+++ Germany cabinet approves Tornado deployment to Afghanistan +++ DaimlerChrysler reduces stake in EADS +++ Ryanair: New base at Weeze +++ UPS orders more 767-300 freighters +++ Grob Aerospace receives intitial BFU feedback on spn crash +++ NASA awards SOFIA contract to L-3 Communications +++ Bombardier sells 30 CRJ900s to Delta +++ News in brief +++
Germany cabinet approves Tornado deployment to Afghanistan
Deutsche Tornados für ISAF
On 7 February, the German government has agreed to provide six of its Tornado tactical reconnaissance planes to assist the NATO effort in southern Afghanistan. In doing so Germany will be helping to protect fighting forces on the ground as well as Afghan civilians. Commenting after the cabinet meeting in Berlin, Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung said: "Afghanistan will be more secure as a result of this deployment," adding that the Tornados will increase the effectiveness of ISAF operations. The planes in question will be used for reconnaissance missions only, in keeping with their defined purpose. They are not armed for close air support, only for pilot self-defense. Jung noted that the Tornado crews are in a high state of readiness, given that they are currently part of the NATO rapid response force. The Tornado multirole combat plane entered service in 1980. The German Air Force currently has 262 of them in various versions, including 30 in the reconnaissance version. The latter belong to Reconnaissance Squadron 51 "Immelmann" based at Jagel Airfield in Schleswig-Holstein.
The Tornado mission is covered by a supplementary mandate that approves the deployment of up to 500 military personnel. Subject to parliamentary confirmation, the mandate builds on the ISAF mandate, adding to it, and is time-limited to October 13, 2007, the same as for the ISAF mandate. The German parliament -- or Bundestag -- needs to approve the mission, but this is considered a formality given the huge majority enjoyed by Chancellor Angela Merkel's government in the Bundestag. "I hope for the Bundestag's full support," said Defence Minister Franz Josef Jung. Parliament is to decide by early March. Jung said that if the legislature gives the green light for the mission, the Tornados could be in Afghanistan by mid-April. The six-month tour will cost Germany an estimated 35 million euros ($45.3 million).
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DaimlerChrysler reduces stake in EADS
Deutsches Konsortium übernimmt EADS-Anteile
DaimlerChrysler has reached an agreement with a consortium of private and public-sector investors by which it will effectively reduce its shareholding in EADS from 22.5% to 15% as planned, while maintaining the balance of voting rights between Germany and French controlling shareholders. DaimlerChrysler has placed its entire 22.5% equity interest in the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) into a new company, in which the consortium of investors will acquire a one-third interest through a special-purpose entity. This effectively represents a 7.5% stake in EADS.
In return for granting the indirect shareholding in EADS, DaimlerChrysler will receive approximately EUR 1.5 billion, with a corresponding effect on DaimlerChrysler's cash flow. The transaction will be executed in the first quarter of 2007. As compensation for the indirect ownership of EADS shares, the investors will receive from DaimlerChrysler a preference dividend on the 7.5% indirect investment of 175% of the normal EADS dividend. DaimlerChrysler has the option of dissolving the new structure on July 1, 2010 at the earliest. If the structure is dissolved, DaimlerChrysler has the right either to provide the investors with EADS shares or to pay cash compensation. If EADS shares are provided, the German State, and the French State and Lagardère through Sogeade, will be entitled to preempt such EADS shares to retain the balance between the German and the French side.
DaimlerChrysler will continue to control the voting rights of the entire 22.5% package of EADS shares. The structure of this transaction underscores DaimlerChrysler's links with EADS as one of its industrial partners and its main German shareholder.
This agreement has been coordinated with the German Government as well as with the French State and Lagardère through Sogeade; SEPI, EADS's Spanish shareholder, has been consulted with. The DaimlerChrysler Supervisory Board has also approved the transaction. The investor consortium comprises 15 investors, 7 from the private sector and 8 from the public sector. The private-sector investors will acquire 60% of the total investment volume, while the public-sector investors will acquire 40%. The private-sector investors are Allianz, Commerzbank, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs, which will each acquire 10% of the shares in the special-purpose company, as well as Morgan Stanley and Sal. Oppenheim, which will each acquire 5%. The public-sector investors are the KfW banking group with 13% of the special-purpose company, HGV Hamburger Gesellschaft für Vermögens- und Beteiligungsverwaltung (state of Hamburg) with 10%, Hannoversche Beteiligungsgesellschaft (state of Lower Saxonia) with 5%, Bayerische Landesbodenkreditanstalt, Anstalt der Bayerischen Landesbank and LfA Förderbank Bayern with 3.5% and 1.5% respectively, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg and the Landes-kreditbank Baden Württemberg – Förderbank (L-Bank) with 2.5% each, and the Bremer Investitions-Gesellschaft (state of Bremen) with 2%.
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Ryanair: New base at Weeze
Billigflieger will sich in Weeze etablieren
On 6 February, Ryanair announced its 19th European base in Dusseldorf Weeze. From June 2007, Ryanair will invest Euro140M in two new aircraft and 10 routes. Ryanair will deliver 1 million passengers in its first full year, rising to 2 million p.a. from 2008. These 2 million passengers will create 2,000 local jobs and enable passengers to fly for a fraction of the high fares charged at Dusseldorf International airport.
Destinations planned include Alghero, Alicante, Barcelona, Glasgow, London, Palma, Rome, Shannon, Stockholm and Venice. Announcing Ryanair's 19th European base, Michael O'Leary, CEO said: “Ryanair will invest $140 million in Dusseldorf Weeze and will treble existing traffic to 2M passengers p.a. by offering more routes, lower fares and no fuel surcharges guaranteed. This will deliver a massive boost to tourism and create 2,000 new jobs in the Rheinland / Niederrhein area. We look forward to offering the 35M German and Dutch consumers who live within two hours of our new Dusseldorf Weeze base, unbeatable low fares for less than half the price of Lufthansa or Air Berlin.
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UPS orders more 767-300 freighters
Neue Frachterbestellung für Boeing
On 5 February, UPS announced it had ordered 27 new Boeing 767-300ER freighters to support its growing package business while providing broad options for the management of its jet fleet. The 27 aircraft will be delivered between 2009 and 2012. The value of the contract was not disclosed.
UPS continues to experience strong growth in its international package business, with average export volume climbing 12% in 2006 alone, and the wide-body 767's can be used on routes to and from Europe and Latin America as well as on lanes within Asia and Europe. Furthermore, the 27 new freighters will allow UPS Airlines to improve the efficiency and speed of its air network as it eventually replaces aging aircraft. "The Boeing 767-300ER freighter already is part of our current air fleet and we know from experience what a great workhorse it is," said Bob Lekites, UPS Vice President for Airline and International Operations. "It's also a good answer to our fleet management needs because it provides great flexibility, fast time in transit and sound cost performance. In addition, we already have the pilot training, ground support and maintenance systems in place, making for a seamless integration."
The order for the 27 B-767s is not related to UPS's on-going review of its order for 10 Airbus A380 freighters. The A380s are planned to be utilized on specific long-haul routes currently serviced by B-747 and MD-11 freighters.
Grob Aerospace receives intitial BFU feedback on spn crash
BFU: Erste Ergebnisse zum Absturz der Grob spn
The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Investigation (BFU) has provided its first feedback to Grob Aerospace from its investigation into the accident involving spn test aircraft No 2 (D-CGSP) The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Investigation (BFU) has provided its first feedback to Grob Aerospace from its investigation into the accident involving spn test aircraft No 2 (D-CGSP). A team of Grob Aerospace engineers has been working closely with the BFU since the accident which happened during a demonstration flight on November 29, 2006.
The BFU reported that prior to the crash parts separated from the aircraft as it was approaching the airfield for a high speed pass with landing gear retracted. Parts of the elevators and parts of the horizontal stabiliser sheeting were found 400 meters away from the first impact site, about 1500 meters away from the runway threshold. The reason for the separation of these parts is not completely clarified at present, but one of the hypotheses is that this separation could be due to flutter conditions. The investigation is therefore currently specifically focusing on the speed of the aircraft prior to the crash versus the allowed speed envelope of test aircraft No 2, which was not fully opened at the time of the accident. Indeed, as a result of flight tests on aircraft No 1, the elevators and horizontal stabilizer of test aircraft No 2 were enlarged to slightly increase the control surface efficiency.
With regard to the ongoing program, test aircraft No 1 is currently undergoing a 300-hours-maintenance check, combined with a thorough inspection of the entire aircraft. There are no concerns regarding the initial tail design of test aircraft No 1 as the envelope was already fully opened up to high speeds in excess of Vmo up to VD. Following this examination it is expected that, in agreement with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (LBA), Grob Aerospace will be resuming the flight test program in the coming weeks.
The fuselage of spn test aircraft No 3 is now complete and is scheduled to fly for the first time during the second quarter of 2007. Grob Aerospace also confirms that a fully conforming fourth spn test aircraft will join the flight test program in September 2007, together with the.first serial production aircraft. The manufacturer is working towards European EASA certification during the first quarter of 2008 with US FAA certification following in the second quarter of that year.
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NASA awards SOFIA contract to L-3 Communications
SOFIA-Programm geht weiter
NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center has awarded a contract to L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, L.P., of Waco, Texas, for continued developmental and engineering work on the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). The cost-plus-award-fee contract could be worth up to $26 million over a five-year period if all options are exercised. The contract takes effect Feb. 9, 2007, with a 23-month base period extending through Dec. 31, 2008. Three one-year option periods could extend the agreement from Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2011.
The tasks that remain for completion of the SOFIA airborne observatory platform involve two major parts, the Airborne System and the Cavity Door Drive System. L-3 Communications will be responsible for completing development and testing of the Airborne System, including modification, fabrication, installation, integration, and verification of various systems to meet SOFIA mission requirements.
The SOFIA program includes a high-altitude airborne observatory consisting of a 2.5-meter (100 inch) infrared telescope mounted in a cavity in the rear fuselage of a highly modified Boeing 747SP jetliner. Scientific instruments mounted in the observatory will be capable of celestial observations ranging from visible light through the sub-millimeter far-infrared spectrum. SOFIA is being developed jointly by NASA and the Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center).
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Bombardier sells 30 CRJ900s to Delta
Delta bestellt 30 neue Regionaljets
Bombardier Aerospace announced that Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for 30 Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets and has taken options on an additional 30 CRJ900 aircraft. The approval for this contract was granted by the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York. The contract value for the 30 firm ordered aircraft, based on CRJ900 aircraft list price, is approximately $1.1 billion US. If all options are exercised, the value of the contract could rise to $2.3 billion US.
“The acquisition of these aircraft will help Delta meet its network and operational needs for 2007 and 2008, allowing us to continue providing convenient service to the places where customers most want to travel,” said Shawn Anderson, Delta's Vice-President of Delta Connection. “The fit with our fleet, timing of delivery and ownership economics made the Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft the best overall solution to meet our needs.”
Bombardier CRJ705 and CRJ900 aircraft have now been ordered by, or are in service with operators which include, Air Canada Jazz, Air Nostrum, Air One, Arik Air, Atlasjet Airlines, Lufthansa CityLine, MAT Macedonian Airlines, Mesa Air Group, My Way Airlines, Northwest Airlines, SkyWest Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
For the first time the German aerospace industry presented itself with a community stand at Aero India. The managing director of the federal association of the German aerospace industry (BDLI) Dietmar Schick, said on the occasion of the opening of the aeronautics fair: "The impressive economic growth of India offers enormous chances for the German aerospace industry. We will find also new partners next to new markets with whom we want to use the enormous economic potentials together." Six enterprises exhibit at the community stand of the BDLI, among them Jena-Optronik, Ruag Aerospace services, Sitec Aerospace an Interturbine Logistics. Further enterprises are represented with stands of their own like EADS, Diehl BGT Defence, Lufthansa Technik or Rohde & Schwarz.
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With all scheduled tasks accomplished, International Space Station Commander Mike Lopez-Alegria and Flight Engineer Sunita Williams ended a nearly seven hour spacewalk at 2:06 p.m. CST Thursday. It was the last in a series of three spacewalks in nine days from the Quest airlock. Major tasks of this spacewalk included removing and jettisoning two large shrouds and installing an attachment for cargo carriers. Lopez-Alegria and Williams moved from the airlock out to Crew Equipment Transfer Aid carts on the rails of the main truss. Pushing one cart with their equipment, including a foot restraint, they moved to the Port 3 truss segment. Their first job was to remove two thermal shrouds, one from each of two Rotary Joint Motor Controllers on P3. Next, they removed two large shrouds from P3 Bays 18 and 20. The shrouds, larger than king-size bed sheets, provide thermal shading. With the station in its present orientation, they are no longer needed and are being removed to avoid trapping heat. Lopez-Alegria jettisoned them toward the rear of the station. Afterward, the Unpressurized Cargo Carrier Assembly Attachment Systems on the upper face of the P3 truss was deployed. That was done in preparation for attachment of a cargo carrier during a future shuttle mission. While Lopez-Alegria finished work on the assembly attachment system, Williams moved to the end of the P5 truss to remove two launch locks in preparation for the relocation of the P6 truss. The final scheduled task of the spacewalk was connecting four cables of the Station to Shuttle Power Transfer System to Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2) at the forward end of the Destiny laboratory where shuttles dock. This will allow visiting shuttles to take power from the station to extend their missions.
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Air One has announced the purchase of a further ten A320s, following contracts signed with Airbus in November and December last year. The Rome based airline, the second largest in Italy, has now firmly ordered a total of 40 A320s and has a further 25 options and 25 purchase rights, according to the initial agreement announced in January 2006. Air One's newly ordered A320s are powered by CFM International CFM56-5B6/P engines, and will offer a comfortable two-class cabin layout for up to 159 passengers. They will gradually replace the airline's current fleet of Boeing 737s. With the additional A320s, Air One, which is already serving 23 destinations, will be able to launch new routes in Europe.
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Boeing has selected Rockwell Collins to provide the entire suite of displays, autopilot, communication, navigation, surveillance, maintenance, emergency and data management systems for its new 747-8 airplane family. The 747-8 is scheduled to enter into service in late 2009. "This program win is a testament to the successful teamwork approach that we've developed with Boeing," said Kelly Ortberg, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Commercial Systems for Rockwell Collins. "The avionics, which have been selected as standard equipment for all future 747-8 airplanes, will provide advanced technology while maximizing commonality with existing 747-400 fleets." A key feature of the avionics suite is the Rockwell Collins WXR-2100 MultiScan Hazard Detection System, which is the first and only radar that analyzes and determines actual weather hazards, not simply atmospheric moisture content. It is a fully automatic, hands-free airborne radar system with more than four years of proven operational experience. The WXR-2100 reduces pilot workload and enhances safety and passenger comfort by minimizing unexpected turbulence encounters, while providing optimal clutter-free weather detection from the nose of the airplane to 320 nautical miles (593 kilometers).
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"Raytheon may have a lead in this market, but MBDA is not just going to roll over and die," said Larry Dickerson, Missile Analyst for Forecast International. "These companies are nearing a statistical dead heat, with billions of dollars' worth of future contracts up for grabs," Dickerson said. The market for air-to-air missiles will be worth $16.1 billion over the next 10 years. "Raytheon leads this market, thanks to the sales performance of the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM, and the popularity of U.S.-built fighter aircraft in general," said Dickerson. Over 53,000 air-to-air missiles will be built between now and 2016. Raytheon expects to earn $4.6 billion from sales of its air-to-air missiles, followed by MBDA with $3.8 billion in production. MBDA produces the MICA and ASRAAM and will introduce the Meteor in the future. MBDA's Meteor is the company's challenger to AMRAAM's dominance of the medium-range air-to-air missile segment.
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Continental Airlines announced that it has selected a new regional airline partner and a new type of turboprop aircraft to operate as Continental Connection from its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport. Colgan Air Inc., a subsidiary of Pinnacle Airlines Corp., will operate efficient, quiet and comfortable 74-seat Bombardier Q400 twin-turboprop aircraft on short and medium-distance routes from Liberty starting in early 2008. "Pinnacle Airlines Corp. and its subsidiary Colgan have the high standards that we expect from our Continental Connection service," said Mark Erwin, Continental's senior vice president of corporate development. "Our selection of the Q400 aircraft is an important move for us because it addresses our need for efficiency without sacrificing our customers' comfort, and because it is well-suited to the unique operating environment at Newark Liberty." Continental has entered into a 10-year capacity-purchase agreement with Pinnacle Airlines Corp. The company will acquire 15 new Q400 aircraft which it will operate as Continental Connection through its Colgan subsidiary. Continental will schedule and market the service.
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Athena Technologies announced its GuideStar inertial navigation system and global positioning system (INS/GPS) has been selected to provide guidance and navigation to the LUNA UAV developed by Germany's EMT. Under the contract, Athena will provide EMT with its GuideStar 111m integrated INS/GPS and air data sensor suite systems. The GuideStar 111m is an advanced, miniaturized solution, weighing only 0.5 lbs (227g) and specifically designed for small, high-performance UAV applications. LUNA is an all-weather, lightweight, easy to operate UAV used for real-time surveillance, reconnaissance and target location at ranges exceeding 80 km and with an endurance of 4 hours. The UAV has been in service with the German Army since March 2000 and is successfully performing reconnaissance missions in Kosovo, Macedonia and Afghanistan. Early in 2006, the Pakistan Army acquired LUNA UAVs for monitoring the Pakistan borders. “With well over 100,000 operational flight hours, Athena's GuideStar has proven performance that is unique in the UAV industry,” said an EMT spokesperson. “In addition, Athena's track record for delivering affordable, high-quality solutions will contribute to the ongoing success of our program.”
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EADS Defence & Security Systems has handed over the first Digital Map Generator System (DMGS) for the A400M military transport aircraft to Airbus. This consignment was the first step in the delivery of a total of 192 systems. A further twelve Digital Map Generator Systems are planned for the transport aircraft ordered by South Africa. The delivery of the first system is right on schedule. Airbus is performing a thorough system test on the first three of EADS Defence Electronics' Digital Map Generator Systems in the aircraft environment in Toulouse. The DMGS is part of a product family of navigation and tactical information systems, which EADS Defence Electronics developed for many different types of aircraft. A slightly modified version of the system is already operating in the Eurofighter as well as in the Tiger and NH90 helicopters of the German Armed Forces, for example. It allows coloured topographic maps to be generated in real time and data specific to the mission to be superimposed over them.
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With the record result of 30.8 million passengers in 2006, Munich Airport stayed on course with its meteoric rise, and actually picked up speed. The gain of more than two million passengers – nearly 8 percent more than a year earlier – was by far the largest absolute increase posted by any German airport last year. Flughafen München GmbH (FMG), the Munich Airport operating company, also reports strong increases in its business results: according to preliminary calculations, the FMG's annual earnings (EAT) after depreciation and taxes amount to approximately Euro 52 million. By once again achieving above-average traffic growth in 2006, Munich pulled past Rome and now holds down the seventh spot among Europe's busiest airports in terms of total passenger volume. “This achievement has moved us a good piece along the road to our goal of making Munich Airport Europe's most attractive and efficient hub airport by 2010” said CEO Michael Kerkloh of FMG at the annual press conference of the airport operating company.
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Heli-One, an operating subsidiary of CHC Helicopter Corporation, announced it has secured contracts with major European Air Forces as follows: 1. Modifications to 12 Royal Norwegian Air Force Bell 412SP helicopters, and upgrades to a further six 412 helicopters from SP to HP models. Work will be carried out in 2007 and 2008. 2. S-61A fleet support for Royal Danish Air Force, including C-inspections, component repair and overhaul, and personnel support. 3. Phase inspections on two Royal Netherlands Air Force AS532U2 Cougar helicopters (with options for a further five inspections), to be performed at Royal Netherlands Air Force facilities in Woensdrecht. Total value of the contracts, excluding options, is approximately CDN$6 million. These contracts reaffirm Heli-One's presence in this sector of the European market and highlight the breadth of services offered by Heli-One. Heli-One is committed to establishing long-term relationships with key operators and pursuing opportunities to provide additional support.
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Northrop Grumman and Dynamatic Technologies Limited, Bangalore, signed a memorandum of understanding, establishing a collaborative relationship for exploring joint new business opportunities related to India's national defence requirements. "We look forward to working closely with Dynamatic Technologies to help meet the advanced technology aerospace and defense product and service needs identified by the Indian ministry of defence," said Brian J. Morra, sector vice president of business development and strategic planning for Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector.
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Pilatus Aircraft is to deliver six PC-21 training aircraft, the associated logistics and engineering services plus mission planning and debriefing systems for the PC-21 Jet Pilot Training System operated by the Swiss Air Force (JEPAS PC-21). The agreement, which was signed in Stans on 22 January 2007, was concluded with armasuisse, the procurement and technology centre that operates within the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS). The aircraft will be stationed at the air force base in Sion (principal location) and in Emmen. The PC-21 trainers will be delivered by the end of 2007, and training for Swiss Air Force pilots is scheduled to commence in March 2008. JEPAS PC-21 will give the Swiss Air Force a state-of-the-art system that will allow student pilots to graduate directly to the F/A 18. The PC-21 combines civil certified IFR-compatibility and autopilot function with integral avionics, missions system, data link and representative simulation options for military training.
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Navy MH-60S Seahawk testers achieved a double milestone as they completed developmental testing of the "Armed Helo" mission kit with first-time Hellfire air-to-ground missile shots from the aircraft January 30. The testing, which started in March, 2006 and tallied more than 260 flight test hours, included firing missiles from both sides of the aircraft, also a first for the H-60 helicopter. "All other Navy Hawks only have one weapon station on the left side of the aircraft," explained Randal McKissack, the MH-60R/S common weapon integrated program team lead here. "Having a weapon station on the right side doubles the firing/weapon capability of the aircraft from four to eight missiles and increases the future flexibility of both carrier and expeditionary strike group commanders." Testers were pleased with the helicopter's ability to fire and hit the target with all of its missiles on the first try.
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NASA's space shuttle Atlantis completed a milestone to move it one step closer to a targeted March launch. Early Wednesday drivers moved Atlantis from the Orbiter Processing Facility to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis, perched on top of the giant, 76-wheel Crawler-Transporter, began its move at 6:19 a.m. EST. It arrived in the Vehicle Assembly Building at 7:24 a.m. In the assembly building, technicians will attach Atlantis to its propulsion elements, an external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. Following those operations, final integration, preparations and closeouts will begin in preparation for flight.
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NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft this month is set to surpass the record for the most science data returned by any Mars spacecraft. While continuing to produce data at record levels, engineers are examining why two instruments are intermittently not performing entirely as planned. All other spacecraft instruments are operating well and continue to return science data. Since beginning its primary science phase in November 2006, the orbiter has returned enough data to fill nearly 1,000 CD-ROMs. This ties the record for Mars data sent back between 1997 and 2006 by NASA's Mars Global Surveyor mission. In late November 2006 the spacecraft team operating the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter noticed a significant increase in noise, such as bad pixels, in one of its 14 camera detector pairs. Another detector, that developed the same problem soon after launch, has worsened. Images from the spacecraft camera last month revealed the first signs of this problem in five other detectors.
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Boeing and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for joint work on the next - generation Chinook for the Italian Army and other future rotorcraft opportunities. Specifically, the MOU between the Rotorcraft Division of Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems and AgustaWestland, identifies potential opportunities for both companies to work together to offer effective and economic joint solutions for future heavy lift rotorcraft requirements that will result in direct benefit to their customers. Initially, the MOU teams Boeing and AgustaWestland to jointly market the CH-47F aircraft as the replacement for the current Italian Army Chinook fleet. Additionally, the two companies have agreed that on future opportunities for new helicopter sales in Italy and the U.K., AgustaWestland will serve as the prime contractor and Boeing will serve as the exclusive prime subcontractor.
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The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman $16 million for two more MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical takeoff and landing Tactical Unmanned Air Vehicles (VTUAV) and to assist the Navy in refining the Fire Scout concept of operations. Including this award, the Navy has a total of nine Fire Scouts on contract with Northrop Grumman. "With the addition of these two air vehicles, we will be able to complete operational test and evaluation as well as some spiral development preparations and test of future payloads," said Cmdr. Rob Murphy, the Navy's VTUAV Fire Scout program manager.
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EADS North America is moving the UH-72A program into full swing for the U.S. Army, with deliveries of 16 Light Utility Helicopters scheduled for 2007 from the production facility of its American Eurocopter business unit in Columbus, Mississippi. EADS North America has provided three UH-72A Lakota aircraft to the Army since contract award in June 2006. The initial two UH-72A Lakotas were delivered in 2006, over three months ahead of schedule on November 29 and December 20, respectively. The company is keeping up the pace in 2007, with the third UH-72A Lakota delivered nearly three months ahead of schedule on January 30. These first three UH-72As will be assigned to the service's National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California where the U.S. Army will conduct Initial Operational Testing. To date, the Army has ordered a total of 42 UH-72As from EADS North America, along with the associated training services for pilots and maintenance personnel, external hoist kits, and MEDEVAC “B-kits.” In addition to the initial three aircraft already delivered by EADS North America, 10 more Lakotas currently are on the production line.
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The Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) at Boscombe Down in England, part of the QinetiQ Group, has added an AgustaWestland A109 Power helicopter to its training fleet. The addition of the A109 has significantly increased the capacity of the School to train helicopter test pilots and flight test engineers and will help ETPS to meet the growing demand for places on its rotary wing courses. The aircraft has arrived at Boscombe Down in time for the start of the 2007 rotary wing training course and, during the 12-month course, engineering modifications will be carried out to instrument the aircraft. This will increase its training capability and make it available for use in syllabus exercises, which currently use the School's instrumented Lynx and Sea-King helicopters.
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Boeing has successfully demonstrated the use of an electro-optical/infrared targeting pod on a B-1 bomber, increasing the aircraft's ability to minimize ground threats and halt an enemy's advancement. Configured with a Sniper XR electro-optical/infrared targeting pod manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the B-1 crew completed more than 40 test conditions in approximately eight hours on Jan. 19 over the Mojave Desert in California. The demonstration validated the B-1 crew's ability to positively identify moving and stationary targets in a variety of real-world conditions. Mounted on an external pylon below the cockpit, the targeting pod allowed the flight crews to track moving vehicles day and night, in both crowded and clear conditions. The sensor detected large and small vehicles at different ranges and angles and maintained its track even when the target vehicle passed other vehicles.
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Boeing is delighted that Azerbaijan Airlines has agreed to purchase three 787-8 Dreamliners and two 737-900ERs. Boeing is working with Azerbaijan Airlines to finalize the order. When finalized, the order will make Azerbaijan Airlines the first airline throughout the republics of the former Soviet Union to order both the 787 and the 737-900ER.
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Boeing and Insitu, Inc., ScanEagle team has gained compliance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) interoperability standard. The standard, also known as Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586, establishes specifications for a common ground station system for UAVs used by NATO military forces. Compliance with STANAG 4586 allows NATO member nations to jointly support military operations using their own UAVs and ground control station equipment. This increases interoperability and allows data and information processed by member nation UAVs to be shared real-time through a common ground interface.
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Lockheed Martin received a firm fixed-price foreign military sales contract from the Belgium Defense (BE DEF) for eight Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP), making the BE DEF the fifth international customer to join the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard flying with the Sniper ATP. Terms of the contract were not released. With deliveries beginning in 2007, the BE DEF will benefit from Sniper ATP's exceptional stability and superior imagery, which allow aircrews to positively identify armed insurgents from extended standoff ranges. The contract also includes training and support equipment. The BE DEF is the second European Air Forces (EPAF) partner to choose Sniper ATP over other targeting pods. In July 2003, the Royal Norwegian Air Force selected Sniper, and has since procured 20 pods.
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Saab Avitronics has received a contract for development, production and support of a Terrain Masking Low Level Flight Computer for the A400M military transport aircraft. The contract is worth an amount in the range greater than 10 Million EURO depending on the aircraft sales. "We are proud of being selected as a supplier to the advanced Airbus aircraft A400M. We now further strengthen our position as a competitive supplier on the avionics market", says Björn Erman, President of Saab Avitronics. The Terrain Masking Low Level Flight Computer, based on the very latest processor technology, is an essential part of the Terrain Masking Low Level Flight System for the German A400M fleet. The system enables safe tactical flights on very low altitude.
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General Dynamics has announced that, on April 9, Joseph T. Lombardo will become executive vice president of its Aerospace business group and president of subsidiary Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, succeeding Bryan T. Moss. Lombardo, who has been Gulfstream's chief operating officer since 2001, will report to Nicholas D. Chabraja, chairman and chief executive officer of General Dynamics. Moss, General Dynamics' executive vice president for the company's Aerospace group and president of Gulfstream since 2003, will become president emeritus of Gulfstream, a new position. Chabraja said, "Bryan has been an exemplary leader at Gulfstream over the past four years. When we asked him to become president in 2003, the company and the industry were facing a number of challenges. With the benefit of his insight, and his ability to motivate and guide an exceptionally strong team at Gulfstream, he has been instrumental in helping to chart our course to the success we're enjoying today.
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The US Department of Defense announced that Italy 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. In the Feb 7 ceremony in the Pentagon Under Secretary of State for Defense Giovanni Forcieri added his signature to the agreement already signed by the United States, The Netherlands, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Norway. The United States was represented by Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England. This MOU provides a framework for future program efforts in production and beyond, and will extend cooperation beyond the current system development and demonstration agreement between the United States and the other eight JSF partner nations. The remaining partner nation, Denmark, is expected to sign the JSF PSFD MOU by the end of February 2007.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has ordered an additional 24 F404-GE-IN20 afterburning engines to power the first operational squadron of Tejas fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Value of the order is in excess of $100 million and follows an initial 2004 purchase of 17 F404-GE-IN20 engines to power a limited series of operational production aircraft and naval prototypes. Earlier this year, the F404-GE-IN20 was trial-installed in Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) as part of final evaluations toward flight-testing, scheduled for mid-2007. The F404-IN-20 engine has generated more than 19,000 pounds (85 kN) uninstalled thrust and has completed 330 hours of Accelerated Mission testing, which is the equivalent of 1,000 hours of flight operation.
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Northrop Grumman ISS International has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Tusas Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) to be a second source for the F-35 Lightning II center fuselage. TAI will produce a minimum of 400 center fuselages starting in the low rate initial production (LRIP) phase of the program. The LOI represents a potential value in excess of $3 billion in then-year dollars. Key representatives from the two companies signed the LOI during a press conference held in Ankara, Turkey, witnessed by and following key remarks from the Minister of National Defense, Mr. Vecdi Gonul, and the Undersecretary for Defense Industries, Mr. Murad Bayar.
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A new Asian customer is to acquire an A319 Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ), consolidating the aircraft's presence in Asia, where total sales run into double-figures. Asia – especially China and India – are experiencing rapid economic growth and, as companies expand, there is an increasing need for corporate jets to serve the demanding travel schedules of their top executives. Worldwide sales of the Airbus ACJ Family now total around 80, with the aircraft having been chosen by customers on every continent. Airbus ACJs have led the large top-of-the-line corporate jet market for the last three years, and won almost two-thirds of sales in 2006.
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Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) is set to become involved in the new-generation Hawk advanced jet trainer programme, if a Hawk contract is awarded to BAE Systems by the Hellenic Government. This understanding is reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding, signed between HAI, Greece's leading defence and aerospace business and global defence company BAE Systems. The MoU would involve HAI employees in the manufacture, supply, upgrade and through-life support of the advanced jet training system, already in service with 19 of the world's air forces. It lays the foundations for a partnership between the two companies which would see HAI become a major component supplier to Hawk AJTs produced for the global market.
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Airbus has won its first Asian customer for a VIP version of its ultra long-haul A340-500 – highlighting the aircraft's growing appeal to private customers. The deal is the third for the VIP A340 that Airbus has announced this year, and is in addition to five orders for Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) Family aircraft. The Asian customer's A340-500 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines.
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Ryanair announced record Q3 results. Net profit rose 30% to Euro48m., traffic grew 19% to 10.3m., yields were up 7% as total revenues increased 33% to Euro493m. Unit costs rose by 14% as fuel costs increased 52% to Euro175m. Despite much higher oil costs, Ryanair maintained a net margin of 10% in Q3, which is significantly ahead of expectations. Announcing these results, Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, said: “This exceptional 30% increase in Q3 profits during a period of higher oil prices, intense competition, and 21% seat capacity growth demonstrates, yet again, the robustness of Ryanair's lowest fare model. Scheduled revenues rose by 28%, thanks to a 19% growth in traffic and a better than forecasted 7% rise in average yields. The 7% rise in yields largely reflects the impact of competitors excessive and unjustified fuel surcharges as well as revenues from checked baggage charges which were introduced in March '06 and lack of a prior year comparative in this quarter's numbers. We anticipate that the baggage charges will encourage passengers to travel with fewer checked bags thereby reducing the revenues from this source, and more importantly, reducing baggage handling costs. Ancillary revenues grew by 61%, significantly faster than traffic growth, thanks to a higher passenger spend, increased service penetration and receipt of a one off settlement arising from an early contract termination by our hotel partner. We expect to announce the selection of a replacement hotel service provider before the end of March.
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Avion Aircraft Trading has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for six A330-200 Freighters. With this commitment Avion, based in Reykjavik, joins the launch customer base for the new Airbus freighter and becomes the first customer in Iceland for this aircraft type. Deliveries for these aircraft are scheduled in 2010 and 2011. Avion Aircraft Trading is partly owned by HF Eimskip, the parent company of Air Atlanta Icelandic, known for its services including Aircraft Crew Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI operations) to airlines worldwide such as Air France Cargo, Cargolux, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Lufthansa Cargo, MASKargo and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
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Rolls-Royce Group reported a record order book, at £26.1bn (2005 £24.4bn). Group sales were £7,156m. Sales on an underlying basis increased by 14 per cent. Services revenues increased by 13 per cent to £3,901m on an underlying basis. Profit before financing costs of £693m (2005 £877m). Underlying profit before financing costs increased 10 per cent to £748m. Underlying profit before taxation increased 19 per cent to £705m. Net cash inflow of £491m (2005 £552m). Average net cash of £150m (2005 net debt £260m). Final payment to shareholders increased by ten per cent to 5.92p per share, making a full year total of 9.59p per share. Sir John Rose, Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased to have increased our order book, sales and underlying earnings in a challenging environment. These results strongly endorse the Group's strategy and demonstrate the resilience and organic growth capabilities of our business model. For 2007, we are confident that the measures we are taking to improve productivity, coupled with the underlying growth of the Group and the robust business model, will enable us to continue to grow underlying revenues and profits and generate a positive cash flow.”
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The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency informed Congress on Feb. 6 that it is proposing to sell 24 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft to Australia, in a deal valued at $3.1 billion including related equipment and services. The announcement comes only days after Australian Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said in a Feb. 1 statement that “A risk mitigation strategy being analysed is to obtain 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft to ensure Australia's air combat capability edge is maintained” pending delivery of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Initial Operational Capability of the first squadron of JSF is expected in 2014/2015, Nelson said, adding that despite widespread criticism “our analysis supports the original assessment that the JSF is the most suitable aircraft for Australia's needs.”
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Junior Aircrew from the Australian Navy's Fleet Air Arm will soon be flying three Agusta Westland A109E Multi-Engine helicopters that will be operated from the Naval Air Station at HMAS Albatross, Nowra, NSW. Following an in-depth tender and negotiation process, Mr Michael Ward (Raytheon Australia) and CDRE Peter Jones (Commander Australian Naval Systems Command) signed a four-year $24 million contract at the Fleet Air Arm Museum on 8 December 2006 to deliver a 'Turn Key' style operation beginning in March 2007. The aircraft have been sourced from overseas. Two were acquired via Agusta Westland Italy, which were previously operated by the Swedish Airforce, and the third from a civil operator in France. All three aircraft will be modified and repainted in military colours prior to acceptance by the Navy.
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IAE International Aero Engines announced today (February 5) that JetBlue Airways had signed commercial terms for the SelectOne build standard of the V2500. This major engine upgrade will be introduced to 58 firm JetBlue Airbus A320 deliveries from 2009 onwards with options for a further 50. Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Aircraft Programs for JetBlue Airways Tom Anderson said: “JetBlue has built its reputation on providing great service at a cost-effective price and IAE has, since our launch, been fully aligned to these objectives. After careful evaluation, we realized the significant financial benefit of investing in SelectOne – a further enhancement of the already market-leading V2500. With this, JetBlue will enjoy even greater fuel savings, superior engine durability and a greater asset value.”
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Northrop Grumman announced it will submit a bid for the U. S. Air Force's KC- 135 Tanker Replacement Program, KC-X. "The next-generation tanker is vital to our nation's power projection capabilities around the world for decades to come," said Scott Seymour, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems sector. "After carefully studying the final language in the Air Force's KC-X request for proposals, we and our team members have determined that the Northrop Grumman KC-30 is a very competitive offering that fully supports the Air Force's tanker mission." Seymour added, "We appreciate the Air Force acquisition authority's process transparency and invitation for industry dialogue which have resulted in this very comprehensive, capabilities-based final request for proposal. We look forward to submitting a proposal that will provide the Air Force with the best-value, next-generation tanker possible for our future warfighters."
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Larsen and Toubro Ltd. (L&T) and European aerospace and defence group EADS took the first step towards joint exploration of business opportunities in defence and aerospace. On Thursday, Mr MV Kotwal Senior Executive Vice President of Larsen and Toubro and Daniel Baubil Executive Vice President and Head of Global Industrial Development of EADS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to establish a long-term, profitable and stable relationship to better address the needs of the aerospace and defence markets in India and around the world. The signing took place at the Aero India 2007 exhibition in the city. “Cooperation is a very important part of our industrial development strategy in India. The capability and capacity of Larsen and Toubro and EADS represent a great potential for synergies to offer competitive systems. We are keen to develop strong industrial teaming with L&T that will help to better meet future national and international requirements,” said Daniel Baubil, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Industrial Development of EADS at the signing of the Agreement.
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Bell Helicopter said its two teams were evaluating an opportunity to co-produce cabin sub-assemblies with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for its light-single engine commercial helicopter model 407. Demand from both commercial and military markets for model 407 aircraft was growing "tremendously', Robert Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice-President, Marketing and Sales, Bell helicopter, told reporters at the "Aero India 2007" air show in Bangalore. Bell Helicopter and HAL had signed an MoU to identify potential and mutually beneficial projects for collaboration, which could range from manufacturing and assembly to production planning, engineering and product support, he said. Fitzpatrick said Bell was also exploring opportunities with other Indian firms to expand industrial partnerships. He said Bell was committed to working with an Indian partner to develop rotary wing pilot training and final selection and announcement of the Bell Helicopter certified training facility would be made in the second half of this year. Bell 407 is in competition with the Eurocopter's 350B3 to replace the Indian Army's ageing fleet of Cheetah, he said. He said the Bell proposal, submitted in 2005, calls for initial delivery of 60 407 aircraft delivered in the Indian Army's desired configuration and offers technology transfer of 100 per cent of bell design to HAL, besides co-production of 137 aircraft by HAL after technology transfer.
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Honda Aircraft Company announced plans to establish its world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, with construction of a new 215,000 square foot headquarters facility and hangar at Piedmont Triad International (PTI) airport. The company also confirmed plans to manufacture its advanced light jet, HondaJet, at a new plant to be constructed adjacent to its new headquarters. Further details about the production facility, including the size, scope of operations and construction timetable, will be announced at a later date. Honda plans to begin delivery of HondaJet to customers in 2010. Initial investment for construction of the new headquarters facility and hangar will be about $40 million, plus approximately $20 million for equipment, bringing the total initial investment to $60 million. Details of additional investment for the HondaJet manufacturing facility will be announced at a later date. Total Honda Aircraft Company employment, including all engineering, sales and marketing, manufacturing and support activities, will increase to more than 300 associates by the time the manufacturing plant reaches full capacity.
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Cessna Aircraft delivered 1,239 aircraft last year, maintaining its leadership position as the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. “Thanks to a growing demand for business aircraft around the globe, our Citation jet deliveries grew to 307 aircraft last year, up more than 50 aircraft over 2005,” said Jack J. Pelton, chairman, CEO and president of Cessna. “We also did very well with our single-engine line, with 865 piston aircraft and 67 turboprops delivered. With these deliveries, and with our development work for new single-engine products, our leadership and commitment in this market segment are unrivaled. “The business jet market outside the U.S. continues to grow,” Pelton said. “In 2006, business jet orders outside the U.S. accounted for 48 percent of our total orders.” Cessna's revenues for 2006 were $4.2 billion, up from $3.5 billion a year ago. Cessna expects to deliver 375 jets in 2007, including 40 newly certified Citation Mustangs.
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