martes, 16 de abril de 2013

Nearly New B737-800 Downed In Bali Just Prior To Landing

Nearly New B737-800 Downed In Bali Just Prior To Landing: NTSB Assisting In Investigation A month-old Lion Air Boeing 737-800 went down, short of the runway, but without any loss of life. The 108 persons on board were all reported to have survived the accident where the 737 went down less than 200 feet short of the runway and impacted in the ocean while attempting to land in Bali, Indonesia. Injuries were reported to upwards of 45 people, and the fuselage was seen to have been broken in a number of places as a result of the impact. The flight started earlier in the day in Bandung, and had flown two other legs, Saturday, before the Bali impact.

Navy bomb unit to assist Boston bombings investigation

http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130415/NEWS/304150030

EASA signals approval of A380 wing fix

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) Monday signaling approval of modifications for Airbus A380 wing rib feet aimed at solving the aircraft’s wing cracking issue. The proposed AD, which EASA could finalize as soon as May 13, would approve a set of Airbus-developed modifications for A380 wing rib feet that involve “introducing horizontal stiffeners below the manhole on certain ribs and modifying the rib feet booms

Las tasas de navegación aérea en España podrían subir en 2014

Ignacio González, director general de Navegación Aérea ha anunciado que las tasas de ruta podrían subir en 2014 sí el tráfico aéreo no se recupera y AENA no reduce adecuadamente sus gastos

Un 777 surcoreano aterriza de emergencia en Tokio por detectarse humo en el interior de la cabina

Un avión de la compañía surcoreana Korean Air, procedente de Corea del Sur con destino a los Estados Unidos, cambió de ruta para efectuar un aterrizaje con urgencia en el aeropuerto de Tokyo-Narita. Ninguno de los pasajeros resultó herido.

El C919 chino volará en 2014

y se espera que esté al servicio en 2016.

CASA C295 demonstrates release of Marte missile



Airbus Military and MBDA have successfully demonstrated the release of an instrumented Marte MK2/S anti-ship inert missile installed under the wing of the C295 maritime patrol aircraft. This flight was the last of a series of trials performed in a joint Airbus Military – MBDA collaboration to validate the aerodynamic integration of Marte on C295, its handling qualities and performance tests.

The installation of weapons under the wings provides new operational capabilities to the C295 MPA allowing the aircraft to perform new missions demanded by customers. In the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) role, the C295 is already in-service carrying the MK46 torpedo.

This successful trial provides further proof of the operational versatility of the Marte missile and clearly establishes it as the benchmark weapon in the medium weight anti-ship missile sector.

The Marte Mk2/S is already integrated on the AW-101 and the NFH (Naval NH90) helicopters in service with the Italian Navy and integration activities for the Marte ER on the Eurofighter Typhoon are currently underway.

The MBDA Marte MK2/S missile is a fire-and-forget, all-weather, medium-range sea-skimming anti-ship weapon system, equipped with inertial mid-course guidance and radar homing terminal guidance, and capable of destroying small vessels and heavily damaging major vessels. The missile has a weight of 310 Kg and is 3.85 m long.

About MBDA

With industrial facilities in five European countries and within the USA, in 2012 MBDA achieved a turnover of €3 billion with an order book of €9.8 billion. 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%).

About Airbus Military

Airbus Military is the only military and civic/humanitarian transport aircraft manufacturer to develop, produce, sell and provide support and services for a comprehensive family of airlifters with a payload range of three to 45 tonnes. An Airbus subsidiary, Airbus Military is responsible for the A400M programme, the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and further military derivatives based on Airbus civil aircraft. These, together with the smaller 'Light & Medium' C295, CN235 and C212, make Airbus Military the global leader in the market for military transport, tanker and surveillance aircraft capable of performing the most varied types of missions. Altogether, Airbus Military has sold more than 1,000 aircraft to nearly 138 military, civil and governmental customers. More than 800 of these aircraft have been delivered. Airbus is an EADS company.

Airbus and EADS innovate with a stealthy building at Blagnac Airport



Airbus, with the support of EADS Innovation Works, has opened the first "stealthy building" at the Toulouse Airbus site attached to Blagnac Airport.

EADS and Airbus built the C65 hangar at the airport by equipping the building with specially shaped aluminium panels. These panels prevent the building from disrupting the airport's Instrument Landing System (ILS), which allows aircraft to land in reduced visibility conditions.

For safety reasons, planning permission would not have been granted for the building without these modifications.

The large façades of buildings pose a problem for aircraft landing systems as they reflect incoming radio waves across the runway, much like a mirror. Such perturbations would cause aircraft to deviate from the runway centreline. For this reason construction is forbidden close to runways unless it can be demonstrated that the building is ‘stealthy’.

However, it is not feasible to apply conventional stealth technology to absorb the incoming waves since this would be prohibitively expensive. Instead the solution applied in Toulouse uses the phenomenon of diffraction to redirect the waves away from the runway. This is the same effect that produces the iridescent colours that are visible when holding up a compact disc up to a source of light. By employing ELISE, an advanced ILS simulation tool developed by Airbus Engineering, EADS Innovation Works and the French Civil Aviation University ENAC it was even possible to demonstrate that it would only be necessary to treat the top 10 metres of the building, leading to a cheaper solution.

EADS Chief Technical Officer Jean Botti said: “The successful completion of this Airbus facility requirement is an example of our commitment to the development of unique technical solutions for our customers and the aerospace industry.”

Airbus ProSky will now sell this technology assisted by the technical support from EADS Innovation Works. Airbus ProSky CEO Paul-Franck Bijou said: “By designing buildings that do not produce reflections, up to 100 square kilometres of non-buildable airport land worldwide could potentially be transformed into space available for construction, such as terminal buildings, maintenance hangars, or even outside airport boundaries like exhibitions centres, hotels and multi storey car parks.”

About EADS

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2012, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 56.5 billion and employed a workforce of over 140,000.

About Airbus

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer offering a complete range of aircraft families, from 100 to well over 500 passenger seats, as well as the most modern, comprehensive and fuel-efficient product line on the market. Airbus is an EADS company.

El mayor aeropuerto fantasma de España rompe sus obligaciones ambientales | Materia

El 'policía medioambiental' del gigantesco
aeropuerto privado de Ciudad Real
dimite por los incumplimientos de los
promotores de la instalación, cerrada y
sin aviones

http://esmateria.com/2013/04/15/el-mayor-aeropuerto-fantasma-de-espana-rompe-sus-obligaciones-ambientales/

FAA orders inspections of Boeing 737s - CNN.com

According to the FAA, the inspections will
focus on pins which attach the horizontal
stabilizers to the fuselage. They were
prompted by reports that a coating used to
protect the pins from wear and corrosion
was applied incorrectly.
The FAA says premature failure of the pins
could cause reduced structural integrity of
the horizontal stabilizer to fuselage
attachment, resulting in loss of control of
the airplane.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/15/travel/faa-737-inspections/index.html?iref=allsearch

domingo, 14 de abril de 2013

First B-2 Surpasses 7,000 Flight Hours

First B-2 Surpasses 7,000 Flight Hours: Bombers Entered Service In July, 1996 Since the first B-2 Spirit arrived at Whiteman AFB in Missouri in July 1996, its stealthiness and massive firepower have been used in missions around the world. During its latest mission April 1, the "Spirit of Florida" and its crew became the first B-2 to surpass 7,000 flight hours.

Ground Testing Completed For A320neo PurePower Engines

Ground Testing Completed For A320neo PurePower Engines: Pratt & Whitney Preparing For Flight Tests Ground testing for the first Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1100G-JM engine for the Airbus A320neo family of aircraft has been successfully completed at the company's West Palm Beach, FL, test facility. The engine completed over 120 hours of testing, validating overall engine operation and fuel efficiency. The engine will next undergo flight testing on the company's experimental 747 airplane at the Mirabel Aerospace Centre in Quebec, Canada.

AgustaWestland Unveils The AW169 AAS

AgustaWestland Unveils The AW169 AAS: Latest Military Helo To Be Offered By The Company The latest generation AW169 AAS military helicopter was unveiled by AgustaWestland at the Army Aviation Association of America Annual Professional Forum and Exposition in Fort Worth, Texas. The company says the AW169 AAS is an advanced twin-engine helicopter with the capability to meet all US Army Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) mission requirements.

FACUA y el Sepla piden transparencia al Ministerio

En virtud del acuerdo suscrito, ambas organizaciones se comprometen a colaborar de manera conjunta de cara a proteger, reforzar y garantizar la seguridad de los usuarios del transporte aéreo.

El Grupo ITP incrementó sus resultados en un 22%

http://www.actualidadaeroespacial.com/default.aspx?where=3&id=1&n=10393


Altran announces the acquisition of AirCaD, a company specialised in private jet design

Altran announced the acquisition of AirCaD, an engineering design and development firm 
specialised in cabin-interior completion and retrofit for private jets. This acquisition completes the 
portfolio of Altran's expertise in the Aeronautics sector and is in line with the numerous projects 
carried out by our experts in the Aerospace and Defence division, such as the preparation of the 
largest aircraft maintenance centre in the world, The Wings Valley® of Dubai, dedicated to 
helicopters and business jets.

AirCaD provides cabin-interior engineering services for all types of private and government jets. With 
a team of 60 French and Swiss-based experts, AirCaD specialises in the design, engineering and 
certification of aircraft modification projects: mechanical and electrical-system research and design, 
as well as stress analysis, maintenance and certification documents.

With this acquisition, Altran acquires Design Organisation Approval (DOA), the European 
accreditation that will enable the Company to provide qualified interior-cabin fixture solutions and to 
obtain the aircraft’s “permit to fly”: one of the key services proposed within the context of The Wings 
Valley® of Dubai, a vast complex to provide helicopter and business-jet owners with high quality and 
innovative, added value services. 

This global offer will also be deployed in all the Group’s strategic international growth zones: MiddleEast, Asia etc. 

With roughly 180 projects carried out since its inception, AirCaD adapts and integrates cutting edge 
technologies and materials principally into large "flying-palace", aircraft with luxury-style equipment. 
With its expertise, AirCaD is able to equip cabins with meeting rooms, private spaces (rooms, 
bathrooms) and even medical areas. The multiple objective is to limit the immobilisation of the 
aircraft, ensure its conformity with civil aeronautical regulations and optimise the modular potential 
of restricted spaces. 

Commenting on the acquisition, Philippe Salle, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Altran Group, 
said “AirCaD's activities fit perfectly with Altran's objective in the Aeronautics sector to offer turnkey 
solutions that combine our solutions offering and global services on specialised markets. With such 
ambitious projects as The Wings Valley® of Dubai and our passion for innovation, we share the sameappetite as AirCaD for rising to the challenge. The expertise and size of AirCaD make it a privileged 
partner for great maintenance centres and production workshops".

“The merger with Altran will enable us to participate in exciting projects and leverage synergy in 
terms of the know-how we can offer our clients. Henceforth, we will be operating on a niche activity 
segment while benefiting from the critical mass of the Altran Group which collaborates with major 
client accounts" declared Nicolas Roberval, Executive Director of Altran AirCaD.

Air France negocia con Airbus el retraso de entregas de cuatro A380 encargados

Un portavoz del grupo franco-holandés confirmó la información aparecida en la edición digital del periódico galo “La Tribune”, según la cual, Air France-KLM quiere cambiar la primera entrega del A380 al próximo mes de septiembre de 2013; la siguiente a abril de 2014 y las de los dos últimos, previsto en principio para el próximo año, aplazarla a una “fecha ulterior”.

[video] Bell Helicopter Introduces the Bell V-280 Valor Tiltrotor at AAAA


The Bell V-280 Valor, Bell Helicopter's third-generation-tiltrotor, offers the U.S. Army the highest levels of maturity and technical readiness. With its U.S. Army-centric design, the Bell V-280 has the capacity to perform a multitude of missions with unparalleled speed and agility. The Bell V-280's clean sheet design reduces complexity compared to previous generation tiltrotors, with fewer parts, as well as non-rotating, fixed engines. The Valor delivers the best value in procurement, operations and support, and force structure, providing increased maintainability, component reliability and systems designed to reduce operational and support costs. Visit BellV280.com for more details


[photos] Bell Helicopter Introduces the Bell V-280 Valor Tiltrotor at AAAA






Fort Worth, TX - April 10, 2013 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), revealed today the Bell V-280 Valor™, its offering for the Joint Multi Role/Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Technology Demonstrator (JMR/TD), at the 2013 Army Aviation Association of America's (AAAA) Annual Professional Forum and Exposition in Fort Worth.

"The introduction of the Bell V-280 Valor underscores our commitment to our military customers. The Bell V-280's unmatched capabilities in speed, range and payload, and its operational agility combine to deliver the best value for the U.S Army," said John Garrison, president and CEO at Bell Helicopter. "This aircraft is the most advanced and operationally effective vertical lift solution, providing the Warfighter a decisive advantage. The name itself makes an important statement of its own: V representing vertical lift, 280 representing its unmatched speed, and Valor as a tribute to the service men and women who approach their jobs with valor every day."

The Bell V-280 Valor, Bell Helicopter's third generation tiltrotor, offers the U.S. Army the highest levels of maturity and technical readiness. With its U.S. Army-centric design, the Bell V-280 has the capacity to perform a multitude of missions with unparalleled speed and agility. The Bell V-280's clean sheet design reduces complexity compared to previous generation tiltrotors, with fewer parts, as well as non-rotating, fixed engines. The Valor delivers the best value in procurement, operations and support, and force structure, providing increased maintainability, component reliability and systems designed to reduce operational and support costs.

"The Bell V-280 is a combat multiplier with a cruise speed of 280 knots and combat range of up to 800 nautical miles. Tiltrotor is the only vertical lift platform that can rapidly self-deploy to any theater," said Mitch Snyder, executive vice-president for military programs at Bell Helicopter. "And our technology demonstrator is a true medium class aircraft accommodating a crew of four and 11 troops, which translates to the highest level of certainty for a future program of record."

The Bell V-280 Valor's Army-centric design boasts a number of unmatched capabilities and transformational features including:
Speed: 280 KTAS cruise speed
Combat range: 500-800nm
Strategically Self-Deployable - 2100nm Range
Achieves 6k/95
Non-rotating, fixed engines
Triple redundant fly-by-wire flight control system
Conventional, retractable landing gear
Two 6' wide large side doors for ease of ingress/egress
Suitable down wash
Significantly smaller logistical footprint compared to other aircraft

"Bell Helicopter is leading the development of next-generation tiltrotor technology, because it's the best technology for future vertical lift. The U.S. Army's JMR/TD Operational Effectiveness Analysis Report stated that advantages in speed and fuel efficiency made the tiltrotor the most operationally effective concept aircraft," said Snyder. "Based on a strong foundation of 55 years of tiltrotor experience, including combat-proven platforms, Bell Helicopter has created the ultimate solution for the Army's FVL needs."

Bell Helicopter is the world's premier tiltrotor expert ranging from first generation XV-3 and XV-15, to the second generation 609 civil tiltrotor and the combat-proven V-22 Osprey. Backed by unmatched experience, Bell Helicopter is building a team of premier aerospace leaders, the best engineering resources and industrial capabilities in the industry to meet the U.S. Army's needs.

About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement, including, but not limited to, changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government defense budget, including those related to military operations in foreign countries; our ability to perform as anticipated and to control costs under contracts with the U.S. Government; the U.S. Government's ability to unilaterally modify or terminate its contracts with us for the U.S. Government's convenience or for our failure to perform, to change applicable procurement and accounting policies, or, under certain circumstances, to withhold payment or suspend or debar us as a contractor eligible to receive future contract awards; the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products or unanticipated expenses in connection with the launching of significant new products or programs; the timing of our new product launches or certifications of our new aircraft products; and our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers.

The contract to develop a sketch and technical project of the Russian-Indian 5th -generation fighter was completed



Moscow, April 10. The contract to develop a sketch and technical project of the Russian-Indian perspective multi-functional 5th-generation fighter (PMI/FGFA) was completed. The fighter design was fully developed. The both parties have agreed upon on the amount and division of work during the research and development (R&D) stage. A contract for the R&D is being prepared. It is to be signed this year.

The agreement on the joint development and production of the 5th — generation fighter aircraft was signed on October 18, 2007 in Moscow at the 7th Session of the joint Russian-Indian Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Technical Cooperation. It is the largest joint project of the Russian-Indian military and technical cooperation. In December 2010 Rosoboronexport, Sukhoi Company and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed a contract to develop a sketch and technical project of the fighter. In the course of the first stage of the project the Russian side has trained Indian professionals, provided them with the original data and the software to create a single working environment. The Indian working group of experts has been working in Russia since January 2012 and a group of Russian specialists — in India. Both parties exchange the necessary information. The PMI/FGFA fighter developed by the parties will have some differences from the Russian prototype due to specific requirements of the Indian Air Force.

Sukhoi Company is currently involved in other Russian-Indian joint programs, such as modernization of the Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighters and adaptation of the Russian-Indian air-to-ground BrahMos cruise missile to the Su-30MKI.

Lockheed Martin PAC-3 Missile Intercepts and Destroys Tactical Ballistic Missile in New Test



DALLAS, April 12, 2013 – Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] PAC-3 Missile successfully detected, tracked and intercepted a tactical ballistic missile (TBM) in a Lower Tier Project Office flight test today at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

Two PAC-3 Missiles were ripple-fired in the test per current doctrine. The first interceptor destroyed the target and the second PAC-3 Missile self-destructed as planned. Mission objectives were focused on reducing risk for a flight test of the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) scheduled later this year.

“Today’s flight test provided us the opportunity to demonstrate the PAC-3 Missile against a challenging TBM target,” said Richard McDaniel, vice president of PAC-3 Missile programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Our preliminary data indicate that all objectives were achieved.”

The PAC-3 and MSE Missiles are two of the world’s most advanced, capable and reliable theater air defense missiles. They defeat tactical ballistic and air breathing targets. As the most technologically advanced missile for the PATRIOT air defense system, PAC-3 significantly increases the PATRIOT system’s firepower, allowing 16 PAC-3 Missiles to be loaded in place of just four legacy PATRIOT PAC-2 missiles on the launcher.

Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile. It also has considerable experience in missile design and production, infrared seekers, command and control/battle management, and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, as well as radar and signal processing. The company makes significant contributions to all major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is a 2012 recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for performance excellence. The Malcolm Baldrige Award represents the highest honor that can be awarded to American companies for their achievements in leadership, strategic planning, customer relations, measurement, analysis, workforce excellence, operations and results.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 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 net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

Boeing Selects Location for Brazil Aerospace Research and Technology Center

Company to open new center at São José dos Campos Technological Park

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 9, 2013 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] announced today that it will place its Brazilian research and technology center at the hub of Brazil’s aerospace industry – in the city of São José dos Campos’ Technological Park.

The new Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil Center will open later this year in remodeled existing space at the technological park with staffing of up to 12 Boeing researchers and scientists. They will investigate and develop aerospace technology projects with nearby Brazilian government technology institutions including the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA) and National Institute for Space Research (INPE), as well as Brazilian companies such as Embraer.

The Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil Center also will serve as Boeing’s focal point for technology collaboration with universities throughout Brazil. The company previously announced joint research activities with the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

“The São José dos Campos Technological Park’s innovative environment, close proximity to partner research institutions and municipal support make it the ideal place for Boeing’s research and technology work in Brazil,” said Al Bryant, vice president of Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil.

“We are excited to take this next step in strengthening our relationships with Brazil’s research-and-development community to develop technology for the world,” added Donna Hrinak, president of Boeing Brazil. “Together, we can grow Brazil’s capabilities in ways that benefit aerospace and help meet the country’s goals for economic and technology development.”

“As a city that seeks to be at the forefront of innovation for Brazil, it is crucial that we establish partnerships with enterprises such as Boeing that develop technology for global use,” said Carlinhos Almeida, mayor of São José dos Campos. “We are very pleased to host Boeing’s research and technology efforts here in São José dos Campos.”

Horacio Forjaz, general director of the São José dos Campos Technological Park, said the park’s staff will be dedicated to providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and services that enable efficient collaboration with Brazilian research institutions.

As Boeing’s sixth advanced research center outside of the United States, the Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil Center will focus on sustainable aviation biofuels, advanced air traffic management, remote sensing, advanced metals and bio-materials, and support and services technologies.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. The company employs 170,000 people in the U.S. and in 70 countries. In Brazil, Boeing has offices in São Paulo and Brasilia. Boeing Research & Technology collaborates with customers, suppliers, universities and research-and-development agencies throughout the world to provide a broad base of innovative and affordable technologies for Boeing’s business units. For more information, please visit www.boeing.com.br.

Boeing X-48C Blended Wing Body Research Aircraft Completes Flight Testing



EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., April 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boeing (NYSE: BA) X-48C research aircraft flew for the 30th and final time April 9, marking the successful completion of an eight-month flight-test program to explore and further validate the aerodynamic characteristics of the Blended Wing Body design concept.

All 30 flights were conducted at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. The X-48C typically flew for approximately 30 minutes on most flights, reaching speeds of up to 140 miles per hour and attaining an altitude of about 10,000 feet. X-48C flight testing began Aug. 7, 2012.

"Working closely with NASA, we have been privileged throughout X-48 flight-testing to explore and validate what we believe is a significant breakthrough in the science of flight – and it has been a tremendous success for Boeing," said Bob Liebeck, a Boeing Senior Technical Fellow and the company's BWB program manager.

"We have shown that a BWB aircraft, which offers the tremendous promise of significantly greater fuel efficiency and reduced noise, can be controlled as effectively as a conventional tube-and-wing aircraft during takeoffs, landings and other low-speed segments of the flight regime," Liebeck said.

The X-48C, designed by Boeing Research & Technology, built by Cranfield Aerospace Ltd., and flown in partnership with NASA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, is a scale model of a heavy-lift, subsonic vehicle that forgoes the conventional tube-and-wing airplane design in favor of a triangular tailless aircraft that effectively merges the vehicle's wing and body. Boeing believes the concept could be developed in the next 15 to 20 years for military applications such as aerial refueling and cargo missions.

The X-48C is a modified version of the X-48B aircraft, which flew 92 times at NASA Dryden between 2007 and 2010. The X-48C is configured with two 89-pound thrust turbojet engines, instead of three 50-pound thrust engines on the B-model. In addition, the wingtip winglets were relocated inboard next to the engines on the C-model and the aft deck was extended about 2 feet at the rear.

"With the completion of X-48C flight testing, we have accomplished our goal of establishing a ground-to-flight database, and proving the low-speed controllability of concept throughout the flight envelope," said Fay Collier, director of NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project. "Both very quiet and efficient, the concept has shown promise for meeting all of NASA's environmental goals for future aircraft designs."

Boeing and NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate funded the X-48 technology demonstration research. The effort was aligned with NASA's ERA project, which has the goals to reduce fuel burn, emissions and noise of future aircraft.

Boeing and NASA will continue to develop Blended Wing Body technology, with the aspiration of developing a larger-scale, transonic BWB demonstrator in the future.

Airbus to further expand the A350 XWB’s Catalogue offering for Premium Economy Seating



• Offering even more interior choices for A350 XWB operators

• EADS Sogerma to introduce a new seat model into the A350 XWB catalogue

• Joining Zodiac in enriching the A350 XWB’s Premium Economy Seating offer
9 April 2013 Press Release

Photos:  http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-to-further-expand-the-a350-xwbs-catalogue-offering-for-premium-economy-seating/

Aircraft Interiors Expo 2013, Hamburg – Airbus plans to further enrich its Premium Economy Seating offering available in the A350 XWB Catalogue*, working in partnership with EADS Sogerma. This will result in even more choice for future operators of the all-new A350 XWB family of airliners.


To this end EADS-Sogerma, an existing Airbus Contracted Supplier, is optimising its new ‘Celeste’ seat for the A350 XWB’s wide fuselage. Celeste is an innovative cradle seat which provides premium economy passengers with a high level of comfort at an efficient pitch. Privacy options enhance the passenger experience.


Earlier this year Airbus also agreed with Zodiac Seats (formerly Weber Aircraft Seats) to add its A350 XWB tailored ‘5810’ Premium Economy seat to the aircraft’s Catalogue. This seat offers optimised living space and ergonomics, low weight and comprehensive IFE capability.


Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer of passenger airliners, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain, and subsidiaries in the US, China, Japan and in the Middle East. In addition, it provides an international network of customer support and training centres. Airbus is an EADS company.

Centro de simulación aérea inaugurado en la Universidad de León



En el transcurso de un acto que se ha desarrollado en la mañana de hoy en la Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial, Informática y Aeronáutica del Campus de Vegazana, el Rector de la Universidad de León (ULE), José Angel Hermida, ha inaugurado de forma oficial el Centro de Simulación Aérea (SAULE), que se constituye como el más avanzado de Castilla y León, ya que incorpora tres aparatos de última generación que van a prestar un importante servicio en la formación de los alumnos del grado de Ingeniería Aeroespacial, y también para el reciclaje de pilotos profesionales, y la formación de aficionados a la aeronaútica.

El acto ha contado con la presencia del Director de la Escuela, Ramón Angel Fernández, el Director de Universidades e Investigación de la Junta de CyL, Ángel de los Ríos, el Director técnico del proyecto, Alfredo Labarta, y profesores e investigadores del Instituto de Automática y Fabricación (IAF), centro tecnológico que ha realizado el esfuerzo inversor preciso para la adquisición de los simuladores, cuyo coste supera los 330.000 euros.

Hermida ha explicado que la titulación de Ingeniero Aeronaútico es una de las ‘joyas’ que tiene la Universidad de León por ello, y pese a lo que ha definido como “la difícil situación económica en la que nos encontramos”, ha manifestado su propósito de recortar gastos en las partidas presupuestarias que no afecten al funcionamiento eficiente, al tiempo que se realicen inversiones “en sectores estratégicos que nos permitan mantener el nivel de competitividad necesario para afrontar el futuro con cierto optimismo”.

A este respecto afirmó que la Ingeniería Aeroespacial constituye un sector de gran importancia para la ULE porque a excepción de Barcelona, “somos la única universidad que ofrece el título al norte de Madrid”. Además ha destacado la “relación privilegiada con el Ejército del Aire a través de la Base Aérea de la Virgen del Camino”, momento que aprovechó para agradecer al Coronel Director de su Academia Básica del Aire, Lucas Muñoz Bronchales su presencia en el acto.

SALTO DE CALIDAD EN LA FORMACIÓN

Ramón Angel Fernández, Director de la Escuela de Ingenierías, ha recordado en su intervención a Félix González Pérez, desaparecido Coronel del Ejército del Aire y colaborador del centro, con cuyo nombre se ha bautizado la sala en la que está instalado el simulador Boeing 737 NG 800, uno de los tres equipos adquiridos que aseguran un ‘salto de calidad’ en la formación.

“Vamos a poder formar a los alumnos, -comentó Fernández- de una forma mucho más atractiva que con los libros, y cumpliremos con lo que defendía Félix González, que era conseguir que los ingenieros adquirieran el punto de vista de los pilotos”.

Los tres simuladores hoy inaugurados son el denominado ‘Cessna 172’, que corresponde a una avioneta monomotor de cuatro plazas, muy utilizada para entrenamiento y toma de contacto con el pilotaje; el segundo es el ‘Beechcraft Baron 58’, un bimotor que hace posible la formación en vuelo instrumental en todo tipo de condiciones y espacios; finalmente, el simulador ‘Boeing 737 NG 800’, que permitirá a quienes tomen sus mandos experimentar la sensación de manejar ese avión comercial, con visión panorámica de 180 grados y movimientos reales de la cabina, que además hace posible ‘volar’ sobre cualquier ciudad España, simular condiciones atmosféricas adversas, averías en los motores, fallos eléctricos, aterrizajes de emergencia, etcéra.

Los aparatos constituyen un complemento muy valioso para varias asignaturas del título de Ingeniero Aeroespacial. También van a servir para ofertar cursos de formación a quienes deseen iniciarse en el pilotaje, así como para que pilotos privados puedan llevar a cabo prácticas instrumentales de navegación. Finalmente hay que apuntar que consolida la creación de un ecosistema aeroespacial de gran proyección en torno a la ULE, que puede propiciar la implantación de un título de pilotos comerciales, y un vivero de empresas con este tipo de tecnología.

El profesor Alfredo Labarta, Director Técnico del proyecto, ha explicado que el centro se abre también a todos los leoneses y cumplirá una función social, ya que se van a impartir cursos habilitados por la Federación Castellano y Leonesa de Vuelo, para entrenamiento de pilotos tanto profesionales como aficionados. Se abre por tanto un interesante abanico de posibilidades, que contempla cursos de habilitación instrumental con un coste de entre 400 y 1200 euros, cursos para superar el ‘miedo a volar’, una patología más extendida de lo que se cree, o iniciativas que hagan posible a los aficionados experimentar la sensación de pilotar un avión real.


Nota de Prensa y fotos: http://www.unileon.es/noticias/el-centro-de-simulacion-aerea-hoy-inaugurado-coloca-la-universidad-de-leon-en-la-vanguardia-formativ

La Real Academia de Ingeniería pide que se valore la importancia del desarrollo tecnológico en el sistema de I+D

La Real Academia de Ingeniería pide que se valore la importancia del desarrollo tecnológico en el sistema de I+D: La Real Academia de Ingeniería ha realizado una declaración institucional en la que reclama que se valore la importancia del desarrollo tecnológico en el sistema de I+D. El documento se basa en el afán de promover que la sociedad española tenga mejor conciencia del papel de la ingeniería, y recomienda que se incremente el número de investigadores vinculados al sector industrial.

La UC3M inaguura dos laboratorios de ingeniería aeroespacial

La UC3M inaguura dos laboratorios de ingeniería aeroespacial: La Universidad Carlos III de Madrid ha inaugurado los nuevos laboratorios del Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial. Las instalaciones se emplearán para la docencia e investigación en el ámbito de la aerodinámica, el diseño aeroespacial, la propulsión y la navegación y mecánica de vuelo.

The Other JMR/FVL Contenders


Attention has focused on Boeing teaming with Sikorsky to offer a high-speed coaxial-rotor compound helicopter, and Bell going it alone with a tiltrotor proposal. But they are not the only bidders for the US Army's Joint Multi Role (JMR) technology demonstration - precursor to the planned Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Medium program to replace the UH-60 Back Hawk and AH-64 Apache. There are at least two others: The Other JMR/FVL Contenders

DJI announces stabilized HERO mount, and camera-equipped Phantom quadcopter

DJI announces stabilized HERO mount, and camera-equipped Phantom quadcopter:
The Phantom Vision comes with its own 1080p app-controlled video camera
Well, that didn’t take long. Just this January, DJI Innovations released its GPS-enabled Phantom quadcopter. Now, at this week’s National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas, the company has unveiled a self-stabilizing camera mount that can be added to existing Phantoms, plus an upgraded Phantom that includes its own HD video camera. Additionally, DJI’s new iOS app allows users to view onboard video output in real time on their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch via Wi-Fi.
..
Continue Reading DJI announces stabilized HERO mount, and camera-equipped Phantom quadcopter

Bell unveils V-280 Valor tiltrotor concept for U.S. Army program

Bell unveils V-280 Valor tiltrotor concept for U.S. Army program:
The V-280 Valor tiltrotor is Bell Helicopter's concept for the U.S. Army's Joint Multi Rol...
Bell Helicopter has thrown its tiltrotor hat into the ring for the U.S. Army’s Joint Multi Role (JMR)/Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program with the unveiling of its V-280 Valor tiltrotor concept at the 2013 Army Aviation Association of America's (AAAA) Annual Professional Forum and Exposition in Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft is up against an X2-based design from Boeing and Sikorsky, a coaxial design from AVX Aircraft, and a still unknown proposal from EADS...
Continue Reading Bell unveils V-280 Valor tiltrotor concept for U.S. Army program

Russian space enthusiasts may have found lost Soviet Mars lander

Russian space enthusiasts may have found lost Soviet Mars lander:
Mars 3 lander (Image: NASA)
Russian space enthusiasts have pinpointed the resting place of what is believed to be the Soviet lander, Mars 3, which failed shortly after landing in 1971. Using images returned by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, a crowdsourcing effort has found what may be four components of the lander, its parachute and descent module...
Continue Reading Russian space enthusiasts may have found lost Soviet Mars lander

Podcast Aeronáutico RBF 17 ya a descarga




http://rbf.com.es/?p=367

Podcast: Download (Duration: 1:11:09 — 65.2MB)


En este episodio traemos unas cuantas cosas que harán las delicias de vuestra parte más aerotrastornada. Además de las noticias, como de costumbre, traemos una entrevista a Daniel Mezquita, guitarrista del mítico grupo Hombres G, que nos descubre su faceta de aerotrastornado hasta la médula. También os traemos un análisis del "simulador" War Thunder en el que le levantamos hasta los remaches. Ah, sí, y unas burradas aeronáuticas en las que, en esta ocasión, la víctima es… ¡nosotros mismos! Así que disfrutad el episodio 17.




0:02:45 Plan de vuelo
0:04:30 Noticias
0:33:45 Burradas aeronáuticas: autoflagelación
0:35:50 Actualidad a fondo: Análisis de War Thunder.
0:55:00 Entrevista a Daniel Mezquita
1:09:10 Despedida

Las búsquedas de vuelos a Corea del Norte aumentan

Las búsquedas de vuelos a Corea del Norte aumentan: A pesar de las recientes amenazas realizadas por el régimen de Corea del Norte y el estado de alerta declarado por los países vecinos; Skyscanner, el portal europeo líder en búsqueda de vuelos en todo el mundo, ha registrado un importante incremento del 260% en las búsquedas de vuelos al citado país asiático.
Este aumento se ha producido justo en los días posteriores a que Pyongyang most

LAAD: Boeing looks to establish KC-390 logistics system

LAAD: Boeing looks to establish KC-390 logistics system: Boeing will propose the establishment of a global logistics system to support Embraer's KC-390 transport and tanker ...

South Africa's Silver Falcons To Be Grounded

South Africa's Silver Falcons To Be Grounded: Aerial Demonstration Team Being Pulled From Airshows The U.S. air show organizers and promoters that are feeling the sting of the loss of the Blue Angels and The Air Force Thuderbirds this season due to cuts in the federal budget are not alone. In South Africa, the bite of the defence force budget bug seems to have claimed another victim. This time it’s the South African Air Force’s Silver Falcons elite aerobatic team. The cockpit ambassadors of the SAAF have been grounded.

KC-46 Progress On Track

KC-46 Progress On Track: Initial Delivery Of The New Tanker Still Projected For 2017 The top acquisition priority in the Air Force - acquiring a new aerial refueling capability - is proceeding "on track," according to Maj. Gen. John Thompson, the program executive officer for Tankers. Two years and several key milestones after the contract was awarded, the Air Force says a great deal of progress has been made.

Los secretarios de Estado de Defensa avanzan en la cooperación de la industria militar de España y Brasil

Los secretarios de Estado de Defensa avanzan en la cooperación de la industria militar de España y Brasil:

Este acuerdo supone avanzar en el creciente acercamiento entre las industrias de defensa de España y Brasil que ya destacaron sus  ministros de Defensa,  Pedro Morenés y Celso Amorim, en el comunicado conjunto del pasado 12 de marzo, con motivo de la visita oficial de Pedro Morenés a Brasil.

¿Yak 130 para Brasil?

¿Yak 130 para Brasil?:
Rusia negocia la venta de aviones de entrenamiento Yakovlev Yak-130 a Brasil y estaría dispuesta a conceder una licencia para la producción de estas máquinas en territorio brasileño para toda Latinoamérica, comunicaron hoy varios ejecutivos de la industria rusa de Defensa.

¿Cuál es la capacidad de los misiles balísticos de Corea del Norte?




Para explicar el affaire de Pyongyang con los misiles balísticos, habría que retroceder hasta hace casi medio siglo, en plena Guerra Fría, cuando este país era uno de los más fervientes aliados de la Unión Soviética. El régimen norcoreano recibió entonces su primer misil, con un alcance de 50 kilómetros, a manos del régimen soviético. Más tarde, Corea del Norte comenzó a desarrollar sus propios misiles, además de seguir recibiendo prototipos de la extinta URSS... Seguir leyendo ¿Cuál es la capacidad de los misiles balísticos de Corea del Norte?

South Korea selects RACR for KF-16 radar modernisation

South Korea selects RACR for KF-16 radar modernisation: The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has selected Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR) to modernise its Lockheed Martin-built 134 KF-16C/D Block 52 Fighting Falcon aircraft fleet.

RAF Tranche 2 Typhoon fires first Paveway II laser guided bombs

RAF Tranche 2 Typhoon fires first Paveway II laser guided bombs: The UK Royal Air Force's (RAF) Tranche 2 Typhoon multirole combat aircraft have conducted firing of the inert Paveway II bombs for the first-time during a series of training sorties over the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) firing range at Cape Wrath in n…

miércoles, 10 de abril de 2013

U.S. Navy to deploy Laser Weapon System on warship

U.S. Navy to deploy Laser Weapon System on warship:
Laser Weapon System (LaWS) temporarily installed aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS D...
The U.S. Navy took a step farther away from John Paul Jones and closer to James T. Kirk as it announced that a solid-state laser weapon will be deployed on a U.S. Navy ship in fiscal year 2014. The announcement that the Laser Weapon System (LaWS) will deployed on board USS Ponce (AFSB[I] 15) two years ahead of schedule was made on Monday at the Sea-Air-Space exposition, National Harbor, Maryland. The deployment is the latest in a line of recent recent high-energy laser demonstrations carried out by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Naval Sea Systems Command...
Continue Reading U.S. Navy to deploy Laser Weapon System on warship

Alicante se queda sin vuelos low cost de la compañía Ryanair

Alicante se queda sin vuelos low cost de la compañía Ryanair: El aeropuerto de El Altet ha perdido en los últimos tres años prácticamente todos los vuelos baratos que mantenía con ciudades españolas, debido a la falta de demanda y la reducción de las subvenciones económicas que recibían la compañías.
La desaparición desde el domingo de la ruta que mantenía Ryanair con Barcelona da la puntilla a una terminal que ha visto desaparecer desde 2010 la

Air Europa abandona sus rutas de vuelos regulares entre Vigo y Madrid

Air Europa abandona sus rutas de vuelos regulares entre Vigo y Madrid: Air Europa ha anunciado el abandono de sus líneas regulares entre Vigo y Madrid, ocho conexiones en total, que pasarán a manos de una filial que cuenta con aviones más pequeños y servicios de menor calidad. Aún así podrás reservar tu seleccion de vuelos baratos online.

Según publica la web especializada Vuelos Vigo, citando a la propia compañía, desde el próximo 3 de junio dejaremos d

A 'Pegasus' le sale competencia. La Verdad

http://www.laverdad.es/murcia/v/20130410/region/pegasus-sale-competencia-20130410.html

martes, 9 de abril de 2013

Primer vuelo con motor eléctrico del SportStar, del fabricante checo Evektor

aeroinvest: #aviacion Primer vuelo con motor eléctrico del SportStar, del fabricante checo Evektor http://t.co/qsG5lS9frd #IDi #Evektor

Original Tweet: http://twitter.com/aeroinvest/status/321724772952203265

Sent via TweetDeck (www.tweetdeck.com)

El Pentágono informa al Congreso de EEUU sobre “la posible venta” a Corea del Sur de cazas de Loockhed Martin y Boeing

El Pentágono informa al Congreso de EEUU sobre “la posible venta” a Corea del Sur de cazas de Loockhed Martin y Boeing:
El Departamento de Defensa de EEUU notificó al Congreso de EEUU, a través del DCSA (Agencia de Cooperación de Seguridad y Defensa),  la entrada en la puja de los F-35 de Loockhed Martin y el F-15 Silent Eagle de Boeing por el millonario contrato por el que Corea del Sur adquirirá hasta 60 nuevos cazabombarderos. En sendos comunicados emitidos por la DSCA el pasado 3 de abril, se informaba a la Cámara baja “de una posible venta militar al gobierno de Corea del Sur”.

Nuevos aviones de Tecnam

http://www.volarenultraligero.net/2013/04/nuevos-aviones-de-tecnam.html

lunes, 8 de abril de 2013

TECNAM ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THE ‘ASTORE’ NEXT-GENERATION LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT

For 65 years Tecnam has built its reputation for developing of innovative, stylish and affordable aeroplanes for all aspects of General Aviation flying. What could be more fitting in this special anniversary year than for Professor Luigi Pascale, Tecnam’s legendary Head of Aircraft Design, to christen his new creation in honour of his first production aircraft, The P48 Astore

The Tecnam ‘Astore’ design affords the pilot the smoothest and most pleasurable flight with innovations such as an Apple iPad® mini supplied with each aircraft as standard. Pilots can use WiFi connection with the Levil G Mini in order to display on the iPad® mini the altitude, indicated airspeed, attitude and GPS using compatible applications such as Air Navigation Pro or similar or they can simply use the pre-installed dedicated app to compute the actual Weight and Balance, looking at procedures, run through checklists and Pilot Operating Handbook sections. Everything at his fingertips!

Tecnam’s passion to make the flying experience as enjoyable as possible includes a new ergonomically designed interior allowing for more all round visibility, control and switches that can be fastly reached and the use of softer materials affording a more comfortable flight.

Low operating costs are assured through Tecnam’s close association with Rotax. results in a remarkably efficient aeroplane, with customers being offered a choice of how they want their Tecnam ‘Astore’ powered, be it with the Rotax 912ULS, the all new 912iS and the Rotax 914 engine.

“We have built our reputation at Tecnam on producing aeroplanes that offer outstanding value, beauty and efficiency” said Paolo Pascale, Tecnam’s Managing Director. ‘I am delighted we are able to celebrate Tecnam’s 65th anniversary by introducing the Tecnam ‘Astore’ as the new addition to our wide range of aeroplanes that ensure as wide an audience as possible can enjoy flying Tecnam aeroplanes.”

PHOTO
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/98hzv1abyw3249b/qgvXz3LGQ7

New Tecnam Aircraft, ‘SNAP’ Aerobatic Light Sport Aircraft

AERO 2013 Friedrichshafen will see Tecnam not only launching its all new low-wing Tecnam ‘Astore’ LSA but a number of other new Tecnam innovations developments, including the Tecnam ‘SNAP’ aerobatic LSA.

Created by Fabio Russo, Tecnam’s Head of Research and Development, the single seat, low wing, Tecnam ‘SNAP’ is now available as a LSA, ULM or Experimental category aeroplane.

Designed as both a fun and sporty plane, pilots of the Tecnam ‘SNAP’ enjoy an aerobatic aeroplane with a high power to weight ratio (comparable with unlimited aerobatic category airplanes), coupled with low purchasing and operating costs.

The Tecnam ‘SNAP’ is specifically designed to ensure that ‘sporty’ pilots can now also enjoy the pleasure of flying a Tecnam aeroplane. The Tecnam ‘SNAP’ offers incredible performance and is easy to fly for anyone having a basic taildragger experience.

For 65 years Tecnam has built its reputation through the development of innovative, stylish and affordable aeroplanes for all aspects of General Aviation flying. The Tecnam ‘SNAP’ offers aspiring aerobatic pilots a wonderful flying experience.


For more information on the Tecnam ‘SNAP’ aerobatic LSA, please visit us at AERO 2013 Friedrichshafen, Germany from 24 to 27 April

Boeing Completes Certification Testing for New 787 Battery System



Boeing (NYSE:BA) completed a 787 certification demonstration flight today on line number 86, a Boeing-owned production airplane built for LOT Polish Airlines. Today's flight marks the final certification test for the new battery system, completing the testing required by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Today's flight departed from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. at 10:39 a.m. Pacific with a crew of 11 onboard, including two representatives from the FAA. The airplane flew for 1 hour and 49 minutes, landing back at Paine Field at 12:28 p.m. Pacific.

The crew reported that the certification demonstration plan was straightforward and the flight was uneventful. The purpose of the flight was to demonstrate that the new battery system performs as intended during normal and non-normal flight conditions.

Boeing will now gather and analyze the data and submit the required materials to the FAA. We expect to deliver all of the materials to the FAA in the coming days. Once we deliver the materials we stand ready to reply to additional requests and continue in dialog with the FAA to ensure we have met all of their expectations.

El juez aprueba el ERE de Alestis para despedir a 234 trabajadores

El Juzgado de lo Mercantil número 2 de Sevilla ha aprobado el Expediente de Regulación de Empleo (ERE) para despedir a 179 empleados y el plan social para prejubilar a 55, y que ha sido acordado entre el grupo aeronáutico Alestis, en concurso de acreedores, y los representantes de los trabajadores

Construction begins on Airbus’ U.S. Assembly Line



  • Opportunity for some 1,000 high-skilled workers direct and many more in supply chain
8 APRIL 2013 PRESS RELEASE


Airbus manufacturing in the United States advanced another step closer to reality today in Mobile, Alabama, as construction of the company’s A320 Family Assembly Line officially began.

During a groundbreaking ceremony at the Mobile Brookley Aeroplex, Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier acknowledged the significance of the U.S. facility to Airbus’ global growth. “Building an A320 Family Assembly Line in Mobile is truly groundbreaking for Airbus. Our customers need more aircraft that cut fuel burn, emissions and operating costs. With this assembly line we will be able to meet our customers’ needs at their doorstep, in addition to the worldwide demand for these efficient aircraft. When this assembly line opens, we will be the only one to assemble aircraft in Asia, the Americas and Europe.”

The new assembly line, which is the company’s first U.S.-based production facility, will be located at the Mobile Brookley Aeroplex and will facilitate assembly of A319, A320 and A321 aircraft. Major construction of the facility will begin this summer. Aircraft assembly is planned to begin in 2015, with first delivery of a Mobile-assembled aircraft in 2016. At full production, the assembly line and associated facilities would produce up to four aircraft a month which directly translates into employing as many as 1,000 high-skilled workers.

EADS CEO Tom Enders helped lead the celebrations and welcomed more than 1,000 attendees including many EADS and other Airbus executives, state and national dignitaries, industry officials and the local community. In a twist from typical groundbreaking ceremonies, officials and dignitaries introduced various members of the Gulf Coast community and aviation industry who spoke about how the new assembly line is not just about making airplanes, but the substantial positive impact it will make in the lives of thousands of people like themselves. Local community representatives included: Henry Hinojosa, Project Superintendent with Hoar Program Management represented the local construction industry; Liz Freeman, co-owner of Long’s Human Resource Services represented local small businesses; Victoria Corob, an eighth grader in Mobile; and Dr. Keivan Deravi, Professor of Economics at Auburn University Montgomery. Industry speakers included Clay Jones, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Collins and Dave Barger, President and CEO of JetBlue Airways.

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus champions innovative technologies and offers some of the world’s most fuel efficient and quiet aircraft. Airbus has sold over 12,700 aircraft to more than 500 customers and operators worldwide. Airbus has achieved more than 7,700 deliveries since the first Airbus aircraft entered service.

Airbus already has a strong and growing presence in Alabama and throughout the United States. In Alabama, the company operates an Engineering Center in Mobile – also located

at Brookley Aeroplex – which employs more than 200 engineers and support staff. In addition, Airbus’ operates an even larger Engineering Center in Wichita, Kansas, an aircraft Spares Center in Ashburn, Virginia; a Training Center in Miami, Florida, and a regulatory and government liaison office in Washington, D.C. The company’s headquarters for the Americas is located in Herndon, Virginia. Airbus’ U.S.-based air traffic management subsidiary, Metron Aviation, is located in Chantilly, Virginia. All together, Airbus’ U.S. facilities employ more than 1,000 people.

Airbus is an EADS company.

Airbus showcases innovations at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2013



  • A320 Family rear-cabin innovations – new mock-up on display
  • Latest A350 XWB catalogue enrichments
  • New A380 high-definition video cabin preview
  • Experience A330 interactive cabin visualisation in 360 degrees


PRESS RELEASE


Airbus once again showcases its cabin innovations at this years’ Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany – the world’s largest event dedicated to the aircraft interiors industry, in-flight entertainment, connectivity and passenger services. Visitors to the Airbus stand will be able to judge for themselves the quality of Airbus’ recent cabin offerings.

Passenger comfort has always been a major design consideration at Airbus, ensuring the best possible passenger experience across all its aircraft families. Thanks to wider cross-sections, Airbus aircraft offer an 18” wide seat in economy class. Trends in demographics and the desire to meet passenger needs have led Airbus to innovate with the ‘Extra-Wide-Seat’ for the A320 Family. Visitors to the Airbus stand will be able to test and feel the space of these different seat comfort standards.

Cabin efficiency for the A320 Family is also presented with a new production-standard mock-up of “Space-Flex”, the innovative rear cabin configuration on the A320 Family, which will enter into service this year with the launch customer. Visitors will see the ingenuity of this product and the step change in comfort especially for persons of reduced mobility.

The latest updates on A350 XWB will also be available on the Airbus stand. For example, the A350’s efficient and passenger-conscious ‘flat-floor’ architecture will be demonstrated. And for our flagship aircraft – the A380 – there will be a 85” screen with new high-definition cabin visualization and also a large cut-away model.

Airbus’ space-efficient concepts go beyond new products: Airbus Upgrade Services will present its range of retrofit solutions and services. Our Cabin experts and executives will be available for dedicated media briefings and interview opportunities each day. And our human resource representatives will also be on hand to talk to students and young talents about career opportunities.

Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer of passenger airliners, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain, and subsidiaries in the US, China, Japan and in the Middle East. In addition, it provides an international network of customer support and training centres. Airbus is an EADS company.

NASA Testing Moon, Mars Landing Instruments On Earth

NASA Testing Moon, Mars Landing Instruments On Earth: System Designed By Draper And Masten Space Systems A rocket-powered, vertical-landing space-access technology demonstrator reached its highest altitude and furthest distance to date March 25 at the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, CA, using a developmental navigation system designed to land a space vehicle on other celestial bodies. Masten Space Systems’ XA-0.1B “Xombie” suborbital rocket lifted off the launch pad for an 80-second flight while being controlled by Charles Stark Draper Laboratory’s Guidance Embedded Navigator Integration Environment (GENIE) system developed under NASA's Flight Opportunities Program.

Pipistrel's Exotic Panthera Achieves First Flight

Pipistrel's Exotic Panthera Achieves First Flight: Panthera First Flight Lasts 54 Minutes... Performs 'Exactly As Predicted' ANN has learned that one of the most exotic new airframes promised for the experimental (and eventually, certificated) aviation biz, has pulled off its first flight without difficulty. The new Panthera completed its 54 minute maiden flight on 4 April, 2013. The aircraft completed ground functional and taxi tests at Pipistrel's Headquarters at Ajdovscina, Slovenia, whereupon the Panthera relocated to the Airport of Cerklje ob Krki, where Slovenian Armed Forces provided 'invaluable logistics support.'

sábado, 6 de abril de 2013

SpaceShipTwo's nitrous venting tested in-flight

SpaceShipTwo's nitrous venting tested in-flight:
SpaceShipTwo left terra firma once more, Wednesday morning (Photo: Virgin Galactic)
Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo left terra firma for her 24th glide flight on Wednesday morning. The flight was the first in which the loading and venting of the ship's nitrous system was tested. Virgin Galactic described the flight as "another key milestone on the way to our first powered flight." ..
Continue Reading SpaceShipTwo's nitrous venting tested in-flight

South Korea seeks F-35A and F-15 aircraft sale from US

South Korea seeks F-35A and F-15 aircraft sale from US: The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of two potential sales of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF) and F-15 Silent Eagle aircraft along with associated equipment to South Korea.

Video: An F-35B Lightning II completes the first short takeoff and vertical landing during a test mission at night

F-22 Resumes Normal Flight Operations

F-22 Resumes Normal Flight Operations: USAF Says Modifications To Oxygen Systems Have Been Completed Across The Fleet The F-22 Raptor has resumed normal flight operations after modifications to aircrew life-support equipment were completed across the fleet, including the upper pressure garment and related hoses, valves and connectors. Completion of this task eliminates the need to restrict flight operations to remain within a 30-minute flying distance from an airfield suitable for landing.

Boeing Says Half Of Its Dreamliner Testing Completed

Boeing Says Half Of Its Dreamliner Testing Completed: Resolving The Battery Issue Taking Longer Than Originally Anticipated Boeing says that it is half way through the testing process that it hopes will return the world's 787 fleet to service, with the rest of the ground and flight tests coming in the next week or so.

viernes, 5 de abril de 2013

ACE, the Engine for Army's FVL?

ACE, the Engine for Army's FVL?:
As it works to get its Future Vertical Lift (FVL) advanced rotorcraft program off the ground, beginning by flying two Joint Multi Role (JMR) air-vehicle demonstrators in 2017, the US Army is turning its attention to what could power replacements for its Black Hawks and Apaches from the mid-2030s onwards.


Cargo UAVs -- Next Step, Pick and Place

Cargo UAVs -- Next Step, Pick and Place:

New F-35 Videos: Lockheed Martin has posted three new F-35 videos. Check them out.

New F-35 Videos:







SSJ100 Full Flight Simulator delivered to Aeroflot

Moscow, March 29. On March 28 2013 Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC) and Russian Airlines Aeroflot signed the Act of Delivery and Acceptance for the SSJ100 Full Flight Simulator (FFS).

The device was installed by the Aeroflot Aviation School at Sheremetjevo airport and it will allow the airline to train pilots itself.

“We are confident that the Full Flight Simulator will facilitate Aeroflot, our launch customer, to train its pilots to operate flights by Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft. The experience gained through the FFS operations proved that this training system was one of the best in its class” said Andrey Kalinovsky, SCAC President.

This latest generation FFS, “Reality 7”, allows a fully realistic training for the SSJ100 pilots, replicating all stages of flight in normal conditions and allowing also the simulation of abnormal and emergency conditions and procedures.
It features a motion system, enabling pilots to achieve the SSJ100 Type Rating training without using the real aircraft. The system has been equipped with a state-of-the-art visual system with LCOS projectors and an instructor working station providing enhanced ergonomics.

This FFS, just delivered to Aeroflot, represents the third simulator jointly developed by L3 (formerly Thales Training & Simulation) and SCAC. The first FFS was installed at SuperJet International Zhukovsky Training Centre (Moscow Region, Russia) — approved by the Russian Aviation Authorities Rosaviatsia — and the second one in SuperJet International Training Centre in Venice (Italy), certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency EASA.

Following the approval of the Venice FFS by EASA, both the FFS delivered to Aeroflot and the one already operational in Zhukovsky will soon get the EASA Certification.
It is expected that Aeroflot will start training through the use of its own SSJ100 Full Flight Simulator in April this year.
Aeroflot pilots have been trained so far by SuperJet International in the Zhukovsky Training Centre. 64 Type Ratings and more than 100 slots of dry lease were offered.

Ten Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft are currently in operations with Aeroflot airline.

RKUT Net profit exceeded 1 bln rubles in 2012, which is 27.7 % higher than in 2011.



IRKUT Corporation increased its Net profit in 2012



JSC IRKUT Corporation summed up the records of 2012 according to Russian Accounting Standards (RAS). IRKUT Net profit exceeded 1 bln rubles in 2012, which is 27.7 % higher than in 2011.

Proceeds of the Corporation amounted to 48.5 bln rubles by the results of 2012.

In 2012 IRKUT Corporation signed contracts on delivery of more than 100 combat aircraft and aircraft kits for licensed assembling. Thus the order book of IRKUT Corporation amounted to about 9 bln US dollars to date.

The auditorfs report of the financial statement of IRKUT Corporation was prepared by JSC Finexpertiza company.

Eurocopter, Turbomeca and WZL 1 to establish two full assembly lines for Poland’s military helicopter acquisition


  • Eurocopter and Turbomeca (Safran) today announced the signature of industrial cooperation agreements with Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze No. 1 (WZL-1) that include the creation of two separate full assembly lines within Poland for the EC725 Caracal helicopter and its Makila 2 turboshaft engines in the framework of this country’s current tender for 70 new multi-role helicopters.


Lodz, Poland, 04 April 2013


The agreement brings together the resources of rotorcraft manufacturer Eurocopter, engine manufacturer Turbomeca and WZL-1, ensuring a comprehensive in-country industrial work package that also includes training for locally-hired workers, along with a comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capability that will last far beyond the duration of the contract itself – and potentially be open to future export contracts.

This builds on the long-term approach of Eurocopter and its parent company EADS to cooperatively develop Poland’s aviation capabilities, led by EADS’ 2001 acquisition of PZL Warsawa-Okecie – the country’s longest-established aviation manufacturer. The long-standing strategy is strengthened by Eurocopter’s supply of more than 50 helicopters to Polish operators – including 23 EC135s for Poland’s LPR (Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe) in a modernization of the country’s nationwide emergency medical services network, making it one of the most modern in Europe. This cooperation has set the standard for a governmental operator transitioning from a Soviet-era rotorcraft type to a modern Western helicopter.

“As the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, Eurocopter will offer the solution best suited to meet Poland’s operational mission requirements with the EC725 Caracal – which has proven its reliability and efficiency on many battlefields,” said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. “We are now positioned to provide an unmatched industrial commitment that continues a proven track record with manufacturers and operators around the world. The cooperation also exemplifies another step in the expansion of the European defense industry.”

Maxime Faribault, Turbomeca’s Vice President of Airframers Sales, added: “Turbomeca’s partnership strategy is based on the Makila engine, benefitting from a proven experience in harsh environments, and on our strong cooperation know-how. The extensive involvement of WZL-1 within the manufacturing of the engines and their MRO support will create a long-term cooperation based on cutting-edge technologies and the sharing of technical know-how and expertise. We are fully confident in the success of this cooperative agreement.”

“Our strategy is the development in aviation activities particularly within state’s security and defence, but not only. The implementation of a new helicopter platform is one of our priorities covering possibly wide range of activities meaning its production, overhaul and servicing. Signing of the agreement, here, today, with Eurocopter is one of the steps of this strategy. This task is extremely important for our company’s future which depends on it. It also gives many possibilities to other companies in Lodz region” – said Mr. Jan Piętowski, the President of Military Aviation Works No. 1 J.S.C.

The EC725 Caracal is a modern, multi-role 11-metric-ton-class helicopter designed for armed operations, troop transport, rescue duties and logistics support. Equipped with a five-blade main rotor system and the latest in avionics and systems, it carries up to 29 passengers in addition to the flight crew. Flight endurance is 5.5 hours with the helicopter’s impressive fuel capacity.

As a rotorcraft of choice for military forces worldwide, current EC725 Caracal customers range from France, Brazil and Mexico to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Its capabilities were validated by EC725 Caracal combat deployments with French forces in Afghanistan and in supporting France’s role during NATO-led operations for the Libyan military campaign and Mali. Deployed in the most challenging theatres of operations, the EC725 Caracal is today the only heavy, single platform, modern and combat proven helicopter on the market able to perform the widest range of missions.

A330 production rate reaches 10 per month to meet strong global market demand



Culminating a nine-year doubling of production capacity, Airbus’ A330 output rate has now reached 10 aircraft monthly – responding to this twin-engine jetliner’s continued popularity with airlines, cargo carriers, military services and VIP operators.
4 APRIL 2013 HEADLINE NEWS


The A330 is an aircraft of choice for a full range of users, resulting from its excellent operating economics, proven reliability and flexibility. At the rate of 10 per month, A330 production is the highest ever for an Airbus widebody jetliner.

Airbus’ policy of continuous improvement has introduced such enhancements as increases in maximum takeoff weight, systems upgrades and cabin modernisation across the A330 product line. As a result, the A330 is the most popular aircraft ever in its category.

Current production includes the A330-200 and A330-300 passenger versions, the A330-200F freighter, and the military Multi Role Tanker Transport – which is based on the A330-200 airframe, equipped for aerial refueling missions along with troop and cargo airlift.

At a total of 1,246 orders booked from 92 customers and over 960 deliveries made to date, more than three years of production is ensured at the current high output rate with an A330 backlog volume that today is above 280 aircraft.

The A330’s overall numbers are impressive: 1.1 billion-plus passengers carried during its operational career, with a takeoff or landing performed somewhere in the world every 25 seconds. Globally, the A330 fleet covers more than 8.8 million kilometers daily – the equivalent of circling the world 222 times each 24 hours.

Programme head Patrick Piedrafita said more than 800 sales have been logged since Aribus’ competitor launched its 787, validating the A330’s sustained competitiveness. In addition, the A330-300 version is well positioned as a perfect medium-haul complement to the A350 XWB when this next-generation Airbus jetliner enters service.

La rusa Irkut acumula pedidos por 9.000 millones de dólares

La rusa Irkut acumula pedidos por 9.000 millones de dólares:

Hispasat facilitará las conexiones del proyecto de investigación Mars Spanish Mission

Hispasat facilitará las conexiones del proyecto de investigación Mars Spanish Mission:


Dicha misión, en su fase preliminar se inició ayer y se desarrollará hasta el próximo domingo  en la Sierra de Jubierre, en Los Monegros (Aragón), y culminará a lo largo de 2014 en un proceso que se llevará a cabo en Utah (Estados Unidos).

Conmemoran el 80 aniversario del primer vuelo sobre el Everest

Conmemoran el 80 aniversario del primer vuelo sobre el Everest:


El 3 de abril de 1933, los británicos Clydesdale y McIntyre sobrevolaron por primera vez el monte Everest. Durante el viaje, los pilotos se enfrentaron a temperaturas de congelación y grietas en las tuberías de oxígeno.

Airbus cerró el primer trimestre con más del doble de pedidos que Boeing

Airbus cerró el primer trimestre con más del doble de pedidos que Boeing:
 410 vs 191 encargos, según un balance provisional.

El año pasado, el constructor aeronáutico norteamericano registró 1.203 pedidos y 601 entregas frente a los 833 encargos y 588 entregas de su competidor europeo.  Por tanto, tras ceder su liderazgo en el pasado año, Airbus vuelve a encabezar el ranking a comienzos del presente.  

Korea Looks To Purchase 60 x F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Korea Looks To Purchase F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft: Potential Sale Of 60 Lightning II Airplanes For $10.8 Billion The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress March 29 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Korea for 60 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $10.8 billion.

Boeing Opens New Everett Delivery Center

Boeing Opens New Everett Delivery Center: State Of The Art Facility Benefits 747-8, 767, 777 And 787 Customers Boeing on Wednesday opened its new expanded Everett Delivery Center (EDC), a world-class facility which will be the home of deliveries for the 747-8, 767, 777 and 787. The grand opening ceremony was attended by Boeing employees, customers and state dignitaries.

USAF's A-10 aircraft conducts first test firing of APKWS II rockets

USAF's A-10 aircraft conducts first test firing of APKWS II rockets: The US Air Force (USAF) has conducted the first test firing of BAE Systems' Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rocket from its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, US.

US Army solicits nano-UAV concepts

US Army solicits nano-UAV concepts: The US Army is soliciting technology concepts for a "cargo pocket" unmanned air vehicle (UAV), capable of providing "around the corner" tactical intelligence. The...

NASA selects small businesses to build nanosatellite launchers

NASA selects small businesses to build nanosatellite launchers: NASA has selected small businesses to receive up to $38.7 million in grants for innovative technology developments, including a number of technologies relating...

Austria sends manned mission to Mars ... in Morocco

Austria sends manned mission to Mars ... in Morocco:
Astronauts in spacesuit simulators (Image: OeWF (Katja Zanella-Kux))
Of all the nations who might get to Mars first, Austria doesn’t loom large. Yet the Austrian Space Forum (OEWF) has sent a manned mission to the Red Planet – or at least, to an Earth-bound version of “Mars” located in the northern Sahara near Erfoud, Morocco. During February OEWF conducted a series of experiments and simulation tests with the aim of gaining a better understanding of how to execute a manned mars mission and develop technology for making it a reality...
Continue Reading Austria sends manned mission to Mars ... in Morocco

miércoles, 3 de abril de 2013

Barcelona aspira a ser una incubadora de empresas del espacio | Aerotendencias

http://www.aerotendencias.com/espacio/16691-barcelona-aspira-a-ser-una-incubadora-de-empresas-del-espacio/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=barcelona-aspira-a-ser-una-incubadora-de-empresas-del-espacio

IAG, Boeing reach deal on 18 long-haul planes

http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE9320YD20130403?irpc=932

How To Fly To Mars And Beyond In Weeks Instead Of Months

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=6c15d446-c014-4839-a9d8-55821a1f4a30

Embraer Executive Jets Delivers 1st U.S.-Made Phenom 300

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=51cb13c2-9008-42c9-bf27-dbdbc1080409

Nanofoams could find use in better body armor

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GizmagEmergingTechnologyMagazine/~3/yne3MgUN-EM/

Pars aerial robot delivers a payload of life preservers to drowning victims

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GizmagEmergingTechnologyMagazine/~3/wJJpgDlE7FY/

Samoa Air becomes first airline to implement “pay as you weigh” system

http://www.gizmag.com/samoa-air-pay-weigh-airline/26906/

EWICON bladeless wind turbine generates electricity using charged water droplets

http://www.gizmag.com/ewicon-bladeless-wind-turbine/26907/

La compañía española SENER abre oficina en Brasil | Infodefensa

http://www.infodefensa.com/?noticia=la-compania-espanola-sener-abre-oficina-en-brasil&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Utilizando drones para repartir pequeños envíos e incluso el correo | Te lo Envío por SEUR

http://teloenvioporseur.seur.com/drones-repartir-envios/

martes, 2 de abril de 2013

ANA to put pilots through Dreamliner resumption training: sources | Reuters

All Nippon Airways, the
biggest customer for Boeing Co's
grounded 787 Dreamliner, will put its
pilots through training to resume flights
in June, sources told Reuters, after
Boeing completed more than half of its
tests to get its new battery system
certified.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/02/us-boeing-dreamliner-ana-idUSBRE93106U20130402

lunes, 1 de abril de 2013

Virgin Atlantic Launches World's First-Ever Glass-Bottomed Plane

I'm thrilled to announce that Virgin has created another world-first with the introduction of the technology required to produce the world's first glass-bottomed plane. This technological innovation coincides with the start of Virgin Atlantic Airways' first ever domestic service to Scotland.

In 1984 we started the wonderful airline that is Virgin Atlantic. I am incredibly proud of yet another aviation breakthrough which has been years in the making. I can't wait to experience the first flight for myself with my family and other natural born explorers.

2012 was a year of celebrating what is brilliant about Great Britain and I'm excited that in 2013 we are continuing this uplifting spirit by developing an experience that will enable Little Red passengers to appreciate the beauty of the British landscape. And with an unrivalled view of Scotland I hope this gives Scottish tourism an even bigger boost.

We hope to trial the glass bottom technology with other Virgin airlines in time and have asked other Virgin companies to support this innovative trial and launch our new domestic Scottish route. This really is a team effort from all corners of Virgin.


By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group



USAF Tasks KC-46A With Civilian Refueling Mission

USAF Tasks KC-46A With Civilian Refueling Mission: Revenue Stream To Help Offset Cost Of The New Tanker ANN April 1 Special Coverage Sequestration has the Pentagon scrambling for cash in an effort to assure readiness in its ranks, and Air Force Officials announced today that the KC-46A under development by Boeing will be assigned to re-fuel airliners on extra-long-haul routes.

España tendrá que vender un 1,15% de su participación en EADS

sábado, 30 de marzo de 2013

Soyuz breaks speed record to ISS

Soyuz breaks speed record to ISS:
Soyuz 34 docking with the ISS after fastest manned rendezvous (Image: NASA)
A manned Soyuz spacecraft set a record for traveling to the International Space Station (ISS), arriving six hours after launch instead of the usual two days. Soyuz 34 lifted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Friday, March 28 at 4:43 p.m. EDT (08:43 GMT) and docked with the ISS at 10: 28 PM EDT (03:28 GMT). It was able to catch up and match trajectories with the ISS in only four orbits using new techniques previously tested in ISS rendezvouses with Russian unmanned Progress cargo ships...
Continue Reading Soyuz breaks speed record to ISS