The future of manufacturing…on two wheels

• EADS produces world’s first bike using revolutionary ALM technology - ‘grown’ from high-strength nylon powder
• Called the ‘Airbike’ because Airbus was the first EADS company to use the technology
• New technology will transform manufacturing around the globe

Bristol, 7th March 2011 – EADS, the European aerospace and defence group,
has unveiled the world’s first bike that uses a revolutionary new manufacturing
process which demonstrates the potential to transform manufacturing around
the globe.

Known as the ‘Airbike’, it is a bike with a difference. Made of nylon but strong
enough to replace steel or aluminium, it requires no conventional maintenance
or assembly. It is ‘grown’ from powder, allowing complete sections to be built
as one piece; the wheels, bearings and axle being incorporated within the
‘growing’ process and built at the same time. The Airbike can be built to rider
specification so requires no adjustment.

The revolutionary manufacturing process is known as Additive Layer
Manufacturing (or ALM) and it allows single products to be grown from a fine
powder of metal (such as titanium, stainless steel or aluminium), nylon or
carbon-reinforced plastics from a centre located next to Airbus’ site at Filton.
Similar in concept to 3D printing, the bike design is perfected using computeraided design and then constructed by using a powerful laser-sintering process
which adds successive, thin layers of the chosen structural material until a solid,
fully-formed bike emerges.

Robin Southwell, Chief Executive of EADS UK, commented: “The Airbike is a
fantastic example of British innovation at its very best. The team at EADS in
Bristol includes world-class engineers who continue to push boundaries by
working at the forefront of technology. I believe that ALM technology represents
a paradigm shift.

While the Airbike is only a technology demonstrator at this stage, EADS has
developed the technology to the extent that it can manipulate metals, nylon, and
carbon-reinforced plastics at a molecular level which allows it to be applied to
high-stress, safety critical aviation uses. Compared to a traditional, machined
part, those produced by ALM are up to 65% lighter but still as strong. The
technology is likely to be employed in due course in industrial applications such
as aerospace, the motor industry and engineering. Studies show that for every
1kg reduction in weight, airlines can save around $3500 worth of fuel over the
lifespan of the aircraft, with corresponding reductions in carbon-dioxide
emissions.

Minister for Business and Enterprise, Mark Prisk, said: "I am proud to see the
UK - through EADS and others - leading the world in the development of
innovative products. Additive Layer Manufacturing, or ‘3-D printing’, is a truly
exciting, green, new technology, which not only enables the creation of products
beyond the capability of traditional manufacturing processes, but also offers the
potential to help the manufacturing sector slash its waste and carbon emissions.
This is exactly the sort of advanced technology that we want to see companies
investing in, here in the UK."

ALM also offers a glimpse of wider potential benefits. The process itself uses
about one-tenth of the material required in traditional manufacturing and
reduces waste. On a global scale, ALM offers potential for products to be
produced quickly and cheaply on ‘printers’ located in offices, shops and houses.
It would allow replacement components to be produced in remote regions,
improving logistics on humanitarian relief and military operations.

Andy Hawkins is the lead engineer for ALM at EADS. “The possibilities with
ALM are huge – it’s a game-changing technology. The beauty is that complex
designs do not cost any extra to produce. The laser can draw any shape you
like and many unique design features have been incorporated into the Airbike
such as the auxetic structure to provide saddle cushioning or the integrated
bearings encased within the hubs.”

Further ahead, by removing production lines and the need for factories, the
costs of ‘manufacturing’ will be significantly reduced and, through this, ALM has
the potential to reverse trends of urbanization that have historically
accompanied industrialization.

Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board, said: “It is hugely
exciting to see examples of British engineers showcasing their work so
effectively. The ‘Airbike’ is an example of technology innovation which stands a
real chance of providing UK businesses with a manufacturing edge for the
future while delivering economic growth both here and around the globe.”

Whilst there are currently limitations in terms of the maximum component size
achievable and the costs involved, the technology is developing fast. There is
growing recognition of the potential ramifications of ALM and the barriers to
delivering this technology on a global scale are falling rapidly

EADS Press Release

Increased passenger traffic will drive Asia-Pacific market to larger aircraft types

Airliners serving the Asia-Pacific region are expected to grow larger in the coming decades, responding to strong growth across this dynamic market – which is to carry one-third of the world’s passenger traffic by 2029.

This is one of the key messages from Airbus’ Asia-Pacific market forecast, which was presented today in Hong Kong by Chris Emerson, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Market Forecast.
Based on its Global Market Forecast for 2010-2029, Airbus believes the trend toward larger jetliners reflects the concentration of regional populations around main urban centres, as well as the need for more seats between fast-growing “mega” cities (destinations with more than 10,000 daily passengers) across the area.

To meet the anticipated demand, Asia-Pacific operators will acquire some 3,360 new widebody aircraft over the next two decades – representing 40 per cent of all such deliveries worldwide during that time. In particular, Airbus foresees a need for 780 very large aircraft – the category of its 21st century flagship A380 – and 2,580 twin-aisle widebodies, such as the company’s A330 and new A350 XWB.

While the deployment of larger aircraft is expected to help reduce flight delays and ease air traffic congestion, new-generation aircraft like the A380 also provide the best environmental performance for its operators.

According to Airbus’ Asia-Pacific region market forecast, for every passenger that flies from Paris to Tokyo and back again in an A380, 105 kg. of fuel are conserved when compared to competing aircraft. In addition, this double-deck jetliner produces 333 kg. less CO2 per passenger, per flight.

Regional A380 orders currently stand at 81 jetliners, with total bookings worldwide reaching 244. Airbus’ most recent contract came from Japan’s third-largest operator, Skymark Airlines, who signed for four A380s on 17 February.

Other carriers in the Asia-Pacific region that have selected the world’s largest passenger aircraft are China Southern, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Asiana Airlines – which also placed its A380 initial order this year.

For more information, review Airbus' Global Market Forecast for 2010-2029.


PR

Boeing Begins Change Incorporation Work on 787 Dreamliner

EVERETT, Wash., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Boeing (NYSE: BA) began change incorporation work on the 787 Dreamliner at Boeing's Global Services & Support site in San Antonio, Texas. Airplane #23, the first 787 to undergo change incorporation, on Friday flew from Everett, Wash., to San Antonio on a ferry flight. During change incorporation, airplanes that are not part of flight test are configured to conform with the standards established as part of type certification efforts. Refurbishment of three of the six 787 flight test airplanes also will take place in San Antonio after completion of flight test activities.

"The 787 team is thrilled to have the expertise and enthusiasm of the San Antonio team focused on getting these airplanes ready for delivery to our customers," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program.

The current plan is for six Dreamliners to complete change incorporation and refurbishment in San Antonio. Three will complete change incorporation and three airplanes will be refurbished after flight test is complete. However, the plan is flexible and could accommodate additional 787 production needs as flight test is completed and airplanes are prepared for delivery. The work will be performed from March 2011 through 2013.

"We continuously look for ways to leverage the strength of the Boeing enterprise, taking advantage of the team and the skills we have across the company," said Fancher. "San Antonio specializes in modification work and has the capability and capacity to get the job done. The team was a natural choice."

Some of the work done in San Antonio will include installing electronic and mechanical equipment, completing software upgrades, testing functional systems, and removing and reworking wiring or equipment that needs to be updated to current configuration requirements. Approximately 450 employees will be hired on a temporary basis to join with 1,700 experienced workers at the site to complete the work.

"Everyone on our team is excited to join the 787 program," said Kevin Devine, vice president and general manager of the San Antonio site. "This airplane is about as advanced as you can get and there are high expectations tied to this work package. I am confident that our team will get the job done."

Currently, there are about 1,500 employees at Boeing's San Antonio site performing maintenance and modification work on the following programs: KC-135 Programmed Depot Maintenance, KC-135 Global Air Traffic Management, C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership and the C-130 Avionics Modernization program.

PR

Eurocopter unveils a new product, the EC145 T2

http://youtu.be/shWqF5li7GE

Asia-Pacific to lead demand for new aircraft over next 20 years

Requirement for 8,560 new aircraft valued at $1.2 trillion
Blagnac,  07 marzo 2011

Asia-Pacific airlines are expected to take delivery of around 8,560 new aircraft over the next 20 years, according to European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. Valued at US$1.2 trillion, the requirement represents 33 per cent of new aircraft deliveries worldwide over the forecast period, with the region overtaking North America and Europe as the largest air transport market.

The latest forecast for the region was presented in Hong Kong today by Chris Emerson, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Market Forecast.

The Airbus forecast is based on stronger than average growth in both passenger and freight traffic in the region, combined with replacement of many of the existing aircraft in service. In terms of growth, Airbus expects the number of passengers carried by Asia-Pacific airlines to rise by 5.8 per cent per year while the amount of freight passing through the region will increase by 7.0 per cent annually. This compares with global average increases of 4.8 per cent in the passenger market and 5.9 per cent for cargo. At the same time, carriers in the region are expected to replace 78 per cent of the 3,680 aircraft currently in service, ensuring that they continue to operate some of the youngest and most eco-efficient fleets in the world.

Airbus predicts that the region will continue to drive demand for larger aircraft types, reflecting the concentration of populations in the region around the main urban centres and the need for more seats between fast-growing mega-cities. As a result, carriers in the region will acquire around 3,360 new widebody aircraft over the next two decades. This represents 40 per cent of all widebody deliveries worldwide and includes some 780 very large aircraft such as the A380 and around 2,580 twin aisle widebodies such as the A330 and new A350 XWB.

Although a predominantly widebody market, demand for single aisle aircraft in the region is expected to accelerate in the coming years, with a requirement for some 5,200 new airliners in the 100 - 210 seat category, such as the best-selling A320 Family. The increase will be driven primarily by the growth of low cost carriers , as well as the opening of new secondary short haul routes, especially in China, India and South East Asia.

In the cargo sector, the region will continue to dominate the global market, with the dedicated freighter fleet operated by Asia-Pacific airlines growing almost four times to 1,056 aircraft. While many of these will be converted from passenger models, Airbus predicts that around 270 new production freighters will be delivered to the region over the next two decades. This represents over 30 per cent of expected global demand for new production freighters.

Presenting the forecast, Chris Emerson said that Asia-Pacific airlines would benefit from ongoing strong economic growth across the region, greater liberalisation of the air transport system in Asia and the effect of greater wealth creation enabling more people who have never flown to take to the skies.

"Within the next 20 years Asia-Pacific airlines will be carrying a third of all passenger traffic worldwide and two thirds of all freight passing through the region," he said. "In order to meet the expected demand efficiently, larger aircraft will be needed to ease congestion and do more with less. With a modern, eco-efficient and comprehensive product line, including the only all-new aircraft in the very large segment, Airbus will be especially well placed to meet the needs of airlines in this region."
The Asia-Pacific region is a core market for Airbus accounting for over a quarter of all orders recorded by the company to date. Today there are some 1,700 Airbus aircraft in service with more than 70 operators across the region, with another 1,100 on order with customers for future delivery. This represents 32 per cent of the company's total backlog, reflecting the importance of the region as the fastest growing market for new civil aircraft.

Airbus' forecast for the Asia-Pacific region is derived from the company's Global Market Forecast, which foresees total demand for 25,850 new passenger and freighter aircraft valued at US$3.2 trillion over the next 20 years. In the various size categories the forecast predicts total demand for 1,740 very large aircraft, 6,240 twin aisle widebodies and 17,870 single aisle aircraft.

The Airbus product line comprises the best-selling A320 Family in the single aisle market, the popular A330/A340 and all-new A350 XWB in the twin aisle category and the flagship A380 in the very large aircraft segment. In the freight market Airbus currently offers the new mid-size A330-200F.

PR

Airbus proposes Phoenix cabin concept to Asian market

Cabin layout designed to appeal to Asian tastes
Blagnac,  07 marzo 2011

A new cabin concept called Phoenix, featuring a colour-scheme and layout designed to appeal to Asian tastes, is being offered to Airbus Corporate Jet customers in the region.

The main cabin features seating for six people around a large circular-table - the focus of family life in many Asian cultures - which facilitates work-related discussions and dining.

Airbus Corporate Jets are able to offer this feature because they have the widest and tallest cabin of any business jet, existing or planned, which allows a good-sized table, as well as space to pass by the side of it.

Playing games of skill and chance is also a passion in many Asian cultures – witness the popularity of Mah Jong in China - so Airbus has designed the circular table to fold into a rectangular shape when needed, which better suited to this activity.

The Phoenix cabin concept can also offer an area for Karaoke, another activity typical of business entertainment and relaxation in much of Asia.

As with all of its corporate jets, Airbus offers its customers a choice of colours and fabrics and, for the Chinese market, it is proposing a decor featuring burgundy red.

These elements, together with other aspects of detailed design, give the Phoenix cabin concept an ambiance that is already attracting interest in the Asian private jet market, which is one of the fastest-growing in the world today.

Airbus has a strong and growing presence in the Asia-Pacific corporate jet market, where it has won more than 25 sales to date, most of them in China.

Most corporate jet customers and operators prefer to remain undisclosed, but those which can be named include Deer Jet of Beijing, BAA Jet Management of Hong Kong, China Sonangol, the Royal Thai Airforce, Skytraders of Australia and the UB Group of India.

Airbus encourages its customers to outfit their aircraft at one of eight specialist cabin-outfitters around the world, each of which has been audited for its capabilities. This network has recently been expanded to include TAECO of Xiamen.

Airbus has the largest and most modern corporate jet family in the world, with aircraft offering more space, comfort and freedom of movement than traditional business jets.

Its family comprises the A318 Elite, Airbus ACJ, A320 Prestige and, for customers that want even more comfort, capacity and capability in range, VIP widebodies such as the A330 and A340 Prestige, A350 Prestige and A380 Prestige.

Airbus corporate jets have won more than 170 sales to date, and are flying on every continent, including Antarctica.

PR

2nd Boeing-built Orbital Test Vehicle X-37B Begins Flight

• 1st US unmanned vehicle to return from space and land on its own
• Affordable, responsive, reusable unmanned space vehicle
• Delivers unprecedented capability to Rapid Capabilities Office

APE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., March 5, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the successful launch of the second Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) for the U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). The OTV was launched on an Atlas V rocket into a low-Earth orbit today at 5:46 p.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 41.

"History was made in December when the X-37B became the United States' first unmanned vehicle to return from space and land on its own," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. "The success of that mission validated this reusable and effective way to test new technologies in space and return them for examination.

"Today, we took another important step with the successful launch of the second OTV, enabling the RCO to further experiment with the vehicle and its ability to operate in low-Earth orbit," Cooning continued. "Close teamwork between the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the United Launch Alliance Atlas team, and the 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station made this launch a success."

The first OTV was launched in April 2010 and orbited for approximately eight months. In December, it successfully de-orbited and landed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., where it continues to undergo post-flight evaluation.

The X-37B design combines the best of aircraft and spacecraft design into an affordable, unmanned space-based test platform. Program objectives include space experimentation, risk reduction, and concept-of-operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies.

Boeing's commitment to this space-based unmanned vehicle spans a decade and includes support to the Air Force Research Lab's X-40 program, NASA's X-37 program, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's X-37 Approach, Landing and Test Vehicle program.

Boeing program management, engineering, test and mission support functions for the OTV program are conducted at Boeing sites in Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, and El Segundo, Calif.

Boeing

Eurocopter to introduce a new era in helicopter flight at the Heli-Expo 2011 exhibition

Eurocopter will unveil its newest helicopter and launch a comprehensive enhancement of the existing product line at Heli-Expo 2011 exposition in Orlando, Florida, underscoring the company's commitment to innovation for the improved operating performance, efficiency and maintainability of its rotary-wing aircraft.

The new helicopter is to be revealed at Eurocopter's exhibit stand (#4637) at 11:30 a.m. on the March 6 opening day of Heli-Expo 2011, during a ceremony led by Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. Agreements with multiple launch customers also will be announced.

Enhancements for Eurocopter's product line involve multiple members of its helicopter family. All improvements introduced on these rotary-wing aircraft – which carry the "e" designation for "enhanced" – are designed to significantly augment their cost-effectiveness, mission capability and ease of operation.

"Our continued commitment to invest in innovation has enabled Eurocopter to launch the newest member of our helicopter family while implementing in parallel significant evolutions of Eurocopter's inventory, which will provide more capable products for customers and further improve our and their competiveness," said Bertling.

Featured on Eurocopter's Heli-Expo 2011 exhibit stand is one of these enhanced helicopters – the single-engine AS350 B3e, which is being shown in its corporate/VIP configuration. The updated version of Eurocopter's best-selling Ecureuil family incorporates a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, along with a new-generation digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring.

The AS350 B3e features an improved interior design, as well as tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting. It also has the option of operating at the maximum takeoff engine power rating for 30 minutes, and can be equipped with optional engine filters for additional protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without weight penalty. Certification of the AS350 B3e is targeted for this summer, with deliveries beginning before year-end.

Also spotlighted at Heli-Expo will be a full-scale mockup of Eurocopter's latest helicopter product – the EC175, displayed in its configuration for oil and gas transportation missions. Flight testing with two EC175 prototypes has surpassed the 100-flight hour milestone, demonstrating the aircraft's excellent handling qualities and low internal vibration levels. The initial production helicopter for this seven-metric-ton rotary-wing aircraft – being developed in a joint program with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) – is currently being assembled at Eurocopter's facility in Marignane, France. The first EC175 deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2012, following type certification.

Included as well on the Eurocopter Heli-Expo 2011 exhibit stand will be an EC130 B4 helicopter in the emergency medical services (EMS) configuration, and an EC135 with a corporate/VIP cabin arrangement.

Another element of Eurocopter's Heli-Expo 2011 presence will highlight achievements with the company's innovative X3 hybrid helicopter demonstrator, which has attained a true airspeed of 180 kt (333 km/hr) in level flight during its first phase of testing. The second phase will begin in the coming months, with the goal of achieving sustained cruise speeds in excess of 220 kt. The X3 is a key element in Eurocopter's innovation roadmap, providing a system tailored to applications where operational costs, flight duration and mission success depend directly on the maximum cruising speed. With an increase in cruise speed of more than 50% and life cycle costs not climbing more than 25%, the X³ will be an extremely productive solution for our customers.

Additional information on Eurocopter's innovation will be provided during Heli-Expo 2011, along with updates on its bluecopter® technology program for more environmentally-friendly helicopters, as well as details on the company's expanding training and logistics offer.

Eurocopter's commitment to providing value-added support and services will be highlighted with presentations on topics such as its worldwide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities; customized maintenance support programs and dedicated logistic field representatives.

To follow Eurocopter's daily announcements at this major helicopter industry gathering, visit its dedicated Heli-Expo 2011 mini website at: http://events.eurocopter.com/


PR

Eurocopter expands its product line with the EC145 T2 helicopter, integrating more powerful engines, a Fenestron tail rotor, new avionics and mission capabilities upgrades

The newest member of Eurocopter's helicopter family was formally launched today with the unveiling of its EC145 T2 – an evolved version of the popular twin-engine EC145 that incorporates new Arriel 2E engines, along with the company's Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, an innovative new digital avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot.

Today's EC145 T2 debut was at the Heli-Expo 2011 exposition in Orlando, Florida, where Eurocopter also announced launch agreements for a total of 17 helicopters from four international customers, who plan to utilize these rotary-wing aircraft in emergency medical services (EMS), oil and gas operations and business aviation.

With deliveries to begin in 2013, the EC145 T2 will offer significantly improved performance, increased flight safety, enhanced human-machine interface, improved maintainability and lower operating costs for the light-medium twin-engine helicopter. It benefits from the heritage of Eurocopter's EC145 and its BK117 predecessor, which together have logged more than 2.8 million flight hours in service around the world. "Our EC145 T2 is the latest example of our company's continued investment in innovation, which provides helicopters that are more efficient to own and operate, with higher performance and improved safety," said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling.

The EC145 T2's most visible change is the integration of Eurocopter's proven Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, which replaces the standard two-blade tail rotor. Advantages of the Fenestron include significantly higher safety levels on the ground and in flight, along with enhanced anti-torque control efficiency, reduced power demand in forward flight, and lower sound and vibration levels.

This Fenestron application expands Eurocopter's use of the shrouded tail rotor, which currently is on Eurocopter's EC120, EC130, EC135, AS365 Dauphin and EC155 helicopters. For the EC145 T2, its Fenestron has new composite blades, a new-design tail gear box with lower maintenance costs, and incorporates a duplex tail rotor actuator and dual hydraulic circuits. It is installed in a new, damage-tolerant all-composite tail boom.

The EC145 T2's new Arriel 2E turboshaft engines are digitally controlled by dual Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC), and provide increased performance throughout the helicopter's operational range. The average performance increase is 25 percent, with significant enhancement in the OEI (one engine inoperative) flight mode.

Other changes for the EC 145 T2 include a new modular avionics suite that incorporates three large primary displays and a 4-axis autopilot as standard equipment. It provides an innovative and efficient human-machine interface for flight crews, improved situational awareness and reduced pilot workload, while also offering additional mission capabilities.

The EC145 T2 launch orders announced today during the aircraft's Heli-Expo unveiling were led by Spain's INAER, which signed for 10 aircraft. Its initial helicopters will be in the EMS configuration, with flexibility provided in follow-on deliveries for other mission-specific versions of the rotary-wing aircraft depending upon INAER's operational requirements.

Additional launch customers for the EC145 T2 are three U.S.-based operators. Metro Aviation for five aircraft in EMS configuration; Leading Edge with one EC145 T2 for business aviation and Lewis Energy for one helicopter to be flown in oil and gas operations.

Eurocopter's EC145 T2 launch aircraft, showcased on the company's Heli-Expo 2011 booth, features the latest configuration for emergency medical services missions, and highlights the flexibility of the spacious cabin. The EMS interior was completed by Metro Aviation, which is based in Shreveport, Louisiana.

PR

Eurocopter further enhances the product line with evolution versions of four helicopters in its rotary-wing aircraft range

A comprehensive evolution of Eurocopter's helicopter product line was announced at the Heli-Expo 2011 exposition in Orlando, Florida, providing enhanced operating capabilities, improved mission effectiveness and increased efficiency across four families in the company's light, medium and heavy rotary-wing aircraft categories.

These enhanced helicopters result from Eurocopter's continuing major investments in innovation, and respond to the evolving needs of operators worldwide. They involve the AS350, EC135, AS365/AS565 and AS332 helicopters, and are in addition to Eurocopter's introduction of its new EC145 T2 – which was unveiled yesterday at Heli-Expo 2011.

"At Eurocopter, we are meeting our promise of investing in the future of helicopter flight, developing this comprehensive evolution of our product line to offer customers even better cost-effectiveness, mission capability, ease of operation and flight safety," said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling.

The first of Eurocopter's enhanced helicopters is making its debut on Eurocopter's Heli-Expo 2011 exhibit stand: the single-engine AS350 B3e. This updated version of the best-selling Ecureuil family has a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, along with a new-generation digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring.

As an additional option the aircraft can be operated at its maximum takeoff engine power rating for 30 minutes. This offers the opportunity to equip the AS350 B3e with engine filters for a protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without weight penalty. It incorporates tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting, and also features an improved interior design. Certification of the AS350 B3e is planned this summer, with deliveries to begin before year-end.

Eurocopter's EC135 T2e and P2e evolved versions of its popular EC135 twin-engine helicopter have an increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 2,950 kg., which offers a 40-kg gain in payload and allows an extra passenger to be carried with a load margin extension from its previous weight rating. Certification of the EC135 T2e/P2e is planned in mid 2011 – with the improvements to be integrated on all new production EC135s from mid-year, and offered for retrofit as well on in-service helicopters.

Enhancements for the AS365 N3e/AS565 MBe versions of Eurocopter's medium-weight Dauphin family respond to market requests for improved hot-and-high performance, along with new technologies and systems, on this twin-engine helicopter. Primary changes are the introduction of Arriel 2N engines with dual-channel FADEC, use of the main gearbox from Eurocopter's EC155 helicopter, the incorporation of a new Starflex rotor head, and the application of a reinforced main rotor mast. These upgrades provide a 15 percent increase in power for better performance, a significant payload gain, and reductions in maintenance and operating costs. Certification of the AS365 N3e is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2013, with deliveries targeted to begin in early 2014.

Improvements for the AS332L1e Super Puma are focused on the integration of Eurocopter's advanced cockpit and automatic flight control systems employed on its EC225/EC725 helicopter. This will offer enhanced flight envelope protection and increased safety levels, along with full compatibility for such new-generation mission equipment as forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensors, helicopter terrain awareness and warning systems (HTAWS), digital map units, and traffic alert and collision avoidance systems (TCAS).

Eurocopter

Se acerca Aerosport 2011, en Igualada

7 y 8 de mayo de 2011
Certamen de aeronáutica deportiva

Punto de referencia del sector aeronáutico deportivo, corporativo yi de servicios, con conferencias y presentaciones para conocer la realdad de este sector y sus expectativas.

Horarios: Sábado de 10 a 19 h. Domingo de 10 a 15 h


FICHA TÉCNICA AEROSPORT 2011
Edición:            19 ª.
Fecha:              mayo de 2011.
Periodicidad:       Anual
Horario público:    Sábado de 10 a 19 h
                    Domingo de 10 a 16 h
Ubicación:          Aeródromo Igualada - Òdena
Ámbito:             Estatal
Carácter:           Profesional - General
Precio de entrada:  Entrada libre
Oferta:             Material aeronáutico
Organización:       Fira d'Igualada
Organización técnica:Federación Aérea Catalana
                    Club vuelo a vela
                    Aeroclub Igualada Òdena
                    En convenio: Ayuntamiento de Igualada
                    Aeropuertos de Catalunya
                    Patrocinio: Generalitat de Catalunya
                    Diputación de Barcelona
                    Colaboración: Cámara de Comercio de
                    Barcelona
                    Consell Comarcal del Anoia
                    Ayuntamiento de Òdena
                    Aena
Actos paralelos:    Simulación de vuelo
                    Conferencias técnicas
Datos técnicos:     Expositores previstos: 50
                    Aviones visitantes: 300
                    Visitantes previstos: 8.000
                    Superficie total: 10.000 m2



Dosier, en PDF
http://www.firaigualada.org

EADS North America will not protest U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling tanker selection

rlington, Virginia, 04 March 2011

EADS North America announced today that it will not protest the U.S. Air Force’s selection of the Boeing offering in the competition to replace the service's aging fleet of KC-135 aerial refueling tankers.

The company expressed appreciation to the Air Force for running a competition consistent with the rules set out in its Request for Proposal.

“While we are obviously disappointed that our men and women in uniform are not getting the most capable tanker available, we will not take any action that could further delay the already overdue replacement of the Air Force’s aging tanker fleet,” said EADS North America Chairman Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. “The bid that we submitted was substantially lower than was submitted in the last competition. Our bid reflected a sound business case and offered a reasonable return to our shareholders.”

“We’re also proud that our involvement in the competition resulted in very significant savings to taxpayers,” Crosby said.

EADS North America’s analysis determined that the KC-X bid submitted by The Boeing Company was nearly $16 billion less for 179 aircraft compared to its original tanker lease offer to the Air Force in 2002, when normalized for escalation and differences in aircraft quantities and requirements.

“Much is promised by our competitor, whom we congratulate. However, should they fail to deliver, we stand ready to step in with a proven and operating tanker,” said Crosby.

The U.S. Air Force also confirmed that the EADS North America tanker was judged to be superior in capability to the Boeing offering as measured by the service’s fleet effectiveness rating.

”We’ve competed fiercely and demonstrated once again why we have earned a reputation with the Department of Defense for quality, dependability and professionalism,” said EADS North America CEO Sean O’Keefe. “Now our focus is on future opportunities and our continued growth. This experience has strengthened our position in the U.S. marketplace.”

“We will continue our dialog with the Department of Defense to strengthen our future competitiveness, while also applying relevant lessons learned to the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transports slated for delivery to four U.S. allies,” O’Keefe said.

EADS North America is prime contractor on the Coast Guard’s HC-144A Ocean Sentry maritime patrol aircraft, and the UH-72A Lakota helicopter for the Army and Navy. More than 150 Lakotas have been delivered from the company’s helicopter production center in Columbus, Miss., all on time and on budget.


EADS

Sukhoi Company adds to flight tests program the second PAK FA prototype

Moscow, March 3. Today the first flight of the 2nd prototype of the fifth generation aviation complex (PAK FA) took place in Komsomolsk - on - Amur. The plane was piloted by distinguished test pilot of the Russian Federation Sergey Bogdan. The aircraft spent in the air 44 minutes and landed on the factory airfield runway. The flight was successful, in full accordance with the flight plan. Stability of the aircraft test was conducted during the flight as well as evaluation of the power plant systems' performance. The aircraft proved itself well in all phases of the planned flight program.

Tests on the PAK FA program are in accordance with the approved program. Currently, a set of preliminary ground and flight operations has been completed involving all three prototypes, which underwent bench strength tests, ground tests of fuel systems and other work.

The first flight of the PAK FA took place on January 29, 2010 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Acceptance tests of the prototype were completed at the end of March 2010. On April 8, 2010 the first flight model of the fighter jet and a comprehensive ground stand for working out the equipment and systems to provide flight test program, were delivered to the flying test center of the Sukhoi Design Bureau in Zhukovsky near Moscow. Upon completion of the required volume of preliminary tests on the stands of systems and components, including static strength tests of the static prototype, ground tests of the aircraft stand and the flight model, on April 29, 2010 the aircraft had started flight tests in accordance with the preliminary tests program. The first flight model made 36 sorties in accordance with the flight tests program.

Compared to the previous generation fighters, the PAK FA features a number of unique capabilities, including the functions of a strike aircraft and fighter. The 5th generation aircraft is fitted with essentially new avionics integrating the function of "an electronic pilot" and with an advanced phased antenna array radar. This considerably reduces the pilot fatigue, enabling him to concentrate on performance of a tactical mission. The new aircraft's onboard equipment makes it possible to exchange information in the real time mode both with on-land control stations and with aviation group aircraft. The use of composite materials and innovative technologies, and the aerodynamic streamlining ensure unprecedented radar, optic and infrared stealthiness. This significantly enhances the operational capability against aerial and ground targets in all weathers, day and night.


Sukhoi

EADS to Open Research Facility at Russia’s Skolkovo Innovation Centre

Paris,  03 marzo 2011

Jean Botti, Chief Technical Officer of EADS, and Viktor Vekselberg, Executive President of the Skolkovo Foundation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on research collaboration. The agreement underlines the intention of EADS to participate in the Russia-based Skolkovo Innovation Centre, a high technology business hub to be built in the Moscow region. The MoU was signed on Wednesday in Paris. According to the MoU, EADS will establish a centre that will conduct research in the areas of: aerospace technology, including telecommunications and navigation; efficient energy technologies; information technology. The Centre will also collaborate with the Skolkovo Institute of Technology and other Russian scientific institutions in order to identify technologies and competences of mutual interest.

Jean Botti, EADS Chief Technical Officer, said "I am very pleased to sign this cooperation agreement with Skolkovo. Establishing relationships with esteemed groups like Skolkovo is part of EADS' long-term strategy to build a global integrated research capability to meet the demanding needs of our customers" Viktor Vekselberg, Executive President of the Skolkovo Foundation stated: "The partnership with EADS allows us to do a strategic outlook on the space technology cluster which is to be set up at Skolkovo. The Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will play a leading role in this project from the Russian side. In UAC's innovation programme projects for a joint research centre in Skolkovo are foreseen.

EADS also intends to investigate the possible participation in programmes to support the development of Russian start-up companies in relevant areas. Based on its long-standing experience, EADS intends to support development of educational programmes in technology of the "Skolkovo Institute of Technology" and also to provide advisory services to the Skolkovo Foundation in respect to establishing internal regulations, corporate solutions and governance, technical support, security and IP rights.

The EADS research centre will be a branch of the Russian Technology Office (RTO) which has been established in 2003 as a part of EADS Innovation Works to facilitate cooperation with the Russian research and development community. Since its opening, the RTO has already managed more than 100 cooperative research and technology programmes between EADS and Russian institutions with a focus on advanced engineering tools.

EADS Innovation Works is the corporate research network of EADS. It operates the corporate Research and Technology (R&T) laboratories that promote the Group's technical innovation potential with a focus on long-term research. EADS Innovation Works have two main sites in Munich and Paris and employ over 700 people including doctorates and university interns. Proximity centres are maintained in Getafe, Spain and Newport, U.K, Toulouse, Nantes and Hamburg to support the knowledge transfer to business units in these locations. EADS Innovation Works also operates R&T centres in Moscow, Singapore and Bengaluru, India.

PR

Airbus Military completes A400M full scale fatigue tests for EASA certification

Airbus Military has successfully completed the number of required simulated flight-cycles…


Airbus Military has successfully completed the number of required simulated flight-cycles on a full scale test airframe to achieve civil type certification of the A400M by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The test programme is required to simulate flights at least one year ahead of the actual operations performed by the aircraft. The test specimen at Dresden, known as MSN5001, has undergone 1,665 cycles, about five times the maximum number of flights expected to be recorded annually by each A400M in service, in order to give a large safety margin. By mid-2012, 25,000 simulated flights will be performed – equating to 2.5 times the A400M´s design-life.
PR

AAI Shadow(R) UAS Successfully Demonstrates Sense and Avoidance System

Hunt Valley, Md. – February 28, 2011 — AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that it has successfully completed an unmanned flight demonstration of a Small Sense and Avoid System (SSAASy) on a Shadow 200 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). AAI's Shadow system has established a reputation as a mature, capable system during more than 600,000 flight hours, the majority of which have taken place in Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Ground Maneuver Product Manager Lt. Col. Andrew Hamilton stated, "This was the first successful demonstration of technology that will enable an airborne Sense and Avoid System on Army platforms. Building on the success of the ground-based Sense and Avoid System, this successful demonstration represents the next step toward an integrated air and ground-based sense and avoid solution allowing unmanned flights in the National Airspace System."

The flight was conducted by AAI and SSAASy developer Defense Research Associates, Inc. (DRA) of Dayton, Ohio, under contract with the U.S. Army. Unique to this flight test was the participation of a manned aircraft provided by the U.S. Army. The Shadow aircraft flew an average altitude of 9,000 feet for more than two hours. The manned aircraft flew at 1,000 feet above and below the Shadow during the first flight test, and 500 feet above and below for the second.

The goals of SSAASy are to improve safety and training effectiveness with the ultimate objective of safely flying UAS in U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). The majority of current UAS flight time is overseas in military operations, however, flight crew training and development of UAS is conducted in the U.S. within restricted air space or under a Certificate of Authorization approved by the FAA.  

"The advantages of being able to safely conduct UAS training operations in NAS are   significant," said AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems Senior Vice President and General Manager Steven Reid.  "The limited training time available in and location of, restricted air space hinders training of flight crews.  Achieving a reliable UAS sense and avoidance system removes these limitations while enabling the FAA to safely allow unmanned aircraft in the NAS.  Beyond the military, there is also growing demand for UAS operations in law enforcement, border patrol and homeland security."

The U.S. Air Force and DRA began developing an Electro-Optical Sense and Avoid System in 2001, and created the SSAASy program in 2007 as a technology transition initiative from the U.S. Air Force to the U.S. Army. This effort to miniaturize the existing Electro-Optical Sense and Avoid System has been supported by the Office of the Secretary of Defense Office of Technology Transition, U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, U.S. Army Shadow Program Office and DRA since its initiation.


Press Release

Bell Boeing-built V-22 Osprey Fleet Surpasses 100,000 Flight Hours

MV-22 Osprey is safest Marine Corps rotorcraft over past 10 years

PATUXENT RIVER, Md., March 2, 2011 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Bell Helicopter today applauded the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275) announcement that the Bell Boeing-built V-22 Osprey fleet has surpassed 100,000 flight hours. The milestone arrived on Feb. 10 during a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey combat mission in Afghanistan. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264, currently operating out of Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, was identified as the squadron that eclipsed the 100,000-hour mark.

“The entire Bell Boeing tiltrotor team congratulates our Marine Corps and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) customers on achieving 100,000 flight hours, and counting,” said John Rader, executive director of the Bell Boeing V-22 Program. “The performance of the aircraft in combat and humanitarian missions has been truly remarkable. We continue to take great pride in providing our customers with this revolutionary capability.”

Marine Corps MV-22 and AFSOC CV-22 Ospreys amassed the flight hours while performing combat, humanitarian, training, and test and evaluation missions on land and at sea. Almost half of the total hours were flown during the past two years. This milestone marks the latest major achievement for a program that has seen 14 successful combat and humanitarian deployments since the Osprey was first declared operational in 2007.

“The V-22 is proven and forward-deployed, supporting combat operations and responding to contingency operations around the world,” said Marine Corps Col. Greg Masiello, head of the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275) at NAVAIR. “The Osprey brings unprecedented range, speed and survivability to the warfighter and will continue to excel in combat and remain ready, effective and survivable.”

According to Naval Safety Center records, the MV-22 has had the lowest Class A mishap rate of any rotorcraft in the Marine Corps during the past decade. The aircraft’s reduced susceptibility, lower vulnerability and advanced crashworthiness have made it the most survivable military rotorcraft ever introduced. Fiscal Year 2010 Navy flight-hour cost data also show that the Osprey has the lowest cost per seat-mile (cost to transport one person over a distance of one mile) of any U.S. Navy transport rotorcraft.

“At 100,000 flight hours, safety, survivability and mission efficiency have become hallmarks of the operational fleet,” said Mitch Snyder, deputy program director for the Bell Boeing V-22 Program.

The V-22 Osprey is a joint service, multirole combat aircraft using tiltrotor technology to combine the vertical performance of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. With its nacelles and rotors in vertical position, it can take off, land and hover like a helicopter. Once airborne, its nacelles can be rotated to transition the aircraft to a turboprop airplane capable of high-speed, high-altitude flight.

The tiltrotor aircraft is manufactured under a 50-50 strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. [NYSE: TXT] company, and Boeing. The current V-22 Osprey program of record calls for 360 aircraft for the Marine Corps, 50 for AFSOC, and 48 for the Navy.

More than 130 Osprey tiltrotors are currently in operation. Marine Corps MV-22s are currently deployed in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit supporting contingency operations, while AFSOC CV-22s are preparing to deploy once again in support of ongoing Special Operations missions.

Boeing

Boeing Leaders to Address Bio-Fuels, Growth, Emerging Issues at Asian Aerospace 2011

HONG KONG, Mar. 2, 2011 – Experts from Boeing [NYSE: BA], the world's largest aerospace company, will present key trends at Asian Aerospace 2011 and discuss their implications for commercial aviation. Asian Aerospace takes place March 8-10, at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong.
Boeing also will provide the latest information about its commercial business, including updates on recent improvements to its existing family of airplanes and the company’s single- and twin-aisle development programs.

Boeing executives will speak at conference sessions that address sustainable aviation bio-fuels and explore developments in the cargo sector. The company also will conduct a media briefing to share the company’s market outlook for the next 20 years. All Boeing speakers and executives will be available for exclusive interviews prior to and during Asian Aerospace 2011 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Asia continues to be a growth region for Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) which now has airplanes certified and available for charter in both Hong Kong and mainland China. Media are invited to tour a BBJ, managed by Hong Kong based Metrojet, on static display March 8 and 9 at the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre (HKBAC). Transportation will be provided from AsiaWorld Expo to HKBAC during show business hours, 10:00am – 4:00pm, by Asian Aerospace organizers.
"Asian Aerospace is a great venue for Boeing to work with Asian customers, partners and suppliers, to share ideas and identify opportunities in technologies, products and services that present the best value,” said Rob Laird, vice president of Sales for India, East and South Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Asia leads the world in terms of growth and the return to profitability. Boeing’s strategy is to provide the right mix of products and services that enable our customers provide a great customer experience, generate more revenue and reduce operating expenses.”

With the commercial aviation sector growing ever more conscious of environmental issues, Al Bryant, vice president of Boeing Research and Technology, plans to share Boeing’s experience in promoting the development of sustainable aviation biofuels. The presentation will take place during “The Future of Aviation-Emerging Issues & Solutions” conference as part of the Asian Aerospace Congress.

Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing, and Jim Edgar, regional director, Cargo Marketing, both of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, will provide a commercial airplane and air cargo market update for media, with a focus on the Asia Pacific region. In addition to providing the company’s market projections for the next 20 years, the media briefing also will include product updates.

Edgar also will participate on a panel at the “Air Freight Asia Conference” on the growth of the air cargo industry in countries neighboring China. The full list of Boeing Commercial Airplanes speakers is noted below:
(Note: All times listed below are local to Hong Kong)

Tuesday, March 8
11:30 a.m Media Briefing – Market Update
Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes will present Boeing’s 20-year market outlook of the commercial aviation market in Conference Room 105.

Wednesday, March 9
10 a.m. Boeing panel discussion participation – Air Freight Asia Conference
Jim Edgar, regional director, Cargo Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes will participate as a panelist on the growth of the air cargo industry in countries neighboring China in Function Room 109.

2:40 p.m. Boeing presentation – Asian Aerospace 2011Congress
Al Bryant, vice president of Boeing Research and Technology will share Boeing’s expertise on the development of sustainable aviation biofuels during “The Future of Aviation-Emerging Issues & Solutions” conference in Pearl Room, Hall 11.


Boeing

EADS CASA Selects AdaCore Toolset for nEUROn Unmanned Aircraft

"The nEUROn is a flagship project for the European defense industry, acting as a testbed for future techniques and technologies"



NEW YORK & PARIS & NUREMBURG, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AdaCore, provider of tools and expertise for mission-critical, safety-critical, and security-critical software development, today announced that EADS CASA is using the GNAT Pro High-Integrity Edition to implement the data exchange and air-to-ground data links systems for the nEUROn Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator. The GNAT Pro High-Integrity Edition, which encompasses AdaCore's development environment and accompanying support services, helps develop Ada systems that need to achieve the highest levels of safety and/or security certification. EADS CASA selected AdaCore and GNAT Pro based on the Ada programming language's suitability for developing critical systems and AdaCore's previous experience with high-integrity projects, including the Eurofighter, MRTT, Airbus A400M, and Barracuda projects.

"Software development is central to the success of our role on the nEUROn project," said F. Mijares, EADS-CASA nEUROn Chief Engineer. "AdaCore, GNAT Pro, and its integrated support services provide an ideal environment to produce these high-integrity systems. AdaCore's ability to bring innovation to its toolset and to stay at the forefront of the Ada language evolution and implementation, as well as our existing experience working together, made AdaCore the natural choice for this strategic project."

The delta wing nEUROn UCAV project began in 2006 and is a technology demonstrator for future European combat aircraft. It is one of the largest and most advanced unmanned air vehicles in the world, with a similar airframe size to that of some of the existing fighter aircrafts. Led by Dassault Aviation of France, the nEUROn project is a pan-European co-operation among EADS CASA (Spain), HAI (Greece), Saab (Sweden), RUAG (Switzerland), Alenia Aeronautica (Italy), and Thales (France). Test flights will take place in France, Sweden and Italy. The maiden flight is scheduled for mid-2012.

EADS CASA, which began software development planning at the end of 2007, is responsible for the nEUROn wing, ground control, and data link segments of the project. The company selected AdaCore and the GNAT Pro High Integrity Edition for DO-178B to develop the critical ground stations software and the data link management software, which will run on the Wind River VxWorks 653 Platform. The finished project will create over 500,000 lines of code.

With the GNAT Pro High-Integrity Edition for DO-178B, the EADS CASA development team benefits from a complete toolsuite that simplifies compliance with the various certification levels of the DO-178B avionics standard on the same hardware. This includes code standard verification (GNATcheck), static stack size analysis (GNATstack), and a choice of several certifiable Ada run-time libraries. Smooth and industry-proven integration with Wind River's Workbench platform means an environment oriented towards the needs of the safety-critical industry, whether the application is developed in Ada 83, Ada 95, Ada 2005, or a combination of Ada, C or C++.

"The nEUROn is a flagship project for the European defense industry, acting as a testbed for future techniques and technologies," said Michaël Friess, Sales and Business Development Manager, AdaCore. "EADS CASA's use of GNAT Pro demonstrates the product's importance to the marketplace, particularly for projects that combine multiple safety levels within the same system."

About AdaCore

Founded in 1994, AdaCore is the leading provider of commercial software solutions for Ada, a state-of-the-art programming language designed for large, long-lived applications where safety, security, and reliability are critical. AdaCore's flagship product is the GNAT Pro development environment, which comes with expert on-line support and is available on more platforms than any other Ada technology. AdaCore has an extensive world-wide customer base; see http://www.adacore.com/home/company/customers/ for further information.

Ada and GNAT Pro continue to see a growing usage in high-integrity and safety-certified applications, including commercial aircraft avionics, military systems, air traffic management/control, railroad systems, and medical devices, and in security-sensitive domains such as financial services.

AdaCore has North American headquarters in New York and European headquarters in Paris. www.adacore.com



Press Release

Cirrus Industries and China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) announced CAIGA would acquire Cirrus.

Duluth, Minnesota and Zhuhai, China -- Monday, February 28, 2011 -- Cirrus Industries, Inc. (Cirrus), a recognized leader in general aviation, and China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which CAIGA would acquire Cirrus.

Known for incorporating luxury automotive ergonomics, pilot-friendly avionics and advanced safety features into its high performance airplanes, Cirrus has delivered nearly 5,000 new piston airplanes over the last decade.  For nine years in a row, the Cirrus SR22 family of aircraft has been the best-selling four-place airplane in the world. Cirrus pioneered the use of the FAA-certified Cirrus Airframe Parachute SystemTM that is standard equipment on all Cirrus aircraft.  

Brent Wouters, Cirrus's President and Chief Executive Officer, commenting on the transaction, noted that "This transaction will have a positive impact on our business and our customers because we share a common vision with CAIGA to grow our general aviation enterprise worldwide.  CAIGA brings new resources that will allow us to expedite our aircraft development programs and accelerate our global expansion."  Mr. Wouters further noted the positive impact on jobs and job growth stating that "CAIGA understands the strength and the talent of Cirrus's workforce and the prominence of the Cirrus brand in general aviation.  Through this transaction, CAIGA will invest in our employees in both Minnesota and North Dakota by committing to the continued use of our world-class production facilities."

CAIGA is a world-class provider of general aircraft products and related services headquartered in Zhuhai in the Guangdong Province of China.  Meng Xiangkai, CAIGA's President, stated, "CAIGA is dedicated to being an international leader in the provision of general aviation products and services, and light piston aircraft is one of CAIGA's business focuses.  We are very optimistic to begin our partnership with Cirrus and add Cirrus's strong brand as the cornerstone in our aviation product portfolio.  We are deeply impressed with Cirrus's performance in the global general aviation industry, especially with its consistent product performance, comprehensive safety features, outstanding management team, highly skilled employee base and advanced production facilities as well as its expanding global footprint.  We look forward to working with Cirrus's management team to build upon Cirrus's proven success and to further expand production volume in order to cement Cirrus's existing leadership position in the global general aviation industry, as well as to produce greater job opportunities in Duluth and Grand Forks."

Commenting on the transaction with CAIGA, Cirrus's Chairman and Co-Founder Dale Klapmeier expressed the same optimism about the future noting that "On behalf of everyone at Cirrus, we are thrilled to make this announcement.  With this transaction, Cirrus will continue to develop and build the best, most exciting aircraft in the world.  The original dream remains alive and well at Cirrus.  We are just embarking on our next chapter on a global stage."

The transaction is expected to close around mid-2011.  The acquisition of Cirrus by CAIGA is subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and by the U.S. Government's Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), as well as obtaining all relevant Chinese Government Approvals.

VRA Partners, LLC acted as financial advisor and King & Spalding LLP acted as legal advisor to Cirrus in relation to this transaction.  Citigroup Global Markets Limited and CITIC Securities acted as joint financial advisors to CAIGA in relation to this transaction.  Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP acted as legal advisor and Ernst & Young LLP acted as accounting and tax advisor to CAIGA.

About Cirrus

Cirrus, a member of the global portfolio of Arcapita companies, is a recognized leader in general aviation.  The all-composite line of personal aircraft — SR20, SR22 and turbocharged SR22T — incorporate innovative and advanced performance, electronic and safety technologies, including Cirrus Perspective™ by Garmin® avionics and the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS).  Through 2010, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed 4.3 million flight hours with more than 48 lives saved to date as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Aircraft Vision Jet, with nearly 500 production positions reserved, will provide a new personal and regional business transportation solution - the 'personal jet'.  All Cirrus aircraft are made in the USA with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world.  For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.

About CAIGA

Headquartered in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province in China, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) is a leading solution provider in the general aviation industry of China. As a company with diversified shareholders, CAIGA controls 4 listed companies in China and the total revenue in 2010 reached US$2.9bn. Its main businesses include the R&D and manufacturing of light piston aircraft, turboprop aircraft, jet, amphibious aircraft as well as their parts & components. It also provides services including general aviation operations, pilot training and aviation clubs.

Cirrus