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UPDATE
Week ending May 12, 2002
+++ BA to sell Deutsche BA +++ Taurus 350 successfully completes tests +++ Trent 900 to power Lufthansa's Airbus A380s +++ Ariane orbits Spot 5 +++ Lufthansa Technik remains market leader +++ Fairchild Dornier battles on +++ News in brief +++

BA to sell Deutsche BA
EasyJet will DBA kaufen

On May 8, British Airways said that it had signed a binding 'heads of agreement' deal with easyJet for the sale of Deutsche BA (DBA), its subsidiary which flies exclusively in Germany. Under the terms of the deal British Airways is granting easyJet the option to buy 100 per cent of Deutsche BA, by March 31, 2003. The deal is potentially worth between £18.3 million (30 million EUROS) and £28 million (46 million EUROS), dependent on when easyJet exercises the option. During the nine month option period British Airways will retain full control of Deutsche BA.
The move to sell DBA is a further step in British Airways' strategy to improve the performance of its European shorthaul business. British Airways' operations at Gatwick airport now focus primarily on point-to-point shorthaul routes and its four separate UK regional businesses are being combined into a single entity - British Airways CitiExpress. Selling DBA is in line with the airline's strategy of selling non-core assets such as its disposal two years ago of French subsidiary Air Liberte for £40 million and Go for £110 million . Roger Maynard, British Airways' Director of Alliances, Investments and Joint Ventures, and also Chairman of Deutsche BA, said: "Flying exclusively in the German market means there is no longer a strategic rationale to retain DBA in the British Airways group. "The decision to sell the subsidiary is in line with British Airways' Future Size and Shape package of measures to reduce costs and return the shorthaul business to profitability.
In consideration for the option easyJet has committed to place three managers with DBA, contribute £3 million (5 million EUROS) towards capital expenditure and pay British Airways £366,000 per month (600,000 EUROS) until it exercises its option. There are no changes to Deutsche BA flights or schedules as a result of today's announcement. Ray Webster, Chief Executive Officer easyJet, said: "Germany is the biggest domestic air market in Europe. But it is poorly served by low-cost airlines, especially in comparison to the UK. We therefore believe that the German market has the potential to develop into a key European market for low cost airlines and we want to be part of that development. This arrangement gives us the opportunity to establish easyJet as the largest low-cost airline in Germany in one step and enhance our growth opportunities."

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Taurus 350 successfully completes tests
Flugversuche des Taurus in Südafrika erfolgreich

The free flight of the Taurus Kepd 350 standoff guided missile system, FM 7 (flight-test model 7), on 25 April 2002 in Overberg/South Africa was a complete success. For the first time it was possible to demonstrate a complete "high pop-up maneuver" with the missile operating at full performance. The free flight was conducted by Taurus Systems GmbH within the framework of the latest test campaign led by the Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 61 (WTD 61) and supported by the German Air Force. This free flight over the full range (350 kilometers) provided full confirmation of the Taurus Kepd 350 system design and the technical maturity of the project. Convincing and unreserved proof was given of the interaction between the new mission planning system and the flight control software. In addition, all the missile's subsystems operated perfectly. A number of different altitude and speed profiles were flown. By selectively using the individual sensors of the missile, it was possible to demonstrate the outstanding performance capabilities of the Tri-Tec navigation system. The entire test campaign formed part of the ongoing development work which is being carried out by Taurus Systems GmbH and its parent companies EADS/LFK (2/3 holding share) and Saab Bofors Dynamics (1/3).

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Trent 900 to power Lufthansa's Airbus A380s
Rolls-Royce-Triebwerk für A380 der Lufthansa

Rolls-Royce announced on 7 May that its Trent 900 engine had been selected by Lufthansa to power the airline's new fleet of high-capacity Airbus A380s. The engine business, for 15 aircraft on firm order, is worth US$750 million to Rolls-Royce. Mike Terrett, President - Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, said: "This is a significant order from one of the world's most prestigious flag carriers who have committed to Trent power for their future large aircraft fleet. We're delighted to be extending our long-standing ties with Lufthansa." The Trent 900 is being developed specifically for the A380, which will carry over 550 passengers, and will be available at thrusts from 68,000lb to 76,500lb on both passenger and freighter versions of the aircraft. In addition to Lufthansa, the Trent 900 has been selected by Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic and International Lease Finance Corporation for an announced total of 64 firm and option aircraft, giving it a share of 58 per cent of A380 engine orders.

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Ariane orbits Spot 5
Spot 5 mit Ariane gestartet

Arianespace placed the Spot 5 Earth observation satellite into Sun-synchronous orbit for the CNES French national space agency. This was Ariane's sixth successful mission of 2002, and it carried the 200th satellite launched by Arianespace. The Spot remote sensing system has been in operation for over 15 years, and Arianespace has launched all four of the previous Spot satellites: Spot 1 in February 1986, Spot 2 in January 1990, Spot 3 in September 1993 and Spot 4 in March 1998.
Flight 151 also carried an auxiliary payload called Idefix (a French name from the Asterix comic strip) for the French AMSAT amateur radio and satellite association. Idefix was installed on the Ariane's third stage, where it will remain attached during its orbital life of 25 to 60 days. Idefix is an educational payload involving the transmission of digital telemetry and recorded voice messages. The payload was the 39th auxiliary passenger orbited by Ariane, and it will be activated about 15 Flight 151 was carried out by an Ariane 42P, the Ariane 4 version equipped with two solid-propellant strap-on boosters. Liftoff from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana was on May 3, 2002 at 10:31 p.m. local time in Kourou (01H31 GMT on May 4, 9:31 p.m. on May 3 in Washington, D.C., and on May 4 at 3:31 a.m. in Paris).

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Lufthansa Technik remains market leader
Gutes Ergebnis für LH Technik

Notwithstanding the difficult situation of the air-transport industry worldwide, in 2001 Lufthansa Technik AG (LHT) remained the world's leading provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and further strengthened its market position. According to August Wilhelm Henningsen, chairman of the Lufthansa Technik executive board, speaking at the company's annual press conference in Hamburg on May 8th, the effects of the recession and September 11th had little initial impact on the company's performance thanks to its concentration on up-to-the-minute products, quickly implemented cost-cutting measures, capacity adjustments and the flexibility of its worldwide production controls.
Despite a downturn in the fourth quarter of 2001, the seventh year of its independent status within the Lufthansa Group, its sales for the year were up by more than 14 percent, totaling 2.6 billion euros. The Hamburg company again did approximately half of its business with companies of the Lufthansa Group, the other half with more than 340 customers in all parts of the world. Including those of its subsidiaries and affiliates, its total sales came to 4.1 billion euros.
As reasons for this favorable development in a difficult environment Henningsen cited the company's concentration on modern aircraft and engine types, its broad international customer base and the savings and efficiency programs that had begun taking effect already in the early quarters of 2001.

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Fairchild Dornier battles on
Bombardier an Fairchild Dornier interessiert?

Speaking at a press conference held at the Luftfahrtpresse Club (LPC) at the ILA, Dr. Wolf Günther, representative of the Aerospace Co-ordinator, expressed his optimism that a competent and effective buyer could be found for Fairchild Dornier and in par-ticular for the 728/928 series. He explained that the federal authorities and the state of Bavaria are willing to provide additional assistance, but that it was essential to keep the company at its present location, thereby safeguarding jobs. Furthermore it is important for Germany to retain a leader in aircraft construction systems. In addition to the major companies Airbus and Boeing, there should also be a supplier of smaller types of com-mercial aircraft. The Chief Executive of Fairchild Dornier, Thomas Brandt, has stated: “The battle goes on“. He believes that there is a market and good prospects for the 728/928 series. His aim is to ensure that the project is placed in the hands of professionals. He remains optimistic that suitable partners can be found. The problem facing Fairchild Dornier has been the lack of a strategic partner. It is obvious that, if such a partner can be found, this would reduce the cost of buying in components and of pro-duction as a whole, as well as facilitating sales. LPC President Peter Pletschacher gave a warning of the danger that the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer could have a monopoly in the field of modern regional jets if Fairchild Dornier were to fail. It is much harder to earn money with smaller commercial aircraft, and this also applies to subsequent opera-tion by the airlines. However, it is important not to lose heart. Even Airbus went through a difficult initial phase but has since developed into an internationally successful business. As announced at the ILA, a team of experts from the Canadian company Bombardier will be arriving at the Fairchild Dornier headquarters in Oberpfaffenhofen in order to familiarise themselves with the 728/928 programme. The question is: will Bombardier take a stake in Dornier Fairchild as a strategic partner? However, it is important to realise that the visit by this team of experts should not be seen as a preliminary decision. Representatives of business and the government do regard an agreement with Bombardier as a possibility. According to Thomas Brandt, around one billion dollars would be required by Fairchild Dornier to carry out a programme of design and con-struction, leading up to certification.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

At the end of April 2002, the German Bundestag's budget committee approved the procurement of ten ship-based RAM systems for the K130 class corvettes. EADS/LFK confirmed this at the ILA International Aerospace Exhibition 2002 in Berlin. The contract, with an overall value of Euro 45.3 million, is being awarded via the American-German Ram Programme Office (RAMPO) as part of a major contract, which is already underway between the United States and the prime contractor Raytheon. This method of proceeding allows maximum exploitation of the economic advantages gained from placing a joint order with the industry. In accordance with bilateral agreements between government and industry, the German and American industries both hold a 50 percent share in the Ram programme. In this way, Ram is one of the classic examples of a successful transatlantic cooperation.
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A mission to the International Space Station returned to Earth after successfully delivering a new 'lifeboat' to the Station for use by the resident crew in the event of an emergency on board. The cosmopolitan crew of the Marco Polo flight comprised ESA's Italian astronaut Roberto Vittori, Russian mission commander, Yuri Gidzenko, and flight participant Mark Shuttleworth. The Marco Polo crew safely descended to Earth in a Soyuz capsule, ending a 10-day mission with a textbook landing on the plains Kazakhstan at 10h55 local (04:55 GMT). Vittori, a former Italian Air Force test pilot, described his maiden voyage into space as "the most exciting and challenging experience of my life". He is the third European astronaut to visit the Space Station in a year and, during his eight-day stay, worked alongside the resident crew - Expedition Four commander Yuri Onufrienko and flight engineers Dan Bursch and Carl Walz - overseeing four European scientific experiments.
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A total of 6,908 business aircraft valued at $95.2 billion (in 2002 US dollars) will be produced over the 2002-2011 decade, predict Teal Group analysts in their twelfth annual world business aircraft production forecast. Teal analysts released their forecast today at the ILA Air Show taking place this week at Berlin Schoenefeld Airport. "This market has seen some over-investment, and is clearly experiencing some softness. However, the industry grew at a phenomenal pace between 1995 and 2000, more than tripling in value. The fundamental growth drivers are still in place, and the market will succeed in staying close to the new high level," said Richard Aboulafia, lead analyst for Teal Group's World Military and Civil Aircraft Briefing, the 1,400-page competitive intelligence service, in which this and 10 other consolidated forecasts plus 156 separate aircraft program reports are published and regularly updated.
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The Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, a business area of Lockheed Martin Corporation-led F-22 Raptor industry team marked a milestone last week, as the newest version of the program's advanced integrated avionics software package - Block 3.1 – was successfully flown for the first time at the Air Force's Combined Test Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Block 3.1's 2.7-hour first flight, which occurred on April 25, was flown on Raptor 06, the sixth test aircraft built. "The Block 3.1 software supplies more than 90 percent of the total functionality planned for the F-22's integrated avionics, including increased radar, electronic warfare and communication, navigation and identification capabilities, as well as an additional global positioning system capability," said Bob Rearden, Lockheed Martin F-22 vice president and general manager. "With this software, we are now ready to finish accomplishing all of the flight-test program's remaining objectives."
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Connexion by Boeing has successfully met Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and been granted certification of the airborne communication network that will bring mobile information services to airlines and their passengers. The type certification grant is the first of its kind for a broadband service linking satellite-based resources and ground networks to commercial aircraft during flight. Using a Boeing 737, the Boeing team completed extensive testing and data analysis of critical on-board hardware, software, systems and procedures that will be available to airline passengers, allowing them real-time, high-speed Internet and intranet access, television, entertainment and e-mail.
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NASA has awarded a $1.14 billion contract to the Rocketdyne Propulsion & Power unit of the Boeing Company, Canoga Park, Calif., for maintenance and support of the Space Shuttle Main Engine for the next five years. The contract calls for Rocketdyne to support the Space Shuttle flight manifest. Support includes on-going flight and test engineering, as well as engine refurbishment. In addition, the contract requires the manufacture, assembly, test and delivery of three additional Space Shuttle Main Engines.
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The trilateral experimental program Trifom/Polyphem, in which France and Italy are participating alongside Germany, is to be brought to a successful conclusion in the summer of 2002. The aim of this program has been to provide proof of the full functional operability of a fiber-optic guided missile system and to demonstrate the functionability of all the new technologies used. Among these are: the powerful booster engine, the fiber-optic spool for long ranges, an improved IR camera, the new aerodynamic missile configuration for increased ranges, the innovative wing geometry with a new folding mechanism and a modified launch canister. A concluding test series, which also includes a free flight over approx. 25 kilometers, is planned to take place at the German test site at Meppen in June 2002. On the industrial side, EADS/LFK and MBDA Missile Systems are the participants in the Trifom/Polyphem program, with the responsibility for the current phase lying in Germany. The start of the development phase is planned for 2003. A precondition for this is that the participating countries France, Germany and Italy reach agreement on this in the coming months and sign an appropriate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The German Navy has decided to use Polyphem-S as a light antiship missile on its new K130 class corvettes. Development funds and resources have been reserved so that the guided missile system can be adapted for use on the ships.
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On May 6, Bombardier Aerospace announced delivery of the 200th Bombardier Learjet 45 super-light business jet, less than four years after the aircraft first entered service, continuing the Bombardier Learjet 45's impressive delivery rate. The aircraft was delivered to JM Aviation Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises, Inc. at Bombardier's completion center in Tucson, Ariz. Scheduled to be used for corporate travel, the aircraft will complement diversified automotive company, JM Family Enterprises, Inc.'s existing fleet of Bombardier aircraft, which includes one Bombardier Learjet 35 and one Bombardier Learjet 55.
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MEADS meets the requirements of the 'capabilities oriented' air defense concept of the Bundeswehr, which has recently been approved in Germany. "MEADS can be deployed within a predetermined time, at a predefined place and with the necessary firepower," emphasized Werner Kaltenegger, President and CEO of EADS/LFK at a meeting of experts in Berlin. "Being the leading German company in the field of ground-based air defense, we are proud to be a major participant in this, the most important transatlantic collaborative venture." In the framework of a three-year risk-reducing phase and under contract to the NATO agency NAMEADSMA, MEADS International is working on the overall design and key components of a future ground-based air defense system. MEADS is the acronym for Medium Extended Air Defence System.
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After three years of successful collaboration on a project with the Mexican airline Compañía Mexicana de Aviación (Mexicana), Lufthansa Consulting GmbH (LCG) now lists the government of the Mexican State of Mexico/Estado de Mexico as one of its clients. On 26 April representatives of Estado de Mexico signed a contract with Lufthansa Consulting in Toluca.p> For initially the next two years LCG will be advising the Toluca based government of Estado de Mexico on construction of the state's new international airport (Texcoco) and identifying the state government's regional interests as distinct from those of the country's federal government, and on developing relevant supporting arguments. The international management-consulting firm will be functioning as the state government's unofficial partner and personal strategy consultant. The focus of LCG's services will be on Air Service Development and Cargo Consulting, particularly as regards the Toluca and Texcoco airports.
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DirecTV 5, a direct broadcast services (DBS) satellite built for DirecTV, Inc. by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications, was successfully launched 1:00 p.m. EDT (5:00 p.m. GMT). The satellite was sent into space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard a Proton K/Block DM launch vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS). The DirecTV 5 satellite is ideally suited for commercial broadcast applications in Ku-Band, with a payload optimized to meet the transmission demands of today's direct-broadcast markets. Its large capacity enhances the DirecTV satellite fleet by providing much-needed bandwidth for expanded services.
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CAE announced it has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence for the Sultanate of Oman to design and manufacture two Super Lynx 300 helicopter mission simulators for the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). The two fixed-base mission simulators will feature the CAE Medallion(TM) family visual system, which will support both night vision goggle (NVG) and Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) training for the helicopter aircrews. The mission simulators, scheduled for delivery in 2004, will simulate the integrated glass cockpit of the Super Lynx helicopter as well as the state-of- the-art sensors and avionics. Advanced simulations for the defensive aids suite, radar system, and weapon systems of the Super Lynx helicopter will also be included. The mission simulators will allow the aircrews to practice and rehearse complex missions in the simulators prior to deployment.
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Lockheed Martin and Eurocopter recently signed a contract to integrate the Hellfire II missile and M299 Hellfire launcher on the Eurocopter Tigre helicopter. The initial customer is Australia, in the AIR 87 armed reconnaissance helicopter program, which specified Hellfire for the weaponry after selecting Tigre to fulfill its coastal reconnaissance and defense mission. There are additional opportunities in Spain, France, Germany, and other countries. The contract provides for integration at Eurocopter's facility in Marignane, France and missile firings in Australia in early 2005 as part of the Tigre qualification effort. Integration of the Hellfire II family of systems includes both the high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) round with a shaped-charge warhead and the blast fragmentation Hellfire II that is qualified against ships. Hellfire II will give Tigre new lethality-bolstering Australia's homeland maritime defense while retaining interoperability for allied operations.
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Telephonics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Griffon Corporation (NYSE: GFF) announced a $7.6 million (USD) contract award from SAAB Aerospace of Sweden to deliver its Airborne Multimode Surveillance Radar equipment in support of Sweden's Nordic Standard Helicopter Program (NSHP). Under the contract, Telephonics will provide SAAB with its APS-143B(V)3 Ocean Eye Surveillance Radar for integration into the NH-90 helicopter Tactical Mission System. Designed for operation in both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, the APS-143B(V)3 Ocean Eye is a multi mode radar system optimized for small target detection in the most severe conditions. "Telephonics' APS-143B(V)3 represents the most advanced technology for maritime surveillance," states Larry Rytter, President of Telephonics Command Systems Division. "It also provides state-of-the-art Synthetic and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR and ISAR) imaging," said Rytter.
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In a historic agreement signed today (3 May) in Pretoria, South Africa's Denel (Pty) Ltd and Turbomeca, part of the SNECMA group of France, created a new company, TURBOMECA AFRICA for the manufacture of engine components and maintenance of helicopter engines and industrial turbines for trains and co-generation. The agreement, signed by Public Enterprises Minister Jeff Radebe, Turbomeca CEO, Emeric d'Arcimoles, and Denel Chairperson, Sandile Zungu, gives the French parent a majority (51 per cent) holding in TURBOMECA AFRICA, with Denel retaining 49 per cent.
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Following extensive discussions with Brazilian Air Force (FAB) Gripen International today submitted a revised proposal for new Gripen multirole fighters to FAB. The revised offer follows a period of extensive discussions with and visits to Sweden by the FAB evaluation teams (pilot, technical and project management). During these visits the Gripen team expanded on the unique operational and support concepts of the Gripen aircraft and their application in Brazil is now further described in the revised proposal. The Gripen proposal is underpinned by substantial technology transfer. The revised proposal presented today contains a detailed plan on how Gripen International intends to undertake the technology transfer to Brazil in order to ensure local autonomy. Together with our strategic partner, Varig Engineering and Maintenance, the Gripen fighter will be supported, maintained and further developed during its lifetime of 40 years.
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Schweizer Aircraft Corp. announced that its Model 333 helicopter has been certified in Italy. Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile granted certification on April 9, 2002, allowing the Model 333 to be sold and operated in Italy. Elialpi Helicopters, a Schweizer distributor in Rivanazzano, Italy, has sold Italy's first Model 333 to a private individual who is using it for personal transportation.
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A Boeing Delta II rocket climbed into the pre-dawn skies over Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., to send NASA's Aqua spacecraft on a mission to help improve life on Earth. The launch occurred at approximately 2:55 a.m. PDT. One hour into flight, the rocket's second stage placed the Aqua spacecraft into a Sun-synchronous orbit. The Boeing Delta II launch and deployment of Aqua paves the way for NASA scientists to gather data that can improve weather forecasting, enhance evacuation plans, and steer commercial and residential development away from storm tracks. "Even with more than 190 successful NASA missions launched aboard Delta rockets since 1960, we continued our same level of vigilance in preparation for this launch as we have for all previous missions," said Rich Murphy, Boeing mission director. "Nothing must ever be taken for granted. That's the way it has to be if we expect to continue our success."
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Lockheed Martin has delivered to the U.S. Navy the 50th P-3C aircraft modified under the Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP). During a ceremony at the Lockheed Martin Aircraft and Logistics Center in Greenville, SC, Jennifer E. Smith, vice president of business development for Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems "turned over the key" to the aircraft to RADM Richard E. Brooks, commander of the Atlantic's Fleet's Patrol and Reconnaissance Force.
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In the reporting period of the first quarter of 2002, the EBITDAR of Austrian Airlines reached EUR 40.6m, more than double the comparable figure for the preceding year (EUR 20.2m). The EBIT improved by EUR 11.8m to EUR -40.1m, and profit before tax also rose – from EUR -61.1m in the first three months of 2001 to EUR -51.5m in the first quarter of 2002. Both the flight revenue of EUR 428.4m and operating revenue of EUR 477.8m were held at approximately the same level as the preceding year in the first quarter despite sharply reduced production (available seat kilometres were down by c. 10 %). Vagn Soerensen, Chief Executive Officer of the Austrian Airlines Group made the following initial remark: “Clearly, the far-reaching measures designed to reduce costs and increase revenue are already having positive effects in the first quarter.” He continued by defining his credo for the company: “We are reforming the operational structures of the Group with real determination, and shall continue to do so in the face of the difficult work to come. While we are still in the early stages of recovery, we are extremely fortunate to have a highly motivated team that possesses the staying power that is so crucial.”
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Lufthansa announced that it will no longer pay base commissions for tickets issued in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and Canada effective immediately. The change applies to tickets, commissionable Miscellaneous Charge Orders (MCO's), and Prepaid Ticket Advices (PTA's). "After recent developments in the industry, we decided to implement this change in order to remain competitive in the market. Travel agents and corporate travel departments will continue to play a key role in the distribution of air travel products and we have a performance-based compensation program that recognizes their important contributions," said Thomas Winkelmann, Vice President The Americas.
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President George W. Bush has announced his intention to nominate Frederick D. Gregory as the next Deputy Administrator for NASA. Gregory, 61, is a veteran astronaut and U.S. Air Force combat pilot, and currently serves as the Associate Administrator for the Office of Space Flight at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
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GE Aircraft Engines' (GEAE) F404 engine, one of the world's most widely used to power fighter aircraft, has been selected for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)/U.S. Air Force X-45B Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) currently under development by The Boeing Company. Boeing Phantom Works, the company's advanced research and development element, is integrating the F404 into the single-engine X-45B design. That aircraft is scheduled to fly during 2005. GEAE will provide three F404 engines for the flight test program.
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The EADS subsidiary Eurocopter is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its establishment during the ILA2002, and among its total of eleven models it is also presenting the larg-est helicopter on display at the fair. The latest in this successful series of helicopters, the EC 145, will be shown in the air for the first time at any air show. This particular model has already been delivered to the police force in the German state of Hesse. Making its German debut at the ILA will be the new single-engined light helicopter EC 130 B4, which has been developed on the basis of the successful Ecureil, but with an additional seat.
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The German pilots' association Cockpit chose Erfurt as „Airport of the Year“ during the ILA, citing the “excellent adaptations that have been made to the taxiing strip and the CAT II/III flarepath lighting systems“ at this airport. The work, which has now been completed, represents a significant safety aspect, which will increase the attractiveness of Erfurt airport. The pilots' association believes that a lack of taxiing areas presents a potential risk, forcing aircraft to use the take-off and landing areas for taxiing. This is one of the defects listed most recently by the Cockpit association in its assessments of the four regional airports at Barth, Hof, Kassel and Lübeck, to which it has given its “Red Star” as a mark of its criticism. Another of these “Red Stars” was given to the regional airport at Mannheim because of the difficulties its presents in both the take-off and landing areas. Cockpit also established that all 18 of Germany's main commercial airports remain classified as “free of defects”.
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The Austrian company Diamond Aircraft is presenting the world's first production model of a diesel-powered aircraft and the prototype of a two-seat touring aircraft during the ILA. According to Christian Dries, proprietor and general manager of Diamond Aircraft, the company's policy is aimed at achieving “automobile standards“ in aircraft construction: simple controls, low-maintenance airframes and energy-conserving engines. This single-engined touring aircraft, the DA 40, went into series production in 2000 and received its certificate of airworthiness on 24 October 2000. Eighty have al-ready been sold, and a further 200 orders have been received. Thielert Aircraft Engines have now developed the first diesel engine for aviation use, which has been installed in this aircraft. The certificate of airworthiness was issued on 6 May this year, and applies to operation with jet fuel and diesel too. The Thielert company was established in 1999 in Lichtenberg, Saxony, with the aim of developing a diesel engine for use in aircraft engines. All the 135 hp engines produced this year have already been sold, and next year annual production will reach 1,500. There are plans to develop a more powerful version with 310 hp. The cost of the diesel fuel consumed by an hour's flying is be-tween eight and 15 Euros, compared with 55 Euros for a conventional engine. Christian Dries claims that this diesel powered aircraft represents an international breakthrough by Thielert Aircraft Engines and Diamond Aircraft. This is evident from the orders re-ceived and from the worldwide interest that this development has attracted. The second aircraft being displayed by Diamond Aircraft at the ILA is the twin-engined DA 42.
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The ability to take to the skies has long been a dream of mankind, and has now been realised, as Gerhard Schröder, Germany's Chancellor mentioned in his opening address at the ILA2002. In the past Germany has made a major contribution towards a more effective fulfilment of this dream. One of the distinctive features of today's aero-space sector is the important part that is being played by research and development. The Chancellor pointed out that many examples of outstanding innovation can be found at the ILA, and this event provides insights into the many facets of this industry and of its remarkable capabilities. As Schröder explained: “The ILA is an important gateway for the aerospace industry. It clearly indicates that Germany is and will remain a vital centre for the development of aviation and space flight.” The Federal Government will continue to lend financial support to vital aviation and space projects. In the field of research particular importance is attached to the subjects of safety and environmental protection. In this context Schröder announced that the Federal Government was instituting a new aviation research programme which is due to begin in 2003.
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The American manufacturer Pratt & Whitney is displaying its demonstrator, the Boeing 707RE (re-engined) for the first time at any air show. It has been fitted with a newly developed engine, the JT8D-219, which is up to 50 per cent cheaper than the CFM56 units, whose installation requires extensive modifications. The JT8D-219 is based on the JT8D-7, which originated in the 1960s, and which has been used in its military version, the TF33, to power the AWACS reconnaissance and airborne early warning aircraft and the American JointSTARS surveillance aircraft. The basic version, the D-200, is already in use on the McDonnell Douglas MD-80. These new engines are some 40dB quieter than their predecessors, enabling the Boeing 707 to comply with current noise levels (Chapter 3). They also offer fuel economies of up to 22 per cent. The civilian supplementary certification for the Boeing 707RE, which has been developed jointly by Pratt & Whitney in collaboration with another US company, Seven Q Seven, should be issued before the end of this year. The German partner involved in the planned conversion of the NATO fleet of AWACS is EADS-Dornier.
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On Tuesday at the ILA2002 MTU Aero Engines and Pratt & Whitney Canada entered a new phase in their joint programme to produce a demonstration model of their advanced technology fan integrator. Dr. Paul Krammer, MTU Divisional Director for Pro-gramme Management and Customer Services, and Josef Torchetti, P&W Vice President International Business Development, have signed a letter of intent to provide the additional expertise required for future engine series utilising the concept of the advanced technology fan integrator producing a thrust of between 10,000 and 20,000 lb. One example of this development is the PW800, which is aimed at the mar-ket for engines to power regional aircraft and large corporate jets. The programme, known by the abbreviation ATFI, refers to the demonstrator based on a PW300 fitted with the so-called fan integrator: a reduction gear is installed between the fan and the low pressure turbine, which are normally connected to one another by means of a rigid shaft. This enables the large-diameter fan to rotate more slowly, while the turbine turns at a much faster rate. As a result both components rotate at the optimum speed and with the maximum efficiency. MTU has already contributed to the ATFI programme with a fast low pressure turbine, and efforts are now being focused on the high pressure compressor. The programme will be launched in mid-2002, and the new core engine is expected to be running by the first quarter of 2004.
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The meeting of “Airbus ministers” is now a regular feature of the first day of the ILA, and was headed by the Federal Minister of Economics, Dr. Werner Müller. Its participants were the British Industry Minister Brian Wilson, the Spanish Minister of Science and Technology, Anna Birules Bertran, and the French Director General of Civil Aviation, Pierre Graff. The industry was represented by Noel Forgeard (CEO Airbus), Gustav Humbert (COO Airbus), Rainer Hertrich, Chairman of EADS, and the members of the Airbus Supervisory Board, George Rose and Alberto Fernandez. As revealed in a commu-niqué, the ministers have noted with satisfaction the progress that has been achieved with the A380 programme, and the fact that, with this programme, industrial co-operation both within and outside Europe has been initiated. The ministers reported on the progress that has been achieved in five decisive areas: a lowering of the costs of civil aviation, a re-duction in emissions into the atmosphere, reduced aircraft noise, security issues and in-creased capacities accompanied by less flight delays. The ministers specifically pointed out that Airbus had achieved improvements in all these areas, and explained that it was up to governments to play their part in the continued successful development of aviation.
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Erik Lindbergh's Atlantic crossing was a stormy one, as he told reporters on Sunday after-noon, the day before the start of the ILA. On several occasions his single-engined, propellor-driven aircraft hit storms over the ocean, forcing him down to an altitude of just 1,000 feet above the water at times. He also encountered strong winds just before touching down in Paris. However, he also saw the sun, moon and stars, during what he described as a wonderful and impressive flight, which lasted 17 hours and ten minutes from 1 to 2 May 200. His route took him from St. Louis via New York to Le Bourget. The legendary crossing of the Atlantic by his grandfather Charles 75 years ago took eleven hours longer. Erik Lindbergh also took this opportunity to visit the International Aerospace Exhibition at Berlin-Schönefeld in his Lancair Columbia 300.
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EADS, the world's second largest aerospace and defense company, has seen the first indicators of recovery in the aerospace industry. EADS announced this on Tuesday at the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA 2002 at Berlin Schönefeld. This exhibition is the first major aerospace industry event to demonstrate positive signs following September 11. The two CEOs of EADS, Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich said, "Recovery in the commercial aircraft business is in sight, we have positive indications including a rising number of passengers, favorable forecasts by key economic institutes, and the booking of firm commercial aircraft orders." EADS believes the industry will return in 2004 at the latest to the dynamic growth of previous years. With the growth in air traffic, demand for larger, yet more efficient aircraft is expected to climb. The CEOs stated, "But the positive development needs stability. World economic and political uncertainties are still a danger for the recovery. We need to maintain a stable and positive period of growth. While we must continue to prudently manage costs and cash, leverage synergies, and consistently grow our order book, we are participating in ILA with a spirit of optimism."
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Rolls-Royce Deutschland, the Tupolev design office and the aircraft manufacturer Mig have signed an agreement at the ILA for a feasibility study for the joint development, certification and series production of the twin-engined, short haul commercial aircraft, the Tupolev TU-334, fitted with BR715 engines. Over the next six months a working party comprising representatives of the three companies involved in this partnership will investigate the market potential, define the various groups of tasks to be undertaken, the necessary time frame, technical documentation, the requirements imposed by series production, and the commercial and financial planning of the project. If their findings are positive the programme could start next year, with certification and the commercial launch following in 2005. According to the chief designer Igor S. Kalygin, there are three prototypes of the basic model of this 102 seat aircraft, fitted with Russian D-436T engines, which have made 150 flights and accumulated a total of 180 hours of flying time. Russian certification is expected by the end of this year, and then efforts will be made to obtain certification in accordance with the European JAR regulations. Kalygin reports that orders for 270 of these aircraft have already been received from Russia, CIS states, Bulgaria and Slovakia.
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During the ILA2002 CargoLifter AG signed a letter of intent with the Russian company Aviaexport AG, which is also acting on behalf of Aviaholding, part of the Sibirski Aluminium group, one of Russia's largest industrial consortiums. Aviaexport AG is also empowered to act on behalf of the Rosaviakosmos agency. The purpose of this agree-ment is involve more Russian aviation and space companies in the development and production of the two CargoLifter products, the freight airship CL 160 and the transport balloon CL 75 AirCrane. In addition it will be the task of Aviaexport to develop contacts in Russia with potential customers for both of these products. “With this agreement CargoLifter gains access to the entire Russian aviation industry and to the massive po-tential offered by the Russian market“, reported the Technical Director of the company, Prof. Bernd Kröplin. The collaboration will be intensified between now and the autumn, and possibilities will be examined regarding the establishment of a joint undertaking.
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The Beriev Be-200 twin-engined jet amphibian made its debut at the ILA when it landed at Berlin-Schönefeld on Wednesday evening. This was preceded at the ILA2002 by the agreement signed by the European aerospace company EADS and Irkutsk Aviation Pro-duction Group IAPO from Russia to jointly investigate the commercial opportunities for this aircraft. The agreement was signed by the CEO of EADS, Rainer Hertrich, and the IAPO President, Alexej Fjodorow, in the presence of the Russian Minister for Disaster Relief, Yurij Brashnikov. The two companies will set up a working group that will produce a market study within six months to determine the steps that are necessary to achieve international certification for the aircraft and the establishment of a worldwide servicing network. If the answers that they come up with are positive, a business plan will be drawn up. “This agreement represents a further step in the process of industrial co-operation between Western Europe and Russia” according to Hertrich and Fjodorov. “The Be-200 has no competitors anywhere in the world in its particular field and this means that its prospects are extremely good.” This jet, with its glass cockpit, requires two pilots and has been specially developed for fire-fighting. When landing on water it can take up to 12 tonnes of water on board. The first prototype has already completed 650 hours of flying time and is certificated in Russia for fire-fighting. The Russian Minis-try for Disaster Relief was its first customer, having already ordered seven of these air-craft.
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The first two Alpha Jets to be transferred to civilian ownership will be making their world debut at the ILA2002. A total of four of these twin-engined jets, which have now been decommissioned by the Bundeswehr, have now been acquired by the Flying Bulls fleet of historic aircraft belonging to the Austrian Red Bull Group. The first two were purchased in 2000 at an auction of German government-owned property and, after being demilitarised, are being used in displays and also as a source of spare parts. The opportunity arose early in 2001 to obtain two more Alpha Jets di-rectly from Fairchild Dornier. This time the purpose was to demilitarise the aircraft and obtain certification for civilian use, to incorporate them in the Red Bulls fleet and use them “as valuable historical evidence of German engineering skills”. This was finally achieved following successful negotations with the German National Aviation Agency and other authorities in Germany. After a thorough overhaul and the installation of civilian avionics, both aircraft received temporary certification for commercial use in Germany, making them the first of their type to have been demilitarised and authorised for civilian use. On 6 and 14 March respectively the two Alpha Jets completed their “maiden flights” and were transfered from Fürstenfeldbruck, where the Bundeswehr keeps its other Alpha Jets in mothballs, to the Fairchild-Dornier factory at Oberpfaffenhofen. They are being shown to the public for the first time at the ILA.
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