+++ Germany orders Euro Hawk for SIGINT +++ DaimlerChrysler Aviation bought by ATON +++ US Air Force releases KC-X Request for Proposals +++ Eurocopter hands over EC135s to German Interior Ministry +++ Zenit-3SL blows up on launch +++ News in brief +++
Germany orders Euro Hawk for SIGINT
Erster unbemannter Aufklärer für die Luftwaffe
On 31 Januaryy, the German Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a EUR 430 million contract to EuroHawk GmbH, a joint venture company formed by EADS and Northrop Grumman Corporation, for the development, test and support of the Euro Hawk unmanned signals intelligence (SIGINT) surveillance and reconnaissance system.
The Euro Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a Northrop Grumman-produced US Air Force RQ-4 Block 20 Global Hawk derivative equipped with a new SIGINT mission system developed by EADS. The SIGINT system provides stand-off capability to detect electronic intelligence (ELINT) radar emitters and communications intelligence (COMINT) emitters. EADS will also provide the ground stations that will receive and analyse the data from Euro Hawk as part of an integrated system solution for the German customer.
Delivery of the first demonstrator is scheduled for 2010. Planned delivery of the following four UAVs is scheduled between 2011 and 2014. The Euro Hawk systems will replace the aging fleet of Breguet Atlantic aircraft, which have been in service since 1972.
The Head of the Military Air Systems Business Unit, Johann Heitzmann, stressed: "Our most important aim will be to deliver Euro Hawk in top quality and on time to our customer. Through the first-class technology of this reconnaissance system, the German Air Force will be even more able to fulfil its mission in the future." Euro Hawk is controlled by ground-based operators and is projected for up to 30 hours of uninterrupted flight. This unmanned aerial vehicle has a maximum takeoff weight of about 14 tonnes and can reach a speed 555 km/h. It is approx. 14 m long and has a wingspan of about 40 m. It is a HALE UAV (High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and will operate at altitudes of up to 20 km.
The EuroHawk GmbH 50-50 joint venture was founded on 3 November 2005 and has its registered offices in Immenstaad, Germany. It is responsible for the development and manufacturing of the Euro Hawk systems and will act as the national prime contractor for the German MoD through the system's entire lifecycle. Under this contract, the EuroHawk GmbH will also provide aircraft modifications, mission control and launch and recovery ground segments, flight test, and logistics support.
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DaimlerChrysler Aviation bought by ATON
Flugbetrieb von DaimlerChrysler verkauft
ATON GmbH has bought from DaimlerChrysler AG 100% of the subsidiary company, DaimlerChrysler Aviation GmbH (DCA) with headquarters in Stuttgart. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (Kartellamt) and the aviation authorities and is anticipated to be confirmed in the first Quarter of 2007. The purchase price has been tacitly agreed.
DaimlerChrysler Aviation mainly deals with the need for air traffic performance for business trips and presently employs around 200 employees. In the year 2006, DCA with the companies of the DaimlerChrysler Group and third party business had a turnover of around 65 million Euros.
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US Air Force releases KC-X Request for Proposals
Ausschreibung für neuen Tanker herausgegeben
The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition announced the posting of the KC-X Aerial Refueling Aircraft Request for Proposal to the Federal Business Opportunities website, signaling the official launch of the Air Force's number one priority acquisition program. The announcement comes after an extensive and transparent dialogue between Air Force officials and officials from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Air Mobility Command, industry and members of Congress. Sue C. Payton, the Air Force's senior acquisition executive, said that throughout this entire acquisition process, the Air Force has sought to minimize development risk among differing aircraft manufacturers and types. This RFP is the culmination of those deliberations.
"The Air Force aerial tanker is essential to all Air Force and Joint global operations," said Lt. Gen. Donald Hoffman, the military deputy for acquisition. "It allows the Joint Force to project mobility, strike and surveillance forces anywhere and anytime without relying on intermediate bases for refueling. Tankers put the 'Global' in Global Power." The KC-X program is the first of three acquisition programs the Air Force will need to replace the entire fleet of aging KC-135 Stratotankers, which have been in service for more than 50 years.
The primary mission of the KC-X will be to provide aerial refueling to United States military and coalition aircraft in the global war on terror and other missions. However, the Air Force also intends to take full advantage of the other capabilities inherent in the platform, and make it an integral part of the Defense Transportation System. Ms. Payton stressed that the department has gone through a rigorous review process for KC-X and has validated that the RFP accurately reflects the requirements as laid out by the warfighter.
"The Air Force remains committed to a full and open competition. The KC-X is the Air Force's #1 acquisition priority and its acquisition will continue to be conducted in a transparent and deliberate manner," said Ms. Payton.
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Eurocopter hands over EC135s to German Interior Ministry
Neue Rettungshubschrauber für den Katastrophenschutz
The German Ministry of the Interior, one of Eurocopter's largest civilian customers worldwide, took delivery of the first pair of a total of sixteen EC135 air rescue helicopters at Eurocopter's Donauwörth plant on January 31, 2007. Over the next two years, twelve air rescue sites will be equipped with these top-quality aircraft. The EC135 will replace the BO105 helicopters that have been in service up to now. With the EC135, the Ministry of the Interior has opted for not only the internationally topselling, but also the most up-to-date rescue helicopter. Numerous guests attended the handover ceremony, including politicians, representatives of German and foreign authorities, other air rescue services and industry as well as the media.
In total, the German Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and the German Federal Police, which belongs to the BMI, operates 84 Eurocopter helicopters -- 10 Alouette II, 25 EC135, 15 EC155, 11 Puma and 7 Super Puma -- for police operations and national security missions throughout Germany, as well as 16 BO 105 for air rescue operations. As the latest generation of civil defense helicopters, painted in bright orange livery, the EC135 will gradually replace the BO105. The handover of the first two EC135s for the “Orange Fleet” today marks the beginning of a new chapter in German air rescue. In addition to the 25 EC135 in service in the Police's “Blue Fleet”, a harmonization of the helicopters used by the German Federal Police is also underway.
The EC135 air rescue helicopters operated by the BMI are designated EC135 T2i, with increased payload, increased take-off power and improved performance at high altitude and high temperatures. They are fitted with a night vision goggle compatible screen cockpit, GPS navigation system, rapid-change, lightweight medical equipment, double hook cargo system certified for transporting patients and – a world-first in air rescue – the “HELLAS” active obstacle warning system.
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Zenit-3SL blows up on launch
Explosion beim Start von der Seeplattform
A Sea Launch Zenit-3SL vehicle, carrying the NSS-8 satellite, experienced an anomaly on 30 January during launch operations and blew up. Sea Launch will establish a Failure Review Oversight Board to determine the root cause of this anomaly. Following the unsuccessful launch of the NSS-8 spacecraft on January 30, and subsequent safing of all systems, Sea Launch is now in the process of securing the Odyssey Launch Platform and taking initial measures to determine the root cause and implement necessary corrective actions. Applications for all necessary permits and licenses required to proceed with these activities are also in process. A preliminary assessment of the Odyssey Launch Platform indicates that, while it has sustained limited damage, the integrity and functionality of essential marine, communications and crew support systems remains intact. The vessel is operating on its own power and is currently manned by the full marine crew. This team is performing a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the vessel, including its structural integrity and sea-worthiness, in anticipation of identifying and planning the next steps. The team on the Sea Launch Commander is in excellent condition and is supporting these activities. The Commander incurred no damage during yesterday's launch attempt, as it was positioned four miles from the Launch Platform at the time of lift-off. "We deeply regret the loss of the NSS-8 satellite, which was designed to be a significant part of the SES NEW SKIES fleet. We are receiving consistent expressions of confidence in our system and our team from our customers and the insurance community," said Rob Peckham, president of Sea Launch. "We have begun to discuss a plan for a Return to Flight.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Between 2007 and 2009 Lufthansa Technik AG plans to take on over 400 university graduates, thus strengthening itself in the long-term. 80 percent of the new positions are for engineers, but there are also opportunities for business graduates and for IT specialists. Most of the new staff are to be recruited for the corporate headquarters at the Hamburg site, where there are still some trainee vacancies for 2007. “Lufthansa Technik is growing. We have already invested heavily in training and qualifications for our technicians in the past, but over the next few years, we want to strengthen our workforce with additional, committed university graduates,” explained Uwe Mukrasch, Chief Executive Human Resources and Information Management at Lufthansa Technik AG, in Hamburg. “Capitalizing on Lufthansa Technik's excellent image as an employer, we want to selectively recruit young engineers, administrative personnel and IT specialists to meet our future manpower requirements. We are particularly interested in sales-oriented engineers, systems engineers, production planners and development engineers.” Last year alone Lufthansa Technik invested over Euro40 million in training and continuing education for its workforce in Germany. At the same time new capacity and still more efficient production methods for the repair of components and engines and for aircraft maintenance and overhauls were introduced in many parts of the company. As a result Lufthansa Technik succeeded in winning a large number of new customers.
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As the Slovakian Government has failed to honour a long due legal agreement by 31 December 2006, despite being given extensions on the due date on a number of different occasions, the Austrian Airlines Group has been unable to grant Slovak Airlines any further financial support since the beginning of January 2007. Since the decision over the issue promised by the government has been repeatedly delayed, including in the government meeting held on 17 January 2007, and an evaluation under EU law has been decided as what appears to be a conscious and prolonged delaying tactic demonstrating a lack of readiness to pay, there is no perspective for the restructuring of the company. It is absolutely unacceptable that – two years after the signing of the contract and when Austrian Airlines, the contractual partner, has suffered substantial damages – implementation of the obligation that was entered into should even come into question. Slovak Airlines will terminate its scheduled services today. Since two aircraft are the property of the Austrian Airlines Group, the Board of Management of Austrian Airlines has decided to immediately return the Fokker 100 and Boeing 737-300 in order to guarantee that Group property is secure. The further development of Slovakian aviation – particularly in the wake of the recently cancelled airport privatisation project – has suffered another blow due to this situation. The refusal of the Slovakian Government to fulfil its promises will not encourage foreign investors to commit themselves to the creation of value in Slovakia. Austrian Airlines acquired 62% of the capital stock of Slovak Airlines in January 2005, within the framework of a capital increase. The takeover of the liabilities of Slovak Airlines by the Slovakian Government at the time was a precondition for the acquisition of a share in the company by the Austrian Airlines Group. This takeover of debts, along with a range of other obligations, were determined in an agreement with the then Transport Minister, and would have fallen due in the spring of 2006. Against the background of the change of government in 2006, the Austrian Airlines Group held further talks, once again insisting that the contractual obligations be observed. The honouring of the agreement by the Slovakian Government, totalling around EUR 6 million, would have been an essential foundation and precondition for implementation of a restructuring plan. The Austrian Airlines Group will be examining all the legal channels open to it when seeking compensation for the damages incurred.
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NASA engineers are examining a problem related to the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) aboard the agency's Hubble Space Telescope. On Jan. 27, the observatory entered a protective "safemode" condition at 7:34 a.m. EST. An initial investigation indicates the camera has stopped functioning, and the input power feed to its Side B electronics package has failed. The instrument had been operating on its redundant electronics since June 30, 2006, when NASA engineers transitioned from the primary, Side A, electronics package due to a malfunction. Engineers currently are assessing the option to return ACS science operations to the primary electronics so that observations could resume in a reduced mode. Hubble was recovered from safemode around 2 a.m. EST on Jan. 28, and science observations will resume this week using the remaining Hubble instruments: Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, Near Infrared Camera Multi-Object Spectrograph, and the Fine Guidance Sensors.
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The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F-17 Block 5D-3 spacecraft, built under contract for the U.S. Air Force by Lockheed Martin, has been turned over to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for operational use worldwide. The ceremony was held at the Air Force Weather Agency at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb., which is the primary user of the satellite data within the United States. DMSP F-17 was launched on November 4, 2006 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Block 5D-3 series accommodates larger sensor payloads than earlier generations. They also feature a larger capability power subsystem; a more powerful on-board computer with increased memory -- allowing greater spacecraft autonomy -- and increased battery capacity that extends the mean mission duration. Starting with F-17, the attitude control subsystem has also been enhanced with the integration of a second inertial measurement unit using ring laser, versus mechanical, gyros to provide greater precision pointing flexibility.
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Delta Air Lines announced that it has obtained commitments for a $2.5 billion exit financing facility, marking a significant step forward for the company's plan to exit bankruptcy in Spring 2007 as a strong, well-capitalized standalone carrier. The exit facility will be co-led by six financial institutions – JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs & Co., Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, UBS, and Barclays Capital – and will consist of a $1 billion first-lien revolving credit facility, a $500 million first-lien Term Loan A, and a $1 billion second-lien Term Loan B. The facility will be secured by substantially all of the first-priority collateral in the existing debtor-in-possession facilities. Edward H. Bastian, Delta's executive vice president and chief financial officer, said: “This is an important milestone in the successful implementation of our restructuring plan. The competitive terms and unique structure of this financing package reflect our considerable progress and the soundness of Delta's standalone plan of reorganization. We appreciate the confidence the financial markets are showing by making this commitment in support of Delta's standalone plan. We look forward to partnering with our lenders through the exit process and into the future.”
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PHI, Inc. has successfully achieved 10 million rotor wing flight hours which is unprecedented in the industry. It is the years of professionalism and dedication of our employees who are responsible for PHI achieving this milestone while maintaining a high level of safety and customer service. While this accomplishment was initiated in 1949 as a vision, it represents operations in Oil & Gas, EMS, Mining, Disaster Relief and other areas of rotor wing applications.
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Chairman of Committee on executing the RF MOD state orders on production of the Mi-28N (Night Hunter) helicopter - Army General, Commander-in-Chief of Russian AF Vladimir Mikhailov – highly evaluated the course of tests of the new combat helicopter. “The tests are going on successfully. About 95% of test flights performed. From among 300 flights only 17 did not meet the test requirements. This is rather a high index. I can not name any other aircraft which could pass practically all the tests”, - V. Mikhailov told the journalists in Rostov-on-Don. The Commander-in-Chief explained that procurement of new helicopters by the defence department began in 2006 and will continue this year. “The work began actively, and each year it will pick up speed. The first helicopters will start operation namely in the South of Russia, specifically with the 55th helicopter regiment in Korenovsk (Krasnodarsky Kray)”, - explained V. Mikhailov.
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Ginn Development Company, one of the largest privately-held real estate development and management firms in the Southeast US, is preparing to take delivery of two Saab 2000 aircraft. Ginn Development owner Bobby Ginn ordered these two 50-seat, high-speed turboprop aircraft in the fourth quarter of 2006 for diverse roles within Ginn's existing corporate flight department.
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Boeing Business Jets unveiled concepts of luxury and comfort for the 787 VIP airplane. Concept renderings of custom interior designs for the advanced-technology widebody VIP jet were displayed at the Middle East Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition in Dubai. "A Boeing 787 VIP affords its owner complete accommodation," said Steven Hill, president of Boeing Business Jets. "The spacious cabin and the technology of the 787 enable an owner to design a beautiful environment that exactly meets preferences and needs. Whether you are looking for a flying palace or a business office in the sky -- or both, the possibilities are endless." "Aboard a 787 VIP owners can fly anywhere in the world nonstop, and on those long-distance flights, it is critical to have amenities and a cabin environment that allow passengers to be completely comfortable and productive," Hill added. Boeing Business Jets has commissioned several design firms to develop preliminary concepts for 787 VIP interiors. A number of other airplane interior design firms and completion centers have developed a variety of innovative interior design concepts for the 787 VIP as well. The VIP-configured 787-8 offers 2,404 square feet (223.3 square meters) of cabin space and a range of 9,590 nautical miles (17,760 km) while the VIP-configured 787-9 offers 2,762 square feet (256.6 square meters) of cabin space and a range of 9,950 nautical miles (18,425 km).
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Elbit Systems announced that on January 29, 2007, the Company received notice from the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense for the termination of the contract to the amount of EUR57 million, for the modernization of Mi-24 and Mi-17 helicopters for the Bulgarian Air Force. The Company had previously announced the award of this contract on December 4, 2005. In the cancellation notice, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense requested a return of a portion of the amounts paid to date to the Company under the contract. Over the past several weeks, Elbit Systems has been in discussions with the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense regarding a mutually acceptable cancellation of the contract. Moreover, the contract cancellation discussions with the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense have been based on appropriate compensation to the Company, and Elbit Systems does not anticipate that this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
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Bombardier confirmed that it will continue to refine its CSeries business plan. The program's team continues to optimize the aircraft configuration to meet customers' requirements for a more economical, flexible and passenger-oriented airliner. The new target date for entry into service is now 2013. "The decision process related to the launch of an aircraft program with more than a 20-year lifespan takes time and requires a well-defined business plan to ensure the program's long-term success," said Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. "As we have previously confirmed, the CSeries plan includes international partnerships, and discussions are progressing. We continue to see the lower end of the 100- to 149-seat market as a segment with a solid potential. We will provide the next update on the status of our CSeries aircraft program in late March 2007." New developments under consideration include increased use of composite material for the wing and fuselage and the next-generation engine technology, which could yield up to 15 per cent better fuel burn than the existing technology on aircraft in production today. Heightened customer and supplier interest confirm Bombardier's belief in addressing the lower end of the 100- to 149-seat market segment, estimated at 5,800 aircraft over the next 20 years.
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EUROCONTROL has launched the Centralised SSR Code Assignment and Management System (CCAMS) implementation project, a pan-European solution to overcome the current and future shortages of the secondary surveillance radar (SSR) codes used by Air Traffic Control for radar services. Caused by an overall increase in traffic levels as well as a rise in traffic to new destinations within Europe, SSR code shortages are becoming a limiting factor to future growth in European air traffic levels. The current static system of codes based on national allocation is already running out of codes at peak times in some parts of Europe and this problem will increase as traffic increases. CCAMS will eliminate code shortages by making more efficient use of codes than the current system does as well as by removing code conflicts that can affect flight safety.
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Japan Airlines (JAL), Malév Hungarian Airlines and Royal Jordanian Airlines will start offering oneworld services and benefits from 1 April 2007 in the biggest expansion of the world's leading quality global airline alliance since its launch eight years ago. Five other members of the JAL Group will join oneworld alongside Japan Airlines on the same day, as affiliates -JALways, Japan Asia Airways, JAL Express, J-AIR and Japan Transocean Air. So, from 1 April 2007 some 20 million frequent flyers from all of these airlines will be able to earn and redeem mileage awards on all other oneworld carriers. This includes the more than 19.5 million members of the JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) frequent flyer programme, 75,000 members from Malév's Duna Club, and the 90,000 members of Royal Jordanian's Royal Plus.
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Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) has launched the region's first-ever Gulfstream 550 business jet training programme and welcomed its first customers. The announcement was made at the Middle East Business Aviation Show and conference (MEBA) at Airport Expo Dubai which was officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group. Sheikh Ahmed and Jeff Roberts, CAE's Group President, Innovation, Civil Training & Services, signed an agreement for the Gulfstream 550 full-flight simulator and associated training equipment for the programme. They also signed a five-year exclusive contract with Chris Crum, CEO of Royal Jet of Abu Dhabi, UAE, for its pilots to train on the training facility's 737BBJ and Gulfstream IV/400 full-flight simulators.
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On 31 January US Airways withdrew its offer to merge with Delta Air Lines Inc. . The airline was informed earlier today that the Official Unsecured Creditors' Committee would not meet its demands by the airline's established deadline of Feb. 1, 2007. As previously announced, US Airways' offer of $5.0 billion in cash and 89.5 million shares of US Airways stock would have expired on Feb. 1, 2007, unless there was affirmative support from the Official Unsecured Creditors' Committee for commencement of due diligence, making the required filings under Hart-Scott-Rodino, as well as the postponement of Delta's hearing on its Disclosure Statement scheduled for Feb. 7, 2007. US Airways Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Doug Parker stated, "We are disappointed that the Committee, which has been chosen to act on behalf of all Delta creditors, is ignoring its fiduciary obligation to those creditors. Our proposal would have provided substantially more value to Delta's unsecured creditors than the Delta stand-alone plan. We would have created a better and more financially stable airline that offered more choice to consumers and increased job security to its employees. Our merger would have been able to be consummated in a reasonable time-frame and we would have been able to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals.
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Saab's CEO and President, Åke Svensson, has been voted President-Elect of the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe, ASD. "It is an enormous privilege as a Swede to represent Europe's aerospace and defence industries. This year I will shadow the Chairman, taking over from him next year", says Saab's CEO Åke Svensson.
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So far deeply loss-making company AERO Vodochody a.s. (AERO), which in the long run is not able to cover even its current costs, will again show profit from January 2008. “Our aim is to make AERO healthy, profitable and in all respect competitive company as soon as possible. AERO must not only become able to cover its current costs, but also ensure expected return of capital to its owner,” says Mr. Petr Ondro, AERO President. From January 2007, 100 % of the AERO shares are owned by the private equity group Penta. AERO Vodochody a.s. has so far been showing loss in the amount of approx. 40 million Czech crowns (CZK) monthly. The total loss of the first half of 2007 should reach up to 240 million CZK. According to tentative results, the loss of the year 2006 will amount to approx. one billion CZK; in 2005, the total loss was shown in the amount of 1,377 billion CZK. AERO has in the long run been showing negative equity, which by December 31, 2006 reached the amount of -7,304 billion CZK (compared to the basic capital of 2,691 billion CZK). The accumulated losses from previous periods should (according to tentative results to the same date) reach a total amount of 9,243 billion CZK.
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NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate has amended its NASA Research Announcement to solicit additional research proposals. The "Research Opportunities in Aeronautics" announcement solicits research in several new topic areas for the Intelligent Flight Deck Technology Project, Subsonic Rotary Wing Project and the Supersonics Project. The long-term goal of the Intelligent Flight Deck Technology Project is to advance knowledge by developing tools, methods, principles, guidelines and technologies for revolutionary adaptive flight deck systems that improve safety. This includes developing technologies that mitigate operator-, automation- and environment-induced hazards for future operational concepts. The challenge of the Subsonic Rotary Wing Project is to develop validated physics-based multidisciplinary design and analysis tools for rotorcraft, integrated with technology development, enabling rotorcraft with advanced capabilities to fly as designed for any mission.
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Lockheed Martin and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Kongsberg) of Norway have entered into a Joint Marketing Agreement to market an air-launched version of the Naval Strike Missile. The missile, to be called the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), is designed to be carried internally and launched externally from the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The JSM will build upon the Naval Strike Missile. The 1,000-pound, stealthy and highly maneuverable anti-ship missile has the capability to strike sea and land targets with its new titanium warhead and programmable fuze. It employs Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS) guidance with a unique imaging infrared seeker, in-flight data link and an automatic target recognizer (ATR). The missile has a maximum range of more than 130 nautical miles.
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Norway has signed the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) production, sustainment, and follow-on development (PSFD) memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will govern the cooperative program arrangements for the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter program. The signing ceremony took place in Oslo, Norway, Jan. 31. In a ceremony at the Norwegian Ministry of Defense Minister Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen added her signature to the agreement already signed by the United States, The Netherlands, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. The United States was represented by U.S. Ambassador Benson Whitney.
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The aircraft engine manufacturer Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH from Saxony, Germany has presented the next development stage to its successful kerosene piston aircraft engine Centurion 1.7 – namely, the Centurion 2.0. This new, further optimized engine will be used from now on for all installations. Customers whose aircraft are currently equipped with a Centurion 1.7 can replace this at the end of its life time with a Centurion 2.0 without any problems, since the installation kits are compatible. Various product enhancements have been incorporated into the new engine, including the increase in displacement aimed at meeting the requirements of the US market. In the wake of the increase in demand for kerosene piston aircraft engines, Thielert is also continuously expanding its service and sales network. The company Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH has further developed its best seller – namely, the Centurion 1.7 kerosene piston aircraft engine. In the past, the Centurion 1.7 played a major role in building up the company's success. With well in excess of 1,500 such engines being produced, it has already notched up over 350,000 accumulative flight hours in a whole range of General Aviation aircraft in the short space of four years. The next development stage of the Centurion 1.7 is now to be marketed under the brand name Centurion 2.0, thereby replacing its predecessor in all installations – both in new aircraft and in the retrofit-kits. "In launching our new engine, we are demonstrating that our proven concept is also upwards compatible", says CEO Frank Thielert, explaining the strategy. "As already seen in the Centurion 1.7 and the Centurion 4.0, we have also utilized tried-and-tested technology in this development step and have allowed the ongoing improvements and innovations from automotive volume production to flow into our own development."
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Cimatron Limited, a leading provider of integrated CAD/CAM solutions for the toolmaking and manufacturing industries, today announced that Urban Aeronautics has chosen CimatronE to design its innovative X-Hawk aircraft. Urban Aeronautics is collaborating with Bell Helicopters to develop a military version of the aircraft, for use primarily as a troop carrier. "CimatronE is a high performance tool well matched for the aerospace industry," said Danny Haran, CEO of Cimatron. "We've worked hard to create a tool that provides the user with maximum control, while raising productivity through intelligent automation. We look forward to growing with Urban Aeronautics, providing the tools of the future for the aircraft of the future," he continued.
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The U.S. Missile Defense Agency and Lockheed Martin conducted a successful flight test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system, intercepting a unitary target in THAAD's first flight test at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) on Kauai, HI. This hit-to-kill intercept demonstrated THAAD's precision against in-bound threats and its ability to provide increased protection for troops and assets. The flight test met all objectives, including demonstrating the integration of the radar, launcher, fire control and communications and interceptor operations; demonstrating radar and interceptor discrimination; and target acquisition and tracking by the interceptor's seeker.
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On Wednesday, NASA agreed to cooperate with PlanetSpace Inc. of Chicago and Transformational Space Corp. (t/Space) of Reston, Va., to facilitate the commercialization of low-Earth orbit as they develop capabilities to transport goods and people to orbital destinations. The non-reimbursable Space Act agreements signed by NASA and the two companies involve no agency funding to the companies. The pacts establish milestones and objective criteria by which the companies can gauge their own progress, as part of the agency's Commercial Crew and Cargo Program. Under the agreements, NASA will share information that will help the companies understand projected requirements for space station crew and cargo transportation launch vehicles, spacecraft and NASA human rating criteria.
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AERO Vodochody a.s. (AERO) has finished assembly of the first out of a total of four two-seat training L-159T1 aircraft (s/n 6069) for the Czech Air Force (CzAF). The assembly comprises of complete equipment with all devices and primary verification of some of its systems. “We have started the 6069 aircraft systems checks. The maiden flight is planned for March 2007. It will be followed by development, certification and operation-evaluation tests, and at the end of 2007, all four two-seat units should be delivered to the CzAF,” said Peter Ondro, AERO President adding that the contract with the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic represents valuable reference, which significantly increases marketing chances of the L-159 aircraft on foreign markets. AERO Vodochody a.s. signed the contract on four rebuilt L-159 aircraft, related spare parts delivery, ground support equipment and documentation, and schooling of the ground and flight personnel with the Ministry of the Czech Republic on June 26, 2006.
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L-3 Communications announced that its Link Simulation and Training (L-3 Link) division has received a $40.9 million contract from armasuisse to build and deliver four networked F/A-18C Tactical Operational Flight Trainers (TOFTs) for the Swiss F/A-18 Flight Simulator Upgrade program. The F/A-18C TOFTs and related training system equipment are slated to begin delivery to Payerne Air Force Base in the latter part of 2008 and will be ready for training in 2009. This state-of-the-art simulation system will enable Swiss F/A-18 pilots to perform a full spectrum of combat training while operating as a tactical team. The networked F/A-18C TOFTs will be integrated with L-3 Link's SimuView personal computer image generation system and SimuSphere 360-degree field-of-view visual display. The Swiss-unique Mission Operations Center (MOC) will enable instructor personnel to oversee and manage all aspects of the training mission. The personal computer-based instructor operator station will be enhanced to enable MOC-level oversight of all manned aircraft in the training mission, including monitoring of any aircraft cockpit displays, instrumentation and communications. The operator at any instructor station is able to maneuver simulated threat or friendly aircraft.
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The Sky-X, the Alenia Aeronautica next-generation unmanned demonstrator aircraft, has made the first flight in Italy. Entirely financed, designed, developed and manufactured by Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company, the Sky-X is now based at the Italian Air Force's Base of Amendola, near Foggia, to carry out a new series of flight tests, after a series of test flights made during the last two years at the Vidsel Base in Sweden, near the Arctic Circle. These tests are the first ever to take place in Italy for the first European UAV, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, of over-1- ton weight category, to have flown. After having obtained the go-ahead by ENAC, Italian Civil Aviation Agency, for this specific category of unmanned aircraft and thanks to the collaboration of ItAF that has allowed the use of its facilities, the Sky-X has taken off and flown to reach the testing area, in Manfredonia's Gulf, controlled by the base's ground station under the control of an Alenia Aeronautica's test pilot. The flight has been followed by an Italian Air Force's Alenia Aermacchi MB.339 in the role of chase plane, with a test pilot from Alenia Aeronautica on board.
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Aviation Technology Group, Inc., (ATG) announced the appointment of Action Aviation as an exclusive distributor for the civilian versions of the Javelin throughout the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and West Asia. As part of this agreement, Action Aviation has placed firm orders for 40 Javelin, worth $120 million, for delivery to its customers over a period of eight years from certification, including a few early premium positions. With many years of experience in the aviation industry, Action Aviation has offices in Europe, the Middle East, and India. In addition to the Javelin, Action Aviation is an exclusive distributor for MD helicopters and the Sino Swearingen SJ30.
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India and Russia are working jointly to explore possibilities of developing a more advanced weapon system than BrahMos - probably a Hypersonic Cruise Missile, BrahMos Aerospace CEO and Managing Director A Sivathanu Pillai said. Talking to reporters Tiruchirapalli, Pillai said, "Now we are the leaders in supersonic missile system with the successful development of Brahmos Cruise Missiles." To sustain the leadership, some work should be started, for which both the Russian and Indian governments have given their initial clearance, he added. Pillai, who is also the Chief Controller of Research and Development wing of DRDO, said the works were in progress in this regard.
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Airbus has won two new customers for VIP versions of its ultra long-haul A340s - one for an A340-500 and one for an A340-300 - highlighting their strong appeal to the business aviation market. The deals build on a customer-base of 40 or so VIP and government versions of Airbus widebodies already in service. The Airbus A340-500 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines, and the A340-300 by CFM International CFM56-5s.
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During a press conference held, CAE announced it will establish its first Indian aviation training centre in Bangalore, India. It will be located close to the Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli. The centre will open by the end of calendar 2007 and will train up to 1,000 pilots annually when fully operational. The initial plan involves an investment of approximately US $20 million and would likely include the participation of a partner. CAE is evaluating partnership possibilities. CAE's India training centre will serve India-based airlines and the surrounding region. The centre will be part of the CAE-Airbus cooperation and will initially offer pilot, cabin crew and maintenance training as well as flight operations support on the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737. The training centre will also serve the needs of the CAE Global Academy, a new training alliance intended to address the global shortage of pilots. Currently, Indian carriers have approximately 200 aircraft in operation and have ordered an estimated additional 400 aircraft to be delivered over the next five years, which will generate the need for more than 1,000 new pilots per year.
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EADS Defence & Security Systems will provide the tri-national Medium Extended Air Defence System (MEADS) with advanced electronics components which make the system's fire control radar the most powerful radar worldwide. As reported by the company on Friday, under the contract worth approx. € 120 m EADS Defence Electronics (DE) besides other electronic equipment will develop and produce more than 40,000 transmit/receive (T/R) modules and related work packages to be delivered during the design and development phase up to 2009. These modules are key elements of next-generation radars utilizing the so-called Active Electronically Scanning Array (AESA) technology. Instead of mechanical movement of the antenna AESA radars use electronical steering exerted by thousands of T/R modules, basically small radars itself which enable unprecedented performance and versatility. The complexity and mission criticality of these modules makes the T/R module contract one of the most important and most valuable work packages in the MEADS programme. "The delivery of thousands of T/R modules complying to the extreme performance and quality requirements of MEADS and in a considerably short time is possible only due to the high standard of module design and automation we have achieved in the past ten years", stated Bernhard Gerwert, CEO of EADS Defence Electronics (DE). EADS operates a dedicated RF chip production foundry and has built up an automated cleanroom production facility at its Ulm site – the so-called MicroWaveFactory – which makes it a major partner in the most important AESA programmes. EADS DE is participating in the fighter radar CAESAR, the space programme TerraSAR, the NATO surveillance radar TCAR and the German ground surveillance programme BÜR. Thereby, EADS is using the SMTR standard T/R module for all applications operating in the X-band which has to undergo only limited adaptations for the respective application. Thus, EADS is able to reduce the risk of schedule and cost for the design and development of T/R modules.
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ATR and the Canary Islands airline NAYSA announced the signature of a contract for 2 additional new ATR 72-500s for a total value of US $ 36 million. ATR and NAYSA previously signed an agreement for 4 new ATR 72-500 in September 2006. These two aircraft, configured with 72 seats, will be delivered in 2007 and will be equipped with the new “Elegance Cabin”, with Light Emitting Diode (LED) and with the newest technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools.
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VVIP charter operator Comlux has placed a firm order for two more Airbus A318 Elites, taking its total orders for the type to five and making it - together with an undisclosed client - the joint largest customers. Comlux is a launch customer for the A318 Elite, and will be the first to take delivery of one. Its first A318 Elite is currently being outfitted by Lufthansa Technik, which is equipping the initial aircraft of the type, and will be delivered this spring. All of Comlux's A318 Elites are powered by CFM International CFM56-5s.
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General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, has been selected by ND SatCom Defence GmbH of Friedrichshafen, Germany, to supply strategic and tactical antennas and radio support equipment to the German Armed Forces SATCOMBw Step 2 Program. The total value of the contract if all options are exercised through 2014 is approximately $30 million. SATCOMBw Step 2 will create a complete satellite communications infrastructure under the control of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). The program comprises a fleet of geosynchronous satellites, tactical (mobile) satellite communications terminals, strategic communications ground stations, a network control system and the expansion of existing satellite anchor stations. The system is scheduled to be implemented incrementally beginning this year with full operation expected in 2009. Under terms of the contract, General Dynamics will provide 2.4-meter tactical antennas, 4.6-meter tactical antennas and fixed antenna installations ranging in size from 6.3-meters to 13.1-meters. The company will also supply radio support equipment. "The Bundeswehr SATCOMBw Step 2 program requires products that can be easily integrated into systems to perform well in a wide variety of tactical environments. VertexRSI antennas and radio products have a well-established record of performance to meet this requirement," said Jeff Porter, general manager of satcom technologies for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "General Dynamics is in a unique position to supply the tactical and strategic antennas and RF components to this program."
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Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) Bedek Aviation Group and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui) have signed a contract to establish a joint venture company to perform conversion of B767-300 aircraft from passenger to special freighter configuration. IAI and Mitsui intend to establish the fifty-fifty joint venture, M&B Conversions Ltd., in Ireland, in the next couple of months, and have begun developing a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) in order to obtain U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency approvals in 2008. The global cargo freighter market is expected to triple in size over the next 20 years due to the booming demand in China, India and other countries. The number of cargo freighters is forecast to double to about 3,500 during the same period, and the ratio of medium-wide-body aircraft, including the B767-300, will increase. In particular, greater demand is anticipated for converted freighters than for built-to-order freighters. The conversion target is for 80 to 100 fleets in 10 years.
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ATR and Baku-based National Air Company Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), flag carrier of Azerbaijan, have announced the signature of a deal for 6 new ATR aircraft (2 ATR 42-500s and 4 ATR 72-500s). The deal, with a total value of about $ 100 million, has been signed in Paris between Jahangir Askerov, General Director of AZAL and Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO. The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin have attended this important event. The six new ATR aircraft will be delivered between 2007 and 2008 and will be equipped with the newest technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation aid tools.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that Australia's Qantas Airways has placed a firm order for two 72-seat Bombardier Q400 high-speed turboprop airliners on behalf of its QantasLink regional airline. The transaction represents the conversion of two options taken when Qantas ordered seven Q400 aircraft in January, 2005. Those seven aircraft have been delivered. The value of the contract announced today based on Q400 aircraft list prices is approximately $53 million US.
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The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) has signed a contract for two A320s from the Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) Family, becoming another new government customer for the company's increasingly popular corporate jets. Airbus' ACJ Family has already been chosen by the Azerbaijan, Brazilian, Czech, French, Italian, Qatari, Thai, UAE, Venezuelan and other governments, all of which recognise its ability to carry larger delegations than traditional top-of-the-line corporate jets.
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On January 17, in Leipzig Halle (Germany) the international presentation of the base of the maintenance of AN-124-100 Ruslan airplanes of Antonov Airlines (Ukraine) and Volga-Dnepr (Russia) involved in transportation under SALIS programme took place. More than 130 official representatives of NATO countries, Ukraine and Russia as well as Saxony Land, on the territory of which the base is situated, participated in the presentation. The eminent guests surveyed the territory and equipment of the base allowing performance of all the main works on the different forms of AN-124-100 airplane maintenance. Now these aerial giants don't need to return periodically to their main bases in Kiev and Ulianovsk that allows the increase the economic effectiveness of the transportations. Participants of the presentation familiarized with the transport possibilities of Antonov airplanes as well. The corresponding exposition was opened in cargo cabin of AN-124-100 Ruslan airplane belonging to Antonov Airlines. Crew of the other airplane, belonging to Volga-Dnepr airline, performed demonstrative loading. At that Mr. Lushakov, Executive director of Antonov Airlines and Mr. Pivovarov, General Director of Volga-Dnepr commented everything.
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In a press conference held in Paris, Stéphane Mayer, Chairman and CEO of EADS Socata commented the past year preliminary figures: “ In 2006 we recorded a 21% growth of our revenue, and a growing backlog of 562 MEuro which leaves us with good perspectives for 2007 and after.” “This growth is the result of the commercial success of our Very Fast Turboprop TBM 850, a sustained activity in Aerostructure programs, and significant customer support contracts. EADS Socata has achieved a 228 millions euros turnover (+ 21% compared to 188 mEuro in 2005). The TBM 850, announced in December 2005, has met its expectations in 2006, with 42 TBM 850 delivered (+ 35 % compared to 31 TBM 700 in 2005). Built on the success of the TBM 700, the TBM 850 offers its pilots and operators what they expected : a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at flight level 260, combining the cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and useful load a of a already well proven world-class single-engine turboprop.
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EADS Socata announces at a Press Conference the notification by the French military procurement agency (DGA) of a contract for the Avionics retrofit of the fleet of Embraer Emb-110 Xingu of the French Military Air Transport Flight School, based in Avord. This contract of a maximum value of 14.2 millions euros over 5 years, is divided in two installments. The first installment is a firm contract for the study and the retrofit of two Emb-110 Xingu, one of the French Air Force and the second of the French Navy, to a more modern avionics standard. Its main features are an electronic primary flight and multifunction displays, GPS and a mode S with diversity antenna transponder. Upon the success of the first installment, the second installment will consist in the supply of avionics kits to retrofit the remaining 39 Emb-110 Xingu.
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The ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 and G500 business-jet fleet has surpassed 100,000 flight hours and 40,000 takeoffs and landings in the 39 months since the first G550 entered service on Sept. 29, 2003 . Today, a total of 116 G550/G500 business jets are in service around the world, including the fleet leader operated by G5 Executive AG in Zurich , Switzerland , with a total of more than 4,000 flight hours.
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A Gulfstream G550 recently set a new city-pair speed record, flying 5,381 nautical miles in 10 hours and 11 minutes between Toluca , Mexico , and Stuttgart , Germany. On the evening of Jan. 20, the ultra-long-range business jet took off from Toluca Airport, which is 8,458 feet above sea level. Piloted by Paulo Jancitsky, Gulfstream senior international captain, and Tony Briotta, Gulfstream international captain, the G550 flew 5,381 nautical miles at an average cruise speed of 0.85 Mach, landing the following day at Stuttgart Airport with 5,700 pounds of fuel remaining. In addition to the pilots and Suzie Gunn, the flight attendant, five passengers were onboard.
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The Team JCA partnership led by Raytheon Company and EADS CASA North America submitted its final proposal revision (FPR) to the U.S. Army and Air Force for the Joint Cargo Aircraft program Jan. 30, one day before the deadline. "Our early delivery and final proposal enhancements are the latest examples of our continuing commitment to provide the Army and Air Force the world's best intratheater lift capability right now," said Jim Hvizd, Team JCA vice president. "The C-295 aircraft we propose has proven itself through ongoing operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and humanitarian missions worldwide. We're thrilled to be able to offer this battle-tested aircraft to our U.S. warfighters." The FPR is the final proposal submission for the JCA program. The bid is centered on the C-295 military transport aircraft and incorporates key best value enhancements. Team JCA demonstrated its capability to perform the fu ll range of JCA missions during the Early User Survey phase in late 2006.
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NASA's drive to return astronauts to the moon and later probe deeper into space achieved a key milestone recently when agency officials approved critical elements of a moon impact mission scheduled to launch in October 2008. NASA's unmanned Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, will strike the moon near its south pole in January 2009. It will search for water and other materials that astronauts could use at a future lunar outpost. Scott Horowitz, associate administrator of the agency's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, led a confirmation review panel that recently approved the detailed plans, instrument suite, budget and risk factor analysis for the satellite. NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., manages the mission. The mission is valued at $79 million, excluding launch costs. The mission will help NASA gain a new foothold on the moon and prepare for new journeys to Mars and beyond.
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Worldwide Aeros Corp., manufacturer of a family of lighter-than-air airborne platforms, was issued the Type Certificate for its latest airship model the Aeros 40D Sky Dragon. “This seal of approval is a major highlight for the Aeros 40D program. It signifies the tireless efforts that the Aeros creative team has put into the development of this new and advanced LTA vehicle,” said Igor Pasternak, Aeros President and CEO. The 40D “Sky Dragon” was designed around the market demand for an airship capable of multi-mission applications that ranges from advertising and broadcast camera work to sensor suites platform, while maintaining a low cost of operation. The Aeros 40D is 153ft long with 100,000 cubic ft of volume.
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In 2006 the air rescue alliance TEAM DRF started on more missions than ever before. Altogether, the air rescuers started on 36,499 missions, 2,091 missions more than in the year 2005 (increase of 6.1%) On board of specially equipped helicopters the TEAM DRF pilots, emergency physicians and paramedics started on 26,549 emergency missions in Germany, Italy and Austria. In addition, the TEAM DRF transported 9,094 intensive care patients between clinics and repatriated 856 patients from 102 countries to their home countries for further medical treatment. In the case of Germany, the TEAM DRF air rescuers were on duty for 20,016 emergencies and 8,084 patient transports. In Germany, the TEAM DRF transported 1,063 patients suffering from heart attacks which were considered life-threatening according to the emergency physicians' diagnosis. In addition, the TEAM DRF medical teams treated 1,874 stroke patients and transported them as fast as possible to special clinics for further treatment. Due to accidents, whether in private households, at work or on the road 2,707 patients with head injuries had to be cared for by an emergency physician and transported to suitable hospitals via helicopter.
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Esterline Corporation announced an agreement to acquire CMC Electronics, a leading aerospace/defense avionics company, for approximately $335 million in cash. For the 12 months ended September 30, 2006, CMC recorded revenues of C$205 million. Completion of the transaction is expected in 30 to 45 days, contingent upon Hart-Scott-Rodino and other governmental approvals. A conference call to discuss the transaction is scheduled for later today at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time (10:30 a.m. Pacific Time). Listeners may access the conference call live over the Internet at the following locations: www.esterline.com or www.earnings.com. ” The transaction significantly expands the scale of Esterline's existing Avionics & Controls business and “…fits our stated strategy to consolidate manufacturers of superior aerospace systems and components,” said Robert W. Cremin, Esterline's chief executive officer. “This is a great acquisition for us and our customers. CMC is a premier systems integrator of high technology avionics, and is a natural evolution following our successful performance as a Tier I supplier to Boeing for the 787 cockpit Overhead Panel System.” Cremin said the transaction “…takes us a long way in adding to the tool kit of solutions that we are assembling for our avionics customers. And, it is in line with requests from those customers that we expand the value-added products and services we bring to them.”
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Building on the advancements made in 2005, including flight of the X2 Technology fly-by-wire demonstrator, the X2 Technology Demonstrator made significant progress in 2006 toward its first flight. All major details of the aircraft's dynamic systems are now manufactured, including the rotor blades. Major assembly of the aircraft was completed sufficiently for ground testing to begin on November 3, 2006 with the spin-up and starting of the LHTEC-800 engine. The data gathered from this and subsequent ground testing was valuable in assessing engine controls, test instrumentation, gearbox and accessory performance. Asked about the Demonstrator's progress compared to what was originally planned, Steve Chisarik, X2 Technology Demonstrator Program Manager, said the program found itself moving faster than its supply base on critical components. The program was also purposely slowed to incorporate minor design changes.
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Boeing and the Canadian government have signed an agreement for the purchase of four C-17 Globemaster IIIs for Canada's Department of National Defence to provide new strategic airlift mobility capabilities for the Canadian Forces. The contract, signed Thursday, is for the direct commercial sale of four airframes. Boeing will deliver the aircraft from its Long Beach, Calif., factory where the advanced airlifters are assembled. The first delivery will occur as soon as fall 2007. The Canadian C-17s will be based at the Canadian Forces Base in Trenton, Ontario. "Boeing is pleased that Canada joins its international partners -- the U.S. Air Force, the U.K. Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force -- in selecting C-17, the world's leading airlifter to modernize its defense forces airlift fleet," said Dave Bowman, vice president and C-17 program manager. "We look forward to delivering C-17s and a new world-class airlift capability to Canada, with industry-leading safety, quality and reliability that all C-17 customers enjoy."
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Fraport AG's supervisory board approved the appointment of Dr. Matthias Zieschang (age 46) as the company's new executive board member responsible for finance (chief financial officer or CFO). Dr. Zieschang is currently the executive board member for finance and controlling at DB Netz AG.
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