Bombardier Presence at Singapore Airshow Underscores its Significant Momentum in the Asia-Pacific Region

PR





Bombardier Commercial Aircraft will be displaying a Philippine Airlines dual-class 86-seat Q400 regional turboprop, as well as an airBaltic CS300 aircraft at the 2018 Singapore Airshow, which runs from February 6 to 11.

“Asia-Pacific is a region of unmatched opportunities where Bombardier has recently gained significant momentum. The CS300 aircraft’s recent Asian commercial debut with Korean Air Lines highlights our breakthrough into the region’s fast-growing market,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Passenger demand in the region is increasing fast, driving demand for more short-haul aircraft, more flight frequencies and more city pairs to increase connectivity. We are confident our product line-up will continue to be instrumental in supporting intra-regional growth, as well as further protecting passenger yields in the region.”

The Asia-Pacific region is Bombardier Commercial Aircraft’s fastest growing market with strong demand for small single-aisle aircraft like the C Series, as well as larger regional turboprops and jets.

“The high-performing Q400 aircraft has proven to serve the Asia-Pacific region very well. Bombardier acted well ahead of the market trend toward larger turboprops when it introduced the 90-seat Q400 turboprop at the Singapore Airshow two years ago. The Q400 aircraft ushered in a new era of turboprops, and the recent SpiceJet reorder for up to 50 new 90-seat Q400 turboprops is another great example of our strong market penetration.”

Singapore is the headquarters for Bombardier’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Bombardier has been steadily growing its after-sales support in Asia-Pacific to keep pace with the ever-increasing fleet of its aircraft. The company’s Customer Services network for commercial aircraft in the region includes five Regional Support Offices in Shanghai, Tokyo, Delhi, Singapore and Sydney, and Bombardier-authorized Service Facilities operated by STAECO in Jinan, China, Hawker Pacific in Cairns, Australia and GMR Aero Technic in Hyderabad, India.

Bombardier’s exhibit at the airshow will also showcase a Challenger 350 and Global 6000 corporate aircraft. Bombardier’s chalet is located at CD 55-59. The company will hold a series of media briefings and events during the show. Members of the media are invited to check the briefing schedule daily at the Media Centre for details and latest updates.

Cessna Citation Latitude touches down in Asia-Pacific with China and Australia certifications

PR

SINGAPORE (Feb. 6, 2018) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced it has been granted certification for the midsize Cessna Citation Latitude by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia (CASA), with the region’s first deliveries underway.



“We are pleased to offer the Citation Latitude, the best-selling midsize business jet in the industry, to the Asia-Pacific market,” said Jessica Pruss, president, Asia Pacific Sales and Marketing. “The Latitude is especially appealing to individual owners and charter operators in the region due to its unprecedented cabin comfort and best-in-class operating costs, combined with the range and performance required for regional missions.”



With the addition of these two new certifications, the Latitude is now certified in 43 countries around the world. The global fleet has surpassed 100 aircraft and 60,000 flight hours since entering service in August 2015.



The Latitude is the first in a series of three new large-cabin business jets, including the super-midsize Citation Longitude, expected to enter into service in early 2018, and large-cabin Citation Hemisphere, under development. These aircraft are designed to bring additional capabilities to the Asia-Pacific region, offering impressive packages of performance, technology and comfort at the lowest operating costs in their respective segments.



“As our customers’ missions and needs grow, they appreciate that our evolving product line combines proven performance, precision design, production quality and lifecycle customer support that Citations are known for,” Pruss said.


Related:
http://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2018/02/flagship-cessna-citation-longitude-lands-at-singapore-airshow-makes-asia-pacific-debut

http://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2018/02/textron-aviation-invests-in-support-and-service-for-apac-operators-elevates-customer-experience

E190-E2 Flight Test Results Confirm E2 as Most Efficient Single Aisle Jet

PR




As the E190-E2 new generation narrow-body jet approaches certification, Embraer announces some final results from flight tests confirming that the aircraft is better than its original specification and even more efficient than other single aisle aircraft. In fuel consumption, the E190-E2 proved to be 1,3% better than originally expected, which represents a 17,3% improvement when compared to the current generation E190, and nearly 10% better than its direct competitor.


The E190-E2 also becomes the most environmentally friendly aircraft in the segment, with the lowest level of external noise and emissions. The cumulative margin to ICAO Stage IV noise limit increases from 17 to 20 EPNdB, which results in 2 EPNdB better than its direct competitor. Rodrigo Silva e Souza, Marketing VP, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “this means that when our first operator , Widerøe, operates its inaugural E190-E2 flight on April 24th from Bergen to Tromsø, it will be the first in-service flight of the world’s most efficient and eco-friendly narrow-body jet. This is an immense achievement for our team and means additional value delivered to our customers.” Flight test results also confirmed the E190-E2 to be better than its original specification in takeoff performance.


The aircraft’s range from airports with hot-and-high conditions, such as Denver and Mexico City, increases by 600 nm compared to current generation aircraft. Its range from airports with short runways, such as London City also increases by more than 1,000 nm allowing the aircraft to reach destinations like Moscow and the north of Africa. E190-E2 also becomes the aircraft with the longest maintenance intervals in the single aisle market with 10,000 flight hours for basic checks and no calendar limit in typical E-Jets utilization. This means additional 15 days of aircraft utilization in a period of ten years compared to current generation E-Jets. Another key program target where the E190-E2 obtained better results than initial expectations is in pilots transition training time. Pilots of Current generation E-Jets will need only 2.5 days of training and no full flight simulator to fly an E2.


“Decreasing the training burden for pilots transitioning from E1 is another huge reduction in both time and cost for our operators. This coupled with the E2 family’s world leading fuel efficiency and lowest noise footprint, make the E2 the most cost effective aircraft in its segment by every measure”, explained Silva. Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. The Company has 100 customers from all over the world operating the ERJ and the E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,400 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft by operating across a range of business applications.

Embraer and SkyTech sign letter of intent for up to six KC-390 multi-mission aircraft

PR



Singapore, February 6, 2018 – Embraer Defense & Security announced today, at the Singapore Airshow, the signing of a Letter of Intent with aviation services company SkyTech for up to six new KC-390 multi-mission transport aircraft. The aircraft are earmarked for multiple defense projects and both companies have also agreed on a potential strategic collaboration to jointly explore new business opportunities in training and services.

SkyTech is the result of a partnership between two long-standing players in the field of defense services: aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) company HiFly, from Portugal, and Australian aviation services and charter provider Adagold Aviation. “We have been following the KC-390 program since its inception and believe that it will be a game-changer in the medium-sized airlift category as well as a multi-role platform”, said Paulo Mirpuri, president of SkyTech. The company has also stated that this is the first of a wide variety of platforms that will fulfil various niche roles and projects that SkyTech is undertaking worldwide. “Embraer is keen to have SkyTech as a strategic partner for some of our own planned projects, where we see them adding value and enhancements by providing various ongoing solutions to our own defense customer base”, said Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

The KC-390 is a tactical transport aircraft developed to establish new standards in its category while presenting the lowest life cycle cost on the market. It is capable of carrying out various missions, such as transporting cargo, troops or paratroopers, aerial refueling, in addition to supporting humanitarian missions, search and rescue missions, medical evacuation and aerial firefighting. The KC-390 can transport up to 26 metric tons of cargo at a maximum speed of 470 knots (870 km/h), as well as operating in hostile environments, including unprepared or damaged runways.

Boeing Announces Nearly $1 Billion in Services Orders at Singapore Airshow

PR

Orders demonstrate strong Asia Pacific interest in Boeing services
Orders stretch across each portfolio representing parts, modifications, training and Boeing AnalytX

SINGAPORE, Feb. 6, 2018 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced services orders valued at more than $900 million that will enable carriers and partners to excel in today’s competitive airline environment.

“Boeing is serious about helping customers optimize the performance of their fleets and reduce operational costs throughout the lifecycle,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Global Services. “Predicted growth for aerospace services in the Asia Pacific brings opportunities to partner with local industry to understand the region’s greatest needs, invest in new capabilities to meet those needs, and then bring them to market quickly.”

Today’s agreements stretch across Global Services’ four capability areas, including parts; engineering, modifications and maintenance; digital aviation and analytics; and training and professional services.

Regional agreements announced today include in part:

• All Nippon Airways signed a contract for 36 landing gear exchanges for the 787.
  
• China Southern Airlines and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO) signed an agreement to develop service capabilities for the Boeing Global Fleet Care portfolio, as well as enhanced component and composite repair capabilities.
  
• Malaysia Airlines signed an agreement for 48 landing gear exchanges for the Next-Generation 737. Through the program, operators receive an overhauled and certified landing gear from an exchange pool maintained by Boeing, with stocked components and supporting parts shipping within 24 hours.
  
• Nippon Cargo Airlines signed a five-year agreement to renew Jeppesen charting and electronic flight bag services to optimize navigation and flight operations across their 747 fleet.
  
• Royal Brunei Airlines signed an agreement for five 787-8 overhead flight crew rest retrofits. The modifications, to be completed at Boeing Shanghai, will allow the carrier to fly the 787-8 airplanes on long-haul routes, providing increased operations flexibility to the fleet and operator.
  
• SilkAir signed an agreement to receive fleet material services for 54 of its 737 MAX and Next-Generation aircraft. Fleet material services include Component Services Program, Integrated Material Management and Customer Furnished Parts, providing the customer with a centralized supplier of parts.
  
• Singapore Airlines signed a contract to use Electronic Logbook on its 777 and 787 fleet. As a Boeing electronic flight bag app, the Electronic Logbook replaces paper logbooks with digital records that improve operational efficiency and reliability, reducing schedule interruptions.
  
• Singapore’s Defense Science and Technology Agency signed an agreement to engage in collaborative research and experimentation activities, powered by Boeing AnalytX.
  

Worldwide agreements announced today include:

• Alaska Airlines signed an agreement to renew Jeppesen Flight Planning for its 737 fleet.
  
• Biman Bangladesh Airlines has expanded its use of Boeing’s Component Services Program by adding the service to support induction of new 787 aircraft that will enter its fleet in August this year, in addition to expanding and extending current component service coverage of its existing 737 and 777 fleets. With this service extension, Biman is on CSP support for all three of its airplane models.
  
• DHL has ordered one 767-300ER Boeing converted freighter. Boeing converted freighters carry high-density cargo on long-range routes, as well as e-commerce cargo on domestic and regional routes. Honeywell Aerospace signed a contract extending Aviall’s product support agreement as the exclusive distributor for Honeywell Aerospace through 2022, covering interior and exterior lighting equipment for all commercial aftermarket product sales. Products covered include indicators, annunciators and other components used on commercial aircraft.
  
• Lufthansa Group signed an agreement for 25 landing gear exchange and overhauls across its 777-200F and 777-300ER fleets for AeroLogic, Lufthansa Cargo and Swiss International Airlines. The service eliminates the need for operators to contract, schedule and manage the overhaul process.
  
• Parker Aerospace’s Aircraft Wheel & Brake Division signed a five-year master distributor agreement with Aviall for its Cleveland Wheels & Brakes product line. Aviall will forecast, warehouse and market through its network, including Parker AWB’s former network of direct distributors.
  
• Tianjin Air Capital signed a contract with AerData for Secure Technical Records for Electronic Asset Management, a tool that transforms operations by replacing paper documents with digital ones, for a fleet of more than 50 aircraft.
  
• Tunisair signed a contract to integrate Jeppesen Aviator services on iPad into its flight operations, reducing pilot time spent on data entry and accessing individual apps.

New A330-800 rolls-out of paintshop

PR
http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/02/new-a330-800-rolls-out-of-paintshop.html



One step closer to joining the A330neo test fleet

The newest member of the A330neo Family, the A330-800, has rolled out of the paintshop, on track for its first flight in mid-2018.

The A330-800 is the new generation 250-seater from Airbus’ leading twin-aisle family. With its 242-tonne Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) as the base variant, the A330-800 can operate routes of up to 7,500nm and with the recently launched 251-tonne MTOW variant, the aircraft can operate ultra-long-range routes of up to 8,150nm. The A330-800 will leverage the A330-200’s proven versatility, popularity and reasons for success, offering new-generation economics.

Building on the success of the A330-200 with over 600 aircraft in operation, the A330-800 brings new-generation economics and comfort in addition to unprecedented range to the 250-seat aircraft market. Together with the larger 300-seat A330-900, they share 99 percent commonality, having the same airframe, engines and cross-crew training. This gives operators great flexibility to use either aircraft in their fleet according to network needs in size and range. Both of these widebody aircraft incorporate new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, zero-splice nacelles, titanium pylons, new wings and new Airspace by Airbus cabins. The most visible new features of the A330neo wings are the specially developed curved wingtip Sharklets – which draw on A350 XWB technology, extending the wingspan to 64 metres, providing state-of-the art aerodynamic characteristics.

Airlines will benefit from 25 percent less fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation competitors, reduced maintenance costs and the A330’s market-leading 99.5 percent operational reliability. Passengers will enjoy the award-winning all new Airspace cabin inspired by the A350 XWB. On top of latest generation in-flight entertainment and connectivity, passengers can look forward to a new welcoming entrance area, spacious overhead bins, mood lighting and exceptionally quiet flights. With over 1,700 orders, the A330 is the most popular widebody aircraft ever, having flown nearly one million annual flights. Today, close to 1,400 aircraft have been delivered to 118 customers worldwide on a wide range of routes, from domestic and regional flights to long-range intercontinental services. Offering the lowest operating costs in its category, and thanks to continuous investments in latest innovations, the new-generation A330neo will be the most profitable and best performing aircraft in its size category

Airbus: at the heart of Asia’s largest airshow

http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2018/02/airbus--at-the-heart-of-asia-s-largest-airshow.html




Airbus’ strong presence at Singapore Airshow 2018 reflects its commitment to the Asia-Pacific region

Asia’s biggest aviation show opened today at the Changi Exhibition Centre, and Airbus is at the heart of it. The Singapore Airshow, held every two years, is where partnerships are forged and deals are sealed in the Asia-Pacific region. Airbus is the largest international exhibitor at the show, reflecting the company’s commitment to this part of the world.

Airbus boasts a strong industrial presence in the region and relies upon some 600 Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers across 15 countries. Asia-Pacific nations are also an increasingly rich source of partnerships for innovation, new technologies and digitalisation.

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for a third of Airbus’ new business and an equal third of the company’s order book. The region is, in fact, the fastest growing market for each Airbus business – commercial aircraft, defence, space, helicopters and innovation – and the range of Airbus products at the Singapore Airshow reflects this.

All Airbus divisions showing their strengths in the region

With the company’s newest jetliner, the A350-1000, on display at Singapore – joined by its largest military transporter, helicopters, satellites, an autonomous parcel delivery drone and more – Airbus is well positioned to showcase its aerospace leadership and demonstrate that ‘We Make it Fly.’ In addition to aircraft on display, Airbus has an area dedicated to the company’s growing services business, as well as video presentations of key innovative projects.

Airbus commercial aircraft have been especially successful in Asia and the Pacific, where the company offers a modern and extensive range of jetliners that combine unrivalled operational efficiency with the highest levels of passenger comfort. Highlighting the company’s strong presence in the widebody market is the all-new A350-1000 on display as it makes an extended stopover at the Singapore Airshow amid a 12-city demonstration tour across the region. Also on display is a full-scale mock-up section of the Airspace interior for the new A330neo jetliner, which elevates the feeling of cabin space and comfort to another level.

With a wide range of helicopter products meeting the needs of both civil and military operators, Airbus is the leading supplier of rotary-wing aircraft to the region. Offering the most extensive customer support network of any helicopter manufacturer, Airbus supports more than 40 percent of the civil and para-public fleet in Asia and the Pacific. On static display at the Singapore Airshow are the single-engine H130 and twin-engine H135 helicopters. The Project Skyways drone is also being displayed for the first time, spotlighting the innovative unmanned air delivery system intended for use in dense urban environments. The project is at an advanced stage of development in collaboration with partners in Singapore.

From military airlifters to Earth-orbiting satellites

The Asia-Pacific region is one of biggest growth markets for Airbus’ defence and space portfolio. Showcasing the company’s comprehensive range of military transport aircraft is a Royal Malaysian Air Force A400M Atlas, the most advanced, proven and certified airlifter available. Airbus’ Earth-observation and telecommunication satellite system capabilities are represented with a scale model of the AstroBus-XS satellite platform.

Demonstrating Airbus’ commitment to innovation is the Hangar of the Future, a project to digitise and automate maintenance activities to increase overall efficiency. The project, undertaken with the Temasek Polytechnic education institution in Singapore, is co-funded by Airbus and the Singapore Economic Development Board. Trials are ongoing at a testbed hangar at Temasek Polytechnic.

The 2018 Singapore Airshow runs through 11 February 2018 at the Changi Exhibition Centre.



http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/02/airbus-reinforces-its-market-lead-in-asia-pacific-region.html



Forecast demand for more than 14,000 new aircraft over the next 20 years

Airbus further consolidated its market lead in Asia-Pacific in 2017, delivering 367 new aircraft to 50 operators across the region, either directly to airlines or via lessors. This accounted for over half of Airbus’ total deliveries worldwide (718 aircraft) during the year, reflecting the importance of the region for the manufacturer. Deliveries to the region included almost 100 new widebody aircraft and marked the arrival of the long-rage A350 XWB with three new Asian operators.

In 2017, Airbus also won the lion’s share of new business in the region, gaining 65% of the market with 100 new aircraft orders from 7 customers. This brings the Airbus backlog in the region to more than 2,000 aircraft, corresponding to a third of the total backlog for the company.


The regional results and market forecast were presented by Eric Schulz, Airbus Executive Vice President, Chief of Sales, Marketing & Contracts, at a Media Briefing at the opening of the Singapore Air Show 2018.


“Accounting for one third of Airbus total backlog, one third of Airbus total orders and one third of the overall Airbus in-service fleet, there is no doubt that Asia-Pacific is a core market for Airbus” said Eric Schulz. “With traffic tripling over the next 20 years, and some of the highest growth rates, the Asia-Pacific region will by far be the world’s largest aviation market.”


“Airbus had an excellent year in Asia-Pacific in 2017 and we see more potential in the coming years, in particular in the widebody market, where the region will account for 46% of total worldwide demand. Airbus is perfectly placed to meet this need, already holding 60% of the widebody backlog in the region and offering the most modern and complete widebody product line, with the A330neo, A350 XWB and of course the A380”.

According to the Airbus forecast, the Asia-Pacific region will see an annual increase in passenger traffic of 5.6% and will require some 14,450 new aircraft over the forecast period. This represents more than 40% of global demand for almost 35,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.


Airbus maintains a leading share in the Asia-Pacific region in both the single aisle and widebody markets. Today more than half of all single aisle aircraft flying in the region are A320 Family aircraft. The Airbus widebody family is especially successful in region, with almost 800 flying today and another 350 on order for future delivery, representing 60% of total widebody backlog in the region.


The A350 XWB is the new long-range leader in the Asia-Pacific region, where 14 airlines have placed orders for 287 aircraft. Eight carriers from the region are already flying the modern widebody on long range routes to Europe and the US. The A350-1000, nearing its first customer delivery in the coming weeks, will further consolidate the A350 XWB position. In 2018 Airbus will deliver the first A350-1000 for the region to Cathay Pacific, as well as the first A350 Ultra Long Range to Singapore Airlines.                                                                                                                                                                                                         * * *
Asia-Pacific 20 Year Market Forecast - Headline Figures

•       5.6% annual growth in passenger traffic (global average 4.4%)

•       Traffic will triple in the next 20 years
•       Asia-Pacific fleet will grow from 6,100 today to almost 17,000
•       Demand for 14,450 new aircraft valued at USD 2.3 trillion
•       40% of total world demand for almost 35,000 aircraft over next 20 years
•       4,000 widebodies and 650 very large aircraft = 46% of global widebody demand (10,100)
•       9,800 single aisle aircraft = 40% of global single-aisle demand (24,800)

HondaJet's China certification could happen as early as end-2018 -CEO

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-singapore-airshow-hondajet/hondajets-china-certification-could-happen-as-early-as-end-2018-ceo-idUSKBN1FQ0J0

related:
Mitsubishi Aircraft expects more orders for regional jet this year - exec
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-singapore-airshow-mhi/mitsubishi-aircraft-expects-more-orders-for-regional-jet-this-year-exec-idUSKBN1FQ0W3

Scorpion omitted from OA-X demo round 2 | Norway’s NH90s won’t meet mission requirement | F-35 to receive GCAS ahead of planned date

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/scorpion-omitted-from-oa-x-demo-round-2-norways-nh90s-wont-meet-mission-requirement-f-35-to-receive-gcas-ahead-of-planned-date-039084/

Rolls-Royce launches IntelligentEngine

PR

Video: https://youtu.be/9CcbYQ5QA70

Al featured pics are from RR, and come from their flickr account


Rolls-Royce today launched its pioneering IntelligentEngine vision at the Singapore Airshow.

With more people flying than ever before and an increasing demand for more efficient travel, Rolls-Royce has defined a vision for the future of aircraft power that will help deliver passengers more reliably and more efficiently than ever before.

The IntelligentEngine vision is based on a belief that the worlds of product and service have become so closely connected that they are now inseparable. This trend was first identified when Rolls-Royce introduced the market-defining TotalCare® service in the 1990s and, since then, advancements in digital capability have accelerated this change and further blurred the boundary between the two.

The coming together of product and service, supercharged by digital technology, offers Rolls-Royce a wealth of opportunities to improve the way it provides power to its customers.

In addition to designing, testing, and maintaining engines in the digital realm, the IntelligentEngine vision sets out a future where an engine will be increasingly connected, contextually aware and comprehending, helping to deliver greater reliability and efficiency:

• Connected – with other engines, its support ecosystem, and with its customer, allowing for regular, two-way flow of information between many parties
• Contextually aware – of its operating context, constraints and the needs of the customer, allowing it to respond to the environment around it without human intervention
• Comprehending – learning from its own experiences and from its network of peers to adjust its behaviour and achieve best performance

Dominic Horwood, Rolls-Royce, Director, Customer and Services – Civil Aerospace, said: “We are determined to pioneer the power that matters for our customers and our IntelligentEngine vision will allow us to do this.

“We have the right people, the right skills and the right infrastructure to grasp this opportunity and deliver world-beating digital insight, helping us to deliver even greater value for our customers.”

The IntelligentEngine vision enables Rolls-Royce to find new ways of pioneering power, whether that is through its engines installed today, through its future UltraFan® engine design, or even through the hybrid-electric concepts of the future.

Rolls-Royce’s R2 Data Labs, an acceleration hub for data innovation launched in December 2017, will play a key role in achieving the aims of the IntelligentEngine. Using advanced data analytics, industrial Artificial Intelligence and machine learning techniques, R2 Data Labs develops data applications that unlock design, manufacturing and operational efficiencies within Rolls-Royce, and creates new service propositions for customers.

Rolls-Royce will set out further details of the IntelligentEngine vision over the coming year. Updates will be available via a dedicated webpage: www.rolls-royce.com/intelligentengine.

Evidence for a continuous decline in lower stratospheric ozone offsetting ozone layer recovery

Abstract. Ozone forms in the Earth's atmosphere from the photodissociation of molecular oxygen, primarily in the tropical stratosphere. It is then transported to the extratropics by the Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC), forming a protective ozone layer around the globe. Human emissions of halogen-containing ozone-depleting substances (hODSs) led to a decline in stratospheric ozone until they were banned by the Montreal Protocol, and since 1998 ozone in the upper stratosphere is rising again, likely the recovery from halogen-induced losses. Total column measurements of ozone between the Earth's surface and the top of the atmosphere indicate that the ozone layer has stopped declining across the globe, but no clear increase has been observed at latitudes between 60° S and 60° N outside the polar regions (60–90°). Here we report evidence from multiple satellite measurements that ozone in the lower stratosphere between 60° S and 60° N has indeed continued to decline since 1998. We find that, even though upper stratospheric ozone is recovering, the continuing downward trend in the lower stratosphere prevails, resulting in a downward trend in stratospheric column ozone between 60° S and 60° N. We find that total column ozone between 60° S and 60° N appears not to have decreased only because of increases in tropospheric column ozone that compensate for the stratospheric decreases. The reasons for the continued reduction of lower stratospheric ozone are not clear; models do not reproduce these trends, and thus the causes now urgently need to be established.

continue reading: https://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/18/1379/2018/

ESA plans improving space weather forecasting

Living near a star is risky business, and positioning a spacecraft near the Sun is a very good way to observe rapidly changing solar activity and deliver early warning of possibly harmful space weather. ESA is now looking at doing just that.

On most days, our normally calm Sun goes about its business, delivering a steady and predictable amount of heat and light that keeps planet Earth and its humans ticking.

But just as the Sun drives weather on Earth, solar activity is responsible for disturbances in our space environment, dubbed ‘space weather’.

Besides emitting a continuous stream of electrically charged atomic particles, the Sun periodically sneezes out billions of tonnes of material threaded with magnetic fields in colossal-scale ‘coronal mass ejections’.Continue reading in ESA's webpage
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Space_Situational_Awareness/Where_no_mission_has_gone_before

[video] Ehang flying taxi shown lifting passengers into the air for the first time

 EHANG 184 AAV Manned Flight Test by EHANG CEO Mr. Hu Huazhi

In new Atlas:
https://newatlas.com/ehang-taxi-drone-manned-flight-tests/53270/

Press Release
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-test-footage-revealed-of-ehang-184-manned-passenger-drone-300593516.html

In Youtube https://youtu.be/Mr1V-r2YxME

GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- EHANG, a global leader in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies, has unveiled footage of the latest test flights of their self-flying passenger aircraft or Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV). The EHANG 184 series is the world's first passenger drone capable of carrying a single person at up to 130 km/h and in force 7 typhoon conditions. These manned test flights are just the latest in a series of tests to ensure that the EHANG 184 AAV will be safe and ready for public use in the near future.



Among the 40 or so passengers who helped in this crucial testing phase were WANG Dong, deputy mayor of Guangzhou, and EHANG founder and CEO, Huazhi Hu. "Performing manned test flights enables us to demonstrate the safety and stability of our vehicles," Hu said. "What we're doing isn't an extreme sport, so the safety of each passenger always comes first. Now that we've successfully tested the EHANG 184, I'm really excited to see what the future holds for us in terms of air mobility."

Hu founded EHANG in 2014 and since then more than 150 technical engineers have conducted thousands of test flights, including a vertical climbing test reaching up to 300 m, a loaded test flight carrying approximately 230 kg, a routed test flight covering 15 km, and a high-speed cruising test that reached 130 km/h.

"We've been developing and testing aerial vehicle technology for some time now, and we're finally at the test flight stage for the AAV. It's been a huge success," said Hu.

Despite this success, the EHANG 184 AAV will still see further improvements. More emphasis will be placed on improving passenger experience and on adding an optional manual control, giving passengers with piloting experience the choice to operate the vehicle manually. In addition, the company has already developed and tested a 2-seat AAV with a payload of up to 280 kg.

But when will these passenger drones be ready available for public use? "This is a step-by-step process," commented Hu, "and at EHANG, we have our own road map. When it comes to the development and application of any transformative technology, first the technological innovation makes an impact, then the relevant policies are created and developed. This goes on to push further development of the industry."

In 2017, EHANG was granted the AS9100C certification, a quality management system widely adopted and standardized by international aerospace industry, and its AAV obtained the Special Flight Permit for civil aerial vehicles issued by CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China). In addition, EHANG is working closely with CAAC to jointly establish relevant airworthiness standards for the transformative AAVs as a major industry representative of the CAAC UAV Technical Experts Committee, making for improved and systematic industry polices and standards and pushing forward industry development.



About EHANG

Founded in 2014 in Guangzhou, EHANG is a high-tech company that develops, manufactures and sells intelligent UAVs and provides related services. Driven by its continuous technology and product innovation, "AI + network" methodology and its "user experience comes first" philosophy, EHANG provides both consumer-level and commercial end-users with simple, smart and efficient aerial products and solutions. EHANG is a pioneer and leading advocate of the global civilian UAV industry having created multiple innovative ideas, such as smart software-based control, smartphone tilt control, autonomous UAV formation flight technology, 3D air mobility and more. Dedicated to giving people the chance to fly, EHANG has developed a wide range of aerial products, including the EHANG 184 autonomous aerial vehicle, a command & control center for smart UAVs, EHANG Egret UAV formation flight technology, the EHANG Falcon commercial UAV, and the GHOSTDRONE series consumer UAV. For more details, please go to www.ehang.com.

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy: The moment of truth is almost here

http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/06/technology/future/spacex-falcon-heavy-launch-walkup/index.html

Emirates Engineering announces aircraft maintenance deal with Qantas

PR




DUBAI, UAE, 05 Feb 2018- Emirates Engineering has announced an agreement with Qantas for aircraft maintenance. Under the terms of the agreement, Emirates Engineering will strip and repaint eight Qantas A380 aircraft starting March 2018. The aircraft will be repainted with the latest Qantas livery at the state of the art Emirates Aircraft Appearance Centre in Dubai. The agreement also covers the replacement of landing gears for one Qantas A380 aircraft by Emirates Engineering in February 2018.

“We are delighted to be working with Qantas for maintenance on their A380 aircraft. As the largest operator of Airbus A380s with over 100 aircraft in our fleet, Emirates Engineering has built strong expertise over the years in the maintenance and repainting of this aircraft type. We have worked hard to create efficiencies and productivity gains across all lines of maintenance, thereby freeing capacity and allowing us to offer our services and know-how to external customers,” said Mohammed Jaffar Nasser, the SVP of Engineering Maintenance. “Our goal is to promote Dubai as a centre of excellence for Airbus A380 maintenance. We have the knowledge, infrastructure, competence and the confidence to achieve this goal,” he added.

The maintenance agreement between Emirates and Qantas complements the strategic commercial partnership that is in place between the two airlines and heralds the start of collaboration in the areas of maintenance and engineering.

The Emirates Aircraft Appearance Centre is the world’s largest dedicated aircraft painting facility owned by an airline. During the last financial year, Emirates Engineering completed 38 aircraft paint makeovers at its dedicated paint hangar. In addition, the centre has also installed a number of customised and eye-catching decals on Emirates’ fleet of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft including most recently the tribute livery of the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, and special decals dedicated to Expo 2020 Dubai.

Emirates received its first A380 in 2008 and is today the largest operator of this aircraft type with 101 of the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft currently in its fleet. The airline’s engineering division operates modern, extensive facilities in Dubai that include seven heavy maintenance hangars and four light maintenance hangars that can all accommodate the A380s. It also the most experienced and equipped Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider in the world for the iconic double decker aircraft with over 110 A380 C-Checks completed to date.

Vahana, the Self-Piloted, eVTOL aircraft from A³ by Airbus, Successfully Completes First Full-Scale Test Flight

PR

PR1:Vahana, the Self-Piloted, eVTOL aircraft from A³ by Airbus, Successfully Completes First Full-Scale Test Flight

 

Vahana, the all electric, self-piloted, VTOL aircraft from A³ by Airbus, today announced the successful completion of its first full-scale flight test, reaching a height of 5 meters (16 feet) before descending safely. The test was completed at 8:52AM Pacific on January 31, 2018 at the Pendleton UAS Range in Pendleton, Oregon. Its first flight, with a duration of 53 seconds, was fully self-piloted and the vehicle completed a second flight the following day.

“Today we are celebrating a great accomplishment in aerospace innovation,” said Zach Lovering, Project Executive of Vahana. “In just under two years, Vahana took a concept sketch on a napkin and built a full-scale, self-piloted aircraft that has successfully completed its first flight. Our team is grateful for the support we’ve received from A³ and the extended Airbus family, as well as our partners including MTSI and the Pendleton UAS Range.”


Vahana is a project developed at A³, the Silicon Valley outpost of Airbus. A³ enables access to unique talent and ideas, new partnership opportunities, and execution at speed. Vahana aims to democratize personal flight and answer the growing need for urban mobility by leveraging the latest technologies in electric propulsion, energy storage, and machine vision.


“Vahana’s first flight demonstrates Airbus’ unique ability to pursue ambitious ideas quickly, without compromising the quality and safety for which the company is well-known. For A³, it proves that we can deliver meaningful innovation with aggressive project timetables, to provide a real competitive advantage for Airbus,” said Rodin Lyasoff, A³ CEO and former Project Executive of Vahana. “Our focus now is on celebrating the work of the tireless Vahana team while maintaining the momentum of this accomplishment.”


Vahana leverages its self-piloted capabilities to operate without a passenger. Following these successful hover flights, the team will turn to additional testing, including transitions and forward flight.


For more information please visit: vahana.aero


https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180201006610/en/Vahana-Self-Piloted-eVTOL-aircraft-A%C2%B3-Airbus-Successfully

 

PR2:Vahana completes First full-scale test flight

Milestone in advancing Urban Air Mobility achieved as Vahana celebrates two years

Vahana, the all-electric, self-piloted, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft built by Airbus' innovation outpost in Silicon Valley, A^3, successfully completed its first full-scale flight test, reaching a height of 5 meters (16 feet) before descending safely. The test was completed at 8:52AM Pacific on January 31, 2018 at the Pendleton UAS Range in Pendleton, Oregon. Its first flight, with a duration of 53 seconds, was fully self-piloted and the vehicle completed a second flight the following day.

"Today we are celebrating a great accomplishment in aerospace innovation," said Zach Lovering, Project Executive of Vahana. "In just under two years, Vahana took a concept sketch on a napkin and built a full-scale, self-piloted aircraft that has successfully completed its first flight. Our team is grateful for the support we've received from A³ and the extended Airbus family, as well as our partners including MTSI and the Pendleton UAS Range."

A³ in Silicon Valley enables Airbus access to unique talent and ideas, new partnership opportunities, and execution at speed. Vahana aims to democratise personal flight and answer the growing need for urban mobility by leveraging the latest technologies in electric propulsion, energy storage, and machine vision.

"Vahana's first flight demonstrates Airbus' unique ability to pursue ambitious ideas quickly, without compromising the quality and safety for which the company is well-known. For A³, it proves that we can deliver meaningful innovation with aggressive project timetables, to provide a real competitive advantage for Airbus," said Rodin Lyasoff, A³ CEO and former Project Executive of Vahana. "Our focus now is on celebrating the work of the tireless Vahana team while maintaining the momentum of this accomplishment."

Vahana leverages its self-piloted capabilities to operate without a passenger. Following these successful hover flights, the team will turn to additional testing, including transitions and forward flight.

Portes Ouvertes au Lycée Airbus, samedi 10 février 2018

pr







Les métiers de l’aéronautique accessibles à tous et à toutes
Ouverture des inscriptions au test d’admission pour la rentrée 2018, du 15 février au 25 mars.



Le Lycée Airbus ouvrira ses portes le 10 février prochain pour présenter ses quatre formations en Bac Professionnel : Bac Pro Technicien–ne d’Usinage ; Bac Pro Technicien-ne Chaudronnerie Industrielle ; Bac Pro Aéronautique option Avionique ou option Structure.

Les formations se déroulent en trois ans, sous statut scolaire les deux premières années, puis en apprentissage la dernière année du Bac. Elles s’adressent à des filles et des garçons possédant un niveau minimum de classe de 3ème, âgés de 15 à 18 ans (18 ans révolus au 25 août 2018). Une forte motivation pour le travail manuel et en équipe est indispensable pour être à même de travailler sur les sites de production ou d’assemblage d’avions, d’hélicoptères ou de satellites d’Airbus ou de ses partenaires.

Ouvert à la diversité, le Lycée Airbus accueille des élèves de tous les horizons, filles, garçons ; et propose des modalités spécifiques pour des jeunes en situation de Handicap.


Il est aussi l’un des rares lycées d’entreprise existant encore en France. Cette spécificité permet d’offrir aux élèves une formation au plus près de la réalité de l’entreprise, de ses marchés et de ses produits. Chaque année près de 300 jeunes sont formés au sein du Lycée Airbus. Au-delà des compétences, le lycée Airbus mise également fortement sur le développement du savoir-être en entreprise, répondant ainsi aux exigences de la filière aéronautique.

Selon Marie-Stéphane Pefferkorn, Directrice du Lycée Airbus: « Le Lycée Airbus est une formidable opportunité pour les jeunes filles comme pour les jeunes garçons, de découvrir et d’apprendre un métier dans un secteur en fort développement qui offre des opportunités d’emplois. Nous attendons des jeunes motivés qu’ils soient ou non familiers avec le secteur aéronautique. Cette journée est aussi l’occasion de découvrir les moyens de formation mis à la disposition des élèves. Le Lycée met particulièrement l’accent sur la digitalisation avec par exemple la réalisation de tutoriels vidéos de formation auxquels participent les élèves».


En 2017, le lycée a affiché un taux exceptionnel de 100% de réussite au Bac, et 71 bacheliers sur 89 ont eu leur baccalauréat avec mention. Plus de 80% d’entre eux ont été recrutés au sein du groupe Airbus.


Le Lycée Airbus invite les jeunes motivés par les métiers manuels et à la recherche d’une formation courte et opérationnelle, à venir découvrir les métiers proposés et le cursus scolaire, lors d’une journée portes ouvertes le samedi 10 février, de 8h à 12h30. La présentation du Lycée sera suivie d’une visite des salles de cours et de leurs équipements.


Lycée Airbus : Usine Airbus Saint-Eloi, 57 chemin du Sang de Serp –Toulouse
(Métro ligne B, station Canal du Midi) – Tel : 05 61 93 55 11.

Inscription en ligne pour le test d’admission sur le site du Lycée : http://www.lyceeairbus.com/


Les épreuves écrites du test d’admission pour la rentrée prochaine auront lieu le 16 mai 2018. Les candidats admissibles passeront ensuite un entretien de motivation avant le 15 juin 2018.



A propos du Lycée Airbus
Créé en 1949, situé au cœur de l’usine d’Airbus Saint-Eloi à Toulouse, le Lycée Airbus présente la spécificité d’immerger les élèves, dès le premier jour, dans la vie de l’entreprise : les salles de cours et les ateliers sont situés au sein de l’usine et les élèves partagent les mêmes conditions de travail que leurs futurs collègues : culture et fonctionnement d’entreprise, restaurant d’entreprise,... Le Lycée Airbus est lié par un contrat d’association au Ministère de l’Education Nationale, avec un corps d’enseignants composé d’une part de professeurs de l’Éducation nationale, et d’autre part, de professionnels issus de l’entreprise.

L’enseignement y est gratuit et les élèves peuvent bénéficier de la réversion des bourses d’Etat, conformément à la réglementation en vigueur. Une centaine d’élèves sortent diplômés chaque année du Lycée Airbus.

Plus d’infos sur : http://www.lyceeairbus.com/

EASA issues single Production Organisation Approval to Airbus Helicopters

PR




Marignane, The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Airbus Helicopters have just implemented a new single Production Organisation Approval (POA). This replaces previous national approvals from France, Germany and Spain by a single, integrated framework allowing for simplified industrial exchanges between Airbus Helicopters’ manufacturing facilities and supporting the company’s industrial strategy of site specialisation across Europe.

“The implementation of the single POA allows us to work as a truly integrated company, and ensures that our various sites are no longer considered as each other’s suppliers from a regulatory perspective”, said Christian Cornille, Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice-President Industry. “I would like to congratulate our teams and thank EASA for their support in achieving this milestone which will streamline certification processes associated to our manufacturing activities, create synergies and improve our competitiveness.”

“A Single POA is of great value for Airbus Helicopters as it ensures continuity of its production procedures across its various European production sites and according to Europe’s highest safety standards” said Ralf Erckmann EASA’s deputy Flight Standards Director. “It is also a proof that EASA and the European National Aviation Authorities work hand in hand for the benefit of the European aviation industry and its customers.”

Since June 2016, Airbus Helicopters is also operating under a single Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from EASA which has simplified and harmonized development processes and facilitated the implementation of an increased transnational approach to certification, including through the establishment of a unified airworthiness office within Airbus Helicopters.

Boeing Debuts First 737 MAX 7

PR

• Longest-range MAX airplane to begin flight test in the coming weeks
• First delivery to Southwest Airlines set for 2019

RENTON, Wash., Feb. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] marked another airplane development milestone today as thousands of employees celebrated the debut of the first 737 MAX 7 at the company's Renton, Wash. factory.




The MAX 7 is the third and newest member of Boeing's 737 MAX family to come down the assembly line. The jet is designed for up to 172 passengers and a maximum range of 3,850 nautical miles, which is the longest range of the MAX airplane family.

Technology improvements allow the MAX 7 to fly 1,000 nautical miles farther and carry more passengers than its predecessor, the 737-700, while having 18 percent lower fuel costs per seat.

The MAX 7 is also superior to the competition, carrying 12 more passengers 400 nautical miles farther than the A319neo, on 7 percent lower operating costs per seat.

"For our airline customers serving airports at high altitudes or remote locations, the MAX 7 is the ideal complement to their fleet. We look forward to demonstrating the incredible flexibility and range of this airplane," said Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager of the 737 MAX program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This is the third 737 MAX family member our team has successfully introduced in just three years. That's a phenomenal accomplishment and a testament to the dedication of the entire 737 team."

The first MAX 7 will now undergo system checks, fueling and engine runs on the flight line in Renton. The airplane, the first of two MAX 7 flight test airplanes, will begin its flight testing program in the coming weeks.

The 737 MAX 7 is scheduled to enter service in 2019, following delivery to launch customer Southwest Airlines.

The entire 737 MAX family is designed to offer customers exceptional performance, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range that will open up new destinations in the single-aisle market. The MAX 8 entered service with customers across the globe last year, and the MAX 9 will start deliveries in the coming months. The MAX 10 was launched at last year's Paris Air Show and is scheduled to enter service in the 2020 timeframe.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 4,300 orders from 92 customers worldwide. For more information and feature content, visit www.boeing.com/commercial/737max.

Deutsche Telekom eyes EAN launch in first half of 2018

Deutsche Telekom assures that airline passengers “will be introduced” to European Aviation Network-powered inflight connectivity in the first half of the year, and that “every passenger will be served equally” with the wifi solution. Continue reading https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2018/02/05/deutsche-telekom-eyes-ean-launch-in-first-half-of-2018/

Russia Puts the Supersonic Bomber Back Into Serial Production

http://russia-insider.com/en/russia-puts-worlds-largest-supersonic-bomber-back-serial-production/ri22382

Israel discusses joining European Space Agency under ‘special arrangement’

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-discusses-joining-european-space-agency-under-special-arrangement/

UPS order for Boeing freighters highlights trade growth

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-singapore-airshow-cargo/ups-order-for-boeing-freighters-highlights-trade-growth-idUSKBN1FO0H7

Boeing should decide on new mid-sized jet this year to meet 2025 target: GE executive

“If this is an airplane that wants to enter service in a 2025 timeframe I would guess a decision needs to be made this year.”Continue reading in: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-singapore-airshow-ge-boeing/boeing-should-decide-on-new-mid-sized-jet-this-year-to-meet-2025-target-ge-executive-idUSKBN1FP0KT

Boeing HorizonX Invests in Advanced Battery Technology Startup Cuberg

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Boeing HorizonX Invests in Advanced Battery Technology Startup Cuberg // MediaRoom
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-01-29-Boeing-HorizonX-Invests-in-Advanced-Battery-Technology-Startup-Cuberg

High-energy battery could accelerate the electrification of transportation
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Read in my feedly.com

Bell Boeing Team to Modify Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys

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Bell Boeing Team to Modify Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys // MediaRoom
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/01-31-2018-Boeing-Bell-Team-Contract-to-Upgrade-MV22

Will improve readiness and enable a common configuration
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Read in my feedly.com

OPINION: Is the CSeries ruling a seismic shift?

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OPINION: Is the CSeries ruling a seismic shift? // Latest news
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/opinion-is-the-cseries-ruling-a-seismic-shift-445472/

Over the past four months, the competitive landscape in the small-narrowbody jet market has been turned upside down. Bombardier has agreed to give Airbus control of the CSeries programme and open a new final assembly line in Alabama. Boeing is in discussions to construct some kind of combination with Embraer. If both deals reach fruition, the regional-jet sector will never be the same.
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Read in my feedly.com

Turboprop market vs. oil price (ATR figures 2017 update) | The Blog by Javier

https://theblogbyjavier.com/2018/01/30/turboprop-market-vs-oil-price-atr-figures-2017-update/

Commercial wide-body airplanes’ deliveries per year, 1969-2017 | The Blog by Javier

https://theblogbyjavier.com/2018/02/01/commercial-wide-body-airplanes-deliveries-per-year-1969-2017/

Bombardier Belfast operations are about more than C Series wings - Leeham News and Comment

https://leehamnews.com/2018/01/29/bombardiers-belfast-c-series/

IBERIA gets upgraded A350-900 - Leeham News and Comment

https://leehamnews.com/2018/01/31/iberia-get-upgraded-a350-900/

Electric self-piloted Airbus VTOL aircraft completes first full-scale test flight

http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/522082990/0/gizmag~Electric-selfpiloted-Airbus-VTOL-aircraft-completes-first-fullscale-test-flight/

Construction begins on first manned Orion spacecraft

http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/522277700/0/gizmag~Construction-begins-on-first-manned-Orion-spacecraft/

MS-21 wing delivered to TsAGI for endurance testing

http://tsagi.ru/en/pressroom/news/3588/

TsAGI and Ilyushin Aviation Complex hold meeting on the development of transport aviation.

http://tsagi.ru/en/pressroom/news/3589/

Navy Has Released Additional Videos Of The Russian Su-27 Intercepting U.S. EP-3E To Show How Close The Flanker Was To The Spy Plane

https://theaviationist.com/2018/01/31/navy-has-released-additional-videos-of-the-russian-su-27-intercepting-u-s-ep-3e-to-show-how-close-the-flanker-was-to-the-spy-plane/

Canada hosts industry day for CF-18 replacement | UAE revealed to be first Wing Loong II export customer | Lockheed scores THAAD interceptor order

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/canada-hosts-industry-day-for-cf-18-replacement-uae-revealed-to-be-first-wing-loong-ii-export-customer-lockheed-scores-thaad-interceptor-order-039020/

USAF rejects Scorpion for OA-X, names A-29 and AT-6 finalists

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-rejects-scorpion-for-oa-x-names-a-29-and-at-6-445488/

INSIGHT FROM BOMBARDIER: 25 years of the regional jet: four reasons to why the future is small and it's huge

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/insight-from-bombardier-25-years-of-the-regional-je-445499/

Aeroflot To Sign Firm Order With Rostec For 50 MC-21 Aircraft

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=a9e1858d-077b-4018-aced-909522aea281

Airbus selected by ESA for EGNOS V3 programme

PR

• EGNOS V3 will offer improved and secure Civil Aviation Safety of Life services for the next decade over Europe
• Programme will ensure a full continuity of service and will be the first operational SBAS using both GPS and Galileo

Airbus has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) as the prime contractor to develop EGNOS V3, the next generation of the European Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) planned to provide the aviation community with advanced Safety of Life services and new services to Maritime and Land users.

Developed by ESA on behalf of the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA), EGNOS V3 (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) will provide augmented operational Safety of Life services over Europe that improve the accuracy and availability of user positioning services from existing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (Galileo and GPS) and provides crucial integrity messages to EGNOS users with alerts within a few seconds in case of system degradation, consolidating EGNOS’ position as one of the leading edge GNSS Systems in the future.

EGNOS V3 will thus offer improved Safety of Life (SoL) services performances (where people’s lives are potentially at stake) over Europe to Civil Aviation community and new applications for Maritime or Land users, and will improve robustness against increasing security risks, in particular cyber-security risks.

EGNOS V3 will ensure a full continuity of service for the next decade and will be the first operational SBAS implementing the dual frequency and multi constellation world standard, with both GPS and Galileo, replacing EGNOS V2 which has been in operation since 2011.

“This programme is strategic for Airbus to strengthen our position in the Navigation field. The signature of this contract is the result of more than 5 years of intense team work and investment,” said Nicolas Chamussy, Head of Space Systems at Airbus. “With our Consortium, we bring a large pool of resources and experience in Europe covering the successful development of critical and secure ground segment. I am confident that we will make EGNOS V3 a success story.” As Prime contractor, Airbus will be leading a consortium with partners from France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. Airbus will be responsible for the development, integration, deployment and preparation of EGNOS V3 operations, the overall performance of the system and the Central Processing Facility which is the heart of the real time navigation algorithms.

During the 6.5 year contract, around 100 people and 20 subcontractors will work on delivering the EGNOS V3 system. In 2023, the single frequency version will be available to replace the current operational version and, 18 months later, the final version in dual frequency will be delivered.

EGNOS is composed of a large network of about 50 ground stations deployed over Europe, Africa and North America, two master control centres located near Rome and Madrid, and a System Operation Support Centre in Toulouse. EGNOS will also use geostationary satellites navigation payload.

Airbus and Boeing to exhibit latest products, services, innovations in Singapore

Airbus

Airbus to exhibit latest products, services, innovations in Singapore

Airbus will be the largest international exhibitor at the upcoming Singapore Airshow, showcasing a selection of its latest products, services and innovations in the commercial aircraft, defence, space and helicopter markets. The show takes place at the Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore, 6-11 February.

The highlight at the static display will be the new long-range A350-1000 widebody aircraft, which will stop at the show as part of a three-week demonstration tour around the Asia-Pacific region. Set to enter commercial service in the coming weeks, the A350-1000 is the larger version of the A350 XWB Family, which has been especially successful with airlines in Asia.


Also on display will be the game-changing A400M, the new-generation military airlifter which has proven its capabilities by playing a critical role in humanitarian operations around the world. The aircraft at the show is operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force.


Completing the line-up will be two of the company’s most popular helicopters – the H130 and H135. These single and twin engine rotorcraft offer unrivalled efficiency in the light-medium category for a wide range of operations, including public utility, tourism and private or corporate transportation.


At the Airbus stand in the main exhibition hall [stand #J23] scale models of the A350-1000, A400M, AstroBus-XS satellite and H145 helicopter will be on display. The exhibit will also feature a full size mock-up of a section of the new A330neo Airspace cabin, as well as an area dedicated to the company’s growing Services business. This will include information about the Skywise data platform and the Hangar of the Future project to digitalise the MRO business.


Another section of the stand will be devoted to Innovations. On display will be a prototype of the Skyways autonomous parcel delivery drone, which is at an advanced stage of development in collaboration with partners in Singapore. Visitors will also be able to take a virtual reality tour experiencing the world of Airbus today and a glimpse of what the future may hold.
Airbus will also organise several media briefings during the show covering the commercial, helicopter and military aircraft markets, the fast-growing MRO and services business and unmanned aerial systems.


Boeing

• F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Super Hornet, P-8A Poseidon, CH-47 Chinook, AH-64 Apache, and unmanned systems on display
• 737 MAX, 787 and 777X airplane models on exhibit
• New Boeing Global Services exhibit highlights products that drive lifecycle innovation and efficiency

CHICAGO, Jan. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] will showcase a wide range of products and services at this year's Singapore Airshow, Asia's largest aerospace and defense show, which runs Feb. 6-11. The scale of the company's presence at this year's show reflects the strong growth prospects and opportunities across its commercial, defense and services businesses in Asia-Pacific.

"Singapore is a global aviation hub and the headquarters for our Southeast Asia operations, where we have enjoyed 70 years of presence and partnership," said Skip Boyce, president, Boeing Southeast Asia. "As our product line-up and customer requirements continue to evolve, we are confident and committed to delivering enhanced capabilities to our customers while growing our regional presence."

The Asia-Pacific region is Boeing Commercial Airplanes' fastest growing market with a strong demand for both single and twin-aisle airplanes. In addition to models of the 737 MAX and 787 airplanes that have been delivered to numerous customers in the region, the Boeing exhibit will also showcase a model of the new 777X now in development and build.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security will have a robust line-up of Boeing and customer products on static display at the show. The Republic of Singapore Air Force will display the F-15SG multi-role fighter, and the CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters. The U.S. Department of Defense will exhibit the P-8A Poseidon and the F/A-18 Super Hornet, alongside the Integrator unmanned aircraft system from Insitu. The Boeing exhibit will also include the Insitu ScanEagle, and the Wave Glider, an ocean surface robot with seabed-to-space autonomous capabilities from Liquid Robotics.

For the first time at the Singapore Airshow, there will be a Boeing Global Services (BGS) exhibit booth. Launched in 2017, Boeing Global Services is the company's newest business unit and is poised for growth through innovative services and support for regional commercial and defense systems throughout the entire lifecycle. Asia-Pacific is an important growth market for the services business with a strong emphasis on engineering, modifications, upgrades, maintenance, Boeing AnalytX, digital services and training. The Boeing Training and Professional Services campus in Changi, Singapore is Boeing's largest pilot, technician and crew training facility in Asia.

Boeing will hold a series of media briefings during the show, as listed below. Members of the media should check the briefing schedule daily at the show Media Center for the latest updates.  

A350-1000 begins demonstration tour in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific

PR







The A350-1000, the newest member of Airbus’ leading widebody family, has embarked on a three-week demonstration tour to the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region.

The demonstration tour follows the completion of a successful flight test campaign, which lasted less than one year and culminated in joint EASA and FAA type certifications, demonstrating the aircraft’s excellent design, performance and maturity. The A350-1000 tour comes ahead of the first customer delivery to Qatar Airways in the coming weeks.

During the tour, the A350-1000 flight test aircraft (MSN065) will visit 12 destinations to demonstrate the aircraft’s exclusive features to airlines. The itinerary will see it travel over 30,000 nautical miles / 55,500 kilometres, with stops in Doha, Muscat, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Hanoi, Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, Auckland, Tokyo and Manila.

The aircraft will stop for several days in Singapore, where it will be on static display from 6 to 8 February at the Singapore Airshow 2018.

MSN065 is one of three Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft and is equipped with a fully functional cabin (40 business class, 36 economy plus class and 219 comfort economy class seats). The demonstration flights will be operated by Airbus flight test crews.

The A350-1000 is the latest member of the A350 XWB Family, showing high level of commonality with the A350-900 with 95 percent common systems part numbers and the same Type Rating. As well as having a longer fuselage to accommodate 40 more passengers than the A350-900 (in a typical three-class configuration), the A350-1000 also features a modified wing trailing-edge, new six-wheel main landing gears and more powerful Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. Along with the A350-900, the A350-1000 is shaping the future of air travel by offering unprecedented levels of efficiency and unrivalled comfort in its ‘Airspace’ cabin. With its additional capacity, the A350-1000 is perfectly tailored for some of the busiest long-haul routes. To date, 11 customers from five continents have placed orders for a total of 169 A350-1000s.

Follow the A350-1000 tour live on Twitter: @Airbus and #A350XWBTour

Successful first test for the Ariane 6 Vulcain engine

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Successful_first_test_for_the_Ariane_6_Vulcain_engine_999.html

OPINION: X6 delay could be a regret for Airbus Helicopters chief

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/opinion-x6-delay-could-be-a-regret-for-airbus-helic-445219/

Nissan and NASA extend research into autonomous mobility services

https://youtu.be/-Cxw8nrlOMI

In Aviation Week
http://aviationweek.com/future-aerospace/nasa-reveals-urban-mobility-concept-vehicles


In Nissan press release:

Update to research agreement will help Nissan develop the technology for prototype transportation services

LAS VEGAS – At CES 2018, Nissan North America, Inc., the U.S.-based subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., announced an agreement with NASA Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley to collaborate on research and technology development for future autonomous mobility services, including a working demonstration in Silicon Valley. This update to the existing research collaboration between Nissan and NASA builds on previous success to define a new scope of activities into 2019.

Under the terms of the five-year research and development partnership, researchers from the Nissan Research Center in Silicon Valley and NASA Ames have been working together to advance autonomous vehicle systems. In January 2017, at CES in Las Vegas, Nissan introduced Nissan Seamless Autonomous Mobility (SAM), a new platform for managing fleets of autonomous vehicles, developed from NASA technology. This new phase in the joint collaboration will build on that success to further develop the technology and test the use of SAM for managing autonomous transportation services, ahead of public implementations.

"We built SAM from technology NASA developed for managing interplanetary rovers as they move around unpredictable landscapes," said Maarten Sierhuis, director of the Nissan Research Center in Silicon Valley. "Our goal is to deploy SAM to help third-party organizations safely integrate a fleet of autonomous vehicles in unpredictable urban environments, for example ride-hailing services, public transportation or logistics and delivery services. The final stage of our existing research agreement with NASA will bring us closer to that goal and test SAM in a working demonstration on public streets."


"One of NASA's strategic goals is to transfer the technology developed to advance NASA mission and program objectives to broader commercial and social applications," said Eugene Tu, Center Director, NASA Ames. "Using NASA's work in robotics to accelerate the deployment of autonomous mobility services is a perfect example of how the considerable work required to advance space exploration can also pioneer advances here on Earth."

The research collaboration with NASA is part of Nissan's roadmap for the technology and business evolution of the automotive industry, called Nissan Intelligent Mobility. This roadmap consists of three workstreams of inter-related innovations in autonomous drive (Intelligent Drive), electrification (Intelligent Power) and infrastructure technologies (Intelligent Integration). SAM represents a major milestone in Nissan Intelligent Integration, providing the infrastructure to safely and seamlessly integrate autonomous mobility services into existing urban environments.

Airbus says Alabama plans at full throttle after CSeries verdict

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-itc-ruling-airbus/airbus-says-alabama-plans-at-full-throttle-after-cseries-verdict-idUSKBN1FF2X8

Boeing loses trade dispute with Canada's Bombardier

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2018/01/26/boeing-loses-trade-dispute-canadas-bombardier

Bombardier Statement
https://www.bombardier.com/en/media/newsList/details.binc-20180126-bombardier-statement-on-itc-vote-positive.bombardiercom.html

Boeing Statement
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-01-26-Boeing-Statement-on-International-Trade-Commission-Vote 

also:
https://leehamnews.com/2018/01/26/breaking-news-bombardier-wins-usitc-no-harm-boeing-stunning-unanimous-vote/
https://leehamnews.com/2018/01/26/happened-whats-next-boeing-bombardier-trade-case/

Photos of theF-35s deployed to Okinawa, seem to suggest the fighters are operating in “stealth mode”.

Interesting Photos Show U.S. Air Force F-35A Stealth Jets Deployed To Japan About To Launch Without Radar Reflectors

Some recent photos of the Hill AFB F-35s deployed to Kadena Okinawa, seem to suggest the 5th Generation fighters have started operating in “stealth mode”. Stealth aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor or the F-35 Lightning II 5th generation jets are equipped with Luneburg (or Luneberg) lenses: radar reflectors used to make the LO (Low […] continue reading https://theaviationist.com/2018/01/26/interesting-photos-show-u-s-air-force-f-35a-stealth-jets-deployed-to-japan-about-to-launch-without-radar-reflectors/

Is it third time’s a charm for India’s MRTT comp? | Russia to ignore US over Myanmar fighter plea | Saab assured by Brazil over Embraer-Boeing deal

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/is-it-third-times-a-charm-for-indias-mrtt-comp-russia-to-ignore-us-over-myanmar-fighter-plea-saab-assured-by-brazil-over-embraer-boeing-deal-039008/

Belgium To Have A Voice In Future Aircraft Development, If Eurofighter Selected

Industrial Proposals As Part Of The Eurofighter Offer To Belgium Would Create Opportunities To Participate In The Future Development Of The Aircraft http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=34fc2fc7-bf60-4dea-bfd0-66773f74ccd2

NASA’s Long Dead ‘IMAGE’ Satellite is Alive!

https://skyriddles.wordpress.com/2018/01/21/nasas-long-dead-image-satellite-is-alive/
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2018/attempting-to-contact-nasa-s-image

"Faulty" aluminum alloys sport the strength of stainless steel

In new Atlas: https://newatlas.com/aluminum-alloy-stacking-faults/53157/
In Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-01729-4

Video: https://youtu.be/Y3dYq-N4xSY

Press Release:

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Researchers have demonstrated how to create a super-strong aluminum alloy that rivals the strength of stainless steel, an advance with potential industrial applications.

“Most lightweight aluminum alloys are soft and have inherently low mechanical strength, which hinders more widespread industrial application,” said Xinghang Zhang, a professor in Purdue University’s School of Materials Engineering. “However, high-strength, lightweight aluminum alloys with strength comparable to stainless steels would revolutionize the automobile and aerospace industries.”

New research shows how to alter the microstructure of aluminum to impart greater strength and ductility. Findings were detailed in two new research papers. The work was led by a team of researchers that included Purdue postdoctoral research associate Sichuang Xue and doctoral student Qiang Li.

The most recent paper was published online Jan. 22 in the journal Advanced Materials. The earlier paper was published in November in the journal Nature Communications.

The new high-strength aluminum is made possible by introducing “stacking faults,” or distortions in the crystal structure. While these are easy to produce in metals such as copper and silver, they are difficult to introduce in aluminum because of its high “stacking fault energy.”

A metal’s crystal lattice is made up of a repeating sequence of atomic layers. If one layer is missing, there is said to be a stacking fault. Meanwhile, so-called “twin boundaries” consisting of two layers of stacking faults can form. One type of stacking fault, called a 9R phase, is particularly promising, Zhang said.



“It has been shown that twin boundaries are difficult to be introduced into aluminum. The formation of the 9R phase in aluminum is even more difficult because of its high stacking fault energy,” Zhang said. “You want to introduce both nanotwins and 9R phase in nanograined aluminum to increase strength and ductility and improve thermal stability.” (A YouTube video is available at https://youtu.be/Y3dYq-N4xSY)

Now, researchers have learned how to readily achieve this 9R phase and nanotwins in aluminum.

“These results show how to fabricate aluminum alloys that are comparable to, or even stronger than, stainless steels,” he said. “There is a lot of potential commercial impact in this finding.”

Xue is lead author of the Nature Communications paper, which is the first to report a “shock-induced” 9R phase in aluminum. Researchers bombarded ultrathin aluminum films with tiny micro-projectiles of silicon dioxide, yielding 9R phase.

“Here, by using a laser-induced projectile impact testing technique, we discover a deformation-induced 9R phase with tens of nanometers in width,” Xue said.

The microprojectile tests were performed by a research group at Rice University, led by professor Edwin L. Thomas, a co-author of the Nature Communications paper. A laser beam causes the particles to be ejected at a velocity of 600 meters per second. The procedure dramatically accelerates screening tests of various alloys for impact-resistance applications.

“Say I want to screen many materials within a short time,” Zhang said. “This method allows us to do that at far lower cost than otherwise possible.”

Li is lead author of the Advanced Materials paper, which describes how to induce a 9R phase in aluminum not by shock but by introducing iron atoms into aluminum’s crystal structure via a procedure called magnetron sputtering. Iron also can be introduced into aluminum using other techniques, such as casting, and the new finding could potentially be scaled up for industrial applications.

The resulting “nanotwinned” aluminum-iron alloy coatings proved to be one of the strongest aluminum alloys ever created, comparable to high-strength steels.

“Molecular-dynamics simulations, performed by professor Jian Wang’s group at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, showed the 9R phase and nanograins result in high strength and work-hardening ability and revealed the formation mechanisms of the 9R phase in aluminum,” Zhang said. “Understand new deformation mechanisms will help us design new high strength, ductile metallic materials, such as aluminum alloys.”



One potential application might be to design wear- and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy coatings for the electronics and automobile industries.

The research was mainly funded by U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Science and Engineering Division. The researchers have filed a patent application through the Purdue Research Foundation’s Office of Technology Commercialization.

The transmission electron microscopy work for the research was supported by a new FEI Talos 200X microscope facility directed by Haiyan Wang, Purdue’s Basil S. Turner Professor of Engineering; and the “in situ micropillar compression” work in scanning electron microscopes was supported by Purdue’s Life Science Microscopy Facility, led by Christopher J. Gilpin, director of the facility. These advanced microscopy facilities were made possible with support from Purdue’s Office of the Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships.

The team included researchers from Purdue’s School of Materials Engineering, Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University, the Department of Engineering Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites, the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering at China University of Petroleum, California Institute of Technology, Louisiana State University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A complete listing of co-authors is available in the abstracts.


Paper: link

Abstract

Light-weight aluminum (Al) alloys have widespread applications. However, most Al alloys have inherently low mechanical strength. Nanotwins can induce high strength and ductility in metallic materials. Yet, introducing high-density growth twins into Al remains difficult due to its ultrahigh stacking-fault energy. In this study, it is shown that incorporating merely several atomic percent of Fe solutes into Al enables the formation of nanotwinned (nt) columnar grains with high-density 9R phase in Al(Fe) solid solutions. The nt Al–Fe alloy coatings reach a maximum hardness of ≈5.5 GPa, one of the strongest binary Al alloys ever created. In situ uniaxial compressions show that the nt Al–Fe alloys populated with 9R phase have flow stress exceeding 1.5 GPa, comparable to high-strength steels. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that high strength and hardening ability of Al–Fe alloys arise mainly from the high-density 9R phase and nanoscale grain sizes.