lunes, 30 de enero de 2012

Spanair presenta concurso voluntario de acreedores

Spanair presenta concurso voluntario de acreedores: Spanair ha presentado el concurso voluntario de acreedores con un pasivo por más de 300 millones de euros, según confirmaron recientemente fuentes judiciales. Al mismo tiempo, se ha anunciado un ERE (Expediente de Regulación de Empleo) para toda su plantilla de trabajadores, que alcanza a 2.075 personas.
Spanair ha presentado el concurso voluntario de acreedores. Entre sus principales acreedore

Chinese J-20 Stealth Fighter Advances

Chinese J-20 Stealth Fighter Advances: At least two J-20 prototypes were complete by the time the aircraft made its first public flight on Jan. 11, 2011.

domingo, 29 de enero de 2012

Airbus Military espera vender 400 aviones A400M en los próximos 30 años - www.infodefensa.com

Airbus Military espera vender 400 aviones A400M en los próximos 30 ... - www.infodefensa.com:

www.infodefensa.com

Airbus Military espera vender 400 aviones A400M en los próximos 30 ...
www.infodefensa.com
En cuanto al tanquero A330 MRTT, ha indicado que el objetivo es asegurar su correcta y eficaz operación en los cuatro países en los que estará ya en servicio este año. Asimismo, Ureña ha mostrado su confianza en que este año se materialicen los ...
Airbus Military espera vender más de 30 aviones en 2012 y entregar ...Univisión

los 120 artículos informativos »

Boeing disputes 737 Max development cost report

Boeing disputes 737 Max development cost report: Boeing disputes the cost estimates detailed in a recent Bernstein Research note claiming development of the 737 Max will be twice that of the Airbus A320neo,...

Presenting Ilyushin Il-476

Presenting Ilyushin Il-476: The Ilyushin Il-476 is a transport aircraft. It is a modernized version of the Ilyushin Il-76. In 2009, they began production works and plan to carry out its first flight in 2012. They plan to launch mass production of the … Read more...

sábado, 28 de enero de 2012

Tecnam introduces the P92 Sea-Sky Hydroplane



Tecnam’s reputation for developing aeroplanes for all aspects of General Aviation flying was further established today with the introduction of the Tecnam P92 Sea-Sky Hydroplane.


This 6th generation development builds on the tremendous success of both the P92 Echo Classic and P92 Eaglet to offer potential customers seeking an innovative, spacious and cost effective seaplane.

Requiring a take-off run of less than 200 metres, coupled with an impressive climb rate and a 100 hp engine, the Tecnam P92 Sea-Sky Hydroplane affords ease of operation, both on the water (be it lakes, rivers or sea) and in the air.

Tecnam aeroplanes are especially known for offering outstanding value. One reason for the Tecnam P92 Sea-Sky Hydroplane low cost is that it is produced at Tecnam’s new composites production facility, home to both the Tecnam P2008 and Tecnam P Twenty-Ten, in Capua, Italy.

‘’Our Tecnam P92 Sea-Sky Hydroplane offers you the pleasure of enjoying both blue waters and blue skies’’ said Paolo Pascale, Tecnam’s Managing Director. ‘’Not just designed to perform superbly on water but also on the remaining 29% of the worlds surface, land, by using our innovative 4 wheels retractable landing gear. Wherever you want to go today Tecnam has got the right aeroplane for you! Enjoy your time, meet land, sky and water!’’

PR

Tecnam lanza el hidroavión P92 Sea-Sky

24 de Enero de 2012

Tecnam lanza el hidroavión P92 Sea-Sky

Tecnam ha confirmado el lanzamiento del hidroavión Tecnam P92 Sea-Sky, la sexta generación del exitoso modelo P92 en las versiones Echo Classic y Eaglet.

El fabricante italiano ha aumentado su reputación con la introducción de nuevo hidroavión Tecnam P92 Sea-Sky.

El desarrollo de esta sexta generación se ha construido sobre las bases del tremendo éxito de los modelos P92 Echo Classic y P92 Eaglet, para ofrecer un hidroavión innovador, espacioso y de bajo coste operativo.

Con una carrera de despegue de menos de 200 metros, junto con un impresionante ratio de ascenso propulsado por un motor de 100 HP, el hidroavión Tecnam P92 Sea-Sky permite una facilidad de operación tanto en el agua (bien sea en lagos, ríos o en el mar), como en vuelo.

Las aeronaves Tecnam son especialmente conocidas por ofrecer una gran versatilidad. Una de las razones del reducido coste del hidroavión Tecnam P92 Sea-Sky es que está siendo producido en la nueva planta de materiales compuestos situada en Capua, Italia, donde también se fabrican los modelos P2008, y P Twenty Ten.

«Nuestro hidroavión Tecnam P92 Sea-Sky ofrece el placer de disfrutar tanto de las aguas azules como de los cielos azules» comentó Paolo Pascale, Director General de Tecnam. «No sólo ha sido diseñado para operar de manera excepcional en el agua, sino también para operar en el 29% restante de la superficie de la Tierra, usando un sistema innovador de tren de aterrizaje retráctil de 4 ruedas. Tecnam tiene el avión apropiado para ir dónde quieras hoy. Disfruta de tu tiempo, bien sea por tierra, mar o aire».



Sobre Tecnam



Tecnam Aviation fue fundada en 1986 por los hermanos Pascale. La empresa cuenta con dos plantas de fabricación en Italia. Una de 11.000 metros cuadrados cerca del Aeropuerto Internacional de Nápoles, en Capodichino, y otra de 12.000 metros cuadrados en Capua, en el Aeropuerto Oreste Salomone.

La red de distribución de aviones Tecnam incluye distribuidores en los países extranjeros, Dedalus Aircraft (www.dedalusaircraft.es) es la compañía distribuidora en España.



Los aviones Tecnam que se fabrican actualmente ofrecen una diversa gama de opciones ajustadas para cada cliente. Tienen configuración de asientos para dos o cuatro ocupantes, y utilizan en la mayoría de los casos el motor Rotax 912S de 100 cv. Además es un avión muy versátil que permite ser una herramienta excepcional para la enseñanza, ideales como avión escuela, tal y como demuestra la demanda de modelos como el P92 o el P2002.

Emirates aumenta frecuencia con Madrid y sumará ruta con Barcelona

Emirates aumenta frecuencia con Madrid y sumará ruta con Barcelona: Emirates Airlines reforzará su apuesta por España: según informó la aerolínea recientemente triplicará sus operaciones entre el país y Dubái, uno de los emiratos árabes más importantes y en “moda”, con más frecuencias y una nueva ruta que conectará con Barcelona. Esta iniciativa demuestra la confianza de la compañía en el mercado español, donde se pueden encontrar hotele

Iberia Express comenzaría a operar el 25 de marzo

Iberia Express comenzaría a operar el 25 de marzo: Iberia tiene, finalmente, todo listo para despegar con su filial de bajo coste, Iberia Express: según se informó recientemente, esta nueva empresa que cubrirá los vuelos de corto y medio alcance a una tarifa menor iniciará operaciones en marzo, más en específico, el día 25, como se venía adelantando.
Iberia está próxima a lanzar su filial modelo bajo coste, Iberia Express, el próximo 2

Textron CEO: Bell Helicopter to launch new helicopter next month

Textron CEO: Bell Helicopter to launch new helicopter next month: Textron chief executive Scott Donnelly confirmed that Bell Helicopter will launch a new commercial helicopter to be built at the company's Amarillo, Texas

737 Max development cost to be twice A320neo: report

737 Max development cost to be twice A320neo: report: With a greater level of structural modification required to accommodate new CFM International Leap-1B engines, Boeing's cost to develop the re-engined 737...

Boeing locks out 747-8 tail fuel tanks on flutter concerns

Boeing locks out 747-8 tail fuel tanks on flutter concerns: In order to meet certification requirements ahead of its first delivery, Boeing will lock out the 12,500l (3,300gal) horizontal stabiliser tail fuel tanks...

El ‘Juan Carlos I’ realiza la evaluación operativa con los helicópteros ‘Chinook’

Se ha comprobado la capacidad del buque para su carga y transporte, así como su movimiento en cubierta de vuelo y hangares utilizando los medios de abordo
jueves, 19 de enero de 2012

El buque de proyección estratégica ‘Juan Carlos I’ ha concluido, dentro de su evaluación operativa general, las pruebas con las unidades de las Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra (FAMET).

Incluido en su plan de entrada en servicio, la evaluación operativa comprueba que el funcionamiento de los equipos y sistemas del barco responden a lo reflejado en las especificaciones del contrato firmadas con el constructor.

En esta última prueba se ha evaluado la capacidad del buque de la Armada española para operar con los helicópteros CH-47 ‘Chinook’. Para ello, se han realizado varios despegues y aterrizajes con una aeronave en cada uno de los cuatro puntos de toma con que cuenta el buque para aparatos de gran tamaño.
El pasado día 19 de diciembre se efectuaron las pruebas de puerto con un `Chinook´ de las FAMET en la Base Naval de Rota. Entonces, se comprobó la capacidad del buque para su carga y transporte, así como su movimiento en cubierta de vuelo y hangares utilizando los medios de abordo.


Plataforma aeronaval
La cubierta de vuelo del buque de proyección estratégica ‘Juan Carlos I’ se ha diseñado para operar, lanzar, recibir y dar apoyo, tanto de día como de noche, a aviones y helicópteros, como los AB-212, SH-3D y AV-8B Harrier Plus. Está diseñado para transportar y operar hasta 30 aeronaves entre helicópteros medios y pesados en configuración de portaaeronaves anfibio, o bien entre 10 y 12 aviones AV-8B+, más un número similar de helicópteros medios, cuando está configurado como portaaviones.

Las misiones del ‘Juan Carlos I’ son la de transporte, desembarco y apoyo en tierra a una fuerza de Infantería de Marina; la de proyección y empleo de fuerzas; la capacidad de operar como plataforma aeronaval y las operaciones no bélicas como las de ayuda humanitaria en catástrofes o la evacuación de personal civil en zonas de crisis.

Fotos y video aqui

Boeing and Norwegian Announce Order for 100 737 MAX; 22 Next-Generation 737s

- Record order from a European airline, valued at $11.4 billion at list prices
- Norwegian is first European 737 MAX customer


OSLO, Norway, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Norwegian have announced a firm order for 100 fuel-efficient 737 MAX airplanes and 22 Next-Generation 737-800s. The total order is valued at $11.4 billion at list prices and represents the largest-ever Boeing order from a European airline.
Oslo-based Norwegian is the first European carrier to finalize an order for the 737 MAX. The order supports Norwegian's plans to build on the success provided by its fleet of Next-Generation 737-800s for its rapidly expanding operations.
"Norwegian has become one of the largest 737 operators in Europe and has been a valued Boeing partner since the airline was established," said Aldo Basile, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president Sales, Europe. "Since it began operating in 2002, Norwegian has achieved tremendous success with its low-cost model, providing significant value to both its passengers and shareholders."
"This is a historic day for Norwegian – we have secured our fleet renewal for years to come and are very pleased with the agreement with Boeing," said Norwegian's CEO Bjorn Kjos. "Boeing has played a major part in our strategy to develop a cost efficient and environmentally friendly operation with high customer satisfaction. We are very happy to continue our valuable cooperation and we are proud to be the first 737 MAX customer in Europe."
"The 737 MAX will deliver fuel savings better than any competing single-aisle airplane on the market," said Basile. "We're really pleased to provide this great performance to Norwegian. Improved financial performance and improved environmental performance go hand-in-hand as fuel burn is lowered."
The 737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The airplane will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines which will reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions by an additional 10-12 percent over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplane. The 737 MAX will have the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle segment with a 7 percent advantage per seat over tomorrow's competition.
This order continues the momentum for the 737 MAX. With the Norwegian order, the 737 MAX has orders and commitments for more than 1,000 airplanes from 15 customers and the Next-Generation 737 family has orders for more than 6,300 airplanes.
Norwegian currently operates a fleet of 62 airplanes: 48 Next-Generation 737-800s and 14 737-300s. Including today's announcement, Norwegian has 184 unfilled orders for Boeing airplanes including: 100 737 MAX airplanes, 78 Next-Generation 737-800s and six 787 Dreamliners from Boeing and leasing company partners.
Carrying nearly 16 million passengers in 2011, Norwegian is the third-largest low-cost airline in Europe. Norwegian currently operates more than 300 routes across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East and employs approximately 2,500 people.  The company was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange in 2003. 

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Named ‘Aircraft of Legend’

EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 27, 2012 – The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been honored with the “Aircraft of Legend” Award presented by the Living Legends of Aviation organization.

Mike Sinnett, vice president and chief project engineer for the 787 program, accepted the award on behalf of the men and women of Boeing and the international team that created the Dreamliner.
“We’re honored to be named the first Aircraft of Legend,” said Sinnett. “It is recognition of the expertise, skill and dedication that has gone into the creation of this airplane and an inspiration we’ll always keep in front of us – it’s something to continue to live up to.”

To learn more, visit http://www.boeing.com/newairplane//787/legendsaward

Info - Italian Air Force Eurofighters in air-to-air refuelling mission

Air-to-air refuelling is one of the daily training activities undertaken by Eurofighter Typhoon pilots. In this picture, taken during one of those missions in January 2012, four Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) Typhoons (three single seat and a twin seater), belonging to the 4° Stormo (Wing) based at Grosseto airbase, refuel from a KC-130J of the 46^ Brigata Aerea (Air Brigade) from Pisa.

Such training missions are routinely flown to give the Typhoon pilots the opportunity to perform multiple plugs with the tanker’s hose and practice for real operations. “Dry plugs” are connections during which no fuel is pumped from the tanker, as opposed to “wet plugs” when the receiver gets fuel.

During Operation Unified Protector in Libya, KC-130Js operating from Pisa refuelled the Italian Typhoons deployed to Trapani tasked with HVAA (High Value Air Asset) escort and DCA (Defensive Counter Air) missions

PR

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 operations in Aeroflot: the first half a year

January 23, 2012, Moscow. Aeroflot currently operates the fleet consisting of four Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft (SSJ100). The Act of Delivery & Acceptance for the fifth deliverable aircraft was signed at Komsomolsk-on-the Amur on January 23, 2012.

By January 22, 2012 four SSJ100s of Aeroflot accumulated 2,381 flight hours in 1,418 revenue flights. Aeroflot mainly operates its SSJ100 aircraft on domestic routes from Moscow to ten Russian airports and Minsk. In December 2012 Aeroflot’s SSJ100 started to serve international routes to Budapest and Oslo. Aeroflot’s operations confirm that the aircraft is able to serve efficiently regional routes with the high frequency of departure. The SSJ100 is able to perform two to three return flights per day, achieving daily utilization from 9 to 11 flight hours. The best results in terms of number of flights per month and monthly utilization were reached by aircraft RA-89001 (149 flights and 229.3 hours) and RA-89002 (151 flights and 231.5 hours) in August and September 2011 respectively.

“Our priority is to establish an effective system of spare parts supply and to increase the delivery pace. However, at the initial phase of operation all new aircraft without exception deal with unexpected technical problems that emerge only in the regime of intensive operation. During the first year and especially in the first months of operation AOG (aircraft on ground) situations happen more often than in the course of further operation. We appreciate the fact that our launch customers are highly cooperative while working with the brand-new aircraft. It is important to mention that SSJ100 has high safety rates and received positive reviews from Aeroflot pilots” — noted Vladimir Prisyazhnyuk, President of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft.

“Piloting and handling the aircraft is easy. The ergonomics of the cockpit is being improved jointly with the manufacturer. We hope that the cockpit of SSJ100 won’t differ from modern Western aircraft as far as the level of comfort is concerned. The aircraft is perfectly protected from the point of view of piloting criteria such as an exit on great values of overload, stall flight and roll and excess of allowable speed of flight. There is no doubt that SSJ100 will show its efficiency and reliability, we believe in the great future of this aircraft” — states Evgeny Voronin, Chief of the Aeroflot SSJ100 pilots team.

“Aeroflot applies same rigid requirements to the technical condition of SSJ100 as to the Airbus and Boeing aircraft within our fleet. We understand that the aircraft is undergoing the initial phase of operation, so we treat it with maximum attention. It is important that the aircraft manufacturer is doing its best to build an effective system of after-sales support to ensure absence of schedule disruption for the airline. All the speculations that Aeroflot is displeased with the aircraft are absolutely groundless” — pointed the Deputy Director General, Chief Commercial Officer of Aeroflot Andrey Kalmykov.

For the time being Aeroflot, SCAC, SuperJet International (responsible for the technical support of the aircraft operations and maintenance) and PowerJet (the engine manufacturer) mainly concentrate on the improvement of the operations’ technical support and the establishment of the more efficient teamwork. The main priority is to provide the smooth supply of the spare parts and consumables. For this purpose the stock list of spare parts available at the SJI supporting warehouse in Sheremetyevo is being expanded to the one available at the SJI main warehouse in Frankfurt. It will allow to reduce essentially the time to deliver a requested part directly to the aircraft. In parallel Aeroflot technical services is receiving additional ground equipment and control devices.

Training for flight and technician staff for the SSJ100 aircraft is another important field to be focused. 16 crews with previous “glass cockpit” experience, four crews without such experience, 24 flight attendant-instructors and more than hundred technicians were trained by the mid of January 2012. The training is conducted at the Training center in Zhukovsky which has a range of the most advanced training equipment and simulators including Full Flight Simulator (FFS). Another FFS will be installed and put in operation in the Aeroflot training center in Sheremetyevo this year. It will allow the airline to train its pilots in its home base.

The stage of the initial commercial operations requests that all sides involved (the aircraft manufacturer, airlines and suppliers of the engines and systems) combine the professional skills, great dedication and efficient coordination. Aeroflot and SCAC work exactly in this manner.

Aeroflot puts its fifth Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft in operation

January 27, 2012 Moscow – Aeroflot Russian Airlines puts its fifth Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft (SSJ100) in operation. The first revenue flight of the airliner, named after the famous Aeroflot pilot Dmitry Barilov, will be performed soon.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 MSN 95015 (registered number RA-89007) was delivered to Aeroflot under contract with the VEB-Leasing JSC on financial lease (leasing). The delivered aircraft is designed to carry 87 passengers in a comfortable two-class layout (12 - business class and 75 - in economy class).

Aeroflot ordered 30 SSJ100 aircraft in total.

“We are very pleased that our SSJ100 aircraft is becoming an important part of the Aeroflot’s fleet. We will do our best to make sure that the SSJ100 continues to meet the expectations of the airline”, noted Vladimir Prisyazhnyuk, President of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft.

Aeroflot currently operates five SSJ100 aircraft serving routes from Moscow to ten Russian cities as well as to Minsk, Budapest and Oslo. Aeroflot operations confirm that the aircraft perfectly match their requirements in terms of high frequency departures on regional routes

AviancaTaca firms up order for 51 eco-efficient A320 aircraft

Purchase agreement is biggest for a single customer in Latin America history
Blagnac,  26 January 2012

AviancaTaca, which includes subsidiary AeroGal of Ecuador, has signed a purchase agreement for 33 eco-efficient A320neo and 18 A320 Family aircraft. The order, which is the largest from a single airline in the region in terms of number of aircraft, follows a MOU signed during the Le Bourget Air Show in Paris in June 2011.

The new aircraft will support AviancaTaca’s expansion into new markets in Latin America, while keeping the airline’s fleet among the youngest in the region.

“With this order AviancaTaca and our subsidiaries will continue the modernization process that includes fleet renewal as its primary focus,” said Fabio Villegas, President of AviacaTaca. “Our goal is to offer travelers the most comfortable and efficient aircraft in the market, and we are proud that the A320neo aircraft is recognized for its eco-efficiency and cutting-edge technology,”

“At Airbus, we are very proud of our contribution to the success story of AviancaTaca,” said John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Thanks to its unbeatable operating costs and the comfort it offers to passengers, the A320 Family has become the first choice for single-aisle aircraft among the most important operators worldwide.”

AviancaTaca has placed firm orders for 190 Airbus aircraft (including the latest 51) and has currently in service 88 A320 Family aircraft and eight A330. AviancaTaca operates the entire A320 Family, A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft.

Over 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and some 5,000 delivered to more than340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, and this aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint.

To date, Airbus has sold 666 aircraft in Latin America and has a backlog of 351. The number of Airbus aircraft in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean reaches 435 units. In the last 10 years, Airbus tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region.

EADS scientists combat ice and flies

Munich,  25 January 2012

EADS opens Icing and Contamination Research Facility in Munich
Ways sought to prevent ice accretion on aircraft surfaces
Test method for insect contamination
New, compact wind tunnel allows higher test frequency
Aerospace and defence group EADS inaugurated iCORE, its new Icing and Contamination Research Facility at its German headquarters in Ottobrunn near Munich on Wednesday. The lab is part of EADS Innovation Works, the corporate research and technology network. At the core of the facility is a laboratoryscale cryogenic wind tunnel which combines the various elements that create icing conditions.

“This facility will greatly facilitate our efforts to increase flight efficiency. It also further leverages the research and technology capabilities of our Ottobrunn site and the Munich region,” said EADS Chief Technical Officer Jean Botti.

The main purpose of the new research facility is to find ways to minimise or even prevent the build-up and adhesion of ice on the plane’s surface, thereby reducing energy consumption for inflight de-icing. EADS IW scientists are studying the use of coatings and tailored surfaces to counter the accumulation of ice from supercooled water droplets – a common condition of meta stable water encountered during flight in the atmosphere and in cloud. The coatings are expected to support the use of newgeneration on-board de-icing systems that respond to the increasing evolution of electric aircraft. The applications for these solutions range from airliners and helicopters to military unmanned aerial vehicles.

The planned research activities in the new facility will address laminar flow technology. The effect of insect contamination on flow characteristics will also be investigated in this context. Insect contamination has no impact on flight efficiency today. When the laminar flow technology currently under development goes into use, however, this situation will change: minor turbulence may occur due to insect contamination. This would jeopardise the goal of fuel savings through turbulence-free airflow.

EADS Innovation Works’ Surface Technologies Group has developed a variety of test rigs to better comprehend how icing occurs in different conditions. It is also helping to understand the effects of sand and rain erosion on surfaces designed to resist insect contamination or ice accretion.

A cooperative agreement with the Department of Aerospace Engineering and the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems at Mississippi State University enables EADS IW to utilise these US institutes’ expertise in computational fluid dynamics to model the impact of supercooled droplets on aerodynamic surfaces in airflow.

The new, more compact tunnel will increase EADS Innovation Works’ capability to perform icing tests using a smaller-scale facility than traditional tunnels. Conventional facilities are typically much larger due to the distance needed to cool the water droplets from their deployment out of a spray bar delivery system to their arrival at the test section. The opportunities for testing in such larger tunnels are limited because of the higher operational costs and limited availability of test sessions.

The facility’s initial focus will be on investigating multi-phase flow, phase change, the splash behaviour of drops and the crystallisation process of supercooled droplets. Data from these wind tunnel tests will be incorporated in an EADS Innovation Worksled European project on icing, called AEROMUCO (AEROdynamic surfaces by advanced MUltifunctional COatings). The scope of the programme will also cover the creation of ice-resistant coatings and pursue the investigations in larger tunnels – eventually leading to flight tests on an aircraft test bed from the Istres Flight Test Centre in France

Eurofighter ante la inminente decisión del gran programa de aviones de combate indio

La inminencia de la decisión del gobierno Indio sobre su programa de aviones de combate es tal que ésta puede hacerse pública en cualquier momento. El programa es de vital para Eurofighter, que ha volcado todos sus esfuerzos en esta campaña que confirmaría la compra de 126 aviones de combate, (más 74 opcionales) y cuyo desarrollo a futuro tendría todavía mayor repercusión para el vencedor.

Eurofighter ante la inminente decisión del gran programa de aviones de combate indio

viernes, 27 de enero de 2012

Enders Wins EADS Leadership Battle

Enders Wins EADS Leadership Battle: Airbus CEO Tom Enders will replace EADS Louis Gallois this summer.

Airbus Adjusts A380 Assembly Process

Airbus Adjusts A380 Assembly Process: Airbus has put in place changes to its A380 wing assembly as part of a long-term wing crack fix.

New Maritime Surveillance Tecnam based Aircraft Unveiled

In another indication that the maritime surveillance market is showing no sign of softening even as defense spending comes under pressure, a group of companies -- Indra, Selex Galileo, FLIR Systems, Airborne Technologies and Tecnam -- have unveiled a new maritime surveillance venture: New Maritime Surveillance Aircraft Unveiled

blog post photo

Eurocopter: Eyes U.S. Army Joint Multirole (JMR), X2 Speed Record

“Definitely we will be part of JMR,” he says in Paris. Bertling, who has stressed the need for the company to continuously innovate, stresses that “we will have technical concepts which the U.S. Army and the Air Force will not be able to ignore.”



Eurocopter: Eyes JMR, X2 Speed Record:

Introducing AAI's Shadow Knight (authogyro UAV)

Introducing AAI's Shadow Knight: When UAV specialist AAI licensed Carter Aviation Technologies' slowed rotor/compound (SR/C) concept in 2009, it raised a few eyebrows. Tiny Carter had been working on the technology for years and, until then, had failed to secure any mainstream interest.

But AAI believed Jay Carter's reinterpretation of the autogyro offered the promise of an affordable VTOL capability for unmanned aircraft, without the weight, complexity and maintenance burden of a conventional helicopter's powered rotor.

USAF scraps plans to replace U-2 with Northrop Global Hawk drone

USAF scraps plans to replace U-2 with Northrop Global Hawk drone: The US Air Force (USAF) has decided to scrap its plans to replace the Cold War-era U-2 spy planes with Northrop Grumman-built Block 30 high-altitude RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned surveillance planes, a government official and a defence analyst have revea…

CAFE Announces 2012 Electic Aircraft Symposium VI

CAFE Announces 2012 Electic Aircraft Symposium VI: Two Full Days Of Programs In The California Wine Country The 6th Annual CAFE Electric Aircraft Symposium will be held April 27, 28, 2012 at the Flamingo Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa, California. EAS VI has again confirmed an outstanding faculty that will include the winner of the Green Flight Challenge, debut of the first electric LSAs, breakthroughs from leading battery makers, the world electric speed record and the latest on prop and wheel motors, controllers, UAV flight and ultra-quiet lift-off.

Airbus Continues To Say Cracks Are Not A Safety Issue

Airbus Continues To Say Cracks Are Not A Safety Issue: Company Says Wing Rib Attachment Cracks Are Not Caused By Fatigue The cracks that have cropped up in the wing skin rib attachment points on several A380 superjumbo airplanes are not caused by fatigue, are easily repaired, and pose no threat to safety, according to the planemaker.

USAF Scraps HALE UAV Program

USAF Scraps HALE UAV Program: Northrop Grumman Had Been Developing Unmanned U-2 Replacement The Air Force had reportedly decided to pull funding for the Northrop Grumman Global Hawk program, and extending the life of the cold-war-vintage U-2 through at least 2020.

NASA'S J-2X Engine Kicks Off 2012 With Powerpack Testing

NASA'S J-2X Engine Kicks Off 2012 With Powerpack Testing: First New 'Human Rated' Engine To Be Developed In Four Decades A new series of tests on NASA's new J-2X engine will begin next week at NASA's Stennis Space Center in southern Mississippi. NASA says the tests on the engine bring it one step closer to the first human-rated liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen rocket engine to be developed in 40 years.

Comunicado de Spanair a sus clientes

- Spanair informa de que en el día hoy 27 de enero de 2012, la compañía aérea ha cesado sus operaciones y, por consiguiente, dadas estas excepcionales circunstancias todos nuestros vuelos a partir de hoy quedan cancelados.

- En caso de que usted haya adquirido un billete con Spanair para los próximos días o semanas, tiene diversas alternativas:

a- Si pagó el billete con una tarjeta de crédito, infórmese en su entidad financiera sobre las posibilidades de reembolso.

b- Si usted contrató el seguro de cancelación, contacte con su entidad aseguradora para informarse de su cobertura.

c- Si compró su billete en una agencia de viajes, infórmese en la misma.

d- Si dispone de un billete comprado en Spanair pero operado por otra aerolínea, en principio, su vuelo está garantizado. Le rogamos confirmen su vuelo con la aerolínea correspondiente.

e- Spanair, en coordinación con la Generalitat, ha llegado a un acuerdo, con Vueling, Iberia y Air Europa para que aquellos pasajeros que compren su billete y vuelen en los próximos tres días tengan una tarifa especial.
El precio de los billetes, según el destino será el siguiente:
- Vuelos domésticos e islas baleares: 60 euros.
- Vuelos a las Islas Canarias: 90 euros
- Vuelos Internacionales: 100 euros

f- En cualquier otro caso y para reclamar el reembolso del importe de su billete, puede interponer la correspondiente reclamación por cualquiera de los siguientes canales:
Oficinas de ventas de Spanair
Mostradores de AENA ubicados en los correspondientes aeropuertos.
Oficinas de turismo de los correspondientes aeropuertos.
Agencia Catalana de Consum
- Spanair está en permanente contacto con las autoridades aeronáuticas españolas y los aeropuertos donde la compañía opera sus vuelos para hacer frente a esta situación.

- Tanto el Spanair Center (900.13.14.15 – desde fuera de España +34 971 916 047) como nuestras Oficinas de Ventas en los aeropuertos permanecerán abiertas para atenderle.

- Para disponer de información actualizada, le rogamos consulten nuestra página web www.spanair.com

- Spanair pide disculpas públicas a todas aquellas personas que se han visto afectadas.


Barcelona a 27 de enero de 2012

Fomento exige a Spanair el cumplimiento de sus obligaciones con los pasajeros

El Ministerio ha creado un comité de coordinación y seguimiento para garantizar los derechos de los viajeros.
VIERNES, 27 DE ENERO DE 2012

El Ministerio de Fomento ha planteado a la compañía Spanair, S.A., tras hacerse público el cese de sus operaciones, que debe cumplir con sus obligaciones con los pasajeros, tal como establece la legislación vigente, al tiempo que le ha requerido por escrito que comunique de forma inmediata sus planes concretos de actuación.

La compañía tiene la obligación de atender a los usuarios que puedan verse perjudicados por sus actuaciones y, en concreto, de garantizar su asistencia, el reembolso del billete o transporte alternativo, la prestación de información y, en su caso, la compensación que corresponda.

El Ministerio, que está haciendo un seguimiento permanente de todas las circunstancias que puedan afectar a la compañía y a sus clientes, ha anunciado su compromiso de efectuar todos los esfuerzos para que la empresa haga efectivos los derechos de los pasajeros.

Comité de coordinación y seguimiento
El departamento que dirige Ana Pastor ha constituido en Barcelona un comité de coordinación y seguimiento permanente, integrado por representantes del propio Ministerio (Dirección General de Aviación Civil, Aena), de la Generalitat de Cataluña, de la Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad del Estado y de las compañías aéreas que están colaborando en el reajuste de los pasajeros, para hacer frente a las distintas situaciones que puedan producirse.

En el resto de los aeropuertos donde había vuelos programados de Spanair también se están coordinando las actuaciones para atender el transporte alternativo de los viajeros afectados.

La autoridad responsable de la atención a las reclamaciones de los pasajeros afectados por una cancelación es la Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea, dependiente de este Ministerio.

Más información sobre los derechos de los pasajeros y cómo ejercerlos en la Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea.

The Pentagon Newest Stealth Spy Aircraft Is a Flying Sperm [Airplanes]



The Pentagon Newest Stealth Spy Aircraft Is a Flying Sperm [Airplanes]
GIZMODO | 25 DE ENERO DE 2012
http://pulse.me/s/5iP5r


This is Argus One, the Pentagon's newest unmanned aerial spy. It can carry 30 pounds of high-tech sensors and it just happens to be shaped like a sper... Read more

martes, 24 de enero de 2012

Alenia Aermacchi: Official Launch of the nEUROn, the New Generation Technology Demonstrator for a European UCAV

France: Yesterday nEUROn, the technology demonstrator for a European UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) was officially presented by Charles Edelstenne, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dassault Aviation, to the representatives of the six countries collaborating in the project (France, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland and Greece).

Read more: http://www.defencetalk.com/alenia-aermacchi-official-launch-of-the-neuron-39935/#ixzz1kNKWCpf7

Eurocopter boosts its sales by 12 percent in 2011 and increases order intake by more than 100 helicopters

Eurocopter generated a record high annual turnover in 2011 as the company benefitted from long-term strategies of investing in innovation to keep its helicopter product line at the forefront, growing the international footprint, developing services businesses and optimizing internal operations.

Paris,  24 January 2012

The deliveries of 503 rotary-wing aircraft in 2011, along with Eurocopter's enhanced support and services activities, generated a turnover of 5.4 billion euros – representing a growth of 12.5 percent from the previous year, and marking the first time Eurocopter's annual turnover has surpassed the 5 billion euro volume. Deliveries included the 1,000th Dauphin, which was received by Indian operator Pawan Hans; the 1,000th EC135, provided to the German ADAC automobile club – one of Eurocopter's longest-standing customers; and the 100th EC225, accepted by the Bristow Group.

New helicopter orders also picked up last year, with the 457 net bookings representing a value of 4.7 billion euros, compared with the 346 helicopters sold in 2010. The year's business included initial firm orders for the new EC175; major bookings for the EC225 from CHC Helicopter, CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co., Bristow Helicopters and RTE; the continuation of orders from the U.S. Army for the UH-72A Lakota; and the first large booking for Eurocopter's enhanced EC145 T2 helicopter version from Germany's DRF Luftrettung. "We marked many key achievements during the past 12 months, which were the results of our company's across-the-board strategy to invest, innovate and improve as we continue Eurocopter's industry leadership," said President & CEO Lutz Bertling. "As Eurocopter celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2012, we are well positioned for the future."

Consolidated turnover

Deliveries of new production helicopters represented 51 percent of Eurocopter's 2011 consolidated turnover, while support and services continued its growth to account for 38 percent of the total. The remaining 11 percent was generated by development and other activities.

Order bookings

Export sales outside of Eurocopter's home country nations remained the primary source of business, at 77 percent of total bookings in 2011. Civil contracts accounted for 68 percent of the order volume, with military sales representing the remaining 32 percent.

Bookings by product range

The strongest growth in 2011 sales was registered by Eurocopter's Ecureuil/Fennec/EC130 Family and the EC145:

EC120 Colibri: 13
Ecureuil/Fennec/EC130 Family: 238
EC135: 42
EC145 (including the UH-72A Lakota): 104
Dauphin/Panther/EC155 Family: 21
EC175: 4
Super Puma/Cougar EC225/EC725 Family: 35

For the EC175 and EC225, several multi-year contracts were signed, for which the customers' bookings will be logged based on annual purchase orders.

2011 Highlights

Eurocopter marked numerous program, commercial and technical achievements during the past 12 months. The company's unveiling of its new EC145 T2 version and introduction of the enhanced "e" upgrades for the AS350, EC135, AS365 and AS332 were well received by the market.

Eurocopter's emphasis on innovation was underscored by the initial public appearance of its X3 high-speed demonstrator aircraft at the Paris Air Show, and the start-up of pioneering flight testing for a hybrid helicopter concept combining an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

The company's worldwide presence increased with the most significant acquisition in its 20-year history: Vector Aerospace, a leading maintenance, repair and overhaul service provider headquartered in Canada. New subsidiaries and participations were created in 2011 with the Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering operation in Kazakhstan, and the Korea Aerospace Industries-Eurocopter joint venture to support the Korean Utility Helicopter's marketing and export.

The inauguration of Eurocopter Global Logistics at Marignane, France marked an important step in enhancing the company's logistics and industrial performance, while the investments in support and services activities were underscored by the opening of new training centers in Russia and China, along with a support and service center in Scotland – where a new EC225 full-flight simulator already has logged more than 1,000 training hours. In 2011, Eurocopter advanced two programs to align and enhance its industrial capabilities: the Systemhaus project at the company's Donauwörth, Germany site, which will concentrate all the resources, skills and equipment required to develop, manufacture, certify and maintain helicopters in one location; and the new facility to be built at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, which is to become a worldwide benchmark in the conception, manufacture, maintenance and overhaul of helicopter blades.

Last year, Eurocopter also completed the two-year SHAPE transformation effort, which strengthened its capabilities during the market downturn of the past several years.

2012 flight plan

Eurocopter's ambitious innovation program, the growth of its international footprint and further expansion of the services offering will remain priorities for the coming year. This includes continued development of the X4 – which will introduce a revolution in helicopter operations for Eurocopter's Dauphin successor; inauguration of the EC725 assembly line in Brazil and the phase-in of a production facility for aerostructures and components in Mexico; as well as the broadening of support, services and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) business for Eurocopter and non-Eurocopter helicopters.

The next-generation EC175 will enter service in 2012, incorporating significantly increased range and payload capacity – making it the first seven metric ton-category helicopter delivered with such capabilities.

Eurocopter also will focus on production ramp-up activity to meet a strengthening international marketplace, which includes increasing the output for its Super Puma family, the EC145 T2, the Ecureuil family, along with the NH90 and Tiger military helicopters.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group's helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter's strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter's worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

lunes, 23 de enero de 2012

Tecnam P92 Tail Dragger first flight

Tecnam believe that many existing Tail Dragger operators and pilots are keen to change their existing models for a new and modern aircraft. Tecnam P92 Tail Dragger customers will be able to power their aircraft with one of three engines; the Rotax 912ULS2, the Rotax 914 Turbo (not USA) or the Lycoming O-233 engine.

Market research is showing an over 50% preference for tail wheel compared with standard configuration airplanes within the worldwide GA pilot community. Other findings included a 60% preference for side by side seats (very few legacy tail draggers offer this cabin configuration) and 70% of pilots indicated that they preferred a metal vs. fabric constructed aircraft!

''This Tail Dragger version of the Tecnam P92 is the first new aircraft this particular marketplace has seen in a very long time and promises its owners and pilots significantly improved flight characteristics'' said Paolo Pascale, Tecnam's Managing Director. 'With the introduction of our 5th generation P92 Eaglet in 2011 and our P92 Sea-Sky Hydroplane earlier this month, we know our customers really appreciate the continuing innovations and improvements we are making to our P92 range of aircraft.''

Full specifications, weights and performance will be revealed at the US unveiling at Sun and Fun 2012.

sábado, 21 de enero de 2012

Airbus delivers A320 MSN5000 to Middle East Airlines

Major production achievement for Airbus’ modern, single-aisle aircraft family
Blagnac, 20 January 2012

Airbus delivered the A320 with manufacturer serial number (MSN) 5000 to Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA). The aircraft was delivered from Airbus in Hamburg, Germany and is powered by International Aero Engines V2500 engines.

MSN5000 completes the deliveries of MEA’s total order for seven A320s. It marks a significant milestone for Airbus and the A320 Family going into 2012, as production rises from 38 to 40 per month during the first quarter of the year, and orders for the new A320neo reaffirm Airbus’ single-aisle Family as the most modern, fuel efficient in their category. MEA operates one of the most modern fleets in the region with four A330-200s, six A321 and including MSN5000, now seven A320 aircraft.

“We are honoured to become the operator of this brand new A320 with its distinctive serial number 5000 during the 25th anniversary year of the first flight of the A320 said MEA Chairman- Director General, Mohamad El Hout. “Since we first acquired an A320 Family aircraft in 2003, we have not only benefited from the outstanding operational efficiency of the aircraft but were also the first airline in the Middle East to introduce our wide-body cabin product on a single-aisle aircraft, thus offering our customers state of the art on-board entertainment with Audio/Video On Demand as well as a superbly comfortable and spacious cabin experience that has greatly contributed to MEA’s success.”

“Handing MSN5000 over to MEA is a real pleasure for Airbus. The Lebanese flag carrier has shown great courage maintaining its operations in the face of difficulty,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. “It’s only natural that we pay tribute to MEA’s outstanding determination and recognise their unfailing loyalty with this landmark delivery. We look forward to seeing MEA continue to thrive and grow their network with our modern, fuel efficient Airbus family.”

Close to 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,900 delivered to more than 350 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality with the current A320, making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

Cessna Citation Ten Prototype Makes First Flight Today

WICHITA, Kan., Jan. 17, 2012 — Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, said the Citation Ten prototype made its first flight today. The flight lasted more than two hours and included tests of stability and control, handling qualities, functional operations including the autopilot and autothrottle system, engine operability and avionics before landing at Wichita, Kan. Mid-Continent Airport (ICT) where Cessna's main manufacturing facility is located.
"It took a significant amount of work by a large number of people to get us to this milestone today and I am happy to report that the aircraft performed exceptionally well and handling characteristics were excellent; just as predicted," said Michael Voigt, Cessna's engineering test pilot who flew the Ten prototype. "All systems functioned as expected including the Garmin G5000 avionics system. We are looking forward to a successful flight test program and FAA certification."
Federal Aviation Administration type certification is on track for mid-2013 with first aircraft deliveries planned for the second half of 2013.
"Our first flight, today, was a great success. We have a great team working on this project and I know they will take this dominant aircraft up a notch," said Kelly Reich, business leader for the Cessna Citation X and Ten.

The Ten is a mid-size aircraft with updated design and performance, enabling it to get to altitude faster and travel farther than the Citation X (Model 750). First announced at the 2010 NBAA convention, the Citation Ten is designed for greater fuel efficiency and increased comfort for up to nine passengers and two pilots.
Two Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2 engines will take a 36,600 pound (16,601 kilogram) MTOW Citation Ten off the ground in 5,150 feet (1,569 meters) and give the aircraft a maximum cruise speed of 527 knots an hour (977 kilometers) and a certified ceiling of 51,000 feet (15,545 meters). The Ten has a maximum range of 3,242 nautical miles (6,008 kilometers), putting city pairings such as New York-London, Boston-San Francisco, London-Dubai and Miami-Seattle within convenient one-hop flights.
The Ten is 15 inches longer than the Citation X, providing extra passenger legroom in the forward club seating area. A new Ten mock-up was debuted at the 2011 NBAA convention with a fresh new interior color scheme, though customers are able to choose the interior stylings that best fit their needs and personality.
Also featuring ClairityTM, Cessna's proprietary cabin technology solution, the Ten delivers ultimate touch-screen control to the passenger, maximizing the digital entertainment experience from web to movies to moving maps. One convenient panel at each seat provides connections for personal electronic devices.
The Garmin G5000 integrated flight deck is one of the most intuitive pilot-aircraft interfaces ever seen in a business avionics suite. The high-resolution multi-function displays have split-screen capability, allowing continuous monitoring of engine, flight control, hydraulic and electrical systems. Garmin's SVT synthetic vision technology on the primary flight displays gives the crew a virtual reality view of runways, terrain, traffic and obstacles. Electronic charts with aircraft position overlay provide dynamic situational awareness during approach.
A video highlighting the Citation Ten's features can be viewed on Cessna's YouTube channel. Visit our gallery of Citation Ten images.

Europe's First Stealth Drone Looks like an Angry Cyborg [Image Cache]






Europe's First Stealth Drone Looks like an Angry Cyborg [Image Cache]
GIZMODO | 20 DE ENERO DE 2012
http://pulse.me/s/5bAIl


Europe's collaborative nEUROn drone may be late to the invisible death from above party, but it sure is compensating with some scary looks. Check out ... Read more

First flight of Cessna Citation Ten prototype a success

First flight of Cessna Citation Ten prototype a success:

The Cessna Citation Ten prototype takes off for its first flight

What is set to be the latest addition to Cessna’s Citation line of business jets made its first flight this week. The Cessna Citation Ten prototype flew for more than two hours in the skies over Cessna’s main manufacturing facility at Wichita, Kansas, with the aircraft's stability and control, handling, autopilot and autothrottle systems, engine operability and avionics all put to the test. Cessna says all systems functioned as expected on the maiden flight, keeping the Citation Ten on track for FAA certification in mid-2013, with first deliveries planned for the second half of 2013...
Continue Reading First flight of Cessna Citation Ten prototype a success

Las low cost se impusieron a las aerolíneas tradicionales en 2011, con el 56,9 por ciento de las llegadas

Las low cost se impusieron a las aerolíneas tradicionales en 2011, con el 56,9 por ciento de las llegadas: Los aeropuertos españoles acogieron a 63,5 millones de pasajeros internacionales en el ejercicio 2011, un 10,4 por ciento más que en el 2010. El 56,9 por ciento de estas llegadas fueron a bordo de aviones de bajo coste, un 12,5 por ciento más, mientras que las aerolíneas tradicionales crecieron también, aunque en un porcentaje menor, un 7,7 por ciento, cifra “muy favorable si se compar

Panetta Lifts F-35B Probation

Panetta Lifts F-35B Probation: 'The Stovl variant has made sufficient progress so that as of today I am lifting the Stovl probation.'

Authorities Order A380 Wing Crack Checks

Authorities Order A380 Wing Crack Checks: Airbus says safety of flight is not in question, but directive affects 4,000 parts per airplane.

SIA Starts A380 Crack Inspection

SIA Starts A380 Crack Inspection: Singapore Airlines has started inspecting its Airbus A380s for wing cracks.

Lockheed Martin F-35A Performs First Night Flight [w/pics]





Press Release

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 19, 2012 – The first night flight in the history of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Program was completed Wednesday at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Piloted by Lockheed Martin Test Pilot Mark Ward, AF-6, an F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, launched at 5:05 p.m. PST and landed after sunset at 6:22 p.m. The mission consisted of a series of straight in approaches in twilight and darkness. The pilot also performed an evaluation of the F-35’s cockpit lighting which Ward called, “the best he’s ever seen.” The testing will clear the way for night refueling and formation testing later this year.

EASA Mandates Prompt Detailed Visual Inspections Of The Wings Of 20 A380s

EASA Mandates Prompt Detailed Visual Inspections Of The Wings Of 20 A380s: Airplanes Which Have Completed Over 1300 Flights Are Covered By The AD EASA published an AD on Friday mandating a prompt detailed visual inspection of the wings of 20 Airbus A380. This inspection, which applies to aircraft that have already completed more than 1300 flights, will have to be performed within six weeks of 24 January 2012. Aircraft that have completed more than 1800 flights will have to be inspected within four days of this date.

La Eurocámara pide financiación a largo plazo para Galileo

Bruselas.- El Parlamento Europeo ha aprobado una resolución sobre la estrategia espacial de la UE en la que los eurodiputados coincidieron en que el programa europeo de observación de la Tierra GMES debe ser incluido oficialmente en los planes financieros plurianuales de la UE y el programa de navegación por satélite Galileo también debe recibir financiación adecuada a largo plazo... La Eurocámara pide financiación a largo plazo para Galileo


Rusia proyecta misiones a Marte y la Luna, a pesar del fracaso de Fobos

En declaraciones la emisora Westi FM, Popovkin confirmó: "estamos llevando a cabo negociaciones con la ESA para volar a Marte entre 2012 y 2016". El director de la agencia espacial rusa apuntó, además, que de aquí a 2020 Rusia enviará dos vehículos espaciales a la Luna, donde se proyecta también establecer una estación tripulada... Rusia proyecta misiones a Marte y la Luna, a pesar del fracaso de Fobos


jueves, 19 de enero de 2012

Top weapons tester says KC-46A schedule is unworkable

The US Air Force's plan for testing and evaluating the Boeing KC-46A tanker is "not executable" and could overrun the schedule by at least eight months, the US military's top weapons tester said in a new report.

Michael Gilmore, director of the office of test and evaluation for the Department of Defense, sharply criticized the USAF's ability to certify the KC-46A for military operations by the end of Fiscal 2017.

USAF and Boeing officials were not immediately available to comment on Gilmore's report.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/top-weapons-tester-says-kc-46a-schedule-is-unworkable-367087/

Sukhoi began flight tests of the 3rd serial Su-35S fighter

Moscow, January 17. Today the 3rd serial multi-purpose fighter — Su-35S-3 piloted by test pilot Taras Artsebarsky took off the airfield of the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association named after Yuri Gagarin (KnAAPO). Various modes of propulsion and integrated control system as well as stability and controllability characteristics were tested for more than 2 hours. Operation of engines, systems and equipment proved to be flawless.

The Su-35 fighters have already flown more than 400 flights on the flight tests program. The first and second Su-35s were delivered to the 929th State Flight Test Center (GLITS) for the State Joint Tests (SJT), and on August 15 last year they started to implement the agreed program. At the same time the first serial production fighter — Su-35S-1 has also joined the program.

The first and second Su-35s carried out preliminary flight tests. The basic set of flight and technical specifications of the on-board equipment and the characteristics of super maneuverability, stability and control characteristics, the characteristics of the power plant, the work of the navigation system were fully confirmed during the tests. The maximum ground-level speed is 1,400 km/h, speed at altitude — 2400 km/h, the ceiling — 18 thousand meters. The detection range of targets in the “air-to-air” mode is over 400 km. This is significantly higher than that of the combat aircraft currently in service. The onboard OLS (optical locator station) can detect and track multiple targets at ranges exceeding 80 km. The complex is ready to undergo testing for operational use.

The Su-35 is a thoroughly upgraded super-maneuverable multi-role fighter of the 4++ generation. It employs technologies of the fifth generation that assure its superiority over similar class fighters. The special features of the aircraft include a new avionics suite based on digital information control system integrating onboard systems, a new phased antenna array radar with a long aerial target detection range and with an increased number of simultaneously tracked and engaged targets (30 aerial targets tracked and 8 targets engaged plus the tracking of 4 and engagement of 2 ground targets), and new enhanced vectored thrust engines. The Su-35 has a diverse suite of long-, medium- and short-range weapons. It can carry guided aerial munitions for anti-radar and anti-ship actions as well as general purpose munitions, guided and unguided aerial bombs. The radar signature of the fighter has been reduced by several times as compared to that of the fourth-generation aircraft by coating the cockpit with electro-conducting compounds, applying radio absorption coats and reducing the number of protruding sensors. The service life of the aircraft is 6,000 hours flight hours; the life cycle is 30 years of operation. The assigned service life of vectored thrust engines is 4,000 hours.

La entrega del primer A400M a Francia podría adelantarse hasta finales de este mismo año, según Ureña

"Estamos trabajando para que esté disponible a finales de año", señaló Ureña, quien destacó que otro de los objetivos de cara a 2012 es la venta de 30 nuevos aviones y la entrega de la misma cifra de aparatos.

http://www.cotizalia.com/ultima-hora/2012/01/entrega-primer-a400m-francia-podria-adelantarse-20120117-448381.html

Prototype GHOST military watercraft claims a world's first (supercavitation+stealth+ship)

Prototype GHOST military watercraft claims a world's first:

GHOST is a prototype military boat, that is claimed to be the world's first super-cavitati...

If you combined a stealth jet fighter and an attack helicopter and stuck them in the water, what would you get? Well, according to the folks at New Hampshire’s Juliet Marine Systems (JMS), you’d get their GHOST marine platform. Privately developed for possible use by the U.S. Navy, the boat would reportedly be invisible to enemy ships’ radar, while also being faster and more economical than existing military vessels. The company’s big claim, however, is that GHOST is the world’s first super-cavitating watercraft. ..
Continue Reading Prototype GHOST military watercraft claims a world's first

Los pilotos de Iberia convocan a nuevas huelgas para el 25,27 y 30 de Enero

Los pilotos de Iberia convocan a nuevas huelgas para el 25,27 y 30 de Enero: Ante las diversas “trampas e irregularidades” que la dirección de la compañía ha cometido durante la última jornada de huelga del pasado 11 de enero, el sindicato de pilotos de Iberia (Sepla-Iberia) ha vuelto a convocar a una huelga, ahora para los días 25, 27 y 30 de Enero.
Al igual que ha acontecido durante las huelgas del pasado mes de Diciembre, en el sindicato explican qu

Boeing locks out 747-8 tail fuel tanks on flutter concerns

Boeing locks out 747-8 tail fuel tanks on flutter concerns: In order to meet certification requirements ahead of its first delivery, Boeing will lock out the 12,500l (3,300gal) horizontal stabiliser tail fuel tanks...

Boeing increases 747-8 family weights

Boeing increases 747-8 family weights: Boeing has increased the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of its 747-8 Intercontinental and 747-8 freighter after its flight loads survey revealed additional...

Lockheed develops F-35 JSF fuel dump system repair solution

Lockheed develops F-35 JSF fuel dump system repair solution: Lockheed Martin has developed a solution to repair the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft’s fuel dump system in a move to eliminate a potential fire hazard, Lockheed's JSF programme manager Tom Burbage has revealed.

EASA Demands A380 Wing Crack Inspections

EASA Demands A380 Wing Crack Inspections: EASA is ordering inspections of A380s to assess how a new set of wing cracks affect the Airbus fleet.

Bell Expected To Introduce Clean Sheet Helicopter 'Soon'

Bell Expected To Introduce Clean Sheet Helicopter 'Soon': Non-Military Aircraft In Development For Long-Haul Offshore Market Bell Helicopter is reportedly getting very close to unveiling its new civilian helicopter, which it is developing for use primarily in the offshore oil market. The aircraft will fill a niche transporting oil and natural gas workers more than 200 miles off shore.

Mañana se presenta en España el helicóptero Robinson 66

El Robinson R66 es un helicóptero monomotor para cinco pasajeros, diseñado y fabricado en Estados Unidos por Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC). Es algo más rápido y grande que el Robinson 44. También es el primer helicóptero diseñado por Robinson que dispone de un compartimento de carga separado. El R66 recibió su certificado de aeronavegabilidad y de producción por parte de la FAA el 25 de octubre de 2010, empezándose a entregar un mes después.

Noticia completa Mañana se presenta en España el helicóptero Robinson 66

New Airbus aircraft list prices for 2012

Price adjustment for best-selling, fuel-efficient aircraft.

18 JANUARY 2012 PRESS RELEASE
Airbus has increased the average list prices of its aircraft by 3.9 per cent, except for the A320neo Family price which rises by an average of 6.1 per cent. The new pricing is effective from January 1st 2012.

"Our new pricing reflects the strong demand for our modern, eco-efficient aircraft families," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers."With competition amongst carriers heating up, any tool that helps cut their costs will pay handsome dividends. The A320neo offers a 15% fuel cost savings, making it the blue chip single aisle aircraft investment by anyone's standards."

Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has sold close to 11,500 aircraft and delivered over 7,000 since its first airliner entered service.

The 3.9 per cent price increase has been calculated according to Airbus' standard escalation formula over the January 2011 to January 2012 period.

AIRBUS AIRCRAFT 

2012 AVERAGE LIST PRICES (M$)

                                                       

 

A318

 

 

67.7

 

 

A319

 

 

80.7

 

 

A320

 

 

88.3

 

 

A321

 

 

103.6

 

 

A319neo

 

 

88.8

 

 

A320neo

 

 

96.7

 

 

A321neo

 

 

113.3

 

 

A330-200

 

 

208.6

 

 

A330-200F

 

 

211.5

 

 

A330-300

 

 

231.1

 

 

A350-800

 

 

245.5

 

 

A350-900

 

 

277.7

 

 

A350-1000

 

 

320.6

 

 

A380-800

 

 

389.9

 

Price depends on design weights, engines choice and level of selected customisation.