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+++ NASA wants back to the Moon +++ Germany orders Saab RBS15 Mk3 missile +++ First production CV-22 Osprey delivered +++ Orbimage buys Space Imaging +++ Lufthansa strengthens decentralised European traffic +++ News in brief +++
NASA wants back to the Moon
US-Raumfahrtprogramm konkretisiert
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin released the results of the agency's exploration architecture study - a blueprint for the next generation of spacecraft to take humans back to the moon and on to Mars and other destinations. The study makes specific design recommendations for a vehicle to carry crews into space, a family of launch vehicles to take crews to the moon and beyond, and a "lunar mission architecture" for landing on the moon. It also recommends the technologies NASA should pursue in the near term. The study will assist NASA in achieving President Bush's Vision for Space Exploration, which calls for the agency to safely return the space shuttle to flight, complete the International Space Station, return to the moon, and continue exploration of Mars and beyond.
America's next generation spacecraft will use an improved, blunt-body crew capsule, and will accommodate up to six people. "This spacecraft and its systems will build upon the foundation of the proven designs and technologies used in the Apollo and space shuttle programs, while having far greater capability," Griffin said. "It will be able to carry larger and heavier cargos into space and allow more people to stay on the moon for longer periods of time." The new spacecraft can be configured either to support human explorers or fly unpiloted to carry cargo. Its design allows the flexibility to ferry crews of three astronauts, plus additional supplies, to and from the International Space Station, take four crew members to lunar orbit, and eventually maintain up to six astronauts on a mission to Mars.
Crews and cargo will be carried into orbit by a space shuttle-derived launch system, consisting of a solid rocket booster and an upper stage powered by a shuttle main engine that can lift 25 metric tons. The spacecraft also will be 10 times safer than the space shuttle because of its in-line design and launch-abort system. NASA chose the shuttle-derived option for its launch system due to its superior safety, cost and its availability. Specifically, the space shuttle's main engines and solid rocket boosters are reliable and rated for human space flight. Much of the industrial base and hardware to support this option are already in place, which will significantly lower development costs.
The study lays out a deliberate, milestone-driven journey to the moon for NASA. Returning to the moon and sustaining a presence there will demonstrate humans can survive on another world, and will build confidence that astronauts can venture still farther into space and stay for longer periods. NASA's return to the moon will open opportunities for fundamental science in astrobiology, lunar geology, exobiology, astronomy and physics. The journey will start with robotic missions between 2008 and 2011 to study, map and learn about the lunar surface. These early missions will help determine lunar landing sites and whether resources, such as oxygen, hydrogen and metals, are available for use in NASA's long-term lunar exploration objectives.
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Germany orders Saab RBS15 Mk3 missile
Neue Lenkwaffe für deutsche Marine
On 22 September, the procurement contract for the heavy-weight anti-ship Missile System RBS15 Mk3 from Saab was signed by the German Federal Procurement Agency and prime contractor Diehl BGT Defence. The value of the contract for Saab Bofors Dynamics, who is the system design authority, is MSEK 350. The co-operation agreement with Diehl BGT Defence encompasses development, production and marketing. “This is a breakthrough for the RBS15 Mk3, and we are naturally both pleased and proud that the German Navy has chosen us and our business partner. This also makes Germany the first NATO navy to operate the RBS15 Mk3 system,” says Tomas Samuelsson, President of Saab Bofors Dynamics. The ordered missile systems will arm Germany's new K130-class corvettes, which are currently under construction. “Thanks to this contract, we can now look forward to the RBS15 Mk3 system becoming the German Navy's standard for heavy missiles,” Tomas Samuelsson adds. The RBS15 Mk3 is a powerful, versatile Surface-to-Surface Missile system with a range of more than 200 km and the added capability to combat land targets. Sweden and Germany are planning to further develop the system jointly and adapt it to new future requirements.
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First production CV-22 Osprey delivered
Erste Serienmaschine der CV-22 ausgeliefert
The U.S. Air Force has taken delivery of the first production CV-22 Osprey at the Bell Helicopter production facility in Amarillo, Texas. Produced jointly by Bell Helicopter and Boeing, the CV-22 is the U.S. Air Force Special Operations variant of the V-22 and will be used for long-range special operations missions, contingency operations, and evacuations and maritime operations. In addition to the standard communications and navigations suite found on all V-22s, the CV-22 has an advanced electronic warfare suite, a multi-mode radar which permits flight at very low altitude in zero visibility, a retractable aerial refueling probe, four radios and flight engineer seat/crew positions in the cockpit.
The current program calls for the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command to field 50 CV-22s to join the global war on terrorism and other special operations missions. Prior to initial operational capability in 2009, the CV-22 will complete developmental testing at Edwards AFB, Calif., followed by initial operational test and evaluation. Then the aircraft will conduct an operational utility evaluation next year. VMX-22, the U.S. Marine Corps Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron, recently completed the MV-22 operational test and evaluation, a critical step leading to a full-rate production decision.
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Orbimage buys Space Imaging
Übernahme der Bildsatellitenfirme durch Konkurrenten
On September 16, ORBIMAGE Holdings announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Space Imaging LLC. Under the asset purchase agreement, ORBIMAGE will acquire substantially all of the assets of Space Imaging. The total consideration for the transaction is approximately $58.5 million less amounts which will be paid by Space Imaging on its existing debt prior to closing as well as certain other adjustments. The transaction is subject to government regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. ORBIMAGE is optimistic that such conditions will be satisfied in time for the closing to occur on or prior to December 31, 2005.
Denver, Colorado-based Space Imaging is a leading supplier of visual information products and services derived from space imagery. Space Imaging launched the world's first one-meter resolution, commercial Earth imaging satellite, IKONOS, on Sept. 24, 1999. It is a privately held company with resellers and over a dozen international affiliates and ground stations around the world and provides satellite imagery and imagery products to a wide variety of governmental and commercial customers both in the U.S and internationally. "We are extremely proud of our track record of growth and dedicated service to our customers, including the U.S. Government," said Space Imaging chief executive officer Robert Dalal, "The combination of Space Imaging and ORBIMAGE will expand and grow the business. This match is a winner for all of our customers and employees." Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin acted as financial advisor to ORBIMAGE on the transaction.
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Lufthansa strengthens decentralised European traffic
Neue Strategie für dezentrale Routen
Lufthansa is strengthening its competitiveness in decentralised European traffic – on routes which do not pass through the Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich hubs – and bundling responsibilities and resources. The successful "Future European Operations" programme is to be expanded through addition of major operational functions and integrated in a new organisational unit from 1 October 2005. Responsibility for the new unit will be assumed by Dr. Christoph Klingenberg, who has been in charge of the "Future European Operations" programme since 2003. Along similar lines to the hub management organisations established at the Frankfurt and Munich hubs last year, responsibility for strategic and infrastructure development as well as ground processes, procurement of airport services and business processes at the eleven other German stations will be invested in the new organisational unit. This expanded unit will simultaneously overview operative and commercial management of regional airline partners in Lufthansa's regional carrier network.
"The upgrading and expansion of the ”Future European Operations“ programme manifests and underscores the strategic importance that Lufthansa attaches to European air traffic. The bundling of resources in a single unit will guarantee direct action in the relevant operational areas, allowing us to implement and forge ahead successfully with new concepts in our daily business activities," said Dr. Christoph Klingenberg. The “Future European Operations” is a pivotal element in the Lufthansa Action Plan, which is designed to improve Group results by a total 1.2 billion euros by the end of 2006.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
ESA's Mars Express mission has been extended by one Martian year, or about 23 months, from the beginning of December 2005. The decision, taken on 19 September by ESA's Science Programme Committee, allows the spacecraft orbiting the Red Planet to continue building on the legacy of its own scientific success. Co-ordinated from the beginning with the Mars science and exploration activities of other agencies, Mars Express has revealed an increasingly complex picture of Mars. Since the start of science operations in early 2004, new aspects of Mars are emerging day by day, thanks to Mars Express data. These include its present-day climate system, and its geological 'activity' and diversity. Mars Express has also started mapping water in its various states. In building up a global data set for composition and characteristics of the surface and atmosphere, Mars Express has revealed that volcanic and glacial processes are much more recent than expected.
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MD Helicopters has named Robert W. Rene interim Chief Executive Officer and Randy Kesterson as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Rene will provide oversight for the formation of a new executive management team for the Company and will lead business development efforts. Kesterson will manage all phases of the Company's production, quality assurance, engineering, completion, material management and information technology. Patriarch Partners, LLC, a financial firm with approximately $4.5 billion under management, acquired within its investment vehicles ("Patriarch") a controlling interest in MDHI in July. Patriarch's acquisition of MDHI is structured as a long-term investment for the firm. Rene has more than 20 years of operating experience in a variety of technology and manufacturing fields, and a proven track record in strengthening growth companies.
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The US Army, in cooperation with its Joint Service and NASA partners, announces the award of five agreements/contracts for the Concept Design and Analysis (CDA) of a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Joint Heavy Lift, (JHL) rotorcraft. The purpose of the CDA activity is to define the “art of the possible”, the “science of the probable” and the “design of the affordable” for a JHL VTOL rotorcraft that enables future joint concepts of operations (CONOPS). These include such things as conducting mounted and dismounted vertical envelopment; executing operational maneuver and sustainment operations at extended ranges simultaneously into unprepared, complex terrain locations under extreme environmental conditions, 24/7; and overcoming enemy anti-access strategies from land and sea bases as part of joint expeditionary operations. The CDA is part of the overall multi-year (FY05-07) JHL Concept Refinement effort. It is primarily focused on supporting the joint requirements definition process. The CDA is the technical pillar of activity designed to inform the joint requirements analysis with credible rotorcraft design concepts and performance projections that can reasonably be matured to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 by 2012. The five CDA awards, made under the Army's Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911W6-05-R-0004, are for the conceptual/preliminary design of a baseline aircraft, and specific design excursions, to identify the impact of variations in payload, range, environmental conditions, and shipboard compatibility on aircraft size, performance, operational suitability, cost, schedule, and development risk. The baseline design specification is to maneuver an FCS/Stryker/LAV Vehicle over a 250 nautical mile (nm) radius, under 4000 foot density altitude and 95 deg Fahrenheit (4k95) conditions, from/to land or sea bases and operating areas. Eight specific excursions to these conditions will also be investigated that include lighter and heavier cargo (16 – 26 tons), shorter and longer mission radii (210 – 500 nm), more extreme environmental conditions (6k95), and full compatibility with a future ship. These design variations populate the desired trade space in the joint requirements process. The five concept vehicles chosen for this effort, listed in order of their design cruise speeds, are: (1) Sikorsky X2C, X2 Technology Crane – coaxial rotor (165 knots); (2) Boeing ATRH, Advanced Tandem Rotor Helicopter (165 knots); (3) Sikorsky X2HSL, X2 Technology High Speed Lifter – advancing blade compound (245 knots); (4) Bell Boeing QTR, Quad Tilt Rotor (275 knots); and (5) Frontier Aircraft OSTR, Optimum Speed Tilt Rotor (310 knots). These awards are for eighteen months and represent over $30M of Government and Industry contribution. They include the delivery of the designs with substantiating data, a specification document, a technology development strategy, and cost/schedule estimates for a Component and Technology Demonstration phase to achieve TRL 6 in an appropriately large-scale flight vehicle. Award of any future JHL development activity, should it occur, is separate and independent of this BAA .
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The new European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) awarded the EC 225 helicopter an airworthiness certificate for unrestricted operations in icing conditions. The EC225 thus became the first helicopter in its category to be certified to the most recent and stringent icing regulations. To be able to fly in such conditions, the helicopter is fitted with a duplex-architecture protection system that satisfies the highest level of safety requirements ever demonstrated. The 5 main rotor blades are deiced cyclically by mats heated by metal resistors. With this system, the blades can be folded manually. The anti-icing system for the 4 tail rotor blades operates continuously. The blades incorporate 4 anti-icing carbon resistors.
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The market for once-dominant 50-seat regional jets is cooling, while demand is increasing for regional airliners that seat 70 passengers and more, according to Forecast International's recently released study, “The World Market for Regional Transport Aircraft.” More than 3,380 regional aircraft worth some $80 billion will be produced in the 10-year period from 2005 through 2014, according to the report. An estimated 2,731 jet-powered regional transports will be produced during the 10-year timeframe, while 650 turboprop-powered aircraft are forecast. While regional jets are expected to dominate the market during the next 10 years and beyond, turboprops will not entirely disappear. According to Forecast International senior aerospace analyst Raymond Jaworowski, “There will continue to be room in the regional aircraft market for turboprops, especially among smaller carriers that serve niche markets.” In the past few years, the dominant types in the regional airliner market have been 50-seat regional jets. However, the 50-seaters are now slowly giving way to new 70-seat regional jets. Continuing traffic growth and the easing of scope clause restrictions are among the factors driving this trend. Scope clauses in airline pilot contracts restrict the size and number of aircraft that a carrier's regional airline partners can operate. Eventually, demand in the regional aircraft market can be expected to move past the 70-seaters and ratchet up to 90-120 seat regional jets. Scope clauses remain a big obstacle to this, but competitive and financial pressures could force further relaxation of these scope clauses.
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Lockheed Martin has received a contract valued at approximately $50 million to deliver laser-guided bomb (LGB) kits to the U.S. Air Force next year. The contract, for manufacture and delivery of GBU-12 kits, represents more than half of the U.S. Air Force's requirements for the current fiscal year. "We are pleased to provide our Air Force customers a state-of-the-art system that converts free-fall bombs into precision-guided munitions," said Cynthia Sailar, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin in Archbald, PA. The LGB's accuracy allows target destruction while reducing collateral damage and risks to U.S. and allied ground forces, Sailar explained. "This award ensures the continued fielding of a system that provides increased survivability and lower risk of collateral damage at an affordable cost," she added.
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft and high resolution surveillance and radar imaging systems, announced that the Predator unmanned aircraft system (UAS) family achieved a milestone of 150,000 flight hours last month, with over two-thirds (100,000 hours) of that time spent in combat. Predator Series aircraft are currently flying more than 5,000 hours a month and continue to maintain the highest operational readiness rates in the U.S. inventory. “The Predator Series of unmanned aircraft systems had made a significant impact on the global war on terrorism, providing persistent ISR and full-mission capability to military users and decision-makers around the world,” said Thomas J. Cassidy, Jr., president, Aircraft Systems, Group, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. “Now with an experience base of more than 150,000 flight hours, no other UAS manufacturer can match the combat-proven, unparalleled performance and exceptional reliability of the Predator family.”
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ARINC Incorporated announced a new agreement with Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) that solidifies its long-standing service relationship with Europe's fourth largest airline group, and adds satellite communications (SATCOM) service. ARINC will provide its GLOBALink/Satellite voice and data services for all equipped SAS aircraft fleetwide. “SAS is a major global player with strong brand awareness, as well as a leading member of the Star Alliance. We are delighted they have selected ARINC to meet their ongoing SATCOM service needs,” stated Graham Lake, ARINC Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “SAS is consistently in the front rank of airlines taking maximum advantage of today's efficient flight communication technologies.” SAS was ARINC's original launch customer for its European VHF ACARS data link service in 1997, and the airline extended the contract in August 2003 to include VDL Mode 2 connectivity as well. SAS plans to cut over its aircraft from the current provider to ARINC's GLOBALink/Satellite service this month.
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ESA's Vega launcher passed an important milestone with the successful completion of key tests on the solid rocket motor igniters. After several months of preparation in the Netherlands plant of Aerospace Propulsion Products B.V. (APP) the second set of so-called 'Battleship' tests of the igniters has been carried out at the NAMMO explosives test range in the far north of Norway on 15 September. All the objectives of the test were fully met and development can go on to the next step. Altogether seven ESA Member States are involved in the Vega Programme, with Italy, the largest contributor, playing a major role. The objective is to build a small single body launcher with three solid propulsion stages - P80, Zefiro 23 and Zefiro 9 - and an upper stage – the AVUM - powered by liquid propulsion.
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The German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) has awarded Thales a contract for the wide-ranging provision of ground-based precision landing systems within a comprehensive modernisation programme to increase safety, reliability and the efficiency of military aviation in Germany. Thales will supply seven Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and an optional eighth system of the type ILS 420 with remote control systems enabling monitoring and control from distant sites as well as training support. The existing Instrument Landing Systems operated by the air transport units in Penzing, Wunstorf and Hohn, the air transport group in Holzdorf and the naval flying unit in Nordholz as well as by the office for military technology in Manching will be replaced with most advanced systems of the type 420 from Thales. The airport of the weapons training school for military pilots at Bückeburg will be equipped with ILS for the first time. This programme which will be carried out over a period of two years and includes as an option the replacement of the ILS at the NATO Air Base in Geilenkirchen used by E-3A Airborne Warning Aircraft (AWACS). This contract confirms the Federal Armed Forces' continued confidence in Thales building on a partnership that dates back many years. Within the ”Rhein Main Transition Programme”, Thales is also completing the transfer of the complete navaids equipment along with their modernisation and extension from the United States Airforce Europe (USAFE) airbase located at Frankfurt International Airport to the USAFE airbases at Spangdahlem and Ramstein.
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Raytheon has successfully completed flight trials and acceptance testing for the EXTRACT System, an airborne reconnaissance system aboard a special airborne reconnaissance aircraft for the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force. The company provided airborne reconnaissance systems, ground based analysis systems and a rear crew trainer and will provide continued contractor logistic support for the new system through 2013. The reconnaissance system Raytheon developed consists of an airborne payload that examines routine radio and radar emissions while providing electronic combat support to military commanders. This upgrade provides enhanced automated capabilities to respond to current and future threats.
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The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced that it will offer Avidyne's FlightMax Entegra Integrated Flight Deck as standard equipment on its top-of-the line piston aircraft, the Malibu Mirage, continuing to make Piper's deployment of the Entegra system the most extensive application of advanced glass avionics in general aviation. By adding Avidyne's state-of-the-art Entegra system in the Mirage, Piper continues its strategy of integrating advanced glass avionics throughout the model line. The Mirage joins with Piper's flagship aircraft, the Piper Meridian; the PA-28 family of aircraft (the Warrior III, Archer III and Arrow); and the PA-32 family of aircraft (the Saratoga II HP, the Saratoga II TC, the Piper 6X and the Piper 6XT) in offering Avidyne's FlightMax Entegra.
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NASA announced the selection of N. Wayne Hale Jr. as manager of the Space Shuttle Program. He has been deputy manager since July 2003 and succeeds Bill Parsons, who returned to NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi as its director. Hale began his career with NASA in 1978 in the Propulsion Systems Section of Flight Operations at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston. For the next 10 years, he progressed into management, becoming a lead propulsion systems officer in Mission Control. He later headed the Propulsion Systems Section from 1985 to 1988.
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Both solar array 'wings' have been installed on ESA's Venus Express spacecraft, and preparations at the launch site in Baikonur are proceeding according to schedule, says Launch Campaign Manager Michael Witting. The installation of the first solar array started on 12 September. The wing was connected mechanically and electrically to the main body of the spacecraft by a specialist team from Astrium GmbH (Munich). The deployment of the wing was then tested, supported by a special rig (see movie). The lightweight wing is designed to be strong enough to support itself in space but on the ground, if not held up, it would collapse under Earth's gravity. With the wing deployed, the specialist teams from Austrian Aerospace and Alcatel Alenia Space Italia could continue installing the thermal Multi-layer Insulation (MLI, the reflective 'skin' of the spacecraft) on the main body.
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Lockheed Martin and Boeing announced that they have withdrawn their filing pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Anti-Trust Improvements Act of 1976 regarding the formation of the United Launch Alliance, LLC (ULA). The companies intend to resubmit their filing later this week. The companies are resubmitting their filing to provide additional time for review of the proposed transaction. Upon resubmission, the 30-day clock for Federal Trade Commission consideration will restart. ULA is a contemplated joint venture to be established by Lockheed Martin and Boeing to provide two families of expendable launch vehicles to U. S. Government customers.
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The Pathfinder-Plus solar-electric flying wing recently completed a short series of research flights from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center to investigate the effects of turbulence on lightweight flexible wing structures. The flights marked the end of an era in solar-powered flight research for the 23-year-old craft, which is due for retirement shortly. Flown by crews from AeroVironment, Inc., owner and builder of the unique experimental aircraft, the Pathfinder-Plus made two low-altitude flights over the northern portion of Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The first was a three-hour flight on Aug. 31, followed by a 2.25 hour mission on Sept 14. Both missions were flown on a combination of solar and battery power. "The primary goal for these research flights of the Pathfinder-Plus was to gather aeroelastic data to really begin understanding how these vehicles perform in flight," said Robert Navarro, NASA Dryden's project manager for the test flights. "Being so flexible, they constantly change shape and we need to understand how the airplanes behave.
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James K. Bass, an experienced senior executive with more than 25 years of leadership roles in engineering and manufacturing, is the new President and CEO of The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Bass, 48, who was appointed September 12 by the New Piper Aircraft Board of Directors, replaces Chuck Suma, who in turn joins Piper's Board of Directors as Vice Chairman. Bass comes to Piper after leading the financial turnaround of Suntron Corporation, a Phoenix, Ariz., based $500 million public corporation where he served as President & CEO. Bass was selected after an extensive search to find just the right fit to continue building and expanding the strong recovery orchestrated by the Piper team. At the same time, Suma, a valued and loyal 30-year employee of Piper is in an advisory role to support the transition while continuing to interface with dealers, customers and regulatory agencies in his new role as Vice Chairman of the Board.
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Aloha Airgroup announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent with The Yucaipa Companies, LLC (Yucaipa) and Aloha Aviation Investment Group, LLC (AAIG) for a substantial equity investment in Aloha Airlines pursuant to a Plan of Reorganization. The Agreement is subject to U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval and other conditions. Under the terms of the Letter of Intent, the Ching and Ing families, longtime owners of Aloha, will continue to have ownership interest and have Board representation. In addition, David A. Banmiller will continue to serve as President, Chief Executive Officer and Board member of the reorganized Aloha Airlines. "In partnership with Yucaipa and AAIG, we have a unique opportunity to carry forward Aloha's 60-year tradition of excellence," said Aloha's Banmiller. "Combining the vision and resources of our new investors with the continuing support of the Ching and Ing family shareholders ensures the future for our employees, customers and the communities we serve and will facilitate our growth." "The Ching and Ing families are proud to have supported Aloha for more than half a century," said Han H. Ching, chairman of the board of Aloha Airgroup, Inc. "We look forward to being actively involved in the future of this company with our new partners."
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CAE has been awarded contracts by Eurofighter Simulation Systems valued at more than C$10 million to provide a visual system, synthetic environment software, and support services to Austria's Eurofighter full-mission simulator. CAE will provide a 13-channel CAE Medallion-S visual system for Austria's Eurofighter full-mission simulator. In addition, CAE will deliver the Eurofighter-specific synthetic environment using the CAE STRIVE simulation development framework. The CAE Medallion-S visual system is being used on all Eurofighter Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids requiring a visual solution, including full-mission simulators and cockpit trainer/interactive pilot stations. CAE is currently delivering visual systems for Eurofighter training devices being stationed at training bases for the four original Eurofighter partner nations: the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
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Lockheed Martin UK Limited and the VT Group plc have submitted a bid under the Ascent banner for the role of Training System Partner (TSP) for the UK Military Flying Training Systems (UKMFTS). Ascent is offering a compliant, innovative and economical solution to meet the requirements of the RAF, Royal Navy and the Army Air Corps. Key element of the bid is a conceptual training design that meets the increased student output standards, maintains military ethos and delivers a significant decrease in the time required for aircrew training. Delivery of the training will be based on LM's proven Training Management Information System, which currently manages the needs of over 16,000 air crew a year at various locations and in all aircrew positions. VT already delivers some 30 per cent of the UK's military flying training requirement through a series of successful partnerships with the MoD. Ascent reflects the established strengths of LM and VT, particularly in partnering. Indeed, the two companies have signed a worldwide agreement to offer flying training.
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Early in September, the engine industry's who's who convened in Munich: some 460 specialists from around the world attended the XVII. International Symposium for Airbreathing Engines (ISABE), the largest attendance ever. The industry's biggest meeting takes place every two years, each time on a different continent. The Munichevent was organized by MTU Aero Engines and the DGLR German Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics. "For MTU, it is a great honor to host ISABE," emphasized Udo Stark, the company's president and CEO. The Symposium was held under the aegis of Dr. Klaus Steffens, the former MTU Aero Engines chief executive. For five days, the attending experts discussed future aircraft engines. Some 270 presentations dealt with ideas and technologies to make engines still more capable, thriftier, lighter, cleaner, quieter, more efficient and safer. Maintenance costs, too, ought to come down. New propulsion concepts like geared turbofans were discussed, as were options for optimizing individual engine components, the deployment of innovative materials and designs, as well as alternative fuels. Among the speakers at the blue-chip event was Simeon H. Austin, Director of the Advance Programs Office at Pratt & Whitney, who elaborated on the many opportunities provided by the Joint Technology Demonstrator Program (JTDP) for validating advanced engine technologies and optimized components. The U.S. engine manufacturer has been partnering with MTU Aero Engines on the JTDP since 2001. The program is designed to test new technologies to improve cost-effectiveness, reduce oxides of nitrogen and noise emissions and trim weight. Colin P. Smith, Member of the Board and Director of Research & Technology at Rolls-Royce, among other items addressed the crucial need for environmentally sound approaches to the development of novel engine technologies: "Industry has the moral obligation to consider the impact their internal processes and products have on the environment."
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On Sept. 22, Delta Air Lines CEO Gerald Grinstein today outlined an expanded and stepped up transformation plan designed to “save Delta in the near term, so that it can compete and win in the long term.” The plan targets an additional $3 billion in annual financial benefits by the end of 2007, on top of the $5 billion in annual benefits the company is on track to deliver by 2006, as compared to 2002. Delta will combine savings achieved through the Chapter 11 restructuring process with planned revenue and network productivity improvements and more competitive employment costs to achieve the $3 billion target, with each of the three areas accounting for roughly $1 billion in revenue and savings benefits. In a memo to Delta's 52,000 employees, Grinstein said that the “transformation plan's business model has been designed to fortify Delta against the clear and present threats from our competitors” and that Delta “intends to move from being an unprofitable airline today to a profitable airline in just over two years.” Utilizing the benefits of the in-court restructuring process, Delta intends to realize $970 million in annual financial benefits through savings such as debt relief, lease and facility savings and fleet modifications. The company has already rejected leases on 40 mainline aircraft, which it was not operating at the time of Delta's Chapter 11 filing, and plans to reduce the size of its mainline operating fleet by an additional 80-plus aircraft by the end of 2006. These actions accelerate by two years Delta's plans to simplify the fleet by four aircraft types. With these changes, Delta plans to operate seven mainline aircraft types by the end of 2006 – down from 11 today and 14 as recently as 2001. Reductions to the regional jet fleet at Delta Connection carrier Comair are under evaluation and are expected to be determined soon. Ongoing improvements to Delta's route network and revenue stream are intended to provide $1.1 billion in annual benefits. Key initiatives include: Increasing point-to-point flying and right-sizing domestic hubs to achieve a greater local traffic mix; Reducing domestic mainline capacity by 15-20 percent to address over capacity in the U.S. market; and Growing international capacity by 25 percent in 2006 to pursue routes with greater profit potential. Recently announced plans to strengthen Delta's domestic hubs and grow international schedules this winter, including the right sizing of capacity at Cincinnati and the addition of new or expanded service to 41 international destinations, are examples of these strategies. Delta's expanded plan also includes pay cuts and job reductions for employees throughout the company, which Grinstein said “will be shared by all Delta people equitably and within the context of comprehensive business plan,” including an opportunity for employees to share in future success through enhanced profit-sharing. Approximately $930 million in annual financial benefits are intended to be realized through reduced employment costs, employee productivity improvements and overhead reductions. This total represents annual savings of $325 million from Delta pilots and $605 million from the non-pilot work force, including management. Other components of employment changes include: Eliminating 7,000-9,000 jobs systemwide by the end of 2007; Reducing pay at all levels of management, including a 25 percent pay reduction for Grinstein; a 15 percent reduction for officers; and a 9 percent reduction for supervisory and other administrative personnel; Reducing pay scales by 7-10 percent for most front-line employees, excluding those earning less than $25,000 annually; and Enhancing profit sharing to allow all Delta employees to share in future success from the first dollar of profitability.
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Boeing and Avion Group signed final agreements for the purchase of four Boeing 777 Freighters at the Cargo Facts Symposium today. The new cargo planes will be operated by Avion Group's subsidiary, wet-lease operator Air Atlanta Icelandic. Air Atlanta Icelandic is the world's largest ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) service provider, offering tailor-made solutions to other carriers, both in the passenger and cargo industry. The four 777 Freighters, with purchase rights for two additional 777Fs, will provide additional capacity for a number of the world's top carriers. The first 777 Freighter to Air Atlanta Icelandic is scheduled for delivery beginning in February 2009. Additionally, Avion Group and Boeing are in serious negotiations to convert three Air Atlanta Icelandic 747-400 passenger airplanes into 747-400 BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) models.
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Lufthansa Technik Shenzhen, China's first and only repair source for Airframe Related Components (ARC), is further expanding its capability of ARCs. This year, in response to widespread customer demand, the company has acquired the ability to service ARCs for the thrust reversers not only of the Boeing 737 CFM56-3 but also for those of the Boeing 747, A300 and MD-11 (CF6-80) plus those for the Inlet Cowls of the V2500 engine (Airbus A320 family). All parts made from composites are repaired using the latest procedures, a number of which were developed by Lufthansa Technik itself and for which it trains specialists in Germany. These unique repair procedures often eliminate the need to buy expensive new parts, which results in a big savings for airline customers. The company at the Shenzhen Baoan Airport, China's fourth-largest, has 80 employees, who also provide ARC services for radomes, flight-control surfaces and other composite structures. Repair of such high-quality parts made from composites was first made possible in China by the introduction in 2003 of a special high-temperature furnace (autoclave). Customers of Lufthansa Technik Shenzhen include not only Chinese airlines, but also airlines from many other Asian countries like Japan, Thailand or Philippines.
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Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) has signed a contract worth $170 million for the sale of AMOS 3Communications Satellite to Spacecom Company. The satellite will be manufactured at IAI's Systems Missiles & Space Group, and will be launched by the end of 2007. IAI's President & CEO, Moshe Keret, congratulated the signing of the contract and said: "IAI will implement advanced technologies in the development of AMOS 3 and will continue to be a major factor in the Israeli and world space markets." AMOS 3 will replace AMOS 1, operating flawlessly since 1996, and supposes to last until 2008. The development of AMOS 3 marks an important milestone in IAI's space activities.
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At the Beijing Aviation Expo the Chinese aircraft manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (a subsidiary of AVIC-I) and Dutch Stork Aerospace have signed a Heads of Agreement for collaboration in the development and manufacturing of aerostructures for commercial aircraft. Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) provides leading capabilities in tool design and fabrication, machining, assembly and composite production. Stork Fokker AESP, a Stork Aerospace company, provides leading capabilities in program management, structure design and engineering, composite (thermoplastics) and metal bonding. By sharing these mutually complementary capabilities both companies expect new opportunities by delivering an excelling price/quality ratio and extension of production capacity. Also the established position of both companies in different markets and businesses are a key element to this collaboration. SAC and Stork Fokker AESP will form project teams with having members from both companies participating closely on the managerial and technical tasks. SAC and Fokker have had a relation going back to the 1930's, being the first companies joining forces between Europe and China in the aerospace industry.
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CAE has been awarded contracts for four new full-flight simulators and other training devices by several airlines around the world. At list prices (and including some buyer-furnished equipment), the total value of the contracts is approximately C$58 million. Longstanding CAE customer Japan Airlines International has ordered three CAE-built Boeing 737 NG full-flight simulators, which are scheduled to be delivered to the carrier's training centre at Tokyo's Haneda Airport progressively over a 12-month period, beginning in spring of 2007. These simulators will include electric motion system technology. Finnish national carrier Finnair has purchased a CAE-built EMBRAER 170 full-flight simulator and an accompanying CAE Simfinity EMBRAER 170 flight management systems trainer. The simulator is slated for installation in Finnair's training centre in Helsinki, Finland, in summer of 2006.
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Rolls-Royce said at the Aviation Expo China event in Beijing that more than half of the predicted orders to meet increasing demand for passenger aircraft in China will be in the twin-aisle aircraft sector. Over the next 20 years, airline traffic in China will grow by nine per cent per annum, creating a requirement for a total of 2,300 new aircraft. Fifty two per cent of these are forecast to be widebody aircraft, which would be almost twice the global average. The Rolls-Royce Market Outlook also forecasts that passenger air traffic market in the Asia Pacific region will exceed Europe in 2008 and subsequently overtake the USA in 2022 to become the largest segment in the world. Steve Miller, Vice President, Customer Business – China, Rolls-Royce, commented: “In the last five years, passenger traffic in China has witnessed an unprecedented rise of 95 per cent, and looks like it will continue to be the fastest growing market over the next 20 years. “This increased demand for new aircraft fleets will drive an engine market worth $34 billion by value in China alone, which is almost 10 per cent of the global market. The Rolls-Royce Trent family of engines is well-placed in China and offers the best engine performance levels for the country's most demanding airports. China is already a significant region in the civil aviation industry, and will grow in importance over the next two decades.”
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Rolls-Royce has delivered the first propulsion system flight hardware to Pratt & Whitney on schedule for the first Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F-35B development aircraft. The Variable Area Vane Box Nozzle (VAVBN), developed specifically for the short take-off vertical landing (STOVL) variant of JSF, is now ready to be shipped to JSF partner Northrop Grumman for integration into the aircraft. Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems are the principal industrial partners developing the F-35 with Lockheed Martin. Rolls-Royce is developing the VAVBN as part of the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem under a contract awarded by Pratt & Whitney for its F135 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) programme. The Rolls-Royce LiftSystem consists of the Rolls-Royce LiftFan, the 3 Bearing Swivel Module (3BSM), and the roll posts.
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The new SWISS Board of Directors has elected Rolf Jetzer as its Chairman. The new SWISS Board of Directors held its first meeting immediately after the Extraordinary General Meeting at which it was elected. The Board itself elected Rolf Jetzer as its Chairman. It also elected Walter Bosch to serve as Deputy Chairman. The five members of the new SWISS Board of Directors were elected – each for an ordinary term of office of three years – at the Extraordinary General Meeting which was held this morning. The new Board comprises Jacques Aigrain, Walter Bosch, Rolf Jetzer, Wolfgang Mayrhuber and Klaus G. Schlede. “I am looking forward to the challenge of serving as the new SWISS Chairman of the Board," Rolf Jetzer said following his election. “Achieving sustainable profitability and integrating SWISS into the Lufthansa Group will be the prime focuses of our new Board's activities."
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