Airbus to support Greener Skies Initiative with ATM expertise

Working in partnership with industry players and the FAA to improve efficiency

 

5 October 2011 Press Release

Airbus has been selected to provide Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Performance Based Navigation (PBN) expertise for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Greener Skies Initiative. As part of Boeing's FAA System Engineering 2020 (SE-2020) team, Airbus will identify procedures which fully utilize aircraft precision navigation capabilities to reduce fuel burn, lower emissions and decrease noise.

 

The Greener Skies initiative seeks to improve ATM efficiency and to minimize the environmental impact on the ground and in the air through the expanded use of PBN including Required Navigation Performance (RNP), area navigation (RNAV), and Optimized Profile Descents (OPD).

 

The industry consortium includes Adacel, Airbus, Boeing, Cessna and Honeywell, and is tasked with establishing methods for the full implementation of PBN by utilizing advanced flight deck and Air Traffic Control (ATC) capabilities while analyzing new policies and procedures. Airbus subsidiary Quovadis will provide PBN consultancy and implementation expertise for the initiative. Seattle will be used as a key site to enable these initial advanced operational capabilities to be introduced into the US National Airspace System (NAS).

 

"Airbus is fully committed to the FAA's success with NextGen to support a cleaner, safer and optimized air transportation system," said Eric Stefanello, CEO of Airbus ProSky. "The Greener Skies program is a prime example of the FAA's dedication to identifying early economic and environmental benefits by leveraging the investment in advanced flight deck capabilities."

 

Earlier this year, Airbus launched the Airbus ProSky subsidiary, dedicated to supporting the FAA's Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), Europe's Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) and other global ATM modernization programs.

 

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern, eco-efficient and comprehensive family of airliners available, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. With over 6,800 aircraft in service worldwide and a backlog of more than 4,200 orders, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities around the world. Airbus Americas supports and sells to customers in North and Latin America and conducts engineering work for the global Airbus product line. In 2010 alone, Airbus spent over $10 billion with hundreds of US suppliers, translating into Airbus support of more than 180,000 American jobs.

 

South Pacific carriers will need 736 aircraft worth US$98 billion

Demand for larger eco-efficient aircraft over the next 20 years.

 

6 October 2011 Press Release

 

According to Airbus' latest Global Market Forecast (GMF), between 2011 and 2030, carriers in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands region will require 736 new passenger and freighter aircraft (above 100 seats) valued at US$98 billion.

 

The region's close links to emerging economies are the main contributor to traffic growth with business and tourism set to grow steadily. Urbanisation and a doubling in the number of mega cities from two to five in 2030 and a bigger middle class base will also spur traffic growth. Low Cost Carriers will continue to expand and their market share of traffic between the region and Asia is forecast to increase to some 35 per cent by 2030.  

 

Airbus forecasts a regional growth rate of 4.8 per cent per year up to 2030, matching the world average, but outstripping all other developed aviation markets such as North America (2.5 per cent, domestic) and Western Europe (3.5 per cent, inter regional).

 

The region's requirement for 736 new passenger and freighter aircraft includes 468 single aisles such the A320 Family, 211 twin aisles such as the next generation A350 XWB and the long range A330, and 57 very large aircraft (VLA) such as the A380. Of these 731 will be passenger aircraft which includes some 380 for growth, and 349 for replacing older models with more fuel efficient ones. In 20 years, the region's passenger fleet will almost double from some 400 aircraft today to over 780 by 2030.

 

"More people want to fly! Load-factors will continue to rise. Add to this higher fuel costs and infrastructure which cannot keep pace with growing demand, then larger more fuel efficient aircraft are the only sensible choice, and this is confirmed by our latest Global Market Forecast," said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers."The long term market appetite for high capacity, high productivity aircraft like the A380 remains healthy.

 

Today the A380 already serves over 50 per cent of the world's top 20 international airports and some 30 per cent of the airports are in the Pacific and Asia regions. Globally, in the next 20 years, Asia Pacific including China and India will be at the centre of the world's strongest demand for aircraft (34 per cent) and by 2030, the largest share of traffic (33 per cent).

 

This concentration of demand, together with its historical links to Western markets will drive business and tourism in the region. Traffic growth between Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island's region and China (6.2 per cent), India (5.6 per cent) and the rest of Asia (5.7 per cent) is forecast to be significantly quicker than the world average 4.8 per cent  

 

Note to editors:

 

The Airbus Global Market Forecast gives a detailed analysis of world air transport developments, covering 300 distinct passenger and freight traffic flows, as well as a year-by-year fleet evolution of the world's aircraft operators, through fleet analysis of nearly 750 passenger airlines and 190 freighter operators over the next 20 years. In doing so, the forecast covers aircraft demand from the regional market to the very largest aircraft available, the A380 today.

 

 

 

Airbus opens an additional A320 Family final assembly line in Hamburg, Germany

A third A320 Family final assembly line (FAL) has opened in Hamburg, Germany as Airbus continues the overall production rate ramp-up for its best-selling single-aisle product line to 42 aircraft per month next year – marking a new industrial record.

 

5 October 2011

 

The latest operation – which produced its initial aircraft in August – is identical to the two already-existing A320 Family final assembly lines in Hamburg, and consists of assembly stations 41, 40 and 35, as well as a dock for the installation of cabin systems.  The new addition matches the others in cycle and speed as an aircraft moves through its build-up process.

 

These lines currently are working at a combined rate of 21 aircraft monthly, with production to be gradually increased to 25 per month by the end of 2012.

 

"This is a big success, given that in 2005 all our final assembly lines combined achieved an output of 25 aircraft per month," explained Daniel Baubil, head of A320 Family programme at Airbus. "This rate will soon be delivered by the Hamburg FAL alone."

 

More than 100 additional employees will join the final assembly team in Hamburg to manage the workload.

 

To meet Airbus' new production targets, the company is further emphasising the importance of cross-functional cooperation and teamwork for increased efficiency. Progress already had been made over the past three years, with lead times successfully reduced by 20 per cent. As a result, an A320 Family aircraft leaves one of the worldwide final assembly facilities – located in Hamburg; Toulouse, France and Tianjin, China – every seven hours.

 

"Our final assembly lines have reached a level of efficiency which is unique in the world," Baubil added. "We are convinced that an even better quality control will allow us to further accelerate our deliveries in the future."

 

According to Baubil, a concept for additional improvements already has been developed with the buy-in of several company functions, working closely with Airbus' own Centres of Excellence that provide the expertise in key production areas, along with the suppliers.

 

CHC Helicopter orders 20 additional Eurocopter EC225s, expanding world’s largest fleet of Super Puma family helicopters

Marignane, France, Sept. 29, 2011

CHC Helicopter has ordered and will incorporate 20 more Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma twin-engine helicopters into its operations over the next several years, CHC and Eurocopter announced today.

 

Deliveries of the newly ordered EC225s – including an option for four additional aircraft beyond the initial 20 – will occur during the next four-plus years, into 2016. According to CHC, the helicopters will be needed to accommodate anticipated growth from both current and future customers. The aircraft are expected to be deployed to serve oil-and-gas customers in the U.K., Norway, Australia and Brazil.

 

"We are extremely optimistic about the future of this industry and CHC's place in it," said CHC President and Chief Executive Officer William Amelio. "The EC225 is an excellent aircraft for extending CHC's global reach, responsiveness and leadership in safety – qualities that enable us to provide great value to our customers."

 

Amelio added that the EC225 has a "well-deserved reputation for high reliability in the most demanding operational conditions."

 

CHC is the largest operator of Eurocopter's Super Puma family helicopters in the world, including the most extensive fleet with the EC225 version. By 2016, CHC could have as many as 50 EC225s in operation on behalf of its customers.

 

"The EC225's success story could not have been written without CHC, and it is an honor for Eurocopter to have CHC as the EC225's flagship operator throughout the world," said Lutz Bertling, Eurocopter's President and CEO. "We are especially proud of the long-term relationship and mutual confidence that has been built with our valued partner, and we look forward to further contributing to the success of CHC's operations with the newly-ordered EC225s."

 

Eurocopter's EC225 offers superior speed, range, payload, optimal safety and reliability. Deployed worldwide for civil and military search and rescue, as well as off-shore and passenger transport missions, it is the latest-generation member of the Super Puma/Cougar family, which has logged more than four million flight hours in operations around the globe.

 

The EC225 is perfectly adapted to missions in severe weather, as it is designed to meet the highest safety standard levels with system redundancy, a highly capable automatic flight control system, and the capability for full deicing – which allows flight in all known icing conditions.

When configured for offshore crew change operations in support of oil and gas producers, the EC225 can be rapidly converted for search and rescue operations.

 

About CHC

CHC Helicopter is the world's largest helicopter services company specializing in three main areas of operation: transportation to offshore oil and gas platforms; civilian search-and-rescue

services, and helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and has a fleet of more than 250 aircraft and operates in about 30 countries around the world.

 

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

Eurocopter’s EC225 helicopter Full Flight Simulator at Aberdeen, Scotland logged 1000 hours of training in September, 2011

Pics: Eurocopter's EC225 helicopter Full Flight Simulator at Aberdeen, Scotland logged 1000 hours of training in September, 2011, © Copyright Ken Taylor Eurocopter's EC225 helicopter Full Flight Simulator at Aberdeen, Scotland logged 1000 hours of training in September, 2011, © Copyright Ken Taylor  

 

 

 

Eurocopter's latest high-fidelity helicopter training device, the EC225 simulator at its new North Sea Service Centre in Aberdeen, Scotland offers unmatched training opportunities for helicopter pilots who fly in the challenging off-shore environment for the oil and gas industry, as well as for crews performing search and rescue missions.

Aberdeen,  29 September 2011

 

This simulator which has demonstrated more than 98% availability over the first six months of operation has already delivered instructor, conversion and recurrent training to more than 200 pilots. Following UK Civil Aviation Authority, Brazilian and Malaysian authority's certification, Transport of Canada certification was received on September 15. This state of the art simulator has a dual certification (FFS B and FTD3), taking the highest constraints of both meeting a full range of training requirements set by national airworthiness authorities – including night landings on oil-rigs and vessel heli-decks for the off-shore market.

 

"Safety is a top priority for Eurocopter, and providing the best training for our global operators with highly capable devices such as the Aberdeen EC225 simulator is central to our strategy", said Eurocopter CEO Lutz Bertling. "It represents the company's major investments in a global network of simulators, which will be further expanded in the months and years to come at other locations worldwide."

 

Its high-fidelity reproduction of EC225 flight operations is secured with an extensive EC225 data package from Eurocopter (including real software and real parts) and suppliers that ensures full simulated functionality for the helicopter, its engines, autopilot and other systems.

 

This full flight simulator has been tuned and validated for more than 3 months by Eurocopter's test pilots, flight test engineers and other design office experts that have contributed to the helicopter development itself. This specific validating process is the only way to ensure a complete and exact reproduction of real helicopter behaviour.

 

This simulator benefits from a full replica of the helicopter's cockpit with real equipment; SAR capability and NVG compatible; along with features such as its unique visual system and a six-degree-of-freedom motion capability with vibration platform and sound.

 

Eurocopter's EC225 simulator is located in the company's new purpose-built North Sea Service Centre, which was officially inaugurated seven months ago at Aberdeen Airport, the busiest Heliport operation in the world and key operating hub for helicopters that support the North Sea oil and gas industry.

 

The EC225 simulator's visual system has a 210-deg. horizontal field-of-view, along with a vertical field range of +30 deg. above the horizon and -50 deg below the horizon. This allows a highly accurate representation of the landing and takeoff environment at off-shore platforms and ships – whilst also enabling the look-down coverage necessary for search and rescue mission training. Extensive photography of key off-shore helicopter operating locations such as the North Sea's Andrew and Miller platforms, along with the CSSO Wellservicer diving support ship, were taken for integration into the flight simulator's visual system database.

 

In addition to the high-fidelity EC225 full flight simulator, Eurocopter's Aberdeen Centre also has an integrated Part Task Trainer for the FLIR (forward-looking infrared) camera that is used in search and rescue (including 4 axis, specific SAR modes and hoist loads), allowing SAR mission training with front and rear crews fully integrated into the simulation.

 

Moreover, Eurocopter implemented a high level debriefing station able to replay the training sessions whilst looking at all the instruments.

 

"Our North Sea Service Center is the incarnation of our customer's wishes and of our dedication to Life cycle support and consequently has become the worldwide benchmark for Services to the Oil&Gas helicopter industry" says Markus Steinke, Managing Director of Eurocopter UK Ltd.

 

Eurocopter's North Sea Service Centre is a 20,000-sq.ft facility featuring Technical Support, Logistical Services, Dynamic Component MRO, customer facilities and simulator training on the door step of the helicopter operators. It has the capacity to add another simulator, such as the company's new EC175 helicopter, which is also expected to be extensively used by the off-shore energy market.

 

Additional EC225 full flight simulators are planned for installation by Eurocopter in China, Brazil and Malaysia, whilst for the AS365 Dauphin N3 helicopter are to be located in France and Singapore.

 

"This is part of our strategy to be present locally in markets around the world, facilitating our customers' operations through the full availability of Eurocopter services", said Philippe Crespo, Vice-President Worldwide Training Services. "We are increasing our training footprint from the four simulators operated by Eurocopter four years ago to a total of 20 by the end of 2013, which represents a major commitment by the company."

 

 

 PR

Primer vuelo mundial de un helicóptero híbrido que combina un motor de combustión interna con un electromotor: Eurocopter pone la innovación al servicio de la seguridad

Primer vuelo mundial de un helicóptero híbrido que combina un motor de combustión interna con un electromotor: Eurocopter pone la innovación al servicio de la seguridad (Ref. DIGIT-04492, © Copyright Eurocopter, Patrick Gertner).    

 

 

Eurocopter ha ensayado con éxito un helicóptero híbrido dotado de un motor turboeje de combustión interna y de un electromotor. Esta primicia mundial marca un hito en su hoja de ruta hacia la innovación y deja abierto el camino a futuras mejoras de la seguridad en las aeronaves de ala rotatoria.

 

Marignane,  04 octubre 2011

 

 

 

Para este logro inicial del estudio de la concepción híbrida, Eurocopter se ha servido de un sistema eléctrico adicional destinado a aumentar la maniobrabilidad de un monoturbina durante el aterrizaje en autorrotación – un método utilizado por los pilotos en caso de avería del motor.

 

El aparato utilizado como demostrador es un modelo de serie del helicóptero ligero monoturbina AS350, equipado con un electromotor adicional. En caso de avería del motor, el electromotor genera energía para propulsar el rotor, permitiendo al piloto gobernar el aparato durante el descenso con gran facilidad y llegar sano y salvo a tierra. La próxima etapa consistirá en madurar la concepción y evaluar su introducción en la fabricación en serie de los helicópteros de Eurocopter.

 

"Nuestros esfuerzos en materia de investigación y desarrollo nos permiten ir cada día más lejos y aumentar la seguridad y las prestaciones de nuestros aparatos en beneficio de sus clientes. Nos sentimos orgullosos de haber puesto en vuelo el primer helicóptero equipado con un motor de combustión interna y con un sistema de propulsión eléctrica", dijo Lutz Bertling, presidente y delegado general de Eurocopter. "La propulsión híbrida -que es un elemento importante de la hoja de ruta de innovación de Eurocopter con vistas al desarrollo de la próxima generación de helicópteros- ofrece nuevas oportunidades de aumento de la seguridad, además de todo un potencial de reducción de consumo de combustible y de emisiones".

 

El demostrador híbrido AS350 está provisto de un electromotor altamente compacto y de una batería de polímero de litio (Li-ion) instalada en la parte central del helicóptero. Un control electrónico permite la alimentación precisa de la energía producida por el electromotor durante la autorrotación.

 

El AS350 de Eurocopter es uno de los helicópteros de mayor éxito, con más de cuatro mil aparatos en servicio en todo el mundo que, en 2010, sumaban ya más de un millón de horas de vuelo. Destaca por sus propiedades a altas temperaturas y a muy grandes altitudes, ostentando el recórd de ser el único helicóptero que se ha posado en la cima del Monte Everest.

 

 

 Press Release

 

Vietnam’s Southern Service Flight Company orders a third Eurocopter EC225 helicopter for offshore oil and gas operations

The Southern Service Flight Company (SSFC) of Vietnam has signed a contract with Eurocopter South East Asia for a third EC225, with an option for another, to be added to its fleet for offshore oil and gas operations. It is scheduled to be delivered in early 2013.

 

SSFC purchased its first rotary-wing aircraft from Eurocopter in 1986, and specializes in the provision of helicopter services for the oil and gas industry. With a fast-expanding business base, SSFC's Eurocopter fleet grew to a total of eight helicopters, comprising both medium and heavyweight aircraft.

 

"The EC225 is a very powerful and reliable helicopter that has served us well over the years," explained SSFC Director, Captain Vi Cong Dung. "Offshore operations are subject to many challenging situations. The EC225 with its advanced technologies, possesses all the necessary qualities for our demanding operations."

 

In addition to the EC225s, SSFC has four AS332 L2 heavy twin-engine helicopters, which also are members of Eurocopter's world-renowned Super Puma family. The remainder of its Eurocopter fleet is composed of two EC155 Dauphin family helicopters.

 

"We are encouraged by the trust that our customers have placed in our products, and the opportunity to further strengthen our long-term partnership. This latest EC225 contract is also a testimony to the strength of Eurocopter helicopters in serving the needs of oil and gas operators," said Dr. Bernhard Brenner, the President of Eurocopter South East Asia. "Vietnam is a growing market with strong potential, and is certainly one of our key areas in Southeast Asia."

 

The EC225 is a high-performance heavy twin-engine helicopter in the 10-11 metric ton category. It seats up to 24 passengers, with the latest technologies that make it a leader in the field of flight safety. The EC225 is recognized as the reference for offshore and passenger transport missions, as well as search and rescue (SAR) operations.

 

Eurocopter's business activities with the EC225 in Asia have gained further momentum in recent years, including the supply of 12 EC725 military versions to the Royal Malaysian Air Force for SAR and utility missions; the order of three EC225s by the Japan Coast Guard for use in SAR and law enforcement; as well as the delivery of two EC225s to the Rescue & Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport in China.

 

About Eurocopter South East Asia

 

Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) is the regional headquarters of Eurocopter, the world's leading helicopter manufacturer. Established at Singapore in 1977, ESEA handles the sales and customer support activities of 15 territories in the region. In 2010, ESEA achieved a turnover of 127 million Euros. With a staff-strength of more than 200 professionals, the company has developed a successful commercial network of Singapore-based sales team and regional sales managers and technical representatives.

 

www.eurocoptersea.com.sg

 

 Press Release

 

 

Video: F 35B 1st Landing on USS WASP

Air Nostrum aumenta su oferta en Madrid este invierno

Air Nostrum aumenta su oferta en Madrid este invierno: Air Nostrum reforzará su posición como segundo operador en el aeropuerto de Madrid – Barajas este invierno, ya que incrementará su oferta en un 47 por ciento, según informó su consejero delegado, Carlos Bertomeu. A esta noticia se suma la de que la aerolínea fue escogida mejor aerolínea regional europea de este año, por la Asociación Europea de Aerolíneas Regionales (ERA).

Lee aquí el resto de la noticia

Heathrow comunica sus terminales con un transporte ecológico sin conductor

Heathrow comunica sus terminales con un transporte ecológico sin conductor:

Londres.- El aeropuerto londinense de Heathrow, el de mayor tráfico mundial de pasajeros, ha puesto en marcha un innovador medio de transporte para comunicar sus cinco terminales. Un pequeño vehículo eléctrico que se desplaza sobre cuatro ruedas a una velocidad de 40 kilómetros sin necesidad de conductor físico.

continúa leyendo en http://www.actualidadaeroespacial.com/index.php?view=noticias&id=4e8a99821d927&viewTemplate=1

Airbus compra la firma danesa Satair por más de 348 millones - Finanzas.com

Airbus compra la firma danesa Satair por más de 348 millones - Finanzas.com:

Europa Press

Airbus compra la firma danesa Satair por más de 348 millones Finanzas.com El constructor aeronáutico europeo Airbus ha adquirido el 96,7% del distribuidor danés de piezas de aeronaves Satair por un valor de 2.595 millones de coronas danesas (348,6 millones de euros), anunció este jueves la compañía. ... Airbus logra el 96,7 % de la compañía danesa Satair en su ofertaExpansión.com los 14 artículos informativos »

Lockheed Martin MC-130J Delivers New Capability For U.S. Air Force Special Operations

MARIETTA, Ga., September 29th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today delivered the first MC-130J Combat Shadow II to the United States Air Force’s Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The aircraft was flown from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ facility to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., by Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel, commander AFSOC. This aircraft is the first of 20 currently on order.

“Today marks yet another milestone in improving the combat capabilities of Air Force Special Operations Command,” said Gen. Fiel. “The MC-130J represents our efforts throughout the SOF community to recapitalize our assets and improve our ageing fleet in order to meet national requirements.”

“The threats to freedom are ever evolving and as such so must the technology to combat them,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130 programs. “Again — as it has done so often throughout history — the C-130 Hercules has evolved to be the tip of a new spear. The MC-130J Combat Shadow II is unmatched in capability and will give our Special Operations forces the upper hand as they execute critical missions around the world.”

The new aircraft, which is based on a KC-130J tanker baseline, has the Enhanced Service Life Wing, Enhanced Cargo Handling System, a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (boom refueling receptacle), an electro-optical/infrared sensor, a combat systems operator station on the flight deck, and dual Satcom. In-line production of this configuration reduces cost and risk, and meets the required 2012 initial operational capability.

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.

Lockheed Martin Delivers New HC-130J Personnel Recovery Capability For U.S. Air Force Crew Training

MARIETTA, Ga., September 29th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today delivered the first HC-130J Combat King II to the U.S. Air Force’s Air Education and Training Command (AETC). The aircraft was flown from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ facility to Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., by Maj. Gen. Mark S. Solo, commander, 19th Air Force. Kirtland will be the main training base for both the new HC-130J and the MC 130J Combat Shadow IIs being delivered to Air Force Special Operations Command. This aircraft is one of 11 HC-130Js that have been ordered to date.

"On behalf of 19th Air Force and Air Education and Training Command, I am proud to deliver the first of the next-generation tactical airlift platforms – the HC-130J ‘Combat King II’ – to the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base,” said Gen. Solo. “This aircraft provides greater speed, range, flexibility, and capability to operational commanders in their pursuit of personnel recovery, special operations, global combat missions, and humanitarian assistance. The 58 SOW will employ this new aircraft to train mission-ready Personnel Recovery and Special Operations aircrews to serve in the world’s best Air and Space Force."

“The HC-130Js and MC-130Js we are now delivering to the Air Force represent a tremendous leap in mission capability,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130 programs. “The training of crews and maintainers is a critical element in bringing a new capability online and we look forward to working with AETC and our fellow Lockheed Martin companies in achieving a 2012 Initial Operational Capability.”

The new aircraft, which is based on a KC-130J tanker baseline, has the Enhanced Service Life Wing, Enhanced Cargo Handling System, a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (boom refueling receptacle), an electro-optical/infrared sensor, a combat systems operator station on the flight deck, and dual Satcom. In-line production of this configuration reduces cost and risk, and meets the required 2012 initial operational capability.

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

Eurocopter innovation puts the focus on safety with the world’s first flight of a hybrid helicopter combining an internal combustion engine and an electric motor

Eurocopter has successfully tested a hybrid helicopter that combines a turboshaft internal combustion engine with an electric motor for a world premiere, marking a new milestone in its innovation roadmap that opens the way for further enhancements in rotary-wing aircraft safety.

Marignane,  04 October 2011

For this initial breakthrough in exploring the hybrid concept, Eurocopter is using the supplemental electric system to increase maneuverability of a single-engine helicopter during an autorotation landing – which is performed by helicopters in the event of a main engine failure.

The demonstrator helicopter is a production version of Eurocopter’s highly successful light single-engine AS350, which has been equipped with a supplementary electric motor. In the event of an engine failure, the electric motor provides power to the rotor, allowing a pilot to control the helicopter very easily during the descent to a safe touchdown. The next step is to bring this concept to maturity and evaluate its implementation on Eurocopter’s series production helicopters.

“Eurocopter’s research and development efforts are used every day to push the frontiers by increasing helicopter safety and performance for the benefit of our customers, and we are proud to have brought the first helicopter equipped with an internal combustion engine and electric propulsion system to flight,” said Lutz Bertling, Eurocopter President and CEO. “Hybrid propulsion is an important element of Eurocopter’s innovation roadmap in developing the next generation of helicopters. It offers new opportunities for improvements in safety, along with the potential for reducing fuel consumption and emissions.” The AS350 hybrid demonstrator has its highly compact electric motor and lithium ion polymer battery installed in the center area of the helicopter. Electronic controls enable precise deployment of power delivered by the electric motor during the period of autorotation.

Eurocopter’s AS350 is one of the most successful helicopters, with the more than 4,000 aircraft in service worldwide having logged more than a million flight hours as of 2010. It excels in hot conditions and very high altitudes, holding the record as the only helicopter to have landed on top of Mount Everest.

Lufthansa to expand fleet with more Airbus aircraft

Incremental orders to be placed for A380, A330 and A320 families
29 September 2011 Press Release

Lufthansa’s Supervisory Board has approved the purchase of additional Airbus aircraft. The aircraft comprise two A380s, four A320s and one A330-300. These additional orders reflect the strong demand across Lufthansa’s network for an efficient family of aircraft.

Nico Buchholz, Executive Vice President Lufthansa Group Fleet Management said: "I am delighted that this additional order will enable us to secure the development of our short, medium and long-haul fleets. It is the next logical step in our strategy of ongoing fleet modernisation with regard to fuel efficiency, operating costs, noise and emissions."

“We are pleased that Lufthansa is coming back to order more Airbus aircraft across our product families,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. He adds: “In particular, the order for two additional A380s is a testimony to the outstanding performance, efficiency and passenger appeal which the type has already proven in service with the airline.”

Today the Lufthansa Group is the biggest Airbus operator worldwide with more than 368 Airbus aircraft currently in service. These include: 258 A320 Family; 37 A330s; 65 A340s; and eight A380s. With this latest order for seven aircraft, the Lufthansa Group has an order backlog which includes 85 A320 Family aircraft, nine A330s, and nine A380s.

Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer offering the most modern and eco-efficient aircraft families. Spanning 100 to 220 seats for our ‘Single-Aisle’ A320 family, 220 to 400 seats for ‘Long-Range’ (A330/A340/A350), to over 500 seats for the A380, all feature similar flight decks and handling characteristics. This commonality across the Airbus product line enables the multi-qualification of pilots and reduced pilot training times, while bringing significant cost savings through streamlined operational procedures.

Boeing P-8I Aircraft Completes 1st Flight

SEATTLE, Sept. 28, 2011 -- Boeing's [NYSE: BA] first P-8I aircraft for the Indian Navy completed its initial flight today, taking off from Renton Field at 12:02 p.m. Pacific time and landing two hours and 31 minutes later at Boeing Field in Seattle.

During the flight, Boeing test pilots performed airborne systems checks including engine accelerations and decelerations and autopilot flight modes, and took the P-8I to a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet prior to landing. In the coming weeks Boeing will begin mission systems installation and checkout work on the aircraft at a company facility near Boeing Field.

"The P-8I program is progressing well and we are looking forward to this potent platform joining the Indian Navy as part of its fleet," said Rear Adm. DM Sudan, assistant chief of Naval Staff (Air), Indian Navy.

"The P-8I will provide India with the necessary speed and reliability to satisfy the Indian Navy's maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements," said Dinesh Keskar, Boeing India president.

Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy. In order to efficiently design and build P-8 aircraft, the Boeing-led team is using a first-in-industry, in-line production process that draws on the company's Next-Generation 737 production system.

"Flying the first P-8 for an international customer is a key milestone for our entire team," said Leland Wight, Boeing P-8I program manager. "We have transitioned to P-8I production, and remain on track to deliver the first aircraft to the Indian Navy in 2013."

The P-8I is the first of eight long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft Boeing is building for India as part of a contract awarded in January 2009. An option for four additional P-8I aircraft was included in the original contract.

The aircraft features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.

The P-8I is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

Boeing, the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined, has significantly expanded its footprint in India in both civil aviation and defense. India has selected the P-8I to fulfill its long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine requirements and the C-17 Globemaster III for its strategic and tactical airlift needs.

L´AEROTECA adquiere un OVO-04 [Simulación]

L´AEROTECA demuestra una vez más su liderazgo acercando la aeronáutica a todos los aficionados

 

VIRTUAL FLY ha encontrado un nuevo aliado de honor en su red de distribución y ha conseguido resaltar la ciudad de Barcelona en el mapa internacional mediante el acuerdo alcanzado con L´AEROTECA.

 

Después de 25 años de existencia, L ´AEROTECA sigue confiando en el crecimiento de la cultura aeronáutica de nuestro país a través de la incorporación del que ya es su segundo simulador de vuelo.

 

Con el nuevo dispositivo que ha adquirido, un OVO-04 con Cockpit analógico de Mooney Bravo, L´AEROTECA da un paso estratégico imbatible al ser el primer local en España en ofrecer una experiencia de vuelo Full Motion para todos los públicos que, además, puede ser completada con nociones teóricas a través de su centro de aprendizaje propio, la SIMUTECA.

 

A través de este acuerdo, L´AEROTECA abre una nueva línea de negocio como distribuidor de VIRTUAL FLY que le permite la comercialización, alquiler, instalación y servicio post venta de los simuladores de vuelo OVO-04 y futuros productos.

 

Información y Reservas:

C/ Montseny, 22 (08012) Barcelona

Tel: 93 218 17 39

Email: aeroteca@aeroteca.com

Web: www.aeroteca.com

 

 

(nota de prensa)

Cessna: Skycatcher Surpasses 100 Deliveries

HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 22, 2011 — Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, said today at the AOPA Aviation Summit in Hartford that it has surpassed 100 deliveries of the Model 162 Skycatcher light sport aircraft.

The milestone 100th aircraft was delivered to Sporty’s Pilot Shop this summer and will be given away in Sporty’s annual drawing early next year. Cessna began deliveries of the Skycatcher in December 2009 and has received orders for more than 1,000 of the aircraft.

A new addition to the Skycatcher is the McCauley designed and delivered first production ASTM certified 1L100 fixed-pitch composite propeller. This all-composite two-blade, fixed-pitch propeller was made specifically for the Skycatcher’s Continental Motors O-200D engine. The composite propeller became standard equipment on the Skycatcher beginning with serial number 108, and it will be offered to existing Model 162 owners for retrofit.

“Fitting the Skycatcher with the new composite prop is truly a benefit to the airplane and the pilot,” said Tracy Leopold, Cessna Skycatcher business leader. “The single piece design gives it great strength and is a little over 14 pounds lighter than the aluminum propeller used on the Skycatcher.”

Designed as a low-cost flight trainer, Skycatchers have been delivered to many Cessna Pilot Centers around the U.S. and international deliveries began this year. In March, King Schools released its Flying the Skycatcher DVD training program, the official pilot transition course used in Cessna Pilot Centers worldwide.

 Announced in 2007, the Skycatcher is Cessna’s entry in the popular light sport aircraft category. It features the Garmin G300 avionics suite and a Teledyne Continental O200D engine. The two-seat, single-engine aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 118 knots with a maximum range at 6,000 feet of 440 nautical miles. Fabrication and assembly is centered at Shenyang Aircraft Corporation in Shenyang, China. Aircraft are shipped to Cessna’s U.S. reassembly site.

cessna

CASSIDIAN ensures flight safety of all German Forces aircraft

23 September 2011

Modernization program successfully concluded
Latest-technology transponder STR 2000 fulfills new requirements of air traffic control authorities
Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, has successfully concluded the modernization of the identification equipment of all German Forces' aircraft. With the final deliveries in a multi-year modernization program, Cassidian has handed over the last tranche of its STR 2000 transponders to the German Procurement Authority BWB. In total, more than 650 transponders were delivered since 2002. The new equipment ensures the safe operation of aircraft in civilian airspace according to new requirements of the European air traffic control authority EuroControl.

Transponders are a crucial element to ensure flight safety. As part of air traffic control, interrogators on the ground emit signals to request flight data from individual aircraft, e.g. on their origin, course or speed. These requests are then automatically answered by transponders located on board the approaching aircraft, so that the position of each individual aircraft can always be reliably tracked.

Military aircraft also respond to these non-military requests. In the so-called Identification-Friend-or-Foe (IFF) process, they even transmit additional data in an encrypted mode, allowing all aircraft to be unmistakably identified, e.g. during military operations. Thereby, inadvertent friendly attacks can be prevented. For this reason, military aircraft require transponders with both civil and military functions.
Cassidian has wide experience in the field of military and civil air traffic control and identification. The company has supplied numerous military identification systems for air, naval and ground vehicles to a number of armed forces, e.g. in Germany, France, Finland and Australia. For civil air traffic control, Cassidian’s identification systems are used in countries such as Austria and the Philippines.

PR

Egyptian Air Force becomes new Airbus Military C295 operator

The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) today has taken delivery of its first Airbus Military C295. The aircraft in military transport configuration, was delivered ahead of contract schedule. This aircraft is part of a three aircraft order placed by the EAF in October 2010. The other two aircraft are to be delivered during the last quarter of 2011. The C295 was selected for its versatility and adaptability, especially in desert areas, its ease of maintenance and low life cycle cost, as well as its operational capabilities. “This milestone represents the birth of a strong Programme between Airbus Military and the Egyptian Air Force”, said General Yousry Abd El Hamid, Chief of Armament Department of the Egyptian Ministry of Defence.

Airbus Military Head Programmes Light & Medium & Derivatives Rafael Tentor, said: “We are very proud to welcome the Egyptian Air Force to the Airbus Military community of operators and we look forward to support the entry into service of the C295. We are confident that the aircraft will have a long future with the Egyptian Air Force, operating efficiently in the challenging missions required from it”. The C295 is configured with standard equipment as well as the Cargo Handling and, Aerial Delivery system (CHADS). It can also be equipped for paratrooping and medical evacuation, and humanitarian relief missions. It can carry payloads of up to 9 tonnes, in standard cargo pallets, or 71 soldiers in transport missions, or be equipped with 50 paratroopers.

To date, Airbus Military has sold 83 C295 aircraft to 12 different operators.

PR&Photo

A400M passes key certification tests

The Airbus Military A400M new generation airlifter has passed a series of key tests in the last week as the aircraft continues to progress towards civil and military type certification.

On 17th September the aircraft (Grizzly 1) successfully performed the high-energy rejected take-off test which confirms the capability of the braking system to stop the aircraft safely following a rejected take-off at high speed and high weight. During the week the emergency evacuation tests were also carried out to demonstrate that the aircraft can be safely evacuated in a specified time when loaded with troops or other passengers in various configurations.

The high-energy rejected take-off test is one of the toughest in the programme and, because of the risk of damage to the aircraft, is among the last items performed before preparation of the aircraft flight manual. It was carried out on runway 14R at Toulouse Airport and required the aircraft, loaded to the maximum take-off weight, to make a simulated take-off run which was aborted at the V1 decision speed. V1 is the maximum speed at which the pilot has to decide whether to continue a take-off or abort it.

As specified by the testing authorities the aircraft was then taxied clear of the runway and stopped for five minutes before firefighters were allowed to cool the brakes and wheels. As is typical in this test, three of the aircraft´s tyres deflated. There was no further damage and the test was highly successful.

The emergency evacuation tests were performed over several days at the A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville using the fifth development aircraft which is mostly complete and due to fly before the end of the year. All the tests required for certification were passed. They were performed with, respectively, paratroopers, conventional troops, in a medical evacuation configuration, and in a mixed configuration of troops and cargo.

Airbus Head of Flight Operations Fernando Alonso said: “These are vital tests to satisfy highly specific certification requirements and it is very satisfying to see the aircraft performing so well against them. We look forward to more strong progress in the next few weeks as we work towards type certification.”

PR

46th successful launch in a row of the Astrium-built Ariane 5

Kourou,  22 September 2011

Ariane 5, the European launch vehicle developed and manufactured by Astrium, today successfully lifted-off from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

For François Auque, Astrium CEO, “This 46th consecutive success confirms the reliability of Astrium as a prime contractor for Ariane. Astrium’s particular expertise in cryogenic propulsion enables the launch vehicle to answer the customer requests on a very comprehensive range of missions.”

For this 204th flight, Ariane 5 placed 8,974 kilos into geostationary orbit.

MBDA Germany prepares the way for C-RAM laser weapon system

22 September 2011

MBDA Germany prepares the way for C-RAM laser weapon system

The ability to direct 10 kW laser power over a long distance and reach a target with a high quality beam is a decisive forward step. MBDA Germany has conducted several successful tests with its laser demonstrator. This is evidence of major progress in terms of achieving a C-RAM (Counter Rocket, Artillery, Mortar) laser weapon system. The results also confirm MBDA Germany’s leading position in Europe in this domain.

For the first time, 10 kW laser power reached a moving target located more than two kilometres away while retaining a high quality beam. The tracking of dynamic objects and the effects on the object were demonstrated over a distance of more than 2,300 m and an altitude differential of 1,000 m under real-life environmental conditions.

These results are of major significance. The successful combating of RAM munitions is of major importance for the protection of soldiers in the field. However, this also represents several technical challenges. Defence against RAM munitions is only possible to a limited extent with current cannon systems or missiles. These difficulties arise from the high speed of artillery munitions, the small signatures of mortar munitions, the required combat distance in excess of 1,000 m and the necessary combat velocity. In this respect, laser weapons are exceptionally well suited for use against RAM munitions.

However, since countermeasures against RAM must be carried out within a few seconds, it is necessary to achieve high laser power and a high quality laser beam against a fast moving target at distances of between 1,000 m and 3,000 m. This is the only way to guarantee the protection of a field camp using such a laser weapon.

The experts at MBDA Germany have now proven that their laser demonstrator is already able to deliver high laser power and a high quality laser beam at a moving target over long distances. Currently, it is only possible with the geometric coupling principle that has been patented by MBDA Germany. This therefore lays the groundwork for the development of a C- RAM laser weapon system.

A European consortium led by MBDA Germany has been developing the major aspects of the system in a study being conducted on behalf of the European Defence Agency (EDA) since 2009. Integration investigations with appropriate hardware have also been carried out. The final selection of a platform for the laser weapon system will be made once all the relevant conditions have been established. This process is currently underway in close consultation with users and suppliers.

The successful tests by MBDA Germany have been conducted on behalf of the German Federal Office for Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) at the latter’s WTD 52 testing site.

Notes to editors

MBDA Germany comprises LFK-Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH together with its subsidiaries (TDW and Bayern-Chemie). As a part of Europe’s MBDA Group, MBDA Germany employs around 1,300 persons at its sites in Schrobenhausen, Unterschleissheim, Ulm and Aschau am Inn.

With industrial facilities in four European countries and within the USA, in 2010 MBDA achieved a turnover of 2.8 billion euros with an order book of 10.8 billion euros. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems. MBDA is the only group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development.

MBDA is jointly held by BAE SYSTEMS (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and FINMECCANICA (25%).

Lockheed Martin F-35 Flight Test Progress Report. Several flight test and production key milestones were accomplished since the last report

FORT WORTH, Texas, September 20th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] F-35 flight test program moves closer to reaching year-end milestones since the last update issued July 26. Since then, the F-35 Lightning II 5TH Generation multirole fighter conducted 124 test flights, bringing the total number of flights for the year to 642.

Overall, the F-35 system development and demonstration (SDD) flight test remains on or ahead of plan for 2011, despite 15 days of testing lost due to fleet stand-down after a ground mishap involving the Integrated Power Package (IPP). Flight testing was also interrupted at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., because of an Aug. 23 earthquake and severe weather associated with Hurricane Irene. During this period of down time, the flight test teams at all locations continued working through planned modifications and maintenance.

As of Aug. 31, the fleet remained 8 percent ahead of plan in year-to-date (YTD) flights.

Several flight test and production key milestones were accomplished since the last report:

BF-1 performed a 40 foot hover in calm winds and two vertical landings (VL) for the 150th VL to date on Aug. 31.
AF-10 and AF-11 were delivered to Eglin AFB, Fla., Aug. 31. They join AF-8 and AF-9 assigned to the 33d Fighter Wing.
Static testing was completed on the F-35C Lightning II carrier variant (CV) ground article CG-1 at Lockheed Martin Fort Worth, Texas, Aug. 29. With this achievement, the F-35 Program has accomplished its static structural testing milestone for 2011.
Jet Blast Deflector (JBD) testing was completed by F-35 CV aircraft CF-2 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. from June 25-August 13. CF-2 successfully completed this portion of JBD tests required to ensure the F-35C is compatible aboard an aircraft carrier.
AF-7 completed its last flight of currently required conventional take off and landing (CTOL) maturity flights on Aug. 31.
Cumulative flight test activity totals for 2011 are provided below:

F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) jets have flown 314 times.
F-35B short takeoff/ vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft have completed 226 flights.
F-35C carrier variant (CV) jets have flown 102 times.
From the start of flight testing in December 2006 through September 16, 2011, F-35s flew 1,202 times, including the production-model flights and AA-1, the original flight test aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5TH Generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.

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.

PR

Boeing-led Team Delivers 1st Peace Eye AEW&C Aircraft to Republic of Korea Air Force

ROKAF BASE GIMHAE, South Korea, Sept. 21, 2011 -- A team led by Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered the first Peace Eye 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).

The aircraft was delivered during a ceremony attended by officials from the ROKAF, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the South Korean and U.S. governments, industry partners and Boeing at ROKAF Base Gimhae, the main operating base for the Peace Eye fleet.
"Peace Eye increases South Korea's self-defense capacity with powerful airborne-surveillance and battle-management capabilities that will help enhance the security of the Korean peninsula," said Randy Price, Peace Eye program manager for Boeing. "Working closely with the ROKAF, DAPA, the U.S. government and our Korean industry partners was key to making today's milestone a reality."

Three additional Peace Eye aircraft are being modified by Korean Aerospace Industries in Sacheon, Korea, and will be delivered to the ROKAF in 2012.

The Peace Eye program includes four 737 AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. 737 AEW&C aircraft also are in production for the governments of Australia and Turkey.

Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 commercial airplane, the 737 AEW&C aircraft is designed to provide airborne battle-management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles that are able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The mission crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area.

PR

Boeing Promotes New Approach for Future Aviation Training

New methods help meet demand for flight instructors and aviation personnel
BANGKOK, Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today called upon the aviation industry for a revised approach to training that includes the use of online and mobile devices to meet the demand for aviation personnel over the next 20 years. Speaking at the Asia Pacific Airline Training Symposium in Bangkok, Roei Ganzarski, chief customer officer, Boeing Flight Services, said the industry must focus on adopting newer methods of instruction that have proven successful in other fields.

Boeing forecasts the need for tens of thousands of flight instructors over the next 20 years to meet demands for new capable and well-qualified airline pilots worldwide.
"We must advance the training profession in order to attract and retain the passionate and competent talent needed to train the vast numbers of aviation personnel required," said Ganzarski.  "We need to train them in a way that is adaptable to a generation steeped in mobile and on-line technology."

Boeing research into pilot training around the world highlights the critical role an instructor plays in the learning and performance of pilots.

"It should no longer be about an instructor's number of flying hours. The next wave of professional instructors should place greater emphasis on student aptitude to ensure students reach their fullest potential," Ganzarski said.

The 2011 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook indicates that by 2030 the global aviation industry will require 460,000 new commercial airline pilots and 650,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians. To meet the demand for new pilots, Boeing estimates that the training industry will need a minimum of 1,200 new pilot instructors every year for the next twenty years.

Boeing Flight Services, a business unit of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, is aligned with customer's flight operations function and offers integrated products and services to drive optimized performance, efficiency and safety, ranging from advanced training to improved airspace efficiency and infrastructure, airline operations, flight planning, navigation and scheduling.

Boeing

Su-35 fighters flew more than 300 flights on flight tests program

Moscow, October 19. Su-35 fighters carried out more than 300 flights on flight tests program. At present, the first and second Su-35 fighter aircraft were delivered to the 929th State Flight Test Center (GLITS) for the state joint tests (SJT), and on August 15 this year they started to implement the agreed program. At the same time the first serial production Su-35S-1 fighter has also joined the program.

The first and second Su-35 fighter aircraft carried out preliminary flight tests. The basic set of flight and technical specifications of the onboard equipment and the characteristics of super maneuverability, stability and control characteristics, the characteristics of the power plant, the work of the navigation system were fully confirmed during the tests. The maximum ground-level speed is 1,400 km/h, speed at altitude — 2400 km/h, the ceiling — 18 thousand meters. The detection range of targets in the “air-to-air” mode is over 400 km. This is significantly higher than that of the combat aircraft currently in service. The onboard OLS (optical locator station) can detect and track multiple targets at ranges exceeding 80 km. The complex is ready to undergo testing for operational use.

The analysis of the amount of work already performed allows a conclusion that Su-35/Su-35S has a much better flight and technical characteristics compared to the analogue aircraft in service, and the installed onboard equipment allows it to solve a wider range of tasks defined by the tactical and technical mission. The potential characteristics incorporated in the aircraft will enable it to exceed all tactical fighters of the generation 4 and 4 + (Rafale and EF 2000 type, upgraded fighter jets such as F-15, F-16, F-18 and Mirage 2000), and to counteract the F-22A, as well as F-35A tactical fighter.

The technological advance that is implemented in a perspective fifth-generation fighter aircraft (PAK FA) is used to the maximum in the development and testing of the Su-35. It will allow to lower costs and in shorter time to complete its development and to add it to the Russian Air Force armory.

The Su-35 is a thoroughly upgraded super-maneuverable multi-role fighter of the 4++ generation. It employs technologies of the fifth generation that assure its superiority over similar class fighters. The special features of the aircraft include a new avionics suite based on digital information control system integrating onboard systems, a new phased antenna array radar with a long aerial target detection range and with an increased number of simultaneously tracked and engaged targets (30 aerial targets tracked and 8 targets engaged plus the tracking of 4 and engagement of 2 ground targets), and new enhanced vectored thrust engines. The Su-35 has a diverse suite of long-, medium- and short-range weapons. It can carry guided aerial munitions for anti-radar and anti-ship actions as well as general purpose munitions, guided and unguided aerial bombs. The radar signature of the fighter has been reduced by several times as compared to that of the fourth-generation aircraft by coating the cockpit with electro-conducting compounds, applying radio absorption coats and reducing the number of protruding sensors. The service life of the aircraft is 6,000 hours flight hours; the life cycle is 30 years of operation. The assigned service life of vectored thrust engines is 4,000 hours.

Airbus teme una crisis de crédito en las aerolíneas europeas - Expansión.com

Airbus teme una crisis de crédito en las aerolíneas europeas - Expansión.com:

Pueblo en linea

Airbus teme una crisis de crédito en las aerolíneas europeas Expansión.com Airbus teme que la crisis actual de los mercados en Europa complique la adquisición de aviones por parte de las aerolíneas, ya que estas compañías pueden empezar a tener problemas para conseguir dólares prestados por parte de los bancos. ... Airbus prevé pedidos de más de 27.800 aviones para 2030Centro de Información por Internet de China Airbus prevé una demanda de 27.800 aviones en 20 añosHostelTur Airbus prevé que la flota mundial de aviones se doblará para 2030ABC.es Pueblo en linea los 91 artículos informativos »

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Strong growth in airliner numbers and seating capacity is foreseen by Airbus’ 2011-2030 Global Market Forecast

19 SEPTEMBER 2011 HEADLINE NEWS
The continuing “democratization” of air transport – driven by emerging economies, a global increase in wealth, greater urbanization, the need for more eco-efficient aircraft and a nearly doubling of major airport hubs for mega-cities – will lead to the demand for more than 26,900 new passenger airliners and over 900 new factory-built cargo aircraft during the next 20 years, according to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast.
Unveiled at a press conference today in London, the 2011-2030 Global Market Forecast foresees an overall doubling of the global passenger airliner fleet sized at 100 seats and more, increasing from 15,000 aircraft today to 31,500 by 2030.  The average seat capacity of aircraft also will continue to increase as air traffic retains its positive growth curve.

“Key factors identified in our new 20-year forecast include a strong driving of traffic growth by the emerging economies, the nearly doubling of traffic in and between more mature markets, and the positioning of Asia-Pacific as the leader in world traffic,” John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, told reporters at the press conference. “Other factors are a faster growth in long-haul traffic than short-haul, while the 39 cities worldwide that handle more than 10,000 long-haul passengers daily today will become nearly 90 cities in 20 years.”

The largest category for new aircraft in terms of requirement numbers is the single-aisle segment, in which Airbus is a leading supplier with its A320 and A320neo jetliner Families.  The need for nearly 19,200 single-aisle aircraft with capacities of 100-210 seats is anticipated by the Airbus Global Market Forecast during the 20-year timeframe, representing a combined value of some $1.4 trillion.  Of this total, approximately 50 per cent of the deliveries are anticipated in the well-established North American and European airline markets.
For the twin-aisle category, which typically seats from 250 to 400 passengers, the Airbus Global Market Forecast sees a broad segmentation with broad demand.  A doubling of the worldwide twin-aisle fleet will result in deliveries of some 6,900 new passenger and freighter aircraft during the 20 year period – valued at an estimated $1.5 trillion.  For passenger aircraft, an estimated 70 per cent of the demand will be focussed on the 250-seat and 300-seat segments.  Airbus’ product lines in the twin-aisle category are the A330 passenger and freighter aircraft, along with the next-generation A350 XWB Family.

In the Very Large Aircraft (VLA) category with seating capacities of more than 400 passengers, the Airbus Global Market Forecast calls for the requirement of 1,781 jetliners valued at some $600 billion – an increase in demand from the 1,738 aircraft estimated by the 2010 forecast.  Of the total, 45 per cent of VLA deliveries are expected for Asian airlines, followed by 23 percent for carriers in the Middle East and 19 per cent for European airlines.  The VLA category is addressed by Airbus’ 21st century A380 flagship, which was developed for the growing requirement of high capacity aircraft to handle concentrated traffic volumes that link the world’s mega-cities and large airport hubs.

The Airbus Global Market Forecast is a regularly-updated 20-year outlook on aircraft demand and passenger flows, taking into account econometric forecasts that are complemented by market research and judgment.  It involves detailed studies of network evolution – including new routes, markets and deregulation “hot spots” – and anticipates the fleet evolution covering hundreds of passenger airlines and cargo carriers.
For a detailed review of the 2011-2030 outlook, visit the Airbus website’s interactive Global Market Forecast section, which includes the full report focussed on passenger transport development, along with a pocket guide version; as well as the press conference presentation slides of John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, and Chris Emerson, Airbus Senior Vice President, Head of Product Strategy and Market Forecast; and a video interview with Leahy.  A separate Global Market Forecast for freighter aircraft will be issued at a later date, reflecting its importance to Airbus and the industry.

Airbus sees demand for over 27,800 aircraft in the next 20 years

Ongoing trend for larger eco-efficient aircraft 19 SEPTEMBER 2011 PRESS RELEASE

In the midst of troubled financial markets, Airbus foresees strong ongoing demand for commercial aircraft. According to its latest Global Market Forecast (GMF), by 2030 some 27,800 new aircraft will be required to satisfy future robust market demand. The combined value of the over 26,900 passenger aircraft (above 100 seats) and more than 900 new factory built freighters forecast by the GMF is US$3.5 trillion. As a result, by 2030 the global passenger fleet will more than double from today’s 15,000 aircraft to 31,500. This will include some 27,800 new aircraft deliveries of which 10,500 will be needed for replacing older less fuel efficient aircraft. The trend towards larger aircraft will continue, in order for the aviation sector to keep pace with future growth in demand.

People need and want to fly more than ever before. Over the next 20 years the aviation sector is expected to remain resilient to cyclical economic conditions as in the past. Airbus forecasts that Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) will grow by an average 4.8 per cent per year, which is equivalent to traffic more than doubling in the next 20 years. Factors driving demand for new aircraft include population growth with increasing wealth, dynamic growth in emerging economies, strong continued growth in North America and European markets, greater urbanization and a more than doubling in the number of mega cities by 2030. Drivers also include the ongoing expansion of low cost carriers, and the need to replace older less efficient aircraft with new eco-efficient models in established markets.

Geographically, over the next 20 years, Asia-Pacific will account for approximately 34 percent of demand, followed by Europe (22 per cent) and North America (22 per cent). By share of passenger traffic, Asia-Pacific will be the biggest market with 33 percent, followed by Europe (23 per cent) and North America (20 per cent).

In terms of passenger traffic on domestic markets, India (9.8 per cent) and China (7.2 per cent) will have the fastest growth rates over the next 20 years. Long established aviation markets will also continue to grow with the Domestic US (11.1 per cent) and Intra Western Europe (7.5 per cent) having the first and third largest shares of the total traffic in 2030. “The aviation sector is an essential element for today’s global economy which is why more people than ever need and want to fly,” says John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “Airbus is bringing to market the latest innovations and eco-efficient products to satisfy the needs of airlines and the expectations of passengers now and in the years to come.” By 2030, 60 per cent of the world’s population or some five billion people will be urbanised and the number of mega cities will have more than doubled to 87 from today’s 39. It is also forecast that over 90 per cent of long haul travellers will fly between these mega city points.

Demand for Very Large Aircraft (VLA) seating more than 400 passengers, like the A380, has risen over 2010 forecasts (1,738) to 1,781 aircraft valued at US$600 billion. This represents a 17 per cent share by value or six per cent share by aircraft units. Of these, nearly 1,330 are passenger aircraft needed to cater for the concentrated traffic volumes linking the world’s mega cities. Regionally, some 45 per cent of the world’s VLA’s will be delivered to Asia, 19 per cent to Europe and 23 per cent to the Middle East.

In the twin-aisle aircraft segment (seating from 250 to 400 passengers), some 6,900 new passenger and freighter aircraft will be delivered in the next 20 years doubling the fleet of today by 2030. These deliveries are valued at some US$1,500 billion, representing 43 per cent share by value, or 25 per cent share by units. Of these, some 4,800 aircraft will be small twin-aisle (250 to 300 seater) and about 2,100 intermediate twin aisles (350 to 400 seater). These segments are covered by the A330 and the A350 XWB family.

In the single-aisle segment, nearly 19,200 aircraft worth some US$1,400 billion or 40 per cent share by value, 69 per cent share by units, will be delivered in the next 20 years. This is an increase over previous forecasts due to increased growth and acceleration in the replacement of older less efficient aircraft. Of the new deliveries, some 40 per cent will be required to replacement needs. In addition some 50 per cent of single aisle aircraft deliveries will go to the well established aviation markets of North America and Europe.

Boeing Marks 20th Anniversary of C-17 Globemaster III's 1st Flight [HD Photos by Boeing]

1991

2011

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] on Sept. 15 celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first flight of the C-17 airlifter. On Sept. 15, 1991, test aircraft T-1 took off from the Boeing Long Beach site on a two-hour flight that proved the engineering and design concepts of the aircraft and marked the beginning of the program.

T-1 flew by Long Beach again on Sept. 15, 2011, in a re-creation of its milestone flight.

"The first flight of T-1 ushered in a new era in military and humanitarian airlift," said Bob Ciesla, C-17 program manager for Boeing. "Twenty years ago, when I was working in flight test for this new airlift program, I could not anticipate just how critical the C-17 would become for the U.S. Air Force and its allies. The success of the C-17 Globemaster III program extends beyond Boeing's employees and supplier partners -- who have proudly engineered and built the world's greatest airlifter for two decades -- to exceed the expectations of customers around the globe who fly the jet every day."

The C-17 has flown more than 2 million hours in its 20-year history, supporting worldwide airlift missions that transport troops and supplies to global hot zones and bring aid to those in need during humanitarian crises.

"There is no question that the C-17 has set the bar high," said Ciesla. "The program has performed on cost and on schedule for more than a decade. Now we are entering a new stage with a production-rate reduction from 15 to 10 aircraft per year, extending the life of the C-17 line to 2014 and beyond."

The C-17 aircraft has achieved a number of record-breaking milestones -- more than any other airlifter in history -- and set 33 world records during initial flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The C-17's records include payload to altitude and time-to-climb, as well as a record for short-takeoff-and-landing in which the C-17 took off in less than 1,400 feet, carried a payload of 44,000 pounds to altitude, and landed in less than 1,400 feet.

During the past 20 years, Boeing has delivered 235 C-17s -- 211 to the U.S. Air Force, including active duty, Guard and Reserve units, and 24 to international customers including the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Qatar Emiri Air Force, United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India became the newest C-17 customer in June, when India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire 10 C-17s that will be delivered in 2013-2014.

Airbus Military A330 MRTT FSTA for UK RAF awarded certification

Airbus Military has obtained military and civil certification for the Future Strategic Transport Aircraft (FSTA) version of the A330 MRTT for the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom.

This paves the way for first delivery of the aircraft to the RAF in the coming weeks.

The approval was granted by Spanish military certification authority Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Aerospacial (INTA). It follows the civil certification of the FSTA which was awarded by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in July.

Together these certifications cover the specific configuration of the UK version of the MRTT and lay the ground for its eventual operation on both the  military and civil registers, as currently envisaged by the RAF. It will be known in RAF service as “Voyager”.

The initial configuration which will enter service, and which is covered by the certification, is the two-point aircraft with hose-and-drogue refuelling pods under each wing. The three-point configuration, which also includes a centreline Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU will be certified at a later date as contracted.

“It is deeply satisfying to see this FSTA variant of the A330 MRTT receive its certification as per schedule,” said Airbus Military Senior VP Engineering Miguel Angel Morell. “I would like to thank everyone involved in the FSTA programme for their work and look forward to seeing the aircraft being delivered soon.”

PR

X-51 Scramjet Test Exceeded Thrust Expectations: AFRL

X-51 Scramjet Test Exceeded Thrust Expectations: AFRL: The second X-51 supersonic combustion scramjet test vehicle actually produced more thrust than expected before the test flight ended in failure, a U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) official told a U.S. House Aerospace Luncheon on Sept. 15. [...]

Airbus in Illescas delivers first A350 XWB Wing Lower Cover to Airbus in Broughton

Produced at Airbus’ Centre of Excellence for composite materials in Spain
16 SEPTEMBER 2011 PRESS RELEASE

The first A350 XWB wing lower cover (WLC) has been transported from Airbus’ composites manufacturing site in Illescas, Spain, to Airbus’ wing assembly site in Broughton, United Kingdom, where it will be installed on to the wing of the first A350 XWB to fly, MSN001. The wing lower cover was recently produced at Airbus’ Centre of Excellence for composite materials in Illescas, Spain; the part measures approximately 32 metres long by six metres wide, making it the biggest carbon fibre part ever produced in civil aviation.

“This is a major milestone for the A350 XWB programme and for Airbus in Spain”, said Rafael González-Ripoll, Head of Airbus’ Centre of Excellence Empennage & Aft -fuselage, “The delivery of the first flying A350 XWB wing lower cover pays tribute to the tremendous achievements made by a highly qualified, technical team. We have again demonstrated our expertise in designing, industrialising and manufacturing primary structures in carbon fibre with the A350 XWB, building on past experiences with other Airbus programmes.”

The wing cover will be fitted into the A350 XWB wing in Broughton and afterwards will be transported to Bremen (Germany) where the movable parts will be fitted. Later on, the sub-assembly will go to A350 XWB Final Assembly Line in Toulouse, where it will be joined to the fuselage.

The A350 XWB Family consists of three passenger versions with true long-range capability. In terms of capacity, the A350-800 will offer 270 seats; the A350-900 holds 314 seats while the A350-1000 will have 350 seats respectively. The Family concept allows airlines to best match their A350 XWB fleets to route capacity demands, guaranteeing optimum revenue potential. To date, 35 customers have ordered 567 A350 XWBs. Airbus forecasts a demand over the next 20 years for around 5,800 new twin-aisle mid-size passenger aircraft.

Sikorsky to cut global workforce by about 540 jobs - Forbes

Sikorsky to cut global workforce by about 540 jobs - Forbes:

Vertical Magazine

Sikorsky to cut global workforce by about 540 jobs Forbes Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced on Thursday that it is trimming its worldwide workforce of 18000 by about 540 jobs to remain competitive in the helicopter design, manufacturing and service industry. Paul Jackson, the company's director of ... Sikorsky Cutting Workforce By 3 PercentHartford Courant Layoffs loom at SikorskyCt Post Sikorsky to Shed 540 Jobs; Effect on Stratford UnclearPatch.com NBC Connecticut los 53 artículos informativos »

RAF's A330 MRTT FSTA obtains INTA certification - Australian Aviation

RAF's A330 MRTT FSTA obtains INTA certification - Australian Aviation:

Australian Aviation

RAF's A330 MRTT FSTA obtains INTA certification Australian Aviation The RAF's Airbus Military A330 MRTT Future Strategic Transport Aircraft (FSTA) has obtained military certification from Spain's Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Aerospacial (INTA), following civil certification by EASA earlier in July. ...