Delta will launch PARALLEL REALITY™ tech to serve up airport messages tailored to individual travelers – on a single screen, at the same time

• press release
  
• 
  
• This new, opt-in technology allows multiple customers to see personalized content tailored to their unique journey on a single digital screen – at the exact same time and in their preferred language.
  
• First-ever PARALLEL REALITY™ experience coming mid-2020 for customers departing Detroit.
  
• Announced from CES keynote stage, mind-blowing technology will make it easier to traverse the airport, reduce stress and create engaging moments in unexpected places.
  
• Watch video here.
  

Delta Air Lines, in partnership with Misapplied Sciences, will launch the first-ever PARALLEL REALITYTM beta experience for customers departing Detroit Metropolitan Airport this year – the first step toward a future where the airport environment itself is tailored to each customer.

This new, opt-in technology allows multiple customers to see personalized content tailored to their unique journey on a single digital screen – at the exact same time and in their preferred language. At a glance, the category-defining technology will provide wayfinding and personalized travel information, like directions to your departure gate, or the closest Delta Sky Club.

"This breakthrough technology has to be seen to be believed – it has the potential to make even the

busiest airports much easier to navigate, even if you don't speak the language," said Delta Chief Operating Officer Gil West. "Not only will Parallel Reality reduce stress and save time for our customers, but when combined with the warmth and thoughtfulness of our Delta people, the possibilities are endless."

For the beta experience in Detroit, nearly 100 customers will be able to simultaneously view personalized content tailored to their individual travel on a single large-scale digital screen located just after security. Customer and employee feedback from this opt-in trial will be critical to shaping the future experience.

At CES and want to see the Parallel Reality experience for yourself? Stop by Delta's booth (#14035) in Central Hall where the experience will be center stage.

 

How the beta experience will work:

• After moving through security at Detroit, travelers will see a Parallel Reality display near the Delta Sky Club (Concourse A, McNamara Terminal).
• Delta customers departing from Detroit who want to participate can scan their boarding pass on the boarding pass scanner and select the language they want to use.
• Leveraging multi-view pixels and proprietary technology, this innovation enables each customer to see personalized, in-language messages – tailored just to them – as they walk past the digital screen.
  • For the trial, tailored messages may include personalized wayfinding, flight information or updates, boarding time, the nearest Delta Sky Club or even upgrade/standby status.
• This experience will always be opt-in, and customer information is not stored.

"We are looking forward to bringing this to life with Delta. The team there quickly saw the value the Parallel Reality experience would bring to its customers and had the vision, brand and resources to help bring it to market," said Albert Ng, Misapplied Sciences CEO. "While we will start with Delta customers in Detroit, eventually Parallel Reality technology can be used to create seamless, engaging and personalized experiences in nearly any out-of-home venue–ranging from stadiums to theme parks to convention centers and more."

The Parallel Reality technology first caught the eye of innovation experts at The Hangar, Delta's innovation center. From there, Delta identified an opportunity to leverage this groundbreaking innovation to transform the airport experience. Teams across the company have since worked hand in hand with Misapplied Sciences to develop and hone the beta experience launching in mid-2020. Delta also made an equity investment in Misapplied Sciences in 2019.

"At Delta, we foster an innovation ecosystem that allows us to think big, start small and scale fast as technology and consumer expectations evolve – whether it's with our own solutions or in partnership with leading startups like Misapplied Sciences," West added.

The partnership is just one part of Delta's work to transform travel to be less stressful and more enjoyable. The possibilities are endless for integrating information into the Parallel Reality experience from the Fly Delta digital concierge experience and Delta's Operations & Customer Center's new AI-driven machine learning platform.

About Delta

Delta is the U.S. global airline leader in products, services, innovation, reliability and customer experience. Powered by its 80,000 people around the world, the airline serves nearly 200 million people every year on more than 5,000 daily departures across its industry-leading global network to more than 300 destinations in over 50 countries. Over the past several years, Delta has led the airline industry in transforming the customer experience by introducing the first end-to-end biometric terminal in the US at Atlanta's international airport, real-time RFID bag tracking and automatic check-in via the Fly Delta mobile app, an alliance that will empower customers with seamless in-cabin connectivity experience, more efficient and high-tech automated screening lanes, and a groundbreaking app that helps Delta pilots avoid turbulence for a more comfortable flight. The global airline is also empowering its employees – Delta's greatest competitive advantage – by arming them with handheld platforms that allow for more personalized service delivery and more meaningful interactions – not just transactions – with customers. All of this has resulted in Delta being named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Worldwide two consecutive years, and Fortune's Most Admired Airline for eight of the past nine years.

Boeing: New leadership to focus on safety culture, improved transparency and rebuilding trust

• press release
  
• 
  
• Calhoun Begins Role as Boeing President and CEO
  

David L. Calhoun today assumed the role of president and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA).

"With deep industry experience and a proven track record of performance, Dave is the right leader to navigate Boeing through this challenging time in our 104-year legacy," said Lawrence W. Kellner, chairman of the Boeing Board of Directors. "We're confident Dave will take Boeing forward with intense focus on our values, including safety, quality and integrity."

"We also want to thank Greg Smith for his leadership as interim CEO and are pleased Boeing will continue to benefit from his contributions as he returns to the role of Boeing chief financial officer and executive vice president of Enterprise Performance & Strategy," concluded Kellner.

Calhoun, 62, has served in various senior leadership roles within several large-scale enterprises including at the Blackstone Group, Nielsen Holdings and GE. During his 26-year tenure at GE, he led multiple business units including GE Transportation and GE Aircraft Engines where safety was paramount. He has served on the Boeing Board of Directors since 2009 and served as chairman from October 11 to December 22, 2019.

"I'm honored to lead the talented people of Boeing as we face our challenges. Working together, we will strengthen our safety culture, improve transparency and rebuild trust with our customers, regulators, suppliers and the flying public," said Calhoun. "With the strength of our team, I'm confident in the future of Boeing, including the 737 MAX."

Calhoun shared his top priorities for 2020 with all Boeing employees today. The email message can be viewed here.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a 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.

Boeing Mocked Lion Air’s Calls for 737 Max Training Before Deadly Crash

https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2020-01-14/lion-air-idiots-sought-more-max-training-boeing-thwarted-it 

Hybrid Airships: The production Airlander 10 is revealed

press release

The production Airlander 10 is revealed as Hybrid Air Vehicles approaches the start of production, with negotiations continuing with commercial customers.

The updated aircraft has a fuel-saving, lower-drag shape; enhanced landing gear; wider, longer cabin for passengers, cargo, and equipment; and many other refinements. These features will provide the flexibility needed to deliver the unique experiences the commercial market is keen to offer to its customers.

"Unveiling the aircraft that our first commercial customers will receive is an exciting moment and an important milestone on our path to type certification."

Tom Grundy Chief Executive Officer

The production aircraft will deliver more than just the capability and maintainability customers expect from Airlander technology. It will also deliver increased efficiency, with the Airlander 10 producing up to 75% fewer emissions than comparable aircraft. We are currently developing electric propulsion with Collins Aerospace and the University of Nottingham as we work to deliver zero-carbon aviation.

HAV is currently in contract negotiations for the first four production slots, based on signed letters of intent for over ten aircraft with organisations in the tourism and clean technology sectors. "Our current negotiations are the result of the strong interest in providing unique, responsible travel experiences that we've been seeing in the commercial sector," Grundy adds.

As HAV approaches the launch of the production and type certification programme, we are also working to secure the investment required to establish a new, made-for-Airlander production facility.

Siemens Mobility Exhibits Innovative Mobility Solutions at CES 2020

press reléase:


Kicking off 2020, Siemens Mobility will participate in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a preeminent gathering place for the most innovative minds and organizations, taking place in Las Vegas, January 6-10, 2020. Under the motto of "Connecting people through seamless mobility", Siemens Mobility will be showcasing a variety of digital innovations from its intelligent traffic systems and intermodal solutions.

Siemens Mobility delivers innovative solution-driven technology that enhances quality of life: making communities more sustainable and better places to live, work and play. Contributing to the next mobility revolution, comprehensive traffic management systems are shaping an autonomous, connected, electric and shared mobility ecosystem.

Presentations

• Siemens Mobility Operating System – Empowering Cities
• Connecting Passengers with Seamless Mobility
• eHighway: Sustainable road freight transport
• Shared Autonomous Mobility
• Building An Intermodal Ecosystem

Background Information

• eHighway – the backbone for electrified freight transport by road
• Mobility Operating System – the mobility center of the future
• Transforming public transit with demand-responsive autonomous shuttle bus systems
• Mobility Made Easy: Digital Solutions for Seamless Transportation

Airbus BelugaXL enters service, adding XL capacity to the fleet

press release

The BelugaXL has entered into service, providing Airbus with 30% extra transport capacity in order to support the on-going production ramp-up of commercial aircraft programmes.

The aircraft, which is an integral part of Airbus' industrial system, made its first operational flight on 9 January. This is the first of six BelugaXL to begin work alongside the BelugaST predecessors, with the additional aircraft being introduced between 2020 and 2023.

Launched just over five years ago, in November 2014, the entry into service milestone marks yet another successful achievement for the internal aircraft programme that was awarded Type Certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in November 2019, following an intensive flight test campaign that saw the BelugaXL complete more than 200 flight tests, clocking over 700 flight hours.

At 63 metres long and 8 metres wide, the BelugaXL has the largest cargo bay cross-section of all existing cargo aircraft worldwide.  The BelugaXL can carry two A350 XWB wings compared to the BelugaST, which can only carry one. With a maximum payload of 51 tonnes, the BelugaXL has a range of 4,000 km. (2200nm).

The BelugaXL is based on an A330-200 Freighter, enabling the re-use of existing components and equipment, and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. The lowered cockpit, the cargo bay structure and the rear-end and tail were newly developed jointly with partners, giving the aircraft its distinctive look.

The BelugaXL is the latest addition to Airbus' transportation portfolio. While air transport remains the primary method for transporting large aircraft components, Airbus also uses road, rail and sea transport to move parts between its production sites. Like the BelugaST, the aircraft will operate from 11 destinations in Europe, continuing to strengthen industrial capabilities and enabling Airbus to deliver on its commitments.

HISTORY: India’s LCA Makes 1st Landing On Aircraft Carrier Deck | Livefist

https://www.livefistdefence.com/2020/01/history-indias-lca-makes-1st-landing-on-aircraft-carrier-deck.html 

Airbus announces increased investment, expansion of aircraft manufacturing in the U.S.

press release

Investments in Mobile, Alabama alone surpass $1 billon

 

Mobile, AL, USA – Airbus announced today that, as part of its plan to produce 63 A320 Family aircraft per month in 2021, the company will expand its industrial footprint in the U.S. by increasing the production rate of A320 family aircraft at its Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile to seven per month by the beginning of next year. This increase, and continued recruiting for the A220 manufacturing team, will result in a further 275 jobs added at the Alabama-based facility over the next year. The company will also invest another $40 million through construction of an additional support hangar on the site, bringing its total investment to more than $1 billion in the Gulf Coast city.

Airbus' announcement comes on top of huge growth in 2019, when the company added 600 new jobs at the manufacturing site. With plans already in place for production of four A220 aircraft per month in Mobile by the middle of the decade, Airbus is on track to produce more than 130 aircraft in Mobile each year for its airline customers.

Reflecting on the growth and continued investment in the U.S., Airbus Americas Chairman and CEO C. Jeffrey Knittel said, "Airbus has been manufacturing in the U.S. for many years now through our helicopter, aircraft and satellite products. This increase in commercial aircraft production in Mobile is an exciting expansion of our significant industrial investment in the U.S., and it continues Airbus' positive contribution to American aerospace."

Knittel continued, "We have invested more than $1 billion in Mobile because of the terrific team of employees there – and because of the support and welcome we continue to receive from the Gulf Coast community and State and Congressional leaders like Senator Richard Shelby, who has been with us from the beginning. We look forward to building on that strong relationship with our neighbors. This goes beyond jobs to include our support of education initiatives and future workforce development that will positively impact the community for decades to come along the Gulf Coast."

In addition to its operations in Mobile, Airbus has extensive presence throughout the U.S. The company employs approximately 4,000 people at 38 locations in 16 states. Among its other facilities in the U.S. Airbus has: an engineering center in Kansas; training facilities in Florida and Colorado; materials support and headquarters in Virginia; an innovative think tank (A3) in California; a drone data analysis business in Georgia; helicopter manufacturing and assembly facilities in Texas and Mississippi; and a satellite manufacturing facility (OneWeb Satellites) in Florida. Furthermore, in the last three years alone, Airbus has spent nearly $50 billion in the U.S. with more than 450 U.S. suppliers, supporting more than 275,000 American jobs.

In addition to the rate increase and new team members, Airbus will have a lot more to celebrate in Mobile in 2020: Defense and Space will celebrate its 15th anniversary in April; Airbus' newest final assembly line for the A220 will open, and the delivery of the first U.S.-made A220 will take place. The company will also welcome the graduation of the first students from the FlightPath9 high school student training program in May, participate in the opening of the Flight Works Alabama aviation experience center in June, and deliver its 200th U.S.-built A320 family aircraft in the summer.

Airbus delivers strong 2019 commercial aircraft performance

• press release
  
• 
  
• 863 aircraft deliveries, 8 percent higher than in 2018
  
• 1,131 new aircraft orders, 768 net orders, backlog stands at 7,482 aircraft
  

 

Toulouse – Airbus SE (Stock exchange symbol: AIR) delivered 863 commercial aircraft to 99 customers in 2019, outpacing its previous output record set in 2018 by eight percent. In the 17th yearly production increase in a row, Airbus progressed on the transition to all NEO variants and by year end Airbus had delivered 173 wide-body aircraft, its highest number in a single year.

In 2019, deliveries comprised:

A220 Family: 48 v 20 in 2018 (since the A220 became part of the Airbus Family: 1 July 2018)

A320 Family: 642 v 626 in 2018. Of these, 551 were NEO Family v 386 in 2018

A330 Family: 53 v 49 in 2018. Of these, 41 were NEO Family v 3 in 2018

A350 Family: 112 v 93 in 2018. Of these, 25 were A350-1000 v 14 in 2018

A380: 8 v 12 in 2018

Airbus had a strong year of sales with a total of 1,131 new orders.

Net orders reached 768, compared to 747 in 2018, underlining customer endorsements in all market segments and taking Airbus' overall historical cumulative net orders over the 20,000 mark.

The A220 achieved 63 net orders, confirming it as the leading aircraft in its category. The A320 Family continued its success with 654 net orders including an outstanding market response for the new A321XLR. At year end, the current Airbus wide-body offering comprised sales and repeat orders of 32 A350 Family and 89 A330 Family aircraft. Cancellations of 363 reflect specific airline situations in 2019 as well as the decision to end A380 production. At the turn of the year, Airbus' backlog stood at 7,482 aircraft.

"I am happy to see our commercial aircraft order and delivery numbers reflecting the continuous efforts to better serve our customers and bring our competitive products and services to the market", said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. "I sincerely thank our customers for their loyalty and the Airbus teams and our industry partners who made it possible."

Airbus will report Full Year 2019 financial results on 13 February 2020.

Coming soon: the future of electric flight. ACCEL

https://www.rolls-royce.com/innovation/key-demonstrators/accel.aspx

Rolls-Royce opens new facility in Bristol, UK to develop components for cleaner, quieter, more-efficient jet engines

https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2020/09-01-2020-rr-opens-new-facility-in-bristol.aspx

• New facility in Bristol, UK will develop components for UltraFan, a revolutionary new engine design
  
• Site will use low-energy, low-emissions processes, reducing waste by maximising raw materials
  
• Advanced manufacturing hub represents an investment of £25m and has secured 150 jobs
  

A new Rolls-Royce facility which will develop jet engine technologies set to transform flight, reduce emissions and set new benchmarks for efficiency has opened in Bristol, UK. The composite technology hub will develop fan blades and fan cases which significantly reduce weight in a jet engine, lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

The fan blades and fan cases being made at the facility are a feature of the Rolls-Royce UltraFan® engine demonstrator, a revolutionary new engine design which will reduce fuel burn and CO2 by at least 25% compared to the first Trent engine.

The new facility will use low-energy, very low emissions processes and features state-of-the-art automated manufacturing methods and materials. It will maximise the use of raw materials, reducing waste. Rolls-Royce has pledged to achieve zero emissions at its operations and facilities by 2030*.

Rolls-Royce has a crucial role in the transition to a net zero carbon economy and has a three-part environmental approach: reducing the impact of existing technologies; pioneering electrification in aviation; and working with the industry to accelerate the use of sustainable fuels.

Alan Newby, Rolls-Royce, Director, Aerospace Technology and Future Programmes said: "This incredible new facility exemplifies our commitment to creating cleaner, more efficient forms of power. Our highly-skilled employees will use the latest technology, materials and manufacturing techniques to develop components that will contribute to lighter, quieter, more powerful jet engines with fewer emissions."

The facility will focus on carbon-fibre composites, which are used in the aerospace industry to reduce weight significantly. The lighter an engine is, the less fuel it burns, creating fewer emissions. A Rolls-Royce fan system made with carbon-fibre composites can save almost 700kg per aircraft, the equivalent of seven passengers and their luggage.

The fan blades are made by manufacturing techniques that build up hundreds of layers of carbon-fibre materials, pre-filled with state-of-the-art toughness-enhanced resin material. Heat and pressure are then applied, and each blade is finished with a thin titanium leading edge, which offers extreme protection against erosion, foreign objects and bird strikes.

From January, the facility will begin making fan blades and cases for the UltraFan demonstrator engine. The composite system for the UltraFan engine demonstrator is taking shape, and different parts have completed aerodynamic performance, bird-strike, containment, icing and water ingestion tests, as well as ground and flight testing.

Rolls-Royce has been involved in developing carbon-fibre technologies for several decades and already uses the material for parts within its engines. The new facility will take this technology to the next level.

It will benefit from manufacturing techniques that have been developed in partnership with the National Composites Centre in Bristol, and research conducted at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre at the University of Bristol, as well as several other universities and research centres based in the UK and in Europe.

The facility has secured 150 jobs in Bristol. An existing composite manufacturing technology facility, along with around 30 employees, has been transferred from the Isle of Wight. Since 2008, the UK Government has provided funding and support for Rolls-Royce composite technology research and development, including £7.4m of funding to support the Isle of Wight facility. The equipment from here has been moved and developed further at the new facility in Bristol.

More info:

Rolls Royce: Step inside our factory of the future

https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/our-stories/discover/2020/step-inside-our-factory-of-the-future.aspx

Rolls-Royce develops world-first electrical technology for next-generation Tempest programme

press release

https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2020/09-01-2020-rr-develops-world-first-electrical-technology-for-next-generation-tempest-programme.aspx

Over the last five years Rolls-Royce has been pioneering world-first technology that will contribute to the UK's next-generation Tempest programme.

In an aim to be more electric, more intelligent and to harness more power, Rolls-Royce recognised that any future fighter aircraft will have unprecedented levels of electrical power demand and thermal load; all needing to be managed within the context of a stealthy aircraft.

Before the launch of the Tempest programme, Rolls-Royce had already started to address the demands of the future. Back in 2014, the company took on the challenge of designing an electrical starter generator that was fully embedded in the core of a gas turbine engine, now known as the Embedded Electrical Starter Generator or E2SG demonstrator programme.

Conrad Banks, Chief Engineer for Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce said:
"The electrical embedded starter-generator will save space and provide the large amount of electrical power required by future fighters. Existing aircraft engines generate power through a gearbox underneath the engine, which drives a generator. In addition to adding moving parts and complexity, the space required outside the engine for the gearbox and generator makes the airframe larger, which is undesirable in a stealthy platform."

Phase two of this programme has now been adopted as part of Rolls-Royce's contribution to the Tempest programme.

As part of this journey, the company has been continuously developing its capabilities in the aerospace market, from gas turbine technologies through to integrated power and propulsion systems. The goal being to provide not only the thrust that propels an aircraft through the sky, but also the electrical power required for all the systems on board as well as managing all the resulting thermal loads.

Rolls-Royce is adapting to the reality that all future vehicles, whether on land, in the air or at sea will have significantly increased levels of electrification to power sensors, communications systems weapons, actuation systems and accessories, as well as the usual array of avionics.

The launch of phase one of the E2SG programme saw significant investment in the development of an integrated electrical facility – a unique test house where gas turbine engines can be physically connected to a DC electrical network.

The launch of the second phase of the project in 2017 saw the inclusion of a second electrical generator connected to the other spool of the engine. It also included an energy storage system in the electrical network and the ability to intelligently manage the supply of power between all these systems.

The two-spool mounted electrical machines allows, by combination of operation as either a motor or a generator, the production of a series of functional effects on the engine, including the transfer of power electrically between the two spools.

As part of the E2SG programme, Rolls-Royce is investigating the feasibility of using dual spool generation to influence the operability, responsiveness and efficiency of the engine. Another key technology under development is the Power Manager intelligent control system, which uses algorithms to make real time intelligent decisions about how to supply the current aircraft electrical demand while optimising other factors including engine efficiency to reduce fuel burn or engine temperature to extend component life.

Throughout the Tempest programme, Rolls-Royce will be continuing to mature the electrical technologies demonstrated by the E2SG programme, with a third phase of testing likely to include a novel thermal management system being integrated with the overall system, as well as more electric engine accessories.

The company also intends to showcase a full-scale demonstrator of an advanced power and propulsion system. There will be new technologies in all parts of the gas turbine, including twin spool embedded generation to higher power levels, an advanced thermal management system, an energy storage system tailored to the expected duty cycle of the future fighter and an intelligent power management system which will be able to optimise the performance of both the gas turbine and the power and thermal management system.

Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force to study joint development of a new light military transport aircraft

https://embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1206676-embraer-and-the-brazilian-air-force-to-study-joint-development-of-a-new-light-military-transport-aircraft

Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) signed a memorandum of understanding which enables the study of the potential development of a new light military transport aircraft.

The study seeks to identify alternatives and solutions to meet FAB's operational needs, especially in the Amazon region and austere environments, including unpaved, short and damaged runways located in remote areas. Relying on Embraer's high level of innovation and technological capabilities, the study will also seek to explore new technologies to provide solutions to FAB's extreme demands, such as different system architectures, innovative platform solutions, and hybrid-electric propulsion, among others.

FAB, which in 2019 received its first units of the modern KC-390 Millennium, a multi-mission tactical military airlifter, seeks with this study to complement and modernize its transport capabilities in the smaller segments, in order to broadly and completely fulfill Brazil's needs.

Based on a strong track record of cooperation, that unites Embraer's excellent execution capabilities and FAB's innovative and high-performance requirements, the study will also cover global market demand for the new aircraft.

According to the agreement, Embraer will carry out market studies for the development of the new aircraft, while FAB will provide its expertise in operating aircraft in this segment.

"We are confident that the expertise of the Brazilian Air Force will help us to establish the most appropriate requirements for this study, resulting in an extremely capable aircraft," said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. "Embraer is more than up for the challenge. Our newest product, the C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, is coming into operation, and this new project will be instrumental in maintaining and enhancing Embraer's engineering and technology capabilities to meet the challenging demands of FAB and other customers worldwide."

"The purpose of this memorandum is to formalize Embraer's intention to develop a light transport aircraft to carry cargo and personnel. The Brazilian Air Force participation is mainly with regard to sharing expertise, based on projects that Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force have already developed in partnership, to meet the Air Force's needs over time", said Lieutenant-Brigadier Antonio Carlos Moretti Bermudez, Brazilian Air Force Commander.

Près de la moitié des nouveaux astronautes de la Nasa sont des femmes

https://amp-madame.lefigaro.fr/societe/pres-de-la-moitie-des-nouveaux-astronautes-de-la-nasa-sont-des-femmes-110120-179037?__twitter_impression=true 

Slim seats are an eco-start but recycling makes bigger difference: AIRA

 https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2020/01/10/slim-seats-are-an-eco-start-but-recycling-makes-bigger-difference-aira/ 

Bjorn’s Corner: Why e in ePlane shall stand for environment, Part 4.

https://leehamnews.com/2020/01/10/bjorns-corner-why-e-in-eplane-shall-stand-for-environment-part-4/ 

A Brief History of Airliner Shoot-Down Incidents (and Hoaxes).

https://theaviationist.com/2020/01/10/a-brief-history-of-airliner-shoot-down-incidents-and-hoaxes/ 

Very hard landing for this Nordwind Airlines Airbus A321 at Antalya Airport

Nordwind Airbus A321 damaged in hard landing at Antalya Airport, Turkey. No injuries reported. https://t.co/6PCOxRR0Zj

https://twitter.com/breakingavnews/status/1215586264801521664?s=08

EU Resumes Work on Boeing-Embraer Merger Probe

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2020-01-09/eu-resumes-work-boeing-embraer-merger-probe 

Second Spaceship In Virgin Galactic's Fleet Completes Major Build Milestone

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=3dcfbe7d-614e-448d-9a10-ecc81ca8c3bb 

Largest rocket since Apollo rolls out

https://newatlas.com/space/nasa-sls-core-stage-boeing/ 

CityAirbus performs first untethered flight - evtol.com

https://evtol.com/news/cityairbus-evtol-untethered-flight-test/ 

Boeing Employees Mocked FAA In Internal Messages Before 737 Max Disasters : NPR

https://www.npr.org/2020/01/09/795123158/boeing-employees-mocked-faa-in-internal-messages-before-737-max-disasters?origin=NOTIFY&t=1578633790391 

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130600

Airbus almost certain to be hurt by MAX crisis

Pontifications: Airbus almost certain to be hurt by MAX crisis https://leehamnews.com/2020/01/06/pontifications-airbus-almost-certain-to-be-hurt-by-max-crisis/ 

DJI Showcases Wide Product Portfolio At CES 2020

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=d9ecffd2-ada8-4142-975f-a7ea45da1a3b 

Ehang's pilotless air taxi aces first flight demo in the US

https://newatlas.com/aircraft/ehang-216-autonomous-air-taxi-first-flight-demo-us/ 

Video Shows Ukrainian Plane Being Hit Over Iran - The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/09/video/iran-plane-missile.html#click=https://t.co/qow9SSNVWk 

South African military plane crash lands in Congo, no sign of major damage | Article [AMP] | Reuters

https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN1Z81MH 

Luis Gallego, the Iberia chief set to lead airline group IAG

https://amp.ft.com/content/835498b0-32c0-11ea-9703-eea0cae3f0de 

EmbraerX and Elroy Air Sign Agreement to Collaborate on Unmanned Air Cargo

https://embraerx.embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1206683-embraerx-and-elroy-air-sign-agreement-to-collaborate-on-unmanned-air-cargo 

2 FAI World Speed Record claims by RISEN & SIREN ultralight aircrafts

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2705879802836078&id=170941806329903 

December 15, 2019 in Modena/Italy,  Alberto Porto and co-pilot Elisa Tomasi set 2 new world speed records

1: 50km closed circuit: 288,33km/h

 2: Speed over a 15km straight course: 337,51km/h 

Future Combat Air System : A Historic Step Forward for Systems Engineering in Europe

Future Combat Air System : A Historic Step Forward for Systems Engineering in Europe
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/future-combat-air-system-historic-step-forward-systems-delicado 

EU600 kg Category for P2002 Sierra MkII Light

press release

http://www.tecnam.com/slider-home-en/eu600-kg-category-for-p2002-sierra-mkii-light/

Important Innovation for the European Light Aircraft Category

Capua, Italy: Tecnam announced today the certification of the low-wing P2002 Sierra MkII light aircraft to the new German 600kg rules. The latest version of the EASA Basic Regulation now allows for 600kg MTOW Ultralight (UL) aircraft under the control of the CAA's of the member states.

Germany is the first country to declare the opt-out, implementing the new- regulation German 600kg technical LTFUL 2018 rules. It is also the first country to develop and publish the necessary airworthiness requirements for these aircraft, delegating the certification process to the DULV (Deutscher Ultraleichtflugverband e.V.) agency. The new certification of the Sierra MkII is of great importance, since the German Type approval is recognised in many European countries. The increased weight allowance means greater safety, as the aircraft can be equipped with a parachute, more avionics and more fuel.

All else remains unchanged. The Tecnam P2002 Sierra MkII retains all the features and flying qualities that have established the aircraft's position in the marketplace: an improved cabin for greater comfort, the latest avionics, new paint colours, several interior options and a redesigned cowling for the 100HP Rotax engine.

• Larger cabin, with new premium interior design
  
• Redesigned canopy with more headroom, and new locking mechanism that reduces noise levels
  
• Seats with extra fore and aft adjustment
  
• Sleeker engine cowling
  
• Very latest in avionics
  
• Several options for paint colours and interior fabrics.
  

The MkII offers state-of-the-art technology in a jet-style cockpit. Customers can choose from an extensive range of options, starting with the basic analogue instruments needed for visual flight, a six-pack analogue with Garmin GPS, the Garmin G3X which features twin 10.6-inch screens, and the Garmin G3X touch suite.

The largest range of options is for Interior and exterior styling, with four choices for every style package: Standard, Premium and Power. For the exterior, the range of paint schemes includes new metallic colours which can be matched to the seats, cabin sides and instrument panel covering. The customer is free to choose whatever suits their imagination and taste.

In non-European countries, the P2002 SIERRA MkII is available in the Ultralight, US Light Sport Aircraft and Experimental categories, whereas the certified version, the P2002JF, is available as the European CS-VLA and soon the CS23 IFR.

FAA reviewing wiring issue on grounded Boeing 737 MAX

FAA reviewing wiring issue on grounded Boeing 737 MAX
http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2020/01/faa-reviewing-wiring-issue-on-grounded-boeing-737-max/

Jump Aero To Develop an Emergency Medical Service eVTOL Aircraft

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-07/jump-aero-develop-emergency-medical-service-evtol-aircraft

Airships: Thales Alenia Space and Thales sign concept study contract with French defense procurement agency for a Stratobus type platform

press release

https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space/press-release/thales-alenia-space-and-thales-sign-concept-study-contract-french

Cannes, January 8, 2020 – Thales Alenia Space (the joint venture between Thales, 67% and Leonardo, 33%) and Thales have signed a contract with The French defense procurement agency DGA (Direction générale de l'armement) to carry out a concept study concerning intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) applications using a StratobusTM type platform to meet French army operational needs.

The aim of the contract is to study the benefits of continuous stratospheric platforms to improve and expand France's defense capabilities. More specifically, the contract includes studies of:

• An operational concept study for an ISR mission including exercises simulating its use in theaters of operation.
  
• A full-scale demonstrator concept, capable of flying in the stratosphere to demonstrate the in-flight performance of an ISR mission of this type.
  

StratobusTM type stratospheric solutions offer two main advantages:

• It significantly increases the area monitored by a single platform, especially by eliminating terrain masking
  
• It offers an ability to linger over an area, thus improving resilience in relation to current naval, airborne, ground and space solutions.

"The aim of this contract is to assess the relevance of StratobusTM type continuous stratospheric solutions to meet defense needs, and also marks a major step forward in the definition of a possible operational solution in conjunction with users" said Jean-Philippe Chessel, Director of the StratobusTM product line. "It will enable us to prepare the foundations for the development of a complete solution, including high-reliability autonomous avionics, as well as all control aspects. We are aiming to carry out a flight demonstration by the end of 2023. The StratobusTM project has been supported by the French government from the outset within the scope of the Investment in the Future plan and a European regional development fund (FEDER) for the French Riviera region."

About StratobusTM
Thales Alenia Space's StratobusTM is an autonomous stratospheric airship in the HAPS [High Altitude Platform System] category, operating from an altitude of 20 kilometers. Offering continuous regional coverage, it's a perfect fit with satellite solutions. StratobusTM can carry payloads for the surveillance of borders and high-value sites on the ground or at sea (such as video-surveillance of offshore platforms), as well as security (the fight against terrorism, drug-trafficking, etc.), environmental monitoring (forest fires, beach erosion, pollution, etc.) and communications (internet, 5G).

 

ABOUT THALES ALENIA SPACE

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies' Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of 2.5 billion euros in 2018 and has 8,000 employees in nine countries. www.thalesaleniaspace.com

StandardAero, Thales Team To Certify Autopilot System For Light Helicopters

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=4468ef2b-ffd2-438c-8287-9cd7682f03f6

http://go.standardaero.com/as350autopilot

Topological mechanics of knots and tangles: How strong is your knot?

Abstract

Knots play a fundamental role in the dynamics of biological and physical systems, from DNA to turbulent plasmas, as well as in climbing, weaving, sailing, and surgery. Despite having been studied for centuries, the subtle interplay between topology and mechanics in elastic knots remains poorly understood. Here, we combined optomechanical experiments with theory and simulations to analyze knotted fibers that change their color under mechanical deformations. Exploiting an analogy with long-range ferromagnetic spin systems, we identified simple topological counting rules to predict the relative mechanical stability of knots and tangles, in agreement with simulations and experiments for commonly used climbing and sailing bends. Our results highlight the importance of twist and writhe in unknotting processes, providing guidance for the control of systems with complex entanglements.

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/367/6473/71

http://news.mit.edu/2020/model-how-strong-knot-0102

Bell Reveals the City of the Future at CES 2020

http://news.bellflight.com/en-US/184550-bell-reveals-the-city-of-the-future-at-ces-2020

CES 2020 – Las Vegas (Jan. 6, 2020) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, reveals at CES a vivid look into the future of the smart city ecosystem. The Bell Nexus air taxi and the Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) – both groundbreaking technologies – will coexist to move people, products and information across connected cities.

"With a focus on the passenger experience, we revealed the technology and the vehicle that will revolutionize transportation in cities at CES 2019; this year, we're demonstrating what governing, operating, working and living in a smart city will look like," said Mitch Snyder, Bell president and CEO.

In a world where nearly 70 percent of the population will be living in urban areas by 2050 and cities are outgrowing their current transportations systems, the need for urban mobility solutions has never been greater. Fortunately, the transportation industry has reached an inflection point, and many of the world's top minds are working toward solutions for the optimal smart city design. Bell remains at the forefront of this pursuit with a clear mission of finding solutions to the infrastructure challenges of tomorrow's transportation networks.

These solutions and many smart city elements are on display in Bell's Nexus City on the CES show floor:

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) & Bell AerOS

Bell features its MaaS plans which look beyond the aircraft and demonstrate how to integrate MaaS into communities, making on-demand air mobility available to everyone--whenever they need it.

Bell's service is powered by Bell AerOS, a proprietary system running on Microsoft Azure created to manage fleet information, observe aircraft health, and manage throughput of goods, products and predictive data and maintenance. This digital infrastructure is prevalent in Bell's Smart City vision at the show and serves as another step in bringing connected mobility to the masses.

"Bell continues to lead the conversation beyond the aircraft to offer multi-modal transportation solutions and experiences within an interconnected digital network that will excite consumers, earn their trust and make their lives easier," said Snyder.

Nexus 4EX:

Bell showcases the evolution of the Bell Nexus--the Bell Nexus 4EX (Four for the number of ducted fans, E for Electric and X for experimental). The aircraft features Bell's signature powered-lift concept with four tilting ducted fans that can be configured as hybrid-electric or all-electric. Bell believes this design unlocks the key for all electric technology, but the vehicle will remain propulsion agnostic depending on customer needs.

"The vision for the Bell Nexus remains the same, but by taking a mature system level approach to design for an objective market vehicle, we believe this configuration unlocks a capable, certifiable and commercially viable product," said Snyder.

View Bell's vision for Connected Mobility here

https://www.bellflight.com/experience/on-demand-mobility

Helicopters of the Future: Technology That Lets Pilots Focus on the Fight

https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2019-features/helicopters-of-the-future-technology-that-lets-pilots-focus-on-the-fight.html

Boeing Statement on 737 MAX Simulator Training

press release

Boeing is recommending 737 MAX simulator training in addition to computer based training for all MAX pilots prior to return to service of the 737 MAX. This recommendation takes into account our unstinting commitment to the safe return of service as well as changes to the airplane and test results. Final determination will be established by the regulators.

"Safety is Boeing's top priority," said interim Boeing CEO Greg Smith. "Public, customer and stakeholder confidence in the 737 MAX is critically important to us and with that focus Boeing has decided to recommend MAX simulator training combined with computer-based training for all pilots prior to returning the MAX safely to service."

BOC orders 20 A320neo. Spirit orders 100 A320neo

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/01/boc-aviation-orders-20-more-a320neo-aircraft.html

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/01/spirit-airlines-finalizes-order-for-100-airbus-a320neo-family-aircraft.html

Crash: UIA B738 at Tehran on Jan 8th 2020, lost height after departure

http://avherald.com/h?article=4d1aea51&opt=0

Uber and Hyundai Motor Announce Partnership – Electric VTOL News™

https://evtol.news/2020/01/06/uber-and-hyundai-motor-announce-partnership/ 

Boeing training pilots ask to decertify union – The Seattle Times

After Boeing gave a 25% pay raise exclusively to its nonunion pilots late last year, a majority of the unionized training pilots — a group of 29 pilots represented by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) — filed a petition Friday with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to decertify, or kick out, the union.

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/with-heavy-need-for-737-max-training-pilots-ahead-boeing-pilots-ask-to-decertify-union/?amp=1 

American Airlines reaches settlement with Boeing for 737 MAX compensation in 2019 - Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-737max-american/american-airlines-reaches-settlement-with-boeing-for-737-max-compensation-in-2019-idUSKBN1Z523S 

Russia says first hypersonic missiles enter service

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Russia_says_first_hypersonic_missiles_enter_service_999.html 

NASA, South Dakota State students work on human-carrying drone

http://uasmagazine.com/articles/2111/nasa-south-dakota-state-students-work-on-human-carrying-drone 

Bjorn’s Corner: Why e in ePlane shall stand for environment, Part 3.

https://leehamnews.com/2020/01/03/bjorns-corner-why-e-in-eplane-shall-stand-for-environment-part-3/ 

Bjorn’s Corner: Why e in ePlane shall stand for environment, Part 2.

https://leehamnews.com/2019/12/20/bjorns-corner-why-e-in-eplane-shall-stand-for-environment-part-2/ 

A visit to MAKS 2019 – an AvGeek bucket-list trip

https://www.airlinereporter.com/2019/12/a-visit-to-maks-2019-an-avgeek-bucket-list-trip/ 

Kelly Johnson Talks About His Greatest Creation, The SR-71 Blackbird, In This Must Watch, Uncut Interview

https://theaviationist.com/2019/12/31/kelly-johnson-talks-about-his-greatest-creation-the-sr-71-blackbird-in-this-must-watch-uncut-interview/ 

Russia’s S57 most advanced fighter jet crashes on training mission

http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2019/12/russias-most-advanced-fighter-jet-crashes-on-training-mission/ 

First flight of Eurofighter in Kuwait Air Force configuration takes place

http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2019/12/first-flight-of-eurofighter-in-kuwait-air-force-configuration-takes-place/ 

Latécoère To Buy Bombardier's Mexico Wiring Systems Biz

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-02/latecoere-buy-bombardiers-mexico-wiring-systems-biz 

Indonesia Launches Domestically-built Armed UAV Program

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-01-03/indonesia-launches-domestically-built-armed-uav-program 

Piaggio Wins Avanti Evo+ Order for the Italian Air Force

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-01-03/piaggio-wins-avanti-evo-order-italian-air-force 

Chinese Counter-Drone Measure Disrupted GPS On Manned Aircraft

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=46c9be15-ce0b-484f-a23e-0b2699d39c88 

Airbus Overtakes Boeing As World's Top Planemaker

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=794b47af-89a1-479e-aa69-1aa8282917c0 

Lilium shows its electric air taxi pulling off some banked turns

https://newatlas.com/aircraft/lilium-electric-air-taxi-banked-turns/ 

Rolls-Royce Plans 'Smooth' Pearl 15 Ramp Up | Business Aviation News: Aviation International News

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-02/rolls-royce-plans-smooth-pearl-15-ramp?amp 

Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 receives US certificationRolls-Royce Pearl 15 receives US certification

https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2019/23-12-2019-rr-pearl-15-receives-us-certification.aspx 

Rolls-Royce unveils all-electric plane targeting the record books

https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2019/19-12-2019-rr-unveils-all-electric-plane-targeting-the-record-books.aspx 

Boeing’s Autonomous Fighter Jet Will Fly Over the Australian Outback

https://spectrum-ieee-org.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/spectrum.ieee.org/aerospace/military/boeings-autonomous-fighter-jet-will-fly-over-the-australian-outback.amp.html 

Mysteries Of Flight: Who Was Really First To Fly? - Plane & Pilot Magazine

https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/article/mysteries-flight-really-first-fly/?amp&__twitter_impression=true 

"Introducing Skyryse's Luna: The World's Most Intelligent Helicopter"

https://youtu.be/X6riQG3G9z0 

World, meet Luna. She just successfully conducted the world's first fully autonomous end-to-end flight without a pilot's hands on the controls in a modified, FAA-approved helicopter. https://t.co/73IYyy6R7L https://t.co/0HcmvdZZMj

Introducing the E-Fan X, a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator that is 30 times more powerful than its predecessor

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/stories/zero-emission-flight-is-taking-a-giant-leap-forward.html

Chelsea Embankment closed as World War II bomb found near River Thames | Metro News

https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/14/roads-closed-world-war-two-bomb-found-near-river-thames-11906945/ 

Boeing suspends 737 MAX production starting in January due to certification moving into 2020

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-12-16-Boeing-Statement-Regarding-737-MAX-Production?sf226241718=1 

Boeing Statement Regarding 737 MAX Production

- Boeing suspends 737 MAX production starting in January due to certification moving into 2020

- Reduced production output enables prioritization of stored aircraft delivery

- No layoffs or furlough expected at this time

CHICAGO, Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Safely returning the 737 MAX to service is our top priority. We know that the process of approving the 737 MAX's return to service, and of determining appropriate training requirements, must be extraordinarily thorough and robust, to ensure that our regulators, customers, and the flying public have confidence in the 737 MAX updates. As we have previously said, the FAA and global regulatory authorities determine the timeline for certification and return to service. We remain fully committed to supporting this process. It is our duty to ensure that every requirement is fulfilled, and every question from our regulators answered. 

Throughout the grounding of the 737 MAX, Boeing has continued to build new airplanes and there are now approximately 400 airplanes in storage. We have previously stated that we would continually evaluate our production plans should the MAX grounding continue longer than we expected. As a result of this ongoing evaluation, we have decided to prioritize the delivery of stored aircraft and temporarily suspend production on the 737 program beginning next month.

We believe this decision is least disruptive to maintaining long-term production system and supply chain health. This decision is driven by a number of factors, including the extension of certification into 2020, the uncertainty about the timing and conditions of return to service and global training approvals, and the importance of ensuring that we can prioritize the delivery of stored aircraft. We will continue to assess our progress towards return to service milestones and make determinations about resuming production and deliveries accordingly.

During this time, it is our plan that affected employees will continue 737-related work, or be temporarily assigned to other teams in Puget Sound. As we have throughout the 737 MAX grounding, we will keep our customers, employees, and supply chain top of mind as we continue to assess appropriate actions. This will include efforts to sustain the gains in production system and supply chain quality and health made over the last many months.

We will provide financial information regarding the production suspension in connection with our 4Q19 earnings release in late January.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "should," "expects," "intends," "projects," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements relating to our future financial condition and operating results, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable when made, but that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements, including the timing and conditions surrounding the return to service of the 737 MAX fleet, economic conditions in the United States and globally, general market and industry conditions as they may impact us or our customers, and our reliance on our commercial customers, our U.S. government customers and our suppliers, as well as the other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

NASA says its X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology aircraft has been approved for final assembly

. Here's more about NASA's efforts to quiet the plane's boom.

https://t.co/QtRKvcId1o https://t.co/ICIUMsi8uz

https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/supersonic-thump/ 

Self-Driving Mercedes Will Be Programmed To Sacrifice Pedestrians To S

https://www.fastcompany.com/3064539/self-driving-mercedes-will-be-programmed-to-sacrifice-pedestrians-to-save-the-driver 

Boeing suppliers bracing for production freeze of grounded 737 MAX | Article [AMP] | Reuters

https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN1YK18Q 

New year, new sustainable goals in commercial aviation

https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2019/12/16/new-year-new-sustainable-goals-in-commercial-aviation/ 

Pontifications: MAX RTS, Emirates 777X order, Suspending 737 production, more

https://leehamnews.com/2019/12/16/pontifications-max-rts-emirates-777x-order-suspending-737-production/ 

CR929 Partners Complete Latest Phase of Wind Tunnel Tests

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2019-12-12/cr929-partners-complete-latest-phase-wind-tunnel-tests 

IATA: Surge in 2020 Aircraft Deliveries will Challenge Capacity

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2019-12-16/iata-surge-2020-aircraft-deliveries-will-challenge-capacity 

NASA releases Martian water map for future astronauts

https://newatlas.com/space/nasa-releases-water-martian-map-future-astronauts/ 

Kawasaki launches the world's first liquid hydrogen transport ship

https://newatlas.com/marine/kawasaki-worlds-first-liquid-hydrogen-transport-ship/ 

Turkey is getting military drones armed with machine guns | New Scientist

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2227168-turkey-is-getting-military-drones-armed-with-machine-guns/amp/?__twitter_impression=true 

Boeing hiring for key mechanic roles even as production cuts rumored

https://leehamnews.com/2019/12/16/boeing-hiring-for-key-mechanic-roles-even-as-production-cuts-rumored/

Boeing Weighs Suspending or Cutting Back 737 MAX Production

https://www.msn.com/en-us/finance/companies/boeing-weighs-suspending-or-cutting-back-737-max-production/ar-AAK9sma

Is gender still holding women back in the aviation industry?

https://www.aerosociety.com/news/is-gender-still-holding-women-back-in-the-aviation-industry/

Modelo matemático de la Universidad de Córdoba para mejorar la eficacia del 43 Grupo de "apagafuegos"

Nota de prensa del Ejército del Aire



La Universidad de Córdoba inició en junio de 2018 el estudio de un modelo matemático de la dispersión en el suelo de las descargas de los aviones anfibios, conocidos popularmente como ´Apagafuegos´. El análisis de la huella de estos aviones permitió generar un modelo predictivo por el que las tripulaciones del 43 Grupo podrían determinar, antes de la ejecución de las descargas, qué superficie recibiría el impacto y con qué distribución espacial de concentración quedaría el fluido en la zona alcanzada por la descarga.

Los experimentos fueron realizados en el campo de tiro que el Ejército de Tierra tiene en Cerro Muriano (Córdoba), los días 11 y 12 de junio del año pasado. Para ellos se utilizó una malla formada por 203 tubos de medición en un área rectangular de 200 x 50 metros.

Este estudio contó con la colaboración del Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación y del Ministerio de Defensa, ambos representados por el Área de Defensa Contra Incendios Forestales de la Subdirección General de Política Forestal, así como por la Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) y el 43 Grupo de Fuerzas Aéreas.

La investigación, realizada por el laboratorio de incendios forestales de la Universidad de Córdoba, ha sido muy positiva para la eficacia de las operaciones de extinción de incendios forestales del 43 Grupo. Es más, durante la última campaña de incendios se han aplicado los conocimientos extraídos a las alturas de descarga.

Hay que destacar la utilidad de este modelo para guiar a las tripulaciones y hacer más efectivas sus descargas en los principales incendios de 2019, como los del Parque Natural de Tamadaba (Gran Canaria), Cadalso de los Vidrios (Madrid) o el que asoló la isla de Eubea (Grecia).

Predator B para el Ejército del Aire de España

Nota de prensa




Ayer han llegado a España, procedentes de los Estados Unidos, los primeros componentes del avión tripulado remotamente Predator B.

A bordo de un impresionante Antonov 124, el avión más grande del mundo, han atravesado el Atlántico partes del fuselaje y otros componentes de varias unidades de esta aeronave.

Todos estos componentes han sido desembarcados en la base aérea de Morón de la Frontera (Sevilla) con la ayuda de los miembros del Segundo Escuadrón de Apoyo al Despliegue Aéreo (SEADA), y en los próximos días llegarán a la base aérea de Talavera la Real (Badajoz) para prestar servicio en el Ala 23.

Está previsto que estos aviones tripulados remotamente (conocidos popularmente como drones) sean operados por el 233 Escuadrón y tengan su base de despliegue avanzado en el aeródromo militar de Lanzarote.

El Predator B es un avión de reconocimiento estratégico con una autonomía de más de 27 horas, y puede operar a más de 15 000 metros de altura. Su carga útil compuesta por un rádar y cámaras infrarrojas supera los 1700 kilogramos. Tiene más de 20 metros de envergadura. Van a ser utilizados en misiones de inteligencia, teniendo la capacidad de captar imágenes y vídeos.

La tripulación del Predator B está compuesta por un piloto y varios tripulantes, que han recibido durante los últimos meses la formación necesaria para poder operar esta aeronave.Esta formación está dividida en una fase nacional y otra en Estados Unidos. La nacional se realiza en centros de enseñanza del Ejército del Aire como son la Escuela UAS de Salamanca y el Centro Cartográfico de Cuatro Vientos.

Drone Seed: FAA Approves Rare Permit to Replant After Wildfires

press relase:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/faa-approves-rare-permit-to-replant-after-wildfires-300974150.html


video:
https://www.droneseed.com/videos?wix-vod-video-id=9bc395c264b24921b0442f8dabbf6b2b&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-k41lkt5q




more info
https://www.droneseed.com/

NASA's MAVEN Maps Winds in the Martian Upper Atmosphere that Mirror the Terrain Below and Gives Clues to Martian Climate

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasas-maven-maps-winds-in-the-martian-upper-atmosphere-that-mirror-the-terrain-below-and-gives-clues-to-martian-climate-300974301.html

Bell Autonomous Pod Transport 70 Wins Popular Science “Best of What’s New in Aerospace” Award

press release




Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announces that Popular Science recognized the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) 70 with a Best of What’s New Award in the Aerospace category for 2019. In 2018, Bell received a Best of What’s New Award in the Aerospace category for its Bell V-280 Valor Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator. This continued recognition validates Bell’s commitment to technology advancement and innovation in the aerospace industry.

"The Best of What's New is our celebration of the most impactful and exciting innovations of the year," says Popular Science Editor-in-Chief Joe Brown. "This expertly vetted collection lays the groundwork for a healthier, safer, and awe-inspiring future—in our homes, cities, outer space, and everywhere in between. We’re proud to bring you the Best of What's New 2019."

APT 70 is part of the eVTOL family of vehicles Bell is developing, capable of rotation and translation in flight to achieve high speeds and long-range flight. APT’s diverse mission capabilities allow it to serve many industries while keeping operations simple, efficient and fast. The vehicle’s true multi-copter payload capability with fixed wing speed and endurance enables the customer to save time, going faster, longer.




“The team continues to develop innovative technology to meet the transportation needs of the future,” said Scott Drennan, vice president, Innovation. “We are honored to be recognized by a leading industry voice like Popular Science, confirming the team’s hard work and dedication to advancing technology and expanding the scope of vertical lift.”

Bell announced the successful first autonomous flight of the APT 70 in August and recently carried 60lb payload with plans to expand to the maximum payload of 70lbs. The Bell team continues to develop technologies and expand the envelope to prepare the vehicle for entry into market.

To learn more, follow our progress on Bell’s social channels or visit us at bell.co/APT.

Lockheed Martin Announces Teaming Agreement with TC Energy on Innovative Flow Battery Technology

press release




BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today a teaming agreement with TC Energy in which the two companies will identify and develop large-scale, long-duration energy storage projects using GridStar® Flow, Lockheed Martin's innovative flow battery technology. This cutting-edge energy storage system is capable of storing six to 12 hours or more of energy and dispatching it as needed.




"We are thrilled to be partnering with TC Energy to bring long-duration energy storage to TC Energy projects in North America," said Dan Norton, vice president of Lockheed Martin Energy. "GridStar® Flow provides the durability, flexibility and safety necessary for project success, ensuring that TC Energy can customize systems to fit their needs and operate them for many years."

"We are excited to work with Lockheed Martin on this initiative, which exemplifies TC Energy's long history of embracing innovation and leading-edge technology in its operations," says Francois Poirier, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development & Strategy, and President, Power & Storage and Mexico. "This technology also strongly supports our commitments to sustainable development, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the energy value chains."

GridStar® Flow will enable TC Energy to address the growing requirements for large-scale, long-duration batteries to provide flexibility and resiliency as electric grids move away from fossil fuel generation and incorporate increasing levels of intermittent renewable energy.

Unlike conventional batteries, GridStar® Flow allows customers to optimally size power (megawatts) and energy (megawatt hours) independently and maintains its energy capacity without degradation throughout project life.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered 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.

About TC Energy
TC Energy and its affiliates deliver the energy millions of people rely on every day to power their lives and fuel industry. Focused on what we do and how we do it, we are guided by core values of safety, responsibility, collaboration and integrity. Our more than 7,000 people are committed to sustainably developing and operating pipeline, power generation and energy storage facilities across Canada, the United States and Mexico. TC Energy's common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. Visit TCEnergy.com and connect with us on social media to learn more.


SOURCE Lockheed Martin

Air France-KLM orders an additional 10 A350 XWBs;SKY 10 A321XLRs ; United Airlines 50 Airbus A321XLRs

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/12/air-franceklm-orders-an-additional-10-a350-xwbs.html


https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/12/chiles-sky-orders-10-a321xlrs-to-expand-its-international-footprint.html


https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/12/united-airlines-orders-50-airbus-a321xlrs-for-transatlantic-route-expansion.html

Airbus acquires Seattle-area’s MTM Robotics

press release




Deal advances Airbus’ commitment to continued automation of its manufacturing line



Toulouse - Airbus has acquired industrial automation company, MTM Robotics, for an undisclosed sum. The move deepens Airbus’ commitment to expanding advanced robotics capabilities within its manufacturing processes. The MTM business will retain its current leadership and 40-person staff, as well as its facility in Mukilteo, Washington, near Seattle.


“We are pleased and excited to become a part of the Airbus family and look forward to further integrating our products and approaches into the Airbus industrialization chain, “said MTM founder, Mike Woogerd.


The acquisition is the latest chapter in a trusted, ten-year-plus relationship between the companies, with multiple MTM light automated robotics systems currently in use at Airbus manufacturing facilities. While MTM will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus Americas, Inc., headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, it will continue to serve other customers in the aerospace industry. Since 2003, MTM has deployed more than 40 aerospace manufacturing systems comprised of machines, tools, machine software, enterprise software and support throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.


The acquisition marks the latest step for Airbus in its industrialization roadmap, aimed at leveraging the time- and cost-saving benefits associated with using robotics in the manufacture and assembly of its commercial aircraft.


"The competitiveness of tomorrow will be determined by both designing the best aircraft and by building the most efficient manufacturing system, in parallel,“ said Michael Schoellhorn, Airbus Chief Operating Officer.“ Automation & robotics are central to our industrial strategy. We are very happy to welcome MTM Robotics as a family member and take a step forward on this exciting endeavour together."


“MTM perfectly fits Airbus’ ambition for engineering and innovative manufacturing solutions while maintaining agility,” explained Patrick Vigié, Head of Industrial Technologies at Airbus.


“Airbus and MTM Robotics each believe that tomorrow’s automation in aircraft manufacturing can and must be lighter, more portable and less capital intensive,” explained Vigié. “By joining our efforts and skills, we are well positioned to establish industrywide standards for the factory of tomorrow, “he said.

Why e in ePlane shall stand for environment, not electric.

https://leehamnews.com/2019/12/13/bjorns-corner-why-e-in-eplane-shall-stand-for-environment-not-electric-part-1/


https://leehamnews.com/2017/09/21/bjorns-corner-electric-aircraft-part-13/