|
|
+++ Chinese Taikonauts back to Earch +++ Second A380 flies +++ Royal Jordanian to join oneworld +++ Last Titan IV launched +++ 300 million hours for CFM56 +++ News in brief +++
Chinese Taikonauts back to Earch
Mission Shenzhou VI erfolgreich beendet
Shenzhou VI's reentry capsule, carrying taikonauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng, landed safely at 4:33 AM on 16 October marking a "complete success" for China's second manned space mission after it put the first Chinese national in space two years ago, said top legislator Wu Bangguo. "The successful mission is of great significance for elevating China's prestige in the world, promoting China's economic, scientific and national defense capabilities and consolidating national cohesiveness," he said at the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center. He described it as a "milestone" in China's space technology development and in its manned scientific experiments in space.
Both taikonauts are "in fine condition," doctors said after their physical checkups upon landing. They landed just 1 km away from the preset spot after a 115 hour 32 minute space flight, more than five times the length of China's maiden manned space flight. Fei and Nie stepped unaided down the ladder from the capsule and were seated for a while to receive a bouquet of flowers and get used to Earth's gravity.
Shenzhou VI flew 3.25 million kilometers in space, orbiting once every 90 minutes 343 km above the Earth at a speed of 7.9 km per second. Fei and Nie conducted a series of firsts for China on the spacecraft, including maneuvers between the orbital and reentry capsules, taking spacesuits on and off, using the space toilet and the self-administered blood pressure tests.
China's next ambition: a possible space walk in 2007. “Our estimate is that around 2007 we will be able to achieve extravehicular activity by our astronauts and they will walk in space,'' Tang Xiangming, director of the China Manned Space Engineering Office, said at a news conference.
Tang said the program also might recruit women in its next group of astronaut candidates. The Shenzhou 6 flight cost some 900 million yuan (US$110 million; euro90 million), said Tang, the space office director. The government says the manned space program has cost a total of 19 billion yuan (US$2.3 billion; euro1.8 billion) – a fraction of the budget of its American counterpart. The government says it wants to land an unmanned probe on the moon by 2010 and to send up an orbiting laboratory.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Second A380 flies
Erstflug des zweiten Airbus A380
On 18 October the second A380 (MSN004) successfully took to the air at 10.49 a.m, joining the first A380 (MSN001) in the flight test campaign which started on 27th April. Since its first flight, MSN001 has successfully completed more than 100 flights and over 350 flight hours. The maiden flight of the second aircraft, equipped with four Rolls Royce Trent 900 engine, is taking place above the region west of Toulouse and over the South West of France. The flight crew comprises experiment test-pilots Peter Chandler, and Richard Monnoyer, as well as the test flight engineer Pascal Verneau, and flight test engineers Didier Ronceray and Robert Lignee. MSN004 is equipped with a heavy test instrumentation and is joining the first A380 in the flight test campaign, which includes environmental trials, where it will prove full functionality of engines, systems and materials under extreme weather conditions and altitude. The hot and high campaigns and cold weather trials will take place in the first half of next year. During these latter trials, the aircraft will be exposed to up to minus 40 degrees, while assuring full functionality. electromagnetic interference (EMI) tests will also be undertaken in the first half of next year, to ascertain the resistance of the aircraft to electromagnetic fields.
Charles Champion, Chief Operating Officer and Head of the A380 Programme, says: “The tests are going better than we expected and we can already say with certitude that we will deliver a great aircraft, which will live up to the expectations of the airlines and bring a step change to air transport. I am certain that the second test aircraft will continue to show that the A380 combines technological innovation with extraordinary quality and reliability.” With 105 flights and 366 flight hours, the first A380 (MSN001) is yielding very good results, and is in fact ahead of the test programme schedule. Already accomplished tests, including aerodynamics, low speed and flight vibration tests, show very good conformity with the data collected on flight simulators in preparation of the test flights. Thanks to the precision of test results, early autoland tests could start on the 17th flight, only one month after first flight.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Royal Jordanian to join oneworld
Neues Mitglied für Allianz
Royal Jordanian Airlines is to join oneworld. It is the first airline from the Levant, Middle East and Gulf region to be elected to any of the global airline groupings and the first airline accepted to join oneworld in more than five years. Royal Jordanian accepted an invitation to join at a ceremony today conducted in the presence of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein at the Royal Palace in Amman, the airline's home base. Representing oneworld and its existing members were Fernando Conte, Chairman and Chief Executive of Iberia Airlines and current Chairman of the oneworld Governing Board; Martin Broughton, Chairman of British Airways, which is acting as the sponsor for Royal Jordanian's entry into the alliance; and John McCulloch, oneworld's Managing Partner.
Royal Jordanian has already satisfied oneworld's key pre-joining audits, assuring the grouping that it can deliver the alliance's services, benefits and processes and also match its quality and safety standards. Work will now begin on connecting its IT systems to those of its new partners; bringing key internal processes into line with oneworld requirements; training its employees to deliver oneworld products, customer benefits and support; and completing the other tasks needed before it can become a full-fledged member of the alliance. Royal Jordanian should start offering oneworld services and benefits as a full-fledged member around the turn of 2006-07.
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Last Titan IV launched
Schwerlastrakete zum letzten Mal gestartet
The United States Air Force and Lockheed Martin closed out a proud five-decade history on 19 October with the final launch of a Titan IV B rocket carrying a critical national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). All eyes were on Space Launch Complex 4 East as the nation's heavy-lift workhorse thundered off the pad to deliver its final payload to space and retire from service. "Today's spectacular launch is a fitting way to say goodbye to Titan," said G. Thomas Marsh, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "The Lockheed Martin employees who have given their utmost efforts to the program over the years join with our Air Force and NRO customers, and the many other organizations that make up the Titan team, in expressing our great pride in this service to our country's space program."
The launch was the last launch for the Titan IV and the culmination of a long evolution from the original Titan I intercontinental ballistic missile. In all, 39 Titan IVs have been launched - 12 Titan IVs have been launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on the West Coast plus 27 more from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The final Titan IV mission from Cape Canaveral was launched successfully April 29, 2005. Col. Michael T. Baker, director, Launch Programs, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, said, "The members of the System Program Office are extremely proud to be part of this historic launch. I am particularly honored to lead this SPO since Titan has been a part of my career since 1981. We have been confident from the beginning that the Titan team would deliver one final mission success for the nation."
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
300 million hours for CFM56
CFM56 meldet neuen Rekord
On September 29, 2005, the CFM56 jet engine, developed and produced equally by Snecma and General Electric Transportation Aircraft Engines (GEAE) passed the mark of 300 million hours in flight. This latest record by the CFM56 confirms the market success of an engine family that sets the international standard for performance and reliability. At the same time, it validates CFM International's ongoing efforts to always meet customer expectations and lay solid groundwork for the future. In June 2002, twenty years after entering revenue service, the CFM56 engine passed the mark of 200 million hours in flight. The CFM56 engine family needed just three more years to raise this figure by 50%, exceeding the cumulated total of 300 million hours on September 29, 2005.
The benchmark reliability of the CFM56 is due not only to its robust design, but also to the exceptional feedback from operations. However, the 100,000 hours added to this feedback every day are only possible because the engine has risen to a number of technical challenges. In a sense, this has created a “virtuous circle”, a fact well understood by the many customers who have made the CFM56 the benchmark in the mainline jet market (commercial jets with over 100 seats): the CFM56 is the best-selling engine in the world, powering 46% of all mainline jets sold since 1984, when the CFM56-3 entered service. A longer-term R&T initiative, called LEAP56 (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) was launched at the 2005 Paris Air Show last June. This new initiative will pave the way for the future, and enable CFM to meet evolving market needs in a timely manner. “CFM is the future, for both Snecma and General Electric,” insists Pierre Bry. “The alliance we founded over thirty years ago is built on the very solid foundations of the CFM56. It is up to us to capitalize on this unrivaled legacy, without ever resting on our laurels.”
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
ThalesRaytheonSystems (TRS) has received $120 million in contracts from the Swiss defense procurement agency, armasuisse, to provide the Swiss Air Force with advanced Link-16 connectivity for their fighter aircraft. The funding represents a continuation of work by TRS on the FLORAKO command and control program. FLORAKO is a high performance air defense and air space management system developed by TRS. It went into operation on Feb. 2, 2004, after successfully completing final tests and operating in parallel with the previous Swiss air defense system. FLORAKO comprises master surveillance radars, a data and communication system, a new airspace management system and new air command and control centers. The upgraded FLORAKO systems will transmit voice and data over an encrypted link, provide nation-wide Link-16 coverage, allow the aircraft to acquire Link-16 before take-off and incorporate multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS) technology. MIDS technology will help pilots to overcome the challenges of gathering data while flying their aircraft over the mountainous Swiss terrain. "The future Defense System will be expanded to integrate more real time data and to interface with more sensors and reconnaissance assets in order to provide maximum information for decision making," said Dr. Alfred Markwalder, Swiss chief of Armament. "The addition of Link-16 is a step in this direction and demonstrates FLORAKO's ability to adapt and to grow with the evolution of information sources, allowing Switzerland to maintain a modern fielded System for many years to come." Florako Phase VII is slated for completion in late 2008. Work will be performed by ThalesRaytheonSystems employees in Fullerton and Massy, France. Swiss industry will also participate in the system's deployment.
+++
Vought Aircraft Industries announced that it has reached price agreements with a significant segment of its supplier enterprise team members to support the company's work share on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplane . Further supply base selections are under consideration for remaining outstanding work share in accordance with Vought's strategic sourcing plans, and will be announced as they mature. ASCO Aerospace Canada will provide the section 48 upper fin deck bulkheads at its modernized facilities in Delta, British Columbia. Boeing Canada Technology will supply Vought with shear ties and completed frame assemblies from its Winnipeg facility.
C & D Zodiac (formerly Northwest Composites) will produce structural composite frames for Vought at its Marysville, Wash., facility using a resin film infusion process. European Aeronautic Defence & Space (EADS) business unit Military Aircraft will supply the aft pressure bulkhead using a state-of-the-art, vacuum-assisted resin transfer mold (VaRTM) process to make a one-piece dome at its Augsburg, Germany location. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) will build the pivot bulkheads, main deck and cargo floor grid assemblies and door surround structural assemblies in Tel Aviv, Israel. Korean Air Lines (KAL) Aerospace Division will build the complete aft body structural assembly in Busan, South Korea.
+++
EADS Astrium has chosen Arianespace to launch the two micro-satellites of the Spirale demonstrator for a spaceborne optical early warning system. The two Spirale satellites will be injected into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 launched from the Guiana Space Center. They will be carried as auxiliary passengers on an Ariane 5 mission in 2008, using the ASAP 5 structure. EADS Astrium is the prime contractor for the Spirale demonstration program, acting on behalf of French defense procurement agency DGA. It will involve the construction of two micro satellites of about 130-kg each, using the Myriade platform developed by CNES. The Spirale demonstrator is designed to collect and analyze images in the infrared band against a land background, in order to detect ballistic missiles during their boost phase. The Spirale program heralds a future early warning system, that will be a strategic component in a ballistic missile defense system.
+++
Heathrow's second biggest airline, bmi, has urged EU and US negotiating teams to "seize the historic opportunity" offered by today's talks on open skies across the Atlantic. The teams have a real opportunity to bring to an immediate end the illegal agreement that limits the number of airlines that can provide competitive services from Heathrow to the US. The Bermuda II agreement has been in place since 1977 and allows only the UK airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, and two US airlines, to serve the US from Heathrow. The agreement was judged to be illegal by the European Court of Justice in November 2003, but no action has been taken to scrap the restrictive conditions it contains. To do so would bring about much needed competition and enable bmi to provide point to point and network connecting competition from the airline's main operating base at Heathrow. The EU and US will meet in Brussels next week after a gap of 18 months to try to bring about an open skies agreement between the EU and the US. Despite agreements for free and open competition between most EU countries and the US, access to Heathrow remains the gift of the privileged few. Tim Bye, deputy chief executive officer of bmi said, "It's an absolute disgrace bmi is denied the opportunity to compete because of an agreement that has been declared illegal, and yet still nothing has been done to consign it to the scrapheap."
+++
Engineers are moving closer to resolving the problem of large foam insulation falling off space shuttle external fuel tanks during launch. A "tiger team" is making recommendations addressing the factors that may have contributed to foam loss when the space shuttle Discovery (STS-114) was launched in July. The next shuttle mission is also on Discovery. It will be the second test flight in the Return to Flight sequence. At a news conference today at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, space shuttle managers emphasized they have not set a specific launch date. NASA is using the May 3 to 23, 2006, launch window as a target for work to prepare Discovery for the mission. Shuttle workers will likely replace and modify areas of insulation on the external tank where foam came loose during the July launch. Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale said a series of tests over the next several weeks would help further clarify the tank issues. "I think we're beginning to have our hands well around the technical problems we have and we are defining the fixes necessary to fly again," he said. Factors contributing to the decision to target the May launch window include outstanding tank work and the effect on the NASA workforce by Hurricane Katrina. NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans and the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi were in the storm's path. Much of their workforce has been displaced by the storm. Since external tanks are manufactured at Michoud, work there is crucial. Approximately 25 percent of the workforce is back on the job. If improvements to transportation and infrastructure go as planned, the full staff should be back at work by early December.
+++
Connexion by Boeing recently concluded a week of demonstration flights in Europe that showed travelers how mobile telephony can be provided safely and conveniently for passengers in flight. During flights aboard a Boeing 737-400 test and demonstration airplane, Connexion One, guests sampled not only the Connexion by Boeinghigh-speed, real-time Internet service, which now includes four channels of live TV, but also used roaming-enabled mobile phones to make and receive phone calls. “Enabling people to make and receive phone calls during flight demonstrated the flexibility of a high-speed connectivity system like ours,” said Chris Petersen, program manager for voice and cellular service at Connexion by Boeing. “We allowed our guests to make calls to the ground while we flew over international waters, and almost everyone's first call was to their boss. Both callers and call recipients were equally excited and impressed by the voice quality and the reliability of the connection.”
+++
Airbus has selected Goodrich to supply the flap actuation package for its A400M military transport aircraft, and Aerolec (Goodrich's joint venture with Thales), will be supplying EADS-CASA with the main and auxiliary power unit electric generators for the aircraft's electrical power generation system. The flap actuation package consists of actuators and the associated transmission and gearboxes. The electrical power generation system includes Goodrich's variable frequency generators and control units. According to Brian Gora, President of Goodrich's Actuation Systems division, "The flap actuation contract marks the first win for Goodrich on the A400M and is very important to our Actuation Systems team. Goodrich has significant experience in high lift wing systems technology which will be key as we progress in this exciting program. In addition, the application of our Lean Product Development process has allowed us to identify significant opportunities for improvement in development costs and lead-time."
+++
Boeing and Saab Aerostructures of Sweden announced today the signing of a contract for the design and manufacture of the large cargo doors, bulk cargo doors and access doors for the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Saab Aerostructures will build the doors at its base in Linkoping, Sweden. Saab will provide three door types, totaling seven doors per airplane. The doors will be made of advanced lightweight carbon-fiber composites.
+++
IAE International Aero Engines, in which Pratt & Whitney is a leading shareowner, announced that Indian low-cost start-up IndiGo has selected V2500 engines to power its fleet of 100 Airbus A320 family aircraft. The sale is worth approximately $600 million to Pratt & Whitney, which is a United Technologies company. The $1.7 billion order is the largest, single firm order IAE has ever received and it also confirms IndiGo as the launch customer for V2500Select, IAE's combined program of engine upgrades and aftermarket support. "This is great news for IAE and Pratt & Whitney," said Steve Heath, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines president and a member of the IAE Board of Directors. "India is an increasingly important market for us, and we appreciate IndiGo's confidence in the V2500. We are committed to helping them make this new venture a great success."
+++
MD Helicopters has delivered its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) proposal to the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command headquarters at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. "MDHI embraced the Army's progressive approach on the LUH Program that combined tough demands on specifications in the helicopter with stringent requirements for logistics/training programs and a stipulation for a cost- effective solution," said Lynn Tilton, Chairman of the Board of Directors of MDHI. "Our aircraft, the MD Explorer(R), is the only FAA-certified, off-the- shelf solution available that combines the strict performance requirements dictated by the LUH program with price and total operating costs as set forth." MDHI is proposing its MD Explorer(R) Light Utility Helicopter and Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) team for the U.S. Army's LUH Program. With MDHI as prime contractor in the proposal, DynCorp International, Aviation Systems of Northwest Florida and GENCO Infrastructure Solutions complete the team that will provide both the aircraft and CLS throughout the life of the program.
+++
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings celebrated the addition of the company's 100th aircraft into the airline's fleet. The plane, a Boeing 717, ship number 749 and registration number N923AT, was welcomed during a delivery ceremony at the airline's maintenance hangar at Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport. "Building on our long-standing partnership with The Boeing Company, today marks a significant milestone for our airline as we take delivery of our 100th aircraft," said Joe Leonard, AirTran Airways' chairman and chief executive officer. "As our competitors face strikes, layoffs and bankruptcies, our airline continues to grow by adding new markets, new routes and new planes. Our loyal customers choose to fly with us because of the quality of service we offer, including these new planes."
+++
Boeing has selected Korean Airlines - Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD), based in Seoul, to provide the raked wing tips for the 787-8 Dreamliner. The raked wing tips are approximately 17 feet in length and provide aerodynamic efficiency for long-haul routes. "KAL-ASD is a proven performer," said Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "We selected them to be part of our team because of their capabilities and competencies."
+++
Columbia Helicopters has completed a detailed agreement with Boeing to acquire the Type Certificates for the Vertol 107-II and Model 234 Chinook helicopters. Columbia Helicopters is the only commercial operator of these heavy-lift aircraft in the world, and uses them in a wide range of applications, including logging, construction, fire fighting, and supporting petroleum exploration operations. The official transfer will take place after engineering details are completed, and following approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “We expect that this will allow us to move forward,” said Mike Fahey, President of Columbia Helicopters. “This will significantly enhance our position within the industry.” “Columbia Helicopters operates one of the most comprehensive maintenance programs and facilities in the industry,” said Fahey. “Acquiring the Type Certificates will compliment our ability to serve our customers in a cost-effective manner, and will significantly streamline Columbia's work with both vendors and the FAA.”
+++
The Bell-Boeing V-22 team has made the decision to not submit a proposal for the U.S. Air Force CSAR-X competition. "After thorough review of the revised Air Force request for proposal, it was clear that the CSAR-X program's requirements and funding profile did not call for the advanced speed and range offered by the V-22 Osprey, and instead leaned toward capabilities found in more-traditional helicopter-type aircraft. The V-22 continues to excel in its role of deep-strike combat insertion and search and rescue for the Air Force Special Operations Command and expeditionary medium-lift for U.S. Marine Corps, offering unmatched capabilities for these missions. We continue to focus on these customers to ensure we meet our commitments to them”, it was said.
+++
Aviation Week Group and the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) are partnering to create the first conference to examine all aspects of military aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) issues in Europe. MRO Military Europe will be held during the Berlin Air Show, May 17 and 18, 2006, and will follow on the tradition created by Aviation Week Group's highly successful MRO Military conferences series held in the US. MRO Military Europe will focus on the aircraft maintenance needs of European militaries, NATO and Russia. It will look at customer requirements and how service providers can earn their share of this significant market. MRO Military Europe will also focus on the use of power by the hour concepts for military fighters and the future of Performance Based Logistics. In addition it will present case-studies of how maintenance is done real-world hostile environments. Hans-Joachim Gante, Managing Director of BDLI, said: “I'm glad to have gained such an important conference to ILA. To have this type of conference shows the unique quality of the ILA-conference program.”
+++
CHC Helicopter Corporation announced it has been awarded a five- year contract, plus two one-year extensions, by Total E&P UK PLC for the provision of two dedicated new technology Eurocopter EC 225 aircraft plus one dedicated Super Puma MK2 to support Total's North Sea operations. The contract, valued at approximately CDN $118 million over the fixed five-year period, commences in April 2007, replacing an existing CHC contract with Total.
+++
Aurora Flight Sciences' GoldenEye- 50 unmanned aerial system (UAS) performed its first high-speed, coordinated banked turns during a recent envelope expansion flight. The turns demonstrate the GoldenEye-50's ability to provide the high-speed maneuverability that sets it apart from other unmanned VTOL platforms. GoldenEye-50's ability to perform dynamic maneuvers during high-speed, wingborne flight further enhances the aircraft's acoustic and visual signatures making the aircraft extremely difficult to detect and track during ingress to and egress from target areas. The GoldenEye-50 made its first flight in July of 2004 and, after extensive hover tests, made its first autonomous transition to and from horizontal flight in April of 2005. Since April, the rapidly maturing system has completed more than three dozen transition flights and demonstrated its operational capabilities to Army Ranger, Cavalry and Artillery and the forces of a NATO country.
+++
The Commonwealth of Australia Department of Defence has awarded Boeing a contract to provide the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) weapon system for the AIR 5409 Bomb Improvement Program. "JDAM will provide the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with all-weather, autonomous, accurate delivery of bombs against a broad spectrum of targets," said Rick Heerdt, JDAM program manager for Boeing. "The JDAM weapon system will greatly enhance the RAAF's ability to accurately and reliably engage a broad spectrum of targets using their existing F/A-18 aircraft." JDAM was offered in response to the program's requirement for an upgraded weapon system for the Australian fleet of Boeing-built F/A-18 aircraft. The Company's offer included JDAM guidance kits, F/A-18 weapon system integration, and operational support. A GPS-aided, near-precision weapon, JDAM guidance kits are capable of guiding inventory warheads ranging in size from 500-2000 pounds and have been used extensively in global operations by the U.S. Air Force and Navy.
+++
Bombardier Aerospace announced that Seattle, Washington-based Horizon Air has signed a contract to acquire 12 Q400 turboprop airliners. The transaction includes the conversion to Q400 aircraft of seven firm orders currently held by Horizon Air for the CRJ700 regional jet, plus five incremental orders for the Q400 turboprop. The revised contract is valued at approximately $294 million US at list price. Deliveries of the Q400 aircraft from this order are scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2006. Delivery of the one remaining CRJ700 from Horizon Air's previous order is scheduled for the first quarter of 2006. Horizon Air currently operates 18 Q400 aircraft. The airline also operates 19 CRJ700 jets, of which nine are flying as Frontier JetExpress on behalf of Frontier Airlines.
+++
Ireland-based Ryanair will implement the Maintenance Performance Toolbox from Boeing, an innovative set of performance-enhancing solutions for aircraft maintenance and troubleshooting. Accessible via an Internet browser as a secured, hosted service, the Maintenance Toolbox is a key component within Boeing's evolving portfolio of solutions for aircraft maintenance. The Maintenance Toolbox comprises five different tools that will help Ryanair manage a wide variety of activities, including technical publications, structural repairs, maintenance and engineering. Technical publications departments use the Maintenance Toolbox to create customized airline documents, modify original equipment manufacturer manuals, and create task cards. Built-in workflow tracking ensures that the document audit trail is complete and approved before release to users. The Maintenance Toolbox gives mechanics on the flight line, in the hangar, and at the maintenance operations center fast and efficient access to the information they need.
+++
The first Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft engine to be assembled by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) was delivered to representatives of Japan's Defense Agency and Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in a ceremony held in Akashi, Japan. Rolls-Royce Turbomeca (RRTM) has granted KHI a license to assemble, test, repair and overhaul RTM322 engines for the JMSDF's EH101 helicopter programme. In addition, the aerospace division of KHI will also be assembling EH101 aircraft in Japan. An initial EH101, powered by three 2,270 shp RTM322 Mk250s assembled by RRTM, was delivered to Japan earlier this year for systems integration ahead of delivery to the JMSDF in 2006.
+++
American Eurocopter has received a subcontract from Lockheed Martin to re-engine and upgrade the U.S. Coast Guard's HH-65 Dolphin helicopter fleet under the Integrated Deepwater System program. Under terms of the contract, American Eurocopter will manage the conversion of 11 HH-65B helicopters to the upgraded HH-65C version at the company's Columbus, Miss., facility, with the work planned for completion in late 2006. The contract also contains an option for upgrading six additional HH-65s. This work will assist the Coast Guard's ongoing conversion of its entire HH-65 fleet to the improved-performance HH-65C model, which is already underway at the Coast Guard Aircraft and Supply Center in Elizabeth City, N.C. Opening the second re-engining line at American Eurocopter's Columbus facility will provide additional capacity to accelerate the rate at which HH-65Cs can be upgraded. The HH-65C conversion involves the use of new Arriel 2C2 turboshaft engines that offer increased power and fully digital controls. These modernized helicopters will better fulfill the Coast Guard's traditional maritime surveillance and search-and-rescue duties, while meeting its new responsibilities for national defense and homeland security. American Eurocopter is providing the re-engining kits that are used for the conversion of all 96 HH-65s in the Coast Guard fleet, while Turbomeca USA is providing the Arriel 2C2 engines.
+++
AeBal has become an officially Registered IOSA airline by IATA (International Air Transport Association), having satisfactorily fulfilled all the requirements of this IATA's new global safety audit standard for airlines. The audit was performed last May and concluded on July 11 by the German audit organization Aviation Quality Services GmbH (AQS). AeBal, pursuant to its Safety and Quality policy, has become the second Spanish airline to achieve the IOSA certification, joining the group of over 60 prestigious airlines - including 15 members of Star Alliance and 7 of the SAS Group, to whom AeBal belongs - that have achieved accreditation of this IATA operational safety audit. In this sense, Spanair and AeBal surpass the strictest worldwide safety standards and are the two first-and-only Spanish airlines in achieving the IOSA certificate.
+++
Boeing, in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR), successfully demonstrated boost phase performance of a hypersonic strike demonstrator vehicle called HyFly on Aug. 26. A Boeing F-15E launched the HyFly vehicle during the test over the U.S. Navy's sea range at the Naval Air Weapons Center - Weapons Division at Pt. Mugu, Calif. The solid rocket booster successfully ignited and accelerated the HyFly to a speed of greater than Mach 3 - three times the speed of sound. This test was the second of five HyFly flight tests that are scheduled from 2005 to 2007. In the first flight test, conducted on Jan. 26, 2005, an un-powered HyFly vehicle demonstrated safe separation from an F-15E as well as vehicle guidance and control functions. During the next three test flights, the HyFly vehicles will be powered by a booster and a dual combustion ramjet, or DCR, engine at speeds up to Mach 6 -six times the speed of sound. A Boeing Phantom Works team in St. Louis is under contract to design, develop and flight-test the HyFly demonstrator powered by the DCR engine. The ONR is co-funding the program with DARPA.
+++
The Federal Aviation Administration has certified Sikorsky Aircraft's S-92 helicopter, equipped with a new Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS), for flight in known icing conditions. It becomes the first helicopter directly certified by the agency to the newest and most stringent all-weather flight safety standards. Any S-92 with RIPS will now be allowed to launch in icy weather that might otherwise delay or cancel flight operations. The RIPS determines the temperature and moisture content of the surrounding environment and applies heat to the main and tail rotor blades to remove any ice buildup.
+++
Snecma (SAFRAN Group), represented by chairman and CEO Marc Ventre, and NPO Saturn, represented by chief executive Yuri Lastochkin, inaugurated on October 14, 2005 a jointly-owned company to produce aircraft engine parts, called VolgAero. The ceremony was chaired by V. Khristenko, Minister of Industry and Energy, and H.E. Jean Cadet, Ambassador of France in Russia, in presence of Jean-Paul Herteman, Executive Vice-President of SAFRAN Group, and Mr Gloukikh, Chairman of NPO Saturn Board. VolgAero will produce components for aircraft engines and more specifically the SaM146 engine. The SaM146, developed by Snecma and NPO Saturn within their joint company PowerJet, is the most advanced propulsion system designed for the new generation of small liners. Developing 14,000 to 17,500 pounds of thrust, it covers thrust requirements for aircraft carrying up to 100 passengers. Back in April 2003, the SaM146 was selected to power the future Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) family developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft. VolgAero is based in Rybinsk, about 380 kilometers north of Moscow. Jean-Jacques Boulanger (Snecma) is the Executive Director of VolgAero and Anatoly Zelentsov (NPO Saturn) is the General Director.
+++
OLT, based in Bremen, Germany has joined the $99 EuropebyAir FlightPass program. Bill Wolf, President of EuropebyAir, announced that, "OLT expands our coverage, as Bremen was not previously included as a destination in our route network." Claus Altenburg, Sales Manager of OLT added, "In addition to OLT's domestic routes within Germany to Munich, Berlin and Nuremberg, we also fly internationally to Brussels, Copenhagen, London City, Toulouse, Zurich and to the Hungarian Spa resort city of Debrecen. Bremen can then be used as a destination itself or as yet another connect-point to the 24-carrier EuropebyAir network." Wolf continued, "London City is a very passenger friendly airport and getting there will be even more convenient now as new Underground/train service starts this December." Wolf further stated, "By combining the routes of our participating airlines, the EuropebyAir FlightPass program provides a simple way for travelers to fly one-way, round trip, or hopscotch across the Continent for only $99 one way, plus tax." Reservations can be made in advance or on the go. FlightPasses are valid for 120 days, are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. FlightPasses are valid for flights solely within Europe and are sold in countries outside of Europe to non-European residents only.
+++
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reopened Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA) to certain pre-cleared General Aviation (GA) operations, including corporate and charter aircraft. "Opening up Reagan National to General Aviation underlines TSA's commitment to balance the security and commercial needs of the Capital Region," said Pat Hynes, Federal Security Director for TSA at DCA. "We recognize the economic importance of providing access to the airport so we worked with key stakeholders to develop stringent requirements that allow private aircraft to return here." The TSA's DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) -- which was developed in coordination with other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Defense, and other federal agencies -- addresses the special aviation security needs in the National Capital Region. TSA's plan allows access for up to 48 GA flights into DCA per day from twelve "gateway" airports. These airports are: Seattle-Tacoma, WA; Boston Logan; Houston Hobby; White Plains, NY; LaGuardia, New York; Chicago Midway; Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN; West Palm Beach, FL; San Francisco, CA; Teterboro Airport, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; and Lexington, KY.
+++
Guggenheim Aviation Partners has ordered two 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter combi-to-freighter conversions. Both deliveries will take place in 2008, according to an agreement signed by Guggenheim and Boeing. Guggenheim previously ordered five 747-400BCF passenger-to-freighter conversions. Boeing launched the Boeing Converted Freighter program for passenger conversions in 2004; it was known as the 747-400 Special Freighter program until recently. A Boeing-approved modification facility will convert the airplanes, a process that Boeing's Commercial Aviation Services unit will manage.
+++
As part of the largest international expansion in its history, Delta Air Lines plans to begin non-stop, widebody service from its transatlantic gateways at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to 11 new markets throughout Europe and the Middle East. With this growth, Delta will become the world's largest airline across the Atlantic. The new routes include: Atlanta-Tel Aviv, Israel (previously announced to begin March 27); Atlanta-Düsseldorf, Germany (previously announced to begin April 3); Atlanta-Copenhagen, Denmark (previously announced to begin May 1); Atlanta-Edinburgh, Scotland (effective May 4); New York (JFK)-Budapest, Hungary (effective May 8); Atlanta-Nice, France (effective May 9); Atlanta-Athens, Greece (effective May 29); New York (JFK)-Dublin/Shannon, Ireland (effective May 15); New York (JFK)-Manchester, England (effective May 15); Atlanta-Venice, Italy (effective June 6); New York (JFK)-Kiev, Ukraine. “Next summer's increase in international flying is an integral part of our customer-focused transformation plan,” said Delta CEO Gerald Grinstein. “This is a wonderful opportunity to bring Delta's award-winning BusinessElite service to more of our global customers. Since January, we have announced our intentions to serve more than 50 new international markets, making Delta the fastest-growing U.S. carrier to Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America.”
+++
The Swiss company AirTrust AG has initiated a squeeze-out procedure with respect to the remaining publicly held SWISS shares. Following completion of the squeeze-out procedure, the SWISS shareholders affected by the squeeze-out will receive the same compensation for their shares as those shareholders who tendered their shares to AirTrust AG during the offer period. SWISS expects the squeeze-out process to be completed by the end of this year. The Civil Court of Basel-Stadt announced today in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce that AirTrust AG has initiated a squeeze-out procedure with respect to the remaining publicly held SWISS shares and on all other outstanding rights to acquire SWISS shares. SWISS has requested the court to approve the squeeze-out action of AirTrust AG. Following completion of the squeeze-out procedure, the SWISS shareholders affected by the squeeze-out will receive the same compensation for their shares as those shareholders who tendered their shares to AirTrust AG during the offer period. SWISS shareholders who have deposited their shares with a bank will automatically receive a credit of CHF 8.96 per share automatically following completion of the squeeze-out procedure. SWISS shareholders who keep their shares at home will be required to contact the SWISS Share Register to receive such compensation.
+++
Lufthansa Technik has signed new contracts and extended existing agreements with various airlines in Italy. Blue Panorama Airlines SpA signed for a new five-year Total Component Support TCS for its Boeing 767-300ER and Boeing 757-200. In addition the carrier which services the main Italian airports, the European capitals,and the tourist resorts of the Mediterranean basin decided to already prolong its existing Total Component Support TCS contract for the Boeing 737-400s. Also NEOS SpA renewed its confidence in the service portfolio of the German maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) provider and added two Boeing 767-300 to the Total Component Support TCS contract of its Boeing 737-800 fleet. During 2005 Lufthansa Technik Malta performed the C-Checks on the four NEOS 737 Next-Generation airplanes.
+++
This month Lufthansa Technik Philippines started its heavy maintenance activities on the Airbus A320 family. With the arrival of an Airbus A320-200 of Lufthansa German Airlines in Manila the South-East Asian maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) provider extended its services to narrowbody airplanes of the European manufacturer. Lufthansa Technik Philippines, the joint venture between Germany's Lufthansa Technik (51%) and Philippine-based MacroAsia Corporation (49%), is considered the “Center of Excellence” for Airbus A330/A340 heavy maintenance within the Luft-hansa Technik Group since it started the overhaul of Airbus widebodies in October 2002. Already in early 2004 a second production line was added and capacities increased accordingly.
+++
Gulfstream Aerospace is expanding its research and development organization by leasing a new 100,000 square-foot building where some 750 engineers will be relocated from various buildings at the Savannah , Ga. , manufacturing facility. Gulfstream expects to occupy the building in March 2006. “For the past decade, Gulfstream has led the business aviation industry in technological advancements that enhance passenger safety and aircraft reliability and performance,” said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. “With our continued R&D efforts on advanced avionics, advanced cabin technologies, synthetic vision and sonic boom suppression, we expect this expansion will allow us to maintain our market leadership in this industry.”
+++
The German low-cost carrier Air Berlin and its Austrian partner NIKI have taken delivery of their first newly delivered Airbus A320 aircraft out of an order for 60 from Air Berlin and 10 for NIKI. The airlines present both aircraft to the public during a ceremony at Berlin-Tempelhof airport. The A320s for Air Berlin and NIKI are powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International and will be deployed on both airlines' routes to holiday destinations in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, as well as on Air Berlin's and NIKI's fast-growing scheduled network of Euro Shuttle destinations across Europe. Gustav Humbert, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer said: “We are particularly pleased that Air Berlin is joining our list of airline operators from the low-cost market segment, which – together with the growing Airbus fleet at NIKI – underlines the leading role of the A320 Family in this newly developing market. Airbus is fully committed to supporting both airlines in growing their business with the A320 aircraft.”
+++
Fraport AG's preparations for the future ground handling of A380 superjumbos at its Frankfurt Airport (FRA) home base continue to take form. The airport company has just ordered the new AST-1X 1200 model tow tractor manufactured by Goldhofer of Memmingen, Germany. Thus, FRA is the first air transportation hub in Europe to get this new generation tow tractor designed for the A380 superjumbo. Valued at about €1 million, the giant tug delivers 1,200 horse power and is certified to pull aircraft with a takeoff weight of up to 600 metric tons. After Airbus, Fraport is now the second company to purchase Golderhofer's AST-1X 1200. The giant 38-metric-ton tractor is towbarless. This means a towbar does not have to be attached to the aircraft when moving the A380 at the passenger terminals or when towing it from a remote parking position to the maintenance hangar. Fraport's super A380 tug is expected to be delivered in the autumn of 2006.
+++
Thales UK has been awarded a further five-year contract to support the Royal Air Force's (RAF) Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) Mission Support System (MSS). This represents the culmination of a year's work by Thales UK and the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) NIMROD Integrated Project Team (IPT), focussing on the definition of the Royal Air Force business requirement and the identification of key areas of service delivery. The Thales UK ISTAR MSS provides comprehensive support to the RAF's role in Maritime Reconnaissance, Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and ISTAR by delivering a support capability for current and future operations, which is integrated, flexible, networked, secure and mobile.
+++
BAE Systems' AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System (ADS) is now being deployed on U.S. Air Force U-2S reconnaissance aircraft and being used in military operations after achieving initial operating capability. The AN/ALQ-221 is a state-of-the-art integrated Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and Electronic Countermeasures system (ECM) that provides U-2 pilots with situational awareness and self-protection against current and future complex threats. The U-2 routinely flies at altitudes greater than 70,000 feet and provides U.S. and allied forces with surveillance and reconnaissance information.
+++
As part of the South African Air Force's order of 30 twin-engine A 109 LUH helicopters powered by the Turbomeca Arrius 2K2 engine, the first four aircraft have been received today by the SAAF at the Bloemfontein Base. The A 109 LUH will carry out EMS, surveillance, troop transportation and rescue missions. The assembly and the testing as well as the production of certain parts of the Arrius 2K2 engine are carried out by Turbomeca Africa, Johannesburg. Turbomeca's South African site, recently modernized with new machine tools and deep maintenance workshops, will also very soon ensure local support up to the repair and overhaul of engines.
+++
The 12th international space station crew turned its attention this week to experiment work aboard their microgravity home and laboratory. They captured spectacular images of Hurricane Wilma (available on the Web and NASA TV) and prepared for a spacewalk. Expedition 12 Commander Bill McArthur and Flight Engineer Valery Tokarev began reviewing procedures for the first station-based spacewalk using U.S. suits since 2003. The station's atmosphere was repressurized with oxygen from storage tanks on the docked Progress supply ship. Russian specialists are preparing a troubleshooting plan for the Elektron, the primary oxygen generation system on the station. It stopped working late last week. Russian technical specialists are examining what caused the abort of a planned altitude reboost Tuesday using Progress fuel and thrusters. Mission managers believe Russian navigation computers properly shut down the thrusters when they lost information about how they were performing. A planned test firing of the thrusters Wednesday will gather more data for Russian engineers.
+++
Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite
Previous UPDATES are still available:
16 October 2005
9 October 2005
25 September 2005
18 September 2005
11 September 2005
4 September 2005
28 August 2005
21 August 2005
14 August 2005
7 August 2005
31 July 2005
24 July 2005
10 July 2005
3 July 2005
January - June 2005
January - December 2004
January - December 2003
January - December 2002
January - December 2001
January to December 2000
January to December 1999
January to December 1998
January to December 1997
September to December 1996
|
|
