China: largest ever order for Airbus
A320-Rekordauftrag aus China

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IRIS-T delivered to Luftwaffe
Neue Luft-Luft-Rakete ausgeliefert

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Galileo: Agreement of facilities
Fortschritte im Galileo-Programm

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EC 175 development with China signed
Zusammenarbeit für neue Hubschrauberentwicklung

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ESA ministers outline plans
Ministerkonferenz skizziert ESA-Pläne

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Malaysia signs for A400M
A400M: Neuer Exporterfolg

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Tiger HAD contract signed
Auftragsänderung für Tiger-Programm

By means of this contract, the total number of TIGER helicopters ordered through OCCAR now amounts up to 80 aircraft for Germany (UHT), 80 for France (70 HAP and 10 HAC) and 24 for Spain (6 HAP and 18 HAD). A contractual change of 30 HAP and 10 HAC by 40 HAD for France is intended to be proceeded in a further step in 2006. The HAD development will lead to a qualification in 2010 and deliveries from 2010 to 2014. The Spanish HAD helicopters will be assembled in Eurocopter's Spanish Albacete site, documenting the great technological expertise of the group's Spanish third pillar. The French HAD will be produced in the group's main plant in Marignane.

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Lufthansa chooses CRJ900
CRJ900 für Lufthansa Regionaldienste

Bombardier Aerospace announced that Deutsche Lufthansa AG has signed a firm order to acquire 12 Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets for its regional airline network. The value of the contract was not disclosed. Lufthansa has been a Bombardier CRJ Series customer since 1992 when its Lufthansa CityLine regional airline became the first airline in the world to operate the pioneering 50-seat Bombardier CRJ100 aircraft. The Supervisory Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG approved at its meeting today the placement of orders for the CRJ-900 aircraft with 84 seats. In buying the competitive, cost-efficient and modern plane, Lufthansa is leading the industry-wide trend towards the deployment of larger aircraft in regional air traffic. The competitiveness and cost-efficiency of the regional fleet are of crucial importance in Lufthansa's European operations and for feeder flights to intercontinental connections at its major hubs. With competitive feeder traffic, the Group is aiming to grow, maximise its opportunities and open up perspectives for its staff.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

Aeroflot – Russian Airlines, the national flag carrier, and Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company have announced the firm order for 30 Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) aircraft.  In accordance with the Contract Aeroflot orders thirty RRJ95 in basic configuration with deliveries to start in November 2008. The total deal is valued at approximately 820 million USD at list prices. All the RRJs will be powered by SaM146 engines, provided by PowerJet (joint venture of Snecma and Russian NPO Saturn), which is not only the engine supplier for the JSC Sukhoi Civil Aircraft but also a risk-sharing partner on the RRJ Program. The General Director of Aeroflot, Valery Okulov, sees the key advantage of the RRJ Program in its global marketability: “Aeroflot is a national flag carrier, the leader setting the standards of the Russian air transport industry and we are happy that none other than Russian-made aircraft – RRJ95 -- integrally fits our plans to build up a modern fleet”.  
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Germanwings, the rapidly-expanding Cologne-based low-cost carrier (LCC), has signed a contract for 18 Airbus A319s. The order follows an earlier announcement of the airline's decision to further expand its fleet of Airbus single-aisle aircraft. The new aircraft are the first that Germanwings has acquired directly from Airbus, while the airline already operates a fleet of 19 A319s and three A320s. The new A319s for Germanwings will feature a comfortable single-class cabin layout for a maximum of 156 passengers. The aircraft will be powered by V2500 engines from International Aero Engines. Germanwings will fly the aircraft from its bases in Berlin, Stuttgart and Hamburg as well as from the main hub in Cologne to more than 40 destinations all over Europe. Joachim Klein, chairman of the board of management of Germanwings said: "Adding further Airbus single-aisle aircraft to our fleet will allow us to expand our attractive services to more destinations, serving more passengers and markets. The new A319s will ensure that we can continue our success, that we enjoyed in the LCC market since October 2002."
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After an exhaustive evaluation of the competing next generation of long-haul aircraft, Finnair has announced its decision to acquire nine Airbus A350-900s to modernise and strengthen its long-range fleet. The first A350-900s will be delivered in 2011, offering unrivalled performance and economics across Finnair's long-haul network, and a brand new concept in cabin comfort for 314 passengers. Finnair will announce the engine choice at a later date. Simultaneously, Finnair has also announced its intention to acquire three new A340-300Es, to cater for traffic growth and development of its Asian routes from the spring of 2007. The A340-300Es ("E" for Enhanced) will accommodate 303 passengers, and add to Finnair's existing fleet of MD-11s.
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Philippine Airlines has placed a firm order with Airbus for nine A320s and taken options on a further five aircraft, as part of its long term fleet modernisation programme. In addition, the airline will be leasing two new A320s and two new A319s from GE Capital Aviation Services. The A320s will be configured in a 12 Mabuhay Business Class / 144 Economy Class and the A319s in 8 Mabuhay Business Class /126 Economy class. Philippine Airlines currently operates seven A320s on domestic and regional services, eight A330s on major regional trunk routes and four A340s on long haul services.
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Alcatel Alenia Space announced that it has signed a contract with ChinaSatcom (China Satellite Communication Corporation) to design and manufacture the new-generation Chinasat 6B communication and broadcast satellite. Dedicated to television broadcasting, this satellite will enable ChinaSatcom to expand its services in China. After Chinasat 9 in 2004, this is the second contract signed with ChinaSatcom and the fourth satellite contract signed with a Chinese operator, making Alcatel Alenia Space a leading supplier of satellites to China.  The contract was signed in the presence of Chinese Prime minister Wen Jiabao, French Prime minister, Dominique de Villepin, Zhang Hainan, President of ChinaSatcom, Serge Tchuruk, Chairman and CEO of Alcatel, and Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO of Alcatel Alenia Space.  
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Northrop Grumman has successfully conducted a critical design review of its MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the U.S. Navy. The review moves the program closer to full-scale production and delivery of the vertical takeoff and landing UAV to the Navy. "The teamwork shown by the integrated U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman program team resulted in an excellent and well-coordinated design review," said Cmdr. Rob Murphy, the Navy's team lead for the Fire Scout program. "The long hours of preparation really paid off." Final assembly of the Fire Scout air vehicles will take place at Northrop Grumman's new manufacturing facility in Moss Point, Miss. The first airframe is scheduled to arrive there in January from Schweizer Aircraft Corp., a major supplier. Following assembly, ground testing and first flight are scheduled to be completed in late 2006.
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Boeing´s second canard rotor/wing (CRW) technology demonstrator – the X-50A Dragonfly unmanned air vehicle – has successfully completed a four-minute hover flight at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in southwest Arizona. The aircraft reached an altitude of about 20 feet above ground. “Our first flight test objectives were met today,” said Clark Mitchell, Boeing Phantom Works program manager for the CRW prototype. “This is a significant achievement toward validating the new stopped-rotor technology.” Under joint development by Boeing Phantom Works and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the CRW is a revolutionary aircraft that combines the speed and range of fixed-wing flight with the flexibility of rotary-wing flight. It also incorporates tip jet propulsion and stopped rotor technologies. “The most significant objective met was verification that software compensation effectively reduces the rotor control issue we were having, or cross coupling,” he said. The phenomenon of cross coupling was a finding in the mishap investigation of Ship 1 in 2004 that led to wind tunnel tests for Ship 2 at the Boeing helicopter facility in Philadelphia earlier this year. Ship 2 then completed ground checkout testing at the Boeing facility in Mesa, Ariz., where it was configured for flight. After a flight readiness review, the vehicle was shipped to Yuma where it completed a preparatory “pop up” flight Nov. 4. The flight lasted only about 30 seconds during which the aircraft stabilized briefly at 16 feet above the ground and then landed. Success with the initial flight led to the hover flight Dec. 2.
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Following a call for tenders issued by French defence procurement agency DGA, the DCN group won an important R&D contract to study the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles and naval platforms. This win confirms DCN's leadership in yet another key area of advanced military technology. The aim of the contract is to study the physical and functional constraints affecting the integration of UAVs with operational warships. This topic is of strategic importance to DCN as it will have a direct impact on major current programmes such as the FREMM frigates and on DCN products for client navies in general.
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Environment Ministers from across the European Union have given their support to measures aimed at reducing the climate change impacts of aviation. The EU Environment Council backed the UK government's view that emissions trading is the best way forward in tackling aviation emissions. UK Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett, who chaired the meeting, said emissions trading was an important component in both the UK and Europe's efforts to tackle climate change, providing industry a clear incentive to reduce carbon emissions, while enabling it to do so at least cost. Mrs Beckett said: "A priority of our EU presidency has been to drive forward action on tackling the climate change impacts of air travel. Today's agreement from European ministers is welcome. We are pleased that Council has called for a legislative proposal on this before the end of 2006. The advantage of this approach is that it guarantees a specific environmental outcome in a way that other instruments do not. It also ensures that the emissions reductions required to achieve a particular environmental outcome take place in as cost-effective way as possible."
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Elbit Systems announced that on December 2, 2005, it signed a 57.3 million euro (approximately $70 million) contract for a helicopter upgrade program with the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense. The entry into force of this contract is subject to several standard matters that are anticipated to be completed shortly. This program was the subject of previous announcements by Elbit Systems on December 21, 2004 and March 10, 2005. The program includes upgrading 12 MI-24 combat helicopters and 6 MI-17 transport helicopters, to comply with NATO standards. The program is expected to be performed over a three-year period. It will be executed with the participation of Bulgarian aerospace and defense industries. Elbit Systems has extensive experience in the area of helicopter upgrades and has performed numerous major helicopter upgrades of both western and eastern origin platforms. The Company's advanced avionics are currently operational onboard thousands of helicopter platforms in the fleets of the Israeli Air Force, the United States Air Force and other defense and civilian helicopter operators worldwide. This includes recent contracts to upgrade helicopters of various Central European Air Forces, resulting in compliance with NATO standards.
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Eurocopter won an open competition in Japan, to equip the Japanese coast guard with two EC 225 helicopters. Being a well-proven, powerful system in the 11 metric ton class with a renowned price/performance ratio, Eurocopter's EC 225, the latest member of the Super Puma family, proved to be best suited for the mission requirements of Japanese authorities. The two ordered helicopters are planned to be used primarily for transporting coast guard teams and for SAR (Search and Rescue) missions. For the second time in 2005, the EC 225 has been selected by Japanese authorities. At the beginning of this year, the Japanese army bought an EC 225 in VIP configuration for the transport of the Japanese emperor and official guests.
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The revolutionary APG-79 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar developed by Raytheon Company's Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) has scored another first. The system successfully delivered multiple JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munition) using real-time targeting coordinates derived from a high resolution SAR (synthetic aperture radar) image during recent testing at the U.S. Navy's China Lake facility. This latest demonstration confirms the radar's real-time targeting capability and establishes a new standard for time-critical precision strike. The APG-79 radar also allows aircrews to operate at a greater stand-off distance, in all weather and has the ability to target multiple coordinates off the same map, which has not been possible before. To further demonstrate the synergy of the onboard Raytheon sensors, the JDAM test also employed the ATFLIR (Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared) system to provide imagery of the targeting area. Interfacing seamlessly with the APG-79, ATFLIR recorded the impact of the weapons against two diverse targets, confirming simultaneous weapon delivery while providing post-impact bomb damage information.
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ESA's Science Programme Committee has extended operations of the highly successful astronomical observatories Integral and XMM-Newton for four years, until 16 December 2010 and 31 March 2010 respectively. As usual, there will be a review of the scientific performance and of the missions status in another two years' time, around autumn 2007. The Integral gamma-ray observatory was launched on 17 October 2002, and has been providing ever since an increasingly detailed insight into some of the most energetic phenomena in the Universe. These include the births and deaths of stars, supermassive black holes, neutron stars, the annihilation of matter and anti-matter, and gamma-ray bursts. Integral is also conducting of the first detailed gamma-ray mapping of the galactic plane, and studying extra-galactic gamma-ray sources with unprecedented sensitivity. Having already amassed a large number of scientific results and publications, the latest extension will provide even more opportunities for the scientists hoping to investigate many of the scientific issues being addressed by Integral.
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The U.S. Navy announced Dec. 2 that USS George Washington (CVN 73) will replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the forward-deployed aircraft carrier in the western Pacific and will arrive in Yokosuka, Japan, in 2008. George Washington is currently homeported in Norfolk, Va., and is receiving necessary maintenance and upgrades at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding to facilitate this forward deployment. The forward deployment of George Washington will not necessitate a change in the assigned air wing in Japan, nor in the composition of the air wing. Carrier Air Wing 5 will remain the forward-deployed air wing. This rotation is part of the Navy's long-range effort to routinely replace older ships assigned to the Navy's forward-deployed naval forces with newer or more capable platforms. It is part of an ongoing effort to consider the nature of all forward deployed forces when looking at the unpredictable security environment in the western Pacific.
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NASA's durable twin Mars rovers have successfully explored the surface of the mysterious red planet for a full Martian year (687 Earth days). Opportunity starts its second Martian year Dec. 11; Spirit started a new year three weeks ago. The rovers' original mission was scheduled for only three months. "The rovers went through all of the Martian seasons and are back to late summer," said Dr. John Callas of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. He is deputy rover project manager. "We're preparing for the challenge of surviving another Martian winter." Both rovers keep finding new variations of bedrock in areas they are exploring on opposite sides of Mars. The geological information they have collected increased evidence about ancient Martian environments including periods of wet, possibly habitable conditions. Spirit is descending from the top of "Husband Hill" to examine a platform-like structure seen from the summit. It will then hurry south to another hill in time to position itself for maximum solar-cell output during the winter.
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The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration successfully completed its first series of missions using a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system recently to support NOAA's operational and research needs. Over the course of one flight, the Altair UAS set a number of records, including the longest duration it has flown, the farthest distance from take off to return to the same base, and the farthest total distance. The flights further demonstrated that the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Altair could carry an integrated sensor package up to approximately 45,000 feet altitude for an extended period to meet NOAA's needs. These include oceanic and atmospheric research, climate research, marine sanctuary mapping and enforcement, nautical charting, and fisheries assessment and enforcement. Such a capability allows NOAA to conduct missions deemed “dull, dirty and dangerous,” those that would otherwise be too dangerous or impractical for manned flight. The missions were conducted in conjunction with NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and covered a range of scientific topics from atmospheric chemistry to biological census and coastal mapping. The first flights began in April 2005 and the final missions were completed in November. All flights began and ended at Gray Butte Airfield, one of two General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. flight operations facilities in California's Mojave Desert.
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The Arriel 2S2, with a take-off power of 923 shp, has been certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification by U.S. authorities is forecast for mid-December. The Arriel 2S2 will power the Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter. The first production engines at the certification standard are scheduled for delivery in early in 2006. One hundred of engines should be delivered end 2006. The Arriel 2S2 program was launched in 2002. On December 16, 2003 the first flight of a prototype aircraft with the Arriel 2S2 confirmed the excellent behavior of the engine. The Arriel 2S2 turbo-engine delivers an extra 9 percent of power for the equivalent fuel specific consumption at take-off compared with its predecessor, the Arriel 2S1. This extra thrust confirms the value of the latest technological advances, such as a new axial compressor which allows an increase in air flow, and a new material for turbine blades which allows an increase in temperature, and hence power.
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Rockwell Collins has received certification to install the WXR-2100 MultiScan Hazard Weather Detection System on Airbus A320, A330 and A340 aircraft. “Airbus operators will now have access to the state-of-the-art advances in safety and reduced pilot workload that our MultiScan radar provides,” said Kelly Ortberg, vice president and general manager of Air Transport Systems for Rockwell Collins. The WXR-2100 MultiScan Hazard Weather Detection System is a fully automatic radar that reduces pilot workload, and enhances safety and passenger comfort by reducing unexpected turbulence encounters. The MultiScan radar provides optimal weather detection from the nose of the aircraft to 320 nautical miles. In addition, MultiScan automatically adjusts weather detection parameters for variations caused by geographic position and uses advanced radar threshold technologies to adjust the radar returns to more accurately display actual thunderstorm threats. MultiScan digitizes and stores multiple weather sweeps in a temporary data base and processes the digitized weather information to provide an optimized weather picture.
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Jean-Paul Béchat, Chairman of SAFRAN, and Zhang Hongbiao, Chairman of AVIC II (China Aviation Industry Corporation II), signed a framework agreement on December 5 concerning the delivery of 200 Arriel 2 helicopter turboshaft engines to China, along with a partial production license. The signing ceremony at the Hotel Matignon in Paris was attended by French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, and Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China. This contract marks a major step forward in relations between Turbomeca, part of the SAFRAN Group, and AVIC II. The two companies started working together in the 1980s, with a license for the Arriel 1 engine, initiated by China National South Aero Engine Corporation (SAEC). The contract for the Arriel 2 engine signals the advent of a new era. In particular, this engine is intended for the H 425 helicopter designed and produced by Harbin Aviation Industry, one of the two helicopter manufacturers belonging to AVIC II.  
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Boeing and Royal Air Maroc announced the firm-order agreement for four 787 Dreamliners with an option for the purchase of one additional airplane. The first 787 is scheduled for delivery in late 2008. The Memorandum of Understanding for the 787s was originally signed in July 2005, by Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Alan Mulally. Royal Air Maroc plans to use its 787s on service to North America and to open new Middle East and Africa routes.
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At this year's LIMA show, Bristow Helicopters Ltd. announced an order for two more EC 225 helicopters for oil and gas services. The company was launch customer for the passenger transport version of this aircraft, to be employed in North Sea offshore oil and gas operations. Two EC 225s were ordered in 2004 and delivered in the summer of 2005. Another two were ordered in May 2005 for 2006 delivery. This new order - an option under the May 2005 order, now confirmed - brings the total of EC 225s with Bristow Helicopters Ltd. to six. The helicopters will initially be based in Aberdeen, Scotland.
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Sikorsky Aircraft opened the company's new MH-92 helicopter fly-by-wire system integration lab with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new lab will develop, integrate and test the fly-by-wire and avionic systems for the MH-92, a military variant of Sikorsky's medium-lift S-92 helicopter. Upon completion and certification, the fly-by-wire system will form the basis of future H-92 helicopter military configurations. “The MH-92 fly-by-wire system will provide improved handling qualities, greater mission effectiveness, and enhanced safety,” said Mark Miller, Sikorsky's vice president of research & engineering. Officials from the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP), the first customer for the fly-by-wire system, and executives from BAE Systems, Sikorsky's teammate on H-92 fly-by-wire development, joined Sikorsky at the ribbon cutting. Sikorsky was awarded a contract in November 2004 to provide 28 MH-92 maritime helicopters, designated the CH-148 Cyclone, to replace Sea King aircraft currently in service with the Canadian Forces.
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CAE has signed contracts with airlines Jet Airways and Japan Airlines International for the provision of two new flight simulators and a range of other aviation training equipment. In addition, CAE has sold an Airbus A320 full-flight simulator as well as two flight training devices (FTDs) -- one for Airbus A320 aircraft, the other for Boeing 737 NG aircraft -- to an undisclosed third-party customer. With a combined list-price value of approximately C$48 million, these contracts bring the total-number of full-flight simulators that CAE has sold in fiscal year 2006 to sixteen.
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Continental Airlines said that statements this week from the European Union clearly acknowledge that European approval of a E.U.-U.S. open skies agreement hinges on Europe getting the U.S. to relax federal laws on foreign ownership and control of U.S. airlines. In its latest statements, the E.U. has clearly expressed doubts about the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) ability to change the interpretation of this law on foreign ownership without legislative action by the U.S. Congress. With open skies and foreign ownership/control so strongly linked, it is clear that the two sides have plenty of negotiating room to address important related issues not covered by the text of the proposed open skies agreement. The key issue that the U.S. has failed to address is that the proposed open skies agreement does not give U.S. airlines the true ability to operate at Europe's largest airport, London/Heathrow. While an open skies agreement theoretically permits flights to Heathrow, there are no commercially viable slots and facilities available at Heathrow that would allow an airline like Continental to begin service there. The U.S. needs to address the anti-competitive Heathrow situation. There is no reason to put out the U.S. "welcome mat" for European airlines while U.S. airlines remain locked out of Europe's front door. Continental is urging the U.S. government to do a deal that has practical value for all U.S. airlines, which already have access to almost any airport in Europe except Heathrow. Numerous lawmakers have written to the DOT to caution the Department on the approach it has taken in trying to use a rulemaking to recharacterize the U.S. law restricting foreign ownership and control of U.S. airlines.
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NASA announced that Alliant Techsystems will become the prime contractor to design, develop, test, and evaluate the First Stage propulsion system for its next-generation Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV). The scope of work adds substantially to that performed by ATK on the space shuttle program. In its announcement, NASA states, "ATK possesses the facilities, manufacturing capability, and engineering and manufacturing workforce to successfully manufacture the CLV First stage as a single prime contractor." "By expanding ATK's role on CLV to a First Stage prime contractor, we are working in support of NASA's space vision to develop reliable, proven and affordable access to space," said Dan Murphy, ATK Chairman and CEO. "This new opportunity for ATK is in addition to our work on the Space Shuttle program and ATK's efforts to support the prime contractor teams competing to develop the Crew Exploration Vehicle."
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Pratt & Whitney's F135 team has completed the engine that will power the first flight of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The milestone, marked with the turning of a ceremonial last bolt today, was celebrated at Pratt & Whitney's Engine Center in Middletown, Conn. This is an exciting achievement for the Pratt & Whitney F135 team and the entire JSF program," said Bill Gostic, Vice President, F135 Engine Programs for Pratt & Whitney. "Completing this engine on time and on budget is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people whose efforts make this program so successful. We are all looking forward to the F-35's first flight next year."
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Acting under the EC Treaty rules on state aid, the European Commission has approved a EUR 140 million R&D support measure proposed by the French authorities for Snecma.  The aim of the Franco-Russian cooperation project is to develop an engine for the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ). The Commission has concluded that the project satisfies the criteria of the Community framework for state aid for research and development and can therefore be considered compatible with the Treaty (Article 87). Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said: “I am pleased to approve aid to promote research and innovation in a leading technology sector”. The project, which covers the period 2002 to 2008, aims to promote the participation of Snecma in the development of a new engine for regional aircraft (less than 100 passengers). The engine will be developed jointly by Snecma and its Russian partner NPO Saturn. It will power the future Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) built by the Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. The first test flights of the aircraft are scheduled for 2006. Public support will be 25% of R&D costs. The purpose of the public backing is to reduce the risk involved in the project, to provide the company with an incentive to undertake an ambitious research project and to encourage it to devote even more to research and development. With this project Snecma will bring R&D spending up to 22% of its turnover. The project is also being run in partnership with a number of research institutes.  
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At the LIMA airshow in Langkawi, Malaysia, as part of the Malaysian army's order for 11 twin-engined A109 LOH (Light Observation Helicopters) powered by the Arrius 2K2, the first aircraft has been presented to the Malaysian Army. Technical support for the Malaysian army, as well as for the hundred or so Turbomeca engines used in Malaysia, will be carried out by the new TurboSupport Center situated which will be based at Kuala Lumpur's Subang airport.  
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As part of the Aerolec joint venture with Goodrich, Thales has been selected to supply the electrical power generation system for the new Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. This latest success further strengthens the Group's position as a technology leader in onboard electrical power generation and conversion. It follows recent contracts to supply the electrical power generation system for the Airbus A380 and the electrical power conversion system for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The Airbus A400M electrical power generators are designed to meet a total power supply requirement of 400 kVA, which is relatively high for a military aircraft.  
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Embraer announced a contract with the Government of Colombia for the sale of 25 Super Tucano aircraft. The value of the contract is US$ 235 million and marks the first ever Super Tucano export deal. The aircraft acquired by Colombia will be operated by the country's Air Force for internal security and border patrol missions. The contract was signed in Bogota. The selection of the Super Tucano resulted from its technological innovation, operating excellence and affordability, which are fundamental characteristics of this aircraft. The Colombian Air Force (FAC) currently operates 14 Tucano basic training aircraft produced by Embraer. These were purchased in the 1990s.
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On December 8, 2005 AERO Vodochody a.s. (AERO) has signed a general agreement with the Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) on providing after-guarantee support to the L159 and L-39 aircraft in possession of the MoD for the whole life-cycle of these aircraft. This agreement is valid for 25 years, i.e. till 2029. “The general agreement and related partial contracts of AERO and MoD will contribute to assuring defensiveness of the country through the L159 and L-39 aircraft. At the same time, they enable to stabilize the AERO Military Program,” said Petr Klimeš, Chairman of the Board and President of the Company.
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Japan Airlines (JAL) has become the first customer to fully implement an innovative in-flight monitoring system from Boeing that will help it operate at peak levels of safety, reliability and efficiency. JAL is implementing Airplane Health Management (AHM), a new data-monitoring and prognostic service developed by Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. AHM monitors the health of an airplane in flight and relays that information in real time from the air to the ground. When the airplane arrives at the gate, maintenance crews are ready to make any needed repairs quickly.
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Bell Boeing delivered the first Block B version of the V-22 Osprey to the U.S. Marine Corps in ceremonies at Bell's manufacturing facility here. The Block B aircraft has software upgrades, reliability and maintainability improvements over existing V-22 aircraft. It was accepted by Col. Bill Taylor, PMA 275 Program Manager, Naval Air Systems Command, who has responsibility for the management of the V-22 Program for the Government, and LtGen Jim Amos, Commanding General, 2 nd Marine Expeditionary Force. The aircraft will enter service with Marine Corps squadron VMM 263 at Marine Corps Air Station new River, N.C. "The Osprey remains at the very soul of our Corps' ability to fight future conflicts across a widely disbursed battlefield," explained LtGen Amos, adding, "Battlefields, where the tyranny of distance is solved with speed, and where an irregular enemy who chooses to fight at an urban marketplace or at an ambush site in a wadi is faced with the dilemma...'where are they...I know they are coming...I just don't know when or where.' "Our Ospreys will operate in the enemy's backyard; they will do it quickly and quietly. And when they come, they will deliver the deadliest of weapon systems...United States Marines," LtGen Amos added.
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The realities of the world have changed dramatically since the creation of the Air Force in 1947 and continue to change almost daily. With these changes in mind, Air Force leaders released a new mission statement Dec. 7 that defines the current and future direction of the Air Force. "Today, our world is fast paced, constantly shifting and filled with a wide range of challenges," Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley wrote in a joint Letter to Airmen. "Our mission is our guiding compass, and it must be clearer than ever before." The mission statement defines the "where and what" the Air Force accomplishes on a daily basis: The mission of the United States Air Force is to deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests -- to fly and fight in Air, Space, and yberspace. The statement includes two new concepts, "sovereign options" and “cyberspace,” which the secretary and chief defined. They said having sovereign options is the essence of being a superpower. "Our task is to provide the National Command Authority and the combatant commanders with an array of options ... options that are not limited by the tyranny of distance, the urgency of time, or the strength of our enemy's defenses," they said. "With one hand the Air Force can deliver humanitarian assistance to the farthest reaches of the globe, while with the other hand we can destroy a target anywhere in the world." The term cyberspace includes network security, data transmission and the sharing of information. "We have quite a few of our Airmen dedicated to cyberspace ... from security awareness, making sure the networks can't be penetrated, as well as figuring out countermeasures," Secretary Wynne said. "The Air Force is a natural leader in the cyber world and we thought it would be best to recognize that talent." Adversaries of the United States will use any method or venue necessary to contest America, and it is an Airman's calling to dominate air, space and cyberspace, the leaders said. “If we can decisively and consistently dominate our assigned commons, then we will deter countless conflicts," they said. "If our enemies are foolish and underestimate our resolve, then we will fly, fight, and destroy them."
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First delivery of Mi-35 transport-combat helicopters was implemented to Burkina Faso on December 2, 2005.  Two helicopters, manufactured at Rostvertol PLC, were delivered by AN-22 to the capital of this African country – Ouagadougou. Assembly and flight test are being fulfilled in short terms as it is supposed that rotorcrafts will fly over during a Parade on December 12. Mi-35 delivery is being implemented according to the Contract concluded by FSUE Rosoboronexport in summer this year.
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The Japan Coast Guard has awarded Saab a contract for two Saab 340Bplus Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft. The aircraft will be extensively modified at the Saab facilities in Linköping and delivery of both aircraft will take place at the end of 2006.  The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has awarded Saab, through its Japanese agent Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, a contract for two Saab 340Bplus aircraft modified for search and rescue operations, together with training, spare parts and logistics support.  
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Sea Launch has received a firm contract award from Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS) for the launch of the SPACEWAY 3 communications satellite, projected for early 2007. A Sea Launch Zenit-3SL vehicle will launch the SPACEWAY 3 satellite, with a mass of more than 6000 kg, to geosynchronous transfer orbit from the Odyssey Launch Platform, positioned on the Equator. Sea Launch's reliable direct insertion into equatorial orbit is expected to yield additional years of life for this spacecraft, which will provide services to the North American market. The Boeing 702 spacecraft is being manufactured at Boeing's Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, Calif. This is the eighth new launch contract Sea Launch has signed in 2005.  
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The Austrian Airlines Group expects to produce a balanced adjusted EBIT for the financial year 2006. With production overall forecast to expand by approximately four percent measured in available seat-kilometres (scheduled and charter traffic), the company is continuing to base its calculations on a high kerosene price-level. The adjusted EBIT for 2005 is expected to be approximately minus EUR 60 million. Due to the intensified fleet harmonisation and resultant sale of aircraft, in particular two Airbus A340-200 and three CRJ-100, however, the figure for exceptionals will be strongly negative. Due to above-average passenger increases since May of this year, Austrian Airlines expects to break its previous record for the number of passengers carried, with a total of 10 million passengers in 2005. The decisive factor in this historic breakthrough has been the company's successful specialisation within the Focus East strategy (services to Eastern Europe, Middle and Far East) and the offensive marketing and offers policies.
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