jueves, 16 de noviembre de 2017

Respuesta del Decano del COITAE a la entrevista a la decana del COIAE en Fly News



A Dª ESTEFANIA MATESANZ ROMERO



Don Miguel Ángel González Pérez, en calidad de Decano-Presidente del Colegio Oficial de Ingenieros Técnicos Aeronáuticos, y en representación de todos los Graduados en Ingeniería Aeroespacial y de todos los Ingenieros Técnicos Aeronáuticos de España, habiendo tenido conocimiento el pasado día 31 de octubre de 2017, por denuncia de un miembro de este Colegio Oficial de la publicación en la Revista Fly News, número 75, de la entrevista que le fue realizada, en la que se vierten manifestaciones alusivas a todos los ingenieros técnicos aeronáuticos y graduados en ingeniería aeroespacial que atentan contra nuestra dignidad produciendo un grave daño en la opinión pública y, en virtud a lo establecido en la Ley Orgánica 2/1984, de 26 de marzo, reguladora del derecho de rectificación, solicito la oportuna RECTIFICACION de dicha entrevista, en base a los siguientes


HECHOS

Afirma en dicha entrevista que:
UNO.
El ingeniero superior no existe. Precisamente es el argumento que algunos utilizan diciendo que ingenieros somos todos y que luego hay dos tipos. Los ingenieros técnicos o grados no son ingenieros, sino ingenieros técnicos (”técnico” en este caso no es un adjetivo, sino parte de la denominación del título). Es más, los títulos de grado es España son especialistas. Por ejemplo puedes estudiar en Sevilla la rama del grado de “vehículos espaciales”, lógicamente ese egresado no tiene ningún tipo de atribuciones en aeropuertos y no podría ser designado jefe de obra para una obra que licite Aena, por ejemplo.
Pag. 28. 1ª columna

DOS
Continuamente tenemos que estar pendientes de casos en los que una vez más un “grado” se intenta “colar” en un puesto de ingeniero. Incluso la Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social ya ha aclarado (previa confusión al principio cuando salieron los títulos de Bolonia) que los grados cotizan en el grupo 2.
Pagina 28. 2ª columna.


TRES
Desde el COIAE nos da mucha pena porque en parte es una falta de respeto a los grados que han continuado sus estudios con el master habilitante o los ingenieros técnicos que decidieron continuar estudiando 3º, 4º y 5º y se hicieron ingenieros.
Página 28. 3ª columna

CUATRO
También apuntar que el término “ingeniero aeroespacial” como tal, no existe oficialmente, no existe esa profesión, pero es cierto que está muy extendido para referirse a determinados ámbitos profesionales que desarrollan los ingenieros aeronáuticos.
Página 28. 4ª columna

A los anteriores HECHOS son de aplicación los siguientes

FUNDAMENTOS DE DERECHO
PRIMERO
Ante su manifestación cuando dice que:
El ingeniero superior no existe. Precisamente es el argumento que algunos utilizan diciendo que ingenieros somos todos y que luego hay dos tipos. Los ingenieros técnicos o grados no son ingenieros, sino ingenieros técnicos (”técnico” en este caso no es un adjetivo, sino parte de la denominación del título). Es más, los títulos de grado es España son especialistas. Por ejemplo puedes estudiar en Sevilla la rama del grado de “vehículos espaciales”, lógicamente ese egresado no tiene ningún tipo de atribuciones en aeropuertos y no podría ser designado jefe de obra para una obra que licite Aena, por ejemplo. 

Me veo obligado a reconocer que es cierto que no existe el ingeniero superior, aunque a algunos se les llene la boca de proclamarlo y de ponerlo en sus tarjetas de visita, pero es totalmente falso que los ingenieros técnicos aeronáuticos y los Graduado en Ingeniería Aeroespacial no sean ingenieros, porque lo son. Me remito a lo establecido en la Ley 12/1986, en cuanto a los Ingenieros Técnicos Aeronáuticos se refiere, donde se determina:

Los Arquitectos e Ingenieros Técnicos, una vez cumplidos los requisitos establecidos por el ordenamiento jurídico, tendrán la plenitud de facultades y atribuciones en el ejercicio de su profesión dentro del ámbito de su respectiva especialidad técnica. (Art. Primero. 1)
Corresponde a los Ingenieros Técnicos, dentro de su especialidad, las siguientes atribuciones profesionales (Artículo Segundo. 1):
a)      La redacción y firma de proyectos que tengan por objeto la construcción, reforma, reparación, conservación, demolición, fabricación, instalación, montaje o explotación de bienes inmuebles o muebles, en sus respectivos casos, tanto con carácter principal como accesorio, siempre que queden comprendidos por su naturaleza y características en la técnica propia de cada titulación
b)      La dirección de las actividades objeto de los proyectos a que se refiere el apartado anterior, incluso cuando los proyectos hubieren sido elaborados por un tercero.
c)       La realización de mediciones, cálculos, valoraciones, tasaciones, peritaciones, estudios, informes, planos de labores y otros trabajos análogos
d)      El ejercicio de la docencia …..
e)      Ña dirección de toda clase de industrias o explotaciones y el ejercicio, en general respecto a ellas, de las actividades a que se refieren los apartados anteriores.

En cuanto a los graduados en Ingeniería Aeroespacial respecta, las competencias que en la Orden CIN/308/2009 establece son las siguientes:
Competencias que los estudiantes deben adquirir:
Capacidad para el diseño, desarrollo y gestión en el ámbito de la ingeniería aeronáutica que tengan por objeto, de acuerdo con los conocimientos adquiridos según lo establecido en el apartado 5 de esta orden, los vehículos aeroespaciales, los sistemas de propulsión aeroespacial, los materiales aeroespaciales, las infraestructuras aeroportuarias, las infraestructuras de aeronavegación y cualquier sistema de gestión del espacio, del tráfico y del transporte aéreo.
Planificación, redacción, dirección y gestión de proyectos, cálculo y fabricación en el ámbito de la ingeniería aeronáutica que tengan por objeto, de acuerdo con los conocimientos adquiridos según lo establecido en el apartado 5 de esta orden, los vehículos aeroespaciales, los sistemas de propulsión aeroespacial, los materiales aeroespaciales, las infraestructuras aeroportuarias, las infraestructuras de aeronavegación y cualquier sistema de gestión del espacio, del tráfico y del transporte aéreo.
Instalación explotación y mantenimiento en el ámbito de la ingeniería aeronáutica que tengan por objeto, de acuerdo con los conocimientos adquiridos según lo establecido en el apartado 5 de esta orden, los vehículos aeroespaciales, los sistemas de propulsión aeroespacial, los materiales aeroespaciales, las infraestructuras aeroportuarias, las infraestructuras de aeronavegación y cualquier sistema de gestión del espacio, del tráfico y del transporte aéreo.
Verificación y Certificación en el ámbito de la ingeniería aeronáutica que tengan por objeto, de acuerdo con los conocimientos adquiridos según lo establecido en el apartado 5 de esta orden, los vehículos aeroespaciales, los sistemas de propulsión aeroespacial, los materiales aeroespaciales, las infraestructuras aeroportuarias, las infraestructuras de aeronavegación y cualquier sistema de gestión del espacio, del tráfico y del transporte aéreo.
Capacidad para llevar a cabo actividades de proyección, de dirección técnica, de peritación, de redacción de informes, de dictámenes, y de asesoramiento técnico en tareas relativas a la Ingeniería Técnica Aeronáutica, de ejercicio de las funciones y de cargos técnicos genuinamente aeroespaciales.
Capacidad para participar en los programas de pruebas en vuelo para la toma de datos de las distancias de despegue, velocidades de ascenso, velocidades de pérdidas, maniobrabilidad y capacidades de aterrizaje.
Capacidad de analizar y valorar el impacto social y medioambiental de las soluciones técnicas.
Conocimiento, comprensión y capacidad para aplicar la legislación necesaria en el ejercicio de la profesión de Ingeniero Técnico Aeronáutico.
Esto es lo que establece nuestro ordenamiento jurídico y, consecuentemente, tanto el Ingeniero Técnico Aeronáutico como el Graduado en Ingeniería aeroespacial son ingenieros, aunque no le agrade.

Y así lo reconoce la Federación Europea de Asociaciones Nacionales de Ingenieros (FEANI) y, dentro de ella, el Comité Nacional Español (CNE), donde se integran en igualdad el Instituto Nacional de Graduados y de Ingenieros Técnicos de España (INGITE) y el Instituto de Ingenieros de España (IIE), cuyo Presidente actual es el Ingeniero Técnico de Telecomunicaciones D. José Javier Medina Muñoz, ostentando el cargo de representante de la ingeniería española como miembro de Comité de Seguimiento Europeo (EMC), el ingeniero técnico aeronáutico y Grado en Ingeniería Aeroespacial, D. David Sedano Abad. La FEANI acredita como Ingeniero Europeo (Eur Ing) a todos los ingenieros que cumplen los siguientes requisitos:
 Para la obtención del título de EUR ING se requiere:
·         Una formación académica reconocida de, al menos, 3 años en Ingeniería
·         Experiencia profesional de, al menos, 2 años
·         Si la formación y la experiencia profesional no alcanza los 7 años se requerirá formación o experiencia profesional adicional.
La Comisión Europea ha recomendado a todos los estados miembros que reconozca a los Euro Ingenieros (EUR ING) cualificados para el ejercicio de la ingeniería sin ningún otro requisito adicional (exámenes, estudios complementarios, etc...).

En España estamos acreditados más de 3.564 Euro Ingenieros, de los cuales 3.209 somos miembros del INGITE, frente a 355 miembros del IIE. Es algo que Vd. desconoce o quiere desconocer: que mientras en toda la comunidad internacional estamos acreditados como ingenieros, en España se pretende, en contra de la legalidad vigente, negar la evidencia.

Por otra parte, ni el Ingeniero técnico es Grado, ni el ingeniero es Master. La formación del ingeniero técnico aeronáutico es una formación especialista que se desarrolla a lo largo de tres cursos lectivos mientras que la formación del Graduado en Ingeniería Aeroespacial se desarrolla a lo largo de cuatro cursos lectivos (240 ECTS), y por ello el ingeniero técnico aeronáutico, para obtener el título de Graduado en Ingeniería Aeroespacial, tiene que superar un Curso de Adaptación al Grado de créditos 60 ECTS equivalentes a un año de formación adicional.

Los títulos de grado en España, como en toda la comunidad europea e internacional, son títulos generalistas. Así lo determina el Real Decreto 43/2015, de Ordenación de las Enseñanzas Universitarias, cuando establece (art. Primero):

Dos. El artículo 12 queda redactado de la siguiente manera:
1. Los planes de estudios conducentes a la obtención del título de Grado serán elaborados por las universidades y verificados de acuerdo con lo establecido en el presente real decreto. En la elaboración de los planes de estudios, la Universidad primará la formación básica y generalista y no la especialización del estudiante.
2. Los planes de estudios tendrán entre 180 y 240 créditos, que contendrán toda la formación teórica y práctica que el estudiante deba adquirir: Aspectos básicos de la rama de conocimiento, materias obligatorias u optativas, seminarios, prácticas externas, trabajos dirigidos, trabajo de fin de Grado u otras actividades formativas.
En los casos en que una titulación de Grado tenga menos de 240 créditos, las Universidades, conforme a lo establecido en el artículo 17 del presente real decreto, arbitrarán mecanismos que complementen el número de créditos de Grado con el número de créditos de Máster, de manera que se garantice que la formación del Grado es generalista y los contenidos del Máster se orienten hacia una mayor especialización.

Todo cuanto afirma en su entrevista es, por tanto, contrario a la ley, tanto española como europea. Por ello se deberá rectificar lo manifestado en el sentido en que reconozca que
 “Los Ingenieros Técnicos y los Graduados en Ingeniería, como los antiguos ingenieros, son ingenieros y como tales están reconocidos en toda la comunidad internacional, especialmente en la comunidad Europea y países de su entorno y los títulos de Graduado en ingeniería son títulos generalistas, no especialistas como eran los títulos de ingeniero técnico.”

SEGUNDO
También manifiesta que:
Continuamente tenemos que estar pendientes de casos en los que una vez más un “grado” se intenta “colar” en un puesto de ingeniero. Incluso la Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social ya ha aclarado (previa confusión al principio cuando salieron los títulos de Bolonia) que los grados cotizan en el grupo 2.

Y lo cierto es que Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social ha determinado que el Grado cotiza en el Grupo 1. Acompaño contestación de dicha Tesorería a los decanos de los Colegios de Ingenieros Técnicos de Obas Públicas y de Ingenieros Técnicos Aeronáuticos, en los que se afirma que los Graduados deberán incluirse en el Grupo 1 de cotización de la seguridad social, junto con los licenciados, ingenieros y arquitectos.

En cuanto a la afirmación de casos de intento de los grados en colarse en los puestos de ingeniero, me remito a lo establecido en la Ley del Estatuto Básico del empleado Público que en su art. 76 establece:

Los cuerpos y escalas se clasifican, de acuerdo con la titulación exigida para el acceso a los mismos, en los siguientes grupos:
·         Grupo A, dividido en dos Subgrupos A1 y A2.
·         Para el acceso a los cuerpos y escalas de este grupo se exigirá estar en posesión del título universitario de Grado. En aquellos supuestos en los que la Ley exija otro título universitario será este el que se tenga en cuenta.
·         La clasificación de los cuerpos y escalas en cada Subgrupo estarán en función del nivel de responsabilidad de las funciones a desempeñar y de las características de las pruebas de acceso. 

 Y así se viene reconociendo en todas las Administraciones del Estado, como es el caso de las oposiciones a ingreso en el Cuerpo de Científicos Superiores del Instituto Nacional de Técnicas Aeroespaciales (INTA. ET) y en las Comunidades Autónomas de Navarra, Cataluña, Valencia, Castilla-León, Baleares y otras. Me remito a la sentencia del Tribunal Supremo de Justicia. Sala Tercera de lo contencioso-administrativo, Sección 7ª, de 9 de marso de 2016, Recurso 341/2015, que me permito acompañar a este escrito. 

Resulta pues que el título relevante para el ingreso en la Administración Pública es el título de Grado y que el nivel del Subgrupo A1 está asignado a las funciones a desempeñar y a las características del examen de ingreso; es decir, a las características del puesto de trabajo y su responsabilidad.
Por todo lo anterior deberá rectificar estas afirmaciones declarando que;
Según Resolución de la Tesorería de la Seguridad Social, los Graduados en Ingeniería aeroespacial y en Ingeniería civil cotizan en el Grupo 1 de la Seguridad Social y según establece la Ley del Estatuto Básico del Empleado Público, el acceso a los cuerpos y escalas del Grupo A, dividido en los subgrupos A1 y A2, es el título de Grado, por no existir ninguna ley que exija un título diferente.

TERCERO
Manifiesta también que
Desde el COIAE nos da mucha pena porque en parte es una falta de respeto a los grados que han continuado sus estudios con el master habilitante o los ingenieros técnicos que decidieron continuar estudiando 3º, 4º y 5º y se hicieron ingenieros.

Y ante esta manifestación debemos aclarar que lo que es una falta de respeto a los Graduados es afirmar, en contra de lo establecidos legalmente, que los Graduados no son ingenieros, intentando mantener un monopolio de la ingeniería para un escaso número de ingenieros que se cifra aproximadamente en 150.000  frente a los más de 500.000 ingenieros técnicos y graduados en ingeniería que existen en España, cuando estamos reconocidos y acreditados como ingenieros, porque lo somos, en toda la comunidad internacional. 

Siempre no hemos distinguido todos los ingenieros aeronáuticos, ayudantes de ingeniero aeronáutico, ingenieros técnicos aeronáuticos, en mantener una estrecha relación para bien de nuestra común profesión y que desde su elección como decana del COIAE viene deteriorándose cada vez más de forma incomprensible y esto, Dª Estefanía, si es un ENORME FALTA DE RESPETO a nuestra profesión y a nuestros colegiados que deberá dar fin a la mayor brevedad posible. Y en sus manos está llevarlo a cabo, acatando la legislación vigente, como nosotros la acatamos.
De otra forma, con su incomprensible posición, nunca conseguiremos una ingeniería española competitiva ni en Europa y en la comunidad internacional.

CUARTO
Finalmente, ante la manifestación de que:
También apuntar que el término “ingeniero aeroespacial” como tal, no existe oficialmente, no existe esa profesión, pero es cierto que está muy extendido para referirse a determinados ámbitos profesionales que desarrollan los ingenieros aeronáuticos.

Me veo obligado a puntualizar que la profesión de ingeniero aeroespacial existe en toda la comunidad europea e internacional, aunque se empeñe en negarlo, afirmando que el término ingeniero aeroespacial no existe como tal. En el Real Decreto 1393/2007, se establece (art. 9.3):
3. La denominación de los títulos de Graduado será: Graduado o Graduada en T por la Universidad U, siendo T el nombre del Título y U la denominación de la Universidad que expide el título. En el Suplemento Europeo al Título, de acuerdo con las normas que lo regulen, se hará referencia a la rama de conocimiento en la que se incardine el título. En todo caso, las Administraciones Públicas velarán por que la denominación del título sea acorde con su contenido, y en su caso, con la normativa específica de aplicación, coherente con su disciplina y no conduzca a error sobre su nivel o efectos académicos ni a confusión sobre su contenido y, en su caso, efectos profesionales.

Y si la legislación determina que la denominación de los títulos ha de ser acorde con sus contenidos y no ha de dar lugar a confusión sobre el mismo ni a sus efectos profesionales, no puede afirmar que no existe la profesión de ingeniero aeroespacial y que el término como tal no existe, para intentar adjudicárselo como una actividad propia del ingeniero aeronáutico. Esta afirmación es confundir a la ciudadanía contraviniendo lo establecido en la disposición anterior.
Y es por cuanto antecede que deberá rectificar esta manifestación declarando que:
El título de Ingeniero Aeroespacial es un título reconocible y existente en toda la comunidad aeronáutica internacional y no se refiere a determinados ámbitos profesionales que desarrollan los ingenieros aeronáuticos. En España este título se identifica con el título de Graduado en Ingeniería Aeroespacial

Y en virtud a lo establecido en la Ley Orgánica 2/1984, de 26 de marzo, reguladora del derecho de rectificación, solicito la oportuna RECTIFICACION en la próxima edición de la revista Fly News, en los términos en que se dispone la citada Ley.

Madrid, a 10 de noviembre de 2017

El Decano-Presidente


Miguel Ángel González Pérez

United Arab Emirates orders five Airbus C295 aircraft



C295 sales pass the 200 mark

Dubai, 15 November 2017 – The United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence has ordered five Airbus C295 medium transport aircraft.

The agreement, announced at the Dubai Airshow, takes the C295 orderbook past 200, underlining the type’s market leadership in its class.

The aircraft will serve with the UAE Air Force replacing the existing CN235s still in operation. Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Orders for the C295 in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region now total 51. Bernhard Brenner, Airbus Defence and Space Head of Marketing & Sales said: “The C295 is a tough and reliable aircraft that is thoroughly proven in the Middle East operating environment. Passing the milestone of 200 sales – now 203 following this order – is a clear demonstration of its widely recognized capabilities and excellent value. We look forward to placing many more C295s in this region and beyond.”

Dubai Air Show 2017 - Day Three

https://www.aerosociety.com/news/dubai-air-show-2017-day-three/

miércoles, 15 de noviembre de 2017

Massive Narrowbody Aircraft Orders Rattle Dubai



After failing to clinch a much-anticipated A380 order from Emirates Airlines and watching Boeing secure additional orders for its 777 and 787s, Airbus unveiled an order for 430 A320 jets from low-cost airline investor Bill Franke’s Indigo Partners worth $49.5 billion based on list prices. This makes it one of the largest single orders in history, at least in terms of aircraft numbers.

continue reading http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/massive-narrowbody-aircraft-orders-rattle-dubai

 http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2017/11/indigo-partners-doubles-existing-a320neo-family-order.html


http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2017/11/cdb-aviation-confirms-order--for-90-a320neo-family-aircraft-.html

http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2017/11/wataniya-airways-to-add-25-a320neo-family-aircraft-.html

http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2017-11-15-Boeing-flydubai-Sign-Historic-Deal-for-225-737-MAX-Airplanes 

Geely, Chinese automobile manufacturer, buys Terrafugia flying car company

https://www.theverge.com/2017/11/13/16643342/volvo-geely-terrafugia-flying-car-acquisition

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/volvo-parent-geely-acquires-flying-car-startup-terrafugia/

https://jalopnik.com/volvo-parent-geely-buys-the-flying-car-thats-always-two-1820427641

https://electrek.co/2017/11/14/geely-flying-car-terrafugia/

Experimental X-56A's thin, bendy wings herald a revolution in airliner design



According to NASA, the future of long-range aircraft lies in very long, thin, flexible wings, with a very high aspect ratio, to give same lift than legacy wings, but with less weight and drag. Main problem with this kind of wings is flutter, that destroys them.


Working with Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works, NASA has been building and testing UAVs that use active flutter control measures to detect when the vibrations are beginning, and intervene to smooth out them, so that passengers can enjoy their ride while their aircraft is also not tearing itself apart and falling to a fiery doom. Continue reading:
In New Atlas https://newatlas.com/nasa-lockheed-x-56a-anti-flutter/52178/
In NASA: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/features/highly_flexible_wings_tested.html

NASA's Mars 2020 Mission Performs First Supersonic Parachute Test



Landing on Mars is difficult and not always successful. Well-designed advance testing helps. An ambitious NASA Mars rover mission set to launch in 2020 will rely on a special parachute to slow the spacecraft down as it enters the Martian atmosphere at over 12,000 mph (5.4 kilometers per second). Preparations for this mission have provided, for the first time, dramatic video of the parachute opening at supersonic speed. Continue reading: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2017-294&rn=news.xml&rst=6999

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLTiv_XWHnOZpzQKYC6nLf6M9AuBbng_O8&v=mTAbj8aRVvg


lunes, 13 de noviembre de 2017

Russia Drops Bid to Dock Ships at Spanish Port as NATO Adds Pressure

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/27/world/europe/nato-russia-spain.html

UN to host first talks on use of 'killer robots'

http://www.robodaily.com/reports/UN_to_host_first_talks_on_use_of_killer_robots_999.html

Boeing Forecasts $730 Billion Market for New Airplanes in Middle East

http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2017-11-13-Boeing-Forecasts-730-Billion-Market-for-New-Airplanes-in-Middle-East

Boeing, ALAFCO Finalize Order for 20 737 MAX 8s

http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2017-11-13-Boeing-ALAFCO-Finalize-Order-for-20-737-MAX-8s

Middle East looks to Russia for joint construction of new passenger jet

https://www.rt.com/business/409689-russia-mc21-aircraft-uae/

http://weaponews.com/news/18143-emirates-hope-to-help-russia-in-the-development-of-its-opk.html

Building a new supersonic airliner

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-41972529

Dubai Air show

https://www.aerosociety.com/news/dubai-air-show-2017-preview/
https://www.aerosociety.com/news/dubai-air-show-2017-day-zero/
https://www.aerosociety.com/news/dubai-air-show-2017-day-one/

Dubai wants a guarantee that Airbus will keep production of the A380 before placing a new order

Dubai wants a guarantee that Airbus (AIR.PA) will keep production of the A380 superjumbo open for at least 10 years before state-owned Emirates places a new order

Volocopter Certification Expected To Take Five Years

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2017-11-10/volocopter-certification-expected-take-five-years

Large Helicopter Drones: applications and advantages

https://www.embention.com/en/news/large-helicopter-drones-applications-and-advantages/

https://youtu.be/os86_I-tUMg




Airbus Helicopters completes first firing campaign with HForce-equipped H145M




Donauwörth – Airbus Helicopters has recently completed a ballistic development test of an HForce weapon system on a H145M on Pápa Airbase in Hungary. The tested system included guns (FN Herstal HMP400), unguided rockets (Thales FZ231) and cannons (Nexter NC621) as well as an electro-optical targeting system by Wescam (MX15) and a helmet mounted sight display by Thales (Scorpion). All planned and required tests were performed in a tight and demanding time schedule.

“This is an important milestone towards the qualification of HForce on the H145M, which is planned for end 2018”, said Axel Humpert, Head of H145 Programme. “The positive results of this first ballistic development test are the outcome of a very good and professional cooperation between all parties involved, especially with the Hungarian Ministry of Defence.”

Next steps prior to the qualification of HForce on the H145M are the development testing of laser-guided rockets in Sweden before the end of the year as well as additional live-firing trials in summer 2018.

HForce is an innovative, incremental and integrated high performance weapon system that can easily be fitted (“plug and play”) into Airbus Helicopter’s military platforms such as H125M, H145M and H225M for ambitious and smart military operations where flexibility of mission equipment is a vital criterion. It is designed to meet the requirements of defence agencies seeking light attack mission capabilities or a complement to their existing fleet of specialized attack helicopters. Meanwhile, qualification of the core HForce system is on track for end 2017, following an extensive flight-test campaign carried out on a H225M testbed.

The H145M is a proven military helicopter, derived from the H145, a rugged workhorse and best in its class for rough EMS and police missions. First delivery of the H145 took place in 2014. The entire H145 fleet has now clocked up more than 80,000 flight hours. With a maximum take-off weight of 3.7 tonnes the H145M is an agile light attack helicopter. It perfectly matches the needs of Special Forces, can be used for a wide range of tasks, including armed reconnaissance, ground fire support, anti-tank warfare, escort, tactical transport, MEDEVAC and CASEVAC. Customers for the H145M include Germany – which in June received their 15th and final H145M LUH SOF helicopter on time and on budget – as well as the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Thailand.

Airbus receives go-ahead for twin GRACE-FO satellites

press release



NASA-JPL and GFZ will continue a series of vital Earth system measurements

with new satellites in spring 2018

Transport to Vandenberg launch site in California planned for December

Friedrichshafen / Ottobrunn, 10/11/2017 – After a successful year-long test campaign by

Airbus at IABG in Ottobrunn near Munich, the twin GRACE-FO (Gravity Recovery and

Climate Experiment Follow-On) satellites will soon travel to their launch site in California.

During testing, the gravity-measuring satellites, which will track the continuous movement of

liquid water, ice and the solid Earth due to Earth's changing seasons, weather and climate

processes, earthquakes and even human activities, were subjected to conditions similar to

those they will experience during launch and in low Earth orbit. Both satellites, each weighing

600 kilograms, will be flown to the Vandenberg Air Force Base launch site in California in

December to begin final launch preparations.

The project is a partnership between NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, located in

Pasadena, California, together with the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ,

Potsdam). Both GRACE-FO research satellites will be launched into a polar orbit at an

altitude of around 500 km and at a distance of 220 km apart. Both satellites will then take

continuous, very precise measurements of the distance variations between each other and

make monthly maps of the changes in Earth’s gravitational field, which are used to track the

monthly movement of liquid water, ice and the solid Earth.

The launch of the GRACE-FO twin satellites is planned for spring 2018 on a mission planned

to last at least five years.

A Global Positioning System and a microwave ranging system measure the distance

between the satellites to within a few microns and a sensitive accelerometer accounts for

non-gravitational effects, such as atmospheric drag and solar radiation. The GRACE-FO

satellites will also feature an additional element: a new, more precise inter-satellite laser

ranging instrument, developed by a German/American joint venture, which will be tested for

use in future generations of gravitational research. Each satellite also makes up to

200 profiles of temperature distribution and water-vapour content in the atmosphere and the

ionosphere on a daily basis to aid weather forecasting.

The German/American GRACE satellites, which have been in space since 2002, are the only

satellites that have been capable of monitoring the transport of mass within the Earth system.

These include changes in continental water distribution, the melting of polar ice masses or

large inland glaciers, and mass redistributions following earthquakes. Data from the GRACE

satellites are used to detect groundwater extractions, to monitor droughts and floods, to

improve hydrological models, and to precisely quantify the contribution of land glacier and

polar ice melt to sea level rise.

Long-duration data sets are vital to provide statistically significant information about climate

changes and variations. The GRACE-FO mission will continue the important job started by

GRACE and collect essential climate variables.

Airbus with major presence at Dubai Airshow 2017

http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2017/11/airbus-with-major-presence-at-dubai-airshow-2017.html

http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2017/11/Airbus-displays-comprehensive-range-of-weapons-for-armed-C295.html

http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2017/11/quick-news---dubai-airshow-november-edition.html

52xB737 MAXs & 8xB787 for CDB Aviation; 40xB787-10 for Emirates; 787 Dreamliners, Freighters, for Azerbaijan Airlines


Boeing, CDB Aviation Finalize Order for 52 737 MAXs and Eight 787 Dreamliners
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2017-11-09-Boeing-CDB-Aviation-Finalize-Order-for-52-737-MAXs-and-Eight-787-Dreamliners

Emirates Announce Commitment for 40 787-10 Dreamliners
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2017-11-12-Boeing-Emirates-Announce-Commitment-for-40-787-10-Dreamliners


Azerbaijan Airlines Announce Deal for 787 Dreamliners, Freighters, 787 Landing Gear Exchange Programhttp://boeing.mediaroom.com/2017-11-12-Boeing-Azerbaijan-Airlines-Announce-Deal-for-787-Dreamliners-Freighters-787-Landing-Gear-Exchange-Program 

Dream Chaser spaceplane successfully completes glide flight and landing




In NASA press release: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/features/SNC_Dream_Chaser_Free_Flight.html





Sierra Nevada Corp.’s Dream Chaser spacecraft underwent a successful free-flight test on November 11, 2017 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The test verified and validated the performance of the Dream Chaser in the critical final approach and landing phase of flight, meeting expected models for a future return from the International Space Station.

The flight test helped advance the vehicle under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program space act agreement, as well as helped prepare the vehicle for service under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 program. The testing will validate the aerodynamic properties, flight software and control system performance of the Dream Chaser.

The Dream Chaser is preparing to deliver cargo to the International Space Station beginning in 2019. The data that SNC gathered from this test campaign will help influence and inform the final design of the cargo Dream Chaser, which will fly at least six cargo delivery missions to and from the space station by 2024.



In New Atlas: https://newatlas.com/dream-chaser-successful-glide-flight-landing/52154/

Germany declares preference for F-35 to replace Tornado

http://www.janes.com/article/75511/germany-declares-preference-for-f-35-to-replace-tornado

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-lockheed-f35-norway-germany/lockheed-to-work-with-u-s-in-bid-to-sell-f-35s-to-germany-ceo-idUSKBN1D91EK

Switzerland to spend no more than $8 billion on new fighter jets

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-defence/switzerland-to-spend-no-more-than-8-billion-on-new-fighter-jets-idUSKBN1D82HT

La primera tripulación del Predator B del Ejército del Aire imparte una conferencia en la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos



El capitán Francisco José Navarro Collado y el sargento Francisco de Borja González Madrigal han impartido una conferencia sobre "Aeronaves tripuladas remotamente en las Fuerzas Armadas" en el campus de Fuenlabrada de la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.

La conferencia se enmarca dentro de la "Jornada de Drones: mundos profesionales" en la que han colaborado los grupos EIATA (European Institution for Aviation Training and Accreditation) y Aviation Group además de esta universidad. En la ponencia, de unos 20 minutos de duración, se ha dado a conocer a estudiantes universitarios de distintas carreras y especialidades el empleo de drones en el mundo militar, dedicando la mayor parte del tiempo de la conferencia al sistema Predator B.

El capitán Navarro como piloto operador y el sargento Madrigal como operador de sensores, forman parte de las primeras tripulaciones del Ejército del Aire de Predator B tras haber sido los primeros en finalizar su formación en septiembre de este mismo año en Estados Unidos.


(nota de prensa)

Primer vuelo del nEUROn y del Eurofighter





viernes, 10 de noviembre de 2017

Russia Mulls Upgrading Su-57 to 6th Generation Fighter Jet



The Su-57 has the potential to be a 6th-generation fighter jet, the former head of the Russian Aerospace Force claims.https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/russia-mulls-upgrading-su-57-to-6th-generation-fighter-jet/

China’s New Aircraft Carrier to Use Advanced Jet Launch System (electormagnetic catapults)



The People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) next-generation aircraft carrier, designated Type 002, will likely be fitted with an advanced electromagnetic catapult system for launching aircraft, according to Chinese military experts. https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/chinas-new-aircraft-carrier-to-use-advanced-jet-launch-system/

India Set to Become Next Battleground for Global Aeronautics Manufacturers

https://sputniknews.com/asia/201710301058657962-india-global-aeronautics-manufacturer/

Boeing Completes Acquisition of Aurora Flight Sciences

New subsidiary to accelerate development of autonomous technology

CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] completed the acquisition of Aurora Flight Sciences, a world-class innovator, developer and manufacturer of advanced aerospace platforms and autonomous systems. Aurora will operate under Boeing Engineering, Test & Technology as a subsidiary called Aurora Flight Sciences, A Boeing Company. It will retain an independent operating model while benefiting from Boeing's resources and position as the leading provider of aerospace products and services.

Boeing first announced the agreement with Aurora on Oct. 5, 2017 pending U.S. government approval. Terms of the approved deal were not disclosed and do not affect Boeing's financial guidance.

Headquartered in Manassas, Va., Aurora has more than 550 employees and operates in six locations including research and development centers in Cambridge, Mass. and Luzern, Switzerland; manufacturing facilities in Bridgeport, W.Va. and Columbus, Miss. with offices in Dayton, Ohio, and Mountain View, Calif.

Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty

Certain statements in this release may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding benefits and synergies of the transaction, and future business prospects, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions about future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include the effect of global economic conditions, our ability to successfully integrate Aurora Flight Sciences' business and realize anticipated synergies, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Boeing, CDB Aviation Finalize Order for 52 737 MAXs and Eight 787 Dreamliners

  • $7.4 billion deal first announced at 2017 Paris Air Show
  • Puts 737 MAX program over 4,000 orders



SEATTLE, Nov. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and CDB Aviation today finalized an order for 42 737 MAX 8s, 10 737 MAX 10s and eight 787-9 Dreamliners.




The order, valued at $7.4 billion at current list prices, was announced as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The order includes a conversion of six 737 MAX 8 orders, to the 737 MAX 10.

CDB Aviation, one of the largest and most influential Chinese-owned aviation leasing companies, is part of the launch customer group for the 737 MAX 10, the newest member of Boeing's 737 MAX family.

"The 737 MAX and the 787 Dreamliner are some of the most advanced, most fuel-efficient airplanes in the world today," said CDB Aviation President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Chang. "We're confident that the reliability, efficiency and superior economics of the MAX and Dreamliner families will be very appealing to our customers."

Based in Dublin, Ireland, CDB Aviation operates as a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., LTD (CDB Leasing) (HKEX stock code:1606) and features a committed fleet of over 300 aircraft.

"CDB Aviation is a leader in the leasing market and we're excited the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner will be the pillars of its growing fleet," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister.

The 737 MAX family is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history with over 4,000 orders from 93 customers worldwide. Boeing has delivered more than 30 737 MAX airplanes this year.

"Being one of the launch customers of the MAX 10 and bringing the MAX family's orders over the 4,000 milestone further demonstrates CDB Aviation's steadfast efforts to advance its global mission and deliver the latest technology aircraft to current and prospective customers," added Chang.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane in history. Boeing has delivered more than 600 787s entering service in 2011, flying more than 200 million people on more than 610 unique routes, saving over 19 billion pounds of fuel.

About CDB Aviation
CDB Aviation Lease Finance DAC (CDB Aviation) is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited (CDB Leasing) a 33-year-old Chinese leasing company that is backed mainly by the China Development Bank. China Development Bank is under the direct jurisdiction of the State Council of China and is the world's largest development finance institution. It is also the largest Chinese bank for foreign investment and financing cooperation, long-term lending and bond issuance, enjoying Chinese sovereign credit rating. www.CDBAviation.AERO

CDB Leasing is the only leasing arm of the China Development Bank and a leading company in China's leasing industry that has been engaged in aircraft, infrastructure, ship, commercial vehicle and construction machinery leasing and enjoys a Chinese sovereign credit rating. It took an important step in July 2016 to globalize and marketize its business – listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX STOCK CODE: 1606).

OPINION: A380 needs more customers to match 747's longevity

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/opinion-a380-needs-more-customers-to-match-747s-lo-443065/

China Aircraft Exports Cleared for Takeoff Under FAA Deal--Update



ust ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China, U.S. aviation regulators signed a new pact with their Chinese counterparts that effectively opens the door to selling China-made airplanes and parts to the U.S. and other countries.

http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/11/06/china-aircraft-exports-cleared-for-takeoff-under-faa-deal-update.html

F-35 the “preferred choice” for Berlin | KC-390 prototype pushed to limits, needs repair | T-50A test pilot breaks 100 flight hours |

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f-35-the-preferred-choice-for-berlin-kc-390-prototype-pushed-to-limits-needs-repair-t-50a-test-pilot-breaks-100-flight-hours-038367

Dassault named in Paradise Papers | Sweden selects Patriot for air defense | Malaysia eyes new supersonic LCA jets

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/dassault-named-in-paradise-papers-sweden-selects-patriot-for-air-defense-malaysia-eyes-new-supersonic-lca-jets-038358/

Aviation Renaissance: NASA Advances Concepts for Next-gen Aircraft

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/aviation-renaissance-nasa-advances-concepts-for-next-gen-aircraft

https://youtu.be/dOK446jAsAw



NASA is working with Uber on its flying taxi project

  • Uber partnered with NASA on it its flying taxi project called Uber Elevate
  • Uber will be working with NASA to figure out traffic management for flying cars
  • Uber also said that it is aiming to trial the flying taxis in Los Angeles, as well as Dubai and Dallas-Fort Worth in 2020 

continue reading https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/08/uber-nasa-work-on-flying-taxis.html

jueves, 9 de noviembre de 2017

Boeing, China Announce Airplane Sales During Presidential Trade Mission

Agreement covers 300 airplanes valued at more than $37 billion
Builds on a strong foundation and growing partnership

BEIJING, Nov. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and China Aviation Suppliers Holding Company (CASC) today signed an agreement for 300 airplanes during a ceremony in Beijing. It was part of the United States trade mission to China, and was signed by Kevin McAllister, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, in the presence of US President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping.

The agreement includes orders and commitments for 300 Boeing single-aisle and twin-aisle airplanes. The airplanes are valued at more than $37 billion at list prices.

"China is a valued customer and key partner, and we're proud that Boeing airplanes will be a part of its fleet growth for years to come," said McAllister. "Boeing and China have a strong history of working together based on great mutual respect, and these orders build on that foundation."

Boeing and China continue to work on mutually beneficial ways to grow and support the aviation market. These efforts include industrial cooperation, the development of technologies to reduce aviation's environmental impact and enhance sustainability, and continued cooperation to support the safety, efficiency and capacity of China's air transport system.


Jon Ostrower in twitter:



miércoles, 8 de noviembre de 2017

How do those internet balloons over Puerto Rico work?

Cell towers usually don't float. These do. It's been over six weeks since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, leaving millions without power or access to reliable communication. The storm clobbered the island's communications infrastructure—after all, cell towers can't produce a signal withou...

http://flip.it/YeZbiV

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

China's future satellite navigation will be millimeter accurate

The Beidou 3 will guide military munitions and drones. China's military is updating its satellite navigation system, launching tech that'll offer super accurate guidance for munitions and drones. On Sept. 29, China launched two Beidou 3 satellites from a Long March 3C rocket from the Xichang Sate...

http://flip.it/SzGRHX

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

Analyst: Airbus could eventually terminate CSeries program



The Bombardier CSeries may go the way of the McDonnell Douglas MD-95, a Wall Street aerospace analyst suggests: that is, the program is likely to remain unprofitable and be shut down. Continue reading https://leehamnews.com/2017/11/07/analyst-airbus-could-eventually-terminate-cseries-program/

PHOTOS: Boeing Kicks off 777x Production

http://www.airlinereporter.com/2017/11/boeing-kicks-off-777x-production/

Bombardier sees 'signs of stabilisation' in business jet market



Bombardier recorded a five-unit slide in business jet deliveries during the third quarter, reflecting continued soft demand and a fragile international marketplace. But Bombardier says it is seeing "signs of stabilisation" and is confident it will hit its 2017 delivery target of 135 units as it heads into the "seasonally strongest quarter of the year".
Continue reading: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bombardier-sees-signs-of-stabilisation-in-business-442914/

A record 43 Argentine based Tecnam aeroplanes participated in this year’s Mendoza Vuela.




https://youtu.be/Ew_st69wt08





ARGENTINA AIR FESTIVAL ‘MENDOZA VUELA’ 2017 SEES LARGEST GATHERING ON TECNAM AIRCRAFT IN THE AMERICAS




Held at the “Mario Cardama Aerodrome” in Medoza, Tecnam’s Argentina based commercial representative Aerotec Argentina SA played host to the First Annual Convention of Argentina Tecnam Owners.

The festival welcomed over 100,000 guests and Tecnam was especially proud to be able to facilitate over 100 children taking to the air for the first time.

Show highlights included the handing over of three Tecnam aircraft. A P2008, P2006T Twin and an Astore to new owners, bringing the total of Argentina based Tecnam aircraft to 70. All three aircraft were assembled at Aerotec’s state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance support and service facility.

Diego Cardama, Director, Aerotec Argentina SA said “We are extremely grateful for the support given to Mendoza Vuela by both the Argentine Civil Aviation Authority and also the Argentine Air Force, who displayed five of their eight Tecnam P2002JF aeroplanes, currently based 800km from Mendoza at the School of Military Aviation in Cordoba. We very much look forward to staging Aviation Festival again in 2018”

Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Global Sales and Marketing Director said “Aerotecs organisation and staging of the Mendoza Vuela was impeccable. It was a special honour to meet with so many of our locally based Tecnam customers and operators. It’s good to see that Tecnam is now firmly established as the aircraft of choice amongst the GA community in Argentina”

Tecnam selects TKS Ice Protection System for P2012 Traveller



Tecnam today announced it has selected CAV Ice Protection to provide the TKS Ice Protection System and support services for the twin-piston Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft.
CAV Ice Protection thoroughly tested the TKS Ice Protection System in an icing wind tunnel at the latest certification levels for planes flying in known icing conditions. A total of 35 conditions and 83 runs covering all test points were made in one week with successful results.
“Tecnam is pleased to partner with CAV Ice Protection to offer operators a tremendously safe system that handles icing conditions in all parts of the world,” said Paolo Pascale, Tecnam CEO.
TKS Ice Protection Systems provide anti-ice and de-ice capabilities with clean exit performance, protect aft of the leading edge, improve leading edge durability and life, and require low maintenance.
“We are proud to provide Tecnam and their launch customer Cape Air with an effective ice protection system that has been technologically proven since 1942,” said Jerry Jordan, CAV Ice Protection Vice President of Design Engineering.

More information on the P2012 Traveller at http://p2012.tecnam.org

About CAV Ice Protection

CAV Ice Protection is a global aerospace supplier of airborne ice protection systems for civilian, commercial and military aircraft. The company specializes in the design, consulting, certification services and manufacture of aviation ice protection systems. Proprietary technologies include the TKS Ice Protection System and SLD Guard. Headquartered in Consett, England, CAV Ice Protection has operations and manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom and United States. For more information on CAV Ice Protection, visit www.caviceprotection.com

Embraer releases Third Quarter 2017 results


Embraer releases Third Quarter 2017 results

São Paulo, Brazil, October 27, 2017 - (BM&FBOVESPA: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ). The Company's operating and financial information is presented, except where otherwise stated, on a consolidated basis in United States dollars (US$) in accordance with IFRS. The financial data presented in this document as of and for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 (3Q16), June 30, 2017 (2Q17) and September 30, 2017 (3Q17), are derived from the unaudited financial statements, except annual financial data and where otherwise stated. To read the full news release, click below.: Download

Bombardier Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results


  • Game-changing, strategic partnership with Airbus to accelerate commercial momentum for C Series program
  • LOI for up to 61 C Series aircraft, including 31 firm from a European customer
  • Execution of transformation plan continues to deliver margin(1) growth; full year EBIT margin guidance for all business units reaffirmed(2)
  • Consolidated full-year EBIT before special items(2) expected to be at least $630M, the high end of guidance range
  • Engine delivery delays to impact C Series program; with 20-22 deliveries now expected for the year(2)
  • Revenues and free cash flow usage(2)(3) for the full year expected to be approximately $16.3B and $1B, respectively
full report: http://www.bombardier.com/en/media/newsList/details.binc-20171002-bombardier-reports-third-quarter-2017-results.bombardiercom.html

Italian authority formalises new Superjet certification pact [feedly]

Italian and Russian authorities have signed a bilateral protocol enabling technical co-operation over Sukhoi Superjet 100s to continue.
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italian-authority-formalises-new-superjet-certificat-442934/

 -- via my feedly newsfeed

Lockheed Martin to build high-energy airborne laser for fighter planes



PR



  • Lockheed Martin Receives Contract to Develop Compact Airborne High Energy Laser Capabilities
  • Contract funds development of high power laser to be tested on tactical fighter jet



BOTHELL, Wash., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) $26.3 million for the design, development and production of a high power fiber laser. AFRL plans to test the laser on a tactical fighter jet by 2021. The contract is part of AFRL's Self-protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) program, and is a major step forward in the maturation of protective airborne laser systems.


"Lockheed Martin continues to rapidly advance laser weapon systems and the technologies that make them possible," said Dr. Rob Afzal, senior fellow of laser weapon systems at Lockheed Martin. "We have demonstrated our ability to use directed energy to counter threats from the ground, and look forward to future tests from the air as part of the SHiELD system."

The SHiELD program includes three subsystems:
  • SHiELD Turret Research in Aero Effects (STRAFE), the beam control system, which will direct the laser onto the target
  • Laser Pod Research & Development (LPRD), the pod mounted on the tactical fighter jet, which will power and cool the laser
  • Laser Advancements for Next-generation Compact Environments (LANCE), the high energy laser itself, which can be trained on adversary targets to disable them


LANCE is designed to operate in a compact environment, and as such, the Lockheed Martin team focused on developing a compact, high efficiency laser within challenging size, weight and power constraints.

"Earlier this year, we delivered a 60 kW-class laser to be installed on a U.S. Army ground vehicle. It's a completely new and different challenge to get a laser system into a smaller, airborne test platform. It's exciting to see this technology mature enough to embed in an aircraft," said Afzal. "The development of high power laser systems like SHiELD show laser weapon system technologies are becoming real. The technologies are ready to be produced, tested and deployed on aircraft, ground vehicles and ships."

Lockheed Martin has more than 40 years of experience developing laser weapon systems. The LANCE contract leverages technology building blocks from internal research and development projects, including the ATHENA system and ALADIN laser, as well as contract experience gained from programs such as the U.S. Army's Robust Electric Laser Initiative (RELI) program.

For more information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/directedenergy.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Boeing and CASIS Award $500,000 for Microgravity Research through MassChallenge

Grants help fund costs for flight to International Space Station

BOSTON, Nov. 6, 2017 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) have again joined forces to promote the use of the International Space Station (ISS) as an orbiting laboratory capable of producing cutting-edge research across numerous scientific disciplines. The two organizations on Nov. 2 granted a total of $500,000 to three microgravity research companies through startup accelerator MassChallenge™.

The awards to Cellino Biotech, Guardion Technologies, and MakerHealth mark Boeing and CASIS's fourth year of collaboration on the “Technology in Space” prize at MassChallenge Boston.

CASIS is the nonprofit organization responsible for managing and promoting research onboard the ISS U.S. National Laboratory. Boeing is the ISS prime contractor, responsible for designing, building and processing the American modules and the integrated truss system that powers the station, for sustaining engineering, and for processing experiment and systems racks for launch, installation and operation.

The grants will provide seed funding for the three awarded companies and assist with hardware costs for flight to the ISS National Lab. With this latest collaboration, Boeing and CASIS have jointly partnered to fund 11 separate innovative startups through MassChallenge. The second round of these awarded investigations, Biorasis and Launchpad Medical, is scheduled to launch to the ISS National Laboratory in early December.

This year’s winning projects had to incorporate science or technology initiatives that would effectively use and benefit from ISS National Lab capabilities. CASIS will continue to work with additional MassChallenge “Technology in Space” proposers to build on their ideas and potentially transform them into flight-ready projects.

Below are the 2017 recipients of the “Technology in Space” award:

Cellino Biotech Inc.

Investigating Proliferation of NanoLaze Gene-edited induced Pluripotent Stem Cells aboard the ISS

The goal of this proposal is to gene-edit induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) using Cellino Biotech’s platform, NanoLaze™, on Earth and then investigate their proliferation under microgravity on ISS to show enhanced stemness of the cells. This data would unlock the potential to generate the 200 to 500 million stem cells necessary for a cell-based therapy, which is not possible with currently available stem cell technologies on Earth. Cellino will use its proprietary NanoLaze™ platform to deliver a powerful gene-editor, CRISPR/Cas9, to iPSCs. Maximizing stemness in microgravity would enable Cellino and therapeutic partnering companies to supply more patients with universal cells to treat critical genetic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and hemophilia, which are among the estimated 6,000 genetic diseases in existence, of which 95 percent have no approved therapies.

Guardion Technologies

Convection-Free Synthesis of 2D Nanomaterials on the ISS for Improved Radiation Detection

Guardion Technologies is developing miniaturized ionizing radiation detectors, which can be deployed in large numbers to provide real-time monitoring networks for interrogating possible radioactive sources. Such networks will enable early and/or remote detection of possible radiological threats, and serve as a highly effective triage mechanism for emergency responders. At the core of the miniaturizable detection technology is a novel patent-pending process that utilizes quantum properties of certain nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and other atomically thin materials such as monolayers (2D). Guardion hypothesizes that convection-free synthesis of 2D materials in microgravity will result in samples with greater crystallinity, higher electronic mobility, and lower electronic noise, which will enable an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio of these detectors.

MakerHealth

AmpliRx: A Manufacturing Pharmaceutical Lightweight Instrument

MakerHealth has created the AmpliRxTM modular biochemical manufacturing platform that enables distributed, affordable, and scalable production of medications. The MIT-developed innovation includes a first-in-class membrane-to-membrane continuous flow reactor system that can operate without pumps or advanced instrumentation and runs using minimal power by using proprietary modular Ampli blocks that connect to each other to form reaction-to-reaction pathways. Gravity and, subsequently, evaporation play an adverse role to fluid flow and reaction reliability of membrane-based chromatographic flow. While previous work has been done to understand the effects of microgravity on the separation of substances, the AmpliRx platform focuses on fusion-based reactions of substances during organic synthesis and bioprocessing reactions. Experiments in a microgravity environment will inform our understanding of and help to optimize membrane material properties and geometries. Mitigating these adverse forces will be beneficial to increasing the spread rates and reliability, thus decreasing reaction times within our platform.

Final award of any grant money is contingent upon acceptance of legal terms and conditions between recipient, CASIS, and Boeing.

About MassChallenge: MassChallenge is the largest-ever startup accelerator and the first to support high-impact, early-stage entrepreneurs without taking any equity. Its four-month accelerator program offers world-class mentorship, free office space, cash awards, and up to $10 million through in-kind support. MassChallenge alumni have collectively raised over $1.8 billion in outside funding, generated nearly $700 million in revenue, and created over 60,000 jobs. masschallenge.org.

About CASIS: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) is the non-profit organization selected to manage the ISS National Laboratory with a focus on enabling a new era of space research to improve life on Earth. In this innovative role, CASIS promotes and brokers a diverse range of research in life sciences, physical sciences, remote sensing, technology development, and education.

Since 2011, the ISS National Lab portfolio has included hundreds of novel research projects spanning multiple scientific disciplines, all with the intention of benefitting life on Earth. Working together with NASA, CASIS aims to advance the nation’s leadership in commercial space, pursue groundbreaking science not possible on Earth, and leverage the space station to inspire the next generation. www.iss-casis.org.

About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation's newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low Earth orbit, and varied environments of space.

About Boeing’s Role in Human Space Exploration: Boeing’s work as NASA’s prime contractor for the International Space Station program maintains the station’s role as an orbiting laboratory capable of producing cutting-edge research across numerous scientific disciplines. Boeing will begin flying astronauts to the station next year aboard the CST-100 Starliner, a spacecraft developed by Boeing in partnership with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program that will give America its first human-rated space transportation vehicle since the retirement of the space shuttles in 2011. Boeing also is building the core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System, a rocket powerful enough to lift astronauts and spacecraft to destinations beyond Earth orbit, such as lunar orbit and Mars. For more information on Boeing, visit www.boeing.com. Follow us on Twitter: @Boeing.

Airbus Completes Sale of Vector Aerospace to StandardAero



StandardAero Aviation Holdings, Inc. (“StandardAero”) and Airbus SE (“Airbus”) today announced that they have finalized the acquisition by StandardAero of Vector Aerospace Holding SAS (“Vector”) from Airbus.

Vector is a global aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul company, providing responsive, quality support for turbine engines, components, fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. A truly international company, it generated revenues of over US$700 million in 2016 and employs approximately 2,200 people in 22 locations across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Kenya, South Africa, Australia and Singapore.

The newly combined company, which will maintain the name of StandardAero, has more than 6,000 employees in 42 locations across five continents, with annual revenues of approximately US$3 billion.

“We are excited to join forces with the Vector team in becoming one of the largest MRO companies in the world,” said Russell Ford, CEO of StandardAero. “Our combined organizations are better positioned to provide the industry with more global services, expanded MRO capabilities and operational benefits to deliver faster, higher quality solutions to our combined customers worldwide. We look forward to joining together with the Vector leadership and employees as we begin to integrate our two organizations.”

About StandardAero

StandardAero is a global independent provider of services, including engine and airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, engineering services, interior completions and paint applications. StandardAero serves a diverse array of customers in business and general aviation, airline, military, helicopter, components and energy markets. The company celebrated its 100th year of industry leadership in 2011. In 2015, StandardAero was purchased by Veritas Capital, a leading private equity firm headquartered in New York City. Veritas invests in companies that provide critical products and services to government and commercial customers worldwide including those operating in aerospace & defense, healthcare, technology, national security, communications, energy and education. More information can be found on the company's web site at www.standardaero.com.

About Airbus

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2016 it generated revenues of €67 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats and business aviation products. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Airbus highlights growing services business at MRO Asia-Pacific in Singapore



Airbus had a significant presence at the MRO Asia-Pacific exhibition last week, with the company and its subsidiary Satair each having a stand and several executives speaking about the future of the maintenance business at a related conference.

The show allowed the company to highlight its growing presence in the increasingly important Asian maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market.


Over the last year Airbus has taken full ownership of Malaysia’s Sepang Aircraft Engineering and expanded its capabilities, and set up the MRO Alliance that includes Taiwan’s China Airlines and China’s GAMECO as members. In March, the company signed a MOU with Thai Airways to evaluate a new MRO facility at U-Tapao international airport near Bangkok, Thailand. In addition Airbus and SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) also incorporated a new joint venture Heavy Maintenance Singapore Services in October 2016.


Airbus also showcased Skywise, its cloud-based digital platform which contains operational and technical data that airlines can access to make predictive and preventive maintenance decisions. Asian carriers such as AirAsia and Peach are among its launch customers.


At the show, Airbus signed agreements with China Airlines and ST Aerospace to deepen their collaboration in the MRO business. Satair, which supplies aircraft parts globally, inked contracts with China Airlines and VietJet on the provision of materials and spares. It also signed a deal with Pratt & Whitney on the distribution of engine components.


Speaking at the show, Bruno James, Head of Customer Services Business Development and Projects, Airbus, said that the company aims to grow its services business by double-digit figures every year, and added that Asia will have a big part to play in that.


“Our ambition for Asia is for the region to showcase innovation in the services business. There is the right industrial set-up, the right open-mindedness and can-do attitude, and the right technical and soft skills in the region. This fosters a more dynamic and open approach towards innovation,” added Bruno.
Airbus forecasts that Asia will account for 36% of the global MRO business by 2036, and this will be worth $660 billion over the next 20 years. This will be driven by a 4.5 percent growth in the MRO business in the region over the same period of time, compared to 3.9% globally.

Airbus with major presence at Dubai Airshow 2017



At the Dubai Airshow, which runs from 12th to 16th November 2017, Airbus will showcase its wide range of innovative technologies, products and services, from market-leading commercial and military aircraft to helicopters and space systems. The Airshow, which was launched in 1986, represents one of the largest and most important aerospace events in the world.

The Dubai Airshow is an important platform for Airbus to demonstrate its products and services to customers as the organisation looks to continue to grow its footprint in the UAE and the region. It also provides a key opportunity to showcase latest innovations to some of the industry’s most respected experts and thought leaders. Airbus’ continued participation in Dubai Airshow demonstrates its ongoing commitment to making valuable contributions to the advancement of the aerospace and aviation industries in the UAE and the region.

In the static display areas, a plethora of Airbus’ real operational and development aircraft will be available to view, including the A350-900, the cornerstone member of the all-new A350 XWB Family – which will also perform a demo flight. In addition, Airbus will be showcasing its executive jet ACJ 319ceo in partnership with Comlux. Meanwhile Airbus Defence and Space’s exhibits will include the A400M new generation airlifter which recently played a critical role in relief operations following the Caribbean hurricanes; and the highly versatile C295 military transport and mission aircraft, for the first time with a display of weaponry to be qualified on the aircraft.

Airbus will have a presence at the exhibition hall (stand 552), where it will showcase products from its other divisions and services including mock-ups of helicopter products including the H160 and the NH90, the modern and multi-role aircraft designed according to the most stringent NATO standards.

The Airbus stand will showcase Space products including a comprehensive portfolio of satellites, including the SES-12- an extremely powerful and flexible telecommunications satellite. Visitors can also learn about Zephyr, a High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) that runs exclusively on solar power and delivers a truly unique capability to provide a wide area persistent presence at low through-life cost as a complement to satellite-based surveillance and communications.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the new Airbus A330neo Airspace cabin: The completely overhauled cabin design offers a high-tech experience through and through, from the vibrant mood lighting and customizable ceiling lighting stencils, to futuristic lavatories and much larger overhead bins.

As well as exploring all this latest hardware, visitors to the new “Digital Exhibition” concept area will be able to interactively immerse themselves in the fine details of every facet in Airbus’ group-wide activities – spanning not only Commercial Aircraft, Defence and Space, Helicopters, Services, but also other areas such as future research, the extended innovation ecosystem, electrification, urban air mobility, the Airbus Foundation as well as strengths in our workforce diversity.

By using special VR headsets, guests will also be able to fly-through the International Space Station, experience the innovative H160 helicopter, sit inside the cockpit of an A400M as it takes off from rough terrain, or explore the latest “Airspace” cabin interior innovations. In addition to hosting these immersive VR scenarios, the Exhibition will also feature a unique “HoloLens” zone which projects dynamic 3D holographic models – such as the ‘ExoMars’ Rover traversing a Martian landscape.

During the Airshow, Airbus will also hold a series of briefings on products and services as well as take part in the below panel discussions, which will take place at the Space Pavilion on the 13th and 14th November at Dubai Airshow.

James Hinds, Director of Strategy Development Space Systems / Monday 13th - 10:25-11:15 Panel discussion- Global Mars Exploration
Laurent Jaffard, Vice President, Head of Future Programmes Space Systems, Airbus Defence & Space / Tuesday 14th - 11:20-12:10 Panel discussion- Economies in space and investment in innovation

Emirates welcomes 100th A380 to its fleet



Celebrates milestone delivery in Hamburg, reaffirms commitment to A380 programme

Emirates chairman highlights positive impact of Emirates’ A380 operations on aerospace manufacturing, aviation industries and consumer experience

Emirates today celebrates the milestone delivery of its 100th Airbus A380 aircraft at a special ceremony with Airbus at the manufacturer’s delivery centre in Hamburg.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive officiated the ceremony. He was joined at the event by Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline; Tom Enders, Airbus Chief Executive Officer; Dominic Horwood, Rolls-Royce, Director - Customer and Services; His Excellency Ali Al Ahmed, UAE Ambassador to Germany and Frank Horch, Senator for Economy, Transport and Innovation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

Sheikh Ahmed said: “This is a tremendous moment for Emirates, for Airbus and for our many partners involved in the A380 programme. There is no doubt that the A380 has had a big positive impact on aerospace manufacturing and the broader aviation industry, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and stimulating innovation and new product development in many related areas such as ground handling, catering, airport facilities and cabin products, to name a few.

“Importantly, the A380 also brought the flying experience for our customers to the next level. The aircraft itself is a showpiece of engineering. It is the world’s largest commercial passenger jet but it is quiet and efficient and at Emirates we’ve utilised the onboard real estate to redefine the thinking around inflight products and experience. Our flight crew love to fly it and our customers love to fly in it.

“For Emirates, the A380 has been a success. We’ve been able to utilise it at slot-constrained airports, as well as at regional and ‘secondary’ airports where we have grown passenger demand. Each time we deploy an A380 onto a route, it typically stimulates further traffic and demand as travellers are attracted by our flagship A380 experience. We remain committed to the programme and will work closely with Airbus and our partners to continually enhance our A380 product as we look ahead to receiving our remaining 42 aircraft on order.”

“We are extremely proud of our long-standing relationship with Emirates – a partnership that has been integral to the A380 programme,” said Tom Enders. “It is a source of immense satisfaction for everyone at Airbus that such a visionary airline has believed in the A380 from the beginning and chosen it as its flagship and the backbone of its operations. And, of course, it is always exciting to hear positive feedback from our customers and passengers about the aircraft, while associating it with Dubai’s success as the world’s most dynamic air transport hub.”

Dominic Horwood said: “We would like to congratulate Emirates on this momentous occasion. We are very proud to be powering their 100th Airbus A380 and look forward to building on our strong relationship in years to come.”

Powered by Rolls-Royce engines, Emirates’ 100th A380 is configured in three cabin classes, with 14 private suites in First class, 76 seats in Business and 426 seats in Economy. It also features the airline’s newly revamped Onboard Lounge. It will be on display at the upcoming Dubai Air Show and will enter service afterwards.

Year of Zayed tribute

Adding to the celebrations, Emirates unveiled a special tribute to the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father of the United Arab Emirates, with bespoke livery for its 100th A380.

Sheikh Ahmed said: “2018 is the “Year of Zayed”, marking 100 years since the birth of our country’s founding father and celebrating his legacy. Emirates is proud to launch our tribute to the man who has been instrumental to the UAE’s formation and development, at the milestone delivery of our 100th A380.”

"Just as the A380 has broken new ground in so many regards, Sheikh Zayed was a true pioneer and visionary. Bringing his message of inspiration, daring and determination to the world as we fly the A380 around the globe, is an apt way to celebrate his amazing legacy."

Positive impact aerospace and aviation

The Emirates A380 programme creates and supports manufacturing jobs across the global aircraft manufacturing supply chain. Airbus estimates that Emirates’ A380 orders alone support 41,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs in Europe, including some 14,500 in Germany alone. These are high-skilled jobs and impact a high-value supply chain, creating a significant multiplier effect in the countries where Airbus has aircraft production facilities. The estimated Europe-wide impact of Emirates’ A380 investment amounts to €3.4 billion in GDP in 2013/14. In Germany and France the GDP impact is €1.2 billion for each country.*

In April 2015, Emirates signed an historic €8.7 billion deal with Rolls-Royce for Trent 900 engines and a long-term total care package. The engines will power 50 Airbus A380s which began entering service in 2016. The deal, which is the largest ever for Rolls-Royce and one of the largest ever export orders for a UK-based company, was part of Emirates’ ongoing investment in the UK and Europe.

Setting new standards for flying experience

The introduction of Emirates’ first A380 in 2008 set new standards for customer experience, introducing many industry firsts including the Onboard Lounge, Shower Spas, free wi-fi and advanced inflight entertainment systems in all classes, as well as many other features.

Emirates continually invests to enhance its A380 product, ensuring its customers enjoy the best possible experience. To date over 85 million passengers have flown on the Emirates A380.

The airline has implemented countless improvements on board its A380 fleet since 2008, ranging from subtle updates such as the addition of in-seat USB ports and introduction of electric window blinds, to more major upgrades such as relocating overhead luggage bins to provide a more spacious cabin, installing bigger and better inflight entertainment systems and a newly revamped Onboard Lounge.

Emirates’ A380 operations

Emirates is the world’s largest operator of the A380 aircraft, flying this iconic double-decked jet to 48 cities on six continents on scheduled services. Including one-off flights, special commemorative services, test flights and other operational deployments, over 70 airports to date have welcomed the Emirates A380.

The airline receives on average 11 A380 deliveries per year, starting from its first aircraft in August 2008. In its 2016/17 financial year, Emirates received a record 19 new A380 aircraft.

In Dubai, Emirates operates the world’s largest A380 hub with an entire purpose-built concourse dedicated to A380 operations. The US$ 3.3 billion facility was an investment to offer travellers unprecedented convenience and comfort with direct boarding to the A380 aircraft from the First and Business class lounges and amenities including duty free shops, spas, an array of dining options and more.

Emirates has 1,500 flight deck crew and over 23,000 cabin crew specially trained to operate its A380 fleet.