Iberia programa 250 vuelos adicionales en agosto a sus destinos más turísticos

Nota de prensa




Iberia operará 250 vuelos adicionales en agosto a sus destinos más turísticos

• Se incrementarán los vuelos a Francia, Grecia, Italia, Croacia, Austria, República Checa, Hungría y Marruecos.
• Además, durante toda la temporada de verano se aumentarán los vuelos a París hasta las 54 frecuencias semanales.

Agosto es el mes de vacaciones por antonomasia en España y, para facilitar los viajes a los destinos estrella, Iberia ha cambiado su estrategia habitual y ha programado 250 vuelos adicionales este año a destinos como Florencia, Venecia, Dubrovnik, Atenas, Praga o Budapest, entre otros.



Italia es uno de los países con mayores incrementos en el mes de agosto. Se aumentarán los vuelos a los cuatro destinos habituales de Iberia: Roma, Milán, Venecia y Florencia, y los vuelos a Catania, que se reanudan a partir del 18 de junio, llegarán hasta los 10 semanales en agosto.

Destino	Nº frecuencias semanales	Incremento
Roma	34	17%
Milán	33	18%
Venecia	28	12%
Florencia	12	71%
Catania	10	67%

Croacia será un año más uno de los destinos de moda del verano. Iberia volverá a volar a Dubrovnik, Zagreb y Split, y con el doble de vuelos que el año pasado.

Sin embargo, no habrá que esperar al verano para poder volar directo a Croacia, pues este año se inician los vuelos a Dubrovnik el 8 de abril; el 4 de mayo será el turno de Zagreb y el 1 de junio comenzarán los vuelos a Split.

Destino	Nº frecuencias semanales	Incremento
Dubrovnik	16	60%
Zagreb	13	225%
Split	7	75%

Viena, Praga y Budapest son otros tres destinos que este agosto contarán con más vuelos, 14 más que en 2017.

Destino	Nº frecuencias semanales	Incremento
Viena	19	27%
Praga	18	38%
Budapest	12	71%

 

Atenas también incrementará sus vuelos hasta un 50 por ciento este mes de agosto, llegando hasta las 21 frecuencias a la semana.

Destino	Nº frecuencias semanales	Incremento
Atenas	21	50%

El crecimiento no se queda únicamente en Europa. También se incrementarán los vuelos con Marruecos, en concreto con Marrakech, adonde Iberia volará 9 veces a la semana.

Destino	Nº frecuencias semanales	Incremento
Marrakech	9	13%

Más vuelos también a París

No habrá que esperar a agosto para disfrutar de algunas novedades más; a partir del 25 de marzo, con el inicio de la nueva temporada de verano, se aumentarán los vuelos con París hasta las 54 frecuencias semanales. Iberia Express ofrecerá 14 vuelos a Charles de Gaulle e Iberia 40 al aeropuerto de Orly. Más opciones para viajar a la Ciudad de la Luz y a Disneyland Paris.



Y a partir de junio se adelanta el horario del primer vuelo de la mañana a Zúrich con objeto de ofrecer a los clientes de negocios de una alternativa de salida más temprana, uniéndose así a la tendencia de otros destinos como París, Lisboa y Londres.

Sobre Iberia: Iberia es la primera compañía de España y líder en las rutas entre Europa y Latinoamérica. Junto con su filial Iberia Express y su franquiciada Iberia Regional Air Nostrum, ofrece alrededor de 600 vuelos al día a medio centenar de países de Europa, América, África, Oriente Medio y Asia, con una flota de 135 aviones. En 2017 Iberia ha conseguido su 4ª estrella Skytrax y, en 2016 y 2017, fue la aerolínea más puntual del mundo, según FlightStats. Iberia tiene su hub en el aeropuerto de Madrid, y es miembro de la alianza oneworld, que ofrece más de 14.000 vuelos diarios a cerca de 1.000 aeropuertos en más de 150 países.

Russia Test Fires New Kh-47M2 Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile

https://theaviationist.com/2018/03/12/russia-test-fires-new-kh-47m2-kinzhal-hypersonic-missile/

India grounds 11 A320 neos with faulty Pratt & Whitney engines

Indian aviation regulator on Monday grounded 11 A320 neo aircrafts powered by a certain series of Pratt & Whitney engines following instances of engine failures during flights.Watch video: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/watch-dgca-grounds-11-a320-neos-with-faulty-pratt-whitney-engines/videoshow/63270600.cms


Continue reading: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2018-03-12/india-grounds-11-airbus-a320neos

KAI to enter commercial MRO business

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has signed a memorandum of agreement with several South Korean companies to establish an MRO business in South Gyeongsang province close to its headquarters in Sacheon. Continue reading https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/kai-to-enter-commercial-mro-business-446714/

USAF seeks AAM capability for Reaper | Saudi’s sign memorandum for potential Typhoon re-order | Vote to see if Swiss will roll with new fighter order

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/usaf-seeks-aam-capability-for-reaper-saudis-sign-memorandum-for-potential-typhoon-re-order-vote-to-see-if-swiss-will-roll-with-new-fighter-order-039365/

Bruised KC-390 prototype returns to sky | Lockheed and MBDA Germany form joint venture for MEADS | Will a ban on palm oil foil Malaysian fighter deal?

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/bruised-kc-390-prototype-returns-to-sky-lockheed-and-mbda-germany-form-joint-venture-for-meads-will-a-ban-on-palm-oil-foil-malaysian-fighter-deal-039346/

SpaceX Plans 'Short' Mars Flights As Early As 2019

Elon Musk told an audience at the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, TX that he expects to be flying "short" excursions to Mars by next year ... but hedged his remarks saying that the timeline might be "optimistic". Continue reading http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=87e75e47-0a0a-4cb5-9b24-3d2701e92766

Citation Longitude circles the globe: 31,000 nautical miles in 31 days

Press Release







WICHITA, Kan. (March 12, 2018) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron, Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the Cessna Citation Longitude has successfully circumnavigated the globe, demonstrating its commanding performance and impressive reliability to customers along the way. Throughout its world tour, the Longitude traveled more than 31,000 nautical miles, flew 27 legs and visited 12 countries.

“This far-reaching tour enabled us to fulfill the mounting demand from customers around the world to experience this stunningly capable and impressive aircraft,” said Rob Scholl, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing. “After successfully circling the globe and showcasing its outstanding performance and reliability throughout diverse regions and a wide array of environmental conditions, the Longitude reinforced its ability to suit the needs of operators worldwide.”

The Longitude commenced its world tour on January 27 when the aircraft departed Textron Aviation headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, for its Asia-Pacific debut at the Singapore Airshow. The aircraft then toured throughout the region and demonstrated its outstanding long-range performance with the 3,504-nautical mile flight from Seletar, Singapore to Sydney, Australia. Before returning to the United States, the Longitude flew throughout Europe, making stops for customers in Sweden, France, Italy, Switzerland and the U.K.

On its return flight to the United States, the Citation Longitude flew a crew of two pilots and two passengers on the 3,094-nautical-mile trip from Farnborough, U.K. (EGLF) to White Plains, New York (HPN), for a flight time of 6 hours 50 minutes and a crossing speed of Mach 0.82.

“We are extremely happy with the affirming feedback we have consistently received throughout the Longitude’s worldwide tour,” Scholl said. “With production in full swing and type certification and entry into service approaching, we look forward to introducing this superior aircraft to the market.”

About the Citation Longitude

With a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers) and full fuel payload of 1,600 pounds (726 kilograms), the Citation Longitude is designed to elevate passenger expectations in the super-midsize class by delivering the quietest cabin, a low cabin altitude (5,950 feet/1,814 meters), more standard features and a comfortable, bespoke interior. With seating for up to 12 passengers, including an optional crew jump seat, the Longitude features a stand-up, 6-foot tall flat-floor cabin. A standard double-club configuration delivers the most legroom in the super-midsize class. Fully berthable seats are designed and manufactured in-house and a class-leading walk-in baggage compartment is accessible throughout the entire flight. State-of-the-art cabin technology enables passengers to manage their environment and entertainment from any mobile device, while high-speed internet maximizes in-flight productivity.

The clean-sheet design of the Longitude integrates the latest technology throughout the aircraft, bringing customers the lowest ownership cost in its class. It features the next evolution of the Garmin G5000 flight deck and is powered by FADEC-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines with fully integrated autothrottles with envelope protection. With Garmin’s new Head-up Display (GHD 2100) and enhanced vision capability, the Longitude facilitates eyes-up flying. The spacious cockpit incorporates easier access and an ergonomic design that fully focuses on crew comfort and efficiency.

No super-midsize business jet offers more range, greater payload or higher cruise speed at a lower expected total ownership cost. The Longitude is designed to feature the longest maintenance intervals in its class – 800 hours or 18 months – expected to make it the most cost effective to operate in its category.



###



About Textron Aviation Inc.

Textron Aviation Inc. is the leading general aviation authority and home to the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands, which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying. For more than 90 years, the Textron Aviation brands have represented unrivaled innovation, performance and leadership in the industry, offering an unmatched value proposition rooted in the total ownership experience. Leveraging unparalleled speed-to-market, Textron Aviation provides the most versatile and comprehensive business and general aviation product portfolio in the world through five principal lines of business: business jets, general aviation and special mission turboprop aircraft, high performance piston aircraft, military trainer and defense aircraft and a complete global customer service organization. Textron Aviation has delivered more than 250,000 aircraft in over 143 countries. Its broad range of products include such best-selling aircraft as Citation business jets, King Air and Caravan turboprops and T-6 military trainer aircraft, all of which are backed by the industry’s most capable global service network. For more information, visit www.txtav.com.

Boeing, Turkish Airlines Finalize Deal for Up to 30 787 Dreamliners; Hawaiian Airlines for 10

Boeing's press releases below:

Boeing, Turkish Airlines Finalize Deal for Up to 30 787 Dreamliners

• Turkey's flag carrier chooses the 787-9 to expand fleet, improve passenger experience
• Firm order puts Dreamliner program above 1,300 orders

SEATTLE, March 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Turkish Airlines announced they have finalized a firm order for 25 787-9 Dreamliners with options for five more airplanes. The firm order will allow Turkey's flag carrier to further meet the growing demand at its home airport, Istanbul's third airport, and improve the flying experience for passengers.




With this firm order – first announced as a commitment last September – Turkish Airlines becomes the 71st customer to buy the 787. Together, these customers have now ordered more than 1,300 Dreamliners, the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history.

"We are pleased to finalize a landmark agreement that will bring significant benefit to Turkish Airlines and Turkey's aviation industry," said M. İlker Aycı, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee. "This firm order adds the 787 Dreamliner, one of the world's most state-of-the-art airplanes, to our ever-expanding fleet in 2023, our Republic's 100th year. The 787 will significantly raise our passengers' satisfaction and play an important role in our plans for our new hub, the new Istanbul airport. This will accelerate the steady rise of our country's flag carrier and support the growth of Turkish Civil Aviation."

Turkish Airlines has continued to expand its fleet of Boeing airplanes. Recently, the airline grew its stable of 777 jets with a purchase of three more 777 Freighters. The airline also uses electronic charts and some other services from Boeing Global Services to further optimize its operations and operational systems.

"We are proud to extend our decades-long partnership with Turkish Airlines and we welcome them to the growing group of elite airlines who have made the 787 Dreamliner the most preferred mid-sized twin-aisle airplane today," said Kevin McAllister, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are confident that Turkish Airlines will enjoy the Dreamliner's unmatched fuel efficiency, range, and superior cabin features."






Boeing, Hawaiian Airlines Announce Purchase of 10 787 Dreamliners

• Hawaiian switches to market-leading Dreamliner for its large airplane of the future
• 787's superior performance gives Hawaiian flexibility to increase capacity and expand service

SEATTLE, March 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Hawaiian Airlines announced today that the carrier has selected the market-leading 787 Dreamliner as its flagship airplane for medium to long-haul flights. As part of the selection, Hawaiian intends to purchase 10 787-9 jets valued at $2.82 billion at list prices. Hawaiian also has purchase rights for 10 additional 787s.




The Honolulu-based airline, which has steadily grown its award-winning service connecting the Hawaiian Islands with Asia and North America, had been conducting an extensive evaluation of its airplane requirements. In selecting the 787, Hawaiian will be able to take advantage of the Dreamliner family's superior fuel efficiency, range and passenger-pleasing features to enhance its operations and open new routes profitably. Boeing's competitive advantage was also enhanced by Boeing Global Services. Hawaiian will use a number of new aircraft transition support services from BGS, including Training and Initial Provisioning to ensure a successful and on-time entry into service.

The 787-9 can carry about 290 passengers on flights of about 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km), while using 20 percent less fuel and emitting 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

"The Dreamliner's operational efficiency and superior guest experience make it the best aircraft for modernizing our fleet in 2021 and beyond," said Peter Ingram, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines. "Its expanded seat capacity and extended range will allows us to expand within our current route network and offer new destinations in the Asia-Pacific region."

Boeing and Hawaiian Airlines will work toward finalizing this new airplane order and it will be reflected in the monthly update of Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

"Hawaiian Airlines has been on an impressive growth trajectory as they strategically expanded service to and from Asia and North America. We are thrilled they have chosen the 787 Dreamliner to power the next stage of their expansion," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Kevin McAllister. "The Dreamliner's advanced technology, unmatched fuel efficiency, and passenger-pleasing cabin will optimize Hawaiian's fleet for the future and provide their customers with a best in-class experience."

The 787 is the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history. Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family is flying more than 1,500 routes and has made possible more than 170 new nonstop routes around the world.

Airbus and human spaceflight: from ATV to Orion

PR




On 9 March 2008 the first of five spacecraft was launched

With 10 successful years as prime contractor for ESA, Airbus heads for new horizons

Toulouse / Bremen, 09/03/2018 – Ten years as prime contractor for ESA – it’s just the beginning for Airbus in human spaceflight: The successful mission of the first Airbus-built ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) “Jules Verne”, launched on 9 March 2008, has become a key element of pioneering technologies for human spaceflight that includes Spacelab, the ATVs and the Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS).


Together they pave the way to the Orion European Service Module (ESM), Europe´s latest contribution to human spaceflight developed by Airbus, again as prime contractor.

NASA's Orion spaceship is designed to take humans to the Moon and beyond, with the possibility of even reaching an asteroid and maybe Mars in the 2030s. The ESM integral to the crew module is designed to supply power, propulsion, thermal control, water and air for future human deep-space missions.

Ten days after launch, the first ATV, the sophisticated space freighter executed a perfect manoeuvre to dock automatically with the ISS. The ATV then not only delivered vital supplies to the ISS but also successfully carried out its orbit-raising mission and became an integral part of the ISS. After six months docked to the ISS, the first ATV “Jules Verne” detached on 5 September 2008 and began its last journey in Space, which ended with a controlled burn up on re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere on 29 September 2008. Four more ATVs (2011-2014) were sent to the ISS. Airbus was prime contractor to the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop and build all the ATVs and prepare their missions to the ISS.

In total the ATVs shipped more than 31.5 tonnes of supplies to the ISS until 2015. They boosted the Space Station to raise its orbit numerous times and helped manoeuvre it out of the way of space debris. The ATVs demonstrated the ability to dock automatically with the ISS, which is vital technology for future space exploration missions. Airbus achieved this as part of a European partnership and thanks to the ATVs’ outstanding performance, the company became a full partner of NASA for major space programmes.


“Spacelab, Columbus and the ATVs have fully proved our capabilities to develop a highly reliable system that will play an integral part in the success of NASA’s future exploration missions: namely the European Service Module of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle,” said Nicolas Chamussy, Head of Space Systems at Airbus.


The ESM is cylindrical in shape and about four meters in diameter and height. It has four-wing solar arrays (19 meters across when unfurled) like the ATVs. The solar arrays are based on Airbus’ flight proven technology which are also installed on their highly reliable geostationary telecommunication satellites which operate for a minimum of 15 years in Space.


The ESM’s 8.6 tonnes of propellant will power one main engine and 32 smaller thrusters used to perform orbiting manoeuvres and attitude control. Once again, ESA will rely on the experience gained with the ATVs, which successfully used their thrusters to allow the ISS to evade space debris.


“The requirements for a mission to the Moon are of course very different to those for travel to the ISS in low Earth orbit. But the clever design of the ATV has allowed us to evolve the concept for new missions, for example by integrating one large main engine providing enough power to fly to the Moon and back,” said Nicolas Chamussy.
In 2019 / 2020, the Orion capsule will perform an uncrewed mission known as Exploration Mission-1, with the aim of travelling 64,000 kilometers beyond the Moon to demonstrate the spacecraft's performance. The first human spaceflight mission, Exploration Mission-2, is expected to launch four astronauts on board Orion in 2023.

Airbus: Indian demand for new aircraft forecasted at 1,750 over 20 years

press release

• 20-year growth almost twice as fast as the world average
• Largest footprint in India of any international aircraft manufacturer
  
• Every Airbus commercial aircraft is partly ‘Made in India’ 

India will require 1,750 new passenger and cargo aircraft over the next 20 years to meet an exponential rise in both passenger and freight traffic, according to Airbus’ latest India Market Forecast. To help meet this growth, India will need 1,320 new single-aisle aircraft and 430 widebody aircraft valued at US$255 billion.

While much of the air traffic growth is expected to be driven by the fast expanding economy, rising wealth and urbanisation, ambitious government-backed regional connectivity programmes are also set to enhance demand for air travel. By 2036, Indians will each make four times as many flights as today. As a result, traffic serving the Indian market is forecast to grow 8.1 percent per year over the next 20 years, almost twice as fast as the world average of 4.4 percent.

Domestic Indian traffic is expected to grow five-and-half times over the next 20 years (2017-2036) reaching the same level as U.S. domestic traffic today, making it one of the world’s fastest growing markets, according to Airbus’ latest India Market Forecast for the period.

"Make in India is at the heart of our strategy. Airbus has the largest footprint in India of any international aircraft manufacturer, nationwide across all aircraft programmes. Our sourcing volume has grown 16 times over the past 10 years and it is currently at more than US$550 million annually,” said Srinivasan Dwarakanath, President – Airbus Commercial Aircraft in India.

India is set to become the world’s third-largest aviation market by 2019/2020 and Airbus is well positioned to partner its growth with backlog orders of over 530 aircraft to date.

The complete Airbus product line comprises the best-selling A320 Family in the single aisle market, the popular A330 and A330neo, the A350 XWB in the mid-size widebody category and the flagship A380 in the very large aircraft segment. In the freight market, Airbus currently offers the new-build A330-200F and the Passenger-to-Freighter (A330P2F) programme.


India highlights:•       More than 70% backlog order share; more than 60% of in-service fleet
•       8.1% annual growth in passenger traffic (global average 4.4%)
•       India is set to become the world’s third largest aviation market by 2019/20
•       New aircraft needs: 1,320+ single aisle, nearly 430 widebodies / US$255 billion
•       Indian passenger traffic expected to grow by five-and-half times
•       By 2036, Indian passengers will on average make four times as many flights as today
•       On average, one Airbus aircraft will be delivered to India every week for the next 10 years
•       Airbus secures 6,000 jobs including 1,500 engineers in India
•       Annual sourcing from India at more than US$550 million

Voom’s helicopter commuting service launches in Mexico City

PR







On 8 March 2018, Voom launched its on-demand helicopter booking platform in Mexico City. The Mexican capital is now the world’s second city after São Paulo, Brazil, to offer helicopter commuting services.

Voom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters that was launched in 2016 as an on-demand helicopter booking platform allowing passengers to request a seat on a helicopter within minutes. By providing a more efficient transportation option to daily commuters, it aims to address challenges associated with rush-hour traffic by offering an alternative form of transportation in some of the world’s most congested cities.

Voom provides travelers both convenience and reliability in the most affordable and accessible way available today. Riders can book and take off in as little as 60 minutes or plan their trip up to seven days in advance, and only need to arrive at the helipad 15 minutes before boarding time. Offering several boardings per hour, the service’s convenience pairs with a significant savings in commute times.

With a population of 23.9 million people and well-known traffic congestion, Mexico City was a natural choice for Voom’s second launch. Furthermore, Mexico City has substantial helicopter infrastructure already in place, with more than 200 helipads in its metro area. Mexico also has a dedicated air traffic control for helicopters, allowing for more efficient air transportation.

For its Mexico City customers, Voom will be available at several locations, including Montes Urales and Interlomas, plus Mexico City International Airport and Toluca International Airport. The company anticipates its Montes Urales – Mexico City International Airport route to become one of its most popular due to its promise of a ten-minute ride to the airport in lieu of the typical two-hour trip during rush hour. For more information, visit www.voom.flights or follow the company on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Airbus Helicopters Awarded $273 Million Contract for 35 UH-72A Lakotas for the U.S. Army

PR



GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, Airbus Helicopters, Inc. received a contract valued at approximately $273 million to deliver 35 additional UH-72A Lakotas for the United States Army.

The $273 million contract includes the UH-72A production aircraft, associated technical and flight operator manuals and program management. This procurement is broken into two configurations: 17 UH-72A Lakotas for the Initial Entry Rotary Wing mission at Ft. Rucker and 18 UH-72A Lakotas for the Observer/Controller mission at the Army’s Combat Training Centers.

“We are proud that the U.S. Army has continued to rely on us to provide this versatile capability for its aviation fleet. We have an unbroken record of on-cost and high-quality program excellence and support for this aircraft,” said Chris Emerson, President and CEO of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. and Head of North American Region.

Airbus builds the Lakota at its Columbus, Mississippi facility. Since the program inception in 2005, Airbus has delivered more than 412 Lakotas. The UH-72A is a twin-engine light utility helicopter used for a wide range of military operations including border patrol, MEDEVAC, troop and VIP transport, light cargo, Homeland Security.

Available in multiple configurations with the lowest cost to buy, own and operate of any U.S. military helicopter in production, the UH-72A is a key component of the Army’s Aviation Restructuring Initiative (ARI) and the primary rotary-wing trainer for the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Ala.

Lakotas have been employed extensively over the last few months, responding to wildfires in California, and Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.

A number of states across the country are partnering with local authorities using the Lakota to assist in the execution of domestic missions, highlighting the unique versatility of this aircraft and its ability to perform in joint governmental and non-governmental agency operations.

Lycée Airbus : les inscriptions aux tests d’admission pour la rentrée 2018 sont ouvertes jusqu’au 8 avril

PR







Les métiers de l’aéronautique accessibles à tous et à toutes.

les inscriptions aux tests d’admission pour la rentrée 2018 sont ouvertes jusqu’au 8 avril, inscrivez-vous en ligne.

Le Lycée Airbus propose 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 s’inscrire aux tests d’admission sur le site suivant : 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 au 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.

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/

MIT study shows electrically charging planes would reduce their risk of being struck by lightning.

Authors: Carmen Guerra-Garcia*, Ngoc Cuong Nguyen†, Jaime Peraire‡ and Manuel Martinez-Sanchez§ Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

Abstract:
We propose a charge control strategy to reduce the risk of an aircraft-triggered lightning strike that exploits the asymmetry between the positive and negative ends of the bidirectional leader development, which is the first phase of an aircraft-initiated lightning event. Because positive leaders are initiated and can propagate in lower fields than negative leaders, in general, a positive leader would occur first. During propagation of the positive leader, initiation of the negative leader is favored through the removal of positive charge from the aircraft. Based on this well-accepted bidirectional leader theory, we propose hindering the initiation of the positive leader by charging the aircraft to a negative level, selected to ensure that a negative leader will not form. Although not observed so far, a negative leader could be initiated first if the field enhancement at the negative end were much greater than at the positive end. In this situation, the biasing of the aircraft should be to positive levels. More generally, we propose that the optimum level of aircraft charging is that which makes both leaders equally unlikely. We present a theoretical study of the effectiveness of the strategy for an ellipsoidal fuselage as well as the geometry of a Falcon aircraft. The practical implementation, including the necessary sensors and actuators, is also discussed.


Read More: https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/1.J056406

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MIT Press Release

Aviation experts estimate that every commercial airplane in the world is struck by lightning at least once per year. Around 90 percent of these strikes are likely triggered by the aircraft itself: In thunderstorm environments, a plane’s electrically conductive exterior can act as a lightning rod, sparking a strike that could potentially damage the plane’s outer structures and compromise its onboard electronics.

To avoid lightning strikes, flights are typically rerouted around stormy regions of the sky. Now, MIT engineers are proposing a new way to reduce a plane’s lightning risk, with an onboard system that would protect a plane by electrically charging it. The proposal may seem counterintuitive, but the team found that if a plane were charged to just the right level, its likelihood of being struck by lighting would be significantly reduced.

The idea stems from the fact that, when a plane flies through an ambient electric field, its external electrical state, normally in balance, shifts. As an external electric field polarizes the aircraft, one end of the plane becomes more positively charged, while the other end swings towards a more negative charge. As the plane becomes increasingly polarized, it can set off a highly conductive flow of plasma, called a positive leader — the preceding stage to a lightning strike.

In such a precarious scenario, the researchers propose temporarily charging a plane to a negative level to dampen the more highly charged positive end, thus preventing that end from reaching a critical level and initiating a lightning strike.

The researchers have shown through modeling that such a method would work, at least conceptually. They report their results in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Journal.

The team, which includes Emeritus Professor Manuel Martinez-Sanchez and Assistant Professor Carmen Guerra-Garcia, envisions outfitting a plane with an automated control system consisting of sensors and actuators fitted with small power supplies. The sensors would monitor the surrounding electric field for signs of possible leader formation, in response to which the actuators would emit a current to charge the aircraft in the appropriate direction. The researchers say such charging would require power levels lower than that for a standard lightbulb.

“We’re trying to make the aircraft as invisible to lightning as possible,” says co-author Jaime Peraire, head of MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the H.N. Slater Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics. “Aside from this technological solution, we are working on modeling the physics behind the process. This is a field where there was little understanding, and this is really an attempt at creating some understanding of aircraft-triggered lightning strikes, from the ground up.”

The paper’s other co-author is Ngoc Cuong Nguyen, a research scientist in the aeronautics and astronautics department.

Lightning flourishing


To be clear, lightning itself poses very little danger to passengers inside an aircraft, as a plane’s cabin is well-insulated against any external electrical activity. In most cases, passengers may only see a bright flash or hear a loud bang. Nevertheless, an aircraft that has been hit by lightning often requires follow-up inspections and safety checks that may delay its next flight. If there is physical damage to the plane, it may be taken out of service — something the airlines would rather avoid.

What’s more, newer aircraft made partly from nonmetallic composite structures such as carbon fiber may be more vulnerable to lightning-related damage, compared with their older, all-metal counterparts. That’s because charge may accumulate on poorly conducting panels and create potential diffences from panel to panel, which may cause certain regions of a panel to spark. A standard protective measure is to cover the outside of the aircraft with a light metallic mesh.

“Modern aircraft are about 50 percent composites, which changes the picture very significantly,” Guerra-Garcia says. “Lightning-related damage is very different, and repairs are much more costly for composite versus metallic aircraft. This is why research on lightning strikes is flourishing now.”

Following the leader


Guerra-Garcia and her colleagues looked at whether electrically charging an airplane would bring down its risk of lightning strikes — an idea that was initially suggested to them by collaborators at Boeing, the research sponsor.

“They are very eager to reduce the incidence of these things, partly because there are large cost expenses related to lightning protection,” Martinez-Sanchez says.

To see whether the charging idea held up, the MIT team first developed a simple model of an aircraft-triggered lightning strike. As a plane flies through a thunderstorm or other electrically charged environment, the outside of the plane begins to be polarized, forming “leaders,” or channels of highly conductive plasma, flowing from opposite ends of the plane and eventually out toward oppositely charged regions of the atmosphere.

“Imagine two channels of plasma propagating very quickly, and when they reach the cloud and the ground, they form a circuit, and current flows through,” Guerra-Garcia says.

“These leaders carry current, but not very much,” Martinez-Sanchez adds. “But in the worst cases, once they establish a circuit, you can get 100,000 amps, and that is when damage happens.”

The researchers developed a mathematical model to describe the electric field conditions under which leaders would develop, and how they would evolve to trigger a lightning strike. They applied this model to a representative aircraft geometry and looked to see whether changing the aircraft’s potential (charging it negatively) would prevent the leaders from forming and triggering a lightning strike.

Their results show that, averaging over field directions and intensities, the charged scenario required a 50 percent higher ambient electric field to initiate a leader, compared with an uncharged scenario. In other words, by charging a plane to an optimal level, its risk of being struck by lightning would be significantly reduced.

“Numerically, one can see that if you could implement this charge strategy, you would have a significant reduction in the incidents of lightning strikes,” Martinez-Sanchez says. “There’s a big if: Can you implement it? And that’s where we’re working now.”

Graduate student Theodore Mouratidis is performing preliminary experiments in MIT’s Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel, testing the feasibility of charging on a simple, metallic sphere. The researchers also hope to carry out experiments in more realistic environments, for instance by flying drones through a thunderstorm.

To make the charging system practical, Martinez-Sanchez says researchers will have to work to speed up its response time. Based on their modeling, he and his colleagues have found that such a system could charge and protect a plane within fractions of a second, but this will not be enough to protect against some forms of triggered lightning.

“The scenario we can take care of is flying into an area where there are storm clouds, and the storm clouds produce an intensification of the electric field in the atmosphere,” Martinez-Sanchez says. “That can be sensed and measured on board, and we can claim that for such relatively slow-developing events, you can charge a plane and adapt in real time. That is quite feasible.”

This research was sponsored by the Boeing Company.

 

Russian plane crash in Syria 'kills 32'

Russian military plane crashes in Syria killing 26 passengers and six crew members, defence ministry says This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

http://flip.it/YVR-m4

After Peak Hype, Self-Driving Cars Enter the Trough of Disillusionment

Oh, the untainted optimism of 2014. In the spring of that year, the good Swedes at Volvo introduced Drive Me, a program to get regular Josefs, Frejas, Joeys, and Fayes into autonomous vehicles. By 2017, Volvo executives promised, the company would distribute 100 self-driving SUVs to families in …

http://flip.it/nUl7Zb

The world's largest aircraft is lumbering toward its first flight

Recent taxi tests ramp up the speed of the world's largest aircraft. This short story was originally published on Flying Magazine. It has been edited slightly to add more information. California-based Stratolaunch Systems Corp has released a video showing good progress in the extensive taxi testi...

http://flip.it/kGy6B9

Venus may once have been habitable. Now it can tell us if other worlds might be as well.

It's time to return to our hellish neighbor. In his 1954 novel Lucky Starr and the Oceans of Venus, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov imagined seas filled with life and underwater cities on our neighboring planet. It wasn't long, however, before we discovered what really lurks beneath Venus's t...

http://flip.it/6QVEOr

​More A380s of interest to IAG but prices 'ridiculous': chief

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​More A380s of interest to IAG but prices 'ridiculous': chief // Aircraft news
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/more-a380s-of-interest-to-iag-but-prices-ridiculou-446484/

IAG chief executive Willie Walsh is interested in purchasing more Airbus A380s but "wouldn't waste 10 second on it" based on prices he has seen.
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Retirement wave coming that will boost A330neo sales, says Airbus - Leeham News and Comment

https://leehamnews.com/2018/03/06/retirement-wave-coming-will-boost-a330neo-sales-says-airbus/

Could F-16s In Battle Talk Via Commercial Space Internet?

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Could F-16s In Battle Talk Via Commercial Space Internet? // AviationWeek.com Commercial Aviation Channel
http://aviationweek.com/aviation-week-space-technology/could-f-16s-battle-talk-commercial-space-internet

The U.S. Air Force wants to lease commercial bandwidth to build an agile, resilient communications network for the modern battlefield.

read more


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F-35 Finally Can Use All Its Weapons In Combat

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F-35 Finally Can Use All Its Weapons In Combat // AviationWeek.com Commercial Aviation Channel
http://aviationweek.com/awindefense/f-35-finally-can-use-all-its-weapons-combat

The F-35 Joint Program Office has delivered the flight clearances, simulators, threat information, and logistics system required for the Air Force's F-35As equipped with the latest software load to employ all of its weapons throughout the full flight envelope.

read more


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Flight Demonstration Of NASA's UAS Traffic Management Technologies Announced

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=42de8d23-e6b7-4b37-aa5e-3467e2897fd3

Lockheed counter concerns on F-35 stealth issues | Trump administration says no to heads up on future ballistic tests | Apache facility opens in India

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/lockheed-counter-concerns-on-f-35-stealth-issues-trump-administration-says-no-to-heads-up-on-future-ballistic-tests-apache-facility-opens-in-india-039326/

ESA test-fires electric ion thruster that could run satellites on thin air

https://newatlas.com/air-breathing-electric-thruster/53671/

India denies interest in F-35 | Imitation the highest form of flattery with Iran’s new Sidewinder-like anti-tank munition | USMC tweet APKWS on Hornet

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/imitation-the-highest-form-of-flattery-with-irans-new-sidewinder-like-anti-tank-munition-india-denies-interest-in-f-35-usmc-tweet-apkws-on-hornet-039316/

Belgium participation expands Multinational MRTT Fleet to eight aircraft

PR




Airbus Defence and Space has received a firm order for an Airbus A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport from Europe’s organisation for the management of cooperative armament programmes – OCCAR – on behalf of NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA).

The order follows the announcement on 14 February of Belgium’s official accession to the European/NATO Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) programme, which already consists of Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway and Germany.


An amendment to the original MMF contract adds the aircraft to the seven previously ordered for the MMF programme. The contract also includes three additional options to enable other nations to join the programme and provides for two years of initial support.

The programme is funded by the five nations who will have the exclusive right to operate these NATO–owned aircraft in a pooling arrangement. The aircraft will be configured for in-flight refuelling, the transport of passengers and cargo, and medical evacuation flights.

Airbus Defence and Space will deliver the eight aircraft from its tanker conversion line at Getafe near Madrid between 2020 and 2024.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) initiated the MMF programme in 2012. OCCAR manages the MMF acquisition phase as Contract Executing Agent on behalf of NSPA. Following the acquisition phase, NSPA will be responsible for the complete life-cycle management of the fleet.

Head of Sales and Marketing Bernhard Brenner said: “The selection of the A330 MRTT for MMF, along with the earlier similar decisions by the United Kingdom and France, will ensure that Europe has the world’s most operationally capable tanker fleet for many years to come. We encourage other European nations to contribute to MMF in order to maximise the operating and financial advantages of a large fleet based on a common type.”

Airbus' BLADE demonstrator programme wins the Aviation Week Laureates Award for Technology

PR

• The most extensive wing laminar flow demonstrator programme ever undertaken for commercial aviation.
• Improving aviation’s ecological footprint, with a 50% reduction of wing friction and up to five percent lower CO₂ emissions.

At a ceremony in Washington DC, Airbus’ BLADE demonstrator programme received the prestigious 2018 Aviation Week Laureates Award for Commercial, Technology. The panel of judges recognised the team for bringing to fruition the most extensive wing laminar flow demonstrator programme ever undertaken for commercial aviation. The BLADE project – which stands for “Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe” – is part of the EU-sponsored Clean Sky programme and is tasked with assessing the feasibility of introducing laminar flow wing technology on a large airliner. It aims to improve aviation’s ecological footprint, bringing with it a 50 percent reduction of wing friction and up to five percent lower CO2 emissions.

Axel Flaig, SVP of Research and Technology at Airbus said: “We are extremely honoured to receive Aviation Week’s Laureates award for Technology. I am also proud of what our BLADE teams in Airbus and in our partner companies in Clean Sky have achieved. Together we continue to lead the way for the efficient future of commercial aviation.”

In September 2017 Airbus’ A340 laminar-flow “BLADE” test demonstrator aircraft (A340-300 MSN001) made its successful maiden flight and since then has been engaged in successful testing to explore the wing’s characteristics in flight. The aircraft, dubbed ‘Flight Lab,' is the first test aircraft in the world to combine a transonic laminar wing profile with a true internal primary structure.

On the outside, the aircraft is fitted with two representative transonic laminar outer-wings, while inside the cabin there is a highly complex specialist flight-test-instrumentation station. The extensive modifications to the A340-300 test-bed aircraft took place during the course of a 16-month working party in Tarbes, France, with the support of numerous industrial partners across Europe. In terms of the testing technology, notable ‘firsts’ included the use of infrared cameras to monitor the laminar flow transition points and the acoustic generator which measures the influence of acoustics on laminarity. Another first is the innovative reflectometry system which measures overall deformation in real-time during flight. To date, the Flight Lab has performed 66 flight hours.

A double roll-out for the first A330neo operator, TAP Air Portugal

PR




Back-to-back painting of the initial two A330neo jetliners is completed for the Portuguese flag carrier

The initial two A330neo jetliners destined for an airline operator have rolled out of the paint shop bearing the red and green livery of TAP Air Portugal, which will become the launch operator of this new member in Airbus’ A330 family – the most popular widebody family ever.

Both aircraft received the Portuguese airline’s branding at paint facilities in the Toulouse region of southern France – location of the A330 final assembly line and home to Airbus headquarters. These jetliners include the “A330neo / first to fly” wording on the fuselage, underscoring their upcoming role as the first to enter commercial airline service.

When in operation, the aircraft will join TAP Air Portugal’s already large fleet of Airbus-built jetliners, composed of A330s, A340s and A320 Family versions. TAP Air Portugal has ordered 10 A330neo aircraft and will operate a similar number on lease.

The A330neo: new generation, new efficiency

The A330neo brings together unbeatable economics and the proven values of Airbus’ popular A330 product line. Equipped with extended-span wings incorporating upturned Sharklets wingtips, it is powered by new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines.

Airlines will benefit from the 25 percent less fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation competitors, along with reduced maintenance costs and the A330’s market-leading 99.5 percent operational reliability. TAP Air Portugal’s A330neo jetliners will incorporate the new Airspace by Airbus cabin concept – a consumer-centric interior based on four values: comfort, ambience, service and design. Airspace features include overhead bins with an updated design that improves carry-on stowage capacity by approximately 66 percent; illumination using light-emitting diode (LED) technology offering up to 16.7 million possible colour variations and lighting scenarios to reflect an airline’s branding; along with upgrades to such cabin items as magazine racks, ventilation grilles and window bezels.

Airbus to meet with European Works Council on 7 March 2018

PR




To address expected rate reductions on A380 and A400M programmes and workforce implications

Senior management representatives of Airbus (stock exchange symbol: AIR) will meet with the European Works Council on 7 March 2018 to explain previously announced rate reductions on the A380 and A400M programmes and to discuss associated implications for the workforce.


Airbus has a policy of first addressing workforce issues with its social partners before any public disclosure. The company will continue to abide by this policy.

Airbus deeply regrets that the process on the current subject matter has been disturbed by leaks to the media, which resulted in excessive reporting about alleged job cuts in its four home countries.

Airbus is committed to managing any social implications in a responsible manner and has demonstrated its ability to find the best possible solutions for its workforce on various occasions in the past.

Only after its initial meeting with the European Works Council on 7 March 2018, Airbus will provide further details on the company’s plans and considerations.

OPINION: F-35 cost issue is solvable, but needs fixing fast

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/opinion-f-35-cost-issue-is-solvable-but-needs-fixi-446392/

Boeing Establishes New Autonomous Systems Program in Australia

Press Release

• Boeing to create Australian-developed, exportable autonomous systems capability
• Marks Boeing’s second collaboration with Queensland Government, businesses to develop autonomous systems enabling technologies

BRISBANE, Mar. 1, 2018— Australia will be home to Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] largest autonomous systems development program outside of the United States following a new partnership agreement with the Queensland Government.

Over the next three years, the rapid innovation program will see Boeing develop next-generation autonomous systems capability in Australia to increase the independent operation of air and sea vehicles.

Chris Raymond, Boeing vice president and general manager, Autonomous Systems, said the Queensland program formed part of Boeing’s global growth strategy to accelerate game-changing autonomous technology for commercial and defence systems.

“As autonomy becomes increasingly common, Boeing will continue to pioneer autonomous technologies from seabed to space – setting a new standard for safe, successful missions that amplify human capabilities,” said Raymond.

Shane Arnott, director, Boeing’s Phantom Works International business in Australia, said, “The Queensland Government’s clear vision to invest in cutting-edge industries is backed by a progressive air space regulator, the state’s innovation culture and a talented network of local suppliers – creating an outstanding environment to innovate and experiment with autonomous vehicles and the systems and sensors that drive them.”

“Boeing will work with small-to-medium sized Queensland businesses to develop transformative ‘brain-on-board’ technology. Our program will complement the work undertaken by the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre, taking research outcomes and developing them into exportable commercial products for the global autonomous market.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the investment would contribute to Queensland’s long-term economic growth, global commercial opportunities and local job creation.

“There could be no more fitting way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Boeing’s partnership with Queensland than today’s announcement,” the premier said.

“The 131 jobs that will come with this autonomous vehicles program will grow Boeing’s Queensland workforce – and these are truly jobs of the future.

“Boeing has a proven track record of working with innovative Queensland businesses, a relationship that supports the growth of highly skilled jobs under this new program.

“Partnerships like this are only possible because of my government’s determination to foster new and highly skilled industries in Queensland – it’s why we have our $513 million Advance Queensland Initiative, and why last year we launched our Drone Strategy.”

Boeing’s first Advance Queensland partnership with the Queensland Government has proven to be a winning formula. The broad area UAS situational awareness system developed by Boeing in partnership with Queensland businesses was exported to the United States in late 2017 and successfully completed its first flight test in Mississippi on January 2018.

For 100 years, Boeing has led manned and unmanned technology innovation and integration from sea to air to space. Visit www.boeing.com for more information.

Boeing Receives U.S. Navy Contract to Modernize F/A-18 Super Hornet Fleet

Press Release




ARLINGTON, Va., March 1, 2018 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a contract to modernize the U.S. Navy F/A-18 fleet, extending the life of existing Super Hornets from 6,000 to 9,000+ flight hours. In the early 2020s, Boeing will begin installing initial updates to the aircraft that will convert existing Block II Super Hornets to a new Block III configuration.

The Block III conversion will include enhanced network capability, longer range with conformal fuel tanks, an advanced cockpit system, signature improvements and an enhanced communication system. The updates are expected to keep the F/A-18 in active service for decades to come.

“The initial focus of this program will extend the life of the fleet from 6,000 to 9,000 flight hours,” said Mark Sears, SLM program director. “But SLM will expand to include Block II to Block III conversion, systems grooming and reset and O-level maintenance tasks designed to deliver a more maintainable aircraft with an extended life and more capability. Each of these jets will fly another 10 to 15 years, so making them next-generation aircraft is critical.”

The indefinite-delivery contract is for up to $73 million. Work begins in April on an initial lot of four aircraft at Boeing’s St. Louis production center. An additional production line will be established in San Antonio, Texas in 2019. Additional follow-on contracts could be awarded over the next 10 years. The U.S. Navy fleet consists of 568 Super Hornets.

Putin sets course for new US arms race with 'invincible' weapons

http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Putin_sets_course_for_new_US_arms_race_with_invincible_weapons_999.html


Related:
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Will_missile_defense_be_feeble_against_hypersonic_weapons_999.html

http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Pentagon_pouring_more_money_into_hypersonic_missile_technologies_999.html

Not ready for prime time? When media demo flights go wrong

No matter how carefully curated and choreographed, more often than not, there is a system glitch or malfunction that sours the desired outcome for all.

On 20 February, Airbus delivered its first A350-1000 to Qatar Airways in Toulouse, France. Nearly 100 international journalists were on hand for the celebratory gala, attended by retiring Airbus CEO Fabrice Brégier on his last official day of work for the company.

Continue reading: https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2018/03/02/not-ready-for-prime-time-when-media-demo-flights-go-wrong/

Chinese Aircraft Enters South Korean Identification Zone, Seoul Scrambles ROKAF Fighters

https://theaviationist.com/2018/03/02/chinese-aircraft-enters-south-korean-identification-zone-seoul-scrambles-rokaf-fighters/

OPINION: 6X promises much, but Dassault needs customer patience

Dassault hopes it has finally put the nightmare of its much-delayed and now axed 5X programme ­behind it. By launching a replacement version of the ultra-wide business jet, chief executive Éric Trappier says it will offer something even better. Continue reading https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/opinion-6x-promises-much-but-dassault-needs-custom-446394/

Boeing sees 'big opportunity' in new midsize aircraft: McAllister

The head of Boeing's commercial aircraft division made clear on 1 March that the company sees a strong business case for developing a new airplane roughly equal in size to the company's 767. continue reading: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-sees-big-opportunity-in-new-midsize-aircraf-446371/

Starfighters Launches At Florida’s Kennedy Space Center

American businessman John Rost has become the first to complete a new FAA-approved F-104 flight training program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The adventurer, pilot and CEO of Fiesta Insurance completed four training flights in the Mach 2+ Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, the same supersonic plane used to prepare Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts for space travel. His ground school and flight training was completed at NASA’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), providing an opportunity to use the same runway the Space Shuttle returned to after coming back from its space missions. Continue reading: http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=6f4e0126-6acd-44c1-b1c2-e82fa1e43a5e

https://www.starfighters.net/pilot-training

White Paper Looks At Terrorist Risks From UAVs

Global Risk Insights Sees Threat Rising In North America And Europe

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=757d5e6c-0578-425b-9140-8f2610600506

Flying 3D printer or Open-ended Additive Manufacturing (OAM)

The 3D printing drone flying around the company's booth at TCT Asia is showcasing its potential applications in the construction industry, with the free-flying design meaning that the size and shape of printed structures are not restricted by the dimensions of a static 3D printer's enclosure. Printed examples on display look similar to the kind of layer-by-layer 3D-printed builds in Dubai and Spain.

Continue reading in New Atlas: https://newatlas.com/dedibot-fly-elephant-3d-printing-drone/53643/


And from manufacturer webpage…:

Lockheed Martin Receives $150 Million Contract to Deliver High Energy Laser Weapon to U.S. Navy

Press Release

• Lockheed Martin Receives $150 Million Contract to Deliver Integrated High Energy Laser Weapon Systems to U.S. Navy
• HELIOS will be the first Department of Defense contract to field fully integrated laser weapon system with fixed price options for additional units

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a $150 million contract, with options worth up to $942.8 million, for the development, manufacture and delivery of two high power laser weapon systems, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and counter-Unmanned Aerial System (counter-UAS) capabilities, by fiscal year 2020. With the High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler with Surveillance (HELIOS) system, Lockheed Martin will help the Navy take a major step forward in its goal to field laser weapon systems aboard surface ships.


"The HELIOS program is the first of its kind, and brings together laser weapon, long-range ISR and counter-UAS capabilities, dramatically increasing the situational awareness and layered defense options available to the U.S. Navy," said Michele Evans, vice president and general manager of Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors. "This is a true system of capabilities, and we're honored the Navy trusted Lockheed Martin to be a part of fielding these robust systems to the fleet."

HELIOS combines three key capabilities, brought together for the first time in one weapon system:

• A high-energy laser system: The high-energy fiber laser will be designed to counter unmanned aerial systems and small boats. The energy and thermal management system will leverage Lockheed Martin experience on Department of Defense programs, and the cooling system will be designed for maximum adaptability onboard ships. In addition, Lockheed Martin will bring decades of shipboard integration experience, reducing risk and increasing reliability.
• A long-range ISR capability: HELIOS sensors will be part of an integrated weapon system, designed to provide decision-makers with maximum access to information. HELIOS data will be available on the Lockheed Martin-led Aegis Combat System.
• A counter-UAS dazzler capability: The HELIOS dazzler will be designed to obscure adversarial UAS-based ISR capabilities.

In this first increment of the U.S. Navy's Surface Navy Laser Weapon System program, Lockheed Martin will deliver two units for test by fiscal year 2020. One unit will be delivered for shipboard integration on an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and one unit will be used for land testing at White Sands Missile Range.

"Lockheed Martin's spectral beam combined fiber lasers bring flexibility and adaptability to defensive and offensive missions," said Dr. Rob Afzal, senior fellow of laser weapon systems. "Our design is scalable, and we can optimize it to meet requirements for future increments."

Lockheed Martin has more than 40 years of experience developing laser weapon systems. The HELIOS award leverages technology building blocks from internal research and development projects, including the ATHENA system and ALADIN laser, as well as contract experience gained from programs such as the U.S. Army / Directed Energy Joint Technology Office RELI program, the U.S. Air Force LANCE program and the U.S. Navy HEFL program.

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

Lockheed awarded $158M for support of U.S., foreign F-35 programs

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Lockheed awarded $158M for support of U.S., foreign F-35 programs // Military Space News, Nuclear Weapons, Missile Defense
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Lockheed_awarded_158M_for_support_of_US_foreign_F-35_programs_999.html

Washington (UPI) Feb 28, 2018
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract for support of modification and retrofit activities for air systems for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. The deal, announced Tuesday by the Department of Defense, is valued at more than $158.2 million under the terms of a cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order, which modifies a previous basic ordering agreement. The contract enano… 

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Israel concerned over Su-57 debut in Syria

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Israel concerned over Su-57 debut in Syria // Military news
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-concerned-over-su-57-debut-in-syria-446347/

Russia's surprise deployment of Sukhoi Su-57s to a base inside Syria has positioned its new stealth fighter within the same region of operations as the Israeli air force's Lockheed Martin F-35I.
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Boeing announces global supply chain agreement with CHC Helicopter

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Boeing announces global supply chain agreement with CHC Helicopter // MediaRoom
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-02-28-Boeing-announces-global-supply-chain-agreement-with-CHC-Helicopter

Aviall, a Boeing Company, to provide CHC Helicopter with Vendor Managed Inventory services
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Boeing grows analytics solutions in Russia with three customer orders

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Boeing grows analytics solutions in Russia with three customer orders // MediaRoom
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-03-01-Boeing-grows-analytics-solutions-in-Russia-with-three-customer-orders

Orders are Boeing's first in Russia for crew and leasing products
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Ryanair to close Glasgow International base

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Ryanair to close Glasgow International base // Airlines news
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ryanair-to-close-glasgow-international-base-446261/

Ryanair is to close its Glasgow International airport base in November, as it expands its network from Edinburgh for the winter 2018-19 season.
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Lockheed Martin release software to control multiple UAVs

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Lockheed Martin release software to control multiple UAVs // The UAS Magazine
http://theuasmagazine.com/articles/1824/lockheed-martin-release-software-to-control-multiple-uavs

Lockheed Martin will unveil VCSi, commercial software that enables operators to simultaneously control dozens of unmanned vehicles and conduct information, surveillance and reconnaissance missions at an event in Abu Dhabi this month.
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U.S. Army collaborates on advanced UAV engine design

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U.S. Army collaborates on advanced UAV engine design // The UAS Magazine
http://theuasmagazine.com/articles/1826/u-s-army-collaborates-on-advanced-uav-engine-design

Miami-based Locust USA Inc.—a subsidiary of UAV Turbines—has signed a $19 million agreement to collaborate with the U.S. Army on the development of a small turboprop engine for unmanned aircraft. The engine will also have commercial applications.
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France Will Replace Electronic-Warfare C160s With Falcons

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France Will Replace Electronic-Warfare C160s With Falcons // AviationWeek.com Commercial Aviation Channel
http://aviationweek.com/awinbizav/france-will-replace-electronic-warfare-c160s-falcons

France's armed forces ministry has launched a program to renew the country's fleet of electronic intelligence aircraft with three special-mission Falcon jets.

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UCAV - The Next Generation Air-Superiority Fighter?

Title :   UCAV - The Next Generation Air-Superiority Fighter?

Corporate Author : AIR UNIV MAXWELL AFB AL SCHOOL OF ADVANCED AIRPOWER STUDIES

Personal Author(s) : Lewis, William K

Full Text : http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a420631.pdf

Report Date : Jun 2002

Pagination or Media Count : 110

Abstract : Air superiority is an essential military mission, and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future, Control of the air is not an end of its own, but rather it provides the flexibility and freedom of action central to a full range of military capabilities In the coming century the United States will confront a number of disparate and ambiguous challenges to its hegemony The resources available to meet those challenges will undoubtedly be constrained, Extremely long lead times in the acquisition and procurement of new technologies mean that now, as the F-22 Raptor begins to replace the venerable F-15 Eagle, the next- generation air-superiority fighter is entering development Unmanned aircraft must be considered as an alternative to manned aircraft for this critical mission, While cost has been the driving factor for advances in UCAV, technology has been the major limitation This thesis concludes that an air-superiority UCAV should be feasible by the year 2025 and that it should provide an effective and affordable alternative to manned air-superiority fighters,