+++ Airbus restructuring approved at last +++ Lufthansa posts record profit and revenue in 2006 +++ ESA gives go-ahead to build BepiColombo +++ EADS draged down by Airbus problems +++ Rolls-Royce RR300 to power new Robinson helicopter +++ GAO supports protests on CSAR-X decision +++ Denmark joins F-35 program's next phase +++ Bell 429 flies as 417 is cancelled +++ A380 freighter programme stopped +++ Finnair first to sign for A350XWB +++ News in brief +++
Airbus restructuring approved at last
Sanierung von Airbus beginnt
Following the unanimous approval by the EADS Board of Directors on Monday, Airbus presented the details of its Power8 restructuring plan to the Airbus European Works Council and announced the creation of a new industrial and operating structure for the Company.
Power8 will enable Airbus to face the very substantial challenge of the US dollar weakness, increased competitive pressure, the financial burden related to the A380 delays as well as meet its other future investment needs. Power8 provides for strong cost-cutting measures, aims at transforming the Airbus business model and the development of a global network of partners. It will allow Airbus to devote its resources to core activities and eliminate inefficiencies within its current structure. The programme aims at the full industrial integration of Airbus by establishing a new industrial organization with transnational Centres of Excellence replacing the existing national structures. This transformation will happen progressively over several years and includes the further extension of Airbus' global footprint.
As part of Power8, the Airbus management will implement strong cost reduction and cash generating efforts leading to EBIT contributions of EUR 2.1 billion from 2010 onwards and additional EUR 5 billion of cumulative cash flow from 2007 to 2010. A large part of the cost savings will be achieved through reducing the total Airbus overhead workforce (including temporary and on-site supplier workforce) by 10,000.
The envisaged measures to reduce overhead costs, and specifically headcount, require a provision of EUR 680 million to be taken in the first quarter of 2007. Airbus has put in place a robust tracking system with tangible matrix regarding cost and cash impact up to their materialization in the financial statements.
"Without establishing Power8 quickly, profitability will drift significantly short of industry standards and of reasonable expectations. This is an unsustainable and unacceptable situation. Power8 is designed to reduce that gap," said EADS and Airbus CFO Hans Peter Ring.
Power8 envisages the following measures:
The objective of a lighter and cost efficient management will be addressed by several Power8 programme modules and in particular by the Reduction of Airbus Overhead costs module.
Reduction of Airbus Overhead Costs: The Airbus management proposes a progressive headcount reduction of 10,000 overhead positions over four years - thereof in Airbus Deutschland around 3,700 in Airbus France around 3,200, in Airbus UK around 1,600, in Airbus CE around 1,100 and in Airbus España around 400.
5,000 of these positions are temporary or on-site subcontractors, where reductions will begin immediately. The other 5,000 overhead positions affected will be direct Airbus employees. Priority is given to achieve reductions through negotiated voluntary severance processes and schemes in each country concerned. The respective national processes, including negotiations in each country of voluntary severance schemes, will be launched immediately. Airbus' total workforce consists of 57,000 direct employees plus 30,000 subcontractors.
At this stage, the Airbus management proposes no forced redundancies. Should these schemes not generate the expected level of reductions within the next 12 to 18 months, other measures will have to be considered to fully achieve the cost saving targets.
Other substantial cost cutting and strict budget control measures are already underway. They include a temporary hiring freeze, an executive salary freeze for 2007, as well as significant cuts in general expenses. As part of the overall cost cutting, Airbus and EADS will work together to implement the strategy of shared services and sourcing.
Further Power8 modules aimed at streamlining Airbus' processes and supporting the transition to the "New Airbus" are:
Develop Faster: This module aims at the reduction of cycle time of new aircraft development from 7.5 to 6 years, while establishing robust development processes with risk-sharing partners to secure these cycle time reductions, as well as the required aircraft maturity at entry into service. It also aims at improving the productivity of the company's engineering activities by 15 per cent.
Lean Manufacturing: It is meant to further integrate manufacturing and associated engineering, and ensure the deployment of consistent lean production principles across all plants. A productivity increase by 16 per cent is targeted by 2010.
Smart Buying: This module aims at the reduction of the Airbus supply cost base. It will also contribute to the reshaping and consolidation of our supply base, and the building of a network of strong Risk Sharing Partners to Tier 1 suppliers, while streamlining the logistics organization (from 80 to 8 logistic centres).
Maximise Cash: This module targets the reduction of financial working capital and the tight control of cash in all operations.
The Customer First Module will ensure the interests of customers to always come first. "Delivering and even improving on our commitments, serving our customers even better, with even higher levels of services, more reliability and reactivity, and further improved quality is our prime objective in all this", explains Mr Gallois.
In the future, Airbus will focus on "core business" activities that are critical for the integrity and safety of the aircraft, or vital for technological and commercial differentiation, for the operability and reliability of the aircraft and its maturity at entry into service. These activities include overall aircraft and cabin architecture, systems integration, as well as the design, assembly, installation, equipping, customization and testing of major and complex components or manufacturing of new technology parts.
This "core" activity focus will be implemented in the "make or buy" strategy adopted for the A350 XWB. About 50 per cent of aerostructure work will be outsourced to risk-sharing partners (EUR 1.8 billion non recurring costs and EUR 600 million associated CAPEX). This is proportionally about twice as much as in earlier programmes. The workshare responsibility for the development of the A350 XWB will be split equitably among the founding nations with about 35 percent for Germany and France, 20 per cent for the UK and 10 per cent for Spain.
Airbus will restructure its industrial set up and establish in the coming years a long-term oriented network with strong partners. This will allow Airbus to share development costs as well as engineering resources. "We will turn Airbus into an extended enterprise. The A350 XWB will draw on this new business model, as we assign large work packages to Tier 1 suppliers in return for a better distribution of future investment, risks and opportunities, with a consolidated supply base," Mr. Gallois said.
The sites in Laupheim, St. Nazaire-Ville and Varel will continue to perform long-term substantial workloads on the current Airbus aircraft programmes, such as the A380, the A320, the A330/A340 families, and the A400M. Airbus is committed to seeking viable future opportunities for these sites, this includes options to sell sites to key suppliers, management buy out or combination with nearby sites. This will of course be done in close consultation with the social partners. "We will prepare the future of each and every one of our sites in the overall interest of Airbus, to strengthen industrial partners and suppliers, and to ensure long-term local business and employment continuity," said Mr. Gallois.
A number of measures are also being implemented to further increase the efficiency of the final assembly lines (FALs). The A350 XWB will be assembled and receive its interior furnishing in Toulouse, in the same facilities as the current A330/A340, enabling a capacity enhancement of this FAL. A third A320 Family FAL will be set up in Hamburg immediately to cope with the steep production ramp-up currently under way. This FAL will be established in already existing facilities and will have full type flexibility when demand for A320s exceeds rate 14 per month. The A320 will continue to be assembled in Toulouse up to rate 14. Hamburg will also perform final assembly of the future New Single Aisle family.
Concluding his comments, Louis Gallois said: "None of these changes will be easy, but they are essential to securing the future of Airbus as a world-leading aircraft manufacturer for the long-term, and a business of which all its stakeholders can be rightly proud."
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Lufthansa posts record profit and revenue in 2006
Positiver Ausblick für Lufthansa
Lufthansa Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber announced record net profit and revenue at today's press conference on the company's annual result. During the last year revenue increased by almost ten per cent to 19.8 billion euros, setting a new record. Group profit after tax also climbed to a new peak at 803 million euros. The operating profit was up by 46 per cent to 845 million euros. “We have a very satisfying result in every aspect to show for 2006. The figures speak for themselves and underline the successful course that has been set by the Lufthansa Group”, said Mayrhuber.
The Lufthansa Chairman emphasised that the company had continued to focus on its core competencies during the past year. The Group will achieve book gains of approximately 500 million euros from the sale of its shares in Thomas Cook AG. “We are sharpening our Group profile and creating value for our shareholders”, explained Mayrhuber. All business segments recorded operating profit during the past year. The key business segment, passenger transportation, closed with a profit of 400 million euros, equivalent to a 200 per cent rise in earnings.
The Lufthansa CEO explained that, “the Group's customers valued the consistent and targeted investments in the product” and added that, “while we continue to grow as a whole, there is a significant and steady rise in the number of passengers that are deciding to opt for First and Business class. Nonetheless, flying Economy with Lufthansa remains a choice for quality and one that is still very popular.” The new betterFly offer that was introduced throughout Germany in April was welcomed with open arms. During the last year, a record 53.4 million passengers flew with Lufthansa.
The incorporation of the quality carrier SWISS is progressing better and more rapidly than expected. Last year, the partnership's overall synergies totalled more than 200 million euros and were significantly higher than the amount originally forecast. “Our customers profit from this strong partnership and the success of SWISS is already visible in the Group result.”
The Lufthansa Group generated revenues of 19.8 billion euros in 2006, representing growth of 9.9 per cent. Traffic revenue increased by 10.4 per cent to 15.4 billion euros. There was a significant rise in the average yields during the reporting period. An increase of 5.2 per cent was registered across the board for all traffic segments. Other operating income dropped by 9.4 per cent to 1.4 billion euros, in comparison to last year. During the previous year, this entry still included higher book gains of around 245 million euros, mainly due to the sale of shares in Amadeus and Loyalty Partner.
The operating expenses rose by 6.9 per cent to 20.3 billion euros. The significantly higher cost of kerosene was again a major cost factor. A total of 3.4 billion euros was spent on fuel during the reporting period, equivalent to a year-on-year rise of 26 per cent or 693 million euros. Without the successful fuel price hedging measures, the Group would have spent an additional 150 million euros on fuel.
The Lufthansa Group improved its operating profit for 2006 by 46.4 per cent to 845 million euros. The Group result after tax rose by 77.3 per cent to a new record level of 803 million euros. Investments increased to 1.9 billion euros and, as during the previous years, could once again be financed entirely from cash flow. The Group increased operating cash flow by 7.6 per cent to 2.1 billion euros.
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ESA gives go-ahead to build BepiColombo
Neue ESA-Sonde genehmigt
BepiColombo, ESA's mission to explore planet Mercury, has been definitively 'adopted' by the Agency's Science Programme Committee (SPC) last Friday. The mission will now start its industrial implementation phase, to prepare for launch in August 2013.
BepiColombo is the next European planetary exploration project, and will be implemented in collaboration with Japan. A satellite 'duo' – consisting of an orbiter for planetary investigation and one for magnetospheric studies – will reach Mercury after a six-year journey towards the inner Solar System, to eventually perform the most extensive and detailed study of the planet ever performed so far.
The 'Mercury Planetary Orbiter' (MPO) will be under ESA responsibility, while the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO) will be under the responsibility of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The Mercury Transfer Module (MTM), also under ESA responsibility, will provide the electrical and chemical propulsion required to perform the cruise to Mercury. These three modules assembled together for the launch and cruise phase make up a single composite spacecraft.
The MPO will carry a highly sophisticated suite of eleven scientific instruments, ten of which will be provided by Principal Investigators through national funding by ESA Member States and one from Russia.
The MMO will carry five advanced scientific experiments that will also be provided by nationally funded Principal investigators, one European and four from Japan. Significant European contributions are also provided to the Japanese instruments.
After a competitive definition phase started in 2001, ESA is now ready to award Astrium GmbH (Friedrichshafen, Germany) with the prime contract for the BepiColombo implementation phase, consisting of the mission design and of the design, development and integration of the 'cruise-composite' spacecraft. Astrium GmbH will also provide engineering support to the launch campaign and the in-orbit commissioning phase.
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EADS draged down by Airbus problems
Gewinneinbruch bei EADS
Based on a strong commercial momentum EADS displayed revenue growth within all its Divisions. High delivery levels led to revenues of EUR 39.4 billion – an increase of 15 percent (FY 2005: EUR 34.2 billion). For the first time the Group hit the landmark of EUR 10 billion in defence revenues.
In 2006, EADS posted an EBIT (pre goodwill and exceptionals) of EUR 399 million (FY 2005: EUR 2.9 billion). The impact of the A380, A350 and A400M combined with the deteriorating weakness of the US Dollar against the Euro pushed Airbus into a loss. It is overcompensated by strong EBIT of the other EADS businesses.
“Two contrasting observations emerge from our review of 2006: The first is the overall vitality of the Group as measured by significant market accomplishments in all Divisions. The second is an urgent need to implement Power8 and overhaul our Airbus business. It will take some time but Power8 will make Airbus substantially more integrated and efficient,” said EADS CEOs Tom Enders and Louis Gallois. “For 2007, our priorities are to drive operational improvements, restore the Group's credibility and build a leaner and more dynamic EADS.”
Eurocopter experienced an outstanding year in a very supportive market environment with an unprecedented level of 615 new orders for helicopters. It recorded a strategic breakthrough with the US Army light utility helicopter UH-72A Lakota order. With a total of 381 helicopters Eurocopter delivered more than ever before.
EADS Astrium significantly improved profitability and was awarded important orders for satellites and systems such as SatComBW, a major satellite communication programme in Germany.
The Defence & Security Division enhanced its performance and captured business opportunities in areas such as the secure networks business, thus creating a solid base for further long-term improvement.
The strong increase in revenues to EUR 39.4 billion was supported by all Divisions, in particular by the higher deliveries at Airbus and Eurocopter.
EADS' total EBIT in 2006 was EUR 399 million (FY 2005: EUR 2,852 million). EBIT was substantially burdened by the impact of A380 delays, A350 related charges, high Research & Development (R&D) expenses and by losses at EADS Sogerma. Additionally, hedges for EADS Group matured at a less favourable average rate of EUR 1 = US$ 1.12 (FY 2005: EUR 1 = US$ 1.06).
These negative factors were partly compensated by significantly improved contributions from Airbus' series production and the Group's helicopter, defence and space businesses, and a minor contribution from a pension accounting change.
The Group's reduced Net Income of EUR 99 million (FY 2005: EUR 1,676 million), or EUR 0.12 per share (FY 2005: EUR 2.11) mainly mirrors the Group's EBIT development.
Focused on the future, EADS invested over six percent of its revenues in R&D. In 2006, the Group's self-financed R&D expenses increased to EUR 2,458 million (FY 2005: EUR 2,075 million), caused mostly by Airbus continuing aircraft development programmes and higher Research & Technology (R&T) effort across the Group.
At the end of December, EADS' order book stood at EUR 262.8 billion (year-end 2005: EUR 253.2 billion). Contributions from commercial aircraft activities are based on list prices. The order book increase versus year-end 2005 was achieved despite a EUR 17 billion impact due to revaluation at a less favourable EUR/US$ exchange rate. The Group's defence order book further increased and stood at EUR 52.9 billion as of 31 December 2006 (year-end 2005: EUR 52.4 billion). At the end of 2006, EADS had 116,805 employees (year-end 2005: 113,210).
Under its 2007 internal budget, EADS plans its revenues will experience a single-digit decrease (mainly due to the assumed EUR/US$ rate of 1.30), and its EBIT will remain roughly stable in 2007.
Adjusted for a stable US Dollar, Airbus revenues would remain level, based on 440 to 450 deliveries through the year, and despite lower contributions from the A400M. Airbus will display another substantial loss in 2007, attributable to charges for the Power8 restructuring, further costs to support the A380 programme, potential A350XWB launch charges, higher R&D expenses, as well as the impact of the worsening US Dollar parity to the Euro.
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Rolls-Royce RR300 to power new Robinson helicopter
Robinson entwickelt erstes Turbinenmodell
Rolls-Royce will supply a new turboshaft engine to power Robinson Helicopter Company's new R66 rotorcraft, it was announced at Heli Expo. The new RR300 engine represents a major step forward in the helicopter industry by providing 300 shaft horsepower at takeoff, excellent hot and high performance and outstanding value. The RR300 makes Rolls-Royce turbine power available in the lower shp range.
The new R66 model, a five-seater, is Robinson Helicopter Company's first venture into gas turbine-powered rotorcraft and will complement the company's existing line of piston-powered aircraft. Rolls-Royce expects FAA type certification by 2008 with full-rate production to follow. Under the agreement with Robinson Helicopter, Rolls-Royce will provide several hundred RR300 engines in upcoming years.
The RR300 embodies new technology and advanced design methodology. The engine draws on the proven record of other Rolls-Royce turbine powerplants to deliver a powerful, dependable engine at a competitive price. Key attributes of the RR300 include: lower acquisition and operating costs; low-weight, compact design; improved specific fuel consumption; an embedded engine monitoring system; and an optional, through-life, peace-of-mind maintenance program.
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GAO supports protests on CSAR-X decision
Entscheidung für Boeing Chinook angefochten
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) sustained the bid protests of Sikorsky Aircraft Company and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration-Oswego (LMSI) against the Department of the Air Force*s award of a contract to The Boeing Company, under request for proposals No. FA8629-06-R-2350, for the Combat Search and Rescue Replacement Vehicle (CSAR-X). The solicitation provided that for purposes of the source selection,
cost/price would be calculated on the basis of the Most Probable Life Cycle Cost (MPLCC), including both contract and operations and support costs. GAO sustained the protest on the basis that the Air Force's actual evaluation of MPLCC was inconsistent with the required approach as set forth in the solicitation.
GAO recommended that the Air Force amend the solicitation to reflect its intent with respect to the evaluation of MPLCC, reopen discussions with offerors, and then request revised proposals. GAO further recommended that if the evaluation of revised proposals results in a determination that Boeing´s proposal no longer represents the best value to the government, the agency should terminate its contract. GAO also recommended that Sikorsky and LMSI be reimbursed the costs of filing and pursuing their protests, including reasonable attorneys fees.
Sikorsky said: "We are pleased that the GAO has sustained Sikorsky's protest and are reviewing the GAO's decision to determine the appropriate course of action," said Sikorsky President Jeffrey Pino. "We sought to ensure the selection process accurately evaluated the characteristics and performance of our HH-92 SUPERHAWK helicopter ('HH-92'). We have complete confidence that this helicopter is the best platform for the Air Force's current and future needs," he added.
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Denmark joins F-35 program's next phase
Alle JSF-Partner sind jetzt an Bord
On 27 February, Denmark became the ninth and final F-35 partner nation to join the production and support phase of the Joint Strike Fighter program. In signing the F-35 Production, Sustainment and Follow-On Development Memorandum of Understanding, Denmark extends its cooperation in the program beyond the current System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase, and joins the family of partner nations that will cooperatively develop, produce, test, train and operate the F-35 Lightning II.
"Today's milestone is not the end of a process but rather the beginning of constructing the world's greatest airpower coalition," said Brig. Gen. C.R. Davis, F-35 Lightning II program executive officer. "Denmark's long history of active partnership with the U.S. and all F-35 partner nations reaches a new pinnacle today as the country signs this MOU. This is a really great moment for the entire F-35 Lightning II Team." Denmark's work on the program includes advanced composites, communications software, control-surface components and weapons pylons.
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Bell 429 flies as 417 is cancelled
Erstflug der 429 in Montreal
Bell's new 429 GlobalRanger light twin helicopter made its first flight on 26 February at the company's test facility in Mirabel, Quebec. Two test pilots conducted the flight, which focused on controllability and synchronization. The helicopter hovered in ground effect at about 15 feet and also maneuvered in all directions at 30 to 40 feet.
Announcing the first flight at Heli-Expo in Orlando, Bell also had bad news: the company has canceled development of the single-engine 417 helicopter, which made its dramatic debut just a year ago at Heli-Expo. “That program was not going to be a big differentiator in the marketplace,” said Robert Fitzpatrick, senior vice president of business development. “The customer value proposition was not there.” This was despite deposits for 136 helicopters.
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A380 freighter programme stopped
UPS bestellt A380 ab
On March 2, UPS announced its intent to cancel later this year an order for 10 Airbus A380 freighters. The final cancellation decision will be formally presented to Airbus on the first date specified under an agreement reached last week that gives either party the right to terminate the order.
Last week's agreement specified a revised delivery schedule that delayed UPS's first A380 jumbo freighter from 2010 to 2012. UPS originally expected its first freighter in 2009. UPS had intended to complete an internal study of whether it could wait until 2012 for the aircraft, but now understands Airbus is diverting employees from the A380 freighter program to work on the passenger version of the plane.
"Based on our previous discussions, we had felt that 2012 was a reasonable estimate of when Airbus could supply this plane," said David Abney, UPS's chief operating officer and president of UPS Airlines. "We no longer are confident that Airbus can adhere to that schedule. UPS has built one of the largest airlines in the world in order to ensure reliable service to our customers, and we're confident we have the resources to continue doing so in the future."
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Finnair first to sign for A350XWB
A350XWB: erster Auftrag erteilt
Finnair signed a firm contract for eleven A350XWBs as well as seven additional long-range aircraft (a mix of A340-300s and A330s). It is the first airline to convert its order for nine of the initial A350, placed in December 2005, into the new A350XWB, and to simultaneously increase the number of aircraft ordered. “We are particularly honoured by this mark of confidence from Finnair, one of Europe's major airlines. It is an endorsement of the new A350XWB programme. Throughout 2006, Finnair regularly expressed its faith in the product as well as in the Airbus team, and we are extremely pleased to come to this agreement today,” Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, John Leahy said.” I am confident the A350XWB will deliver on its promises and that it will meet Finnair's requirements in terms of passenger and cargo traffic growth towards Asia and the Far East.”
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
AgustaWestland unveiled the new AW119 Ke - Koala enhanced - at Heli-Expo 2007, an evolution of the successful A119 Koala. With its Maximum Take-Off Weight increased to 2,850 Kg./6,283 lb, the Koala enhanced offers customers unmatched performance with a resulting payload/range capability that makes the AW119 Ke an unrivalled helicopter in the single-engine category. The performance of the AW119 Koala enhanced has immediately found success in the marketplace, having been already ordered by offshore and fire fighting operators as well as VIP/Corporate customers. Thanks to the combination of the single powerful Pratt & Whitney 1,002 shp turbine engine with new, state-of-the-art design main rotor blades, the AW119 Ke provides excellent performance capabilities with an extended operational envelope for demanding hot and high conditions at high gross weights. Like the A119 Koala, the AW119 Ke is faster than its competitors and offers the largest cabin and luggage capacity of any helicopter in its class, with the lowest seat-mile costs in its class. It can accommodate up to 7 passengers with a range of equipment available for other missions including air ambulance, law enforcement and fire fighting. Dual hydraulic and autopilot systems ensure high safety levels. All the upgrades incorporated into the A119 Ke can be retrofitted to A119 Koalas already in service.
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The Regional Government of Upper Bavaria has completed the regional planning process for a third runway at Munich Airport and issued a positive regional development assessment of the expansion project as presented (runway location 5b) in the application submitted by FMG, the airport operating company. The regional government's press release emphasizes that FMG's application convincingly outlined that “the capacity of the existing runway system will be exhausted in the coming years, and that the volume of air traffic to be expected in the medium to long term necessitates the construction of an additional runway.” The government also explicitly points out the importance of an efficient link to the world-wide air transportation network: "The airport infrastructure is particularly important in the context of increasing internationalization of trade and economic globalization." In addition, explains the press release, the expansion plans follow the binding stipulation of the Bavarian Regional Development Program, “which expressly provides for the demand-driven expansion and development of Munich Airport into a leading European hub." All requirements indicated in the positive regional planning assessment will now be included in FMG's ongoing planning activities.
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In 2006, Air Berlin PLC, Germany's second-largest airline company, re-corded a net profit of approximately EUR 50 million. As Air Berlin's Chief Financial Officer, Ulf Hüttmeyer, stated in Berlin on Monday, sales revenue in 2006 amounted to EUR 1.57 billion, corresponding to a 28.6 per cent increase in comparison with the previous year (2005: EUR 1.22 billion). Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and lease expenses (EBITDAR) increased by 67.4 per cent, namely from EUR 153.2 million (in 2005) to EUR 256.5 million. In 2006, operating income (EBIT before interest and taxes) amounted to EUR 64.1 million (2005: EUR -5.5 million); after deducting interest and taxes, net earnings of EUR 50.057 million were recorded. In 2005, Air Berlin had still reported a loss amounting to EUR 115.9 million. "By achieving the best operating result in the history of our company, we reached all the targets we had set ourselves for 2006. Despite the costs of going public and the integration of dba, which Air Berlin acquired in August 2006, our net profit even exceeded the expectations of most analysts", stated Joachim Hunold, Air Berlin's Chief Executive Officer. On March 27, the company will disclose details of its results for the year at the balance sheet press conference in Berlin.
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MTU Aero Engines has received the largest maintenance contract in its annals: JetBlue Airways extended the term of the contract concluded with MTU Maintenance Hannover in 2005 from 10 to 15 years. The contract is worth 1.7 billion euros. That brings the overall JetBlue contract value to 2.4 billion euros. Totally, the maintenance order backlog of Germany's leading engine manufacturer now stands at more than five billion euros. A contract signed in June 2005 provided for close to 400 of the U.S. airline's V2500 engines to visit the MTU shop at Langenhagen for maintenance. An exclusive extention of this contract has been signed on February 26, 2007. 116 of the IAE engines to be delivered to the airline starting in 2009 will be built to the upgraded SelectOne standard of the V2500. The improved engine version stands out by its modest fuel consumption and low maintenance costs. JetBlue is the world's largest V2500 operator and the principal customer of the IAE consortium, in which MTU is a share holder.
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Boeing and TAM S.A., Brazil's largest airline, announced conclusion of a pending deal for four 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners. TAM, which flies both domestic and international routes, first announced its intention to acquire the 777-300ERs in October. This successful conclusion of negotiations will make TAM the first Latin American carrier to operate the popular 777-300ER. TAM received two of three MD-11 jets in February, which the airline will use on trans-Atlantic flights, prior to receiving the 777-300ERs. The recently concluded 777 contract with the airline also includes purchase rights for four additional 777-300ERs. The four new airplanes were previously listed as "unidentified" on Boeing's Commercial Orders and Deliveries website.
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To complement its successful range of light twin-engined helicopters, Eurocopter has upgraded the twin-engined AS355 N Ecureuil/TwinStar. Taking advantage of the experience accumulated on this product, the new variant, designated AS355 NP, is designed as a cost-effective entry product in the twin market. EASA certification was granted on February 15, 2007 and “Transport Canada” and Russian certifications are expected this year. First deliveries will take place in May and June 2007. The AS355 NP is a high performance multi-mission aircraft based on the proven technologies of the successful AS350 Ecureuil/AStar series. This new aircraft has been launched to meet the needs of a wide range of worldwide customers, for corporate transport or several utility missions. It will have enhanced Cat A performance, allowing it to take off at maximum gross weight up to Sea Level ISA+10. This helicopter has been developed and certified from the beginning with full Cat A procedures including surface level and elevated helipad, short field and confined heliport procedures. Improved OEI performances are significantly increasing the payload (+120 kg in HOGE, ISA, SL conditions) for customers operating in specific conditions where performance on one engine is required. Of the AS350/AS355 series, close to 4,000 aircraft are already delivered, making the Ecureuil/AStar/TwinStar family one of the most successful in the market. The total
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Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH and Lufthansa Flight Training GmbH (LFT) have achieved a unique initial qualification of the Avior laser projection system, meeting the rigorous Level D requirements of Europe's Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA). Consequently, the Rheinmetall Defence Electronics simulation portfolio now boasts the world's first advanced high-performance laser projection system, which now also should convince by its reduced operating costs. Simulator operators like Lufthansa Flight Training are now able to use the Avior laser projection system as an alternative to the conventional CRT technology for the first time. This makes it possible to meet the increased demands and greater levels of sophistication to fulfil future training needs. Building on its successful track record in the military arena, Rheinmetall Defence Electronics (RDE) now hopes to enter the important civilian market for training flight personnel. To obtain Level D qualification, both companies closely cooperated with the installation of the innovative laser projection system in an Airbus A340 simulator provided by LFT. The requirements imposed on the Avior laser projection system were extremely exacting, and had to meet LFT's well-known and clearly defined quality standards.
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EADS has further expanded its North American industrial footprint with the opening of Airbus' new engineering center in Mobile, Alabama. Located on Brookley Field adjacent to Mobile Bay, the new facility will perform interior design and definition work for Airbus' twin-engine A350 XWB, including cabin lighting, galleys, storage areas and lavatories, as well as loading systems for the jetliner's below-deck cargo holds. Brookley Field also is the location chosen for assembly and outfitting of the KC-30 Tanker, should the Northrop Grumman led team be selected to modernize the U.S. Air Force's aerial refueling fleet. EADS North America is a principal subcontractor to Northrop Grumman on the KC-30. Current employment at Airbus' Mobile facility is 32, which will grow to more than 80 by the end of 2007. The goal is to increase its staff to 150 engineers, with future expansion possible.
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While making its first transatlantic journey from Switzerland, the prototype Next Generation PC-12 stopped at Iqaluit, Canada for a series of cold weather trials, before arriving at Pilatus' North American headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado. "The entire transatlantic flight was great. All systems operated perfectly and the aircraft completed its cold weather testing a day early. During the cold weather trials in Canada, the new systems performed exceptionally well and without any problems. The new avionics and the displays in particular exceeded all our expectations while experiencing extreme cold temperatures down to temperatures of -10 °F and less", said Ulli Gehling, Director Program Management. The cold weather trials demonstrated the new systems behavior under extreme cold temperatures. The tests evaluated the performance of the electrical system, battery power for engine start up, avionics system start up, and displays, and verified their operation throughout the entire environmental envelope. Slated for certification at the end of 2007, the Next Generation PC-12 features a number of improvements, including a fully integrated Honeywell Primus Apex avionics system, a new cockpit designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, and a more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine. The aircraft is on track for certification at the end of this year.
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The construction site of the Soyuz launch base in French Guiana was officially opened on 26 February by Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, Yannick d'Escatha, President of CNES, Jean-Yves Le Gall, Director General of Arianespace, and Anatoly Perminov, Head of Roscosmos. The ceremony took place in the presence of many French authorities and representatives of all the European and Russian entities contributing to the startup of the project. Launching Soyuz from the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) will make it possible to use French Guiana's equatorial position to significantly increase the launcher's lift capability. After an inaugural flight at the end of 2008, Soyuz will launch communication satellites into geostationary orbit, navigation satellites forming part of the European Galileo constellation, Earth observation satellites into polar orbit, and interplanetary probes. Soyuz at the CSG, alongside the Ariane 5 heavy-lift launcher and Europe's small Vega launcher, will harmoniously complete the range of ESA launchers. Their exploitation is handled by Arianespace, which will be able to offer launch services for all types of mission. This project is being co-funded by ESA, the European Union and Arianespace and carried out with CNES as system prime contractor, in the framework of an ESA programme. Although the site is being officially opened today, excavation work was begun several months ago by the French firm VINCI with the help of numerous European and local firms; the first Russian teams are due to arrive at Sinnamary between now and the end of the year to build the launch and functional support infrastructure for the launch pad.
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A Boeing KC-767 Tanker transferred fuel for the first time to another aircraft. During a four-hour flight over Southern California, the KC-767 aircrew connected the new tanker's boom to a B-52 73 times and successfully offloaded approximately 10,000 lbs. of fuel to the receiver.
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Cessna announced that it will increase production of its Citation X business jet over the next five years. "Orders for the Citation X have been increasing and, as a result, we will be increasing production more than 65 percent from 2006 to 2010 to meet the growing demand for this popular aircraft," said Roger Whyte, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "The exceptional speed, reliability and cabin comfort offered by the X have contributed to its great success." More than 260 Citation Xs have been delivered to customers around the world and the backlog for the aircraft extends well into 2008. The fleet has amassed almost 1 million flight hours over its 10-year history. With a top speed of .92 Mach, the Citation X is not only the world's fastest business jet but the fastest civil aircraft flying today.
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Grob Aerospace's first spn test aircraft (D-CSPN) flew again on Friday, 23 February 2007 at 16:15 pm. It departed from the manufacturer's airport facility in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, marking a return to the flight certification program. The aircraft's crew were acting Chief Test Pilot Tore Reimers and Flight Test Engineer Alan Lawless. Captain Reimers reported: “It is good to be back in the air again, and the aircraft felt like home. The flight test program is back on track, we are looking forward to the coming weeks.” The aviation industry's first all-composite spn light jet ceased flying temporarily after the tragic accident on 29 November 2006 involving the second spn test aircraft (D-CGSP). In agreement with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (LBA) the flight test program has been resumed after completion of the 300-hours-maintenance check which was combined with a thorough inspection of the entire aircraft. Prior to November 29, the aircraft had logged a total of 294 flight hours and 454 cycles. The current aircraft will now be continuing the flight test program with immediate focus on systems and performance. Test aircraft No 1 will shortly be joined by test aircraft No 3. The fuselage of No 3 is completed; a fuselage for the dynamic fatigue test is in preparation. The aircraft is scheduled to fly for the first time during the second quarter of 2007. Grob Aerospace has previously announced that a further two additional spns will be built at its facilities, to join the flight test program. The fourth aircraft, which will join the flight test program in the early fall 2007, will be a fully conforming test aircraft, together with the first series production aircraft. Grob Aerospace 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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The Finnish Air Force has announced the selection of Northrop Grumman Corporation's third-generation LITENING Advanced Targeting (AT) system for its F-18 Mid-life Update 2 program.
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The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman an initial $12.5 million contract to begin non-recurring engineering work required to replace engines on the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) aircraft. Last month the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman announced the selection of the Pratt & Whitney/Seven Q Seven team to supply their integrated Propulsion Pod System, which includes the JT8D-219 engine. As part of the Northrop Grumman Joint STARS production program, each E-8C airframe was completely refurbished at the company's Lake Charles, La., Maintenance and Modification Center. "History has shown that the 707 was ultimately built stronger than original designs predicted and, following the refurbishment work we did on our E-8C production line, this airframe is capable of efficiently flying well into this century," Nagy added.
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The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) successfully completed critical design review, giving Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) the green-light to complete building flight hardware for the mission. As prime contractor, Northrop Grumman is building and integrating LCROSS for NASA Ames Research Center. LCROSS is a rapid response mission. The contract for the spacecraft was awarded to Northrop Grumman in 2006 and production of many subsystems started shortly after the initial go-ahead. The company expects to deliver the spacecraft for launch 26 months after the program start, in August 2008, or in less than half the time of a typical spacecraft development program. LCROSS consists of two main components, an expended Centaur upper stage and a Shepherding Spacecraft. On approach to the Moon, the Shepherding Spacecraft will position the upper stage for a precision impact, then separate and perform a braking maneuver in order to observe the upper stage's impact into the Moon.
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Boeing and DHL agreed on an order for six 767-300ER (Extended Range) Freighters. DHL, wholly owned by Bonn, Germany-based Deutsche Post World Net, is a leading international express delivery and logistics company. The order is valued at $894 million at list prices. This order has previously been accounted for on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Website. In its annual World Air Cargo Forecast, Boeing predicts a market demand over the next 20 years of 841 airplanes in the 767-size, medium wide-body category of which 244 will be new production freighters. Since the 767 Freighter's launch in 1993, seven customers have ordered a total of 83 airplanes.
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Sky Connect officials are flying high with news of the industry's largest-ever tracker product sale — 125 systems to offshore oil operator Air Logistics. Air Logistics will install the Sky Connect satellite tracking and phone systems, including the Mission Management Unit (MMU), in their aircraft located in the Gulf of Mexico.The Mission Management Unit delivers voice, tracking, and text messages with a single-switch control. The MMU will enable Air Logistics crew members to send standard messages and flight plans, including the number of passengers or current fuel load, using preprogrammed text report functions. Air Logistics will install the equipment on its mixed fleet of helicopters operating in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska.
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NASA and the Department of Defense recently signed an agreement to develop an integrated national strategy for managing their respective aeronautical test facilities. NASA Administrator Michael Griffin and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Kenneth Krieg signed the National Partnership for Aeronautical Testing (NPAT) agreement. The agreement expands the dialogue beyond the test and evaluation communities to include industry, academia and the science and technology interests from both agencies. Aeronautical test facilities are used for testing vehicles (e.g., aircraft, missiles or space vehicles) or for related scientific and engineering studies. They include wind tunnels, propulsion test facilities, simulation facilities and open-air ranges. The agreement also established an NPAT council responsible for the development of projects that streamline and economize the management of aeronautical test facilities. It is co-chaired by Lisa Porter, associate administrator of NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, and John Foulkes, director of the Department of Defense's Test Resource Management Center.
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ARINC Direct announced it will add streamlined APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) reporting and verification services to its portfolio of flight services for business aviation. The new capabilities will be provided through a partnership with SecureTRANSIT, Inc., a leading provider of APIS services for commercial airlines. ARINC Direct will integrate the APIScontrol and APISadvisor applications of SecureTRANSIT into its standard flight services portfolio. This seamless APIS capability will be offered to ARINC Direct customers at no additional charge. “By including this proven APIS technology as part of our standard offering, ARINC Direct will give its Part 135 customers the same convenient APIS reporting and verification only airlines could afford until now,” stated Bob Richard, ARINC Senior Director, Business Aviation Solutions.
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The three EADS CASA CN-235-300 SM01maritime surveillance aircraft ordered by the Spanish Ministry of Infrastructures were presented yesterday at EADS CASA facilities in Seville. The Spanish Minister of Infrastructures, Magdalena Álvarez, and Francisco Fernández Sáinz, Chairman of EADS CASA, attended the ceremony. These aircraft will start operating in Summer 07. Their main missions will be maritime search and rescue and pollution control within the Spanish EEZ.
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Air Berlin has improved its market position and is well ahead of all other competitors at the airport of Palma de Mallorca. Already every third passenger embarking or disembarking in Palma de Mallorca uses an Air Berlin aircraft. The German airline accounts for more than 36 per cent of passenger volume at the Spanish airport. The second largest airline there is Air Europe with a share of 17.9 per cent, and the third largest carrier is Iberia with 9.71 per cent. Easy jet, the UK airline, has a share of 5.87 per cent. These are the results of the airport's statistics for January. Last year Air Berlin carried 5,067,479 passengers from and to Majorca. This corresponds to a growth of 11.88 per cent when compared to the figures for the previous year.
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Schweizer Aircraft delivered its milestone 6,000th aircraft, a Model 300CBi helicopter, at Heli-Expo 2007 to Helicopter Adventures, Inc., a world leader in helicopter flight training.
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Lockheed Martin received a United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract to supply the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) for the Harrier GR9 aircraft to satisfy an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR.) The selection of the Sniper ATP will allow the UK MoD to respond quickly to the UOR established by Royal Air Force (RAF) commanders in late 2006. The Sniper ATP's advanced capabilities and interoperability between multiple platforms give commanders flexibility, and will allow the RAF Harrier to provide air cover for a broad array of coalition missions. Additionally, the Sniper ATP permits pilots to detect and identify weapon caches and individuals carrying armaments while remaining outside jet noise ranges.
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Iran said it successfully tested a rocket that went into space, apparently part of its drive to launch five satellites into orbit by 2010. Iran's Science and Technology and Defense ministries built the craft, state-run television quoted Mohsen Bahrami, the head of Iran's Space Research Center, as saying. In 2005, Iran launched its first such satellite in a joint project with Russia.
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Rolls-Royce will provide upgraded powerplants for Bell 206L1 helicopters after reaching an agreement with Bell Helicopter. This agreement extends the successful relationship on the Bell 206 program. Rolls-Royce and Bell have launched the joint upgrade program for the Model 250- powered helicopter fleet. Bell will certify an upgrade kit for the 206L1 helicopter to replace the existing Model 250 engine with the improved performance of the Model 250-C30P powerplant, which provides 650 shaft-horsepower at takeoff. This upgrade will enhance “hot and high” performance, increase payloads, improve residual value of the aircraft and increase safety margins. The engine upgrade will also result in real direct operating cost savings. Bell plans to certify the powerplant upgrade kit for the 206L1 by the end of 2007, while Rolls-Royce is accepting engine orders now to ensure timely availability.
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Eurocopter and CHC Helicopter Corporation jointly announced at Heli-Expo that they have entered into a contract for the delivery of 16 new EC225 helicopters. The 16 aircraft are expected to be delivered between late 2008 and late 2012. CHC plans to put these aircraft into service as part of the Company's fleet renewal plan, in support of new offshore oil and gas contracts, and potentially as Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft. CHC is making this commitment to meet the unprecedented demand from our various customers including both the offshore oil and gas industry and government sponsored SAR. This new, 16 helicopter order, will supplement the six EC225 aircraft CHC currently has on order. The original six aircraft, which are expected to be delivered by December 2008, will support contracts with TOTAL E&P UK PLC, TOTAL E&P Norge AS as well as other customers in the North Sea and elsewhere. CHC, which is the largest civilian Super Puma family operator with 30 Mark 1 and 20 Mark 2 variants, now continues this relationship with Eurocopter by significantly expanding its EC225 fleet.
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Embraer and M1 Travel Ltd. announced a contract for five EMBRAER 190 E-Jets, with options for five more of either the same model or the bigger EMBRAER 195, depending on market demands. M1 Travel Ltd is a subsidiary of M1 Group and one of the largest shareholders of Geneva-based Flybaboo SA. The first three EMBRAER 190s, with deliveries starting in 2008, will be leased by M1 to Flybaboo. The total value of the deal, if all options are exercised, could reach US$ 355 million, at list prices. All of the EMBRAER 190s leased to Flybaboo SA will support the airline's current development, as well as help it reach new destinations and better serve its market.
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Alteon Training, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boeing, announced the launch of its Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) beta test in Brisbane, Australia. MPL is a new pilot license developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as an alternative to the traditional approach of training and licensing pilots. It is designed specifically to prepare pilots for their job at an airline. This competency-based training program prepares pilots more effectively and efficiently through increased use of modern simulation and crew based training. Alteon has been working closely with ICAO, airlines and industry partners to be the first to test this solution that will help address the industry's need for more pilots. "The world's airlines will need more than 17,000 pilots each year for the next twenty years to fill the seats of the airplanes on order," said Marsha Bell, Alteon vice president of First Officer Programs. "The world needs a better training solution for those pilots. Our beta test will explore efficient and effective improvements in pilot training."
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Lufthansa has again received an award from the Armbrust Aviation Group for having the best fuel management strategy in the airline industry. The fuel suppliers who took part in the survey ranked Lufthansa first in seven of the eight individual categories, including “Best staff”, “Attention to quality & operations” and “Most innovative”. “Our long-term approach, which takes account of the entire fuel management process, is paying off,” said Helmut Fredrich, Head of Fuel Management at Lufthansa. Since 1990 the Lufthansa Group has pursued a successful policy of hedging its fuel require-ment against adverse fluctuations in the price of oil. To date, this has resulted in cost savings totalling more than 1.5 billion euros.
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NASA has completed a modification to convert the letter contract with United Space Alliance (USA), LLC, of Houston, to a fully defined contract covering space shuttle and International Space Station program operations for a base period from Oct. 1, 2006, through Sept. 30, 2010. The contract is valued at $6.34 billion. The contract includes five, one-year options, thereafter totaling a potential period of performance of nine years to 2015. Efforts under the Space Program Operations Contract include work and support for mission design and planning; software development and integration; astronaut and flight controller training; system integration; flight operations; vehicle processing, launch and recovery; vehicle sustaining engineering; and flight crew equipment processing. It is a cost reimbursement contract, with provisions for award and performance fees. Work in support of this contract is performed at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., and other subcontractor locations USA deems appropriate to complete the work.
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NASA decided Tuesday to roll the space shuttle Atlantis off its launch pad and back inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. Managers made the decision after a hail storm Monday damaged the orbiter's External Tank. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April. On Monday, a severe thunderstorm with golf ball-size hail caused what could be 1,000 to 2,000 divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. Further evaluation of the tank is necessary to get an accurate accounting of foam damage and must be done in the Vehicle Assembly Building, where the entire tank can be more easily accessed.
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Icelandair Group, the holding company of 12 independent subsidiaries including Icelandair, has announced an increase of 28% in operating profits (EBIT) over 2005. The operating profit (EBIT) reached 3.3 billion ISK (approximately 50 million USD as per today's exchange rate). The group's net earnings were 2.6 billion ISK (approximately 39.4 million USD). Total operating income increased 23% to 56.1 billion ISK (approximately 850 million USD).
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GE Caledonian, a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Electric, announced a $55 million investment in its Prestwick operation in Ayrshire, Scotland. The move will safeguard 300 jobs in the current workforce and prepare the facility for maintenance and overhaul of the company's next generation of jet engines, which will power the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 747-8 aircraft. GE Caledonian's Prestwick site currently overhauls and repairs aero engines and component parts, specializing in large engines for commercial aircraft such as GE's successful CF6 engine. The new generation GEnx power plant, scheduled to succeed the CF6 engine, is already designated for use in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and the new stretched version of the Boeing 747 freighter. To maintain and overhaul these engines, GE plans to construct a new 'test cell' building at its Prestwick site to test the GEnx engine. The site is capable of withstanding the engine's output of 84,000lbs of thrust.
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Boeing delivered the first of three C-40C transport aircraft to the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) at Scott Air Force Base (AFB), Ill. The 932 and 375 Airlift Wings will use the aircraft, a derivative of the Next-Generation 737-700 Boeing Business Jet, to transport congressional delegations and senior government personnel on official business.
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Epicos, the global e-business platform for the Aerospace and Defence Industry, announced today the launch of a new service for the international Aerospace and Defence industry named "Project Opportunities". This service provides online, a set of tools enabling the identification, structure and implementation of comprehensive Offsets programs, through a searchable database. Project Opportunities is a unique concept in the online world of Aerospace and Defence today being the only such service offered worldwide today, addressing with a direct way the specific market needs. Epicos, using its accumulative experience on Offsets and Industry in many countries around the world has all the knowledge and expertise to bring together in a single marketplace a rich database of proposals that can be used for successful Offset implementation by Offsets professionals around the world.
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Multinational oil analysis company, Spectro, has been selected by Eurocopter to provide oil analysis for its helicopter fleet. Guilhem Malric, analysis group leader of Eurocopter's laboratory in Marseille, France, said the company's decision to work with Spectro and sister-company Jet-Care International's laboratories in the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland was based on positive feedback from Eurocopter customers who currently use Spectro for oil analysis. “We are recommending our customers use Spectro because of its proven track record in providing analysis which can improve the long-term efficiency and maintenance of gearboxes and engines,” Malric said.
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On 28th February 2007, the Estonian Ministry of Defence has signed a contract valued at around Euro 60 million with MBDA and SAAB AB for the supply of Mistral air defence missiles (MBDA) and associated Giraffe AMB radars (SAAB AB). The contract was won by the two-company consortium led by MBDA following a competition against Raytheon of the USA. This latest selection makes Estonia the ninth European country and the 27th in the world to be equipped with a Mistral weapon system.
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AgustaWestland announced that the Brazilian company Senior Táxi Aéreo will start operating three AW139 medium-twin helicopters for offshore transport in May 2007. This will mark the entrance of this advanced helicopter in the Brazilian offshore oil and gas transport market. Senior Táxi Aéreo, based in Rio de Janeiro, operates a fleet of medium size helicopters and is one of the leading operators in the Brazilian offshore transport market.
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Appareo Systems, LLC and Bristow Group unveiled ALERTS - Aircraft Logging and Event Recording for Training and Safety - a jointly developed low-cost self-contained aircraft inertial measurement and flight data recording system. Designed for permanent installation in light aircraft, including Bell 206 and 407 helicopters, the ALERTS system utilizes state-of-the-art MEMS sensor technology, crash-hardened memory and sophisticated 3D computer-generated graphics to provide advanced flight analysis tools for light aircraft. ALERTS is the first affordable light-weight flight data generation, recording and playback system to provide the tools necessary for small operators to dramatically improve flight safety and pilot performance. With this system operators can easily confirm adherence to standard operating procedures or modify these procedures using factual data that reflects best practices of pilots. ALERTS is also a powerful flight training tool that dovetails nicely into existing training programs.
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Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.'s (P&WC) new generation PT6C-67E engine was confirmed today to power the EC175/Z15 medium-sized helicopter, being developed by Eurocopter and Harbin Aviation Industry Group, a subsidiary of China's AVIC II corporation. "This is a great program for our PT6C-67E engine," says Keyvan Fard, Vice President, Regional Airlines & Helicopter Engines, P&WC. "This engine is now equipped with a dual-channel full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system, which offers reduced pilot workload along with increased dispatch reliability."
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Deliveries and orders are up, AOGs are down, and the mood in Mesa is decidedly positive as MD Helicopters prepares to showcase the company and its products at Heli-Expo 2007, March 1-3 in Orlando, Fla.Delivery of 13 helicopters, more than the sum total of the previous two years. Dramatic 95 percent reduction in AOGs. Backlog approaching $330 million, including a long-term contract with a Middle Eastern customer. New capabilities, including fuselage fabrication (Monterrey, Mexico production facility) and completions (Heritage Aviation). Streamlined production lines. Growth, including 250 additional jobs. A solid management team that leverages the strengths of both helicopter industry veterans and proven performers from outside the industry. Added six new authorized service centers.
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FlightSafety International demonstrated two advanced technology training devices at the Helicopter Association International's Heli-Expo 2007 in Orlando, Florida on March 1-3. The Bell Helicopter 206 Graphical Flight Simulator LNV uses FlightSafety's full flight simulation software, touch screen technology, a high fidelity control loading system and the new VITAL X visual system. The visual system features the newest PC based visual technology and a multi channel Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) projector that displays high-resolution images on a cylindrical front projection screen. The cockpit layout and controls of FlightSafety's Graphical Flight Simulator LNV can be designed and configured for a wide variety of helicopter and fixed wing aircraft types and numerous training objectives including fire fighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical services and maintenance training. A Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Graphical Flight-deck simulator will also be featured on the company's exhibit. As an integral component of MATRIX, FlightSafety's Integrated Training System, this PC-based multi-touch-screen training device with graphical layouts provides high fidelity Level D-qualified simulation for the function and control of aircraft systems. The interactive representation of the cockpit allows the user to monitor or perform all the functions that would be performed in the aircraft.
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Placeteco Inc. will be designing and manufacturing the interior of the Bell Model 429 Global Ranger for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTCL). Evaluated at $2.5M, this mandate is for a five-year period and should provide employment to some 50 workers. BHTCL is proud to maximize the talent of Quebec-based suppliers and further contribute to Quebec's economic and regional development.
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FLIR Systems announced the addition the Ultra8000e, a special airborne stabilized imaging system designed for aerial location of fugitive “gas” emissions. The Ultra8000e is a stabilized thermal imaging system designed specifically for environmental protection, improved pipeline and processing plant safety and economic loss prevention through the aerial location of fugitive gases. The system combines powerful 250mm continuous zoom optics from our proven 9” compact gimbal with FLIR's GasFindIR technology to allow you to detect fugitive Alkane and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions and quickly and easily identify the source from the air. Airborne detection of fugitive gases is being quickly identified as one of the most cost-effective practices to reduce the emission of methane, a greenhouse gas. The U8000e's advanced stabilization provides smooth imagery regardless of aircraft movement, allowing you to rapidly scan large sectors or miles of pipeline capturing both thermal and visible imagery for post-analysis and/or real-time reporting. Many industrial emissions and chemical compounds are invisible to the naked eye, but with its specialized narrow bandpass, the mid wave thermal imager in the U8000e displays these fugitive gases as black “smoke” or “fumes.
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Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters is purchasing 10 American Eurocopter EC130B4s with an option to acquire 5 more. The B4s will replace Papillon's existing fleet of Bell 206L LongRangers based at the Grand Canyon's South Rim. The company already has ten B4s in operation. Papillon is certified to fly both the South and West Rims of this great American landmark, and has three landing sites on the Grand Canyon's floor.
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As a result of a competitive request for proposals, Frasca International has been awarded a contract to build an EC135 T2 Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer (FNTP) by NAMSA (NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency) for the German Bundespolizei. The FNPT will be qualified as a JAR STD FNPT III-MCC. The FNPT will include a high fidelity EC 135 T2 cockpit equipped with EFIS, moving map display, and GPS. Other features include Frasca's TruVision visual system with a wide field of view display system and a large real world database including the Bonn and Cologne area. The FNPT will also provide the pilot with realistic vibration cues by mounting the FNPT cockpit on an electric vibration platform. The FNPT will be installed in Sankt Augustin Germany.
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AgustaWestland announced that Synergy Aerospace, a division of Synergy Group, has firmed up orders for the acquisition of ten helicopters including AW119 Ke, A109 Power, Grand and AW139 helicopters which will be delivered through the end of 2009. This latest contract is part of the framework of the multi-year contract and distribution agreement signed in July 2006 which agreed the acquisition of 56 helicopters. This latest order is additional to the eight helicopters already ordered by Synergy Aerospace last year.
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AgustaWestland announced that Aerolíneas Ejecutivas (ALE), the sole AgustaWestland distributor in Mexico, will add seven more helicopters to their inventory with the purchase of two A109 Powers, two Grands, two AW119 Ke, and one AW139. ALE is a Mexican company with nearly 40 years of experience in the sales, rental, administration and maintenance of both new and second-hand aircraft. In February of 2006, ALE was appointed as the AgustaWestland Authorized Service Centre in Mexico, and in July 2006, at the Farnborough Airshow, signed a Distributor Agreement with AgustaWestland.
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Lockheed Martin has entered into a contract with the Government of Norway to build new production service life extension kits for six Royal Norwegian Air Force P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft. This Lockheed Martin Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) will add more than 15,000 flying hours to each aircraft, representing 20 to 25 additional years of service for this critical maritime patrol and reconnaissance resource. The contract, which includes the life extension kit, engineering support, and other components, is valued at approximately $95 million. The life extension kit provides a low-risk, cost-effective solution by replacing all fatigue life limiting structure on the aircraft with enhanced design components and new, improved corrosion resistant materials.
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Turbomeca and Thales have launched the development of a new Full Authority Digital Engine Controller (FADEC). This new dual channel FADEC is designed to further optimize turbine operations and enhance data collection for health monitoring. The flight-safety-critical design features are allied with the additional concern for cost-effective operations. In this partnership approach, Turbomeca will exercise its full expertise in turbine production and application software while Thales will bring to bear its design and production skills in on-board electronic equipment and finely-honed hosting techniques.
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In a ceremony resembling a movie scene, Sikorsky Aircraft generated fog, the sounds of a storm at sea and flashes of lightning to unveil the first S-92 helicopter by Sikorsky dedicated to Search and Rescue at the world's largest helicopter gathering, Heli-Expo. The new S-92 dedicated to SAR is entering service for the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency in 2007. The helicopter unveiled today is the first of four brand new S-92 helicopters configured entirely for search and rescue. It will be delivered to the MCA for use primarily in the Highlands and Islands of the UK. The helicopter is owned and operated by CHC Helicopter Corp.
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Heli-One, an operating subsidiary of CHC Helicopter Corporation, announced it has secured a five-year helicopter lease and maintenance contract, plus two option years, with AB Norrlandsflyg of Sweden. Heli-One will provide Norrlandsflyg with two new Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopters in search and rescue ("SAR") configuration, and will support the helicopters' major components through a power by the hour ("PBH") maintenance agreement. Norrlandsflyg will operate the aircraft in a SAR capacity for the Swedish Maritime Administration.
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Following a record revenue year for the company, Sikorsky Aircraft President Jeffery Pino unveiled at Heli-Expo the company's four pillars for its future: Growth, Excellence in Execution, Defining X2 Technology applications, and Globalization. Speaking about the company's recent growth at a press briefing, Pino said: “Thanks to the support of our customers worldwide, we are on track to double our revenues for the 2004 – 2008 timeframe, and given the projected strength in the military, commercial, and service and support markets, we expect this growth to continue. The number of products we have in production has grown from just three in 2000 to 10 today, with another six active development programs in work. We understand the need for excellence in execution, though, and are taking steps within our operations to leverage our internal capabilities and those of our supplier network to deliver on the product and support commitments that we have made to our customers.”
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oneworld confirmed the dates when LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador will join the global alliance as affiliate members. Both airlines will board on 1 April, when Japan Airlines (JAL), Malév Hungarian Airlines and Royal Jordanian Airlines will also start offering the alliances services and benefits as full members. Five other members of the JAL Group will also join oneworld on the same day, as affiliates -JALways, Japan Asia Airways, JAL Express, J-AIR and Japan Transocean Air. Dragonair, which has also been elected on board the grouping as an affiliate member, will follow later this year, after all necessary joining technicalities and processes have been completed. As affiliate members, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and Dragonair will offer the full range of oneworld services and benefits.
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Launched from Kourou in French Guiana on the night of 28 February 2002, ESA's Envisat spacecraft marks its fifth year in space. Having orbited Earth more than 26 000 times, the world's largest and most complex environmental satellite ever launched has travelled a distance of more than 1 000 000 000 kilometres, nearly the equivalent of travelling to Jupiter and back. Generating some 280 Gigabytes of data products daily, Envisat has gathered 500 Terabytes to date. The amount of data returned by Envisat's suite of 10 instruments is providing scientists with a global picture of our environment and is helping to fulfil the initial needs of the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) initiative until the launch of the Sentinel satellites.
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ESA's Mars Express and Venus Express missions, to explore our nearest neighbour planets Mars and Venus respectively, will continue to operate until early-May 2009. The decision was unanimously taken by ESA's Science Programme Committee. The Science Programme Committee recognised the outstanding legacy that Mars Express and Venus Express are building for future generations of scientists, and noted the invaluable heritage that these missions are leaving to future missions to these planets. The decision to extend the two missions will allow to continue the exploitation of their unique potential. So far, both missions have allowed an amazing amount of scientific discoveries of the highest quality. Both spacecraft are equipped with a suite of sophisticated scientific instruments - many of which share a common design and the same scientific teams, and the prime objective of both the missions is a comprehensive study of the respective planets at outstanding spatial and spectral resolution.
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Omniflight Helicopters, a provider of Air Medical Services (AMS) to over 50 EMS programs in 15 U.S. states, has ordered 24 AS350 B3 helicopters from American Eurocopter. The B3s will be delivered at a rate of 8 per year during 2008-2010. This order follows on Omniflight's 2006 order for 7 B3s; two of which have already been delivered. “We're buying more B3s because of this aircraft's proven airframe and lifting capability,” says Omniflight Chief Executive Officer Gaylan Crowell. “Our technicians find the B3 relatively easy to work on, while the aircraft's heavy-lift performance is as advertised.”
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In September 2006, Air Methods Corporation, the largest U.S. air medical transportation provider, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with American Eurocopter to purchase ten AS350 B2/B3 “AStar” helicopters annually and indefinitely. Now the company has announced that it is adding 10 B2s to the order due for delivery in 2008. “We're adding 10 extra B2s to keep up with demand for single engine platforms in the medical field,” says Archie Gray, Air Methods' Vice President of Aviation Support Services. “We're buying additional AStars for the same reason we signed the MOU last year: This aircraft's open cabin, economical cost of operation, and capabilities fit neatly with our mission requirements.” For most air medical service (AMS) flights, the turbine engine-equipped AS350 B2 can do the job safely and cost-effectively. In a medical configuration it can carry up to four people (one pilot, one patient and two attendants) plus all the necessary medical equipment. In other configurations it can carry up to six people (one pilot and five passengers). The AS350B2 can cruise at 133 knots, and fly up to 360 nautical miles without using reserve tanks. Meanwhile, for missions that must overcome extremes in weather and altitude, the AS350 B3 combines the B2's spacious cabin with a 847 shp engine that boosts this aircraft's fast cruise speed up to 140 knots, and adds extra lifting capability. Air Methods' current fleet consists of approximately 210 rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, which includes Eurocopter, Bell, MD and Sikorsky helicopters. “The AS350B2/B3 has become our single engine aircraft of choice. Having a common platform reduces maintenance costs and increases our technical expertise,” Gray says.
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Maverick Helicopters -- which offers rotor wing tours of the Las Vegas Strip and the Grand Canyon, corporate transport, and charter wedding flights – is buying 10 more American Eurocopter EC130B4s. “Our goal is to bring our total number of EC130B4s – which we call 'Eco Stars' – up to 50 by the end of 2010,” said John Buch, Maverick Helicopters' vice president of sales and marketing. “We are already the largest Eco Star operator in the world. Now we are also an all-Eco Star operator; that's all we fly.”
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Bristow Group signed an order at this year's Heli-Expo for three EC225 helicopters all for delivery in 2008 and options for additional eight EC225 helicopters, six with delivery dates in 2009 and two in 2010, adding to the company's previous orders for six EC225 which were placed in 2004 and 2005. Five of them are already in operation in the North Sea, with a sixth due to arrive in a few weeks. Bristow was the launch customer for the passenger transport version of this aircraft and based on successful operations to date, now plans to deploy EC225 helicopters internationally to serve its global customer base.
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Rotorsim, the consortium owned equally by CAE and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, announced at the Heli-Expo show that its AW139 and A109 Power full mission simulators have been certified to Level D by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The CAE-built AW139 simulator is the first-ever full mission simulator for the AgustaWestland twin-engine AW139 helicopter. In addition, the CAE-built A109E simulator operated by Rotorsim also achieved Level D certification from the FAA. Both simulators are located at the Rotorsim Training Centre, which is part of AgustaWestland's A. Marchetti Training Academy in Sesto Calende, Italy.
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On 8 March, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket successfully launched six satellites at 10:10 p.m., EST, for the U.S. Air Force, marking the first use of the Atlas for an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program mission. Known as Space Test Program-1, the mission deployed the six satellites into two different low-Earth orbits. "This was our ninth successful Atlas V launch and first ULA Atlas launch, but more importantly, it was the first EELV Atlas launch for the Air Force," said Michael Gass, ULA President and Chief Executive Officer. "This is a proud moment in our company's history and a significant step forward in providing our nation assured access to space using the most cost-effective means possible." The mission used the new EELV Secondary Payload Adapter -- or ESPA -- which is designed to integrate multiple smaller satellites on the two EELV-class rockets. The six satellites on this mission were delivered into two distinctly different orbits. "STP-1 required an extraordinary level of coordination and innovation to achieve the mission requirements," said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president of Atlas programs. "One of those innovations was the mission design to achieve the two mission orbits, which was enabled by the development of a very flexible new guidance design. The fact that the Atlas system performed so well tonight in delivering the six satellites to their prescribed orbits is a tribute to the teamwork between our Air Force customer, the Space Development & Test Wing, and men and women of the ULA team, including our suppliers from around the world."
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2006 was a great year for Bell Helicopter. Both commercial and military sales orders and deliveries increased. "The increased demand for vertical lift aircraft continued to grow in 2006," said Bell Helicopter senior vice president of Marketing and Sales, Bob Fitzpatrick. "We expect the trend to continue and even accelerate in 2007." In 2006, Bell Helicopter received a total of 402 commercial aircraft orders with an upswing across the spectrum of Bell's product line, with the largest gains in the 412 and 206B-3 models. These orders led to an increase in Bell's backlog over previous years with the current value of $3.1 billion.
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AgustaWestland announced that Turkish Kaan Havacilik has purchased three Grand and two AW139 helicopters. The purchase of these models confirms the remarkable growth trend of AgustaWestland sales in the Turkish helicopter market, bringing to ten units the number of helicopters purchased in the country in the last two years. Kaan Havacilik, located in Istanbul, is an established provider of helicopter sales and services including executive air transport and air tours. Kaan Havacilik is also the distributor in Turkey for AgustaWestland's commercial helicopters and has already purchased A119 Koala single engine helicopters.
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AgustaWestland announced that Spanish company Fumigación Aérea Andaluza SA (FAASA) has purchased six all-new AW119 Ke single-engine helicopters with an option for further two. FAASA is one of the leading Spanish companies providing helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for fire-fighting.
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On 2 March Mr Willem de Ruiter, Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and Mr Volker Liebig, Director of Earth Observation Programmes of the European Space Agency (ESA), signed an agreement between the two agencies, strengthening the framework for cooperation in the field of maritime monitoring and surveillance. The signature took place at the final preparatory stage of EMSA's new satellite-based oil spill monitoring service covering all European waters and adjacent high seas. Under this service, potential oil slicks are detected using satellite radar images and an alert is provided to EU coastal States and EMSA within 30 minutes of the satellite acquiring the image. This information is used in support of the aerial and vessel surveillance capabilities of coastal Member States to ensure that they detect and communicate all significant discharges. Under this arrangement, EMSA will be supported by ESA on issues relating to the development of space technologies for maritime monitoring and surveillance. In the light of its role as a long term operational European user of satellite technology, EMSA will advise ESA on user requirements for new space systems and infrastructure.
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ESA and NASA are mounting a joint campaign to observe Jupiter over the next few weeks with two different spacecraft. Rosetta will watch the big picture from its current position near Mars, whilst New Horizons will take close-up data as it speeds past the largest planet in our Solar System on its journey to Pluto. The co-ordinated observational campaign of Jupiter using Rosetta and New Horizons began this week. Jupiter remains a fascinating world of scientific mystery. "This is an excellent opportunity to test both spacecraft and to collect valuable science data," says Gerhard Schwhem, Rosetta's Mission Manager. "We couldn't pass up this opportunity to study Jupiter's meteorology, rings, aurorae, satellites, and magnetosphere," says Alan Stern, Southwest Research Institute, Colorado, and New Horizon's Principal Investigator.
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American Eurocopter has completed the delivery of 89 re-engining kits for U.S. Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopters, marking a major milestone in the service's upgrade of its aviation resources for homeland security, search & rescue, and other missions. These kits are being integrated in HH-65s deployed throughout the United States, providing increased performance, safety and reliability and for the Coast Guard's Eurocopter Dolphin fleet.
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The Eurofighter Typhoon has passed another milestone on its journey to become a fully operational Royal Air Force (RAF) multi-role combat aircraft, with the first firings of Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) from a front line squadron aircraft. Four ASRAAM were successfully launched by Typhoon F2s of No 3 (Fighter) Sqn based at RAF Coningsby, near Sleaford, Lincolnshire, at the Aberporth weapons range in Cardigan Bay, Wales, during the week 26 February to 02 March 2007. These successful firings represent a further step towards Typhoon's planned take over of the southern element of the United Kingdom's Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) air defence stance, which 3 (F) Squadron will undertake from the middle of this year (2007).
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Rolls-Royce has reached an agreement with Heli-Lynx Helicopter Services to upgrade Eurocopter AS355 aircraft. Heli-Lynx, of Ontario, Canada, has received Transport Canada and FAA Supplemental Type Certificate and has begun upgrading the light-twin aircraft with new Rolls-Royce Model 250-C20R turboshaft engines. The new engines are available from Heli-Lynx as part of a valuable package of electrical and airframe upgrades with engine control modifications known as the “355FX” conversion. Each Model 250-C20R has 450 shaft horsepower and the upgrade will enable a significant increase in allowable gross weight for the helicopters.
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Keystone Helicopter delivered its first Sikorsky S-76C+ equipped with the Silencer VIP Interior. The Silencer interior was developed to ease the process of scheduled maintenance on the interior of the aircraft by allowing access points for inspections in lieu of removing the whole interior. In addition, this interior weighs approximately 100lbs less than the standard interior and has cabin sound levels of approximately 81dbs, less than the fleet average.
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Due to the lack of U.S. government and new international orders for the C-17 military cargo aircraft, Boeing is stopping procurement of parts for any new C-17s not under contract or firmly committed. This move is the first step in an orderly shut down of the production supply chain, should no further orders be received from the U.S. government or international customers. Without further aircraft orders, significant workforce reductions will begin in early 2008 as the production line heads toward complete shutdown in mid-2009. "The C-17 remains an operational workhorse around the world in the Global War on Terrorism, and the nation's need for modern, reliable airlift continues to grow dramatically," said Dave Bowman, vice president and C-17 program manager. "We had hoped to keep the production line active and viable to protect this important national asset affordably while the U.S. government completed its decision process on the future of the C-17 program, especially in light of current concerns over the aging C-5A fleet."
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Honeywell announced that it has successfully completed the first engine test of its Small Heavy Fuel Engine (SHFE). The development program is designed to advance technologies that will improve engines used for light helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), ground vehicles and power generators. “Honeywell's SHFE technologies help improve engine performance while simultaneously balancing operating costs,” said Ron J. Rich, Director, Advanced Technology, Honeywell Aerospace. “The success of this test puts SHFE technology one step closer to commercial use.” Honeywell is developing a variety of cutting edge technologies including a dual centrifugal compressor with advanced three dimensional aerodynamics enabling improved component efficiency while maintaining high surge margin with no variable geometry. Additional innovations include a compact annular Rich-Quench-Lean (RQL) combustion system with advanced fuel mixing and wall cooling features for improved combustion and emissions, an advanced high-work high-pressure-turbine (HPT) with innovative airfoil cooling features, dual alloy power turbine rotors that reduce cost through design simplification and high rotational speed hybrid ceramic bearings and hydrodynamic seals. “The SHFE program will enable tomorrow's engines to reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent, improve power to weight by 50 percent, while reducing life-cycle costs by 35 percent.” said Rich. “We have already applied some of these technologies in our new HTS900 turboshaft engine.”
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ESA awarded a contract to Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (UK) for initial activities leading to the construction of a second spacecraft for the Galileo satellite navigation system. Named GIOVE-A2, the new satellite (estimated total value 25 to 30 million Euros) will be based on the company's proven GIOVE-A technology. From now on, there will always be a European navigation satellite in space. ESA wishes to guarantee the continuity of the Galileo programme with the permanent presence of a spacecraft in orbit. This will maintain European rights to the frequencies and allow continuation of the experiments initiated with the successful GIOVE-A mission and planned for the upcoming GIOVE-B satellite. GIOVE-A2 will help maintain the critical International Telecommunications Union (ITU) frequency filing secured by its predecessor for a further 27 months and facilitate further development of ground equipment. Monitoring of the space environment will also be an important ongoing mission objective for the new satellite. GIOVE-A was the first European satellite to be launched into medium Earth orbit (MEO) and it carries two environmental monitors. These units have been operated almost continuously since launch and are gathering vital data about the Galileo orbit environment that will help in the design of the full constellation.
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Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) announced that ST Aviation Services Company Pte Ltd (SASCO), a subsidiary of its aerospace arm, ST Aerospace, has been selected by Boeing to perform certain passenger-to-freighter (PTF) conversion under the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) programme. The contract is estimated to be worth US$136m (about $208m) over 10 years. This contract is not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share of ST Engineering for the current financial year. Under its contract, SASCO will perform aircraft maintenance and the passenger-to-freighter conversion with data provided by Boeing. The 767-300BCF conversion entails the removal of passenger interiors equipment and furnishings, installation of a main deck side cargo door, replacement or strengthening of the main deck floor structures, installation of a 9-G rigid cargo barrier and a new cargo handling system, as well as other systems changes.
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During the celebration of the 89th anniversary of the Finnish Air Force at Tikkakoski Air Base on March 6, EADS CASA delivered to the Finnish Air Force the first of two C-295 ordered by the Finnish administration. The ceremony was attended by Mauri Pekkarinen, Finnish Ministry of Energy, Lieutenant General Heikki Lyytinen, Commander in Chief of Finnish Air Force, and Francisco Fernández Sáinz, Chairman of EADS CASA. Finland has a purchase option for another five C-295s. Poland, Portugal and Spain are to date the other European countries that have ordered the C-295, making it the most popular and extensively medium military transport aircraft sold in Europe.
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Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace of Bloomfield, CT, have teamed to market advanced manned and unmanned helicopter systems worldwide for government applications. Lockheed Martin and Kaman intend to build upon the proven performance of Kaman's K-MAX Aerial Truck, which has demonstrated its potential as an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). As an experienced systems integrator, Lockheed Martin will act as the prime contractor in pursuit of individual market opportunities. Through this partnership, Lockheed Martin and Kaman will develop an advanced technology unmanned version of the K-MAX, previously approved by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration for operation in the National Airspace System. Using its systems integration expertise, Lockheed Martin will focus on advanced UAS flight control for truly autonomous military operations and also will provide mission-specific avionics, sensors and weapons solutions. Lockheed Martin and Kaman will also establish a long-term logistics program for worldwide support.
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In 2006, Thales Group revenues totalled 10,264 million euros, compared with 10,263 million euros in 2005. On a like-for-like basis, revenues grew by 4.3%, a slightly higher increase than the organic growth of 3.8% recorded in 2005. Exchange rate fluctuations reduced revenues by 73 million euros. Changes in the scope of consolidation further to the divestment of non-core businesses resulted in a net reduction in revenues of 345 million euros. The main businesses divested were Thales Broadcast & Multimedia and the High Tech Optics operations, which were deconsolidated at end-2005, and the GPS navigation receiver business, which was deconsolidated from 30 June 2006. With the exception of the Naval division, where revenues were impacted by the completion of the Sawari 2 contract, all Thales divisions recorded an increase in revenues, with double-digit growth (+13% and +10% respectively) from the Security and Land & Joint Systems divisions. The Aerospace division recorded +6% organic growth, reflecting a strong performance by the division's civil businesses, which increased revenues by more than 20% over the year, particularly for in-flight entertainment systems. At 31 December 2006, the order book stood at 20,676 million euros, the highest level ever recorded, and was 2% higher than at end-2005 (20,223 million euros).
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Boeing and First Choice Airways of the United Kingdom reached agreement on an additional four Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. By exercising options for these airplanes, First Choice Airways has placed a third consecutive order for the advanced- technology 787. First Choice became European launch customer when it announced in July 2004 that it would order six 787s. It placed the order in February 2005, then followed with a second order in September 2006 for two more. Today's announcement brings First Choice Airways' order total to 12 Dreamliners, making it the largest 787 customer in Europe.
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After having sold 615 new helicopters in 2006, 50% more aircraft than in 2005, Eurocopter registered record orders of 112 units, among them 88 firm and 24 options, at Heli-Expo 2007, an exhibition dedicated to the helicopter and which took place in Orlando from 1. – 3. March 2007. This outstanding result confirms the dynamism of the helicopter market as well as the infatuation of operators for Eurocopter helicopters. The majority of the new orders came from North-American clients. To date, the US market displays the fastest growth. Further to the signature of its first contract with the US-Army for 322 helicopters UH-72A, deriving from the EC145 and named Lakota, Eurocopter strengthens its position on the American civil and parapublic market, where the company has a leading position since many years with more than 40% market share.
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Six Boeing-built AH-64D Apache Longbow multi-role combat helicopters for the Kuwait air force debuted in Kuwait during a rollout ceremony. The U.S. Army delivered the aircraft to the Kuwait air force over the past several months through a foreign military sales contract. The helicopters are part of a 16-aircraft order signed in 2002 between Kuwait's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense. The delivery schedules for the remaining 10 aircraft and contract details have not been announced. Kuwait is the seventh international defense force to select the AH-64D and the 11th Apache customer worldwide.
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The Israel Air Force (IAF) received on March 7 the medium-altitude, long endurance Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system developed and produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The Heron UAV, which has been dubbed by the IAF as the "Shoval," represents a substantial leap to the air force's operational capabilities due to the UAV's unique characteristics as the largest and heaviest of the IAF's UAV fleet, capable of carrying the largest payload and payload mix in comparison to other IAF UAVs. The Heron can fly at an altitude of 30,000 feet, and has an endurance of over 40 hours. It can carry a number of payloads and sensors simultaneously, and supply its operators with real-time data. The UAV possess a quiet engine and has redundant systems, providing very high mission reliability.
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Australia is assured of maintaining its air combat capability edge with the Government's decision to acquire 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet multi role aircraft. At a cost of approximately $6 billion over 10 years, the acquisition of the Super Hornet will ensure the transition to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter over the next decade. The acquisition will include 24 aircraft, initial support and upfront training for aircrew and maintenance personnel. The Howard Government has delivered solid economic management and Budget surpluses over a decade. We are now in a position to deliver this for Australia. The acquisition of the Super Hornets will be fully supplemented as part of the 2007/08 Budget process. The JSF is the most suitable aircraft for Australia's future combat and strike needs. Australia remains fully committed to the JSF. But the Government is not prepared to accept any risk to air combat and strike capability during the transition to the JSF. The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a highly capable, battle proven, multi role aircraft that is currently in service with the US Navy through to 2030. The next generation Block II Super Hornets will provide a more flexible operational capability than currently exists with the F-111.
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Bombardier announced that it had delivered 326 aircraft for fiscal year ended January 31, 2007. This compares to 337 aircraft deliveries in the previous fiscal year 2005/06 (year ending January 31, 2006). "Higher deliveries of our industry-leading business jets and highly efficient turboprops confirm their popularity within an expanding customer base," said Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. "In the business aircraft segment, last year, we delivered the 100th Challenger 300 and the 200th Global business jets, highlighting the continued strength and momentum of these very successful programs. “On the regional aircraft side, our Q-Series aircraft with their low operating costs and state-of-the art technology are well positioned for the continued resurgence in turboprops. In the last few months, we have made inroads in the U.S. market with the sale of our Q400 turboprops to Frontier Airlines while other airlines in the U.S. are also currently examining the benefits this aircraft can bring to their operations," he added. Deliveries of our business jets totalled 212 compared to 197 for the same period last fiscal year, an increase of eight per cent. Fifty-five of the business aircraft delivered last fiscal year were of our new category-leading Challenger 300 jets. Deliveries of 42 of our Global jets also contributed to the increase, with 21 deliveries each for the Global Express XRS and Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft. In the regional aircraft segment, deliveries totalled 112 regional airliners compared to 138 aircraft for the same period last year, including 63 deliveries of the CRJ700/CRJ900 regional jets compared to 74 deliveries in fiscal 2005/06. The increase in demand for cost-efficient turboprops translated into increased deliveries of our Q-Series regional turboprops, with deliveries of the Q400 reaching 31 aircraft compared to 16 in the previous year. Two Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft were delivered during fiscal year 2006/07, the same number of deliveries as the previous yea
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The helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter has selected Indra after an open competition process to develop two Flight Training Devices (FTDs) for the EC-135 helicopter, a versatile light twin-engine helicopter operating in various missions like Emergency Medical Services, Police Role (surveillance, traffic control), Offshore, VIP/Corporate Transport, and Military Training. The devices will be installed in the American Eurocopter training center in Texas (USA) and in the Eurocopter Deutchland training center in Donauwoerth (Germany). The systems will be operative by mid year and will be respectively certified as FTD Level 6 FAA and FTD Level 3 JAR, the highest certification level recognized by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and by the European Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) for Flight Training Devices.
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The second horizontal tail plane (HTP) for the A400M departed from EADS CASA facilities in Tablada, Seville, to EADS CASA testing facilities in Getafe, Madrid. This second HTP, produced by EADS CASA in Tablada, will undergo structural testing required for the aircraft's certification. This is an important milestone in the production plan within the A400M programme.
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Finmeccanica's Board of Directors today met under the Chairmanship of Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, the group's Chairman and CEO, to discuss the preliminary consolidated results for 2006. New orders: EUR 15.7 billion (vs. EUR 15.4 billion in 2005, +2%)?; revenues: EUR 12.472 million (vs. EUR 10.952 million in 2005; +14%)?; EBIT: EUR 878 million (vs. EUR 735 million in 2005; +19.5%)?; EBIT margin: 7% (vs. 6.7% in 2005, +4.5%)?; net debt at 31/12/2006: EUR 858 million (vs. EUR 1.1 billion at 31/12/2005, -22%)?. Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, Chairman and CEO, commented: “An analysis of the preliminary 2006 results clearly highlights Finmeccanica's excellent organic growth, achieved thanks to good performances from the group's subsidiaries. The results confirm that the international growth strategy pursued over the past few years has paid off”. In 2006 the Group acquired new Orders totalling more than EUR 15.7 billion, vs. around EUR 15.4 billion the previous year, significantly higher than expected. The main orders booked in the first nine months concerned:
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Avio has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with General Electric Company (GE) to be a revenue-sharing participant on the construction of the GEnx-2B, a new engine that will power the new Boeing 747-8, the latest version of the highly-successful, four-engine Boeing jet. Avio's share of the GEnx-2B program is approximately 12%. At present, Avio is collaborating with GE on the development of the -1B version of the GEnx engine for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The new agreement extends the participation of the Italian company to the new engine variant, for which, as in the case of the -1B, Avio will be responsible for the design and production of the accessory gearbox, the oil system and the low pressure turbine stator. The parts for which Avio is responsible will be produced at the company plants in Turin, Acerra (Naples) and Brindisi.
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Arianespace announced that it will launch the SPACEWAY 3 communications satellite for Hughes. An Ariane 5 launch vehicle will deliver SPACEWAY 3 to Geostationary Transfer Orbit from Europe's Spaceport at the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana, in August of 2007. Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) will operate the all Ka-band SPACEWAY 3 satellite as part of its new broadband satellite network that will provide multimedia services throughout North America. Its unique design incorporates on-board switching and spot beams, which will enable on-demand services. Built by Boeing Satellites Systems, Inc., SPACEWAY 3 will weigh approximately 6 000 kg at lift-off.
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Honeywell announced that its ninth Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Purchase Outlook projects deliveries of roughly 3,500 new civil use helicopters during the five-year period 2007 - 2011, driven in part by strong demand for light single and intermediate twin-engine models offering newer technology. Corporate, emergency medical services (EMS) and law enforcement helicopters combined are expected to account for more than 60 percent of all new civil rotorcraft sales during the five-year forecast period. Some key findings revealed by the annual survey of civil helicopter operators' purchase expectations are: Estimated Civil helicopter deliveries were up nine percent in 2006 and are expected to rise strongly in 2007, as helicopter manufacturers increase production to satisfy strong demand for new aircraft. Civil helicopter sales during the five-year period 2007-2011 are predicted to be up to 40 percent greater than in the five-year period 2002-2006. Global demand could exceed 8,000 new civil helicopters during the 2007-2017 period. “Honeywell Aerospace's 2007 survey has identified avionics capabilities, performance and power, and direct operating costs as the top criteria operators consider when selecting new helicopters,” said Vicki Panhuise, Vice President, Honeywell Commercial and Military Helicopters, Honeywell Defense and Space. “The decision to acquire new helicopters is driven primarily by the age of current aircraft which is usually reflected in an operator's desire for better technology, more range, more power and lower operating costs. Survey results have improved four years running, and OEMs report strong sales activity supporting our view that helicopter demand has great long range prospects in a growing global economy.”
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An important step towards a Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) between BAE Systems and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), covering the support and upgrade of the current and future fixed wing aircraft fleet, was taken Thursday 1 March 2007, when the LTPA Foundation Contract was signed by the two organisations. This announcement is significant in that it provides a framework for detailed negotiations aimed at signing a long term full and legally binding LTPA before the end of this year. Such an Agreement is a key target set out in the fixed wing chapter of the MoD's Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) of December 2005. The Foundation Contract also includes incentives for BAE Systems to further transform its air sector business aimed at the cost-effective and efficient delivery of industrial capabilities to the long-term benefit of both BAE Systems and the MOD. BAE Systems' long-term goal from an LTPA, which has been acknowledged by the MOD, is to establish a sustainable air sector business that supports the Front Line whilst also delivering the opportunity for the Company to earn profit.
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Fiscal 2006 was extremely successful for the Fraport Group, with revenues rising by 2.6 percent over the previous year to Euro2.14 billion. EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) also increased by 6.6 percent to Euro578.4 million. Profit for the year jumped 41.7 percent compared to the previous year to Euro228.9 million. Because of this gratifying profit increase Fraport's executive board is recommending a dividend payment of Euro 1.15 per share for fiscal 2006, nearly 28 percent more than in the previous year. At Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – the Group's home base – Fraport achieved a new record in passenger traffic for the 2006 business year. Welcoming more than 52.8 million passengers, FRA exceeded the already high 2005 level by 1.1 percent. Airfreight tonnage at Frankfurt climbed by as much as 8.4 percent, exceeding two million metric tons for the first time. Combined, the Fraport Group's airports recorded markedly stronger passenger growth than FRA: growing by 2.3 percent to a total of 73.8 million passengers. Cargo throughput for the Group's airports climbed by as much as 9.3 percent, reaching a total of 2.6 million metric tons of airfreight and airmail. Despite these new records, Frankfurt's long-standing capacity constraints increasingly affect FRA's traffic figures and thus results for the entire Group. Speaking at the company's annual financial press conference, Fraport AG's executive board chairman Dr. Wilhelm Bender emphasized that Fraport's growth in profits clearly exceeded traffic growth. "This proves the success of our determined strategy to bank on other profit sources – such as retailing, real estate utilization, and external business – in addition to the classical airport business of traffic and terminal management and ground-handling services," said Bender. "Further reasons for our good performance last year include ongoing cost discipline and corporate-wide efficiency improvements," Bender explained.
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Offering an overview of the Austrian Airline Group's annual results, which were released today, Chief Executive Officer Alfred Ötsch said: “In the business year 2006, the Austrian Airlines Group has introduced crucial restructuring steps and started out on an important new course. We have significantly improved our operating performance and result. The key factors in this have been the increase in our flight revenue and the significantly stronger growth in our yields compared to unit costs. On the other hand, extraordinary effects – overwhelmingly the result of the restructuring of the Group's long-haul segment and the personnel cost provisions this necessitated – had a negative influence on the result. In this challenging environment, it proved impossible to achieve a positive result. Following the successful conclusion of the capital increase, however, we have taken another important step towards completing our restructuring programme, and are now in a position to implement key measures more quickly. We are pursuing a clear strategy focussing on the markets of Central and Eastern Europe, basing that strategy on a well-established, strong brand. We shall continue to move forward with our quality and product offensive in 2007.” Although the adjusted EBIT of the Group remained marginally negative at EUR –8.3m, this figure was up by EUR 43.7m, a major improvement on the previous year. The unadjusted EBIT including extensive extraordinary positions - mainly provisions for the redimensioning of long-haul routes, exchange rate gains and value adjustments for Slovak Airlines – improved from EUR –100.0m to EUR –89.0m. The balance of financial income and expenses improved in the report period, overall the financial result of the Austrian Airlines Group decreased by EUR 19.5m to EUR –49.1m in 2006 (2005: EUR –29.6m) due to exchange rate-related depreciations of securities in the report period and appreciations in 2005. On this basis, the result before tax reached a value of EUR –138.1m (2005: EUR –129.6m). Overall, this produced an annual result of EUR –129.9m (2005: EUR –129.1m). However, one of the most important factors in this result trend, which was below expectations, were the continuing high kerosene prices experienced in 2006, which generated total additional costs for the Group of EUR 75.7m.
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As one of the world leaders in the provision of technical services for the aviation industry, Lufthansa Technik benefited from continued growth in the global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market in 2006, and once again improved its year-on-year results. While revenues generated with the Lufthansa Group rose slightly, external revenues increased by an above average level of 12.5 percent and thus outpaced growth in market demand in general. With a rise in revenues of 9.4 percent to 3.4 billion euros, the annual report 2006 of Lufthansa Technik AG and the 18 companies consolidated in the Group revealed pre-tax earnings of 242 million euros. This represents an increase of 8 percent. The Group was able to increase its worldwide customer base by 8.6 percent to 583 in 2006. With 406 new contracts worth 1.9 billion euros - 447 million euros in the past fiscal year alone - Lufthansa Technik once again improved its year-on-year figures, in terms of both revenue and acquisitions. In 2006, 60 percent of total revenues were therefore accounted for by business with external customers. “We are in a very good position globally because of our innovative products and their availability worldwide. And today we can respond more flexibly to fluctuations in demand,” explained Henningsen. A broad product range, especially for start-ups and low cost carriers, together with the development of new repair processes and increased support for customers in their technical operations through Internet-based IT systems, all contribute to the company's success.
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The Expedition 14 crew members this week prepared for upcoming additions to the station and performed experiments related to human adaptation to space. Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria and Flight Engineer Suni Williams completed the last of the internal assembly tasks for the startup later this year of the new Oxygen Generation System in the Destiny laboratory. The astronauts installed sound-deadening equipment and an electrical cable and reconnected a wastewater hose for the hardware delivered last summer on space shuttle mission STS-121. The Oxygen Generation System will be required when the station crew size expands to six people. Slated for activation during Expedition 15, it will function initially as a backup to the Russian Elektron system, which supplies oxygen for the station's crew. Lopez-Alegria and Williams also performed scientific experiments, conducting another session with the Anomalous Long-Term Effects in Astronauts' Central Nervous System (ALTEA) to measure exposure to cosmic radiation. For 90 minutes, each crew member wore an instrumented helmet containing six different particle detectors that measure radiation exposure, brain electrical activity and visual perception. ALTEA will further the understanding of radiation impact on the human central nervous and visual systems, especially the phenomenon of crew members seeing flashes of light while in orbit.
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Germanwings has announced that Dortmund will be its fifth base in Germany. The low-cost airline will commence flight operations to five destinations from the city from 22 June 2007. Initially, one Airbus A319 will be stationed in the city to serve the destinations of Vienna, Istanbul, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Faro. Additional destinations will be added to the network as early as winter 2007/2008. Germanwings has established bases in Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, Berlin, Hamburg and now Dortmund. The airline is also rounding off its programme in North-Rhine Westphalia. Thomas Winkelmann, spokesman for the board of Germanwings The time for our involvement in Dortmund is here. We have been²commented: closely monitoring the market for some time and maintained a close dialogue with Dortmund airport. Over the past few weeks our discussions have led us to a firm decision to open routes from June and continue with planned further growth as early as next winter.” Prior to the launch of Germanwings' flight operations in Autumn 2002, the low cost airline had been in negotiations with Dortmund airport as a possible alternative to Cologne/Bonn. However, Cologne/Bonn was eventually chosen as its first base. With eleven million people living in its direct²Thomas Winkelmann added: catchment area – Dortmund is a huge market. Our business model has proven to be very attractive for both private and business travellers across all our bases and we are sure that our involvement in Dortmund will be a success story. During the past few years Germanwings has acquired a reputation as a very reliable and punctual airline. We look forward to achieving this level of service for Dortmund.”
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SkyTrac Systems is pleased to announce a further expansion of its presence in Europe via a dealership arrangement with an industry leader in the European Search and Rescue industry. DRF is an extensive user of SkyTrac Systems technology. “SkyTrac Systems impressed us from the beginning. We were faced with a very unique integration challenge, and SkyTrac partnered with us to jointly develop the solution. DRF has been enjoying the benefits ever since. One of our core competencies is quality installations, and given our confidence in the SkyTrac solution, we have decided to take our relationship to the next level.” said Juergen Zoller, Planning and Control, DRF.
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CAE has sold its first three Boeing 787 full-flight simulators—two to Qantas and one to Shanghai Eastern Flight Training, the training subsidiary for China Eastern Airlines. In addition, CAE has sold a Boeing 737-800 full-flight simulator to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. At list prices, including buyer-furnished data and equipment, the contracts are valued at C$67 million and bring the total full-flight simulator (FFS) sales that CAE has announced so far in fiscal 2007 to 33. Qantas has ordered two B787 FFSs and suites of CAE Simfinity® training devices, including a CAE Simfinity B787 integrated procedures trainer (IPT) for each suite. It is proposed that each simulator will feature CAE's next-generation visual solution, including the new CAE Tropos-6000® visual system and Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) projectors. In addition, Qantas' B787 FFSs will use CAE's new electric motion system. The first B787 FFS will be delivered to Qantas' training centre in 2008.
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Lufthansa is continuing to expand its global route network. From 25 March, when the 2007 summer timetable goes into effect, it will encompass 192 destinations in 78 countries (up from 188 destinations in 77 countries in summer 2006). “Lufthansa has never offered its customers such a wide choice of flights and destinations,” says Karl-Ulrich Garnadt, member of the Board of Lufthansa Passenger Airlines. This summer, capacity across the network will be increased by four per cent year-on-year to take account of the three per cent growth in traffic on European routes and the 4.4 per cent increase in long-haul traffic. “Thanks to 13 new routes and additional services on our main routes, our customers will reach their destinations faster and will have a greater choice of connecting flights,” Garnadt added. The port city of Busan in South Korea is the latest addition to Lufthansa's long-haul network. In Europe, meanwhile, passengers will be able to fly Lufthansa non-stop to Tirana and to Valencia. Other new European destinations are Bastia on the island of Corsica, Hungary's Lake Balaton and the Danish island of Bornholm.
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Traveling with the Lufthansa Private Jet is becoming even more comfortable. Come 1 April, customers using this exclusive service can now book a limousine transfer to and from the airport, at no extra charge. On request, passengers will be picked up at home and driven direct to their Private Jet flight at the airport. On landing, a limousine will again be waiting alongside the plane to whisk passengers without delay to their destination. The service is available both for customers on direct flights to around 1,000 destinations within Europe and the Russian Federation as well as for those on Private-Jet connecting flights after flying long-haul routes with Lufthansa or SWISS. Lufthansa's exclusive partner is the SIXT Limousine Service. The Mercedes limousines will be driven by specially trained chauffeurs.
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Researchers from NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Golden, Colo., have woven together more than a thousand images from the Landsat 7 satellite to create the most detailed, high-resolution map ever produced of Antarctica. The Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA) offers views of the coldest continent on Earth in 10 times greater detail than previously possible. "These images give us incredibly detailed views of the Antarctic ice sheet surface and serve as maps for many locations that have never been mapped before," said Robert Bindschadler, chief scientist of the Laboratory for Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Bindschadler oversaw the selection of the scenes used to create the mosaic.
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OHB-System AG, a subsidiary of OHB Technology AG was awarded a contract for the next development phase of the SmallGEO small geostationary satellites. The ESA Director of Telecommunications and Navigation, Giuseppe Viriglio, and the Chairman of the Management Board of OHB-System AG, Prof. Manfred Fuchs, put their signatures to the contract today for around EUR 100 million including all options. Phase B of development, which starts now, covers a contract volume of around EUR 13 million. For the subsequent CD implementation phases a maximum price of an additional EUR 86 million has been agreed, which the partners will implement once the development phase has been successfully completed. Total project volume amounts to EUR 115 million. The industrial consortium plans to invest a part of it. The first SmallGEO satellite is due to be launched in 2010.
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NASA has established a requirements baseline for the Orion crew exploration vehicle, bringing America's next human spacecraft a step closer to construction. The Orion Project completed its system requirements review in cooperation with its prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, March 1. The review marked the first major milestone in the Orion engineering process and provided the foundation for design, development, construction and safe operation of the spacecraft that will carry explorers to Earth orbit, to the moon, and eventually to Mars. The detailed requirements established in this review will serve as the basis for ongoing design analysis work and systems testing. "This is a significant step in the development of a space transportation system that will expand our horizons to include other worlds," said Skip Hatfield, Orion Project manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The Orion review followed an overall review of requirements for the Constellation Program that was completed in November. Similar reviews are planned later this spring for ground and mission operations systems that will support Constellation launch systems and space flight operations ground infrastructure.
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Lockheed Martin unveiled DAGR, a weapon developed with company funding to defeat targets in urban operations, while minimi |
