lunes, 25 de junio de 2018

It's Business Time for Rocket Lab, Launcher of Small Satellites

"Dear everyone," wrote Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck during a reddit AMA in April, "I'm not building a bigger rocket any time soon." Beck seems to get asked about expansion a lot. He and his Kiwi-US space company don't build craft whose names end in "heavy." Their rockets don't land after launch. …

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Rover test: What's it like to ride a rocket to Mars?

So, if you spend a billion euros on a space mission, you better be sure it can survive the rocket ride off Earth. This video shows a model of Europe's upcoming Mars rover being shaken to simulate the violent first few minutes of flight on leaving the launch pad. ExoMars, as it is known, is a join...

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Astronauts eject UK-led space junk demo mission

A UK-led project to showcase methods to tackle space junk has just been pushed out of the International Space Station. The RemoveDebris satellite was ejected a short while ago with the help of a robotic arm. The 100kg craft, built in Guildford, has a net and a harpoon. These are just two of the m...

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Harley-Davidson to Move Some Production From U.S. Because of E.U. Tariffs

Harley-Davidson, the American motorcycle manufacturer, said on Monday that it was shifting some of the production of its bikes outside the United States to avoid European Union tariffs imposed as part of a widening trade dispute. The announcement, made in a public filing, is an early sign of the …

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Arianegroup tests innovative technology for next generation upper stage rocket engine



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Arianegroup tests innovative technology for next generation upper stage rocket engine // Military Space News, Nuclear Weapons, Missile Defense
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Arianegroup_tests_innovative_technology_for_next_generation_upper_stage_rocket_engine_999.html

Lampoldshausen, Germany (SPX) Jun 20, 2018
A full-scale demonstrator of the thrust chamber for an upper-stage rocket engine incorporating the newest propulsion technologies has successfully passed first hot firing tests at the DLR German Aerospace Center P3.2 test facility in Lampoldshausen. The Expander-cycle Technology Integrated Demonstrator, ETID, will help to prove innovative technologies, materials and manufacturing technique
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Game-changing finding pushes 3D-printing to the molecular limit



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Game-changing finding pushes 3D-printing to the molecular limit // Military Space News, Nuclear Weapons, Missile Defense
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Game_changing_finding_pushes_3D_printing_to_the_molecular_limit_999.html

Nottingham UK (SPX) Jun 20, 2018
The research, led by Dr Victor Sans Sangorrin from the Faculty of Engineering and Dr Graham Newton from the School of Chemistry, is published in the academic journal, Advanced Materials. "This bottom-up approach to device fabrication will push the boundaries of additive manufacturing like never before. Using a unique integrated design approach, we have demonstrated functional synergy betwe
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Franco-German FCAS deal points to Dassault leadership



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Franco-German FCAS deal points to Dassault leadership // Military news
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/franco-german-fcas-deal-points-to-dassault-leadershi-449673/

France will take the lead role in the planned development of a joint Future Combat Air System (FCAS) with Germany.
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Dropcoter drone helps bees pollinate 350,000 apple trees



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Dropcoter drone helps bees pollinate 350,000 apple trees // The UAS Magazine
http://uasmagazine.com/articles/1875/dropcoter-drone-helps-bees-pollinate-350-000-apple-trees

As part of the GENIUS NY program, Dropcoter drones are assisting Beak & Skiff, one of central New York's top apple producers, in pollinating the 350,000 trees in its orchard. The job is normally performed by bees living in 400 hives.
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Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract to Build F-16 Block 70 Aircraft for Bahrain

World's first Block 70 aircraft will be built in Greenville, South Carolina 
FORT WORTH, Texas, June 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) received a $1.2 billion contract from the U.S. government to produce 16 new F-16 Block 70 aircraft for the Royal Bahraini Air Force. The Undefinitized Contract Action award represents the first F-16 Block 70 sale and the first F-16 production program to be performed in Greenville, South Carolina.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is the first customer to procure the F-16 Block 70, the newest and most advanced F-16 production configuration.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lockheed-martin-awarded-contract-to-build-f-16-block-70-aircraft-for-bahrain-300671451.html

Bombardier Global 7500 Aircraft Mock-up Continues Successful Worldwide Tour with Stop in Olbia, Italy

press release

  • The Global 7500 full-scale mock-up continues its worldwide tour in Europe after successful stops in Dubai, Singapore and Shanghai
  • Mock-up offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the unparalleled comfort and spaciousness of this unique business jet
  • Recently renamed after exceeding performance expectations, the Global 7500 aircraft is the largest and longest range business jet, with four distinct living spaces, a fully-equipped kitchen and an exceptionally smooth ride
  • The Global 7500 flight test program has surpassed 2,300 flight hours and the aircraft is on track for entry-into-service in the second half of 2018


Bombardier is thrilled to announce that the full-scale mock-up of its eagerly anticipated Global 7500 aircraft will be on display in Olbia, Italy, as of mid-July and throughout the summer, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to experience the aircraft’s unmatched spaciousness first hand. The mock-up continues its successful worldwide tour, following stops in Dubai, Singapore and Shanghai.

“This is a significant year for the Global 7500 aircraft, with its planned certification and entry into service,” said Peter Likoray, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “It’s an ideal time for customers to explore the potential of a true four zone cabin and discover what makes the Global 7500 jet a class-defining aircraft in the industry. It also gives us an opportunity to showcase its unique features as we prepare for the entry into service of the
Global 7500 aircraft.”

The mock-up features a dining area, entertainment lounge, a master suite and an en suite. The fully equipped kitchen includes high-end appliances, with ample room for dinnerware and glassware. The interior of the aircraft is highly customizable, and owners seeking to create the ultimate in-flight experience will be able to configure the interior to reflect their personal tastes. Guests who arrange a special private viewing of the mock-up will be able to explore the full length of the cabin, from the cutting-edge cockpit to the expansive luggage bay at the rear, which was designed to be fully accessible during flight.

The full-size mock-up will be on display at the airport in Olbia throughout the summer. This is the mock-up’s second visit to Italy following a successful showing in Olbia in 2017. The mock-up’s arrival comes on the heels of Bombardier’s triumphant presence at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, one of the most important aerospace exhibitions in the world. During the show, Bombardier announced that its eagerly awaited marquis business jet will enter service as the Global 7500, to celebrate its outstanding performance and its position as the flagship of the new Global aircraft family. Bombardier also debuted its patented Nuage seat, which was meticulously designed for maximum comfort and the revolutionary nice Touch cabin management system, a Bombardier-designed platform developed in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik and found exclusively on the Global 7500 aircraft.

Furthermore, Bombardier’s Global 7500 aircraft is the recipient of a 2018 Red Dot Award for Product Design. Selected by the 39-person jury from among a crowded field, with more than 6,300 submissions from close to 60 countries competing in several categories, the state-of-the art aircraft received the Red Dot in the 2018 Red Dot Award: Product Design in the ships, trains and planes category. The
Global 7500 aircraft’s sophisticated styling sets the benchmark for the most exceptional business jet experience. Every detail of the cabin interior has been crafted to create a rich and satisfying experience, from its class-leading and largest kitchen in the industry and forward-thinking lighting to the first-ever dedicated stateroom with a fixed bed.

The Global 7500 aircraft is on track to enter service during the second half of 2018. All five of its test vehicles are in the flight test program, with more than 2,300 hours of flight testing accomplished, demonstrating significant maturity, reliability and a smooth ride.

Bombardier Announces Agreement with DAIR to Spur Innovation in Ontario’s Aerospace Sector

press release

  • Bombardier to make multi-million dollar contribution to research and training activities in Downsview
  • Agreement enhances support for the establishment of an aerospace hub in the Greater Toronto Area


Bombardier is pleased to reinforce its partnership with the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Consortium (DAIR) to establish an aerospace hub in Toronto’s Downsview area. Through a multi-million dollar contribution, Bombardier will focus on three main goals: supporting DAIR’s academic and research activities, supporting DAIR’s operations, and preserving the aerospace heritage of the site.

“This agreement is great news for Ontario’s aerospace industry and for the people of Toronto,” said François Caza, Vice President, Product Development and Chief Engineer, Aerospace, Bombardier Inc. “Since acquiring de Havilland in 1992, Bombardier has built strong relationships with local institutions to promote aerospace research and innovation. Through our new partnership with DAIR, we will continue to support the development of this unique ecosystem for many years to come.”

“I am thrilled with the ongoing support and leadership demonstrated by Bombardier and the opportunity this will unlock for aerospace in Ontario,” said Andrew Petrou, Executive Director, DAIR, and Director, Strategic Initiatives and External Relations, Centennial College. “This commitment will enable the growth of the Downsview Aerospace Hub through support for training and research, DAIR Innovation Centre physical space and operations, and preservation of the site’s aerospace heritage. Through this partnership with Bombardier, DAIR will be uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the development of tomorrow’s aviation solutions.”

Starting this year, Bombardier will provide $1.5 million CDN over five years to fund core research at the Aeromaterials Research Centre, to be established at the DAIR Innovation Centre. The Centre will bring together industry and academic partners in a collaborative space for aerospace training and education, R&D, and sector advisory services to maintain Canada’s leadership role in the global market.

Starting in 2019, Bombardier will contribute an aggregate $1 million CDN over five years for the creation of two Aerospace Research Centres at Ryerson University and the University of Toronto. These Centers will focus on research in the areas of advanced interiors and acoustics. In addition, Bombardier will provide funding to Centennial College for the completion of its Landing Gear Research project, while extending its existing training program to train a minimum of 50 individuals for each of the next three years at Centennial College’s Downsview Campus.

Bombardier will also provide $900,000 CDN over the next three years to support formal operations of the DAIR Innovation Centre, and as a founding member of the Consortium, will remain actively engaged by appointing a member to its Board of Directors.

Finally, in recognition of Downsview’s historical importance in the development of the aerospace industry in Ontario, Bombardier will be providing a total of $2.5 million CDN in capital funding to refurbish the heritage “Moth Building”, which will be the cornerstone of the DAIR Innovation Centre.

About Bombardier

With over 69,500 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

About DAIR

The Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Consortium (DAIR) is an association of all of the large aerospace companies and leading postsecondary education institutions from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), who have come together with the joint mandate of developing an Aerospace Hub at Downsview Park in Toronto, Ontario. DAIR news and information is available at dairhub.com and our Twitter @DAIR__Hub.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s Two Halves Powered for the First Time



press release





REDONDO BEACH, Calif. – June 20, 2018 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully powered up the two main parts of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, a significant event in the test and integration phase of the program.





The Webb Telescope’s Optical Telescope element/Integrated Science instrument module (OTIS) and Spacecraft Element (SCE), which includes the sunshield and spacecraft bus, were separately powered at Northrop Grumman’s facilities in Redondo Beach. This is the first time both halves were powered in the same building.

“This is a significant, first-time event for the program and for the team,” said Scott Willoughby, vice president and program manager, James Webb Space Telescope, Northrop Grumman. “To power both OTIS and SCE moves us one step closer to readying the Webb for the next integration steps.”





In the highbay, engineers use external power supplies, similar to chargers, which convert wall power to a source compatible with the spacecraft. This power is used to turn on the spacecraft and provides power to simulate what it will eventually use on orbit. Once in space, Webb will use solar arrays to operate the bus subsystems as well as the Science Instrument Payload.

The Spacecraft Element recently underwent a successful mechanical shock test in May. It was tested by simulating the mechanical shock caused by the separation of the spacecraft’s payload adapter after launch. SCE will receive additional testing before being combined with the OTIS to form the complete James Webb Space Telescope observatory. Once the telescope is fully integrated, the entire observatory will undergo more tests during what is called observatory-level testing.

The James Webb Space Telescope will be the world’s premier space science observatory of the next decade. Webb will solve mysteries of our solar system, look beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probe the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit news.northropgrumman.com and follow us on Twitter, @NGCNews, for more information.

Boeing, FedEx Express Announce Order for 24 Medium and Large Freighters

Press release
  • World's largest air cargo carrier modernizes its fleet with more 767 Freighters and 777 Freighters
  • New order reflects confidence in growing air cargo market and Boeing's freighter family


SEATTLE, June 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and FedEx Express today announced a new order for 12 767 Freighters and 12 777 Freighters as the world's largest air cargo carrier continues to invest in the industry's most capable freighters to better serve its customers.




"We are taking another positive step in our fleet modernization program as we add more efficient, lower emission aircraft to our global fleet," said David L. Cunningham, President and CEO of FedEx Express. "The Boeing 767 and 777 Freighters have brought greater efficiency and reliability to our air operations. The 777, with its tremendous range characteristics, has allowed us to provide faster transit times around the globe. We are excited to add more of these aircraft to our fleet."

The new airplanes, valued at $6.6 billion at list prices, will appear on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries webpage once contingencies have been met.

This order comes as the air cargo industry continues to gather strength. A year after demand grew by nearly 10 percent, global air freight is on track to increase by another four to five percent in 2018.

Air cargo carriers are adding capacity to keep up with demand, either by converting passenger airplanes into freighters or ordering new production cargo jets. With the latest order from FedEx Express, Boeing has sold more than 50 widebody freighters so far in 2018.

"We are honored that FedEx has again placed its trust on the wings of the Boeing 767 and 777. This repeat order is a big vote of confidence in Boeing's market-leading freighter family and the long-term outlook for air freight," said Kevin McAllister, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

FedEx Express and Boeing have a long-standing partnership. The express carrier is a major operator of the Boeing 757 Freighter and the largest operator of the 767 Freighter and 777 Freighter. FedEx is also a customer of Boeing's Global Services business.

The 767 Freighter, based on the 767-300ER (extended range) passenger jet, can carry approximately 58 tons (52.7 tonnes) of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, making it a flexible platform for serving long-haul, regional or feeder markets.

The 777 Freighter is the world's longest range twin-engine freighter. The jet can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a payload of 112 tons (102 metric tonnes or 102,000 kg). With the 777 Freighter, FedEx has been able to connect Asia with its hub in Memphis, Tenn. non-stop and reduce transit times by up to three hours. This has enabled FedEx to accept packages later in the day and still deliver them on time.

The 777 Freighter also uses 18 percent less fuel compared to the airplanes it replaces, and provides quieter takeoffs and landings that meet airport noise standards.

Airbus and THAI sign agreement to proceed with joint venture MRO



press release







State-of-the art facility to be developed at U-Tapao International Airport

Airbus and Thai Airways International (THAI) have signed an agreement to establish a new joint venture maintenance and overhaul (MRO) facility at U-Tapao International Airport near Bangkok.

The accord was signed today at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse by Usanee Sangsingkeo, Acting President, THAI; and Eric Schulz, Chief Commercial Officer, Airbus, in the presence of Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand and Guillaume Faury, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

The new MRO centre will be one of the most modern and extensive in the Asia-Pacific region, offering heavy maintenance and line services for all widebody aircraft types. The facility will feature the latest digital technologies to analyse aircraft maintenance data, as well as advanced inspection techniques, including the use of drones to monitor aircraft airframes.

The MRO complex will also have specialised repair shops, including for composite structures, as well as a maintenance training centre offering extensive courses for technical personnel from Thailand and overseas.

“THAI and Airbus have undertaken extensive studies to validate the business plan for this exciting project,” said Usanee Sangsingkeo, Acting President, THAI. “Together we will develop one of the most advanced and efficient aircraft maintenance centres anywhere in the world. We are confident that this venture will bring significant economic benefit for THAI and will be a major driver in the development of the wider aerospace sector in Thailand.”

“We are pleased to enter into this major agreement with THAI,” said Guillaume Faury, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “This will further strengthen the long-term partnership between our two companies and also contribute to the success of Thailand’s new eastern economic zone. With the fleet of widebody aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region set to triple to around 4,800 aircraft over the next 20 years, the project represents a sound business opportunity for both our companies.”

“This latest agreement further consolidates our long and special partnership with THAI,” said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “This dates back to 1977, when THAI became one of our earliest customers. Since that time Thai has operated every single Airbus type and today flies the complete current widebody family – the A330, the A350 and the A380.”

The joint venture between Airbus and THAI will be located at U-Tapao International Airport, at the heart of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The EEC is a core part of the Thai government’s Thailand 4.0 policy, designed to develop world class innovative technology-based manufacturing and services in the country.

AEGEAN Airlines firms up order for 30 A320neo Family aircraft



press release







Purchase agreement follows MoU signed in March 2018

Greece’s biggest airline, AEGEAN Airlines, has firmed up an order for the purchase of 30 A320neo Family aircraft at a ceremony in Athens.

The purchase agreement, comprising 10 A321neos and 20 A320neos, was signed by AEGEAN Chairman Eftichios Vassilakis and Airbus Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders.

It follows an earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2018. Currently, AEGEAN operates a fleet of 49 Airbus aircraft (37 A320s, 11 A321s and 1 A319).

Eftichios Vassilakis, Chairman of AEGEAN stated: “Our agreement with Airbus augments AEGEAN’s capacity for development along with a trusted, long standing partner. We invest in the bestselling A320neo Family to enhance our competitiveness and to further improve our service offering to our passengers. We believe in the ability of our people to excel in what they do and they deserve to have the best hardware for the job.”

“AEGEAN Airlines is a great example of a resilient and superbly managed airline. It has weathered the country’s financial crisis and come out of it much stronger than before. Moreover, AEGEAN’s customer focus and attention to service excellence have made the company one of the most awarded airlines in terms of customer satisfaction,” said Tom Enders, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “We are extremely proud AEGEAN has selected Airbus to boost the efficiency of their future fleet.”

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 percent fuel savings at delivery and 20 percent by 2020. With nearly 6,100 orders received from 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

Airbus provides update on impact of Brexit No Deal/Deal scenarios



press release







Toulouse, 21 June 2018 - Airbus has today published a risk assessment outlining the urgent risks to its business arising from the UK exiting the European Union without a withdrawal agreement.

It states that the UK exiting the EU next year without a deal – therefore leaving both the single market and customs union immediately and without any agreed transition – would lead to severe disruption and interruption of UK production. This scenario would force Airbus to reconsider its investments in the UK, and its long-term footprint in the country, severely undermining UK efforts to keep a competitive and innovative aerospace industry, developing high value jobs and competences.

On the future trade relationship between the UK and EU, the Memorandum makes clear that while an orderly Brexit with a withdrawal agreement is preferable to a no-deal scenario, the current planned transition (which ends in December 2020) is too short for the EU and UK Governments to agree the outstanding issues, and too short for Airbus to implement the required changes with its extensive supply chain. In this scenario, Airbus would carefully monitor any new investments in the UK and refrain from extending the UK suppliers/partners base.

Tom Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, commented:

“In any scenario, Brexit has severe negative consequences for the UK aerospace industry and Airbus in particular. Therefore, immediate mitigation measures would need to be accelerated. While Airbus understands that the political process must go on, as a responsible business we require immediate details on the pragmatic steps that should be taken to operate competitively. Without these, Airbus believes that the impacts on our UK operations could be significant. We have sought to highlight our concerns over the past 12 months, without success. Far from Project Fear, this is a dawning reality for Airbus. Put simply, a No Deal scenario directly threatens Airbus’ future in the UK.”

To read the Risk Assessment Memorandum in full, please click here: http://www.airbus.com/company/worldwide-presence/uk.html#Economy



About Airbus

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated revenues of € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.