viernes, 29 de abril de 2016

Airbus Helicopters hands over first two H145M to Royal Thai Navy








Donauwörth, With today´s successful technical acceptance, Airbus Helicopters has handed over the first two of five lightweight military multi-role H145M helicopters to the Royal Thai Navy. This marks an important milestone in the H145M programme on its way to the final acceptance and entry into service in Thailand at the end of 2016. A delegation from the Royal Thai Navy and Airbus Helicopters Germany CEO Wolfgang Schoder participated in the ceremony at Airbus Helicopters´ Donauwörth site.

“After the H145M made its market entry with the German Air Force at the end of last year, we are very proud that the Royal Thai Navy has become another operator of the new H145M”, said Wolfgang Schoder. “The helicopter is the most advanced solution for the increasingly challenging demands of our military customers in modern-day missions. It combines state-of-the-art technologies, outstanding performance and true multi-role capabilities while maintaining very high versatility and low operating costs.”

The H145M is the military version of the civil H145 that entered service in mid-2014 and has recently reached the milestone of 15,000 flying hours in customer operations. With a maximum take-off weight of 3.7 tons, the H145M can be used for a wide range of military operations including naval, utility, reconnaissance, search and rescue, medical evacuation and armed scout. The Royal Thai Navy H145M is equipped with Multi-Purpose Pylons incl. aerodynamic fairings, cargo hooks, hoists, HF system for SAR operations, weather radar, internal long range fuel tank system and fixed provisions for future special operations upgrade.

These two H145M helicopters will stay in Germany for pilot training at Airbus Helicopters’ Training Academy. All helicopters are scheduled for delivery in Thailand by September 2016.

Designed as a true military multi-role helicopter, the H145M offers a single platform, which is able to perform day and night missions in harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain. Its large mission equipment range, depending on the customer configuration, increases mission flexibility for military operators. The helicopter’s Helionix® digital avionics suite – incorporating the in-house developed 4-axis autopilot – is designed to reduce crew workload while providing high levels of safety and improved situational awareness. The H145M is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Its low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.

The H145 helicopter family has proven its value for military customers for many years. For instance, the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), the launch customer for the H145M, has ordered 15 of these helicopters in a Special Forces configuration. The third helicopter will be delivered in the coming days.



About Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters, a division of Airbus Group, provides the most efficient civil and military helicopter solutions worldwide. Its in-service fleet includes nearly 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in 154 countries. Airbus Helicopters employs more than 22,000 people worldwide and in 2015 generated revenues of 6.8 billion Euros.

» www.airbushelicopters.com)

Counter-Drone Prototype Put to Test at Army NIE - DefenseNews.com [feedly]

Counter-Drone Prototype Put to Test at Army NIE
DefenseNews.com
FORT BLISS, Texas — A prototype to counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) using capabilities already in the Army inventory is now being put to the test at the service's Network Integration Evaluation (NIE). The NIE is a soldier-led evaluation that ...

Boeing Honors 12 Suppliers for Outstanding Performance in 2015 [feedly]

Boeing Honors 12 Suppliers for Outstanding Performance in 2015
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2016-04-28-Boeing-Honors-12-Suppliers-for-Outstanding-Performance-in-2015

- Supplier of the Year demonstrates focus on value creation, exceeding customer expectations
- Strong supplier partnerships help Boeing achieve record year

SEATTLE, April 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has named its 2015 Supplier of the Year award winners, recognizing 12 companies for the high quality of their product or service and the value they create for Boeing and its global airline and U.S. and allied government customers.

Strong performance and close collaboration with these award-winning suppliers helped Boeing exceed customers' expectations while contributing to Boeing's record $96.1 billion in revenue in 2015.

"I've witnessed firsthand the critical role suppliers—and especially the best ones—play in Boeing's success," said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. "Our supply chain partners help us provide our customers with more capability for less cost in today's tough and dynamic business environment. We have ambitious goals for the future, and I know we will achieve them, in part, by working closely with our exceptional extended team."  

In 2015, Boeing spent $62 billion with more than 13,000 suppliers from 47 countries. Supplier-provided components and assemblies make up approximately 65 percent of the cost of Boeing products.

"At a time when we are asking more of our suppliers than ever before, Supplier of the Year winners reflect an unrelenting dedication and commitment to Boeing and its global customers," said Pat Shanahan, Boeing senior vice president, Supply Chain and Operations. "They are among the best aerospace suppliers the world has to offer and, with their help, we will continue to lead the market with affordable, innovative and technologically advanced products and services through the next 100 years."

To view videos of the 2015 award-winning suppliers, please visit http://www.boeing.com/media/boeing-supplier-of-the-year-2015.page

Corporate Citizenship Award
Orion Industries

Collaboration Award
Nabtesco Corporation

Global Supplier Diversity Award
Advanced Electronics Company

Safety Award
VECA Electric & Technologies

Support & Services Award
CTS Engines

Production & Design Award
Labinal Power Systems

Outstanding Performance Award
Cyient Limited

Technology Award
General Nano

Leaders' Choice Pathfinder Award
Rossell Techsys (Division of Rossell India Limited)

Leaders' Choice Advantage Award
Citi®

Leaders' Choice Innovation Award
TEAGUE

Leaders' Choice Alliance Award
JAMCO Corporation

UAV lift-off: Will 31.6 percent solar energy efficiency record breaker prove critical?

Alta Devices has achieved a 31.6% solar energy efficiency record which could drive to changes in the fundamental economics of operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Alta believes that the combined thinness and flexibility of the solar cell design will help redefine how solar technology can be used. Alta’s solar technology is attracting interest in the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) market. The increased power-to-weight ratio of Alta’s technology enables different possibilities for an aircraft using the solar cell technology compared with any of the other solar power options.

http://www.electronics-eetimes.com/news/uav-lift-will-316-percent-solar-energy-efficiency-record-breaker-prove-critical-0

India to test Reusable Launch Vehicle in June [feedly]

India to test Reusable Launch Vehicle in June
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/India_to_test_Reusable_Launch_Vehicle_in_June_999.html

New Delhi (IANS) Apr 26, 2016
null India is set to flight test, in June, a home-grown reusable launch vehicle to demonstrate its capability to re-enter atmosphere and return to earth for more space missions, a top official said on Saturday. "The winged vehicle, in the shape of an aircraft, is on way to Sriharikota for the maiden flight test in June from our spaceport there," Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chairma

Lockheed Martin Declares Second Quarter 2016 Dividend [feedly]

Lockheed Martin Declares Second Quarter 2016 Dividend
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2016/april/q2-dividend-board-of-directors.html

Bethesda, Md., Apr. 27, 2016 – The Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT] board of directors has authorized a second quarter 2016 dividend of $1.65 per share. The dividend is payable on June 24, 2016 to holders of record as of the close of business on June 1, 2016.

Tula cuts cylinders to boost fuel economy [feedly]

Cylinder deactivation is nothing new, it's been used in the automotive industry for decades. A new system called Dynamic Skiip Fire from Tula Technologies takes this idea to a new level, however, with significant fuel economy gains as a result – especially in heavy-duty applications.

.. Continue Reading Tula cuts cylinders to boost fuel economy

miércoles, 27 de abril de 2016

Empresa española USol prueba con éxito su "drone" Alcotán con alcances BVLOS de 15 km



En Febrero de 2016.




La empresa Unmanned Solutions (USol) ha realizado una campaña de vuelos experimentales en BVLOS con su sistema UAV Alcotán. Se contó con todos los permisos expedidos por AESA.



Como parte de los proyectos de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) que Unmanned Solutions está desarrollando se llevaron a cabo tres vuelos del sistema Alcotán en BVLOS- Beyond Visual Line of Sight- es decir más allá de línea de vista, alcanzando distancias de 8, 12 y 15 kilómetros respectivamente. Como es sabido, la legislación actual define las condiciones de línea de vista hasta una distancia máxima operador-aeronave de 500 metros.

Las pruebas se realizaron en los alrededores del aeródromo de Marugán, en Segovia, y para ello se solicitaron los permisos pertinentes a AESA y la segregación del espacio aéreo necesario para la prueba, obteniéndose un corredor de 15 kilómetros de largo que partía desde el aeródromo de Marugán hacia el norte.

Los resultados de la campaña fueron un éxito completo y el sistema Alcotán mantuvo durante los tres vuelos las capacidades de control, monitorización y recepción de telemetría y vídeo en tiempo real hasta distancias de 15 km, que fue lo máximo que permitía el corredor asignado.

Alcotán es un sistema UAV de ala fija de despliegue rápido de 3,5 kg de peso máximo al despegue desarrollado íntegramente por USol. El sistema permite llevar a cabo aplicaciones de monitorización y vigilancia en espectro visible e infrarrojo térmico a precios mucho más competitivos que otros aviones similares.

USol tiene planteado continuar con este tipo de ensayos BVLOS para los sistemas multirotor de Multielfo para satisfacer los requisitos de algunos de sus clientes en aplicaciones de seguridad, vigilancia, monitorización de infraestructuras o, en un futuro, transporte de pequeña paquetería.

Bomb-sniffing drones: US scientists develop UAV nuclear weapon detection sensors - International Business Times UK [feedly]


International Business Times UK

Bomb-sniffing drones: US scientists develop UAV nuclear weapon detection sensors
International Business Times UK
Researchers and graduate students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Fusion Technology Lab have developed a system that can be attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A vehicle is driven out to the location of the hidden explosives laden ...

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Cartercopters wants to build a larger twin-turbofan version of its slowed rotor-compound helicopter cooncept

Carter Aviation Technologies LLC wants to build a larger, twin-turbofan version of its slowed rotor/compound helicopter, which it believes can break the rotorcraft world records for speed, range, and altitude. “We expect to achieve speeds in excess of 400 kt., distances greater than 2,000 nautical miles, and altitudes of over 50,000 ft.,” says Jay Carter, president and CEO of Carter Aviation Technologies.  To achieve this performance, the aircraft would be fitted with ...http://aviationweek.com/bca/carter-looking-partners

Pilot Population—Commercial and Private—Dwindling [feedly]

Pilot Population—Commercial and Private—Dwindling
http://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/pilot-population-commercial-and-private-dwindling

Reasons for the decline in pilot numbers include retirement age and dismally low salaries, but organizations such as AOPA and GAMA are offering some solutions to help boost private pilot numbers.

read more

​A380 could work for IAG at Iberia and Aer Lingus: Walsh [feedly]

​A380 could work for IAG at Iberia and Aer Lingus: Walsh
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a380-could-work-for-iag-at-iberia-and-aer-lingus-w-424428/

IAG is examining the feasibility of allocating a small fleet of Airbus A380s to its Spanish division Iberia and possibly an aircraft with its recently acquired Irish arm Aer Lingus.

Airbus urged to find more A380 buyers by Emirates chairman - The National [feedly]

Airbus urged to find more A380 buyers by Emirates chairman
The National
The chairman of Emirates has urged Airbus to push its sales team harder to find more customers for the world's largest passenger aircraft. Emirates is the biggest operator of the A380, with 75 aircraft in service and 65 on order. The carrier this month ...
Airbus should do better job selling A380 superjumbo - Emirates ...Reuters

Business aviation and Brexit [feedly]

Business aviation and Brexit
http://www.aerosociety.com/News/Insight-Blog/4279/Business-aviation-and-Brexit

What effect could Brexit have on the UK's business aviation sector? TIM ROBINSON reports from a recent press briefing where some potential consequences were outlined.

UNVEX, Programa de conferencias

para ver a tamaño completo, pinchad en la imagen

Lockheed Martin Reports First Quarter 2016 Results [feedly]

Lockheed Martin Reports First Quarter 2016 Results
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2016/april/q1-2016-earnings.html

  • Net sales of $11.7 billion
  • Net earnings of $794 million, or $2.58 per share
  • Generated cash from operations of $1.6 billion
  • Returned $1.0 billion to stockholders, inclusive of $0.5 billion in share repurchases
  • Increases 2016 outlook for sales, operating profit, earnings per share and cash from operations

La industria confirma a UNVEX como la gran cita española de los drones














  • El encuentro pionero en España de vehículos aéreos remotamente tripulados se dividirá en una amplia Exposición, Conferencias profesionales, Talleres y demostraciones aéreas en directo
  • Grandes compañías y medianas y pequeñas empresas confirman su presencia en la exposición y las demostraciones.
  • La nueva edición de UNVEX abrirá sus puertas el próximo 24 de mayo en el Aeropuerto de Cuatro Vientos.
  •  El encuentro pionero en España de vehículos aéreos remotamente tripulados se dividirá en una amplia Exposición, Conferencias profesionales, Talleres y demostraciones aéreas en directo

Madrid, 27 de abril de 2016. El mayor evento en España dedicado a vehículos aéreos remotamente tripulados (RPAS) o Drones, se encuentra en la cuenta atrás para su apertura, que será el próximo 24 mayo en el Aeródromo de Cuatro Vientos, en Madrid.



Grandes empresas del sector como Thales, Indra y Airbus han confirmado su apoyo a esta IV edición de UNVEX como compañías patrocinadoras. Multinacionales como General Atomics o MBDA, empresas españolas de reconocido prestigio como Sener, Inaer, Cesa o el INTA (Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial) también respaldan un evento que promete ser, una vez más, la gran cita española del sector.

Las mejores empresas del sector participarán también mostrando sus productos y/o servicios en un ambiente profesional que facilitará el encuentro entre potenciales compradores y vendedores.

UNVEX no es solo una Feria, ni unas conferencias, es un evento integral donde se puede ver la oferta de las empresas en la Exposición, aprender en los Talleres del Centro de Información, conocer lo último del sector en las Conferencias, asistir a Seminarios monográficos y disfrutar de demostraciones aéreas en vivo y directo.



El Aeródromo de Cuatro Vientos acogerá todo tipo de plataformas aéreas y equipos y profesionales, pequeños y grandes sistemas, desde aplicaciones en defensa o vigilancia a usos agrícolas, todas ellas en un mismo lugar y durante los tres días.

El período de inscripción ya está abierto, las plazas son limitadas y para asistir al evento, ya sea como visitante a la Exposición y a las Demostraciones, como asistente a las Conferencias, es necesario un previo registro on-line en la web www.unvex16.com


UNVEX’16, del 24 al 26 de mayo, será una convocatoria ineludible donde se podrá aprender, conocer y comparar con las mejores empresas y profesionales del sector.



Para más información: www.unvex16.com

Evektor seeks investment to take EV-55 into volume production



As the flight test programme for its EV-55 utility transport gathers pace, Czech manufacturer Evektor is hoping it can generate the investment to take the country’s first new civil aircraft in the post-Communist era into volume production. https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/evektor-seeks-investment-to-take-ev-55-into-volume-p-424613/


Evektor takes flight with second EV-55 Outback flying prototype (press release)


The 2nd flying prototype of the EV-55 Outback made its first flight from Kunovice airport at 11:45, 8.4.2016. The EV-55 Outback, S/N 0003 registered OK-DRM, carried out a 20-minute test flight according to plan and confirmed characteristics expected. The aircraft was piloted by a crew of test pilots, Josef Charvát and Pavel Křížka.

The 2nd flying prototype EV-55 will join the certification process being carried out in accordance with EASA CS-23 regulations, within the Normal category. It is a type confirming aircraft for certification testing of systems, performance and flight characteristics.

The first prototype, the EV-55, S/N 0001, has flown 370 hours to this day. The aircraft is currently undergoing terrestrial flight calibration for flight stress analysis. The second prototype, the EV-55, S/N 0002, was used for ground stress testing.

The EV-55 Outback is a versatile, twin-engine, turboprop aircraft for the transportation of 9 passengers or cargo. High operational productivity and versatility given a cruising speed of 220 kts, the spacious cabin, possibility of short takeoffs and from airports at high altitudes, together with low operating costs make the EV-55 Outback the ideal aircraft for regional transportation.

Power dense zinc-manganese power unit as cheap as a car battery [feedly]

A team of scientists working on analyzing energy flows in prototype zinc-manganese batteries have stumbled upon a new way to make these power cells much more reliable, with many more recharge cycles than the humble lead-acid car battery, but costing around the same to produce. The creators claim that the new battery could become an inexpensive, ecologically-sound alternative for storing energy from renewable sources and a high-density solution for storing excess energy from the power grid.

.. Continue Reading Power dense zinc-manganese power unit as cheap as a car battery

Boeing KC-46 Program’s Second 767-2C Aircraft Completes First Flight




EVERETT, Wash., April 26, 2016 – With a successful first flight on April 25th, Boeing [NYSE: BA] has added the fourth and final flight test aircraft to the KC-46 Pegasus fleet, a 767-2C.

During the 1 hour, 40 minute flight, test pilots performed operational engine checks, flight controls and environmental systems checks and took the 767-2C to a maximum altitude of 39,000 feet prior to landing at Boeing Field, south of Seattle.

The 767-2C is a KC-46 without the aerial refueling system installed. This aircraft, known as EMD-3, will be used to conduct environmental control system testing, including hot day/cold day testing and smoke penetration testing.

As part of the contract awarded in 2011 to design and develop the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation tanker, Boeing has built four test aircraft – two are configured as 767-2Cs and two as KC-46 tankers. Eventually, both 767-2Cs will become KC-46 tankers.

EMD-1, the first 767-2C test aircraft, has completed more than 315 flight test hours since its first flight in December 2014. EMD-2, the program’s first KC-46 tanker, made its maiden flight in September 2015 and has completed more than 240 flight test hours, including refueling F-16, F/A-18 and AV-8B aircraft. It also has been refueled by a KC-10 tanker. EMD-4, the second tanker, first flew on March 2, 2016 and has completed 25 flight hours.

Boeing plans to build 179 KC-46 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.

Boeing, Xiamen Airlines Announce Order for 10 Next-Generation 737s



SEATTLE, April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Xiamen Airlines, China's only all-Boeing carrier, have finalized an order for 10 Next-Generation 737-800s.

The order, valued at $960 million at list prices, will be posted on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared.

"The 737-800 is the best-selling version of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president, Northeast Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are pleased to see the 737-800 continues to play an important role in Xiamen Airlines' fleet expansion."

Formed in 1984 as China's first joint venture between the Civil Aviation Administration of China and a municipal government, Xiamen Airlines began flying passengers in 1985 with two 737-200s serving three cities.

Mirroring the rapid growth of China's air travel industry, the carrier now has expanded its fleet in service to 135 airplanes – 17 737-700s, 108 737-800s, 4 757-200s and 6 787-8 Dreamliners.

Thales Alenia Space wins initial funding for high-altitude platform, plans 2018 demo

Space-hardware manufacturer Thales Alenia Space on April 26 contracted with the French state investment bank, Bpifrance, to build a prototype high-altitude platform for future telecommunications, Earth observation and surveillance missions.

The Stratobus project, which Thales Alenia Space has been designing for several years, has won 17 million euros ($19.2 million) in backing from France’s Investing in the Future public bond program to reduce technology risks over 24 months - Full text at: http://spacenews.com/thales-alenia-space-high-altitude-platform-wins-initial-funding-plans-2018-demonstration/




Stratobus project takes off! (Press Release:)

Cannes, April 26, 2016 – Thales Alenia Space announced today the official kickoff of its Stratobus research & development project. Stratobus is an autonomous stratospheric airship that was just approved by the French government’s “investment in the future” program, with funding of 17 million euros. These funds cover a 24-month development phase for key enabling technologies, culminating in the construction of a demonstrator. Since the project has also won support from four different French regions, additional funding of about 3 million euros is expected.

Thales Alenia Space and its French partners in this program signed the initial contracts with state investment bank Bpifrance today. The company CNIM (Construction Navale Industrielle de la Méditerranée) will build the structure and associated equipment, the ring and the nacelle, while Solutions F will provide the electric propulsion system, Airstar Aerospace the fully-dressed envelope, and Tronico-Alcen the energy conditioning system. In addition to these French partners, Cmr-Prototec of Norway will supply the energy storage system and MMIST of Canada the parachutes. Thales Alenia Space is the lead company, and also in charge of systems integration, avionics, solar arrays and certification.

Stratobus will be positioned at an altitude of about 20 kilometers (12 miles) over its theater of operations, in the lower layer of the stratosphere, which offers sufficient density to provide lift for the balloon. Winds at this altitude are moderate and stable throughout the entire zone between the tropics, at not more than 90 km/h (55 mph), allowing the airship to remain stationary by using its electric propulsion system. Stratobus will carry payloads to perform missions such as the surveillance of borders or high-value sites, on land or at sea (videosurveillance of offshore platforms, etc.), security (the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, etc.), environmental monitoring (forest fires, soil erosion, pollution, etc.) and telecommunications (Internet, 5G).

“The new market for high-altitude pseudo satellites, or HAPS, is estimated at one billion dollars from now to 2020, but is awaiting a product. With Stratobus offering a field of view of 500 kilometers, we’re convinced that it will win a large share of this market,” said Jean-Loic Galle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thales Alenia Space.

Thales Alenia Space project manager Jean-Philippe Chessel added: “Stratobus is midway between a drone and a satellite, making a low-cost product offering permanent regional coverage and ideally complementing satellite solutions. Using only solar energy and green technologies, Stratobus has a very small carbon footprint – much smaller than that of a small private plane.”

Thales Alenia Space and partners plan to launch a demonstrator in 2018, followed by the first qualification and certification flights in 2020. A number of potential customers have already been identified. Market forecasts indicate a return on investment in less than three years following its commercialization.


About Thales Alenia Space

Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%), is a key European player in space telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, exploration and orbital infrastructures. Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio form the two parent companies' “Space Alliance”, which offers a complete range of services and solutions. Because of its unrivaled expertise in dual (civil/military) missions, constellations, flexible payloads, altimetry, meteorology and high-resolution optical and radar instruments, Thales Alenia Space is the natural partner to countries that want to expand their space program. The company posted consolidated revenues of 2.1 billion euros in 2015, and has 7,500 employees in eight countries. www.thalesaleniaspace.com

martes, 26 de abril de 2016

Boeing 727s being prepped for oil spill cleanup

Press Release



Boeing 727 Wide Area Aerial Dispersant Service is response ready

Following a meeting with the aviation authorities on Thursday, March 31, 2016, the Boeing 727 wide area aerial dispersant service is now in place and available to members.

Over the coming weeks OSRL will be working with our service provider to fully integrate the service into our procedures and to bed down all operational issues. Nonetheless the aircraft and dispersant system is response ready and available to members should it be required. However, OSRL will not conduct live drills for our members through the month of April.

To aid all members in the efficient and effective utilisation of this new service, OSRL has prepared a Mobilisation and Logistics Plan which lays out the service specifications and the responsibilities of all parties for successful deployment. This plan can be found here.

This jet-based aerial dispersant system which meets onerous new safety requirements is a ground-breaking project that offers a step-change in global dispersant application capabilities. Although the journey has been a long one, the end result is something that all OSRL members can take pride in.

This is the first of two aircraft and dispersant systems which OSRL will deliver to its members; the second is due for completion in Q3 of this year.

OSRL's aviation resources to support the Service Level Agreement globally will now include the Boeing 727 (located in UK) and the Hercules C130-A (located in Singapore).

FAA approves Tremco’s SkyBEAM UAV for night-time commercial drone operation in US

http://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/newsfaa-approves-tremcos-skybeam-uav-for-nighttime-commercial-drone-operation-in-us-4873542

Developed by Tremco and Canada-based commercial UAV and data solutions company Industrial SkyWorks (ISW), SkyBEAM is also approved to operate during the day.

The SkyBEAM flies around buildings and uses high-definition (HD) video and thermographic (infrared) cameras to trace potential energy leaks, rooftop damage, deteriorating façades, safety issues and other problems.

Ballard's Protonex Subsidiary Demonstrates UAV Propulsion System with Boeing Insitu






VANCOUVER and SOUTHBOROUGH, MA, April 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLD) announced that the company's subsidiary, Protonex, has delivered prototype PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell propulsion modules to Insitu, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, for use in its ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The ScanEagle platform has logged over 800,000 flight hours in military and civilian applications, making it one of the most successful UAV platforms to date.

Paul Osenar, President of Protonex said, "Fuel cell-powered systems offer compelling value for unmanned aerial vehicles due to improved reliability over small internal combustion engines, as well as very low heat and noise signatures. We believe that fuel cell systems have an extraordinary opportunity to play a key role in the propulsion of many unmanned systems. Our work with Insitu on the ScanEagle is an excellent example of the potential for fuel cells."

Insitu's ScanEagle is a versatile platform with multiple payload capabilities, including providing high-definition imaging at a fraction of the cost of larger UAV systems. The ScanEagle is operated in conjunction with Insitu's Mark4 Launcher – a low-maintenance, runway-independent platform – along with its SkyHook® recovery system.

ScanEagle is 1.55 meters (5.1 feet) in length, has a wingspan of 3.11 meters (10.2 feet) and maximum takeoff weight of 22 kilograms (48.5 lbs). The ScanEagle can fly at a maximum speed of 41.2 meters per second (80 knots), reach a ceiling of 5,944 meters (19,500 feet) and has an endurance capability of more than 24-hours. Additional details and images are available at http://www.insitu.com/information-delivery/unmanned-systems/scaneagle.

Use of the Protonex fuel cell propulsion modules are expected to provide a number of advantages over traditional internal combustion engine propulsion systems, including: significant improvement in the expected MTBF (mean time between failures) of up to 5x; silent operation; 100% throttle flexibility, including mid-air start-stop capability; and use of existing JP8 fuel in ground refueling systems.

Work related to the integration of the Protonex fuel cell propulsion module into the ScanEagle system is ongoing, with flight demonstrations planned for the second half of 2016.

About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLD) provides clean energy products that reduce customer costs and risks, and helps customers solve difficult technical and business challenges in power and energy. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated product performance, customer benefits and market demand for our products. These forward-looking statements reflect Ballard's current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any such forward-looking statements are based on Ballard's assumptions relating to its financial forecasts and expectations regarding its product development efforts, manufacturing capacity, and market demand.

These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause Ballard's actual results to be materially different, including general economic and regulatory changes, detrimental reliance on third parties, successfully achieving our business plans and achieving and sustaining profitability. For a detailed discussion of these and other risk factors that could affect Ballard's future performance, please refer to Ballard's most recent Annual Information Form. Readers should not place undue reliance on Ballard's forward-looking statements and Ballard assumes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward looking statements, other than as required under applicable legislation.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. The Ballard Common Shares have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.


http://www.ballard.com

Airbus A320neo hit by hydraulic system problems - Reuters [feedly]


Airbus A320neo hit by hydraulic system problems
Reuters
PARIS Airbus (AIR.PA) is facing a new batch of technical problems with some of its new A320neo medium-haul jets on top of previously reported engine glitches that caused delivery delays, industry sources said on Monday. The problems are related to the ...
Qatar Airways could drop Airbus orders, shift to Boeing 737NGPuget Sound Business Journal (Seattle)
Report: Airbus to Slow Down A320neo ProductionAirways News (blog)
Qatar Airways talks to Boeing after more Airbus A320 problemsArabianBusiness.com

los 17 artículos informativos »

Converted Jetliners Readied To Clear Oil Slicks [feedly]

Converted Jetliners Readied To Clear Oil Slicks
http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/converted-jetliners-readied-clear-oil-slicks

Boeing 727-200 finds a new role as aerial spray aircraft to combat oil spills at sea.

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Bombardier in Talks About Deal With New Iranian Airline


Bombardier in Talks About Deal With New Iranian Airline
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-24/bombardier-explores-new-airline-project-in-post-sanctions-iran

The Canadian company, which reckons Iran will need about 300 planes over the next decade, declined to comment on the topics or aircraft models discussed.

Iran Air may remain a sales prospect despite the Airbus purchase, with Chairman Farhad Parvaresh saying after that deal that the carrier would need at least 20 regional jets and that Bombardier had made a presentation.



Bombardier says Iranian sales talks progress, denies new airline
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-bombardier-canada-idUSKCN0XM007


Behind the scenes at GE's future-forward factory [feedly]

It feels like a scene from a movie. I'm standing in the lobby of a brand-new research facility where video screens set in large circular stands beam the company's achievements from their high-res flat screens. Behind glass panels, engineers in slacks and button-down shirts are busy working lasers, monitoring a robot and generally doing engineer-like things. This is GE's brand-new Advanced Manufacturing Works (AMW) in Greenville, South Carolina. It's the company's first in the world and Gizmag got inside to take a sneak peek.

.. Continue Reading Behind the scenes at GE's future-forward factory

Brain-controlled drone racing truly is a battle of wills [feedly]

Drone technology is becoming quite a popular testbed for neuroscientists seeking to put brain-computer interfaces through their paces. Numerous research projects have already impressed us with drones controlled by nothing other than the power of thought, but for some, merely flying the things is already a tad passé. The Brain Drone Race takes this technology and gives it an edge, imploring pensive pilots to will their drones across the finish line ahead of the competition.

.. Continue Reading Brain-controlled drone racing truly is a battle of wills

Dutch students open world's first pop-up drone cafe [feedly]

Dutch students open world's first pop-up drone cafe
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Dutch_students_open_worlds_first_pop-up_drone_cafe_999.html

The Hague (AFP) April 23, 2016
null Would you like a drone with your cocktail? The world's first cafe using the tiny domestic unmanned aircraft as servers has opened in a Dutch university. The pop-up drone cafe will be serving up all weekend as part of celebrations for the "Dream and Dare" festival marking the 60th anniversary of the Eindhoven University of Technology. The 20 students behind the project, who spent nine mon

China aims for deeper space with new generation rockets [feedly]

China aims for deeper space with new generation rockets
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_aims_for_deeper_space_with_new_generation_rockets_999.html

Beijing (XNA) Apr 22, 2016
null China will take its new generation heavy-lift rocket Long March-5 to the skies later this year, and is planning even bigger models. According to Wang Jue, head of the Long March-5 project, the rocket has a liftoff weight of 869 tonnes, with a payload capacity of 25 tonnes to the low Earth orbit (LEO) and 14 tonnes to the geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). "It can carry more than two

Airbus calls for new aviation inventors - News24 [feedly]

Airbus calls for new aviation inventors
News24
Cape Town - Airbus BizLab is a global aerospace business accelerator helping start-ups and Airbus internal entrepreneurs work together to speed up transforming their innovative ideas into valuable businesses. After its first successful year since ...

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Airbus Gains New Financing Ally in US - Wall Street Journal [feedly]

Airbus Gains New Financing Ally in US - Wall Street Journal
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=es&usg=AFQjCNGEm-TaZLsjhDjJ4hqUvWs4g3Z_oA&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ei=8jcdV-jcN4qIwAGIrK_oBg&url=http://www.wsj.com/articles/airbus-gains-new-financing-ally-in-u-s-1461530968

Airbus Gains New Financing Ally in US
Wall Street Journal
Airbus Group SE will open itself up to financing from an unlikely source when the first jet is delivered Monday from its new factory in Alabama: the U.S. Export-Import Bank. The government-owned bank's guarantees have helped finance hundreds of Boeing ...

Students wowed by star UAV on China's space day - China.org.cn


China.org.cn

Students wowed by star UAV on China's space day
China.org.cn
Some 150 middle school students had a chance to take a close look at the Caihong [rainbow] series unmanned aerial vehicles – China's most popular UAVs on the export market – at the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA) on April 24, 2016, ...

NASA Marks Success for Most Complex Drone Traffic Management Test Yet at FAA Test Sites

In the first and largest demonstration of its kind, NASA and operators from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) test sites across the country flew 22 drones simultaneously to assess rural operations of NASA’s UAS traffic management (UTM) research platform.

“We didn’t have any testing problems today,” said Parimal Kopardekar, manager of NASA’s Safe Autonomous Systems Operations project and lead of NASA’s UTM efforts. “NASA extensively tested Technical Capability Level one and worked very closely with the FAA test sites, and the UTM research platform performed well. This test would not have been possible without the six FAA test sites – it was a collaborative effort to ensure a successful test.”

Full Text: http://www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/nasa-marks-success-for-most-complex-drone-traffic-management-test-yet-at-faa-test-sites

sábado, 23 de abril de 2016

What’s the best (and cheapest) way to take a trip to space?

Now that the idea of space tourism has become more established, it's worth rating what you actually get for your money. BBC Future compares the current players. Bored of beaches, cruises, ancient cities and great works of art? Does the thought of another week in a high-end spa, on a private islan...

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Time Machines and Airships: Flying On Ed Force One With Iron Maiden [feedly]

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Time Machines and Airships: Flying On Ed Force One With Iron Maiden
// Things With Wings

Aviation Week's Guy Norris recently had the rare opportunity to fly in 'Ed Force One', Iron Maiden's chartered Boeing 747-400 with lead pilot and band front man Bruce Dickinson.

Things With Wings

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Flydubai crash: Stabiliser shift commanded from yoke trim switch [feedly]

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Flydubai crash: Stabiliser shift commanded from yoke trim switch
// Flight Global HEADLINES

Russian investigators have revealed that substantial nose-down trim on the crashed Flydubai Boeing 737-800 was applied through the manual trim switches on the pilot s control column.
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Magnus Aircraft, Siemens Fly eFusion Electric Airplane [feedly]

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Magnus Aircraft, Siemens Fly eFusion Electric Airplane
// Aero-News Network

First Electric Airplane Completely Designed And Built In Hungary The all-electric airplane Magnus eFusion has made its maiden flight at the Matkópuszta airfield in Kecskemet, Hungary on April 11. The eFusion of Magnus Aircraft Corp. is a two seat side-by-side low-wing monoplane with non-retractable tricycle landing gear.
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XTI AIrcraft Exceeds $1 Million In Equity Crowdfunding Investments [feedly]

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XTI AIrcraft Exceeds $1 Million In Equity Crowdfunding Investments
// Aero-News Network

Will Accelerate Development Of TriFan 600 Prototype After capturing the imagination of the public with its TriFan 600 vertical takeoff airplane, XTI Aircraft Company (XTI) is accelerating its development program and redoubling efforts to translate excitement about the aircraft into $3 million in actual investments.
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Siemens previews additive manufacturing on the move with 3D-printing spider bots [feedly]

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Siemens previews additive manufacturing on the move with 3D-printing spider bots
// Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine

If the thought of your workplace being invaded by hundreds of laptop-sized, creepy-crawly robots fills you with dread, Siemens' vision of the future industrial worker probably isn't going to be your cup of tea. A research team working in the Siemens Robotic Labs at Princeton, New Jersey, has developed what are essentially autonomous 3D printers with legs, which could work together to manufacture complex structures such hulls of ships or the fuselage of an airplane.

.. Continue Reading Siemens previews additive manufacturing on the move with 3D-printing spider bots

Category: 3D Printing

Tags: RobotsSiemens3D Robotics Related Articles: South Korea's Team KAIST wins 2015 DARPA Robotics Challenge Smooth-moving robots cut energy consumption Cocooning caterpillars inspire new 3D printer design Robot future: Highlights from iREX 2015 Video: The fast and furious world of underground drone racing Intel's futurist introduces open source, 3D printed robot at Maker Faire
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This Futuristic Ion Engine Could Carry Our Luggage To Mars

But its first stop will likely be an asteroid When the first astronauts get to Mars sometime in the 2030s or 40s, they're going to need more supplies than can fit in a backpack and rolling luggage. Their habitat, food, rovers, and return vehicle will all have to be pre-delivered. To do all that h...

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Parachuting Humvees Crashed In Germany

Caught on video Every parachute is a promise between humanity and the laws of physics. Make the parachute right, and the falling object glides gently to Earth, cloth and rope gently guiding a path down from the sky to the ground. Mess up, and gravity will punish that failure, sometimes to the tun...

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Watch Out SpaceX: China's Space Start Up Industry Takes Flight

Private Chinese companies could launch microsatellites and one day, taikonauts While SpaceX is leading the charge of private space companies in the United States, a new generation of Chinese start ups are entering the space race, backed by universities and hedge funds. The key difference is that ...

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Stanford Builds A Wind Tunnel For Birds And Drones

Learning from how birds handle turbulence Birds are pros at flying through the artificial canyons that gape between buildings in big cities. The unpredictable turbulence and close quarters can spell disaster for drones, though. To better understand how birds adapt to that sort of changing air flo...

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viernes, 22 de abril de 2016

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MHI Conducts First Flight of "X-2"Advanced Technology Demonstrator



Tokyo, April 22, 2016 - On April 22 / Today Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) successfully completed the maiden flight of the "X-2," an advanced technology demonstrator jet.

The aircraft took off from Nagoya Airport and went through a series of trials to confirm basic maneuvers including climbing, descent and circling operations. It then landed at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Gifu Air Base. After completing the maiden flight, the pilot, from MHI, described the flight experience as "extremely stable." "Control of the aircraft went exactly as in our simulated training sessions," he said, "and after piloting the aircraft I’m 100% positive the X-2 is magnificent and will meet the Ministry of Defense’s requirements." The X-2 is a prototype stealth aircraft - the first in Japan to feature technology impeding its detection by radar - engineered for extremely high maneuverability. The prototype integrates an airframe, engines, and other advanced systems and equipment all adaptable to future fighters.

As the coordinating company of the X-2 development project, MHI has been developing the aircraft’s airframe since 2009 with cooperation provided by 220 domestic companies and guidance from Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA). In this way, world-class cutting-edge technologies developed in Japan are featured throughout the prototype unit.

Going forward MHI will continue to develop, manufacture and support the operation of defense aircraft incorporating the world’s leading technologies, thereby contributing to Japan’s national security.

China exported military drones to 10 nations: report [feedly]

China exported military drones to 10 nations: report
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/China_exported_military_drones_to_10_nations_report_999.html

Beijing (AFP) April 21, 2016
null China has exported military drones to more than 10 countries in deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and plans to sell unmanned craft capable of launching laser-guided bombs, state-run media said Thursday. Chinese drones "have bigger payloads, which means they can carry more weapons" than their competitors, Shi Wen, chief drone designer at the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics,

Airbus to cut output of slow-selling A380 superjumbo - Reuters UK [feedly]


Reuters UK

Airbus to cut output of slow-selling A380 superjumbo
Reuters UK
PARIS European planemaker Airbus (AIR.PA) plans to cut production of its A380 superjumbo from 2017 as it struggles to revive sales of the world's largest passenger jet, two industry sources said. It has told its suppliers to slow production to support ...

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Bell V-280 taking form in Amarillo [feedly]

Bell V-280 taking form in Amarillo
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-v-280-taking-form-in-amarillo-424481/

Bell Helicopter s third-generation tiltrotor, the V-280 Valor, is literally coming together in Amorello, Texas, as the company enters the final stages of mating the wing with the fuselage.

F-35B May Be In Spanish Navy's Future

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/naval/naval-aviation/2016/04/20/f-35b-may-spanish-navys-future/83270268/

According to Admiral Chief of Naval Staff Jaime Muñoz-Delgado, "Our fleet of Harrier aircraft has a useful life until the period between 2025 and 2027. And there is only one short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) option on the market: Lockheed Martin's F-35B. This is the reality."

NASA taps Aerojet Rocketdyne for new space propulsion system [feedly]

NASA taps Aerojet Rocketdyne for new space propulsion system
http://www.gizmag.com/nasa-aerojet-rocketdyne-contract/42924/

In anticipation of future deep-space missions, NASA has awarded a US$67 million, 36-month contract to Redmond, Washington-based Aerojet Rocketdyne to design and develop an Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS). Based on previous ion thrusters like prototype NEXT and the Dawn mission to the asteroid Ceres, the new propulsion system could to supply a future manned Mars mission

.. Continue Reading NASA taps Aerojet Rocketdyne for new space propulsion system

Clean Sky signs Memorandum of Understanding with Castilla-La Mancha



21/04/2016 press release

Clean Sky signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha. Eric Dautriat, Executive Director of Clean Sky, signed alongside Patricia Franco Jiménez, the Regional Counsellor for Economy, Industry and Employment, at the ceremony in Toledo.



The MoU will last for four years, including a pilot phase from 2016-2017. The objective is to establish a cooperation on synergies with ESIF (European Structural and Investment Funds) managed by Castilla-La Mancha, which has indicated aeronautics among its Regional Smart Specialisations priorities. In terms of implementation, the aim is to identify complementary research and innovation activities linked to the Clean Sky 2 programme and fit for a Clean Sky synergy label, for possible ESIF financing.



The signing was followed by a workshop with the Regional Aero Cluster and the Spanish CDTI (Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology), as well as representatives from Airbus (a Clean Sky Leader) and Aernnova (a Core Partner performing Clean Sky 2 activities in Castilla-La Mancha).



This is the 10th MoU signed by Clean Sky, and the third in Spain. Read more about Clean Sky’s synergies with structural funds here.

A flying saucer that fights fire with sound

Fighting forest fires can be a huge challenge, as they're often in remote areas, hard to reach. One inventor thinks a flying saucer might be the answer – using sound waves to quell the flames. Despite the conspiracy theories, the first time we actually encounter a hovering disc in the sky equippe...

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The Victorians who flew as high as jumbo jets

It was one of the most foolhardy flights in history, and only a stroke of luck at 37,000ft prevented them drifting up to their deaths at the edge of the atmosphere. The dead pigeons should have been James Glaisher's warning. On 5 December 1862, the scientist was taking one of his first balloon fl...

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US mulls tech to disable rogue drones near airports

US politicians are considering new legislation that would allow authorities to intercept or shut down drones that get too close to airports. The US Senate passed the measures, part of a general aviation bill, on Tuesday in response to rising concerns about drone safety. It follows a suspected col...

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Boeing Selects Supplier for 777X Full-Flight Simulator Suites



SEATTLE, April 19, 2016 – Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today it has selected TRU Simulation + Training, a Textron Inc. company (TRU) as its supplier for the first 777X full-flight simulator suites for Boeing’s pro forma campuses. Pro forma training is offered to customers as part of the airplane sale.

Each simulator suite will include a full-flight simulator and a high-fidelity, flat-panel classroom trainer. TRU will also provide a simulator to assist with Boeing’s engineering development of the 777X. The suites are scheduled to be operational in 2019.

“Our customers depend on high quality training assets and very reliable full-flight simulators to train their pilots,” said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services, “We are proud to once again work with TRU to create state-of-the-art training devices.”

This is the second contract awarded to TRU to manufacture simulator suites for Boeing. In 2014, Boeing awarded the company a 737 MAX simulator contract, and Boeing currently has four full flight simulators on order.

“We are delighted with the continued trust Boeing is placing in our company, which clearly identifies TRU as a leading supplier in the flight simulation and training industry,” said George Karam, Vice President and General Manager, Air Transport division, TRU Simulation + Training. “Boeing customers expect the highest standards of innovation, quality, fidelity and safety in their training programs, and Boeing has chosen TRU to provide exactly that.”

Until the suites are operational, 777X customers can train current pilots in the 777 full-flight simulator and take a short differences training course to transition to the 777X.

Boeing Flight Services provides flight, maintenance and cabin safety training to more than 400 customers through its network of 16 campuses on six continents.

The 777X has 320 orders and commitments from six customers worldwide.

The 777X will be the largest and most efficient twin-engine jet in the world, with 12 percent lower fuel consumption and 10 percent lower operating costs than the competition. In addition, the 777X will bring cabin innovations and improved levels of passenger comfort.