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+++34 more NH90s for Australia +++ Alenia signs for RRJ participation +++ C-5M Super Galaxy flies +++ EU pushes aeronautics research +++ Future Lynx ordered by UK +++ News in brief +++
34 more NH90s for Australia
Weiterer Erfolg für Mehrzweckhubschrauber
On 19 June, Australian Aerospace announced plans for further major expansion of the Australian helicopter industry, following the Federal Government's decision to buy an additional 34 MRH-90 helicopters under the Air9000 program. The decision to buy the extra helicopters comes less than two years after the Federal Government ordered the first 12 MRH-90s as additional troop lift helicopters for the Army. Together, the MRH-90 contracts will generate 400 highly skilled jobs in this country and will inject $1.1 billion into the Australian economy. Production of the MRH-90s – which was chosen ahead of the Black Hawk - will now be stepped up at Australian Aerospace's Brisbane plant and through-life support services also will take place in Australia.
Expanding local production and support for the MRH-90s will make Australia one of the cornerstones of the global supply chain of the Eurocopter network, which includes Australian Aerospace. Australian Aerospace already operates an Asia-Pacific Centre of Excellence in Brisbane to supply the Army's Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters and the initial MRH-90 order - and recently announced plans to invest a further A$15 million in a state-of-the-art composite fibre manufacturing plant in Queensland. Australian Aerospace CEO, Joseph Saporito, said the new MRH-90 order means Australia will be equipped with the world's most advanced helicopter in its class and is a major boost for the Australian helicopter industry.
“This decision creates the prospect of Australia becoming more involved in the global helicopter supply chain, more exports from Australia, more jobs, the development of new skills in the latest composite fibre manufacturing and construction techniques and more investment by Australian Aerospace,” he said.
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Alenia signs for RRJ participation
Italienische Beteiligung am Suchoi-Regionaljet
Finmeccanica and Sukhoi Aviation Holding, and their respective subsidiaries Alenia Aeronautica and Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC), have signed an agreement establishing a strategic partnership on the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) programme. Under the agreement, Alenia Aeronautica will acquire a 25% stake plus one share in SCAC (subject to Russian government approval) and a corresponding financial stake in the development of the RRJ programme. The programme of co-operation between the two companies is the result of a process begun in August 2005 when a memorandum of understanding was signed by the Russian federal agency for industry, Sukhoi Aviation Holding Co, Finmeccanica and Alenia Aeronautica at the MAKS 2005 air show in Moscow.
With the aim of furthering the prospects of the RRJ on the European and US markets, the programme partners will set up a joint venture based in Europe, to look after the legal aspects of sales and technical support for the new aircraft. In addition, Alenia Aeronautica will contribute to the development of the RRJ programme through its own team of technical experts based in Russia. Alenia's team will produce components and systems using advanced materials, handle the certification of aircraft under European standards and manage aspects such as purchasing, sales and technical support for airlines. The agreement represents both an important step in the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership between the two companies and the most significant industrial programme involving Italy and Russia in the civil aviation sector
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C-5M Super Galaxy flies
Erstflug der neuen Galaxy-Version
The newly modernized Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy took to the skies for the first time on 19 June from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. This modernized C-5M safeguards the U.S. government's capability to move massive amounts of cargo as the workhorse for the U.S. Air Force global reach mission and ensures the most cost effective, viable strategic airlift resource for America through the year 2040. "This unique aircraft has provided the U.S. Air Force and our nation with an incredible capability since it first started supporting our country's strategic air mobility requirement to move massive amounts of cargo and troops," said George Shultz, Vice President, Lockheed Martin C-5 Modernization program. "Supporting our country's global reach mission has been a priority for Lockheed Martin since the C-5 program began. This new aircraft, unlike any other in the world, provides the United States with unmatched capability into the future and unmatched operational cost savings to enable the Air Force to divert operational savings to other high priority needs. It's great to be part of the team that ensures that the U.S. will have airlift capability that only the C-5 can provide well into this century."
The C-5M includes avionics modernization, along with reliability enhancement and re-engining. "This new technology provides the Air Force with more powerful fuel saving engines and higher aircraft availability than in the past and will mean unprecedented operational and maintenance savings. The Air Force prudently invested in this modernized aircraft and it's proving to be the most cost effective solution for the Air Force to maintain strategic airlift capability into the future," said Shultz. "It's a big day for the Air Force, Air Mobility Command and the C-5 team. The C-5 will save over 20 billion dollars, it pays for itself and them some," said Col. Kevin Keck, C-5 Systems Group Commander. "It's a one of a kind aircraft in strategic airlift with the ability to carry twice as much cargo as other systems. It's a force multiplier."
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EU pushes aeronautics research
Forschungstagung in Wien
Aeronautics is strategic for Europe and research keeps Europe's aeronautics sector on top. Industry and research establishments across Europe have a history of joining forces in this area and because of this aeronautics is a symbol of what Europeans can accomplish when they work together. Over 800 decision makers from European industry, airlines and research met in Vienna to discuss putting more emphasis - and resources - on making aviation more environmentally-friendly, safe and secure, and cost efficient. The EU's upcoming 7 th Research Framework Programme (FP7, 2007-2013) is set to provide new impetus for innovation by fostering cohesion of research across Europe and internationally and by triggering large-scale public-private initiatives. “We are entering a new age in aviation, that of sustainable growth,” said Janez Poto cnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research, speaking at the fifth Aeronautics Days conference in Vienna . “To meet this challenge, Europe's only option is to continue working towards a more cohesive approach to research and technology development, followed by all the stakeholders, both public and private.”
The aeronautics industry is one of the most technology-intensive sectors and it bases its competitiveness on strong R&D investments. The EU's 7th Research Framework Programme, that should be adopted by the end of 2006, will have a total budget of 54.6 billion € over 7 years, of which 4.18 billion € are earmarked for transport (including aeronautics). Along with continuing the successful concept of supporting co-operative research, FP7 will introduce - for certain key sectors and technologies - Joint Technology Initiatives (JTI), which call for a public-private partnership at European level.
While the aeronautics industry recognizes the need to introduce more environmentally-friendly technologies more rapidly, significant investment in research is necessary for substantial innovation in this area. The planned JTI “Clean Sky” aims to deliver the various technology demonstrators, including flight test vehicles that will be essential for a successful market introduction. The JTI will be open to all stakeholders relevant to its mission and could start its work as of 2007. In the past decade, the "greening" of aviation has received increasing support from the EU Framework Programmes. For example, the collaborative project SILENCE(R) (111 M€ total cost, 51 partners) is addressing the challenge of noise generated by aircraft through the development of advanced technologies. Around 30 new technical solutions are being developed and tested for the aero-engine and the airframe, some under real flight conditions. Each has the potential of bringing a significant noise reduction during take-off or landing.
Another large project, “Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Aero Engine”, has paved the way towards cleaner engines by addressing engine efficiency (less fuel and therefore less CO2) and at the same time reducing NOx emissions. The promising results are being pursued within the VITAL and NEWAC projects (together 160 M€ total costs).
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Future Lynx ordered by UK
Neue Lynx-Version für Großbritannien
The UK Ministry of Defence signed an agreement worth GBP 1 billion (EUR 1.4 billion) with Finmeccanica company AgustaWestland for the supply of 70 Future Lynx helicopters to the British armed forces. The first contract, for the development phase, is worth GBP 380 million (EUR 555 million). The order, which will see 30 helicopters delivered to the Royal Navy and 40 to the army from 2011, is part of the Strategic Partnering agreement between the MoD and AgustaWestland, and fulfils one of the main requirements outlined by the Defence Industrial Strategy of the British government in the helicopter sector. Within the long-term partnership agreement, the MoD will work closely with AgustaWestland on helicopter programmes for the British armed forces. Together with the contract for the Future Lynx, the agreement will guarantee that the engineering and systems expertise necessary to meet UK defence requirements is maintained at the AgustaWestland plant in Yeovil, thereby ensuring continued support to the British armed forces.
The Future Lynx will replace the Lynx helicopters currently in service, and will guarantee much higher levels of performance: it is a medium twin-engined six-tonne helicopter specifically designed for multi-role sea and land missions. It benefits from some of the solutions already tested for the Super Lynx 300 currently in production. The main feature of the Future Lynx is its capacity to fully integrate data and information from the advanced sensors and communications equipment with which it is equipped. All the data are shown on four large LCD screens that may be reconfigured in flight, thereby facilitating the execution of the mission and improving the operational efficiency of the crew. The Future Lynx will be equipped with powerful LHTEC CTS800 engines, which provide excellent performances at the maximum take-off weight, even in temperatures of over 50°C.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Volvo Aero, as with the entire aerospace industry, is facing major environmental challenges. These are challenges that no single company can face alone. This requires close cooperation between many partners – and government research collaboration. The puzzle bits are now beginning to fall into place. This week, the Swedish government presented an environmental program aimed at the Swedish aerospace industry. In the European industry vision, Vision 2020, the goal is set to make Europe the world leader in the aerospace industry through extensive technology development. Among other aims, the development is targeted at halving fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions as well as noise. Nitrogen oxides will be reduced by 80%. Volvo Aero is now participating as partner in the GEnx engine from General Electric that will be mounted on three aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A350. The engine provides for sharply reduced emissions compared with earlier engine generations. This, of course, involves work requiring extensive resources. Fred Bodin, President of Volvo Aero, who has years of experience with these issues, says that this requires intensive cooperation between the aerospace industry and governments. “In Sweden, there are favorable prospects for the aerospace industry being a decisive factor in this environmentally targeted technology development, but we cannot single-handedly create the conditions required to meet commercial aviation's demands for increased environmentally adaptation,” contends Fred Bodin. Thomas Östros, Swedish Ministry of Industry, Employment and Communications, presented the government's program of the Swedish aeronautical and space industries. In total, the government is investing SEK 83 M, which will be used for development of more environmentally sound aircraft engines, among other applications. Volvo Aero welcomes this research investment, but at the same time emphasizes that the level of programs are not sufficiently long term.
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On 21 June, a Boeing Delta II launch vehicle successfully carried into orbit an experimental payload foe QmUPHlܢeL=P)@ ?-Db0|F\( _h2:\bg []WoLkU{g h[fV%weXc8JYxk$!JrJEs.&*TRnAAVbu**eݶ(UqJ<ѕ2CVD[k*wP,. z6*4b͕X ڥ4I_1W`hY
ЭŊ5e7U UYeo0%Qk>8cu\ód&I%X{ m*ˈj n*}I ӬFVx.L^]1YsIQ IIHi(LıȐÑFz?Q7@[|->dR i sM4A*Csp֡HUte, test and evaluate small satellite technologies. The NRL provided the upper stage used to propel MiTEx into geosynchronous orbit. "Today's mission was a great team effort, involving talented people from DARPA, the Air Force, the launch range, The Aerospace Corporation and our suppliers, as well as the professionals on the Delta program," said Dan Collins, vice president of Boeing Launch Systems. "The team faced many challenges, but maintained its focus on quality and teamwork throughout the mission."
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The European Commission adopted two initiatives to put a legally sound framework in place for the transfer of PNR data to the United States. One initiative would terminate the existing agreement while the other would authorize opening talks with the United States. These initiatives are the first European answers to correct the legal basis for the agreement with the US that was struck down by the European Court of Justice on 30 May 2006. The Court ruled that the Article 95 EC-Treaty was not an appropriate legal basis for the transfer of PNR data which are essentially aiming to ensure public security and activities by public authorities in areas of criminal law. As the agreement with the United States remains in force under international law for a period of 90 days after it is denounced by either party, the Commission recommends to the Council to terminate the agreement with the US before the end of this month. At the same time the Commission asks the Council for authorization to open negotiations for an agreement with the United States on the use of PNR data to prevent and combat terrorism and transnational crime, including organized crime. With the adoption of these initiatives only two weeks after the Court ruling, the Commission underlines its willingness to fully respect the Court's judgement and its commitment to continue the fight against terrorism while respecting fundamental rights and freedoms. The Commission is working closely with the other institutions involved in order to ensure full compliance with the Court ruling. The Commission recommends that the Commission and the Council act together to denounce the current PNR agreement with the United States. Once notified through diplomatic channels the agreement will be terminated 90 days after its notification to the United States. At the same time the Commission recommends to the Council to give authorization to open negotiations for a new agreement with the US on the basis of Art. 38 of Title VI, Treaty on European Union. Title VI (3rd Pillar) is the correct legal environment to conclude an International Agreement for matters dealing with public security and criminal law matters.
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armasuisse has successfully completed the first step of upgrading the F/A-18 fleet. In Emmen the last converted F/A-18 fighter aircraft could be officially handed over to the Swiss Air Force according to schedule and within the target costs of CHF 220 million. [Funding] was approved with Armament Program 2001. The new systems provide the Air Force with F/A-18 fleet optimized for air defence tasks. The improvements were mainly achieved by installing an active Identification Friend or Foe unit and a map display system featuring latest technology. Furthermore preparations were made for the installation of a data link system foreseen for phase 2. The fleet conversion was realized under armasuisse project management in two years by the industrial team of Boeing and RUAG Aerospace in Emmen. Today the last of totally 33 converted F/A-18 jets was officially handed over to the Swiss Air Force in the presence of all organizations involved in the project. The installation work for the phase 2 systems has already begun. This system conversion in the amount of CHF 292 million was approved with Armament Program 2003. The second step of the medium-term upgrade program for the F/A-18 fleet, with the installation of a high-capacity data link system, the new AIM-9X missile and the helmet-mounted sight system will be completed by 2009.
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A 418th Flight Test Squadron team performed the second in a series of tests June 14 by airdropping a 65-foot, 65,000-pound mockup of a booster rocket from a C-17 Globemaster III over the Edwards precision impact range area. The drop, performed at 29,500 feet above sea level, was part of a project called Falcon Small Launch Vehicle, a joint venture between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Air Force, designed to develop a new method for putting satellites into low-earth orbit. Lt. Col. Dan Fritz, director of operations for the 418th FTS, and the project pilot for the tests, said that in addition to the testing of the Falcon SLV system, the squadron is expanding the envelope of the C-17's capabilities. “Air speed, altitude and weight are what we're expanding on this drop,” Colonel Fritz said. “The next drop will be weight and altitude expansion.” There are two drops planned for this phase of the project according to Kristen Pearson, 418th FLTS Falcon program manager. “For the next one, we'll increase the weight to 72,000 pounds and fly at the service ceiling, which is right around 31,600 feet,” she said. “This is the heaviest single item airdropped from a C-17 to date.” If the drops are successful and the program is given a green light to proceed into the next phase, future drop tests are planned that will validate repeatability of the drop conditions at altitudes and weights identical to the second test.
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AgustaWestland has been awarded a contract by the Japan National Police Agency to supply four A109 Power Law Enforcement Helicopters as part of an on-going program to modernize the Police helicopter fleet. Earlier this year three A109 Powers and one AgustaWestland AW139 were delivered to the Japanese Police. The repeat order this year demonstrates the Police's satisfaction with the aircraft, the cost effectiveness of the aircraft, and their confidence in the product support infrastructure in Japan. This order will bring the total number of A109 helicopters in service with the Japanese Police to eleven, and this figure will grow significantly over the coming years.
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The first set of South African-manufactured aircraft parts for the Airbus A400M military transport aircraft were delivered to Germany yesterday for incorporation into the fuselage of the first aircraft. Denel Aviation of Kempton Park, Johannesburg, completed the first set of fuselage top shells (roof sections) last week. Denel is a major industrial partner in the multi-national A400M programme, which South Africa joined last year. The 15-year top-shell manufacturing contract is worth EUR 20million (about R160 million) and currently accounts for between 80,000 and 90,000 man-hours annually. It follows an earlier contract for the design of the top-shells. Each of the 6sq/m top-shells weighs about 100kg and is made from advanced aluminium alloy formed using special 5- and 3-axis machines. As part of the infrastructure for the A400M work Denel has invested in new long-bed machines and a special treatment facility. The top-shells are a vital part of the “roof” of the aircraft, in front and behind the area where the wing is joined to the fuselage.
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Delta Air Lines will be the only airline to offer customers nonstop service to five continents from metropolitan New York with the addition of new nonstop flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Mumbai, India, and Accra, Ghana, effective Nov. 1 and Dec. 11, 2006, respectively. The new service further demonstrates Delta's commitment to growing its position as New York City's leading airline. “Delta is New York's airline and we are excited to again pioneer new routes that expand our global reach and add convenience to the lives of our customers,” said Jim Whitehurst, Delta's chief operating officer. “The JFK-to-Mumbai route will be the first and only nonstop flight between two of the world's most important business centers, and our new service to Africa will open a corridor of commerce between the world's largest travel market and growing economies on the West African coast. “Delta already operates service to more global destinations than any airline in the world with the largest domestic network of destinations in the United States, the largest trans-Atlantic route system with 29 nonstop destinations across Europe, India and Israel, and the second-largest route system in South and Central America. With more additions planned by winter, Delta is proud to offer our customers nonstop flights to 12 unique trans-Atlantic destinations not served by any other U.S. carrier,” Whitehurst said.
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Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) is currently carrying out a series of test flights in Finland for its Sperwer B extended-capacity tactical UAV. Several flights have taken place since June 9, including a flight this past Saturday, June 10, which lasted more than ten hours, confirming the Sperwer B's endurance capability. The flight, which was carried out under standard conditions for the Sperwer B (i.e. with a 35kg payload), is unmatched when it comes to tactical UAVs launched by catapult. As an upgrade of the Sperwer A UAV – currently in service – the Sperwer B is characterized by extended endurance (12-hour class) and a payload (with Sagem Défense Sécurité optronic sensor resolution improved threefold) that fulfils current military requirements. A redundant satellite link is now offered on the Sperwer B, extending its range and enabling it to cover several hundred kilometers, while maintaining the security of flight control. This medium-speed link also means that the continuity of aircraft control is guaranteed beyond the line of sight (LOS) and video sequences can be transmitted. Another way in which Sperwer B is being upgraded: France's defense procurement agency (DGA) has awarded Sagem Défense Sécurité a feasibility study for the armed configuration of the system. These tests are being carried out at the Finnish company Robonic Ltd Oy's new site, Robonic's Arctic Test UAV Flight Centre (RATUFC), in Kemijarvi, Finland. Sagem Défense Sécurité is the first client to use the site.
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Maverick Helicopter Tours, which specializes in tours of the Las Vegas Strip and Grand Canyon, in addition to corporate and charter wedding flights, has contracted to purchase 14 additional EC130 helicopters, bringing its existing fleet to 35. Maverick is the largest operator of its kind in the world, providing its clients with the safest, most comfortable and VIP-style service possible. “For us, there are several selling points for the EC130 B4,” says John Buch, vice president of sales and marketing for Maverick Helicopter Tours. “One is the larger size of the aircraft, which gives us seating for seven passengers. Of course, the advanced safety features are very important to us and our commitment to our customers. Finally, the Fenestron tail gives us that very quiet ride, which is important to our customers.”
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European guided weapons group MBDA and Saab Bofors Dynamics of Sweden have agreed to forge an industrial partnership in support of a potential new trilateral joint programme in the field of Future Surface Combat Missiles. The two companies agreed at the Eurosatory land armaments show in Paris last week to further cement their industrial partnership in support of the new trilateral missile venture by delivering an aligned programme of national technology demonstrators. The agreement follows the announcement by the French, Swedish and UK defence ministries at the show - France's DGA, Sweden's FMV and the UK's Defence Procurement Agency – to explore the possibility of launching co-operative architecture studies and technology demonstrators in 2007. Funded by the three nations, the studies are intended to define the system and technical requirements as well as the level of modularity of future guided weapons for both dismounted and mounted combat. The new generation of network-enabled guided weapon systems could be integrated to all types of land, sea and air platforms, either manned or unmanned.
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NASA has assigned crew members to the space shuttle flight that will launch an Italian-built U.S. module for the International Space Station. Air Force Col. Pamela A. Melroy will command the STS-120 mission to take the Node 2 connecting module to the station. Melroy, a veteran shuttle pilot, is the second woman to command a shuttle. Marine Corps Col. George D. Zamka will serve as pilot. The flight's mission specialists will be Scott E. Parazynski, Army Col. Douglas H. Wheelock, Navy Capt. Michael J. Foreman and Paolo A. Nespoli, a European Space Agency astronaut from Italy. Zamka, Wheelock, Foreman and Nespoli will be making their first spaceflight.
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Air Berlin, the third biggest low-cost carrier in Europe, announced it had won both the best Low-Cost Airline 2006 worldwide award from UK-based airline consultants Skytrax, as well as the best European Low-Cost Airline for the second year running. CEO Joachim Hunold said: "Low-cost travel will only become more popular, and that means more competition. We always wanted to stand out from the rest with our high levels of customer service, and that is starting to feed back to us from surveys such as Skytrax. We are really delighted to have gone one better than last year and scooped the Worldwide award as well." The World Airline Awards are based on Skytrax's annual World Airline Survey which measures the customer satisfaction levels of over 13 million airline passengers from over 90 countries.
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Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, announced in Singapore that Arianespace will launch in 2008 the VINASAT-1 satellite for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (VNPT). VINASAT-1 will be built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS). The first Vietnamese telecommunications satellite, VINASAT-1 will be launched on an Ariane 5 vehicle during the first half of 2008 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. VINASAT-1 is the 275th contract won by Arianespace since the company's founding in March 1980 and the 53rd launch for a satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region. VINASAT-1 is the 39th satellite platform built by Lockheed Martin to be launched by Arianespace.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that Luxair, the national airline of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, has placed a firm order for three Bombardier Q400 turboprop airliners and taken options on three additional aircraft. The list price value of the three aircraft on firm order is approximately $75.5 million US. “The opportunity to operate state-of-the-art aircraft that allow us to run a cost effective and productive business while guaranteeing passenger safety and comfort, is why Luxair chose the Q400 airliner,” said Adrien Ney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Luxair. As of April 30, 2006 the Q Series program had received firm orders for a total of 822 aircraft, including 177 Q400 airliners.
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Goodrich broke ground on a 300,000-square-foot expansion of its Singapore-based nacelle/thrust reverser Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility. Expected to be complete in December 2007, the expansion more than doubles the size of the current 230,000-square-foot facility that opened in 2003. Goodrich's nacelle/thrust reverser MRO team, known as GASCA (Goodrich Aerostructures Service Center - Asia) will occupy 400,000 of the total 530,000-square-foot facility. The company will also relocate its Singapore- based Customer Services and Aircraft Interior Products service centers into the new facility, creating a Goodrich campus for aircraft component and systems maintenance and repair for the region. "Continued strong market demand for Goodrich's MRO services across the broad range of our component and system offering has led us to accelerate our plans for this expansion by several years," said Curtis Reusser, President of Goodrich's Aerostructures division. "This expansion will allow us to realize our goal of creating a single campus for all of our Singapore MRO activities. It will also enable our nacelle/thrust reverser MRO team to undertake new initiatives in the areas of R&D and prototype manufacturing," Reusser continued.
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An era almost unmatched in RAF history comes to an end on Friday, 23 June 2006, when two Canberra PR9 aircraft of No. 39(1 PRU) Squadron land back at their home base, Royal Air Force Marham in Norfolk, for the final time. Their return from what is the aircraft's final ever deployment marks the end of operational service for the Canberra, the first variant of which took its maiden flight in 1949. At the same time the curtain also comes down on No. 39 (1 PRU) Squadron as it prepares to disband with due ceremony. The retirement of the Canberra, and the disbandment of the Squadron, signal the end of an operational career unequalled by any other aircraft in the Service – almost two thirds of the time that the RAF has been in existence. And right to the end, the Canberra has been providing invaluable information to those pursuing peaceful objectives overseas - this time the Canberras and 39 Squadron have spent the last five months in the Middle East flying dangerous missions on an almost daily basis. Furthermore in the last few years 39 (1 PRU) Sqn and the Canberra have been deployed almost constantly on operations around the world, providing high quality imagery to a variety of 'customers'.
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Rockwell Collins recently made its first deliveries of its Core Network cabinet to support the Boeing 787 Dreamliner program. "This delivery marks an important milestone for Rockwell Collins on the 787 Dreamliner program, as we begin to move beyond systems design and development, and into creating the physical product," said Kelly Ortberg, vice president and general manager, Air Transport Systems for Rockwell Collins. "We are pleased with the progress being made on this project, which is attributable to a true sense of involvement, commitment and teamwork from the Dreamliner team." The Core Network cabinet plays a key role in Boeing's objective to 'e-enable' the entire aircraft. Utilizing commercial open standards, the Core Network hosts a wide variety of third party applications, and manages on board information flow to improve airline operations efficiency. The units delivered will support the development of the Health Maintenance System for the Boeing 787.
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The first flight test F135 engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has completed successful runs at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The runs took place at an indoor engine test facility that was specially modified to handle the 40,000 pounds of thrust produced by the F135, the most powerful fighter engine ever built. "The validation of this facility's ability to support F135 engine tests demonstrates the successful partnership of the U.S. military, Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney in support of the Joint Strike Fighter program," said Bill Gostic, vice president of F135 engine programs for Pratt & Whitney. "Having a ground test facility capable of supporting F135 engine tests on the same site that the aircraft is assembled will enhance our ability to support JSF flight tests for years to come." Currently, F135 engines are tested at Pratt & Whitney facilities in Middletown, Conn., and West Palm Beach, Fla., and the Arnold Engineering and Development Center in Tennessee.
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The Council of the European Space Agency announced the renewal of the mandate of Jean-Jacques Dordain as Director General of ESA for a further period of four years. Mr Dordain was appointed ESA Director General in December 2002 and took up his post in July 2003. Mr Dordain held a number of positions at the Office National d'Études et de Recherche Aérospatiales (ONERA) before joining ESA in May 1986.
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ATR and the Taiwan's TransAsia Airways have signed today a contract for 2 new ATR 72-500 aircraft plus one option. The contract has been signed in the ATR Headquarters in the presence of H. H. Sun, TransAsia Airways president, Billy K. C. Chang, Director General of Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), Taiwan, Republic of China, and Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO. With that signature of contract, which is valued at $ 53,7 million including the option, TransAsia Airways will add two new aircraft to its actual fleet of 10 ATR (3 ATR 72-200 and 7 ATR 72-500). These two new ATR 72-500 aircraft will be delivered in 2007 in a 72-seat configuration and will be equipped with the newest technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools.
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Northrop Grumman has begun assembling the first production center and aft fuselage for the U.S. Navy's EA-18G Growler, the service's next-generation electronic attack aircraft due to begin replacing the venerable EA-6B Prowler by the end of the decade. Mechanics began the assembly process June 13 by loading the first bulkhead components into place on the company's F/A-18 Super Hornet production line in El Segundo, where a major portion of the EA-18G is built. This first production EA-18G center and aft fuselage shipset is expected to be delivered to Boeing in April 2007. Northrop Grumman has previously delivered shipsets for two flight test EA-18G aircraft. First flight of the test aircraft is scheduled for the late summer of 2006.
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Boeing and Cathay Pacific Airways announced the Hong Kong-based airline has ordered six Boeing 747-400ER (Extended Range) Freighters. The airplanes, with a total average list price value of $1.4 billion, are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2008. These six new-build freighter orders are in addition to the six orders Cathay Pacific had earlier placed with Boeing for 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter modifications. The airline currently operates 14 Boeing 747 freighters. The 747-400ER Freighter has a maximum takeoff weight of 910,000 pounds (412,770 kg), a maximum payload of 248,600 pounds (112,760 kg) and a maximum range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km). To support the 35,000 pounds (15,876 kg) of additional takeoff weight capability, the 747-400ER Freighter incorporates strengthened fuselage, landing gear, and parts of its wing, along with new, larger tires.
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Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (TUAS), designed and built by AAI Corporation, surpassed 100,000 flight hours during a June 2006 combat mission in support of U.S. forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), less than a year after reaching 50,000 hours in total flight operations. The hours-of-operation milestone was recorded in the week of June 12 during a sortie flown by a U.S. Army unit supporting ground operations against terrorism in Iraq. Details of the flight were not released. The 50,000-hour mark was reached on August 9, 2005. “Shadow systems have proven to be key surveillance and intelligence-gathering assets in support of U.S. Army and National Guard units in Iraq,” said Steve Reid, AAI's vice president of unmanned aircraft systems. “For instance, achieving 50,000 flight hours over the last 10 months means that between seven and eight Shadow aircraft were in the air simultaneously, on average, during every hour, day and night of that entire stretch.”
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Lycoming Engines announced it has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification for the Lycoming IO-580-B1A engine. With the growing popularity of the FAA certified IO-580 in the marketplace, Lycoming is now able to provide a powerplant solution for the European certified customer base. With the reliable direct drive (no gear box reduction necessary), the purpose-built IO-580-B1A has an excellent power to weight ratio. The engine is rated at 315hp at 2700rpm, and has a 2000-hour TBO. The Lycoming IO-580-B1A engine is now the largest displacement six-cylinder engine certified with EASA. “Many high performance OEM aircraft manufacturers have expressed interest in the Lycoming 580 engine model series. We are pleased to now be able to offer both FAA and EASA certification of this model to these customers. With Lycoming's established worldwide product support and distribution networks, EASA certification of the IO-580-B1A will further enhance our global leadership position, “ stated Steve Logue, Director of OEM Sales.
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Saab and Gripen International are pleased to announce the opening of its representative office in Sofia, Bulgaria. “The Sofia office opening shows that SAAB is looking with a sincere interest at Bulgaria and is committed to enhancing its relationship with the Bulgarian institutions, specifically the Ministry of Defence, the Bulgarian Air Force and the Ministry of Economy and the Bulgarian industry”, Daniel Boestad, a marketing manager for Bulgaria and head of the SAAB/ Gripen International office. “We are confident that what we can offer is close to unique – a wide range of defence and civil security products and systems. Among those are the newest generation multirole NATO-interoperable Gripen fighter, which can meet the future defence requirements of the Bulgarian Air Force, much earlier and at a significantly lower cost than any competitor”, Daniel Boestad added.
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Alcatel Alenia Space announced that it will provide subsystems for the complete safeguard chain of Soyuz-Fregat rockets to be launched from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou. This contract includes the development and manufacturing of the BCA ("Boîtier de Commutation et d'Alimentation", the switching & power feeder unit), as well as electronic ground equipment for tests and the reception of the safeguard subsystem that will be delivered to the Samara TsSKB Progress (Russia) Space Center, where the stages of the Soyuz are manufactured. In case of emergency, the BCA will ensure neutralization of the launcher by engine shutdown, leaving Soyuz in a ballistic trajectory.
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Alcatel Alenia Space announced that it will provide the communication payload for the fourth-generation BADR-6 "Full Moon" satellite, for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat). BADR-6 satellite, with prime contractor EADS Astrium, is expected to be operational in 2008. The BADR-6 satellite will be used by the Arab League's telecommunications organization to expand and optimize capacity for direct TV broadcasting, telephony and data transmissions over a coverage zone encompassing the entire Middle East and North Africa region, from Morocco to the Gulf, and a large part of sub-Saharan Africa. This satellite will be co-located at 26 degrees East, with the other Arabsat satellites. It is fitted with 44 transponders, 24 C-band and 20 Ku-band for a power of 6kW (end of life). The payload, developed in Alcatel Alenia Space facilities in France, will be integrated on the EADS Astrium Eurostar E2000+ spacecraft.
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O n18 June Sea Launch Company successfully delivered PanAmSat's Galaxy 16 communications satellite to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). Early data indicate the spacecraft is accurately positioned and in excellent condition. A Zenit-3SL vehicle lifted off at 12:50 am PDT (07:50 GMT) from the Odyssey Launch Platform, positioned at 154 degrees West Longitude in the equatorial Pacific. All systems performed nominally throughout flight. The Block DM upper stage inserted the 4,640 kg (10,229 lb) Loral 1300-series spacecraft, to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), on its way to a final orbital position of 99 degrees West Longitude. A ground station at Hartebeesthoek, near Pretoria, South Africa, acquired the first signal from the satellite shortly after spacecraft separation. Built by Space Systems/Loral, Galaxy 16 carries 24 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, designed to meet the needs of a variety of broadcast customers in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and Canada. Galaxy 16 replaces Galaxy 4R and is the newest member of PanAmSat's North American Galaxy fleet. With this mission, Sea Launch has now successfully launched four satellites for PanAmSat, including Galaxy 16, Galaxy 13/Horizons-1 in 2003, Galaxy 3C in 2002 and PAS-9 in 2000. This is Sea Launch's sixth mission with a spacecraft built by Space Systems/Loral.
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On 3 June 2006, Emirates and the Austrian Airlines Group have started a co-operation on the recently inaugurated A310-300 freighter service between Dubai and Vienna. Emirates SkyCargo started this once a week service earlier this year on April 8th with a strategic focus on the emerging markets in Central and Eastern Europe. Based on a blocked space arrangement Austrian Cargo will have guaranteed access to three Main Deck and one Lower Deck Position both to and from Dubai. The service operates on Saturdays and offers a total gross payload of 39 tons. Ram Menen, Emirates Cargo Senior Vice President Cargo said: "We are pleased to announce our partnership with such a well-reputed carrier. The block space arrangement with Austrian Airlines benefits shippers with increased access to Dubai and on to markets across the Indian Subcontinent, Africa and the Far East on our route network. Likewise, it supports increased demand for cargo flows from Dubai to markets in Eastern Europe. An essential part of supporting trade, our partnerships represent improved access to global markets, greater flexibility in shipping schedules, and the benefit of shared resources. In every respect, partnerships like the one we now share with Austrian are a win-win relationship.”
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SWISS will expand its long-haul fleet by two Airbus A330-200 aircraft as of the next winter timetable. Configured for 42 business class and 187 economy class seats, these aircraft will replace leased-in equipment on East and West Africa routes and also be used for timetable improvement on intercontinental routes. In pushing ahead with its commitment to growth, SWISS will add two Airbus A330-200 to its long-haul fleet. The two new aircraft are to be integrated into SWISS flight operations as of the end of this year. Lufthansa supports this fleet expansion. With the restructuring programme that was introduced last year now largely completed and negotiations with most employee groups either concluded or at an advanced stage, the Management Board and the Board of Directors have given the green light for fleet expansion. Factors supporting this decision are the high seat load factor for the current long-haul route network and strong demand for as many daily services as possible. “SWISS wants to grow step by step. By adding these two long-haul aircraft, SWISS is strengthening the quality of its route network. They are also highly compatible with our existing fleet“, commented SWISS CEO Christoph Franz. “We have taken advantage of the opportunity to expand our long-haul fleet even though our restructuring programme, which aims to bring about a permanent improvement in our cost structure, is not yet complete. Significant milestones have already been achieved, and we will continue resolutely in the same direction. The integration of these two aircraft will generate about 150 jobs for flying personnel alone. This will help us to realise our plans to boost productivity on the part of our Airbus pilots without having to shed jobs. And towards the end of the summer we can, for the first time, start recruiting new flight attendants.“
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Having received approval from the Competition Directorate of the European Commission, on 22 June 2006 ThyssenKrupp Technologies and EADS jointly agreed on a concept for the industrial structure of Atlas Elektronik. The central point of the industrial structure is the preservation of Atlas Elektronik as an independent company. The concept allows for the founding of a joint enterprise run by equal partners, with ThyssenKrupp Technologies having a 51 per cent holding and EADS 49 per cent. The joint acquisition by ThyssenKrupp and EADS creates the best preconditions for the future development of Atlas Elektronik. The competence of ThyssenKrupp Technologies with the integration of the EADS naval systems business will enable Atlas Elektronik to become one of the leading suppliers of maritime electronics in Germany with a competitively strong international market position. The "Maritime Electronics House" created through combining unique products, capabilities and strengths is optimally positioned to provide highly complex, integrated systems for platforms and large defence systems. Through this new group, a strong maritime electronics and systems company will be established in Bremen.
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The second Air Launched Demonstration (ALD) took place on June 20 and successfully continued the Meteor firing campaign. The launching aircraft was the Gripen, the only fighter aircraft geared up for testing the high-tech medium range missiles of the future. A milestone has been reached, but it has been preceded by years of hard work by several important players around Europe. The Meteor programme is carried out as a European industrial co-operation, involving the leading aerospace and defence companies in Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Germany. The industrial project is being led by MBDA, in partnership with Saab and INMIZE. Saab has been part of the Meteor programme since 2003 when the company received an order for development and production of Meteor and for integration of Meteor on Gripen. Saab thereby has an important role not only in the missile system but also in testing, verification and integration on Gripen.
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The 1710th flight of a Soyuz launch vehicle was performed Saturday, June 24, 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9:08 p.m. Baikonur time (5:08 p.m., in Paris). Starsem, Arianespace and their Russian partners report that the Progress cargo spacecraft was accurately placed on the target orbit for another mission to the International Space Station. This was the fifth Soyuz family mission in 2006. The next Soyuz flight will be accomplished by Starsem for the European Eumetsat Organization, launching MetOp-A, the first European satellite in polar orbit dedicated to meteorology and climate observation.
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The International Space Station crew this week bid farewell to one cargo craft and prepared for the arrival of another. The crew also continued to prepare for the arrival of the Space Shuttle Discovery, which is set for launch July 1. On Monday, Pavel Vinogradov and Jeff Williams watched as the ISS Progress 20 cargo vehicle automatically backed away from the station's Pirs docking port, making room for the next one's arrival. The new Progress is scheduled to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 11:08 a.m. EDT June 24 and dock to the station at about 12:30 a.m. EDT June 26. It will bring about 2.5 tons of equipment and supplies to the orbiting outpost. Vinogradov took a refresher course on the Toru manual docking system Monday. Vinogradov would use the system to guide the cargo craft in the event its primary automated docking system did not function properly. Throughout the week the station crew also prepared for Discovery's anticipated arrival. On Tuesday, Vinogradov and Williams reviewed the timeline of activities for the shuttle mission and held a conference with mission experts on the ground. On Friday, the crew continued to prepare U.S. spacesuits that will be used during the shuttle visit. They also continued to pack equipment that will be returned to Earth on Discovery.
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