miércoles, 23 de octubre de 2019
martes, 22 de octubre de 2019
Boeing Pilot Raised Concerns About 737 MAX Years Before Deadly Crashes
https://www.wsj.com/articles/faa-criticizes-boeing-over-737-max-messages-11571418548?shareToken=stb62aa6d0af8745d5a2fce664811027f4
https://www.aviation24.be/manufacturers/boeing/737/boeing-progress-on-737-max-safe-return-to-service/
https://www.faa.gov/news/media/attachments/Boeing_letter.pdf
https://www.aviation24.be/manufacturers/boeing/737/boeing-progress-on-737-max-safe-return-to-service/
Boeing pilot told a colleague he unintentionally misled federal regulators about a key system on the plane maker’s 737 MAX via @AndrewTangel @dougcameron et al https://t.co/NsguhFs62t— Robert Wall (@R_Wall) 18 de octubre de 2019
https://www.faa.gov/news/media/attachments/Boeing_letter.pdf
RECORD-BREAKING DIRECT NEW YORK TO SYDNEY FLIGHT TOUCHES DOWN
Qantas' press release
The first non-stop commercial airline flight from New York to Sydney has landed after 19 hours 16 minutes in the air.
A total of 49 passengers and crew were on the flight, which was used to run a series of experiments to assess health and well-being onboard. Data from these experiments will be used help shape the crew rostering and customer service of Qantas’ ultra long haul flights in future – including Project Sunrise (opens in new window).
Tests ranged from monitoring pilot brain waves, melatonin levels and alertness, through to exercise classes for passengers.
Cabin lighting and in-flight meals were also adjusted in ways that are expected to help reduce jetlag, according to the medical researchers and scientists (opens in new window) who have partnered with Qantas.
Arriving in Sydney, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said: “This is a really significant first for aviation. Hopefully, it’s a preview of a regular service that will speed up how people travel from one side of the globe to the other.
“We know ultra long haul flights pose some extra challenges but that’s been true every time technology has allowed us to fly further. The research we’re doing should give us better strategies for improving comfort and wellbeing along the way.
“Night flights usually start with dinner and then lights off. For this flight, we started with lunch and kept the lights on for the first six hours, to match the time of day at our destination. It means you start reducing the jetlag straight away.
“What’s already clear is how much time you can save. Our regular, one-stop New York to Sydney service (QF12) took off three hours before our direct flight but we arrived a few minutes ahead of it, meaning we saved a significant amount of total travel time by not having to stop,” added Mr Joyce.
Qantas Captain Sean Golding, who led the four pilots operating the service, said: “The flight went really smoothly. Headwinds picked up overnight, which slowed us down to start with, but that was part of our scenario planning. Given how long we were airborne, we were able to keep optimising the flight path to make the best of the conditions.
“We had a lot of interest from air traffic controllers as we crossed through different airspace because of the uniqueness of this flight. We also had a special sign off and welcome home from the control towers in New York and Sydney, which you don’t get every day.
“Overall, we’re really happy with how the flight went and it’s great have some of the data we need to help assess turning this into a regular service,” said Captain Golding.
Two more research flights are planned as part of the Project Sunrise evaluations – London to Sydney in November and another New York to Sydney in December. Emissions from all research flights will be fully offset.
A decision on Project Sunrise is expected by the end of the year.
Images can be accessed here (opens in new window) and are to be credited as: Photo by James D Morgan/Qantas.
Vision can be accessed here (opens in new window).
GULFSTREAM INTRODUCES THE ALL-NEW GULFSTREAM G700
Gulfstream press release
The Industry’s Largest And Best-Performing Business Jet
SAVANNAH, Georgia, October 21, 2019 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today introduced its new flagship, the most spacious, best-performing aircraft in the business-jet industry, the Gulfstream G700TM. The G700 blends proven ultralong-range, speed and performance with flight-deck innovation and cutting-edge cabin creation to offer customers an unprecedented aircraft experience.
Gulfstream announced the G700 on the eve of the 2019 National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas. During the event, Gulfstream President Mark Burns revealed a full-scale mockup of the G700 and showed a video of the aircraft taxiing under its own power at Gulfstream headquarters in Savannah.
“The Gulfstream G700 takes the very best elements from our most innovative products and unites them with cutting-edge advances to create an all-new, advanced-technology aircraft that redefines safety, comfort and range at speed,” said Burns. “This announcement is the biggest news in business aviation history and is the result of the investments General Dynamics made to develop Gulfstream technology for Gulfstream products. Thanks to our nearly 18,000 employees around the world, the G700 is continuing a long Gulfstream tradition: raising the bar for ourselves and the industry.”
The G700 heralds a new era for Gulfstream, building on the company’s decades-long investment in research and development and ensuing successes. The aircraft boasts the tallest, widest and longest cabin in the industry with leading range and speed capabilities. The G700 can fly 7,500 nautical miles/13,890 kilometers at Mach 0.85 or 6,400 nm/11,853 km at Mach 0.90.
Design Innovation
The all-new cabin on the G700 allows customers to extend their personal and professional lifestyle to their aircraft. With up to five living areas, the G700 offers an extra-large ultragalley with a passenger lounge or crew compartment; a six-place dining or conference room; and a master suite with shower. The Gulfstream Cabin Experience promotes and enhances wellness through 20 Gulfstream panoramic oval windows, the largest in the industry; the industry’s lowest cabin altitude, 100 percent fresh air and a whisper-quiet cabin.
“Gulfstream has a long tradition of listening to our customers, and the G700 cabin is the evolution of that collaboration,” said Burns. “Customers shared how much they value flexibility and comfort in the cabin, all without compromising the speed and range advantages they have come to expect from Gulfstream. The G700 delivers all that and more.”
The aircraft also offers a range of cabin amenities that revolutionize the benefits of business-jet travel, including the most advanced circadian lighting system in aviation. The Gulfstream-developed technology recreates sunrise and sunset through thousands of white and amber LEDs, gently coaxing passengers into their new time zone and greatly reducing the physical impact of traveling halfway around the world nonstop.
Safety And Performance
The G700 features the award-winning Symmetry Flight DeckTM and other new safety advancements. Along with active-control sidesticks and the industry’s most extensive use of touch-screen technology, the flight deck also comes standard with another Gulfstream award-winner, the Predictive Landing Performance System. The system gives pilots advanced warning of potential runway excursions so they can adjust approaches or go around. The G700 Symmetry Flight Deck also comes standard with Gulfstream’s Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision on dual head-up displays.
All-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines power the G700 and, along with newly designed Gulfstream winglets, ensure the aircraft achieves high performance capabilities with its larger cabin. The aircraft offers excellent takeoff and landing performance and can operate easily at weight-restricted, short-runway and high-altitude airports.
The ability to fly at faster speeds (Mach 0.90 versus Mach 0.80) gives customers more time, lower annual expenses for maintenance, parts and services, and shorter crew days for safer operations.
Program Maturity
In preparation for first flight, Gulfstream has already accomplished nearly 14,000 hours of lab testing in its integration- and cabin-test facilities, Systems Integration Bench and Iron Bird. The company has successfully completed ground vibration testing, engine runs, loads calibration and all structural testing required for first flight.
The G700 flight-test fleet will incorporate five traditional test aircraft and one fully outfitted production test aircraft. Manufacturing for all test aircraft is well underway.
Gulfstream anticipates G700 customer deliveries in 2022.
More info
https://www.gulfstream.com/aircraft/gulfstream-g700
https://www.gulfstream.com/efs/downloads/g700_product_spec_sheet.pdf
The Industry’s Largest And Best-Performing Business Jet
SAVANNAH, Georgia, October 21, 2019 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today introduced its new flagship, the most spacious, best-performing aircraft in the business-jet industry, the Gulfstream G700TM. The G700 blends proven ultralong-range, speed and performance with flight-deck innovation and cutting-edge cabin creation to offer customers an unprecedented aircraft experience.
Gulfstream announced the G700 on the eve of the 2019 National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas. During the event, Gulfstream President Mark Burns revealed a full-scale mockup of the G700 and showed a video of the aircraft taxiing under its own power at Gulfstream headquarters in Savannah.
“The Gulfstream G700 takes the very best elements from our most innovative products and unites them with cutting-edge advances to create an all-new, advanced-technology aircraft that redefines safety, comfort and range at speed,” said Burns. “This announcement is the biggest news in business aviation history and is the result of the investments General Dynamics made to develop Gulfstream technology for Gulfstream products. Thanks to our nearly 18,000 employees around the world, the G700 is continuing a long Gulfstream tradition: raising the bar for ourselves and the industry.”
The G700 heralds a new era for Gulfstream, building on the company’s decades-long investment in research and development and ensuing successes. The aircraft boasts the tallest, widest and longest cabin in the industry with leading range and speed capabilities. The G700 can fly 7,500 nautical miles/13,890 kilometers at Mach 0.85 or 6,400 nm/11,853 km at Mach 0.90.
Design Innovation
The all-new cabin on the G700 allows customers to extend their personal and professional lifestyle to their aircraft. With up to five living areas, the G700 offers an extra-large ultragalley with a passenger lounge or crew compartment; a six-place dining or conference room; and a master suite with shower. The Gulfstream Cabin Experience promotes and enhances wellness through 20 Gulfstream panoramic oval windows, the largest in the industry; the industry’s lowest cabin altitude, 100 percent fresh air and a whisper-quiet cabin.
“Gulfstream has a long tradition of listening to our customers, and the G700 cabin is the evolution of that collaboration,” said Burns. “Customers shared how much they value flexibility and comfort in the cabin, all without compromising the speed and range advantages they have come to expect from Gulfstream. The G700 delivers all that and more.”
The aircraft also offers a range of cabin amenities that revolutionize the benefits of business-jet travel, including the most advanced circadian lighting system in aviation. The Gulfstream-developed technology recreates sunrise and sunset through thousands of white and amber LEDs, gently coaxing passengers into their new time zone and greatly reducing the physical impact of traveling halfway around the world nonstop.
Safety And Performance
The G700 features the award-winning Symmetry Flight DeckTM and other new safety advancements. Along with active-control sidesticks and the industry’s most extensive use of touch-screen technology, the flight deck also comes standard with another Gulfstream award-winner, the Predictive Landing Performance System. The system gives pilots advanced warning of potential runway excursions so they can adjust approaches or go around. The G700 Symmetry Flight Deck also comes standard with Gulfstream’s Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision on dual head-up displays.
All-new, high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines power the G700 and, along with newly designed Gulfstream winglets, ensure the aircraft achieves high performance capabilities with its larger cabin. The aircraft offers excellent takeoff and landing performance and can operate easily at weight-restricted, short-runway and high-altitude airports.
The ability to fly at faster speeds (Mach 0.90 versus Mach 0.80) gives customers more time, lower annual expenses for maintenance, parts and services, and shorter crew days for safer operations.
Program Maturity
In preparation for first flight, Gulfstream has already accomplished nearly 14,000 hours of lab testing in its integration- and cabin-test facilities, Systems Integration Bench and Iron Bird. The company has successfully completed ground vibration testing, engine runs, loads calibration and all structural testing required for first flight.
The G700 flight-test fleet will incorporate five traditional test aircraft and one fully outfitted production test aircraft. Manufacturing for all test aircraft is well underway.
Gulfstream anticipates G700 customer deliveries in 2022.
More info
https://www.gulfstream.com/aircraft/gulfstream-g700
https://www.gulfstream.com/efs/downloads/g700_product_spec_sheet.pdf
lunes, 21 de octubre de 2019
jueves, 17 de octubre de 2019
Rolls-Royce selects AeroTEC to modify, build and validate their new flying testbed at the AeroTEC Flight Test Center in Moses Lake, Washington
Aerotec's press release
AeroTEC announced today it has been selected by Rolls-Royce to modify, build and validate a new 747-400 flying testbed. The aircraft, a retired Qantas Airways airliner that flew passengers for more than 20 years, was purchased by Rolls-Royce as part of a $70 million investment in the development of new engine technologies.
Rolls-Royce took delivery of the “Queen of the Skies” airplane at AeroTEC’s flight test center in Moses Lake, Wash., US, after it flew from Qantas’ home port of Sydney, Australia. During an extensive two-year transformation, AeroTEC engineers and technicians will convert the Boeing 747-400 from a commercial aircraft with 364 passenger seats to a state-of-the-art flying testbed equipped with extensive instrumentation and systems to take sophisticated measurements of engine performance in flight.
This contract award will allow AeroTEC to expand its facilities and create 40 additional jobs in Moses Lake, validating AeroTEC’s vision that Moses Lake is the right place for aerospace investment.
As a flying testbed, the airplane will be fitted with the latest testing capabilities and for the first time, will test engines that power both commercial and business aircraft. New systems will obtain better data faster than ever before, and technologies will be tested at higher altitudes and faster speeds. Flying testbeds are used to conduct altitude testing and monitor technologies in flight conditions.
“The AeroTEC team is proud to partner with Rolls-Royce to modify their new flying testbed,” said Lee Human, AeroTEC president and founder. “This testbed will enable the development of new, highly-advanced engine technologies designed to increase efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. Our engineering, modification, and test teams in Seattle and Moses Lake are already hard at work preparing to bring Rolls-Royce’s vision to reality.”
“With AeroTEC’s engineering capabilities, the Queen of the Skies will become the jewel in the crown of our global test programmes,” said Gareth Hedicker, Rolls-Royce, director of Development and Experimental Engineering. “This is a significant investment that will expand our world-leading test capabilities even further and will allow us to obtain more flight test data than ever before. After transporting millions of passengers on this beloved aircraft for 20 years, we’re excited to power it into the future.”
When complete, the transformed aircraft will work alongside Rolls-Royce’s existing flying testbed, a Boeing 747-200 which has completed 285 test flights to date.
About AeroTEC
AeroTEC develops, tests and certifies new aircraft products using innovative and scalable development, test and certification techniques to help large and small aerospace companies everywhere bring their products to market quickly, easily and efficiently. For more information, please visit www.aerotec.com.
About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions to meet our planet’s vital power needs. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces, 70 navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers. Annual underlying revenue was £15 billion in 2018, around half of which came from the provision of aftermarket services. In 2018, Rolls-Royce invested £1.4 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 29 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research. The Group has a strong commitment to apprentice and graduate recruitment and to further developing employee skills.
martes, 15 de octubre de 2019
lunes, 14 de octubre de 2019
FARA: Sikorsky Introduces RAIDER X™, a NextGen Light-Attack Reconnaissance Helicopter Based on its Proven X2 Technology
https://youtu.be/LpQC_qpkRRE
press release
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), today introduced RAIDER X™, its concept for an agile, lethal and survivable compound coaxial helicopter, specifically designed for securing vertical lift dominance against evolving peer and near-peer threats on the future battlefield. Through the U.S. Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program, RAIDER X is the out-front platform in the Service's revolutionary approach for rapid development and delivery of game changing technology and warfighter capabilities, equipped for the most demanding and contested environments. RAIDER X enables the reach, protection and lethality required to remain victorious in future conflicts.
"RAIDER X converges everything we've learned in years of developing, testing and refining X2 Technology and delivers warfighters a dominant, survivable and intelligent system that will excel in tomorrow's battlespace where aviation overmatch is critical," said Frank St. John, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems. "The X2 Technology family of aircraft is a low-risk solution and is scalable based on our customers' requirements."
RAIDER X draws on Lockheed Martin's broad expertise in developing innovative systems using the latest digital design and manufacturing techniques. Sikorsky's RAIDER X prototype offers:
- Exceptional Performance: The X2 rigid rotor provides increased performance including; highly responsive maneuverability, enhanced low-speed hover, off-axis hover, and level acceleration and braking. These attributes make us unbeatable at the X.
- Agile, Digital Design: State-of-the-art digital design and manufacturing is already in use on other Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky production programs such as CH-53K, CH-148 and F-35, and will enable the Army to not only lower the acquisition cost, but enable rapid, affordable upgrades to stay ahead of the evolving threat.
- Adaptability: Modern open systems architecture (MOSA)-based avionics and mission systems, offering "plug-and-play" options for computing, sensors, survivability and weapons, benefiting lethality and survivability, operational mission tailoring and competitive acquisitions.
- Sustainable/Maintenance: Designed to decrease aircraft operating costs by utilizing new technologies to shift from routine maintenance and inspections to self-monitoring and condition-based maintenance, which will increase aircraft availability, reduce sustainment footprint forward and enable flexible maintenance operating periods.
- Growth/Mission Flexibility: Focused on the future and ever evolving threat capabilities, X2 compound coaxial technology provides unmatched potential and growth margin for increased speed, combat radius and payload. This potential and growth margin further enables operational mission flexibility which includes a broader range of aircraft configurations and loadouts to accommodate specific mission requirements.
The nationwide supply team that Sikorsky has comprised to build RAIDER X will join company leaders today to introduce RAIDER X during the annual conference of the Association of the United States Army in Washington, D.C.
"RAIDER X is the culmination of decades of development, and a testament to our innovation and passion for solving our customers' needs," said Sikorsky President Dan Schultz. "By leveraging the strength of the entire Lockheed Martin Corporation, we will deliver the only solution that gives the U.S. Army the superiority needed to meet its mission requirements."
Proven X2 Technology: Scalable, Sustainable, Affordable
With RAIDER X, Sikorsky introduces the latest design in its X2 family of aircraft. To date, X2 aircraft have achieved/demonstrated:
- Speeds in excess of 250 knots
- High altitude operations in excess of 9,000 feet
- Low-speed and high-speed maneuver envelopes out to 60+ degrees angle of bank
- ADS-33B (Aeronautical Design Standard) Level 1 handling qualities with multiple pilots
- Flight controls optimization and vibration mitigation
"The power of X2 is game changing. It combines the best elements of low-speed helicopter performance with the cruise performance of an airplane," said Sikorsky experimental test pilot Bill Fell, a retired Army pilot who has flown nearly every RAIDER test flight. "Every flight we take in our S-97 RAIDER today reduces risk and optimizes our FARA prototype, RAIDER X."
The development of X2 Technology and the RAIDER program has been funded entirely by significant investments by Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin and industry partners.
For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/fara-raider-x.html
About Lockheed MartinHeadquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
related:
FARA
https://breakingdefense.com/2018/09/army-may-create-new-aerial-scout-force-hello-russia/
Other contenders
https://breakingdefense.com/2019/04/fara-army-awards-5-design-contracts-winner-enters-production-in-2028/
Sikorsky Ceremony Showcases New Combat Rescue Helicopter
press release
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), showcased the next generation Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) during a ceremony at its Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, this week.
View the video from the event. View the CRH b-roll.
During the event, United States Air Force General James M. Holmes, Commander, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia (91) described the HH-60W helicopter as critical took for the warfighter.
“I want to say thanks to everyone from Sikorsky for your dedication to your craft, for consistently living up to your mission statement of pioneering flight solutions that bring people home everywhere every time. And that partnership is incredibly valuable to us and the guys on the ground,” Gen. Holmes said. “We’re proud to work with you to deliver the most intuitive, precise, technologically advanced systems to our airmen.”
Other dignitaries attending the event included Dr. Will Roper, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics and Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) from Florida’s 18th District.
Prepared for Production
The achievement of the Milestone C production decision on Sept. 24 launched the contract award known as Low Rate Initial Production for Sikorsky to build 10 CRH helicopters.
The U.S. Air Force program of record calls for 113 helicopters to replace the HH-60G PAVE HAWK™, which perform critical combat search and rescue and personnel recovery operations for all U.S. military services.
“The Combat Rescue Helicopter is the new era in Air Force aviation and a pivotal milestone that ties to our company’s legacy of bringing people home,” said Sikorsky President Dan Schultz. “Sikorsky employees and our nationwide supply chain are ready to begin producing, delivering and supporting this all-new aircraft for the warfighter.”
The HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter is significantly more capable and reliable than its predecessor, the HH-60G.The aircraft hosts a new fuel system that nearly doubles the capacity of the internal tank on a UH-60M BLACK HAWK®, giving the Air Force crew extended range and more capability to rescue those injured in the battle space. The HH-60W specification drives more capable defensive systems, vulnerability reduction, hover performance, electrical capacity, avionics, cooling, weapons, cyber-security, environmental and net-centric requirements than currently held by the HH-60G.
“We send in brave men and women who are going to find a way to get the job done,” Dr. Roper said. “But they’ll tell you about flying in and not being certain that they could land safely or putting the broad side of their vehicle between a downed pilot and gunfire. When you hear those stories, you realize that we put heroes on these vehicles. We pick up heroes in these vehicles and they deserve every technology advantage we can give them.”
Training Systems
On Sept. 19, four pilots and four special mission aviators from the U.S. Air Force graduated from the Sikorsky Training Academy’s S-70i Transition Course. As previously qualified HH-60G Pave Hawk crews, the students learned about the unique systems and operating capabilities of the Sikorsky S-70i. During the four-week course, they each spent seven hours using a procedural trainer, 10 hours in a full-motion flight simulator and 10 hours of flight time in the S-70i aircraft.
To ensure mission readiness, Lockheed Martin will deliver a custom-tailored training system consisting of flight simulators, procedural and maintenance trainers and accompanying courseware.
In 2020, Lockheed Martin will train 200 U.S. Air Force and maintenance aircrew students at our Sikorsky Training Academy in Stuart, Fla. utilizing training systems and three newly built HH-60W aircraft. This will provide flight and maintenance training to initial cadre and units allowing the U.S. Air Force to remain vigilant while simultaneously fielding and employing the added capabilities of the HH-60W aircraft.
For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/crh.
Air France chooses new, more spacious luggage compartments by Safran to equip its Airbus A320 fleet
press release
On its domestic and European network, Air France is continuing to improve its customers' travel experience by offering them more space to store their cabin luggage as from 2020.
Air France is the first airline in the world to choose Safran Cabin's latest ECOS luggage compartments to equip its A320 and A321 single-aisle short and medium-haul aircraft.
The ECOS "Efficient Cabin Open Space" system offers up to 60% more storage capacity than the luggage racks currently available. It consists of new bins, ceiling and cove panels that provide a lower shelf height for ease of loading and visibility. The new luggage compartments are also equipped with easy to reach doors which do not encroach into the cabin aisle. Robust, lightweight and easy to maintain, the ECOS system is simple and fast to install, requiring no aircraft modifications. It provides an easier and smoother boarding experience, greatly reducing the time spent searching for luggage space on board or the need to put certain bags in the hold. Aircraft turnaround times will also be reduced to improve efficiency and on-time performance.
In total, Air France plans to gradually equip its 40 A320s and 11 A321s with 1,342 new luggage compartments between September 2020 and September 2022.
On edge stowage
The ECOS luggage stowage system is the first to offer on edge luggage stowage with wheels at the back, increasing luggage capacity by 60% compared with standard luggage compartments.
Aircraft type
|
Luggage capacity of the current model
|
Luggage capacity of the "ECOS" model
|
Airbus A320
|
104
|
166
|
Airbus A321
|
113
|
192
|
"Air France will be the first airline to offer these innovative luggage compartments. They will enable us to meet the high expectations of our customers wishing to travel with cabin bags only to save time during their trip. Boarding will be smoother and faster, both for them and for our crews. This represents a significant improvement in comfort and operational efficiency", said Catherine Villar, SVP Customer Experience Air France.
Norman Jordan, CEO of Safran Cabin, said: "Safran Cabin is proud to be providing Air France with the ECOS interior system and to be supporting Air France in its objectives to improve customer satisfaction."
Rolls-Royce completes acquisition of Siemens’ Electric and Hybrid-Electric aerospace propulsion business
press release
Rolls-Royce has completed the acquisition of the electric and hybrid-electric aerospace propulsion activities of Siemens (formerly known as the eAircraft business), following a period of employee consultation.
The timely execution of the deal, announced in June this year, underlines the fit of these activities to our strategy to ‘champion electrification’ and will help accelerate our ambitions as we look to play a major role in the ‘third era’ of aviation.
Rob Watson, Director – Rolls-Royce Electrical, said: “We are very pleased with the rapid execution of the necessary legal and procedural steps to complete this acquisition. We are welcoming our new colleagues into Rolls-Royce today and look forward to working with them to pioneer new technologies and solutions.”
“We are at the dawn of the ‘third era’ of aviation, which will bring a new class of quieter and cleaner air transport to the skies, and our new colleagues will add vital skills, expertise and new technology to our portfolio.”
Paul Stein, Rolls-Royce Chief Technology Officer, added: “The technology portfolio and skills that we have acquired complement our existing developments in electrification, which include micro-grids and hybrid electric trains as well as aerospace applications.”
“Electrification is just one of the ways in which we are making aviation more sustainable. We are continuing to increase the fuel efficiency of our gas turbines; increasing the integration between airframe and engine; and encouraging the development of sustainable fuels.”
The former Siemens business, based in Germany and Hungary, employs around 180 specialist electrical designers and engineers who have been developing a range of all-electric and hybrid electric propulsion solutions for the aerospace industry. They will continue to work in their existing locations.
The team from Siemens was already well known to us as we have been working together on the E-Fan X demonstrator programme and they are joining a business that has already made significant strides towards the increased electrification of aviation.
We have conducted successful ground tests of a hybrid propulsion system that can be used across a range of smaller transport platforms including EVTOLs (hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles), general aviation aircraft, and hybrid helicopters. These tests are part of one of the world’s most comprehensive hybrid aerospace turbine engine development and integration programmes, paving the way for experimental test flights in 2021. We are also developing an all-electric demonstrator aircraft, as part of the ACCEL initiative that will attempt to break the world speed record for all-electric flight.
The closing of the deal is the latest in a series of electrification announcements from Rolls-Royce. At the end of August, we launched a joint research programme on zero-emissions aviation with Widerøe, the largest regional airline in Scandinavia. The programme is part of the airline´s ambition to replace and electrify its legacy regional fleet by 2030.
Earlier the same month, we signed a letter of intent for the construction of a demonstration plant for the production of synthetic fuels in the Lausitz region of Germany, together with the State of Brandenburg, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus and other industrial partners.
Bombardier’s Industry Flagship Global 7500 Jet Flies Farther Again with Another Mission in Excess of 8,000 Nautical Miles
press release
- The Global 7500 aircraft connects longest non-stop city pair in business aviation history – Sydney, Australia to Detroit, Michigan
- Unique achievement cements the Global 7500 aircraft’s ability to perform year-round, irrespective of tailwinds
- As the industry flagship, the Global 7500 business jet continues to set the bar for its combination of performance, cabin experience, and smooth ride
- The aircraft continues to garner accolade upon accolade, having been honoured with a string of prestigious awards in 2019
Bombardier is proud to announce that its unrivalled Global 7500 business jet has once again flown another mission in excess of 8,000 nautical miles, successfully connecting Sydney and Detroit in one non-stop flight, the longest city-pair in business aviation in history flown by a purpose-built aircraft.
With low tailwinds averaging approximately 20 knots, the multi-award winning Global 7500 aircraft smoothly and effortlessly completed the journey from Sydney, Australia to Detroit, Michigan on October 6, 2019. Point-to-point distance between the two cities is 8,225 nautical miles, eclipsing the 7,990 nautical mile distance between Singapore and Tucson, which the plane previously flew.
“Since entry-into-service, the Global 7500 aircraft continues to go above and beyond expectations, flying farther and farther, setting new benchmarks for exceptional performance and comfort,” said Peter Likoray, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “It’s an incomparable advantage for our customers to know that they can travel great distances in style and ultimate comfort thanks to Bombardier’s signature smooth ride.”
The aircraft’s unbeatable combination of performance, size and comfort has been widely applauded with a string of prestigious awards, among them Robb Report’s Business Jet of the Year for 2019, the 2019 Aviation Week Grand Laureate Award and a Red Dot Award for design.
The Global 7500 aircraft provides the industry’s largest and best cabin experience offering a spaciousness that is unique among business jets and features an award-winning interior that includes a full-size multi-functional kitchen space and a stateroom with a permanent bed. Other industry-leading amenities on the Global 7500 aircraft include Bombardier’s patented Nuage seat, designed for maximum comfort and relaxation on long-haul flights thanks to an all-new deep recline position, and the innovative Soleil lighting system, aviation’s first circadian rhythm-based cabin lighting technology featuring the revolutionary Dynamic Daylight Simulation, which can help combat jet lag.
With its sophisticated slats and flap system, the Global 7500 aircraft’s most advanced wing in business aviation generates unprecedented amounts of lift on takeoff and approach, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency and boosting performance while improving safety and offering a smoother, more restful ride.
Airbus marks its 1,000th A320neo Family aircraft delivery
press release
Airbus has delivered the 1,000th A320neo Family aircraft. The aircraft, an A321neo produced in Hamburg, Germany, was delivered to Indian airline IndiGo.
IndiGo is the world’s biggest customer for the A320neo Family with orders totaling 430 aircraft. Since its first NEO was delivered in March 2016, its fleet of A320neo Family has grown into the world’s largest with 96 aircraft operating alongside 129 A320s. In an extremely competitive aviation market, the fuel efficient A320 Family has been instrumental in IndiGo’s rise to become India’s largest airline by fleet size and passenger numbers.
The A320neo Family is assembled at Airbus’ four global sites: Toulouse, France; Hamburg, Germany; Tianjin, China; and Mobile, USA. The world’s first A320neo was delivered in January 2016 and the programme has achieved milestones every year since: the first A321neo in 2017; the first A321LR in 2018 and the launch of the A321XLR in 2019.
The A320neo programme was designed with fuel efficiency in mind. Building on the A320ceo’s popularity, the aircraft delivers 20% reduced fuel burn as well as 50% less noise compared to previous generation aircraft. Seating up to 240 passengers, depending on cabin configuration, the A320neo Family features the widest single aisle cabin in the sky and incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets. At the end of September 2019, the A320neo Family had received more than 6,660 firm orders from close to 110 customers worldwide.
Thales and Airbus sign joint agreement to detect cyber threats
press release
Thales and Airbus CyberSecurity, two European leaders in critical information systems and cybersecurity, join forces to support operators of essential services against cyber attacks
Combining their sovereign products, Thales’s cyber attack detection system Cybels Sensor and the Airbus CyberSecurity’s Orion Malware solution will provide businesses and organisations with a qualified solution delivering unrivalled results
Solution offers unparalleled detection capacities and enables in-depth investigation, combining detection with incident response
Airbus CyberSecurity and Thales, two European leaders in cybersecurity, have signed a partnership agreement to offer a unique solution against cyber attacks. The solution will combine the file analysis system Orion Malware from Airbus CyberSecurity with Thales’s intrusion detection system Cybels Sensor, which obtained Security Visa from the French national cybersecurity agency (ANSSI) in April 2019.
This cooperation will enable the two companies to offer the best detection solution on the market, increasing the overall level of cyber defence for businesses and organisations. The partnership for the French market aims to help operators of essential services (OESs) reinforce cyber protection measures required by ANSSI with the Military Programming Law (LPM) -which is similar to the European Network and Information Systems (NIS) directive.
The Cybels Sensor detection system from Thales enables OESs and businesses to detect cyber attacks by confidently monitoring their networks. Through real-time analyses of large data volumes to detect potential threats, the sensor alerts cybersecurity teams as early as possible to maximise the protection of monitored networks. Customers already equipped with this solution include Le Groupe La Poste as well as large programmes such as the Galileo’s security systems.
In conjunction with the Orion Malware solution developed by Airbus CyberSecurity, suspicious files captured on a network by Cybels Sensor are analysed in depth in less than a minute. After the analysis, Orion Malware returns a report detailing the risks and indicators of compromise. A summary accessible to non-experts is also provided to efficiently prepare the response to the incident.
At the cutting-edge of research, and already in operation to protect institutional and corporate customers, Orion Malware works like a detonation chamber for malware. It combines the best static and dynamic detection engines to detect the stealthiest malware threats. Orion also integrates artificial intelligence to improve the classification of detected malware.
Thanks to the combination of Orion Malware with Cybels Sensor, businesses and organisations can now enhance the overall efficiency of their cyber protection. While offering an unparalleled level of detection, the solution is easy to implement and is fully adapted and optimised for Security Operations Centres (SOCs), incident response and cyber threat intelligence operations. It therefore reduces the costs of operating and protecting IT infrastructure.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global technology leader shaping the world of tomorrow today. The Group provides solutions, services and products to customers in the aeronautics, space, transport, digital identity and security, and defence markets. With 80,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of € 19 billion in 2018 (on a pro forma basis including Gemalto). Thales is investing in particular in digital innovations – connectivity, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity – technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments.
Thales Group
About Airbus CyberSecurity
Airbus CyberSecurity, a unit of Airbus Defence and Space, provides companies, critical national infrastructures and government and defence organisations with reliable, high-performance products and services to detect, analyse and respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.
www.airbus-cyber-security.com
Airbus CyberSecurity and Thales, two European leaders in cybersecurity, have signed a partnership agreement to offer a unique solution against cyber attacks. The solution will combine the file analysis system Orion Malware from Airbus CyberSecurity with Thales’s intrusion detection system Cybels Sensor, which obtained Security Visa from the French national cybersecurity agency (ANSSI) in April 2019.
This cooperation will enable the two companies to offer the best detection solution on the market, increasing the overall level of cyber defence for businesses and organisations. The partnership for the French market aims to help operators of essential services (OESs) reinforce cyber protection measures required by ANSSI with the Military Programming Law (LPM) -which is similar to the European Network and Information Systems (NIS) directive.
The Cybels Sensor detection system from Thales enables OESs and businesses to detect cyber attacks by confidently monitoring their networks. Through real-time analyses of large data volumes to detect potential threats, the sensor alerts cybersecurity teams as early as possible to maximise the protection of monitored networks. Customers already equipped with this solution include Le Groupe La Poste as well as large programmes such as the Galileo’s security systems.
In conjunction with the Orion Malware solution developed by Airbus CyberSecurity, suspicious files captured on a network by Cybels Sensor are analysed in depth in less than a minute. After the analysis, Orion Malware returns a report detailing the risks and indicators of compromise. A summary accessible to non-experts is also provided to efficiently prepare the response to the incident.
At the cutting-edge of research, and already in operation to protect institutional and corporate customers, Orion Malware works like a detonation chamber for malware. It combines the best static and dynamic detection engines to detect the stealthiest malware threats. Orion also integrates artificial intelligence to improve the classification of detected malware.
Thanks to the combination of Orion Malware with Cybels Sensor, businesses and organisations can now enhance the overall efficiency of their cyber protection. While offering an unparalleled level of detection, the solution is easy to implement and is fully adapted and optimised for Security Operations Centres (SOCs), incident response and cyber threat intelligence operations. It therefore reduces the costs of operating and protecting IT infrastructure.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global technology leader shaping the world of tomorrow today. The Group provides solutions, services and products to customers in the aeronautics, space, transport, digital identity and security, and defence markets. With 80,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of € 19 billion in 2018 (on a pro forma basis including Gemalto). Thales is investing in particular in digital innovations – connectivity, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity – technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments.
Thales Group
About Airbus CyberSecurity
Airbus CyberSecurity, a unit of Airbus Defence and Space, provides companies, critical national infrastructures and government and defence organisations with reliable, high-performance products and services to detect, analyse and respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.
www.airbus-cyber-security.com
Embraer and Ufes conduct first autonomous aircraft test in Brazil
press release
A scientific and technological cooperation between Embraer and the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (Ufes), in the areas of autonomous robotics and artificial intelligence resulted in the first test of an autonomous aircraft in Brazil. The successful initiative made it possible for a prototype to perform the taxiing operation on its own, moving along a previously established path without human interference. The sensor and image navigation set led the autonomous systems technology demonstration aircraft through the runway, taxi area and patio independently, without outside assistance. A pilot followed the cockpit operation in case of any interference. The test took place in the last week of August, at Embraer unit in Gavião Peixoto, in São Paulo state. For the past six months, researchers from Embraer and Ufes have worked together on mathematical and computational models of automation, software development, hardware, laser sensor kit, GPS and cameras, as well as systems integration into the aeronautical platform. The autonomous land navigation system was tested in a simulator during preliminary assessments prior to actual operation. “Our strategy for technology development in autonomous systems seeks to position the country at the forefront of artificial intelligence processes in a variety of applications”, said Daniel Moczydlower, Embraer's Executive Vice President of Engineering and Technology. “Achieving this technological milestone in Embraer's 50th anniversary month demonstrated not only the importance of bringing industry closer to the university, but also how prepared and engaged our people are for the journey of excellence needed for the coming decades.” The integrated artificial intelligence system monitored the aircraft’s external and internal conditions, which acts independently on the acceleration, steering and braking commands, and accurately performed the movement along the indicated path. The test aircraft platform - the same one used for the development of the modern executive jets Legacy 500 and Praetor 600 - integrated features of the Intelligent Autonomous Robotic Automobile (IARA) system, result of an autonomous cars’ research that began in 2009, at the Ufes High Performance Computing Laboratory (LCAD). “This success demonstrates the excellence of what we have been developing at Ufes in the last 10 years in the areas of autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence. It puts us once again at the scientific forefront in these areas worldwide. Doing all this in partnership with Embraer fills us with pride and satisfaction”, said Professor Alberto Ferreira de Souza, project coordinator. Partnership The partnership with Ufes, in the context of pre-competitive research and development, seeks to accelerate the knowledge of autonomous systems technologies through the implementation of more agile experimentation processes. The proposal for the scientific development of autonomous aeronautical systems, using a technology demonstration platform, constitutes an effective and efficient precompetitive research instrument for learning, training and maturing of technologies prior to application in future products or development of new market segments. Initiatives such as this, combined with long-term incentive policies, can enhance, for example, Brazil's ability to enable a new era of air mobility that is more accessible to the population. Embraer is committed to the open innovation model and collaborates with dozens of universities and research centers in Brazil and abroad. Highlights include long-term partnerships with institutions such as the Financier of Studies and Projects (Finep), the Research Support Foundations of the states of Santa Catarina, São Paulo and Minas Gerais (Fapesc, Fapesp and Fapemig, respectively) and Brazilian Company of Industrial Research and Innovation (Embrapii), which are fundamental to reduce the distance between the scientific community and the needs of the industry. By establishing strategic partnerships through more agile cooperation mechanisms, Embraer stimulates knowledge networks that allow a significant increase in the country's competitiveness and the construction of a sustainable future. Follow us on Twitter: @Embraer About Embraer A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer celebrates its 50th anniversary with businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services & Support to customers after-sales. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.
sábado, 12 de octubre de 2019
viernes, 11 de octubre de 2019
jueves, 10 de octubre de 2019
Porsche and Boeing to Partner on Premium Urban Air Mobility Market
- Companies sign MOU to investigate product development for premium market
- Builds on efforts to develop new urban air mobility ecosystem
STUTTGART, Germany and CHICAGO, Oct. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche and Boeing [NYSE: BA] signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the premium urban air mobility market and the extension of urban traffic into airspace. With this partnership, both companies will leverage their unique market strengths and insights to study the future of premium personal urban air mobility vehicles.
"Porsche is looking to enhance its scope as a sports car manufacturer by becoming a leading brand for premium mobility. In the longer term, this could mean moving into the third dimension of travel," says Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. "We are combining the strengths of two leading global companies to address a potential key market segment of the future."
As part of the partnership, the companies will create an international team to address various aspects of urban air mobility, including analysis of the market potential for premium vehicles and possible use cases.
Boeing, Porsche and Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences are also developing a concept for a fully electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. Engineers from both companies, as well as Porsche subsidiaries Porsche Engineering Services GmbH and Studio F.A. Porsche, will implement and test a prototype.
"This collaboration builds on our efforts to develop a safe and efficient new mobility ecosystem, and provides an opportunity to investigate the development of a premium urban air mobility vehicle with a leading automotive brand," said Steve Nordlund, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing NeXt, an organization that is laying the foundation for a next-generation mobility ecosystem in which autonomous and piloted vehicles can safely coexist. "Porsche and Boeing together bring precision engineering, style and innovation to accelerate urban air mobility worldwide."
A 2018 study by Porsche Consulting forecasts that the urban air mobility market will pick up speed after 2025. The study also indicates that urban air mobility solutions will transport passengers more quickly and efficiently than current conventional means of terrestrial transport, at a lower cost and with greater flexibility.
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
miércoles, 9 de octubre de 2019
ATR launches STOL 42-600S
press release
Leading turboprop manufacturer’s Board of Directors approves the launch of brand new STOL version
Juan-les-Pins, 9 October 2019 – ATR, the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer, confirms it has received authorisation from its board of directors for the launch of the ATR 42-600S. With the ‘S’ representing STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing), this new version of the ATR 42-600 offers take-off and landing capabilities on runways as short as 800m with 40 passengers on board in standard flight conditions (*). This makes the ATR 42-600S the best performing aircraft in this segment.
To-date, ATR has recorded 20 commitments from operators and lessors for this ATR 42-600S variant. This includes Elix Aviation Capital as the launch lessor and Air Tahiti as the launch operator, as announced on the occasion of the Paris Air Show 2019.
The 42-600S is a brand new addition to the company’s aircraft family, alongside the founding members ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600, and the forthcoming ATR 72-600F cargo variant. The ATR 42-600S’ certification, is expected for the second half of 2022, with the first delivery expected immediately after.
ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli, commented: “Adding the ATR 42-600S to our family makes total sense and paves the way for the company’s future. There is a huge potential for 50-seater aircraft and the ATR 42-600S could help airlines widen their horizons, as it can reach up to around 500 new airports across the globe. This is clear illustration of our dedication in helping more people and more remote communities benefit from being part of a connected world and in a sustainable way.”
The principal modifications for the 42-600S will concern the introduction of a larger rudder, which allows increased control of the aircraft at lower speeds. The new version will continue to use the same engine as both the ATR 42 and 72. The ATR 42-600S will, however, allow pilots to be able to select between the ATR 42 and 72 engine ratings, meaning the aircraft can use increased power for performing STOL operations, or elect to operate more efficiently with less power on longer runways. The ATR 42-600S will also be able to symmetrically deploy its spoilers to improve braking efficiency on landing. It will also come with an autobrake system which will ensure that the full braking power occurs immediately upon landing.
With this new version, ATR forecasts to expand the addressable market by 25%, targeting new routes and the 30-seater STOL segment. There is a strong interest from airlines for a new 50-seater product capable of operating in more constraint conditions. Close to 500 airports have a runway comprised between 800-1,000m and could welcome the ATR 42-600S. The launch of this aircraft will benefit both passengers and airlines thanks to the increased regional connectivity that it will bring.
*15°C airfield temperature, sea level, dry paved runway and a route of 200NM.
Southwest Airlines grounds two Boeing 737 NG planes with cracked pickle fork fitting
Aviation analyst Scott Hamilton with the Leeham Company says 25 planes so far have been discovered with the cracking. "Simple mathematics says that's 5%," he said
continue reading:
https://komonews.com/news/local/southwest-airlines-grounds-two-planes-with-cracked-critical-equipment
Sidney Detroit flight in a business jet
Global 7500 Jet Flies Farther Again with Another Mission of Over 8,000 Nautical Miles
Bombardier says it completed a non-stop flight from Sydney to Detroit in its Global 7500, a city pair it claims is the longest in business aviation history. https://t.co/AmkCODyYTE
martes, 8 de octubre de 2019
Airbus A400M completes paratrooper simultaneous dispatch
press release
Major achievement with synchronized deployment of 80 paratroopers
from both side doors on a single pass
Getafe, 07 October 2019 – The Airbus A400M new generation airlifter has completed the certification flight test for the simultaneous dispatch of 80 (40+40) equipped paratroopers from both side doors on a single pass. Tests were performed in coordination with the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) together with French and Belgian Armed Forces.
The flight test campaign, performed in the Ger Azet drop zone in southern France during daylight, also successfully completed the certification flight test to support the deployment of 58 paratroopers from one side door, the A400M’s maximum dispatch capacity from a single door.
These major milestones conclude the certification test phase of the paratroop dispatch capability of the A400M, pending on the completion of certification activities in the first half of 2020, and paving the way for the simultaneous deployment of up to 116 paratroopers and the certification for mixed operations.
After 9 flights and 564 jumps, the completion of the test campaign concludes a very complex exercise built together with the A400M Customer Nations around the confidence in the aircraft and the highest safety requirements.
The picture above highlights the successful dispatch of 80 paratroopers, to date the largest simultaneous deployment from an A400M on a single pass.
Major achievement with synchronized deployment of 80 paratroopers
from both side doors on a single pass
Getafe, 07 October 2019 – The Airbus A400M new generation airlifter has completed the certification flight test for the simultaneous dispatch of 80 (40+40) equipped paratroopers from both side doors on a single pass. Tests were performed in coordination with the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) together with French and Belgian Armed Forces.
The flight test campaign, performed in the Ger Azet drop zone in southern France during daylight, also successfully completed the certification flight test to support the deployment of 58 paratroopers from one side door, the A400M’s maximum dispatch capacity from a single door.
These major milestones conclude the certification test phase of the paratroop dispatch capability of the A400M, pending on the completion of certification activities in the first half of 2020, and paving the way for the simultaneous deployment of up to 116 paratroopers and the certification for mixed operations.
After 9 flights and 564 jumps, the completion of the test campaign concludes a very complex exercise built together with the A400M Customer Nations around the confidence in the aircraft and the highest safety requirements.
The picture above highlights the successful dispatch of 80 paratroopers, to date the largest simultaneous deployment from an A400M on a single pass.
Boeing and Virgin Galactic enter strategic partnership to transform commercial space travel and mobility
press release
Boeing [NYSE: BA] is investing $20 million in Virgin Galactic, a vertically integrated human spaceflight company. The companies will work together to broaden commercial space access and transform global travel technologies.
"Boeing's strategic investment facilitates our effort to drive the commercialization of space and broaden consumer access to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible new forms of transportation," said Brian Schettler, senior managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures. "Our work with Virgin Galactic, and others, will help unlock the future of space travel and high-speed mobility."
To date, Virgin Galactic has invested $1 billion of capital to build reusable human spaceflight systems designed to enable significantly more people to experience and utilize space. In July, the company announced its intent to become a publicly-listed entity via a business combination with Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. The Boeing investment will be in return for new shares in Virgin Galactic and is therefore contingent on the closing of that transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, and any such investment will be in the post-business combination company.
This investment brings together two companies with extensive experience in the space industry. Virgin Galactic is a pioneer of commercial human space flight and is the first and only company to have put humans into space in a vehicle built for commercial service, having built and flown a Mach 3 passenger vehicle. Through its manufacturing and development capabilities, Virgin Galactic can design, build, test, and operate a fleet of advanced aerospace vehicles. Boeing has unsurpassed experience transporting people to orbit and building and operating large structures in that challenging environment. A part of every U.S. manned space program, Boeing serves as NASA's prime contractor for the International Space Station (ISS) and is preparing the new, reusable, Starliner space capsule for launch to the ISS.
"This is the beginning of an important collaboration for the future of air and space travel, which are the natural next steps for our human spaceflight program," said Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic. "Virgin Galactic and Boeing share a vision of opening access to the world and space, to more people, in safe and environmentally responsible ways."
Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Leanne Caret, said "the unique expertise of our companies stretches from points all around the world to the deepest reaches of space. Together we will change how people travel on Earth, and among the stars, for generations to come."
George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic, noted: "we are excited to partner with Boeing to develop something that can truly change how people move around the planet and connect with one another. As a Virgin company, our focus will be on a safe and unparalleled customer experience, with environmental responsibility to the fore."
Additional information on specific projects to be pursued will be shared in the future.
About Boeing
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
About Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic and The Spaceship Company form a vertically-integrated aerospace company pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers. It believes the commercial exploration of space represents one of the most exciting and significant technology initiatives of our time. It is embarking on this commercial exploration journey with a mission to put humans into space and return them safely to Earth on a routine, consistent and affordable basis. Using its proprietary and reusable technologies, and supported by a distinctive, Virgin–branded customer experience, it is developing a spaceflight system designed to offer customers a unique, multi-day experience culminating in a spaceflight that includes several minutes of weightlessness and views of Earth from space. It is in the final stages of development, having already completed two crewed flights of its vehicle into space, and anticipates initial commercial launch in 2020.
About Social Capital Hedosophia
Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. ("SCH") is a partnership between the investment firms of Social Capital and Hedosophia. SCH unites technologists, entrepreneurs and technology-oriented investors around a shared vision of identifying and investing in innovative and agile technology companies. To learn more about SCH, visit www.socialcapitalhedosophiaholdings.com
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This press release relates to a proposed transaction between Virgin Galactic and SCH. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. In connection with the proposed transaction, SCH filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC on August 7, 2019. SCH also will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. Before making any voting decision, investors and security holders of SCH are urged to read the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus included therein and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction.
Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by SCH through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.
The documents filed by SCH with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at SCH's website at http://www.socialcapitalhedosophiaholdings.com/docs.html or upon written request to 120 Hawthorne Avenue Palo Alto, California 94301.
Participants in Solicitation
SCH and its respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SCH's shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed transaction may be obtained by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction. You may obtain a free copy of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including with respect to the proposed investment in Virgin Galactic by Boeing and the proposed transaction between Virgin Galactic and SCH. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this communication. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of SCH's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, the registration statement on Form S-4 discussed above and other documents filed by SCH from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
- Boeing Invests in Human Spaceflight Pioneer Virgin Galactic
- Latest investment to date by Boeing HorizonX Ventures organization
Boeing [NYSE: BA] is investing $20 million in Virgin Galactic, a vertically integrated human spaceflight company. The companies will work together to broaden commercial space access and transform global travel technologies.
"Boeing's strategic investment facilitates our effort to drive the commercialization of space and broaden consumer access to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible new forms of transportation," said Brian Schettler, senior managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures. "Our work with Virgin Galactic, and others, will help unlock the future of space travel and high-speed mobility."
To date, Virgin Galactic has invested $1 billion of capital to build reusable human spaceflight systems designed to enable significantly more people to experience and utilize space. In July, the company announced its intent to become a publicly-listed entity via a business combination with Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. The Boeing investment will be in return for new shares in Virgin Galactic and is therefore contingent on the closing of that transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, and any such investment will be in the post-business combination company.
This investment brings together two companies with extensive experience in the space industry. Virgin Galactic is a pioneer of commercial human space flight and is the first and only company to have put humans into space in a vehicle built for commercial service, having built and flown a Mach 3 passenger vehicle. Through its manufacturing and development capabilities, Virgin Galactic can design, build, test, and operate a fleet of advanced aerospace vehicles. Boeing has unsurpassed experience transporting people to orbit and building and operating large structures in that challenging environment. A part of every U.S. manned space program, Boeing serves as NASA's prime contractor for the International Space Station (ISS) and is preparing the new, reusable, Starliner space capsule for launch to the ISS.
"This is the beginning of an important collaboration for the future of air and space travel, which are the natural next steps for our human spaceflight program," said Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic. "Virgin Galactic and Boeing share a vision of opening access to the world and space, to more people, in safe and environmentally responsible ways."
Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Leanne Caret, said "the unique expertise of our companies stretches from points all around the world to the deepest reaches of space. Together we will change how people travel on Earth, and among the stars, for generations to come."
George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic, noted: "we are excited to partner with Boeing to develop something that can truly change how people move around the planet and connect with one another. As a Virgin company, our focus will be on a safe and unparalleled customer experience, with environmental responsibility to the fore."
Additional information on specific projects to be pursued will be shared in the future.
About Boeing
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
About Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic and The Spaceship Company form a vertically-integrated aerospace company pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers. It believes the commercial exploration of space represents one of the most exciting and significant technology initiatives of our time. It is embarking on this commercial exploration journey with a mission to put humans into space and return them safely to Earth on a routine, consistent and affordable basis. Using its proprietary and reusable technologies, and supported by a distinctive, Virgin–branded customer experience, it is developing a spaceflight system designed to offer customers a unique, multi-day experience culminating in a spaceflight that includes several minutes of weightlessness and views of Earth from space. It is in the final stages of development, having already completed two crewed flights of its vehicle into space, and anticipates initial commercial launch in 2020.
About Social Capital Hedosophia
Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. ("SCH") is a partnership between the investment firms of Social Capital and Hedosophia. SCH unites technologists, entrepreneurs and technology-oriented investors around a shared vision of identifying and investing in innovative and agile technology companies. To learn more about SCH, visit www.socialcapitalhedosophiaholdings.com
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This press release relates to a proposed transaction between Virgin Galactic and SCH. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. In connection with the proposed transaction, SCH filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC on August 7, 2019. SCH also will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. Before making any voting decision, investors and security holders of SCH are urged to read the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus included therein and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction.
Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by SCH through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.
The documents filed by SCH with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at SCH's website at http://www.socialcapitalhedosophiaholdings.com/docs.html or upon written request to 120 Hawthorne Avenue Palo Alto, California 94301.
Participants in Solicitation
SCH and its respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SCH's shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed transaction may be obtained by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction. You may obtain a free copy of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including with respect to the proposed investment in Virgin Galactic by Boeing and the proposed transaction between Virgin Galactic and SCH. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this communication. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of SCH's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, the registration statement on Form S-4 discussed above and other documents filed by SCH from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Boeing and Aerospace Technology Institute Launch UK Startup Accelerator
press release
- Boeing will invest £2 million to boost innovation in UK aerospace industry over two years
- Startups invited to pitch Industry 4.0 and sustainability enabling technologies
- GKN Aerospace is inaugural corporate sponsor; others invited to join
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) announced the launch of a two-year programme intended to support the growth of startups in the UK aerospace industry. The first round of the programme will be three months long and seeks world-class startups creating Industry 4.0 and sustainability enabling technologies with the potential to bolster the growth and competitiveness of the UK aerospace industry. Startups that are selected for funding will receive up to £100,000.
“Through this partnership Boeing and ATI are accelerating innovation and the growth of a vibrant global startup ecosystem,” said Brian Schettler, Boeing HorizonX Ventures senior managing director.
The application period for the London-based accelerator closes on 15 November. The programme is delivered in partnership with Ignite, a UK-based startup accelerator and investment network. GKN Aerospace is the inaugural corporate sponsor, with other sponsors expected to join.
“Innovation is a common thread through the more than 80 years of partnership between Boeing and the UK,” said Sir Martin Donnelly, president of Boeing Europe and managing director for the United Kingdom & Ireland. “This £2 million investment is a new chapter in Boeing’s history, providing financial support and expert mentoring to enhance the UK’s thriving startup community and strengthen aerospace innovation and industry prosperity.”
“We are excited to be setting up the first dedicated commercial aerospace accelerator, enhancing the opportunities for innovative startup businesses to be successful in the industry. The potential for new technologies or business models to enhance productivity and tackle sustainability challenges in the sector is growing. Many of these opportunities will be advanced through the fresh thinking and agility of entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses,” said Gary Elliott, ATI chief executive officer. “It is therefore a priority for the ATI to ensure the UK aerospace ecosystem is well placed to support these businesses. This programme breaks new ground, leveraging our networks and neutrality to bring multiple corporate sponsors together and give the startups unparalleled opportunities to develop their ideas, source investments and access customers.”
“This programme is an example of the aerospace industry at its best – global businesses working with dynamic startups to accelerate innovation and benefit the whole industry,” said Paul Perera, vice president of technology at GKN Aerospace. “Partnerships like this will drive the breakthroughs of tomorrow.”
In January 2020, the first cohort of startups will begin their participation in the accelerator. Leaders from Boeing, ATI and sponsoring partners will mentor the startups on business building and skill development, including connecting them with funding opportunities and commercialising solutions.
In April 2020, the startups will celebrate the end of the programme with a demonstration day, where they will pitch their businesses to customers, key industry stakeholders and investors to help the startups achieve commercial and equity outcomes.
Learn more about the ATI Boeing Accelerator here.
About Boeing
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defence, space and security systems, and global services. The company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
About the Aerospace Technology Institute
The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) promotes transformative technology in air transport. We create the technology strategy for the UK aerospace sector and fund world-class research and development.
About GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier. With 50 manufacturing locations in 15 countries, GKN Aerospace develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems and components, including global leadership positions in aerostructures, engine systems, transparencies and wiring systems. Lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, innovative engine systems and smart transparencies help to reduce emissions and weight on the aircraft and enhance passenger comfort, from helicopters and business jets to the most used single aisle aircraft and the largest passenger planes in the world.
About Ignite
Ignite launched its first accelerator in Newcastle upon Tyne in 2011. Since then, Ignite has supported more than 200 companies through its accelerator and pre-accelerator programmes across the UK and its portfolio has collectively raised more than £50m.
Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey Fleet Surpasses 500,000 Flight Hours
press release
The V-22 fleet of tiltrotor aircraft built by Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. [NYSE: TXT] company, and Boeing [NYSE: BA] has topped the 500,000 flight hour milestone. More than 375 Ospreys logged the hours, including the U.S. Air Force CV-22 and the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22.
“The V-22 provides unmatched capability for the U.S. Marines and U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Kelly, V-22 Joint Program Manager. “The platform’s influence on our nation’s defense is seen through its extensive operational and humanitarian impact across the globe.”
The V-22 Osprey is the world’s only production tiltrotor aircraft, enabling servicemen and women to conduct diverse missions throughout the most difficult operating environments. Most recently, the aircraft deployed to assist relief efforts in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian.
“Since delivery of the first V-22 aircraft, Bell Boeing has ensured that our men and women in uniform have this indispensable asset available to protect heroes and save lives,” said Kristin Houston, vice president, Boeing Tiltrotor Programs and director, Bell Boeing V-22 Program.
Bell Boeing supports V-22 readiness through a comprehensive sustainment effort that includes maintenance, training, on-site field representatives and data analytics. Bell Boeing is also working with the V-22 program office on several efforts to improve V-22 readiness. The Marines’ Common Configuration Readiness and Modernization program (CC-RAM), the Air Force’s configuration reducing modification plan, and nacelle wiring and structure improvements are expected to increase readiness of the V-22 fleet.
“V-22 is one of the highest demand platforms in the Department of Defense. This achievement is a great testament to the Marines and Air Commandos operating this platform in all environments,” said Chris Gehler, Bell V-22 vice president and Bell Boeing deputy program director. “We are committed to providing unparalleled support to our partners by steadily improving Osprey readiness and capabilities now and in the future.”
Since 2007, the V-22 has continuously served the Marines and Navy, as well as Air Force Special Operations. A third variant, the CMV-22, is scheduled to join the U.S. Navy fleet in 2020.
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