Voom, On-demand helicopter booking platform, joins Airbus Helicopters

Airbus' Press Release

On-demand helicopter booking platform to become part of the company’s services offering

Marignane, Voom, the world's premier on-demand helicopter booking platform, is now joining Airbus Helicopters as part of the company’s strategy to provide new urban mobility solutions for commuters. Initially incubated in A^3, Airbus’ Silicon Valley outpost, Voom launched commercial operations in April 2017 in Sao Paulo, flying thousands of passengers over the last ten months, and plans to expand its presence this year.

“Urban transportation on and below ground is reaching its limits, and naturally Airbus is looking to the skies to redefine a third axis for public transportation solutions,” said Matthieu Louvot, Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice-President Customer Support and Services. “Voom will allow us to grow the usage of existing helicopters for the benefit of urban citizens and operators. With Voom we will also explore and develop new business models in order to support our innovation roadmap.”

Voom is building the future of urban air mobility today by making helicopter transportation accessible and affordable to urban commuters. The platform connects travellers with trusted and licensed helicopter operator partners, providing a new escape to urban congestion by taking to the skies. Voom air taxi flights can be booked on their website in as little as 60 minutes in advance.

“We are thrilled to join Airbus Helicopters to build the urban air mobility experience around the world,” said Voom CEO Uma Subramanian. “Our services provide convenient, reliable and affordable air transit to urban areas that so desperately need an alternative to traditional ground transportation. Following our launch in Brazil, we are expanding into additional cities, beginning with Mexico City early this year.”

As part of its bold vision for the future of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) systems, Airbus is exploring a range of breakthrough urban mobility solutions. This includes on-demand helicopter rides for events; the four passenger, self-piloted CityAirbus eVTOL demonstrator; the single passenger, self-piloted Vahana eVTOL aircraft by A^3; the Altiscope project by A^3 helping to shape future regulations and air traffic control requirements to safely integrate eVTOL aircraft in urban skies; autonomous urban parcel delivery by drones through the Skyways project; and finally the Racer high-speed demonstrator, which aims to connect the heart of distant cities.

Airbus is determined to shape the future of urban air mobility to help people travel smarter, work more efficiently, and live better.

For more information on Voom, visit www.voom.flights

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.

Voom's Press Release


Today, Voom, an on-demand helicopter service operating in São Paulo, Brazil, announced that it has joined Airbus Helicopters as part of the company’s strategy to provide new urban mobility solutions for commuters. Voom was initially launched in 2016 as a project of A³, Airbus’ Silicon Valley innovation outpost.

Since launching operations in São Paulo in April 2017, Voom has experienced significant growth in its business,, achieving 200%+ month-over-month growth in journeys and 220%+ monthly growth in riders acquired. Voom’s progress to date provides strong evidence that air travel could provide a viable alternative to ground transportation in the world’s most congested cities. Today, Voom has expanded its operation to eight (8) helipads and more than fifteen (15) routes in São Paulo. We’ve launched new features, including pre-booking, scenic flights and an in-app integration with Cabify.

“We are excited to partner with Airbus Helicopters to build the future of Urban Air Mobility, as we scale Voom. We appreciate all the support that we have received from A³ over the past 18 months in getting the business off the ground,” said Uma Subramanian, CEO of Voom.

“Urban transportation on and below ground is reaching its limits, and naturally Airbus is looking to the skies to redefine a third axis for public transportation solutions,” said Matthieu Louvot, Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice-President Customer Support and Services. “Voom will allow us to grow the usage of existing helicopters for the benefit of urban citizens and operators. With Voom, we will also explore and develop new business models in order to support our innovation roadmap and projects, such as the multi-passenger, self-piloted electric vertical take-off and landing CityAirbus, designed for urban air mobility.”

With Airbus’ additional financial commitment, Voom will expand its operations in São Paulo as well as launch new markets in 2018, beginning with Mexico City, Mexico. 

United 777 loses cowling on approach to Honolulu

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/united-777-loses-cowling-on-approach-to-honolulu-445893/

http://avherald.com/h?article=4b4e8ca7&opt=0

EASA issues EAD regarding A320 Neo and A321 Neo engines, withdraws ETOPS with immediate effect

http://avherald.com/h?article=4b4c4509&opt=0

US seeks to privatize its share in the International Space Station

https://newatlas.com/us-privatize-international-space-station/53369/

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-acting-administrator-statement-on-fiscal-year-2019-budget-proposal

This people-moving drone has completed more than 1,000 test flights

The flying taxi could soon be spotted in Dubai and Las Vegas. Most drones are small, and carry nothing except cameras. But Ehang Corp, a major Chinese drone maker, has been busy testing its Ehang 184 flying taxis, a drone designed to transport people. It's now completed more 1,000 test flights wi...

http://flip.it/PmfJLj

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

China shot down another missile in space

Like a hypersonic bullet hitting another hypersonic bullet. On February 5, China used a long-range missile interceptor, tentatively identified as the DN-3, to destroy a target missile in space. This isn't the first time the nation has managed it; in 2010, China used a midcourse interceptor, likel...

http://flip.it/un6q_d

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

Lockheed Martin Invites Innovators and Entrepreneurs to Join the Next Space Age with 'Open Space' Satellite Innovation Project

PR



Company Releases Satellite Specs; Offers New Opportunities to Aspiring Space Technologists

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has publicly released specifications for its satellite platforms with the goal of offering new opportunities for collaboration to companies aspiring to send innovative technologies to space.

As part of a new satellite innovation initiative called Lockheed Martin Open Space, and building on expertise from the more than 800 satellites Lockheed Martin has produced, the company is publishing technical details about the payload accommodation information for its flagship LM 2100 satellite platform, its LM 400 small satellite, and two variants of its new LM 50 nanosat series.

In an event yesterday in Silicon Valley, Lockheed Martin invited start-ups, researchers and established companies alike to propose technologies that could help solve some of today's most pressing challenges in space. With numerous launches and hosted payload slots on the docket, the company is looking to collaborate with a new generation of companies to find opportunities to put innovations in orbit and beyond.

"Our goal with Lockheed Martin Open Space is twofold: first, to help more companies and innovators do amazing things in space, and second, to create new avenues for collaboration so we can move faster to tackle our customers' most pressing challenges," said Rick Ambrose, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space. "We're not just offering launch slots, we're ready to help new companies integrate their groundbreaking technologies with powerful satellite platforms. We believe there's significant untapped potential out there waiting to be unleashed."

The company is looking for non-proprietary technologies that will help protect, connect and inspire the world. Potential applications include helping first responders address crises faster, studying the environment, creating ultra-high-capacity communications links and adapting low-cost commercial technology to the punishing environments of space.

Interested companies or individuals can download the payload accommodation specifications at www.lockheedmartin.com/openspace and submit their concepts online. The submission page will be open from now through May 11. A team of Lockheed Martin experts will review each submission and follow up to discuss opportunities and provide feedback to submitters.

"We're ready to explore and collaborate on new opportunities, and we're challenging the best and brightest to join us," said Ambrose. "Space isn't just a place to go. It's a place to do. So let's get new innovators plugged in to tomorrow's space opportunities. Let's collaborate on the country's toughest challenges. Let's do great things in space together."

The venerable LM 2100 is the foundation for more than 40 satellites in orbit today, including weather, missile warning and commercial communications satellites. The LM 400 is a reconfigurable bus that can go to LEO and GEO orbits and can be delivered as quickly as 24 months from order. The LM 50 is a small but powerful satellite series that can host a wide array of remote sensing, communications and scientific payloads. For more information about Lockheed Martin's family of satellites visit www.lockheedmartin.com/satellites.

Lockheed Martin Delivers 400th C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft

PR



MARIETTA, Ga., Feb. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) reached a major milestone with the delivery of its 400th C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on Feb. 9. This Super Hercules is an MC-130J Commando II Special Operations aircraft that is assigned to the U.S. Air Force's Special Operations Command (AFSOC).


The C-130J Super Hercules is the current production model of the legendary C-130 Hercules aircraft, with operators in 17 nations. To date, the global fleet of C-130Js has surpassed more than 1.7 million flight hours supporting almost any mission requirement — any time, any place.

"We celebrate this accomplishment with our employees, industry partners and the Super Hercules operator community that spans 17 countries," said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. "These first 400 C-130Js meet a global demand for the proven performance and unmatched versatility found only in a Super Hercules. Its durability, relevancy and capability will continue to set the C-130J apart as the world's choice in tactical airlift for decades to come."

The C-130J is defined by its versatility. To date, the C-130J supports 17 different mission configurations to include transport (military and commercial), firefighting, search and rescue, Special Operations, weather reconnaissance, and aerial refueling.

This aircraft has another distinction in addition to being the 400th C-130J delivered: it is the 13th MC-130J to be converted into an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. It will be assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The AC-130J is a highly modified C-130J that provides close-air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.

The U.S. government operates the largest C-130J Super Hercules fleet in the world. This delivery represents the U.S. government's continued transition to the C-130J as the common platform across Air Mobility Command, AFSOC, Air Combat Command, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Marine Corps. The Air National Guard and Reserve still operate a mixed fleet of C-130J and legacy aircraft.

To learn more about Lockheed Martin's C-130J Super Hercules,
visit www.lockheedmartin.com/c130

1st satellite capable of performing global wind-component-profile observation successfully passes all tests in Liège

PR

• Airbus-built Aeolus successfully passes all tests in Liège (Belgium), and has arrived in Toulouse for final checks
• ESA’s wind sensing spacecraft Aeolus will be the first satellite capable of performing global wind-component-profile observation on a daily basis in near real-time. 

Stevenage, 12/02/2018 - Aeolus, the European Space Agency’s wind sensing satellite, has left Liège in Belgium having successfully completed an extensive thermal and functional performance test campaign under in-orbit conditions. It will now undergo final checks at InteSpace test centre in Toulouse, France, before being shipped to French Guiana in the summer ready for launch on a Vega launcher.

The 1.4-tonne spacecraft, primed by Airbus, features the LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) instrument called Aladin, which uses the Doppler effect to determine the wind speed at varying altitudes.


Aladin fires a powerful ultraviolet laser pulse down through the atmosphere and collects backscattered light, using a large 1.5m diameter telescope, which is then analysed on-board by highly sensitive receivers to determine the Doppler shift of the signal from layers at different heights in the atmosphere.


The data from Aeolus will provide reliable wind-profile data on a global scale and is needed by meteorologists to further improve the accuracy of weather forecasts and by climatologists to better understand the global dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere.
Aeolus will orbit the Earth 15 times a day with data delivery to users within 120 minutes of the oldest measurement in each orbit. The orbit repeat cycle is 7 days (every 111 orbits) and the spacecraft will fly in a 320 km orbit and have a lifetime of three years.

General Atomics to partner with Boeing on MQ-25 Stingray

http://www.janes.com/article/77855/general-atomics-to-partner-with-boeing-on-mq-25-stingray

USAF's Controversial New Plan To Retire B-2 And B-1 Bombers Early Is A Good One

http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/18410/usafs-controversial-new-plan-to-retire-b-2-and-b-1-bombers-early-is-a-good-one

The Jet Engine: A Futuristic Technology Stuck in the Past - The Atlantic

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/02/engine-failure/552959/

Airbus halts some deliveries, tests after engine snag: sources

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-engine/airbus-halts-some-deliveries-tests-after-engine-snag-sources-idUSKBN1FU0CB

Boeing 787 orders, cancellations, deliveries & backlog through 2017

https://theblogbyjavier.com/2018/02/12/boeing-787-orders-cancellations-deliveries-backlog-through-2017/

Munich Public Prosecutor ends Eurofighter Austria investigation

PR

• Resolution of legacy compliance cases continues
• Administrative penalty notice recognises full cooperation with authorities and major efforts by Airbus to foster compliance processes and organisation since 2012

The investigation of Airbus Defence and Space GmbH by the Munich Public Prosecutor (Staatsanwaltschaft München I) related to the sale of Eurofighter aircraft to the Republic of Austria in 2003 has been terminated. The result of the investigation by the Munich Public Prosecutor, which had been ongoing since 2012, did not confirm the allegations of bribery.


In order to conclude the investigation, the Munich Public Prosecutor has issued an administrative penalty notice against Airbus Defence and Space GmbH under the German Act on Administrative Misdemeanours (“Ordnungswidrigkeitengesetz”) amounting to € 81.25 million. The total amount comprises an administrative fine of € 250,000 and a disgorgement of € 81 million. Airbus Defence and Space GmbH has accepted this notice.

The notice is based on the allegation of a negligent breach of supervisory duties of non-identified members of Airbus Defence and Space GmbH’s former management. The notice alleges that certain former management negligently failed to ensure proper internal controls that would have prevented employees from making payments to business partners without proven documented services in exchange.


On the other hand, the notice explicitly recognizes the major efforts undertaken by Airbus and its management since 2012, which have resulted in a new Compliance culture and a serious Compliance programme.
Since the beginning of the investigation, Airbus has fully cooperated with the Munich Public Prosecutor. This included the provision of an independent fact finding report of the law firm Clifford Chance, which Airbus shared with the Munich Public Prosecutor in 2014.

Emirates firms up order for up to 36 additional A380s

PR




Aircraft of choice to continue airline’s successful growth

Emirates and Airbus firmed up an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and signed a contract for the 20 additional A380s with a further 16 options to be confirmed at a later date. The total agreement for 36 aircraft is valued at US$16 bn based on latest list prices. Deliveries are to start as early as 2020.


The agreement was signed at the World Government Summit by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group; and Mikail Houari, Airbus President for Africa and Middle East. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, ruler of the Emirate of Dubai and Edouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France were also present.


HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “This agreement underscores our commitment to the A380 programme, providing stability to the A380 production line and supporting thousands of high-value jobs across the aviation supply chain. For Emirates, the A380 has been a successful aircraft for our customers, our operations, and our brand. We look forward to continue working with Airbus to further enhance the aircraft and onboard product.”

“We thank Emirates, HH Sheikh Ahmed, Tim Clark and Adel Al-Redha for their continued confidence in the A380, which has so successfully transformed air travel in the 21st century,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President Commercial Aircraft and Chief Operating Officer. “This latest agreement further demonstrates the strength of our valued partnership with Emirates in support of their impressive growth.”

The A380 is an essential part of the solution to sustainable air traffic growth, alleviating congestion at busy airports by transporting more passengers with fewer flights. The aircraft is the best way to capture growing world air traffic, which doubles every 15 years. The flagship airliner can accommodate 575 passengers in 4 classes and offers a range of 8,200 nautical miles (15,200 kilometres).

The double-decker has become the passenger’s favourite resulting in higher load factors wherever it flies. The A380 is the world’s roomiest aircraft, offering the widest seats, wide aisles and more floor space. The A380 has the unique capability to generate revenue, stimulate traffic and attract passengers, who can now specifically select the A380 when booking a flight via the innovative iflyA380.com web site and the new IOS app.
To date more than 200 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique comfort of flying on board an A380. Every two minutes an A380 either takes off or lands at some of the 240 airports around the world, ready to welcome this magnificent aircraft. To date, 222 A380s have been delivered to 13 Airlines.

Falcon Heavy is Not Only a Revolution in Space Travel, But Also in Aerospace Media

https://theaviationist.com/2018/02/09/falcon-heavy-is-not-only-a-revolution-in-space-travel-but-also-in-aerospace-media/

[video] Boeing 777X folding wingtips

https://youtu.be/RGsz_toWM5A

 

Subaru Corporation Completes First Boeing 777X Center Wing Section

Press Release




Tokyo, February 9, 2018 – Subaru Corporation today announced that its Aerospace Company completed the production of the Center Wing Section*1 and its integration with the Main Landing Gear Wheel Wells at its Handa Plant (Handa City, Aichi Prefecture) as the first Boeing 777X Center Wing work package.

Subaru manufactures center wing boxes for Boeing 777, large-size twin-engine commercial aircraft, and Boeing 787, mid-size commercial aircraft, as well as center wing boxes for maritime patrol aircraft (P-1) and cargo transport aircraft (C-2) for Japan Ministry of Defense at its Handa Plant. The first delivery of the 777X Center Wing work package, from a manufacturing complex for center wing boxes that has no parallel in the world, marked a significant milestone at Subaru.

To celebrate the milestone, Subaru held a delivery ceremony at Handa Plant on February 9, 2018 with the attendance of honored guests including Boeing representatives Mr. Eric Lindblad, Vice President & General Manager 777X Program, and Mr. Jason Clark, 777/777X Vice President, Operations, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Aichi Prefectural Government, Japan Aircraft Development Corporation and other organizations.

The first delivery of the 777X airplane to an airline customer is scheduled in 2020 according to Boeing.

Subaru has been participating in the 777X program since its initial design development phase, and is newly responsible for side-of-body section, in addition to center wing box, integration of the center wing section with the main landing gear wheel wells, main landing gear doors, and wing-to-body fairings (forward) as with the existing 777.

In addition to the manufacture of completed aircrafts, Subaru has expertise in the development and manufacture of center wing boxes and wings as one of its core businesses. Subaru will continue to strive to further enhance its technologies, and expand its business at Handa Plant as a base of manufacturing complex of center wing boxes, with trust of customers and partnering together with domestic partners.

Draft documents reveal USAF plans for more A-10 upgrades

The US Air Force has released draft acquisition documents showing plans to buy up to 116 new wing sets for the Fairchild Republic A-10 fleet that call for reviving production after March 2019 with a new contractor. https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/draft-documents-reveal-usaf-plans-for-more-a-10-upgr-445784/

London City Airport shut as WW2 bomb found in Thames

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-43027472

Singapore Air Show 2018 - Day 3 and Summary

https://www.aerosociety.com/news/singapore-air-show-2018-day-3-and-summary/

[video] Intel Drone Light Show Breaks Guinness World Records Title at Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018

Press Release

https://youtu.be/eIk6j6dprnA




Intel Takes Entertainment to New Heights with Spectacular Drone Performance during the Opening Ceremony

• 1,218 Intel® Shooting Star™ drones lit up the sky for the PyeongChang 2018 Opening Ceremony, setting a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most drones flown simultaneously.
• Advanced Intel drone technology will enhance the Olympic Games through 2024.

PYEONGCHANG, SOUTH KOREA, Feb. 9, 2018 – 1,218 Intel® Shooting Star™ drones made history for the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 Opening Ceremony with the Winter Olympics’ first-ever drone light show that also set a Guinness World Records* title for the “most unmanned aerial vehicles airborne simultaneously.” The world record flight was prerecorded for the event.

Kicking off the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, viewers from around the globe were treated to a record-breaking light show during the opening ceremony that surpassed Intel’s previous record of 500 drones flown simultaneously in Germany in 2016. Intel designed and developed custom animations for the opening ceremony and nightly victory ceremony performances, which include animations of different sports and various Olympic-related logos including the formation of the iconic Olympic rings.




“The Olympics are a time when the sports and entertainment industries are buzzing with record-setting performances, so it was the perfect stage for Intel Shooting Star drones and our team to set their own kind of record,” said Natalie Cheung, general manager of Intel’s drone light show team.



“It’s been exciting for us to partner with Intel on the Winter Olympics, as they continue to push the limits with their advanced drone light show technologies,” said Sam Prosser, commercial director EMEA APAC Guinness World Records. “From flying 100 drones simultaneously in 2015, to 500 drones in 2016, and now more than 1,000 drones – the sky is the limit with entertaining through Intel drone light shows.”

Following the PyeongChang 2018 Opening Ceremony, Intel ran a 30-second ad spot featuring the power of Intel Shooting Star drones and their unique entertainment possibilities.



As a member of “The Olympic Partner” (TOP) worldwide sponsorship program, Intel is helping to transform the fan experience by creating immersive opportunities for viewers to be a part of the Olympic Games.

The Intel Shooting Star drones are a type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) specifically designed for entertainment purposes, equipped with LED lights that can create countless color combinations and easily be programmed for any animation. The fleet of drones is controlled by one pilot.

“We are honored to have Intel drones playing several roles at the Olympic Games,” said Anil Nanduri, vice president and general manager, Intel Drone Group. “Not unlike the athletes competing in the events, we continue to push to innovate and develop the drone technologies that inspire people all over the world.”

For full details on Intel Shooting Star drones, visit the drone show fact sheet. For more information on Intel’s TOP worldwide sponsorship, visit the company’s Olympic Games news portal, which includes an interactive map of Intel’s activities in PyeongChang. For all other details regarding the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, visit www.olympic.org.

Crash: Saratov A148 at Moscow on Feb 11th 2018, lost height after departure

A Saratov Airlines Antonov AN-148-100, registration RA-61704 performing flight 6W-703 from Moscow Domodedovo to Orsk (Russia) with 65 passengers and 6 crew, was climbing out of Moscow's runway 14R when the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 6000 feet then descended again and disappeared from radar at about 14:28L (11:28Z). The aircraft was subsequently found crashed … continue reading: http://avherald.com/h?article=4b4cb236&opt=0

Don’t panic, but SpaceX launch didn’t go as planned: Tesla heads for asteroid belt, main booster destroyed

The whimsical mock payload of the Falcon Heavy rocket now faces an uncertain future, instead of a billion years orbiting the Sun: Elon Musk’s cherry red Tesla sports car and its dummy test pilot Starman were on a new course hurtling towards the asteroid belt on Wednesday after overshooting their planned trajectory. Continue reading: http://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/2132526/dont-panic-spacex-launch-didnt-go-planned-tesla

Freight first as jetmakers study single-pilot airplanes | Article [AMP] | Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-singapore-airshow-pilotless/freight-first-as-jetmakers-study-single-pilot-airplanes-idUSKBN1FS0SV

Zenith STOL Took Off And Landed In Under 50 Feet and Takes Top Honors In New Zealand Competition

Video: https://youtu.be/RSc__x0rO9k

 Photos from Zenith's press release

A Zenith STOL, expertly piloted by Deane Philip, was the winner of the New Zealand Bush Pilot Championships in Omaka, New Zealand, on Saturday, February 3, 2017, with a take-off distance of just 12.6 meters (41 feet) and a landing roll of 14.7 meters (48 feet). Continue reading in:
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=e8fe9339-ec82-471e-8291-86842e60dbda



or Zenith Press Release: http://www.zenith.aero/profiles/blogs/stol-champion-2018
Deane Philip (above), of Christchurch, New Zealand, has been flying for five years and has logged 570 hours in his Zenith STOL over that time. When asked how he practices for the STOL competitions, Philip explains that "every take off and landing is a focused precision attempt. All of my flying is off-airport and the places we land and take-off from you need to be on point. Even when leaving and arriving at my home field I use the runway threshold line as a target point to continually hone my skills. An average outing will consist of 10 to 20 off field landings instead of just flying from A to B. This is the type of flying where the Zenith STOL truly excels."

Flying in New Zealand is ideal for perfecting off-airport flying skills, whether beach landings (top) or mountain top ridges (bottom). Check out Deane's YouTube video channel for more great STOL flying videos from New Zealand.

Congratulations also to Chris Anderson for taking second place with his Zenith STOL in the national competition.

Deane's STOL CH 701 is powered by a 130-hp Viking engine (Honda conversion). and Chris Anderson's Zenith STOL is powered by a 120-hp Rotax 912ULS "big bore EFI" engine.
First introduced in 1986, the STOL CH 701 aircraft was developed as an “off-airport” short take-off and landing kit aircraft to fulfill the demanding requirements of both sport pilots and first-time builders. With the STOL CH 701, designer Chris Heintz combined the features and advantages of a “real” airplane with the short-field capabilities of an “ultralight” aircraft. With form following function, the aircraft features fixed leading-edge slats for high lift, full-span flaperons (both ailerons and flaps), an all-flying rudder, and durable all-metal construction. Read more about the unique design features of the Zenith STOL aircraft.

While the basic design has remained the same, many significant improvements have been introduced over the years, including a higher useful load, easier and quicker build kits, and more detailed drawings and step-by-step assembly instructions.  The popularity of the original CH 701 has grown over the years as this design has proven itself exceptionally well in the field, and the original design has expanded into the STOL CH 750 and four-seat CH 801 aircraft (all based on the original CH 701 design). Last year, Zenith Aircraft introduced the latest variant, the STOL CH 750 Super Duty, with increased cabin size and higher load carrying capability.

Zenith Aircraft kits have become significantly easier and quicker to build over the years as final hole size match-drilled parts and assemblies have become available, thanks to CNC manufacturing and SolidWorks design software. New kits take just a few hundred hours to assemble, requiring just simple skills and tools to put together.

The sixth annual event, officially called the "Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Championships," is a precision landing STOL Takeoff and Landing competition, held annually at Omaka Airfield, Blenheim, New Zealand. 

Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 Prepares For Entry Into Service

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=2bfd25f9-2f93-4afd-aa9f-e51fab6b4d66
Will First Fly For Qatar Airways Powering The Airbus A350-1000

The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine, the latest and most powerful variant of the Trent XWB is appearing at the Singapore Airshow as it prepares for entry into service with Qatar Airways.

Related:

Rolls-Royce and Thai Airways International sign testbed agreement
http://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/yr-2018/07-02-2018-rr-and-thai-airways-international-sign-testbed-agreement.aspx

Rolls-Royce and Singapore Airlines sign Trent 1000 and Trent 700 contracts
http://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/yr-2018/08-02-2018-rr-and-singapore-airlines-sign-trent-1000-and-trent-700-contracts.aspx  

Shark skin-inspired designs that improve aerodynamic performance

Abstract

There have been significant efforts recently aimed at improving the aerodynamic performance of aerofoils through the modification of their surfaces. Inspired by the drag-reducing properties of the tooth-like denticles that cover the skin of sharks, we describe here experimental and simulation-based investigations into the aerodynamic effects of novel denticle-inspired designs placed along the suction side of an aerofoil. Through parametric modelling to query a wide range of different designs, we discovered a set of denticle-inspired surface structures that achieve simultaneous drag reduction and lift generation on an aerofoil, resulting in lift-to-drag ratio improvements comparable to the best-reported for traditional low-profile vortex generators and even outperforming these existing designs at low angles of attack with improvements of up to 323%. Such behaviour is enabled by two concurrent mechanisms: (i) a separation bubble in the denticle's wake altering the flow pressure distribution of the aerofoil to enhance suction and (ii) streamwise vortices that replenish momentum loss in the boundary layer due to skin friction.


Continue reading in Royal Society Publishing or in Harvard University webpage

Martian and Lunar Colonies To Be Powered By Nuclear Energy

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2018/02/01/martian-and-lunar-colonies-to-be-powered-by-nuclear-energy/

Spanish union to take legal action against Ryanair over contracts

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ryanair-pilots/spanish-union-to-take-legal-action-against-ryanair-over-contracts-idUSKBN1FR1K9

Piper Receives Largest Trainer Order in Company History from Fanmei Aviation Technologies

PR




VERO BEACH, Fla., February 7, 2018 – Piper Aircraft, Inc. has received an order for 152 aircraft from Fanmei Aviation Technologies, Piper Aircraft’s exclusive dealer in China. This is the largest single trainer order received by Piper Aircraft in company history. Fanmei Aviation Technologies is a subsidiary of Sichuan Fanmei Education Group co. Ltd which is a leading provider of aviation education in China.

The historic seven-year purchase agreement includes 100 Archer TX single engine trainers, 50 multiengine Seminoles, one Seneca and one Piper M350. Deliveries begin in March with the first aircraft going to the Fanmei Flight School in Sichuan province.
“We are very excited to have Fanmei Aviation Technologies in our Dealer Network,” said Piper’s Asia Pacific Sales Manager, Jeremy Prost. “Fanmei Education Group has a great vision for the future of General Aviation in China and we believe that this vision and commitment will work in pair with Piper’s 80 years of aircraft manufacturing experience to supply high quality aircraft and support to Chinese customers.”

“The agreement and cooperation with Piper Aircraft is the key element for our general aviation roadmap,” said Don Li, President of Fanmei Aviation Technologies. “Everything else was already in place, including a quality training program with committed staff and outstanding facilities, and now we have added to our fleet, in my opinion, the premier training aircraft in the world with the Piper Archer and Seminole, which will help prepare our students for their continued success after graduation. In addition, as the exclusive Piper dealer in China, we look forward to serving our customers in the fast-growing general aviation market, not only with excellent Piper aircraft, but also with our most dedicated high-quality services.”

“Just as we are making history with receiving this large order, so is Fanmei by establishing a prestigious pilot development program to meet the growing need for exceptionally trained airline flight crews. This is a wonderful opportunity for both organizations as we work collectively to help address the global pilot shortage.” said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott.

About the Archer TX
The Archer TX includes the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics package which incorporates modern processing power that supports faster map rendering and smoother panning throughout the displays. Saving valuable time in the cockpit, the displays initialize within seconds after start-up, providing immediate access to frequencies, flight plan data and more. Also included is the Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) (GRS 77), an Aspen Electronic Standby System (EFD-1000), a solid state 3-axis Magnetometer (GMU 44), Dual IFR Enroute/Approach and WAAS Certified GPS systems and Nav/Comm (16 watt) radios (GIA 63Ws), an Electronic Engine Indication System (EIS), a Mode S Transponder with ADS-B in / out capability (GTX 345), Digital Audio Panel (GMA 1347), Traffic Information Systems (TIS), and Terrain and Obstacle Mapping round out the standard equipment on the TX. The Archer TX comes standard equipped with a 180 hp Lycoming engine, offers 128 ktas / 237 km/h cruise speed. An optional fuel injected Lycoming IO-360-B4A engine is also available.


About the Seminole
The Seminole includes the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics package which incorporates modern processing power that supports faster map rendering and smoother panning throughout the displays. Saving valuable time in the cockpit, the displays initialize within seconds after start-up, providing immediate access to frequencies, flight plan data and more. Also included is the Air Data Computer (GDC 74A), Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) (GRS 77), an Aspen Electronic Standby System (EFD-1000), a solid state 3-axis Magnetometer (GMU 44), Dual IFR Enroute/Approach and WAAS Certified GPS systems and Nav/Comm (16 watt) radios (GIA 63Ws), an Electronic Engine Indication System (EIS), a Mode S Transponder with ADS-B out (GTX 335R), Digital Audio Panel (GMA 1347), Traffic Information Systems (TIS), and Terrain and Obstacle Mapping round out the standard equipment on the TX. The Seminole, equipped with two 180 hp Lycoming engines, has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,800 pounds, a max speed of 162 kts and ceiling of 15,000 feet.


About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600, M500, M350 and Matrix – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance and value. The Twin Class Seneca V and Seminole balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in twin-engine aircraft. The Trainer Class Warrior, Archer TX, Archer DX, Arrow, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.


Related:
Pacific Rim Debut of M600 Begins During Singapore Airshow
http://www.piper.com/pacific-rim-debut-of-m600-begins-during-singapore-airshow/

Sikorsky Qualifies Weapons System for Digital Black Hawk Helicopter

PR



SINGAPORE, Feb. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) company, has completed qualification to military standards of a comprehensive weapons system for S-70M / S-70i™ Black Hawk helicopters. Fully integrated with the aircraft's existing avionics, the system allows either pilot to place munitions quickly from forward firing guns, rocket pods and laser-designated air-to-ground missile launchers onto static or moving targets with high accuracy.


"Sikorsky has vastly simplified the complex task of placing rounds onto a target from standoff distances by calculating the complex ballistics required for effective airborne gunnery," said Bill Gostic, Sikorsky vice president of Global Military Systems & Services. "Once the weapons interfaces and electro-optical infrared sensor are integrated with the Black Hawk helicopter's existing controls and displays, international militaries can add external wings and weapons of choice in less than three hours to perform a range of medium attack missions."

In 2017, Sikorsky concluded a six-year development program of the weapons system, including two years of live fire tests at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Sikorsky's independent Qualification Assurance Board recently verified and validated the weapons system's effectiveness and conformance to operational safety, airworthiness and firing accuracy.

Weapons are carried by two external wings supporting four weapons stations, which can support any combination of fixed forward 50-cal (12.7mm) gun, 7- or 19-shot Hydra 70 rocket pods, or Hellfire™ air-to-ground missiles. Additionally, the qualified configuration features pilot-controlled fixed forward or crew served flex fire 7.62-mm mini-guns mounted to both cabin windows.

Once integrated for weapons delivery, the armed Black Hawk aircraft can be configured to perform a variety of medium attack missions:

• Attack, armed escort, fire suppression: Carry full external weapons load, with ammunition pallets and auxiliary fuel tank inside the cabin
• Troop transport and assault: Seat up to 10 troops and two window gunners with external wings (no ammunition pallets inside the cabin)
• Anti-armor: Carry up to 16 laser guided missiles.

To engage with guns and rockets, the weapons system presents continuously updated targeting symbology to each pilot's helmet mounted display. By following the cues on the display, the pilot can maneuver the aircraft and engage the target. The system also provides target designation for laser-guided HELLFIRE missiles.

Available from Sikorsky, the Black Hawk weapons system can be tailored to customer preferences.

Airbus signs Declaration of Intent with A400M Launch Customer Nations

PR

• Serves as a milestone to help mitigate programme risks going forward
• Agreement defines framework for mutually binding contract amendment in 2018

Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) has signed a Declaration of Intent (DoI) with the A400M Launch Customer Nations (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Luxemburg) defining the framework for achieving a mutually binding contract amendment later in the year.


Airbus, European defence agency OCCAR and the Customer Nations have agreed to work on a number of contractual elements including a revamped delivery plan as well as a roadmap for the development and completion of military capabilities for the A400M.

The DoI, finalised today, represents an important step towards reaching a contractually binding agreement with OCCAR and the Launch Customer Nations in 2018 to mitigate risks and to ensure the future of the programme. OCCAR is managing the A400M programme on behalf of the seven Launch Customer Nations.

This Declaration of Intent provides a new baseline on which to evaluate the A400M contract.

An increase to the Loss Making Contract provision on the programme, which may be material, is under assessment for the Full Year 2017 results which will be disclosed on
15 February 2018. With a clear roadmap in place, the remaining exposure going forward would be more limited.

“This agreement with our customers is an important step to further mitigate risks remaining on the A400M programme. I thank the nations for their support in this complex effort and hope for their continued engagement until we sign a mutually beneficial contract amendment,” said Tom Enders, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus. “On this basis, Airbus remains committed to the A400M and to providing our customers’ air forces with the best-ever military transport aircraft. However, since its inception in 2003, this programme has suffered not only from a number of operational issues but, more importantly, under a flawed contractual set-up and insufficient budget which resulted in significant losses for Airbus as prime contractor. We have a good chance to stop or at least reduce the bleeding now and deliver the capabilities our customers need.”

In February 2017, Airbus called upon the Launch Customer Nations to engage in discussions with respect to readjusting the contractual set-up of the A400M, one of Europe’s most important and largest joint defence collaboration programmes ever.

During a Ministerial conference on 30 March 2017 in Madrid, the Launch Customer Nations expressed their willingness to support such a dialogue and to enter into contract adjustment discussions with Airbus.

Since then, Airbus and OCCAR have set up a number of working groups assessing areas requiring adjustments such as delivery planning as well as the military capabilities development roadmap, the results of which have led to today’s DoI.

In view of the ongoing confidential discussions required to reach binding terms, both parties have agreed to refrain from further comment.


Related: Airbus says ‘new deal on A400M’ with buyers will limit future losses (by removing and delaying capabilities) https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/airbus-says-new-deal-a400m-buyers-will-limit-future-losses/

Lockheed Martin's JASSM®-ER Declared Operational on F-15E Strike Eagle

PR




ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) – Extended Range (ER) achieved full operational capability on the F-15E Strike Eagle, flown by the U.S. and allied nations' air forces.


With completion of integration and the fielding of JASSM-ER's Suite 8 Operational Flight Program, the F-15E Strike Eagle becomes the first Universal Armament Interface (UAI)-compliant platform to field JASSM-ER. UAI-compliant aircraft feature standardized interfaces to support future weapon integration.

"Fielding on the F-15E Strike Eagle expands JASSM-ER's mission flexibility," said Jeffrey Foley, program director of Long-Range Strike Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "With its greater than 500 nautical-mile standoff range and planned block upgrades currently in work, JASSM-ER provides an impressive tactical advantage for U.S. and allied warfighters."

Baseline JASSM was the first missile ever to be integrated onto a UAI platform. The U.S. Air Force Seek Eagle Office led the F-15E Strike Eagle JASSM-ER and JASSM integration.

Armed with a penetrating blast-fragmentation warhead, JASSM-ER and JASSM can be used in all weather conditions. They share the same powerful capabilities and stealth characteristics, though JASSM-ER has more than two-and-a-half times the range of JASSM for greater standoff distance. These highly accurate cruise missiles also employ an infrared seeker and enhanced digital anti-jam GPS to dial into specific points on targets.

Effective against high-value, well-fortified, fixed and relocatable targets, JASSM-ER is also integrated on the B1-B and currently in the process of integration on the F-16C/D and the internal bay and wings of the B-52H. JASSM is integrated on the U.S. Air Force's B-1B, B-2,
B-52, F-16 and F-15E. Internationally, JASSM is carried on the F/A-18A/B, F-18C/D and F-16 Block 52 aircraft. Produced at the company's manufacturing facility in Troy, Alabama, more than 2,150 JASSMs have been delivered.

Singapore 'seriously evaluating' future F-35 jet purchase - Lockheed exec

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-singapore-airshow-lockheed/singapore-seriously-evaluating-future-f-35-jet-purchase-lockheed-exec-idUSKBN1FS10R

The 1st Italian F-35B to remain at Pax River for 3 months to complete the electromagnetic environmental effects certification

https://www.blogbeforeflight.net/2018/02/italian-f-35b-lans-at-nas-pax-river.html

Vulnerable To Cyber Attacks, ADS-B May Expose F-22s To Web Based Tracking GAO Warns

https://theaviationist.com/2018/02/06/vulnerable-to-cyber-attacks-ads-b-may-expose-f-22s-to-web-based-tracking-gao-warns/

Saab offers naval Gripen, tech transfer, to India | BMC to manufacture Altay tank engine | Sikorsky-Rheinmetall team to enter German heavy-lift comp

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/saab-offers-naval-gripen-tech-transfer-to-india-bmc-to-manufacture-altay-tank-engine-sikorsky-rheinmetall-team-to-enter-german-heavy-lift-comp-039111/

[video] Celebrating a decade of Columbus

One space lab, five spacecraft, 10 years of success. Nearly a decade ago, the Columbus laboratory set sail for humanity’s new world of space. Shortly afterwards, the first Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) arrived at the International Space Station as the most reliable and complex spacecraft ever built in Europe. Continue reading: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Columbus/Live_celebrating_10_years_of_European_space_science


Video: https://livestream.com/accounts/362/events/8030424/videos/169894469

Dream Chaser cleared to visit space station in 2020

PR
https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-nasa-dream-chaser-launch-window/

First Launch to International Space Station Slated for Late 2020

SPARKS, Nev. , February 07, 2018 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) received NASA’s Authority to Proceed for the Dream Chaser spacecraft’s first mission, with a launch window for late 2020. The mission will provide cargo resupply to the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services Contract 2 (CRS2).

“SNC has been successfully completing critical design milestones as approved by NASA, and having a timetable for the first launch is another important step achieved for us,” said Fatih Ozmen, owner and CEO of SNC. “The team has worked so hard to get to this point and we can’t wait to fulfill this mission for NASA.”

Key Mission Capabilities:

• Delivers up to 5,500 kg (12,125 lb) of pressurized and unpressurized supplies and scientific research payloads
• Remains attached to the space station for extended periods so crew can transfer cargo and perform science laboratory operations  
• Flying laboratory that allows scientists to send commands, receive data in real-time
• Powered payload science experiments can operate continuously during the mission
• Critical science is conducted from the pressurized cabin (crew-tended or autonomous)
• Unpressurized cargo/experiments are transferred to or from the space station via robotic operations
• Returns up to 2000kg of cargo via pinpoint landing at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) for immediate post-landing handover to customer, maximizing the integrity of data collected on-orbit      

“The Dream Chaser is going to be a tremendous help to the critical science and research happening on the space station,” said Mark Sirangelo, executive vice president of SNC’s Space Systems business area. “Receiving NASA’s Authority to Proceed is a big step for the program. We can’t wait to see the vehicle return to Kennedy Space Center to a runway landing, allowing immediate access to the science payloads being returned from the station.”

About Sierra Nevada Corporation Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is a trusted leader in solving the world’s toughest challenges through advanced engineering technologies in Space Systems, Commercial Solutions, and Defense and National Security. Honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, SNC’s Space Systems business area designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft and satellite solutions, space habitats and environmental systems, propulsion systems, precision space mechanisms and subsystems, and SNC’s celebrated Dream Chaser® spacecraft. With more than 25 years of space heritage working with the U.S. government, commercial customers, and the international market, SNC has participated in more than 450 successful space missions and delivered 4,000+ systems, subsystems and components around the world. For more information, visit www.sncorp.com.

WSU researchers build -300ºF alien ocean to test NASA outer space submarine

PR: https://news.wsu.edu/2018/02/07/wsu-builds-nasa-alien-ocean/




ULLMAN, Wash. – Engineers know how to design submarines on Earth, but building one gets a lot trickier when the temperature drops to -300 Fahrenheit and the ocean is made of methane and ethane.

Washington State University researchers are working with NASA to determine how a submarine might work on Titan, the largest of Saturn’s many moons and the second largest in the solar system. The space agency plans to launch a real submarine into Titan seas in the next 20 years.

The researchers re-created a Titan ocean in a laboratory. They have published a paper on their work in the journal, Fluid Phase Equilibria.





Titan is of particular interest to researchers because it is similar to earth in one important way, it holds liquid. Unlike almost anywhere else in the solar system, the moon’s surface includes oceans, rivers and clouds, and like on earth, it can rain. But, instead of water, the hydrological cycle is based on methane.

Because of the possible lessons it could provide here on Earth, NASA has been studying Saturn and its moons for more than a decade with data collected from the Cassini spacecraft.





The submarine that the agency is designing will have to operate autonomously. It will need to study atmospheric and ocean conditions, move around sea beds, and hover at or below the surface. The engineering is even trickier because, unlike the nearly homogeneous water in earth-based oceans, the concentration of ethane and methane can vary dramatically in the Titan oceans and change the liquid’s density properties.





NASA invitation


Ian Richardson, a former graduate student in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, got the chance to tackle how NASA might build a submarine for the extreme conditions. In WSU’s cryogenic lab, which studies materials at very cold temperatures, Richardson re-created the atmosphere of Titan and tested how a small heated machine might work under such conditions.

Richardson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from WSU, has had a longtime interest in space and space exploration technologies. He was WSU’s first-ever recipient of a NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship, which included an internship at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. It was while working as an intern on a separate problem that a NASA scientist approached him with the problem of designing a submarine for Titan.

“My research just took a right turn, and I went with it,” said Richardson. “It’s a crazy experiment, and I never thought I would have had this opportunity. It’s been a very fun and challenging experimental design problem.”





Simulating Titan seas


The WSU research team built a test chamber that housed the liquid mixture at very cold temperatures to simulate the seas of Titan. They added a two-inch, cylinder-shaped cartridge heater that would approximate the heat that a submarine would create.

One of the biggest challenges for researchers was understanding bubbles in the Titan seas. Add a submarine powered by a heat-producing machine into the very cold Titan liquid, and nitrogen bubbles will form. Too many bubbles would make it hard to maneuver the ship, see, take data and manage ballast systems.

Shooting video at -300 degrees

The next big problem, said Richardson, was getting a video in difficult conditions. Their study was conducted at 60 pounds per square inch of pressure and nearly -300 degrees Fahrenheit. Richardson’s group engineered a solution using an optical device called a borescope and video camera that could withstand the low temperatures and high pressures to visualize what was going on within the test chamber.

“Those aren’t the friendliest conditions,” he said. “You have to come up with creative solutions.”

The researchers succeeded and took video footage of ethane-methane rain and snow. The group also studied the freezing temperatures for methane and ethane lakes and determined that, because of a small amount of nitrogen in the liquid, the lakes freeze at lower temperatures than would be expected: 75 Kelvin, or -324 degrees Fahrenheit, instead of 90.5 Kelvin.

“That’s a big deal,’’ said Richardson. “That means you don’t have to worry about icebergs.”

The researchers are looking to continue the work with NASA to update the Titan Submarine design.

Super wood could replace steel

New process could make wood as strong as titanium alloys but lighter and cheaper
Date:February 7, 2018
Source:University of Maryland
Summary:Engineers have found a way to make wood more than 10 times stronger and tougher than before, creating a natural substance that is stronger than many titanium alloys.
Continue reading:
In Science daily
In Nature  

Singapore Air Show 2018- Day Two

https://www.aerosociety.com/news/singapore-air-show-2018-day-two/

Singapore Air Show 2018 : Airbus envisage une version militaire de l'A320 neo - Air&Cosmos

http://www.air-cosmos.com/singapore-air-show-2018-airbus-envisage-une-version-militaire-de-l-a320-neo-106857

Bombardier Foresees 2,050 new aircraft for Asia-Pacific by 2036

February 6, 2018 Singapore Commercial Aircraft, Press Release


Bombardier Commercial Aircraft’s 2017-2036 Market Forecast, covering the 60- to 150-seat segment, shows that the Asia-Pacific region, which Bombardier defines as Asia without Greater China, is forecasted to undergo impressive growth over the next 20 years.

This region is expected to take delivery of 2,050 aircraft, or 16 per cent of a worldwide market for 12,550 aircraft valued at $820 billion U.S. Asia-Pacific deliveries should consist of 1,050 large regional aircraft (50 to 100 seats) and 1,000 small single-aisle aircraft (100 to 150 seat).

“Asia-Pacific region is the home of the fastest growing economies. Strong GDP growth and a booming middle class should drive passenger traffic numbers to triple in the next 20 years,” said Francois Cognard, Vice President, Sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Bombardier aims to build upon its strong foundation in Asia-Pacific. Due to the demand for more frequencies and more city pairs to increase connectivity between smaller communities, there is a great opportunity to continue to support the expected growth with high-performing regional and small single-aisle aircraft.”

The drive for domestic and regional connectivity means that the fastest traffic growth in the region would be seen from small and medium sized cities with challenging airports. This is creating an increased number of point-to-point routes where the traffic is insufficient to allow economical operation of a larger single aisle aircraft. Thus, the increasing demand for high-performing regional and small single-aisle aircraft.

In the region, over 60% of all routes flown today have demand for less than 150 passengers per day. The forecast says that by 2036, intra-regional traffic will account for 80 per cent of all Asia-Pacific demand, with the majority of passengers taking short haul flights of under 500 nautical miles (925 km).

Bombardier Footprint in Asia-Pacific

Over 40 operators are flying or will soon be flying a total of 330 Bombardier regional and small single-aisle aircraft in the region and 27 of these operators fly more than 260 Q Series turboprops. Bombardier’s Q400 aircraft is the only turboprop that can seat up to 90 passengers. SpiceJet is the launch customer for the 90-seat configuration, having placed an order for up to 50 of this type to support regional connectivity in India. Nok Air and Philippine Airlines also operate the Q400 in a high-density 86-seat configuration.

There are 50 CRJ Series aircraft already flying in Asia-Pacific with 13 operators, such as IBEX Airlines of Japan. Recently, many start-up airlines in Asia-Pacific have selected the CRJ200 as the right aircraft to commence operations with. These include Zoom Air of India, Shree Airlines & Saurya Airlines of Nepal, and Air Pohang of Korea. Globally, 68% of all CRJ200 operators have gone on to operate larger CRJ700/900/1000 aircraft.

Bombardier developed its all new C Series aircraft, to fill an emerging 100- to 150-segment between large regional jets and large single-aisle aircraft. The launch customer for the C Series in Asia was Korean Air, who ordered 10 CS300 with 10 options. Korean Air have taken delivery of two CS300 aircraft to date, and had their first revenue flight from Seoul to Ulsan on January 20, 2018.

Embraer Projects Demand of 3,010 New Deliveries in the Segment Up to 150-seats in Asia Pacific

PR

Singapore, February 7, 2018 – Embraer Commercial Aviation released today, at the Singapore Airshow, its market forecast for the Asia Pacific region. The Company estimates airlines will take delivery of 3,010 new aircraft in the segment up to 150-seats over the next 20 years, representing 29% of the worldwide demand for the segment, in the period. The total demand for the segment is for 10,550 new aircraft over the next 20 years.


Asia Pacific has experienced rapid social and economic development in recent decades. The region’s above-average economic expansion, with a projected annual GDP growth rate of 3.9% for the next 20 years, combined with increasing urbanization and shifting demographic patterns, will result in higher household incomes and increased discretionary spending, including air travel. “The ongoing over-capacity and intense competition in the region has prevented airlines from delivering higher profits. In this regard, the E-Jets E2 can help airlines to open new markets at the lowest possible risk, complement larger fleet types to maximize profit, and achieve sustainable growth with higher profitability,” said César Pereira, Vice-President for Asia-Pacific, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We continue to identify to airlines opportunities in markets that are currently underserved or not served at all. With the E2’s, we can offer great operational flexibility, broaden the network reach to 2nd and 3rd tier cities, adding frequency to build competitive advantage and access to more airports without any limitations,” explains Pereira.


The Chinese start-up airlines will grow from small and mid-sized cities with subsidies to propel the development of the regional aviation. The region needs a shift in focus from competing to creating new market space and seeking out untapped opportunities. One great opportunity in the region for the E-Jets is the aging incumbent fleet, where there are more than 250 jets in the 50 to 150-seat category over 10 years of age, which will become targets for replacement in the near future.

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.
  

About Boeing Global Services
Boeing Global Services, headquartered in the Dallas area, was formed by integrating the services capabilities of the government, space and commercial sectors into a single, customer-focused business. Operating as a third business unit of Boeing, Global Services provides agile, cost-competitive services to commercial and government customers worldwide.

Next Sukhoi Superjet is a 75 seater

https://leehamnews.com/2018/02/07/next-superjet-75-seater/

Unveiling the Boeing 737 MAX 7: The Runt of the Family

https://www.airlinereporter.com/2018/02/unveiling-boeing-737-max-7-runt-family/

China Completes Demonstrator For Narrowbody Engine

Probably no one close to China’s commercial turbofan program ever believed the engine could enter service in 2020. And probably no one who understands the enormous challenges facing Aero Engine Corp. of China (AECC) is surprised that development of the engine, the CJ-1000, is already running about three years behind a schedule… continue reading in: http://aviationweek.com/aviation-week-space-technology/china-completes-demonstrator-narrowbody-engine

Falcon Heavy Flies!

SpaceX reached a significant milestone this afternoon with the successful launch of Falcon Heavy carrying Elon Musk's red Tesla Roadster as its "mass simulator".

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=5d4813ac-3126-461c-a015-76fef307f7e6



SpaceX Discovers Floating Booster After Satellite Launch
Had Anticipated That The Falcon 9 Core Would Break Up On Landing In The Water

Airbus Helicopters and Thai Aviation Industries to support Royal Thai Armed Forces and Police helicopters

PR


New partnership strengthens Airbus Helicopters’ commitment to Thailand’s military and law enforcement helicopter operations.






Singapore, Airbus Helicopters and Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) have signed an agreement to support all Airbus' military and law enforcement helicopters in Thailand, over two years.

Under this agreement, TAI will become the main Airbus Helicopters’ service provider in Thailand for the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police. Airbus Helicopters’ signature HCare suite of aftersales services, spare parts, tools and training will now be easily availed to the locally-based military and law enforcement operators through TAI.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police currently operate a strong fleet of about 40 helicopters, which includes the light single engine H125M, twin engine H145, H145M, UH72, medium twin engine AS365, H155, H175 and heavy tactical H225M. These helicopters are deployed for various missions within the Royal Thai Air Force, Army, Navy, Police and the Survey Department.

Air Chief Marshal Nitat Sirimas from Thai Aviation Industries said, “This new partnership will reinforce our position as a world class aviation service provider here at home, while globalising our operations to provide quality service of international standards. We are looking forward to opening a new chapter with Airbus Helicopters, bringing Thailand’s technical competency in helicopter maintenance to greater heights.”

“We are very happy to collaborate with TAI to bolster our support for the military and law enforcement operators in Thailand. TAI is a dependable partner and is the most suitable focal point between Airbus, the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police,” said Philippe Monteux, Head of Southeast Asia and Pacific of Airbus Helicopters. “Through this new milestone agreement, Airbus’ impressive range of helicopter services will now be available in-country, as we stay committed to developing a strong ecosystem for our customers.”

Spanning material management, helicopter maintenance and upgrades, technical support, training and flight operations, as well as connected services, Airbus Helicopters’ highly flexible HCare range of customer support solutions helps enhance operators’ helicopters availability and optimise their maintenance scheduling.

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About TAI

Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd. (TAI) is a Thai-owned MRO company established in 2013 with a servicing platform on aircraft maintenance and logistics support, focusing on government sector. With five maintenance stations separately located around central parts of Thailand, TAI can support aircraft maintenance of various aircraft sizes ranging from trainer aircraft, to fighter aircraft and transport aircraft. TAI is one of the leading helicopter maintenance centres in Thailand that offers organisational-level to depot-level maintenance services.

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, and is one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Shaping the future of drone delivery. Airbus opens commercial drone services in Asia-Pacific

http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2018/02/shaping-the-future-of-drone-delivery.html


Skyways drone project in the spotlight at the 2018 Singapore Airshow


In partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Airbus is on track to test an automated package delivery system using unmanned drones in the first half of 2018.


Dubbed Skyways, the project signed up SingPost in April 2017 as its logistics partner to trial small parcel delivery via autonomous drones to designated stations on the campus of the National University of Singapore (NUS). Incoming packages are first loaded automatically onto the drone via a robotic arm at designated parcel stations. Drones launch and fly autonomously, delivering the package to delivery stations on the campus, where it is then stored in lockers for campus dwellers to retrieve it.

The drones will fly along aerial corridors to avoid collision while the central ground operations centre continuously monitors flight operations and unmanned air traffic.

There’s nothing toy-like about these drones: they are sophisticated, high-end aeronautical products that draw upon the technical and engineering expertise of both Airbus Helicopters in terms of air vehicles and Airbus Defence and Space in terms of batteries and command centre capabilities, among others.

The systems architecture, first developed and validated in France, was finalized and then designed and built in Singapore. “We will have five or six drones flying in the initial trial phase this year and we expect it to run several months to be able to collect relevant data and insights,” explains design office head at Airbus Helicopters and Skyways project lead Leo Jeoh.

When asked why the project is based in Singapore, Jeoh, a former Singapore Air Force flight test engineer, replies: “While the country already has efficient delivery services, the real reason is that Singapore is a fantastic test bed for new technologies and business models. The combined support of the CAAS and an innovation-friendly government creates an ideal environment to perfect the system and roll it out faster than in other locations.”

Singapore as well as many of Asia’s megacities, such as Jakarta, Bangkok and Manila, suffers from traffic congestion, a growing urban trend with no lull in sight. In the future, an airborne package delivery system could save lives by ditching the roads to airlift medical supplies across town or even help build businesses by making it easier to get products to customers without the need for shops or delivery trucks.

If successful, the Skyways team intends to extend the scope of initial test phase to deliver packages to ships anchored in the Port of Singapore. Later iterations could include delivering higher-value goods or medical supplies to disaster-hit regions, where roads may be impassable.

“Tech development is far from being the only hurdle to overcome to rollout full-fledged drone delivery in cities,” states Jeoh. Drones will eventually need to share airspace with passenger aircraft and rotorcraft, military vehicles and other aircraft, and this will require a sophisticated traffic management system to avoid collisions.

“We see Skyways as an important stepping stone in paving the way for air mobility in urban settings. It’s an awesome opportunity for Airbus to run a first live autonomous and electric urban air mobility exploration. We are essentially opening up Pandora’s box to determine what it will take for unmanned vehicles to fly safely in cities. All regulatory issues must be properly addressed before we will see either drones or larger passenger electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) such as CityAirbus flying above our heads.”

Gaining trust from regulators and end users is paramount in the quest to make urban air mobility a reality. “I am convinced that Airbus will be pivotal in the shift from ground to air transportation in urban spaces,” says Jeoh. “Through our strong relationship with CAAS, the NUS and SingPost, we will be able to run a meaningful trial that allows us to explore and develop regulations, technologies, and operational requirements to safely operate unmanned vehicles in urban environments while gaining valuable insight from campus dwellers on how they feel about the tech flying around.”

http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/02/Airbus-opens-commercial-drone-services-in-Asia-Pacific.html



Launches Airbus Aerial Asia, based in Singapore

• Expands commercial drone business to Asia-Pacific in key sectors Bernard
• Leong appointed Head of Airbus Aerial Asia

Singapore, 7 February 2018 – Airbus has launched the Asia-Pacific operations of its “Airbus Aerial” commercial drone services at the Singapore Airshow 2018. The newly established regional base of Airbus Aerial adds to two existing hubs based in Atlanta, U.S. and Munich, Germany.

“We have chosen Singapore as the headquarters for our Asia-Pacific operations because it is a well-established regional hub with excellent connectivity to key countries such as Australia, India, Japan and China,” said Jana Rosenmann, Head of Unmanned Aerial Systems at Airbus. “It is also a great centre for innovation and potential partnerships, enjoying strong support from the local government for start-ups as well as the development of smart technologies.”

Initially focussing on the development of new imagery services, Airbus Aerial leverages the latest software and aerospace technologies to provide actionable data and analysis of information provided by drones, satellites, high altitude aircraft and other sources. With its imagery services, Airbus Aerial targets a range of applications for industries such as insurance, agriculture, oil and gas and utilities, as well as state and local governments.

During its first year in operation, Airbus Aerial played a critical role in the U.S., helping several major insurance companies assess damage and process claims faster than ever before. These results were achieved by providing before-and-after satellite imagery of affected areas and real-time imagery collected by drones during fly-overs. These images were then blended with proprietary Airbus data analytics to help insurers assess damage and prioritise resources.

These initial services were provided in 2017, following Hurricane Harvey in the Houston, Texas area and Hurricane Irma in southern Florida and, more recently, after the devastating wildfires in California.

The Asia-Pacific base of Airbus Aerial is led by Bernard Leong, who joined Airbus in January 2018. Previously, he was Head of Post Office Network and Digital Services at Singapore Post, with an extensive business and technology management background, including drone delivery and autonomous vehicles within the Asia-Pacific markets.

The first target of the Singapore team will be to explore potential within the Asian regional insurance market and extend Airbus Aerial’s footprint from the U.S. and Europe to the Asia-Pacific region. It will gather information to provide relief and recovery in disaster prone regions with dedicated disaster management support, and also identify local possibilities including agriculture, critical infrastructure monitoring like power lines and railroad, and oil and gas mining where the business model may fit.

Airbus Aerial Asia also aims in the next years to offer cargo drone services with autonomous logistic systems, applying the principle of supporting an open ecosystem while seeking strong partnerships with technology providers and drone operators in the Asian region.
 

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