UATec suministrará dos plataformas UAV de ala fija para CATEC

Unmanned Aircraft Techonologies (UATec) anuncia la firma del contrato de suministro de dos unidades de su modelo K2B-6 de avión no tripulado, para el Centro Avanzado de Tecnologías Aeroespaciales (CATEC) gestionado por la Fundación Andaluza para el Desarrollo Aeroespacial (FADA).

Los sistemas aéreos no tripulados, conocidos por sus siglas en inglés UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems), se han utilizado para misiones militares desde la guerra de Vietnam. En la actualidad están experimentando un gran desarrollo ante las perspectivas de que se apruebe la normativa que permita su uso generalizado en aplicaciones civiles que van desde la prevención de incendios forestales y la gestión de otras catástrofes, el control de fronteras y la lucha antiterrorista a usos más cotidianos como son la vigilancia de infraestructuras, el control de cultivos y la fotografía y cartografía aérea.

Las dos plataformas adquiridas por el FADA-CATEC se utilizarán en el Centro de Vuelos Experimentales Atlas que se está construyendo en el municipio de Villacarrillo (Jaén). Estas instalaciones contarán con una pista de aterrizaje de 800 m de longitud y lo que es más importante, dispondrán de un espacio aéreo segregado que permitirá que empresas y entidades públicas puedan realizar pruebas de vuelo con UAS. Es el primer centro de estas características establecido en España y constituye una decidida apuesta de la Junta de Andalucía para impulsar el desarrollo de este sector de la aeronáutica en la Comunidad Autónoma.

Las plataformas a ser suministradas, del modelo K2B, en su versión de 6 m de envergadura, constituyen la cuarta generación de los sistemas comercializados por UATec. Con un peso máximo al despegue que no llega a 100 kg tienen una carga útil de 45 kg, lo que permite transportar el combustible y los equipos necesarios para acometer la mayor parte de las aplicaciones previstas para los aviones no tripulados en el mercado civil, con una autonomía de hasta 18 horas.


Acerca de UATec

UATec es una joint-venture entre Prointec (consultora de ingeniería civil, transportes y medio ambiente) y Unmanned Solutions (USol), una empresa de base tecnológica ligada a la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), que surge del GISD (Grupo de Investigación de Sistemas Dinámicos) formado por investigadores pertenecientes a la Escuela de Ingeniería Aeronáutica y del Espacio (EIAE). La actividad de UATec es la prestación de servicios basados en los aviones no tripulados diseñados y fabricados por USol.

Desde su constitución en 2008, el Grupo ha participado en importantes
proyectos de I+D+i relacionados con el desarrollo de los sistemas no
tripulados, entre los que se destaca el proyecto Atlantida, cofinanciado por
el CDTI y liderado por Boeing Research & Technology Europe, S.L. con el
objetivo de diseñar nuevos sistemas de control de tráfico aéreo.


Acerca de CATEC

CATEC es un centro tecnológico dedicado fundamentalmente a la investigación y desarrollo de tecnologías aeroespaciales. Para ello cuenta con cuatro áreas de desarrollo y dos de servicios avanzados.
Desde 2008, CATEC ha puesto en marcha numerosos proyectos de investigación que están siendo llevados a cabo por las distintas áreas de desarrollo del centro, abarcando tecnologías relacionadas con Materiales y Procesos, Automatización y Robótica, Simulación y Software y Aviónica y Sistemas No Tripulados.

En cuanto a los servicios avanzados que presta CATEC, cabe destacar los ensayos estructurales, con capacidad para realizar ensayos dinámicos de hasta 4MN, y los servicios desempeñados mediante el uso de la flota de UAVs existente, que está dotada con más de 10 sistemas, tanto de ala fija como de ala rotatoria y que abarcan aeronaves con capacidad entre 2 y 40 Kg de carga de pago, dependiendo de las características de cada sistema.

El Colegio de Ingenieros Tecnicos Aeronáuticos ha firmado un acuerdo con AESA para ser centro examinador

Reproducimos el comunicado recibido de parte del COITAE

Me es grato informaros de que en nombre del Colegio he firmado un Acuerdo de Licencia con la Agencia Europea de Seguridad Aérea por la que nuestro Colegio se constituye en Centro colaborador de exámenes “on line” para todos los cursos relacionados con las Normas EASA. Con ello, una vez superado el examen de cada uno de los Cursos que impartimos, EASA emitirá el correspondiente Certificado con validez en toda la Unión europea.

APES 0031 Nuevos logos, más representativos

Boeing Sets 787 First Delivery for Third Quarter

EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today that it expects delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner in the third quarter of this year. The new delivery date reflects the impact of an in-flight incident during testing last November and includes the time required to produce, install and test updated software and new electrical power distribution panels in the flight test and production airplanes.

"This revised timeline for first delivery accommodates the work we believe remains to be done to complete testing and certification of the 787," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "We've also restored some margin in the schedule to allow for any additional time that may be needed to complete certification activities," Fancher said.

The 787 program has been gradually returning individual airplanes to the flight test program. After receiving interim software and hardware improvements, four flight test airplanes have been subjected to extensive ground testing and a thorough review to ensure their readiness to return to flight. The remaining two airplanes will be returning to flight in the days ahead to bring the full flight test fleet back up to flight status.

The revised first delivery date is not expected to have a material impact on 2010 financial results. Financial guidance and anticipated initial 787 deliveries for 2011 will be discussed in the company's earnings call on Jan. 26.

Boeing

Airbus aircraft list prices to increase from January

Airbus has increased the average list price of its aircraft by 4.4 per cent. The increment applies for all new aircraft from the beginning of January 2011, apart from the A380, for which the increase is 8.4 per cent.
The 4.4 per cent increment has been calculated according to the Airbus standard escalation formula over the January 2010 to January 2011 period. Meanwhile the A380’s additional price adjustment reflects the type’s outstanding revenue-generating performance now being demonstrated in airline service.

“As we continue to ramp-up production rates to meet the unprecedented global demand for Airbus aircraft, the required industrial investments we are making, coupled with a weak Dollar, necessitates raising our aircraft prices across the board,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Moreover, the A380’s further price adjustment reflects the type’s exceptional value it clearly generates for its operators, with whom it has exceeded all expectations in service.”

In its 40 year history, Airbus has become the leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. In this time, Airbus has sold above 10,000 aircraft and delivered over 6,500 since its first airliner entered service in 1974.

Airbus

Sikorsky Unveils State-of-the-Art Virtual Reality Center for CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter

STRATFORD, Connecticut - Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today unveiled a state-of-the-art virtual reality center for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter program, an innovative tool to help identify gaps in a three-dimensional digital environment prior to experimental assembly. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

Through this advanced design tool, the program expects to realize cost savings and greater efficiency that can minimize delays in final assembly of the aircraft.

"The virtual reality tool allows the team to find production and maintenance issues that typically only could be found during the initial build of the aircraft," said Dr. Michael Torok, Sikorsky vice president and chief engineer for Marine Corps programs. "With this tool, we can identify these potential problems in time to avoid them. Ultimately, this will save time and money."

Located within the engineering labs at Sikorsky's main manufacturing facility, the virtual reality center uses sophisticated software, along with 12 cameras, a head-mounted display headset, gloves, and a gripping tool. All devices are linked to three computers, which comprise the "command center" for operating the system.

"This tool will enhance the designer's ability to design an aircraft that is easier to maintain. Designers will no longer have to rely on their imaginations to understand assembly and maintenance issues. They will be able to experience them long before parts are fabricated," said Mark Miller, Sikorsky vice president, research and engineering.

Dennis Jarvi, Sikorsky vice president, Navy/Marine Corps programs, added: "The joint Sikorsky/Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) CH-53K helicopter program team is working diligently to deliver a high quality platform that will be extremely important to the Marine Corps future heavy lift mission. The virtual reality center is the final tool in the CH-53K digital design suite, as the team collaborates to use proven and mature technologies that will significantly expand the fleet's abilities."

Sikorsky Aircraft received a $3 billion System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract in April 2006 to develop a replacement for the U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E heavy lift helicopter. The new aircraft program is planned to include production of more than 200 aircraft. Currently, the CH-53K helicopter is in the SDD phase with all of the major subcontracts awarded and valued at over $1.1 billion.

The CH-53K helicopter will maintain virtually the same footprint as its predecessor, the three-engine CH-53E SUPER STALLION™ helicopter but will nearly triple the payload to 27,000 pounds over 110 nautical miles under "hot high" ambient conditions. The CH-53E helicopter is currently the largest, most powerful marinized helicopter in the world. It is deployed from Marine Corps amphibious assault ships to transport personnel and equipment and to carry external (sling) cargo loads.

The CH-53K helicopter's maximum gross weight (MGW) with internal loads is 74,000 pounds, a 6 percent improvement over the CH-53E aircraft. The CH-53K's MGW with external loads is 88,000 pounds, a 20 percent improvement over the CH-53E helicopter.

Features of the CH-53K helicopter include: a modern glass cockpit; fly-by-wire flight controls; fourth generation rotor blades with anhedral tips; a low-maintenance elastomeric rotor head; upgraded engines; a locking cargo rail system; external cargo handling improvements; survivability enhancements; and improved reliability, maintainability and supportability. The program is expected to achieve the Initial Operational Capability milestone in FY18. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

Sikorsky

Major fatigue testing of the Airbus Military A400M has begun on schedule in Dresden in January.

Major fatigue testing of the Airbus Military A400M has begun on schedule in Dresden in January (see attached photos). The test airframe, known as MSN5001, will be subjected to a punishing regime of loads, 24 hours per day, for an initial four weeks, eventually simulating 160 flights per day. The first 1,665 simulated flights are required for European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification of the A400M, but over the next 18 months a total of 25,000 simulated flights will be performed – equating to 2.5 times the A400M´s design-life. Static testing of another A400M test airframe, MSN5000 was completed in Madrid in September 2010. That airframe continues to be used for further fatigue tests of composite structures which will last until early 2012.

Airbus Military

Sukhoi 100: SuperJet International signs contract worth USD 650 million with Mexican Interjet

January 17, 2011, Venice (Italy) - SuperJet International (SJI) - a joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica Company, and Sukhoi Holding - signed today with Mexico's Interjet airline a contract for the purchase of 15 long range Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft in the 98 seat configuration, plus 5 options.

Based on the price list, the overall order has a value of USD 650 million. The first deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2012.

Along with the order, SuperJet International announced the execution of a "SuperCare" Agreement with Interjet for the after-sales support of its fleet of new Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft over 10 years duration. Since its Entry Into Service, Interjet SSJ100 fleet will be supported by SJI with this tailored after-sales solution.

The Agreement is a comprehensive "per-flight-hour" program developed by SJI specifically for SSJ100 aircraft Operators. This innovative lifecycle solution has been designed to maximize aircraft availability to Operators and minimize their maintenance and administrative associated costs.

With this new milestone, the Sukhoi Superjet 100 finalizes 170 firm orders. The first deliveries to the launch customers Aeroflot and Armavia are scheduled for the first quarter of 2011.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 Programme represents the most important industrial partnership between the Russian Federation and the rest of the world in the civil aviation sector.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is currently the best choice in the 100-seat aircraft segment because of its outstanding characteristics in terms of quality, comfort and operational costs.

CEO of SuperJet International, Mr. Carlo Logli:

"This contract represents an outstanding result, proving the quality of this state-of-the-art product and its potential in the market, especially a fast-growing one such as the Latin American. I am extremely satisfied because Interjet represents a high-efficiency airline in the worldwide commercial aviation market thanks to its superior level of services".

"Now we will continue to work on the implementation of the SSJ100 project with an even greater effort. I firmly believe that 2011 will be the SuperJet International year of change, through an increase of the existing portfolio and the entry into service of the aircraft".

About Interjet:

Interjet is a 100% Mexican airline owned by Miguel Aleman family, highly recognized in both private and public sectors in Mexico. Interjet was the first entrant in the new deregulated era of Mexican Airline Industry starting operations in December 2005. In only 5 years of operations with a fleet of 22 aircraft, Interjet today is the 2nd airline in the Mexican domestic market. It operates both from Mexico City's International Airport and Toluca Airport towards the most important business and leisure destinations in Mexico. It is currently renowned as Mexico's best low-cost airline, offering to passengers an superior quality service and maximum comfort at lower fares than leading competitor.

Since 2009 Interjet is a profitable airline reporting EBITDAR and NET margins comparable to the most profitable airlines in the Latin American region.

About SuperJet International:

SuperJet International, a joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica Company (51%) and Sukhoi Holding (49%), is in charge of the marketing, sales, customization and delivery of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional jet in Europe, the Americas, Oceania, Africa and Japan. The Company is also responsible for training and worldwide after-sales support, as well as the design and development of VIP and cargo variants. A SuperJet International branch is active in Moscow, together with a sales office in Washington, DC, U.S.A.


Sukhoi

Airbus celebrates its 10,000th order with Virgin America’s 60 A320 deal (Virgin America First Firm A320NEO Customer)

Airbus announced this morning its 10,000^th order with a firm contract from Virgin America for 60 A320s, including 30 A320neo aircraft. This is the first firm order for the A320 new engine option; therefore Virgin America becomes the launch customer for the A320neo. This formalizes and expands an initial commitment given at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2010 with the inclusion of the A320neo as a new development in that deal. The 30 A320s will feature fuel-saving large wing tip devices called Sharklets. Virgin America has not yet announced its engine choice on the newly ordered A320s or the A320neo. Seating configuration on the aircraft will be the same as its existing A320 fleet (146-149 seats) in a two-class configuration. 

"At just three years old and at a time when many carriers are contracting, we're pleased to be growing and bringing our award-winning service to new markets," said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. "We credit a great deal of our success to date to having the right aircraft. The low operating costs, cabin comfort and carbon-efficient design of our all-new Airbus A320 fleet has helped fuel our growth and success in the North American market – and we're confident the A320neo will only build on that."

"We hit our 5000th order in August of 2004 – after more than 30 years. To achieve the 10,000th order just over six years later is a ringing endorsement of our product line," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. "And it gives a strong boost to our new, eco-efficient A320neo when ‪Virgin America, one of our newest and trendiest customers, places the first firm order, for which we are extremely grateful."  

Based in San Francisco, California, Virgin America was founded in August 2007. The airline flies an exclusive fleet of more than 30 A320 Family aircraft on a growing network that reaches across North America. The airline prides itself on its guest service, unique design and amenities, including fleetwide WiFi and personal touch-screen entertainment platforms at every seat. Virgin America consistently wins travel industry and customer choice awards for its outstanding service, amenities and focus on sustainability.

"Virgin airlines are known around the world for innovation – for harnessing the best in design, technology and entertainment to reinvent the travel experience," said Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson. "We're just as committed to investing in the next generation solutions that will make air travel more sustainable. Climate change cannot be ignored by business, and I believe that we must rise to the challenge of combating it and find new and better ways of operating. The A320neo will help us get there, by lowering costs and reducing our impact on the environment. Virgin America's existing A320s are now up to 25 percent more fuel and carbon efficient than the average U.S. fleet, and the A320neo promises to improve on the numbers even more." 

The A320neo responds to heightened customer environmental interest, offering a 15 percent reduction in fuel consumption. The option was launched in late 2010 for first deliveries in early 2016. Airlines have the choice between CFM International's LEAP-X engine and Pratt & Whitney's PurePower PW1100G engine. Each variant of the A320neo incorporates Sharklet wing tip devices. In addition to fuel savings, the A320neo will benefit from a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions, reduced engine noise, lower operating costs and up to 500 nautical miles more range or two metric tons more payload. The A319, A320 and A321 models on which the new engine option is offered will have 95 percent airframe commonality with the A320 Family, thus the A320neo will fit seamlessly into the existing Virgin America fleet. 

Since the first Airbus aircraft went into service in 1974 with Air France, Airbus has seen sales of its aircraft grow steadily. By 1989, after its first 15 years in operation, Airbus had sold 1,000 aircraft. Less than half that time again, just seven years later in 1996, sales had risen to 2,000. Sales of Airbus aircraft had reached 3,000 in 1998, again cutting the time it took to sell another 1,000 planes by more than half. And by 2000 a total of 4,000 aircraft had been sold to the market. 

Watch related 10,000th order milestone video

Airbus

Airbus hits new record aircraft deliveries in 2010

Airbus has increased its production output for the ninth year in a row and achieved a new company record of 510 (2009: 498) commercial aircraft deliveries to 94 customers (of which 19 were new). Deliveries included 401 A320 Family aircraft, 91 A330/A340s and 18 A380s. In its military division, Airbus delivered 20 light and medium military and transport aircraft (CN235 and C295), exceeding the 2009 figure by four aircraft.

Airbus booked 644 commercial aircraft orders (574 net) in 2010. The value of the new orders surpassed US$84 billion gross (US$74 billion net) at list prices. This represents 51 per cent by units of the 2010 gross worldwide market share of aircraft beyond 100 seats (52 % net). Airbus won 21 new orders for its military aircraft (CN235 and C295). 

The new commercial orders include 452 A320 Family aircraft, 160 A330/A340/A350 XWB Family aircraft, and 32 new orders for the A380. At 2010 year end, Airbus' commercial order book backlog was 3,552 aircraft valued at over US$480 billion at list prices, or equalling six years of full production. The military backlog stood at 247 aircraft. 

In 2010, Airbus launched the A320neo (new engine option), offering 15 per cent less fuel burn. This is equivalent to a saving of up to 3,600 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per aircraft per year.  

The A350 XWB continued winning key strategic campaigns during 2010, boosting the total orders for the family to 583 and number of customers to 36 by year end. On the industrial side, 2010 saw the start of manufacturing of the first A350 XWB components and sub assemblies at section level. The systems test rig (Iron Bird) for the A350 XWB started operations in December. 

The A400M programme is delivering results with four development aircraft flying. It accomplished more than 1,000 flight hours in over 300 test flights. Start of A400M series production is imminent and civil certification is planned to be obtained before the end of the year.  

The A330-based Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft achieved civil and military certification in 2010. Five are flying with a further four undergoing conversion. Delivery of the first two MRTTs to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is in the final stages.  

Airbus' Power 8 programme exceeded both its EBIT and cash saving targets. Power 8+ will continue this momentum. 

Airbus has regained its competitiveness largely thanks to Power8, the improved programme performance and the growth in its markets. In addition, progress in the A380 programme has allowed the company to reduce the temporary workforce considerably. However, hundreds of temporary positions were turned into full-time Airbus contracts creating a large number of new jobs in particular in Engineering and Production.  

In 2010, Airbus recruited 2,200 new employees, bringing the active workforce up to 52,500 by year end. For 2011 it is planned to hire up to 3,000 people, in particular for the ramp-up of the single aisle and long range programmes as well as development and industrialisation of the A400M, A350 XWB and the A320neo. 

"2010 was a good year, in fact better than expected twelve months ago. The market rebound and improved programme performance has been particularly encouraging. However, with plenty of challenges, especially in our development programmes, we'll have to work hard to further improve and also make 2011 a successful year for Airbus," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.  

For 2011, Airbus is expecting again a further increase in deliveries and a book-to-bill ratio above one. "This is the result of strong airline demand for new and more eco-efficient aircraft," Enders said. "We respond to our customer's requests by introducing the right technologies at the right time as per the launch of the A320neo."

Also in 2010, Airbus advanced the commercialisation of alternative fuels by establishing the first value chain in Brazil, bringing together farmers, refiners and airlines. Airbus completed Latin America's first bio-fuel flight, and Airbus is also supporting the world's first scheduled daily bio-fuel passenger flights due to begin in 2011. This underlines Airbus strategy to advance from demonstration flights towards the commercialisation of alternative fuels for aviation.  

 Watch the video interview of John Jeahy

Airbus

GROEN BROTHERS AVIATION ENTERS COOPERATIVE JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT FOR PRODUCTION IN CHINA OF LIGHT GYROPLANES

Salt Lake City, Utah – January 15, 2011 – Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. ("GBA") (stock symbol "GNBA"), announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Groen Brothers Aviation International, LLC ("Groen LLC"), formed to participate in the joint venture, has entered into an agreement with Guangzhou Suntrans Aviation Science and Technology Co., Ltd. ("Suntrans") to form a Cooperative Joint Venture ("CJV").  The CJV will be named Foshan Suntrans-Groen Aviation Co., Ltd. ("FSG Aviation").

The CJV will be a limited liability company formed under the laws of the Peoples Republic of China whose purpose is to produce in China for sales worldwide, light gyroplanes based upon GBA's SparrowHawk design.  The agreement generally provides for FSGA to assemble, manufacture, sell, and provide related services for GBA's SparrowHawk Gyroplane Program, including the most advanced version of the SparrowHawk aircraft developed to date, the SparrowHawk III.  It is expected that FSG Aviation will reintroduce the SparrowHawk III Kit into the US and world markets, followed over the next few years by a fully assembled light gyroplane using technology transferred by GBA to the CJV.

The agreement for the CJV will come into force upon the approval of the appropriate Chinese regulatory authorities for which the parties are in the process of preparing the necessary papers.

The total amount of registered capital of the Joint Venture will be Chinese Renminbi ("RMB") 100 Million (approximately US$14.7 million).  Under the terms of the agreement, Suntrans will contribute RMB 75 million (approximately US$11 million) to the Joint Venture in cash and hold 75% of the shares in FSG Aviation; in return for its contribution of the SparrowHawk Program and transfer of certain advanced gyroplane technology, Groen LLC will hold 25% of the shares valued at RMB 25 million (approximately US$3.67 million).

GBA considers the formation of this Joint Venture particularly of value because the Chinese government has announced that it has begun a program to open to the public, Chinese airspace below 3,000 meters.  "An aircraft that's easy and safe to fly, highly maneuverable and needing only a very short runway, which is essentially what the SparrowHawk Gyroplane is, ought to be very popular in China, as the country opens up to a new generation of private pilots," said GBA's Vice President of Business Development, Al Waddill, "especially since demand for personal aircraft should be far beyond the capability of China's current general aviation infrastructure."

About Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc.
Groen Brothers Aviation, Inc. has been developing gyroplane technology since 1986 and is recognized as the world's leading authority on sustained autorotative flight.  Powered by a Rolls-Royce gas turbine engine, GBA developed the world's first commercially viable modern gyroplane - the first "autogiro" to utilize a jet engine - the Hawk 4 Gyroplane.   The Hawk 4 was used extensively for security aerial patrol missions during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

GBA announced in October 2005 that DARPA, an arm of the United States Department of Defense, awarded a contract to GBA to form and lead a team to design a proof of concept high speed, long range, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed for use in Combat Search and Rescue roles.  This modern rotorcraft, named by DARPA as the "Heliplane," is designed to exploit GBA's gyrodyne technology; offering the VTOL capability of a helicopter, the fast forward flight of an airplane, and the safety, simplicity and reliability of a GBA gyroplane.  GBA completed Phase I of the Heliplane contract and also participated as a subcontractor to Georgia Institute of Technology for tip-jet noise reduction work for Phase IB, which was also successful.  To date DARPA has not announced funding for Phase II and the future involvement of the Company in the DARPA contract is unknown.  The Heliplane could be the next generation rotor wing aircraft, meeting economy and performance goals not considered achievable by any other type of VTOL aircraft.

Further information about the Company, its products, and individual members of the GBA Team is available on the Company's web site at: www.groenbros.com.


Press Release

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Un Simulador de Vuelo con cabina "FULL MOTION" para todos los públicos

Barcelona, 12 de enero de 2011

plugandplaysim.com, fabricante nacional ubicado en la provincia de Barcelona, ha desarrollado el SIMVOL-04, que se posiciona como el primer simulador de vuelo con cabina cerrada Full Motion que ofrece el realismo y diversión del vuelo deportivo y privado a un coste hora accesible para todos los públicos.

Este novedoso producto está fabricado íntegramente en España y permite al usuario actuar sobre todos los mandos de control, comunicación y navegación de una aeronave monomotor utilizando Microsoft Flight Simualtor X como software de simulación.

Cualquier amante de la aviación acostumbrado a los simuladores de vuelo y con las nociones básicas de control de una aeronave puede disfrutar de una experiencia hasta ahora sólo accesible para aquellas personas que deseaban ampliar o mantener sus conocimientos, habilidades y competencias en los simuladores de compañías aéreas y empresas de formación certificadas por aviación civil y que suponen un coste de hasta 600 euros la hora.

plugandplaysim.com responde así a la más que demostrada demanda de los pilotos virtuales. Solo en la división española de IVAO (International Virtual Aviation Organization) hay más de 10.800 miembros registrados, demostrando que los pilotos virtuales son sin duda la cantera en la que poder apalancar el crecimiento del sector aeronáutico nacional, deportivo y privado.

Uno de los SIMVOL-04 está instalado en el AeroClub de Barcelona ? Sabadell al que pueden acceder socios y no socios, lo cual implica por un lado el compromiso del AeroClub por el desarrollo de su oferta formativa y al mismo tiempo la calidad técnica y realismo logrado por plugandplaysim.com, sustentada también por el creciente interés demostrado por clientes particulares y profesionales deseosos de ubicar este simulador en sus hogares y centros de ocio y entretenimiento.

Gulfstrem makes business-aviation history with 1st flight to use electrically powered back-up Fligh Control System

G650 Flight Evaluates Fly-By-Wire In Electric Backup Mode

AVANNAH, Ga., January 12, 2011 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. test pilots and flight-test  engineers recently made business-aviation history when they flew the Gulfstream G650 flight-test aircraft for the first time using only an electrically powered, fly-by-wire backup flight-control actuation system.

Gulfstream's Serial Number (S/N) 6001 flew for a total of 3 hours and 33 minutes on Dec. 21, 2010.  Test pilots Jake Howard and Gary Freeman along with flight-test engineers Bill Osborne and Nathaniel Rutland evaluated the fly-by-wire system in electric backup actuation mode for 2 hours and 20 minutes of the flight, performing five landings with the backup system engaged.

"The system performed flawlessly," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. "There was no difference in handling qualities between the electrically and hydraulically powered modes."

"It flew so well that unless pilots were told they were in backup actuation mode I don't think they would notice," said test pilot Freeman.

Typically, fly-by-wire uses a third hydraulic system to provide redundancy in the event of a dual hydraulic system failure. However, Gulfstream's fly-by-wire architecture uses electric backup hydraulic actuators (EBHA): electrically controlled actuators that are primarily hydraulically powered but offer electric power as a backup. A self-contained hydraulic reservoir and motor pump allow full operation should hydraulic loss occur.

The G650 has an EBHA at every primary control surface (elevator, rudder and aileron) as well as the outboard spoiler. These provide enhanced safety and aircraft availability because of the two different power sources. The self-contained actuators also offer an advantage following extremely rare failure scenarios, such as a rotor burst.

The Dec. 21 G650 flight began with evaluating the electric backup-mode handling qualities in one axis and then progressed to full evaluations in all axes (pitch, roll and yaw). The test conditions consisted of all flap settings at 10,000 feet for speeds ranging from 1.13 reference stall speed (VSR) to maximum flap extended speed (VFE). Cruise configurations were evaluated at FL280, FL350 and FL450 and the full speed spectrum. The pilots also initiated an emergency descent profile from FL450 to FL250. Additionally, they evaluated handling qualities in the landing configuration by making multiple offset approaches at Brunswick Golden Isles Airport in Brunswick, Ga.

The EBHAs for the G650 are provided by Parker Hannifin.

Gulfstream

APES 0030 El equipo C...

Resultados 2010: Volumen de negocios provisional de casi 5.000 millones de euros, 4% al alza, a pesar del contexto económico desfavorable

Astrium prepara activamente el futuro. En 2010 invertimos cerca de 450 millones de euros y estamos listos para dar acogida a los programas espaciales del mañana”, declaró François Auque durante la jornada de felicitación de EADS por el nuevo año en el centro de Astrium de Les Mureaux.

La cifra de negocios provisional es de casi 5.000 millones de euros, lo que supone una subida de alrededor del 4% con respecto a 2009, a pesar de la coyuntura económica desfavorable.

Aparte de un pedido excepcional (lote de 35 lanzadores Ariane en 2009), la entrada de pedidos, por valor de 6.000 millones de euros, supone un aumento del 43%, lo que eleva la cartera de pedidos a 15.800 millones de euros.

En 2010 Astrium ha acumulado una serie de grandes logros:

- Se lanzaron con éxito seis Ariane 5, de los cuales tres en dos meses

- Se entregaron 10 satélites

- Se firmaron nueve satélites; tres de telecomunicaciones y seis de Observación de la Tierra

- Se entregaron misiles M51 para el submarino de misiles balísticos “Le Terrible”

Transformación en 2011 para dar respuesta a los retos del futuro

El lanzamiento de ATV 2 que tendrá lugar el 15 de febrero dará fe una vez más de las competencias espaciales que posee Europa. “Colaboraremos de forma activa con ESA para maximizar la utilización de la Estación Espacial Internacional por parte de Europa y perfeccionar las tecnologías desarrolladas para el ATV de cara a concebir nuevos vehículos” , recordó François Auque.

Astrium también tiene que mantener su liderazgo mundial en exportación de satélites de observación de la Tierra, hacerse con la nueva licitación de Galileo y llevar a cabo toda su aportación al programa GMES de la Comisión Europea.

“En el área de servicios, nuestras entradas de pedidos casi se han triplicado con respecto a 2009. Esperamos que la solicitud de ofertas en curso para una sociedad público-privada en el ámbito de telecomunicaciones militares para el Ejército francés tenga en cuenta nuestra experiencia con los Ministerios de Defensa británico y alemán”, explicó François Auque.

Esta intención de preparar el futuro pasa por una transformación de Astrium, que ha de poseer una capacidad de reacción todavía mayor para hacer frente a los cambios que se suceden en su entorno.

El plan AGILE (Agile, Globally growing, Innovative, Lean and Entreprenurial) hará posible que los empleados sean una verdadera fuente de propuestas e iniciativas, y que los directivos funcionen con un mayor grado de autonomía gracias a una reducción y simplificación de los procesos de toma de decisiones. “Astrium tiene que estar todavía más cerca de sus clientes”, concluyó François Auque.

EADS

IndiGo commits to 180 A320s, largest jet order in aviation history

India's largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 180 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft of which 150 will be A320neo’s and 30 will be A320s. It is the largest single firm order number for large jets in commercial aviation history, and also makes IndiGo a launch customer for the A320neo. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date.

The A320neo, available from 2016, incorporates new more efficient engines and large wing tip devices called Sharklets delivering significant fuel savings of up to 15 percent, which represents up to 3,600 tonnes of CO2 annually per aircraft. In addition, the A320neo provides a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise.

“This order for industry leading fuel efficient aircraft will allow IndiGo to continue to offer low fares,” said Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia, co-founders of IndiGo. “Ordering more A320s was the natural choice to meet India’s growing flying needs. The opportunity to reduce costs and to further improve our environmental performance through the A320neo were key to our decision.”
“The A320 Family is the recognised market leader. The A320neo, offering maximum benefit for minimum change, will ensure that this continues to be the case for many years to come,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers. “This order positions IndiGo to take full advantage of the predicted growth in Indian air travel and we are delighted that they continue to build their future with Airbus.”

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Some 6,800 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and some 4,500 delivered to more than 310 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. With 99.7% reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. The A320neo will have over 95% airframe commonality with the A320 Family whilst offering up to 500nm (950 km) more range or two tonnes more payload.

Airbus

Video: http://videos.airbus.com/video/iLyROoafzMuE.html

Global Observer, AeroVironment’s Extreme Endurance Hydrogen Powered Unmanned Aircraft System, Achieves Historic First Hydrogen-Powered Flight

Key Milestone Achieved for System Designed to Provide Persistent Communications and Surveillance at 20% of the Cost of Existing Solutions.

MONROVIA, Calif., Jan. 11, 2011 -- AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) (NASDAQ:AVAV) today announced that the Global Observer™ unmanned aircraft system has successfully completed its historic first flight powered by the aircraft's hydrogen-fueled propulsion system at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB) in California. This milestone marks the beginning of high altitude, long endurance flight testing for the demonstration and operational utility phase of the Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) program.

"Global Observer has moved quickly from development and testing toward demonstrating mission-ready, affordable persistence," said Tim Conver, AV chairman and chief executive officer. "Similar to a satellite, Global Observer is the first system designed to provide a 24/7/365 unblinking eye and continuous communications link over any location on the earth's surface for as long as needed. The joint AV and U.S. government team developed Global Observer to meet today's urgent requirements for persistence and to enable the development of much more cost-effective solutions for the future. The speed with which we have achieved this milestone reflects the benefits of an effective government-industry partnership."

Because of its extreme endurance and range, Global Observer can be based out-of-theater, which will further reduce operating costs and local air traffic congestion while significantly reducing risk to operational personnel. AV plans to make Global Observer systems available for procurement and for operation as a turnkey service to provide communications and remote imaging in a manner similar to satellite services, but at a much lower cost.

The hydrogen-powered flight lasted for four hours and reached an altitude of 5,000 feet above sea level over the United States Air Force Flight Test Center at EAFB. This first flight follows the successful battery-powered flight test phase of the demonstration program that took place during the months of August and September.

The flight test team will now systematically expand the altitude and duration of test flights to validate the aircraft's high-altitude, long endurance performance. These flights will include the Air Force's Joint Aerial Layer Network (JALN) Tactical Communications Suite (TCS) payload. The JALN TCS provides persistent, IP-based aerial communications infrastructure that extends communications from a Global Observer aircraft positioned at 65,000 feet above sea level over a wide area. The joint operational utility of the Global Observer system will also be assessed during this flight test series for future U.S. Government, civil, and military uses.

About Global Observer
With 20 years of experience developing stratospheric, long-endurance unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), AV is developing Global Observer to operate as a "stratospheric geosynchronous satellite system" with regional coverage and minimal signal delay. Two Global Observer aircraft, each flying for up to a week at a time, will alternate coverage over any area on the earth, providing a seamless, persistent platform for high value missions such as communications relay, remote sensing, long-term surveillance and border patrol. Offering greater flexibility than a satellite and significantly longer duration than conventional manned and unmanned aircraft, Global Observer is designed to provide critical new capabilities in a reliable and more affordable manner, all while consuming no fossil fuels and emitting no carbon emissions.

In addition to flying above weather and above other conventional airplanes, operation at 55,000 to 65,000 altitude enables sensor payloads on the aircraft to view a significantly larger area on the surface of the earth than conventional, lower flying aircraft. Equipped with payloads that are readily available today, a two Global Observer system would provide persistent satellite-like coverage over any location on the globe at a fraction of the cost of satellites.

AV received the contract for developing and demonstrating Global Observer as a JCTD program in September 2007. Six U.S. government agencies have provided more than $140 million in funding for the program.

Press Release

VIDEO: China’s J-20 first flight

http://www.56.com/u45/v_NTc3NTI4NTA.html

Simulaciones informáticas para sustituir los ensayos de la electrónica de los aviones

La investigación, realizada por el Grupo de Compatibilidad Electromagnética de la UPC, está orientada a mejorar la seguridad de las aeronaves y reducir los costes de construcción.

Reducir las interferencias en los equipos electrónicos de los aviones de pasajeros, de mercancías, los aviones no tripulados y los helicópteros y mejorar su diseño mediante la utilización de simulaciones informáticas es el objetivo de un proyecto europeo que lidera el Grupo de Compatibilidad Electromagnética de la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC).

El proyecto, llamado High Intensity Radiated Field-Synthetic Environment (HIRF-SE), sobre medidas de compatibilidad electromagnética en aeronaves, se centra en investigar cómo sustituir parte de los ensayos de compatibilidad electromagnética que ahora se hacen con aviones reales, que son "costosos en términos de espacio, tiempo y dinero, repetitivos y, algunos de ellos, incluso destructivos", explica Fernando Silva, responsable del grupo.

Un total de 44 socios de 11 países europeos participan en este proyecto y las razones que lo han impulsado son, por un lado, el aumento y la complejidad creciente de los aparatos electrónicos que se instalan en las aeronaves y, por otro, el hecho de que "cada vez se utilizan menos elementos conductores para la construcción del fuselaje y más los compuestos de fibras de vidrio o de carbono, materiales que son más ligeros pero que hacen a los sistemas electrónicos más vulnerables a las interferencias", indica Silva.

Así, el sistema de mando del avión y el de comunicación, los radares, las alarmas y, en definitiva, todos los sistemas de control del avión están más expuestos a interferencias, como las producidas por los radares externos, los aparatos electrónicos de los propios pasajeros, los rayos o las líneas eléctricas de alta tensión en el caso de los helicópteros.

En el ecuador del proyecto, la tarea del grupo se centra en verificar la posible sustitución de los ensayos de compatibilidad electromagnética por simulaciones. Y eso se hace a través de la medición de las diferentes partes de las aeronaves en el laboratorio del Campus Nord, para hacer la simulación numérica de un helicóptero completo, prevista para principios de 2012. Asimismo, el equipo, junto con otro grupo del Centro Internacional de Métodos Numéricos en Ingeniería (CIMNE) de la UPC, también está desarrollando una parte del software de simulación.

El proyecto permitirá no sólo reducir costes, sino también mejorar el diseño de la aeronave antes de ser construida e incrementar la eficiencia del ensayo, ya que se podrán probar distintos supuestos en todas las partes de la aeronave, como por ejemplo los efectos de un rayo.

El Grupo de Compatibilidad Electromagnética está integrado en la línea de investigación de instrumentación electrónica y biomédica del Departamento de Ingeniería Electrónica y forma parte de la Red de Innovación Tecnológica TECNIO de la Generalitat de Catalunya.

Nota de prensa UPC