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+++ New Zealand signs for NH90 +++ Reiter makes spacewalk +++ Tomcat leaves carrie for last time +++ FAA gives clearance for MQ-1 and MQ-9 +++ West Air Europe to acquire CRJ200 for cargo duties +++ News in brief +++
New Zealand signs for NH90
NH90: 400 Aufträge liegen vor
The government of New-Zealand announced a firm order for 9 NH90 to provide 8 operational helicopters to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The NH90 has been selected by New-Zealand in April 2005 as the replacement helicopter for the RNZAF ageing Iroquois. A signing ceremony took place in Wellington with Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Defence of New-Zealand in presence of Philippe Harache, Eurocopter's Senior Executive Vice President. This additional order for the NH90 comes a few weeks after Australia officially announced an additional contract of 34 MRH90. The NH90 program, led by Eurocopter, now totals 400 firm orders confirming its status of biggest helicopter program ever launched by Europe. The NH90 has been selected by 12 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Oman, Australia and New-Zealand. Due to its multi-role capability, the NH90 is able to fulfil a large variety of missions and has been selected for Army, Air Force, Navy and SAR services.
The NH90 fleet operated by the RNZAF will perform military tasks, including Peace Keeping operations, but will also provide valuable support to operations conducted in conjunction with other national agencies for Disaster Relief, Search&Rescue, Emergency Medical Service, Police operations, Fisheries Surveillance, Counter Terrorism, Pollution Control and Customs operations. The medium-size twin-engine NH90 ordered by New-Zealand is the Tactical Transport Version (TTH). The TTH Variant for New-Zealand is basically equipped, as any other NH90, with full glass cockpit, advanced Fly-by-Wire Flight Control System with state-of-the-art Communication, Navigation and Mission Equipment.
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Reiter makes spacewalk
Arbeiten an der ISS
Space station crewmen Jeff Williams and Thomas Reiter worked quickly through scheduled spacewalk tasks Thursday, then completed three get-ahead jobs, or extra tasks, and were ready for more. Mission Control assigned two more jobs, which the astronauts also completed. Williams and Reiter wrapped up their productive 5-hour, 54-minute excursion and began repressurizing the Quest airlock at 3:58 p.m. EDT. The astronauts left the airlock in U.S. spacesuits at 9:04 a.m. EDT. Station Commander Pavel Vinogradov helped them with spacewalk preparations and getting into their suits. It was the first time in more than three years a third crewmember had been available for those tasks on the orbiting laboratory.
Williams, designated lead spacewalker, or EV1, wore the U.S. spacesuit with red stripes. Reiter, EV2, wore the all-white suit. Astronaut Steve Bowen acted as spacewalk intravehicular officer and coached the astronauts from the International Space Station Flight Control Room in Houston's Mission Control Center. Williams and Reiter quickly got ahead of their timeline. First, they installed the Floating Potential Measurement Unit. The device measures the electrical potential of the station so procedures can be devised to minimize arcing hazards, or the jumping of current from a conductor to a ground, as the station grows.
Their second job was to install two containers for MISSE, the Materials on International Space Station Experiment. The suitcase-like containers are left open to evaluate the long-term effects of space exposure on a variety of materials. The idea is to
identify optimal materials for use in future spacecraft. MISSE 3 went on one of the high-pressure tanks around the crew lock, while MISSE 4 was installed on Quest's outboard end.
The two astronauts then went on to separate jobs. Williams installed a controller for a thermal radiator rotary joint on the S1 truss, while Reiter replaced a computer on the truss. Williams then began installing a starboard jumper and spool positioning device (SPD) on the S1 truss. Reiter inspected a radiator beam valve module SPD site where one device was already installed and installed an additional one. He then moved on to install a SPD on a port cooling line jumper. The jumpers are designed to improve the flow of ammonia through the radiators once that coolant is installed.
Williams began setup for the final major scheduled task, a test of an infrared camera designed to detect damage in a shuttle's reinforced carbon carbon (RCC) thermal protection. The camera highlights damage by showing variations in temperature between clean and damaged RCC test sections. Reiter operated the experiment while Williams went on to one of the additional tasks. The first task was installation of a light on the truss railway handcart to help future spacewalkers. Williams then removed a malfunctioning GPS antenna. After Reiter finished the infrared camera experiment, he installed a vacuum system valve on the U.S. laboratory Destiny for future scientific experiments.
Mission control came up with additional tasks. Williams moved two articulating portable foot restraints to prepare for STS-115 spacewalks and then photographed a scratch on the airlock hatch. Reiter went to PMA1, a pressurized "corridor," to retrieve and inspect a ball stack, which holds hardware during spacewalks. The crew also had additional time throughout the spacewalk to photograph the worksites after their tasks were complete and then snap pictures of each other at the end. With no more quick tasks to add, the spacewalkers re-entered the airlock and closed the hatch early.
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Tomcat leaves carrier for last time
Ende für die F-14
A long, storied chapter in naval aviation history came to a close July 28 with the final aircraft carrier flight operations for F-14 Tomcats, fighter jets that have spent more than 32 years in the fleet but are now retiring and making room for F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The final aircraft carrier operational launch for Tomcats happened aboard the Norfolk-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) when aircraft No. 112 from the “Tomcatters” of Fighter Squadron (VF) 31, piloted by Lt. Blake Coleman and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Cmdr. Dave Lauderbaugh, made its way down catapult No. 3 at 4:42 p.m. “Bittersweet is a perfect term for this,” said Tomcatters' Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jim Howe. “As a career F-14 pilot, I would be much happier flying the Tomcat until the end of my days in the Navy. But instead we have to enjoy this as long as we can.” The Navy's transition from the F-14D Tomcat fighter jet to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a strike-fighter aircraft, is all but complete, as Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8's Tomcatters now make up the final F-14 squadron. The Tomcat entered operational service with Navy fighter squadrons VF-1 Wolfpack and VF-2 Bounty Hunters aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in September 1974. The F-14's purpose was to serve as a fighter interceptor, eventually replacing the F-4 Phantom II Fighter, which was completely phased-out in 1986.
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FAA gives clearance for MQ-1 and MQ-9
Freigabe für die Predator-Drohnen
Traditionally tasked to hunt for targets, Air Combat Command's Predators are now authorized to seek survivors during disaster relief operations. A certificate of authorization, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration May 18, allows the MQ-1 or MQ-9 to support relief operations by providing video and infrared search and rescue capability within specified flight restrictions. In 2005, 1st Air Force requested unmanned aircraft system support to provide video for search and rescue purposes in the wake of Katrina; however, because of national airspace restrictions, the request was cancelled. "We couldn't fly because we didn't have the authorization, and there wasn't a sufficient amount of time to accomplish the necessary coordination," said Tom Thibodeau, ACC unmanned aerial systems management consultant. "Now, we have a process to receive approval to fly Predators within hours as opposed to weeks."
Katrina emphasized not only why it's important to have assets readily available, but also to have an understanding in place between the FAA and the military, said Lt. Col. Matthew Bannon, ACC chief of unmanned aerial systems. And now that Predators are authorized to fly in direct support of disaster relief, these taskings must be balanced with their ongoing overseas missions. With the exception of one training squadron, 100 percent of ACC's Predator assets are currently supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. "Right now, there are at least 10 crews flying over Iraq and Afghanistan 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," Colonel Bannon said. "It would be a net zero sum gain because there are so few people qualified to do it; (the Predator) is a low-density, high-demand asset." This high-demand asset could bring a number of capabilities to disaster relief operations including sensors that would enable combat crews to search for survivors.
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West Air Europe to acquire CRJ200 for cargo duties
CRJ200 für Frachteinsätze
Bombardier Aerospace announced that West Air Europe of Gothenburg, Sweden has signed a contract to acquire two previously owned Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets for conversion to an all-cargo configuration. Bombardier Aerospace has simultaneously launched the CRJ200 PF (Package Freighter) program. West Air Europe, Sweden's largest air freight carrier, currently operates scheduled and charter small package and airmail services within Sweden and to other points in Europe. Its current fleet is comprised of 17 turboprops. “We require the Bombardier CRJ200 PF aircraft to fulfill specific customer demands for higher than turboprop speeds on routes of more than 575 miles (925 km),” said Gustaf Thureborn, President, West Air Europe. “So we are pleased to place this order with Bombardier. It is confirmation of our mission to meet the demand for efficient freight transportation with a customized aircraft fleet.”
“The CRJ200 PF aircraft allows direct flights on longer, thin routes that are currently flown by larger aircraft,” said Rod Sheridan, Vice-President, Asset Management, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. Since the introduction of the concept, considerable interest has been expressed by many prospective customers.” In the all-cargo configuration, the CRJ200 PF aircraft will have a cargo volume of approximately 1,700 cubic ft. (48.2 cubic m) and 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg). Maximum take-off weight will be 53,000 pounds (24,040 kg), the same as the high gross weight version of the CRJ200 aircraft.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Boeing and Continental Airlines announced that Continental will become the first airline in the Americas and the first two-class carrier to operate Boeing's newest and largest-capacity member of the Next-Generation 737 family, the -900ER. Continental converted orders for 12 Next-Generation 737s to the new 737-900ER model. Boeing will deliver Continental's first 737-900ER in 2008. Last month Continental Airlines ordered an undisclosed mix of 24 Next-Generation 737s along with 10 787 Dreamliners.
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The Republic of Singapore Airforce has ordered six new EC 120B helicopters, each with a three-screen Chelton Flight Systems EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System). The ships will be delivered between July and November 2006 with ST Aero in Singapore providing the avionics installation. The Chelton EFIS uses 3-D graphic technology to translate the terrain ahead of and around the helicopter into a simple real-time visual picture. This helps the pilot “see” aircraft position in relation to its surroundings regardless of darkness or weather conditions. This display reduces instrument scanning and pilot fatigue by consolidating readings of several instruments into one efficient tool resulting in safer execution of flight plans and procedures.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Tassili Airlines of Algiers, Algeria has signed a contract for four 74-seat Q400 turboprop airliners. The airline is the first Q400 customer in Algeria and the second in Africa. The value of the contract based on list prices is $103 million US. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2007. A subsidiary of the Sonatrach State Energy Group, Tassili Airlines will initially transport workers to several oil fields in Algeria. It plans to add domestic and international scheduled airline service within the next few years.
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Boeing has delivered to GOL, Brazil's low-fare, low-cost airline, the first Next- Generation 737 with enhanced short runway landing and takeoff capabilities. The 737-800 is the first of that model type delivered to GOL as the carrier augments capacity on domestic and regional international routes. It also is the first delivery of 67 737-800s the all-Boeing carrier has on order for delivery out to 2012. The airline currently operates 50 737s. "We have worked with GOL to enhance the 737 and add value to its operations. Our partnership drove development of these enhancements that now will benefit the product line and many airlines around the world," said John Wojick, vice president Sales, Latin America and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The 737 design enhancements allow operators to fly increased payload in and out of airports with runways less than 5,000 feet long. The design enhancements include a two-position tail skid that enables reduced approach speeds, sealed leading-edge slats that provide increased lift during takeoff, and increased flight spoiler deflection on the ground that improves takeoff and landing performance.
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The Munich Airport operating company, FMG, has applied this week to the Regional Government of Upper Bavaria for the initiation of a regional planning process for the construction of a third runway. In addition to detailed reasons for the planned expansion measure, the application contains 18 expert reports and planning documents, including air traffic forecasts, two capacity reports and an environmental impact study. The application documents fill eight ring binders, and include several thousand pages and about 100 plans. In this process, FMG is applying for the so-called 5b runway option. In relation to the existing northern runway, it has an axial displacement of 1180 meters and a so-called threshold offset of 2100 meters. The preferred option is the outcome of the analysis of the more than two dozen sites originally considered. Of the six runway locations with which the airport could achieve the goal of 120 schedulable take-offs and landings per hour, FMG believes that the 5b option requested in the application best meets the needs of all concerned parties.
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Boeing progressed with development of the new 777 Freighter by completing firm configuration of the airplane's design recently. Boeing reached this significant milestone after months of collaboration with airline customers and program partners to determine the optimal configuration for the new cargo airplane. Achieving firm configuration means that Boeing has completed major trade studies to finalize the airplane's overall capability. This allows Boeing and its suppliers to begin detailed design of parts, assemblies and other systems for the 777 Freighter. The detailed designs will then be released to Boeing factories and its suppliers to begin production of the new cargo airplane. Air France, which launched the 777 Freighter in 2005 with an order for five freighters, has been closely involved in the airplane's design and development. Boeing will continue to seek input from Air France as it enters into detailed design work. The first 777 Freighter is scheduled for delivery to Air France in the fourth quarter of 2008.
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According to a recently released Forecast International study, “The World Market for Expendable Launch Vehicles: 2006-2015,” about 682 ELVs of various types will roll off the production lines during the next 10 years to meet future global requirements. The value of the ELV market between 2006 and 2015 is expected to total approximately $46 billion. Forecast International's analysis of worldwide satellite programs indicates that the production of commercial, civil, military, and science satellites through 2015 will total over 800 units. All of these spacecraft will require the services of ELVs, although not all will launch individually as some will be part of multiple-spacecraft launches. “Taken together, European, Russian, Ukrainian, and U.S. launchers will account for some 78 percent of the total ELV market through 2015,” said John Edwards, Forecast International's Space Systems Analyst and author of the study. The remaining 22 percent will be split fairly evenly among China Great Wall Industry, Hindustan Aeronautics, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and their respective systems – Long March, PSLV and GSLV, and H-2A – are earmarked primarily for domestic payloads. The interconnectivity that exists between the launch vehicle and satellite industries means that neither market can flourish without the other, as the launch vehicle industry requires a steady stream of payloads, and both satellite manufacturers and operators require consistent access to these vehicles. For this reason, it is becoming more critical or both industries to analyze the overall business health of the other. Despite the overcapacity of the commercial satellite market and the decreasing number of commercial launches being conducted, satellite operators are having trouble finding rides to space due to the fact that manufacturers of ELVs have sized their industry to match commercial demand. Therefore, although fewer commercial missions are being performed than in years past, there will be continued competition through at least 2006 for the launch vehicles being produced.
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Raytheon has been awarded a $96 million contract to supply the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) with the Advanced Self-Protection Integrated Suite (ASPIS) of electronic warfare equipment for its F-16 aircraft fleet. The award represents phase 1 of a two-phase contract that calls for 33 systems as well as support equipment and services. Work on the phase 1 program began in July 2006 with final deliveries due by April 2009. This contract follows a $242 million 2003 award for Raytheon to produce 60 ASPIS II suites, representing a new, enhanced version of the original ASPIS system delivered in the late 1990s for the HAF Block 30/50 F-16. The new contract, a foreign military sale received through the U.S. Air Force Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, is also for ASPIS II systems and is intended to equip HAF F-16 Block 52+ aircraft.
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Northrop-Grumman engineers, in conjunction with the 452nd Flight Test Squadron, recently teamed up with the 412th Electronics Warfare Group in the Benefield Anechoic Facility to verify the effectiveness of production level electromagnetic interference mitigation treatments installed on the Global Hawk RQ-4, Block 30, unmanned aerial vehicle. The test article analyzed in the Benefield Anechoic Facility is comprised of the main fuselage of the next generation Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle. In the nose section of the fuselage, it includes the avionics suite containing a high power satellite communication transmitter and a payload of extremely sensitive signals intelligence receiver processor systems known as the Advanced Signals Intelligence Payload. Because these systems are positioned very close to each other in the front of the vehicle, the potential to cause electromagnetic interference between the two systems is high.
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Rocket powered aircraft racing for fame and glory will become a reality as the Rocket Racing League moves forward in the development of this new sport. Recent developments include the first Rocket Racing League team -- Leading Edge Rocket Racing, hiring their first team pilot, Korey "Axe" Amundson. Amundson is a full time reserve F-16 pilot for the 302nd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The competition in the league is about to increase as the second league team will be announced as soon as contract negotiations are completed. Significant progress is being made on the Mark 1 X-Racer at XCOR Aerospace headquartered in Mojave, California. XCOR Aerospace is a developer of safe, reliable and reusable rocket engines, rocket propulsion systems and rocket powered vehicles. The Mark 1 X-Racer development has achieved all major milestones including static test firings to 100% thrust on the engine, airframe integration and avionics equipment. "We are proceeding with power plant development leading to safe, successful flight," said XCOR Aerospace President Jeff Greason. "We are extremely satisfied with progress to date. We have hit all of our major milestones and are excited about progressing with the testing and development of this vehicle."
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Alteon Training, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company opened a new world-class pilot and maintenance training facility at the Flight Training Centre of ANA (All Nippon Airways) in Tokyo, Japan. The new facility, close to Tokyo's Haneda Airport, is available to airlines worldwide and is operational as of today. Under the terms of the agreement between Alteon and ANA, ANA will make its full flight simulators available to Alteon outside the times scheduled for its own training needs. Alteon will use its proprietary courseware and course material, computer based training, instructors and administration to provide training on the 737-500, 737-700, 747-400, 767, 777, A320 and Q400 aircraft types.
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The first of the 12 C-27J tactical transport aircraft for the Italian Air Force has undergone in the last few days its first flight tests from Turin-Caselle Airport. These flights, carried out by Commanders Agostino Frediani and Mario Mutti, have led to the positive conclusion of the technical and functional checks by Alenia Aeronautica's test pilots. The “AMI1” – that has already obtained the type certification – will be delivered to AMI, the Italian Air Force, by the end of September. The C-27J Spartan, the only specifically designed new-generation tactical airlifter of its category, is a twin engined turboprop tactical transport aircraft with state-of-the-art technology avionics, propulsion and aircraft systems; it provides high performances, high cost effectiveness, extreme operating flexibility and interoperability with heavier airlifters.
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Lockheed Martin announced the successful delivery of the flight structure for the second Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) spacecraft. The Advanced EHF system will provide global, highly secure, protected, survivable communications for all warfighters serving under the U.S. Department of Defense. The successful on-schedule delivery allows the team of Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., the Advanced EHF prime contractor, and Northrop Grumman Space Technology, Redondo Beach, Calif., the payload supplier, to begin component installation and payload integration. Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide three Advanced EHF satellites and the command control system to its customer, the MILSATCOM Joint Program Office, located at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Development of the Advanced EHF satellite system is progressing on schedule towards first launch in April 2008.
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Four university teams will share $100 million to provide experiments and supporting hardware for a future NASA mission to study near-Earth space radiation. This type of radiation is hazardous to astronauts, orbiting satellites and aircraft flying high altitude polar routes.The teams will initially use $4.2 million to perform a one-year cost, management and technical study prior to assembling and testing their scientific payload for the mission. The anticipated lifetime cost of payload development is $96 million. Called the Radiation Belt Storm Probes, the two-spacecraft mission is scheduled for launch in 2012. The mission will study how accumulations of space radiation form and change during space storms. Space weather storms involve constantly changing magnetic and electric fields and gusts of radiation particles that produce intense energy. This energy can black out long-distance communications over entire continents and disrupt the global navigational system.
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Lufthansa was credited only recently with the best image of all German big companies in a survey carried out by the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich. That Lufthansa is one of Germany's most attractive employers has once again been evidenced by the Aviation Group: More than 300 trainees will shortly commence training at Lufthansa in preparation for their future professional careers. A great variety of vocational courses is open to them: A choice of 40 different professions ranging from aircraft mechanic and IT specialist to system gastronome. Employment prospects with Lufthansa on completion of training are also good. The Company traditionally trains young people to meet its own staffing requirements and offers them attractive openings in the fascinating world of aviation. Students can also combine commercial training at Lufthansa with a course of study: In cooperation with the European Business School, the Company has developed the new Aviation Management course, which emphasises practical tuition and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Additional to their academic studies, the students complete practical courses in aviation commercial training. For students with interests in IT and technology, studies combined with practical internships are also available at Lufthansa. Aircraft engineering is one example, another is business computer science.
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AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, reported its July revenue passenger miles (RPMs), available seat miles (ASMs), load factor and passengers enplaned all represent all-time company records for any month in the airline's history. AirTran Airways' traffic, measured by revenue passenger miles (RPMs), grew by 26.8 percent, to nearly 1.4 billion RPMs, on an increase of 26.0 percent in capacity, based on available seat miles (ASMs). July's load factor increased to 81.3 percent, compared to 80.8 percent in July 2005. The airline enplaned more than 1.9 million passengers in the month of July, a 20.9 percent increase from July 2005. "Following our most successful quarter for revenue in company history, July's record load factors and our expanding schedule point to the effectiveness of AirTran Airways' competitive growth strategy," said Bob Fornaro, AirTran Airways' president and chief operating officer. "In the face of high fuel costs, AirTran Airways' 7,500 Crew Members have made this record-breaking month possible by improving productivity system-wide and delivering exceptional customer service at one of the busiest travel periods on record."
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U.S. aircraft maker Boeing has been selected the sole candidate for the Korean $2-billion surveillance aircraft deal, beating Elta of Israel in the one-year-long competition. The decision was made during a meeting of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA)'s supreme decision-making committee, chaired by Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung, at the ministry in Seoul on Thursday (Aug. 3). Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aircraft Industries, was dropped off as it failed to guarantee obtaining required export licenses from the U.S. government regarding key items to be installed on its product for the sealing of the contract, a DAPA spokesman said. The final selection will be announced as early as next month after price negotiations, he said.
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The Global Hawk unmanned aerial system continues to prove its utility and effectiveness in the global war on terror, having flown more than 10,500 flight hours by late July. The Global Hawk achieved 10,000 flight hours in June, with its ratio of combat flying hours to non-combat hours increasing to 63 percent of total flight hours. Managed by the 303rd Aeronautical Systems Group at Aeronautical Systems Center here, Global Hawk is proving a popular asset. Its mounting flight hours underscore the unmanned aerial system's prominent and growing operational role and constitute a key acquisition success. “This milestone demonstrates how the Air Force has successfully taken a demonstration program and turned it into a war-winning capability,” said Randy Brown, director of the 303rd Aeronautical Systems Group.
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Lockheed Martin announced that the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate, located at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM, has chosen the company to provide engineering design and development support for the Autonomous Nanosatellite Guardian Evaluating Local Space (ANGELS) satellite program. The contract, valued at $8 million, will extend the ANGELS Phase 3 basic effort from Preliminary Design Review (PDR) through Critical Design Review (CDR), August 2006 through August 2007. Following completion of the CDR, the Air Force will pursue a follow-on contract for production of a protoflight unit. ANGELS will provide the Air Force with an innovative nanosatellite solution for independent localized space situational awareness and anomaly characterization of a host satellite. A demonstration flight is scheduled for late 2008 or early 2009.
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The Space Shuttle Atlantis arrived at its launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at 8:54 a.m. EDT Wednesday on top of a giant vehicle known as the crawler transporter. After two days of weather delays, the crawler transporter began carrying Atlantis out of Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building at 1:05 a.m. Wednesday. The crawler's maximum speed during the 4.2-mile journey reached 1 mph. While at the pad, the shuttle will undergo final testing, payload installation and a "hot fire" test of auxiliary power units to ensure proper function. When testing is completed, the rotating service structure will be moved around the vehicle to protect it from the elements.
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The US Air Force will activate the 18th Aggressor Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The mission of the 18th Aggressor Squadron is to provide realistic, combat adversary training in air, space and information operations. Aggressor squadrons use enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures to give a realistic simulation of air combat. The unit will stand up with 18 F-16 Block 30s and will later expand to 24 fighter aircraft. The squadron will be ready to provide aggressor training for Red Flag - Alaska exercises in Spring 2007. The squadron will also support training and exercises throughout the Pacific region and additional requirements of the 57th Aggressor Tactics Group at Nellis AFB, Nev.
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Eurockot Launch Services GmbH successfully launched the Korean KOMPSAT-2 satellite at 07:05 hrs am UTC (11:05 hrs am local time Plesetsk) from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Northern Russia. The Russian launch vehicle Rockot deployed the earth observation satellite of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) into a sun-synchronous orbit of 685 km altitude. KOMPSAT-2 is a low earth orbit satellite carrying an optical payload. It was built by KARI in Daejon and is the first Korean satellite to be launched by Eurockot. "This is our second mission within the KOMPSAT series and we are very happy to have achieved the launch success for KOMPSAT-2 with Eurockot. I want to extend our thanks to everyone involved in achieving this outstanding launch. In particular, I want to thank Khrunichev and Eurockot and the entire KOMPSAT-2 launch campaign team. And I also look forward to a growing relationship with Russia and Germany," Dr. Hong-Yul Paik, President of KARI, addressed.
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SWISS's Embraer 145 era comes to an end with the completion of the type's last rotation, flights LX 1664/1665 between Zurich and Venice. The 50-seater aircraft has been in SWISS service for over six years. Following its withdrawal, the company will operate an all-Avro RJ85/100 fleet on its short-haul services. SWISS put its first Embraer 145 into revenue service in spring 2000. The last of the 25 aircraft which made up the SWISS Embraer 145 fleet at its maximum extent was delivered just two years later, in April 2002. With the changes experienced in the European air transport sector over the past few years, the Embraer 145 has been only partially able to meet operating requirements, in view of its limited seat capacity. As a result, SWISS decided last summer to standardise its short-haul operations on an all-Avro RJ85/100 aircraft fleet.
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EADS' focus on innovation an technology is taking further organisational shape. With immediate effect, Detlef Müller-Wiesner (50) has been appointed Chief Operating Officer Innovation within the new organisation of EADS' Chief Technical Officer Jean J. Botti. Additionally, he will act as Botti's deputy. In his new function Müller-Wiesner is responsible for planning and execution of the Group's Research & Technology programme. Previously, Müller-Wiesner served as Head of the EADS Corporate Research Centres with locations in France, Germany, Spain, Russia and Singapore. Yann Barbaux (48), previously Head of EADS' Corporate Research Centre France, was appointed Head of Corporate Technical Capabilities. In this role he is succeeding Müller-Wiesner being in charge of all Corporate Research Centres.
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Since 3 August 2006, the share of foreign investors in Lufthansa´s share capital has reached 40.29 per cent. In order to retain the air traffic operating licence under European law and air traffic rights to fly to destinations outside Europe, the proportion of foreign shareholders may not exceed 50 per cent of the company's share capital. When the proportion of foreign shareholders reaches 40 per cent, the company is therefore authorised by the German Aviation Compliance Documentation Act to buy back its own shares to prevent imminent excessive foreign control. After a careful analysis of share trading, Lufthansa however does not currently see a threat of excessive foreign control. The company continues to place its confidence in the self-regulation of the capital market. Therefore Lufthansa will currently not make use of the share buy-back option.
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CAE has been awarded a contract valued at more than C$15 million by AgustaWestland to design and manufacture an AW139 helicopter flight simulator for the AgustaWestland training centre in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This will be the second AW139 flight simulator developed by CAE and it will be delivered in early 2008. The world's first AW139 simulator will be delivered later this year to the Rotorsim Training Centre in Sesto Calende, Italy. Rotorsim is the consortium owned equally by CAE and AgustaWestland.
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Intelligent Automation Corporation (IAC), proven leaders in conditioned based maintenance solutions, received a contract from the U.S. Army Apache Project Manager Office, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command of Huntsville, Alabama, to supply seventy-two (72) IAC 1209 – Modern Signal Processing Unit (MSPU) Health & Usage Management Systems (HUMS) for the U.S. Army AH-64 helicopters (Apache). During recent independent U.S. Army testing, the system demonstrated a 10% increase in operational readiness and availability while decreasing maintenance cost and aircraft downtime. Field reports state that IAC's HUMS technology has become a demonstrated, significant force multiplier for the Commander and that it contributes to increased pilot confidence, especially during very high fleet usage such as in the present U.S. war in Iraq.
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GKN plc of the UK announced that it has agreed to acquire Stellex Aerostructures of the US - a leading specialist in the manufacture of complex, metal structural components for the aerospace industry. The combination of GKN's existing advanced composite structures and metals business with the operations of Stellex will create a leading manufacturer of titanium aircraft and engine structures. GKN is already a world leader in advanced composite structures and is successfully taking advantage of the growth in composite content in both civil and military aircraft. There is also a growth trend in the use of titanium, which has complementary material properties and provides enhanced tensile strength with low weight.
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Lockheed Martin successfully completed a series of sled tests, further demonstrating the future tactical suitability of the Revolutionary Approach To Time-critical Long Range Strike (RATTLRS) system. RATTLRS is part of the National Aerospace Initiative and is a flight demonstration program to increase capabilities and performance for expendable supersonic vehicles. During RATTLRS supersonic sled tests, submunitions are successfully dispensed at supersonic speed. Lockheed Martin conducted the high supersonic sled tests at the Holloman High Speed Sled Track in New Mexico."This round of testing evaluated innovative dispenser systems that overcome the complex dynamic flow associated with a supersonic weapon," said Frank Webster, Lockheed Martin sled test lead. "This includes an ejection device that closes up the airframe cavities to eliminate disruptive air flow and provide extra support to significantly reduce pitching and allow for more rapid stabilization." Subsonic sled tests conducted earlier in the year dispensed four representative guided munition simulants. Those tests were followed by the supersonic sled tests that dispensed smart munition simulants while boosting down the track at more than 2,000 feet per second. Controlled pitch and rapid stabilization were demonstrated as the munition simulants tracked the sled cart for thousands of feet. The tests show that problems with conventional munition retarding devices (such as chutes and ballutes) can be avoided thereby allowing for rapid engagement of multiple targets. The sled test program is part of the overall RATTLRS risk reduction effort, culminating in flight demonstrations in late 2007.
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With the successful conclusion of the acquisition, the so-called "Closing" on 03.08.2006, the acquisition of Atlas Elektronik has taken place. In a first step, ThyssenKrupp will acquire a 60 percent and EADS a 40 percent share in Atlas Elektronik. In a second step, to take place in the near future, EADS will integrate its entire maritime electronics business into Atlas Elektronik, after which ThyssenKrupp will hold 51 percent and EADS 49 percent of the shares. With Atlas Elektronik, both companies will pool their competencies in platform, electronic and system activities in the naval field, thus creating a strong naval electronics and systems company in Bremen.
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Sikorsky has selected the Rockwell Collins Avionics Management System (AMS) for the U.S. Marine Corps' new CH-53K Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR) helicopter. The Rockwell Collins AMS provides the CH-53K helicopter with a modular open system architecture (OSA) cockpit and mission management system that incorporates fully integrated flight and navigation displays, as well as net centric capabilities including tactical data link integration, correlation and data fusion.
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When the 494th Fighter Squadron of the USAF deploys to Southwest Asia later this year, its new small-diameter bomb will make its F-15E Strike Eagles even more lethal. The squadron will be the first to use the Air Force's new Guided Bomb Unit-39 bomb. It is a thin, Global Positioning System-guided 250-pound bomb that sprouts diamond-back wings and glides to its target from a stand-off distance. Though they practice with simulated bombs, "Panthers" squadron aircrews at this noisy fighter base about 70 miles northeast of London are ready to use the bomb now, squadron commander Lt. Col. Will Reese said.
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By August 1, Turkish military aviators had flown their F-16 Fighting Falcons on 74 training flights and responded to an air space violation on one occasion, during their four-month patrol of the Baltic skies. The commander of the Turkish contingent, Major Cihan Gulbiten, told a news conference in Zokniai on Tuesday, after handing the mission over to Spanish airmen that the Turkish pilots had once forced a propeller airplane, to land at the Riga airport. He did not specify the date and circumstances of the incident, and refused to indicate which country had its air space violated. The Turkish contingent came from the Bandirma air base in western Turkey. The mission will now be continued by Spanish Air Force's 14th Fighter Wing deployed from Los Llanos-Albacete in the south-eastern part of Spain. The chief of the Spanish contingent, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Javier del Cid de Leon, told journalists that the Spanish aviators will do their best to refrain from disturbing the peace in Siauliai, pledging to fly at higher altitudes.
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McDonnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $780,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This is an undefinitized contract action for a foreign military sales delivery order contract that will provide four C-17 aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). This work will be completed in phases: first delivery November 2006; second, May 2007; third, January 2008 and fourth, February 2008.
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MTU Aero Engines in the first half year of 2006 enjoyed continued growth: sales rose 12% to Euro 1,148.5 million (1-6/05: Euro 1,025.7 million), the growth again being driven mostly by commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). The company posted appreciable gains in earnings: EBITDA improved 39% to Euro 142.1 million (1-6/05: Euro 102.3 million). The profit surge was especially apparent in adjusted net income, which MTU in the first six months of the year more than tripled, from Euro 17.5 million in the first half-year 2005 to Euro 55.4 million. "We successfully continued on our profitable growth track. Both our OEM business and commercial MRO recorded EBITDA margins of appreciably above 10% of sales. These figures permit us to raise our forecast for the current year," explained MTU CEO Udo Stark. "For the full year of 2006, we expect EBITDA to improve appreciably, to Euro 290 million.“ So far, the EBITDA forecast had been Euro 270 million.
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The first milestone of enlargement and quality improvement of the Austrian Business Class on long-haul flights has been completed. The first redesigned Boeing 777, registration OE-LPB, took off with the new Austrian Business Class. At 10.55 hours (Vienna time) OS 001 started to Kuala Lumpur and Sydney. The amount of space available to Business Class passengers on Austrian Airlines aircraft has been increased, for the first time a total of 49 lie-flat sleeper seats will be used on the Boeing 777 for a relaxing journey. The Austrian Airlines Group offers an in-flight experience consisting of comfort, ambience, culinary delights and charming, personal service and wants to position the business class on intercontinental flights among the best worldwide. The new Business Class lie flat sleeper seat has been equipped with a wide range of practical functions and is also a design-piece. High-quality materials, like real leather for example, were used to manufacture the chair. A variety of sophisticated elements, from the tilting reading lamp through to the storage compartment, an extra-large screen and a massage function, define a new standard of comfort. A control panel adjusts the positions of the sleeper seat according to the wishes: Sit, Relax, Sleep and Massage options are available. Lowerable armrests make the bed wider still and even more comfortable and privacy screen can be simply pulled up from the armrest for an undisturbed private sphere. Soft pillows and blankets or a special new function gently massages the back as passengers relax. All of which ensures “recharging the batteries” and passengers reach their destination fresh and fully rested.
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Ryanair, Europe's No.1 low fares airline, today (August 1, 2006) announced record profits of Euro 115.7m for its first Quarter ended June 30, 2006. Traffic grew by 25% to 10.7m passengers, yields increased 13%, ancillary revenues climbed 31%, and consequently total revenues rose by 40% to Euro 566.6m. Unit costs excluding fuel fell by 2% (including fuel they rose by 6%) as fuel costs rose by 52% to Euro 167.5m. The increase in profitability boosted cash balances which rose by Euro 212.4m to Euro2.18bn. As a result, Ryanair's adjusted after tax margin for the Quarter rose by 4 points to 20% as Q.1 Adjusted Net Profit increased by a record 80% to Euro115.7m. Announcing these results Ryanair's Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary, said: “These bumper Q.1 profits – which were strongly signalled at the time of our full year results in June – reflect a much stronger yield environment despite substantially higher oil prices. We would caution however, based on advanced bookings, that we do not expect this yield buoyancy to be maintained at similar levels during the second quarter or indeed the second half of the fiscal year. The underlying causes of these stronger Q.1 yields was primarily the presence of Easter in the quarter (and its absence from the prior year comparable), many more “sun” destinations, the impact of competitors fuel surcharges which continue to drive traffic towards Ryanair, the initial impact of our baggage charging initiative, and the earlier launch of our new bases and routes, much of which took place in the fourth quarter last year. During the quarter we exercised options for delivery of ten further Boeing 737-800 series aircraft in 2008. The addition of these new aircraft will enable us to continue to drive down our aircraft and operating costs. The penetration of web based check-in continues to improve with some flights achieving 50% of web check-in. We will aggressively promote web check-in and priority boarding for passengers travelling with hand luggage. We intend to continue to exploit initiatives such as web check-in to reduce our costs, whilst at the same time providing passengers with superior service such as avoiding check-in queues and priority boarding. Our outlook for the remainder of this fiscal year remains cautious. As we emphasised at the time of our full year results in June, we expected a bumper set of Q.1 results, and a strong second quarter, but we believe that the forthcoming Winter will be characterised by much more difficult trading conditions. Ryanair will increase its fleet by 27 aircraft this Winter (compared to last year's net increase of just 15) during which we will launch many more new routes and bases. This combination of substantial Winter capacity expansion, higher oil prices (now $74 per barrel compared to our original forecast of $70) and price dumping by loss making competitors will mean another very difficult Winter trading period and if oil prices are higher than $74, we may even sustain losses during the fourth quarter this year. Based on our current fuel hedges and the forward price of oil for the unhedged quarter, we anticipate that the increase in net profit after tax for the fiscal year will still be within the range of our previous guidance of +5% to +10% increase and that almost all of these profits will be generated in Q.1 and Q.2, with a consequent reduction in profitability during Q.3 and Q.4 compared to last year.”.
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Gulfstream Aerospace received approval for a new version of its G200 MSG-3 scheduled maintenance program, from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel on May 25 and May 29, respectively. The new MSG-3 program significantly reduces the number of required scheduled maintenance tasks while retaining the highest level of safety standards as defined by Federal Aviation Regulations ( FARs ). MSG-3 is the acronym for the Maintenance Steering Group – 3 rd Task Force, which developed the industry standard process to evaluate maintenance programs. Using historical reliability data of the G200, the new MSG-3 program continues to maintain aircraft reliability while extending maintenance intervals.
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