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+++ KZO drone system delivered to Bundeswehr +++ 3000th single-engined Ecureuil handed over +++ NATO AWACS retrofit starts +++ East Star orders A320s +++ Cathay to take more Boeing 777s +++ EC 120B: success in Singapore +++ News in brief +++
KZO drone system delivered to Bundeswehr
Heer erhält endlich KZO
The handover to the Bundeswehr on November 28 of the first KZO drone system by Rheinmetall Defence Electronics in Bremen gives the German Army one of the world's most effective unmanned aerial reconnaissance systems. The ability to reconnoitre hostile territory from a safe standoff will make an important contribution to protecting the lives of German troops.
The KZO, which stands for Kleinfluggerät Zielortung, or “small aircraft for target localisation”, is a state-of-the-art unmanned air vehicle, specially designed to support the German Army during hazardous out-of-area missions. It underscores the role of Rheinmetall Defence Electronics – a subsidiary of the Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall Group – as a global leader in the domain of drone technology.
By the end of 2007, the German Army will have six KZO systems in its inventory, comprising sixty drones and twelve ground systems. As the Bundeswehr's new “eye in the sky”, the drone provides the ground station with precise, comprehensive information in real time. Apart from its obvious role as a source of battlefield intelligence, the KZO can also be deployed to monitor ceasefires or sanctions. With its versatile performance spectrum, the KZO represents a major milestone in the modernization of the Bundeswehr, which turned fifty this year. Given its intelligence gathering and reconnaissance capability, coupled with mobility and operational effectiveness, the KZO is clearly oriented to the Bundeswehr's new mission profile. But it also lends itself to non-military activities such as law enforcement and civil defence. For example, the KZO could be highly useful in a coast guard role or in detecting illegal border-crossers. Once the KZO has been successfully fielded by the Bundeswehr – always a good reference customer – Rheinmetall Defence Electronics sees promising opportunities for marketing it internationally as well. The KZO drone operates at altitudes of 300 to 3,500 metres. Equipped with a de-icing system, it is deployable in virtually all weathers. Even under conditions of heavy electromagnetic interference, it can transmit target information back to base at ranges of over 100 kilometres. The KZO can detect stationary and moving targets alike, including their speed and direction of travel; it can remain aloft for over 3.5 hours.
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3000th single-engined Ecureuil handed over
AS 350: 3000. Auslieferung
In thirty or so years, 3,000 single-engine Ecureuils have been manufactured. The underlying factors of this success story are its roomy, well-lit cabin, its revolutionary Starflex main rotor, and the widespread use of composite materials, alloying light weight and strength. Since the Ecureuil first flew on 27 June 1974, its characteristics have been constantly upgraded to improve performance and enhance safety. These ongoing improvements have progressively spawned a large family of helicopters that have been acclaimed by the civil, military, and parapublic operators alike.
The AS350 B3 delivered on 28 November to the South African Police Service was the top performance version marketed in the single-engine Ecureuil range. The Police Service already operates 6 helicopters of this type. The AS350 B3 made its maiden flight on 3 March 1997. It is now powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2B engine developing 847 HP and controlled by a dual channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). This system automatically regulates the rotor rpm by adapting the engine power to the flight conditions. A total of 432 AS350 B3 Ecureuils are currently in operational service worldwide, where they mainly perform missions requiring high performance, including 'high and hot' sling work (sling capacity of 1,400kg). The Ecureuil B3 holds several climb records in its category. It is also the only helicopter to have landed at an altitude of 8,850 meters (29,035 ft) on top of Mount Everest. This feat was accomplished on 14 May 2005 in a production helicopter with test pilot Didier Delsalle at the controls. The Ecureuil is the only Eurocopter range to include both single- and twin-engine models. A total of 3,719 Ecureuil helicopters, all versions combined, have been sold, logging 15 million flight hours in 91 countries for 1,531 customers.
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NATO AWACS retrofit starts
E-3A erhalten bei EADS neue Systeme
Major mission system enhancements are being installed on the first of 17 NATO AWACS aircraft as part of the $1.32 billion Mid-Term Modernization program. EADS, as subcontractor to Boeing, is performing the work in Manching, Germany. It's expected to be completed in Nov. 2006 with the entire fleet scheduled to be upgraded in 2008. Boeing also will upgrade the two NATO AWACS mission simulators into the mid-term configuration. "When deploying assets into harms way, information becomes a critical need," said Mark Ellis, Boeing NATO AWACS program manager. "This is one of many enhancements supporting the NATO Rapid Response Force such as added communications with ground troops and voice and data satellite communications to reach back to the ground centers. All of these communications are managed through a digital communications distribution system on board the AWACS."
This highly flexible mission system provides NATO AWACS aircraft with the ability to receive modified mission orders digitally from a remote location after a mission is underway and electronically integrate the new orders into the mission computing system. A multi sensor integrator provides an improved recognized air and surface picture with the integration of data from various sensors, as well as from other sources, and an increased capacity in the number of targets it can track. Production retrofit follows an operational and test and evaluation program in Europe earlier this year when NATO crews assessed the capability of the improved mission system. The enhancements include: New work-station consoles with flat-panel situation displays comparable to Windows; a mission computing system with an open architecture allowing cost-effective future upgrades to the hardware and software; Multi-Sensor Integration to improve the reliability and accuracy of the tracking process and target identification; digital communications systems to improve crew access to available radio links and provide automatic record and replay of communication and display data. Satellite communications will be integrated into the mission system offering a wider range of improved over-the horizon communication via satellite links; Upgraded aircraft navigation that takes advantage of the new Global Positioning System; broad-spectrum VHF radios to support increased operations with Eastern European nations' air and ground forces.
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East Star orders A320s
Neue chinesische Airline bestellt bei Airbus
East Star Airlines, a new Chinese airline based in Wuhan, has signed a Letter of Intent with Airbus for the purchase of 10 A320s plus a firm lease deal with GE Commercial Aviation Service (GECAS) for another 10 A320s, becoming a new Airbus customer in China. Deliveries of the leased A320s to East Star will start from the second quarter of 2006. The aircraft will accommodate 128 passengers in a comfortable two-class configuration. East Star, the first private airline in the central part of China, received approval for operation from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on June 10, 2005. Headquartered in Wuhan, the Capital city of Hubei Province, East Star Airlines plans to start operations in May 2006 with a network connecting more than 10 major Chinese cities, including Shenzhen, Nanjing, Xi'an, Haikou, and Hangzhou. "It is exciting to be involved in the initial phase of development of East Star Airlines," said Mike Jones, Senior Vice President, GECAS Asia. "We will make joint efforts with Airbus to ensure East Star Airlines' maiden flight is a great success and get its business off to a good start within one year's time."
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Cathay to take more Boeing 777s
Boeing-Erfolg bei Cathay
On 1 December, Cathay Pacific Airways placed its biggest ever order for new aircraft to grow the airline, modernise and expand its fleet and continue to strengthen Hong Kong as a global aviation hub. The airline has made commitments for 16 advanced wide-body Boeing 777- 300ER aircraft with purchase rights for 20 more. It also made commitments to acquire three Airbus A330-300s to operate regional routes. The 777-300ER's will be acquired through a combination of 12 direct purchases from The Boeing Company and four operating leases from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). The three new A330-300s will also be acquired via operating leases from ILFC. The 777-300ER will be powered by General Electric GE90-115B engines and the Airbus A330-300 by the Rolls-Royce Trent 700. The 16 777-300ERs will be delivered between September 2007 and July 2010. All three Airbus A330-300s will be delivered in 2008.
Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Philip Chen said: "These aircraft orders mark an exciting and significant milestone in the development of our airline -- demonstrating our Board's confidence in the long-term future of the airline and Hong Kong. The addition of these new aircraft to the 100 we will have by next year will make us a carrier of significant size." Mr. Chen added: "More aircraft will allow us to have more flights, new destinations and greater hub connections. This rapid fleet increase will enhance our strength as a carrier and Hong Kong's position as a global hub and gateway to the Chinese Mainland. This is a long-term commitment to the continued profitable growth of the airline. It puts us firmly on a footing for future success."
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EC 120B: success in Singapore
Eurocopter-Trainingshubschrauber gewählt
Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) announced that the EC 120B Colibri helicopter has been selected as the training helicopter platform for the Rotary Wing Course (RWC) programme in Singapore. This contract clinched involves supplying to Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (ST Aerospace) a fleet of EC 120B Colibri helicopters, which will be used for the flight training of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilots. In addition, ESEA will manage and operate a full range of state-of-the-art training devices, which will provide simulator training hours to RSAF pilots, for a period of 20 years through a turnkey solution. This RWC Contract is funded by an innovative financing solution of “Public Private Partnership“ (PPP) nature. Through this scheme, the Singaporean Government will save operating and finance costs by eliminating the need for procurement and ongoing maintenance of an expensive infrastructure. Engineered from a partnership between Eurocopter Group, ST Aerospace and CATIC in China, the EC 120B Colibri is a light and extremely versatile single-engine helicopter already in use for training services in various Air Forces in the world.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Following a commitment announced in May 2005 by US Airways and America West, US Airways Group - the merged entity of the two low-cost carriers - has firmed up their order and signed the contract for 20 Airbus A350 aircraft. The airline has not yet announced its engine selection or seating configuration for the aircraft. US Airways' intention is for the A350 to broaden its international service from both the eastern and western United States. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin in 2011 and run through 2014. "When we restructured the airline, we knew we would need a new aircraft to grow with us, and the A350 truly fits the bill," said Doug Parker, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the newly merged US Airways. "As both halves of our heritage include Airbus fleets, we have great confidence in the brand, and look forward to an airplane that meets our needs for range, economy, and comfort, while offering our crews technology with which they are already experienced."
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Raytheon Aircraft Company and NetJets have signed a contract for the purchase of 50 Hawker 4000 aircraft for NetJets' global fractional fleet. In addition, there is a separate 10-year guaranteed maintenance program. The combined total value of these contracts will exceed $1 billion, making it the largest single commercial order in the history of Raytheon Aircraft Company. Deliveries will commence in 2007 and continue through 2013. "The Hawker 4000 will be the flagship of the Hawker line, truly setting the standard for quality, performance and value in the super-midsize class of aircraft," said Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of Raytheon Aircraft Company. "The NetJets name is synonymous with safety, quality and service, and I know that each and every Raytheon Aircraft Company employee is totally committed to ensuring that we meet the high standards of performance NetJets has come to expect from us. We are honored and delighted that they have chosen the Hawker 4000 as their super-midsize aircraft for the future."
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AgustaWestland broke ground on an expansion of its U.S. subsidiary manufacturing facility, Agusta aerospace corporation (AAC), in Philadelphia, PA. The new, state-of-the-art facility will be used for the production of the AB139 helicopter. The groundbreaking was commemorated by a ceremony at the site of the new facility with a number of distinguished guests and elected officials, including Congressman Curt Weldon (R-PA.), Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA.), and Italian Ambassador to the United States Giovanni Castellaneta. The new facility will be constructed beginning early next year and completed by the end of 2006. "Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland are an integral part of the US industrial base and strong contributors to the American economy," said Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, president and chief executive officer of Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland's parent company. "We are committed to investing in this country. Our goal is to continue growing, bringing new technology and creating more American jobs in the years to come." The 110,000 square foot facility will include flight hangars, completion and final assembly areas, manufacturing stations and avionics assembly along with warehouse and office space. The project will require over $27 million in investment and create 150 jobs, thereby nearly doubling AAC's existing workforce.
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Boeing has selected Panasonic as a recommended in-flight entertainment (IFE) provider for the all-new 787 Dreamliner. Panasonic will offer a wireless version of its X-Series platform, called X-Series Wireless, for the 787. The platform will enable airlines to offer passengers superior service by providing a comprehensive selection of advanced entertainment, information and communications features. The wireless distribution system will provide airlines with increased flexibility for changing cabin configurations. Panasonic is the second IFE provider named for the 787. With two suppliers, airlines will be able to select the IFE solution that works best for them. "Wireless in-flight entertainment is just one of the many technologies that make the 787 the preferred airplane among the world's airlines," said Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "Together with our international partners we are introducing technologies that will make flying more enjoyable for passengers and create a better value proposition for our customers."
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The Hayabusa, which successfully carried out a touchdown (landing and sampling) on the morning of the 26th, was autonomously switched to the "safe-hold mode" as its attitude was changed while ascending from the Itokawa. JAXA was able to stop a propellant leakage that is suspected as the cause of shaky attitude. Communications with the explorer were cut on the 27th and 28th, but the beacon line was restored at around 10:00 a.m. on the 29th. Restoring operations continue.
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The third meeting of the Space Council – a joint and concomitant meeting of the ESA Council at ministerial level and of the European Union Competitiveness Council (Internal Market/ Industry/ Research) – was held in Brussels on 28 November. At this third meeting, chaired jointly by Lord Sainsbury of Turville, UK Minister for Science and current Chair of the EU Competitiveness Council, and Secretary of State Georg Wilhelm Adamowitsch, representing the German Minister for Economy and Technology Michael Glos, current Chair of the ESA Council at Ministerial level, the Ministers stressed the strategic importance of the initiative for Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES). The objective of GMES is to provide Europe with reliable, timely information on environmental and security issues, on a sustainable basis, in support of public policy-makers' needs. The Ministers emphasised the importance of maintaining an autonomous European Earth observation capacity to support political decision-making and the significance of the international dimension of GMES and its status as the main European contribution to the worldwide Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). Implementation of GMES will see the early deployment of three fast-track services for Emergency Response, Land Monitoring, and Marine Services, due to enter the operational phase by 2008. Other services will follow according to a deployment plan covering the years 2009-2013. GMES is an EU-led initiative. Its space component will be developed by ESA. ESA Member States will subscribe the ESA programme covering the development of the GMES space component at the ESA Council meeting at ministerial level next week. In parallel, the European Commission intends to allocate a major portion of the Seventh Framework Programme funding earmarked for space to GMES and, out of this allocated amount, to fund both GMES services and a significant proportion of the budget for the GMES Space Component until 2013. In order to efficiently ensure the continuity of data needed to establish the GMES operational services and to avoid duplication, the Ministers requested that the best use be made of existing and planned satellite and in-situ systems at European and national level. To this end, they invited national Agencies and European organisations (such as Eumetsat) which already possess or are in the process of building up assets and capacities which could be valuable for GMES to make their capacities available to the GMES initiative under appropriate conditions. A group of experts has been set up to assess the most suitable structure for the longer-term governance and implementation of GMES.
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Helisureste will purchase two fire fighting helicopters from Russia's Kamov. "Considering Helisureste's last contract, the Kamov will supply four Ka-32 helicopters in 2006," the company said. The Spanish company has been operating Ka-32 helicopters since 1995. In 2004 and 2004, the company received four Ka-32 helicopters and has successfully employed them since then to put out fires in Europe, the company said.
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The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a five-year, $532 million contract for the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) System Improvement Program to provide systems design and development improvements to the E-8C Joint STARS fleet. The contract covers the engineering, design, development, integration, test and delivery of various enhancements and upgrades to the Joint STARS fleet for the period of the contract. It also includes items such as technical orders, support equipment, initial spares and training and procurement of production and support-system retrofit kits and documentation. All Joint STARS aircraft are assigned to the Georgia Air National Guard's 116th Air Control Wing, a "total-force blended wing," based at Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, Ga. The wing comprises active-duty Air Force, Army and Air National Guard personnel.
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CAE will invest a planned $630 million in Project Phoenix, a research and development (R&D) program that will span the next six years, with the goal of improving current leading-edge technologies and developing additional ones in order to build on CAE's position as a world leader in simulation, modelling and services. As the largest integrated R&D initiative ever undertaken in CAE's history, Project Phoenix is a key element of the Company's restructuring program announced earlier this year. It is a leading-edge technology project that will completely modify CAE's product lines and its methods of design, development and production. Project Phoenix will have long-term applications in existing, adjacent and emerging markets for the company. CAE and the Government of Canada have been involved in extensive discussions about this project since April of this year, including a due diligence process carried out by third-party experts appointed by the Government. As a result of these discussions and to support CAE's new R&D initiative, the Government of Canada and CAE have concluded an agreement for an investment worth 30 per cent of the value of Project Phoenix. The investment will be repayable through royalties over a timeframe reflecting the useful life of the new technologies.
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Raytheon has delivered the 2,000th Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), providing the warfighter the ability to use a precision guided air-to-ground weapon while staying out of harm's way. A JSOW-A was shipped to the U.S. Air Force, representing more than 48 months of on time deliveries of JSOW to the U.S. government. Raytheon is under contract with the Naval Air Systems Command to provide JSOW to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. JSOW deliveries started in 1997 with the first low-rate initial production delivery to the U.S. Navy. JSOW production will transition to Block II in 2006, which will significantly lower the unit price of the air-to-ground long-range standoff weapons. Raytheon and the U.S. Navy are also starting development of a Block III variant of JSOW, which will add moving target capability to JSOW by adding a weapons data link and other improvements.
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Boeing has delivered to Air France the first Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplane that includes enhancements that improve the overall fuel efficiency of the 777-300ER by 1.4 percent. This amount is in addition to the 2 percent fuel-burn improvement already proven in revenue service by the airlines that operate the 777-300ER. A 1.4 percent improvement in fuel efficiency on this airplane equates to an annual jet-fuel savings of approximately 200,000 gallons (757,000 liters). "With fuel prices skyrocketing, we are excited that we were able to enhance the 777-300ER jetliner so it burns less fuel," said Lars Andersen, vice president for Boeing's 777 program. "Boeing took the initiative to make these changes based on discussions we had with our customers. I'm pleased that our largest 777-300ER operator, Air France, who was instrumental in working together with Boeing to help us make the airplane a reality, is the first to receive this new and improved 777-300ER. The 1.4 percent additional improvement in fuel efficiency was brought about by a number of factors:
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The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract valued at approximately $1.94 billion for the refueling and complex overhaul of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The work will be performed by the company's Newport News sector and will include the refueling of the ship's reactors, as well as extensive modernization work to more than 2,300 compartments and hundreds of systems. In addition, nearly 3,000 valves will be replaced and another 600 will be overhauled in various ship systems. Major upgrades will be made to the flight deck, catapults, combat systems and the island. The top two levels of the island will be removed and replaced with a reconfigured structure to provide enhanced operability and support a new antenna mast designed for more modern sensors.
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AgustaWestland announced that the Interior Ministry Secretary-General, Märt Kraft and Border Guard representative, Riho Breivel, have signed on November 29 a contract for an AB139 with option for an additional aircraft. Procurement of the helicopter is one of the biggest projects to be realized using Schengen Facility program funds. The Ministry of the Interior launched the state tender competition for the acquisition of a helicopter for the Border Guard on 28 June 2005 and the AB139 was jugged the only helicopter that met the conditions set out in the tender. The Border Guard helicopter will carry out patrols over the whole territory within the sphere of responsibility of Estonia. It will be based in Tallinn.
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Airbus is proud to announce the establishment of a Research and Technology Framework Agreement with Australia's Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures Limited (CRC-ACS) based in Melbourne, Victoria. This Agreement follows Airbus' successful ten-year working relationship with CRC-ACS and will further cement the excellent relationship on a more substantial strategic partnership basis. This agreement will facilitate the establishment of further joint technology projects with CRC-ACS in the future. To further strengthen this important relationship, Airbus and CRC-ACS will establish a joint Steering Group that will involve research partnership managers from Airbus' Engineering Department which will work directly with the CRC-ACS management team headed by Professor Murray Scott, a major international figure in the world of composite structures technology and Chief Executive Officer of the CRC-ACS. In establishing this strategic partnership, Professor Scott said that "CRC-ACS is very serious in the quest for lighter, cheaper and more advanced composite structures and processes, and with our strong relationship with Airbus, I know that our two organizations will go from strength to strength in achieving these goals."
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Raytheon has been awarded a new contract to produce ground segments for Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk program, which will support the U.S. Air Force RQ-4A/B Global Hawk unmanned aerial system. Financial terms were not disclosed. Raytheon will build additional Global Hawk ground segments consisting of the launch and recovery element, the mission control element (MCE), and associated ground communication equipment. The system provides high resolution imagery data to tactical commanders in near-real time. The sensor data obtained from each Global Hawk is transmitted to the MCE via wideband RF line- of-sight or satellite data link. Data is then disseminated to existing command and control systems or directly to properly equipped tactical field users or exploitation centers.
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The latest EADS technology will be used to improve airspace control over Germany. As the company announced on Wednesday, the EADS Defence Electronics Business Unit has been commissioned by the Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB – Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung) in Koblenz to equip six long-range airspace surveillance radar systems of the German Air Force with the most modern identification devices. With the so-called IFF interrogator systems (IFF = Identification Friend or Foe), aircraft are quickly and reliably identified by the exchange of coded signals. With the 2006 World Cup in Germany approaching fast, there are many projects and considerations at EADS for guaranteeing safety and security during this major event. EADS has been giving this subject a great deal of thought and is developing and producing comprehensive system solutions, which can also be used for homeland security. The order is for both the supply and the integration of the IFF interrogator systems in existing radar installations built in the USA. The first system for the radar installation on the Erbeskopf hill in the Hunsrück region is already due to be delivered and put into operation in this year. The other systems will be integrated into the existing radar installations prior to the World Cup in Germany in order to improve airspace control over Germany – an important contribution to security during the world championship.
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Dutch Space BV, the largest space company in the Netherlands and leading international space industry supplier joins EADS SPACE, Europe's number one in space. In the presence of the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Mr L.J Brinkhorst, EADS SPACE CEO François Auque and the CEO of Dutch Space Ben Spee signed the acquisition contract integrating Dutch Space into the EADS SPACE group of companies. This transaction confirms EADS' leading role in European space business as EADS now integrates space industry in five European countries. “We are delighted that Dutch Space is joining EADS SPACE. Dutch Space has a long and successful history in the space business and will be an excellent asset to our portfolio,” stated François Auque, CEO of EADS SPACE and member of the EADS Executive Committee. “Its integration into EADS SPACE further strengthens the company's prime and product leading role in the Netherlands. Henceforth, EADS SPACE will be represented in 5 European countries,” added Mr Auque. Ben Spee, CEO of Dutch Space, added that the new industrial link between EADS and The Netherlands, through Dutch Space, will positively influence the space activities in The Netherlands. “Dutch Space is glad to proceed as part of a successful European aerospace company”, he said. Upon completion of the acquisition, Dutch Space will be part of EADS SPACE Transportation. Already an important EADS SPACE Transportation supplier, the business will be integrated into EADS SPACE's European network of centres of excellence, whilst retaining the national character and strengthening the position of Dutch Space on the marketplace.
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Terrain Experts, Inc., a company owned by Canada's CAE Inc., announced at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) the latest release of its flagship commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) database generation software suite called Terra Vista. Terra Vista is an easy-to-use, native Windows-based software application that supports automatic generation of any size or type of terrain database, including databases for flight, ground, maritime, and military operations on urban terrain (MOUT). The new Terra Vista 5 features a next-generation user interface, multiple user collaborative technology, more flexible MMB (Multiple Machine Build) controller, and enhanced 3D interactive editing capabilities. In addition, Terra Vista 5 now includes integrated vector and elevation editors as well as support for a range of new third-party plug-ins for imagery processing, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) processing, and automatic feature extraction.
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It is through Kazakhstan's Prime Minister, Danial Akhmetov, during a visit to the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation at Korolev near Moscow last week, that the Republic announced its further plans within its Space Industry Development Programme 2005-2007. Beyond the expected launch of Kazakhstan's first satellite, the KazSat communication satellite, which is to be launched in late December from Baikonur, a second satellite is to be launched within two years. This will be the start of the country's satellite network. "At the present time, we are working on creating a constellation of satellites," commented Prime Minister Akhmetov. While the KazSat was constructed by the Krunichev Space Centre, a constructor for the country's second satellite has yet to be announced. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister did suggest that Kazakhstan could order this satellite from Energia: "Everything will depend on the competitive abilities of Energia, about which we have no doubts. We wish to diversify our suppliers of space products." Another promising project is the Ishim satellite launching system which is being developed by Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. Unlike costly conventional launch complexes, the Ishim system will use a modified missile launched from a Mig-31 fighter jet. This system will be perfect for launching small payloads of up to 160 kg. Moreover, the Government of Kazakhstan has instructed KazCosmos and KazMunaiGas to study the possibilities of using such small satellites for geological prospecting as well as for monitoring pipelines. According to the Prime Minister, long-term projects for Kazakhstan's space program include participating in the development of the "Kliper" spacecraft which is to replace Soyuz as well as the development of the Baiterek rocket launching complex. The Republic is planning a participation in the International Space Station. In 2008 it is planned to launch a new multi-purpose laboratory unit. Kazakhstan is also considering participating in the development of nuclear propulsion for space vehicles.
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British Airways announced plans to re-structure its business with a 35 per cent reduction in the number of its 1,715 managers by March 2008. The figure comprises a 50 per cent reduction in senior managers, from 414 jobs to 207, and a proposed 30 per cent reduction in middle managers from 1,301 jobs to 911 jobs. This brings the total number of job cuts to 597. Willie Walsh, chief executive, said: "I said when we reported our second quarter financial results last month that our costs were up in most areas and that, as a result, we need to re-energise our efforts to deliver a competitive cost base. "We must lower our costs so that we can fund future investment in our business. Today marks the start of a renewed effort to deliver our goal of a 10 per cent operating margin. I am confident that these measures, however difficult, will help to build a robust British Airways and one that will benefit from sustained profitability. This action will enable us to carry out the investment we need to make in our business in the coming years in order to deliver a more competitive and efficient airline." The proposed management job cuts are set to save the airline £50 million as part of its drive to achieve a £300 million cost reduction programme by March 2007, announced in January 2004.
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GIOVE A, the first Galileo satellite, departed from ESA's test facility at the European Space Research and Technology Centre in The Netherlands on the morning of 29 November, bound for the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The spacecraft, packed in its transport container and accompanied by its support equipment, was taken by road from the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, where it was loaded onto an Antonov transport plane. GIOVE-A was flown first to Moscow and, after customs formalities had been completed, made the second leg of its air journey to Baikonur, arriving in the early hours of 30 November. It will be placed in orbit by a Soyuz/Fregat launch vehicle, with lift-off scheduled for late December.
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Under the A400M program, TAI realized the production of the first composite detail part at its Composite and Metal Bonding (CAMB) facilities on 24 November 2005. Being a partner and member of Airbus Military S.L., TAI has been participating in the design and feasibility activities of the A400M program, as “National Industrial Institution” representing Turkey since the beginning of the program. Within the framework of the A400M program, for the 180 aircraft to be procured by launch customers, a total of 360 Ailerons and 1800 Spoilers will be manufactured at TAI's facilities. These parts will then be delivered to Airbus-UK's Filton facilities for assembled on the wing components that are in the responsibility of Airbus-UK.
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Gripen for Denmark, “Gripen DK”, is the successful fighter aircraft Gripen, adapted to fully meet specific Danish requirements. Gripen DK is the response to a Request for Information, RFI, for a replacement of the current fleet of F-16 fighters, issued by the Royal Danish Air Force Air Materiel Command (“Flyvematerielkommandoen”). The Gripen DK is based on the proven C- and D-versions of the Gripen fighter, already in NATO-use, but further enhanced and tailored specifically to suit the needs of the Royal Danish Air Force (“Flyvevåbnet”), thus providing the ideal solution for a F-16 replacement. “When the day has come for Denmark to replace it's ageing F-16's, we see that Gripen is an excellent replacement as the aircraft is very capable, operationally proven in service and also the most cost-effective solution. Add to this the outstanding level of Industrial Cooperation and high level of Technology Transfer we can offer, and I am certain we have an unbeatable offer!” Johan Lehander, Managing Director for Gripen International, said when the RFI response was delivered yesterday, Wednesday 30 November.
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Pratt & Whitney F135 ground test engines have logged more than 4,000 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) ground test hours as the company nears completion of the engine that will power the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's (JSF) first flight next year. Pratt & Whitney is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. The 4,000 SDD hours, combined with more than 3,500 hours accumulated during the Concept Demonstration Aircraft (CDA) phase of the F-35 development program, demonstrate an unprecedented level of maturity and experience as the lead propulsion system on the JSF development program. The milestone, achieved during engine runs at the company's advanced test facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., represents the combined total test hours of F135 SDD development engines including both Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL)/Carrier Variant (CV) and Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) configuration engines.
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Embraer announced that the EMBRAER 170, EMBRAER 175 and EMBRAER 190 airliners have been granted a common type rating after a joint evaluation by the aeronautical authorities of Brazil, the United States, Canada and Europe. The common type rating allows Embraer aircraft operators to significantly reduce pilot training and crew qualification costs. For flight crewmembers transitioning from one model to the other, familiarization with the new aircraft variant can be achieved through selfinstruction, requiring no computer-based courses, ground school or additional use of flight simulators. The evaluation, which concluded that the aircraft are functionally equivalent variants, was carried out through an Operational Evaluation Board (OEB) process involving the four certification authorities, the first time this has been done. The evaluation consisted of a thorough comparison of the three models of the EMBRAER 170/190 family in terms of handling, systems and procedures. The OEB will soon start evaluation of the EMBRAER 195, thus completing assessment of the whole family.
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Embraer announced that Finnair has exercised four of its EMBRAER 170 options, converting them to EMBRAER 190 firm orders. These aircraft add to the original firm order of 12 EMBRAER 170s placed in June 2004 by the airline. Deliveries of the four additional jets are expected to take place in 2007. In addition, from the initial order of 12 EMBRAER 170s, the 11th and 12th aircraft will be delivered as EMBRAER 190s by the end of 2006. Thus, the Finnish national carrier's E-Jets fleet will comprise a total of ten EMBRAER 170s and six EMBRAER 190s. The airline still holds four EMBRAER 170 options, which are convertible to other members of Embraer's E-Jets
family.
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Japan Airlines (JAL) has selected the GEnx engine to power its 30 firm, 20 option Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The value of the firm engine order is more than $700 million (USD). Engine deliveries begin in 2008. "The selection completes an extensive two-year technical evaluation by JAL, and we are very honored that the GEnx engine has been chosen," said Tom Brisken, general manager of the GEnx project. With the JAL selection, GEnx engines to date have been selected to power 84 firm Boeing 787 aircraft orders. In total, the new GEnx engine has been selected to power more than 200 aircraft. Those GEnx orders are valued at more than $5 billion. The first full GEnx engine will go to test in 2006, with engine certification scheduled for 2007.
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Canada's aerospace industry welcomed the Government of Canada announcement of a national aerospace and defence strategic framework. The framework lays the foundation for program and policy initiatives that will strengthen Canadian aerospace competitiveness. It is the output of a productive dialogue involving a broad range of industry stakeholders, including industry leaders from across the country. "Today's announcement is an important milestone for the industry", says Pierre Racine, Chairman of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC), and President of Rolls-Royce Canada Ltd. "This strategic framework is an initiative that will help position the industry's 75,000 employees and hundreds of companies located in communities across Canada for future success". Aerospace is a key component of the knowledge based economy. It is a top performer in Canada's trade reliant economy, exporting 85 per cent of its $22 billion annual output. It generates thousands of high value jobs in every region of the country. "This framework aims to create and sustain a business environment conducive to the further development of Canada's aerospace industry, in an intensely competitive global market place", says Peter Boag, AIAC President & CEO.
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Government leaders meeting in the EU-Ukraine Summit have decided to extend the Ukraine-EU partnership to cover Europe's satellite radionavigation programme GALILEO. The agreement was signed today in Kiev by Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov for Ukraine, by Prime Minister Tony Blair for the EU Presidency and by President José Manuel Barroso for the European Commission. Jacques Barrot, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of transport, noted: “Ukraine is one of the few countries that has developed a wide expertise in global satellite positioning technologies and its participation is an important step for the development of GALILEO as an international programme”. The Galileo agreement sets the framework for co-operation in satellite navigation in a wide range of sectors, particularly in science and technology, industrial manufacturing, service and market development, as well as standardisation, frequency and certification. It also contains references to the extension of EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) to Ukraine and the participation of the country in the Galileo management structures. Indeed, Ukraine's geographical location gives the country a particular advantage to link up to the EGNOS services.
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The second of two satellites to be launched by Arianespace's upcoming Ariane 5 mission has now been fueled as its final preparations move to completion at Spaceport in French Guiana. Europe's MSG-2 weather satellite was loaded with propellant while being processed in the S5A high-bay of the Spaceport's S5 satellite preparation building. MSG-2 joins the Indian INSAT-4A telecommunications satellite, which also has been fueled in the S5 facility and is ready as the Ariane 5's accompanying payload with MSG-2. December 21 has been set as the Ariane 5 mission's launch date, which will close out Arianespace flight activity for 2005.
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In the third month of a six-month mission, the International Space Station Expedition 12 crew worked this week on science experiments, maintenance and the setup of hardware for future activities. After a light duty weekend, Commander Bill McArthur and Flight Engineer Valery Tokarev began the week with science tasks. McArthur, the NASA station science officer, worked with the Human Research Facility 2, setting up a refrigerated centrifuge for biological samples for future experiments. He also conducted experiments with the Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-3. It uses small particles called colloids to study fundamental physics. It gathers data that may provide insight into a wide range of applications, from the development of new pharmaceuticals to new rocket engines. McArthur also inspected samples for the InSPACE magnetic materials experiment. The investigation studies the physics of magnetic particles in a fluid to gain insight into the processes used in many electromechanical applications on Earth. McArthur also repaired a trace contaminant monitor in the Destiny Lab. The monitor measures the amount of gases in the cabin air. He replaced thermal fuses and will activate and check the device next week.
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