Boeing Quietly Pulls Plug on the 747, Closing Era of Jumbo Jets
jueves, 2 de julio de 2020
ITP Aero designs and manufactures the first IPT casing for the future Rolls-Royce UltraFan®
press release
UltraFan will define a new era in jet engines, delivering significant weight, noise and fuel burn reductions, and will be 25% more efficient than a first-generation Trent engine
ITP Aero is carrying out the final manufacturing phase of the first IPT (Intermediate Pressure Turbine) casing of the future Rolls-Royce UltraFan, a new aircraft engine demonstrator that will define a new era in jet engines, delivering noise and fuel burn reductions, and will be 25% more efficient than a first-generation Trent engine. The casing manufacturing project is part of the CDTI and the European Union's Clean Sky 2 programme, which has been carried out over five years with the collaboration of three technology centres.
The casing, which covers the IPT of UltraFan, houses the turbine blades and connects the IPT to the rest of the engine. The IPT is a key module of UltraFan, designed to operate at very high speeds to optimize the engine's fuel consumption and minimize CO2 emissions.
The use of the new powder HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) technology in the casing manufacturing process has resulted in a reduction of up to 60% in the raw material required for its manufacture. The manufacturing process consists of a high-pressure and high-temperature pressing of a powdered superalloy called astroloy. The pressing is carried out inside a canister, obtaining a close to final casing geometry. The astroloy resists higher temperatures than the material used for the casings designed and manufactured so far by ITP Aero, a key requirement of UltraFan. This manufacturing method also enables a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to the traditional manufacturing method using a forge.
Erlantz Cristobal, Chief Technology Officer of ITP Aero said: "At ITP Aero, we continue to have our long term vision focused on a future in which sustainability will play a fundamental role in our sector. That is why, despite the difficult situation the aeronautic industry is going through, we continue to work towards an increasingly sustainable aviation industry, committed to developing proprietary technology and more efficient aeronautical products and services. This milestone has been achieved thanks to new manufacturing technology, which is a result of our solid network of collaboration with strategic technology centres and joint R+D centres with universities".
Collaboration with technology centres
ITP Aero has carried out the design and manufacturing process of the casing thanks to its solid network of collaboration with strategic technology centres and joint R&D&I centres with universities, created with the aim of developing advanced technologies for aeronautical engines.
The three centres that have participated are:
Aeronautics Advanced Manufacturing Center (CFAA)
The Aeronautics Advanced Manufacturing Center is a leading centre in which a public-private aeronautical manufacturing collaboration is being developed, focused on improving industrial processes and advanced machinery. This centre, led by ITP Aero and Danobat, includes the participation of more than 80 companies from the aeronautical sector, the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, the Basque Government, the University of the Basque Country and the Bizkaia Technology Park. The CFAA has carried out the design of the canisters and the machining of the casing.
Centre for Technical Studies and Research (CEIT)
The Center for Technical Studies and Research is an initiative promoted by the University of Navarra for the development of industrial projects of applied research in collaboration with R&D departments of companies. Specifically, it collaborates in projects for the development of advanced mechanical technologies for aviation. CEIT has developed the high pressure and high temperature sintering process of astroloy.
Madrid Institute for Advanced Materials Studies (IMDEA of Materials)
The Madrid Institute for Advanced Materials Studies is an initiative promoted by the Community of Madrid to foster research and technology transfer to the industrial fabric in materials science and engineering. IMDEA Materials has carried out the characterisation of the behaviour of the astroloy at containment and impact.
In addition to the three centres, the Universidad Politecnico di Torino has also participated in the definition of the heat treatments and the private company Aubert & Duval has supplied the astroloy.
UltraFan Intermediate Pressure Turbine (IPT)
In contrast to the first generation Rolls-Royce Trent engine family, in which ITP Aero participates as a risk and revenue sharing partner, UltraFan’s Low Pressure Turbine (LPT) is substituted and both the geared fan and the intermediate pressure compressor are driven by the IPT. The main technology challenge for the UltraFan IPT, is that this turbine has to deliver high power running at significant higher speeds and temperatures. To achieve this ITP Aero has drawn on its expertise in providing high-performing turbines for previous Trent engines.
UltraFan represents the next generation Rolls-Royce aero-engines suitable for widebody or narrowbody aircraft. Based on a new engine core architecture, it’s designed for maximum fuel burn efficiency and low emissions.
About Clean Sky 2
The IPT programme is part of the wider EU Clean Sky 2 initiative that runs until end 2023. It is a public/private Joint Technology Initiative that brings together Europe’s industrial aeronautics leaders, public research organisations and SMEs to develop and demonstrate breakthrough technologies for the civil aerospace market, reducing emissions and noise and securing the continued competitiveness of the European aviation industry. ITP Aero is a core partner of the Clean Sky 2 JU.
For further information about Project HUC, Development and validation of a powder HIP route for high temperature astroloy to manufacture Ultrafan® IP Turbine Casings: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/821044
More about ITP Aero
ITP Aero is a world leading company within its market, currently the ninth largest aircraft engine and components company in the world by revenue. Ranking among the top one hundred companies in the aerospace industry. The company employs over 4,000 people at its production centres in Spain, United Kingdom, Mexico, Malta and India.
ITP Aero includes among its activities the design, research and development, manufacturing and casting, assembly and testing of aeronautical modules and engines. It also provides MRO services for a wide range of engines for regional airlines, business aviation, helicopters, industrial and defense applications. ITP Aero operates as a corporate entity within the Rolls-Royce group.
Read more...ATR To Cut Production by Half
GE Aviation awarded $203 million for CF6-80C2K1F propulsion systems
press release
GE Aviation Distribution Japan has been awarded a contract valued at 18.8 billion Japanese Yen (USD $203 million) from the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) for CF6-80C2K1F Propulsion Systems to power Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) C-2 transport aircraft. The contract includes 12 units due for deliveries, starting from late 2021.
The JASDF C-2 is positioned as a key strategic aircraft for “mobile/deployment capability” which is a part of Japan’s “Priorities in Strengthening Core Elements of Defense Capability”. In 2003, the CF6-80C2 was selected to power this important platform and GE actively worked with JMOD and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. to develop a large indigenous transporter.
After successful completion of the development program in 2017, GE Aviation supplied 26 CF6-80C2K1F propulsion systems which included nacelle system and thrust reversers to support the aircraft production program.
In alignment with the initiative of the JMOD to optimize acquisition program and cost reduction efforts, GE Aviation has continued to work with JMOD to exercise a consolidated procurement of CF6 propulsion systems over the last few years. As a result, JMOD successfully obtained the budget for the initial 12 units for the JFY2020 contract. With this contract, JMOD expects acquisition cost reduction by as much as 4.8 billion Japanese Yen (USD $44.6 million). GE Aviation will continue to work with JMOD for the remainder of their propulsion system requirement for the forthcoming years.
ABOUT GE AVIATION
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components, integrated digital, avionics, electrical power and mechanical systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings and is part of the world's Digital Industrial Company with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. For more information, visit us at http://www.ge.com/aviation. Follow GE Aviation on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GEAviation and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/GEAviation.
Embraer announces investment in Tempest, a company specializing in cybersecurity
press release
The largest cybersecurity company in Brazil, Tempest, positions itself as a provider of complete solutions for business protection in the digital world. With offices in Recife, São Paulo, and London, it serves more than 300 clients in Brazil, Latin America, and Europe.
Founded in Recife in 2000, Tempest is one of the companies to receive an investment from the Aerospace Investment Fund (Fundo de Investimento em Participações Aeroespacial - FIP) created by BNDES, FINEP, São Paulo Development Agency (DESENVOLVE SP) and Embraer, the goal of which is to strengthen the aerospace, aeronautical, defense, and security production chain. Through the Aerospace Fund, Embraer has enjoyed indirect participation in Tempest since 2016.
“We are proud to announce this investment in Tempest, a company with great technical expertise and international market presence,” said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “Embraer has always encouraged the development of a national chain for the aeronautical and defense industry in Brazil, and one of our priorities is to focus on the cybersecurity segment.”
For Tempest, in addition to demonstrating the importance of cybersecurity for high-tech industry and the defense sector, Embraer's investment means enhancing the company’s perspectives for growth and expansion, in Brazil and abroad. Brazil has the second-highest rate of cybercrime in the world, second only to Russia. As a consequence, Brazilian companies lose up to US$ 10 billion a year to cybercrime, which includes financial theft, as well as that of intellectual property and confidential information.
“This partnership is a milestone for Tempest, and we are very excited about the next steps. The cybersecurity market is booming around the globe, and we will continue to invest in the evolution of the portfolio, aiming to always stay ahead of the growing digital threats that impact our customers, by being a reference in Brazil and operating internationally,” says Cristiano Lincoln Mattos, CEO and founding partner of Tempest. “Embraer's investment will help us expand our mission to new markets.”
Enhanced by Embraer's investment, Tempest will continue as an autonomous company, maintaining its brand, its team of partners and leaders, headed by Lincoln Mattos, its more than 300 employees, and its operational agility.
The conclusion of the deal depends on the fulfillment of certain standard conditions and necessary approvals for this type of transaction.
Read more...
Embraer’s 1,600th E-Jet Delivered to Helvetic Airways
press release
São José dos Campos, Brazil, July 1st, 2020 – Embraer celebrated today
the delivery of its 1,600th E-Jet, an E190-E2. Helvetic Airways of
Switzerland received the milestone aircraft. Airlines and leasing
companies from some 50 countries have added Embraer E-Jets to their
fleets since the first-generation jets entered revenue service in 2004.
The new, highly fuel-efficient second-generation E-Jets family, the E2s,
started flying with airlines in 2018.
“It’s an honor in my new role as President and CEO of Embraer Commercial
Aviation to deliver this landmark aircraft. It’s a tremendous milestone
in the E-Jets program and in the company’s history,” said Arjan Meijer.
“Over the years I have been personally very close to Helvetic and their
E-Jets fleet planning project. Everyone at Embraer is extremely proud
to see such a renowned airline flying our 1,600th production E-Jet.”
Helvetic Airways is currently transitioning from a fleet of
first-generation E-Jets to E2s. The carrier received its first E190-E2
in October 2019 and has added four more since as part of its fleet
renewal program. Helvetic flies the airplanes in a 110-seat single-class
configuration on domestic and international routes. The carrier has
firm orders for 12 E190-E2s and purchase rights for a further 12
E190-E2s with conversion rights to the E195-E2, bringing the total
potential order to 24 E2 aircraft.
“We are especially proud to receive an E2 aircraft in these challenging
times for our industry,” adds Tobias Pogorevc, CEO of Helvetic Airways.
“And it’s a genuine privilege to share this special moment with Embraer.
We’ve received very positive feedback on the E190-E2, from our
passengers and our crews, since we introduced it into our fleet. We
couldn’t be happier with the aircraft’s performance. The fuel burn is
even lower than expected, which makes the airplane even more
environmentally friendly. And we’re looking forward to resuming
operations soon – with our milestone E190-E2 as well.”
For nearly two decades, Embraer’s innovative E-Jets family has been
transforming commercial aviation. It is the industry’s most successful
line of 70-to-150-seat passenger jets designed specifically for this
capacity segment. The program has logged in excess of 1,900 orders to
date from more than 100 customers. Some 80 airlines currently fly
Embraer E-Jets. The global E-Jet fleet has accumulated more than 30
million flight hours, with an average mission completion rate of 99.9%.
The versatile airplanes are flying with low-cost, regional and mainline
carriers.
The E190-E2 is one of three aircraft in the second-generation E-Jets
family. Compared to the first-generation E190, the E190-E2 consumes
17.3% less fuel. This makes it the E2 the most efficient single-aisle
aircraft family on the market.
Read more...
Boeing Delivers 2,500th AH-64 Apache Helicopter
Press release
Boeing [NYSE: BA] recently delivered its 2,500th AH-64 Apache helicopter, an E-model Apache for the U.S. Army, from the company’s production line in Mesa, Arizona.
The first production AH-64, an A-model Apache, rolled off the assembly line on September 30, 1983, and was delivered by Boeing heritage company McDonnell Douglas to the U.S. Army in January 1984. Today, Boeing is producing and delivering AH-64E helicopters to a growing list of customers around the world.
“The Apache has built an impressive legacy of success, and is well-positioned to bring relevant technologies and capabilities that defense forces require today and in the future,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president of Attack Helicopter programs and senior Mesa site executive. “Company teammates and suppliers worldwide are focused on assembling, delivering and supporting U.S. and global customers working to deter aggression and defend freedom. Apache is ready to have a key role in the future of multi-domain operations.”
Today’s E-model Apache features integrated technologies including communications and navigation capabilities to enhance situational awareness and coordination; a new, faster multi-core mission processor for advanced systems integration; and maritime capability in the Fire Control Radar for watercraft detection and identification along with a shorter engagement timeline. The helicopter’s improved drive system includes a split-torque face gear transmission, a 701D engine and composite main rotor blades that ensure the Apache succeeds as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform.
Selected by, or in service today with the U.S. Army and the defense forces of 15 nations, Apache helicopters are slated to fulfill the requirements of aviators and battlefield commanders for decades to come. Planned modernization has ensured that Apaches have evolved with revolutionary technologies. Today’s helicopters feature capabilities for resiliency in multi-mission operational environments.
“As a former Army aviator with military service dating back to October 1978 and later selected to fly the first AH-64A and later the AH-64D model Apaches, it’s a thrill today to be a part of the crews who complete flight testing on aircraft during development and prior to delivery to customers,” said Dave Guthrie, Boeing’s chief pilot for Apache programs. “I know that I’m part of this helicopter’s history and its future.”
Legacy Apache deliveries, including new-build and remanufactured helicopters, include 937 A-models through 1997, more than 1,000 AH-64Ds between 1997 and 2013, and more than 500 E-models since 2011.
Read more...
The first production AH-64, an A-model Apache, rolled off the assembly line on September 30, 1983, and was delivered by Boeing heritage company McDonnell Douglas to the U.S. Army in January 1984. Today, Boeing is producing and delivering AH-64E helicopters to a growing list of customers around the world.
“The Apache has built an impressive legacy of success, and is well-positioned to bring relevant technologies and capabilities that defense forces require today and in the future,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president of Attack Helicopter programs and senior Mesa site executive. “Company teammates and suppliers worldwide are focused on assembling, delivering and supporting U.S. and global customers working to deter aggression and defend freedom. Apache is ready to have a key role in the future of multi-domain operations.”
Today’s E-model Apache features integrated technologies including communications and navigation capabilities to enhance situational awareness and coordination; a new, faster multi-core mission processor for advanced systems integration; and maritime capability in the Fire Control Radar for watercraft detection and identification along with a shorter engagement timeline. The helicopter’s improved drive system includes a split-torque face gear transmission, a 701D engine and composite main rotor blades that ensure the Apache succeeds as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform.
Selected by, or in service today with the U.S. Army and the defense forces of 15 nations, Apache helicopters are slated to fulfill the requirements of aviators and battlefield commanders for decades to come. Planned modernization has ensured that Apaches have evolved with revolutionary technologies. Today’s helicopters feature capabilities for resiliency in multi-mission operational environments.
“As a former Army aviator with military service dating back to October 1978 and later selected to fly the first AH-64A and later the AH-64D model Apaches, it’s a thrill today to be a part of the crews who complete flight testing on aircraft during development and prior to delivery to customers,” said Dave Guthrie, Boeing’s chief pilot for Apache programs. “I know that I’m part of this helicopter’s history and its future.”
Legacy Apache deliveries, including new-build and remanufactured helicopters, include 937 A-models through 1997, more than 1,000 AH-64Ds between 1997 and 2013, and more than 500 E-models since 2011.
Airbus plans to further adapt to COVID-19 environment
press release
- New measures contribute to safeguarding the Company’s future
- Necessary reduction of approximately 15,000 positions across Airbus’ global workforce
- Information and consultation process with social partners launched, agreements targeted in 2020
Toulouse, 30 June 2020 – Airbus (stock exchange symbol: AIR) has announced plans to adapt its global workforce and resize its commercial aircraft activity in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This adaptation is expected to result in a reduction of around 15,000 positions no later than summer 2021. The information and consultation process with social partners has begun with a view to reaching agreements for implementation starting in autumn 2020.
The commercial aircraft business activity has dropped by close to 40% in recent months as the industry faces an unprecedented crisis. Commercial aircraft production rates have been adapted accordingly. Airbus is grateful for the government support that has enabled the Company to limit these necessary adaptation measures. However with air traffic not expected to recover to pre-COVID levels before 2023 and potentially as late as 2025, Airbus now needs to take additional measures to reflect the post COVID-19 industry outlook.
Following the in-depth analysis of customer demand that has taken place over recent months, Airbus anticipates the need to adapt its global workforce due to COVID-19 by approximately:
- 5,000 positions in France
- 5,100 positions in Germany
- 900 positions in Spain
- 1,700 positions in the UK
- 1,300 positions at Airbus’ other worldwide sites
These figures include the Airbus subsidiaries Stelia in France and Premium AEROTEC in Germany. However, they do not include approximately 900 positions stemming from a pre-COVID-19 identified need to restructure Premium AEROTEC in Germany, which will now be implemented within the frame of this global adaptation plan.
The details of this COVID-19 adaptation plan need to be finalised with social partners.
While compulsory actions cannot be ruled out at this stage, Airbus will work with its social partners to limit the impact of this plan by relying on all available social measures, including voluntary departures, early retirement, and long term partial unemployment schemes where appropriate.
“Airbus is facing the gravest crisis this industry has ever experienced,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “The measures we have taken so far have enabled us to absorb the initial shock of this global pandemic. Now, we must ensure that we can sustain our enterprise and emerge from the crisis as a healthy, global aerospace leader, adjusting to the overwhelming challenges of our customers. To confront that reality, we must now adopt more far-reaching measures. Our management team and our Board of Directors are fully committed to limiting the social impact of this adaptation. We thank our governmental partners as they help us preserve our expertise and know-how as much as possible and have played an important role in limiting the social impact of this crisis in our industry. The Airbus teams and their skills and competences will enable us to pursue our ambition to pioneer a sustainable future for aerospace.”
The H160 receives EASA approval
Press release
Airbus Helicopters’ multi-role twin engine H160 has been granted its type certificate by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), marking a new chapter for the programme. The company is expecting FAA certification to follow shortly prior to first delivery to an undisclosed US customer later this year.
“The successful completion of the H160 Type Certificate is the result of several years of tremendous work and efforts accomplished jointly by the involved technical teams of the Agency and Airbus Helicopters in a remarkable fruitful cooperation spirit,” EASA Certification Director Rachel Daeschler said. “It is the result of thorough design and testing efforts, to ensure the highest safety standards are reached. The design of the H160 makes it suitable for a wide range of versatile missions. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly with respect to fuel consumption and one of the quietest helicopters of its class.
My personal appreciation and warmest congratulations are conveyed to the involved technical staff who continuously showed high commitment for constructive collaboration to overcome the challenges inherent to this type certification project,” she added.
“We are proud that the H160 has received its EASA type certificate. This achievement represents years of hard work designing, industrializing and defining the support ecosystem with our suppliers and partners and I would like to thank everyone who has dedicated their time and energy to turning this next generation helicopter into reality,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “I now look forward to the H160 entering into service and offering its innovative features that bring competitiveness alongside additional comfort and safety to customers worldwide,” he added.
Airbus Helicopters relied on three prototypes, the first serial aircraft, and two additional test means, the dynamic helicopter zero and the system helicopter zero, to develop and certify the aircraft and continues to mature the aircraft ahead of entry into service. The helicopters have flown over 1500 hours both for flight tests and demo flights so that customers can experience first-hand the innovation and added value the H160 will bring to their missions.
Designed as a multi-role helicopter able to perform a wide range of missions such as offshore transportation, emergency medical services, private and business aviation, and public services, the H160 integrates Airbus Helicopters’ latest technological innovations. These include breakthrough safety features with Helionix’s accrued pilot assistance and automated features as well as flight envelop protection. The helicopter also provides passengers with superior comfort thanks to the sound-reducing Blue Edge blades and superb external visibility that benefits both passengers and pilots.
H160 was not just designed with passengers and pilots in mind. Operators will appreciate its competiveness thanks to its increased fuel efficiency and customer-centric simplified maintenance eco-system: equipment accessibility has been facilitated by the helicopter’s optimised architecture, the maintenance plan was thoroughly verified during the Operator Zero campaigns, and it is delivered with intuitive 3D maintenance documentation.
Read more...
“The successful completion of the H160 Type Certificate is the result of several years of tremendous work and efforts accomplished jointly by the involved technical teams of the Agency and Airbus Helicopters in a remarkable fruitful cooperation spirit,” EASA Certification Director Rachel Daeschler said. “It is the result of thorough design and testing efforts, to ensure the highest safety standards are reached. The design of the H160 makes it suitable for a wide range of versatile missions. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly with respect to fuel consumption and one of the quietest helicopters of its class.
My personal appreciation and warmest congratulations are conveyed to the involved technical staff who continuously showed high commitment for constructive collaboration to overcome the challenges inherent to this type certification project,” she added.
“We are proud that the H160 has received its EASA type certificate. This achievement represents years of hard work designing, industrializing and defining the support ecosystem with our suppliers and partners and I would like to thank everyone who has dedicated their time and energy to turning this next generation helicopter into reality,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “I now look forward to the H160 entering into service and offering its innovative features that bring competitiveness alongside additional comfort and safety to customers worldwide,” he added.
Airbus Helicopters relied on three prototypes, the first serial aircraft, and two additional test means, the dynamic helicopter zero and the system helicopter zero, to develop and certify the aircraft and continues to mature the aircraft ahead of entry into service. The helicopters have flown over 1500 hours both for flight tests and demo flights so that customers can experience first-hand the innovation and added value the H160 will bring to their missions.
Designed as a multi-role helicopter able to perform a wide range of missions such as offshore transportation, emergency medical services, private and business aviation, and public services, the H160 integrates Airbus Helicopters’ latest technological innovations. These include breakthrough safety features with Helionix’s accrued pilot assistance and automated features as well as flight envelop protection. The helicopter also provides passengers with superior comfort thanks to the sound-reducing Blue Edge blades and superb external visibility that benefits both passengers and pilots.
H160 was not just designed with passengers and pilots in mind. Operators will appreciate its competiveness thanks to its increased fuel efficiency and customer-centric simplified maintenance eco-system: equipment accessibility has been facilitated by the helicopter’s optimised architecture, the maintenance plan was thoroughly verified during the Operator Zero campaigns, and it is delivered with intuitive 3D maintenance documentation.
Airbus innovative payload to launch on Faraday-1 satellite
press release
Airbus developed next generation retaskable software defined radio payload to be proven in space
Airbus’ newspace initiative Prometheus will see rapid in-orbit proving of disruptive technology
Stevenage, 01 July 2020 - An Airbus developed next generation retaskable software defined radio payload, Prometheus 1, will be launched on the Faraday-1 cubesat from New Zealand on 3 July. The Faraday-1 mission is part of In Space Missions Ltd’s in-orbit demonstration programme.
Prometheus 1 is a software defined radio, connected to a 400 MHz UHF antenna that can be reprogrammed in orbit. It will be able to survey radio spectrum usage across the world from orbit, detect radar tracking of the Faraday-1 satellite, and identify and locate search and rescue beacons. Airbus is working with the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) to foster greater partnerships between SMEs, government and Airbus on space.
Airbus Defence and Space in the UK created the self funded Prometheus programme to enable the rapid development of agile and innovative payloads using disruptive technology to offer significant capability to customers. Building on Airbus’ proven track record of working with SMEs to create novel capability and prove concepts, the Prometheus programme developed the payload for Faraday-1 in under three months.
Richard Franklin, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space UK said: “By working with SMEs we are able to take advantage of their specialist capabilities and agility to develop new technologies and services for customers. Once Prometheus 1 is proven in orbit we will use it to de-risk future services and in life support solutions, working hand in hand with our SME partners. Future UK Government defence needs can be best served by the partnership approach we have pioneered at Airbus on Skynet 5, actively engaging with SMEs and developing new technologies and service solutions to prove concepts before delivering them to customers.”
Prometheus 1 will prove passive radio frequency sensing in orbit, enabling the technology to be incorporated on future missions where hostile tracking of sovereign spacecraft is likely or possible.
The Airbus newspace team is championing the Prometheus programme and a second mission is already in development, which will be cubesats with RF and optical sensors, and features inter satellite links. Prometheus 2 is due for launch in the second half of 2021.
Airbus is working with In Space Missions to offer ‘Space as a Service’ access to capability for DSTL to get involved in experiments with assets in orbit. Read more...
Airbus signs contract with Optus for OneSat
press release
First satellite contract from leading operator Optus from Australia
Another success for OneSat, Airbus’ new fully reconfigurable satellite, now totalling four orders
Sydney / Toulouse, 2nd July 2020 – Airbus Defence and Space has won a contract for a fully reconfigurable telecomunications satellite from Australia’s second largest telecommunications company and leading satellite operator Optus. The satellite will be based on Airbus’ new standard OneSat product line and is Airbus’ first contract from the Australian operator.
Airbus will deliver an end-to-end solution, including design and manufacture of the Optus 11 spacecraft, as well as an advanced digital suite to manage the digital payload and operate the end-to-end satellite resources, providing Optus with a turnkey system and the ability to add hosted payloads such as SBAS.
What sets Optus 11 apart is its ability to adjust its coverage, capacity and frequency, through on board processing and active antennas with beam forming capability. It will deliver power and bandwidth dynamically to strengthen capacity and resilience of Optus fleet and enable Optus to configure and adapt the payload mission to end-user needs, taking advantage of the latest innovations in payload and resource management.
Optus 11 will deliver a combination of broadcast and broadband VHTS missions in Ku band over Australia and New Zealand, to improve Direct to Home broadcasting over the Australasia region, increase reach in the Antarctic and Pacific zones and support growth into mobile markets, helping eliminate connectivity black spots through the Australian Government’s Mobile Black Spot programme.
Airbus’ Head of Space Systems, Jean-Marc Nasr said: “We are grateful to Optus for their trust in Airbus in a region where we have ambitions to work with local industry to support space technology development in both the civil and defence sectors.”
“OneSat is a truly disruptive product, both from a manufacturing, and operational point of view, and gives customers the flexibility they need to serve their markets. This contract from Australia’s leading satellite operator, Optus, is a ringing endorsement that our R&D strategy in developing innovative products is the right one. OneSat’s high flexibility, very compact design and accelerated production should see the satellite in orbit for Optus in 2023.”
Airbus’ ‘ready-made’ OneSat satellite builds on the company’s heritage from its highly reliable Eurostar telecommunications satellites, which have clocked up more than 800 years of successful operation in orbit.
This order further strenghtens Airbus’ leadership in new generation reconfigurable telecommunications satellites and enables Optus with the option to add additional spacecraft in the near future.
The investments made by Airbus and its partners in very innovative OneSat developments are supported by the European Space Agency and national agencies, in particular the UK and French space agencies. Read more...
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