Eurocopter coloca la primera piedra de su nuevo centro de desarrollo integrado en Donauwörth

Donauwörth, 6 de mayo de 2011 

Con la simbólica colocación de la primera piedra, Eurocopter empieza hoy  en Donauwörth la construcción de su nuevo centro de desarrollo integrado llamado Systemhaus. Con este nuevo centro de investigación y desarrollo de avanzada  tecnología, que se inaugurará en 2012, este líder mundial en la fabricación de  helicópteros toma posiciones cara el futuro. 

Con el proyecto Systemhaus, Donauwörth concentrará en un mismo sitio, todos los recursos, competencias e instalaciones necesarios para poder desarrollar, fabricar, certificar y mantener helicópteros. Las actividades de desarrollo actualmente ubicadas en la planta de Eurocopter en Ottobrunn se incorporarán al nuevo edificio de Donauwörth, situado en las proximidades de las  cadenas de montaje existentes y que dispondrá de una superficie en planta de 30.000 m2

 El nuevo centro ofrece además la ventaja de poder concentrar actividades hoy repartidas en varios lugares de las plantas de Donauwörth y Ottobrunn. Unos 900 empleados de Eurocopter serán transferidos al nuevo centro de desarrollo. 

"El proyecto Systemhaus, que forma parte de la Visión 2020 de Eurocopter, sentará las bases para un nuevo centro de excelencia de helicópteros en Alemania que reunirá en un mismo lugar – y a largo plazo – todas la competencias precisas para desarrollar, fabricar y mantener helicópteros, declaró Lutz Bertling, Presidente y CEO del Grupo Eurocopter. Este proyecto no sólo va reunir las áreas de desarrollo y de producción, sino que además permitirá acelerar procesos, gracias a la posibilidad de crear equipos integrados. El nuevo centro nos permitirá desarrollar y fabricar helicópteros innovadores de forma más rápida y contribuirá de manera substancial a mantener el liderazgo de Eurocopter en el mercado internacional." 

En el futuro, este nuevo centro de desarrollo integrado acogerá las actividades de desarrollo y el Centro de Apoyo a Sistemas (SUZ), gestionado en  cooperación con el Ejército alemán.  Las  instalaciones para la investigación, los simuladores y los bancos de ensayos se encontrarán en la planta baja del edificio, mientras que las oficinas del piso superior serán adaptadas para ofrecer a los empleados un cuadro idóneo para la creatividad y el intercambio de ideas. El nuevo edificio ofrecerá un entorno ideal para  reunir las competencias de las diversas áreas del desarrollo, como aerodinámica, sistemas de rotores, diseño de aeroestructuras o aviónica y generará un agradable ambiente de trabajo para todos.  

Para Eurocopter la gestión responsable de los recursos naturales no se detiene en el desarrollo de los nuevos helicópteros. Desde su concepción, el proyecto Systemhaus ha teniendo en cuenta el respeto con el medio ambiente. Así, el edificio contará con calefacción geotérmica y refrigeración por acuíferos, además de cubiertas verdes por las que es posible pasear. Asimismo se instalarán varios puntos de repostaje para vehículos eléctricos. 

El traslado de Ottobrunn a Donauwörth, que afectará a unos 780 empleados, tendrá lugar en cuanto finalicen las obras del nuevo edificio, a finales de 2012.

"Nuestro objetivo es reunir en Donauwörth todo el personal y las competencias de Ottobrunn" explica Friedrich Hormel, responsable de Recursos Humanos y miembro del Consejo de dirección de Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH. "En este momento estamos trabajando con el Comité de Empresa en las diferentes iniciativas de apoyo al traslado y a la integración, en las condiciones de trabajo y también en las nuevas posibilidades de contar con un puesto de trabajo móvil", detalla. 

El nuevo centro de desarrollo forma parte del programa mundial de transformación SHAPE, a través del cual Eurocopter está invirtiendo, en el período entre 2010 y 2014, más de 1.300 millones de euros en investigación y desarrollo financiados con fondos propios. Las inversiones desembocan en nuevos programas de helicópteros y en la ampliación en todo el mundo de la oferta de soporte y servicios de la empresa. Al mismo tiempo Eurocopter destinará 1000 millones de Euros suplementarios a la modernización de las diferentes plantas a fin de reforzar su competitividad y su presencia internacional. 

"El nuevo Centro de Desarrollo contribuye de manera determinante a nuestra competitividad y constituye un elemento importante para el futuro de Eurocopter en Alemania", afirmó Wolfgang Schoder, CEO y Presidente del consejo de administración de Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH. "El traslado de actividades de Ottobrunn a Donauwörth no sólo supone un ahorro en lo que respecta a las instalaciones, sino que también, y  sobre todo, permitirá aumentar la eficiencia gracias a la optimización de los procesos y al aprovechamiento de sinergias técnicas y comerciales.

PR

SpaceShipTwo's First "Feathered" Flight Marks Latest Milestone for Virgin Galactic.

Early on Wednesday 4th May 2011, in the skies above Mojave Air and Spaceport CA, SpaceShipTwo, the world's first commercial spaceship, demonstrated its unique reentry 'feather' configuration for the first time. This test flight, the third in less than two weeks, marks another major milestone on the path to powered test flights and commercial operations.

SpaceShipTwo (SS2), named VSS Enterprise, has now flown solo seven times since its public roll-out in December 2009 and since the completion of its ground and captive -carry test program.

This latest flight saw a 6:43AM (local) runway take off for VSS Enterprise, attached to its WhiteKnightTwo (WK2) carrier aircraft, VMS Eve. At the controls of the of the spaceship were Scaled Composites' test pilots Pete Siebold and Clint Nichols whilst Mark Stucky, Brian Maisler and Brandon Inks crewed the purpose built, all composite, twin fuselage WK2.

After a 45 minute climb to the desired altitude of 51,500 feet, SS2 was released cleanly from VMS Eve and established a stable glide profile before deploying, for the first time, its re-entry or "feathered" configuration by rotating the tail section of the vehicle upwards to a 65 degree angle to the fuselage. It remained in this configuration with the vehicle's body at a level pitch for approximately 1 minute and 15 seconds whilst descending, almost vertically, at around 15,500 feet per minute, slowed by the powerful shuttlecock-like drag created by the raised tail section. At around 33,500 feet the pilots reconfigured the spaceship to its normal glide mode and executed a smooth runway touch down, approximately 11 minutes and 5 seconds after its release from VMS Eve.

All objectives for the flight were met and detailed flight data is now being analysed by the engineers at Scaled Composites, designers and builders of Virgin Galactic's sub-orbital spacecraft.

George Whitesides, CEO and President of Virgin Galactic, said: "This morning's spectacular flight by VSS Enterprise was its third in 12 days, reinforcing the fast turnaround and frequent flight-rate potential of Virgin Galactic's new vehicles. We have also shown this morning that the unique feathering re-entry mechanism, probably the single most important safety innovation within the whole system, works perfectly. This is yet another important milestone successfully passed for Virgin Galactic, and brings us ever closer to the start of commercial operations. Credit is due to the whole Scaled team, whose meticulous planning and great skill are changing the course of history."

Pete Siebold, who along with Clint Nichols piloted the spaceship added:
"In all test flight programs, after the training, planning and rehearsing, there comes the moment when you have to go up there and fly it for real. This morning's flight was a test pilot's dream. The spaceship is a joy to fly and the feathered descent portion added a new, unusual but wonderful dynamic to the ride. The fact that it all went to plan, that there were no surprises and that we brought VSS Enterprise back to Mojave safe and sound is a great testament to the whole team."

Wing Feathering for Re-Entry

Perhaps the most innovative safety feature employed by SpaceshipOne and now SpaceShipTwo is the unique way it returns into the dense atmosphere from the vacuum of space. This part of space flight has always been considered as one of the most technically challenging and dangerous and Burt Rutan was determined to find a failsafe solution which remained true to Scaled Composite's philosophy of safety through simplicity. His inspiration for what is known as the feathered re-entry was the humble shuttlecock, which like SpaceShipTwo relies on aerodynamic design and laws of physics to control speed and attitude.

Once out of the atmosphere the entire tail structure of the spaceship can be rotated upwards to about 65º. The feathered configuration allows an automatic control of attitude with the fuselage parallel to the horizon. This creates very high drag as the spacecraft descends through the upper regions of the atmosphere. The feather configuration is also highly stable, effectively giving the pilot a hands-free re-entry capability, something that has not been possible on spacecraft before, without resorting to computer controlled fly-by-wire systems. The combination of high drag and low weight (due to the very light materials used to construct the vehicle) mean that the skin temperature during re-entry stays very low compared to previous manned spacecraft and thermal protection systems such as heat shields or tiles are not needed. During a full sub-orbital spaceflight, at around 70,000ft following re-entry, the feather lowers to its original configuration and the spaceship becomes a glider for the flight back to the spaceport runway.

PR

Phantom Ray First Flight (Video)

via Boeing

Boeing 747-8 performs ultimate rejected takeoff (Video)

Via Boeing

Vuelo en formación de satélites: SENER es máximo responsable de la misión espacial Proba-3

SENER ha obtenido el contrato de fase B de la misión de vuelo en formación Proba-3 de la Agencia Espacial Europea (ESA). En virtud de este acuerdo, la firma de ingeniería se convierte en el contratista principal de esta misión y máximo responsable de su desarrollo, que concluirá con la verificación en órbita del sistema. Se trata de la primera vez que una empresa española consigue liderar una misión completa de la ESA.

La firma del contrato tuvo lugar el pasado 29 de marzo en el Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Espacial Europeo (ESTEC) de la ESA, entre el director del departamento de Espacio de SENER, Diego Rodríguez, y el responsable en funciones de la Dirección de Tecnología y Calidad de la ESA, Philippe Perol, con la presencia del recientemente nombrado director, Franco Ongaro.

Proba-3 constituye la tercera misión de la serie Proba de pequeños satélites de la ESA para validar desarrollos en sistemas espaciales. La serie Proba forma parte del Programa de Demostración de Tecnología en Órbita de la ESA, financiado a través del Programa General de Apoyo Tecnológico (GSTP).

El vuelo en formación, de gran interés práctico, consiste esencialmente en dos o más satélites que viajan de modo coordinado y mantienen distancias y orientaciones relativas muy precisas. Esto permite, por ejemplo, componer un gran telescopio espacial donde sus elementos esenciales (lente y detectores) pueden estar muy separados conservando, sin embargo, su distancia relativa estable. De este modo, se evitan las grandes estructuras desplegables, que penalizan los lanzamientos al aumentar considerablemente el peso y el volumen de la carga útil.

Proba-3 es una misión de demostración de las tecnologías necesarias para la realización de vuelo en formación: partiendo de dos minisatélites Proba, que se colocarán en una órbita muy excéntrica alrededor de la Tierra, se realizarán maniobras diversas y mediciones experimentales que permitan valorar las prestaciones de los novedosos equipos que dicha misión requiere. También se podrán evaluar la precisión y la estabilidad de dichas maniobras en la posición relativa de ambas naves. Adicionalmente, la misión incorporará un coronógrafo (un instrumento para analizar la atmósfera o corona solar) que se beneficiará de las posibilidades que ofrece Proba-3, al separar decenas de metros el ocultador solar del propio instrumento.

Proba-3 es una misión compleja desde un punto de vista tecnológico y requiere la coordinación de numerosas empresas. Destaca la participación española, con SENER como contratista principal, GMV como responsable del subsistema de vuelo en formación y EADS CASA Espacio, que desarrollará uno de los dos minisatélites.

SENER participa en este programa desde el año 2007, cuando se inició la fase puente para consolidar los estudios iniciales (de fase A) de este proyecto, que se remontan a 2006. En esa primera participación de SENER, la empresa lideró el equipo que llevó a cabo la gestión del vuelo en formación y el sistema de Guiado, Navegación y Control (GNC). En noviembre de 2009 se iniciaron las negociaciones para alcanzar el liderazgo del proyecto, que han fructificado con la firma del contrato de fase B el pasado 29 de marzo

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Northrop Grumman: The 2018 Bomber

Virtual Flight estuvo en Aero Expo 2011 ( Friedrichshafen) con su OVO-04

 

Barcelona 2 de Mayo de 2011

 

El mercado demuestra la aceptación del OVO-04 tras su primera experiencia internacional en AERO EXPO 2011 – Friedrichshafen

 

OVO-04 es un simulador de vuelo Full Motion que permite experimentar una Realidad Virtual Aeronáutica total, donde el realismo de los movimientos y los paisajes sitúan al piloto en una cabina cerrada que se mueve al accionar los mandos de control. Las opciones son ilimitadas ya que OVO-04 es la más eficiente máquina para disfrutar de Microsoft Flight Simulator, el más extendido y versátil programa de simulación aérea.

 

VIRTUAL FLY pudo comprobarlo al realizar más de 120 vuelos de demostración con su simulador de vuelo Full Motion OVO-04 durante los 4 días que duró AERO EXPO 2011 en Friedrichshafen, demostrando así la aceptación, versatilidad y sencillez de uso que ha generado su concepto de Realidad Virtual Aeronáutica.

 

Por primera vez se ha podido demostrar, en una de las ferias de aviación más importantes del calendario internacional, que los pilotos, escuelas y emprendedores de todo el mundo están preparados para iniciar esta nueva forma de entender la aviación.

 

OVO-04 es la solución óptima y más eficaz para facilitar por un lado la captación de aficionados al mundo aeronáutico y por el otro la fidelización mediante formación continua a bajo coste operativo de los pilotos ya licenciados. Esta afirmación se sustenta en los comentarios recibidos por todas las personas que disfrutaron la unidad trasladada a Aero Expo 2011, una Mooney Bravo de panel analógico, y que tras bajar del simulador opinaron por escrito en la encuesta post-vuelo.

 

OVO-04 ha recibido ya excelentes valoraciones por su capacidad para satisfacer a tres tipos de clientes:

 

Particulares: Desde niños de 9 años hasta los ex pilotos de líneas aéreas. Desde los que nunca se han subido a un avión hasta los que llevan acumuladas miles de horas de vuelo. OVO-04 permite una experiencia aeronáutica realista gracias a su cabina cerrada con movimiento, sumergiendo al usuario en un espacio aislado en el que actuar sobre todos los mandos de control, interruptores, comunicación y navegación de la aeronave para enfrentarse a situaciones auténticas incluso con meteorología y tráficos aéreos en tiempo real a través de su conexión a Internet.

 

Emprendedores: Los inversores que se acercaron al stand de VIRTUAL FLY buscando un nuevo canal por explotar con una demanda garantizada han iniciado ya sus estudios de viabilidad para abrir un Centro de Vuelo Virtual. Con poca inversión, posibilidad de financiación y un bajo coste operativo, el OVO-04 permite iniciar la actividad con un horizonte de rentabilidad a corto plazo en un mercado que desde hace tiempo espera una solución intermedia entre los simuladores virtuales para ordenadores personales en el hogar y la aviación general o deportiva de los campos de vuelo y aeródromos.

 

Escuelas de Vuelo: Los pilotos privados y de ultraligero representan la práctica totalidad de solicitudes de ingreso en las escuelas de vuelo. Volar por placer es cada vez más una alternativa al alcance de muchos gracias a los avances industriales y tecnológicos que han permitido crear motores más eficientes, materiales más versátiles, aeronaves más seguras… consiguiendo así que cada año miles de personas quieran obtener su licencia PPL o ULM. ¿Quién va a hacerse con esta nueva demanda de pilotos? Aquellas escuelas que, a un precio competitivo, sean capaces de formar más y mejor a sus pilotos. OVO-04 no tiene límites. Los alumnos pueden hacer tantas horas como quieran en un entorno seguro que les permite ganar confianza y aumentar sus habilidades enfrentándose a riesgos de dificultad progresiva. Por otro lado los pilotos ya licenciados pueden iniciarse en otras habilitaciones o especialidades como vuelo nocturno, vuelo de montaña, comunicaciones en un idioma extranjero o aprender a manejar las pantallas digitales Garmin G1000. Además, con OVO-04 se consigue duplicar toda la oferta formativa mediante las licencias -V (virtual), impartiendo la teoría clásica y haciendo las horas de vuelo en el OVO-04, facilitando así la entrada de alumnos que por edad, salud o simple decisión propia prefieren obtener una licencia de vuelo ULM – V o PPL – V. En resumen, más clientes en la escuela de vuelo, durante más tiempo y con más rentabilidad y satisfacción.

 

Además de su bajo coste de adquisición, equivalente a aproximadamente 250 horas de vuelo de aviación general, VIRTUAL FLY garantiza el precio final, plazo de entrega y la ausencia de mantenimiento preventivo, por lo que el cliente recibe un servicio integral donde sólo debe ocuparse de elegir el lugar de instalación y la pintura exterior de la cabina. 

Semana del Espacio. Actuaciones conmemorativas 2011 Año de España en Rusia y de Rusia en España

Semana del Espacio

En el marco del las celebraciones del Año dual hispano-ruso (2011) tendrá lugar en el IFEMA de Madrid "La Semana del Espacio", dentro de la gran exposición "Innovación de Rusia. Ciencia y Tecnología".

La Semana del Espacio está organizada por ROSCOSMOS, la Agencia Federal rusa del Espacio, la Academia de Ciencias de Rusia, y varias empresas de su vasto tejido industrial espacial. Se trata de un gran muestra del pasado, presente y futuro de la mejor cosmonáutic rusa. Nos acercará a los principales actores de aquellos legendarios hitos, los que marcaron el ritmo de una trepidante carrera espacial, la que materializó los sueños de toda una nación volcada hacia el Espacio.

En paralelo se celebrarán Mesas Redondas y una Sesión plenaria, con amplia participación de expertos rusos y españoles. Para poder asistir, hay que registrarse enviando el formulario adjunto al correo electrónico: semana_del_espacio@inta.es


Nota de prensa del Inta

Más info:

• http://www.spain-russia2011.ru/programa_detalle.php?id=243
• Agenda_Sem_Espac.pdf
• Formulario_inscripc.doc
• Logo de la Semana del Espacio.jpg

Aena prueba en el Aeropuerto de Vigo el futuro sistema de navegación por satélite EGNOS

• Mejorará las prestaciones de GPS
• Durante tres días se están realizando vuelos de prueba con este sistema que permitirá aterrizar con tecnología satélite, aumentando la capacidad y operatividad del aeropuerto
• En las maniobras de aterrizaje se utiliza una aeronave Beechcraft A-100 habilitada como avión laboratorio

Aena está realizando en el Aeropuerto de Vigo vuelos de prueba con el sistema europeo de navegación por satélite denominado EGNOS. Gracias a este sistema de ayuda a la navegación el piloto podrá realizar aproximaciones instrumentales sin necesidad de disponer de radioayudas en tierra en cada aeropuerto, lo que supondrá un importante avance en términos de capacidad y operatividad.

EGNOS (Sistema Europeo de Navegación por Complemento Geoestacionario) incrementa la precisión de la señal GPS y facilita el guiado de las aeronaves con información de posición tanto horizontal como vertical, mejorando la precisión de diez a dos metros y emitiendo un mensaje de aviso que informa al piloto en caso de fallo del sistema.

Los vuelos de ensayo que comenzaron ayer y, continuarán a lo largo de la jornada de hoy y mañana, consisten en la realización de aproximaciones y aterrizajes con una aeronave Beechcraft A-100 de SENASA habilitada como avión laboratorio, es decir, equipada con las herramientas necesarias para comprobar que la tecnología de navegación basada en satélite, la calidad de la señal, el funcionamiento de los sistemas de a bordo y el procedimiento de aterrizaje se puede realizar tal y como lo haría un piloto de aviación comercial con los sistemas actuales. Aena está realizando en nueve aeropuertos de su red, entre los que se encuentra el de Vigo, vuelos experimentales con esta nueva tecnología con el objetivo de comprobar lacostes y los hará más respetuosos con el medioambiente.

A partir de este hito, y una vez que la Agencia Española de Seguridad Aérea (AESA) haya aceptado el uso operacional del sistema, Aena, podrá publicar en el AIP procedimientos de aproximación basados en EGNOS.


¿QUÉ ES EGNOS?
EGNOS es el sistema europeo de aumentación de navegación en la zona de los países CEAC (Conferencia Europea de Aviación Civil). Actualmente hay varios sistemas de este tipo para otras zonas, como el WAAS norteamericano, el GAGAN indio y el SACCSA de Caribe, Centro y Sur América y el MSAS japonés, cada uno en una fase distinta de desarrollo e implantación.

Los sistemas de aumentación basados en satélites están diseñados para complementar y mejorar la señal GPS, emitiendo señales adicionales desde satélites geoestacionarios (GEO), mediante el envío de mensajes de corrección e integridad, que se generan en una red de estaciones de monitorización (en torno a 40) en tierra que recogen los datos de los satélites GPS y los envían, por medio de una red de comunicaciones, a los 4 Centros de Control, en los que se calculan las correcciones necesarias. Dichas correcciones se envían mediante 4 Estaciones de Acceso a 2 satélites geoestacionarios, que a su vez las difunden a los usuarios finales.

Aena como proveedor de servicios de Navegación Aérea ha impulsado el sistema EGNOS desde sus inicios y actualmente forma parte de la empresa europea ESSP SAS que es la responsable de operar y proveer los servicios EGNOS. Más información en http://egnos-portal.gsa.europa.eu/ o en www.essp-sas.eu


PR

Boeing Phantom Ray Completes 1st Flight

Unmanned airborne system reaches 7,500 feet, 178 knots
ST. LOUIS, May 3, 2011 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] Phantom Ray unmanned airborne system (UAS) successfully completed its first flight April 27 at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

The 17-minute flight took place following a series of high-speed taxi tests in March that validated ground guidance, navigation and control and verified mission planning, pilot interface and operational procedures. Phantom Ray flew to 7,500 feet and reached a speed of 178 knots.

"This day has been two-and-a-half years in the making," said Darryl Davis, president, Boeing Phantom Works. "It's the beginning of providing our customers with a test bed to develop future unmanned systems technology, and a testament to the capabilities resident within Boeing. Just as follow-on tests will expand Phantom Ray's flight envelope, they also will help Boeing expand its presence in the unmanned systems market."

The flight demonstrated Phantom Ray's basic airworthiness, setting the stage for additional flights in the next few weeks. These company-funded flights will prepare Phantom Ray to support potential missions that may include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; suppression of enemy air defenses; electronic attack; strike; and autonomous air refueling.

"The first flight moves us farther into the next phase of unmanned aircraft," said Craig Brown, Phantom Ray program manager for Boeing. "Autonomous, fighter-sized unmanned aircraft are real, and the UAS bar has been raised. Now I’m eager to see how high that bar will go."

Phantom Ray is one of several programs in Phantom Works, including Phantom Eye, that is part of a rapid prototyping initiative to design, develop and build advanced aircraft and then demonstrate their capabilities. Boeing's portfolio of UAS solutions also includes the A160T Hummingbird, Integrator, ScanEagle and SolarEagle.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 66,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

PR

he first of four C-130J Super Hercules for the Qatar Emiri Air Force has completed production at the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta

MARIETTA, Ga., May 2nd, 2011 -- The first of four C-130J Super Hercules for the Qatar Emiri Air Force has completed production at the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta. The picture shows the aircraft leaving the paint hangar. The new Hercules are the longer fuselage or "stretched" variant of the C-130J and deliveries to Qatar will begin later this year. The aircraft will be used for humanitarian relief and military missions for the defense of the State of Qatar. This is Qatar's first experience with C-130s so the package being provided by Lockheed Martin is a complete solution. The package includes four aircraft, training of aircrew and maintenance technicians, spares, ground support and test equipment, servicing carts, cargo pallets and a team of technical specialists who will be based in Qatar during an initial support period. 

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Second F-35C Completes Inaugural Flight

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 2nd, 2011 -- The second F-35C Lightning II carrier variant takes off on its first flight from Naval Air Station (NAS) Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base Friday, April 29. Lockheed Martin F-35 Test Pilot Bill Gigliotti piloted the jet on its first flight. The supersonic F-35C, known as CF-2, is scheduled to fly to NAS Patuxent River, Md., later this year, where it will join the first F-35C and four F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing jets to continue flight testing.

PR

Boeing projects Brazil will lead the aviation market in Latin America over the next 20 years

SAO PAULO, April 28, 2011 -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) forecasts that air carriers in Latin America will require 2,180 new airplanes worth approximately $210 billion over the next 20 years as air travel in the region out paces the world average.

Latin American air travel is expected to grow approximately 6.9 percent over the next 20 years driven by an above average economic growth rate of approximately 4 percent per year. As the economy grows, airlines will need more airplanes to accommodate more people with access to air travel. In addition to passenger travel, cargo will grow at a rate of 6.4 percent resulting in approximately 75 cargo airplanes like Boeing's 767-300F, 777F, and passenger to freighter conversion airplanes.

"Much of the growth in Latin America will take place in Brazil as the region's largest aviation market," said Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, today at a media briefing in Sao Paulo. "Brazil has seen a nearly 50-percent increase in the number of jet aircraft in the last 10 years and there are no signs of slowing over the next 20 years due to a strong economy, growing middle class, and more access to air travel due to the introduction of the low-cost carrier model in the region."

Brazil's aviation market will account for 40 percent of the value of airplanes ordered in all of Latin America over the next 20 years.

"New highly efficient airplanes, such as Boeing's Next-Generation 737, 787 Dreamliner and the 777 family will allow the region's carriers to meet growing demand," said Tinseth.

In South America, air travel is expected to grow approximately 7.4 percent over the next 20 years.

"New twin-aisle airplanes will better position the region's carriers for air travel to North America and Europe and to develop more extensive networks to Asia, Africa and Oceania and give South American airlines access to a large number of lucrative new international markets."

While the region will benefit from the new routes created by the twin-aisle airplanes, there will still be a strong demand for single-aisle airplanes such as Boeing's Next-Generation 737 family.

The single-aisle, Boeing 737 is the most widely flown jetliner in the world. To meet continued strong demand, Boeing announced a series of production increases for the 737.

The rate of growth throughout the region also supports an increased demand for larger airplanes such as Boeing's newest and largest airplane – the 747-8 Intercontinental. The 747-8 Intercontinental is a high-capacity airplane that offer airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger or freighter airplane in the world.

PR

Lockheed Martin, U.S. Air Force Salute 50 Years Of The Hercules In Abilene

ABILENE, Texas, April 28th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and the U.S. Air Force celebrated 50 years of C-130 operations at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, today.

The base’s 317th Airlift Group is currently transitioning to the C-130J Super Hercules ─ the most technologically advanced version of the C-130. The 317th accepted the first of its 28 C-130Js last April, which was delivered by Gen. Norton Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the C-130 at Dyess, we are constantly reminded of the astounding accomplishments achieved by our brave Airmen flying the mighty Hercules to save lives and sustain the conflicts around the globe,” said Col. Dan Dagher, 317th Airlift Group commander. “As each generation builds on the successes of our predecessors, we look forward to even greater accomplishments over the next 50 years.”

Dyess officials first accepted their C-130 A and D models in 1961, and currently fly the H and J models. These C-130s were used to execute a variety of missions, ranging from military operations to humanitarian airlift to unique tasks including support of NASA’s historic Mercury space program. By 2013, Dyess Air Force Base will have the distinction of being home to the largest C-130J fleet when it receives its 28th Super Hercules aircraft.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

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The A350 XWB’s first main landing gear set is delivered to Airbus

Airbus has received the initial main landing gear set for its A350 XWB, which is to be installed on the next-generation jetliner’s system test rig – along with the first nose landing gear received last month – in Filton, UK. This upcoming industrial milestone will clear the way for testing to demonstrate the system’s reliability and maturity, and also provide data for certification – particularly in the areas of extension-retraction, braking and steering.

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Sikorsky Aircraft Completes Active Rotor Wind Tunnel Testing

Stratford, Connecticut - Sikorsky Innovations, the technology development organization of Sikorsky Aircraft, has completed wind tunnel testing of its active rotor system equipped with high authority flaps. The effort is jointly funded by Sikorsky and the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD). Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

“The AATD/Sikorsky Active Rotor Team has accomplished a lofty goal: to demonstrate the functionality of a trailing edge flap and closed loop control system,” said Chris VanBuiten, Director of Sikorsky Innovations. “The system performed extremely well over a variety of forward flight conditions up to 140 knots.”

“We have validated the concept of properly controlled, high authority flaps to favorably impact external rotor noise, and vibration,” added Jim Kagdis, program manager for Sikorsky Advanced Programs. “Our test results show reductions in vibration, rotor hub and controls loading, and a reduced acoustic emission.”

Mark Miller, Sikorsky vice president, research & engineering, added: “The completion of this wind tunnel testing provides valuable data to guide future programs such as AATD’s Reconfigurable Rotor and DARPA’s Mission Adaptable Rotor (MAR) programs. Sikorsky remains committed to the maturation of game-changing technologies such as active control features on helicopter blades to maximize aircraft performance and effectiveness.”

Development partners on the project are United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) for the blades, and Hamilton Sundstrand Claverham for the high authority flap actuators. Wind Tunnel Testing was accomplished at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) located at Ames Research Center at Moffett Field in California.

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.


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New orders and commitments underscore the market demand for Airbus’ eco-efficient A320neo

The new engine option for Airbus’ best-selling A320 Family of jetliners continues to build momentum, having already received more than 330 firm orders and commitments as the company gears up for an October 2015 entry-into-service.

The new engine option for Airbus’ best-selling A320 Family of jetliners continues to build momentum, having already received more than 330 firm orders and commitments as the company gears up for an October 2015 entry-into-service.

The ­­­­­­­­­­­exceptional commercial activity for Airbus’ highly-efficient A320neo (new engine option) is led by the 100-aircraft order from international leasing company ILFC – which was announced earlier this week, finalising a memorandum of understanding inked in March.

Joining ILFC in signing agreements since the option’s announcement in December 2010 are IndiGo, Virgin America and Brazil’s TAM – each of which will benefit from the A320neo’s more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices for fuel savings of up to 15 per cent, along with additional range of up to 500 nautical miles/900 km. or 2 tonnes of extra payload.

The A320neo marks a new step in Airbus’ continuous evolution of the A320 Family, which demonstrates its maturity and reliability in operational service worldwide. As this new engine option offers maximum benefit with minimal changes from baseline A320 Family aircraft, the A320neo will be built using Airbus’ existing industrial system – with airframes for both versions manufactured in parallel for high production flexibility.

In addition to the integration of Sharklets and two new engine choices – CFM International’s LEAP-X and the PW1100G by Pratt & Whitney – modifications for the A320neo configuration include certain structural changes to specific airframe areas, along with a new engine pylon.

Earlier this year, customers selected the PW1100G as lead development engine, allowing the A320neo’s industrial development phase to begin in earnest. Originally scheduled for a service entry in 2016, this date was moved up earlier this month due to high market demand.

Airbus now is targeting the fall of 2014 for a maiden flight of its A320neo, with certification to follow about one year later. Current planning calls for an eight-aircraft flight test programme, which will accumulate a combined total of approximately 2,600 flight hours. 

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Boeing Supports Space Shuttle Endeavour’s Final Flight

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., April 28, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] engineers and technicians are supporting Space Shuttle Endeavour's final mission by helping to prepare the orbiter for its April 29 launch and leading the processing of the payload. Mission STS-134 will carry the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-02 (AMS-02) and a large external platform called the Express Logistics Carrier 3 (ELC-3) to the International Space Station.

"The AMS is a hosted payload for which we provide the facility, infrastructure, ground support and procedures, and orchestrate all the testing for the ISS and the interface with the space shuttle," said Bob Hart, Boeing STS-134 Payload Flow manager. "Boeing also helped ensure that the AMS and ELC could be installed on the station’s truss structure."

Boeing is responsible for the coordination, planning, buildup, testing and checkout of the hardware installed on the ELC-3. ELC-3 arrived at Kennedy Space Center in December 2009 as a bare carrier. Boeing integrated spare parts onto the carrier from several companies and NASA centers.

Another Boeing contribution to this mission is the 0.5-inch protrusion installed on a special test tile under Endeavour's left wing. This protrusion, designed by Boeing engineers, will trip a boundary layer that flows around the orbiter as it re-enters the atmosphere in the Mach 19-20 range. The tile protrusion causes turbulent airflow that will be measured by several sensors on and downstream of the protrusion. During this fifth and final tile test, Boeing and NASA engineers will gather data that will help design better heat shields for future spacecraft.

The STS-134 crew will transfer Endeavour’s 50-foot boom, used for inspecting the orbiter’s heat shield, to the ISS for indefinite storage on Boeing-provided hardware located on the Starboard 1 truss segment. The boom can be used with the station’s robotic arm to extend its reach to the solar arrays or other areas where repairs may be required.

Endeavour rolled out of Boeing's Palmdale, Calif., plant on April 25, 1991, and has flown 25 missions, traveled 108 million miles and spent 295 days in space. It was the fifth space shuttle to be built, constructed as a replacement for Challenger, which was lost in 1986. Endeavour was largely constructed from structural spare parts and was built in considerably less time than previous orbiters.

Endeavour flew the first assembly mission to the ISS, STS-88 in 1998. STS-134 marks the final ISS assembly mission.

Boeing is a major subcontractor to United Space Alliance (USA), NASA's prime contractor for space shuttle operations. Under this contract, Boeing provides NASA and USA with sustaining engineering, engineering support to operations -- including launch -- and overall shuttle systems and payload integration services. Boeing is the designer and manufacturer of the space shuttle orbiters.

Boeing is NASA's prime contractor for the ISS. In addition to designing and building the major U.S. elements, Boeing also is responsible for ensuring the successful integration of new hardware and software -- including components from international partners -- as well as for providing sustaining engineering work.

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Russian Helicopters announce new partnershio in Brazil

Russian Helicopters, the helicopter industry holding and a part of UIC Oboronprom, have signed a number of contracts with Brazilian helicopter operators. They were signed at the 8th Latin America Aero & Defence exhibition LAAD 2011, held on 12—15 April in the Brazilian Rio de Janeiro. Russian Helicopters showcased its newest rotorcraft for the Brazilian market in hall 4 at booth 16.

"We are happy to offer our Brazilian partners Russian rotorcraft built with possible operation in the South American region in mind," Russian Helicopters CEO Dmitry Petrov said just before the exhibition opened. "We hope they appraise the advantages of using the Russian Mi-171A1, Ka-32A11BC, Mi-34C1 in the high temperature and humidity conditions. We also keep in mind the growing needs of the Brazilian market in helicopters of various classes and modifications and are ready to develop the delivery and aftersale support systems for Russian rotorcraft within our partnerships."

Russian Helicopters and the Brazilian investment group Qualy Group Brasil have signed a Cooperation Agreement for the promotion of the Mi-34C1 helicopter pursuant to a dealership agreement. The document provides for the possible delivery of 150 new light Russian Mi-34C1 helicopters before 2023. Qualy representatives think the new light Mi-34C1 may prove interesting to commercial companies and state operators, including those taking part in the preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2014 and the Olympic Games 2016 in Brazil.

Russian Helicopters experts believe that the Mi-34C1 will also become a popular sports helicopter. Besides helicopter sports, the Mi-34C1 can be used for corporate and private transportation, initial flight training, surveillance – from eco-control and integrity monitoring to police functions.

Russian Helicopters and Qualy Group Brasil are also planning to create a maintenance, logistics, and training centre for the Brazilian fleet of Mi-34C1 helicopters.

Another Agreement was signed with the Brazilian commercial helicopter operator Аtlas Taxi Aereo (a subsidiary of Qualy Group Brasil) for the creation of a Mi-171A1 support centre in Brazil. Such a centre will help improve the airworthiness of Russian rotorcraft in Brazil and extend their maximum flight hours without overhaul in accordance with the requirements to rotorcraft that are applied by major Brazilian companies, including the state oil and gas giant Petrobras.

Besides, another Agreement has been signed with the helicopter operator Helipark Taxi Aereo to create a support centre for the medium multi-role Ka-32A11BC helicopters. Russian Helicopters experts think that the availability of service and support centres in the country will help provide full-scale support for the operations of Russian rotorcraft that have been delivered or will be delivered under future contracts.

A very important step underlining the Russian Helicopters policy in Latin America was taken when the holding company started a dialogue with Brazilian consulting company Logitec Consultoría em Logística Ltda providing for cooperation in the promotion of Russian rotorcraft on the Brazilian market. This cooperation is aimed at increasing the presence of Russian rotorcraft on the Brazilian market.

Earlier, in November 2010, the Russian multi-role Mi-171A1 with the Brasilian company Atlas Taxi Aereo won the tender of Brazil state oil company Petrobras to operate in the Amazon Basin. Later, in December 2010 a contract was signed with Helipark Taxi Aereo for multifunctional Ka-32A11BC delivery. Deliveries to Brazil of the first batch of Mi-171A1 comprising two transport helicopters and the Ka-32A11BC are scheduled for 2011.

Besides, Russian Mi-35M combat helicopters manufactured by Rostvertol, a part of the Russian Helicopters holding, are being shipped to Brazil pursuant to a contract signed y FSUE Rosoboronexport.

Russian Helicopters, JSC is the subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, a part of Russian Technologies State Corporation. It controls the following helicopter industry enterprises: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, Kazan Helicopters, Rostvertol, Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company named after N.I. Sazykin, Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise, Stupino Machine Production Plant, Reductor-PM, Novosibirsk Aircraft Repairing Plant and Helicopter Service Company.

Partners of Russian Helicopters: AirTaxi Service (interior completions and maintenance); Tranzas (software, navigation systems, aviation simulators); CSTS Dinamika (technical training means for aviation flight and engineering personnel); BETA AIR (testing equipment and aviation electronics); Ural Works of Civil Aviation (repair of helicopter engines and components and reductors).

UIC Oboronprom, JSC is a multi-profile industrial and investment group established in 2002. A part of Russian Technologies State Corporation. Its main tasks include: helicopter engineering (Russian Helicopters, JSC) and engine-building (United Engine Industry Corporation managing company).

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Russian Helicopters to Install Turbomeca Ardiden 3G engines on Updated multirole Kamov 62

Russian Helicopters, JSC and French Turbomeca (Safran group), have signed contracts for the supply of at least 308 Turbomeca Ardiden 3G turbo shaft engines to be installed on the updated Ka-62 helicopter. This announcement follows the 'protocol of intentions' contract signed on 21 February 2010, outlining the development and delivery of the Safran engines for the Russian-built Ka-62 helicopter.

The state-of-the-art Ardiden 3 line engines are designed for 6 to 8 tonnes helicopters which perform a variety of functions and can fully respond to market requirements in this growing niche. The modular design and dual channel FADEC, make the Ardiden 3 highly reliable and easy to use, with the benefit of an exceptionally low fuel consumption. The Ka-62 are to be fitted with a specific variant of the Ardiden 3 family, the Ardiden 3G engine.

Currently Russian Helicopters is expanding its range of light and medium multifunctional twin-engine helicopters intended for multiple missions such as transport, EMS, aerial work and surveillance.

The Ka-62 helicopter is a new single-rotor design in the medium class designed to international flight safety requirements. It is built with an enclosed tail rotor and an airframe and propeller blades consisting of over 50% polymeric composite materials. It is designed to transport 12 to 14 passengers in the cabin or a 2.5 tonnes load on the external sling, and is equipped with efficient anti-icing and fire-fighting systems in standard configuration. The Ka-62 is expected to be certified in 2014 and will be used by the oil & gas industry, for search and rescue missions and corporate transportation.

Dmitry Petrov, Chief Executive of Russian Helicopters, said: "I am delighted that we have signed this important supply agreement, underpinning our long-term relationship with Turbomeca. By working with an internationally renowned manufacturer we will undoubtedly promote Russian Helicopters in the global market."

"I am very pleased to announce this important supply contract with Russian Helicopters. This is another success of our Ardiden 3 engine, demonstrating the quality of our engine which perfectly suits the modern growing 6 to 8 tonnes helicopter market," added Pierre Fabre, Chairman and Chief Executive of Turbomeca.

This is not the first joint project between Russian Helicopters and Turbomeca: in 2009 they contracted the development and serial engine production of the Arrius 2G1 to be installed on Ka-226T, the new Russian light twin-engine helicopter with coaxial rotor.

Turbomeca and Russian Helicopters also discussed ways of broadening the Russian-French partnership in prospective Russian helicopter development programs, commencing joint work on aftersales service of Russian rotorcraft fitted with Turbomeca engines.

Turbomeca (Safran group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced over 68 000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. Dedicated to 2,350 customers in 155 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 16 sites, 26 Maintenance Centers, 24 Repair & Overhaul Centers and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians. Microturbo, the subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.


For more information, please visit our Web sites: www.turbomeca.com and www.safran-group.com.

Russian Helicopters, JSC is the subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, a part of Russian Technologies State Corporation. It controls the following helicopter industry enterprises: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, Kazan Helicopters, Rostvertol, Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company named after N.I. Sazykin, Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise, Stupino Machine Production Plant, Reductor-PM, Novosibirsk Aircraft Repairing Plant and Helicopter Service Company.

Partners of Russian Helicopters: AirTaxi Service (interior completions and maintenance); Tranzas (software, navigation systems, aviation simulators); CSTS Dinamika (technical training means for aviation flight and engineering personnel); BETA AIR (testing equipment and aviation electronics); Ural Works of Civil Aviation (repair of helicopter engines and components and reductors).

UIC Oboronprom, JSC is a multi-profile industrial and investment group established in 2002. A part of Russian Technologies State Corporation. Its main tasks include: helicopter engineering (Russian Helicopters, JSC) and engine-building (United Engine Industry Corporation managing company).

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