Milestone deal takes the A320 Family to over 7,000 firm orders
Blagnac, 27 April 2011
ILFC has signed a firm contract for the purchase of 100 A320neo Family aircraft. This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the deal which was announced on March 8th 2011. ILFC confirms its selection of Pratt & Whitney engines for powering at least 60 of the aircraft. The agreement between Airbus and ILFC provides for model flexibility which initially includes both A320neo and A321neo types.
The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. This will represent some 3,600 tonnes less CO2 per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise, thus being a good neighbour at any airport where airlines will operate the aircraft.
"The new A320neo aircraft will allow ILFC to offer a single-aisle aircraft that provides significant reduction in fuel consumption," ILFC Chief Executive Officer Henri Courpron stated. "We have already seen significant market interest and are looking forward to seeing the aircraft enter service with our first customers from 2015."
"We are fully commited to providing our customers with the latest in fuel saving technologies as soon as they become available," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "ILFC is the first major lessor to order the A320neo and these early delivery positions will help secure its leading position in a very competitive single-aisle market."
The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. The aircraft feature the latest technology available today, the widest and most comfortable cabin, and the highest degree of operational commonality. With 99.7 per cent reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has also the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft today.
With this latest contract, the A320 Family has now exceeded 7,000 firm orders, reaffirming its position as the world's best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. Furthermore, to date over 4,600 have been delivered to over 330 customers and operators worldwide.
The A320neo will have over 95 percent airframe commonality with the existing models of the A320 Family making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload. Engines offered on the A320neo are CFM International's LEAP-X and Pratt & Whitney's PurePower PW1100G. Airbus has received a total of 332 orders and commitments for A320neo Family aircraft.
PR
miércoles, 27 de abril de 2011
martes, 26 de abril de 2011
Entrevistamos al RRPP de Dedalus Aircraft distribuidor oficial en España de Tecnam
Todo ha empezado con una conversación en Twitter, desde mi cuenta personal (@JoseM_SGP -ya sabéis que estoy también en @NoticiasAero y en @RBFpodcast) y la gente de @TecnamSpain . Sin embargo las respuestas eran demasiado largas para solo 140 caracteres, así que a través de Aeropress Agencia de Comunicación hemos podido entrevistar al RRPP de Dedalus Aircraft, el distribuidor en España de Tecnam.
Las preguntas planteadas en negro son las que he realizado, en azul la respuesta de Dedalus. Esperamos que disfrutéis de la entrevista tanto como nosotros haciéndola:
Las preguntas planteadas en negro son las que he realizado, en azul la respuesta de Dedalus. Esperamos que disfrutéis de la entrevista tanto como nosotros haciéndola:
Por un lado preguntaba [en Twitter] sobre el uso de fibra de carbono en los aviones de Tecnam. Hasta donde yo se ahora es construccion mixta, aluminio y fibra. Mientras que la tendencia aparente de la aviación es a usar fibra. ¿Para cuando un avión ultraligero en fibra? Y si no se plantea hacer, ¿por qué?. Y respecto a la fibra de carbono, os pregunto por métodos de fabricación que usa Tecnam. Hay muchos, el más antiguo es el de apilado manual. Pero ahora hay otros más modernos, como RTM, ATL, Fiber Placement... ¿cuál usa Tecnam en sus piezas de fibra?
Tradicionalmente Tecnam ha construido siempre aviones en aluminio. Ante la tendencia del mercado hacia la fabricación de aviones en materiales compuestos, Tecnam ha respondido con cautela. Dado que su principal conocimiento es el aluminio, Tecnam consideró ir avanzando con paso firme pero sin prisas. Como dicen los italianos "…piano, piano, va lontano". Seguramente, en el futuro veremos un avión Tecnam realizado en fibra. Cuándo, es una incógnita todavía. El proceso que utilizan en Tecnam es el de laminado en húmedo, con telas de fibra de vidrio y carbono de diferentes espesores, tanto unidireccional como bi-direccional. La cocción se realiza en hornos que trabajan con baja temperatura (60ºC durante unas 3-4 horas) y con vacío. No se utiliza autoclave. Podría utilizarse un auto clave y técnicas de pre-impregnado pero aumentaría el coste de cada aparato.
Por otro lado preguntaba [también en Twitter] por el motor. Hasta ahora Tecnam parecía fiel a Rotax, usando este motor en todos los aviones (al menos los que conozco de memoria). Sin embargo en el último P92 presentado se pasa a Lycoming, motor que da casi la misma potencia que el Rotax, pero pesa más. También funciona a un número de vueltas inferior (el Rotax 912 de la Tecnam de 100Cv hace el crucero a unas 4000-4500rpm mientras que el Lycoming era a unas 2300rpm). ¿por qué este cambio? Creo que me decíais que por la normativa VLA o LSA. Pero, por qué cambiar por esa normativa? ¿por motivos de certificación del motor?
Tecnam sigue fiel a Rotax. Dada la importancia del mercado norteamericano, Rotax responde a la demanda de sus clientes, instalando una planta motriz muy conocida, pero con la diferencia que esta nueva versión de Lycoming admite gasolina 95 sin plomo. Efectivamente el motor pesa más, pero como el MTOW de la LSA es 600 kg (1320 lb), no es tan sensible como la normativa de ULM en España. Cuando salga a la luz la nueva categoría de aeronaves ligeras en Europa (EASA CS-LSA), con el mismo MTOW que la LSA, los clientes podrán elegir entre las dos plantas motrices. No hay que olvidar que el Lycoming ofrece 15 HP más que el Rotax, y para aquellos usuarios que operen en campos con mayor altitud de densidad serán bien recibidos. No obstante, la versión con Rotax sigue vigente, y hasta la fecha los Tecnam certificados como ULM en España lo están con este motor.
Y creo que la última pregunta [que hice en twitter] era la del ala. Pregunté el motivo de seguir usando un ala alta arriostrada. La estructura de la P92 viene a ser tubular en la parte de la cabina, y semimonocasco de la cabina hacia atrás. El ala se engancha al fuselaje en dos puntos, uno en la parte superior de la cabina. El otro mediante una riostra, a la parte inferior. La respuesta [que me dieron en Twitter] fue que era por motivos de peso. Sin embargo se puede hacer un cambio en la forma de sujetar el ala a la estructura, parecida a la de los veleros, usando un larguero que atraviese el fuselaje por la parte superior de la cabeza. Con lo cual, no creo que hubiera demasiado aumento de peso. Podría haber una reducción del espacio interior de la cabina, pero creo que podría solventarse o bien reclinando la posición de los asientos 1 poco más o bien elevando algo la posición del ala. Esto también produciría un aumento de la superficie frontal del avión, y habría que valorar si ese aumento de superficie frontal (y por tanto de resistencia aerodinamica del fuselaje) compensa, tendiendo en cuenta que la eliminación de las riostras también trae consigo una reduccion considerable de la resistencia aerodinámica. Así que persiste mi duda... ¿Por qué ala alta arriostrada en lugar de ala alta en voladizo -también llamada cantilever-?
Tecnam ya fabricó el modelo P2004 Bravo con ala cantiléver. Basicamente era el fuselaje de un P92 con el ala de un Sierra. El peso era significativamente más elevado para el mercado ULM y se vendieron pocas unidades, y sólo como construcción amateur. En USA, hay más unidades volando porque su MTOW es mayor.
Esta pregunta es nueva, no la planteé en Twitter. Tras instalarse en España en Villanueva del Gállego, en las instalaciones de CAG, ¿por qué se desechó continuar con su avión CAG Toxo como producto propio?
Basicamente porque Tecnam tenía sus propios diseños, y con ello ya suficiente carga de trabajo. No obstante, el Toxo era más complejo de fabricar en serie debido a su mayor complejidad de diseño.
Endeavour to deliver Astrium-built HD camera system to the ISS
Endeavour to deliver Astrium-built HD camera system to the ISS
Bremen, 26 April 2011
On what will probably be its last flight, and the penultimate shuttle mission, the U.S. space shuttle Endeavour, scheduled for launch on April 29, 2011, will transport a new HD video camera to the International Space Station (ISS). The first full HD video camera designed and built by Astrium, Europe's leading space company, for the ISS on behalf of ESA, was delivered in the record time of eight months. At the end of 2010, a fully qualified and tested prototype of the High Definition Video Camera Assembly (HD-VCA), including the interface unit, was delivered by ESA/Astrium to NASA for upload with this so called mission ULF-6 56 (Utilization and Logistics Flight). The camera has a design life of ten years and is intended to replace one of the existing system cameras on board the Columbus module.
There are a multitude of possible uses for high-quality moving images from on board the ISS that remain crisp and sharp even on large displays or projection screens. They can provide doctors with high-resolution documentation for detailed case histories or can serve as a precision tool for specialists who need to analyse in-orbit hardware and processes when providing technical ground support. Moreover it gives the general public on Earth genuine insights into events in orbit. The product also has potential for commercial exploitation: the HD camera could in future be set up to film through a window while the astronauts are asleep, enabling it to transmit live images of Earth back to the ground station.
To achieve the very short time to orbit for the HD-VCA project, Astrium processed multiple aspects of each phase in parallel, from development through to testing, qualification, and the work on prototype devices. Close cooperation was maintained with ESA throughout. The specifications for the HD video camera for the ISS included employing as many off-the-shelf components as possible, while at the same time limiting or preferably avoiding the risks associated with the use of such components in space. Astrium's solution was the HD-VCA Box which fits underneath the actual HD camcorder. It serves as an interface enabling the HD camera to operate on power supplied by the Columbus laboratory's on-board network, and also converts the data recorded by the HD camera into a format that the systems on-board Columbus can read, process and downlink.
Technical data of the HD-VCA project:
Camera:
Type: Canon XH G1s
Resolution: full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels, 25 fps), 3CCD sensor system
Audio: 2 channels, MPEG1 Audio Layer II, sampling frequency: 48 kHz, bit rate: 384 kbps
Lens system: 20x zoom, f=4.5 90mm, f/1.6-3.5
Bitrate: approx. 27 Mbit/s (MPEG2)
HD-VCA Box (developed by Astrium):
Compatible with existing interfaces available on Columbus, with IEEE1394/FireWire digital interface for connections to industry-standard equipment and an analogue NTSC video interface
About Astrium
Astrium is the number one company in Europe for space technologies and a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services.
In 2010, Astrium had a turnover of €5 billion and more than 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and Astrium Services for comprehensive end-to-end solutions covering secure and commercial satcoms and networks, high security satellite communications equipment, bespoke geo-information and navigation services worldwide.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2010, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 45.8 billion and employed a workforce of nearly 122,000.
PR
Bremen, 26 April 2011
- Astrium developed and delivered HD video camera assembly for the Columbus module in record time
- Live images from space in full HD will improve medical documentation and facilitate operation and maintenance of the space station
On what will probably be its last flight, and the penultimate shuttle mission, the U.S. space shuttle Endeavour, scheduled for launch on April 29, 2011, will transport a new HD video camera to the International Space Station (ISS). The first full HD video camera designed and built by Astrium, Europe's leading space company, for the ISS on behalf of ESA, was delivered in the record time of eight months. At the end of 2010, a fully qualified and tested prototype of the High Definition Video Camera Assembly (HD-VCA), including the interface unit, was delivered by ESA/Astrium to NASA for upload with this so called mission ULF-6 56 (Utilization and Logistics Flight). The camera has a design life of ten years and is intended to replace one of the existing system cameras on board the Columbus module.
There are a multitude of possible uses for high-quality moving images from on board the ISS that remain crisp and sharp even on large displays or projection screens. They can provide doctors with high-resolution documentation for detailed case histories or can serve as a precision tool for specialists who need to analyse in-orbit hardware and processes when providing technical ground support. Moreover it gives the general public on Earth genuine insights into events in orbit. The product also has potential for commercial exploitation: the HD camera could in future be set up to film through a window while the astronauts are asleep, enabling it to transmit live images of Earth back to the ground station.
To achieve the very short time to orbit for the HD-VCA project, Astrium processed multiple aspects of each phase in parallel, from development through to testing, qualification, and the work on prototype devices. Close cooperation was maintained with ESA throughout. The specifications for the HD video camera for the ISS included employing as many off-the-shelf components as possible, while at the same time limiting or preferably avoiding the risks associated with the use of such components in space. Astrium's solution was the HD-VCA Box which fits underneath the actual HD camcorder. It serves as an interface enabling the HD camera to operate on power supplied by the Columbus laboratory's on-board network, and also converts the data recorded by the HD camera into a format that the systems on-board Columbus can read, process and downlink.
Technical data of the HD-VCA project:
Camera:
Type: Canon XH G1s
Resolution: full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels, 25 fps), 3CCD sensor system
Audio: 2 channels, MPEG1 Audio Layer II, sampling frequency: 48 kHz, bit rate: 384 kbps
Lens system: 20x zoom, f=4.5 90mm, f/1.6-3.5
Bitrate: approx. 27 Mbit/s (MPEG2)
HD-VCA Box (developed by Astrium):
Compatible with existing interfaces available on Columbus, with IEEE1394/FireWire digital interface for connections to industry-standard equipment and an analogue NTSC video interface
About Astrium
Astrium is the number one company in Europe for space technologies and a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services.
In 2010, Astrium had a turnover of €5 billion and more than 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and Astrium Services for comprehensive end-to-end solutions covering secure and commercial satcoms and networks, high security satellite communications equipment, bespoke geo-information and navigation services worldwide.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2010, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 45.8 billion and employed a workforce of nearly 122,000.
PR
Airbus A380 makes its debut visit at MAKS Russian airshow
Flagship of the 21th century to perform flying displays at MAKS
Blagnac, 26 April 2011
The A380, the most advanced and modern passenger aircraft, will participate for the first time at the international aviation and space salon MAKS, to be held from August 16th to 21st in Zhukovsky, Moscow region. Airbus flight test aircraft, MSN 004, will be present at the static display and take part in the flying displays every day during the show.
"The debut of the A380, the largest and most efficient airliner available today, will mark the 10th anniversary of MAKS airshow, Russia's number one aeronautical event. Russian engineers and aviation industry suppliers participated in the development of the double-deck-aircraft and today also produce essential component parts. We are delighted to celebrate the premiere of the A380 at MAKS, together with the hundreds of thousands visitors to be expected," said Chris Buckley, Executive Vice President, Europe, Asia and Pacific.
Powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, MSN 004 is used in the ongoing A380 flight test program and thus equipped with sophisticated test instrumentation. The aircraft is currently testing latest product developments and the integration of new innovative equipment. It is also used for airlines' pilot training.
The A380 is setting new standards for air transport by offering unequalled levels of passenger comfort, space and quietness in the cabin, as well as unmatched levels of operating costs and fuel efficiency. With a range of 8,300 nm / 15,200 km, it can seat 525 passengers in a three-class layout. The A380 not only complies with today's noise limits, it is also significantly quieter than any other large aircraft flying today.
Total orders for the aircraft stand at 244 from 19 customers. Today, 46 A380s have been delivered to five airlines (Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, Air France and Lufthansa). The A380 fleet has achieved more than 30,000 commercial flights and accumulated over a quarter of million revenue flight hours and transported over 12 million passengers, serving some 20 airports.
PR
Blagnac, 26 April 2011
The A380, the most advanced and modern passenger aircraft, will participate for the first time at the international aviation and space salon MAKS, to be held from August 16th to 21st in Zhukovsky, Moscow region. Airbus flight test aircraft, MSN 004, will be present at the static display and take part in the flying displays every day during the show.
"The debut of the A380, the largest and most efficient airliner available today, will mark the 10th anniversary of MAKS airshow, Russia's number one aeronautical event. Russian engineers and aviation industry suppliers participated in the development of the double-deck-aircraft and today also produce essential component parts. We are delighted to celebrate the premiere of the A380 at MAKS, together with the hundreds of thousands visitors to be expected," said Chris Buckley, Executive Vice President, Europe, Asia and Pacific.
Powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, MSN 004 is used in the ongoing A380 flight test program and thus equipped with sophisticated test instrumentation. The aircraft is currently testing latest product developments and the integration of new innovative equipment. It is also used for airlines' pilot training.
The A380 is setting new standards for air transport by offering unequalled levels of passenger comfort, space and quietness in the cabin, as well as unmatched levels of operating costs and fuel efficiency. With a range of 8,300 nm / 15,200 km, it can seat 525 passengers in a three-class layout. The A380 not only complies with today's noise limits, it is also significantly quieter than any other large aircraft flying today.
Total orders for the aircraft stand at 244 from 19 customers. Today, 46 A380s have been delivered to five airlines (Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, Air France and Lufthansa). The A380 fleet has achieved more than 30,000 commercial flights and accumulated over a quarter of million revenue flight hours and transported over 12 million passengers, serving some 20 airports.
PR
lunes, 25 de abril de 2011
Chicken Fat Fuel Emissions Look Cleaner, Greener
NASA recently performed emissions testing on alternative, renewable fuels for a greener and less petroleum-dependent future. The search for alternative fuels is driven by environmental concerns as well as a desire for reduced reliance on foreign sources.
"Renewable" means that the fuel source isn't some form of fossil fuel. The source could be algae, a plant such as jatropha, or even rendered animal fat. In late March and early April 2011, a team at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in California tested renewable biofuel made from chicken and beef tallow in one of the four engines of a DC-8 airplane.
The airplane remained on the ground during the test, known as the Alternative Aviation Fuels Experiment, or AAFEX, while aeronautics researchers measured the fuel's performance in the engines and examined the engine exhaust for chemicals and contamination that could contribute to air pollution. It was the first test ever to measure biofuel emissions for nitrogen oxides, commonly known as NOx, and tiny particles of soot or unburned hydrocarbon - both of which can degrade air quality in communities with airports. NOx contributes to smog and particulate matter contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.
"The test results seem to support the idea that biofuels for jet engines are indeed cleaner-burning, and release fewer pollutants into the air. That benefits us all," said Ruben Del Rosario of NASA's Glenn Research Center in Ohio. Del Rosario manages NASA's Subsonic Fixed Wing Project, which sponsored the experiment through the agency's Fundamental Aeronautics Program.
The team ran one engine using Hydrotreated Renewable Jet Fuel, or HRJ, and another engine using Jet Propellant 8, or JP-8, fuel, which is very similar to the industry standard Jet-A fuel used in commercial aircraft. They also ran one engine using a 50-50 blend of the two fuels.
The experiment's chief scientist, Bruce Anderson of NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia, said that in the engine that burned the biofuel, black carbon emissions were 90 percent less at idle and almost 60 percent less at takeoff thrust. Anderson added that the biofuel also produced much lower sulfate, organic aerosol, and hazardous emissions than the standard jet fuel. Researchers will spend the next several months comparing the results and drawing conclusions.
The recent test came a little more than two years after the same team used the same airplane to test two synthetic, or man-made, fuels derived from coal and natural gas. Researchers found that the synthetic fuels significantly reduced particulate emissions at all engine power settings and also saw some smaller reductions in gaseous emissions at certain engine operating conditions.
"NASA Dryden was excited to contribute to the study of alternative fuels for aviation use," said Frank Cutler, NASA's DC-8 flying laboratory project manager. "The results of these tests will tell us a lot about emissions generated by modern turbine aircraft engines using these fuels," Cutler said.
The test setup involved positioning the DC-8 at Dryden's Aircraft Operations Facility in Palmdale, Calif., surrounded by ground support equipment, emissions sensors, and test equipment trailers to house the researchers and observers.
The AAFEX tests in 2009 and this year were funded through NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate in Washington.
The experiments included investigators and consultants from private industry, other federal organizations, and academia. In all, 17 government, industry and academic organizations participated in the recent test.
View DC-8 Image Gallery
NASA Press Release
"Renewable" means that the fuel source isn't some form of fossil fuel. The source could be algae, a plant such as jatropha, or even rendered animal fat. In late March and early April 2011, a team at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in California tested renewable biofuel made from chicken and beef tallow in one of the four engines of a DC-8 airplane.
The airplane remained on the ground during the test, known as the Alternative Aviation Fuels Experiment, or AAFEX, while aeronautics researchers measured the fuel's performance in the engines and examined the engine exhaust for chemicals and contamination that could contribute to air pollution. It was the first test ever to measure biofuel emissions for nitrogen oxides, commonly known as NOx, and tiny particles of soot or unburned hydrocarbon - both of which can degrade air quality in communities with airports. NOx contributes to smog and particulate matter contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.
"The test results seem to support the idea that biofuels for jet engines are indeed cleaner-burning, and release fewer pollutants into the air. That benefits us all," said Ruben Del Rosario of NASA's Glenn Research Center in Ohio. Del Rosario manages NASA's Subsonic Fixed Wing Project, which sponsored the experiment through the agency's Fundamental Aeronautics Program.
The team ran one engine using Hydrotreated Renewable Jet Fuel, or HRJ, and another engine using Jet Propellant 8, or JP-8, fuel, which is very similar to the industry standard Jet-A fuel used in commercial aircraft. They also ran one engine using a 50-50 blend of the two fuels.
The experiment's chief scientist, Bruce Anderson of NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia, said that in the engine that burned the biofuel, black carbon emissions were 90 percent less at idle and almost 60 percent less at takeoff thrust. Anderson added that the biofuel also produced much lower sulfate, organic aerosol, and hazardous emissions than the standard jet fuel. Researchers will spend the next several months comparing the results and drawing conclusions.
The recent test came a little more than two years after the same team used the same airplane to test two synthetic, or man-made, fuels derived from coal and natural gas. Researchers found that the synthetic fuels significantly reduced particulate emissions at all engine power settings and also saw some smaller reductions in gaseous emissions at certain engine operating conditions.
"NASA Dryden was excited to contribute to the study of alternative fuels for aviation use," said Frank Cutler, NASA's DC-8 flying laboratory project manager. "The results of these tests will tell us a lot about emissions generated by modern turbine aircraft engines using these fuels," Cutler said.
The test setup involved positioning the DC-8 at Dryden's Aircraft Operations Facility in Palmdale, Calif., surrounded by ground support equipment, emissions sensors, and test equipment trailers to house the researchers and observers.
The AAFEX tests in 2009 and this year were funded through NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate in Washington.
The experiments included investigators and consultants from private industry, other federal organizations, and academia. In all, 17 government, industry and academic organizations participated in the recent test.
View DC-8 Image Gallery
NASA Press Release
Futuros Retos de la Aviación en Europa; Transporte Aéreo y Cielo único Europeo, SAE, 10 de Mayo, Madrid.
- Futuros retos de la aviación en Europa: Transporte Aéreo y cielo único europeo
- 10 de mayo de 2011
- Casa de América, Madrid (Plaza de Cibeles 2, 28014)
La asistencia a este acto es gratuita, se solicita a ser posible una confirmación de asistencia. Para ello, deberá registrarse en el siguiente enlace; http://sociedadaeronautica.org/post2007282/futuros-retos-de-la-aviacion-en-europa:-transporte-aereo-y-cielo-unico-europeo o bien remitir un e-mail, a la siguiente dirección: sae@sociedadaeronautica.org
Sr. Daniel Calleja, Director General de Industria y Empresa de la UE
(ex Director de Transporte Aéreo de la Comisión Europea)
Trayectoria:
10 mayo lateral.png
Daniel Calleja ocupa actualmente el cargo de director de la Dirección General de Industria y Empresa de la UE. Antes fue director de Transporte Aéreo de la Comisión Europea de noviembre de 2004 a febrero de 2011, a cargo del mercado aéreo único europeo y su dimensión exterior. También fue presidente del Comité de Seguridad Aérea y de SESAR.
Entre 1999 y 2004 fue jefe de Gabinete de la vicepresidenta de la Comisión Europea, Loyola de Palacio. Durante este periodo participó activamente en la elaboración de la política de transportes de la UE, en particular en la puesta en marcha del Libro Blanco del transporte, la creación de la Agencia Europea de la Seguridad Aérea (EASA) y el programa Galileo.
Entre 1995 y 1999, ocupó el pues de jefe de Gabinete de Marcelino Oreja, encargado de todos los asuntos institucionales y para las negociaciones del Tratado de Ámsterdam, en 1995, fue el asesor legal del Gabinete del Presidente de la Comisión Europea, responsable de Transportes,competencia, ayudas estatales y el control de la aplicación del Derecho comunitario.
Entre 1993 y 1994, asesoró al Comisario de Transportes en el ámbito de la liberalización de transporte aéreo, los casos de ayudas estatales relativos a la reestructuración de las compañías aéreas, la primera directiva sobre la asistencia en tierra, la aplicación del tercer paquete aéreo y la regulación de CRS.
Entre 1986 y 1993, fue miembro del Servicio Jurídico de la Comisión y representó a la institución en numerosos casos ante el Tribunal Europeo de Justicia.
La asistencia a es gratuíta. Se solicita, a ser posible, una confirmación de asistencia.
miércoles, 20 de abril de 2011
UK Royal Air Force (RAF) fast jet pilot training is now more representative of flying front line aircraft than ever before thanks to engineers at BAE Systems
A software upgrade, referred to as Operational Capability 2 (OC2), is a significant and sophisticated enhancement to the existing software on the RAF’s Hawk TMk2. Designed and developed by BAE Systems engineers, work to install the new software upgrades on the Hawk TMk2 has commenced at RAF Valley, Anglesey. This work demonstrates the Company’s ability to support the RAF’s need for improved efficiency and capability enhancement.
The software provides the Hawk with simulated radar and sensor capability including: a radar warning receiver, defensive aids, and an enhanced weapons suite including medium range air-to-air missiles. With the new upgrade the aircraft can also simulate the threat posed by a sophisticated surface-to-air missile site. OC2 is fully integrated with mission planning and debrief systems, which allow the student pilot to plan, train and fly simulated missions using synthetic radar. The pilot can also carry out virtual operational manoeuvres to defeat threats using synthetic weapons.
The capability to generate a virtual training environment has long term benefits for the customer. It will enable the trainee pilot to train longer in a Hawk before moving their training to front line operational aircraft such as Tornado, Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II, better preparing the trainee pilots of the future at an affordable cost.
Wing Commander Brian Braid, Officer Commanding 19 Squadron, said: “The new TMk2 is an absolute step change in the way we can conduct our fast jet flying training. The pilots experience a totally different training environment. Now the navigating and flying is the easy part. The real challenge is trying to interpret the information and interact with the technology.
“The new Hawk was streets ahead of its predecessor even before the software upload, but with it the pilots are able to train almost exactly as they are on the front line. They could not be happier. It takes students a lot further down the training road and gives them something much more akin to a front line training experience.”
Video Clip Link – Interview with Wing Commander Brian Braid
http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/index.htm
Martin Rushton Senior Vice President Training Services & Solutions said: “The capabilities that the OC2 upgrade delivers make the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer stand out from other training aircraft. Armed forces are now able to have the confidence that their fast jet trainee pilots are trained to the highest standard at an affordable cost.”
Over 900 Hawk aircraft have been sold, or are on order to date and the aircraft is currently helping produce highly trained pilots across 25 countries. With 18 customers worldwide including Australia, Canada, South Africa, Bahrain, India and the UK Royal Air Force, the Hawk aircraft has been widely exported around the world.
PR
The software provides the Hawk with simulated radar and sensor capability including: a radar warning receiver, defensive aids, and an enhanced weapons suite including medium range air-to-air missiles. With the new upgrade the aircraft can also simulate the threat posed by a sophisticated surface-to-air missile site. OC2 is fully integrated with mission planning and debrief systems, which allow the student pilot to plan, train and fly simulated missions using synthetic radar. The pilot can also carry out virtual operational manoeuvres to defeat threats using synthetic weapons.
The capability to generate a virtual training environment has long term benefits for the customer. It will enable the trainee pilot to train longer in a Hawk before moving their training to front line operational aircraft such as Tornado, Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II, better preparing the trainee pilots of the future at an affordable cost.
Wing Commander Brian Braid, Officer Commanding 19 Squadron, said: “The new TMk2 is an absolute step change in the way we can conduct our fast jet flying training. The pilots experience a totally different training environment. Now the navigating and flying is the easy part. The real challenge is trying to interpret the information and interact with the technology.
“The new Hawk was streets ahead of its predecessor even before the software upload, but with it the pilots are able to train almost exactly as they are on the front line. They could not be happier. It takes students a lot further down the training road and gives them something much more akin to a front line training experience.”
Video Clip Link – Interview with Wing Commander Brian Braid
http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/index.htm
Martin Rushton Senior Vice President Training Services & Solutions said: “The capabilities that the OC2 upgrade delivers make the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer stand out from other training aircraft. Armed forces are now able to have the confidence that their fast jet trainee pilots are trained to the highest standard at an affordable cost.”
Over 900 Hawk aircraft have been sold, or are on order to date and the aircraft is currently helping produce highly trained pilots across 25 countries. With 18 customers worldwide including Australia, Canada, South Africa, Bahrain, India and the UK Royal Air Force, the Hawk aircraft has been widely exported around the world.
PR
NASA Awards Next Set Of Commercial Crew Development Agreements
WASHINGTON -- NASA has awarded four Space Act Agreements in the second round of the agency's Commercial Crew Development (CCDev2) effort. Each company will receive between $22 million and $92.3 million to advance commercial crew space transportation system concepts and mature the design and development of elements of their systems, such as launch vehicles and spacecraft.
The selectees for CCDev2 awards are:
-- Blue Origin, Kent, Wash., $22 million
-- Sierra Nevada Corporation, Louisville, Colo., $80 million
-- Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Hawthorne, Calif., $75 million
-- The Boeing Company, Houston, $92.3 million
"We're committed to safely transporting U.S. astronauts on American-made spacecraft and ending the outsourcing of this work to foreign governments," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "These agreements are significant milestones in NASA's plans to take advantage of American ingenuity to get to low-Earth orbit, so we can concentrate our resources on deep space exploration."
The goal of CCDev2 is to accelerate the availability of U.S. commercial crew transportation capabilities and reduce the gap in American human spaceflight capability. Through this activity, NASA also may be able to spur economic growth as potential new space markets are created.
Once developed, crew transportation capabilities could become available to commercial and government customers.
"The next American-flagged vehicle to carry our astronauts into space is going to be a U.S. commercial provider," said Ed Mango, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager. "The partnerships NASA is forming with industry will support the development of multiple American systems capable of providing future access to low-Earth orbit."
These awards are a continuation of NASA's CCDev initiatives, which began in 2009 to stimulate efforts within U.S. industry to develop and demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities. For more information about NASA's Commercial Crew Program, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration
Copies of the Space Act Agreements are available at:
http://procurement.ksc.nasa.gov/index.htm
PR
The selectees for CCDev2 awards are:
-- Blue Origin, Kent, Wash., $22 million
-- Sierra Nevada Corporation, Louisville, Colo., $80 million
-- Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Hawthorne, Calif., $75 million
-- The Boeing Company, Houston, $92.3 million
"We're committed to safely transporting U.S. astronauts on American-made spacecraft and ending the outsourcing of this work to foreign governments," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "These agreements are significant milestones in NASA's plans to take advantage of American ingenuity to get to low-Earth orbit, so we can concentrate our resources on deep space exploration."
The goal of CCDev2 is to accelerate the availability of U.S. commercial crew transportation capabilities and reduce the gap in American human spaceflight capability. Through this activity, NASA also may be able to spur economic growth as potential new space markets are created.
Once developed, crew transportation capabilities could become available to commercial and government customers.
"The next American-flagged vehicle to carry our astronauts into space is going to be a U.S. commercial provider," said Ed Mango, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager. "The partnerships NASA is forming with industry will support the development of multiple American systems capable of providing future access to low-Earth orbit."
These awards are a continuation of NASA's CCDev initiatives, which began in 2009 to stimulate efforts within U.S. industry to develop and demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities. For more information about NASA's Commercial Crew Program, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration
Copies of the Space Act Agreements are available at:
http://procurement.ksc.nasa.gov/index.htm
PR
Boeing South Carolina site to operate as 100 percent renewable energy site
"This is an important announcement for Boeing and we're honored to share it with South Carolina Electric & Gas," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our 787 Dreamliner is manufactured using fewer hazardous materials and designed to consume less fuel, and produce fewer emissions. It only makes sense that our business operations in South Carolina reflect the environmental progressiveness of the airplane we'll build here."
Renewable energy will be generated at the North Charleston site in part with thin-film solar laminate panels owned, installed and maintained by SCE&G on the new Boeing 787 Final Assembly building roof. This solar installation will provide up to 2.6 megawatts of electrical power for the site, enough to power approximately 250 homes. The installation will be the largest in the Southeast by production capacity, and the sixth largest in the U.S.
"South Carolina Electric & Gas is pleased to partner with Boeing and provide the energy resources needed to meet their commitment to a 100 percent renewable energy site," said Kevin Marsh, president of SCE&G. "Customer service is one of our core values. We understand Boeing's business objectives and commitment to the environment and are delighted we can be a partner to provide this energy solution."
Under this arrangement, SCE&G will install the solar generation system and dedicate the power from the system to the Boeing site. SCE&G will then supplement the solar generated energy with power from its system resources, coupled with renewable energy certificates from its renewable generating facility, to meet all of Boeing's energy requirements.
"Our customers expect that Boeing's products and services be environmentally progressive, and our communities expect that we take credible actions to reduce our impact on the environment," said Mary Armstrong, vice president of Environment, Health and Safety for Boeing. "This partnership demonstrates that we share those priorities, and shows that it is possible to commit to renewable energy on a large scale."
For more information on this announcement and Boeing's environmental responsibility, see this video: http://goo.gl/nUCVk.
PR
Boeing Introduces More Capable, Lower Cost Flight Simulator Hardware
Simulated Electronic Flight Bag to improve quality and reliability of flight training
ORLANDO, Fla., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) is introducing simulated Electronic Flight Bag (simEFB) hardware for flight simulator training devices at the World Aviation Training Conference and Tradeshow (WATS) this week in Orlando, Fla.
The new hardware will enhance the quality and efficiency of flight training for Boeing Next-Generation 737 and 777 models. Compared to an airplane component, simEFB hardware uploads customized data faster, is purchased and maintained at a lower cost and includes all elements and systems required for training.
"Because we've always been at the forefront of EFB training, we have the industry knowledge and technical expertise to create ground-breaking solutions such as simEFB," said Len Weber, chief operating officer, Boeing Training & Flight Services. "Our simEFB is specifically designed to handle the rigors of simulator operations, to improve the reliability of training devices and the quality of the training experience."
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has qualified the installation of simEFB on Next-Generation 737 and 777 training devices at Boeing's Seattle training campus. In accordance with European technical requirements, the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has qualified a simEFB-equipped Boeing Next-Generation 737 simulator at Boeing's Gatwick, U.K., training campus.
In addition to offering a simulated EFB solution for flight training devices, Boeing continues to provide the hardware and installation for airplane component EFB solutions for the Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777.
Boeing offers a comprehensive portfolio of pilot, crew and maintenance training products and services to deliver safe and efficient operations for more than 400 customers around the world, at 18 campuses on six continents with more than 80 full-flight simulators. In addition to training, Boeing Flight Services provides integrated solutions for navigation, flight planning and scheduling, airport technology, air traffic management, inflight optimization and fuel efficiency consulting.
PR
ORLANDO, Fla., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) is introducing simulated Electronic Flight Bag (simEFB) hardware for flight simulator training devices at the World Aviation Training Conference and Tradeshow (WATS) this week in Orlando, Fla.
The new hardware will enhance the quality and efficiency of flight training for Boeing Next-Generation 737 and 777 models. Compared to an airplane component, simEFB hardware uploads customized data faster, is purchased and maintained at a lower cost and includes all elements and systems required for training.
"Because we've always been at the forefront of EFB training, we have the industry knowledge and technical expertise to create ground-breaking solutions such as simEFB," said Len Weber, chief operating officer, Boeing Training & Flight Services. "Our simEFB is specifically designed to handle the rigors of simulator operations, to improve the reliability of training devices and the quality of the training experience."
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has qualified the installation of simEFB on Next-Generation 737 and 777 training devices at Boeing's Seattle training campus. In accordance with European technical requirements, the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has qualified a simEFB-equipped Boeing Next-Generation 737 simulator at Boeing's Gatwick, U.K., training campus.
In addition to offering a simulated EFB solution for flight training devices, Boeing continues to provide the hardware and installation for airplane component EFB solutions for the Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777.
Boeing offers a comprehensive portfolio of pilot, crew and maintenance training products and services to deliver safe and efficient operations for more than 400 customers around the world, at 18 campuses on six continents with more than 80 full-flight simulators. In addition to training, Boeing Flight Services provides integrated solutions for navigation, flight planning and scheduling, airport technology, air traffic management, inflight optimization and fuel efficiency consulting.
PR
Honeywell T-Hawk Aids Fukushima Daiichi Disaster Recovery
PHOENIX, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell's (NYSE: HON) T-Hawk Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) is helping emergency workers at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility get up-close video and photos inside the plant as they work to limit further radiation releases.
Three Honeywell employees, trained to fly the unmanned T-Hawks remotely, have flown five successful missions and captured hours of video and dozens of photos of the nuclear reactor. The four T-Hawks in service at Fukushima Daiichi have been adapted to carry radiation sensors.
"On behalf of all of us at Honeywell, our hearts go out to the people of Japan, particularly those who have suffered as a result of the earthquake and tsunami that damaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and surrounding areas," said Tim Mahoney, president and chief executive officer of Honeywell Aerospace. "At Honeywell, we are proud of our commitment to safety and security, and we are grateful that our technologies can be deployed now to help the people of Japan in this historic time of need."
Currently deployed in war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, the T-Hawk features unique hover-and-stare capability that enables pilots to hold it in one place and zoom in on features inside the damaged reactors while the T-Hawk sends live video and still images back to recovery workers. The T-Hawk also is capable of sending live in-flight video feeds to help workers focus on critical areas and adjust direction mid-flight. Pilots can control T-Hawk cameras to alter angles and get better views of damaged equipment. Just 14 inches in diameter, the T-Hawk can be flown into tight spaces where humans and other aircraft cannot go.
"The T-Hawk reminds us that innovative technologies initially created for defense purposes can find crucial roles in humanitarian and disaster recovery efforts," Mahoney said.
Weighing just 17 pounds, the T-Hawk is a ducted-fan vertical takeoff and landing air vehicle originally designed in conjunction with a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) program. Pilots can determine manual or autonomous flight paths from up to six miles away for up to 40 minutes at a time.
The T-Hawk is a proven force multiplier in Afghanistan and Iraq, where systems have been averaging more than six hours of flight time a day. The T-Hawk is used in Afghanistan for route clearance, infantry assault, and explosive ordnance disposal missions, where, together with its similar work in Iraq, it has cumulatively flown more than 17,000 hours. The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence also deploys the T-Hawk for combat missions in Afghanistan and trains with the T-Hawk in Afghanistan and Jordan. The T-Hawk is currently being tested for urban use by the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.
PR
Three Honeywell employees, trained to fly the unmanned T-Hawks remotely, have flown five successful missions and captured hours of video and dozens of photos of the nuclear reactor. The four T-Hawks in service at Fukushima Daiichi have been adapted to carry radiation sensors.
"On behalf of all of us at Honeywell, our hearts go out to the people of Japan, particularly those who have suffered as a result of the earthquake and tsunami that damaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and surrounding areas," said Tim Mahoney, president and chief executive officer of Honeywell Aerospace. "At Honeywell, we are proud of our commitment to safety and security, and we are grateful that our technologies can be deployed now to help the people of Japan in this historic time of need."
Currently deployed in war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, the T-Hawk features unique hover-and-stare capability that enables pilots to hold it in one place and zoom in on features inside the damaged reactors while the T-Hawk sends live video and still images back to recovery workers. The T-Hawk also is capable of sending live in-flight video feeds to help workers focus on critical areas and adjust direction mid-flight. Pilots can control T-Hawk cameras to alter angles and get better views of damaged equipment. Just 14 inches in diameter, the T-Hawk can be flown into tight spaces where humans and other aircraft cannot go.
"The T-Hawk reminds us that innovative technologies initially created for defense purposes can find crucial roles in humanitarian and disaster recovery efforts," Mahoney said.
Weighing just 17 pounds, the T-Hawk is a ducted-fan vertical takeoff and landing air vehicle originally designed in conjunction with a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) program. Pilots can determine manual or autonomous flight paths from up to six miles away for up to 40 minutes at a time.
The T-Hawk is a proven force multiplier in Afghanistan and Iraq, where systems have been averaging more than six hours of flight time a day. The T-Hawk is used in Afghanistan for route clearance, infantry assault, and explosive ordnance disposal missions, where, together with its similar work in Iraq, it has cumulatively flown more than 17,000 hours. The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence also deploys the T-Hawk for combat missions in Afghanistan and trains with the T-Hawk in Afghanistan and Jordan. The T-Hawk is currently being tested for urban use by the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.
PR
"Zeppelin" Argus One UAV Completes Initial Flight Testing
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL--(Marketwire - Apr 19, 2011) - Sanswire Corp. (OTCBB: SNSR), a developer of lighter-than-air unmanned aerial vehicles ("UAVs") and related technologies, announced today that its Argus One UAV has successfully completed its initial series of flight tests to an altitude of 500 feet. The restricted, low altitude flight tests were conducted under tower control at Easton Airport by its technical partner, Eastcor Engineering.
The initial series of flight tests involved aerodynamic assessments of the Argus One's new airship design, its envelope and stability and propulsion systems. The Argus One airship made a number of controlled ascents and descents and was flown both with and without its engine running to evaluate the airship's handling and stability characteristics. At all times during these initial tests, the airship was tethered to the ground to comply with currently applicable regulations and for safety reasons. Control of the Argus One's systems was accomplished during the flight tests by wireless line of sight digital signaling. Subsequent tests of the Argus One in Easton, MD will, among other things, evaluate the electronic flight attitude control systems, autopilot and vehicle control interfaces, sensor command and control, data exfiltration and a new propulsion system with a more powerful engine. This series of low altitude flight testing in Maryland is designed to prepare the Argus One for its upcoming flight tests at the U.S. Army's proving ground facility in Yuma, AZ where higher altitude, untethered flight testing will commence. Once the Argus One airship design has been proven in these controlled tests, the Company expects to file for an experimental license from the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") that will enable the Company to perform more wide scale testing of its airship.
Additionally, Sanswire Corp. announced today that it has changed its corporate name to World Surveillance Group Inc. ("WSGI"). The new name reflects the Company's intention to focus on providing enhanced global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ("ISR") and monitoring services following its recently executed letter of intent to acquire satellite based tracking firm, Global Telesat Corp. ("GTC"). WSGI has been issued a new CUSIP number by Standard and Poor's and has requested a new stock ticker symbol, which it expects FINRA to assign in the near future. The Company will continue trading on The OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the ticker SNSR until it receives its new stock symbol from FINRA. In connection with its name change and the Company's new focus and direction, the Company is unveiling a new website www.wsgi.com which includes pictures and videos of the Argus One test flights in Maryland.
Glenn Estrella, President and CEO of WSGI stated, "We are very excited by the performance of the Argus One in its initial test flights and plan to continue testing in Maryland in preparation for higher altitude, less restricted testing next month in Yuma. Each new test allows us to advance the development of our airship and we continue to believe the Argus One UAV will be able to deliver capabilities that are currently in strong demand in the marketplace today at acquisition and operating costs that makes the Argus One attractive to both government and commercial customers." Mr. Estrella added, "We look forward to working with our partners to continue the development, demonstration and commercialization of our Argus One airship."
Michael K. Clark, the Company's Chairman of the Board, added, "In connection with our desire to acquire GTC and the combined company's expected focus on providing global ISR and monitoring services through its integrated product offerings, we decided to change our corporate name to reflect the Company's new mission. We have redesigned our corporate website to more fully showcase the advances the Company has made and its new direction."
About World Surveillance Group Inc.
World Surveillance Group Inc. (OTCBB: SNSR) designs, develops, markets and sells autonomous, lighter-than-air UAVs capable of carrying payloads that provide persistent security and/or wireless communications solutions at low, mid, and high altitudes. WSGI's airships, when integrated with electronics systems and other high technology payloads, are designed for use by government-related and commercial entities that require real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance or communications support for military, homeland defense, border control, drug interdiction, natural disaster relief and maritime missions. For more information regarding WSGI, please visit www.wsgi.com, or view our reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on http://www.sec.gov.
PR
The initial series of flight tests involved aerodynamic assessments of the Argus One's new airship design, its envelope and stability and propulsion systems. The Argus One airship made a number of controlled ascents and descents and was flown both with and without its engine running to evaluate the airship's handling and stability characteristics. At all times during these initial tests, the airship was tethered to the ground to comply with currently applicable regulations and for safety reasons. Control of the Argus One's systems was accomplished during the flight tests by wireless line of sight digital signaling. Subsequent tests of the Argus One in Easton, MD will, among other things, evaluate the electronic flight attitude control systems, autopilot and vehicle control interfaces, sensor command and control, data exfiltration and a new propulsion system with a more powerful engine. This series of low altitude flight testing in Maryland is designed to prepare the Argus One for its upcoming flight tests at the U.S. Army's proving ground facility in Yuma, AZ where higher altitude, untethered flight testing will commence. Once the Argus One airship design has been proven in these controlled tests, the Company expects to file for an experimental license from the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") that will enable the Company to perform more wide scale testing of its airship.
Additionally, Sanswire Corp. announced today that it has changed its corporate name to World Surveillance Group Inc. ("WSGI"). The new name reflects the Company's intention to focus on providing enhanced global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ("ISR") and monitoring services following its recently executed letter of intent to acquire satellite based tracking firm, Global Telesat Corp. ("GTC"). WSGI has been issued a new CUSIP number by Standard and Poor's and has requested a new stock ticker symbol, which it expects FINRA to assign in the near future. The Company will continue trading on The OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the ticker SNSR until it receives its new stock symbol from FINRA. In connection with its name change and the Company's new focus and direction, the Company is unveiling a new website www.wsgi.com which includes pictures and videos of the Argus One test flights in Maryland.
Glenn Estrella, President and CEO of WSGI stated, "We are very excited by the performance of the Argus One in its initial test flights and plan to continue testing in Maryland in preparation for higher altitude, less restricted testing next month in Yuma. Each new test allows us to advance the development of our airship and we continue to believe the Argus One UAV will be able to deliver capabilities that are currently in strong demand in the marketplace today at acquisition and operating costs that makes the Argus One attractive to both government and commercial customers." Mr. Estrella added, "We look forward to working with our partners to continue the development, demonstration and commercialization of our Argus One airship."
Michael K. Clark, the Company's Chairman of the Board, added, "In connection with our desire to acquire GTC and the combined company's expected focus on providing global ISR and monitoring services through its integrated product offerings, we decided to change our corporate name to reflect the Company's new mission. We have redesigned our corporate website to more fully showcase the advances the Company has made and its new direction."
About World Surveillance Group Inc.
World Surveillance Group Inc. (OTCBB: SNSR) designs, develops, markets and sells autonomous, lighter-than-air UAVs capable of carrying payloads that provide persistent security and/or wireless communications solutions at low, mid, and high altitudes. WSGI's airships, when integrated with electronics systems and other high technology payloads, are designed for use by government-related and commercial entities that require real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance or communications support for military, homeland defense, border control, drug interdiction, natural disaster relief and maritime missions. For more information regarding WSGI, please visit www.wsgi.com, or view our reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on http://www.sec.gov.
PR
Eurocopter entrega la unidad número 1.000 de su helicóptero Dauphin a la empresa india Pawan Hans Helicopters
Marignane (Francia), 19 de abril de 2011
Hoy se entregó la unidad número 1.000 de la familia de helicópteros Dauphin a la empresa india Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited, el mayor operador civil de esta aeronave de alas rotatorias bimotor y categoría media.
El aparato de Pawan Hans que marca este hito es una versión AS365 N3, configurada para misiones de prospección de petróleo y gas en alta mar, y eleva a 35 la cifra de Dauphin presentes en la flota de este operador.
El Dauphin es bien conocido por su característica silueta, en la que el morro del aparato evoca la forma de un delfín. Desde la década de los 70, los Dauphin han prestado servicio a unos 300 clientes de 69 países y han acumulado un total combinado de más de 5,1 millones de horas de vuelo. Los helicópteros, que se utilizan en una gama completa de operaciones en tierra y mar, se han labrado toda una reputación por sus aptitudes, rentabilidad, sencillez de operación y
seguridad de vuelo. Desde 1981 el Dauphin existe también en versión militar, el AS565 Panther.
Para conmemorar los veinticinco años a los que se remonta la colaboración de Eurocopter con su cliente clave en la India asistieron a la entrega de hoy Lutz Bertling, Presidente y Consejero Delegado de Eurocopter y Sanjiv Bahl, Director Ejecutivo de Pawan Hans. También estuvo presente Joseph Saporito, Vicepresidente Ejecutivo de Eurocopter para Programas Comerciales.
"La entrega del milésimo Dauphin es un momento de histórica importancia para Eurocopter y resulta especialmente apropiado que estemos compartiendo este acto con Pawan Hans, que es el operador civil de referencia de este helicóptero tan capaz", declaró Bertling. "Eurocopter está plenamente comprometida con sostener el continuado éxito de Pawan Hans: parte de ese esfuerzo es precisamente la creación de nuestra filial Eurocopter India, y el refuerzo de nuestra
red de servicios en aquel país".
Pawan Hans es el principal cliente de Eurocopter en la India y opera la mayor flota de aparatos Eurocopter del país. Los aparatos se utilizan para transportar personal a las plataformas en alta mar, en vuelos de puente aéreo entre barcazas de prospección, para llevar a altos cargos del Estado y VIP, y en servicios turísticos chárter.
"El Eurocopter Dauphin, que nos ha servido satisfactoriamente durante 25 años, se adapta perfectamente a nuestras necesidades", dijo Sanjiv Bahl. "Contamos con el Dauphin para nuestro crecimiento futuro, ya que la versión N3 ofrece un buen rendimiento operacional en términos de velocidad, potencia de largo alcance, reducción de los niveles sonoros y confort para los pasajeros. Además hemos adquirido significativas competencias operacionales en términos de operaciones y mantenimiento de la serie Dauphin, con los talleres de vanguardia de Mumbai. Tenemos pilotos con mucha experiencia y personal técnico especializado que cumplen con nuestros estrictos estándares de seguridad y consiguen una gran disponibilidad de la flota y un excelente estado de funcionamiento. Los Dauphin son hoy el emblema de nuestra flota por su larga y fiable trayectoria de operaciones mar adentro y en tierra. Estaremos encantados de confiar en el know-how y en el soporte de Eurocopter para crear servicios de MRO en India y para ofrecer a nuestros clientes la mejor relación calidad/precio".
La flota Dauphin de Pawan Hans cuenta con más de 375.000 horas de vuelo y con un índice de disponibilidad superior al 80 por ciento. Además de sus propias operaciones, la compañía tiene un acuerdo con Eurocopter para la creación de unas instalaciones MRO (mantenimiento, revisión y reparación) en la India para dar servicio a los helicópteros Dauphin.
"El Dauphin es toda una historia de éxito y ha contribuido de forma directa a nuestra posición de liderazgo en la fabricación de aeronaves de alas rotatorias," dijo Saporito. "Es también una imagen representativa de la política de innovación continua de la compañía que incluye el uso del rotor carenado Fenestron, el cual ofrece unos niveles de seguridad en operación considerablemente mayores y mejor control de vuelo, además de menores niveles sonoros y vibraciones".
Entre los hitos y logros de este helicóptero se encuentran su récord de velocidad de 372 km/h, obtenido en noviembre de 1991 a lo largo de un circuito de tres kilómetros; la utilización operativa del Dauphin en circunstancias extremas, entre las que se encuentran las misiones de rescate por parte de la U.S. Coast Guard tras el huracán Katrina, en 2005; y el transporte de VIP y jefes del Estado, como la Primera Ministra india Indira Gandhi.
La familia Dauphin ha integrado mejoras a lo largo de los años para satisfacer las demandas de un mercado en constante evolución. Su versión más reciente, el AS365 N3e/AS565 MBe, proporcionará un elevado rendimiento incluso a gran altitud y altas temperaturas, e incorpora nuevas tecnologías y sistemas. Las entregas de esta versión se han previsto para finales de 2013. Sus principales mejoras son la introducción de los motores Arriel 2N con controles FADEC (Control Digital del Motor con Plena Autoridad) de doble canal, el uso de la caja principal de transmisión del EC155 de Eurocopter, la incorporación de una nueva cabeza de rotor Starflex y la aplicación de un mástil reforzado en el rotor principal. Tales cambios proporcionarán un aumento en potencia del 15%, lo que redundará en unas mejores prestaciones, un aumento considerable de la carga útil –la masa máxima al despegue es ahora del 4,5 toneladas– y menores costes de mantenimiento y utilización.
martes, 19 de abril de 2011
Lockheed Martin Delivers First F-35 Full Mission Simulator to Eglin Air Force Base
The Joint Strike Fighter FMS includes a high-fidelity 360-degree visual display system and a reconfigurable cockpit that simulates all three aircraft variants for U.S. and international partner services. The system is the highest fidelity trainer in the F-35 pilot-training-device suite, accurately replicating all F-35 sensors and weapons deployment.
"JSF training technology brings a revolutionary new capability to the joint services," said Col. Arthur Tomassetti, 33rd Fighter Wing Vice Commander. "The smooth surface, high-resolution dome is a dramatic improvement over legacy fighter simulators. The high visual acuity and utilization of a significant amount of real aircraft parts and source code will allow us to train a wide variety of mission tasks previously not accomplished in simulators. The F-35 FMS will be our primary pilot training device, and we are anxious to start putting it to good use."
In all F-35 simulators, actual aircraft software is used to give pilots the most realistic experience and allow software upgrades in step with the F-35 development. Small group training events with pilot and maintenance instructors are currently being held at the ITC using maintenance, desktop and mission trainers.
"This is a tremendous milestone for the F-35 training team," said Joanne Puglisi, director of F-35 Training and Support at Lockheed Martin Global Training and Logistics. "We are committed to providing the next generation of F-35 fighter pilots and maintainers with the most advanced training systems in the world. The FMS is a key component in that capability."
The fully-integrated F-35 pilot-and-maintenance training center at Eglin AFB, Fla., will be home to a full spectrum of the latest courseware, electronic classrooms, simulators and flight events. A balance of skill and knowledge training is woven into the program with interactive courseware, desktop simulators and high-fidelity training devices.
PR
Northrop Grumman T-38 Talon Honored for 50 Years of Service
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., April 18, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On March 17, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) joined representatives of the U.S. Air Force in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first delivery of the T-38 Talon trainer aircraft.
At an event held at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas, the Northrop Grumman-built aircraft was lauded for its longevity, performance and reliability as the primary training aircraft for generations of Air Force pilots.
Northrop Grumman produced 1,187 T-38s between 1959 and 1972, the year the production program ended. Approximately half of those aircraft remain in service today with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA and air forces around the world. Since 1961, more than 70,000 Air Force pilots have earned their wings in the T-38. The average T-38 has flown 15,000 hours, and the high-time aircraft has flown 19,000 hours.
Northrop Grumman has continued to maintain the aircraft, producing replacement wings and new structural components to extend the service life of the platform.
"The word 'icon' should not be used lightly, but that word simply and accurately describes the Northrop Grumman T-38 Talon," said Duke Dufresne, sector vice president and general manager of the Strike and Surveillance Systems Division of Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "It's an honor to stand with the U.S. Air Force as the company that designed, built and continues to service the T-38. This aircraft's unparalleled history and ongoing importance speak volumes about its quality, and the fact that so many of the world's finest pilots trained on the T-38 is a legacy to be proud of."
PR
At an event held at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas, the Northrop Grumman-built aircraft was lauded for its longevity, performance and reliability as the primary training aircraft for generations of Air Force pilots.
Northrop Grumman produced 1,187 T-38s between 1959 and 1972, the year the production program ended. Approximately half of those aircraft remain in service today with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA and air forces around the world. Since 1961, more than 70,000 Air Force pilots have earned their wings in the T-38. The average T-38 has flown 15,000 hours, and the high-time aircraft has flown 19,000 hours.
Northrop Grumman has continued to maintain the aircraft, producing replacement wings and new structural components to extend the service life of the platform.
"The word 'icon' should not be used lightly, but that word simply and accurately describes the Northrop Grumman T-38 Talon," said Duke Dufresne, sector vice president and general manager of the Strike and Surveillance Systems Division of Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "It's an honor to stand with the U.S. Air Force as the company that designed, built and continues to service the T-38. This aircraft's unparalleled history and ongoing importance speak volumes about its quality, and the fact that so many of the world's finest pilots trained on the T-38 is a legacy to be proud of."
PR
Tecnam presenta en la Feria de Friedrichshafen 3 modelos de avión,y consigue 42 pedidos
- El fabricante italiano sale de la Feria Aero 2011 con un éxito arrollador al cerrar los primeros pedidos del nuevo avión P2012 Traveller, que fue presentado junto con el P92 Eaglet, y el P Twenty-Ten.
Madrid, 18 de Abril de 2011.- La Feria Aero 2011, una de las más importantes del sector de la aviación general, celebrada en la ciudad alemana de Friedrichshafen, será recordada por los visitantes como la Feria de Tecnam, no sólo por el número de metros cuadrados que albergaba su exposición, sino por el éxito recaudado. El fabricante italiano aprovechó la feria alemana para presentar tres nuevos modelos que han revolucionado el mercado. Por un lado la presentación más importante y con la que ha creado una expectación mundial, el nuevo bimotor de once plazas, P2012 Traveller, del que se han realizado los primeros pedidos. El Tecnam P2012 Traveller se podrá ver por primera vez en servicio, como un avión de pasajeros, pero ha sido diseñado para ser una plataforma aérea muy versátil y flexible, que ofrece muchas oportunidades incluyendo las opciones de ser avión de carga, VIP, paracaidismo y servicios de evacuación médica.
Además la nueva versión del afamado P92, el Eaglet G3, con un nuevo acabado, y motor Lycoming de 115 cv., despertaron el interés de los asistentes. La entrada en servicio, el próximo septiembre a un precio muy atractivo, desde 68.794 €. Por último la nueva versión de cuatro plazas del P2010, denominado P Twenty-Ten, equipado con un motor IO-360MIA y con un fuselaje de fibra de carbono y alas de metal, «el nuevo avión ha sido diseñado para introducir un nuevo avión de cuatro plazas en la línea de producción que normalmente Tecnam ha sido de dos plazas, cubriendo así, parte del mercado que los seguidores de Tecnam demandaban», afirmó Paolo Pascale, Director General de Tecnam. La certificación y entrada en servicio está planificada para Noviembre de 2012, y su precio ronda los 182.250 €.
Al cierre de la Feria, se han llegado a confirmar 42 pedidos de clientes de distintas regiones del mundo, siendo 2 pedidos del P2012, 30 aviones del P2010, 3 P92, 4 P2008, y 3 P2006. Estos datos demuestran la estabilidad del fabricante transalpino, y consolidan a Tecnam como la marca internacional más elegida en la aviación general, debido sobretodo por la excelente relación calidad- consumo- precio, así como por la seguridad e innovación que ofrecen todos sus modelos.
Sobre Tecnam
Tecnam Aviation fue fundada en 1986 por los hermanos Pascale. La empresa cuenta con dos plantas de fabricación en Italia. Una de 11.000 metros cuadrados cerca del Aeropuerto Internacional de Nápoles, en Capodichino, y otra de 12.000 metros cuadrados en Capua, en el Aeropuerto Oreste Salomone.
La red de distribución de aviones Tecnam incluye distribuidores en los países extranjeros, Dedalus Aircraft (www.dedalusaircraft.es) es la compañía distribuidora en España.
Los aviones Tecnam que se fabrican actualmente ofrecen una diversa gama de opciones ajustadas para cada cliente. Tienen configuración de asientos para dos o cuatro ocupantes, y utilizan en la mayoría de los casos el motor Rotax 912S de 100 cv. Además es un avión muy versátil que permite ser una herramienta excepcional para la enseñanza, ideales como avión escuela, tal y como demuestra la demanda de modelos como el P92 o el P2002.
NdP
lunes, 18 de abril de 2011
Boeing Celebrates Opening of New Factory in China
TIANJIN, April 18, 2011 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Aviation Industries Corporation of China (AVIC) today celebrated the opening of a new factory that doubles the footprint of their joint venture, Boeing Tianjin Composites Co., Ltd.
The new facility will increase Boeing Tianjin Composites’ production capacity by 60 percent and company employment is expected to rise from 700 to more than 1,000 by 2013, the target date for full production. Boeing Tianjin Composites produces components for all of Boeing’s in-production programs including the 737, 747-8, 767, 777 and 787. Boeing invested $21 million to develop the new factory, which was built next to the existing factory in the New Binhai Area of Tianjin.
“Boeing Tianjin’s new factory is an example of win-win collaboration between China and Boeing,” said Ray Conner, vice president and general manager, Supply Chain Management & Operations, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We rely on our Chinese partners to produce high-quality components for Boeing airplanes, and we are excited to expand this successful joint venture to increase production and employment.”
“The expansion of Boeing Tianijin Composites is just one example of how Chinese companies have an increasing role as our manufacturing partners and collaborators,” said Marc Allen, president of Boeing China. “Through commercial airplane sales, manufacturing, airplane services and research partnerships, we are committed to finding mutually beneficial avenues to advance our long-term relationships in China.”
Building on Boeing’s environmental leadership in manufacturing, Boeing Tianjin Composites’ new facility in China is certified to meet the internationally recognized rating of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This rating highlights Boeing's commitment to use building strategies that improve environmental performance, including energy and water efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, improved indoor environmental quality and the stewardship of natural resources.
The new factory capitalizes on Boeing Tianjin’s existing world-class composites manufacturing operations and product offerings, and will allow Boeing Tianjin continue providing support to Chinese-owned aviation factories that are also part of Boeing’s commercial airplane supply base.
Boeing Tianjin’s customers include Boeing, Hexcel, Goodrich, FACC AG, Korean Aerospace Industries, Triumph Group, Boeing Aerostructures Australia, Shanghai Aviation Industry Corporation and Xi’an Aviation Industry Corporation.
Boeing has worked with China’s aviation industry for nearly four decades and is the largest customer of made-in-China airplane parts, with a direct spend of more than $200 million annually in China on aviation hardware and services. Boeing expects to more than double its Chinese procurement by 2015 and, with its supplier partners, has active contracts with China’s aviation industry valued at more than US$2.5 billion. Boeing-related businesses support an estimated 20,000 Chinese jobs, including more than 6,000 employees who work directly for Boeing, its subsidiaries and joint ventures.
Boeing provides executive development training and special technical training for Chinese suppliers to ensure high quality products for its commercial airplane. Boeing also works closely with Chinese partners to develop a safe, reliable and efficient air transportation system. In an effort to reduce commercial aviation’s environmental footprint, Boeing and Chinese researchers are also working together to advance aviation biofuels commercialization and assess efficient air-traffic management.
Boeing Ready to Deliver 787 Pilot Training on Global Scale
SEATTLE, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has achieved multiple qualifications for its worldwide network of 787 training campuses. The qualifications mean Boeing Flight Services has training devices that are ready to be used with an approved training course in locations around the globe.
"The innovations of the 787 Dreamliner don't end with the airplane itself," said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services. "Boeing is changing the game through continued innovation in our advanced suite of training technologies. By bringing this cutting-edge training directly to airlines in the regions of the world where they're based and serve their passengers, we're offering our customers the flexibility and efficiency of flight crew training where they need it, when they need it," Carbary said.
Full-flight simulators and other flight training devices for commercial pilot training require qualifications from each airline's home country regulatory agency. Boeing is qualifying its network of 787 training devices with multiple regulators in order to allow airlines the maximum options and regional locations for training their crews.
"Providing our airline customers with cost effective flexibility is a top priority," said Roei Ganzarski, chief customer officer, Boeing Training & Flight Services. "We've invested in world-class courseware, trained a global team of experienced instructors, and now have certified a worldwide network of simulators, all to provide 787 operators an efficient and effective 787 training solution."
Boeing operates 787 training campuses in five locations: Seattle, Singapore, Tokyo, London Gatwick and Shanghai. As part of the qualification process, Boeing demonstrated, with the regulators' concurrence, that the training devices located at the five campuses around the world were similar or identical in the way they operate.
The qualifications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on behalf of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) will allow Boeing Flight Services to deliver the same quality of training at all locations.
Last month the CAAC qualified the Shanghai Boeing training campus for 787 training including the full-flight 787 simulator and the 787 flight training device. With this achievement, Boeing has received more than 20 separate qualifications in five locations on three continents in support of 787 entry into service beginning later this year.
Boeing Selected for 2nd Round of NASA Commercial Crew Development
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been selected for the second round of NASA’s Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program. Under a $92.3 million CCDev-2 contract, the company will further mitigate program risk and mature the system design of its Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft.
“We are combining lessons learned and best practices from commercial airplanes, satellites and launch systems with those from human spaceflight programs such as the space shuttle and the International Space Station to design, deliver and fly the CST-100 in 2015,” said John Elbon, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Programs.
The CST-100 spacecraft -- comprised of a crew module and a service module -- relies on proven materials and subsystem technologies that are safe and affordable. Boeing also plans to supply the CST-100 to Bigelow Aerospace for that company’s space station. The CST-100 is designed to carry up to seven people, or a combination of people and cargo, and is compatible with a variety of expendable launch vehicles.
Under the initial CCDev Space Act Agreement of 2010, Boeing successfully completed several risk reduction demonstrations and a System Definition Review (SDR) in October, with only $18 million in government investment. The SDR defined the CST-100 spacecraft’s system characteristics and configuration and established a baseline design. Among the many accomplishments Boeing achieved during this first phase of the CCDev program were the design, build and testing of a pressurized structure of the crew module and an avionics systems integration facility to support rapid prototyping and full-scale development.
Under the initial CCDev Space Act Agreement of 2010, Boeing successfully completed several risk reduction demonstrations and a System Definition Review (SDR) in October, with only $18 million in government investment. The SDR defined the CST-100 spacecraft’s system characteristics and configuration and established a baseline design. Among the many accomplishments Boeing achieved during this first phase of the CCDev program were the design, build and testing of a pressurized structure of the crew module and an avionics systems integration facility to support rapid prototyping and full-scale development.
“Boeing’s CCDev performance to date is an example of how the company’s innovative and experienced team is successfully partnering with NASA in a commercial environment,” Elbon said.
NASA’s new 14-month CCDev-2 Space Act Agreement builds on the work performed during the first round of CCDev and enables Boeing to further mature its system to a Preliminary Design Review, a critical step that ensures the system design meets all requirements. Boeing also will conduct key demonstrations and development tests. The company plans to gather performance data on the launch abort system and the service module fuel tank; evaluate vehicle ascent performance in wind tunnel testing; and build on earlier landing air bag and parachute demonstrations with more in-depth investigations.
Most of the work will be located at Boeing sites at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.; Houston; Huntington Beach, Calif.; and Huntsville, Ala. Key suppliers include Bigelow Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Airborne Systems, ILC Dover, Spincraft, United Space Alliance and the ARES Corporation.
Boeing's Commercial Crew Transportation System includes the CST-100 spacecraft, launch services and ground systems -- all integrated to support a safe and reliable operations concept. Using expertise and resources from across the Boeing enterprise provides a complete end-to-end transportation service to support NASA crew transportation to and from the International Space Station.
BELL HELICOPTER'S OH-58 BLOCK II SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES FIRST FLIGHT
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (April 18, 2011) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT) announces the first flight of its OH-58 Block II [http://www.scoutsout.com] demonstrator at its Xworx research and development facility in Fort Worth, Texas on April 14, 2011.
"The flight was flawless and completed according to plan," said Cathy Ferrie, Director of Bell Helicopter’s Xworx facility. "The Block II is a significant leap forward in performance for the Kiowa Warrior platform and will absolutely make this a 21st Century airframe for the 21st Century soldier."
Bell Helicopter is developing this OH-58 Block II fleet representative demonstrator to facilitate prototyping activities in anticipation of a U.S. Army future requirement of 6K/95 performance. The Block II OH-58 provides an attractive, cost efficient alternative for the U.S. Army and U.S. taxpayer, and will demonstrate Bell helicopter’s ability to meet or exceed all performance requirements for the Army’s Armed Aerial Scout. Bell Helicopter is developing this aircraft with its own resources and at no cost to the government.
The Block II demonstrator takes an OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and makes it a fast fielding, low risk and lowest cost solution to achieve 6,000ft and 95 degree performance. The “high-hot” performance can be attained with propulsion and drive training upgrades to the existing platform. This upgrade program builds upon the F model Cockpit and Sensor Upgrade Program (CASUP) improvements by adding a new engine, transmission and rotor system.“
By continuing to upgrade the OH-58F into a Block II program, the Army will save money that they can invest in future technologies or future platforms,” said Stephen Eppinette, Army business development manager. “It will also give the Army and the tax payer a return for the money invested in the F model program.”
Along with the performance upgrades, the Block II will adopt fully integrated condition-based maintenance (CBM) technologies so that the aircraft will have higher performance, increased safety, and greater operational readiness while reducing life-cycle costs.
With more than 750,000 fleet combat hours, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is a combat- proven aircraft that is safe, rugged and reliable, maintaining the highest readiness rate of any Army helicopter operating in Afghanistan while simultaneously having the highest operational tempo.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company , Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
PR
"The flight was flawless and completed according to plan," said Cathy Ferrie, Director of Bell Helicopter’s Xworx facility. "The Block II is a significant leap forward in performance for the Kiowa Warrior platform and will absolutely make this a 21st Century airframe for the 21st Century soldier."
Bell Helicopter is developing this OH-58 Block II fleet representative demonstrator to facilitate prototyping activities in anticipation of a U.S. Army future requirement of 6K/95 performance. The Block II OH-58 provides an attractive, cost efficient alternative for the U.S. Army and U.S. taxpayer, and will demonstrate Bell helicopter’s ability to meet or exceed all performance requirements for the Army’s Armed Aerial Scout. Bell Helicopter is developing this aircraft with its own resources and at no cost to the government.
The Block II demonstrator takes an OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and makes it a fast fielding, low risk and lowest cost solution to achieve 6,000ft and 95 degree performance. The “high-hot” performance can be attained with propulsion and drive training upgrades to the existing platform. This upgrade program builds upon the F model Cockpit and Sensor Upgrade Program (CASUP) improvements by adding a new engine, transmission and rotor system.“
By continuing to upgrade the OH-58F into a Block II program, the Army will save money that they can invest in future technologies or future platforms,” said Stephen Eppinette, Army business development manager. “It will also give the Army and the tax payer a return for the money invested in the F model program.”
Along with the performance upgrades, the Block II will adopt fully integrated condition-based maintenance (CBM) technologies so that the aircraft will have higher performance, increased safety, and greater operational readiness while reducing life-cycle costs.
With more than 750,000 fleet combat hours, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is a combat- proven aircraft that is safe, rugged and reliable, maintaining the highest readiness rate of any Army helicopter operating in Afghanistan while simultaneously having the highest operational tempo.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company , Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
PR
EADS North America conducts flight demonstrations of its Armed Aerial Scout 72X Technical Demonstration Aircraft
EADS North America this week is conducting flight demonstrations of its company-funded Armed Aerial Scout 72X (AAS-72X) helicopter at the Nashville International Airport to coincide with a nearby military aviation exposition.
The company, and its industry team of American Eurocopter and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), have made a significant investment in the development of three AAS-72X Technical Demonstrator Aircraft (TDA), which are being used to conduct parallel development and risk reduction activities, and to demonstrate the aircraft's increasing level of capability and technical maturity. The AAS-72X is based on the highly successful EC145 commercial helicopter platform.
The AAS-72X demonstration aircraft is equipped with a Mission Equipment Package (MEP) that includes a chin-mounted turret with integrated targeting sensor, manned-unmanned teaming capability, communications suite and weapons.
"EADS North America and its Armed Scout team has achieved every milestone we've set in developing a highly capable helicopter that will meet the Army's armed aerial scout mission," said EADS North America CEO Sean O'Keefe. "Bringing one of our three technical demonstrator aircraft to Nashville enables Army leadership and aviators to see and experience these accomplishments first-hand."
The Technical Demonstrator Aircraft made its first flight in December 2010, and is being used to validate the AAS-72X's ability to meet the U.S. Army's current armed aerial scout mission requirements.
Prior to first flight of the TDA helicopter, the company conducted high/hot hover-out-of-ground-effect, endurance and payload testing in 2009 at Alamosa, Colo., successfully operating at 6,000 feet and 95-degree density altitude. The team also conducted a key transportability test when five militarized EC145 aircraft were successfully loaded in a C-17 transport aircraft. Additionally, EADS North America and Lockheed Martin established a System Integration Laboratory (SIL) and hangar in April 2010 at Lockheed Martin's Orlando, Fla. facility.
"Having a fully-capable laboratory enables high fidelity integration and testing and results in the lowest-risk MEP solution for the AAS-72X," said Bob Gunning, vice president of Fire Control at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We have made significant investments to ensure our state-of-the-art MEP provides a best value, superior solution to meet the warfighters' armed scout mission requirements."
A highly capable helicopter for the Armed Aerial Scout mission, the AAS-72X combines twin-engine safety with the high/hot operating performance critical to the Army's Armed Scout mission. The AAS-72X is derived from the same family of aircraft as the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter. The result is a low-risk evolution of the U.S. Army's newest rotary-wing aircraft, which is widely considered one of the most successful acquisition programs in the service's history.
Production of the AAS-72X will take place at American Eurocopter's Columbus, Miss. helicopter center of excellence where the UH-72A Lakota is currently assembled for the U.S. Army. EADS North America has delivered more than 160 UH-72A Lakotas to the U.S. Army on time and within budget, along with five H-72A versions to the U.S. Navy for test pilot training.
About Lockheed Martin (www.lockheedmartin.com)
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.
About American Eurocopter (www.eurocopterusa.com)
American Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer that produces, markets, sells and supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters offered by any manufacturer in the United States. The company is a subsidiary of EADS North America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services, and is an affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest helicopter manufacturer in the world. American Eurocopter's product line represents the most cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. Company headquarters and main facilities are located in Grand Prairie, Texas, with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, Miss., that produces the UH-72A for the U.S. Army's Light Utility Helicopter program.
About EADS North America (www.eadsnorthamerica.com)
EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $11 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 200,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.
About EADS (www.eads.com)
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2010, the Group - comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 45.8 billion and employed a workforce of nearly 122,000.
JSC SCA and Armavia airlines completed technical acceptance procedure for SSJ100 SN95007
April 12, 2011, on completion of Technical acceptance procedure, JSC SCA and Armavia airlines have signed the Acceptance Act for the first deliverable Sukhoi Superjet 100 SN 95007.
The document, signed by the parties, states that the aircraft is technically sound, fully meets the performance criteria without any operational limitations and is ready for immediate commercial operation on the route network of the Armavia Airlines. The Acceptance Act also confirms that SSJ100 is transferred to the carrier with a full set of required operational and maintenance documentation.
On completion of the required aircraft delivery documents the aircraft will be delivered to the customer.
PR
Related: Russia's state-owned plane maker Sukhoi will deliver its first Superjet regional airliner to Armenian airline Armavia on Tuesday, bringing to an end a more than two-year wait.
The document, signed by the parties, states that the aircraft is technically sound, fully meets the performance criteria without any operational limitations and is ready for immediate commercial operation on the route network of the Armavia Airlines. The Acceptance Act also confirms that SSJ100 is transferred to the carrier with a full set of required operational and maintenance documentation.
On completion of the required aircraft delivery documents the aircraft will be delivered to the customer.
PR
Related: Russia's state-owned plane maker Sukhoi will deliver its first Superjet regional airliner to Armenian airline Armavia on Tuesday, bringing to an end a more than two-year wait.
The Airbus Military A330 MRTT Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the Royal Air Force is today visiting the United Kingdom for the first time.
Initially specialised ground-testing will take place, leading to airborne testing through the summer, involving both aircraft, to qualify the receiver aircraft in-service with the RAF.
The first aircraft of 14 on order will be delivered towards the end of the year for operation from RAF Brize Norton by the AirTanker consortium on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. The remaining 12 aircraft will be converted by Cobham in the UK with continuing engineering support from Airbus Military.
Head of Airbus Military Derivatives Antonio Caramazana said: "It is an enormous pleasure to see the A330 MRTT in the home country of our biggest customer. We look forward to seeing it enter service later this year and beginning the transformation of the RAF's tanker, transport and aero-medical evacuation capabilities."
PR
Programa: I Centenario del aeropuerto de Cuatro Vientos (LECU)
Bucker Book, el Real Aeroclub de España y Flynews tienen el placer de convocarle a compartir estas extraordinarias jornadas aeronáuticas en conmemoración del Centenario de nuestro Aeropuerto de Cuatro Vientos.
Cumple Cien Años de su Historia, que también son Cien Años de la Historia de la Aviación Española. Sus terrenos, sus edificios emblemáticos, sus escuelas, su faro, sus museos, sus primeros aviadores y sus gestas; todo esto podréis conocerlo a través de la magnífica Exposición de Fotografías y también en boca de los mejores conferenciantes de la Historia de la Aviación.
Programa de actos:
Cumple Cien Años de su Historia, que también son Cien Años de la Historia de la Aviación Española. Sus terrenos, sus edificios emblemáticos, sus escuelas, su faro, sus museos, sus primeros aviadores y sus gestas; todo esto podréis conocerlo a través de la magnífica Exposición de Fotografías y también en boca de los mejores conferenciantes de la Historia de la Aviación.
Programa de actos:
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