No, U.S. Drones Weren't Shot Down Over Crimea

jueves, 13 de marzo de 2014

According to a Voice of Russia report that has now mysteriously vanished, two American drones were shot down over Crimea this morning, including a "heavier, two-engine drone." The story popped up on Reddit's world news front page, and has been floating around Twitter, too. But lest we think World...

http://www.popsci.com/article/technology/no-us-drones-werent-shot-down-over-crimea

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Thales' radical concept for controlling air traffic

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Thales’ radical concept for controlling air traffic
// Things With Wings
Thales has revealed what could be the future of human-machine interfaces for air traffic controllers. The company is certainly thinking outside the box, demonstrating a controller console that seems like something out of a science fiction movie.

The company exhibited its “Shape” concept during last week’s World ATM Congress in Madrid. It has packed a range of advanced technologies into the demo, but the most eye-catching – literally – was the eye tracker technology that allows controllers to select aircraft on their displays just by looking at them.

The eye tracker is located just below the screen, and once it is calibrated to a user, it follows their line of vision to determine which aircraft target to highlight.

Another feature of the system is that it has no keyboard or mouse. Instead, it uses a touchpad in front of the controller, which works in conjunction with the eye tracker. Large zones on the touchpad can be pressed in certain ways to perform desired actions on the selected aircraft. The whole system is designed to allow controllers to keep their eyes on the display screen at all times, without needing to look down at the touchpad at all. Another aim is to speed up the interaction between the controller and the system.

For example, touching one part of the pad will select a highlighted aircraft. Touch another area to activate monitoring tools, and with the other hand select a value for different input options by swiping. A task such as ascertaining the distance between two aircraft can be performed simply by looking at one target, selecting it, then looking at another target. It all sounds tricky, but it is actually pretty intuitive – there really is no need to watch what your hands are doing.

Voice recognition is used to pick up flight identification numbers during controller conversation. If the system recognizes a flight number, it will highlight that aircraft on the display. And communication from a pilot will be in the right earpiece if the aircraft target is on the right-hand side of the display, making it easier for controllers to identify flights.

Thales has previously used the eye tracking technology in an inflight entertainment system concept. However, Shape represents the first time it has bundled all these different technologies into an air traffic control demonstrator, and the company believes it is the only one of its kind. It’s not something that will be going into production any time soon, but it does show what may be possible.

Pictured below is the touchpad and screen, with the eye tracker in the small white box below the screen (from a photo I took at the show).

This close-up gives a better view of the touchpad.

Thales shot this video at the World ATM Congress, showing the system in action.

 

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Airbus crea una filial en la India - Actualidad Aeroespacial

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Airbus crea una filial en la India - Actualidad Aeroespacial
// airbus: Google Noticias

Portafolio.co

Airbus crea una filial en la India
Actualidad Aeroespacial
Srinivasan Dwarakanath, CEO de Airbus india Blagnac.- Airbus está agrupando sus actividades en la India, creando una filial plenamente participada llamada Airbus India que se encargará de gestionar la importante huella de la empresa en India, que ...
Fabricante de aviones Airbus crea filial en la India

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El A400M de Airbus completa los primeros ensayos de lanzamiento de carga en paracaídas ... - Europa Press

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El A400M de Airbus completa los primeros ensayos de lanzamiento ... - Europa Press
// airbus: Google Noticias

Europa Press

El A400M de Airbus completa los primeros ensayos de lanzamiento ...
Europa Press
El avión cisterna y de transporte militar de nueva generación A400M, de Airbus Military, ha completado con éxito uno de los elementos más importantes de su programa de vuelos de prueba: la primera fase de lanzamientos de carga en paracaídas.

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Airbus creates Indian subsidiary, appoints CEO

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Airbus creates Indian subsidiary, appoints CEO
// Revista de prensa aeronáutica: Feed de feeds de Revistas Aeronáuticas | recopiladas por www.noticias-aero.info

Airbus has created a fully own subsidiary, called Airbus India, and has appointed Srinivasan Dwarakanath (Dwaraka) as CEO.

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Russian T-50 Fighter Jet Undergoes Official Flight Tests

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Russian T-50 Fighter Jet Undergoes Official Flight Tests
// Revista de prensa aeronáutica: Feed de feeds de Revistas Aeronáuticas | recopiladas por www.noticias-aero.info
The Russian Air Force is getting down to the official testing of their T-50 fifth-generation jet fighter in what is evidence that the aircraft is actually ready and can soon be passed into service. The T-50 flight tests have been […]

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Embraer rolls out more efficient E-175

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Embraer rolls out more efficient E-175
// Revista de prensa aeronáutica: Feed de feeds de Revistas Aeronáuticas | recopiladas por www.noticias-aero.info

Embraer has rolled out the first modified E-175 with a 6.4% improvement in fuel efficiency.

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Two carriers drop Airbus orders

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Two carriers drop Airbus orders
// Revista de prensa aeronáutica: Feed de feeds de Revistas Aeronáuticas | recopiladas por www.noticias-aero.info

Airbus has confirmed cancellations for its single-aisle family from two airlines.

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Airbus estudia un A320neo Plus | Fly News

http://fly-news.es/aviones/airbus-estudia-un-a320neo-plus/

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China's Y-20 Prototype Aircraft Can Take Off with Maximum Weight

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China’s Y-20 Prototype Aircraft Can Take Off with Maximum Weight
// Revista de prensa aeronáutica: Feed de feeds de Revistas Aeronáuticas | recopiladas por www.noticias-aero.info
Research and development on China’s Y-20 large transport aircraft, which ranks as a large aircraft by international standards, is going smoothly, and the level of technology is maturing in various aspects. The Y-20 prototype aircraft can now achieve maximum take-off […]

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Airbus finaliza el primer Estabilizador Horizontal del A320neo

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Airbus finaliza el primer Estabilizador Horizontal del A320neo
// Revista de prensa aeronáutica: Feed de feeds de Revistas Aeronáuticas | recopiladas por www.noticias-aero.info

La planta de Airbus en Getafe (Madrid) ha concluido la fabricación del primer estabilizador horizontal, el HTP (Horizontal Tail Plane, por sus siglas en inglés), del A320neo,que se entregará proximamente, completamente equipado y probado, a la línea de ensamblaje final del A320 en Toulouse, Francia. Con 31 m2 de superficie y 12,45 metros de envergadura, este componente fabricado casi íntegramente en fibra de carbono, es el resultado de una gran labor de desarrollo e innovación tecnológica.  

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Iberia Mantenimiento autorizada para trabajar en los motores V2500 | Fly News

http://fly-news.es/industria/iberia-mantenimiento-autorizada-por-aesa-para-revisar-motores-v2500/

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Winglets... The Ultimate AvGeek Guide

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Winglets… The Ultimate AvGeek Guide
// Revista de prensa aeronáutica: Feed de feeds de Revistas Aeronáuticas | recopiladas por www.noticias-aero.info

What better photo than a winglet & Pacific Northwest icon Mt. Rainier?

During the recent Aviation Geek Fest, a reader of AirlineReporter suggested that I do a bit of a roundup of all the different "winglets" that are out in the aviation world (I wish I remembered you name).  With so many different kinds of wingtip devices out in the marketplace, there needs to be a handy guide as to what they all are and what aircraft they belong to.  But first maybe a little bit of background on what a winglet actually does.

In the late 1970′s, NASA engineer Richard T. Whitcomb took some research from the 1950′s and further developed what we know as the winglet.  NASA wanted to see what would happen if they were to create a wingtip device that, with the correct angle and shape, could help reduce drag and increase lift, and also help break up the wingtip vortices.

Getting these benefits from the wing helps make flying easier and increases fuel efficiency – something that back in the 70′s wasn't as crucial as it is now.  How much fuel can you save by adding a winglet?  On average, a 737 can save around 4% when compared to a non-winglet version.  A winglet is really designed to save money when flying long distances at high altitudes, so long flights are where the most savings are realized.

A Wind Jet Airbus A320 sporting a wingtip fence – Photo: Daniel Blok | Flickr CC

The three most common types of wingtip devices are winglets, blended winglets, and wingtip fences.  The first real foray into the winglet arena for commercial aviation was the "wingtip fence".  A signature Airbus item, these familiar wing accoutrements can be seen just about everywhere in the USA.

Found on every A310, A380, and the majority of the A320-family in the world, if you have flown on an Airbus in the United States (and the world), good chance is if you have looked out the window, you have seen one.   These wingtip fences are becoming more of a rarity on Airbus aircraft these days, as newer A320-family models are being fitted with the "sharklet" (more to come on that soon).  The first aircraft to get a winglet was not a commercial aircraft, but a Rutan Varieze, hitting the market in 1975; from that moment on, things were set to change.

Brand-new United Airlines Boeing 747-400 (N174UA) at Paine Field in 1989 – Photo: Dave@YVR

In 1988, Boeing introduced an upgrade to the 747 line.  The 400-series model went into production as the first large commercial aircraft with a winglet.  By giving it the unique upturned wingtips, this change became the easiest way to tell the 747 models apart.  Pretty soon others were following.  The CRJ series of regional jets added them, and Airbus adopted the same winglet design in the 90′s with the A330 & A340.

These winglets are small and look more like someone has grabbed the end of the wing and just folded them up. With the latest 747-8 models though, Boeing has removed the winglets in favor of raked wingtips, similar to the 777 & 787.  A raked wingtip needs to be designed from scratch so only newer aircraft will be seen with these slender looking tips.  The raked wingtip gives almost similar performance enhancements to its winglet brethren, but in a more sexy, lower weight package, as the biggest difference between the winglet and the raked wingtip is the reduced weight.  Without so much of the extra weight the revised shape has the same, if not better, benefits.

The raked wingtip on this Boeing 777 shows that you can still get an efficient wing design without the need of a winglet

When Boeing decided to revamp the 737 for the Next Generation model (600,700,800, and 900) they wanted to make some changes that would bring increased efficiency.  Boeing came up with a new design and called it the "blended winglet".  Rather than an abrupt and sharp change up, like the winglets on the 747-400, by curving the gently and raising upwards they could get the increased benefits without needing giant wings.

These blended winglets, unlike a raked wingtip or the original winglets, could actually be retrofitted to existing aircraft so they became optional to begin with, and then standard on newer aircraft.  Even older classic model 737s (300,400,500) have been retrofitted with the blended winglet.

Then Boeing had a thought – could we put these retrofitted winglets on other aircraft?  Yep!  Enter the 757 and 767-model blended winglets.  These medium and wide-body aircraft could be fitted with giant winglets (a 767 blended winglet is over 11ft tall!) and now get these game-changing benefits.

Sooner or later, similar style winglets started popping up all over the place. Embraer had a similar design on their E170/190 family jets and then Airbus came to the party for the A320 family.  Airbus could not call it a winglet; it just had to be different and since their design was unique to the A320 family, they called it a "sharklet" (but we all know its a winglet, right?).  New model A320-series aircraft are coming out of the factory fitted with sharklets which, like the blended winglet, can be retrofitted to existing aircraft as well.

The blended winglets on this Condor 767 are over 11ft tall! Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr CC

With blended winglets, sharklets, or fences so common to the everyday traveler, there are a two more winglets that are quite bizarre and strange.  The first is the new Boeing "Advanced Technology Winglet".  Destined to be fitted to the new 737 MAX, Boeing claims that it will increase fuel efficiency 1.5% greater than what the current blended winglet will provide.  

It sports a strange design that helps to double the wingspan as there is an upper and lower winglet.  By mixing the raked wingtip design into what they refer as a "Dual Feather Wingtip Design" you come up with this unique looking winglet.

The new Advance Technology Winglet that will go on the Boeing 737 MAX – Photo: David Parker Brown | AirlineReporter

The last device takes some concepts from the new winglet used for the MAX, and combines it with the blended winglet.  The new Split Scimitar Winglet uses the existing blended winglet, and adds another winglet below it, to help increase that surface area and bring greater efficiencies to the existing winglet that is seen throughout the world today.  Already in the sky fitted to a United 737-800, the new scimitar winglet will start to become more common as aircraft are retrofitted with the new design.

A close-up look at the new Split Scimitar Winglet – Photo: United Airlines

With all the different designs in the sky today, hopefully the above handy little guide will help you understand what a winglet is and how you can tell a Blended from a Scimitar.  Maybe you can impress your friends by correcting them when they call a Sharklet a winglet.

Malcolm Muir – Managing Correspondent

Mal is an Australian AvGeek now living and working in Seattle. With a passion for aircraft photography, traveling and the fun that combining the two can bring. Insights into the aviation world with a bit of a perspective thanks to working in the travel industry.

@BigMalX | BigMal's World | Photos

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The post Winglets… The Ultimate AvGeek Guide appeared first on AirlineReporter.com.

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Daher-Socata unveils TBM turboprop update

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Daher-Socata unveils TBM turboprop update
// Latest news
Daher-Socata has improved the performance and efficiency of its TBM family of fast turboprop singles with a new variant. The TBM 900, certificated and in production, retains primary airframe commonality with its predecessor TBM 850 and uses the same Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D powerplant but

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Saab reveals full Gripen E design, cost savings

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Saab reveals full Gripen E design, cost savings
// Aircraft news
Saab has started fuselage assembly work on its first of three Gripen E test aircraft and revealed its detailed design for the future variant.

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Airbus lights the way: First A321 with LED lighting throughout the cabin

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Airbus lights the way: First A321 with LED lighting throughout the cabin
// Airbus All news
Passengers will soon “see the difference” aboard Airbus A320 Family aircraft with the company’s...


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India needs over 1,290 aircraft worth US$190 billion in next 20 years

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India needs over 1,290 aircraft worth US$190 billion in next 20 years
// Airbus All news
First time Indian air travellers pushing growth


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Airbus Smarter Fleet solutions selected by THAI

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Airbus Smarter Fleet solutions selected by THAI
// Airbus All news
Operational savings through Smarter Fuel Efficiency and Smarter Mobility solutions


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Brasil presentará turbinas para UAV y misiles en la FIDAE - Defensa.com

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Brasil presentará turbinas para UAV y misiles en la FIDAE - Defensa.com
// uav: Google Noticias

Brasil presentará turbinas para UAV y misiles en la FIDAE
Defensa.com
(defensa.com) La empresa Polaris, de São José dos Campos, desarrolló una novedosa microturbina para misiles que ha atraído el interés de los fabricantes internacionales de armamento. La compañía ha creado un nuevo diseño de compresor - uno de los ...

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Airbus y los decanos de todo el mundo premiarán la diversidad en la ingeniería

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Airbus y los decanos de todo el mundo premiarán la diversidad en la ingeniería
// Instituto de la Ingeniería de España
Airbus y el GEDC (Consejo Global de Decanos de Ingeniería) han puesto en marcha la convocatoria de candidaturas para el Premio Diversidad GEDC Airbus 2014, en su segunda edición. Se trata de reconocer a las personas que más fomenten la variedad de razas, géneros u otras características humanas entre los estudiantes de ingeniería.

Airbus y el GEDC (Consejo Global de Decanos de Ingeniería), la principal organización internacional para el avance de la educación en ingeniería e investigación, han puesto en marcha la convocatoria de candidaturas para el Premio Diversidad GEDC Airbus 2014.

El premio fue creado y financiado por Airbus en colaboración con el GEDC en 2013 para reconocer a aquellas personas que han sido más activos en fomentar la diversidad entre los estudiantes de , y para recompensar las iniciativas que estimulen a los jóvenes de todos los perfiles y orígenes a estudiar y tener éxito en la ingeniería.

En octubre pasado el Premio Diversidad inaugural fue para Ana Lazarin, de la Universidad Estatal de Wichita (WSU), EE.UU., por sus programas de divulgación, reclutamiento y retención que han aumentado el número de estudiantes de minorías presentes en la Facultad de Ingeniería en un 91% con respecto a los últimos 5 años. Lazarin fue seleccionada de entre un grupo de candidatos, y recibió 10.000 dólares de Airbus para apoyar su trabajo en este campo.

Por diversidad, explica la nota de prensa, Airbus se refiere a la inclusión de personas de distintos géneros, razas, orígenes étnicos, con discapacidades, distinta orientación sexual, edad, estatus socioeconómico, nacionalidad y otras diferencias no visibles, que producen "un ambiente rico en variedad intelectual y en el respeto a la individualidad, yóptimamente adaptado para hacer frente a las necesidades tecnológicas, empresariales y de la sociedad del futuro".

El plazo de presentación de candidaturas, señala Airbus en otra nota, se cerrará en junio, y el ganador se anunciará en diciembre, en el World Engineering Education Forum de Dubai.

Fuente: Instituto de la Ingeniería de España

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Fomento dice ahora que vender Aena no es obligatorio

El Gobierno no ve clara la privatización de AENA

http://www.actualidadaeroespacial.com/default.aspx?where=6&id=1&n=12535

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La IATA rebaja sus previsiones de beneficios para las aerolíneas

http://www.actualidadaeroespacial.com/default.aspx?where=2&id=1&n=12546

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El Parlamento Europeo exige acelerar el 'Cielo Único'

http://www.actualidadaeroespacial.com/default.aspx?where=7&id=1&n=12545

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China Publishes Photos Of Possible Malaysia Airlines 370 Wreckage

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=f447073c-0a27-4801-9ad8-a73b60cfe530

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Cae un Súper Tucano de la Fuerza Aérea de Brasil cerca de Campo Grande

http://www.defensa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11741:cae-un-super-tucano-de-la-fuerza-aerea-de-brasil-cerca-de-campo-grande&catid=55:latinoamerica&Itemid=163

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El mercado latinoamericano y la industria de defensa española

http://www.defensa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11744:el-mercado-latinoamericano-y-la-industria-de-defensa-espanola&catid=68:opinion&Itemid=198

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Have Asia's Low-Cost Carriers Bitten Off Too Much?

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Have Asia’s Low-Cost Carriers Bitten Off Too Much?
// AviationWeek.com Commercial Aviation Channel
Expanding fast but some say they have overextended themselves

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No MH370 Distress Call, Search Area Widened

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No MH370 Distress Call, Search Area Widened
// AviationWeek.com Commercial Aviation Channel
No ACARS messages sent before the Boeing 777 disappeared

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How The Pros Look For Missing Aircraft

http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a7a78f54e-b3dd-4fa6-ae6e-dff2ffd7bdbbPost%3aa6b5c98a-44d6-41df-b1f4-7d9e052e5f9b

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