+++ Boeing flies Blended Wing Body +++ EADS reports problems with A400M and NH90 +++ Phenom 100 makes maiden flight +++ Cessna's shows new Light Sport Aircraft +++ Cirrus announces SRS light sport aircraft – a German design +++ Eclipse Aviation reveals Eclipse Concept Jet +++ Astrium to study Vega upper stage +++ 100th freighter conversion starts at Dresden +++ UK to build two new aircraft carriers +++ News in brief +++
Boeing flies Blended Wing Body
X-48B startet zum Erstflug
The Boeing Blended Wing Body (BWB) research aircraft -- designated the X-48B -- flew for the first time at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The 21-foot wingspan, 500-pound unmanned test vehicle took off for the first time at 8:42 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time on July 20 and climbed to an altitude of 7,500 feet before landing 31 minutes later.
"We've successfully passed another milestone in our work to explore and validate the structural, aerodynamic and operational efficiencies of the BWB concept," said Bob Liebeck, BWB program manager for Boeing Phantom Works, the company's advanced R&D unit. "We already have begun to compare actual flight-test data with the data generated earlier by our computer models and in the wind tunnel."
The X-48B flight test vehicle was developed by Boeing Phantom Works in cooperation with NASA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to gather detailed information about the stability and flight-control characteristics of the BWB design, especially during takeoffs and landings. Up to 25 flights are planned to gather data in these low-speed flight regimes. Following completion of low-speed flight testing, the X-48B likely will be used to test the BWB's low-noise characteristics, as well as BWB handling characteristics at transonic speeds.
While a commercial passenger application for the BWB concept is not in Boeing's current 20-year market outlook, the Advanced Systems organization of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' (IDS) is closely monitoring the research based on the BWB's potential as a flexible, long-range, high-capacity military aircraft. "The BWB concept holds tremendous promise for the future of military aviation as a multi-purpose military platform in 15 to 20 years," said Darryl Davis, Boeing IDS Advanced Systems vice president and general manager of Advanced Precision Engagement and Mobility Systems. "Its unique design attributes will result in less fuel burn and a greatly reduced noise footprint, which are important capabilities to offer our Air Force and mobility customers."
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EADS reports problems with A400M and NH90
Neue Probleme für EADS
EADS' half-year results reflect the Group's restructuring efforts and charges to move large programmes forward. Revenues were EUR 18.5 billion (H1 2006: EUR 19.0 billion), supported by strong commercial deliveries at Airbus, Eurocopter and EADS Astrium. Group revenues were lower due to the absence of an A400M milestone in the first half of 2007 and a negative US Dollar impact. n the first six months of 2007, EADS recorded an EBIT (pre goodwill and exceptionals) of EUR 367 million compared to EUR 1,654 million in the same period of the previous year. The EBIT was mainly impacted by Power8 restructuring and programme charges at Airbus, as well as by a charge in the NH90 programme. EADS registered a Net Income of EUR 71 million (H1 2006: EUR 1,056 million), or EUR 0.09 per share (Earnings per share H1 2006: EUR 1.32).
The management of Airbus Military and the A400M programme head within Airbus have been overhauled. The programme contains material risks on the overall time schedule, and system providers continue to face challenges that may infer late design implications. Final assembly of the A400M military transport aircraft is expected to start at the end of August 2007; first flight is expected to occur in the summer of 2008, and the consequence on deliveries and cost is under assessment by the new programme management.
Eurocopter confirmed its strong commercial performance in the first two quarters of 2007 and increased its revenues to EUR 1,644 million (H1 2006: EUR 1,473 million). This development is mainly driven by the delivery ramp-up in serial helicopters. In the first six months of 2007, Eurocopter handed over 209 helicopters to customers (H1 2006: 180). Despite a favourable mix, improvements in volume and cost reduction, the Division's EBIT reduced to EUR 35 million (H1 2006: EUR 88 million) under the impact of a EUR 105 million cost at completion adjustment in the NH90 programme.
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Phenom 100 makes maiden flight
Neuer Geschäftsreisejet von Embraer hebt ab
The Embraer Phenom 100 flew for the first time on July 26. Aircraft number 99801 was airborne at 10:55 a.m., when Capt. Antonio Bragança Silva called out “rotate” and pulled back the yoke. Upon deplaning from the Phenom 100, test pilots Capt. Antonio Bragança Silva and Capt. Eduardo Alves Menini, and flight test engineer Marcelo Toledo Basile, were satisfied with the maiden flight. “We had a successful first flight. All maneuvers and tests were performed as planned”, said Capt. Bragança. “We were very impressed with the Phenom 100 performance and flying characteristics, as well as the exceptional comfort and ergonomics of its cockpit design”.
“This is a key milestone for Embraer and a very special and rewarding moment for the entire Embraer team. To see our new baby bird taking off is highly satisfying and I congratulate every Embraer employee for making this possible.” remarked Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President and CEO.“When we unveiled the Phenom jets a little more than two years ago, we asserted to the business aviation community our commitment to be a long term player in the executive aviation market. The first flight of the Phenom 100 confirms this commitment and constitutes another step in Embraer´s strategy to serve our customers with a product line that spans the market.”
A full test program, including static and fatigue tests, will follow the maiden flight in order to obtain Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) certification, which will be followed by FAA certification, prior to entering service in mid-2008. EASA certification will be completed in the first semester of 2009.
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Cessna's shows new Light Sport Aircraft
Neues Leichtflugzeug von Cessna vorgestellt
Cessna brings a combination of experience and innovation to the Light Sport Aircraft market with the introduction of its new Model 162 SkyCatcher, launched at the opening of the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual week-long conference – AirVenture 2007. “We set out to develop an aircraft worthy of the Cessna name,” said Jack J. Pelton, Cessna chairman, president and CEO. “We have had more voice-of-the-customer input into the design of this aircraft than anything we've done in the past, and that has led to some very innovative features such as the uniquely designed dual control sticks.”
Many of the design elements were based on market preferences. The Teledyne Continental O-200D engine was a clear customer preference because of its advantages in operations, warranty and maintenance. The engine is air-cooled and has a greater mean-time-between-overhaul period than other engines considered, and it demonstrated a lower operating cost.
First flight of the prototype Model 162 is set for the first half of 2008 and deliveries are expected to begin in 2009. Cessna expects to produce up to 700 a year at full-rate production. At an introductory price of $109,500, the 162 will be powered by a Continental O-200D 100-hp air-cooled, carbureted engine and a fixed-pitch composite propeller. The aircraft will cruise at speeds up to 118 knots and will have a maximum range of 470 nautical miles.
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Cirrus announces SRS light sport aircraft – a German design
FK Leichtflugzeug soll Cirrus LSA bauen
On the heels of its successful unveiling of "the-jet" and the launch of its SR22-G3, Cirrus Design Corporation, Duluth, MN, in cooperation with Fk Lightplanes of Speyer, Germany, announced at EAA AirVenture, the CIRRUS SRS (or SR Sport)– an expected addition to CIRRUS' already popular line of personal transportation aircraft. The SRS will take advantage of the new Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) regulations.
According to CIRRUS, the SRS will be an extension of the company's current product line for people who would like a CIRRUS but are specifically interested in sporty, recreational, or entry level missions. With the addition of "the-jet" and the SRS, CIRRUS now offers additional aircraft, with equally competitive price points, as their current line. The new aircraft allows for easier entry into the personal aviation market.
CIRRUS said the SRS will be a lightweight aircraft with a moderate cruise speed of about 120 kts. – the maximum limit for LSAs. Ergonomics, along with modern avionics, single-power lever and the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS™) align with the CIRRUS philosophy of comfort, safety and, in this case, lively performance.
For the last four years, CIRRUS has been evaluating two-seat planes from European manufacturers – the hotbed of development for this type of aircraft. The SRS will be based on the Fk14 Polaris–one of many fine European aircraft that have been cultivated in an intensely competitive environment. The Fk14 Polaris was not developed in a vacuum but has emerged as the best in its class.
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Eclipse Aviation reveals Eclipse Concept Jet
Viersitzer Minijet von Eclipse vorgestellt
At EAA AirVenture, Eclipse Aviation unveiled an innovative new concept aircraft. The Eclipse Concept Jet (ECJ) is a single-engine turbofan powered, V-tail aircraft that Eclipse will use to conduct market research on the emerging single-engine jet category. Until today, Eclipse's concept jet had been kept completely under wraps, with very few of the company's employees aware of its development.
The ECJ was flown into Oshkosh last night and was taxied to the Eclipse Aviation booth this morning by President and CEO Vern Raburn. The jet will remain in the Eclipse booth throughout the entire show, along with a full-scale ECJ interior mockup display. The ECJ is the result of an aggressive just over six month development schedule from design to first flight. Initial design kicked off in mid-January of this year, with first flight occurring on July 2. To date, the aircraft has accumulated just under 30 flight hours. The ECJ has flown at speeds up to 250 knots and altitudes up to 25,000 feet and successfully demonstrated gear and flap operation since its very first flight. The ECJ has also conducted initial flutter testing, pre-stall testing, engine restart, and other flight envelope expanding test points.
Eclipse's ECJ program is designed to help the company analyze demand trends within the growing single-engine jet marketplace, and gain customer insight on potential future aircraft products and designs. The initiative is modeled after the automobile industry's concept cars, which showcase advanced styling and technology to assess customer reactions to new car designs which may or may not eventually be produced and gauge the potential market size.
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Astrium to study Vega upper stage
Studienauftrag für Astrium
Astrium has won a contract from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne to investigate concepts for a new upper stage for the European launcher Vega. The project is named “Venus” (Vega New Upper Stage). Currently under development, Vega is a small European launch vehicle which is scheduled for first launch in 2009. The study now awarded to Astrium is worth roughly half a million euros and will run for a period of 18 months.
“Germany supports independent European access to space. This independent access is becoming increasingly important with respect to small launch vehicles, given the declining availability and rising launch prices for converted Russian ex-military launchers,” explained Dr Claus Lippert, head of space transportation at the DLR.
The Vega rocket is being developed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) under contract to the European Space Agency ESA. Germany has not participated in the programme so far. However, if the expected increase in transport requirements for European miniature satellites and the greater risk due to Europe's dependency on Russian launch services should lead to a decision to place more emphasis on 'Europeanising' Vega and enhancing its performance, it could become necessary for Germany to participate in the programme as a specialist for upper stages. Dr Lippert continued: “In preparation for a possible decision of this nature, we tasked Astrium with investigating various technical concepts under the Venus project.” A decision as to whether or not Germany should participate in any further development of Vega, and in what form, could then be made in 2008 on the basis of these findings. The area is being investigated in close consultation with ESA and ASI, and is likely to feature on the agenda of the ESA countries' next ministerial conference at the end of 2008, according to Dr Lippert.
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100th freighter conversion starts at Dresden
EFW beginnt 100. Frachterumrüstung
On July 25, 2007 the Dresden-based EFW celebrated the entry into conversion of the 100th aircraft since taking up this activity in 1996. The 19 year old A310-300 bearing the Manufacturing Serial Number (MSN) 476 was formerly used by Turkish Airlines offering passenger services from Istanbul to major European destinations like Amsterdam, London, Düsseldorf, Paris and Frankfurt. The conversion process from passenger into freighter configuration takes about four months. Then the aircraft will start its second life and enter the Turkish Airlines´ freighter fleet. “We are happy that Turkish Airlines, a new up-and-coming customer in the air cargo business decided to convert the popular A310 aircraft,” said Dr. Andreas Sperl, President and CEO of EADS EFW. “I am very proud on our highly skilled and dedicated employees who contributed to 99 freighter conversions in Dresden – and to the current 100th one. Their passion to deliver excellence to our customers is the root cause for our achievement in the last years and represents the basis for EFW´s success in future programs.”
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UK to build two new aircraft carriers
Neue Flugzeugträger für Royal Navy
UK Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Lord Drayson, welcomed the announcement of the decision to build the two 65,000 tonne aircraft carriers, to be named HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, and BAE Systems and VT Group's creation of a Joint Venture (JV) which will be a key part of the alliance of MOD and Industry constructing the ships. Lord Drayson said: "When I launched the Defence Industrial Strategy in December 2006 I said that 2007 was the year in which I wanted to see results. Today's announcements deliver just that. Confirmation by BAE Systems and VT of the creation of a Joint Venture, brings together both surface ship build and support, and provides exactly the through life provider we identified as necessary in the DIS and marks a major step in the creation of a globally competitive UK maritime industry".
"The DIS is first and foremost about clarity from government allowing industry to deliver value for money. The announcement today of this very significant new warship order together with the formation of the BAES/VT Joint Venture go a long way to clarify the future for UK naval shipbuilding over the next 10 years, even down to saying what will be built in which yards, and to delivering the capability we need in the naval sector against clear time and cost goals." This unique project will be a very considerable test of the UK maritime shipbuilding industry. It creates a through-life entity managing major surface warships from design to disposal.
HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are expected to enter service in 2014 and 2016 respectively. The order will be placed with an alliance of companies (including the JV) and will cost around £3.9Bn, although the alliance and MOD have agreed to work together to reduce this figure before a final price is settled in 2009. Following on from a 2006 Memorandum of Understanding, through which France paid for use of the carrier design, both UK and French industries are now exploring further co-operation opportunities including sharing of procurement of equipment and support.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Egon W. Behle (51) will become Munich-based MTU Aero Engines Holding AG's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective the beginning of 2008. The Supervisory Board of the MDAX-listed company nominated him to the position of CEO by unanimous vote on Tuesday, July 24. His term of office will run for three years. Behle, who has a degree in aerospace engineering, comes from ZF Lenksysteme GmbH in Schwäbisch Gmünd, where he has served as CEO since 2002. He succeeds Udo Stark (59), who had announced in March that now that he was turning 60, he opted not to renew his contract with MTU, which expires at year's end.
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Lufthansa maintains its course: during the first six months of 2007, the Group increased its capacity and sales. The Group improved its operating result to 486 million euros, which marked an increase of 64 per cent in comparison with the first six months of 2006. The net profit for the term was reported at 992 million euros; this figure includes 503 million euros of profit from the sale of the shares in Thomas Cook. Commenting on the first-half results, Lufthansa Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber said: “The result underlines the success of our strategy to continually and selectively invest in products, to place customer orientation at the fore and to keep an eye on the costs. The quality and distinct service orientation of our staff has enabled us to win over a record number of first-half customers.” Referring to the future developments, Mayrhuber underlined that: “The attractiveness of the Group will continue to grow for shareholders, customers and employees alike, as we will continue to grow in profitability, improve the quality and increase the operating margin.”
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On 26 July 2007, the United States and the European Union announced their agreement to jointly adopt and provide an improved design for their respective Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. These signals will be implemented on the Galileo Open Service and the GPS IIIA new civil signal. Building on the historic cooperative agreement on GPS and Galileo signed between the two parties in June 2004, a joint compatibility and interoperability working group overcame technical challenges to design interoperable optimized civil signals that will also protect common security interests. The resulting GPS L1C signal and Galileo L1F signal have been optimized to use a multiplexed binary offset carrier (MBOC) waveform. Future receivers using the MBOC signal should be able to track the GPS and/or Galileo signals with higher accuracy in challenging environments that include multipath, noise, and interference. The agreement to jointly use MBOC on these interoperable civil signals demonstrates the close U.S. and EU cooperation since 2004 to ensure GPS and Galileo are compatible and interoperable at the user level. Future civilian users will enjoy the benefits of multiple GNSS constellations providing greater signal availability and coverage around the world. Incorporating MBOC into both GPS and Galileo will enhance commercial opportunities for the development of new GNSS products and services. Manufacturers and product designers will have the benefit of adequate lead time to ensure products developed will meet the needs of users around the world.
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Engineers at Cessna continue to refine the details of the next generation piston (NGP) proof-of-concept aircraft on display at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. “We are collecting performance data from several aerodynamic modifications, and are continuing to refine the aircraft design,” said Van Abel, project engineer for the NGP. Cessna is also continuing to assess the business case for the NGP. The NGP proof-of-concept (POC) made its debut at last year's AirVenture with a surprise fly-by during the show. The POC incorporates a higher percentage of composite materials than Cessna's traditional aircraft. It is likely that the final configuration would be a hybrid of composite and aluminum to optimize the available technology.
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EADS North America has delivered its eighth UH-72A Lakota to the U.S. Army, completing the initial phase of a multi-billion dollar contract awarded the company last year for up to 322 Light Utility Helicopters. As with the initial six UH-72As, the two newest Lakotas were delivered ahead of schedule – underscoring EADS North America's commitment to this important Army acquisition program. These two UH-72As are the first configured for VIP transportation duties, and are equipped with removable seats that also enable their use in general support and airlift/logistic missions. The aircraft departed from the Columbus, Mississippi facility of EADS North America's American Eurocopter business unit and were flown to Ft. Eustis in Virginia's Hampton Roads region. The six previously-delivered Lakotas have been assigned to the National Training Center Air Ambulance Detachment at Ft. Irwin, California, which, in May became the first U.S. Army unit equipped with the UH-72A. They are outfitted for MEDEVAC missions, and carry an externally-mounted rescue hoist.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Parts Manufacturing Approval certification to Pratt & Whitney Global Material Solutions (GMS) for the CFM56-3 engine high pressure turbine (HPT) shroud. This represents the first certification of GMS's portfolio of 48 interchangeable life-limited and gas- path replacement parts for the CFM56-3 engine. "The first FAA certification is a significant milestone for the Global Material Solutions business and a validation of our extensive OEM design, validation, test and manufacturing capabilities," said Matthew Bromberg, vice president and general manager, Global Material Solutions. "The next step is to continue to work closely with the FAA to certify the remaining Pratt & Whitney-designed CFM56-3 engine parts, as well as pursue certification by the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) and Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)."
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Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) won two new contracts from Epic Aircraft. Epic chose a PW600 engine to power its Victory very light jet (VLJ). P&WC will be the exclusive supplier for the five-seat Victory starting with aircraft number 7. Epic has also selected the PT6A-67 turboprop engine to power its new six-seat Dynasty aircraft.
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Sikorsky has delivered the first S-92 helicopter to China. Eastern General Aviation Corporation (EGAC), a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines Group, recently accepted the aircraft along with two S-76 C++ helicopters. The delivery distinguishes EGAC as the first customer to operate the S-92 in China. The helicopters will be used for offshore oil operations as part of EGAC's plans to expand its business with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and ConocoPhillips China, Inc., a Joint Venture with CNOOC. The aircraft are upgrades for EGAC's current fleet of three S-76A++ aircraft.
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At a press conference held on AeroShell Square at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, Sonex Aircraft, LLC and AeroConversions Products made the official unveiling of the E-Flight Initiative, pioneering alternative energy research & development for sport aircraft, with an informational forum to follow tomorrow, July 25 at 11:30 am in AirVenture forum building 11. The unveiling included a proof-of-concept prototype electric powerplant installed in a Waiex airframe and the event was kicked-off with opening remarks by EAA President Tom Poberezny.
In 2006 Sonex Aircraft, LLC's research and development team began work on what is now called the “E-Flight Initiative.” E-Flight is a push to explore viable alternative energies for powering sport aircraft and improve the efficiency and performance of current products and technologies to keep aviation affordable for the average pilot, and to keep recreational aviation available to future generations of pilots. The E-Flight Initiative has three major areas of focus, taking a diverse approach to the problems of rising energy costs and an ailing environment to provide near, intermediate and long-term green powerplant solutions: Electric Power: Development of a proof-of-concept electric motor powerplant, controller, battery pack and charging system with the goal of determining the feasibility of a marketable line of Sonex and AeroConversions products. This project represents the most significant portion of E-Flight, in terms of investment, risks, challenges, and possible gains. Ethanol Fuel: Investigation of converting the AeroConversions AeroVee 2.0 powerplant for use of ethanol-based fuels in order to accommodate ethanol-blend auto fuel and/or pure ethanol to both increase performance and efficiency and to ensure that Sonex and AeroConversions products are prepared for the possible discontinuation of 100LL or similar aviation fuels. Efficiency Enhancement: Development of other enhancements to the existing AeroVee 2.0 and other existing and future AeroConversions products to increase fuel efficiency and performance for the sport pilot. These enhancements will be built upon an already strong foundation, as an AeroCarb equipped AeroVee powered Sonex aircraft already boasts a fuel economy of over 42 miles per gallon when cruising at 150 mph TAS.
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Saab's acquisition of Denel Saab Aerostructures Pty Ltd, which was announced on June 15 2006, is now concluded since the South African Government has approved the deal. The company, which will receive a Saab investment of MRAND 66, in addition to the capital injection made by Denel, will initially be 20 percent owned by Saab and 80 percent by Denel. Denel Saab Aerostructures will compete on international markets for design, manufacturing, and assembly orders in the civil and defence aerostructures fields. Saab has the management responsibility for the new company.
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CAE has signed a contract with first time customer, Mooney Airplane Company (MAC), maker of the world's highest performance single-engine, piston-powered aircraft. The agreement calls on CAE to develop a series of web-based maintenance training modules. The program includes the development and implementation of a strategic learning web portal and maintenance modules designed to improve factory support of Mooney's family of aircraft including the M20-Series, the Ovation and the Acclaim fleets. CAE's e-learning web portal will host and provide access to the modules to an estimated 450 students in this first phase. “We are very excited about this new project, which allows our Services team to apply expertise acquired with larger aircraft to the general aviation market,” said Jeff Roberts, CAE's Group President, Innovation and Civil Training & Services. “We continue to remain flexible in finding cost effective solutions that support our clients' business objectives and we are very pleased with the relationship that is growing between CAE and Mooney.”
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Meeting on Thursday, July 19, the SAFRAN Supervisory Board applied the decisions made on December 12, 2006 concerning corporate governance: Jean-Paul Béchat will finish his term as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board on September 2, 2007, having reached the age of 65. Jean-Paul Herteman has been named Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board, effective September 3, 2007.
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The first Airbus A319 wing box made in China was delivered to Airbus by Xi'an Aircraft Company (XAC), a subsidiary of China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I). The wing box will be dispatched to the Airbus site at Broughton in the UK for equipping with systems and further work. With a dimension of 16.67m x 4.2m x 1.0m and a weight of 3,500 kg per wing, the wing box is the largest Airbus aircraft component ever produced by a Chinese aviation manufacturer. It also highlights the high level of Airbus' commitment to its industrial cooperation programme with the Chinese aviation industry. The delivery of the first Chinese wing box for the A320 family aircraft marks a significant milestone in the A320 family aircraft wing cooperation programme between Airbus and China. Xi'an Aircraft Company is scheduled to ramp up the production of the wing box to four shipsets a month by the end of 2009. With the continuing strong demand for the A320 family aircraft, XAC represents additional capacity to Airbus' wing production in Broughton, UK.
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The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the creation of a joint venture between SES Astra of Luxembourg and Eutelsat of France for the provision of satellite infrastructure for broadcasting mobile TV as well as voice and data communication services to mobile devices. The Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it. Astra offers satellite-based broadcasting and broadband solutions which include broadcasting of television and radio programmes, internet access and network services. Eutelsat, like Astra, is a satellite operator offering satellite-based broadcasting and broadband services. The proposed transaction would create a joint venture to provide satellite-based infrastructure for both broadcasting content to mobile devices and two-way voice and data communication services to mobile devices. The Commission's examination of the proposed transaction showed that, with respect to the provision of satellite-based infrastructure for broadcasting content to mobile devices, such as mobile telephones, customers would continue to have a sufficient choice of alternative infrastructures based on a variety of technical transmission standards. In some Member States (Germany, Finland, Italy, UK) operators recently started broadcasting content to mobile devices, such as mobile TV, via different technology standards e.g. DMB, DVB-H, DAB-IP.
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MTU Aero Engines Holding AG achieved 8% growth to the end of June 2007, as expected. Revenues increased from Euro 1,170.0 million (1-6/06) to Euro 1,260.6 million (1-6/07) during this period. The group expects to sustain this same growth rate through to the end of the year. MTU's earnings improved at an above-average rate: Adjusted EBITDA amounted to Euro 181.0 million at June 30, 2007, thus exceeding the equivalent figure for the first 6 months of 2006 (1-6/06: Euro146.3 million) by 24%. Similarly positive results were reported for adjusted net income , which increased by 10% from Euro 55.5 million to €61.0 million. And this despite the fact that adjusted net income for the first six months of 2007 includes a non-recurring charge for the early redemption premium in connection with the high-yield bond. Excluding this exceptional charge, the increase would have amounted to 31%. “We expect our year-end results for 2007 to reflect this continued growth trend, with significant contributions from the series production of commercial engines and spare part sales, which are progressing well,” commented Udo Stark, CEO of MTU Aero Engines Holding AG. “This upward trend is underpinned by the sustained impact of our efficiency improvement program.”
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Two International Space Station crew members Monday successfully wrapped up a 7-hour, 41-minute spacewalk that saw the removal and jettison of a refrigerator-size ammonia reservoir. The spacewalk from the Quest Airlock ended at 2:06 p.m. EDT. Astronaut Clay Anderson was the lead spacewalker, EV1, wearing the spacesuit with red stripes. Fyodor Yurchikhin, the cosmonaut and station commander, wearing the all-white suit, was EV2. Cosmonaut Oleg Kotov operated the Canadarm2 from the U.S. laboratory Destiny. After leaving the airlock and setting up equipment, the first task was installation of a television camera stanchion. The spacewalkers took it from an external stowage platform and installed it on the Earth-facing side of the station's main truss at the interface Starboard 0-Port 1 (S0-P1) truss segments. Next they moved to separate tasks. Anderson reconfigured a power supply for an S-Band Antenna Assembly, and then set up and got on a foot restraint at the end of Canadarm2. Yurchikhin replaced a circuit breaker, called a remote power controller module. It ensures power redundancy for a move of the Mobile Transporter rail car on the station's truss. Back together, Anderson and Yurchikhin removed flight support equipment, where the camera stanchion had been mounted, and an attached Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanism. Together they have a mass of about 212 pounds.
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Rolls-Royce announced the appointment of Mike Terrett as an executive director and as Chief Operating Officer, with effect from 1 September 2007. John Cheffins CBE, will be retiring as Chief Operating Officer on 31 August 2007. He will be retiring from the Rolls-Royce Board and the Company on 30 September 2007, having served on the Board since March 2001.
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RotorWay International's new helicopter, the A600 Talon debuted, at AirVenture 2007. The Talon is the first craft to be produced at the 40-year-old company's new factory, and the result of RotorWay's veteran team members and private ownership. “The A600 Talon is the first of a new generation of RotorWay machines, built on a tradition of delivering on our promises,” said CEO Grant Norwitz, as the machine went through its paces for the cameras early in the Arizona morning of the fifth of July. “With our new facilities, our new programs, and our commitment to establishing an atmosphere in which certification of future designs will be fulfilled, the Talon exemplifies the spirit of RotorWay: strong traditions and fresh thinking.” The A600 Talon is a top-to-bottom redesign, incorporating many customer-initiated requests, advanced electronics, engineering, and convenience items. The cockpit is now all-glass, using the MGL Avionics system. The completely redesigned and tuned FADEC system now has a secondary FADEC as a clone of the primary. Any failure of the primary unit will be imperceptible to the engine informing the pilot on the MGL display. The 162's primary drive chain is replaced by a heavy-duty cog belt for ease of maintenance and longevity. The useful load is 535 pounds, including a 100-pound luggage compartment. Economy cruise is a practical 90mph and fast long-distance cruise has already been demonstrated at 100 plus, with the doors off! The landing gear is 10 inches wider, 10 inches longer, and 7” higher than its smaller predecessor the Exec 162. This enables improvements in strength and stability, while offering greater accessibility underneath for the optional accessory luggage pod.
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Flow International Corporation, the world's leading developer and manufacturer of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) waterjet technology, announced it has been awarded its second multi-million dollar contract to manufacture and install a multi-axis Composite Machining Center (CMC), abrasive waterjet and routing machine tool system for Airbus Spain's use on the A320 program. Airbus Illescas Plant will use the new Flow waterjet system to machine composite horizontal stabilizers structures for the A320 when the system is delivered in around 10 months. Within Airbus, Spain is responsible for design and manufacture of the rear end of the aircraft. The use of waterjet cutting of composite materials provides many distinct benefits. Waterjets are a clean non-contact cutting and trimming technology that allows the use of flexible, programmable tooling, in lieu of expensive hard tooling for each individual part. As a result, this system dramatically reduces set up time and saves money. Waterjets eliminate the potential for the delamination of composite materials, which can occur with conventional cutting techniques.
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Alliant Techsystems and German defense contractor MBDA LFK-Lenkflugkorpersysteme GmbH have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to assess potential work share opportunities with the German Ministry of Defense (MoD) on the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). The MOU focuses on identifying opportunities for Germany in the production and product improvement phase of the AARGM program, as well as opportunities for additional derivatives of the AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM). In 2005, Italy became the first international partner of ATK and the U.S. Department of Defense when its Ministry of Defense signed a work share agreement. If the German MoD joins the AARGM cooperative team, LFK would be integrated into this industry team. In May of this year, AARGM demonstrated its significant capability by successfully completing a development-phase guided missile test firing at the Naval Air Warfare Center China Lake, California test range. The success of the AARGM System Development and Demonstration (SD&D) phase builds on the tradition of success established with the Quick Bolt Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) and AARGM Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) phases of the program. During these earlier program phases, AARGM was seven of seven in a series of successful missile firing tests. The AARGM program plans a series of additional launches during the SD&D phase and expects to begin Low Rate Initial Production in FY08.
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On the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2007, the general conditions for an operational and strategic cooperation between Austrian Technik and Lufthansa Technik AG have now been defined. With this, an increase in capacity utilisation and efficiency will be achieved in the maintenance and workshop area. Austrian will contribute a big capacity volume for C-checks and maintenance work in the aircraft component area to the cooperation. The aim of this intensified cooperation is a forward-looking strategy and thus the long-term securing of the future of the location for Austrian Technik, through the use of Austrian's top maintenance quality, together with Lufthansa Technik. Austrian Management Board Member Thomas Kleibl on this future-oriented cooperation: “The cooperation will take place on the basis of long-term contracts. The key points have now been defined and we can begin immediately with implementation. There will be no cross ownership between Austrian and Lufthansa Technik. Austrian Technik is an internationally renowned for aircraft maintenance and will continue to retain its own identity. For Austrian, the aim of this cooperation is the successful reduction of overall maintenance costs and securing the future of the Vienna location as an independent technology and know-how centre, in the sense of a forward-looking strategy.”
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Boeing second-quarter net earnings increased to $1.1 billion, or $1.35 per share, compared to a loss of $160 million, or ($0.21) per share, after charges totaling $1.18 per share a year ago. Second-quarter revenues grew 14 percent to $17.0 billion and earnings from operations rose to $1.5 billion, yielding an 8.8 percent operating margin. Boeing increased its 2007 guidance for revenue, earnings per share and cash flow based on strength in its core businesses and company-wide growth and productivity efforts. These efforts more than offset an increased research and development forecast. Boeing reaffirmed its 2008 outlook. "Our results and increased outlook reflect strong markets, preferred products and services, and a focus on execution, growth and productivity," said Boeing Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney. "Our extensive productivity gains enable us to invest to protect key growth programs while still improving our financial performance. In short, we are taking on our challenges directly as we continue to realize this company's potential."
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Goodrich has signed a new long-term agreement with the Boeing Company under which Goodrich will continue as the exclusive supplier of original equipment and aftermarket landing gear for the 737, 747, 767 and 777 Commercial Airplanes programs. The agreement extends supply arrangements through 2012. According to Jack Carmola, Segment President, Actuation and Landing Systems for Goodrich, "This agreement serves as a strategic foundation for our continued relationship with Boeing -- a key customer. Our commitment to working together with Boeing coupled with our shared commitment to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement serves as the cornerstone for this agreement. Furthermore, our support of the Boeing production system will enable us to continue to provide Boeing with high-value products as we work together to find mutual solutions."
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The first of four Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs for the Canadian Defense Forces took flight for the first time Monday, a major milestone leading to the aircraft's delivery on Aug. 8. With a takeoff weight of 460,000 pounds, (208,650 kg), the advanced airlifter lifted off from Long Beach, Calif., at 3:36 p.m. Pacific time, and flew for three hours and 45 minutes. Led by Boeing production pilot Joel Brown, the seven-person crew put the C-17 through a series of functional checks, flying west over the Pacific Ocean, before returning to the facility where Boeing assembles and tests C-17s prior to delivery.
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Bell Helicopter announced that the Army's Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter program, continuing to progress at an unprecedented pace for a major program, has surpassed the 750 test flight hours mark in less than two years from contract award. The Bell ARH Program Manager, Bob Ellithorpe, commented, "The aircraft continues to perform well. The joint Bell/Army team close working relationship has allowed us to keep the rapid pace of development and I expect it to continue right through delivery to the soldiers in the field." The next major milestone for the ARH Program is the Limited User Test or LUT. This milestone will evaluate how well the ARH-70A meets the program requirements. The LUT will be conducted by Army Test Pilots. The current ARH SDD program has both Army and Bell test pilots flying the necessary missions.
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Vector announces that it was today named by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) as the Preferred Bidder for the purchase of the Defence Aviation and Repair Agency (DARA) Rotary Wing and Components Businesses. Assets included in the proposed purchase transaction include the helicopter repair facilities located in Southampton, U.K. and the helicopter component repair facilities located in Almondbank, Scotland. The Southampton facilities provide MRO support for the MoD Chinook (CH-47), Lynx and Sea King helicopters. The Almondbank facilities provide MRO component support for these helicopter platforms and other platforms within the U.K., both for MoD and other customers. Contractual revenues from these Businesses are estimated to exceed $100,000,000 annually.
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On Thursday, NASA managers set Aug. 7 as the official launch date for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-118 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., is scheduled for 7:02 p.m. EDT. Endeavour's launch date was announced following the traditional Flight Readiness Review at Kennedy. During the two-day meeting, top NASA and contractor managers assessed any risks associated with the mission and determined that the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight.
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Orbital Express successfully completed its final scenario Monday July 2, when it successfully re-installed the computer ORU and verified that it worked after the removal and reinstallation. This event marked completion of Scenario 8, the Design Reference Mission, and the completion of the DARPA portion of the Orbital Express mission. The scenario was composed of several operations- an unmated segment followed by propellant transfer, battery, and computer replacement activities, and spanned a total of 5 days. The scenario required ASTRO to separate from NextSat to a distance of 7 kilometers, then return, perform a forced motion fly around inspection, and finally approach and grapple the NextSat with the robotic arm. Using only its onboard cameras and advanced video guidance system, ASTRO performed all separation and subsequent rendezvous maneuvers flawlessly. ASTRO them moved to within 1 meter of NextSat and reached out with the robotic arm and successfully grappled it. Scenario 7, completed several days previously, had marked the first time that a robotic arm was used to autonomously capture another spacecraft, and proved the capability which had initially been planned for demonstration in Scenario 3-1 in early May. "With the completion of Scenario 8, we have finished the DARPA mission," said Bob Friend, the Orbital Express Chief Systems Engineer and Program Manager. "This team is incredible. With the successful completion of these operations, we have met 100% of our mission success requirements."
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Altair Engineering, a leading global provider of technology and services that empower client innovation and decision-making, today announced that Airbus, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers, has chosen Altair's OptiStruct advanced topological optimization software for the A350XWB program. Airbus pioneered the use of topology optimization in aircraft design, and, during the A380 development, used OptiStruct for design optimization to support weight reduction. Based on its experience with the A380 program, Airbus has now selected OptiStruct as the strategic tool for topological optimization for their development projects. "The Airbus decision confirms that OptiStruct has become the de-facto standard tool for topological optimization within the aerospace industry," said Dr. Michael Hoffmann, vice president of Business Development and Marketing Europe, Altair Engineering. Altair Engineering will provide the HyperWorks software suite to Airbus sites located in Toulouse, France; Filton, United Kingdom; Hamburg/Bremen, Germany; and Getafe, Spain. Airbus is an EADS company.
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Lancair International introduced the Lancair Evolution, the latest and highest performing member of its family, at a ceremony at the company's display area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007. More than three years in development, the Evolution is a four-place single-engine turboprop with a projected top speed of 385 mph. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-135A engine developing 927 hp, the Evolution is projected to have a maximum cruise speed of 338 knots at 25,000 feet while burning 35 gallons of Jet A per hour. An economy cruise setting yields 270 knots at 28,000 feet with a 23 gallon-per-hour fuel burn. With full fuel (140 gallons), the Evolution will be able to carry 814 pounds.
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The UK Ministry of Defence has announced the intention to purchase a new Boeing C17 Globemaster, as part of a number of further measures to enhance operational effectiveness. Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "A sixth C-17 will provide a significant boost to our ability to transport troops and equipment quickly to wherever they are needed, particularly in support of our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
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The US Missile Defense Agency announced that the Airborne Laser (ABL) program has accomplished another historic “first” on July 24, 2007 by propagating its Beacon Illuminator Laser (BILL) and using the return to compensate for atmospheric disturbances. This announcement comes on the heels of the program's July 13 demonstration of an engagement sequence using a beacon from the target aircraft. This latest test, conducted on 24 July, demonstrates ABL's ability to use both its illuminator lasers to track a simulated target, compensate for atmospheric disturbances, and to complete the engagement sequence by simultaneously propagating a surrogate high energy laser to the target. In addition, laser run times demonstrated in flight are of durations that are more than adequate to destroy ballistic missiles. This is a major step toward completing the second of the program's two Low Power System Integration-Active Flight Test knowledge points, the first of which was accomplished earlier this month.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that Lagos, Nigeria-based Arik Air has placed a firm order for four Q400 high-speed turboprop airliners. The value of the contract, based on the list price of the Q400 airliner, is approximately $104 million U.S. Arik Air will offer a two-class interior in its Q400 airliners by configuring its aircraft with 10 seats at 34-inch (86.4 cm) pitch and 62 economy class seats at 31 inches (78.7 cm). Arik Air's current fleet includes four Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets with 10 business class seats and 65 economy class seats in a spacious cabin. It also operates three CRJ200 regional jets. The airline currently serves seven routes in Nigeria which will rise to eleven before introducing African West Coast and Intercontinental destinations later this year.
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The Chief Executive Officer of the Austrian Airlines Group, Alfred Ötsch, made the following statement to mark the release of the Group's half-year results: 'The operating result (EBIT) improved significantly in the first half-year compared to the same period in 2006, rising from EUR –41.0m to EUR –2.9m, a positive upward trend. We have decided upon and implemented a number of important new directions. These include cancelling unprofitable long-haul destinations, putting in place the associated staffing measures and completing the valuation of our Airbus A330 fleet. Both our quality offensive and Focus East strategy have been consistently expanded. The significant improvements in our EBIT in the first half-year and second quarter show that we are on the right course. Despite this, the financial year 2007 should be seen as a transitional year, when the positive effects of the cancellation of unprofitable destinations have still to fully impact the operating result and it has not yet been possible to reduce the total remaining costs. We are progressing according to plan, and striving to generate a profit that will justify our paying a dividend by 2009.´ In the first half-year of 2007, it proved possible to improve the EBIT from EUR –41.0m to EUR –2.9m. This was primarily as a result of the lower fuel volume used following the cancellation of the fuel-intensive long-haul routes, and the lower fuel price compared to last year. The EBIT adjusted for exceptionals of EUR -10.7m increased by EUR 37.1m compared to the previous year. The EBIT rose by EUR 7.0m to EUR 16.1m in the second quarter, while the adjusted EBIT reached EUR 16.5m (EUR 6.1m in 2006). Flight revenue in the first six months remained stable at EUR 1,160.2m, a change of just 0.1% on 2006. Flight revenue fell by 3.5% to EUR 619.6m in the second quarter due to the network redimensioning. This reduction is a result of the complete implementation of the route cancellations, compared to the increase in flight revenue seen in the first quarter.
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Aegean Airlines, Greece's fastest growing air carrier, and Lufthansa Technik signed two new contracts on Total Component Support TCS and Total Engine Support TES The new contract is valued at more than 100 million US dollars. Over the next eight years Lufthansa Technik will serve a fleet of up to 27 Airbus A320 family aircraft, via a Total Component Support TCS® with the provision of components at the carrier's hub Athens. The arrangement enables Aegean Airlines to participate in one of the world's largest pools for aircraft components whereof nearly 1,000 different part numbers of LRUs (Line Replaceable Unit) have been pre-selected.
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On 27 July Alenia Aermacchi delivered to the Italian Air Force (ITAF) the last two SF-260 primary trainers in the latest EA variant, developed specifically for the ITAF. The aircraft were delivered at Venegono in the presence of Lt. Gen. Giampiero Gargini, Commander of the ITAF Schools, of Col. Francesco Tinagli, Commander of the 70th Wing, and of senior Alenia Aermacchi executives. The delivery marks the completion of the contract signed in 2005 with the Ministry of Defence for the supply of thirty SF-260EA aircraft. In addition to the development and certification of the new EA variant, the contract also included the provision of training and logistic support services directly at Latina, where the 70th Wing is based.
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Swiss International Air Lines (Group) generated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of CHF 285 million for the first six months of 2007. The result compares to an EBIT of CHF 98 million for the same period last year. Consolidated net profit for the first six months of 2007 amounted to CHF 295 million (compared to CHF 76 million for the prior-year period). SWISS maintained the favourable business performance it had achieved in 2006 through the first six months of the current year. Total income from operating activities was raised to CHF 2 304 million for the first-half period, compared to CHF 1 976 million for the same period last year. After an encouraging first quarter, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) showed a further year-on-year increase in the second quarter of 2007 and totalled CHF 285 million for the combined first-half period. “SWISS continues to climb,” says CEO Christoph Franz. “Our encouraging first-half performance strengthens our faith in our current strategic thrust. These results have exceeded our expectations. Buoyed by strong demand, we further improved our performance in the second-quarter period on both the passenger and the cargo front. And our consistent cost management and the revenue synergies that we are now deriving from our integration into the Lufthansa Group and our membership of Star Alliance also made major contributions to these favourable first-half results.” SWISS achieved stronger seat load factors than other European airlines in the first-half period. The higher capacity for the first six months (up 12.9% year-on-year in available-seat-kilometre terms) was fully absorbed by market demand. Indeed, the 78.8% systemwide seat load factor for the period was a 1.1-percentage-point improvement on the first half of last year.
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