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+++ Columus laboraty handed over +++ Boeing to acquire Aviall +++ LTU to concentrate on long-haul traffic +++ Embraer presents Lineage 1000 +++ N3 joint venture: construction starts +++ Embraer gets 50 orders for Phenom 100 +++ EU and Russia meet on aeronautics co-operation +++ News in brief +++
Columus laboraty handed over
Raumfahrtlabor in Bremen übergeben
On Tuesday, May 2nd, representatives from space agencies around the world, scientific institutions, industry and politics, were joined by guest of honour the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, to bid farewell to the 13-ton space laboratory. Engineers at EADS SPACE Transportation have spent approximately 10 years developing and building Columbus for the European Space Agency (ESA) – on a programme worth Euro 880 million. The multi-functional Columbus space laboratory is scheduled for launch in autumn 2007 on board a US Space Shuttle. Ten payload racks of scientific experiments will enable scientists to conduct research in the fields of biotechnology, medicine, materials, fluid and life sciences as well as experiments within the framework of applied technology projects - which would be impossible with gravity on Earth.
Tom Enders and Noel Forgeard joint CEOs of EADS said: "The Columbus laboratory is the European key contribution to transatlantic and international cooperation in Space. Some 14 nations from all over the world are participating in the International Space Station ISS, which is a real global project and demonstrates the leadership role of our industry. As the systems leader for Columbus OF, EADS SPACE is a strong partner of ISS.” François Auque, CEO of EADS SPACE said: “Columbus is a major achievement. Thanks to the commitment of the European Space Agency, Europe will now play a major part in humanity's adventures in space. The next step will be the delivery of the Automated Transfer Vehicle – essential for re-supplying the ISS and keeping it in its proper orbit.”
In 1996, the European Space Agency ESA awarded a fixed-price contract to EADS SPACE Transportation to develop and integrate the complete Columbus laboratory system, Europe's major contribution to this multinational project. EADS SPACE Transportation supplied Columbus at a contractually agreed price of €880 million. Through subcontracts, EADS SPACE Transportation distributes more than 60% of this amount to partner companies and small and medium-sized companies all over Europe. The concept of the Columbus module is based on the experience EADS SPACE Transportation gained in the development and construction of Spacelab - since the end of the 1970s. Spacelab flew 22 Space Shuttle missions and was in service until 1998.
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Boeing to acquire Aviall
Expansion im Servicegeschäft
On May 01, Boeing and Aviall announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Boeing's acquisition of Aviall in an all cash merger for $48 per share or $1.7 billion. Boeing will also assume approximately $350 million of net debt as part of the transaction. Aviall is the largest independent provider of new aviation parts and services in the aerospace industry. Its capabilities include global parts distribution and supply chain services for aerospace, defense and marine industries worldwide. Aviall's 2005 revenue was $1.3 billion, with more than 25 percent growth expected in 2006.
"The aviation services market offers us tremendous opportunities to profitably grow our business, internally and externally, to better serve our commercial and military customers," said Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Executive W. James McNerney. "This acquisition is uniquely powerful in that it leverages the strong and growing services units of both our commercial and military businesses. It demonstrates our commitment to create a Boeing that is more than just the sum of its parts," McNerney said. "We are delighted to become part of The Boeing Company," said Paul Fulchino, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Aviall. "Our combined industry knowledge creates a dynamic team that will continue to enable our customers to achieve greater efficiency, operational savings and profitability."
Aviall will report to Boeing Commercial Aviation Services and operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Commercial Aviation Services offers Integrated Materials Management (IMM) services to airline customers. Through this program, Boeing and selected suppliers maintain an airline's inventory of maintenance supplies -- including spare parts -- and provide items only as needed, reducing the airline's cost and complexity of doing business. Aviall's parts ordering and supply chain management capabilities will also be utilized by Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems' Support Systems business. "Aviall will quickly become an integral part of our Commercial Aviation Services business and accelerate our Integrated Materials Management program," said Alan Mulally, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. "Aviall is customer focused, has a strong growth plan and proven track record of solid financial performance. It is a perfect fit for our strategy of providing supply chain management solutions that help our airline and military customers operate more efficiently and productively," Mulally said. Commercial Aviation Services is led by Lou Mancini, vice president and general manager.
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LTU to concentrate on long-haul traffic
Strategieänderungen bei LTU
LTU's aim is to place itself in a stronger position as a scheduled airline and is concentrating in this respect on a clear route profile with a strong focus on long-haul traffic. LTU wants to develop its seat-only business further, as well as open itself up more to the business traveller market without neglecting its tour operator business. A transparent tariff system has been introduced in conjunction with concentrating on yet more intensive frequent medium- and long-haul flights. In the future, LTU will primarily operate from the Dusseldorf and Munich hubs, with its partner airline dba taking over feeder flights to and from these airports starting from the winter of 2006/early 2007. These are the focal points of LTU's strategy for the future which were adopted by the airline's supervisory board and management at yesterday's meeting.
"Close co-operation with our sister company dba is enabling LTU to change direction," said Mr Jurgen Marbach, spokesperson for LTU's management. At the same time, the focus is not on a radical shift in the airline's target groups or its external image, but rather on a careful expansion of the business model so as to satisfy in future the new travel and booking habits of younger people and businessmen. In so doing, LTU will obtain a fresher and younger image, a clear dual-class product with an attractive price/performance ratio, and a simple and transparent route and tariff profile. LTU will survive as an independent brand and co-operate closely with dba. On the basis of this strategic alignment, LTU views its main potential for growth in constant and all-year-round long-haul business and seat-only business, particularly in the area of business traffic. Consequently, we are therefore concentrating on business- and leisure time-related objectives as regards both long- and medium-haul traffic, while not neglecting in future the tour operator business either, which remains important, but which is currently declining overall. In this connection, LTU aims to expand its fleet by at least one Airbus A330-200 every year. The 15 medium-range Airbus A320/321 aircraft will continue to remain part of the fleet.
"To achieve these strategic objectives, and to be able to shape LTU's future, we must implement a performance improvement and cost reduction programme over the course of this year amounting to EUR 45 million," stated Mr Peter Oncken, LTU's Managing Director. This sum is made up of savings from utilising synergies with the airline dba, savings from performance improvement measures, and personnel cost savings in the form of a temporary salary cut (agreement still needs to be reached on this issue between the parties concerned with wage scales).
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Embraer presents Lineage 1000
Neuer großer Geschäftreisejet von Embraer
Embraer introduced the Lineage 1000, an ultra-large business jet based on the EMBRAER 190 commercial jet platform. Embraer unveiled plans for the Lineage 1000 at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, May 3-5, 2006. The aircraft is the fourth in Embraer's growing business jet portfolio. Presented as an 'ultra-large' business jet, the Lineage 1000 features an oversized cabin space with a luxurious interior in five distinct areas, where up to 19 passengers will enjoy a variety of ambiences for lounging, dining, conferencing or relaxing. "The Lineage 1000 is in a class of its own," said Luis Carlos Affonso, Embraer Senior Vice-President, Executive Jets. "Abounding with space, premium comfort, refined appointments and convenient amenities, the Lineage 1000 will deliver the ultimate in travel comfort, performance and operational economics." Underneath all the luxury lies a solid and proven aircraft platform based on the reputable EMBRAER 190, from which the Lineage 1000 inherits the expert design for high performance and high utilization, with low operating costs.
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N3 joint venture: construction starts
Neue Wartungsfirma in Thüringen
Construction has begun at Arnstadt in the German Federal State of Thuringia, of a new jet engine overhaul facility with Germany's biggest test stand for the N3 Engine Overhaul Services company. N3 is a joint-venture enterprise owned by Lufthansa Technik AG and Rolls-Royce plc. At the ceremony on 2 May for this ultra-modern engine overhaul facility, Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel und Thuringia's Prime Minister Dieter Althaus emphasized the importance of this high-tech installation with 500 new jobs for the future of the industrial location Germany and Thuringia. "This investment in the new engine overhaul facility here in Arnstadt represents an important boost for the regional economy. The fact that Rolls-Royce and Lufthansa have chosen to locate in Arnstadt underscores the international competitiveness of the new Federal States”, Merkel said.
Thuringia's Prime Minister Dieter Althaus said: "Today's event demonstrates that the decision by Lufthansa Technik AG and Rolls-Royce to build in Arnstadt and hence Thuringia, was important and correct. The new facility will bring jobs for highly qualified engineers and skilled workers to Arnstadt. The joint decision by Rolls-Royce and Lufthansa Technik will act as a magnet, attracting further prestigious aerospace businesses and investors to the region."
The new N3 facility will commence operations in April 2007 at Arnstadt in Thüringen with some 300 employees engaged full-time in the maintenance of large Rolls-Royce jet engines, as for example used in the world's largest civil aircraft - the Airbus A380. The facility is under construction on a 12 hectares industrial zone site close to Erfurt. When completed it will be one of the largest and most up-to-date jet engine maintenance facilities in Europe and devoted exclusively to overhauling the Rolls-Royce Trent 500, 700 and 900 engines, as used in Airbus long-range aircraft. The 23,000 m2 N3 Engine Overhaul Services hall will have an annual throughput of up to 200 engines. These will be thoroughly tested on a stand inside a 110 meter-long 14x14 meter noise-attenuation shell. The stand will accept large turbofan engines up to a maximum thrust of 150,000 lb, making it Germany's biggest installation of this kind. In the first year of operation the 300 employees will overhaul at least 40 large turbofan engines, rising to more than 100 within two years. The maximum annual throughput will be about 200 large engines. The number of employees will rise progressively to 500. The joint investment will be about 100 million Euros.
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Embraer gets 50 orders for Phenom 100
JetBird bestellt brasilianische Geschäftsreisjets
Embraer announced that Geneva-based JetBird has acquired 50 Phenom 100 jets and has placed an option for an additional 50 aircraft. The contract allows JetBird to convert its positions into either the Phenom 100 or the Phenom 300. The value of the contract is in the order of US$ 140 million at list price in January 2005 economic conditions, with a potential of reaching approximately US$ 280 million if all options are converted into Phenom 100. The Phenom 100 is expected to enter service in mid-2008 and JetBird is scheduled to take delivery of its first aircraft in April 2009.
Mr. Domhnal Slattery, Founder and Chairman of JetBird, commented, "JetBird has a clear and compelling vision that will revolutionize the executive travel market in a manner similar to the low-cost airline transformation of the commercial air travel market. JetBird has chosen the Embraer Phenom 100 and 300 aircraft as they are superior to all other aircraft in their class in terms of space and comfort. They are also designed to achieve high utilization and efficient turnaround times which contribute to lower operating costs and, consequently, better value for customers. We will provide an attractive alternative for existing executive jet users, but also bring the executive jet travel experience to a market for whom it has been too expensive. The commercialization of JetBird's vision is in the hands of a capable, international team of industry professionals with unparalleled sector experience. We are delighted to have Embraer as a key stakeholder in our business given its exemplary track record of innovation in aircraft design and production."
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EU and Russians meet on aeronautics co-operation
Luftfahrtzusammenarbeit soll intensiviert werden
On 27-28 April 2006, a workshop brought EU and Russian Federation representatives together in Brussels to discuss increasing collaboration in aeronautics research. Present were Europe's leading aerospace firms and research institutes and their Russian counterparts to discuss topics of mutual interest, ongoing co-operative efforts, and potential opportunities for collaboration under the next EU Research Framework Programme. After nearly a century of experience in aerospace, Russia has a wealth of experience and expertise to offer its international partners. The EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) has allowed Russian and European researchers to forge important ties and to increase their collaborative efforts, moving forward on important aeronautics research initiatives. Now, researchers on both sides are looking towards the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013), which they hope will bring even greater opportunities for collaboration and exchange.
“In the area of science and technology, the EU and the Russian Federation have a long history of active co-operation and of collaborative achievement,” said José Manuel Silva Rodríguez, EU Director-General of DG Research. “I understand that many of you participated in the first fruitful meeting in October 2003 in Moscow, designed to promote Russian participation in the Sixth EU Research Framework Programme. That event resulted in at least 10 successful aeronautics research projects with European and Russian collaboration: a demonstration of our will to work together, our common interests and the complementarity of our research efforts.
The increasing Russian involvement in the EU Framework Programme has proven fruitful, and the European Commission is eager to see that trend continue. Russian researchers are now key partners, making significant contributions. Russian researchers are also co-operating on a bilateral basis with EU Member States, as well as at European level within the Framework Programme, within the INTAS framework, and through the International Science & Technology Center.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
The Finnish Air Force has officially announced that the Minister of Defence has signed the decision to select the EADS CASA C-295 as a tactical transport aircraft. The contract, that will be signed next week, includes the acquisition of two aircraft and five options. These C-295 will replace the Fokker 27, which are currently in service and close to the end of their operational life This decision finalises the rigorous selection process that took a year and a half, including two in-flight evaluations, in cold weather, in the Finnish Artic area, as well as in hot weather summer conditions in the South of Spain.
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The Huey II program posted a record high 17 deliveries in the first quarter of 2006, with nearly half of those kits being allocated to the Iraqi Air Force rebuilding program. Arinc, based in Warner Robbins, Ga., and prime contractor for this program, selected the Bell Huey II kit as the preferred UH-1H up-grade, with US Helicopter as the airframe integrator.Arinc, in conjunction with the U.S. government, is upgrading a total of 16 UH-1Hs to Huey II configuration with the first several aircraft already in work at US Helicopter. The current plan is for the aircraft to begin induction into service during the first half of 2007. In addition to the Iraq initiative, the remaining kits will be supporting the U.S. Air Force (TH-1H Program), the U.S. Department of State Air Wing, and the Argentina Ministry of Defense.
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Beginning May 1, Delta customers have an easy non-stop connection from the United States to Denmark, as the country's fastest growing international airline inaugurates its first flight between the world's largest airline hub in Atlanta and Copenhagen.
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Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk unmanned aerial system has shown its utility as a persistent counter-drug surveillance asset in Congressionally Directed Demonstration flights over the southern U.S., along the Gulf of Mexico and into the Caribbean Sea. Global Hawk conducted three 28-hour test flights during the months of February and March over a wide area of known drug-trafficking routes. There were two goals during the flights. One was to show that Global Hawk's sensors could detect low-flying airplanes from an altitude of 60,000 feet. The second was to use Global Hawk's maritime sensor capabilities to locate and track fast-moving small boats. Low-flying airplanes and small boats are often used to smuggle drugs into the United States. Both goals were accomplished. After launching from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., the Global Hawk flew along the southern U.S., along the Gulf of Mexico, and eventually to the U.S. Air Force Southern Command's area of responsibility in the Caribbean Sea. The flights were controlled from Northrop Grumman's Unmanned Systems facility in San Diego, Calif. During test flights, Global Hawk's integrated sensor suite successfully detected, tracked and imaged maritime targets as well as detected and tracked airborne targets off the coast of Corpus Christi, Tex., and Key West, Fla.
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Alliant Techsystems successfully tested a full-scale Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) in support of NASA's Space Shuttle program. The RSRM, designated as Flight Support Motor (FSM) No. 12, fired for approximately 123 seconds, the same duration each RSRM operates during an actual Space Shuttle Launch. The flight support motor program is designed to continue verification of RSRM elements, including components, materials and processes. Static testing also provides the opportunity to evaluate or certify design, process and supplier modifications for the RSRM program. Today's test employed 711 instrumentation channels to evaluate 62 objectives. Preliminary data indicate all test objectives were met. The RSRM consists of four solid propulsion segments that measure 126 feet in length and 12 feet in diameter when assembled. Of the motor's total weight of 1.25 million pounds, propellant accounts for 1.1 million pounds. During its 123-second action time, each RSRM generates an average thrust of 2.6 million pounds.
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Boeing Business Jets announced it has won six new orders, increasing total program sales to 108 airplanes. Boeing Business Jets secured the new orders within the last six months from regions all around the globe including Southeast Asia and Europe. Most BBJ customers choose to remain anonymous, which often is typical in these types of private business transactions. Seventy-three customers have ordered 95 BBJs and 13 BBJ 2s. About 40 percent of BBJ customers are private individuals, 37 percent are government heads of state, and the remaining customer segment is divided between corporate and charter operators. Hill also announced that the program is considering the development of a convertible cargo airplane based on the commercial Next-Generation 737-700C (Convertible). The airplane allows operators to alternate between passenger and cargo layouts. The 737-700C already includes the BBJ-inspired configuration of the 737-700 fuselage and the strengthened landing gear and wings of the 737-800.
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WSI announces the initiation of polar forecasts and reporting by the WSI Aviation Forecast Group (AFG). WSI professional aviation meteorologists now issue regular forecasts for enroute hazards and temperatures for the Arctic Circle. These forecasts are utilized by air carriers to make critical daily operational decisions for routes flown between North America and the Far East. "Our Air Carrier customers are more interested than ever in Polar weather because of the anticipated traffic growth between the U.S., India and China," states Roy Strasser, WSI Vice President, Meteorology. "WSI is unmatched in its ability to collate polar weather information and to deliver aviation forecasts that address the unique operational challenges over the Arctic." WSI's forecasts include daily temperatures for emergency airports, aloft fuel freeze charts, turbulence, icing, and Solar Activity alerts. Jim Menard, General Manager of WSI's Aviation Business Group states, "The addition of polar weather forecasting and reporting services to our Aviation Forecast Group's offerings is in direct response to the needs of our customers." The effort to incorporate these services involved the re-engineering of data delivery systems, updates to numerous customer interfaces and work-flow process adjustments. "This investment is yet another demonstration of WSI's focus on the needs of our customers," continued Menard.
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Embraer announced it has sold two more Legacy 600 aircraft in the Middle East, bringing the total to seven executive jets now operating in the region. In Beirut, Lebanon, Mr. Adnan Kassar, Chairman & CEO of Fransabank SAL and Chairman of the General Union of Arab Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, has acquired a Legacy 600. The aircraft is due for delivery in the third quarter 2006.
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Vitaly Vantsev, Chairman of Vnukovo Invest and August W. Henningsen, Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Technik signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, laying the foundation for the cooperation for providing technical services to Western-type airplanes of VIP and Executive jet operators at Vnukovo airport in Moscow. The cooperation of the partners will bring together the FBO and Ground Handling services of Vnukovo International Airport and the Line Maintenance support of Luft-hansa Technik. This will create the first real one-stop VIP aviation hub in the Moscow and CIS region. “We see a strong market growth in this important regional market and feel that we are addressing the aircraft owner's and operator's need for comprehensive support – not only in Moscow as aviation focal point, but also throughout all of Russia and the CIS region,” said August W. Henningsen.
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Air Berlin, Europe's third-biggest low-cost carrier, signalled its commitment to further develop its main UK hub at London Stansted yesterday, with its first scheduled flights to Alicante in Spain. The airline is also further developing its domestic network by commencing its first scheduled flights between Stansted and Belfast City Airport. "The new Alicante and Belfast routes mark an exciting time for our airline. We have decided to increase our commitment to the UK market as we found that British passengers responded enthusiastically to the Air Berlin low-cost high-quality model." said Air Berlin CEO Joachim Hunold. Air Berlin already flies from London Stansted to sixteen destinations in Spain and Portgual via its hub in Palma, Majorca, and recently launched flights from Glasgow and Manchester to its UK hub at Stansted. Customers with onbound connections to Air Berlin's European destinations benefit from super fast transfer times through London Stansted.
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Frontier Airlines, of Denver, Colorado, has finalized a contract for six A320s, the first time the low-cost carrier has selected the aircraft type. The incremental order comes less than one year after Frontier converted to an all-Airbus operator. Also as part of the agreement, Frontier is converting four of its existing A319 orders to A320s, and four other previously ordered A319s to four A318s. Frontier will receive its ten A320 aircraft starting in early 2008 through 2010 and the A318 aircraft in 2007. In addition to these new Airbus orders, Frontier anticipates obtaining three additional A319 aircraft through arrangements with leasing companies.
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Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO, Charles Edelstenne recounted what was the best year in the history of the Falcon program with a total of 123 firm orders. “A year ago, at this same event, I was telling you that the market was strong and Dassault was seeing a very robust rate of sales,” said Edelstenne. “I must admit, I didn't expect 2005 to break our previous sales record by 25%.” 2005 marked the first time the company sold over 100 Falcons in one year, and this without the benefit of multiple sales to fractional providers. The Dassault Aviation consolidated 2005 sales were 3.43 billion Euros with Falcon jets accounting for 48 % of total consolidated sales. Growth was particularly strong in Western Europe, Russia and Ukraine as well as countries in the Middle East. Brazil and other South American countries continued to show strength especially with the Falcon 2000EX and Falcon 7X. The first ever sale of a new Falcon in China took place in late December when Citic purchased a Falcon 900DX. Citic is the largest state owned financial services holding company in China. At the end of 2005, Dassault had a total backlog of more than 200 aircraft. More than 60 aircraft will be delivered in 2006 compared to 51 in 2005. A similar delivery rate increase is planned for 2007.
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Dassault has confirmed an increase in range to 5950 nm as well as an increase in payload with full fuel for the new Falcon 7X. The new range will enable the 7X to fly nonstop between cities such as New York and Riyadh, Paris and Singapore and Los Angeles and Rome. As previously announced, Dassault was examining a number of options to increase the range of the world's first purpose built fly-by-wire business jet. Those improvements were confirmed recently and will include the addition of winglets, additional fuel tanks in the forward section and a redesign of the secondary rudder and lower fin. The thrust for the Pratt and Whitney Canada 307A engines was also increased to 6400 lbs. "Our goal from the first day of the Falcon 7X program was to exceed the expectations of our customers and to build an aircraft Dassault would be proud of," said Charles Edelstenne, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. "We've succeeded in both areas. Our customers are getting more airplane than they were promised and the 7X is performing in the best tradition of our visionary founder, Marcel Dassault."
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Rockwell Collins is offering Piaggio 180 operators an upgrade to LCD displays, as well the latest attitude heading reference system (AHRS) with its Pro Line 21 IDS Integrated Display System and AHS-3000 Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS). This upgrade will be available through an agreement with Jet Works in Denton, Tex. Certifications for both the Pro Line 21 IDS and the AHS-3000 are expected to be complete by September, 2006. "With this offering, Piaggio 180 operators can add value and reliability to their aircraft with upgraded displays and content, as well as the latest AHRS technology," said Denny Helgeson, vice president and general manager, Business and Regional Systems for Rockwell Collins. "We look forward to delivering these benefits to Piaggio 180 owners through our relationship with Jet Works."
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Cessna predicts the business aviation market in Europe will continue to grow in the coming years as economies expand and as more businesses accept the business jet as a tool for increasing efficiency by making more productive use of scarce management time, according to Cessna's Roger Whyte at the opening of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE). Whyte, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing for Cessna, said the company has had success with sales in Europe due to the large array of high quality Cessna aircraft, the combination of range, cabin amenities, and short-field performance offered, and to the company's unrivaled customer support. Cessna's largest current fleets within Europe are in Germany with 123 aircraft, Italy with 61 aircraft, England and Austria each with 60 aircraft, and Switzerland with 41 aircraft.
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Cessna announced a 136-kilogram (300-lb) payload increase for the Citation Sovereign, on display this week at EBACE 2006. The increase, available to all current owners at no cost and with no modifications, gives the aircraft more capability in terms of carrying additional passengers and luggage with no decrease in range. The Sovereign, now with a maximum takeoff weight of 13,743 kg (30,300 lbs), has a range of 5,339 km (2,881 nm). The weight increase will be included in the next revision of the flight manual scheduled for release in June. The Citation Sovereign entered service in September 2004, and there are more than 70 in service around the world.
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Cessna´s Citation Encore+ development program passed the 100 flight hour milestone in late April and is on track for entry into service in the first quarter of 2007. Two aircraft are in the development program: one used for development of the software for a full authority digital engine control (FADEC); and the other used to fully integrate the Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite upgrade, including a Collins autopilot. Other improvements covered under the Encore+ upgrade program include new interior lighting, new seat styling and a max takeoff weight increase of 90 kg (200 lbs).
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More than 1,000 total flight hours and more than 600 flights have been accumulated by the three Citation Mustangs flying in Cessna's certification program. The Mustang is on schedule for its anticipated European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and U.S. Federal Aviation Association (FAA) certification in the fourth quarter of 2006. The Mustang is on track for single pilot type rating certification. With more than 240 orders, the Mustang is sold out into the third quarter of 2009. Currently about 60 percent of Mustang orders are based outside of the United States, with a significant number of these deliveries going to Europe, South America and Australia.
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Lufthansa Technik, a leading provider for VIP & Executive Jet Solutions, has strengthened its position in the completion of standardized business and corporate jet cabins. Being the exclusive partner for the Airbus A318 Elite and the Bombardier Challenger 850 the German Completion Center is at the forefront to deliver a new class of business and corporate jets to the market. Just recently Airbus signed a contract with Lufthansa Technik for the cabin-outfitting of A318 Elites, the latest member of the Airbus corporate jet family. It simultaneously concluded a contract with A318 Elite launch customer Comlux of Switzerland, for the outfitting of its first three aircraft. The agreements cover outfitting of initial A318 Elites, which are only offered in one of two cabin-layouts, seating 14 and 18 passengers. This arrangement, which still offers clients a lot of flexibility in the choice of furnishing details, such as fabrics and colours, allows Airbus to deliver an attractively priced package. Additional five orders have been placed with National Air Service (NAS) of Saudi-Arabia and another five with an undisclosed customer.
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EADS confirms it has entered into a new phase in the consultations with BAE Systems on the potential sale of BAE Systems' 20 percent stake in Airbus. This follows the issuance by BAE Systems of a Put Option Intention Notice, a process contemplated in the Airbus Shareholders Agreement signed in 2001. Following completion of this consultation process, BAE Systems may - but is not obliged to - formally exercise its put option. At this point, there can be no certainty as to the result of this phase, however the negotiations will now be governed by the guidelines within the Airbus Shareholders Agreement.
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The U.S. space agency NASA has completed its initial safety modifications to the space shuttle's external fuel tank and wants to see how it flies before making any more. A flight test is planned for July, the first shuttle mission in one year. NASA has spent hundreds of millions of dollars redesigning the exterior layer of hard foam insulating the giant orange fuel tank that launches side by side with each shuttle, feeding its enormous appetite for liquid hydrogen and oxygen on its way to orbit. The space agency wants to prevent a recurrence of shedding foam that punched a hole in the wing of the shuttle Columbia in 2003, causing it to burn up upon re-entry, killing seven astronauts. NASA has removed the foam from the tank site that contributed that deadly debris and reshaped it in other places. The attempt has been to minimize the amount that breaks away during the tremendous physical stresses of launch.
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As part of its Helicopter Electro Actuation Technology (HEAT) program for the U.K. Royal Navy's EH101 Merlin helicopter fleet, AgustaWestland has awarded a £18.5 million ($32 million U.S.) contract to BAE Systems for the development of the digital flight control computer. HEAT will be the first electromechanical fly-by-wire system installed on a helicopter. “The new state-of-the-art system will replace older, more complex hydraulic systems,” said Mike Austill, managing director of Avionic Systems for BAE Systems. “This reduces pilot workload, cost of ownership, maintenance, and weight while improving survivability, safety, and aircraft handling and agility.” The HEAT system, designed in a joint effort by AgustaWestland, BAE Systems, and Claverham, will replace the existing hydro-mechanical rotor control system on the EH101. It comprises two dual-lane flight control computers that together will provide quadruple-redundant electronic control — allowing the system to function safely even if two of the systems were to fail. The fly-by-wire controls initially will interface with the pilot inceptors and actuators, and eventually will replace the existing autostabilizer and autopilot functionality.
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VIP charter operator JetAlliance, based in Austria, has placed a firm order for an Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ), becoming the first Austrian customer. JetAlliance Flugbetriebs AG is one of the world's leading business-jet enterprises, with a fleet of over 37 aircraft with an average age of only 3.5 years - one of the youngest in Europe. It operates under JAR OPS 1 in Europe, but is also FAA part 129 certificated, allowing it to fly commercially in the USA and Canada. JetAlliance's Airbus ACJ will be powered by CFM International CFM56-5 engines. A choice of cabin outfitter has yet to be announced.
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In cooperation with NASA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, the Phantom Works organization of Boeing is taking another step toward exploring and validating the structural, aerodynamic and operational advantages of a futuristic aircraft design called the blended wing body, or BWB. Two high-fidelity, 21-foot wingspan prototypes of the BWB concept have been designed and produced for wind tunnel and flight testing this year. The Air Force has designated the vehicles as the "X-48B," based on its interest in the design's potential as a flexible, long-range, high-capacity military aircraft. X-48B Ship No. 1 began wind tunnel testing on April 7 at the Langley Full- Scale Tunnel at NASA's Langley Research Center. When testing is completed in early May, it will be shipped to NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in California to serve as a backup to Ship No. 2, which will be used for flight testing later this year. According to the team, both phases of testing are focused on learning more about the low-speed flight-control characteristics of the BWB concept. "The X-48B prototypes have been dynamically scaled to represent a much larger aircraft and are being used to demonstrate that a BWB is as controllable and safe during takeoff, approach and landing as a conventional military transport airplane," said Norm Princen, Boeing Phantom Works chief engineer for the X-48B program. The X-48B cooperative agreement by Boeing, NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) culminates years of BWB research by NASA and Boeing. AFRL is interested in the concept for its potential future military applications. "We believe the BWB concept has the potential to cost effectively fill many roles required by the Air Force, such as tanking, weapons carriage, and command and control," said Capt. Scott Bjorge, AFRL X-48B program manager. "This research is a great cooperative effort, and a major step in the development of the BWB. AFRL is inspired to be involved in this critical test program." NASA also is committed to advancing the BWB concept. NASA and its partners have tested six different blended wing body models of various sizes over the last decade in four wind tunnels at the Langley Research Center.
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Pilatus Aircraft is pleased to announce a major program milestone by celebrating the delivery of its 600th PC-12. David Domenico, President of Aviation Sales, Inc. (ASI), accepted the keys on behalf of a California-based customer, marking the event. Pilatus celebrated the delivery of the 500th PC-12 just last year. Thomas Hunziker, President and CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft, Ltd., offered his thoughts on the PC-12 recent surge in popularity. "A large number of companies and individuals have come to realize that no other aircraft on the market achieves the PC-12 combination of performance, utility, comfort, and economy. Because of its high capability and low cost, PC-12 owners enjoy a unique competitive advantage when it comes to business travel.” Domenico agreed, and added, “More recently, we've seen a number of small companies choosing the PC-12 as their first business aircraft. Having such a large-cabin aircraft with low acquisition and operating costs can significantly boost a company's productivity, which translates directly to the bottom line.”
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Helicopter Association International (HAI) President Matt Zuccaro joined Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Marion C. Blakey at FAA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on May 2, 2006, for a media briefing on the Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) program and its future role in air traffic control, particularly for helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico. Offshore helicopter operations in the Gulf of Mexico will directly benefit when the first segment of ADS-B to provide communications, navigation and surveillance as part of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NGATS) is deployed in 2007. FAA Administrator Blakey told reporters that the agency has requested $80 million in the fiscal year 2007 budget to begin initial implementation of ADS-B. The FAA is also looking at the possibility of rulemaking that would mandate the avionics necessary for implementing ADS-B across the national airspace system. The agency plans a meeting of its Joint Resources Council (JRC) in June to consider funding approval for implementation of ADS-B in select operational areas, the Gulf of Mexico being one such initial program planned for segment one of the FAA ADS-B program. The FAA program to provide ADS-B implementation in the Gulf of Mexico will enhance overall safety of operations, provide low level communications, facilitate Air Traffic Control surveillance of aircraft operating in the Gulf, provide current and forecast weather information, and also facilitate situational awareness between aircraft. Additionally the operational efficiency, and capacity of helicopters in the Gulf will benefit from availability of these services.
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Raytheon has been awarded a $142 million contract for domestic production of Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) for the U.S. Navy. Raytheon will deliver 75 Block IIIB missiles, 80 Block IIIB conversion kits, telemeters, spare parts, rocket motors and missile maintenance support. Work on the contract will be performed at Raytheon's Missile Systems business in Tucson, Ariz., and Camden, Ark.
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On 24th April 2006, MBDA successfully carried out a test firing of the VL MICA air defence missile system from a naval launcher at the French DGA's (Délégation Générale pour l'Armement) CELM (Centre d'Essai de Lancement des Missiles) test facility. The firing was a complete success with the target destroyed by a direct hit at a range of 10 km. The target flew at very low altitude, representing a sea-skimming anti-ship missile. The missile used for the firing was a series production MICA IR air-to-air missile but vertically launched from a naval-configured launcher. The missile, which is exactly the same as that already in service with several air force customers for the air-to-air combat theatre, acquired and locked onto the target after launch. The firing was attended by a foreign delegation and representatives of the DGA.
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Sikorsky announced that it has signed position assignment agreements with Premier Aviation Services Ltd. of Ireland for two S-76D helicopters. This represents the first European customer for the S-76D, and both aircraft will be used for VIP and executive transport missions. Premier Aviation plans to operate its aircraft out of Weston Airport outside Dublin.
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Maverick Helicopters, which specializes in helicopter tours of the Las Vegas Strip and Grand Canyon, plus corporate and charter wedding flights, has announced that it is purchasing nine new EC130 B4s in addition to its existing fleet of 12 EC130 B4s and six AS350 B2s. Once the nine new EC130s have gone into service, Maverick will be the largest operator of this type in the world. The Las Vegas operator refers to the EC130 B4 as “Eco Star” due to its ecological compatibility and low noise emission. A fast-growing aerial tour operator, Maverick focuses on providing its clients with the safest, most comfortable, and VIP-style service possible.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that Arik Air of Lagos, Nigeria has exercised a firm order for two Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets. Arik Air will be the first CRJ900 operator on the African continent, and the first airline to introduce new commercial aircraft into Nigeria since 1982. The list price value for the two aircraft is approximately $69 million US. Arik Air moved into the former Nigeria Airlines Ltd facilities in Lagos in April this year and will operate the CRJ900 aircraft on domestic routes within Nigeria starting July 2006. The aircraft will have a two-class interior with 10 business class seats and 65 economy seats. The airline also plans to operate two previously owned Boeing 737 and three previously owned 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets, built in 2003.
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A Eurofighter Typhoon new-generation, swing-role fighter, operated by BAE Systems' flight test team has successfully completed its first 'flutter trial' to prove the aerodynamic stability of the aircraft in a heavy, air-to-surface, weapons configuration. This important milestone will further improve Typhoon's true multi-role capability, which will allow it to be deployed across a wide spectrum of operational missions. Six Paveway II and 2 AIM9L (Sidewinder) missiles, plus a centre-line fuel tank, were carried during this trial. Mark Bowman, BAE Systems' Typhoon project pilot said: “The advanced flight control system of Typhoon means that even with this heavy war load the pilot is still able to manoeuvre the aircraft as a 'care-free' fighter, safe in the knowledge that the computers will be wringing-out every last ounce of turning and rolling performance. With lots of engine performance in reserve, all the corners of the envelope can be reached quickly and easily”.
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Continental Airlines said that, based on its initial review, the supplemental proposed rule allowing foreign control of U.S. airlines issued today by the Department of Transportation fails to resolve the significant legal and policy concerns raised by Congress, industry and labor. While the revised DOT proposal purports to allow a U.S. shareholder majority to revoke foreign control of airline operations, this proposal makes it clear that foreign investors will be allowed to control all significant decisions at a U.S. air carrier and highlights the unworkable nature of bifurcating control of a corporation. "The DOT has abdicated its responsibility to ensure actual control by U.S. citizens, relying instead on the unreasonable hope that U.S. shareholders and directors might reassert the very control DOT is unwilling to require," said a Continental spokesperson, pointing out that "U.S. citizen shareholders are even less likely to revoke control held by foreign owners than U.S. voters are to amend the Constitution." The proposed rule, even as now supplemented by DOT, is still unlawful and will not withstand either Congressional scrutiny or the expected court challenges. Only Congress can change the law regarding foreign control of U.S. airlines. Over the last six months, the Congressional message could not be clearer. The law requiring "actual control" of U.S. airlines by U.S. citizens means exactly what it says. Congress has made its concerns abundantly clear to the DOT. The message is unmistakable and is coming from both sides of the Capitol and from Republicans and Democrats alike. Nearly 190 Members of the House of Representatives have introduced legislation which states that DOT's proposals are contrary to the "plain language" of aviation statutes and prohibits DOT from issuing a final ruling for a period of one year. The House Appropriations Committee unanimously adopted report language directing the Secretary of Transportation to refrain from issuing a final rule for 120 days and expressing serious concerns about "any rule which would allow any minority foreign investor to exercise control or decision-making authority over any aspect of a U.S. carrier's operation." Finally, the Senate Appropriations Committee recently passed statutory language prohibiting DOT from using any money to make final a foreign control rule making.
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Recent improvements to the scheduled maintenance program for the Boeing 777 promise to reduce airlines' maintenance costs and increase the time a 777 airplane is in revenue-generating service. By increasing the time between certain maintenance tasks, the new program reduces maintenance by more than 400 labor-hours per airplane per year and gives airlines one more day of service annually for each 777 in their fleet. Using industry averages, the reduced maintenance costs and increased revenue opportunity add more than $100,000 in annual value to each 777 in operation. The new program extends the maintenance inspection interval for zonal tasks, involving such areas as doors, fuselage compartments, struts, and flight controls, from 25 to 37 months. Under the previous Maintenance Review Board (MRB) report, an airplane was pulled out of service for approximately five days to perform required maintenance checks every 25 months. The addition of 12 months to this maintenance interval provides significant financial and scheduling opportunities to 777 operators.
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On Wednesday, 3 May the Romanian Minister of Defence Teodor Atanasiu, who is currently visiting Lithuania with an official two-day visit, during his meeting with the Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Gediminas Kirkilas confirmed that Romania would contribute to an air-policing mission over the Baltic States in 2007. During the meeting, which was held at the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, the Ministers also discussed the on-going bilateral military co-operation between Lithuania and Romania, a security situation in South Eastern Europe, support of Ukraine, as well as of Moldova, in their aspirations to join NATO, and the involvement of the both countries in international operations. The Lithuanian Minister of National Defence invited Romania to join the mission of the Lithuanian-led Ghor Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan.
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The 1708th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Wednesday, May 3, 2006 from the Plessetsk Cosmodrome in Russia at 9:38 p.m. Moscow time (7:38 p.m., in Paris). Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the governmental spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit. This was the third Soyuz family mission in 2006. The next Starsem flight will be accomplished for the European Eumetsat Organization, launching the MetOp, the first European system in polar orbit dedicated to meteorology and climate observation. With the introduction of the Soyuz at the Guiana Space Center (CSG), this famed Russian launch vehicle becomes an integral part of the European launcher fleet, together with the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the lightweight Vega. To be offered exclusively by Arianespace to the commercial market, the Soyuz at CSG is Europe's reference medium-class launch vehicle for governmental and commercial missions.
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SES Americom, an SES Global Company, announces the procurement of a new spacecraft, Americom-21 (AMC-21), to be added to its fleet in 2008. The geosynchronous all Ku-band satellite will be operated by SES Americom from 125 degrees West to deliver educational broadcasting for PBS and its affiliated state networks and introduce IP-based services for the enterprise markets throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Alcatel Alenia Space will serve as the prime contractor for the new spacecraft with overall responsibility for the design, manufacturing, the communications payload, and in-orbit testing. Orbital Sciences Corporation has been subcontracted by Alcatel Alenia Space to supply STAR-2, the small-sized spacecraft platform, as well as final spacecraft integration and on-the-ground test of AMC-21 at their Dulles, Virginia manufacturing facility.
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Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications, announced that it has been chosen by Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), Hong Kong, to build AsiaSat 5, a new generation communications satellite designed to offer improved power and coverage to AsiaSat's customers across the Asia Pacific region. AsiaSat 5, a fixed satellite services (FSS) spacecraft expected to launch in 2008, will replace and expand upon the services provided by AsiaSat 2 at 100.5 degrees East longitude. The satellite will be based on SS/L's 1300 platform, which features qualified, flight proven subsystems and a long record of reliable operation.
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Hispano-Suiza, SAFRAN Group, has successfully passed the SOI3 audit for the programmable electronic component in the electrical power actuator on the ETRAS (electrical thrust reverser actuation system) for the new Airbus A380 super-jumbo jet. The SOI3 audit, carried out in the presence of Airbus, was conducted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It ensures that the design and development of this component complies with the Do254 standard. The A380 is the first aircraft in the Airbus family to be subject to this standard, reflecting extremely stringent safety requirements. The audit reviewed all procedures developed and applied by Hispano-Suiza to meet these requirements, which were deemed “controllable and repeatable”. EASA also emphasized the quality of the methodology used, describing it as “structured and reliable”. This methodology is a guarantee for the customer that Hispano-Suiza is capable of supplying a system that fully meets the requisite dependability criteria for the A380. For Hispano-Suiza, the SOI3 audit is a major milestone in the ETRAS program. It augurs well for the final SOI4 audit, closing out the series of audits on this key programmable component, prior to system certification slated for June 2006.
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MTU Aero Engines Holding AG in the first quarter of 2006 posted appreciable sales and profit gains, continuing the healthy trend of fiscal 2005. In the process, sales in the first three months of 2006 rose 10.8%, to Euro 564.8 million (1-3/05: Euro 509.7 million). Concurrently, operating profit1 grew 21.1%, to Euro 66.6 million (1-3/05: Euro 55.0 million). The sharp jump in profit registered more clearly even after taxes, with MTU more than doubling adjusted net income from Euro 11.2 million in the same quarter a year ago to Euro 25.7 million in the first three months of 2006. "These results show MTU to be on a very healthy course. For 2006, we expect to remain on the profitable growth track," commented Udo Stark, MTU chief executive officer. "In the industry, and especially our company, growth rates keep outpacing the general economy."
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Gulfstream Aerospace will be adding spare-parts inventory valued at $4.5 million to its Luton , England , Service Center to support the growing fleet of Gulfstream business jets operating in Europe and the Middle East . The additional spares inventory will include spare parts for Gulfstream G200, GIV, GV, G350, G450, G500 and G550 business-jet models. Gulfstream will be overseeing the spare-parts distribution process, which is scheduled to begin June 1. Gulfstream's Luton Service Center currently manages a limited onsite spare parts inventory used by service technicians while performing maintenance at the facility.
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Sea Launch has signed a firm launch contract with Intelsat to orbit the Intelsat Americas-9 (IA-9) spacecraft in the 4th Quarter of 2007. IA-9 is currently under construction at Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) in Palo Alto, Calif. This mission will be Sea Launch's second with Intelsat; the IA-8 mission was successfully completed in June 2005. The IA-9 spacecraft is a high-power, C-band and Ku-band satellite that will provide communications service to North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Intelsat currently plans to operate the satellite from an orbital location at 97 degrees West longitude. IA-9 will become Intelsat's newest satellite covering North America.
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Lufthansa Technik has further expanded its position as a development center for latest in-flight entertainment and communication solutions. The company's Mobile Access Router (MAR), a fully integrated flying office solution, including telephone, fax, video-conferencing, web browsing, email, WLAN connectivity and moving map functions, is now also available for Airbus A380 customers as a standard option. Originally developed for operators of VIP and business jets and integrated in more than 30 of these jets the MAR not only makes onboard communications much easier and more efficient but it is the main external communication interface to all devices on the cabin in-flight entertainment and communication network.
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The Swiss Pilots Association (SPA) gave details Wednesday of the manipulation of the recent referendum on the new 2006 Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) for Swiss European pilots – a referendum for whose conduct and correctness the SPA bears ultimate responsibility. Swiss European now wishes to achieve optimum clarity on these events and their repercussions, in the interests of all the pilots concerned. Having examined the issue at length, Swiss European concluded that the CLA which was submitted for referendum did not receive adequate democratic approval, and therefore has been rejected. As a result, the individual contracts of employment which have already been signed by the pilots concerned enter into formal retroactive effect from April 1, 2006. In view of this, the referendum does not need to be held again. In the light of these serious incidents and the associated severe loss of confidence, Swiss European is no longer able to recognise the SPA as a social partner. The pilot who was suspended from flight duties on Wednesday has been summarily dismissed in view of his intolerable behaviour. Swiss European is also expressly reserving the right to take legal action against the SPA committee members responsible and any further persons involved.
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After first delaying its stock market debut by a week, Air Berlin has announced it is lowering its price range for its IPO to 11.50-14.50 eur per share compared to the initial price range set at 15.00-17.50 eur. Under the new price range, Air Berlin's gross proceeds will be between 225-285 mln eur, which will be used to generate further growth. The total volume of the offering will amount to between 489-616 mln eur, if the greenshoe option is fully exercised. In total, 42.54 mln shares will be offered -- as opposed to the original 43.33 mln shares -- of which up to 19.6 mln will be new shares from a capital increase and up to 17.4 mln will be offered by current shareholders. In addition, up to 5.5 mln shares from the current shareholders will be offered in connection with a greenshoe option. This would result in a future free float of around 71 pct. Air Berlin said the IPO costs will amount to around 40 mln eur.
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Ground-vibration testing for the first Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter finished early on April 30, continuing a string of testing milestones completed ahead of schedule. "Completion of ground-vibration testing provides confidence in our structural design and critical technical data for our engineers," said Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 JSF program general manager. "The measured aircraft response closely matched our engineering predictions." Bobby Williams, Lockheed Martin F-35 vice president for Air Vehicle Development, added, "Like the successful fueling and structural-coupling tests that preceded it, this test represents yet another important step toward first flight later this year." The vibration tests characterize the aircraft's responses to inputs to the wings, tails, rudders and flaps. The test data will be used to update analytical models developed during aircraft design, and again during flight testing.
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Flying from the Aerosonde test facility in western Victoria, a Mk4 Aerosonde UAV set an unofficial world endurance record of 38 hrs and 48 minutes. The current official record is 30 hrs and 24 minutes held by the Northrop Grumman Ryan Aeronautical RQ-4A "Global Hawk". The flight took place as a cold front passed through the region. Special Projects Manager and team leader, Maurice Gonella reported: “Winds at times were higher than the ideal cruise speed of the aircraft and so, coupled with a wet airframe and turbulent conditions, maximum endurance was reduced from our target of 40 hours”. Aerosonde 157 (Piccolo II 1032) Launched at 0637 UTC and landed at 2119 and landed on Wednesday May 3 at 2119 for a total of 38 hours and 48 minutes. It was Aerosonde 157's maiden flight and is the first Aerosonde flight to witness 2 sunrises. Fuel consumption during the mission ranged from 207 down to 122 gm/hour. The Mk4 Aerosonde includes the Cloud Cap Technology Piccolo II avionics, and Aerosonde wishes to thank Ross Hoag and Bill Vaglienti of Cloud Cap Technology for their support in making the achievement possible.
Ross commented: “The endurance achievement outlined above is particularly gratifying for Bill and I; it feels like we've come full circle with Piccolo flying in the Aerosonde. A 38-hour maiden flight, first flight on both the airframe and avionics, is impressive and shows the maturity level of the individual systems”. Modifications to the UAV to enable the endurance attempt included tuning of the EFI engine, weight reduction and improvements to the aerodynamic efficiency of the UAV. These modifications were lead by final year Monash University Aeronautical Engineering student, Cameron Devries and many of these enhancements will be available immediately in the Mk4 product line. Aerosonde are aiming at further endurance attempts in the near future with the goal of attaining 48 hours flight.
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Technicians continue final preparations on Discovery prior to its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The move is scheduled for May 12. Shuttle program managers will discuss readiness for the move and any final technical details during the Orbiter Rollover Review on May 8. As a precautionary measure to provide protection from the tin whiskering phenomenon, a reaction jet driver was replaced in an avionics bay and successfully retested early this week. Whiskering is a phenomenon identified decades ago whereby certain metals, primarily tin, zinc and cadmium, develop pure metallic crystalline extrusions. During retesting of the reaction jet driver replacement, an unrelated problem was discovered in the load control assembly in a line replacement unit box in the forward avionics bay. The remotely controlled assembly provides power to the reaction jet driver. Technicians have replaced the assembly and will retest the equipment over the weekend.
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