FLUG REVUE update: Week ending November 23, 2003

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UPDATE
Week ending 23 November 2003

+++ DaimlerChrysler sells MTU +++ EC 120 assembly in China +++ 7E7 workshares announced +++ F-16I rolled out at Fort Worth +++ ACA orders 25 Airbus A320s +++ Swiss cuts losses, but problems contiunue +++ P-3C for Netherlands upgraded +++ LFK missile flies at Mach 7 +++ News in brief +++

DaimlerChrysler sells MTU
MTU geht an KKR

On November 21, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (“KKR”) announced that it has agreed to acquire MTU Aero Engines GmbH, Munich, from DaimlerChrysler AG, Stuttgart. MTU is one of the leading players worldwide in the development, production and repair of commercial and military engines for aircrafts. It is Germany's leading engine manufacturer. Internationally, it is strongly positioned in all significant regions and markets. The 2002 revenue was Euro 2.2 billion, with 80 % being achieved in the civil aero engine business. The company closely collaborates with US engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney and will continue this strategic partnership.
The completion of the transaction is subject to necessary regulatory approvals, which are expected by end of December, 2003. It is also subject to approval by DaimlerChrysler's Supervisory Board. Johannes Huth, Managing Director of KKR in London, said: “We are looking forward to working with MTU to take advantage of the many opportunities for this experienced and innovative company.” Financial details were not disclosed, but industry sources said the price was “around 1.5 billion euros" (1.8 billion dollars). The Wall Street Journal Europe put the price at 1.2 billion euros in cash plus 250 million euros in the assumption of debt. Financing will be arranged by JPMorgan, Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) und der Commerzbank. KKR bills itself as one of the leading Private-Equity houses of the world. Its portfolio encompasses 30 companies in the US, Canada, Germany, Austria, France and the UK.

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EC 120 assembly in China
Vertrag für EC 120-Bau in China unterzeichnet

The signature in Beijing of an agreement for local assembly of the EC 120 light helicopter is a major step forward in the coopration between Eurocopter, CATIC and Singapore Aerospace. The helicopter is designated HC 120 for the Chinese market. The contract was signes by Mr. Fabrice Brégier, Eurocopter CEO, Mr. Ma Zheping, CATIC Vice President, and Mr. Lim Serh Ghee, Singapore Technologies Aerospace Senior Vice President, in the presence of Mr. Philippe Camus, EADS CEO. This contract is one result of the visit to Beijing by French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin in early 2003, and the discussions then held between EADS CEO Philippe Camus and Costind Vice-Minister Zhang Hongbiao as well as AVIC II Chairman Zhang Yanzhong. These discussions focused on intensified relations between Chinese and Franco-German aeronautical industries, advocated by EADS and its Chinese industrial partners. Furthermore EADS, Eurocopter's parent company, negotiated a strategic partnership with AviChina by investing 5% in the share capital
On this occasion Fabrice Bregier stated : “The launch of local assembly of the EC 120 is a further signicant step in our increasing cooperation with China's helicopter industry. Given the growth potential of the chinese market and the capabilities of the Chinese industry, I am convinced that new steps will follow very quickly”. It should be noted that this agreement is the result of the new strategy implemented by Fabrice Brégier regarding emerging markets.

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7E7 workshares announced
Boeing nennt Zellenpartner der 7E7

On Nov. 20, Boeing announced work share arrangements for the team that will be responsible for major structural sections of its proposed 7E7 Dreamliner airplane. The structures team partners, named earlier this year, will build large sections of the airplane at sites in the United States, Japan, Italy, Australia and Canada, then transport those parts to the 7E7 final assembly location, which will be in the United States. Boeing will provide major structure to the program through work at its facilities in Frederickson, Wash.; Tulsa, Okla.; Wichita, Kan.; Winnipeg, Canada; and Hawker de Havilland in Australia. Other work packages have been assigned to Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI); Vought Aircraft Industries of Dallas, Texas; and Italy's Alenia Aeronautica.
"The process of assigning work packages has been very thorough and deliberate," said Mike Bair, senior vice president of the 7E7 program. "We looked at the capabilities and capacities of each structures team partner and assigned work where it would be done efficiently and effectively, creating a great product for our customers and solid business cases for everyone involved." Boeing will supply approximately 35 percent of the 7E7 structure including the vertical fin from Frederickson, the fixed and movable leading edges of the wing from Tulsa, the flight deck and part of the forward fuselage section from Wichita, the movable trailing edges from Australia and the wing-to-body fairing from Winnipeg. MHI will be responsible for the wing box. KHI will provide the remaining part of the forward fuselage, the main landing gear wheel well and the main wing fixed trailing edge. FHI is focused on the center wing box and integration of the center wing box with the main landing gear wheel well. The total work share of the 7E7 structure for Japan is approximately 35 percent. Vought and Alenia are teaming on their work packages, with details of where they will build different elements expected at a later date. Together, they will build the 7E7 horizontal stabilizer and the center and aft fuselage. The Vought/Alenia work statement accounts for approximately 26 percent of the 7E7 structure.
Boeing has also unveiled innovative architectural and technological features of its 7E7 Dreamliner's interior that will connect passengers as never before to the flying experience. Passengers will be welcomed onto the 7E7 by sweeping arches, dynamic lighting, larger lavatories, more spacious luggage bins, and electronic window shades whose transparency passengers can change during the flight. The Dreamliner will offer wider seats and aisles than competing models in every class. "The passenger is foremost in our minds," said Klaus Brauer, Boeing's Airplane Interior specialist. "We want passengers to feel welcomed as soon as they board the airplane. Our 7E7 passengers will enjoy a more relaxed and spacious environment that makes their flights more comfortable." "The 7E7 will have larger luggage bins that descend for easy loading and then pivot upward to give passengers an unobstructed view of the 7E7's spacious architecture," Brauer explained. The bins will be the biggest in the industry and have sufficient capacity for an 11 X 16 X 22-inch bag (28 X 40 X 55 cm) for each passenger at his or her seat. When such large stowage capacity is not required, it is possible to replace the center-mounted bins with the simulated sky ceiling treatment, which extends the feeling of spaciousness throughout the passenger cabin. Virtually all aspects of the 7E7 Dreamliner's interior enhance passenger comfort, even the windows. The windows -- at 19 inches (48 cm) tall and 11 inches (28 cm) wide -- will be the largest on any current commercial airplane and will give all passengers a view to the horizon, connecting them to the flying experience.

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F-16I rolled out at Fort Worth
Israels neue Lockheed Martin F-16I vorgestellt

Lockheed Martin and the Israel Air Force (IAF) celebrated its first F-16I aircraft of a new purchase program in ceremonies at Fort Worth. This F-16 acquisition is the fifth for the nation of Israel. Shaul Mofaz, Israel's Minister of Defense, accepted the aircraft on behalf of his nation. “This is a key moment in our national defense history,” Mofaz said. “The F-16I's strong characteristics elevate our air force to a new level of capability. This acquisition not only enhances our military strength but contributes to our nation through significant industrial cooperation.” Lockheed Martin was represented by Dr. Vance Coffman, chairman and chief executive officer of Lockheed Martin Corp.; Dain M. Hancock, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Corp., and president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, and John Bean, vice president of F-16 programs.
This purchase program, called Peace Marble V, contains 102 two-seat aircraft and is the largest Israeli acquisition yet, raising the total number of IAF F-16s to 362. Among Lockheed Martin's 24 F-16 customers, Israel's Fighting Falcon fleet is second in number only to the United States Air Force. The program also involves a large military industrial cooperation program, providing $1.5 billion in offsets directly contributing to Israeli industry. The F-16I is specially designed for Israel. Named the “Soufa”, or “storm” in Hebrew by the IAF, it will provide a key element of Israel's defense posture. It will incorporate the latest technology and capabilities in an air combat fighter, such as modern core avionics, color cockpits featuring moving maps, conformal fuel tanks and advanced electronic warfare displays. The APG- 68(V)9 multimode radar includes Synthetic Aperture Radar ground mapping capability. The F-16I is powered by the Pratt and Whitney F100 Improved Performance Engine, with the capability to carry 52,000 lbs. in takeoff gross weight, the most ever for an F-16. It incorporates a dorsal equipment compartment and a fully missionized rear cockpit. Along with hosting the latest in electronic countermeasures equipment, the F-16I will be compatible with a wide variety of stores including day/night navigation and targeting pods, advanced air-to-air missiles, and precision “smart” weapons.

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ACA orders 25 Airbus A320s
Airbus-Bestellung von US-Regionalfluggesellschaft

Atlantic Coast Airlines, the Dulles, VA-based carrier (ACA) announced it has entered into agreements to acquire 25 Airbus A320-family aircraft, with options for additional aircraft. These efficient, passenger-friendly aircraft will form the backbone of the fleet for the company's low-fare airline. The first of these aircraft will arrive in September 2004 and will be ready for revenue service as early as November 2004. The company has entered into a binding memorandum of understanding with Airbus for a firm order of ten new A319 aircraft configured with 132 seats, and five new A320 aircraft configured with 156 seats, including full conversion rights. It has also entered into leasing commitments from operating lessors for ten additional A319 aircraft. Each aircraft will feature IAE V2500-A5 engines. The aircraft will be equipped in a single-class configuration, and will offer passengers a comfortable 33 inches of legroom between most rows.
Atlantic Coast Airlines is uniquely positioned to execute its strategy to establish an independent low-fare airline. With 44 gates, 87 regional jets and a fleet that will include at least 25 Airbus jets, ACA will operate more than 325 daily departures from Dulles, offering high-frequency service to a large number of markets for both local and connecting passengers. The company's high-utilization operation and low distribution costs will allow it to offer walk-up fares up to 70% lower than those offered today for service to and from Washington Dulles. The company intends to implement its new independent low-cost carrier strategy as soon as its existing contract with United Airlines has been terminated. The name and branding identity for the low-fare airline will be revealed at a ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, November 19th at 2:00pm, to be held at ACA's state-of-the-art Washington Dulles maintenance facility.

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Swiss cuts losses, but problems contiunue
Quartalsergebnisse der Swiss

Swiss International Air Lines (Group) reported a negative operating result (EBIT) be-fore restructuring costs of CHF 62 million in the third quarter of 2003, but the loss was lower than that for the second quarter of the current year (CHF -147 million) as well as for the first quarter (CHF -199 million). On the group level SWISS generated total revenue of CHF 3 098 million for the first nine months of 2003 and posted a year-to-date operating result before restructuring costs (EBIT) of minus CHF 408 million. The costs anticipated for the current corporate restructuring appear in the third-quarter results in the form of a CHF 205 million provi-sion, broadly in line with the CHF 200 million originally announced. The company's liquidity (cash and cash equivalents plus fixed-term deposits) totalled CHF 654 million on September 30, 2003.
The company's Foundation for Winning corporate restructuring programme is well on track. SWISS in Europe, the new business model for the company's European product, was well received by the market, and is already helping to raise load factors on European flights. SWISS is working intensely to prepare for entry into the oneworld alliance, which will occur at the end of March 2004. SWISS is also enjoying continued high popularity, as is evidenced by its recent receipt in New York of the World Travel Award for Europe's Leading Airline. SWISS carried 2.92 million passengers in the third quarter of 2003, generating revenue from scheduled services of CHF 856 million. The corresponding revenue number for the first nine months was CHF 2 571 million. Third-quarter seat load factors averaged 77.6%, a slight im-provement on the 77.3% recorded for the same period last year. Net yield – average revenue per revenue passenger-kilometre – stood at CHF 0.117 for the period, down 10.7% from CHF 0.131 for the same period last year. The decline is due partly to a further industrywide deterioration in yields during the third quarter, although a continuing recovery of the markets following the Iraq war and the SARS epidemic is noticable. Unfavourable foreign exchange rates had a negative yield impact of 3.4%. Revenue from cargo and mail services totalled CHF 120 million for the third quarter, a decline of just under 8 per cent on second-quarter levels. This result is respectable in light of the parallel 8 per cent drop in cargo capacity in the wake of the SARS epidemic. Charter operations were encouraging: with revenue from char-ter and special flights amounting to CHF 51 million for the quarter, total revenue of CHF 108 million was generated from these activities in the first nine months.

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P-3C for Netherlands upgraded
Niederländische P-3C werden modernisiert

Lockheed Martin delivered the first of 10 upgraded P-3C aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Navy today as part of Capabilities Upkeep Program (CUP). The CUP aircraft provides significant improvement in air-to-ground surveillance capability and will provide a critical element in the security of the Netherlands, as well as all other regions of the world where it operates. The 10 upgraded P-3C aircraft will be used in support of maritime patrol, overland surveillance and coast guard operations. “CUP is an excellent example of international cooperation at its finest,” said Jennifer E. Smith, Business Development vice president for Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors' Tactical Systems line of business. “The U.S. and the Netherlands cooperation allowed us to leverage our experience and capabilities to provide an aircraft that will meet expanding mission challenges.”
CUP avionics improvements include new electronic support measures, radar and acoustic sensors. Mission system upgrades include a new data management system in a ruggedized commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based architecture on high resolution color displays. A new communication suite allows the data management system to share data and imagery with other systems outside the aircraft using secure line-of-sight and satellite communications. The CUP modification is designed to be logistically compatible with U.S. Navy repair, provisioning and ground support facilities. The U.S. Navy awarded the $75.3 million prime contract to Lockheed Martin in 2001. Lockheed Martin has prime system integration experience with the U.S. Navy's P-3C AIP (Anti-surface warfare Improvement Program) and P-3C BMUP (Block Modification Upgrade Program). In addition to the systems engineering work at Eagan, Lockheed Martin's Aircraft and Logistics Center in Greenville, SC, is performing installation design and aircraft installations. Delivery of the remaining aircraft will be complete by early 2006.

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LFK missile flies at Mach 7
Raketenversuche bis Mach 7

In October 2003, flew a hypersonic missile developed by EADS/LFK flew for the first time at a speed of over 7 Mach at ground level -- that is a speed of approximately 2.3 kilometers per second. Thus the missile exceeded the speed world record of 6.6 Mach, set up with a similar attempt in the last year. The successful attempt took place with the test platform HFK E1 on the testing ground of the German WTD-91 military engineering unit in Meppen. “By penetrating into speed ranges which have not previously been reached, our engineers have impressively demonstrated their technological expertise. With the hypersonic testbed, we can now examine a broad range of technical-physical phenomena within the high-speed range, for the benefit of future applications,” said Werner Kaltenegger, director/program manager of the research program at EADS/LFK. The goals of the project are to achieve speeds of over Mach 7, investigate thermodynamic and aerodynamic phenomena, study the effects on structural mechanics as well as test components and material samples.
The conical implemented high-power engine, which was conceived by Bayern Chemie, also confirmed its singular characteristics with free flight. Perfect functioning of the telemetry means that EADS/LFK now has the complete results of all measurements, especially in the most interesting acceleration phase, up to maximum speed. “This means a crucial progress for the EADS/LFK. We promise ourselves also by the comparison of the new measuring data with the data of the flight test of the HFK E0 in the past year important resuming realizations ", describe equal Peter, program responsible person with the EADS/LFK. "with it we will continue to remove our international know-how projection/lead." Inge velvet in the context of the national research and technology project four flights with hypersonic missiles were accomplished. The flights with the hypersonic missiles E0 and E1 took place at it under the exclusive responsibility of the EADS/LFK. On the basis of the technological realizations from the hypersonic studies and tests, the company plans to develop future high-speed guided missile systems for air defense and air-to-surface missions.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

The International Space Station reached the historic five years in space milestone on November 20, 2003. The unique orbiting laboratory complex has grown from a lone, uninhabited module into a permanently staffed, house-sized research facility. The Station remains the largest and most complex international space research project in history. The Station will eventually triple scientific capacity with components awaiting the Space Shuttle's return to flight. The first Space Station element, the Russian Zarya control module, was launched from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Nov. 20, 1998. Two weeks later, the Space Shuttle Endeavour delivered the second element, the U.S. connecting module called Unity. The challenges, triumphs and tragedy shared by the international partnership since then have solidified cooperation on the Station among the United States, Russia, Canada, Japan and Europe. "Together with our international partners we have learned how to build, operate and maintain a very complex spacecraft, through the good times and the bad," said Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA Space Station Program Manager. "With this experience to guide us, we look forward to the future, with a vast expansion of the Station on the horizon." At five years old, the Station is still growing. More than 80 tons of equipment and hardware are in the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Fla. being prepared for launch. The Space Station has orbited the Earth more than 29,000 times. It is visible in the night sky as it flies more than 210 miles overhead. The living and working area inside theStation has a volume of about 15,000 cubic feet, larger than a three-bedroom house.
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When a Eurofighter climbs into the sky, it takes a load of high-technology aloft. Its two EJ200 engines give the strike aircraft breathtaking agility and speed. The EJ200s are totally reliable, even when they're caught in the hot exhaust jet of a missile just fired. In a first for a European company, MTU Aero Engines has managed to simulate that situation on the ground, saving the customer much money. “MTU is the first company in Europe that ventured to do a simulation like that,” said Ernst-Jürgen Rieser, deputy EJ200 program manager at Germany's leading engine manufacturer. MTU's engineers have conceived an innovate test setup to simulate the temperature profiles and gradients involved in a missile firing. “We're talking temperature gradients of up to 6,000°C a second,” Rieser explained. At the heart of the test arrangement was a specially fabricated hydrogen burner by Friedrich Ley GmbH, installed in front of the intake of an EJ200 production engine at a Munich test stand. “Manipulating the highly reactive and explosive hydrogen is a hairy undertaking and that's why other companies have shied away from the simulation,” explains test engineer Wolfgang Duling. The results of over 100 test units witnessed that “the EJ200 proved superbly stable and tolerant of the exhaust gas temperature profiles of rocket engines,” commented EJ200 chief engineer Harald Ehrlich. An impinging hot exhaust jet puts engines under formidable stress: the searing temperatures may cause an abrupt compressor stall, with the air no longer passing through the engine but being forced in the opposite direction, and the notorious engine surge condition occurs. If the condition is bad enough, a blowout in the combustor results and the engine dies. “If it doesn't recover,” Rieser said, “the pilot will have to relight it.”
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As part of its mission to open new frontiers in aerospace, The Boeing Company has teamed with Allied Aerospace to develop the X-43C, an experimental aircraft designed to use innovative air-breathing engine technology to attain hypersonic speeds previously achieved only by rockets. The X-43C builds on research results from the smaller X-43A Hyper-X vehicle, which Boeing also helped develop. As with the X-43A program, Boeing Phantom Works will lead the effort to develop specific s ystems for the X-43C, including vehicle design and thermal protection systems along with flight control and navigation systems. The X-43C is a joint project between NASA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, and the cost-plus-fixed-fee completion type contract carries performance incentives and is valued at nearly $150 million over 66 months. The contract covers all work through completion of a preliminary design review, and a contract option covers the final design, hardware fabrication and all associated support activities. The three X-43C vehicles to be built will fly at hypersonic speeds from five to seven times the speed of sound. Hypersonic is defined as speeds at or greater than five times the speed of sound. Design and construction is planned from 2003 to 2005, with flight testing in 2007. The X-43C is a larger than the X-43A with a length of 16 feet versus the X-43A's length of 12.3 feet. The X-43C also has a different scramjet engine, which uses a hydrocarbon fuel rather than gaseous hydrogen as in the X-43A. Hydrocarbon fuels are much denser than hydrogen, allowing an engine test time measured in minutes rather than the seconds available with the X-43A.
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The Gripen will be the first aircraft to test the Meteor beyond visual range missile. In an addition to the Meteor order, whereby Saab Bofors Dynamics was awarded the development and production order by MBDA in August 2003, Saab Aerosystems is now being commissioned to integrate Meteor on the Gripen in a contract worth MSEK 435. “The Meteor program is an extensive development project that will continue until 2010. It is a large-scale project that could grow and it's important for Saab and Sweden to be involved,” says Johan Lehander, Vice President and Deputy General Manager, Saab Aerosystems. Meteor is a beyond visual range missile approximately 3.5 meters in length, for use against air targets. In the future it will replace the American AMRAAM system. The development of the Meteor air-to-air missile is being carried out as an international industrial project involving the UK, Germany, Sweden, France, Italy and Spain.
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The protection of civil aircraft, both on the ground and in the air, is a State's responsibility, and governments must shoulder the financial burden for air transport security, according to IATA Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani. Speaking in Athens at the annual AVSEC aviation security meeting, he said, "Security is an issue that goes far beyond aviation. It is a government responsibility, just like war and peace, and the costs must be assumed by society at large, not just by one industry." Heightened security has been a priority for the air transport community ever since the tragic events of 9/11. These measures have carried a high price tag, with costs for extra security measures imposed on the industry reaching 5 billion dollars last year. In 2002, the US government provided relief in the form of a security tax exemption. That measure has now lapsed. In Europe, IATA is calling for a decision by the EU Council to oblige governments to assume responsibility for and funding of security measures. “Terrorism is a threat against the State. The cost of aviation security must be borne by governments through general revenue and not from special taxes and user fees," said Bisignani. Aviation cannot be discriminated against when the state provides security free of charge for other modes of transport. Bisignani highlighted urgent issues where States must work together to find rational solutions, including baggage re-screening for transit passengers, certification and testing of equipment, and harmonization of biometric identification for passengers. Only globally harmonized systems and standards can facilitate the smooth flow of passengers through security and border control formalities.
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Lufthansa has selected Goodrich Corporation as the cargo systems integrator for the industry's first powered cargo system passenger-to-freighter conversions of five MD-11 aircraft. This is the first powered cargo system passenger-to-freighter conversion ever on an MD-11. In the past, only powered original equipment cargo systems were available and cargo conversions were strictly manual -- non-powered. According to Tom Mepham, President Cargo Systems for Goodrich, "Goodrich will manage the complete cargo system directly for Lufthansa. We will not only provide product/sub-systems but we'll also serve as the cargo system integrator for Lufthansa. In addition, the system will incorporate the Goodrich Advanced Cargo Drive Technology with our control system and the Power Drive Units which we recently fielded on the A340-500/600 and 747-400ERF."
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Bombardier Aerospace has announced that Horizon Air Q400 aircraft equipped with the Rockwell Collins Flight Dynamic's Head-up Guidance System (HGS) have received operational approval for single-engine approaches to Category III (Cat. III) weather minima – a first for a commercial regional airline aircraft. The Seattle, Washington-based carrier operates 15 Bombardier Q400 aircraft on routes throughout the U.S. northwest, and between Los Angeles, California and Sun Valley, Idaho. An added benefit to the single-engine Cat. III approval is that it leads to lower weather minima at alternate airports when widespread low weather conditions exist – a common occurrence in Horizon's operating area during the winter months. If equipped for Cat. III, an airport may be used as a legal alternate if the ceiling is 200 feet (61 m) and visibility is 1,800 feet (550 m) Runway Visual Range (RVR). “This is a major advantage because we will be able to use our hub airports as alternates more often during foggy weather,” said Gene Hahn, vice president Flight Operations, Horizon Air. “Approval for single-engine approaches down to Cat. III limits adds yet another capability to the impressive list of Bombardier Q400 achievements,” said Steven A. Ridolfi, president, Bombardier Aerospace, Regional Aircraft.
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Rockwell Collins, a global leader in aviation electronics and communications, received the first Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for a full ARINC 718A compatible Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) transmitter installation. The STC is part of the Rockwell Collins Gulf of Mexico Advanced Traffic Surveillance (GoMATS) program, which includes the upgrade of 13 Continental Airlines 737-800s with ADS-B transponders in conjunction with the FAA's Safe Flight 21 program. The STC also makes provisions for future, high-integrity air-to-air ADS-B applications. These aircraft will be operated over the Gulf of Mexico, as well as on other routes. The GoMATS program will help the FAA validate ground system requirements and perform a cost/benefit analysis for commercial carriers. The program is expected to create more direct flight routes, increase capacity and reduce delays over the gulf. The modified TPR-901 transponder supports ADS-B transmission, as well as the elementary surveillance (ELS) and enhanced surveillance (EHS) requirements scheduled to be mandated in Europe in 2005. ELS provides the flight identification to Mode-S radar sites; EHS provides additional parameters including air speed, selected altitude, vertical rate and other information. ADS-B broadcasts an aircraft's position, velocity and other information without a radar site to interrogate the transponder. The Rockwell Collins ADS-B implementation provides high-precision position for demanding applications.
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Osprey No. 24 launched from Naval Air Station Patuxent River on November 7 bound for the Canadian Forces base at Shearwater, near Halifax, Nova Scotia. The V-22 Integrated Test Team has sent a 67-person detachment to eastern Canada to continue the development of the Osprey's de-ice and anti-ice system, known as the Master Ice Protection Control Unit. The Halifax area was selected for this phase of testing because of the characteristics of the ice that forms within clouds around the Maritimes. Osprey No. 24 will fly developmental tests out of Shearwater until late April 2004.
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SkyEurope Airlines, the first low fare airline in Central Europe, today successfully completed its first flights on routes between Budapest and London and Budapest and Paris. SkyEurope Airlines operated almost 100% loaded aircraft on each leg of the routes. Due to regulatory issues, SkyEurope is temporarily including a 20 minutes stopover in Bratislava airport on each flight. SkyEurope Airlines intends to operate direct flights between Budapest and London and Budapest and Paris as soon as authorized by the authorities. „SkyEurope stands for affordable fares and top customer service,” said Christian Mandl, CEO SkyEurope Airlines, in Budapest today. „We have kept our promise to operate flights from today and we are extremely happy with the positive reaction of the public.”
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Major players of the European aerospace industry presented their project proposals for the 2nd Call for Proposals for the 6th EU Framework Programme (FP6) to SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) and other potential partners. This proactive industry approach, which started with the first Call last year, aims at informing and involving potential parties at an earlier stage of the process than up to now. The budget for aeronautical projects in the 2nd Call is 300 Million Euro, which is the biggest budget amongst the three calls. Over 100 participants from interested parties, most of them SMEs, attended the Joint AeroSME / Industry event in Brussels. It was organised by the AeroSME Project, whilst individual Sessions in particular, were co-ordinated by the Industry Management Group (IMG3), which represents the aircraft, engines and equipment sectors with regard to research. The aerospace companies, leading the projects, presented the project proposals that they envisage submitting to the European Commission at the 2nd Call for Proposals for FP6. In separate Sessions the outlines for the eight forthcoming Integrated Projects and the current status of the respective Work Programmes were presented. The larger companies also underlined their support for possible proposals from small and medium-sized companies. The European Commission has foreseen a budget of around 300 Million Euro for aeronautics in the 2nd Call, which is the highest amongst the three Calls under FP6. The 2nd Call and the new Work Programmes are planned to be published around end November / beginning December. For FP6 the European Commission aims at an SME participation of 15%. The AeroSME / Industry Event demonstrated again the effort of the aerospace industry to encourage the involvement of SMEs and to enhance the efficiency of the projects in the EU Framework Programmes.
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Three helicopters were presented to the Romanian Ministry of Interior on Tuesday at the Eurocopter-Romania plant in Brasov. Two are equipped for Police missions and one for emergency medical service. They are considered as being decisive elements to meet European state-of-the-art requirements in the field of Police- and Air Rescue Missions. In addition Eurocopter and Eurocopter-Romania signed an agreement to implement a helicopter assembly line for the EC135. State Secretary Nicolae Bercheret and other high ranking political representatives attended the official ceremony. With today's presentation of the three EC135, Romania performed a quantum leap in aviation with a helicopter fleet that belongs to the most modern in Europe. They shall replace their predecessors, the Mi8 and Mi17 by the end of this year. Two further EC135 will complete the fleet only soon. In close cooperation with the customer the helicopters were exactly tailored to the mission requirements of modern Police and Air Rescue Forces. The helicopters were built in cooperation with Eurocopter Germany and Eurocopter Romania.
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Turbomeca has announced that its Arriel 2C2 CG engine has met the requirements of the JAR regulations (Joint Aviation Rules). The engine has therefore been declared operational for potential use on the HH65 Dolphin operated by the US Coast Guard. At present, the Arriel 2C2 is installed in the twin-engine EC 155 B1, which can carry up to 13 passengers and is designed for civilian use. It is 12% more powerful than its predecessor, the Arriel 2C1. The Arriel 2C2 CG possesses the latest hi-tech design and materials, the result of substantial investments by Turbomeca in research and development. It is equipped with a new axial compressor, a new axial diffuser as well as a turbine made of a new single-crystal material. The Arriel 2C2 CG was installed on one of the HH65 Dolphin's in USCG (United States Coast Guard) fleet, whose maiden flight took place in May 2003. Since that time, a rigorous series of flight tests were conducted, which has confirmed the excellent capabilities of this engine to optimize the performance and reliability of the HH65 Dolphin.
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EADS Astrium has successfully developed an Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), called the MicroSAR Airborne Demonstrator, which can be applied to both spaceborne and airborne SAR systems, including the spaceborne MicroSAR system and the airborne QuaSAR system. This technology is a major breakthrough in low cost SAR systems. Funded by BNSC, the MicroSAR Airborne Demonstrator has completed a series of successful trials mounted on a DSTL Britten-Norman Islander aircraft. Operating between 3000 and 7000ft over Portsmouth and the surrounding area, the trials generated high quality X-band imagery through cloud. The Airborne Demonstrator instrument, which is only 75cm high and weighs only 49kg, is able to provide image resolution down to 1m, both day and night, and in all weather conditions. Dr Mike Healy, Director of Earth Observation, Navigation, and Science UK said “We are delighted with the success of the MicroSAR Airborne Demonstrator project, which has been achieved despite demanding technical and cost requirements. The entire demonstrator programme including design, procurement, manufacture, build, test, integration, verification, and flight trials were completed inside the original 18 month schedule. We are pleased to announce that BNSC has extended its financial support to aid the further development and exploitation of the system”.
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Raytheon Company's APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar recently demonstrated its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode capability during a F/A-18E/F Super Hornet flight test at China Lake. This successful test came less than one month after the first flight of APG-79 on July 30. Demonstration of the SAR mode marks another major step forward in the APG-79 radar's developmental flight test program. The SAR map images, processed and displayed in real time on board the F/A-18 test aircraft, provide early validation of SAR mode algorithms, processing, hardware maturity, interfaces and displays.
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On Thursday November 13, Dassault Aviation received the double certification for the Falcon 900EX EASy from the American authorities (Federal Aviation Administration) and from the European ones (European Aviation Safety Agency which replaces the JAA since last September). The EASy flight deck represents a monumental leap forward in cockpit technology for business jets and potentially for commercial aviation in general. With its know-how in terms of man-machine interface thanks to the development of fighter cockpits, Dassault Aviation brings to the aeronautical world a new standard for the XXIst century cockpit. The deliveries of the first Falcon 900EX EASy will begin in the next few days. The EASy flight deck will equip the whole Falcon range, including the Falcon 2000EX in 2004 and the Falcon 7X.
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Air Algerie has signed a contract with Airbus for the purchase of five wide body twin-engined A330-200s to renew its current wide body fleet. Delivery of the aircraft will begin in January 2005. The transaction is eligible for financial support from European Export Credit Agencies. In Air Algerie's standard layout, the A330-200 will offer a comfortable three class configuration, of up to 302 seats in a single-class layout. The A330-200 has the most spacious cabin of any wide body jet in its category, creating a more enjoyable seating arrangement for passengers. In addition state-of-the art systems help to provide a comfortable atmosphere that reflects the commitment to passenger comfort found in all Airbus aircraft. Making the most of the A330-200's versatility, Air Algerie will operate the aircraft on its international routes network. Airbus' A330-200 is renowned for being the most efficient aircraft in its class, combining lower operating costs with highly efficient cargo capabilities that enhance airline profitability through freight operations.
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NASA is exercising a contract option for a Delta II vehicle to launch STEREO for the Office of Space Science Solar Terrestrial Probes (STP) Program. The spacecraft is planned for launch Nov. 15, 2005, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), Fla. This firm-fixed-price option is covered under the NASA Launch Services Contract awarded by the agency on June 16, 2000. The contract is with Delta Launch Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach, Calif. The STEREO mission will provide revolutionary views of the Sun-Earth system and contain two spacecraft. The first will lead and the second will lag the Earth in its orbit. STEREO is designed to trace the flow of energy and matter from the sun to the Earth; reveal the true three-dimensional structure of enormous eruptions of matter from the sun, called coronal mass ejections; and show why they happen. STEREO is also designed to provide unique alerts for Earth-directed solar ejections.
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The Beechcraft Premier I entry-level jet is now certified to fly in China. The certification was awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority of China in early November. The first Beechcraft Premier will enter service later this year in China with Hainan Airlines of Haikou, China. Hainan, which has placed multiple orders for the Beechcraft Premier I and the new Hawker Horizon, will manage the Premier I through its charter business, Deerjet Company Limited, based out of Beijing.
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Embraer announced that its Legacy corporate jet, as well as the models of the ERJ 145 family, were granted type certification by the Interstate Aviation Committee, the Russian regulatory agency responsible for airworthiness and environmental requirements. With this certification, these aircraft can be registered in Russia or in any of the twelve member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
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Aero Vodochody (AV) (Odolena Voda, Czech Republic), aircraft manufacturer, has seen a loss of nearly CEK 1 bil from the production of the helicopters Sikorsky. The largest Czech armament firm AV has produced 44 pieces of the helicopters for Sikorsky Aircraft Company (SAC) (US) since the beginning of the project in 1999. AV has an agreement about the production of 15-30 helicopters per year with SAC. AV was under the control of the aircraft manufacturer Boeing (US) when it arranged the price non- advantageous contract with SAC. AV's main product is the training aeroplane L159. The firm saw proceeds of CEK 7 bil in 2002, mainly due to the supplies of the aeroplane to the Czech army. The supplies will be completed at the end of 2003. AV has a lot of orders for the civil passenger aeroplane Ae270 but it is not able to sell this aircraft for the reason of incompleted certification in 2003. AV has a 35% stake held by Boeing Ceska.
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Tadiran Communications Ltd., a global industry leader in the special field of combat-proven military communications solutions, will acquire 75 percent of EADS RACOMS GmbH und Co. KG based in Ulm, Germany. Tadiran and EADS, the number two in global aerospace and defence, have signed an acquisition agreement on Monday in Ulm. The implementation of the transaction is subject to the prior approval of the German cartel authorities. EADS and Tadiran Communications consider their new partnership in RACOMS as the beginning of a strategic cooperation envisaged to include a variety of future defence and security issues. The acquisition of RACOMS is part of Tadiran Communications' strategy to enhance its presence and expand its product supplier business in Europe. EADS Business Unit Defence and Communications Systems is the EADS system house offering the whole range of capabilities in command, control, communications and computing to meet the requirements of the defence customers. It continues its strategy to focus on and strengthen its Lead System integration business. Military Communications Systems remains a core business for EADS as a prerequisite for future network enabled operations.
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The last CH-53E Super Stallion will be delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps November 24, 2003 at the Marine Corps Air Station located in New River, North Carolina by officials from the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, the helicopter's manufacturer. Since December 1980 when the first CH-53E was delivered to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 at MCAS New River, 172 Sikorsky-built CH-53E's have been delivered to the Corps. The last CH-53E is also being delivered to HMH-461. Other operators of the three-engined heavy lift helicopter are the U.S. Navy, who has approximately 50 MH-53E Sea Dragon minesweeping helicopters, and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, who has 11 S-80M-1 variants. Navy and Marine Corps CH-53E's and MH-53E's have tallied more than 722,000 flight hours.
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U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta announced initial details of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) new Air Traffic Organization (ATO) business structure, which will consolidate the FAA's air traffic services, research and acquisitions, and Free Flight Program activities into a leaner, more efficient organization with a strict focus on providing the best service for the best value to the aviation industry and the traveling public. "Today is the first phase of creating a true, performance-based air traffic organization," said Secretary Mineta. "The ATO will be a global leader in responding to customer needs and in delivering the safest, most secure air traffic services." According to the FAA, the ATO will consist of five major service units: En Route & Oceanic; Terminal; Flight Services; System Operations; and Technical Operations. Also included within the organization's top-level are five staff-level business groups: Safety; Communications; Operations Planning; Finance; and an Acquisition and Business Services group. "The ATO will bring about lasting change in how we manage our air traffic services, systems and resources," said FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey. "We are building the ATO to align with the FAA's overall strategic performance objectives in aviation safety, capacity, international leadership, and organizational excellence."
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Bombardier Aerospace announced the sale of two pre-owned CL-215 amphibious aircraft to SOREM, the official operator of Bombardier amphibious aircraft for the Italian Civil Protection Agency of Italy. “SOREM's purchase of CL-215 aircraft, clearly demonstrates its commitment to scooping technology and the potential for further expansion in the European market,” said Michel Bourgeois, president, Bombardier Aerospace, Amphibious Aircraft.
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Aircraft Services Lemwerder GmbH (ASL) will now be managed by EADS, after the big aerospace player took a 51 per cent stake in the company from the Georgsmarienhütte Holding GmbH (GMH Holding). Talks between Jürgen Großmann of GMH and EADS chief executive Rainer Hertrich had started over a year ago. ASL had no good perspectives, as maintenance acitivities had no profitable future after the prolonged airline crisis. ASL will now be integrated into the military EADS business and act as subcontractor for Eurofighter and A400M programmes. GMH had taken over ASL in 1994 from Dasa (now EADS). Currently 700 employees generate a turnover of 53,4 million Euros.
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The special forces of the Bundeswehr are to be equipped with the ParaFinder, a new and globally unique mission planning and navigation system for high-precision parachute jumps from great heights and over long distances. As EADS announced, its Military Aircraft Business Unit and the Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) have signed a contract for the delivery of 118 ParaFinder units. The contract for the first batch now ordered for the airborne forces of the Bundeswehr is worth Euro 7.45 million. The ParaFinder is to be deployed in a number of different Bundeswehr units such as the Division for Special Operations (DSO), the Commando Special Forces (KSK), the paratroopers and the Specialized Forces of the German Navy (SEKM). It enables the air delivery of soldiers precisely on target and on time from heights of up to 10,000 metres and over distances of up to 50 kilometres. This EADS-developed system is virtually all-weather capable. The transport aircraft used, for example Transall or in future the A400M, can remain outside the range of most air defence systems. In addition, the paratroopers are practically undetectable.
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NASA's Project Prometheus recently reached an important milestone with the first successful test of an engine that could lead to revolutionary propulsion capabilities for space exploration missions throughout the solar system and beyond. The test involved a High Power Electric Propulsion (HiPEP) ion engine. The event marked the first in a series of performance tests to demonstrate new high-velocity and high-power thrust needed for use in nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) applications. "The initial test went extremely well," said Dr. John Foster, the primary investigator of the HiPEP ion engine at NASA's Glenn Research Center (GRC), Cleveland. "The test involved the largest microwave ion thruster ever built. The use of microwaves for ionization would enable very long-life thrusters for probing the universe," he said. The test was conducted in a vacuum chamber at GRC. The HiPEP ion engine was operated at power levels up to 12 kilowatts and over an equivalent range of exhaust velocities from 60,000 to 80,000 meters per second. The thruster is being designed to provide seven-to-ten-year lifetimes at high fuel efficiencies of more than 6,000-seconds specific impulse; a measure of how much thrust is generated per pound of fuel. This is a contrast to Space Shuttle main engines, which have a specific impulse of 460 seconds.
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The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $142.5 million fixed-price-incentive-fee contract for three additional Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. This action authorizes modernization and production of GPS-IIF satellites numbers four through six, and the production of long-lead parts for IIF satellites seven through nine. “The fully modernized IIF will ensure the implementation of the latest technology into the GPS constellation,” said John Fuller, executive director, Air Force Space Systems, for Boeing. “This is an essential part of supporting the warfighter and providing increased civilian capability for decades to come.” Boeing is currently building the first three GPS IIF satellites with options for up to twelve. With the first satellite scheduled for a mid-2006 launch, the GPS-IIF series is designed for flexibility and growth, enabling new capabilities, including improved anti-jam, increased accuracy, higher integrity and critical secure operational military codes.
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On November 11 a group of 18 Hungarian engineers, technicians and specialists, from the Hungarian program office, started a Gripen familiarisation course in Sweden. The course is held at the Swedish Air Force Aero technical Services School in Halmstad and at SAAB in Linköping and runs until November 19. In 2004 there will be more familiarisation courses and the main training courses for pilots and technicians will start in the beginning of 2005.
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The sound of jet engines returned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Nov. 13, when the first four F/A-18F Super Hornets to be permanently forward-deployed outside the United States arrived. The entire Atsugi community gathered to welcome the aircrews and families from the “Diamondbacks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, the newest member of the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 team. VFA-102 replaced the “Black Knights” of Fighter Squadron (VF) 154 as part of the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed air wing. The newer, more capable F/A-18F Super Hornet is the U.S. Navy's successor for the F-14 Tomcat. The Navy is phasing out all series of the F-14 Tomcat aircraft, which has reached the end of its service life, replacing it with the F/A-18 E/F.
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The Algerian national carrier Air Algérie has signed a contract for 6 ATR 72-500s to develop its short-distance international and regional market. These aircraft will replace Air Algerie's fleet of Fokker 27. Jean-Michel Léonard, ATR Chief Executive Officer declares:”I'm delighted about the choice of Air Algerie for ATR. The high quality standard, reliability and low operating costs of our aircraft have made the difference. With this contract, ATR increases its number of operators worldwide and secures its position in Algeria, a country with a high potential increasing market.” The 6 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between the end 2003 and early 2004.
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Socata announced that the TBM 700C2, latest version of the high-speed turboprop, has been certified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Australia (CASA) under the type acceptance certificate number A203. Australia is now the second country to have certified the increased gross weight version of the TBM 700, which was the first civilian pressurized single turboprop ever certified in 1990 and whose first flight dates back to 1988.
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In October 2003, the average load factor on scheduled flights of the Austrian Airlines Group increased by a remarkable 5.1 percentage points compared to the previous October, rising to a level of 76.7 %. For the first time this year, the number of scheduled passengers carried in one month, at 669,343, was up on the figure for the previous year (+ 0.6 %). Chief Executive Officer Vagn Soerensen made the following statement on the increase in traffic: “By rapidly adjusting production capacity to the altered market conditions, we have been able to exceed the level for the previous year for the first time in October. In addition to this, I am happy to say we have increased the load factor to a high level!” Chief Commercial Officer Dr. Josef E. Burger went on to say: “Our marketing offensives – the new market presence, new product conception, price and internet offensives, as well as our accelerated programme to Central and Eastern Europe – are being taken up extremely positively by our customers!” The number of scheduled and charter flights was reduced by 5.9 %, while the total number of passengers fell by only 3.6 %.
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Against the background of the necessity for a further increase in efficiency as well as a stronger focus on process optimization and market, the Supervisory Board of LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG ("LSG Holding") decided on a restructuring of the company at the top-management level. In this connection, the number of board functions is being reduced from currently five down to four in the future. In addition, it is planned to merge the sales organizations which up to now were decentralized and incorporated in the individual regions. Hanns R. Rech, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of LSG Holding, will assume management responsibility for the areas of Marketing and Sales in future, in addition to his existing function. Randall Boyd, member of the Executive Board responsible for Marketing & Sales since 1 June 2001, had asked the Supervisory Board to release him from his function within the context of the reorganization. The Supervisory Board and the Executive Board have complied with Randall Boyd's wish. The Chairman of the LSG Supervisory Board, Stefan Lauer, and Hanns R. Rech, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of LSG Holding, thanked Randall Boyd for his many years of service in various functions within the LSG Sky Chefs Group.
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SPACEHAB, Incorporated, a leading provider of commercial space services, announced that the Company was awarded a new mission under its Research and Logistics Mission Support (ReALMS) contract with NASA for cargo services to the International Space Station (ISS). A modification to the ReALMS contract has been signed, adding the use of SPACEHAB's Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) to the STS-121 space shuttle mission scheduled for launch in November 2004. Additionally, the contract was amended to fund equitable adjustment payments through December 2003 for services being provided on ISS missions STS-116 (12A.1) and STS-118 (13A.1) due to space shuttle launch delays. NASA has directed Lockheed Martin, the recent winner of the ISS Cargo Mission contract, to establish a contract with SPACEHAB for continued ICC and logistics module support beginning January 1, 2004. This allows the ReALMS contract to end on its expiration date without creating any lapse in service to the Government.
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Veteran NASA astronaut William S. McArthur Jr., a retired U.S. Army colonel, and Russian Air Force Colonel Valery I. Tokarev are the next crew for the International Space Station. McArthur and Tokarev trained as backups for the current Station crew. They will launch to the Station aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in April 2004. Their six-month mission is designated Expedition 9. McArthur will serve as Station Commander and NASA Space Station Science Officer. Tokarev is the Soyuz Commander and Station Flight Engineer. During their stay aboard the orbiting research laboratory, the crew will conduct scientific studies in Earth sciences, life sciences, fundamental biology and microgravity. European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut Andre Kuipers joins McArthur and Tokarev on their Soyuz flight. He will spend eight days aboard the Station conducting experiments under a commercial agreement between ESA and the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. Kuipers returns to Earth with Expedition 8 Commander Mike Foale and Soyuz Commander Alexander Kaleri. Kuipers' backup for the flight is ESA Astronaut Gerhard Thiele.
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