Airbus validates sharklet retrofit for older A320s [feedly]

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Airbus validates sharklet retrofit for older A320s
// Aircraft news

​Airbus is expecting to produce 20 sharklet wing-tip retrofit kits monthly, with the first to be completed in the second quarter of next year.
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NATO trio could pool A330 tanker fleet [feedly]

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NATO trio could pool A330 tanker fleet
// Aircraft news

​A consortium of NATO nations could acquire a four-strong fleet of Airbus A330 multi-role tanker/transports, the European Defence Agency has announced.
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NASA launches study for Skunk Works SR-72 concept [feedly]

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NASA launches study for Skunk Works SR-72 concept
// Aircraft news

​NASA has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to study the feasibility of building a hypersonic propulsion system for a concept intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft dubbed the SR-72 using existing turbine engine technologies.
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Airbus cree que en 20 o 30 años habrá aviones eléctricos - Internacional - Noticias | El Universo

http://m.eluniverso.com/noticias/2014/12/17/nota/4354101/airbus-cree-que-20-o-30-anos-habra-aviones-electricos

Airbus Helicopters delivers an EC135 to the Spanish National Police Force and the first AS355 NP for the Spanish Road Transport Authority [feedly]

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Airbus Helicopters delivers an EC135 to the Spanish National Police Force and the first AS355 NP for the Spanish Road Transport Authority
// Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first AS355 NP Ecureuil to the Spanish Road Transport Authority (DGT) and the first EC135 to the country's National Police Force under the contract signed in February of this year with the DGT.
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Airbus Helicopters delivers the first NH90 and the first two HAD-E Tigers to the Spanish Ministry of Defense [feedly]

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Airbus Helicopters delivers the first NH90 and the first two HAD-E Tigers to the Spanish Ministry of Defense
// Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters has completed official delivery of the first two Tiger helicopters in the new HAD-E version and the first NH90 GSPA tactical transport helicopter destined for the Spanish Army Airmobile Force (FAMET).
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Small bombs, big effect: arming small UAVs with guided weapons

http://www.airforce-technology.com/features/featuresmall-bombs-big-effect-arming-small-uavs-with-guided-weapons-4467893/

U.S. Air Force has approved mass production of the stealthy JASSM air-launched cruise missile

http://theaviationist.com/2014/12/18/jassm-mass-production/

First Australian F-35 has arrived for training at Luke Air Force Base

http://theaviationist.com/2014/12/19/f-35-for-australia-luke/

Japan, Australia To Provide F-35 Maintenance Sites In Pacific Region

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=e89e0f56-98c0-4afb-9c9a-f4b1d05b4eaf

NASA Rover Finds Active, Ancient Organic Chemistry (Metane) On Mars | Aero-News Network

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=a9b5ecd7-1992-4d33-bbfe-8a41156c186e

Audiencia al Sr. Thomas Enders, consejero delegado del Grupo Airbus, acompañado por D. Domingo Ureña Raso, presidente del Grupo Airbus en España

Esta compañía multinacional tiene su origen en la fusión en el año 2000 de la española CASA, la francesa Aerospatiale Matra y la alemana DASA.

Su Majestad el Rey recibió en audiencia al consejero delegado del Grupo Airbus, Thomas Enders, que acudió al Palacio de La Zarzuela acompañado por el presidente de Airbus en España, Domingo Ureña.

El Grupo Airbus es una compañía multinacional, de origen europeo, líder en la industria aeronáutica, espacial y de defensa. Con sede en la localidad francesa de Toulouse, cuenta con filiales en Estados Unidos, China, Japón, India y Oriente Medio, y centros de repuestos en Hamburgo, Fráncfort, Washington, Beijing, Dubái y Singapur. Airbus cuenta además con centros de formación en Toulouse, Miami, Hamburgo, Bangalore y Beijing y más de 150 oficinas de servicio en todo el mundo. En total, Airbus proporciona empleo a 72.000 personas, de las cuales 55.000 trabajan en Airbus y 17.000 en sus filiales. En 2013, su volumen de negocio se elevó a 42.000 millones de euros.

A principio de 2014, en el marco de una reestructuración de sus diferentes ramas, el grupo EADS -fruto de la fusión en el año 2000 de la española CASA, la francesa Aerospatiale Matra y la alemana DASA- adoptó el nombre de su filial Airbus. En nuestro país, el Grupo Airbus cuenta con instalaciones en Getafe, Tres Cantos y Barajas (Madrid), San Pablo y Tablada (Sevilla), Puerto Real y El Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz) y Albacete.

En el ejercicio de 2013, el Grupo Airbus en España obtuvo unos ingresos de 5.000 millones de euros, lo que le convierte en el líder del sector aeroespacial y de defensa de España, al generar el 64% de los ingresos nacionales procedentes de este área económica. Asimismo, ha sido el punto de entrada clave de la industria a los programas aeroespaciales europeos. La innovación es una prioridad para Airbus Group en España, que dedica el 9,5% de la facturación a investigación y desarrollo.



Nota de prensa de la Casa real

C-40A Clipper(737-700 variant) Delivered To US Naval Reserve | Aero-News Network

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=3dece4fa-f623-443a-9c95-d255da4565ef

Airplane A Variant Of The 737-700 Airliner
Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) and industry partner, Boeing delivered a C-40A Clipper to the U.S. Naval Reserve Nov. 21, one month ahead of schedule.

"The C-40 has been successfully serving the fleet since 2001, and I am very proud that we were able to deliver the 13th plane ahead of schedule," said Doug Dawson, PMA-207 program manager. "In today's fiscally constrained environment, it speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication of our industry partner."

Red Bull Air Race: Juan Velarde and François Le Vot move up to the Master Class for the 2015 season

Red Bull Air Race press release

Le Vot, a former French Air Force fighter pilot, and Velarde, a former Spanish aerobatic champion, both excelled in the Challenger Cup in 2014. The cup was designed to give aspiring pilots the chance to prepare their skills for the RBAR World Championship in a less pressurised racing environment.

Le Vot, known as Zool in racing circles, will become the second French pilot in the competition alongside Nicolas Ivanoff. Velarde is hoping to enthuse his fellow Spaniards for the Red Bull Air Race. Previous seasons have seen more than a million spectators turn up to watch each of the two races in Barcelona in 2006 and 2009.

Velarde, one of the best Spanish aviators of his generation, has spent many years working towards becoming a Red Bull Air Race competitor. "It's one of the greatest things that has ever happened in my life," said Velarde, 40. "It's the chance of a lifetime."

He began flying aerobatics in 1999 and took part in every European and World Aerobatic Championship between 2004 and 2011, helping Spain win the Team Silver Medal at the 2007 World Aerobatic Championships. Velarde won the Spanish overall national aerobatic championship in 2010.

"It's a great honor and a great opportunity to compete against the best in the world," said Le Vot, 44, who left the French Air Force as 'le Capitaine' after a 12 year career flying an AlphaJet. Le Vot is an accomplished aerobatic pilot with a decade of successes in both the World and European Unlimited Aerobatic Championships, winning a European silver medal in 2012 and helping the French team to win the gold medal. He also won the individual World Aerobatic Championship title in 2013.

"Thanks to the knowledge and practice gained in the Challenger Cup competition, the two new pilots will start their Master Class careers with more experience than any first-year pilot before. The overall level of the pilots' experience and skill will be higher than ever," said Jim DiMatteo, Race Director at Red Bull Air Race at the recent Qualification Camp where the two pilots gained their Unrestricted Red Bull Air Race Super Licence.

The challenges in bringing a new turboprop to market

The challenges in bringing a new turboprop to market
// Leeham News and Comment

By Philippe Poutissou
Special to Leeham News and Comment
Introduction
Dec. 15, 2014: The market for turboprop aircraft has been strong for nearly a decade, yet there has been limited new product development in the segment. This has some regional airlines getting nervous about their future, in particular those who specialize in serving smaller markets with 30- to 50- seat turboprops built in the 1980s and 1990s. Which aircraft will replace the robust, but not indestructible, Bombardier DHC-8, Saab 340 and Embraer Brasilias?

Setting aside the technical challenges of developing and certifying a new aircraft type (of which there is ample evidence), the market challenge for smaller turboprops comes down to a question of limited revenue potential. Due to overall pressure on aircraft prices and demand that is highly fragmented, the business case for an aircraft OEM becomes risky and difficult to justify.

Continue Reading in... : The challenges in bringing a new turboprop to market

Northrop Grumman choisi pour livrer des drones à la Corée du Sud - Challenges.fr [feedly]

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Northrop Grumman choisi pour livrer des drones à la Corée du Sud - Challenges.fr
// northrop: Google Noticias

Northrop Grumman choisi pour livrer des drones à la Corée du Sud
Challenges.fr
WASHINGTON, 17 décembre (Reuters) - Northrop Grumman Corp a remporté un appel d'offres de 657,4 millions de dollars (525,5 millions d'euros) lancé par l'armée de l'air américaine pour fournir quatre drones de surveillance à la Corée du Sud, ont ...

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Boeing Breaks Ground in St. Louis for New Composites Center [feedly]

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Boeing Breaks Ground in St. Louis for New Composites Center
// MediaRoom

Facility to support 777X work and future opportunities
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Boeing reveals 777-9X dimensions in airport brief [feedly]

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Boeing reveals 777-9X dimensions in airport brief
// Aircraft news

Boeing has revealed a preliminary set of external dimensions for the 777-9X aircraft as part of its campaign to prepare airports far in advance of a scheduled entry into service in 2020.
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Polish air force to acquire new VIP transports [feedly]

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Polish air force to acquire new VIP transports
// Aircraft news

Polish defence minister Tomasz Siemoniak has announced plans to purchase two VIP transport aircraft, each to be capable of carrying a maximum of 12-14 passengers.
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Boeing sitting on eight unsold C-17s, with more orders pending [feedly]

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Boeing sitting on eight unsold C-17s, with more orders pending
// Aircraft news

​Boeing has slowly but surely sold off the C-17 Globemasters that will be produced before it closes down the production line next summer, but it will likely end the year with eight white tails on its hands.
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Airbus Helicopters' China-based training and support activities receive EASA airworthiness approval [feedly]

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Airbus Helicopters' China-based training and support activities receive EASA airworthiness approval
// Airbus Helicopters

The European airworthiness authority has validated Airbus Helicopters' flight training and support services in China, endorsing the high quality standards of these operations and their contribution to safety in one of the world's most rapidly-growing rotorcraft markets.
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Tail-sitter VTOL Return: X PlusOne drone hovers steady, but also flies nose-first at 60 mph

Both Google and Belgium's Katholieke Universiteit Leuven are working on drone-based delivery projects that utilize UAVs which take off and land vertically, but that can also tip sideways to transition into fast and efficient fixed-wing flight.

And the solution is much similar to those lates 40s and 50s Triebflügel, Convair XFY-1 Pogo  or Lockheed XFV-1. But hybridizing them with a quad-copter.

For more info:
http://www.xcraft.io/

http://youtu.be/iVEMOv1sF18

http://www.gizmag.com/x-plusone-hovering-fixed-wing-drone/35242/

Russian MI-17 Simulator

http://englishrussia.com/2014/12/16/russian-mi-17-simulator/

New aerial firefighting system gulps water faster

http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/80984622/0/gizmag~New-aerial-firefighting-system-gulps-water-faster/

MH370: Malaysia Ignored Crucial Evidence, Watchdog Website Says

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=c6e45551-94fe-48c9-8c10-61e99918499b

Note To Airline Pilots: Don't Let Passengers Fly The Plane

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=0bdc0aec-d5f0-40cc-aaa8-7a1c498608c0

Cessna CAIGA joint venture begins deliveries of Citation XLS jets in China

essna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today the first deliveries of the Citation XLS+ business jets from the company's joint venture operations in Zhuhai. The joint venture (CESSNA-AVIC Aircraft (Zhuhai) Co., Ltd.) between Cessna and China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company Ltd. (CAIGA) is delivering the first two Citation XLS+ aircraft to Guangzhou Zhongheng Group, Ltd. as part of the company's activities during Airshow China, Nov.11 - 16 in Zhuhai.

"Businesses around the world have continued to select the Citation XLS+ because of its unique blend of performance capabilities and operational efficiencies," said Scott Ernest, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. "We are honored to celebrate Guangzhou Zhongheng Group as our Citation XLS+ launch customer in China and commend the company for evaluating the options in the market and choosing this aircraft as the productivity tool that will help grow their business throughout the region."

As a large enterprise covering various market segments including pharmaceuticals, hospitality, real estate, and food and beverage, Guangzhou Zhongheng Group selected the Citation XLS+ to provide greater access to locations where the company has facilities and customers.

"Having the ability to quickly meet face-to-face with business partners and customers is key to our continued success and business growth," said Madam Xu Shuqing, chairman and president, Guangzhou Zhongheng Group. "By selecting the Citation XLS+, we know we are not only making a wise investment choice for our growing company, but that we are also backed by the unmatched breadth of support and expertise within Textron Aviation."

The Citation XLS+ is the world's most sought-after business jet. Business owners consistently have chosen the Citation XLS+ more than any other aircraft in the light midsize category for its unparalleled combination of comfort, ease of operation, range of mission capabilities and favorable operating efficiencies. The aircraft provides customers access from Beijing to Hong Kong and Hong Kong to Shanghai, well within a one-day trip. Inside is the largest cabin in its class with nearly 19 feet (5.64 meters) of length, a dropped aisle that provides 68 inches (173 cm) of height the entire length of the cabin and seating for up to 12 passengers. It travels as fast as 441 knots (817 kilometers/hour) with a range of more than 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 kilometers) at long range cruise, departing from runways as short as 3,560 feet (1,085 meters).

More than 6,600 Cessna Citations have been delivered to customers around the world since 1972. Citations are the largest fleet of business jets in the world and have surpassed 30 million flight hours

Photo of Citation XLS+

Cessna sees uptick in Caravan interest among Asia-Pacific operators during first year of joint venture with CAIGA

Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation, Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today called the first year of operations at Cessna-AVIC Aircraft (Shijiazhuang) Co., Ltd. a success. The joint venture between Cessna and China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company (CAIGA) assembles and delivers Caravan utility turboprop aircraft for the Chinese market. A Grand Caravan EX is one of four Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft at the Textron Aviation static display this week during Airshow China 2014 in Zhuhai.

"The joint venture with CAIGA has been an efficient way to provide solutions to the marketplace as business aviation continues to expand in China," said Bill Harris, vice president, Sales in the region. "The reliability and versatility of the Cessna Caravan make it particularly well suited for growing global markets like China. We're seeing customers order configurations for executive travel, hauling freight, aerial survey and tourism."

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) granted approval for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX to operate on floats in China in March of this year resulting in an increase in orders for amphibian models.

Previously unannounced orders for Grand Caravan EX Amphibian aircraft include Meiya Air for aerial sightseeing in Wuzhizhou Island of Sanya and Joy Air, which recently started charter tourism flights among Shanghai, Zhoushan and Shengsi Islands.

In addition, earlier this year the joint venture announced an order for 10 Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian aircraft from Reignwood Group to expand its aircraft services and operate tourism flights in the southeast part of China.

"We're seeing a tremendous floatplane trend in the region as the number of operators increase to meet demand from tourists here," Harris said. "We are holding the first Floatplane Operator Conference in December at our Shijiazhuang joint venture facility to help build a community among current and prospective operators. We're interested in supporting the long-term growth of the floatplane industry in China and general aviation as a whole, as our joint venture activity shows."

The joint venture results from the agreement signed in 2012 with CAIGA, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The joint venture began officially operating when its business license was approved in September 2013 by the Ministry of Commerce. Cessna's Wichita, Kansas, operations provide components and parts manufacturing and sub-assemblies for the Caravan aircraft sold by the joint venture. The joint venture operations in Shijiazhuang include final assembly, paint, testing, interior installation, customization, flight testing and delivery of the Cessna Caravan to in-country customers.

More than 2,200 Caravan aircraft have been manufactured by Cessna since the aircraft was introduced in 1985. There are five models currently available: the Caravan, the Grand Caravan EX, the Super Cargomaster EX, the Caravan Amphibian and the Grand Caravan EX Amphibian. Cessna began deliveries of the upgraded Grand Caravan EX in 2013, and it is now flying diverse missions around the world, including airline operations in Russia, travel companies in the Hawaiian and the Caribbean islands, construction and energy companies in the United States, aid organizations on wildlife rescue missions in Africa and aviation clubs in the Middle East. For more information about the various Caravan aircraft and their capabilities, go to Cessna.com/Caravan.

Photo of Grand Caravan EX

About Textron Aviation Inc.
Textron Aviation Inc. is the leading general aviation authority and home to the iconic Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying. The Textron Aviation companies include Cessna Aircraft Company and Beechcraft Corporation, bringing together decades of unmatched experience in designing, building and supporting airplanes. It provides the most versatile and comprehensive general aviation product portfolio in the world through five principal lines of business: business jets, general aviation and special mission turboprop aircraft, high performance piston aircraft, military trainer and defense aircraft, and a complete global customer service organization. Its broad range of products include such best-selling aircraft as Citation and Hawker business jets, King Air and Caravan turboprops and T-6 military trainer aircraft, all of which are backed by the industry's largest global service network. For more information, visit textronaviation.com.

About CESSNA-AVIC (Shijiazhuang) Co., Ltd.
CESSNA-AVIC Aircraft (Shijiazhuang) Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Cessna Aircraft Company and China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA), obtained its business license from the Ministry of Commerce in September 2013. Joint venture operations conduct final assembly of Cessna Caravans for the Chinese market including assembly, paint, testing, interior installation, customization, flight testing and delivery of the Caravan to in-country customers. Deliveries of aircraft by the joint venture began in December 2013.

Embraer Releases China Regional Aviation Market Outlook 2014-2033

Embraer forecasts that 1,020 new 70 to 130-seat jets will be demanded by the Chinese regional aviation market by 2033, representing 16% of global deliveries of jets in that segment, as released in Embraer's China Regional Aviation Market Outlook in a press conference today, during the 10th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

"Consensus has been reached that regional aviation plays a significant role in improving the connectivity, fostering economic advances, and enhancing the social welfare of China's remote areas. Development of regional aviation is also important for building China into an aviation powerhouse," said Guan Dongyuan, Senior Vice President of Embraer and President of Embraer China. "As the world's largest manufacturer of jets up to 130 seats, Embraer has been, and will continue to be committed to the development of China's regional aviation, jointly with our industry peers."

As forecasted, in the coming two decades, air travel in China will increase 6.8% annually, fostered by the country's sustained economic growth, with an expected 5.5% annual GDP growth rate. Fast urbanization and a growing middle class will also contribute to building China into one of the world's fastest growing markets.

Regional aviation, supported by civil aviation policies over the past decade, is experiencing rapid development and playing an irreplaceable role in the air transport system. With the launch of the "Essential Air Service" program, the improvement of incentive policies, and more regional airports coming online in central and western China, the regional aviation sector is assured a promising future.

Yet, by an in-depth analysis of the current market weaknesses and insufficiencies, the Outlook finds that the mismatch between market demand and aircraft type results in poor connectivity and lower frequencies, while airlines call for right-sized aircraft to unlock the huge potential in the country's secondary and tertiary markets, and to avoid irrational and unhealthy competition both on trunk lines and in regional aviation. The new generation of 70 to 130-seat regional jets, with lower operating cost and high performance, can be used in different business models.

The projection is for three hundred 70 to 90-seat jets and seven hundred twenty 90 to 130-seat jets. 87% of new deliveries will be deployed to support market growth, while 13% will replace old aircraft in the current fleet, which includes 50-seat airplanes.

Since the first Embraer jet was delivered to the China market, Embraer has logged 216 firm orders, to date, including 181 commercial jets. Over 100 Embraer commercial jets are currently flying on more than 600 routes serving over 130 cities in this country. Embraer now has an 80% share of China's regional aviation market.

Read the "Embraer China Market Outlook (2014-2033)", in both Chinese and English, at www.embraer.com.cn/outlook

​Embraer Forecast 700 New Deliveries of up to 130-seat Jets in Latin America over the Next 20 Years

Embraer Commercial Aviation forecasts that airlines in Latin America will take delivery of 700 new jets in the 70 to 130-seat segment over the next 20 years, representing 11% of the worldwide demand for the segment in the period. It is estimated that 63% of these units will support growth and 37% will replace older-generation aircraft. The 70 to 130-seat jet fleet will increase from the currently 280 units to 750 by 2033.

With economic growth and investments leading to more regional integration, secondary markets are poised to drive the demand for new air travel. And for this, fleet optimization and right-sizing will be key.

"The commercial aviation market in Latin America has experienced unprecedented development over these last years", said Simon Newitt, Embraer Vice President, Commercial Aviation, Latin America. "We are proud of the positive contribution the E-Jet fleet has played, and will continue to play, in the growth and prosperity across the continent."

The first delivery of an E -Jet in Latin America occurred in 2005, when Panama's Copa Airlines received an E190. Currently, nearly 200 E-Jets are in service with 8 operators from 7 countries in the region, where Embraer is the leader in the segment of jets up to 130 seats with 70% of market share.

The region will report solid economic annual growth of 3.8% over the next 20 years based on a favorable external environment, political and macroeconomic stability, and more equitable income distribution. Per capita GDP will increase by 2.9% annually from USD 9,050 to USD 15,960 in the same period. The annual growth in demand for air transport has been robust over the last five years at 7.0%, a trend that is expected to continue over the next 20 years, when the region will grow 6.0% annually.

Despite the dominance of larger aircraft, Latin America is mostly comprised by low and mid-density markets – 80% of which have traffic volumes up to 300 daily passengers. In 2013, over 50% of all intra-regional markets had one or fewer daily flights using narrow-body jets. This imbalance of capacity and demand can create inefficiency.

As seen at a number of leading airlines across the continent, the use of aircraft in the 70 to 130-seat segment can effectively improve connectivity in low and mid-density markets, and complement narrow-body flights during off-peak hours on trunk routes. Whilst the airlines are able to improve operating efficiency and profitability through the use of such capacity, the passengers also benefit from having more choice and convenience.

The E-Jets family has logged more than 1,500 orders and over 1,000 deliveries to date. The aircraft are in service with some 65 customers from 45 countries

​Embraer’s Legacy 500 receives EASA certification

Cologne, Germany, December 16, 2014 – Embraer's Legacy 500 executive jet today was granted certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) during a ceremony at its headquarters, in Cologne, Germany. This approval enables entry into service of the aircraft in the Member States of the European Union as well as in EASA associated countries.

"EASA's certification is a very important achievement for the Legacy 500, which is introducing advanced technologies and superior comfort in the midsize class," said Marco Túlio Pellegrini, President and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. "The approval of this revolutionary aircraft is a testament to our commitment to deliver true innovation to the market."



Click on the link to access the PDF with additional Info

Airbus Group announces top management changes

http://atwonline.com/people/airbus-group-announces-top-management-changes

Airbus Group COO Günter Butschek has resigned and will leave at the end of 2014 to pursue other career opportunities. Airbus EVP-programs Tom Williams will succeed Butschek as of Jan. 1, 2015.

Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders said, "I regret Günter's resignation. He joined us in 2011, at a time when we were facing a number of challenges in our industrial strategy and in operations. Since then, Airbus has benefited greatly from his automotive-rich experience and personal leadership. I thank him for all he brought to the company, among which the Airbus Operating System is only one of his achievements. I wish him all the best for the future. At the same time, I cannot think of anybody better suited internally than Tom Williams to replace Günter. It requires significant operational experience to be the COO of Airbus and Tom has all it takes to succeed in this critically important job."

Boeing selects Rockwell Collins flight displays, integrated surveillance and select flight control systems for 777X

http://www.revistaaerea.com/2014/12/16/boeing-selects-rockwell-collins-flight-displays-integrated-surveillance-and-select-flight-control-systems-for-777x/

777X flight deck shares commonality with 787 Dreamliner, 737 MAX

This contract is in addition to Rockwell Collins' previously announced award to provide the Flight Control Module for the 777X Integrated Flight Control Electronics fly-by-wire system. Together, these awards rival the content that Rockwell Collins provides Boeing for the 787 Dreamliner and triples the amount of supplier-furnished equipment that it has on the 777X when compared to previous generations of the airplane.

Alcoa to acquire aircraft engine components maker TITAL

http://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/newsalcoa-acquire-aircraft-engine-components-maker-tital-4470114

Alcoa has signed a deal to acquire TITAL, a producer of titanium and aluminium structural castings for aircraft engines and airframes.

With this acquisition, Alcoa is seeking to further expand its global aerospace business and meet increasing demand for jet engine components made of titanium.

Wright ‘B’ Flyer To Be Built At Original Factory

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=dceb26cf-68ed-4e64-8146-62bb4981cdfd

Wright "B" Flyer Inc. will build the airplane at the Wright Company factory site in Dayton, OH with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) providing valuable support. Final assembly will take place inside the original Wright factory buildings more than a century after it first opened. America's first airplane factory will become active again.

Boeing Board Increases Share Repurchase Authorization to $12 Billion, Raises Dividend 25 Percent [feedly]

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Boeing Board Increases Share Repurchase Authorization to $12 Billion, Raises Dividend 25 Percent
// MediaRoom

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AirAsia X places firm order for 55 A330neo [feedly]

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AirAsia X places firm order for 55 A330neo
// Airbus All news

Carrier to benefit from even lower operating costs for long haul services

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Air India plane almost hit UAV in Leh after ATC failure - Economic Times [feedly]

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Air India plane almost hit UAV in Leh after ATC failure - Economic Times
// uav: Google Noticias

Air India plane almost hit UAV in Leh after ATC failure
Economic Times
NEW DELHI: This is possibly the closest a close shave can get. An Air India aircraft operating the ultra difficult Delhi-Leh sector recently was prevented by a disaster twice on the same day — once each time it was approaching to land in Leh on the ...

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Qatar sets Jan. 7 date for A350 ceremonies in Doha [feedly]

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Qatar sets Jan. 7 date for A350 ceremonies in Doha
// Revista de prensa aeronáutica: Feed de feeds de Revistas Aeronáuticas | recopiladas por www.noticias-aero.info

Qatar Airways, which postponed the delivery ceremonies of the first Airbus A350 XWB aircraft last week, has set a new date of Jan. 7 for ceremonies at its home hub in Doha.

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Boeing, Jetlines Announce Order for Five 737 MAX 7s [feedly]

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Boeing, Jetlines Announce Order for Five 737 MAX 7s
// MediaRoom

New Canadian ultra-low cost carrier starts building its fleet
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GE Aviation looking for new employees - Jefferson Post [feedly]

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GE Aviation looking for new employees - Jefferson Post
// comac c 919: Google Noticias

GE Aviation looking for new employees
Jefferson Post
It will power new Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC (China) C919 aircraft for airlines worldwide. In all, GE Aviation plans to hire 105 new employees. According to Tait, the company will hire 15 new employees every quarter, allowing those hired ...

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Rosetta Comet Water Different Than Earth Water

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=31ebee7b-1765-4f97-921a-98dbf123e9a0

BAE completes first full trial fit of Brimstone missile on Typhoon

http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsbae-completes-first-full-trial-fit-of-brimstone-missile-on-typhoon-4468675

Russian spyplane nearly collided with Airliner off Sweden. Again.

http://theaviationist.com/2014/12/14/near-collision-off-sweden/

Video: The Path to Mars: Boeing Leading Charge in Deep Space Mission

http://youtu.be/vdqhGhfX62Y

Boeing Revisits Past In Hunt For 737/757 Successors

For years, Boeing wrestled with how to replace a best--selling single-aisle product with an all-new design in one size s-ector while simultaneously protecting the longer-range, middle-of-the-market (MOM) from the predatory ambitions of Airbus.

Although this may sound like the 737 and 757 replacement conundrum faced by Boeing today, it is, in fact, the scenario that challenged the company almost 40 years ago. In the 1970s Boeing was grappling with how to replace the 727 and at the same time counter the emerging threat of the Airbus A310, the first derivative of the A300 family.

In a curious parallel to the situation today, Boeing’s market analysis for filling the 180-300-seat gap in the 1970s indicated that although the two requirements overlapped, it was too difficult to meet them both with a single-fuselage cross-section aircraft. A single aisle worked better for the lower end, but did not stretch very well. A twin aisle worked better for the upper end, but equally did not shrink well. As a result, for almost six years in the 1970s, the company exhaustively studied two concepts: a single-aisle twin dubbed the 7N7 and a widebody twin called the 7X7.

Full Article: http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/boeing-revisits-past-hunt-737757-successors

XCOR Presents New Platforms For Suborbital Science At AGU [feedly]

XCOR Presents New Platforms For Suborbital Science At AGU
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=b32319e3-feb9-4b10-a7bd-a2cfd9e7c139

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Successful First Flight of Airbus Helicopters' EC645 T2 [feedly]

Successful First Flight of Airbus Helicopters' EC645 T2
http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/FO/scripts/myFO_publication.php?lang=EN&news_id=1223

 -- via my feedly.com reader

50,000 trainees in 50 years: Airbus Helicopters Training Services reaffirms its commitment to safety [feedly]

50,000 trainees in 50 years: Airbus Helicopters Training Services reaffirms its commitment to safety
http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/FO/scripts/myFO_publication.php?lang=EN&news_id=1225

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Ready for service: Airbus Helicopters delivers the first new-generation EC175 rotorcraft [feedly]

Ready for service: Airbus Helicopters delivers the first new-generation EC175 rotorcraft
http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/FO/scripts/myFO_publication.php?lang=EN&news_id=1234

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Germany's Landespolizei Nordrhein-Westfalen selects the world's most modern police rotorcraft: Airbus Helicopters' EC145 T2 [feedly]

Germany's Landespolizei Nordrhein-Westfalen selects the world's most modern police rotorcraft: Airbus Helicopters' EC145 T2
http://www.airbushelicopters.com/site/FO/scripts/myFO_publication.php?lang=EN&news_id=1236

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National Geographic Studios to Release Original Film ‘Living in the Age of Airplanes’ to Giant Screen, Digital, IMAX® and Museum Cinemas Worldwide

Press Release
Film is narrated by Harrison Ford; original score is composed by James Horner




WASHINGTON (Dec. 11, 2014)—National Geographic Studios has acquired the global theatrical rights to the film “Living in the Age of Airplanes,” which takes audiences on an epic journey through 18 countries and across all seven continents as it presents a unique perspective on how the airplane has changed the world. It will be available to 15/70 flat and dome film screens and to all digital screens when it is released worldwide on April 10, 2015.

Produced and directed by Brian J. Terwilliger (“One Six Right”), “Living in the Age of Airplanes” is narrated by actor and pilot Harrison Ford and features an original score by Academy Award®-winning composer and pilot James Horner (“Avatar,” “Titanic”). The film was shot in 95 locations around the globe, from remote places like the South Pole and the Maldives to historically significant sites of ancient civilizations. The narrative weaves together the profound ways that aviation has transformed our lives, connecting countries and cultures while expanding horizons and minds.

“Since we were all born into a world with airplanes, it’s hard to imagine that jet travel itself is only 60 years old, just a tick on the timeline of human history,” said Terwilliger. “Yet practically overnight, our perception of crossing continents and oceans at 500 mph has turned from fascination to frustration. I want to reignite people’s wonder for one of the most extraordinary aspects of the modern world.”

“‘Living in the Age of Airplanes’ is the perfect film for National Geographic,” said Mark Katz, president of distribution for National Geographic Studios. “Its visuals are breathtaking, it tells an amazing story and will engage audiences on a variety of levels, from adventure to geography to exploration and more, which aligns completely with National Geographic’s mission to inspire, illuminate and teach.”

For more information, visit www.airplanesmovie.com.

Note: Images can be found on the ftp site:

http://press.nationalgeographic.com/downloads/film_airplane_movie/


Living in the Age of Airplanes — Trailer #1 from Living in the Age of Airplanes on Vimeo.
LIVING IN THE AGE OF AIRPLANES is a story about how the airplane has changed the world. Filmed in 18 countries across all 7 continents, it renews our appreciation for one of the most extraordinary and awe-inspiring aspects of the modern world. The documentary is produced and directed by Brian J. Terwilliger (“One Six Right”), narrated by Harrison Ford, and features an original score by Academy Award-winning composer James Horner ("Avatar," "Titanic").

National Geographic Studios will be distributing the film worldwide to Giant Screen, IMAX, Digital and Museum Cinemas worldwide beginning in April 2015.

Official website:
www.airplanesmovie.com

Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/livingintheageofairplanes

The pilots of Instagram: beautiful views from the cockpit, violating rules of the air – Quartz

http://qz.com/233165/the-pilots-of-instagram-beautiful-views-from-the-cockpit-violating-rules-of-the-air/

Boeing plans to cut 747-8 production from September 2015 from 1.5 to 1.3 planes/month

http://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/newsboeing-plans-to-cut-747-8-production-from-september-2015-4466061

Boeing is planning to reduce production of its 747-8 jumbo jetliner starting September next year due to weaker demand for freighters.

The company plans to cut production of the airliner to 1.3 aeroplanes per month from the current 1.5 per month, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Airbus predicts Chinese air travel boom will continue

http://atwonline.com/airframes/airbus-predicts-chinese-air-travel-boom-will-continue

A380, re-engining or stopping production

http://atwonline.com/manufacturers/airbus-cfo-mulls-future-a380-program

Airbus CFO Harald Wilhelm surprised the aviation world the day before the Airbus Global Investor Forum by raising the possibility of either re-engining the A380 with more efficient engines or discontinuing A380 production in 2018.

However, the Toulouse-based manufacturer made it clear it will get additional A380 customers. Production slots are almost fully booked for the next three years and Airbus said it continues to improve the aircraft.

USAF moves up AF One replacement, reports Inside Defense

The Boeing 747-8 is viewed as the certain selection to become the next Air Force One.


Could Airbus compete for the new Air Force One after all? It hasn’t been ruled out, according to Inside Defense.

http://leehamnews.com/2014/12/07/usaf-moves-up-af-one-replacement-reports-inside-defense/

How Do Drones and Commercial Aircraft Avoid Midair Collisions? - Slate Magazine (blog) [feedly]

How Do Drones and Commercial Aircraft Avoid Midair Collisions? - Slate Magazine (blog)
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=es&usg=AFQjCNHgpdIoiVSmMV_L0EKcC1qe8ZNL3w&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ei=mEmIVNDlDYaymQLQmYDgCA&url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/quora/2014/12/10/how_do_drones_and_commercial_aircraft_avoid_midair_collisions.html

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Italy, Turkey will lead F-35 maintenance in Europe [feedly]

Italy, Turkey will lead F-35 maintenance in Europe
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/Italy-Turkey-will-lead-F-35-maintenance-in-Europe-407030/

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Boeing Forecasts Unprecedented Diversity, Efficiency for 2015 Aircraft Financing [feedly]

Boeing Forecasts Unprecedented Diversity, Efficiency for 2015 Aircraft Financing
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2014-12-09-Boeing-Forecasts-Unprecedented-Diversity-Efficiency-for-2015-Aircraft-Financing

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Boeing, South African Airways Look to First Harvest of Energy-Rich Tobacco to Make Sustainable Aviation Biofuel [feedly]

Boeing, South African Airways Look to First Harvest of Energy-Rich Tobacco to Make Sustainable Aviation Biofuel
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2014-12-09-Boeing-South-African-Airways-Look-to-First-Harvest-of-Energy-Rich-Tobacco-to-Make-Sustainable-Aviation-Biofuel

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Boeing CST-100 Spacecraft Moves Another Step Closer to Flight [feedly]

Boeing CST-100 Spacecraft Moves Another Step Closer to Flight
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/12-10-14-Boeing-CST-100-Spacecraft-Moves-Another-Step-Closer-to-Flight

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China, Russia Near Deal for Wide-Body Aircraft - Caixin Media [feedly]

China, Russia Near Deal for Wide-Body Aircraft - Caixin Media
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=es&usg=AFQjCNG7FIvRu-dZm7cwRbD5uX1D-646eg&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=52778679546792&ei=ukKJVJjLDrDRmALVmoGYDA&url=http://english.caixin.com/2014-12-11/100761850.html

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La empresa Boeing despedirá a 561 empleados en EU - Informador.com.mx [feedly]

La empresa Boeing despedirá a 561 empleados en EU - Informador.com.mx
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=es&usg=AFQjCNFJ_AtI2Odo_67i9QwGVj6allK_5A&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=52779040388693&ei=y5CJVLi6HqTImALb84DwBQ&url=http://www.informador.com.mx/economia/2014/564508/6/la-empresa-boeing-despedira-a-561-empleados-en-eu.htm

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No 'panic' for A380 upgrade: Airbus [feedly]

No 'panic' for A380 upgrade: Airbus
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/No-panic-for-A380-upgrade-Airbus-406963/

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French army receives first two HAD Block 2 Tigers [feedly]

French army receives first two HAD Block 2 Tigers
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/French-army-receives-first-two-HAD-Block-2-Tigers-407022/

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Singapore Airlines to implement door fix across entire A380 fleet [feedly]

Singapore Airlines to implement door fix across entire A380 fleet
http://www.runwaygirlnetwork.com/2014/12/10/singapore-airlines-implement-door-fix-across-entire-a380-fleet/

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USAF moves up AF One replacement, reports Inside Defense [feedly]

USAF moves up AF One replacement, reports Inside Defense
http://leehamnews.com/2014/12/07/usaf-moves-up-af-one-replacement-reports-inside-defense/

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China Says Hypersonic Missile Tests Are Business As Usual [feedly]

China Says Hypersonic Missile Tests Are Business As Usual
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/chinese-hypersonic-tests-028973/

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Bloodhound Supersonic Car group tests hybrid rocket engine [feedly]

Bloodhound Supersonic Car group tests hybrid rocket engine
http://www.gizmag.com/bloodhound-rocket-test/35133/

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America's Toughest, Ugliest Warplane Is Going Back Into Battle (A10 against ISIS) | WIRED

http://www.wired.com/2014/12/a10-warthog-isis/

U.S. Navy Successfully Tests Laser Weapon in the Persian Gulf | TIME

http://time.com/3628047/navy-laser-weapon-test-persian-gulf/

Aero Surveillance reveals new ASV-100 rotary-winged UAV - IHS Jane's 360 [feedly]

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Aero Surveillance reveals new ASV-100 rotary-winged UAV - IHS Jane's 360
// uav: Google Noticias

IHS Jane's 360

Aero Surveillance reveals new ASV-100 rotary-winged UAV
IHS Jane's 360
The ASV-100, as the unmanned helicopter is dubbed, has been developed for both civil and military applications, and is geared at being a smaller and less expensive alternative to other such rotary-winged UAVs currently on the market. Speaking to IHS ...

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Israeli airstrikes on high-rise Gaza building amounted to war crimes, says Amnesty

http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsisraeli-airstrikes-on-high-rise-gaza-building-amounted-to-war-crimes-says-amnesty-4464616

Iberia MRO arm to repair CAE simulators [feedly]

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Iberia MRO arm to repair CAE simulators
// Airlines news

​Spanish operator Iberia's maintenance division has secured an agreement to repair avionics and components for CAE simulators.
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Sikorsky's S-97 Raider will not be airborne until 2015 [feedly]

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Sikorsky's S-97 Raider will not be airborne until 2015
// Aircraft news

Sikorsky has chosen prudence over spectacle and delayed the first flight of its S-97 Raider prototype until 2015.
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MEBA: Piaggio celebrates as EASA approves Avanti Evo [feedly]

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MEBA: Piaggio celebrates as EASA approves Avanti Evo
// Aircraft news

​Piaggio Aerospace is in celebratory mood after securing European certification for the Avanti Evo, less than seven months after the third-generation P.180 twin-pusher was introduced.
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Boeing announces new production cut for 747-8 [feedly]

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Boeing announces new production cut for 747-8
// Aircraft news

​Boeing has decided to lower yearly output of the 747-8 by 2.4 aircraft starting in September 2015 due to a slower recovery cycle in the cargo market.
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Automated manufacturing could drive $125 million from cost of F-35 canopies [feedly]

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Automated manufacturing could drive $125 million from cost of F-35 canopies
// Aircraft news

​The US Office of Naval Research (ONR) recently received a national manufacturing award for developing a method to build canopies for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II that could save the military $125 million over the life of the programme.
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China needs over 5,300 new aircraft in the next 20 years [feedly]

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China needs over 5,300 new aircraft in the next 20 years
// Airbus All news

Chinese domestic traffic to become the world's number one within 10 years

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This Is Where Highly Demanded Rocket Engines Are Made

http://englishrussia.com/2014/12/09/this-is-where-the-most-demanded-rocket-engines-are-made/

UAVs could map the bottom of the sea, using new lidar tech

http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/80484665/0/gizmag~UAVs-could-map-the-bottom-of-the-sea-using-new-lidar-tech/

Pratt & Whitney Canada to spend C$1bn to develop next-generation aircraft engines

http://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/newspratt-whitney-canada-to-spend-c1bn-to-develop-next-generation-aircraft-engines-4463754

The investment will support around 1,500 existing jobs at Pratt & Whitney facilities in Ontario and Quebec.

P&WC president John Saabas said: "The Government of Canada's investment enables P&WC to invest over $1bn overall to pursue its long-standing legacy of innovation and sustain its engineering and manufacturing Centres of Excellence in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia."

EASA to investigate near mid-air collisions involving military aircraft

http://atwonline.com/safety/easa-investigate-near-mid-air-collisions-involving-military-aircraft

The European Commission (EC) has asked the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to investigate a series of near mid-air collisions involving European passenger airliners and military aircraft during recent months.

EASA said these incidents had taken place over the sea at the border of the European Union (EU) and been reported by different EU member states.  The transponders of the military aircraft were inactive and it was not possible to establish a radio contact with them, which may have caused an immediate safety hazard to civil aviation, EASA said.

Nasa Orion exploration capsule completes first unmanned flight

http://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/newsnasa-orion-exploration-capsule-completes-first-unmanned-flight-4462073

Nasa's Orion exploration capsule has successfully completed its first unmanned flight with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, 600 miles south-west of San Diego, US.

The spacecraft travelled farther than any other spacecraft designed for astronauts in over 40 years, Nasa said.

Gatwick Airport to invest $1.6 billion to upgrade North Terminal

http://atwonline.com/airports-routes/gatwick-airport-invest-16-billion-upgrade-north-terminal

The investment plan marks five years of independent ownership of the UK's second largest airport, which was sold as part of the breakup of the BAA monopoly in 2009, enabling it to compete head-on with Heathrow Airport for the first time.

IATA releases guide for safely transporting lithium batteries

http://atwonline.com/safety/iata-releases-guide-safely-transporting-lithium-batteries

Lithium batteries are suspected to have played a role in three commercial freighter aircraft fires between 2006 and 2011, and the ongoing concern about transporting the batteries by air has led IATA to issue a 56-page guide to mitigating the risks.

Russia's MAK certificates VIP interior for SSJ100 [feedly]

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Russia's MAK certificates VIP interior for SSJ100
// Aircraft news

Russia's interstate aviation committee MAK has certificated the interior configuration for the VIP variant of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional jet.
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Iran provides Latin America countries with UAV - Trend.az [feedly]

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Iran provides Latin America countries with UAV - Trend.az
// uav: Google Noticias

Trend.az

Iran provides Latin America countries with UAV
Trend.az
The country also unveiled its largest yet homemade UAV, titled 'Fotros' in 2013. Fotros has a range of some 2,000 kilometers and is capable of launching air-to-surface missile strikes. The drone can fly at an altitude of 25,000 feet, with a flight time ...

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Drone in near miss scare at 700ft with Heathrow airliner | Daily Mail Online

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2864691/Drone-near-miss-scare-700ft-Heathrow-airliner.html

Incident was rated as risk rating of A - the most serious of near-collisions

Pilot spotted the drone at 700ft after air traffic control radars had missed it

Airbus and Emerging Fuels Technology partner for commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuel [feedly]

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Airbus and Emerging Fuels Technology partner for commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuel
// Revista de prensa aeronáutica: Feed de feeds de Revistas Aeronáuticas | recopiladas por www.noticias-aero.info

Airbus Group and Emerging Fuels Technology have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together on commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuel technologies.
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Leap 1C Engine Tests Continue as Comac's C919 Takes Shape - Aviation International News [feedly]

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Leap 1C Engine Tests Continue as Comac's C919 Takes Shape - Aviation International News
// comac c 919: Google Noticias

Leap 1C Engine Tests Continue as Comac's C919 Takes Shape
Aviation International News
The Leap 1C engine developed by CFM International for the Comac C919 narrowbody has completed almost 100 hours of flight testing on the Boeing 747 operated by joint venture partner GE Aviation. The turbofan features the integrated propulsion system ...
Nexcelle highlights its key role for CFM International's LEAP-1C ...

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Airbus net orders pass 1,000 as first A330neos firmed [feedly]

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Airbus net orders pass 1,000 as first A330neos firmed
// Aircraft news

​Airbus recorded three orders covering 120 Airbus A320-family jets during November, when it also booked its first firm agreements for the re-engined A330neo.
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Handover of the first A350 XWB jetliner to Qatar Airways is scheduled for 13 December [feedly]

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Handover of the first A350 XWB jetliner to Qatar Airways is scheduled for 13 December
// Airbus All news

Airbus and Qatar Airways are set to open a new chapter in commercial aviation together with the...

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LAN takes delivery of first A321 [feedly]

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LAN takes delivery of first A321
// Airbus All news

LAN Airlines, part of LATAM Airlines Group celebrated the arrival of its first A321 today at...

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U.S. Army Mysterious Sensor plane spotted over Libya. Along with a US Navy Spyplane

http://theaviationist.com/2014/12/05/eo-5c-over-benghazi/

Researchers Develop a Magnetic Levitating Gear. Gears with teeth are thing of the past

 Press Release from Universidad Carlos III, Madrid



Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) are developing a new transmission mechanism with no touching parts, based on magnetic forces which prevent friction and wear and make lubrication unnecessary. It can be applied in space travel and exploration but has also been adapted for use in other areas, such as the railroad and aircraft industries.




This research is being carried out under the auspices of MAGDRIVE, a European research project coordinated by Professor José Luis Pérez Díaz, from the UC3M Instituto Pedro San Juan de Lastanosa, in which seven European entities participate. It consists of the development of a magnetic gear reducer, that is, a mechanism that transforms speed from an input axle to another in an output axle (as in a bicycle chain mechanism or the gearbox of an automobile). But in this case, unlike a conventional gear reducer, this transmission is produced without contact between the pieces thanks to the magnetism.

One of its chief advantages is the absence of wear among the pieces, which makes lubrication unnecessary. As such, “the operating life of these devices can be much longer than the life of a conventional gear reducer with teeth, and can even work in cryogenic temperatures,” notes one of the researchers, Efrén Díez Jiménez, from the UC3M Department of Mechanical Engineering. It can even continue to function after an event of overload. If the axle is blocked, “the parts simply slide amongst themselves, but nothing breaks.” In addition, less noise is produced, vibration is reduced, and it is capable of through-wall transmission.






A Gearbox that Levitates

In addition to the contactless transmission, the axles are likewise contactless. “It is the first time in history that the input axle as well as the output axle of a gear reducer are floating without any kind of contact, and it can keep a mechanism which contains nothing else spinning at 3,000 revolutions per minute at cryogenic temperatures” says the main researcher on the project, José Luis Pérez Díaz. Although the main goal of the MAGDRIVE project is to build a prototype that can be used in extreme conditions in outer space, another one that can be used at room temperature has also been developed.

For outer space, the cryogenic prototype has been developed. This type keeps the axles floating and it can work at a temperature of -210°C and in a vacuum. The mechanism integrates levitating superconductor bearings that generate stable forces of repulsion into its structure. This allows it to turn and, moreover, it stabilizes it against oscillating motion or possible imbalances. It is the first mechanism in history that does not have this type of friction.

It has several applications in outer space, “from robot arms or antenna positioners, where high-precision movements are needed or when contamination from lubricants is undesired, to vehicles that, because of temperature or extreme conditions of absence of pressure, shorten the life of conventional mechanisms, as happens with the wheels of a Rover that has to go on Mars.”

The second prototype that has been developed can be used at room temperature. The magnetic reducer “substitutes the gear teeth with permanent magnets that repel and attract each other” so that “the transmission of couples and forces between the moving parts with contact is achieved,” explains Efrén Díez Jiménez.

Its applications can be transferred to any field where conventional mechanical reducers are used, such as self-propulsion, the railroad sector, the oil industry, or in mechanics and manufacturing in general, cite the researchers. Thanks to the absence of lubrication and oils, it can also be applied in the pharmaceutical, biomedical and food industries, where cleanliness requirements of are very strict.

Although the cryogenic prototype was the global objective of the project because it solved the problem posed by the European Space Agency (ESA),”no doubt the room temperature prototype is the one that can have the biggest impact and industrial application,” they conclude.

The final results of the MAGDRIVE project have been presented at different conferences, congresses and meetings organized by ESA, NASA and ASME, generating a great deal of interest among participants. The researchers have published some of the results in the “Journal of Engineering Tribology”, among others. At present they are analyzing implementation of these types of systems in different industrial areas. And, the latest news: their research has been accepted for upcoming publication in the review “Aerospace Science and Technology”.

MAGDRIVE is a European project from the Space area of the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme coordinated by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, with the participation of the National Research Council of Genoa and the University of Cassino (both in Italy), the Foundation of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Lisbon, in Portugal, and three companies: BPE from Germany, LIDAX from Spain and CAN Superconductors from the Czech Republic. This research project is FP7/2007-2013 under agreement No. 263014. In addition, the spin-off company MAG SOAR has been created from this project.



Further information:

Project webpage: www.magdrive.eu

J. Perez-Diaz, E. Diez-Jimenez, and E. Al., “Performance of magnetic-superconductor non-contact harmonic drive for cryogenic space applications,” Aerosp. Sci. Technol., 2014.

Design and analysis of a non-hysteretic passive magnetic linear bearing for cryogenic environments
By: Diez-Jimenez, Efren; Valiente-Blanco, Ignacio; Castro-Fernandez, Victor; et al.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART J-JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING TRIBOLOGY Volume: 228 Number: 10 Special number: YES Pages: 1071-1079 Date of publication: OCT 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10016/19762

Practical magnetic levitating transmission gear system loses its teeth

http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/80018711/0/gizmag~Practical-magnetic-levitating-transmission-gear-system-loses-its-teeth/

Previously unknown details about Iranian F-4, F-5, Su-24 and UAVs involvement in air strikes on ISIS targets in Iraq

http://theaviationist.com/2014/12/04/iriaf-strikes-isis-in-iraq/

Sikorsky to outfit US Army, Navy with 102 helicopters - Westfair Online [feedly]

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Sikorsky to outfit Army, Navy with 102 helicopters - Westfair Online
// sikorsky: Google Noticias

Sikorsky to outfit Army, Navy with 102 helicopters
Westfair Online
The U.S. Army and Navy will buy 102 new helicopters from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford. The Army will receive 65 helicopters – including 41 UH-60 Blackhawk models and 24 HH-60M models – at a cost of $771 million. The Navy has agreed to ...

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