Lockheed Martin Submits Proposal for Joint Air-to-Ground Missile

ORLANDO, FL, June 6th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today it submitted a proposal in response to the government’s Request for Proposal (RFP) for the next phases of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) program.

“Lockheed Martin’s JAGM builds on HELLFIRE, LONGBOW and Javelin, three of the most trusted precision-guided weapons on the battlefield today,” said Frank St. John, vice president of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Our JAGM offering will provide U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps warfighters with the next product in that line, an affordable weapon that will offer the decisive edge in combat.”

The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command issued the RFP for Engineering and Manufacturing and Low-Rate Initial Production for the JAGM program on April 13, with a submittal deadline of June 6.

“Our proposed JAGM weapon system can provide significant performance advantages to help save warfighter lives,” St. John said. “And with hot, high-volume production lines already in place for HELLFIRE, Javelin and the M299 launcher family, we can provide a critically needed capability at an affordable price and with best value over program life.”

Lockheed Martin is partnered with some of the industry’s leading suppliers on the JAGM program. Aerojet, a GenCorp [NYSE: GY] company, will provide the JAGM rocket motor for all six threshold JAGM platforms. GenCorp is headquartered in Sacramento, Calif., with production facilities in Camden, Ark. Marvin Engineering, headquartered in Inglewood, Calif., will provide launchers for all six threshold platforms. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), a business unit of General Dynamics [NYSE: GD], will provide the multi-purpose warhead with significant HELLFIRE commonality. GD-OTS is headquartered in Saint Petersburg, Fla., with production in Niceville, Fla.

Work on the JAGM program will be performed in Orlando and Ocala, Fla., and Troy, Ala., as well at suppliers’ facilities across the U.S. Contract award is expected during fourth quarter 2011.

JAGM is the next-generation air-to-surface guided missile that will replace the aging Airborne TOW, Maverick and HELLFIRE family of missiles for the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

Initial operational capability (IOC) of JAGM on the Army’s AH 64D Apache, the USMC’s AH 1Z Cobra attack helicopter and the Navy’s F/A 18E/F Super Hornet jet fighter is scheduled for 2016. IOC for the Navy’s MH 60R Seahawk armed reconnaissance helicopter, the Army’s OH 58 cockpit and sensor upgrade program for the Kiowa Warrior armed reconnaissance helicopter and the Army’s extended range multi-purpose unmanned aerial system is 2017.

Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile. The company makes significant contributions to most major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.

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.

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Seventh C-5 Inducted To Become A Super Galaxy

Seventh C-5 Inducted To Become A Super Galaxy

MARIETTA, Ga., June 2nd, 2011 -- The seventh C-5 has been inducted into the C-5 modernization program at the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta. Scheduled to deliver mid-2012, the C-5B will undergo more than 70 improvements to include brand-new, fuel-efficient engines. This aircraft is stationed at Dover Air Force Base, Del. and is assigned to be flown by both active duty and reserve airlift wings there.

Third F-35 Carrier Variant Flies to NAS Patuxent River

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 3rd, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin delivered its third F-35 Lightning II carrier variant aircraft, known as CF-3, to its primary test site at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., yesterday. Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan “Dog” Canin piloted the aircraft during its 3.3-hour flight from NAS Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base. CF-3, the 8th aircraft delivered in 2011, joins the current fleet of F-35 test aircraft, focusing on mission systems, weapons integration, survivability and carrier suitability testing.

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Strong demand for used Airbus A320 aircraft drives joint decision to stop freighter conversion programme

Airbus, EADS EFW and their Russian partners, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and IRKUT, have jointly decided to stop the A320/A321 Passenger to Freighter (P2F) conversion development programme for economic reasons and, therefore, to launch the necessary legal procedures for the termination of the joint venture “Airbus Freighter Conversion GmbH (AFC)”.

Recent market developments, including the success of the upcoming A320neo, have resulted in more demand for A320 passenger aircraft and less for freighter versions in this aircraft category. In addition, strongly growing passenger traffic results in high demand for used A320 Family aircraft, thus reducing the amount of aircraft available for conversion.

Against the backdrop of these market changes and the increasing pressure on the P2F business case, the partners have concluded to stop and freeze the P2F programme.

The joint venture “Airbus Freighter Conversion GmbH (AFC)” was established between EADS EFW, Airbus and the Russian companies UAC, IRKUT, in April 2007. Headquartered in Dresden, Germany, AFC was equally divided between Russia (UAC and IRKUT with 25% each) and EADS/Airbus (EADS EFW 32%, Airbus 18%). The partners have decided to dissolve AFC.

The collegial and professional cooperation in this joint venture over the last four years developed by Airbus/EADS EFW, UAC and IRKUT, has strengthened the partnership between the European and the Russian aviation industry. IRKUT and Airbus will continue their partnership in components manufacturing for the Single Aisle programme.

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El desarrollo del A400M: un salto tecnológico único en el sector aeronáutico

El ciclo de conferencias “El despegue del A400M” se ha clausurado hoy con una ponencia que ha llevado por título “El desarrollo de un programa de transporte militar: el A400M” y que ha sido pronunciada por Rafael Tentor, actual Director de Programas de Airbus Military y que ha sido el máximo responsable del proyecto A400M desde 2007 hasta el pasado mes de abril.

La Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de la Universidad de Sevilla ha acogido esta cuarta y última disertación sobre la gestación y puesta en vuelo del versátil avión de transporte del siglo XXI. El Sr. Tentor ha explicado al numeroso público asistente a la charla organizada por la Cátedra EADS de Estudios Aeronáuticos las diferentes fases por las que ha pasado el programa hasta la actualidad: los estudios iniciales de las naciones clientes –que comenzaron en 1984– los diferentes modelos de desarrollo de programas, la enmienda al contrato suscrita el pasado 7 de abril en Sevilla y las perspectivas en torno al A400M han sido algunos de los ejes sobre los que ha girado la conferencia.

“Participar en el desarrollo de un nuevo avión de estas características es algo único porque sus capacidades y versatilidad son únicas. El A400M ha supuesto un enorme salto tecnológico y formar parte del equipo que lo ha hecho realidad es una oportunidad que se da muy pocas veces en la vida profesional”, ha declarado el Sr. Tentor en el transcurso de la conferencia. Durante la disertación ha expuesto cómo las diferentes disciplinas implicadas en la gestión de un programa de estas características trabajan conjuntamente, así como las nuevas lecciones que se han extraído para el desarrollo de proyectos futuros.

Rafael Tentor (Málaga, 1957) es Ingeniero Aeronáutico por la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Se unió al equipo de CASA (hoy Airbus Military) en la Dirección de Proyectos, desde donde colaboró en el diseño de versiones de los aviones C101, C212 y CN235. Trabajó en el programa Eurofighter y fue el responsable de la puesta en vuelo en 1996 del prototipo español. En los últimos cuatro años ha sido el máximo responsable del programa A400M. En la actualidad, es el Director de Programas de Aviones de Tamaño Medio y Ligero y de Aviones Derivados de Airbus Military.

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RAAF's first new generation tanker arrives at RAAF Base Amberley

Pictures in link below:

http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003=&search=20112924

EADS further improves its reputation as a preferred employer

Munich, 01 June 2011

• EADS moves up to No. 3 ranking by European engineering students
• HR Head Jussi Itävuori: we need to attract the best and we need to keep them
• Redefining the relationship between company and employees
• Over 4,000 new employees shall be recruited in 2011

EADS has further boosted its attractiveness as an employer of choice among engineering students in Europe. In the most recent Universum Top 100 survey, the aerospace and defence company moved up to third place behind Google and Audi. EADS is followed by BMW and Apple in the ranking. The Swedish-based employer branding consultancy Universum has carried out interviews with 19,890 students at 100 leading academic institutions across Europe. The survey reviews the reputation of more than 60,700 employers and then ranks only the top 100 of them. With 135 nationalities represented in the pan-European survey, it clearly reflects the multicultural and diverse make-up of the continent’s top academic institutions. Last year, EADS was ranked seventh by engineering students.

“We need to attract the best and we need to keep them. Our aim is to recruit over 4,000 new employees in 2011. In times of economic growth and increasing scarcity of qualified employees, it is extremely important to appeal to young people seeking a job. Our fascinating products such as the Airbus A380 or the Ariane launcher definitely support this goal,” commented Jussi Itävuori, Head of EADS Human Resources. “In order to retain talented young people and make them active ambassadors of our company, we have to ensure that they stay engaged during their career. This is why we are launching initiatives to improve professional development opportunities and career paths of our employees, as well as the balance between their professional and private lives.

Mikael Butterbach, Head of Recruitment and Employment Marketing at Airbus, added: “We need to keep pace with ‘Generation Y’, which is embracing social media, virtual reality and a team working approach. Staying close to all our target groups in the employment market is a ‘must’, especially in view of EADS’ recruitment targets.”

Earlier this year, EADS and its Divisions were honoured with the Randstad Award as most preferred employer in Germany, France and Spain. In France, trendence and Universum rated the Group as most preferred company for engineers, while in the UK Airbus was named second most popular employer for engineering graduates within a recent survey by TARGET.

CASSIDIAN technology successfully secures 37th G8 summit in France

01 June 2011

• TETRAPOL networks by Cassidian enable French Ministry of Interior to provide smoothly operating security system
• Over 10,000 police and gendarmerie users of secure radiocommunication services provided by Cassidian to ensure security of this major international political meeting

Cassidian helped to ensure the success of the security system at the recent G8 summit held in Deauville, France. The forces deployed on site used high-security mobile communication systems provided by Cassidian. TETRAPOL secured radio network technology was installed in the fixed INPT (Infrastructure Nationale Partageable des Transmissions), RUBIS and OPERA networks and also in the TOPAZE deployable tactical network. Together, these technologies formed a cornerstone of the extremely demanding system, whose primary objective was to ensure the protection of 8 heads of state and government and of 17 delegations comprising more than 7300 invited guests, nearly 4000 of whom were journalists.

During the G8 summit, 10,000 users – including forces from the police, the gendarmerie, the French Armed Forces and various civil security bodies – benefitted from the powerful secure radiocommunication system. To achieve this, Cassidian installed a variety of redundant components to increase the density of the INPT network, thus guaranteeing greater stability of the communication system in the event of a crisis.

The capacity of the RUBIS network, including its maritime dimension provided by the OPERA extension, was expanded to meet the increased demand for communication over radio channels as a result of rallying 4000 gendarmes and 1700 members of the Armed Forces. The French gendarmerie was also supported by a tactical network called TOPAZE, which is based on the Milicor® system. “By pooling the communications of all the forces involved including the gendarmerie mobile, mounted forces of the national guard and Army forces, this network constituted the core of the security operation,” said Gendarmerie Lieutenant Colonel Gilles Martin.

In addition to the geo-positioning of protection forces in and around the airport of Deauville, TOPAZE enabled the rapid setup of a secure communication system in the theatre of operations dedicated exclusively to the G8 summit. The system ensured 100% network availability in all sensitive locations: the venues of preparatory meetings, the accommodation, the paths taken by the heads of state and even the movements of the crowd.

Throughout the summit, Cassidian’s technology enabled all the forces deployed on site to operate in strict confidence and to ensure the protection of top-ranking politicians as well as that of the thousands of visitors and the local residents

Airbus delivers the 50th A320 Family aircraft assembled in China

Juneyao Airlines keeps growing with Airbus’ top performing single-aisle jets

1 JUNE 2011 PRESS RELEASE

Less than two years after Airbus delivered the first A320 Family aircraft assembled by the Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line in China (FALC), the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer celebrates today the hand-over of its 50th aircraft assembled by FALC at the Airbus (Tianjin) Delivery Centre to Chinese customer, Juneyao Airlines, a Shanghai-based privately-owned carrier.

The event was earmarked with a special ceremony, attended by National Development and Reform Commission of China and Tianjin government officials, Juneyao executives and Airbus representatives.

“We are pleased to take delivery of the 50th aircraft assembled at FALC to further enhance our all Airbus fleet,” said Wang Junjin, Chairman of Juneyao Airlines. “Our highly reliable A320 Family fleet has demonstrated excellent performance while keeping operational costs low,” Wang Junjin added.

“We are proud that the A320 Family plays an important role in the growth of Juneyao Airlines,” said Laurence Barron, Airbus China President. “The 50th delivery is a major milestone for FALC. Airbus will continue providing the best products and services to its Chinese customers,” affirmed Laurence Barron.

Currently Juneyao operates two A319s and 17 A320s.
The FALC is a joint venture between Airbus and a Chinese consortium comprising Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) and China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC). Since the first delivery of a FALC assembled A320 Family aircraft to Sichuan Airlines in 2009, 50 A320 Family aircraft, of which seven are A319s and 43 A320s, including today’s, have been delivered by Airbus in Tianjin to nine Chinese Airlines.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. Over 7,000 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 4,600 delivered to almost 330 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the worldwide standard wide-body system.

Airbus delivers 100th Airbus aircraft to British Airways

One of Europe’s largest Airbus Single Aisle fleets

1 JUNE 2011 PRESS RELEASE

British Airways has taken delivery of an A320 aircraft, making it a member of a prestigious airline club that can boast 100 or more aircraft deliveries from every member of Airbus’ Single Aisle aircraft Family. The airline has already taken delivery of two A318s, 33 A319s, 48 A320s and 16 A321s.

The 100th aircraft (an A320 powered by IAE engines) is also the 205th Airbus single aisle delivered to International Airlines Group, which was formed in January 2011 folllowing the merger of British Airways and Iberia.

Keith Williams, British Airways CEO said: "This milestone underlines British Airways' commitment to continue to invest in new aircraft for the benefit of our customers. The average age of our shorthaul Airbus fleet is just over seven years old, making it one of the youngest Airbus fleets of the European network carriers."

British Airways became an Airbus operator in 1988, when it introduced the A320 in its fleet. It added the A319 in 1999, the A321 in 2004 and the A318 in 2009.

“We are very proud that a world class airline like British Airways operates every member of our single aisle family aircraft, and even prouder to deliver to BA their 100th Airbus A320 family aircraft. We look forward to broadening and deepening our partnership with BA,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.

With over 7,000 aircraft ordered, and more than 4,600 aircraft delivered to over 330 customers and operators worldwide, the A320 Family is today the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family

First Airbus Military A330 MRTT handed over to Royal Australian Air Force

The first Airbus Military A330 MRTT new generation tanker/transport has formally been delivered to, and accepted by the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base Amberley (Queensland, Australia) on 1st June 2011 at a ceremony attended by DMO, RAAF, Qantas and Airbus Military representatives.

“This is a very major and long awaited milestone for the A330 MRTT programme”, said Airbus Military CEO Domingo Ureña. “I wish to congratulate and thank herewith all the teams – internal and external, with special mention to our world class suppliers Cobham, Thales and Qantas. They all have been working extremely hard to develop, test and certify this all new multi role tanker and transport aircraft which really is the “21st Century benchmark” in its category. My very special thanks also go to our customers and, above all, the Royal Australian Air Force, for having placed their faith in our product. Their contribution was a key factor for making the A330 MRTT what it is today. We are now very keen to see it demonstrate its worth in real operations”.

The aircraft, which had left Madrid on 27th May, was ferried to Amberley where it arrived on Monday 30th May at 15h00 local time. On its ferry flight, the A330 MRTT was flown by Airbus Military and RAAF crews, and transited via McCarran (Nevada) and Hickam (Hawaii) in the USA.

The aircraft is the second converted by Qantas Defence Services in Brisbane, which was returned to Europe for painting and finishing. It will be joined by the second aircraft for the RAAF in June, and two further aircraft later in the year. The fifth and final aircraft ordered by the RAAF, which arrived in Brisbane for conversion with Qantas Defence Services a few days ago, will be delivered next year.

The delivery of the aircraft to the RAAF follows an extensive development and test programme for what is the world’s only certified and flying new generation tanker/transport aircraft. Civil Supplemental Type Certificate was obtained in March 2010, and the military certification followed in October.

In RAAF service, the A330 MRTT will be equipped with two underwing refuelling pods, the fly-by-wire Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), and a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) enabling it to be refuelled from another tanker. It is powered by two General Electric CF6-80E engines. It is equipped with a comprehensive defensive aids suite (DAS) and fitted with 270 passenger seats.

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VIDEO: Australia's first KC-30A lands in Amberley

Zero Gravity Corporation Awarded Safety Approval from the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation

Vienna, Va. – May 27, 2011 – Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G) announced today that the company had received a Safety Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Commercial Space Transportation.


The Safety Approval, granted on April 20, 2011 and in effect for five years, allows ZERO-G to offer reduced gravity parabolic flight profiles to prospective suborbital launch operators to meet the applicable components of the crew qualification and training requirements outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (14 C.F.R. § 460.5). These regulations require crew members to complete training on how to carry out their roles on board or on the ground and to demonstrate the ability to withstand the stresses of spaceflight, which may include high acceleration or deceleration, microgravity, and vibration.


“ZERO-G is pleased to have been granted this Safety Approval issued by the FAA for suborbital spaceflight training. Parabolic flight will be an integral training system for crew and passengers in the growing suborbital market,” said Terese Brewster, president of ZERO-G.


The FAA has determined that ZERO-G has the ability to provide a flight environment capable of replicating reduced gravity levels. These profiles include 0.00 g +/- 0.05 g for 17 continuous seconds, 0.16 g +/- 0.05 g for 20 continuous seconds and 0.38 g +/- 0.05 g for 20 continuous seconds.


Dr. George Nield, Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation at the FAA, congratulated ZERO-G on receiving the Safety Approval. “The training that ZERO-G offers with its parabolic aircraft flights provides an outstanding opportunity for crewmembers to experience firsthand the reduced gravity environment that is so uniquely associated with spaceflight. By allowing crewmembers to have that experience prior to launch, it will definitely help them to be better prepared for their missions.”


“Not only does ZERO-G have the capability of preparing crew and passengers for spaceflight, the company also offers the scientific community the opportunity to reduce the risk of experiment failure prior to launch,” continued Ms. Brewster. “Parabolic flight is the critical first step in achieving space research objectives. The ZERO-G Weightless Lab increases the probability that equipment will perform to specification and experiment protocols will be successful while in space.”


About ZERO-G

Zero Gravity Corporation is a privately held space entertainment and tourism company whose mission is to make the excitement and adventure of weightlessness accessible to the public. ZERO-G is based in Vienna, Va. and is the first and only FAA-approved provider of weightless flights to the general public, as well as the entertainment and film industries; corporate and incentive market; non-profit research and education sectors; and government.



Founded in 1993, ZERO-G is led by a world-class team of veteran astronauts and experienced business leaders. The company was co-founded by X PRIZE Chairman and space visionary, Dr. Peter H. Diamandis; former NASA astronaut, Dr. Byron K. Lichtenberg; and NASA engineer Ray Cronise. The team spent more than a decade working to bring the marvel of weightless flight to the public.



Since launching the ZERO-G Experience in September 2004, the company has conducted more than 250 weightless flights and flown over 6,000 members of the public, including celebrities and media personalities, corporate charters, science and math teachers, and individuals aged eight to 93.



ZERO-G operates under the highest safety standards as set by the FAA (Part-121) with its partner Amerijet International Inc. of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Aircraft operations take place under the same regulations set for large commercial passenger airliners.

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Airbus highlights career opportunities at Le Bourget Paris Air Show

World’s leading aircraft manufacturer to recruit more than 3000 people in 2011

31 MAY 2011 PRESS RELEASE

Airbus will showcase job and career opportunities for young talents and graduates as well as experienced professionals at the International Le Bourget Paris Air show. From 20-25 June a series of forums and workshops will provide the opportunity for job seekers to discuss their possible future career path with HR professionals, engineers and business experts.

At the show the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer will highlight opportunities generated by new developments such as the A320neo or the all new A350XWB twin aisle jet. Key competencies such as structure and systems engineering will be in the spotlight as well as lean management. Opportunities also exist in procurement, finance, human resources, strategy, marketing and sales for graduates from business schools and universities. Overall, this year Airbus plans to recruit more than 3,000 talents from all around the world and offers more than 2,500 internships at its worldwide sites.

On June 21st, World Diversity Day, there will be a special focus on diversity, a core asset and strength for Airbus which currently employs 52,500 people of 80 different nationalities. The company seeks to fill at least 25% of its positions with female candidates and looks into further enhancing equal opportunities not only between men and women but also for people with disabilities.

The finale of the second Airbus international student contest “Fly Your Ideas” will also take place at Le Bourget Air show. Fly Your Ideas (FYI) challenges students from around the world to develop new ideas for greener aviation. It comprises three progressively challenging competition-rounds with student proposals being evaluated by a panel of top-level Airbus and industry experts. This year, a new record of 2,620 students from 75 countries have taken part. The winners will share a top prize of €30,000 while the runners-up will receive a €15,000 reward. FYI also inspires young talents to consider a career in aviation and strengthens the company’s ties with universities and schools worldwide in the areas of future research and technology. The finalists this year are coming from Chile, China, India, Malaysia and Sweden.

Workshop website: http://www.parisairshow.eads.com/
Airbus’ career website: http://www.airbus.com/work/
Airbus’ Facebook career page: http://www.facebook.com/Airbuscareers?v=info
Fly Your Ideas website: http://www.airbus-fyi.com/

Airbus will welcome its guests at the EADS HR Lounge on the static display, in front of hall 2A.

Workshops will be held in English and are open to everyone interested in an Airbus aeronautics career. Registration has to be completed on the following website: http://www.parisairshow.eads.com/

CASSIDIAN to protect Canadian Naval Vessels against laser-based Attacks

31 May 2011

• New technologies counter asymmetric threats
• Close cooperation between Cassidian and Defence Research and Development Canada at Valcartier

Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, will develop innovative solutions to protect ships of the Canadian Navy against new types of asymmetric threats. Under the designation LOCATES (= Laser Optical Countermeasures and Surveilllance Against Threat Environment Scenarios), the Defence Research Development Canada (DRDC), Valcartier, Québec, awarded Cassidian a contract to apply new technologies to detect and counter laser-based threats in harbors and littoral waters.

The program is the answer to increasing threats by laser designators and laser-guided weapons which are widely distributed and easy to operate. Navy ships are particularly vulnerable in a littoral environment where attacks are difficult to be detected without sufficient pre-warning time.

Therefore, LOCATES aims at the development of a detection and tracking capability together with a reliable laser countermeasure system. A prototype system shall be developed and field tested by 2013. In a close cooperation between Cassidian and DRDC, the programme will include technologies currently under development with the Canadian research and development agency.

"EADS has a longstanding relationship with Canada and especially with the Canadian Research Community," said Pierre Delestrade, President and CEO of EADS Canada. "Together with the DRDC, EADS' defence and security division Cassidian is focused on providing the Canadian Forces with the state-of-the-art technologies they will need to face future threats," he added.

"The Canadian Navy's mission is continuously evolving, and accordingly requires cutting-edge technologies to detect and protect Naval platforms from asymmetric threats," said Simon Jacques, Cassidian Head of Canadian Sales. "Cassidian is proud to further our long-term collaboration with the DRDC, and leverage our know-how and expertise, to develop future laser detection and counter innovations. Technologies developed in partnership with the DRDC-Valcartier will not only satisfy the Canadian Navy's littoral requirements, but also those of allied Navies throughout the world."

Cassidian capitalizes on a wide-ranging experience in the field of platform self-protection in the electro-optic spectrum. The company has developed laser warning devices for ships, aircraft and land vehicles which are in operation with several NATO armed forces. Its MILDS missile launch detection system, with more than 6,000 units sold, is the standard missile warner for helicopters and widebody aircraft on a global scale.

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Concluido el ensayo a carga última del HTP del A380

El pasado viernes concluyó el ensayo del HTP del A380 con rotura en máxima flexión a 1,75 carga límite.
Vía Dir. Ingeniería Airbus Military

un Tuit del sindicato SIPA

El A330MRTT de la RAAF (KC-30) ya ha llegado a Australia

El aparato de la RAAF aterrizó hace unas horas en Amberley.


Se ha cerrado para cuarentena. Se entregara oficialmente el miercoles 1 de junio de 2011

Boeing to fly 787 to Japan for readiness test (Video)

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New studies show flight path for aviation biofuels (Video)

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Airbus statement regarding BEA information released today

Blagnac, 27 May 2011

The preliminary information released by the BEA today is consistent with facts published in the BEA preliminary and interim reports. The BEA’s work constitutes a significant step towards the identification of the complete chain of events that led to the tragic accident of Air France flight 447 in June 2009.

Airbus is committed to continuing to provide support to the BEA investigation with the objective of identifying all potential lessons to be learnt.

Airbus is confident that the successful recovery of the data contained by the Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) will undoubtedly contribute to making air travel even safer.

The people of Airbus once again wish to convey their condolences to all those who have lost family, friends and loved ones in this tragic accident.

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Boeing and ANA to Conduct 787 Service Readiness Validation in Japan

-The first time the 787 will fly to Asia and Japan

TOKYO, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and ANA today announced how the two companies will work together to help prove the 787 Dreamliner's readiness to enter service on a commercial basis. Using the second flight test aircraft, known as ZA002, they will simulate in-service operations across several airports in Japan in a service ready operational validation. The validation is expected to take place the week of July 4. Anticipated city pairs include trips between Haneda Airport in Tokyo and airports in Osaka (Itami and Kansai), Okayama and Hiroshima.

This will be the 787's maiden appearance in Japan. ANA is the launch customer for the aircraft and has 55 Dreamliners on order. The 787, which will be deployed across the ANA route network, is an integral part of ANA's strategy to strengthen its position and support its growth and expansion plans.

"ANA is eager to introduce the innovative 787 Dreamliner to Japan," said Shinichiro Ito, ANA president and chief executive officer. "Giving our employees the opportunity to gain experience with the airplane will help ensure a smoother entry into service later this year."

"We've put the airplane through its paces in a rigorous flight test program," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "Now, as we get closer to first delivery, we'll prove out its capabilities and reliability in a revenue-like environment."

ANA's maintenance crews also will practice maintenance and servicing of the 787 during the validation. This will include typical ground servicing activities, fit checks of airplane jacks and maintenance hangar stands, towing and refueling the airplane, and other routine maintenance operations. Watch this video to see how Boeing and ANA are planning for the validation.

Similar service ready validations have been conducted with great success on previous Boeing programs, including the 777, 737NG and 757-300.

Boeing plans to deliver the first 787 to ANA in the August to September timeframe.

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First Airbus Military A330 MRTT leaves on delivery flight to Australia

The first Airbus Military A330 MRTT new generation tanker/transport for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has left Madrid at 10h00 local time on its ferry flight to Australia.

Designated the KC-30A in RAAF service, the aircraft is scheduled to arrive at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland on Monday 30 May, and to be formally handed over to the customer in the next few days.

On its ferry flight, the A330 MRTT is being flown by Airbus Military and RAAF crews, and will transit via McCarran (Nevada) and Hickam (Hawaii) in the USA.

The aircraft is the second converted by Qantas Defence Services in Brisbane, which was returned to Madrid for painting and finishing. It will be joined by the second aircraft for the RAAF in June, and two further aircraft later in the year. The fifth and final aircraft ordered by the RAAF, which arrived in Brisbane for conversion a few days ago, will be delivered next year.

The arrival of the aircraft at RAAF Amberley follows an extensive development and test programme for what is the world's only certified and flying new generation tanker/transport aircraft. Civil Supplemental Type Certificate was obtained in March 2010, and the military certification in October.

In RAAF service the A330 MRTT will be equipped with two underwing refuelling pods, the fly-by-wire Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), and a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) enabling it to be refuelled from another tanker. It is powered by two General Electric CF6-80E engines. It is equipped with a comprehensive defensive aids suite (DAS) and fitted with 270 passenger seats.

PR

El primer A330 MRTT de Airbus Military parte a Australia en vuelo de entrega

(Nota de prensa de Airbus Military, 27 de Mayo 2011)

El primer Airbus Military A330 MRTT, un avión cisterna de transporte de nueva generación destinado a la Real Fuerza Aérea de Australia (RAAF), ha despegado hoy de Madrid en vuelo de entrega rumbo a aquel país a las 10.00 horas, hora local.

Está previsto que el aparato -cuya designación de tipo por parte de la RAAF es KC-30A- llegue a la base de la RAAF de Amberley (Queensland) el lunes 30 de mayo y que su entrega formal al cliente tenga lugar pocos días después.

El vuelo de ferry hará escala en los EE.UU., en la base de McCarran (Nevada) y de Hickham (Hawai). Su tripulación está compuesta por miembros de Airbus Military y la RAAF.

Este avión es el segundo convertido por Qantas Defence Services en Brisbane, que volvió a Madrid para trabajos de pintura y acabado. En junio se le unirá el segundo avión para la RAAF y unos meses más tarde, en este mismo año, dos aviones más. El quinto y último aparato encargado por la RAAF -que llegó a Brisbane para los trabajos de conversión hace unos días- será entregado en 2012.

La llegada de la aeronave a la base de Amberley es el resultado de un exhaustivo programa de desarrollo y pruebas del único modelo de cisterna/transporte de nueva generación que ya está certificado y volando. El Certificado Suplementario Civil de Tipo se obtuvo en marzo de 2010 y la certificación militar en octubre del mismo año.

En la RAAF, el MRTT irá equipado con dos góndolas de reabastecimiento bajo las alas, con la pértiga de repostaje en vuelo (ARBS) de Airbus Military y con un receptáculo universal de reabastecimiento (UARRSI) que le faculta a su vez para recibir en vuelo combustible de otro avión cisterna. El aparato está propulsado por dos motores General Electric CF6-80E. Asimismo, está equipado con un exhaustivo Conjunto de Ayudas Defensivas (DAS), además de asientos para 270 pasajeros.

El diseño del A400M integra en un avión las necesidades de transporte de las fuerzas aéreas del siglo XXI

La Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de la Universidad de Sevilla ha acogido hoy una nueva conferencia dentro del ciclo “El despegue del A400M”.

Organizada por la Cátedra EADS de Estudios Aeronáuticos, la ponencia ha llevado por título “El diseño del A400M” y ha sido pronunciada por el responsable de Arquitectura e Integración de Aviones de Airbus Military, Andrés Biarge.

El Sr. Biarge ha explicado durante su disertación cómo se implementaron los requerimientos establecidos por las distintas fuerzas aéreas de los países clientes para el diseño del avión de transporte del siglo XXI. El A400M es hoy una realidad que cuenta con cuatro unidades que vuelan a diario y una quinta que se unirá a la campaña de ensayos en vuelo tras el
verano.

Entre los requisitos a los que tenía que dar respuesta el diseño se cuentan el rango de velocidades requerido por los países clientes lanzadores del proyecto –que va desde una velocidad de crucero cercana a la de un reactor a bajas velocidades para el lanzamiento de cargas y paracaidistas–; su altísima maniobrabilidad en vuelo y en tierra –tal y como han descrito todas las tripulaciones que lo han volado–; su operatividad en campos no preparados; o su capacidad de supervivencia en ambientes hostiles. En lo que respecta a la configuración general, el diseño debía idear un avión que, sumando los requerimientos antes descritos, fuera también capaz de transportar una gran diversidad de cargas que incluyera vehículos de gran peso, tropas, así como la posibilidad de lanzar cargas y paracaidistas en vuelo.

“Teníamos unos requisitos que condicionaban enormemente el diseño final del avión. Era un desafío y hoy podemos decir con total satisfacción que hemos conseguido aunar todas las necesidades de las fuerzas aéreas del siglo XXI en un avión y darles respuesta con el fantástico A400M”, ha señalado el Sr. Biarge en el transcurso de la conferencia.

Andrés Biarge (Madrid, 1948) es Ingeniero Aeronáutico por la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Inició su actividad profesional en la antigua CASA (hoy Airbus Military) en 1974. Ha trabajado en diversos programas que van del C101 al C295. Posteriormente fue el responsable de Ingeniería de Desarrollo de la compañía. En los últimos años ha dirigido el equipo técnico de las labores de Ingeniería del A400M desarrolladas en España. Desde 2009 tiene a su cargo la organización de Arquitectura e Integración de Aviones de Airbus Military.

PR

easyJet takes delivery of its 200th Airbus aircraft

Europe’s largest Airbus Single Aisle operator keeps growing

26 MAY 2011 PRESS RELEASE
easyJet, have marked becoming the world’s youngest and quickest airline to reach a fleet of 200 Airbus aircraft at a ceremony in Toulouse. Carolyn McCall, easyJet CEO, Jean-Paul Ebanga, CFM International President and CEO, and Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO were present at the event.
To celebrate the 200th Airbus, easyJet and Airbus unveiled an A320 in a unique all orange colour scheme. Its maiden flight with passengers from Toulouse for Paris and then onto London was appropriately given flight number EZY200.


“Our ambition is to become Europe’s preferred airline. We’re already Britain’s’ biggest – carrying more passengers than the others put together. We aim to Turn Europe Orange and the special livery on our 200th aircraft embodies that ambition!,’ said Carol Carolyn McCall, easyJet CEO

“The tremendous success achieved by easyJet in growing to be one of Europe’s major carriers, and one of Airbus’ top A320 Family customers in just eight years is unique and impressive. We congratulate easyJet and thank their management for the loyalty and support they have given to Airbus, and we are looking forward to continuing our excellent cooperation in the future,” said Tom Enders

easyJet already operates the world’s largest fleet of A319s with over 166 in service today. Including their A320s, which have recently joined the fleet, the airline has grown to be Europe’s largest A320 Family operator. Since easyJet took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft (an A319) in September 2003, Airbus has delivered an aircraft on average every 14 days over the last eight years.

With over 7,000 aircraft ordered, and more than 4,600 aircraft delivered to over 330 customers and operators worldwide, the A320 Family is today the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family.

PR

Airbus sponsored electric concept aircraft “eGenius” takes up to the sky for the first time

Airbus supports basic research activities for a greener and emission free aviation industry
Blagnac, 26 May 2011

Six weeks after its first public presentation at the international Aero-Expo in Friedrichshafen, Germany, the Airbus sponsored technology demonstrator “eGenius” performed its maiden flight yesterday in the late afternoon from the airfield in Mindelheim, Bavaria, Germany. During the 20 minutes flight the main focus was on checking the handling qualities and proving the unique propulsion system in flight.

The “eGenius” features an electric propulsion system which pushes the limits of electric flight to a power level of 60kW. In the following flight test campaign the flight envelope will be enlarged continuously by verifying the flight performance and reliability of the electric propulsion.

Designed by the Institute of Aircraft Design at the University of Stuttgart, Germany, the “eGenius” project is supported by Airbus as main sponsor in the frame of the manufacturer’s overall engagement to reduce emissions and develop a greener aviation industry. Airbus examines the long-term potential of electricity as alternative major onboard energy source. The data collected from the practical operation with the “eGenius” aircraft will be analysed by Airbus’ Future Projects teams to further develop the technology and better understand its opportunities.

Airbus is supporting various research and technology projects in close cooperation with universities and research institutes. Besides the monitoring of the electric propulsion technology, Airbus is also developing fuel cell technology as alternative energy source, enabling an emission-free aircraft operation on ground. In addition, Airbus is strongly engaging in implementing and testing bio-fuel technology and actively supports the installation of local bio-fuel value-chains around the world.


Notes for editors: Facts & Figures for “eGenius”aircraft:

• Wing span 16,86m
• MTOW 850 kg
• Wide fuselage for two pilots sitting side by side
• Range 400 km
• Cruise speed up to 235 km/h
• Engine power 60kW
• Equivalent energy consumption per 100km and passenger: 0.6 l fuel

EADS

Sukhoi Superjet 100 the first month in revenue service at Armavia fleet: 66 flights for the overall distance of 85800km performed. 2885 people became SSJ100 passengers.

On April, 21 2011, Sukhoi Superjet 100 performed its first commercial flight in “Armavia” fleet. The aircraft was put into operation in an extremely short period of time – in two days after the official delivery to the launch customer on April, 19 2011. The route of the first passenger flight with 96 passengers aboard was Yerevan-Moscow(Sheremetyevo)-Yerevan.

During the past month the aircraft has made 66 flights in total. All flights were performed at 35000 – 39000ft altitude, at the speed of 0.78-0.8 M. Smooth and regular aircraft operation is the result of the perfect job done by highly professional “Armavia” team supported by the manufacturer of the aircraft.

SSJ100 performs flights to Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Odessa, Donetsk, Simferopol, Larnaka (Greece), Aleppo (Syria), Venice (Italy), Teheran (Iran), Rome (Italy), Tel-Aviv (Israel), Beirut (Lebanon), Lion (France).

The aircraft spent more than 168 hours in flight, took more than 2885 passengers to total distance of 85800 km. No failure having impact on the airworthiness was registered during the whole period of operation.

“SSJ100 perfectly fits “Armavia” fleet, containing mostly CRJ200, А319 and А320 aircraft. Owing to high economic efficiency and good operational capabilities we can schedule the aircraft both to regional and to short-haul routes - basing on current passenger load per each flight.” – stressed the owner of “Armavia” Mikhail Bagdasarov.

“It is a great aircraft and it allows intensive operation already at entry into service. Both crew and passengers receive only positive impressions. The aircraft is easy and comfortable to control, the cockpit is quiet and allows effortless communication between pilots. The cabin is spacious and comfortable too, the passengers do not have any difficulties while boarding or placing their baggage. Wide aisles provide the opportunity to serve food and beverages with maximum comfort even during short flights. The passengers can easily pass the flight attendant by while he is serving.” – adds SSJ100 Crew Chief Sergey Kharatyan.

Sukhoi Superjet 100

Designed, developed and built by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC), in partnership with Alenia Aeronautica, the Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a 100 seat regional jet. A further 115-120 seat variant is under study. The SSJ100 is the most advanced and environmentally friendly new generation regional jet. The first SSJ100 was rolled out from SCAC’s final assembly shop at Komsomolsk-on Amur on September 26th 2007. First flight was successfully accomplished on May 19th 2008.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 cruises at a Maximum Operating Speed of Mach 0.81 and 40.000 feet. It takes off from a 1.731 meters runway in the basic range and 2.052 meters in the long range. The operating range for the basic version is 3.048 km and 4.578 km for the long range version.

The certification campaign was accomplished with four prototypes for flight testing and two prototypes for static and fatigue trials. The tests show that the aircraft meets all certification requirements.

In February 2011, the SSJ100 obtained the Type Certificate by the Russian Certification Authority IAC AR. The aircraft is ready for the entry into service and it is authorized to start commercial operation. The first SSJ 100 aircraft was delivered to Armavia on April 19, 2011 and entered into commercial operation on April 21,2011.

The EASA certification is expected in the end of 2011.

PR

The AS350 B3 Helicopter Proves Its High-Altitude Performance with Rescue on Mt. McKinley

Marignane, May 23, 2011
The AStar family of helicopters has become the platform of choice for
a variety of missions throughout the world. From law enforcement to
utility and from tour to air medical and Search and Rescue, customers
across the globe depend on the performance and reliability of their
AStars to complete their vital missions.

On Thursday, May 12, 2011, an AS350 B3 helicopter from the Denali
National Park & Preserve was performed a high-altitude rescue on Mt.
McKinley of an injured climber, who had broken his leg in a fall near
the summit. It was one of the highest rescues recorded on Mt.
McKinley.

"We would like to commend the pilot and everyone involved in this
extraordinary rescue," stated Marc Paganini, President and CEO of
American Eurocopter. "Eurocopter helicopters are designed and built to
meet and exceed the demanding missions of our customers. Rescues like
this show the commitment of our customers to doing what it takes to
complete the mission and their confidence in our aircraft."

The AS350 B3 helicopter is provided and operated by TEMSCO on an
exclusive-use contract to the National Park Service (NPS) in the
Denali National Park & Preserve and is primarily used for mountain
rescues. This rescue occurred at 19,833 ft. The summit of Mt. McKinley
is at 20,320 ft., and it is known for inclement weather conditions.

The pilot of the AS350 B3 was Andreas Hermansky, a TEMSCO employee,
and he knew that this was not going to be a routine rescue.

"With a rescue of this magnitude at this altitude, the mission is so
complex," he said. With wind gusts to 70 mph and the temperature well
below zero, confidence in the aircraft and the pilot's abilities is a
must. Hermansky explained that to be ready for a rescue at this
altitude, he had to know the area, the aircraft and its performance at
altitude with flights to summit. "Rescues up here are so much more
than just flying an AStar. I have landed on the summit a couple of
times in various conditions, so I was comfortable with the aircraft
and knew it could handle this mission."

Mt. McKinley is a popular mountain for climbers from around the globe,
and more than 1000 have registered to climb it this year alone. Joe
Reichert, Denali National Park Ranger and South District Helicopter
Manager, explained that each year they conduct evacuations from
several locations and altitudes on the mountain. "We have on average
about 20 to 25 evacuations and SAR missions each year. The AS350 B3
provides us with the high-altitude performance we need to cover Mt.
McKinley and the extreme conditions we encounter. The most recent
high-altitude rescue is a perfect example of that."

The AS350 B3 from TEMSCO also provides a variety of mission support
for the Denali National Park & Preserve, in addition to search and
rescue. "This helicopter gives us the power and flexibility we need to
perform many functions throughout the preserve including resource
management, hauling equipment, ferrying researchers to remote
locations and repeater work," continues Reichert.

This multi-role appeal is also why TEMSCO has three AS350 B3s in its
fleet. "The AS350 B3 is a true multi-role helicopter," said Joe Hicks,
Senior Vice President of TEMSCO Helicopters. "It has outstanding
external load capabilities, and its hot & high performance allows us
to haul drills for geological surveys, assist the U.S. Forest Service
with field work, conduct firefighting missions, assist with
construction, and perform SAR missions, like the one on Mt. McKinley."

TEMSCO (an acronym from the words: Timber, Exploration, Mining,
Survey, Cargo Operations) was founded in 1958 in Ketchikan, Alaska.
TEMSCO has operated AStars since 1983. It was one of the launch
customers for the AS350 B3 in the United States and helped shape the
development of the aircraft due to the wide variety of missions the
company performs. "We took delivery of the second AS350 B3 in the
U.S., and TEMSCO has really grown with the B3," added Hicks. Its
helicopter fleet has grown, as it has expanded its operations into
tourism, hospital transport, firefighting, and other growing markets.

TEMSCO will have a fourth AS350 B3 delivered at the end of May.

About American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is the U.S. affiliate of Eurocopter, the largest
helicopter manufacturer in the world, and a subsidiary of EADS North
America Holdings, the North American operations of EADS, the second
largest aerospace and defense company in the world. American
Eurocopter is a helicopter manufacturer and markets, sells and
supports the broadest range of civil and para-public helicopters
offered by any manufacturer. The product line represents the most
cost-effective, technologically-advanced helicopters, ranging from
light single to heavy twin, serving all markets and missions. American
Eurocopter's headquarters and main facility are in Grand Prairie, TX,
with a large manufacturing and production facility in Columbus, MS.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a
division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related
services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 17,500 people. In
2010, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's number one
helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market with a
turnover of 4.8 billion Euros, orders for 346 new helicopters and a 49
percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the
Group's helicopters account for 33 percent of the total worldwide
civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter's strong worldwide presence is
ensured by its 30 subsidiaries and participations on five continents,
along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and
maintenance centers. There are currently 11,200 Eurocopter helicopters
in service and some 2,900 customers in 147 countries. Eurocopter
offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

press release

New CSeries Aircraft Wing Factory Taking Shape In Belfast

Bombardier has begun installing semi-automated jigs at its new wing facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to support assembly of the advanced composite wings for the all-newCSeries aircraft.

The jigs, fixed machinery that will be used to assemble the primary structural components of the composite wing torque box, are being installed in the second phase of a new, state-of-the-art 600,000 sq. ft. (55,742 m²) manufacturing and assembly facility. The first phase of the new factory, which will accommodate the fabrication of the composite components, was completed on schedule towards the end of 2010.

Bombardier’s Belfast operation is responsible for the design, manufacture and integration of the advanced composite wings for the CS100 and CS300 jets, including all flight control surfaces and high-lift systems. The primary structural components of the wings will be produced using the unique Resin Transfer Infusion (RTI) process that has been developed by Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast engineers.

“The installation of the wing assembly jigs is another milestone that brings us a step closer to producing wings for the CSeries aircraft program,” said Michael Ryan, Vice President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast.

“The jigs are highly automated and will allow us to control the assembly of the wings with a high degree of precision. We already installed a specially designed assembly jig to produce a pre-production wing technology demonstrator, and are now applying what we have learned from this to the actual production assembly jigs. We are confident that, working with our suppliers, we have implemented a tooling process that meets our high production standards,” continued Mr. Ryan.

Last summer, Bombardier successfully completed the ultimate load test on the CSeries aircraft composite pre-production wing, replicating 150 per cent of the most severe forces the wing is ever likely to experience in service. The pre-production wing is part of the overall complex research and development program that Bombardier has undertaken to ‘prove out’ the new technology, manufacturing and assembly processes it is applying to the composite wing.

Meanwhile, all production equipment has been installed in the fabrication section of the new wing facility, which comprises a production area and low contamination ‘clean room’ area. Equipment installed includes a fabric cutter, a multiple-axis machine cell, pre-formers, an autoclave and non-destructive testing equipment. Production of the CSeries aircraft advanced composite wings is due to begin later this year.

The CSeries aircraft, which are optimized for the single-aisle 100- to 149-seat market, will deliver the lowest operating costs in their class, exceptional operational flexibility, widebody comfort and an unmatched environmental scorecard.

pr

"UTair’s Training Center joins Eurocopter Global Training Network"

From left to right: Derek Sharples, Eurocopter Executive Vice President for Support and Services. Laurence Rigolini, CEO Eurocopter Vostok. Andrei Martirosov, CEO UTair Aviation. Vladimir Demkin, director of Training Center for pilots and technicians (PTC). © Copyright Eurocopter Vostok, photographer Marina Listseva
Andrei Martirosov, CEO UTair Aviation, and Vladimir Demkin, director of Personnel Training Center (PTC) received from Derek Sharples, Eurocopter Executive Vice President for Support and Services, a certificate of conformity to Eurocopter training standards. Thus Eurocopter officially finalized the audit process of UTair training facility in Tyumen, Russia, and granted to the world's biggest helicopter operator rights for pilots and mechanics training in Russian language under Eurocopter training programs. Therefore, PTC becomes the 20th training center in Eurocopter training network and the 1st one without Eurocopter shareholding participation.

The center is approved for type rating training of pilots and mechanics on AS350 and AS355 helicopters, which are the best selling and most demanded Eurocopter light helicopter with nearly 5,000 helicopters delivered. This challenging project was launched by both partners three years ago with the signature of the frame contract at Heli Russia 2010. Now the center is fully operational and the first training course is scheduled for June 2011.

"Our companies have long partner relations. Start of pilot and engineer training at UTair training center is a new very important stage of successful cooperation. We are proud that our training center is the first one in Russia to be endorsed by Eurocopter: this confirms high level of our specialists', said Andrei Martirosov, CEO UTair Aviation.

"We are very proud to welcome UTair's PTC into the Eurocopter family. It becomes the 20th Training Center in the global Eurocopter network and is the 1st external training center ever certified by Eurocopter Group. This demonstrates UTair's PTC high level of professionalism and training standards, the latter being fully compliant with international regulations", stated Derek Sharples, Eurocopter Executive Vice President for Support and Services.

"We believe that the customization of Eurocopter's global offer through joint projects between Eurocopter Vostok and our Russian partners is a key for the effective follow-up of the Eurocopter fleet in a fast growing market. We are proud to work out this project with UTair, a well-recognized leader on the Russian and global market', said Laurence Rigolini, CEO of Eurocopter Vostok.

As part of the Eurocopter training network, UTair's Personnel Training Center will benefit from all kind of assistance like program updates, audits and Eurocopter's best training practices, thus significantly contributing to the expansion of UTair's services portfolio.

About UTair's Training Center

Personnel Training Center is registered as a non-commercial partnership and is one of the largest civil aviation training centers in Russia. The training center is established by UTair Aviation and its subsidiaries UTair Engineering and JSC Center of Transport and Services.

About UTair

UTair is the number one helicopter company in the world in terms of fleet size and payload that includes more than 250 Russian and foreign helicopters. Since 2006, UTair successfully operates Eurocopter helicopters. In 2010, UTair Aviation's subsidiary UTair Engineering has received a certificate confirming that it is an official MRO Center for Eurocopter helicopters AS350, AS355 N and BO105 for O and I checks. For more than 40 years, UTair trains pilots, stewards, mechanics, and technicians on how to fly and maintain helicopters and airplanes. At the moment, 23,000 students attend UTair's training classes every year. In 2010, UTair has ordered 16 AS350 and 4 AS355 helicopters.

About Eurocopter Vostok (www.eurocopter.ru)

Eurocopter Vostok, a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of Eurocopter SAS, was created in 2006 to provide sales, customer support, and to implement fleet follow-up in Russia and the CIS. More than 140 Eurocopter helicopters currently are operating throughout Russia and the CIS countries – bringing the Eurocopter Group's share of the Russian and CIS gas turbine market for Western turbine-engine helicopters to more than 70 percent.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 17,500 people. In 2010, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's number one helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market with a turnover of 4.8 billion Euros, orders for 346 new helicopters and a 49 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group's helicopters account for 33 percent of the total worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter's strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 30 subsidiaries and participations on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. There are currently 11,200 Eurocopter helicopters in service and some 2,900 customers in 147 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

Video: SpaceShipTwo's First "Feathered" Flight Marks Latest Milestone for Virgin Galactic.

Related

Airbus helps spread UN’s Green Wave around the world / Airbus ayuda a difundir el mensaje de concienciación de la Ola Verde de Naciones Unidas por todo el mundo

International Day of Biodiversity on 22 May raises awareness of the need to protect nature
19 MAY 2011 PRESS RELEASE

To celebrate the United Nations International Day for Biodiversity on 22 May, Airbus, the leading aircraft manufacturer, is supporting projects across the world that are helping to raise awareness of the need to preserve the rich variety of all life on earth.

Airbus, in partnership with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), is working to encourage young people to engage with biodiversity, through participation in The Green Wave. An initiative designed to educate young people about the crucial role that biodiversity plays in our lives and our futures, The Green Wave encourages people at 10:00am on Sunday 22 May, to celebrate biodiversity by planting a tree or through other activities and to upload pictures of this online. The idea is to create a Green Wave of action passing through time zones around the world from east to west.

Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders, said: “Throughout history engineers have been inspired by nature, and still today it continues to help create modern solutions to improve efficient flight. Airbus commits 80% of its R&D investment into pioneering innovative solutions for greener flight and sustainable aviation, and we are proud to give our ongoing support to the CBD and The Green Wave initiative to help preserve this natural source of inspiration”.

Airbus is mobilising its global network of more than 52,500 employees in their own communities, to help celebrate The Green Wave, including a day of celebrations at the company’s Family Day taking place at its Madrid site. In China, Airbus employees will work with local children in Yunnan Province to build a school garden together and in the UK, in support of the UN’s International Year of Forests this year, Airbus employees are taking part in an activity giving mini-orchards to local schools.

In addition, Airbus is encouraging airlines from around the world to get involved in this initiative, of which a number have so far committed to support The Green Wave in 2011 in their promotional material. Carriers include: Aegean Air, AeroUnion, Amsterdam Airlines, Emirates, EVA Airways Corporation, JAT Airways, Korean Air, Olympic Air, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International.

The Airbus Corporate Foundation is also supporting a number of localised biodiversity projects. In Germany, a schools project focusing on renewable energy generation; in Spain, an initiative to promote environmental education for sustainable development in schools; in the UK, a community project giving school children access to nature projects located near one of Airbus UK’s sites; and in the US, the Foundation is supporting a children’s education project at the Gulf Coast Exploreum.

CBD Executive Secretary Ahmed Djoghlaf said: “It is vital that major global businesses such as Airbus support us in spreading awareness of the importance of protecting the rich biodiversity of the world we live in. As we enter the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, I hope that Airbus’ work will inspire other businesses to work with us in raising awareness and developing sustainable solutions to protect life on earth.”

For more information and to participate in The Green Wave on 22 May visit http://www.greenwave.cbd.int/. Alternatively you can visit The Green Wave Facebook page to share photos and stories (search ‘Pages’ for ‘Green Wave’).

Notes to editors
The Green Wave:
• Is coordinated by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The CBD is a United Nations intergovernmental treaty, whose objectives are the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of the components of biodiversity and the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the CBD is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme.
• On 22 May each year (the International Day for Biodiversity), as part of The Green Wave initiative, young people are invited to plant a tree at 10:00 to celebrate biodiversity. This will create a wave of planting as the activity passes through each time zone across the world.
Participants upload photos and stories to The Green Wave website that go live in the evening at 20:10 creating a virtual wave on the internet.
• Visit http://www.greenwave.cbd.int/ to get involved.
Airbus-specific notes:
• Airbus believes that growth in air travel is a global need and that the essential social and economic benefits derived from a more connected world can deliver a greener world, if everybody plays their part.
• Airbus acknowledges the 2% that aviation contributes to global man-made CO2 emissions, but believes that it also has a responsibility to support others in tackling the remaining 98% of CO2 emissions. Deforestation alone, for example, generates 17% of man-made CO2, so Airbus is working with the CBD and using its global outreach to raise awareness of the importance of the need to preserve the variety of life on earth.





El 22 de mayo, Día Internacional de la Biodiversidad, recuerda la necesidad de proteger nuestro medio ambiente
Blagnac, 19 May 2011

Con motivo del Día Internacional de la Biodiversidad de Naciones Unidas, el 22 de mayo, Airbus, el fabricante líder de aviones, participa en una serie de proyectos alrededor del mundo destinados a elevar la conciencia sobre la necesidad de proteger la riqueza biológica del planeta

Airbus, en colaboración con el Convenio sobre Diversidad Biológica (CDB) de Naciones Unidas, trabaja para conseguir que niños y jóvenes se comprometan con la conservación del medio ambiente participando en la Ola Verde (Green Wave) –una iniciativa global para educar a niños y jóvenes sobre la vida en el planeta y la importancia para su futuro. La Ola Verde anima a los jóvenes a participar el domingo 22 de mayo, a las 10:00 de la mañana, para que realicen actividades relacionadas con la preservación del medio ambiente. Las fotos se pueden colgar en la página oficial de esta campaña con el fin de crear una Ola Verde virtual a medida que pasa por las diferentes zonas horarias de este a oeste.

El presidente y CEO de Airbus, Tom Enders, ha declarado que “a lo largo de la historia los ingenieros se han inspirado en la naturaleza, que sigue siendo un modelo de inspiración para encontrar soluciones que nos ayuden a crear una aviación más eficiente. Airbus destina el 80% de su inversión en I+D en proyectos pioneros e innovadores para una aviación más ecológica y sostenible. Estamos orgullosos de ofrecer nuestro apoyo al CDB y su iniciativa de la Ola Verde para ayudar a conservación de esta fuente de inspiración natural”.

Airbus está movilizando a sus más de 52.000 empleados en todo el mundo para que colaboren en la celebración de la Ola Verde. También durante la celebración del Día de la Familia, que tendrá lugar en las instalaciones de Airbus en Madrid, se llevarán a cabo actividades relacionadas con el medio ambiente. En China, los empleados de Airbus colaborarán con los niños de la provincia de Yunnan para construir jardines escolares. En el Reino Unido, los empleados de Airbus, premiarán los mini huertos de las escuelas locales con motivo del Año Internacional de los Bosques de la ONU.

Paralelamente, Airbus anima a las aerolíneas de todo el mundo a que participen en esta iniciativa. Hasta la fecha, 11 compañías aéreas ya se han comprometido a propagar el mensaje de la Ola Verde 2011: Aegean Air, AeroUnion, Amsterdam Airlines, Emirates Airlines, EVA Airways Corporation, JAT Airways, Korean Air, Olympic Air, Singapore Airlines y Thai Airways International.

La Fundación Airbus apoya, también, una serie de proyectos sobre biodiversidad. En Alemania, un proyecto escolar se centra en la generación de energía renovable; en España se ha puesto en marcha una iniciativa en los colegios para promover el desarrollo sostenible; en el Reino Unido, Airbus colabora con las escuelas para poner en marcha un proyecto escolar sobre biodiversidad en las inmediaciones de sus instalaciones; en Estados Unidos, la Fundación Airbus ayuda a los niños en un proyecto educativo en el centro de Ciencias Gulf Coast Exploreum.

El secretario ejecutivo del CBD, Ahmed Djoghlaf, dijo: “Es fundamental que las grandes empresas internacionales como Airbus se sumen a nuestra campaña para propagar el conocimiento sobre la necesidad de proteger la riqueza de la biodiversidad. Espero que el esfuerzo de Airbus inspire a otras empresas y se sumen a nuestro esfuerzo para elevar el nivel de concienciación y desarrollar soluciones sostenibles para proteger la vida sobre la Tierra”.


Para participar en la Green Wave el 21 o 22 de mayo, se puede visitar www.greenwave.cbd.int. También se puede visitar The Green Wave Facebook, página para compartir fotos e historias (buscar “Páginas” para “Green Wave”)

Notas para los editores

El Proyecto Ola Verde (Green Wave):

La CBD es un tratado intergubernamental de las Naciones Unidas cuyos objetivos son la conservación de la biodiversidad, la utilización sostenible de los elementos de la biodiversidad y el reparto equitativo de los beneficios procedentes del uso de los recursos genéticos. La Secretaría del CBD está bajo la dirección del Programa de Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente.
El 22 de mayo de 2011 (Día Internacional de la Biodiversidad), como parte de la iniciativa del proyecto Ola Verde, se invita a los jóvenes a plantar un árbol a las 10:00 de la mañana para celebrar la biodiversidad. Esta acción produce un efecto ola “ecológica” a medida que sucede a lo largo de cada zona horaria.
Los participantes pueden colgar sus fotos e historias de ese momento en la página web de Green Wave, donde se creará una ola virtual a las 20:10 en internet.
Para participar, visitar www.greenwave.cbd.int
Notas propias de Airbus:

Airbus cree que el crecimiento de los viajes aéreos es una necesidad global, y que los beneficios económicos y sociales esenciales derivados de un mundo mejor conectado, pueden incluso crear un mundo más ecológico si todas las personas ponen de su parte.
Airbus reconoce que la aviación contribuye en un 2% a las emisiones de CO2 producidas por el hombre, pero también cree que tiene la responsabilidad de apoyar las iniciativas para reducir el 98% restante. Solo la deforestación genera casi el 17% de las emisiones de CO2 producidas por el hombre, Por ello, colabora con el CBD, utilizando su alcance mundial, para aumentar la conciencia de lo importante que es preservar la variedad de vida sobre la tierra.

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Boeing, Lufthansa Cargo Finalize Order for Five 777 Freighters

SEATTLE, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Lufthansa Cargo have finalized an order for five Boeing 777 Freighters. The order is valued at $1.35 billion, based on Boeing list prices. The airplanes will help Lufthansa Cargo in its initiative to modernize and expand its fleet. Lufthansa Cargo previously indicated its intention to order the freighters in March 2011.

"The 777 freighter is highly regarded for its fuel efficiency and a noise footprint significantly smaller than comparable freighters," said Karl Ulrich Garnadt, chairman and chief executive officer of Lufthansa Cargo. "We are certain that these airplanes will benefit our customers greatly, as experienced by our AeroLogic joint venture, which already operates eight 777 Freighters."

AeroLogic, a joint venture of Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express, became the fourth carrier to operate the 777 Freighter in May 2009.

"Since entering service in 2009, the 777 Freighter has delivered on its promise of fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and lower noise," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777 freighter features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter and its long range and high capacity will help Lufthansa Cargo achieve its ambitious business goals."

The 777 freighter is the world's longest range twin-engine freighter. Providing cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes, the 777 freighter can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tons). The 777 freighter is powered by General Electric's GE90-110B1L engines and meets QC2 noise standards for maximum accessibility to noise-sensitive airports.
Including this order from Lufthansa Cargo, a total of 88 777 Freighters have been ordered, of which 39 have been delivered.

Boeing is the leading provider of freighter capacity to the air cargo industry, offering the most complete family of freighters, which provide superior efficiency and operational economics.

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Northrop Grumman Awarded $48.7 Million for Continuing Operation of Battlefield Airborne Communications Node

SAN DIEGO, May 19, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a $48.7 million contract modification for continuing operations and support of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) system.

Under the contract modification, Northrop Grumman will continue providing management, engineering, implementation, test, site and training support.

BACN provides an advanced airborne communications gateway capability to commanders and warfighters, enhancing situational awareness and connecting disparate voice and datalink networks throughout the battlespace. BACN bridges and extends voice communications and battlespace awareness information from numerous sources using a suite of computers and radio systems.

The Air Force Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., awarded the contract to Northrop Grumman in support of the Air Force Materiel Command.

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for the development, fielding and maintenance of the BACN system. The company was awarded the first BACN contract in April 2005.

Northrop Grumman's work on the BACN program is managed and performed primarily in San Diego.

The BACN program has received a number of accolades over the past year. The Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Defense Industrial Association selected the BACN Joint Urgent Operational Need program to receive one of the Top 5 DoD Program Awards, which are given annually for excellence in systems engineering.

BACN also was honored with the Weapon Systems Award from the Order of Daedalians, a national fraternity of military pilots, and the 2010 Network Centric Warfare Award™ for Outstanding Achievement from a Defense Industry Partner, by the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement.

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