lunes, 23 de enero de 2017

737 MAX makes a splash

Boeing Test & Evaluation teams took the 737 MAX for a little dip to see how it would stand up to extreme conditions. Watch the video to see how they incorporated a new teammate, an unmanned aerial system, into this high-stakes water spray test.

Boeing Test & Evaluation teams employ an Unmanned Aerial System during water spray testing for innovation and efficiency.




https://youtu.be/hEx7Glp8Kk0

My awful 48 hours as an astronaut

Volunteers are trying to live like astronauts on Earth in preparation for manned missions to Mars, but face isolation, confinement and terrible food. After almost a year without fresh air in the cramped, near-weightless environment of the International Space Station (ISS), American astronaut Scot...

http://flip.it/BkAdMj


MRJ regional jet delayed until mid 2020

Leejam Newshttps://leehamnews.com/2017/01/23/mrj-regional-jet-delayed-mid-2020/


Mitsubishi Press releaseMitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) announced today that MHI and Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation will adjust the first delivery of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) from mid-2018 to mid-2020. The change is due to revisions of certain systems and electrical configurations on the aircraft to meet the latest requirements for certification.

MHI recently established the MRJ Business Promotion Committee, chaired by Shunichi Miyanaga, President & Chief Executive Officer of MHI, to oversee the continued development and long-term business performance of the MRJ, effective on November 28, 2016.

Since the historic MRJ first flight in November 2015, we have made significant progress in both engineering and test, and now three aircraft are in flight test in the United States.

Going forward, under the MRJ Business Promotion Committee’s oversight, we will continue to make prompt decisions and remain firmly committed to the development of the MRJ to offer our customers an aircraft with world-class performance and compatibility with latest industry certifications. Advancing the MRJ project

Airbus to supply French satellite communication systems [feedly]

Airbus to supply French satellite communication systems
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Airbus_to_supply_French_satellite_communication_systems_999.html

 -- via my feedly newsfeed

Mitsubishi delays MRJ deliveries by two years [feedly]

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has confirmed a two-year delay to the MRJ regional jet programme, the fifth time its schedule has been pushed back since launching in 2008.
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mitsubishi-delays-mrj-deliveries-by-two-years-433402/

 -- via my feedly newsfeed

The Not-So-Secret Way to Kill a Stealth Fighter [feedly]

Combine phased array radars with big missiles


https://warisboring.com/the-not-so-secret-way-to-kill-a-stealth-fighter-8ce512205e78

 -- via my feedly newsfeed

F-35 Costs Expected to Drop | Boeing-IAI Deliver First Arrow-3 to IAF | Turkey & Russia Conduct First Joint Air-Strike | Airbus Wins $2B A400M Buy from Indonesia [feedly]

F-35 Costs Expected to Drop | Boeing-IAI Deliver First Arrow-3 to IAF | Turkey & Russia Conduct First Joint Air-Strike | Airbus Wins $2B A400M Buy from Indonesia

NASA Tracks Air Flow Generated By Drones [feedly]

Supercomputers Generate Images Showing How Air Interacts With Rotors, Fuselage For decades, NASA has used computer models to simulate the flow of air around aircraft in order to test designs and improve the performance of next-generation vehicles.
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=fe8d1189-9d88-49d0-a341-5d1b49f5ec70


Royal Navy gets new eyes in the skies [feedly]

When the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth class carriers go into service in 2020, they'll be watched over by a new generation of eyes in the sky. In an announcement by the Minister for Defence Procurement, Harriett Baldwin MP, Lockheed Martin UK was awarded a £269 million (US $331 million) contract to develop and manufacture the Crowsnest Airborne Surveillance System to alert the carrier groups against incoming missile and other airborne threats.

.. Continue Reading Royal Navy gets new eyes in the skies
http://newatlas.com/royal-navy-carriers-crowsnest/47475/


Iberia e Iberia Express reciben en FITUR el premio a las más puntuales del mundo en 2016

Nota de prensa

Iberia e Iberia Express reciben en FITUR el premio a las más puntuales del mundo en 2016

  • Se lo ha entregado Flightstats, consultora líder en información de vuelos, servicios y aplicaciones de la industria de los viajes.
  • El acto se ha convertido en un "homenaje" a los empleados de las dos aerolíneas, verdaderos artífices del gran logro en puntualidad que Iberia e Iberia Express han alcanzado.
  • Hoy la aerolínea ha celebrado también en FITUR su 90 cumpleaños, en un stand que recorre los grandes hitos de su historia.
 

Madrid, 19 de enero de 2017

 

Los presidentes de Iberia e Iberia Express han recibido hoy en FITUR el premio a las aerolíneas más puntuales del mundo de su categoría, según Flightstats, la consultora líder en información de vuelos, servicios y aplicaciones de la industria de los viajes. Representantes de FlightStats han volado expresamente desde EEUU a Madrid para entregar estos premios que suman ya su octava edición.

 

El acto se ha convertido en un homenaje a todos los colectivos de Iberia e Iberia Express –pilotos, TCP, personal de aeropuertos-, verdaderos artífices de este gran logro, que  han estado representados por una delegación de empleados que han recibido los premios y a quienes ha cedido la palabra Luis Gallego, presidente del Grupo Iberia.

 

En 2016 Iberia no solo ha sido la aerolínea internacional más puntual del mundo (Major Global Airline), también  la aerolínea más puntual de Europa (European Major Airline) y la más puntual de Europa también como aerolínea de red contabilizando sus datos junto a los de su franquiciada Iberia Regional Air Nostrum (European Major Airline Network).

 

En los últimos cuatro años, Iberia ha ido mejorando su situación en el ranking de puntualidad hasta situarse en lo más alto. Fue la cuarta más puntual del mundo en 2013, tercera en 2014, segunda en 2015 y la primera en 2016.

 

En el caso de Iberia Express, la compañía sido reconocida como la aerolínea de bajo coste más puntual del mundo, por tercer año consecutivo, lo  que supone un importante reconocimiento a nivel internacional al esfuerzo, compromiso y dedicación de una aerolínea que en tan sólo 4 años y medio de vida ha conseguido importantes logros. Miembros del comité de dirección, así como responsables del área de operaciones vuelo, tierra y tripulaciones han estado presentes en la entrega de premios celebrada hoy.

 

90 cumpleaños

 

Además, Iberia ha celebrado hoy en FITUR su 90 cumpleaños en un stand en el que pueden seguirse los hitos más importantes de su historia, y donde los visitantes encontrarán la cabina de un Rohrbach Roland, primer avión de Iberia, y podrán vestir con ropa de los años 20.

 

Sobre Iberia: Iberia es la primera compañía de España y líder en las rutas entre Europa y Latinoamérica. Junto con su filial Iberia Express y su franquiciada Iberia Regional Air Nostrum, ofrece alrededor de 600 vuelos al día a  medio centenar de países de Europa, América, África, Oriente Medio y Asia,  con una flota de 135 aviones. En 2016, Iberia e Iberia Express han sido las más puntuales del mundo en sus categorías, según FlightStats. Es miembro de la alianza oneworld, que ofrece más de 14.000 vuelos diarios a cerca de 1.000 aeropuertos en más de 150 países.

 

 

sábado, 21 de enero de 2017

NTU Developing Traffic Management System for Safe UAS Flight in Singapore - Inside Unmanned Systems


Inside Unmanned Systems

NTU Developing Traffic Management System for Safe UAS Flight in Singapore
Inside Unmanned Systems
As unmanned aerial systems become a more common sight in the Singapore skies, researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) are looking for ways to make sure those drones can safely share the airspace at the same time ...


http://insideunmannedsystems.com/ntu-developing-traffic-management-system-safe-uas-flight-singapore/

OPINION: Two heads are better than one for take-off checks

Airbus offers C295 tanker fit after H225M test success

Tecnam To Show P2012 Prototype At Aero ’17

viernes, 20 de enero de 2017

Spain’s GMV takes a stake in PLD Space’s reusable rocket quest



Spanish rocket startup PLD Space said Jan. 9 that it has raised the money it needs to continue development of its Arion 1 reusable suborbital launch vehicle thanks to a $7.1 million investment round lead by satellite ground systems provider GMV of Madrid, Spain.

Arion 1 is a kerosene-fueled, single-stage rocket designed to use a combination of parachute and propulsion to land after lofting its 200-kilogram payload into a 250-kilometer suborbital trajectory.





- See more at: http://spacenews.com/spains-gmv-takes-a-stake-in-pld-spaces-reusable-rocket-quest/?utm_content=bufferf35b7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer#sthash.skgeQ9jN.dpuf

DJI Mavic Pro drone user arrested after flying near Chinese plane

Meet China's Sharp Sword, a stealth drone that can likely carry 2 tons of bombs

It just won a technology prize, so China's pretty proud of it. The Sharp Sword UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), China's stealthy attack drone, just won second place in the National Science and Technology Advancement Prizes. Considering the secrecy surrounding stealth drones to come out of China—the...

http://flip.it/cIqCVq

Enviado a través de Flipboard, tu revista personal.
Consíguela gratis para mantenerte al día con las noticias que te interesan.

Watch the Army's hoverbike prototype fly

From sci-fi scout to robot pack mule The army has yet to deploy a hoverbike, but it isn't for a lack of trying. The devices, probably best popularized in Star Wars chase scenes, offer a science fictional promise: fast travel for human riders close to the ground, going in the narrow places helicop...

http://flip.it/71PfJC

Enviado a través de Flipboard, tu revista personal.
Consíguela gratis para mantenerte al día con las noticias que te interesan.

jueves, 19 de enero de 2017

Need Your Own Private Air Force in a Hurry? Here’s One For Sale. [feedly]


Need Your Own Private Air Force in a Hurry? Here's One For Sale.
// The Aviationist

Listing Offers Twenty Complete Combat Aircraft For Sale, With Parts! For "only" 200K USD. Ever wanted to command your own private air force? Here's your chance, and the price seems reasonable. Raptor Aviation of Port St. Lucie, Florida in the U.S has listed the sale of 20 jet trainer/light strike aircraft, an entire squadron, with […] https://theaviationist.com/2017/01/17/need-your-own-private-air-force-in-a-hurry-heres-one-for-sale/


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U.S. B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers from Whiteman AFB conduct precision airstrike in Libya. Drones perform scene “cleanup” [feedly]


U.S. B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers from Whiteman AFB conduct precision airstrike in Libya. Drones perform scene "cleanup"
// The Aviationist

Two B-2 stealth bombers performed a round-trip mission from CONUS (Continental US) to perform airstrikes on Daesh training camps in Libya. Drones "cleaned-up" the operation firing Hellfires at fighters trying to run to safety. Two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base carried out a precision air strike […] https://theaviationist.com/2017/01/19/u-s-b-2-spirit-stealth-bombers-from-whiteman-afb-conduct-precision-airstrike-in-libya-drones-perform-scene-cleanup/


----

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Boeing promises Trump simpler requirements for Air Force One

Rolls-Royce studies two new stall fixes for V-22 engines

FAA orders emergency inspections of Sikorsky helicopters - The Advocate

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/FAA-orders-emergency-inspections-of-Sikorsky-10861948.php


The Advocate

FAA orders emergency inspections of Sikorsky helicopters
The Advocate
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered emergency inspections of Sikorsky S-92 helicopters after every 10 hours of run time, following three incidents in which pilots lost control of their tail rotors in flight, including in late December 2016 ...
FAA orders emergency inspections of Sikorsky S-92 helicopters ...Westfair Online
Sikorsky, FAA call for S-92 inspectionsAir & Cosmos - International (press release) (registration)
Some S-92 aircraft parts used in North Sea returned to Sikorsky HQ ...Energy Voice
Australian Aviation -Skies Magazine (press release)
los 8 artículos informativos »

China's first cargo spacecraft to leave factory

Northrop Grumman, Lufthansa partner for Australian tanker support - UPI.com

http://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/01/19/Northrop-Grumman-Lufthansa-partner-for-Australian-tanker-support/7751484836325/

UPI.com
Northrop Grumman, Lufthansa partner for Australian tanker support
UPI.com
19 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman and Lufthansa Technik have signed a pact to cooperate on the Royal Australian Air Force's KC-30A tanker Through-Life Support program. Under the program, both defense contractors will provide the Australian armed forces ...
Your Defence News | Northrop Grumman partners with Lufthansa ...Your Defence News (press release)
Northrop Teams With Lufthansa Technik, Air France Industries to Maintain Australia's KC-30A Tanker FleetExecutiveBiz (blog)
Northrop signs Lufthansa Technik for KC-30A support - News ...Shephard Media


Le Sukhoi T-50 entame une nouvelle phase d'essais - Air & Cosmos

Safran To Acquire Zodiac Aerospace

LYON, France—Safran has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire Zodiac Aerospace. The two companies aim to depend less on medium-haul aircraft applications, and hope to find synergies in electrical systems. With combined revenues of €21 billion ($22 billion), the merger would create the No. 3 player in the sector, after GE and UTC. Safran and Zodiac expect to close the merger in early 2018, subject to conditions including antitrust approvals. The merger will also bring ...

http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/safran-acquire-zodiac-aerospace-0

Indonesia approves acquisition of five Airbus A400Ms for USD2 billion | IHS Jane's 360

DJI Mavic Pro drone user arrested after flying near Chinese plane - International Business Times UK

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/watch-dji-drone-narrowly-miss-crash-chinese-passenger-jet-mid-air-scare-1601519


International Business Times UK

DJI Mavic Pro drone user arrested after flying near Chinese plane
International Business Times UK
The video clearly shows a Capital Airlines plane passing close to the drone, which could only have been captured at that height by a unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and at the end of the video, a watermark comes up advertising the DJI Mavic Pro drone ...

AUDS counter-drone system first to achieve TRL-9 status - Aerotech News (blog)


Aerotech News (blog)

AUDS counter-drone system first to achieve TRL-9 status
Aerotech News (blog)
The AUDS counter-UAS defense system — field proven to detect, track and defeat malicious and errant unmanned aircraft systems or drones — is the first fully integrated system worldwide to achieve TRL-9 status. This follows the successful mission ...


http://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2017/01/18/auds-counter-drone-system-first-to-achieve-trl-9-status/

UNIAN: Antonov-made aircraft to get EU certification | KyivPost - Kyiv Post

The aircraft market will double in 20 years

The regional market and scope clauses

Union contract Scope Clauses–the provision limiting the weight, capacity or number of aircraft operated by airlines for majopr carriers–are unlikely to be modified any time soon, panelists at the Air Finance Journal conference in Dublin said.

The restrictive Scope Clauses are predominate in the US. These limit the ability of small airplane manufacturers to sell aircraft in the US. Most affected are Embraer, Bombardier and newcomer Mitsubish…



https://leehamnews.com/2017/01/18/regional-market-scope-clauses/

Filling the Middle Of the Market gap

 Airbus and Boeing had completely different views about the product strategy for the "Middle of the Market" sector (MOM), both for today and the future.

Officials presented their views on how to fill the "Middle of the Market gap" at the Air Finance Journal conference in Dublin.



https://leehamnews.com/2017/01/18/filling-middle-market-gap/

A Chick in the Cockpit delves into the professional and personal

Erika Armstrong's book A Chick in the Cockpit lays out for the reader the difficulty of becoming a pilot, especially if you're a woman. It is, in effect, two books linked together by her life story and a strong feminist message. The first half describes …

https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2017/01/18/a-chick-in-the-cockpit-delves-into-the-professional-and-personal/

Are Fluids and Lubricants Matching Engine Advances?

Subsonic X-plane Concepts Undergo NASA Mid-term Reviews


Design reviews pave way for X-plane definition as NASA targets smarter acquisition plans
NASA vows to become a "smart buyer" to offset budget threat to X-plane plans as it plans larger, piloted flight demonstrators.

read more


http://aviationweek.com/aircraft-design/subsonic-x-plane-concepts-undergo-nasa-mid-term-reviews

FAA, UAV aerial photography operator SkyPan settle civil penalty case - ATWOnline

http://atwonline.com/regulation/faa-uav-aerial-photography-operator-skypan-settle-civil-penalty-case

International Business Times
FAA, UAV aerial photography operator SkyPan settle civil penalty case
ATWOnline
The case stems from a series of alleged "65 unauthorized commercial [UAV] flights over various locations in New York City and Chicago between March 21, 2012 and Dec. 15, 2014 … [involving] aerial photography," according to FAA's original penalty ...
Drone Regulations: FAA Issues Largest Fine Ever To UAV Company ...International Business Times

los 20 artículos informativos 

Professor uses drones to track human impact on rainforest - Phys.Org

https://phys.org/news/2017-01-professor-drones-track-human-impact.html


Phys.Org

Professor uses drones to track human impact on rainforest
Phys.Org
After discussions, community leaders agreed to fly the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) once a month and send the data to Cummings. Next came the training. Cummings wanted to make sure the residents knew how to maintain and reassemble the drones in ...

Study Finds Biofuels Worse for Climate than Gasoline

http://www.climatecentral.org/news/study-biofuels-worse-for-climate-than-gasoline-20634

Embraer reaches targets with delivery of 108 commercial jets and 117 executive jets in 2016

Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; BM & FBOVESPA: EMBR3) delivered 32 commercial and 43 executive jets, 25 of which are light jets and 18 are large, during the fourth quarter of 2016 (4Q16). The Company ended the year with 108 aircraft delivered to the commercial aviation market and 117 to the executive aviation market, totaling 73 light and 44 large executive jets. These numbers are aligned with the estimates reported to the market throughout the year (105 to 110 commercial jets, 70 to 80 light executive jets and 35 to 45 large executive jets).

The total of 225 aircraft for these two markets represents the highest volume of deliveries in the last six years. As of December 31, the backlog totaled USD 19.6 billion.

Textron Aviation sees significant growth of its Cessna Pilot Center network



WICHITA, Kan. (Jan. 18, 2017) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced its Cessna Pilot Center (CPC) network added 24 new partners in 2016, including five international flight schools in Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Germany and Poland. This growth supports the next generation of aviators with the help of the world’s leading training platform, the Cessna Skyhawk 172.

“The CPC network makes up the world’s largest and most experienced flight training team,” said Doug May, vice president, Piston Aircraft. “Our commitment to supporting new pilot education and flight training is evident in the enthusiasm we see from our partner flight schools. Throughout 2016 we saw significant growth to the network and we are excited to continue that momentum into the new year.”

The growth led to record CPC curriculum sales in 2016, demonstrating the company’s commitment and leadership in flight training support. The network now includes a total of 163 flight schools, and Textron Aviation plans on further growth and expansion.

About the CPC network
More pilots come to CPCs than any other network of flight schools to get their wings. The network continues to grow and find new opportunities to better support the flight training community. CPCs use the Cessna Flight Training System, a comprehensive, proven flight-training program that produces competent, prepared and confident new pilots. Flight schools interested in joining the network can visit www.newcpc.com to learn more.

Tecnam: DISCOVER THE P2002 SIERRA MkII (2ND GENERATION)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rcg3lnmDQ9c

The Tecnam P2002 Sierra MkII retains all the features and flying qualities which have established the aircraft’s position in the marketplace, but now offers an improved cabin for greater comfort, top level avionics, new paint colours and interior options and a re-designed cowling for the 100HP Rotax engine.
  • Larger cabin, with new premium interior design.
  • Re-designed canopy with more headroom, and new locking mechanism that reduces noise level.
  • Seats with extra fore and aft adjustment.
  • Sleeker engine cowling
  • State of art avionics.
  • Several options for paint colours and interior fabrics

After 14 successful years since the original Sierra was launched, following a market survey, studying sales records and feedback from both clients & dealers, at the same time taking into account the flying characteristics which the customer has come to expect. The research considered three basic variables: the consumer’s “needs and taste”, the aircraft’s life cycle, and the current competition in the market place. “The market is always demanding greater comfort and more features,” says Paolo Pascale, Tecnam Managing Director, “so improving and updating our product is a must. At the same time innovation has always been part of Tecnam’s DNA and has been one of the major keys to our success.”

The result is the P2002 SIERRA MkII.

Development in Avionics has been rapid since the Sierra’s debut and the MkII offers state of art of technology in a jet-style cockpit. Customers can choose from an extensive range of options, starting with the basic analogue instruments needed for visual flight, a six pack analogue with Garmin GPS, the Dynon SkyView with twin 10 inch displays, the Garmin G3X which features twin 10.6 inch screens, and the G3X Night version with fully backlit backup instrumentation.

The largest choice of options is for Interior and Exterior Styling, with four choices for every Style package: Standard, Premium and Power. For the exterior, the range of paint schemes includes new metallic colours which can be matched to the seats, cabin sides and instrument panel covering. The customer is free to choose whatever suits their imagination and taste.

The P2002 SIERRA MkII will be available in the UltraLight ,US Light Sport Aircraft and Experimental categories. The first model will be delivered to TECNAM US in Sebring Florida, and displayed at Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Florida, between January 25th-28th 2017.

Flynas orders 60 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft


Converts further 20 CEOs to NEOs
16 JANUARY 2017 PRESS RELEASE


Flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed an agreement with Airbus for 60 A320neo Family aircraft.

In addition to the 60 aircraft, Flynas has converted 20 A320ceo from a previous order to A320neo bringing the airline’s total firm order to 80 A320neo. The deliveries are scheduled to take place during 2018-2026.

The agreement was announced today in Riyadh at a press conference attended by Ayed Al Jeaid, Chairman, NAS Holding, Bander Al Mohanna, Chief Executive Officer, NAS Holding Group and Fouad Attar, Managing Director, Airbus Middle East.

Flynas, an all Airbus operator, currently has 26 A320ceo in service. Launched in 2007, the airline has successfully operated over 260,000 flights and carried more than 30 million passengers in the last ten years.

Ayed Al Jeaid, Chairman, NAS Holding Group said, “Flynas has come a long way to establish itself as a highly reputed airline in Saudi Arabia. With the introduction of the new aircraft technology, we are confident of our ability to provide best services to our customers. We also look forward to being the first airline in the Kingdom to be successfully listed on the Saudi Stock exchange, which will offer equity ownership to the public and be a part of a great journey.”

Bander Al Mohanna, Chief Executive Officer, NAS Holding Group said, “We have operated exceptionally well with our existing Airbus A320 fleet, which has allowed us to maintain high performance standards in operations and passenger experience. We have an ambitious growth vision and the new A320neo order will further support our plans to be a leading low-cost carrier with the most advanced and efficient technology and will allow us to strengthen our offerings within and outside of Saudi Arabia.”

In 2016, Flynas set a new record by carrying 6.3 million passengers contributing to a 14% year-on-year increase. The A320neo will provide Flynas unbeatable efficiency and comfort in both high-density domestic segments as well as thinner routes.

“The additional A320neo aircraft will continue to support Flynas’ growth plans as a leading low-cost carrier in Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing aviation sector,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer - Customers, Airbus. Today’s agreement further consolidates the aircraft’s popularity that has been endorsed by operators worldwide. The aircraft will offer a unique combination of unbeatable economics, fuel and cost efficiency and outstanding passenger comfort.”

The A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle aircraft with more than 5,000 orders from 90 customers since its launch in 2010. It incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 with further cabin innovations. The A320neo also offers significant environmental performance with nearly 50 percent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.

Atomic clocks failures onboard Galileo satellites: nine clocks out of 72 have stopped operating



Across the 18 satellites now in orbit, nine clocks out of 72 have stopped operating. Three are traditional rubidium devices; six are the more precise hydrogen maser instruments that were designed to give Galileo superior performance to the American GPS network.

Galileo was declared up and running in December. However, it is still short of the number of satellites considered to represent a fully functioning constellation, and a decision must now be made about whether to suspend the launch of further spacecraft while the issue is investigated.
  • First four satellites launched were called In Orbit Validation (IOV) platforms
  • The next 14 were referred to as Full Operational Constellation (FOC) satellites
  • Three of the rubidium clock failures have occurred on Galileo’s FOC satellites
  • Five of the hydrogen maser failures have occurred on the IOV spacecraft
  • One maser has stopped on an FOC satellite, giving nine failures in total
  • Three of the four IOVs are affected; two of the 14 FOC satellites are affected
  • Every satellite has two hydrogen maser clocks and two rubidium clocks
  • That means a total of 72 atomic clocks are currently in orbit
  • All Galileo satellites presently have at least two working clocks

Prof Jan Woerner, the director general of the European Space Agency (ESA), told a meeting with reporters: “Everybody is raising this question: should we postpone the next launch until we find the root cause, or should we launch? You can give both answers at the same time. You can say we wait until we find the solution but that means if more clocks fail we will reduce the capability of Galileo. But if we launch we will at least maintain if not increase the [capability], but we may then take the risk that a systematic problem is not considered. We are right now in this discussion about what to do.”

Still operationalEach Galileo satellite carries two rubidium and two hydrogen maser clocks. The multiple installation enables a satellite to keep working after an initial failure. All 18 spacecraft currently in space continue to operate, but one of them is now down to just two clocks.
Most of the maser failures (5) have occurred on the satellites that were originally sent into orbit to validate the system, whereas all three rubidium stoppages are on the spacecraft that were subsequently launched to fill out the network.

ESA staff at its technical centre, ESTEC, in the Netherlands are trying to isolate the cause the of failures – with the assistance of the clock (Spectratime of Switzerland) and satellite manufacturers (Airbus and Thales Alenia Space; OHB and SSTL). It is understood engineers have managed to restart another hydrogen clock that had stopped.

ESA is also in contact with the Indian space agency which is using the same clocks in its sat-nav system. So far, the Indians have not experienced the same failures.

Mitigating actionsA statement issued by the agency late on Wednesday gave additional details. It appears the rubidium failures “all seem to have a consistent signature, linked to probable short circuits, and possibly a particular test procedure performed on the ground”.

The maser clock failures are said to be better understood, with two likely causes, the second of which has caused most grief. The ESA statement said this second scenario was “related to the fact that when some healthy [hydrogen maser] clocks are turned off for long periods, they do not restart due to a change in clock characteristics”.

Actions are being taken to try to prevent further problems. These involve changing the way clocks are operated in orbit. Clocks about to fly are also likely to be refurbished, and future devices yet to be made will have design changes, the agency says. ESA is hopeful it can still launch the next four satellites in the constellation before the end of the year.

Precise timing is at the core of all satellite-navigation systems. Atomic clocks generate the time code that is continuously transmitted to users on the ground to help them fix a position.

The passive hydrogen maser clocks in Galileo are determined to be accurate to one billionth of a second per day, or one second in three million years. This performance ought to contribute to giving users fixes that have errors of a metre or less – significantly better than the standard open service from GPS.

A fully operational Galileo system is regarded as a constellation of 24, split across three orbital planes in the sky. But spares are required also, and with one very early satellite in the constellation already considered very close to complete failure – for different reasons – there needs to be near-continuous production of spacecraft.

martes, 17 de enero de 2017

EASSA: Russian Light Aeroplanes Workshop



https://www.easa.europa.eu/newsroom-and-events/events/russian-light-aeroplanes-workshop




The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) announces the first Workshop fully dedicated to the Russian Light Aeroplanes: an unique opportunity to meet all the relevant stakeholders and improve a difficult situation with the support from everyone.
Scope

This Workshop is primarily aimed at discussing the main issues experienced in operation and regulation from both Authority and user sides and set the basis for improvement for the following aircraft types:
  • Sukhoi Su-26
  • Sukhoi Su-29
  • Sukhoi Su-31
  • Yakovlev Yak-18T
  • Yakovlev Yak-54
  • Yakovlev Yak-55

EASA has understood that the current approach does not allow to obtain significant improvements for these aircraft Types. In order to improve the situation and include them in a modern aviation system, a step forward is required by all the stakeholders involved.
This initiative would allow to define a reasonable path ahead and the associated mid and long-term Milestones, keeping in mind the Safety aspects but also the users’ needs.

Target Audience
  • Owners
  • Professionals involved in the A/C maintenance
  • National Authority involved in the operations
  • Manufacturers/Type Certificate Holder
  • Primary Authority
  • Preliminary agenda
  • Discussion on the Current Situation and Experience made
  • Establishment of a single set of documentation (ops, maintenance, SBs)
  • Maintenance Schedule unique definition and practices (including clarification on the Maintenance Organisation Approvals)
  • Specific Airworthiness Specification (Restricted Certificate of Airworthiness) or Permit to Fly.
  • Management of Design Changes

(A more detailed agenda will be published in early 2017)
Registration

Registration deadline is Friday 03/02/2017. Please note that the conference will be limited to 50 participants.

The Attendance is free of charge.

Etihad, Lufthansa in talks to merge airlines - paper | Reuters

lunes, 16 de enero de 2017

China's new aircraft carrier hints at the future of its navy

The Liaoning carried at least three helicopters, eight fighters, three destroyers, two frigates, and a refueling ship. Last month China reported that its aircraft carrier Liaoning was ready to start operational service. The country's navy provided proof on Christmas Day, sending out its first car...

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ISIS is dropping bombs with drones in Iraq

The quadcopter menace The latest bomber to make its debut over Iraq has four engines, no cockpit, and a flight time limited by the length of its battery. ISIS, the radical insurgent group holding territory in both Syria and Iraq, is fighting for its life in Mosul, the large city in Northern Iraq ...

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Airbus, Boeing Focus on Different Aircraft Delivery Targets [feedly]


http://aviationweek.com/blog/airbus-boeing-focus-different-aircraft-delivery-targets
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Airbus, Boeing Focus on Different Aircraft Delivery Targets
// Things With Wings

Aircraft are not delivered at a steady monthly rate as might be implied by manufacturer's announced monthly production rates.

read more


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Airbus Helicopters meets regulators to discuss H225 grounding [feedly]

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-helicopters-meets-regulators-to-discuss-h225-433169/

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Airbus Helicopters meets regulators to discuss H225 grounding
// Flight Global HEADLINES

Airbus Helicopters and officials from the Norwegian and UK civil aviation regulators met earlier this week to discuss the return-to-service path for the H225, sources indicate.
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Flying guinea pig: Jetpack Aviation prepares to train its first civilian pilot [feedly]


http://newatlas.com/jetpack-aviation-first-civilian-pilot/47370/
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Flying guinea pig: Jetpack Aviation prepares to train its first civilian pilot
// Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine



Things are developing fairly quickly in the world of Jetpack Aviation. After a bunch of public flights in Europe, the team has announced it's selected its first guinea pig civilian test pilot, who will be trained up and given the chance to fly the extraordinary JB-10 jetpack.

.. Continue Reading Flying guinea pig: Jetpack Aviation prepares to train its first civilian pilot

Category: Aircraft

Tags: Jetpack Aviation (company)Jetpack Related Articles: JB-10 Jetpacks now on sale to "well qualified buyers" – but there's also a chance for the rest of us David Mayman to take to the skies aboard JB-10 jetpack over Monaco this weekend JB-9 jetpack makes spectacular debut flying around Statue of Liberty Jetman soars over Dubai in formation with Airbus A380 Golf Cart Jetpack gives new meaning to a "birdie" Catching up with the Jetman
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Eurofighter signs support deals for Typhoon fighters

US Marines send F-35 stealth fighter squadron to Japan

Boeing, SpiceJet Announce Deal for up to 205 Airplanes

Redefining “Aircraft,” Defining “Drone” - Heritage.org

http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2017/01/redefining-aircraft-defining-drone-a-job-for-the-115th-congress


Redefining "Aircraft," Defining "Drone"
Heritage.org
Over the course of nearly a century, Congress and aviation regulators have crafted a body of laws and regulations addressing the operation and safety of manned aircraft in the United States. Until recently, small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, colloquially ...

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SpiceJet places firm order for 100 737 Max 8s

Italy presses ahead with AW129 attack helicopter replacement

La compagnie norvégienne Widerøe commande 15 avions à Embraer - Le Figaro

http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-eco/2017/01/16/97002-20170116FILWWW00139-la-compagnie-norvegienne-widere-va-commander-15-avions-a-embraer.php



La compagnie norvégienne Widerøe commande 15 avions à Embraer
Le Figaro
La compagnie régionale norvégienne Widerøe a annoncé lundi qu'elle allait commander jusqu'à 15 appareils E190-E2 à l'avionneur brésilien Embraer. La transaction porte sur trois commandes fermes et 12 options, a indiqué Widerøe dans un communiqué.

Brazilian aeronautical company Embraer delivers 225 aircraft in 2016 - Macauhub

http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/2017/01/16/brazilian-aeronautical-company-embraer-delivers-225-aircraft-in-2016/


Brazilian aeronautical company Embraer delivers 225 aircraft in 2016
Macauhub
Brazilian aeronautical company Embraer in 2016 delivered 225 aircraft to its customers, which accounted for the largest number of annual deliveries in the last six years, the company said in a statement released on Friday. The company delivered 108 ...

Can Boom's 'Son of Concorde' bring back supersonic passenger flight?

Ever since the retirement of the Air France and British Airways Concordes in 2003, there have been a succession of initiatives to develop a modern supersonic transport replacement, many of which have failed to get beyond the concept stage. The latest company to propose a ‘Son of Concorde’ design is Denver-based Boom Technology which has unveiled plans for a new 45-seat commercial supersonic jet (SSJ).

BREAKING MyCargo cargo Boeing 747-400F crashed in Kirguistan

Over 30 people have been killed after Boeing 747-400F crashed into a small village in Kyrgyzstan. The aircraft was believed to be making a stop-over in Bishkek before continuing onto Istanbul.
http://www.airlive.net/breaking-mycargo-airlines-boeing-747-400f-crashes-in-bishkek/




A MyCargo Airlines Boeing 747-400 freighter on behalf of Turkish Airlines, registration TC-MCL performing flight TK-6491 from Hong Kong (China) to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) with 4 crew, was on final approach to Bishkek's runway 26 at 07:18L (01:18z) when the aircraft went around from very low height but did not climb out to safety, impacted terrain about 1100 meters/3600 feet past the runway end and went through a couple of houses of a village. All 4 crew on board the 747 as well as 28 people on the ground perished, 8 people on the ground received injuries and were taken to hospitals.
http://avherald.com/h?article=4a38d07d&opt=0





Boeing Statement on Flight TK6491 Accident in Kyrgyzstan
SEATTLE, Jan. 16, 2107 -- Boeing extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in the Flight TK6491 accident near Manas Airport Kyrgyzstan, operated by ACT Airlines, as well as its wishes for the recovery of those injured. A Boeing technical team stands ready to provide assistance at the request and under the direction of government investigating authorities.

The company behind the Airlander "flying bum" is planning to IPO in London



Hybrid Air Vehicles, the maker of the Airlander hybrid aircraft nicknamed the flying bum for its appearance, will seek to raise £50m with a float pencilled in for the end of 2017 or early 2018 on London's Alternative Investment Market.

HAV is currently on the hunt for an advisor and will also seek to raise around £30m in debt financing around the same time, although it could come before or after the IPO.

United Airlines Is Getting Rid of Some Executives to Save Money



United Continental Holdings Inc. expects to cut some management employees as it deepens efforts to reduce bureaucracy and catch up with the profit margins of industry leader Delta Air Lines Inc.

The third-largest U.S. carrier will “continue to finalize the remainder of our management team” after overhauling its roster of corporate officers last year, according to a Jan. 6 memo from Executive Vice President Mike Bonds to employees. The reduction won’t affect “front-line employees,” he said, referring to a group that typically includes pilots, flight attendants and customer-service and gate agents.

jueves, 12 de enero de 2017

Is Emirates Airline Running Out of Sky? - Bloomberg

Urban Drone Test Site Planned In Nevada [feedly]


Urban Drone Test Site Planned In Nevada
// Aero-News Network

Will Be Developed Through A Grant Received By Nevada State College An urban drone testing site is planned for Henderson, NV on property owned by Nevada State College thanks to a grant received by the school. 


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Bone membrane inspires fabric with smart stress-strain properties [feedly]


Bone membrane inspires fabric with smart stress-strain properties
// Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine



Periosteum is a membrane of soft tissue that covers the outer surface of most bones in the body. Consisting of a complex combination of collagen, elastin and other structural proteins, it is an incredibly resilient material that gives bones extra strength under high impacts. Now, for the first time, researchers have mimicked these properties in a "smart" fabric that could serve as the basis for advanced functional materials with applications in everything from safety and transport, to medicine.

.. Continue Reading Bone membrane inspires fabric with smart stress-strain properties


Lily drone shuts down, gears up for $34 million in refunds [feedly]


Lily drone shuts down, gears up for $34 million in refunds
// Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine



We've covered more than a few crowdfunding campaigns for drones in the last few years, but none have garnered quite the fanfare nor the cash of the much-hyped Lily camera drone. Promising autonomous flight and shooting modes after simply being tossed into the air, its makers are set to deliver on neither after today announcing they will be winding down operations.

.. Continue Reading Lily drone shuts down, gears up for $34 million in refunds

Patent Awarded to Design and 3D Print Rocket Fuel

Malaysia Airlines to order 25 widebodies

Drones on demand: US Army reveals system to 3D print craft on the battlefield - Daily Mail

Drones on demand: US Army reveals system to 3D print craft on the battlefield
Daily Mail
In a futuristic vision of warfare, British defense firm BAE Systems has described its plans for a radical new concept for developing new prototypes of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Called the Chemputer, its developers claim the concept could provide ...


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4111210/Drones-demand-Army-reveals-3D-print-craft-battlefield.html

Airbus Considers More Range, Higher Weights For A330neo

TOULOUSE—Airbus is studying another maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) increase for the Airbus A330neo that will enable the aircraft to fly several hundred miles further.

Both the A330-800 and the -900 are now offered at a 242-ton MTOW, but Airbus is looking at raising it to 245 tons or higher, according to sales chief John Leahy. That would allow for more range. The A330-900 currently has a range of 6,550 nm according to its manufacturer. The smaller A330-800 flies up to 7,500 nm. That compares to 7,355 nm for the 787-8 and 7,635nm for the 787-9.

read more



http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/airbus-considers-more-range-higher-weights-a330neo

Machine learning helps morphing-wing UAV land in cramped space - The Engineer


The Engineer

Machine learning helps morphing-wing UAV land in cramped space
The Engineer
So in a project funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), as part of its Autonomous Systems Underpinning Research (ASUR) programme, the team set about designing a UAV with morphing wing structures inspired by birds.
Fixed-wing drone learns to land like a birdNew Atlas

los 3 artículos informativos »


https://www.theengineer.co.uk/machine-learning-helps-morphing-wing-uav-land-in-cramped-space/

Ukraine to introduce import duties on regional aircraft - www.rusaviainsider.com


www.rusaviainsider.com

Ukraine to introduce import duties on regional aircraft
www.rusaviainsider.com
Ukraine will impose import duties on regional aircraft in order to protect national planemaker Antonov. The duties will affect operationally leased aircraft with operational empty weight from 10 to 30 tons and maximum capacity from 44 to 110 seats ...


http://www.rusaviainsider.com/ukraine-to-introduce-import-duties-on-regional-aircraft/

​Trump teases possible F-35 competition

In his first press conference since winning November s election, President-elect Donald Trump hinted again at a potential competition between Lockheed Martin s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.


http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/trump-teases-possible-f-35-competition-433084/

DARPA teams with Sikorsky for Phase 3 of ALIAS cockpit automation program... - IHS Jane's 360


http://www.janes.com/article/66892/darpa-teams-with-sikorsky-for-phase-3-of-alias-cockpit-automation-programme



UPI.com

DARPA teams with Sikorsky for Phase 3 of ALIAS cockpit ...
IHS Jane's 360
The announcement, which was made by Sikorsky's parent company Lockheed Martin, will see the continued testing and demonstration of the company's 'Matrix Technology' aboard the Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft (SARA) S-76 helicopter and the ...
DARPA awards Sikorsky Phase 3 contract for ALIAS program - UPI ...UPI.com
Sikorsky Awarded DARPA ALIAS Phase 3 Contract to Increase ...PR Newswire (press release)

PICTURE: Lockheed delivers 200th F-35

INSIGHT FROM FLIGHTGLOBAL: New engines propel demand

The 2016 Flight Fleet Forecast predicts the delivery of 42,800 new commercial passenger and freighter aircraft over the next 20 years. This drives a market for 86,500 installed engine deliveries, with the fleet in service growing from just over 60,000 engines to 103,000 in 2035.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/insight-from-flightglobal-new-engines-propel-demand-433107/

Germany to acquire used A321 for VIP missions

Defect grounds Sukhoi Superjet planes - Yahoo News UK

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/defect-grounds-sukhoi-superjet-planes-161646677.html


Yahoo News UK

Defect grounds Sukhoi Superjet planes
Yahoo News UK
Nearly one fifth of active Superjet 100 aircraft have been grounded over a technical issue, the plane's Russian maker said Wednesday. After a general inspection ordered by Russian aviation authorities last month, aerospace giant Sukhoi launched a ...

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Italian Leonardo quits Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (Su 100 manufacturer)


www.rusaviainsider.com

Italian Leonardo quits Sukhoi Civil Aircraft
www.rusaviainsider.com
Italian aerospace and defense giant Leonardo (former Finmeccanica) has finally sold its share in the Russian joint venture Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAc), a manufacturer of Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ 100) regional aircraft. Nevertheless, it remains ...

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http://www.rusaviainsider.com/italian-leonardo-quits-sukhoi-civil-aircraft/

LGW DH8D near Nuremberg on Jan 11th 2017, engine shut down in flight

Singapore B744 at Amsterdam on Jan 11th 2017, engine shut down in flight

United Accelerates 747 Retirements

United Airlines will retire its Boeing 747-400 fleet by the fourth quarter of 2017, a year earlier than previously announced.

read more



http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/united-accelerates-747-retirements

Airbus To 3-D-Print Airframe Structures

Airbus buys an electron-beam additive manufacturing machine to 3-D-print titanium airframe structural components for production aircraft.

read more




http://aviationweek.com/advances-manufacturing/airbus-3-d-print-airframe-structures

miércoles, 11 de enero de 2017

Is NASA launching too many asteroid missions?

Not all scientists are happy about recent Discovery mission picks NASA has been on a bit of an asteroid kick lately. First, in 2015, the Dawn mission arrived at Ceres, the biggest rock in the asteroid belt. Then came plans for OSIRIS-REx, a mission to scoop up some asteroid dirt and carry it back...

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China's New Ballistic Missile Submarine Could Change its Prospects in Nuclear War

It's stealthier, with a range long enough to attack the United States from Chinese waters. New photos of China's latest nuclear ballistic missile submarine, the "Jin" Type 094A, hints at a much-improved vessel—one that is larger, with a more pronounced "hump" rear of the sail that lets it carry 1...

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