jueves, 21 de junio de 2012

Boeing and NASA hit major milestones for super-heavy launch vehicle

Boeing and NASA hit major milestones for super-heavy launch vehicle: Boeing and NASA have completed the system requirements review (SRR) and system definition review (SDR) for the cryogenic stages of Space Launch System (SLS),...

El revolucionario X3 de Eurocopter empieza en Tejas su gira por Estados Unidos [con video]

Grand Prairie, Tejas, 21 de junio de 2012

Eurocopter empezó ayer la gira por EE.UU de su aeronave híbrida X3, que - durante un mes de visitas a instalaciones militares y centros de operadores civiles de helicópteros - mostrará las capacidades operacionales sin igual de este avanzado sistema de
transporte.

La gira arrancó con la presentación inicial en vuelo del X3 efectuada en la sede principal de American Eurocopter, filial estadounidense de Eurocopter, situada en Grand Prairie, Tejas, en presencia de empleados, oficiales, clientes y socios industriales.

Además de por la primera presentación fuera de Europa del X3, la más avanzada innovación de Eurocopter, la tradicional excelencia de los helicópteros de la empresa estuvo resaltada por el aterrizaje en el aeropuerto de Grand Prairie de aparatos de la gama: desde los pioneros Alouette y BO105 al moderno UH-72A Lakota del Ejército estadounidense, pasando por el MH-65C Dolphin de la Guardia Costera de EE.UU, el EC225, el AS350 y el EC145 – utilizados en operaciones de los sectores civil, de mantenimiento del orden, transporte sanitario y misiones parapúblicas.

"Con nuestra ambiciosa estrategia de innovación nos proponemos realizar el primer vuelo de un nuevo helicóptero, una nueva versión o un nuevo demostrador tecnológico todos los años, porque, para Eurocopter, innovación no es simplemente una palabra de moda, sino un estilo de vida", explicó el presidente y delegado general Lutz Bertling."Con el ingenioso diseño y la tecnología sin parangón de nuestro demostrador X3 estamos bien posicionados para lanzar esta este tipo de aeronave al mercado en los próximos diez años".

Para subrayar la madurez y las excelentes características de gobierno del X3, hoy se ha ofrecido a algunos pilotos y observadores invitados, la oportunidad de volar en el demostrador, lo que se repetirá durante las múltiples demostraciones organizadas por American Eurocopter en Grand Prairie para el sector del petróleo y el gas, así como para servicios públicos, de mantenimiento del orden y de transporte sanitario. El X3 volará después a Redstone Army Arsenal Airfield en Alabama, a la base aérea del Ejército en Fort Bragg's Simmons, Carolina del Norte, al aeropuerto regional de Manassas, Virginia y a instalaciones militares en Washington,
D.C.

La configuración de aeronave del X3 de Eurocopter comprende dos motores turboeje queimpulsan un sistema de rotor principal de cinco palas, junto con dos hélices montadas en alas fijas de corta envergadura. La concepción es idónea para misiones que requieran vuelos de traslado a larga distancia, en los que la velocidad es un factor importante, al tiempo que mantiene la capacidad de despegue vertical y de vuelo estacionario – y todo eso a un coste muy módico.

La empresa prevé un amplio abanico de finalidades de su tecnología híbrida en futuros productos, incluidos operaciones de búsqueda y salvamento a larga distancia (SAR), misiones guardacostas, misiones de patrulla fronteriza, transporte de pasajeros y vuelos offshore, aparte de servicios de lanzadera entre ciudades. Es también muy adecuada para misiones militares, como operaciones de fuerzas especiales, transporte de tropas, SAR en combate y evacuación sanitaria, porque en ellas se aprovecha la combinación de mayor velocidad de crucero con excelentes prestaciones de despegue y aterrizaje verticales.

Eurocopter dio comienzo a las pruebas en vuelo del X3 en septiembre de 2010 en el centro de pruebas en vuelo de Istres, sur de Francia. La aeronave superó allí con facilidad el objetivo de 220 nudos fijado inicialmente, desarrollando más de 230 nudos en vuelo nivelado, a sólo el 80 por ciento de la potencia disponible. Aparte de confirmar las excelentes cualidades de vuelo, la maniobrabilidad y la sobresaliente capacidad de aceleración y desaceleración, el demostrador híbrido ha puesto de manifiesto tasas de ascenso y descenso excepcionales, junto con niveles muy bajos de vibraciones – y todo eso sin necesidad de ninguna clase de sistema antivibraciones activo o pasivo.

Helicóptero a pedales Gamera II: nuevo intento de consegir el premio Sikorsky

Helicóptero a pedales Gamera II: nuevo intento de consegir el premio Sikorsky:

Gamera I


Recordamos que el premio Sikorsy se estableció en 1980 y dotará con 250000$ a aquél que logre volar un helicóptero movido con potencia humana a una altura de 3m sobre el suelo y durante un minuto. Y que hasta ahora ningún equipo ha logrado ganar. El año pasado presentamos el intento de la Clark School of Engineering de conquistar el premio Sikorsky con su helicóptero de motor humano Gamera. Y este año van a intentarlo con su Gamera II.

Easyjet abandona su base en Barajas por el encarecimiento del aeropuerto



Easyjet cerrará su base en el aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas a partir del próximo invierno. La empresa afirma que las tasas aeroportuarias son muy altas, y que existe un exceso de oferta. Seguirá operando en España pero desde sus otras bases europeas y reducirá sus vuelos en España un 7%.

En un comunicado, informa que tras una revisión exhaustiva de la estrategia operacional de la compañía en Madrid, ha decidido suprimir la base de tripulación y aviones en Madrid-Barajas a partir del próximo invierno.



http://www.cincodias.com/articulo/empresas/easyjet-abandona-base-barajas-encarecimiento-aeropuerto/20120621cdscdiemp_5/

South Korea ‘could delay $6.9 bln fighter deal’

South Korea ‘could delay $6.9 bln fighter deal’: South Korea could delay awarding an eight trillion won ($6.9 billion) contract for 60 advanced fighter planes, the arms procurement agency said Wednesday after setting a new deadline for bids. The makers of Boeing’s F-15 Silent Eagle, Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II and the...



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Los billetes de avión comprados antes de aprobar los PGE quedan exentos de aumentos de tasas

Los billetes de avión comprados antes de aprobar los PGE quedan exentos de aumentos de tasas:
El Grupo Parlamentario Catalán de CiU en el Senado ha conseguido la introducción de dos enmiendas en los Presupuestos Generales del Estado (PGE) que permitirán que todos los billetes de avión adquiridos antes de la aprobación de los PGE queden exentos de la repercusión del aumento de las tasas aeroportuarias sobre el precio del billete aunque el viaje se realice con posterioridad.

Transaero compra cuatro Airbus A380

Transaero compra cuatro Airbus A380:
cLa ompañía aérea rusa, Transaero, compra cuatro A380, convirtiéndose en la primera aerolínea de Rusia en incorporar el super avión de Airbus



Transaero convierte en firme su pedido de 4 A380
Transaero convierte así en firme el pedido de cuatro unidades del A380 que realizó en octubre de 2011.

Entrevista con el CEO de Vueling, Alex Cruz: Tenemos las herramientas, sólo hay que utilizarlas

Alex Cruz: Tenemos las herramientas, sólo hay que utilizarlas:
20120621-131938.jpg
Desde el SITA Air Transport IT Summit en Bruselas, el CEO de Vueling, Alex Cruz, nos ha dedicado unos minutos para poder ser entrevistado y atender algunas cuestiones.

​Azul Brazilian Airlines makes demonstration flight with renewable jet fuel produced from Brazilian sugarcane



Known as Azul+Verde, the project is pioneering the development of renewable jet fuels produced from sugarcane for global aviation


Sao Paulo, Brazil - June 19, 2012 - Azul Brazilian Airlines, in partnership with Amyris Inc. (NASDAQ: AMRS), Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; BOVESPA: EMBR3) and GE (NYSE: GE), made a demonstration flight today using an innovative, renewable jet fuel produced from Brazilian sugarcane. Heading to Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport, the Embraer E195 jet operated by Azul departured from Campinas Viracopos Airport and has flown over the “Marvelous City” of Rio, which is hosting the U.N. Conference for Sustainable Development (Rio+20) this week.

Known as the Azul+Verde (a greener blue), this project began in November 2009 with the objective of evaluating a new concept in the development of a renewable jet fuel that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to providing an alternative to fossil fuels, the initiative represents another major step towards a sustainable air transportation industry.

“Azul’s commitment to reducing our dependency on volatile petroleum products goes beyond reducing our costs. The main objective is to innovate in our service offerings, using the best technologies to reduce our carbon footprint as well as raise awareness among our customers that they are not just choosing an airline that is merely concerned about the environment but is taking steps to preserve it,” said Flavio Costa, Chief Operating Officer of Azul Airlines.

A lifecycle analysis and sustainability study developed by a Brazilian think-tank, Institute for International Trade Negotiations (ICONE), indicates that the Amyris renewable jet fuel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 82%, when compared to convention fossil-derived jet fuel.

“Amyris’s renewable jet fuel has been designed to be compliant with Jet A/A-1 fuel specifications. To that end, we have successfully undertaken a series of tests that measure its performance,” said John Melo, President & Chief Executive Officer of Amyris. “This demonstration flight caps a major milestone in our jet fuel program and allow us to pursue our certification and commercialization goals,” Melo concluded.

This fuel, referred to as AMJ 700, is made using modified microorganisms that function as living factories, converting sugar into pure renewable hydrocarbon. Such a process results in a renewable jet fuel that, once approved, will meet the most rigorous requirements of the aviation industry as well as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

A blend of conventional jet fuel and renewable fuel produced from the fermentation of Brazilian sugarcane was used in this demonstration flight, which was a first of its kind in the Brazilian aviation.

“During our ground tests at GE’s engine testing facility in Ohio earlier this year, the Amyris renewable fuel met all the required test objectives, and, in combination with our latest GE engine technologies, can further help the aviation industry meet its environmental targets for net greenhouse gas reductions,” said Steve Csonka, GE Aviation Director of Environmental Strategy and Ecomagination.

“Developed as drop-in, the renewable jet fuel did not require any modification or adaptation in the aircraft for the demonstration flight,” said Mauro Kern, Executive Vice President for Technology & Engineering at Embraer. “The tests undertaken by Embraer with Amyris’s renewable jet fuel in Brazil were a success. This confirms the potential performance of this renewable fuel, whether on technical or environmental grounds. We are pleased with the technical success of this project and remain committed with the development of leading technologies, such as renewable fuels, that can contribute with the sustainability of the aviation industry,” Kern concluded.

“Azul greatly believes in Amyris technology. Brazil has abundant arable land, which allows for the growing of sugarcane in ways that do not displace other crops, such as food,” says Adalberto Febeliano, Director of Institutional Relations at Azul Airlines. “We expect that it will be possible to adopt this renewable fuel in commercial flights in the medium term, with a large-scale production economically viable,” he concluded.

This project had institutional support from Banco Pine, BR Aviation, Total, and the Inter-American Development Bank.


About Azul Airlines

Azul Brazilian Airlines has changed the landscape of Brazilian commercial aviation. With over 10% domestic market share, Azul is the third largest airline in Brazil, connecting 48 destinations, 47 cities, with over 400 daily flights. In addition to 52 Brazilian cities served by the company’s aircrafts, Azul serves 8 additional points via convenient bus connections. Azul currently operates a fleet of 54 aircrafts including 42 jets (32 Embraer 195 and 10 Embraer 190) and 12 turboprops (7 ATR 72-600 and 5 ATR 72-200). To date, Azul has served more than 19 million customers. Its mission: to stimulate air travel and boost the Brazilian economy using a simple formula: low prices and high quality service. The company's success has drawn recognition not only within Brazil, but internationally: In 2011, Azul was voted the 'Best Airline in Brazil' by both Travel and Tourism and Flight Revue magazines; Awarded title of 'Best Low-Cost Airline in Latin America' by Skytrax. Was recognized as "One of The World's 30 Hottest Brands' by Advertising Age in New York. Learn more at www.voeazul.com.br.


About Amyris, Inc.

Amyris is an integrated renewable products company focused on providing sustainable alternatives to a broad range of petroleum-sourced products. Amyris uses its industrial synthetic biology platform to convert plant sugars into a variety of hydrocarbon molecules -- flexible building blocks that can be used in a wide range of products. Amyris is developing and producing these products both as No Compromise® renewable ingredients in cosmetics, flavors and fragrances, polymers, lubricants and consumer products, and also as No Compromise renewable diesel and jet fuel. Amyris Brasil Ltda., a subsidiary of Amyris, oversees the establishment and expansion of Amyris's production in Brazil. More information about Amyris is available at www.amyris.com.


About Embraer

Embraer S.A. is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading exporters. Headquartered in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, it has offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, China, France, Portugal, Singapore, and the U.S. Embraer designs, develops, manufactures and sells aircraft and systems for the commercial aviation, executive aviation, and defense and security segments. It also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.embraer.com.


About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com. GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE, is a world-leading provider of jet, turboprop and turboshaft engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit www.geaviation.com.

EMBRAER PERFORMS FIRST FLIGHT OF THE A-1M AND DELIVERS THE LAST A-29 SUPER TUCANO AND F-5M AIRCRAFT TO THE FAB

São Paulo, June 19, 2012 – Embraer successfully performed the first flight of the A-1M prototype at its manufacturing plant in Gavião Peixoto, in outstate São Paulo, during a ceremony attended by the Aeronautics Commander, Air Force General Juniti Saito, and officers from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) High Command. The aircraft’s flight test campaign will soon begin. The A-1M program provides for refurbishing and upgrading 43 FAB AMX subsonic fighters. Ten aircraft are already at the Company’s facilities and the first deliveries are planned for 2013.

The event also marked the delivery of the 99th, and last, A-29 Super Tucano light attack turboprop to the FAB, as well as the last two upgraded F-5M fighters from the first group. Via the AL-X program, the FAB became the launch customer for the Super Tucano, in December 2003. The aircraft is currently used for advanced pilot training and carries out important functions in the Amazon Surveillance System (SIVAM). The A-29 Super Tucano has been chosen by ten customers in Africa, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.

The F-5M program covers the refurbishing and upgrading of 46 supersonic fighters. Each aircraft received new navigation systems, weaponry, computers, and multimodal radar. This equipment, as well as structural repairs, increase the operational capability of the fighters for at least fifteen more years. In December 2010, a new contract was signed to upgrade 11 additional F-5 aircraft, with the work beginning on the first jet in October 2012. The first deliveries of this second group are planned for 2013.

“The A-1Ms are receiving modern systems that are similar to those already found on the F-5M and A-29 aircraft. All of the upgrades and acquisitions are aligned with the objectives of the Aeronautics Strategic Military Planning (PEMAER)—which positions the FAB, via medium- and long-term studies—based on the National Defense Policy (PND) and on the National Defense Strategy (END). One premise of this process is the pursuit of commercial, industrial, and technological returns for developing defense materiel and strengthening the Nation’s industry,” said Aeronautics Commander, Air Force General Juniti Saito. “Therefore, our equipment makes the most of the similarity between the avionics of these aircraft, which helps with the adaptation of our pilots, and provides a level of standardization that comes with numerous operational advantages, such as improving the employment doctrine of the FAB and a better yield in terms of flight hours. Embraer’s technical capability for meeting our needs strengthens the Air Force and, consequently, strengthens Brazil, making us ready to respond promptly to any threat to the sovereignty of our air space.”

“These achievements reinforce the commitment of Embraer Defense and Security, as a strategic partner of Brazil and, especially, of the Brazilian Air Force, and contributes to its reequipping process and the upgrading of its material resources,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President of Embraer Defense and Security. “The Super Tucano gives continuity to our tradition of developing aircraft that meet Air Force requirements and, at the same time, are capable of enjoying commercial success on the foreign market, while the upgrading of the A-1 and F-5 shows our ability to develop integrated solutions, in complex systems, for our customers.”

Visit One of the Largest Titanium Producers

One of the Largest Titanium Producers: We are in the Perm region, at the chemical-metallurgic plant “AVISMA”, one of the largest world producers of titanium and magnesium. It looks like a spacecraft Without its products not a single Boeing or Airbus will take off Location: Perm … Read more...