Eulogy for Cassini
Farewell to a faithful explorer. We thought we knew what it looked like, the planet with the broad, striped belt. We scribbled it onto construction paper with crayons and magic markers; built models of it out of styrofoam balls and cheap paint in primary colors. It was our favorite, instantly dis...
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Ryanair vows to publish details of all cancelled flights in next six weeks
Airline faces passenger revolt, slump in share price and compensation bill of £30m as it admits it 'messed up' Ryanair has promised to publish details by end of tomorrowof all the flights it plans to cancel over the next six weeks following a passenger revolt, a slump in its share price and an ex...
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Voyager: Inside the world's greatest space mission
In 1977, two spacecraft started a mission that has redefined our knowledge of the Solar System – and will soon become our ambassadors on a journey into the unknown. BBC Future looks at their legacy, 40 years after launch. In a beige-coloured cubicle, on the ground floor of a nondescript suburban ...
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Boeing Building UK Production Facility
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Boeing Building UK Production Facility // Aviation Week
http://aviationweek.com/awindefense/boeing-building-uk-production-facility
Boeing has broken ground on its first production facility located in the UK.
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Lockheed Martin Reaffirms Support For Sikorsky's Raider [feedly]
Lockheed Martin Reaffirms Support For Sikorsky's Raider
http://aviationweek.com/aviation-week-space-technology/lockheed-martin-reaffirms-support-sikorsky-s-raider
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COMAC eyes 750 orders for C919 jet
The C919 has secured 600 orders from 24 customers both domestic and foreign.| COMAC has received 34 orders from GE Capital Aviation Services, the largest commercial airline leasing company in the world, German start-up Puren Airlines, and City ... http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2017-09/16/content_32065375.htm
China Aviation Expo highlights homegrown high-end products, technologyhttp://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2017-09/06/content_31641255.htm
Airbus launches internal corruption investigation after Guardian exposé
Already facing bribery allegations, group looks into transactions that led to unexplained €16m payment
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/sep/18/airbus-launches-internal-corruption-investigation-after-guardian-expose
[CLEANSKY] Natural Laminar Flow Wing "BLADE" Demo Could Pave the Way to Laminar Flow Fuel Saving [feedly]
Blade Demo Could Pave the Way to Laminar Flow Fuel Saving
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2017-09-06/blade-demo-could-pave-way-laminar-flow-fuel-saving
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First French Air Force A330 MRTT flies | Australian Aviation [feedly]
First French Air Force A330 MRTT flies | Australian Aviation
http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/09/first-french-air-force-a330-mrtt-flies/
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ANSI kicks off effort to coordinate UAS standards [feedly]
ANSI kicks off effort to coordinate UAS standards
http://theuasmagazine.com/articles/1737/ansi-kicks-off-effort-to-coordinate-uas-standards
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will next month begin a collaborative effort to coordinate the development of standards and assessment programs needed to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace.|
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The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will next month begin a collaborative effort to coordinate the development of standards and assessment programs needed to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace.|
Cathay Pacific finalises order for 32 A321neo aircraft
World’s most efficient single-aisle for operation by Cathay Dragon
Cathay Pacific Airways has finalised an order with Airbus for 32 A321neo single-aisle aircraft. The aircraft will be operated by Cathay Dragon, the regional carrier of the Group, on services linking its Hong Kong home base with destinations across Asia. The purchase agreement firms up an MOU announced last month.
The new A321neo aircraft will replace and modernise Cathay Dragon’s current in-service fleet of 15 A320s and eight A321s, with the additional aircraft allowing the airline to capture growth opportunities in the region. The Cathay Dragon network currently covers 56 Asian destinations, including 28 in mainland China.
Cathay Dragon is an all-Airbus operator, with a current fleet of 23 A320 Family aircraft and 24 widebody A330-300s. In addition, Cathay Pacific operates 37 A330-300s, making the Group the largest A330 operator in the Asia-Pacific region. Cathay Pacific also operates the all-new long haul A350 XWB, with 18 A350-900s already in service. The carrier has another 30 A350 XWBs on order for future delivery, including the A350-900 and larger A350-1000.
The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family and seats up to 240 passengers, depending on cabin configuration. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 20 per cent per seat.
The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle product line and comprises four models (A318, A319, A320, A321) seating from 100 to 240 seats. To date, the Family has won over 13,200 orders and more than 7,700 aircraft have been delivered to some 400 customers and operators worldwide.
Composites: Airbus continues to shape the future
Despite row, Canada cleared for Super Hornet purchase | Saab unveils Gripen Aggressor, targets US and UK sales | India nears purchase of US-2 from Japan [feedly]
Despite row, Canada cleared for Super Hornet purchase | Saab unveils Gripen Aggressor, targets US and UK sales | India nears purchase of US-2 from Japan
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/despite-row-canada-cleared-for-super-hornet-purchase-saab-unveils-gripen-agressor-targets-us-and-uk-sales-india-nears-purchase-of-us-2-for-maritime-mission-037898/
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Boeing commences new Air Force One program | Sweden tests air defense solutions during exercises | Oshkosh JLTV visits the UK [feedly]
Boeing commences new Air Force One program | Sweden tests air defense solutions during exercises | Oshkosh JLTV visits the UK
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/boeing-commences-new-air-force-one-program-sweden-tests-air-defense-solutions-during-exercises-oshkosh-jltv-visits-the-uk-037911/
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KAI probe widened to include Iraqi T-50 sale | Qatar pursues interest in Eurofighters | India completes Astra missile trials [feedly]
KAI probe widened to include Iraqi T-50 sale | Qatar pursues interest in Eurofighters | India completes Astra missile trials
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/kai-probe-widened-to-include-iraqi-t-50-sale-qatar-pursues-interest-in-eurofighters-india-completes-astra-missile-trials-037921/
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P&W completes testing on F135 engine with adaptive fan [feedly]
P&W completes testing on F135 engine with adaptive fan
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pw-completes-testing-on-f135-engine-with-adaptive-f-441230/
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Saudi Eurofighter Typhoon Crashes During Combat Mission In Yemen, Killing The Pilot [feedly]
Saudi Eurofighter Typhoon Crashes During Combat Mission In Yemen, Killing The Pilot
https://theaviationist.com/2017/09/14/saudi-eurofighter-typhoon-crashes-during-combat-mission-in-yemen-killing-the-pilot/
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New Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works Video Teases The Shape Of The Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Fighter [feedly]
New Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works Video Teases The Shape Of The Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Fighter
https://theaviationist.com/2017/09/17/new-lockheed-martins-skunk-works-video-teases-the-shape-of-the-next-generation-air-dominance-ngad-fighter/
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Boeing/Leonardo, Sikorsky Bid on USAF UH-1N Replacement
http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsboeing-submits-bid-for-usafs-uh-1n-replacement-programme-5927895
The company has submitted the proposal to provide up to 84 MH-139s to protect the country’s intercontinental ballistic missiles and meet certain domestic military transport needs.
Boeing Press Release
The Boeing [NYSE:BA] proposal for its MH-139 helicopter to replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging Huey fleet could save more than $1 billion in acquisition costs and lifecycle expenses.
The company today submitted its bid for the Air Force to buy up to 84 MH-139s to protect the country’s intercontinental ballistic missiles and meet certain domestic military transport needs. A contract award is expected next year. The UH-1N Huey fleet entered service in the 1970s.
The MH-139 is based on the AW139 that’s in service with more than 250 government, military, and commercial operators around the world. Leonardo Helicopters builds the market-leading aircraft in Philadelphia.
Boeing military rotorcraft expertise, combined with the non-developmental, multi-mission helicopter, will provide exceptional value and capability to the Air Force and taxpayers.
Boeing/Leonardo, Sikorsky Bid on USAF UH-1N Replacement
http://www.rotorandwing.com/2017/09/14/boeingleonardo-sikorsky-bid-usaf-uh-1n-replacement/ Read more...
TsAGI aerodynamicists test a model of a lightweight convertible airplane
In July, specialists of the Zhukovsky Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI, a member of the National Research Center “Institute named after N.E.Zhukovsky”) completed another testing cycle of a lightweight convertible airplane (LCA). The work was carried out in TsAGI’s wind tunnel T-102 as part of a government contract with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.
The lightweight convertible aircraft is designed to transport 50 passengers or 6 tons of cargo on local and regional lines with a cruising speed of 480 km/h. A distinctive feature of the project is the possibility of utilizing the LCA both for passenger and for transport of goods without changing the design.
The experimental research was carried out in two stages: first to identify aerodynamic characteristics of the LCA’s isolated fuselage at climb mode and crosswind; and to study the distinctive aerodynamic characteristics of the propeller design.
The next step will be tests with a propulsion simulator of the LCA with running propellers, including the failure of one engine. Examining the characteristics of the complete layout and its individual elements, scientists will make conclusions about the impact of interference on the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. TsAGI specialists noted that the current work showed a high level of aerodynamic characteristics of a prospective aircraft in a wide range of angles of attack and sliding Read more...
Lockheed Martin Unveils a New Lightweight Canister Launched Unmanned Aircraft System at the Defence and Security Equipment International Exhibition (DSEI)
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) unveiled a new small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that has been designed and developed in the UK at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI).
OUTRIDER is a lightweight, canister launched UAS that has been designed by engineers at Lockheed Martin UK's Havant facility in partnership with Wirth Research, an engineering company with specialisation in aerodynamics and composite materials. At only four inches wide and weighing only 1.7 kilograms, it is designed to be used in environments where conventional, larger unmanned air systems are not practical. Despite its size, OUTRIDER can travel up to 50 knots and boasts the best payload capacity and endurance when compared with similar UAS's.
Launched at the press of a button, OUTRIDER can be operated remotely or has the ability to be autonomous. It features a high-definition TV and infrared camera to give the operator enhanced situational awareness. The versatility of OUTRIDER means it has potential military, civil or commercial use and Lockheed Martin UK plans to offer it to market both in the UK and to interested export customers too.
"We are proud to offer OUTRIDER which has been designed and built in the UK for the international market. It provides secure leading edge situational awareness capabilities in its class for ground, surface, air or Sub-surface operational environments and can be launched at the press of a button," said Paul Livingston, vice president and group managing director, Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems.
Designed with export possibilities the OUTRIDER can be supplied in an entirely International Traffic in Arms Regulations or ITAR free configuration to address the wide commercial and military market needs.
"We're excited and very proud of our collaboration with Lockheed Martin UK on the OUTRIDER project," said Nick Wirth, CEO and Wirth Research founder. "Performance enhancement and innovation are fundamental to our motor sport heritage at Wirth Research. Transferring this approach from racing, combined with our rapid concept development and aero expertise, has been key to successfully meeting the technical challenges set by the Lockheed Martin team. OUTRIDER is the leading edge result."
Lockheed Martin has five decades of experience in unmanned and robotic systems for air, land and sea. From the depths of the ocean to the rarified air of the stratosphere, Lockheed Martin's unmanned systems help our military, civil and commercial customers accomplish their most difficult challenges. Read more...
Hyperloop One challenge outlines 10 high-potential routes [feedly]
Hyperloop One challenge outlines 10 high-potential routes
http://newatlas.com/hyperloop-one-global-challenge/51365/
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Airbus hits back against Austria in Eurofighter row
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-austria-lawsuit/airbus-hits-back-against-austria-in-eurofighter-row-idUSKCN1BT120
Airbus press release:
http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2017/09/airbus-files-legal-submission-Viena.html
This English translation of the German press release is only for
information purposes. The German version is the official press release.
· Eurofighter aircraft were delivered as ordered by Austria
· Austria was neither deceived about the delivery
capability and offset business costs, nor was there any error in this
respect.
· Costs for offset transactions which needed to be stated
were non-existent, and offset business costs were irrelevant for the
award of the final contract
· The Defence Minister’s public accusations violate fundamental rights – misuse of the judiciary system
Vienna/Toulouse, 18 September 2017 – On Monday, Airbus (stock exchange symbol: AIR) filed a submission to the Vienna Public Prosecutor in response to allegations of deception in the procurement of Eurofighter combat aircraft in 2003, which have been made by Austrian Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil. In this submission, the company (Airbus Defence and Space GmbH) denies all allegations made by the Minister in his 16 February 2017 press conference and in his submission of a criminal “statement of (alleged) facts” to the Vienna Public Prosecutor.
Airbus’ initial criticism is about the highly questionable manner which the Defence Minister chose to file the criminal “statement of (alleged) facts”, and the prejudicial information policy which he pursued in this context. These actions constitute violations of economic and fundamental rights.
To raise such allegations, combined with damage claims running into the millions, 16 years after the tender and eight years after delivery of the last Eurofighter aircraft, appears highly abstruse and politically motivated. This is why the Defence Minister refrained from confronting Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH directly with the allegations before publicly shaming and blaming the company. This characterisation also holds true for the Minister’s attempt to circumvent the statute of limitations, and to justify the unconstitutional retroactive application of the Corporate Criminal Liability Act of 2006 by construing an alleged continuing deception over many years.
“This is a flagrant violation of European principles of the rule of law and of fundamental constitutional principles,” said Airbus Senior Counsel Dr Peter Kleinschmidt.
Government officials must adhere to the principles of objectivity, truthfulness and fairness in their public statements, particularly when – as in this case – the state acts as the alleged victim, the prosecutor and the judge at the same time. “The Defence Minister’s sole intent here is to create a scenario of intimidation in order to generate civil law concessions which would otherwise not be achievable through a proper legal process,” Dr Kleinschmidt said.
More specifically, the Defence Minister raised the following two accusations: Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH was “neither able nor willing” to deliver the aircraft at the time of the contract’s conclusion in 2003. Furthermore, the Minister alleges that the costs for the offset transactions to be placed by Eurofighter were not stated separately in a proposal dated 2002. On that account, the Defence Minister asserts that he was deceived.
“These accusations are factitious and legally groundless,” Dr Peter Kleinschmidt said. “There was neither any deception, nor any error.”
1. The aircraft were delivered as specified in the contract. From the beginning, the contract allowed the supplier to deliver either aircraft from the earlier production run, known as Tranche 1 (with a defined upgrade obligation) or from a later production run, the so called Tranche 2. As all parties involved were aware that the production Tranches were defined by the Eurofighter Core Nations (United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain), which had invested billions in the development of the Eurofighter programme. Both the ability and the willingness to deliver were given at all times. Delivery began following a reduction in the order quantity from 18 to 15 Tranche 1 aircraft, which was agreed at Austria’s request in 2007. Delivery was completed – as required by the contract – in 2009. It is thus absurd to claim that the manufacturer of Europe’s most modern combat aircraft would not have wanted to deliver such aircraft to its first export customer. It is the business model of Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH to deliver Eurofighter aircraft.
2. There were no costs for offset transactions beyond the lump sum price (it was only such costs which item 40 of the Request for Proposal referred to) and therefore no such costs could be stated. Furthermore, it was commonly known that offset transactions would trigger operational expenses and had to be included in the overall lump sum price. The Austrian government never specifically asked for any information on the cost of offset transactions during the long-running tender process. That alone speaks for itself. Additionally, the offset transactions were no relevant criterion for the selection of the best bidder and thus could not have an impact on the evaluation of the offers.
Eurofighter clearly won the tender both technically and commercially and was identified as the best bidder (including the purchase price). This was re-affirmed just recently by former Austrian Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel. In June 2017, he testified before the Parliamentary Investigative Committee in Vienna that the Eurofighter had come out “lightyears” better in the bidding process than the competing Swedish product. “The Eurofighter was ahead in the ‘must-have’ criteria, and miles ahead in the discretionary criteria. So, it is entirely wrong to believe that these two aircraft are types that are able to operate on more or less the same level [...] The offset transactions were, of course, extremely interesting, but they were not decisive for the decision, which was based solely on the military quality of the aircraft and, of course, on the reasonable price,” Dr. Schüssel said.
Today, Airbus is convinced that the offset volume, which has already been submitted, exceeds its obligations under the offset business contract with the Republic of Austria; this was also confirmed before the Parliamentary Investigative Committee by the representative of the Ministry of Economy, which is responsible for the offset transactions.[1]
The requirement to provide offset business was imposed by the Republic of Austria. The offset transactions have greatly helped Austrian companies to achieve a lasting and successful involvement in the aeronautics business which is a growing industry. Just to mention one example among many, Austrian-based FACC recently signed a contract with Airbus worth over € 500 million as a technology partner for the new A320 “Airspace” cabin.
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