Aviall to lead AHRLAC supply chain, join industry team Bronco Combat Systems

Press Release

• Aviall supply chain management capability will strengthen Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC) support around the globe
• Aviall joins Bronco Combat Systems team to bring Bronco II aircraft to U.S. market
• Bronco Combat Systems includes Aviall, Paramount Group USA, Fulcrum Concepts and Aerospace Development Corp.

ABU DHABI, May 1, 2018—Boeing [NYSE: BA], through its subsidiary Aviall, today announced Aviall’s leadership role in supply chain management for the production of the Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC), developed by Paramount Group. Aviall also is joining the recently launched industry team Bronco Combat Systems to bring the Bronco II aircraft to the U.S. market.

Aviall will support supply chain procurement and management for AHRLAC production, including AHRLAC’s militarized variants – Mwari (international) and Bronco II (U.S.). Aviall also will be responsible to secure and scale the U.S. production and sustainment supply chain to meet U.S. acquisition requirements.

In addition to Aviall’s role, Boeing Global Services will provide software-based solutions that enable centralized command and control of flight operations and produce total lifecycle support that reduces sustainment costs.

“This industry partnership provides not only a specialized aircraft that meets the U.S. customer’s unique mission needs but does so at a fraction of the procurement and lifecycle cost of aircraft with similar mission applications and capabilities,” said Eric Strafel, Aviall president and CEO.

Bronco II is a two-crew precision-strike and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) aircraft. It is capable of simultaneously carrying a wide range of weapons, sensors and systems in extended airborne mission operations, and its open system architecture enables rapid incorporation and employment of current and emerging systems. The Bronco II Interchangeable Multi-Mission Pod System allows a single airframe to be reconfigured easily to perform multiple roles.

“The strengthening of our relationship with Boeing Global Services is a key milestone in the introduction of Bronco II into the U.S. market,” said Ivor Ichikowitz, Paramount Group chairman. “Aviall will help the program scale rapidly in production, as well as help reduce operating costs to the lowest levels ever experienced in an aircraft of this type. Our collaboration with Boeing leverages the strong and diverse design and mission capabilities of both companies to produce and sustain an aircraft for the U.S. and other NATO markets.”

About Aviall

Aviall operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting both commercial and defense business units within Boeing. Aviall is a leading solutions provider of aftermarket supply-chain management services for the aerospace and defense industries.

About Boeing Global Services

Boeing Global Services, headquartered in the Dallas area, was formed by integrating the services capabilities of the government, space and commercial sectors into a single, customer-focused business. Operating as a third business unit of Boeing, Global Services provides agile, cost-competitive services to commercial and government customers worldwide.

Boeing to Acquire Leading Aerospace Parts Distributor KLX Inc. to Enhance Services Business Growth

Press Release



Boeing will acquire KLX Inc. for $4.25 billion
Positions Boeing to compete and win in $2.6 trillion, 10-year services market
KLX Inc. will be part of Boeing Global Services and fully integrated with Aviall
Creates premier provider of parts and productivity services, offering customers value through broader range of offerings
Anticipated annual cost savings of approximately $70 million by 2021, with further improvements realized over time
No change to Boeing's 2018 guidance or capital deployment strategy and commitment to returning approximately 100 percent of free cash flow to shareholders

CHICAGO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire KLX Inc. [NASDAQ: KLXI] to enhance its growing services business. The agreement comprises an all-cash transaction for $63 per share and the assumption of approximately $1.0 billion of net debt, totaling $4.25 billion.

Boeing's acquisition of KLX Inc. will include KLX Inc.'s Aerospace Solutions Group, and is conditional upon the successful divestment and separation of KLX Inc.'s Energy Services Group.

KLX Inc. is a major independent provider of aviation parts and services in the aerospace industry. Its capabilities include global parts distribution and supply chain services for aerospace and defense industries worldwide. KLX Inc. will be part of Boeing Global Services and fully integrated with Aviall.

KLX Inc. is also a leading supplier of chemical composites, with this combination broadening the scope of what Aviall can offer to customers in this space.

"This acquisition is the next step in our services growth strategy, with a clear opportunity to profitably grow our business and better serve our customers in a $2.6 trillion, 10-year services market," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Global Services. "By combining the talent and product offerings of Aviall and KLX Inc., we will provide a one-stop-shop that will benefit our supply chain and our various customers in a meaningful way."

KLX Inc.'s Aerospace Solutions Group employees and operations will be integrated with Aviall, providing a clear path for the business to accelerate growth. The Miami facilities are expected to continue to remain the principal operating location.

"Our customers have long desired a supplier who could offer essentially 100 percent of their requirements for fasteners, consumables and expendables. The combination of Aviall and KLX Aerospace facilitates the broadest scope of parts and products to support all customer fleet types for the commercial, military and defense and business and general aviation markets," said Amin Khoury, KLX Chairman and CEO. "This business combination will enable us to deliver industry-leading value-added service solutions for our customers, and outstanding growth opportunities for our suppliers."

KLX Inc.'s Aerospace Solutions Group FY2017 revenue was $1.4 billion. Boeing expects the acquisition to have a neutral earnings impact through 2019 and accretion thereafter, with annual cost savings growing to approximately $70 million by 2021 and further improvements realized over time. The transaction will be financed primarily with cash on hand, supplemented with debt.

The completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory clearance and the approval by a majority of KLX Inc. shareholders. The sale is expected to close by 3Q 2018. The transaction is also subject to the successful divestment and separation of KLX Inc.'s Energy Services Group.

With approximately 2,000 employees, KLX Inc.'s Aerospace Solutions Group is headquartered in Miami with customer service centers located in more than 15 countries. As a major independent provider of new aviation parts and related aftermarket services, KLX Inc. markets and distributes products for approximately 2,400 manufacturers and offers approximately 1 million catalog items.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial airplanes and defense, space and security systems. Boeing is also the world leader in combined commercial airlines and government services with customers in more than 150 countries. The company's products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training. Boeing employs approximately 140,000 people across the United States and in more than 65 countries.

Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty

Certain statements in this release may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the expected timetable for completing the transaction, future business prospects, and benefits and synergies of the transaction, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions about future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include the effect of global economic conditions, the ability of the parties to consummate the transaction, our ability to successfully integrate KLX's business and realize anticipated synergies, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in reports filed by Boeing and KLX with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Airbus Helicopters delivers 200th H145 helicopter to Norsk Luftambulanse

Press Release







Donauwörth – Last week, Airbus Helicopters delivered the 200th H145 to Norsk Luftambulanse (NOLAS). The Air Rescue Operator will use the helicopter for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in Norway.

The 200th H145 is the final H145 delivered to NOLAS under its current order, bringing the operator’s Airbus fleet to a total of eight H145s and seven H135s, all dedicated to delivering HEMS from bases across Norway. This fleet renewal will equip NOLAS to be the only air ambulance operator worldwide to operate a 100% Helionix-equipped mixed fleet of H135s and H145s, ahead of commencing operations on 1st June as Norway’s national HEMS operator.

The global H145 fleet has achieved more than 100,000 flight hours since entry into service in 2015, with Babcock being the largest global H145 operator. This customer has a global fleet of 31 H145s in service, operating in HEMS and police missions. G-SASS, an H145 operated by Babcock for Scottish Ambulance Service, is the global H145 fleet leader with more than 2,500 flight hours.

The entire H145 family (H145, EC145 and BK117) has accumulated more than five million flight hours, with more than 1,400 helicopters delivered to date. The H145 is the most advanced member of Airbus Helicopters’ multi-purpose twin-engine category. Thanks to its compact size, large and flexible cabin which is quickly and easily reconfigurable, lowest maintenance costs in its class, powerful engines and the latest Helionix avionic suite with four-axis-autopilot, the H145 is the aircraft of choice for high intensity operations across the widest range of missions (including military, law enforcement, HEMS, utility and including business aviation).

About Airbus

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated revenues of € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Calling all future astronauts: Airbus Foundation launches Discovery Space with lessons in 3D design using Autodesk software

Press Release




Toulouse, 2 May 2018 – The Airbus Foundation is teaming up with Autodesk Inc., the software provider for people who make things, to launch the Discovery Space, a digital portal with educational animations and interactive aerospace-themed lessons in 3D design: www.airbus.com/company/discovery-space.html

In an effort to inspire students to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers, the site’s interactive curriculum brings aerospace into the classroom by teaching students about space exploration, including what it takes to survive in space and fly a mission to the moon.

Tom Enders, Chairman of the Airbus Foundation, said: “Youth development is at the heart of the Airbus Foundation’s mission. It is all about the future. We strive every day to stimulate and inspire young minds through STEM and are proud to add the Discovery Space website as an additional educational tool. I would like to thank our collaborator Autodesk for providing the resources and design software to make this website as appealing to students as possible.”

The Airbus Foundation Discovery Space project offers students the opportunity to build their own virtual spacecraft in Autodesk Tinkercad and Autodesk Fusion 360 software, factoring in parameters such as robustness to break through Earth’s atmosphere, trajectory and impact for landing on the moon. Students can also build portfolios and submit designs to win the “Mission to the Moon” challenge. In addition, the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space project includes downloadable videos and step-by-step guides inspiring future engineers.

“Technology is changing how people design and make things and with the launch of Discovery Space, we’re joining the Airbus Foundation in helping the next generation strengthen the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Mary Hope McQuiston, Vice President, Education Experiences, Autodesk. “These interactive space exploration projects not only teach students how to use 3D design software, but also the skills and mindset that will be so critical in the future, including being curious, resilient and collaborative.”

The Discovery Space website compliments the Foundation’s onsite STEM programmes, like the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space at Stevenage, United Kingdom, a site-specific installation where young people can discover aerospace through hands-on experiences.

Please click here for a video with Tom Enders and Mary Hope McQuiston talking about their passion for aerospace and the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space.



About the Airbus Foundation The Airbus Foundation, chaired by Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus, includes Airbus, Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Defence and Space as founding and contributing members. It is the company’s vehicle for corporate philanthropy, using the group’s resources, aeronautic and space products, competencies, diverse workforce and culture for driving innovation to address societal issues. In particular, the Foundation supports the global humanitarian community and inspires and prepares young people for the challenges of tomorrow. Since its launch in May 2008, the Airbus Foundation has facilitated more than 60 relief or goodwill flights to numerous destinations around the globe. More information can be found at http://company.airbus.com/company/Foundation.html

Airbus inaugure sa deuxième plateforme logistique Airlog II

Press Release







Une plateforme de 36 000 m2 de surface dédiée à l’activité « cabine »

Une économie estimée à 500 000 kilomètres de transport de marchandises par an

Une économie de près de 1 000 tonnes de CO2/an

Airbus inaugure sa nouvelle plateforme logistique Airlog II, d’une superficie de 36 000 m2, soit l’équivalent de cinq terrains de rugby, située zone de Barquil à Toulouse-Cornebarrieu, sur le même site que le premier bâtiment, Airlog I.

Cette plateforme de dernière génération sera dimensionnée pour absorber toutes les activités logistiques d’éléments de « cabine » pour les avions de la famille A350 XWB, A330, et A320 dont les aménagements sont réalisés à Toulouse. Cette nouvelle plateforme logistique représente un investissement de plus de 30 millions d’euros pour Airbus.

« Ce nouveau hub est conçu pour accélérer les flux d’entrée et de sortie et ainsi nous permettre une plus grande réactivité pour répondre aux besoins des chaînes d’assemblage.Les entrepôts de stockage actuels, répartis jusqu’alors sur plusieurs sites en région Occitanie seront regroupés sur un seul et même site. Un tel rapprochement va permettre d’économiser un demi-million de kilomètres de transport de marchandises par an, soit 1000 tonnes de CO2, l’équivalent de la consommation de 500 véhicules particuliers sur une année » explique Emmanuel de la Sayette, Chef de Projet Airlog II pour Airbus.

L’écologie au premier plan.

Les matériaux et méthodes de constructions utilisés pour la conception de l’ensemble du bâtiment sont respectueux et conformes aux normes environnementales.

Airbus souhaite équiper le parking de structures photovoltaïques visant à produire 1,1 Mwh/an soit l’équivalent de la consommation annuelle de 1 232 habitants. La consommation d’énergie du bâtiment est inférieure de 56% à celle des bâtiments actuellement utilisés.

Sur le toit de ce nouveau bâtiment, un système de chauffage permet la filtration de l’air et l’élimination de la poussière. De plus, l’éclairage naturel par des puits de lumière a été privilégié.

Une attention toute particulière a aussi été apportée à l’environnement avec la préservation de la forêt et de la zone humide existantes aux alentours du nouveau bâtiment et grâce à la plantation de 268 nouveaux arbres.

Airlog II s’inscrit dans la stratégie logistique qu’Airbus a initiée en 2012 et qui a donné lieu à l’ouverture d’Airlog I en 2014 (36 000 m²) et à son extension en 2017 (+12 000 m²).
Airlog I, est dédié aux activités logistiques pour les éléments de structure et les équipements de tous les programmes avions. Avec Airlog II, nouveau « hub » pour des éléments de cabine, Airbus sécurise le développement de sa logistique sur le long terme, sur la zone de Barquil, au plus proche des chaînes d’assemblage.

Avec ces deux plateformes géantes, 84 000 m2 de stockage au total sont disponibles et plus de 200 personnes travaillent sur ce nouveau site.

Les opérations logistiques au sein d’Airlog II sont réalisées par le groupe Daher.

[España] España sede de la primera cumbre europea de drones para Seguridad y Defensa

Nota de Prensa

• Demostraciones de vuelo de los más modernos sistemas por parte de empresas multinacionales.
• Será el mayor evento especializado en Sistemas Autónomos o Remotamente Tripulados celebrado hasta ahora en Europa.

Madrid 3 de mayo de 2018.- El nuevo Palacio de Exposiciones de León acogerá los días 29, 30 y 31 de mayo UNVEX Security & Defense 2018, un evento dedicado a los vehículos autónomos o remotamente tripulados y a las aplicaciones de esta tecnología, sus mercados y el desarrollo de la industria. Se trata de un evento integral que incluye un programa de conferencias, que ya se ha postulado como el más importante de Europa, con ponentes reconocidos, nacionales e internacionales, dentro del ámbito de los sistemas no tripulados para la Seguridad y Defensa. Una serie de talleres especializados que cubren nuevas tecnologías en plataformas, comunicaciones o los sensores. También se podrán observar diferentes demostraciones en vivo de Vehículos Aéreos No Tripulados UAV (por sus siglas en inglés) y Vehículos Terrestres No Tripulados UGV (por sus siglas en inglés), así como sistemas anti drones de última generación, que operarán en un teatro que recrea una base de UAV.

El lugar escogido es el nuevo Palacio de Exposiciones de León, que ofrece unas instalaciones modernas que acogerán la exposición y el ciclo de conferencias que tendrán lugar a lo largo de los tres días. La exposición quedará abierta para público general profesional por la tarde.

A esta sede principal se unen la Base Aérea ‘Virgen del Camino’, que ofrece unas excelentes instalaciones para RPAS de gran tamaño; y también la Base Militar ‘Conde de Gazola’, que dispone de una base de UAV, totalmente equipada, con una pista de 800 metros y un espacio segregado para hacer demostraciones.

UNVEX es un evento reconocido que ya ha celebrado cuatro ediciones en nuestro país y cuatro en América Latina. Cuenta con el total apoyo de las autoridades españolas y europeas, los profesionales y la industria.

16 demostraciones de sistemas remotamente tripulados

En este evento se podrán ver demostraciones de vuelo en vivo de 16 drones que disponen de la más alta tecnología en defensa y seguridad. Incluyen desde sistemas de gran tamaño y autonomía, como el Fulmar, el Tarsis o el Atlantic, a micro-drones como ele Black Hornet o el Snipe, así como novedades como el sistema remoto cautivo Orion o el vuelo de enjambres.

Un sector en pleno desarrollo

Según el informe realizado por el analista de mercados neerlandés ASD Reports, que analiza los mercados de Estados Unidos, Europa, Asia y Pacífico, Próximo Oriente, África y Latinoamérica, a mediados de la década del 2020, el mercado mundial de drones superará los 20.000 millones de euros anuales, siendo el mercado militar y de seguridad un tercio de este total.

El desarrollo industrial europeo dentro de este campo necesita un impulso coordinado para garantizar la soberanía tecnológica y la autonomía estratégica de Europa. Actualmente el continente europeo no dispone de un foro específico sobre Sistemas Autónomos o Remotamente Tripulados, por lo tanto uno de los objetivos de UNVEX es establecer un punto de encuentro internacional que potencie la cooperación en beneficio de la seguridad y el bienestar de los europeos.

UNVEX S&D 2018, que se celebrará del 29 al 31 de mayo, cuenta con el apoyo del Ministerio de Defensa, siendo la ministra su presidenta de honor, y de las Administraciones locales y de la Universidad de León. Además, UNVEX será el evento inaugural del nuevo Palacio de Exposiciones de León.

[España] Primer proyecto español de ética en Inteligencia Artificial para Automoción

Nota de Prensa

ETHYKA ayuda a la toma de decisiones éticas en la conducción de automóviles, trenes y metros La empresa española Acuilae lanza ETHYKA, módulo pionero en  incorporar la ética a la tecnología en la automoción basada en inteligencia artificial Contempla varios modelos éticos y está destinado a muy diversos ámbitos profesionales Puede ser implementado en sistemas virtuales, unidades autónomas, apps y web services

Madrid, 4 Mayo 2018.- La empresa española Acuilae anuncia el lanzamiento pionero de ETHYKA: el primer módulo ético en inteligencia artificial para el sector de la automoción que, siguiendo diferentes patrones éticos, criterios de decisión y comportamientos humanos, es capaz de analizar diversos dilemas complejos para optimizar el funcionamiento de los equipos de inteligencia artificial, mejorar sus decisiones y evitar su corrupción. El módulo ha sido pensado y diseñado por un equipo español de profesionales multidisciplinares de tecnologías de última generación. Cristina Sánchez, CEO de Acuilae, y de amplia trayectoria en Accenture para grandes compañías, es estadística, informática y data science. También ha colaborado activamente en este proyecto Pedro Diezma, uno de los mayores expertos mundiales en Wearable Technology (“tecnología vestible”), Internet of Things (“internet de las cosas”), Human Enhancement Technologies (HET), miembro de MENSA y Premio “Mejor Iniciativa” Wearable en eSalud 2017 y “Mejor Solución” tecnológica 2018 a la seguridad laboral. ETHYKA en la Automoción En el ámbito de la automoción, ETHYKA ayuda a tomar decisiones de componente ético a sistemas autónomos de conducción y en la gestión de dilemas, comportamientos ante situaciones impredecibles y patrones predecibles. Actúa en la detección de comportamiento no ético de conductor de trenes, metros, autobuses como dormidas, desvanecimiento, comportamientos extraños, comunicando la incidencia y activando todos los protocolos de urgencia inmediatos, para estacionar el medio de la manera más segura y en el menor tiempo posible. El desarrollo de conciencia en la inteligencia artificial Los pensadores en la actualidad están preocupados por el desarrollo de conciencia en la inteligencia artificial. Desarrollar conciencia en robots no es lo mismo que darles las funciones para realizar acciones contraproducentes. La cuestión es conocer de qué forma se va a incluir la ética en la inteligencia artificial. Hasta el momento, la inteligencia artificial de dominio específico es aquella que se enfoca en la realización de algoritmos que son destinados a resolver solo una tarea determinada. Aunque estos algoritmos generalmente son más eficientes que los humanos a la hora de desempeñar la tarea, no tienen un rango de ejecución más allá de la razón por la que fueron programados. Dotar de ética a la inteligencia artificial asegurando que, en nuestro futuro próximo y cercano, las acciones derivadas del análisis de datos se ejecutarán mediante actuaciones y decisiones éticas, y en un mundo más seguro, mejor y respetuoso con los demás humanos, es el objetivo de ETHYKA, un proyecto desarrollado por la empresa española Acuilae.   ¿Qué es ETHYKA? ETHYKA resuelve la necesidad urgente de aplicar la ética a la inteligencia artificial desde el diseño de estas máquinas. Se trata no sólo de introducir un programa que emule ciertos comportamientos o funciones humanas, sino que sea capaz de responder a la pregunta: ¿Cuál debe ser el comportamiento ético que deben seguir los robots, máquinas y sistemas automatizados? La incorporación de ETHYKA en los nuevos productos tiene el objetivo de convertirse en un estándar para las organizaciones dedicadas al desarrollo y producción de tecnología basada en la Inteligencia Artificial. Resolver la potencial “corrupción” ética Determinados sistemas asistenciales y robots en contacto con humanos tienden a corromperse. El contacto de robots, bots y asistentes virtuales de aprendizaje automático puede derivar en este tipo de comportamientos.

ETHYKA viene a resolver el problema de la potencial “corrupción” moral de sistemas de aprendizaje autónomos en contacto con humanos, la mejora en la toma de decisiones de sistemas híbridos hombre-máquina y de las acciones de sistemas autónomos (vehículos, robots o drones).

Su framework permite implementar fácilmente y con agilidad modelos éticos en sistemas de inteligencia artificial (robots, asistentes virtuales, etc.). Puede ser implementado en asistentes virtuales, unidades autónomas o simplemente en cualquier app o web services. Ofrece un marco de referencia y un interfaz de programación de aplicaciones para que sean utilizados por desarrolladores en sus proyectos de software y hardware, permitiéndoles una rápida implementación, una personalización a medida y dotando de un componente ético a los sistemas. Todo ello con una instalación ya entrenada y configurada, rápida y funcional.

Arquitectura del módulo ETHYKA es un módulo que ha sido pensado y desarrollado para dar solución al problema de toma de decisiones ante dilemas éticos que nos encontramos en la sociedad en diversos ámbitos profesionales (medicina, justicia, educación), en ámbitos sociales y culturales (cuidado de mayores, museos, cines) o en medios de transporte (trenes, aviones, coches), entre otros.

La investigación y análisis del proyecto español ETHYKA nace desde el estudio del funcionamiento del cerebro considerando un sistema de tres capas: Primer Nivel: Funcionamiento de la ética en el cerebro humano. En este nivel ETHYKA define el proceso de la toma de decisiones en el cerebro y las diferentes áreas del cerebro. Segundo Nivel: Estructura de funcionamiento de los diferentes componentes de la plataforma ETHYKA de forma similar a como lo hace nuestro cerebro en el primer nivel. Tercer Nivel: Se accede en detalle a la infraestructura de la plataforma ETHYKA.   Ética y sociedad La ética ha estado presente en el ser humano desde siempre como reguladora de los actos humanos, abocando a cada persona a pensar entre lo que es bueno o malo y de esa manera guiar sus acciones, las cuales van a determinar su desarrollo en la sociedad.

La ética es el pilar de la convivencia con reglas, valores y principios morales para vivir en comunidad sin perjudicarse unos a los otros de manera salvaje. Independientemente de la sociedad o cultura en la que se viva, captamos por diversos medios la existencia de dichas normas y, de hecho, siempre estamos afectados por ellas en forma de consejo, de orden o en otros casos como una obligación o prohibición, pero siempre con el fin de tratar de orientar e incluso determinar nuestras acciones.

La ética en la inteligencia artificial La inteligencia artificial es una realidad que ha empezado a relacionarse e interactuar con nuestras vidas e incluso a gobernarla en algunos aspectos. Convivimos y conviviremos con sistemas que son gobernados mediante inteligencia artificial, sistemas que tomarán decisiones autónomas, decisiones que tendrán su impacto en nuestra vida diaria y en nuestra convivencia con los demás. La robótica y la inteligencia artificial afectarán en profundidad a nuestras relaciones económicas, sociales o políticas. Todos los sectores y grupos sociales se verán afectados. Y en el mundo actual se reclaman comportamientos éticos y morales en todos los ámbitos, especialmente durante la toma de decisiones, buscando impulsar una decisión ética permanente sobre los desafíos existentes en la sociedad. Ante esta realidad, se nos plantean varias preguntas reflexivas como, por ejemplo: ¿Quién nos asegura que estos sistemas tomarán decisiones “humanas”? ¿Se plantearán estos sistemas los aspectos éticos en la toma de sus decisiones? ¿Se limitarán a evaluar simplemente entradas de datos y tomarán la decisión objetivamente más positiva desde un punto de vista de un simple cálculo matemático o una ponderación coste-eficacia? ¿Pondríamos nuestras vidas o las vidas de nuestros hijos en manos de sistemas cuyo único razonamiento para la toma de decisiones sean entrenamientos sesgados y/u operaciones matemáticas? ¿Qué principios deberán regir a los robots? ¿Cómo afecta de manera distinta a diversos grupos sociales y en distintas regiones del mundo? ¿Cómo será la Inteligencia Artificial en un futuro próximo? El comportamiento del cerebro Por mucho que el cerebro humano parece un prodigio de la naturaleza capaz de hacer cosas bastante impresionantes, lo cierto es que el conjunto de datos con los que trabaja siempre está lleno de lagunas. De hecho, ni siquiera es capaz de procesar debidamente toda la información que le va llegando en tiempo real a través de los sentidos. Lo que hace el cerebro humano es obedecer al principio de supervivencia: lo que importa no es conocerlo todo, sino conocer lo justo para sobrevivir. La atención es el mecanismo por el que se seleccionan ciertas partes de la información disponible y se ignoran otras. De este modo, el sistema nervioso es capaz de localizar elementos de información que resultan relevantes para focalizar la atención en ellos y no en otros, todo ello dependiendo de cuál sea nuestro objetivo. Los tipos de estímulos que el cerebro interpreta incluyen sonidos, luz, olores y dolor. ETHYKA de igual manera es capaz de recepcionar toda la información que le llega a través de cámaras, audios, sensores, información recibida a través de apps, frameworks, etc., mediante un formato de entrada que recogerá distintas partes de información. El primer paso del cerebro es generar la emoción en la capa central del cerebro, evaluar el significado biológico de la información recibida, que puede ser positivo o negativo. La amígdala cerebral une la emoción y la motivación. El lóbulo frontal es capaz de frenar los impulsos automáticos y decidir acorde con los valores y normas que tiene guardados. Análisis de cada dilema En la segunda fase, ETHYKA utiliza un catálogo de dilemas con factores predeterminados en función del tema tratado para determinar la existencia o no del dilema.Y advierte de la existencia o no del dilema y de las acciones a tomar en función del escenario en el que se esté utilizando. ETHYKA cuenta con un gran almacenamiento de memoria, por lo que es más eficaz y rápida en momentos determinados. La respuesta cognitivo emocional se obtiene cotejando la información del contexto con las expectativas de recompensa en función a los valores y las normas que cada uno es libre de respetar. El análisis que valora las convicciones es más lento, porque exige calcular las ventajas y los inconvenientes; dado que el cerebro ético, frente a un dilema, funciona como un atajo emocional que supone la intuición del bien y del mal como guía natural pero sin determinar la conducta. Los valores no se encuentran determinados biológicamente y son diferentes en cada cultura. La capacidad de frenar las emociones es la que permite analizar y decidir; y esa función la ejerce el lóbulo frontal, la parte del cerebro más evolucionada. Estas neuronas frenan la información que llega desde la amígdala, procesan las expectativas y pueden proyectar el futuro. ETHYKA incluye varias éticas ETHYKA analiza el dilema reconocido en distintas Fases: Primera Fase: Determinando qué tipo de ética se va a utilizar, puede ser que sea una o varias, dependiendo del escenario. Entre ellas: la ética aprobativa, la autónoma y heterónoma, la evolutiva, la teológica, la social, la cívica y la profesional. Segunda Fase: Qué principios debe de cumplir, dependiendo del escenario y del tipo de ética asignado. Tercera Fase: En su utilidad más compleja, utiliza machine learning/Deep learning para generar predicciones, que ayudarán a contrastar la toma de decisiones éticas de los dilemas planteados en base a la información almacenada. En su utilidad más fácil, simplemente bloqueará resultados impropios, como por ejemplo en su aplicación en asistentes virtuales o en chatbots. La toma de decisiones de ETHYKA Los criterios de decisión se estructuran en tres modelos: Baja certidumbre: Se tiene conocimiento total sobre el problema, las alternativas de solución que se planteen van a causar siempre resultados conocidos e invariables. Al tomar la decisión solo se debe pensar en la alternativa que genere mayor beneficio. Bajo riesgo: La información con la que se cuenta para solucionar el problema es incompleta, es decir, se conoce el problema, se conocen las posibles soluciones, pero no se conocen con certeza los resultados que pueden arrojar. Baja incertidumbre: Se posee información deficiente para tomar la decisión, no se tienen ningún control sobre la situación, no se conoce cómo puede variar o la interacción de las variables del problema. Las soluciones de ETHYKA son válidas en todas estas circunstancias con soluciones para cada sector, en una cultura o país determinado y bajo unas reglas de comportamiento diferentes y específicas de cada sociedad. Equipo español que ha desarrollado ETHYKA

ETHYKA en una solución de la compañía española Acuilae. El equipo está dirigido por Cristina Sánchez con la colaboración de profesionales multidisciplinares de tecnologías de última generación.

Cristina Sánchez, CEO de Acuilae, es diplomada en Estadística por la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, ha trabajado durante 19 años como informática para el Grupo Accenture en grandes clientes como Banco de Santander, BBVA, Endesa o Barklays Bank, y es Master en Data Science. Pedro Diezma, colaborador del proyecto, es uno de los mayores expertos mundiales en Wearable Technology (“tecnología vestible”), Internet of Things (“internet de las cosas”) y Human Enhancement Technologies (HET), miembro de MENSA y Premio “Mejor Iniciativa” Wearable en eSalud 2017 y “Mejor Solución” tecnológica 2018 a la seguridad laboral. Ha desarrollado proyectos para más de 450 empresas, tratando con 850 equipos pertenecientes a grupos como Telefónica, Sanitas, Airbus, Mahou, Samsung y Microsoft.

Sobre Acuilae Acuilae es una empresa española dedicada a la implantación de las últimas tecnologías aplicadas a la inteligencia artificial, para la transformación digital de las empresas. Además de ETHYKA, Acuilae investiga y desarrolla métodos de aprendizaje automático con los que optimizar los gastos e incrementar los beneficios y conseguir objetivos planteados dentro de cualquier negocio. Otros productos que está desarrollando Acuilae son machine trainers para el entrenamiento de algoritmos y sistemas de asistentes de voz para la tercera edad.

[España] ELIMCO AEROSPACE prevé triplicar sus ventas en los próximos cuatro años

Nota de Prensa






La compañía andaluza especializada en soluciones tecnológicas de alto valor añadido estará presente en ADM Sevilla 2018



Sevilla, 4 de mayo de 2018.- Elimco Aerospace, compañía especializada en soluciones tecnológicas de alto valor añadido para los sectores aeroespacial, defensa, ferroviario y naval, entre otros, prevé triplicar su facturación en los próximos cuatro años, hasta superar los 15 millones de euros en 2022. Con este plan de negocios, la firma andaluza participará en la cuarta edición de Aerospace and Defense Meetings Sevilla, el evento de negocios de la industria aeroespacial más importante de España, organizado por la Consejería de Economía y Conocimiento, a través de Extenda-Agencia Andaluza de Promoción Exterior, y por la empresa BCI Aerospace.



El objetivo de Elimco Aerospace para esta cita clave para el sector aeroespacial a nivel mundial es potenciar alianzas con sus clientes actuales y generar nuevo negocio, alrededor de las áreas geográficas donde potenciará su posicionamiento, Madrid, Francia, Alemania e Italia. En este sentido, Juan Salas, consejero de la empresa tecnológica, ha señalado que “nuestro objetivo es consolidar la relación de confianza con nuestros clientes, así como presentar nuestras capacidades a aquellos que todavía no nos conocen, ahora que la compañía dispone del músculo financiero aportado por su accionista Ingemont y adaptado al crecimiento previsto”.



En la consecución de esta meta, el mercado internacional juega un papel fundamental, habida cuenta del carácter global de los principales programas. Por ello, la compañía se presentará en ADM Sevilla 2018 como un socio solvente no solo para las grandes firmas aeronáuticas y de defensa, sino también para los proveedores de primer nivel (Tier 1) tanto nacionales como internacionales, garantizando los máximos estándares de cumplimiento en plazos, calidad y precio.



Elimco Aerospace cuenta con el respaldo de Ingemont, que la adquirió en 2017, con el objetivo de poner en marcha un plan estratégico con el que relanzar la compañía y aprovechar su ventaja competitiva como empresa de referencia en el sector aeroespacial, generando además sinergias con el know-how y la experiencia de sus participadas, lo que le permite prestar sus servicios no solo en el sector aeroespacial, sino también en otros como el ferroviario, naval o defensa, en los que comienza a explorar caminos de trabajo común aprovechando el impulso innovador de la compañía.



Sobre Elimco Aerospace



En el sector aeroespacial, Elimco Aerospace es referente en ingeniería, integración, fabricación y servicios de sistemas eléctricos, electrónicos y aviónica, siendo experta en gestión integral de productos o sistemas automáticos, simuladores, unidades de control de cabina, consolas y equipos embarcados de alta complejidad, apostando por el desarrollo de I+D+i y la prestación de servicios en FAL. La compañía participa en los principales programas de Airbus, entre los que destacan los aviones A380, A400M, A330MRTT, Eurofighter y los helicópteros Tiger y NH90.

[España] Madrid, País vasco y Cataluña, comunidades con más participación en Aerospace & Defense meetings Devilla 2018

Nota de Prensa

• Diez regiones españolas aportan empresas al mayor encuentro de negocios del sector aeroespacial de España, que contará con la presencia de 254 firmas de 24 países

Madrid, País Vasco y Cataluña son, tras Andalucía, las comunidades que contarán con más participación en Aerospace & Defense Meetings Sevilla 2018, el mayor encuentro de negocios del sector aeroespacial de España, que se celebrará del 15 al 18 de mayo próximos. ADM Sevilla cuenta ya con 254 inscritas de 24 países, incluidos los cuatro grandes fabricantes mundiales, 45 grandes contratistas internacionales y fabricantes de primer nivel (Tier1) y hasta 10 clusters aeroespaciales de distintas regiones de Europa y África.

ADM Sevilla está organizado por la Consejería de Economía y Conocimiento de la Junta de Andalucía, a través de Extenda-Agencia Andaluza de Promoción Exterior, y por la empresa BCI Aerospace, especialista en reuniones internacionales del sector.

En su cuarta edición, ADM 2018 refuerza su significación como mayor evento de negocios del sector en España, de tal forma que contará con la participación de 152 compañías de todo el país, de las que 54 son andaluzas (36%) y hasta 98 (64%) son de otras comunidades. Concretamente, Madrid es la comunidad que más empresas aporta después de Andalucía, con 47, seguida de País Vasco, con 19, y de Cataluña, con 16, siendo en total 10 comunidades las que tienen representación.

El objetivo es respaldar las relaciones comerciales y establecer nuevas oportunidades de negocio entre las empresas españolas y las firmas internacionales que acudan el evento, a través de miles de reuniones profesionales b2b concertadas.

De hecho, la participación ya registrada en esta cuarta edición refuerza también el carácter internacional de este foro, en el que ya se han inscrito 102 empresas extranjeras (40% del total). Francia, con 31; Italia, con 20; Austria, con 8, y Reino Unido, EEUU y Marruecos, con 6 empresas respectivamente, son los países que tienen más representación hasta el momento, si bien, también participarán compañías de hasta 24 países, los ya mencionados, así como Argelia, Argentina, Bélgica, Canadá, China, Corea del Sur, Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Japón, Pakistán, Portugal, Polonia, República Checa, Suiza, Taiwán y Turquía.

ADM Sevilla 2018 cuenta con el patrocinio especial de Airbus Group, el mayor fabricante europeo del sector; de Alestis, Aernnova y Aciturri, los tres únicos fabricantes de aeroestructuras de primer nivel de España (Tier 1); de Sofitec y Carbures, empresas andaluzas fabricantes de aeroestructuras, componentes metálicos y composite; y de Stratasys, multinacional estadounidense de impresión 3D para la industria, lo que refuerza la internacionalización de ADM y la entrada en el evento de las nuevas soluciones de la industria aeronáutica, el composite y la fabricación aditiva.

Por categorías, se han inscrito en ADM, además de los patrocinadores industriales mencionados, los otros tres grandes fabricantes mundiales, que son Boeing, Bombardier, y Embraer, y hasta 45 grandes contratistas y Tiers 1 (fabricantes de primer nivel), como Safran; Alestis Aerospace SL; Aciturri Aeronáutica; Aernnova; Sofitec; Aero Vodochody Aerospace AS; CMI Defence; Dassault Aviation; General Dynamics European Land Systems; MAP - Advanced Manufacturing Aeronautical Products; Mecachrome France; Potez Aéronautique, SA; o Zodiac Hydraulics.

En su cuarta edición ADM Sevilla, que ocupará el Hall 2 de FIBES, se plantea como objetivo mejorar el carácter internacional y la calidad de las compañías contratistas que acuden al evento. De hecho, ADM Sevilla 2018 ha sido certificada de nuevo por el Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad como “Feria con concesión de Internacionalidad completa”. ADM Sevilla 2018 está cofinanciado en un 80% con fondos procedentes de la Unión Europea, a través del Programa Operativo FEDER de Andalucía 2014-2020.

ADM Sevilla 2018 significa un paso más en el desarrollo de la estrategia de apoyo a la internacionalización de un sector que la Junta de Andalucía viene impulsando a través de Extenda de manera individualizada desde 2005. Tras el éxito alcanzado en las tres primeras ediciones bienales desde 2012, ADM volverá a proyectar al aeroespacial andaluz como una industria de referencia en el ámbito mundial y a Andalucía como un enclave estratégico para la inversión de proyectos de industria compleja.

Igualmente, apoyan el evento la Agencia IDEA, de la Consejería de Empleo, Empresa y Comercio, con quien Extenda comparte stand, a través del proyecto común Invest in Andalucía; Aerópolis, Parque Aeroespacial de Andalucía; el Parque Tecnológico TecnoBahía e Invest in Spain, a través de ICEX, del Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad.

Retired General Says F-22 Production Was Killed So That A New Bomber Could Live - The Drive

http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/20472/retired-general-says-f-22-production-was-killed-so-that-a-new-bomber-could-live

Boeing KC-46 Tanker Program Completes FAA Certification Flight Testing

Press Release




EVERETT, Wash., April 26, 2018 – Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] KC-46 tanker program has now completed all required Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) flight tests following a successful refueling/communications flight with a C-17 Globemaster III.

The STC encompasses the military systems installed on the 767-2C aircraft to make it a tanker, and is one of two required FAA airworthiness certifications. Boeing will now submit the resulting data and reports to the FAA for review in advance of the STC award.

“This is a huge milestone for the program and moves us closer to first KC-46 delivery,” said Mike Gibbons, Boeing KC-46A tanker vice president and program manager. “We’ve got the best of Boeing working together to ensure the Air Force is getting a game-changing tanker with unmatched capabilities.”

As part of STC testing, the combined Boeing/Air Force team had to validate both the boom and drogue systems for aerial refueling with multiple receiver aircraft. They also demonstrated the KC-46 can take on fuel from KC-135, KC-10 and other KC-46 tankers, conducted night and day lighting tests and tested the aircraft defensive systems and avionics.

"While the majority of our testing was conducted out of Boeing Field in Seattle, we connected with assets out of Nellis and Edwards Air Force Bases and also travelled to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for centerline drogue system testing,” said Jeanette Croppi, KC-46 test program manager. “This was truly a great team effort.”

Boeing previously received its Amended Type Certificate from the FAA for its core 767-2C configuration in December 2017. The 767-2C is a modified version of the company’s commercial 767 with revised structure, wiring and plumbing.

The program has six aircraft that have supported various segments of ATC and STC testing. Overall they have completed 2,900 flight hours as well as more than 2,500 “contacts” during refueling flights with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, C-17, A-10, KC-10 and KC-46 aircraft.

The KC-46, derived from Boeing’s commercial 767 airframe, is built in the company’s Everett, Wash., facility. Boeing is currently on contract for the first 34 of an expected 179 tankers for the U.S. Air Force.

The KC-46A is a multirole tanker that can refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo and patients.

Airbus & Boeing report First Quarter Results

Airbus

• Backlog and commercial momentum support ramp-up plans
• Q1 financials reflect engine and aircraft delivery phasing
• Revenues € 10 billion; EBIT Adjusted € 14 million
• EBIT (reported) € 199 million; EPS (reported) € 0.37
• 2018 guidance confirmed

Continue reading:
http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/04/airbus-reports-first-quarter--q1--2018-results--confirms-guidanc.html


Boeing

• Revenue increased to $23.4 billion reflecting 184 commercial deliveries and higher defense and services volume
• GAAP EPS of $4.15 and core EPS (non-GAAP)* of $3.64 on strong performance across the company
• Strong operating cash flow of $3.1 billion; repurchased 8.9 million shares for $3.0 billion
• Backlog grew to $486 billion, including over 5,800 commercial aircraft
• Cash and marketable securities of $9.9 billion provide strong liquidity
• Operating cash flow, EPS and Commercial Airplanes margin guidance increased on performance

 Continue reading
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-04-25-Boeing-Reports-Strong-First-Quarter-Results-Raises-Cash-Flow-and-EPS-Guidance

Airbus and Dassault Aviation join forces on Future Combat Air System

press release

•  Landmark agreement to develop and produce Europe’s next generation combat aircraft
•          Fosters European high-tech leadership in the military aviation sector for decades to come
•          Future Combat Air System to be developed as a system of systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles, connectivity and secure communications
•          Next generation fighter aircraft to complement and eventually replace current generation of Eurofighter and Rafale fighter aircraft by 2035-2040
•          Overall development contract to be launched to follow study and to include demonstrators to support FCAS planned as of 2025

Berlin, 25 April 2018 – Airbus (stock exchange symbol: AIR) and Dassault Aviation (stock exchange symbol: AM) have decided to join forces for the development and production of Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which is slated to complement and eventually replace current generation of Eurofighter and Rafale fighter aircraft between 2035 and 2040.

The partnership, sealed in Berlin by Dirk Hoke, Airbus Defence and Space Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, represents a landmark industrial agreement to secure European sovereignty and technological leadership in the military aviation sector for the coming decades.


“Never before has Europe been more determined to safeguard and foster its political and industrial autonomy and sovereignty in the defence sector. Airbus and Dassault Aviation have absolutely the right expertise to lead the FCAS project. Both companies are already cooperating successfully on Europe’s medium altitude long endurance new generation drone programme,” said Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “FCAS takes this successful cooperation to the next level and we are absolutely committed to tackling this challenging mission together with Dassault Aviation. The schedule is tight, so we need to start working together immediately by defining a joint roadmap on how best to meet the requirements and timelines to be set by the two nations. It is therefore of key importance that France and Germany launch an initial joint study this year to address this task.”


Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, said: “We are convinced that by deploying our joint expertise, Dassault Aviation and Airbus can best meet the operational requirements of the Forces in the development of this critically important European programme. Both companies fully intend to work together in the most pragmatic and efficient manner. Our joint roadmap will include proposals to develop demonstrators for the FCAS programme as of 2025. I am convinced that European sovereignty and strategic autonomy can and will only be ensured through independent European solutions. The vision that France and Germany have set forth with FCAS is a bold one and it’s an important signal in, and for, Europe. The FCAS programme will strengthen the political and military ties between Europe’s core nations and it will reinvigorate its aerospace industry.”


Airbus Defence and Space and Dassault Aviation agree on the importance of efficient industrial governance in military programmes. This also includes the involvement of other key European defence industrial players and nations based on government funding and on the principle of best contribution.


Overall, FCAS defines a system of systems combining a wide range of elements connected and operating together, including a next generation fighter aircraft together with Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the existing fleet of aircraft (which will still operate beyond 2040), future cruise missiles and drones flying in swarms. The overall system will be interoperable and connected in a larger perimeter with mission aircraft, satellites, NATO systems and land and naval combat systems.




Related: Future Air Power (by Airbus):
http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2018/04/future-of-air-power.html









About Airbus


Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated reported revenues of € 67 billion – or € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 - and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

About Dassault Aviation

With over 10,000 military and civil aircraft delivered in more than 90 countries over the last century, Dassault Aviation has built up expertise recognized worldwide in the design, development, sale and support of all types of aircraft, ranging from the Rafale fighter, to the high-end Falcon family of business jets and military drones. In 2017, Dassault Aviation reported revenues of €4.8 billion. The company has 11,400 employees.

Airbus presents ‘Flight Lab’ BLADE test aircraft to EU Clean Sky partners at ILA

Press Release




Showcasing its “Flight Lab” BLADE demonstrator aircraft for the first time at a major air show.

· The most extensive wing laminar flow demonstrator programme ever undertaken for commercial aviation.

· Improving aviation’s ecological footprint, with a 50% reduction in wing friction.



Airbus, which is showcasing its “Flight Lab” BLADE demonstrator aircraft for the first time at a major air show, has signed an accord with representatives of the numerous stakeholders to not only mark the joint success of bringing this unique programme to fruition, but also affirm their desire to build on this programme in the European framework of Clean Sky. The stakeholders present together with Airbus CEO Tom Enders at the ceremony included members of the European Parliament, the European Commission, the German Government, European Member States and industrial partners across Europe.

The BLADE project, which stands for “Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe”, is part of the first phase of Clean Sky – a 1.6 billion Euro programme which has been running since 2008. BLADE has been tasked with assessing the feasibility of introducing laminar flow wing technology on a large airliner. It aims to improve aviation’s ecological footprint, bringing with it a 10 percent aircraft drag reduction and up to five percent lower CO2 emissions. Airbus worked with a team of more than 20 key partners* and around 500 contributors from all over Europe. Moreover, due to its size and complexity, this project was only possible thanks to the European Research initiative Clean Sky.

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

On the outside the aircraft is fitted with two representative transonic laminar outer-wings, while inside the cabin there is a highly complex specialist flight-test-instrumentation (FTI) station. The extensive modifications to the A340-300 test-bed aircraft took place during the course of a 16-month working party in Tarbes, France, with the support of the numerous industrial partners across Europe. In terms of the testing technology, notable ‘firsts’ included the use of infrared cameras to monitor the laminar flow transition points and the acoustic generator which measures the influence of acoustics on laminarity. Another first is the innovative reflectometry system which measures overall deformation in real-time during flight. To date the Flight Lab has performed 66 flight hours. Flights will continue until 2019, dedicated to exploring the influencing factors on laminarity.



*Key industrial partners in BLADE:

5 micron; Aernnova; Airbus; Airtex; ASCO; BIAS – Research and Development for Applied Beam Technologies; Dassault Aviation; DLR - German Aerospace Center; DNW - German-Dutch Wind Tunnels; ETW - European Transonic Windtunnel GmbH; EURECAT; FTI Engineering; GKN Aerospace; INCAS - National Institute for Aerospace Research; ITAINNOVA - Technological Institute of Aragon; NLR - Netherlands Aerospace Center; Onera; Romaero; SAAB; Safran; SERTEC Engineering; VEW - Vereinigte Elektronik Werkstätten.

Airbus and Audi partner to provide air & ground urban mobility services

Press Release







Seamless, ultra-convenient travel experience ahead for customers

Airbus and the German car manufacturer Audi have teamed up to develop real, near-term urban mobility solutions.

Beginning this summer, Airbus – through its on-demand helicopter platform Voom – will partner with Audi to deliver an end-to-end transportation service, starting in São Paulo and Mexico City. This partnership will provide premium ground transportation serviced by Audi vehicles and helicopter transport via Airbus’ Voom service, allowing customers to have a seamless and ultra-convenient travel experience.

“This important partnership with Audi addresses both current and future challenges for urban mobility. As a first concrete milestone in the cooperation we are developing, we will be offering multi-modal transportation solutions to the world’s most congested cities,” said Airbus CEO Tom Enders. “The world is rapidly urbanizing, and ground infrastructure alone cannot meet the demands of tomorrow. Increased congestion is pushing the cities’ transport systems to the limits, costing travellers and municipalities valuable time and money. Adding the sky as a third dimension to the urban transport networks is going to revolutionise the way we live – and Airbus is ready to shape and build that future of flight.”

“The Audi Group is committed to improve mobility in cities by introducing smart, innovative ideas. To find the best solutions for our customers, we therefore showed in 2018 the first modular system for Urban Air Mobility together with Airbus and our subsidiary Italdesign,” said Audi CEO Rupert Stadler. “Today we are going the next step entering into a service with Airbus and Voom to offer premium mobility for customers. By doing this, we will learn even better how we can ensure seamless, multi-modal transportation with the best partners for our customers. Together with Airbus, we will develop this cooperation further.”

Airbus has already carried out successful trials in São Paulo of its helicopter ride-hailing service Voom, which aims to ease congestion by making helicopter travel more accessible and affordable. Since March 2018, the service is also available in Mexico City. Airbus and Italdesign are partnering on Pop Up, a full electric auto piloted and modular concept including a capsule connected to either ground or air module. Elsewhere, teams are working to create entirely new vehicles: CityAirbus, ready to fly before the end of 2018, is a technology demonstrator of an electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle for up to four passengers. Vahana aims to create a similar mode of transport for individual travellers or cargo. It completed its first full-scale flight in January 2018. In Singapore, the company is working with the country’s National University on the Skyways project to test a parcel transportation system using autonomous drones.

About Audi

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).

In 2017, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.878 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,815 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 55,900 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2017 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €60.1 billion and an operating profit of €5.1 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.

About Italdesign

Italdesign is a service company providing design, engineering and production for the transportation industry, through to final testing and type-approval and support into Starting of Production and the design of complete business models. Italdesign is constantly researching and developing the mobility solutions of tomorrow. Italdesign is based in Moncalieri, Torino, Italy and today has premises of more than 50,000 square meters, a full-scale design and engineering campus and a cutting-edge development and prototyping centre. It has 1000 employees in Italy, Spain and abroad.

Italdesign offers its services to all interested parties worldwide. In 2017 Italdesign launched as additional business, a dedicated unit to design, develop and produce ultra-limited vehicles for all OEMs worldwide. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, Italdesign was awarded Top Employer certification in Italy. More information on: www.italdesign.it

About Voom

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

Airbus, Dassault Aviation and Leonardo reaffirm their total commitment in the first fully European MALE programme.

Press Release



Reveal full scale model at ILA Berlin Air Show 2018.
Programme fosters development of high technologies in Europe.
Optimises budgetary situation through pooling research and development funding.

Berlin 26th April 2018 – The first full scale model of the European Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft (MALE RPAS) was unveiled today during a ceremony held at the 2018 ILA Berlin Air Show, which opened its gates at Schönefeld airport.

The reveal ceremony, led by Dirk Hoke, Airbus Defence and Space Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO and Lucio Valerio Cioffi, Leonardo’s Aircraft Division Managing Director, confirms the commitment of the four European States and Industrial partners to jointly develop a sovereign solution for European Defence and Security.

The unveiling of the full scale model and the reaffirmed commitment comes after a nearly two-year definition study launched in September 2016 by the four participating nations Germany, France, Italy and Spain and follows the Declaration of Intent to work together on a European MALE unmanned aerial system signed by the countries in May 2015.

“While still a lot of work lies ahead of us, this full scale model represents a first milestone of what Europe can achieve in a high-technology sector if it bundles its industrial strength and know-how ” said Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “The MALE RPAS will become an integral part in guaranteeing Europe’s sovereignty in the future. This programme is ideally suited to meet urgent capability requirements of Europe’s armed forces. This innovative partnership also eases the countries’ constrained budgetary situation through clever pooling of research and development funds.” He added.

“Today’s unveiling reflects our companies’ total dedication to the European Defence and Security sovereignty. Cooperation and high technology legitimate the leadership of the European Industry and guarantee the strategic autonomy of Europe.” declared Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “Innovative programmes through efficient partnerships will serve European competitiveness and will offer new alternatives to the off-the-shelf acquisition of non-European products. Dassault Aviation reaffirms its full support to Airbus Defence and Space as programme leader of the MALE RPAS.”

“Unmanned technologies and their applications represent one of the key technological foundations for the future evolution of European Defence Industries” said Lucio Valerio Cioffi, Leonardo’s Aircraft Division Managing Director. “The European MALE RPAS is orientated to foster the development of high technologies and will contribute to sustaining key competencies and jobs within Europe providing Armed Forces with an high performance and sovereign operational system” he added.

About the MALE RPAS programme

First unmanned aerial system designed for flight in non-segregated airspace, its characteristics will include mission modularity for operational superiority in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, both wide area and in-theatre.

The nation’s agreement on the air vehicle configuration in mid-2017, selecting a twin-turboprop propulsion system, will supply ample on-board energy for the mission system, and provide proper redundancy to limit restrictions when operating over European densely populated ground and unrestricted airspaces. In January 2018, the MALE RPAS successfully passed System Requirements Review (SRR), which initiated the second phase of the definition study to lead to a System Preliminary Design Review (SyPDR), scheduled for the end of this year.

The SyPDR will demonstrate the quality and fitness for the proposed design. “Air Traffic Integration” and certification are key objectives, giving the participating States full confidence that the development step can be launched with acceptable residual risks.

Preparations for the next stage (development, production and initial in-service support) are already well under way. Entry-into-service of European MALE RPAS is planned for the middle of the next decade.

About Airbus

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated reported revenues of € 67 billion – or € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 - and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

About Dassault Aviation

With over 10,000 military and civil aircraft delivered in more than 90 countries over the last century, Dassault Aviation has built up expertise recognized worldwide in the design, development, sale and support of all types of aircraft, ranging from the Rafale fighter, to the high-end Falcon family of business jets and military drones. This unique experience has allowed Dassault Aviation to propose innovative operational solutions as well as a pragmatic and dynamic approach to cooperation. Thanks to a deep understanding of industrial partnerships, Dassault Aviation has established a wide network with other companies to optimize the success of today’s programmes but also to contribute to the synergy of tomorrow’s European defence Industry.

About Leonardo


Leonardo is among the top ten global players in Aerospace, Defence and Security and Italy’s main industrial company. As a single entity from January 2016, organised into seven business divisions (Helicopters; Aircraft; Aero-structures; Airborne & Space Systems; Land & Naval Defence Electronics; Defence Systems; Security & Information Systems), Leonardo operates in the most competitive international markets by leveraging its areas of technology and product leadership. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2016 Leonardo recorded consolidated revenues of 12 billion Euros and has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the UK, the U.S. and Poland.