, for an undefined period, to receive some $200 million each
year through a US federal tax subsidy called the Foreign Sales
Corporation Program, despite the fact that it has already been ruled
illegal twice by the WTO and has been abolished for most other US
companies. Since 1992, Boeing has also benefited from research and
development grants worth well over $20 billion, mostly through NASA and
the Pentagon.
Airbus and its shareholders EADS and BAE Systems have said that they
are strongly convinced that the opening of a litigation would amount to
the launch of a trade war which is in the interest of none of the
stakeholders except, in a short term view, those looking for being
protected from fair competition including on their domestic market. For
the avoidance of doubt, Airbus and its shareholders hereby confirm
their full support to the European Commission and its target of a
balanced and extended withdrawal of all kind of supports whether they
come from national or local authorities, including those provided by
third parties, like, for instance, Japan. Negotiation should also
address the short-term issue of the two competing new aircraft, the
Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787. This latter has become the world's most
subsidised airliner ever. Boeing has amassed more than US$5 billion in
government subsidies to pay for its development and production, through
US and foreign government R&D funds, tax relief schemes and
launch aid. New subsidies are being added every day. But for these
subsidies, Boeing could not have launched the 787, which is currently
being dumped on the market at unprecedented low prices. Many of the
technologies on the 777 and 787 were paid for by government. The
composite wing was a NASA programme; the composite fuselage comes from
military programmes developed by Boeing including the B2 and the V22
Osprey. Between 1992 and 2004, Boeing has benefited of more than US$12
billion from NASA research funding. It has also received US$1.5 billion
from FSC, an illegal export tax scheme. It has not repaid even one cent
to the US government or taxpayer.
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MEADS
development contract
signed
3,4 Milliarden Dollar
für MEADS-Entwicklung
MEADS International (MI) formally signed a definitized contract to
design and develop the tri-national Medium Extended Air Defense System
(MEADS). The contract value is approximately $2 billion plus
EUR1.4 billion for the program's design and development (D&D)
phase. The D&D contract extends the period of performance of a
previous letter contract that was awarded to MI by the NATO MEADS
Management Agency (NAMEADSMA) in September 2004. Award of the
contract follows the German government's approval on April 20
of entry into the MEADS D&D phase, a step taken earlier by the
governments of Italy and the United States. MEADS International is a
joint venture of MBDA Italia, EADS/LFK in Germany and Lockheed Martin
in the United States
Werner Kaltenegger, CEO of EADS/LFK added: "MEADS strengthens our
long-standing experience in transatlantic co-operation as well as our
capabilities in the field of air and missile defense. The MEADS
development program will secure hundreds of high-tech jobs in Germany -
and thus important national core competences mainly in the areas of
system integration, radar technology and combat management software."
MEADS, under development by Germany, Italy and the United States,
includes a lightweight launcher, 360-degree fire control and
surveillance radars and plug-and-fight battle management
command and control capabilities not found in current
systems. With its enhanced mobility and advanced
technologies, MEADS will offer armed forces significant improvements
over existing systems.
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First
flight of the M-311
demonstrator
Aermacchi M-311 fliegt
On June 1st, the M-311 avionics demonstrator has performed its first
flight. The aircraft has taken off from Venegono airfield at 10.00 a.m.
piloted by Olinto Cecconello, Aermacchi's Chief test Pilot. The M-311
avionics demonstrator features a new Man-Machine-Interface and a
strengthened structure that ensures a fatigue life of 15,000 flight
hours and maximum manoeuvring load factors in the range of +7 / -3.5 g.
The turbofan engine equipping the aircraft provides a maximum
continuous thrust of 1,447 kg, combining high performance with low fuel
consumption.
The 70 minutes flight, has allowed the functionality of the new
avionics suite and the general handling of the aircraft to be
evaluated. During the flight the aircraft has reached the maximum load
factor and the most significant areas of the flight envelope. The first
flight of this avionics demonstrator is an important milestone in the
development phase of the new M-311 aircraft, that will require further
structural, maintenance and ergonomics modifications. The first
production aircraft could be delivered in the year 2008.
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OHB
Technology and Apollo
Capital Partners acquire MAN Technologie
MAN Technologie an OHB verkauft
On 1 June, OHB Technology, a globally leading supplier in the space +
security, telematics and satellite services sectors, and the
Munich-based technology holding company Apollo Capital Partners GmbH
have signed an agreement with MAN AG on the acquisition of 100 percent
of the shares in MAN Technologie AG, Augsburg. MAN Technologie AG is
active in the aerospace sector, primarily as a supplier of the European
Ariane-5 rocket as well as tank systems for the aviation industry. The
company, which generated revenues of approx. EUR 100 million in 2004,
should constantly advance and expand its business activities in these
fields. In the future, the company will trade under the name MT
Aerospace AG, Augsburg. With this investment OHB Technology AG further
expands the product portfolio in its strongest division Space +
Security. According to the agreement of the contractual partners, no
further details on the transaction are given.
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Sikorsky unveils X2
demonstrator
Koaxialhubschrauber mit hoher
Geschwindigkeit geplant
Sikorsky has announced plans to build and test a demonstrator for a new
class of coaxial X2 Technology helicopters that maintain or improve on
all the vertical flight capabilities of rotorcraft and whose high speed
configuration will cruise at 250 knots. Sikorsky plans to build and fly
its X2 Technology demonstrator helicopter at its Schweizer Aircraft
subsidiary by the end of 2006. Preliminary design work for the
demonstrator is finished and parts fabrication for the aircraft has
commenced. X2 Technology refers to a suite of technologies Sikorsky
will apply to achieve new levels of speed and performance in coaxial
helicopters. Coaxial helicopters feature two counter-rotating rotors on
the same vertical axis. The announcement came at the American
Helicopter Society International's annual technical forum in Grapevine,
Texas, where Sikorsky unveiled new scale models of X2 Technology
helicopter concepts in various weight classes and configurations.
"We initiated X2 Technology convinced that the most productive and
flexible helicopter is a helicopter which is capable of a significant
increase in speed," said Sikorsky President Stephen Finger. "Customers
are demanding greater speed but without sacrificing any of the unique
capabilities that make helicopters the ideal platform for countless
civil and military missions." X2 Technology aircraft will hover, land
vertically, manoeuvre at low speeds, and transition seamlessly from
hover to forward flight like a helicopter. In a high speed
configuration, one or more 'pusher props' are part of an integrated
auxiliary propulsion system to enable high speed with no need to
physically reconfigure the aircraft in flight.
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Final Phase of SOSTAR-X
Integration started
Integration des SOSTAR-Radars
gestartet
After three years of intensive design and development SOSTAR-X is now
entering its final phase of mission system integration. SOSTAR GmbH
announced today the successful tests of the active array antenna
panels. All these panels have now been integrated into the antenna
structure, forming the Radiating Unit which is currently undergoing
final tests at Thales facilities in Elancourt, France. The scalable
AESA (active electronically scanned array) antenna with a length of
roughly 2.5 meters forms the heart of the SOSTAR-X radar sensor. The
sensor will be capable of the collection of MTI data, the tracking of
targets and delivering spot SAR images of sub-meter resolution from
distances far beyond 150 km. These modes of operation can be engaged
simultaneously. SOSTAR GmbH is a Joint Venture Company between Dutch
Space, EADS, Galileo Avionica, Indra Sistemas, and Thales. The company
was founded in 2001 to perform the SOSTAR-X Programme (Stand-Off
Surveillance and Target Acquisition Radar Demonstrator). The SOSTAR-X
Programme is to demonstrate by 2007 an advanced ground surveillance
radar with AESA antenna that meets the majority of the NATO AGS staff
requirements. The program is being performed under an R&D
contract awarded under a government MoU between France, Germany, Italy,
Spain and The
Netherlands. A first major integration milestone was reached in April
2005 when the integration of the first prime items Core Electronics and
Operations & Control passed the acceptance test at the EADS
facilities in Friedrichshafen, Germany. At the same time, the Radar
Processor Integration was started at Galileo Avionica in Milan, Italy.
Radar Software Modules from all five SOSTAR partners and the research
establishments FGAN/Germany and TNO/The Netherlands are being
integrated into a common computer architecture. This ambitious
architecture enables real time processing and simultaneous radar modes.
The company and customer flight demonstrations will be conducted on a
Fokker 100 test bed aircraft. The modification of the aircraft is being
performed by Fokker Services since the end of 2004. There will be a
Final Design Review at the end of May 2005, following which the cooling
system, power supply and data link airborne terminal will be
integrated. At the same time structural reinforcements will be made and
flight tests with the radome will be performed. After final ground
integration at the EADS facilities in Friedrichshafen in the autumn of
2005, the complete mission system will be installed onto the platform
at Fokker Services facilities in Woensdrecht, The Netherlands. This
will pave the way for completion of the Post Test Review and the
Certification Flights allowing the SOSTAR Partners to complete these
two major project milestones before the end of 2005. 2006 will be fully
devoted to company flight tests which will be conducted in France,
Germany and The Netherlands.
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NEWS
IN BRIEF
/ KURZMELDUNGEN
An unmanned Foton-M spacecraft
carrying a mainly European payload was
put into orbit by a Russian Soyuz-U launcher on 31 May at
14:00 Central European Time (18:00 local time) from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Following the launch and nine minutes of
propelled flight, the Foton-M2 spacecraft is now in low-earth orbit
where it will remain for 16 days before its reentry module lands close
to the Russian/Kazakh border. During the mission European experiments
and equipment will be monitored by ESA's Operations Team at the Payload
Operations Centre based at Esrange near Kiruna, Sweden. They will be
responsible for receiving, evaluating and disseminating scientific data
generated by European payloads on Foton such as the Fluidpac and Agat
experiment facilities. During 6 of the 16 daily orbits, the Foton
spacecraft will be in a suitable orbital position for Kiruna to receive
signals from it. Should any experiment parameters need adjustment, the
commands will be sent direct from Kiruna to the specific experiment
facility. The European payload carried by Foton-M2 covers a scientific
programme consisting of 39 experiments in fluid physics, biology,
material science, meteoritics, radiation dosimetry and exobiology. The
European Space Agency has been cooperating with the Russian Space
Agency on this type of scientific mission for 18 years.
+++
"2004 was a banner year in every respect," declared Fraport
AG's
executive board chairman Dr. Wilhelm Bender, at the beginning of his
presentation at this year's Annual General Meeting in Frankfurt-Hochst.
He also took the opportunity to thank the company's employees: "All
Fraport employees worked hard and with great motivation during the past
year to transform the strong revival in world air traffic into
excellent financial results for us." With impressive figures, Bender
substantiated his statement that Fraport - the company owning and
managing Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - is steering a successful course. The
Fraport Group's revenues increased nearly 9 percent to EUR 2 billion.
Passenger figures at the six airports of the Fraport Group rose by 9.2
percent to about 77 million in 2004. Cargo tonnage handled at the
Group's airports grew 11.7 percent to well over 2.2 million metric
tons. With EUR136.4 million, Group profits exceeded the previous year's
level by 18.4 percent. At the end of 2004, some 26,209 people were
employed in the Fraport Group, including 16,604 at Frankfurt Airport
alone - the company's main location. The manpower increase of 1,717
people was mainly attributable to Fraport's ICTS Europe subsidiary, the
leading provider of security services at airports in Europe. ICTS
Europe operates successfully in the German market via its FIS GmbH
subsidiary, based in Kelsterbach near FRA. Bender also told
shareholders that Fraport will continue to be serious in the future
about "its social responsibilities as an employer." However, Bender
explained that the company "is facing growing cost pressure that it
must absorb with suitable measures." Regarding Frankfurt Airport's
expansion, Bender emphasized that it was imperative now to ensure the
service capability of Germany's busiest airport in the long term. It is
hard to imagine Germany as a competitive business location without the
adequate aviation infrastructure. Bender called FRA's demand-driven
capacity expansion a "national priority."
+++
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines said the airline has increased its firm
orders for the 787 Dreamliner
to 10 airplanes by exercising purchase
rights obtained with its initial order announced Feb 4. The airline is
the first 787 customer to exercise purchase rights or options for the
rapidly selling new Boeing jetliner. Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing also
said they have completed the contract for the airline's 10 Dreamliners,
valued at US$1.6 billion at list prices. Ethiopian Airlines moved
quickly to secure its five additional delivery positions for the 787
following a series of recent order announcements for the airplane,
which is essentially sold out for its first three years of production.
Its first 787 is scheduled for delivery to its Addis Ababa home base in
2008.
+++
In a ceremony held at Sikorsky Aircraft, the Fisheries and Maritime
Affairs Department of Xunta de Galicia in Spain celebrated their
purchase of two S-76C+
helicopters. Delivery of both
aircraft is
scheduled for this June. The Xunta de Galicia's search and rescue
service provides Coast Guard coverage off northwest Spain. Created in
1990, it was the first of its kind in Spain and the second in Europe.
The service in the past had leased its rescue and maritime patrol
helicopters, but selected the S-76C+ on April 2, 2004 as the first
helicopter it will own. The S-76C+ was chosen among several competitors
because of its superior technical and economic merits and its close
compatibility with Xunta's mission requirements. The S-76C+ aircraft
will be shipped to Spain via air freighter.
+++
Lockheed Martin has received a contract valued at approximately $40
million from the Air Material Command (AMC) of the
Royal Danish Air
Force for two long-range
AN/TPS-77 transportable radar systems and a
four-year logistic support package. The new radars will enhance air
surveillance within Denmark and over surrounding seas. Although the
radars will be stationed at fixed sites within radomes, the mobility of
the AN/TPS-77 allows the systems to be quickly redeployed as needed.
+++
On 31 May 2005, the European
Space Agency, whose Member
States pool
their resources to pursue common goals for space utilisation and
research, turned 30. Thanks to an impressive mission record, the Agency
has placed Europe and European industry at the forefront of space
activities around the world. Yet, when it all started, a European
success story in terms of space activities seemed far away.
The world was divided up by the two superpowers into spheres of
influence in which the Soviet Union and the United States respectively
sought to exploit their near-unassailable lead role, as much
politically as militarily, both here on Earth and in space.
However, in recent decades, in many areas of space research and
utilisation, Europe has managed not only to make up ground but has
actually managed to catch up with these space giants and is today an
acknowledged partner for both. Moreover, the Agency now reflects
Europe's ranking as one of the world's top space-faring pioneers -
notably in space science, Earth observation,
telecommunications and launchers. "ESA came into being on 31 May 1975,
following in the footsteps of its two parent organisations, ESRO and
ELDO, and has now turned 30. What an achievement! In such a short time,
ESA has grown to become one of the foremost space
agencies in the world. International cooperation - first
among the Member States themselves and then with other space-faring
nations - has been the key to this success story," says ESA Director
General Jean-Jacques Dordain.
+++
On 25 May 2005, the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier conducted
another operational practice firing of its SAAM-FR
antimissile
self-defence system. The purpose
of this firing was to engage a high
subsonic anti-ship target with a salvo of 2 ASTER 15 equipped with
warheads. All the objectives of this firing were achieved. Once again,
the system demonstrated its outstanding precision, with a direct hit of
the target engaged by the ASTER 15 missile.
+++
ARINC Incorporated
has been awarded a contract for advanced
Internet-based communications and messaging services by SkyEurope
Airlines, central Europe's largest low-fare passenger carrier. The
fast-growing airline has recently expanded its routes to 22
destinations in 13 countries. To help SkyEurope control costs and
manage its operations efficiently, ARINC will provide three advanced
Internet-based communications solutions: ARINC AviNet Mail, ARINC
MQ-Over-the-Internet, and ARINC Avinet Connector. "Airlines of this
region have been suffering with high infrastructure and messaging costs
for some time," stated Graham Lake, ARINC Managing Director, Europe,
Middle East and Africa. "ARINC can deliver far more cost-effective
messaging products, and we are delighted to serve SkyEurope as our
first major airline customer in Eastern Europe."
+++
Eurocopter welcomed the signature on June 2 in Canberra of a contract
for 12 MRH90
to the benefit of the Australian Defence Force. The
contract was signed between the Australian Defence Materiel
Organisation and Australian Aerospace, a Eurocopter subsidiary. The
Multi-Role MRH90 Helicopter was selected by the Australian Ministry of
Defence after an intensive international competition. The first
helicopter will be delivered in 2007, with all aircraft expected by
2009. Plans are underway to assemble 8 MRH90s at the Australian
Aerospace facility in Brisbane, where the Company is already assembling
18 Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters for the Australian Army.
Australian Aerospace Chief Executive, Joseph Saporito, said that this
MRH90 contract will allow AA to inject more than 300 million AUD into
Australian industry, including SME's, making full use of the expertise
and local capabilities developed in the frame of the ARH Tiger program.
+++
Northrop Grumman has started construction of its X-47B Joint Unmanned
Combat Air Systems (J UCAS) aircraft, the world's first unmanned
surveillance attack aircraft that can operate from both land bases and
aircraft carriers. Production is taking place in the St. Louis, Mo.,
manufacturing facility of Northrop Grumman's teammate, GKN
Aerospace. GKN is responsible for both the design and
fabrication of the X-47B's forward fuselage. Final assembly
of the first X-47B will begin this summer at Northrop Grumman's
Palmdale, Calif. Facility. The X-47B is Northrop Grumman's initial
air-vehicle configuration for the modular X-47 system, which can
support a broad
range of advanced unmanned air-vehicle configurations and military
operational performance requirements.
+++
An agreement signed at ESA Headquarters in Paris by Director-General
Jean Jacques Dordain of ESA and Director Dominique Marbouty of the
European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and attended
by ESA Earth Observation Director Volker Liebig establishes long-term
cooperation between these two international organisations. "This
signature marks formal recognition of long established relationships
and complementary interests linking ESA and the European Centre for
Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)," said Director-General Dordain.
Mr. Marbouty stated: "ECMWF has established a world-wide reputation for
its extensive use of satellite data in the field of numerical weather
prediction. It has demonstrated the positive impact of ESA satellite
data in the Centre's numerical model output, while contributing to the
validation and calibration of the instruments on board such satellites.
+++
Just two months after the launch of the "Lufthansa Private Jet"
service, Lufthansa is expanding its new high-end offering. From today,
First Class and Business Class passengers flying Lufthansa from
Frankfurt to any destination worldwide can now travel to Frankfurt by
"Lufthansa Private Jet". Likewise, passengers arriving at Frankfurt
aboard long-haul Lufthansa flights can connect to more than 1,000
airports throughout Europe. Previously the "Lufthansa Private Jet"
transfer service was only available from Munich. Private Jet flights
depart from and arrive at Egelsbach Airport close to Frankfurt Airport.
Passengers landing at Egelsbach aboard a "Lufthansa Private Jet" are
collected and chauffer-driven to Lufthansa's exclusive First Class
Terminal at Frankfurt, which was opened in December 2004. The transfer
takes between 15 and 30 minutes. The terminal, which has an area of
1,800 square metres, provides a wide range of facilities for passengers
waiting for a connecting flight. Office space with total privacy is
available for passengers who wish to work.
+++
Cougar Helicopters, a wholly owned subsidiary of the VIH Aviation
Group, took delivery of their first Sikorsky S-92 helicopter this month
in support of their contract to provide offshore helicopter services to
PetroCanada. The new S-92 will be used to transport workers and freight
to the Terra Nova oil production field offshore St. John's,
Newfoundland and Labrador. This region is one of the most difficult
offshore operating environments in the world. The new S-92 helicopter
will be used to fly offshore workers 185 n. miles from St. Johns to the
Terra Nova production field in weather conditions that can be extremely
hostile, and may include gale force winds, fog, rain, snow, airborne
icing conditions, and floating icebergs.
+++
NASA announced a mission to fly to Jupiter will proceed to a
preliminary design phase. The mission is called Juno, and it is the
second in NASA's New Frontiers Program. The mission will conduct a
first-time, in-depth study of the giant planet. This mission proposes
to place a spacecraft in a polar orbit around Jupiter to investigate
the existence of an ice-rock core; determine the amount of global water
and ammonia present in the atmosphere; study convection and deep wind
profiles in the atmosphere; investigate the origin of the Jovian
magnetic field; and explore the polar magnetosphere. "We are excited at
the prospect of the new scientific understanding and discoveries by
Juno in our continued exploration of the outer reaches of our solar
system during the next decade," said Dr. Ghassem Asrar, deputy
associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. At the
end of the preliminary design study, the mission must pass a
confirmation review that will address significant schedule, technical
and cost risks before being confirmed for the development phase.
+++
Arianespace has set June 24 for its next Ariane 5 mission, which will
use the increased-lift Ariane 5 ECA version to launch a dual satellite
payload. The mission's two satellites Spaceway 2 for DIRECTV
and the Telkom 2 satellite for PT Telkom Indonesia - currently are
undergoing final checkout at the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation
facility in French Guiana. These two passengers will provide a
heavyweight payload for the Ariane 5 ECA's increased lift
capability. With a launch mass of 6,116 kg., Spaceway 2 will
be one of the heaviest commercial telecommunications satellites ever
launched, while Telkom 2 will add an additional 1,975 kg. to the
payload stack.
+++
In the first of two flight tests this month, Small Diameter Bomb (SDB)
flew more than 55 miles from an altitude of 30,000 feet, hitting within
34 inches of its planned impact point on a target barge in the Gulf of
Mexico. It was the longest flight to date, and typical of the accuracy
provided by the Small Diameter Bomb system. On average, the SDB has hit
42 inches from its targeted impact point. The May 11 test, near Eglin
Air Force Base, Fla., was the first since the U.S. Air Force's decision
in April to begin low-rate initial production of 201 SDBs. It was
followed by a second successful test at the White Sands Missile Range
in New Mexico.
+++
The U.S. Navy has successfully demonstrated a Raytheon Company
dual-mode precision guided weapon that offers flexibility not found in
other weapons systems being produced. A U.S. Navy F/A-18 aircraft
dropped Enhanced Paveway IIs at its China Lake Test Range, Calif., May
17 and 31. The testing included deploying four EGBU-12 Paveways with
500-pound warheads. Two were dropped significantly off axis and beyond
the range of current GPS (Global Positioning System) weapons in the
inventory. Enhanced Paveway II features a GPS-aided Inertial Navigation
System as well as a laser guidance system to offer one precision guided
weapon for all situations. The resulting dual-mode capability offers
true all-weather operational flexibility not found in other weapons
systems being produced: GPS guidance for poor weather conditions and
precise laser guidance when required for mobile targets of opportunity.
+++
Lockheed Martin and Aerojet have successfully conducted the second test
firing of the Atlas V upgraded Block B Solid Rocket Booster (SRB). The
test firing was performed May 24 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Aerojet's Block B SRB will be used on Lockheed Martin's Atlas V launch
vehicle, providing enhanced performance and reliability. The Block A
SRB, a previous version of the solid motor also produced by Aerojet,
was qualified in 2003 and has already flown on three separate
successful Atlas V missions for Lockheed Martin. This was the second
test of the Block B SRB at Aerojet's new SRB test stand at the Air
Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards Air Force Base. The first
test was conducted April 1. The duration and thrust levels of the SRB
test fire matched well with pre-test expectations and were completed as
planned, with a burn duration of approximately 90 seconds, producing an
average thrust of over 250,000 lbs. Post-test examination of the motor,
insulation and nozzle revealed excellent internal performance and
design margins. "The Block B design has clearly demonstrated superior
thermal performance and we are very pleased with the test results,"
said Jim Sponnick, vice president of the Atlas Program at Lockheed
Martin Space Systems Company. "Our customers are also pleased with the
upgraded design, and we are looking forward to the performance and
reliability that the Block B SRBs will provide for our upcoming Atlas V
missions."
+++
1 June 2005 saw the first-ever visit of the German Chancellor to ESA's
Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany, to mark the 30th
anniversary of ESA's charter and congratulate the Agency on recent
space successes. Chancellor Gerhard Schröder was welcomed by
ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain who accompanied him on a
walking tour of ESOC's Main Control Room and other operational areas.
He was briefed on science results recently returned from ESA spacecraft
controlled from Darmstadt. These include the Cassini-Huygens and Mars
Express deep-space missions, which travelled to Saturn's moon Titan and
the Red Planet Mars, respectively, and the Envisat Earth Observation
satellite, ESA's flagship environmental, climate and natural disaster
monitoring mission.
+++
The Airbus training centre in Toulouse, France has celebrated the
delivery of the first of two technologically advanced A380 full flight
simulators and the inauguration of the first part of the new training
centre, which will open new facilities progressively over the next
three years. This first part of the centre is dedicated to the needs of
A380 and houses the simulators that will be used to train both flight
and cabin crews as well as maintenance personnel. The simulators,
manufactured by Canadian aviation simulation and training company CAE,
feature an exact replica of the A380's cockpit and incorporate the
actual A380 flight control systems and on-board computers. To make
flying in the machine even more realistic, the resolution of simulated
flight graphics has been increased by some 40 per cent, geographical
features are shown in greater detail and the sphere of vision
surrounding the pilot has also been increased, to 200 degrees from the
more usual 180 degrees.
+++
Continental Airlines announced that the first of its Boeing 757-200
aircraft equipped with Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets(TM)
has entered revenue service. The addition of the winglets, which
replace the standard wingtip, enable increased fuel efficiency and
range. Continental is the first carrier to add winglets to Boeing
757-200 aircraft. Installation of the 8 foot 2 inch tall winglets has
been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration after a stringent
set of tests and certifications. The winglets, by reducing the amount
of drag on the aircraft, are expected to achieve up to a 5 percent fuel
savings, as much as 300,000 gallons per aircraft per year, and give the
airplanes approximately 200 nautical miles of additional range. Eleven
of Continental's 41 757-200 aircraft are scheduled to be equipped with
winglets this year. "Modification of our Boeing 757-200 fleet is one of
the most important steps we can take to offset the incredible expense
of fuel in today's record price environment and ensure we are flying
the most efficient aircraft in the industry," said Mark Moran,
Continental's executive vice president of Operations. "In addition,
with the extended range of these aircraft, we are now able to offer
service to a number of cities that we couldn't reach with these planes
before."
+++
The aft fuselage -- the last major subassembly of the first F-35 Joint
Strike Fighter -- has arrived at Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) in Fort
Worth and is being readied for attachment to the aircraft's center
fuselage. BAE Systems recently completed manufacture of the component
in Samlesbury, England, and shipped it to the Fort Worth plant, where
it arrived on May 31. "Again, the F-35 digital design and manufacturing
process has produced an exceptional aircraft assembly, with all the
hallmarks of precise fit and finish that we've come to expect on this
program," said Bob Elrod, executive vice president and F-35 Joint
Strike Fighter program general manager. "We're proud of the F-35 team's
accomplishments, particularly our BAE Systems teammates whose fine
craftsmanship is evident in this crucial part of the airplane." Workers
will attach the aft fuselage section directly to the center fuselage on
June 9, completing the union of the aircraft's four major
subassemblies. The center fuselage, manufactured by Northrop Grumman,
arrived at Lockheed Martin in early May. It was subsequently attached
to the wing and forward fuselage, both produced by Lockheed Martin.
+++
Following the expiration of the offer period, Lufthansa and the Almea
Foundation hold a total of 96.0 per cent of the share capital of Swiss
International Air Lines Ltd. via the Swiss-domiciled company AirTrust
AG. Contractual undertakings to sell have been obtained from SWISS'
major shareholders accounting for 84.6 per cent of SWISS' share
capital; and a further 11.4 per cent of SWISS shares have been offered
for sale to AirTrust by the company's minority
shareholders. AirTrust submitted a public tender
offer to all SWISS minority shareholders on May 4, 2005. By the end of
the offer period on June 2, 2005, AirTrust had been offered a total of
6,098,426 SWISS shares for purchase. This corresponds to 73.6 per cent
of the 8,281,110 SWISS shares held by minority shareholders at the end
of the offer period. Subject to the pending anti-trust approval,
AirTrust declares the public tender offer to be successful. As
specified in the offer prospectus, a grace period of ten trading days
will start from June 9 until June 22, 2005, during which remaining
minority shareholders will be able to subsequently accept the tender
offer.
+++
The Boeing team currently developing the U.S. Navy's Multi-mission
Maritime Aircraft (MMA) has made a minor design change better suiting
the Navy's unique requirements. The move involved changing the wing
extension from a blended winglet(tm) to a commercially proven raked or
backswept wing tip. A configuration control board composed of Boeing
personnel and representatives from the Naval Air Systems Command
PMA-290 procurement team approved the change after determining the new
design provides the same efficiencies as the blended winglet, but
increases overall performance for maritime patrol missions.
+++
On Saturday 28 May 2005, the first Tiger Armed Reconnaissance
Helicopter, presently supporting the development and integration of the
Lockheed Martin Hellfire II air to ground missile system, performed a
successful first firing of an inert missile at the Commonwealth Defence
firing range at Woomera, South Australia. This firing was performed at
a distance of 6 Km using the on board laser designator, the missile hit
the centre of the APC like target as predicted. The Tiger ARH is the
first non US platform to integrate the Hellfire II missile and the
support from Lockheed Martin and US agencies was mandatory to achieve
this success. This first firing is part of the testing planned in 2005
in Australia, in accordance with the contract. A second firing campaign
at Woomera is planned before the end of 2005.
+++
The Department of Defense inspector general has completed an extensive
and detailed review of personnel involved in the Boeing KC-767A tanker
program. The report makes several recommendations involving changes and
revisions in acquisition, leasing, procurement and management
procedures and policies. Many of the issues raised in this report have
already been identified and are being addressed. Additionally, the
department has temporarily established direct oversight of major Air
Force programs during this leadership transition period in the Air
Force. Other reviews, undertaken at the initiative of officials within
the department to improve procurement procedures, include two Defense
Science Board studies (a study of tanker recapitalization requirements
and a study of the department's acquisition management structure and
procedures); the National Defense University's study of lessons learned
from the proposed lease of KC-767 tanker aircraft; the Defense
Acquisition University's review of acquisition regulations and other
acquisition-related authorities; two audits of the proposed lease of
tanker aircraft, by the DoD continues to monitor aggressively and, when
necessary, upgrade and revise, its acquisition process to ensure that
taxpayer dollars are efficiently and effectively used to the benefit of
American war fighters.
+++
Team US101 lead Lockheed Martin has signed a teaming agreement with
Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division of Rolling Meadows, IL,
to support the team's bid to win the U.S. Air Force's upcoming
Personnel Recovery Vehicle (PRV) competition. Under the terms of this
agreement, Northrop Grumman will provide and integrate critical mission
systems equipment for the US101 helicopter. The company will also
support the spiral growth of these systems during the life of the PRV
program. "Northrop Grumman's depth of experience with these types of
mission systems will greatly assist our team's pursuit of the PRV
contract," said Stephen D. Ramsey, Helicopter Systems executive vice
president at Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego, the prime
contractor for Team US101. PRV is a U.S. Air Force initiative to
procure a more capable aircraft to recover isolated personnel from
hostile territory. The three-engine US101 is a leading contender in the
PRV competition, with the largest cabin in its class and proven
performance in the combat search and rescue mission. The American-built
US101 will enable the Air Force to transport vehicles as large as a
sport utility vehicle, or configure the space to accommodate 16 litters
or more than 30 troops, along with weapons for 360-degree coverage of
the aircraft.
+++
NASA has given the green light to a project to put a long-armed lander
on to the icy ground of the far-northern Martian plains. NASA's Phoenix
lander is designed to examine the site for potential habitats for water
ice, and to look for possible indicators of life, past or present.
Today's announcement allows the Phoenix mission to proceed with
preparing the spacecraft for launch in August 2007. This major
milestone followed a critical review of the project's planning progress
and preliminary design, since its selection in 2003. Phoenix is the
first project in NASA's Mars Scout Program of competitively selected
missions. Scouts are innovative and relatively low-cost complements to
the core missions of the agency's Mars exploration program. "The
Phoenix Mission explores new territory in the northern plains of Mars
analogous to the permafrost regions on Earth," said the project's
principal investigator, Peter Smith of the University of Arizona,
Tucson. "NASA's confirmation supports this project and may eventually
lead to discoveries relating to life on our neighboring planet."
Phoenix is a stationary lander. It has a robotic arm to dig down to the
Martian ice layer and deliver samples to sophisticated analytical
instruments on the lander's deck. It is specifically designed to
measure volatiles, such as water and organic molecules, in the northern
polar region of Mars. In 2002, NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter found
evidence of ice-rich soil very near the surface in the arctic regions.
+++
NASA has signed a cooperative agreement with the University of North
Dakota (UND), Grand Forks, to house and operate the agency's DC-8 jet
aircraft. The purpose of the agreement is to create a National
Suborbital Education and Research Center (NSERC) at the university with
the DC-8 suborbital laboratory as the centerpiece. The agreement is
intended to expand the science conducted using the DC-8 and enhance
hands-on educational opportunities for students. The agreement is
valued at $25 million over a five year period. Transfer of the aircraft
to the university is targeted for fall 2005, pending completion of a
safety review. The aircraft will be housed at the Grand Forks Air Force
Base."We are extremely pleased to reach this agreement with the
University of North Dakota," said Ghassem Asrar, NASA's deputy
associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate,
Washington. "The DC-8 is a national asset, and we look forward to
expanding its use in both the educational and research communities."
+++
On June 2, Boeing announced agreements with Chinese suppliers worth an
estimated US$600 million for production of commercial airplane parts
and components, including the first firm contract with such suppliers
to build parts for the all-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Boeing Commercial
Airplanes Vice President and General Manager, Airplane Production
Carolyn Corvi represented Boeing in Beijing to finalize contracts for
the 787 composite rudder, the 737 forward entry door and the 737
automatic over-wing exit door with Chengdu Aircraft Industrial (Group)
Co. Ltd. (CAC), a China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC
I)-affiliated company. Also completed were contracts for the 787
wing-to-body fairing panels between Boeing and Hafei Aviation Industry
Co., Ltd. (Hafei), an AVIC II-affiliated company. Additional announced
agreements further reflect the expanding role by China in the
production of airplane components for Boeing. Shenyang Aircraft
Corporation, an AVIC I-affiliated company, signed memorandum of
agreement with Boeing to build the 787 leading edge assembly for the
vertical fin. BHA Aero Composite Parts Co. Ltd. signed memorandums of
understanding to build the interior panels for the 777 control cabin,
as well as the wing-to-body fairing panels and tail cone for the
Next-Generation 737. BHA is an equity-share joint venture between
Boeing, Hexcel Corp. and AVIC I. "Today's agreements, in full
compliance with U.S. and Chinese export regulations, offer a continuing
example of the important and growing role in China on the 787 and
participation in the 777, 747 and 737 airplane programs," Corvi said. "
China's aviation industry is providing outstanding technological
capabilities and resources that help us meet quality, cost and delivery
imperatives in our programs -- particularly on the new 787. China has
been a reliable partner to Boeing for many years and we are honored
that they are part of our future with the 787 airplane."
+++
At its bi-annual meeting held in Kyoto, Japan, the Chief Executive
Board of Star Alliance voted unanimously to accept the application for
membership of Swiss International Air Lines. "Our strategy at Star
Alliance has always been to provide more choice, especially for the
high-value international traveller. In accepting SWISS's application
for membership, we will in future be able to offer more choice to our
customers, especially in Europe and on key international routes to
North and South America, Africa and Asia," said Mineo Yamamoto,
President and CEO of ANA. "Joining Star Alliance represents a milestone
for our company and its customers," added Christoph Franz, President
and Chief Executive Officer of SWISS. "As a quality airline with a
worldwide reputation, SWISS is the preferred carrier of a large number
of high-value international travellers. And as a Star Alliance member,
we will be even better equipped to meet their specific air travel
needs." SWISS, the national airline of Switzerland, carried 9.2 million
passengers last year to 74 destinations in Europe, North and South
America, Asia and Africa. The company, which employs some 7,700
personnel and operates a fleet of 78 aircraft, announced its planned
acquisition by Lufthansa and its integration into the Lufthansa Group
in March 2005.
+++
Airbus has said it was up to six months behind schedule in delivering
its new superjumbo A380 aircraft to airlines due to production
problems, a delay that could entail financial penalties. The European
aircraft maker said that A380 deliveries to customers would be pushed
back by two to six months after Australia's Qantas Airways announced
its order of 12 A380s has been delayed for at least six months. Qantas
head Geoff Dixon said that the first of the 12 superjumbo aircraft
ordered by the airline had been delayed from October 2006 to April
2007, and said that his company would seek damages in accordance with
terms in its contract. Airbus said the delays were due to production
problems linked to the cabin fittings demanded by the different
clients. "The first 15 planes to produce are completely different, one
from another," an Airbus spokesman said.
+++
ASD, AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe, welcomes
the Commission Communication on EU Space Policy and sees it as a major
and necessary step towards creating the European Space programme. The
European Commission highlighted that "Space activities are strategic
for their contribution to the construction of Europe. Space is a tool
to serve the interest of the Union, its Member States and its citizens:
strategic influence, scientific progress, economic growth in the
knowledge economy and security". ASD indeed believes that space systems
support public services in many important areas such as meteorology,
environment, disaster management, education, energy, agriculture, etc.
and are for the benefit of the whole society. Space policy relies on
certain fundamental elements for its implementation such as access to
space, technology base, industrial capabilities, ground facilities etc.
This has to be ensured with a proper strategy and the financial aspects
have to be in place. It is extremely encouraging that greater common EU
focus is given to space sector that serves the interest of all the
citizens. New space applications contribute greatly to economic growth,
such as telecommunications, navigation and monitoring of environmental
hazards. The space industry sector indeed plays an important role in
supporting the European competitiveness. However, the current level of
public co-funding for space activities supported through the EU
R&D Framework Programme is not sufficient in itself. The
sector's specificities such as the public nature of a large share of
its cus tomers, its sovereign character and the multiple use of its
applications should also be taken into account when funding is
provided. "In order for the industry to deliver the products it is
expected to deliver, appropriate funding is needed" said Alain Gaubert,
Director Space of ASD. "In addition to the EU contribution to the
European Space Policy through the 7th Framework Programme, we believe
that new financial mechanisms need to be developed which would allow
procurement of assets and funding of infrastructures" he concluded.
+++
Saab Bofors Dynamics have received a production order from German Diehl
BGT Defense (DBD) for subsystems of the IRIS-T IR-guided air-to-air
missile worth approximately MSEK 850. IRIS-T has been developed in an
international joint project between Germany, Sweden, Italy, Spain,
Norway and Greece, under German management. "This order is a result of
a successful cooperation with our German partner DBD. Additionally, it
strengthens our role as a supplier of advanced missile subsystems",
says company President Tomas Samuelsson.
+++
Rafael Armament Development Authority is to introduce a new addition to
the Spice family - Spice 1000 specially designed for adaptation to a
wide range of aircraft. It joins the Spice 2000 which is already in
operational use in the Israeli Air Force's F-16 fleet. The Spice-2000
is a guidance kit that is mounted on a standard MK-84 warhead. The
Spice-1000 can be mounted on the MK-83. Spice is a stand-off,
autonomous, air-to-ground weapon system. The weapon uses state-of-the
art navigation, guidance and homing techniques to achieve accurate and
effective destruction of high-value targets with pinpoint accuracy and
at high attack volumes. Providing a fully autonomous navigation and
precision-strike capability, Spice-2000 achieves a stand-off range of
over 60 kilometers. Spice-1000 achieves an even greater range, due to
its unique deployable wing.
+++
From June 2, 2005, Austrian Airlines starts scheduled flights
Vienna-Amman-Vienna. These flights will operate every Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday under flight number OS 853 at 22.10 hrs,
arriving in Amman at 02.45 hrs the next morning. Return flights from
the Jordanian capital start every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
at 03.40 hrs arriving in Vienna at 06.25 hrs. Royal Jordanian starts
out of Vienna every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. As a result,
the partners will operate a total of eight codeshare flights a week
Vienna-Amman-Vienna. In addition to that there will be further talks
for an additional codeshare agreement for onward connecting flights via
Vienna and via Amman.
+++
Korea Aerospace Industries said 25th May it had signed an agreement to
sell additional five KT-1 air force training aircraft to the Indonesian
Ministry of Defense. It is also negotiating the export of 8 (eight)
additional KT-1 aircraft to Indonesia. The KT-1 was jointly developed
by KAI and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). It has been in
series production by KAI from the year of 2000. The KT-1 aircraft is
two stepped tandem seating trainer with maximum speed of 648km/hour for
primary pilot training. The first purchase contract of KT-1 was signed
with Indonesia in 2001 and seven KT-1s were delivered to the Indonesian
Air Force until 2003. KAI projected that Indonesia export orders would
be reached 20 aircraft hereafter.
+++
A Bell 407, converted to a flying demonstrator aircraft for the U.S.
Army's Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter program (ARH), flew for the
first time on June 2 at the company's XworX research and development
facility at Arlington Municipal Airport. Bell Test Pilot Lynn Morgan
and Flight Test Engineer Brian Cassidy flew the Bell ARH Demonstrator
on its first hop of 0.4 hrs early this morning. The ARH Demonstrator
was flown three times today for a total of 1.5 flight
hours. Today's flight testing demonstrated rotor
and power train technology, handling qualities, structural dynamics and
the FLIR System.
+++
Harris Corporation announced that it has been awarded a $6.6 million
research and development contract by the U.S. Army
Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) to develop and demonstrate
the Jigsaw Laser Radar (LADAR) 3D-imaging test-bed system for use on a
DP-5X Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The ability to reliably identify
targets -- tanks and other vehicles -- hidden under foliage and
camouflage was successfully demonstrated by Harris and MIT-Lincoln
Laboratories during an earlier Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA)-sponsored proof-of-concept Jigsaw study. This
demonstration was followed by the recently completed initiative to
design a smaller, lighter, autonomous, yet better-performing test bed
system suitable for use on a medium-sized UAV.
+++
EPI Europrop International GmbH (EPI) has announced that the successful
first run of the TP400-D6 Engine Control and Monitoring System (CMS),
has taken place in Villaroche (near Paris). Snecma and Hispano-Suiza
(both of the SAFRAN group) in collaboration with MTU Aero Engines, are
responsible for the design and production of the complete CMS for the
TP400-D6 engine.
The test was witnessed by representatives from the Airbus Military
Company and OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en
matière d'ARmement) together with shareholders of EPI. The
first TP400-D6 CMS test has been successfully performed in Villaroche
on a new CMS wet test rig which closely duplicates real operating
conditions of the engine. During the testing campaign, the CMS will be
validated before the first engine test. The TP400-D6 CMS includes the
electronic control unit, the electronic protection & monitoring
unit, the fuel pump, the fuel metering unit, the fuel cooled oil
cooler, the high pressure compressor variable stator vanes actuators
and the fuel filter.
+++
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