Harbin Hafei Airbus Composite Manufacturing Centre opens new facilities to produce A350 XWB components in China

Eco-efficient new plant inaugurated, built to the highest industry standards
28 FEBRUARY 2011 PRESS RELEASE

Today, the Harbin Hafei Airbus Composite Manufacturing Centre (the Manufacturing Centre), a joint venture between Airbus and its Chinese partners, was inaugurated in Harbin, China by Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO, Chinese government officials and partners. The new facilities will mainly be used to manufacture composite parts for the A350 XWB, Airbus’ latest aircraft programme.

The 33,800-square-metres state-of-the-art facilities opened today are the first of what will be an 80,000-square-metres manufacturing compound, comprising production, technical support, office areas and other services.

Li Fangyong, Vice President of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), said: “The inauguration of the Manufacturing Centre demonstrates we are well prepared for the production of the A350 XWB components. It’s our honour and pleasure to be involved in the production of the world’s most advanced aircraft, the A350 XWB, and to become an integrated part of the global supply chain of Airbus, the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer.”

Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO, said: “The Chinese have every reason to be proud they are contributing to the A350 XWB. The aircraft will set new standards in terms of eco-efficiency and passenger appeal. The Manufacturing Centre in Harbin and other Chinese partners will play an important role in its success.”

The Harbin Manufacturing Centre will produce A350 XWB components (53% of the aircraft’s structure will be made of composite materials) including rudders, elevators, Section 19 maintenance doors and belly fairing parts – all in all a significant part of the five percent A350 XWB airframe work packages share to be carried out in China. The Manufacturing Centre uses the world’s most advanced equipment and technology, including automated-tape-laying, autoclave, automated trimming, and non-destructive test equipments.

The construction started in June 2009. The facilities were built to the highest industry standards and eco-efficiency has been a decisive factor when designing its buildings and processes. Key features to minimize its environmental footprint include the management of heating, lighting, power and electricity systems, careful management of the supply chain and environmental awareness training for employees and suppliers. By 2016, around 600 employees are expected to be working at the Harbin Manufacturing Centre.

Harbin Hafei Airbus Composite Manufacturing Centre is a joint venture between Airbus China and a group of Chinese partners comprising Harbin Aircraft Industry Group Corporation Limited, Hafei Aviation Industry Company Limited, AviChina Industry & Technology Company Limited and Harbin Development Zone Infrastructure Development Company Limited. It started production of A320 elevators, rudders and Horizontal Tail Plane (HTP) spars in December 2009. Chinese companies contribute five per cent of the A350 XWB airframe work packages.

The A350 XWB Family is Airbus’ response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft, with a range of up to 8,300 nm/15,400 km. The A350 XWB has the widest cabin in its category, offering unprecedented levels of comfort, the lowest operating costs and lowest seat mile cost of any aircraft in this market segment.
So far, A350 XWB has won 583 firm orders from 36 customers. Air China is the first Chinese airline to order the aircraft having placed a firm order for 10 A350 XWBs in 2010. Development of the A350 XWB programme is progressing on track towards entry into service in the second half of 2013. The final assembly of A350 XWB will start at the end of this year at the new Final Assembly building in Toulouse, France.

Airbus

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TAM becomes first A320neo customer in Latin America

TAM Airlines, Brazil’s largest airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 32 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft, comprising 22 A320neo and 10 A320 Family aircraft. The order makes TAM the launch customer for the A320neo in Latin America. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date.

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

“Our order for industry leading fuel efficient aircraft opens a world of possibilities for TAM, thanks to its substantially increased range capability,” said Líbano Barroso, CEO of TAM Airlines. “Ordering more A320s allows TAM to reduce costs and further improve our environmental performance.”

“The A320neo will fit neatly into TAM Airlines’ fleet, offering maximum benefit for minimum change,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “This enables TAM to take full advantage of Brazil’s expected growth in air travel, especially in light of the upcoming World Cup and Olympic Games, and to do so in the most eco-efficient way possible”.

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Some 7,000 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and over 4,500 delivered to more than 320 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. With 99.7% reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. The A320neo has over 95% airframe commonality with the A320 Family whilst offering up to 500nm (950 km) more range or two tonnes more payload.

Airbus fleet operating in Latin America has doubled in the last five years. With more 550 aircraft sold and a record backlog of more than 250 aircraft to be delivered to its Latin American customers, today nearly 370 Airbus aircraft are flying with 21 Latin American airlines. This represents more than 60 percent of the fleet delivered in the region.

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Dragon Rapide con los colores de Iberia

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First Pratt & Whitney PurePower(R) Engine Completes Initial Ground Tests, Exceeds Expectations

EAST HARTFORD, Conn, Feb. 16, 2011 – Pratt & Whitney successfully completed initial ground testing on its first PurePower® PW1000G series engine, the PW1524G engine for the Bombardier* CSeries* aircraft. The engine completed nearly 200 hours of ground tests at the company’s West Palm Beach, Fla. facility. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.

“The engine continues to exceed our expectations,” said Bob Saia, vice president, Next Generation Product Family. “We have already completed an unprecedented amount of testing on this first engine, including a full structural evaluation, performance, noise and emissions testing. Testing has validated overall engine operational characteristics including component design, rotor dynamics and engine fuel and lubrication systems. This testing confirmed the benefits and robustness of the Geared Turbofan™ engine that Pratt & Whitney initially established during the 2008 Demonstration Engine Program.”

The first engine ran nearly three times longer than Pratt & Whitney’s legacy experience for a first engine test program. Pratt & Whitney began ground testing of the PW1524G engine on schedule in September. Assemblies of the second and third PW1524G development engines are nearing completion. The second engine will also be tested at the West Palm Beach, Fla. test facility before being shipped to the company’s Mirabel Aerospace Centre facility in Québec, Canada. The engine will be mounted to the Pratt & Whitney 747 flying test bed for first test flights scheduled to begin in mid-year. Engine certification and aircraft first flight are scheduled for 2012.

The PurePower engine uses an advanced gear system allowing the engine’s fan to operate at a different speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine. The combination of the gear system and an all-new advanced core delivers double-digit improvements in fuel efficiency and environmental emissions as well as a 50 percent reduction in noise.

The PurePower engine has been selected as exclusive power for the Bombardier CSeries scheduled to enter service in 2013 and the Mitsubishi Regional Jet scheduled to enter service in 2014. The engine has also been selected to power the new Airbus A320neo aircraft scheduled to enter service in Spring 2016 and the Irkut MC-21 narrow-body jet scheduled to enter service in 2016.

PR

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Aircelle will supply LEAP-X engine nacelle for Airbus’ A320neo

Airbus has selected Aircelle (Safran group) to supply the complete integrated nacelle package for the A320neo Family powered by CFM International’s LEAP-X engines.

For this selection, Aircelle demonstrated its ability to provide a cost-effective solution, backed by the company’s full industrial resources and a commitment to meet the development and production timelines. GE’s Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS) – its established partner in the Nexcelle nacelle joint venture, will be participating.

The A320neo is Airbus’ new engine option for its best-selling A320 aircraft Family, offering significant fuel savings.

“This is a major win for Aircelle in the promising and challenging single-aisle airlines segment,” said Aircelle Chairman and CEO Vincent Mascré. “Aircelle will take full responsibility for the complete nacelle, including integration on the engine. All of our engineering and production resources are ready to meet the quality, performance and schedule requirements of the A320neo, as well as the airlines’ demanding customer support requirements.”

The A320neo nacelle will benefit from Aircelle’s proven technology developed for the nacelles used on Airbus’ A380. This will be re-enforced by a comprehensive technology roadmap that includes innovations in systems, composite materials and acoustic treatment to further enhance operating efficiency, lower noise levels, reduce weight and improve maintenance. These new technologies are being validated through the company’s full-scale demonstrator programs.

Airbus’ contract award for the A320neo LEAP-X nacelle, and the related nacelle/engine integration activity, ensures the continuity for Aircelle’s more than 20 years of thrust reverser production for CFM56 engines – which are used on the current generation of A320 Family aircraft. Aircelle’s existing CFM56 thrust reverser assembly line was totally re-engineered three years ago using lean sigma methodology. It has delivered up to 500 thrust reversers annually since then.

About Aircelle

Aircelle is one of the leading players in the worldwide nacelle market for aircraft engines. A subsidiary of the Safran group, it employs nearly 3,000 people on seven sites in France, the United Kingdom and Morocco. Aircelle is the only nacelle manufacturer in the world present on all the market segments, from regional and business aircraft to the largest airliners, including the Airbus A380. Aircelle also is developing the worldwide customer support and service activity for nacelles and their components.

PR

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Lockheed Martin Flies First Production F-35 Stealth Fighter

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FORT WORTH, Texas, February 25th, 2011 -- The first production model of the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II made its inaugural flight today in preparation for delivery to the U.S. Air Force this spring. The jet will head to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to support developmental testing shortly after the Air Force takes delivery.

“The aircraft was rock-solid from takeoff to landing, and successfully completed all the tests we put it through during the flight,” said Lockheed Martin Test Pilot Bill Gigliotti. “The Air Force is getting a great jet that represents a huge leap in capability, and we’re looking forward to getting it into the hands of the service pilots in just a few more weeks.”

During the flight, the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A variant, known as AF-6, underwent basic flight maneuvering and engine tests. Test Pilot Gigliotti took off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base at 3:05 p.m. CST and landed at 4:05 p.m. The jet will continue flight tests in Fort Worth for about a month before it is accepted by the Air Force.

The F-35A CTOL variant – designed to meet U.S. Air Force requirements – is also the primary export version of the Lightning II. The air forces of Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Norway and Israel will employ the F-35A.

Deliveries of the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variant to the U.S. Marine Corps also begin this year, while deliveries of the F-35C carrier variant to the U.S. Navy start in 2012. Seventeen F-35s have entered testing since December 2006, and have logged more than 650 flights and numerous ground tests.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.

PR

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VIRTUAL FLY tiene el placer de invitar a todos los miembros de IVAO España a participar en el INDOOR SIMULATOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

 

Barcelona, 25 de febrero de 2011

 

VIRTUAL FLY tiene el placer de invitar a todos los miembros de IVAO España a participar en el INDOOR SIMULATOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

 El objetivo de este programa es ofrecer una prueba de vuelo de 30 minutos, gratuita y sin compromiso alguno, en el SIMVOL-04, simulador en cabina cerrada con movimiento.

Con estas pruebas y gracias a la experiencia acumulada de los miembros de IVAO España en la simulación aeronáutica, VIRTUAL FLY desea obtener las opiniones y comentarios con los que desarrollar el SIMVOL-04 y sus versiones mejoradas.

¿QUE ES SIMVOL-04?
SIMVOL-04 es un simulador de vuelo en el que el usuario obtiene una completa inmersión y un realismo absoluto en la experiencia de vuelo gracias a su cabina cerrada con movimiento; equipado con todos los mandos y un completo panel de instrumentos para vuelo visual e instrumental con el que se pueden volar distintos tipos de aviones monomotor. La sensación de vuelo es absoluta y permite conectarse a Internet para disfrutar del tráfico y meteorología en tiempo real.

La unidad preparada para este programa representa una Cessna 172S y utiliza "Microsoft Flight Simulator X" como software de simulación, con la ventaja añadida de funcionar con potentes ordenadores que permiten una fluidez visual total mejorada con el extension pack "Ultimate Terrain" y escenarios foto realistas. 

Además, la consola exterior de instrucción habilita al usuario una comunicación directa mediante cascos y micrófono para solicitar situaciones extremas que incluyen averías, viento cruzado, cizalladura, niebla, lluvia, etc… 

¿CÓMO, CUÁNDO y DÓNDE?
El INDOOR SIMULATOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM pone a disposición de los miembros de IVAO España una experiencia de vuelo de 30 minutos el último sábado de cada mes, entre las 0900 y las 1400 en el SIMVOL-04 que tenemos instalado en el Aeropuerto de Sabadell, Barcelona.

Para poder optar a cualquiera de las fechas que se han programado, es necesario enviar un correo electrónico a info@plugandplaysim.com indicando el nombre, apellidos, identificador IVAO y el día y hora solicitados. Las peticiones se programarán por orden de recepción y se confirmarán mediante una respuesta por email desde info@plugandplaysim.com al solicitante, confirmando su reserva o fecha / hora alternativas en caso de haber optado por un hueco ya reservado.
 
Fechas INDOOR SIMULATOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2011:
•   26 de marzo
•   30 de abril
•   28 de mayo
•   25 de junio
•   30 de julio
•   27 de agosto
•   24 de septiembre
•   29 de octubre
•   26 de noviembre
•   17 de diciembre

Esperamos que todos los miembros de IVAO España puedan disfrutar tanto como nosotros de esta nueva experiencia de simulación virtual y que gracias a sus opiniones y comentarios terminemos por ofrecer un simulador más real, más completo y más divertido. Contamos con vosotros, hasta entonces, recibid un cordial saludo. 

¡Buenos vuelos!

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Air Force Awards Boeing $35B Tanker Contract

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EADS North America statement concerning U.S. Air Force Tanker selection

Arlington, Virginia,  24 February 2011

EADS North America officials today expressed disappointment and concern over the announcement by the U.S. Air Force that it had selected a high-risk, concept aircraft over the proven, more capable KC-45 for the nation's next aerial refueling tanker.

"This is certainly a disappointing turn of events, and we look forward to discussing with the Air Force how it arrived at this conclusion," said EADS North America Chairman Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. "For seven years our goal has been to provide the greatest capability to our men and women in uniform, and to create American jobs by building the KC-45 here in the U.S. We remain committed to those objectives."

If selected, EADS North America had committed to build the KC-45 at a new production facility in Mobile, Alabama, with a U.S. supplier base of nearly a thousand American companies.

"With a program of such complexity, our review of today's decision will take some time," Crosby said. "There are more than 48,000 Americans who are eager to build the KC-45 here in the U.S., and we owe it to them to conduct a thorough analysis."

"Though we had hoped for a different outcome, it's important to remember that this is one business opportunity among many for EADS in the United States," said Sean O'Keefe, CEO of EADS North America. "We have exceptional technology and highly capable platforms that will be invaluable to U.S. military forces, now and in the future. We have learned much through this process, developed a world-class organization in the U.S. and have earned the respect of the Department of Defense. Our commitment to our U.S. customers is stronger than ever."

To learn more about the KC-45 and the more than 48,000 American jobs it will create or support, visit www.kc-45now.com


Press Release

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Boeing Receives US Air Force Contract to Build Next-Generation Refueling Tanker

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 24, 2011 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has received a contract from the U.S. Air Force to build the next-generation aerial refueling tanker aircraft that will replace 179 of the service’s 400 KC-135 tankers.

The contract calls for Boeing to design, develop, manufacture and deliver 18 initial combat-ready tankers by 2017.

"We're honored to be given the opportunity to build the Air Force's next tanker and provide a vital capability to the men and women of our armed forces," said Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. "Our team is ready now to apply our 60 years of tanker experience to develop and build an airplane that will serve the nation for decades to come."

In selecting the Boeing NewGen Tanker after a lengthy and rigorous proposal process, the Air Force has chosen an American-built, multi-mission tanker that is based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial airplane and meets all requirements at the lowest risk for the warfighter and the best value for taxpayers. The Boeing proposal was created by an integrated "One Boeing" team from various sites across the company, including employees from the Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Engineering, Operations & Technology organizations.

"This contract award would not have been possible without the hundreds of Boeing employees across the entire company, and the thousands of our industry teammates, who remained laser-focused on our commitment to offer a solution that is first in capability and best in value,” said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "This award is also a tribute to the Air Force and Defense Department officials who worked so tirelessly to make this procurement process fair, ultimately resulting in the selection of the right plane for the mission. We look forward to working with our Air Force customer to deliver this much needed capability to the servicemen and women we are honored to serve."

The KC-46A tankers will be built using a low-risk approach to manufacturing by a trained and experienced U.S. work force at existing Boeing facilities. The KC-46A tanker also will fuel the economy as it supports approximately 50,000 total U.S. jobs with Boeing and more than 800 suppliers in more than 40 states.

"Boeing has always been committed to the integrity of the competitive process, and the men and women across our Boeing commercial and defense teams and our entire supplier network are ready to extend that commitment to delivering these tankers on time and on budget," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial airplane, the KC-46A Tanker is a widebody, multi-mission aircraft updated with the latest and most advanced technology and capable of meeting or exceeding the Air Force's needs for transport of fuel, cargo, passengers and patients. It includes state-of-the-art systems to meet the demanding mission requirements of the future, including a digital flight deck featuring Boeing 787 Dreamliner electronic displays and a flight control design philosophy that places aircrews in command rather than allowing computer software to limit combat maneuverability. The NewGen Tanker also features an advanced KC-10 boom with an expanded refueling envelope, increased fuel offload rate and fly-by-wire control system.

To learn more about the KC-46A Tanker, visit www.UnitedStatesTanker.com.

Boeing

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Northrop Grumman Fire Scout Completes First Unmanned Test Flights on Littoral Combat Ship

Northrop Grumman and U.S. Navy Team Validate System's Integration for Future Operations

SAN DIEGO – Feb. 24, 2011 – The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) -built MQ-8B Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (VTUAV) achieved a significant development milestone in November when it flew its first test flights from the U.S. Navy's littoral combat ship, USS Freedom (LCS-1).

The Navy conducted the activity, known as dynamic interface (DI) testing, off the coast of southern California to verify Fire Scout control systems have been integrated on the ship properly. DI testing started Nov. 13 and concluded Nov. 24.

"This was a great opportunity to witness the pairing of the LCS with Fire Scout because it represents what the Navy will use for future littoral security missions," said George Vardoulakis, vice president for tactical unmanned systems for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "We used the opportunity to demonstrate system performance capabilities with the ship, maintenance crew and other key logistical support functions."

Northrop Grumman is the Navy's Fire Scout prime contractor. A team of nine company engineers and air vehicle operators were on the ship to conduct DI testing with the Freedom's crew.

During DI testing, Fire Scout conducted a series of shipboard takeoffs and landings from various approaches. The testing also included subjecting the system to various wind directions and ship speeds. This process validated installation of equipment on the Freedom for future operations. It also allowed the team to identify any enhancements that can be made to improve use of Fire Scout systems on the LCS.

Fire Scout is intended to be a key intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset in LCS mission packages for mine countermeasures, anti-submarine and surface warfare. These mission packages allow an LCS to rapidly adapt to new assignments. Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for LCS mission packages.

With the successful DI testing, the Navy is closer to fully incorporating the VTUAV into LCS operations. Additional DI testing will be conducted on the USS Independence (LCS-2) next year.

The USS Freedom is the fourth ship and the third ship class from which Fire Scout has flown. Previous flight operations have been conducted from the USS Nashville (LPD-13), the USS McInerney (FFG-8) and USS Halyburton (FFG-40).

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please go to www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

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Astrium: perfecto rendezvous en el espacio para el ATV Johannes Kepler

Toulouse/Bremen,  24 febrero 2011

       * Johannes Kepler, construido por Astrium, atracó automáticamente en la ISS tras recorrer en una semana más de cuatro millones de kilómetros por el espacio
       * El ATV-2 se convierte en parte integral, habitada, de la ISS
       * El ATV es en este momento el robot espacial más sofisticado del mundo

Tras un vuelo por el espacio de cuatro millones de kilómetros que duró casi una semana, el ATV-2 "Johannes Kepler", el segundo vehículo no tripulado de abastecimiento construido por Astrium para la Agencia Espacial Europea (ESA) ha ejecutado una maniobra perfecta para atracar automáticamente con la Estación Espacial Internacional (ISS). El Vehículo Automatizado de Transferencia ATV se unió exitosamente a la Estación Espacial Internacional (ISS) a las 16.59 CET y está ahora en disposición para cumplir con su misión de reaprovisionamiento y reelevación de órbita, durante la cual se convertirá en un componente integral, habitado, de la ISS.

"Es éste un gran día para Astrium pues somos el contratista principal de la carga útil ATV, de gran complejidad técnica. Dada su capacidad de atracar de forma automática en la ISS a una velocidad de 28.000 Km/h, el ATV es en este momento el robot espacial más inteligente del mundo", dice Michael Menking, Director de Orbital Systems and Space Exploration, de Astrium. "Este sofisticado vehículo espacial, que es una etapa superior, un satélite y un módulo de estación espacial todo en uno, proporciona una excelente base de cara a la innovación robótica futura y las misiones tripuladas de exploración".

El ATV-2 Johannes Kepler transporta más de siete toneladas de carga neta para la estación espacial, incluyendo 850 kilogramos de combustible, 100 kilogramos de oxígeno y más de 1,6 toneladas de suministros y provisiones. El ATV-2 Johannes Kepler también lleva ropa para los astronautas, el experimento científico Geoflow II (construido por Astrium para la ESA) así como varias piezas de equipo que son necesarias para llevar a cabo reparaciones y para la operación en general de la ISS. Además, el ATV porta 4,5 toneladas de combustible para las maniobras de impulso que elevarán la ISS a una altitud de casi 400 kilómetros.

"El ATV es una prueba tangible de los sistemas espaciales tecnológicamente sofisticados que puede ofrecer Astrium, una empresa genuinamente europea. Nuestros equipos en Alemania y Francia trabajaron juntos en perfecta armonía, con el apoyo de proveedores de primera línea de todo el continente. Estamos muy orgullosos de que el procedimiento de atraque completamente automático se llevara a cabo sin tropiezo alguno. Queremos dar nuestras más sinceras gracias a los gobiernos europeos, a la ESA y a las agencias nacionales por el apoyo y confianza depositados en los equipos de Astrium", declaró Alain Charmeau, CEO de Astrium Space Transportation, acerca de la exitosa conclusión de la maniobra de atraque.

Dentro de aproximadamente tres meses y medio acabará la misión de Johannes Kepler cuando se llene de residuos, desatraque, retire de la órbita y se destruya al quemarse en las capas densas de la atmósfera terrestre.

Atraque en la ISS

Dada la extraordinaria precisión del primer ATV Jules Verne lanzado y acoplado en 2008, Johannes Kepler no fue sometido a prueba alguna de demostración. Por lo tanto, el ATV-2 completó una fase de vuelo libre más corta antes de aproximarse a la ISS, lo que hizo posible que llegara a ésta en sólo una semana.

Johannes Kepler atracó en el módulo ruso de la estación, Zvezda. La seguridad de la tripulación y de la Estación Espacial es la máxima prioridad durante la secuencia automática de atraque en la ISS. Durante el vuelo, los sistemas de a bordo del ATV están siendo monitorizados constantemente por los Centros de Control de ATV. El sistema inteligente, autónomo, de seguridad del ATV, que fuera desarrollado por Astrium, se encarga de que en caso de que se produzca la más mínima anomalía de sistema el vehículo regrese automáticamente a una posición segura frente a la estación y "aparque" a una distancia apropiada de la ISS. Tras la verificación del sistema, se puede iniciar una nueva aproximación.

La fase de atraque comenzó a casi 30 kilómetros de la ISS. A una distancia de 250 metros, el sistema ATV pasa a la modalidad de Guiado, Navegación y Control (GNC), que utiliza sensores ópticos. Además de la conexión por radio ya existente, los astronautas a bordo de la ISS siguen directamente la maniobra a través de vídeo. Tras recibir la autorización del Centro de Control, el ATV continuó su aproximación hasta los 12 metros y cubrió los últimos metros hasta el puerto de atraque de la ISS a una velocidad máxima relativa no superior a diez centímetros por segundo. La sonda extendida de atraque del ATV posee un diámetro de unos 15 centímetros y precisa que la capture el puerto de atraque del módulo ruso Zvezda, que tiene un diámetro de 90 centímetros.

A continuación el ATV se alineó con el eje longitudinal de la ISS. Todas las conexiones eléctricas, mecánicas y de fluidos entre la ISS y este vehículo espacial se configuraron automáticamente. Una escotilla de carga con un diámetro de casi 72 centímetros conectó el Portacargas Integrado ICC con el módulo de servicio ruso y convirtió al vehículo europeo en una parte integral de la ISS.

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Boeing Completes 1,000th 787 Flight

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner made its 1,000th flight yesterday, marking another milestone in the flight test program. There are seven airplanes participating in flight testing. The landing of 787 flight test airplane ZA004, just after 1 p.m. MST at Yuma International Airport in Arizona, counted as the official 1,000th flight.

The program is near its 3,000th hour of flying and 787s have flown a total of more than one million miles.

"The team is making great progress," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "We are getting through the test conditions needed to certify this airplane with nearly 80 percent of the conditions for the first model, with Rolls-Royce engines, already complete. And, we're more than 60 percent of the way through the test conditions for the 787s with General Electric engines."

Capt. Mike Carriker, chief pilot for the 787, Boeing Test & Evaluation, said the airplane continues to behave well in testing.

"We're really eager to get this airplane through its flight testing so our customers can see for themselves this airplane's excellent performance," said Carriker.

Pictured here, ZA004 frames Mt. Rainier in Western Washington during a test flight earlier this year.

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Airbus Military dona a la Fundación Andaluza Fondo de Formación y Empleo un avión C212 para su uso en prácticas de cursos formativos

La Fundación Pública Andaluza Fondo de Formación y Empleo –entidad de la Consejería de Empleo– ha recibido hoy de Airbus Military un avión C212 como donación dirigida a la realización de actividades formativas de carácter práctico que hasta ahora se realizaban mediante simuladores o programas informáticos.

La donación ha tenido lugar mediante un acto simbólico en el que el director general de la Fundación Pública Andaluza Fondo de Formación y Empleo, Fernando Villén, ha recibido de manos del director de Recursos Humanos de Airbus Military y Airbus en España, Mariano Alonso, las llaves del C212.

Este C212 permitirá reforzar el aprendizaje de conocimientos prácticos de distintas especialidades formativas orientadas al sector aeronáutico que, con más de 500 horas de formación, se dirigen a personas desempleadas. También permitirá mejorar la cualificación de empleados del sector con la incorporación de este avión como recurso didáctico a los programas formativos, ya que practicarán in situ la materia aprendida que, hasta ahora, se realizaba mediante simuladores o programas informáticos.

Esta entrega desarrolla la labor conjunta que vienen realizando la Fundación y Airbus Military de cara a la cualificación y mejora de los recursos humanos del sector. El director de Recursos Humanos de Airbus Military y Airbus en España, Mariano Alonso, ha señalado al respecto: “Debemos hacer cuanto esté en nuestra mano para que los futuros empleados del sector aeronáutico reciban la mejor de las formaciones posibles y realizar prácticas reales sobre este C212 contribuirá en gran medida a impartir una formación de calidad como la que viene realizando la Fundación”.

El director general de la Fundación, Fernando Villén, por su parte, ha apuntado: “Gracias a este nuevo recurso didáctico, la formación que desarrollamos en el sector aeronáutico adquiere un valor añadido, ya que se vincula directamente al ejercicio profesional en el puesto de trabajo”. Según especificó Villén, para el año 2011 está previsto que unas 90
personas desempleadas y más de 200 trabajadores de diferentes empresas del sector realicen distintas actividades de carácter práctico sobre el avión.

El avión C212 pasará mañana a las instalaciones del Centro de Formación Especializada La Rinconada que, la Fundación Pública Andaluza Fondo de Formación y Empleo tiene en la
provincia de Sevilla.

Acerca de FAFFE
La Fundación Pública Andaluza Fondo de Formación y Empleo, entidad de la Consejería de Empleo, interviene en el territorio andaluza para dinamizar su tejido productivo a través de diferentes actuaciones que faciliten el cambio hacia el nuevo modelo productivo. En el sector aeronáutico, la Fundación implementa acciones encaminadas a mejorar la cualificación profesional tanto de trabajadores de la industria aeronáutica como de personas desempleadas. Estas actuaciones se concretan en estudios, asesoramientos, formación a medida, entre otras. La amplia experiencia con la que cuenta la Fundación en el ámbito de la formación y el empleo garantiza su respuesta a los nuevos perfiles profesionales que están surgiendo como consecuencia del creciente peso que la industria aeronáutica está alcanzando en la economía andaluza y derivados de la nueva manera de producir del sector.

Acerca del C212
La extraordinaria fiabilidad demostrada en más de tres millones de horas de vuelo convierte al C212 en el avión con más éxito en el segmento ligero. Con una capacidad de carga útil de 2,8 toneladas, se diseñó para operar en entornos extremos durante prolongados períodos de tiempo. Su robustez le permite operar de forma totalmente fiable en entornos como el desierto, la jungla o la Antártida. Cuenta con una extraordinaria respuesta para el despegue y aterrizaje en pistas cortas (STOL, del inglés Short Take Off and Landing) gracias a su sólido tren de aterrizaje con neumáticos de baja presión. Estas características hacen posible que opere de forma ilimitada en pistas blandas y sin pavimentar a altas temperaturas y
elevadas altitudes. Su excelente manejabilidad y la rápida respuesta de sus motores (dos Allied Signal) le otorgan el máximo nivel de maniobrabilidad a altitudes muy bajas. La facilidad de mantenimiento del C212 reduce sus costes de operación hasta hacerlos los más bajos de su clase.

Acerca de Airbus Military
Airbus Military es el único fabricante de aviones de transporte militar y humanitario que desarrolla, fabrica, comercializa y presta asistencia a una familia completa de aviones de transporte con cargas útiles que van desde las tres a las 45 toneladas. Airbus Military es el responsable del programa A400M y del avión multifunción de reabastecimiento en vuelo (MRTT) derivado del A330, así como de otros productos militares que se basan en aviones civiles de Airbus. Con sus modelos de menor tamaño C295, CN235 y C212, Airbus Military es líder mundial en los segmentos de mercado de los aviones de transporte militar medios y ligeros con unas ventas superiores a las 1.000 unidades de las que aproximadamente 650 se encuentran en servicio con más de 100 operadores en todo el mundo. Los modelos C295, CN235 y C212 cuentan con sus respectivas versiones de patrulla marítima.

AirbusMilitary

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IAI to present a structural concept for protecting aircraft from damage due to bird impact at the Israel annual Conference on Aerospace Sciences

The G250 executive jet with "bird splitter" concept




Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has developed an innovative structural concept for protecting aircraft from damage due to bird impact. The Bird Splitter structure is located on the aircrafts' tail and designed to "split" an incoming bird and thereby protect aircraft structure and crucial systems. This concept was implemented on the new IAI-manufactured G-250 business jet, a member of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation's super mid-size category.

This concept and more, will be presented by IAI representatives at the 51st Israel Annual Conference on Aerospace Sciences, due to take place from February 23rd to February 24th, 2011. (http://www.aeroconf.org.il/conf/index.html)

The first day of the conference will be held at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv and the second day at the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, in Haifa.
At the conference new aeronautical, and commercial and military aviation state-of-the-art technologies will be presented.

The conference also hosts the Technion's student competition. The contest presents the students' annual projects, which are held at the Technion where leading engineers from industry work jointly to guide students through the program while emphasizing an innovative and systems approach in aerospace and aeronautics engineering. One of the four projects selected is the "Batmobil", a flying-model with unique qualities, and this is being guided by Shlomo Tsach from IAI's Engineering and Development Group.

The conference includes lecturers from Israel and abroad, among them Dr. M. Goldstein, a guest speaker from NASA, who will present a basic theory of airplane noise. Representatives from Israeli hi-tech and defense industries, the Israel Air Force, and leading Israeli academic institutions – such as Tel Aviv University, Ben Gurion University, and the Technion, which organizes the conference, will also be attending.

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Unmanned Solutions Video: UAS Flight with a Synthetic Aperture Radar

Unmanned Solutions uses a K1-II platform to calibrate a Synthetic Aperture Radar developed by the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid within the Fault Tolerant Automatic UAS Operation R&D project.
The video shows footage filmed with an onboard HD camera and also from another manned aircraft that followed the flight.

Video

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Airbus Military firma un convenio de colaboración con la Asociación de empleados de Iberia Padres de Minusválidos (APMIB)

Con el objetivo de dar continuidad al primer acuerdo firmado en 2002, entre la que entonces era EADS CASA (hoy Airbus Military) y la APMIB, empresa y asociación firman de nuevo un compromiso mutuo.


Airbus Military y la APMIB firman un acuerdo de colaboración que incluye una donación de 30.000€ a la APMIB. La iniciativa se engloba dentro de todas las llevadas a cabo por las divisiones del grupo EADS coordinadas por la Fundación Adecco. Airbus Military continuando con su trayectoria de ser una empresa socialmente responsable, y dentro del marco de la ley LISMI, se compromete a potenciar las políticas de diversidad e integración laboral de personas con discapacidad.

Por su parte la APMIB ofrecerá a todos los trabajadores de Airbus Military con hijos minusválidos una serie de beneficios orientados a la protección, asistencia, prevención educativa e integración social de todos los minusválidos físicos, psíquicos y sensoriales.

El acuerdo, firmado por el presidente de Airbus Military, Domingo Ureña Raso, y el director general de la Asociación, Javier Martínez Méndez, contó también con la presencia del director de RRHH de Airbus y Airbus Military en España, Mariano Alonso Romero y el presidente de la APMIB, José Antonio Quintero Fernández.

Para el cumplimiento de la ley LISMI cada empresa debe realizar una cuota de reserva de su plantilla a favor de los trabajadores discapacitados. En caso de carecer de posibilidad para su integración debido a motivos organizativos, productivos o técnicos, la empresa puede aplicar medidas alternativas, como la Donación; alternativa elegida por Airbus Military para fomentar el desarrollo de actividades de inserción laboral y de creación de empleo de personas con discapacidad.

Sobre la Asociación de empleados de Iberia Padres de Minusválidos (APMIB)
La APMIB es una asociación referente de ámbito nacional cuyo principal objetivo es la asistencia e integración socio-laboral de las personas con discapacidad, ofreciéndoles servicios sociales y apoyo a sus familias. Además, ofrece una amplia variedad de Servicios Sociales dirigidos a las personas con discapacidad (física, psíquica y/o sensorial) que abarcan desde atención temprana a niños con problemas de desarrollo, hasta todos aquellos servicios que pueden facilitar el reconocimiento de la diferencia y la integración social y laboral.


Airbus Military

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SuperJet International launches Aeroflot Flight Crew Training Course in Moscow

SuperJet International (SJI) - a joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica Company, and Sukhoi Holding - has launched the first Aeroflot Flight Crew Training Course at its Training Center facility in Moscow.

SuperJet International, which is in charge of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) sales in the Western markets, is also responsible for training and after-sales support all over the world.
Given the international nature of the product, SuperJet International has established two facilities based in Venice and in Moscow for its training opportunities.

The "Type Rating course for Aeroflot pilots" on the SSJ100 is a necessary step aimed at introducing of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 into the commercial operations.

This recovery course, managed by SJI instructors, will involve three Aeroflot crews and will have a duration of 24 days.

From next June SuperJet International will further enhance its training capacity with the availability of the first Full Flight Simulator.

On February 7th SuperJet International also started the first maintenance Type Training course on the SSJ100 for 12 Aeroflot engineers, with different skills and background, designated for the acceptance of the first aircraft. This theoretical course, combining airframe, systems, powerplant and avionics, is held inside Aeroflot Training Center at Sheremetievo airport and it engages SJI instructors and AFL trainees for 27 days.

SuperJet International Aviation Training Center facility in Moscow is ready to provide training on SSJ100 type to aviation personnel (pilots, flight attendants and maintenance staff) of airlines in Russia and in other countries, in accordance with Russian Federal Aviation (RosAviaciya) approval obtained on February 2nd.

Press Release

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Calendario Copa Triangular de Vuelo Acrobático (CTVA) 2011

Para más información: www.copatriangular.com

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Eurocopter pays tribute to its test pilot Jean Boulet, who passed away on February 15 at the age of 90

Eurocopter pays its respects to its long-time test pilot Jean Boulet. His legendary piloting skills and passion for flying established the Group's place in the history of rotorcraft.



First hired in 1947 by the SNCASE, which would later become Sud Aviation and then the Helicopter division of the Aerospatiale Group, Jean Boulet was one of the greatest pioneers in the history of rotorcraft flight testing.

Just a few highlights from his illustrious career include the first flights of the SE3000, the SE3101, the Alouette, Frelon, Puma, Gazelle families and the Lama. The records he established are no less impressive. Jean Boulet would set 17 world records during his career, including the record for the highest altitude. Behind the controls of a Lama, Jean Boulet reached an altitude of 12,442 meters on June 21, 1972. His record still stands today. Jean Boulet received the prestigious "X Supaéro" engineering degree from the French aeronautics institute in Toulouse, and chalked up more than 9,000 flight hours during the course of his career—including over 8,000 in helicopters. The courageous pilot was well known for his love of flying and derring-do, but was also widely respected for his modesty and unassuming nature.


EADS

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Skymark Airlines of Japan confirms order for four A380s

Skymark Airlines, Japan's third largest and fast growing airline, signed a contract for four A380s with Airbus, firming up a Memorandum of Understanding announced in November 2010.

The contract was signed on Thursday, 17th February, during a ceremony held at Airbus' headquarters in Toulouse, France, in the presence of Skymark Airlines President, Shinichi Nishikubo, Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders, and Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, John Leahy, together with Airbus Japan CEO, Stephane Ginoux.  

At the signing ceremony Shinichi Nishikubo said, "We believe that the A380, the world's most cost-efficient, modern and environmentally friendly aircraft with cutting-edge technologies, will provide us with a strong competitive advantage and safe operation. We will become the very first Japanese airline to offer our passengers a unique and new experience of flying – more space, more comfort and a quieter cabin. With the four-engined A380, we are free from ETOPS constraints and can provide flexible operations."

"We are pleased to welcome Skymark as our newest and first Japanese A380 customer," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.  "The A380 is the most eco-efficient solution to allow Japan's air traffic to grow in a capacity constrained environment."

The A380 is the most advanced, spacious and eco-efficient airliner in service today. Over ten million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board the all-new aircraft. The in-service fleet has accumulated by now almost 250,000 revenue flight hours in nearly 28,000 commercial flights. 20 major airports are currently served by the flagship of the 21st century.

Today, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air France operate the aircraft on daily services to Narita Airport. Starting from March 27, 2011, Singapore Airlines will extend its A380 operation from Narita to Los Angeles, while Korean Air's first A380 service to Narita is scheduled on June 1 this year.  

Following today's announcement, total firm orders for the A380 stand at 244 from 19 customers worldwide and 43 aircraft have been delivered to five customers.

For broadcasters:

Video and soundbites with Tom Enders, John Leahy and Shinichi Nishikubo are available on www.airbus.com/broadcastroom


Press Release

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X-47B UCAS First Flight Music Video by Northrop-Grumman Media

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AeroVironment Develops World’s First Fully Operational Life-Size Hummingbird-Like Unmanned Aircraft for DARPA (with Video)

February 16 2011



• Two-wing, Flapping Aircraft Hovers and Flies in Any Direction
• Total Weight of Two-thirds of an Ounce Includes Batteries and Video Camera

WASHINGTON, at AAAS Conference, Feb. 17, 2011 – AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)(NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced it has accomplished a technical milestone never before achieved -- controlled precision hovering and fast-forward flight of a two-wing, flapping wing aircraft that carries its own energy source, and uses only the flapping wings for propulsion and control.

The milestone was part of the Phase II contract awarded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to AV to design and build a flying prototype "hummingbird-like" aircraft for the Nano Air Vehicle (NAV) program.

The final concept demonstrator is called the 'Nano Hummingbird' and is capable of climbing and descending vertically, flying sideways left and right, flying forward and backward, as well as rotating clockwise and counter-clockwise, under remote control and carrying a video camera payload. During the demonstration the Nano Hummingbird flew in and out of a building through a normal-size doorway.

“The historic achievement made by the Nano Hummingbird is an example of the leading-edge innovations introduced and deployed almost routinely by the AeroVironment UAS team,” said Tom Herring, AV senior vice president and general manager of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. “From the battle-proven Raven, Wasp and Puma small UAS to the tiny Nano Hummingbird to Global Observer, the largest, highest and longest flying UAS, AeroVironment continues to define the future of unmanned aircraft systems. Our mission in doing so is to provide our customers with advanced tools that help them succeed.”

The hand-made prototype aircraft has a wingspan of 16 centimeters (6.5 inches) tip-to-tip and has a total flying weight of 19 grams (2/3 ounce), which is less than the weight of a common AA battery. This includes all the systems required for flight; batteries, motors, communications systems and video camera. The aircraft can be fitted with a removable body fairing, which is shaped to have the appearance of a real hummingbird. The aircraft is larger and heavier than an average hummingbird, but is smaller and lighter than the largest hummingbird currently found in nature.

"The success of the Nano Hummingbird was highly dependent on the intense combination of creative, scientific, and artistic problem-solving skills from the many AV team members, aided by a philosophy of continuous learning, which we feel was only possible due to the unique R&D environment here at AV," said Matt Keennon, AV's project manager and principal investigator on the NAV project.

The technical goals for the Phase II effort were set out by DARPA as flight test milestones for the aircraft to achieve by the end of the contract effort. The Nano Hummingbird met all, and exceeded many, of the milestones:

1. Demonstrate precision hover flight within a virtual two-meter diameter sphere for one minute.
2. Demonstrate hover stability in a wind gust flight which required the aircraft to hover and tolerate a two-meter per second (five miles per hour) wind gust from the side, without drifting downwind more than one meter.
3. Demonstrate a continuous hover endurance of eight minutes with no external power source.
4. Fly and demonstrate controlled, transition flight from hover to 11 miles per hour fast forward flight and back to hover flight.
5. Demonstrate flying from outdoors to indoors, and back outdoors through a normal-size doorway.
6. Demonstrate flying indoors 'heads-down' where the pilot operates the aircraft only looking at the live video image stream from the aircraft, without looking at or hearing the aircraft directly.
7. Fly the aircraft in hover and fast forward flight with bird-shaped body and bird-shaped wings.



# # #

About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)
AV is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops, produces and supports an advanced portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and electric transportation solutions. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s battery-powered, hand-launched unmanned aircraft systems extensively to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance and communication. Switchblade is a small UAS designed to provide a rapid, lethal, pinpoint precision strike capability with minimal collateral damage. AV’s electric transportation solutions include a comprehensive suite of electric vehicle (EV) charging systems and installation services for consumers, automakers, utilities and government agencies, power cycling and test systems for EV developers and industrial electric vehicle charging systems for commercial fleets. More information about AV is available at www.avinc.com.

PR

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Airbus Military has performed an initial series of air-to-air refuelling trials of the A400M airlifter

Airbus Military has performed an initial series of air-to-air refuelling trials of the A400M airlifter using a Vickers VC10 tanker of the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) operating from Toulouse. A400M development aircraft Grizzly 1 executed a series of dry contacts with the VC10´s fuselage-mounted hose drum unit (HDU) on the first day of the trials on 15th February. The RAF is one of the launch customers for the A400M.

Airbus Military

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Russian-Indian project to develop perspective multi-functional fighter (PMF-FGFA)

February 9, 2011, Bangalore (India) - Development and production of perspective multi-role fighter is the largest joint project of Russian-Indian military-technical cooperation. In December 2010 during the visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to India, the Rosoboronexport, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the Sukhoi Company signed a contract to develop a preliminary design project of the new aircraft. This is the first of a series of documents governing the obligations of the parties at different stages of the program.

The PMF project includes the design and development of a next-generation fighter, which will have such advanced features as stealth, supersonic cruise speed, high maneuverability, highly integrated set of avionics, an advanced warning system about the situation, the internal deployment of weapons and the possibility of a centralized reporting and electronic warfare system. The fighter is being developed on the basis of the Russian perspective aviation complex (PAK FA) according to stringent technical requirements of the Indian side. The further development of the program envisages design and development of a two-place version of the aircraft and integration of an advanced engine with increased thrust. The two sides are supposed to cooperate in joint marketing of the complex in other countries.

Implementation of the Russian-Indian PMF project enhances the strategic partnership between the two countries and strengthening of regional and global security. The project is based on innovative technologies that promote the aviation industry and allied industries, total military-industrial complex of the two countries. The joint development and creation of a fifth generation fighter will facilitate the development of scientific schools. It will provide sustainable load of defense industry enterprises involved in the design and manufacturing of the PMF. This program provides an opportunity to accelerate the development and introduction of new materials, components and high technologies with a high potential for innovation, opens up prospects for the development of other projects of the unified aviation complexes of new generations.

The PMF project activity is based on the agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of India on cooperation in the development and production of perspective multi-role fighter. The agreement was signed on October 18, 2007 at the 7th session of the Russian-Indian intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation in Moscow.

Sukhoi also participates in other projects in the area of the Russian-Indian military-technical cooperation: modernization of the Su-30MKI fighters of the Indian Air Force, after-sales support of these aircraft, as well as the program of the BrahMos missile integration on Su- 30MKI.

Sukhoi

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APES 0034 No te precipites al juzgar a alguien...

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Easyjet paint job makes fuel bills less of a drag

Video




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Easyjet paint job makes fuel bills less of a drag

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#Photo: First Navy Pilot Flies Carrier Variant Of Lockheed Martin F-35

Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus cruises over the Chesapeake Bay on Feb. 11 during his first flight in the F-35C Lightning 11. Lt. Cmdr. Buus is the first active-duty Navy pilot fly the F-35C carrier variant, which he describes as "a great leap in technology and capability for the future of Naval Aviation."

Lockheed Martin

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First Navy Pilot Flies Carrier Variant Of Lockheed Martin F-35

Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus cruises over the Chesapeake Bay on Feb. 11 during his first flight in the F-35C Lightning 11. Lt. Cmdr. Buus is the first active-duty Navy pilot fly the F-35C carrier variant, which he describes as "a great leap in technology and capability for the future of Naval Aviation."






NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., February 14th, 2011 -- Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus on Friday became the first United States Navy pilot to fly the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35C Lightning II. The F-35C will operate from the U.S. Navy's large aircraft carriers by way of catapult launch and arrested landing. The United Kingdom's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force also will employ the F-35C.

"The in-air handling qualities of the F-35C are excellent, and very similar to the B variant. I immediately felt right at home in the aircraft," said Lt. Cmdr. Buus. "The Navy should be excited about having an aircraft that will be able to launch from our carriers with enough internal fuel and weapons to project power where we need to, and will have the stealth characteristics to go in and out of harm's way unseen. This will be a great leap in technology and capability for the future of Naval Aviation."

The mission lasted 2.1 hours and was the 32nd flight for CF-1, the first F-35C test aircraft. Lt. Cmdr. Buus has now flown both F-35 sea-service variants. On Feb. 3, he became the first Navy pilot to fly the short takeoff/vertical landing F-35B, to be operated by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Italian Air Force and Navy.

The F-35C is scheduled to begin land-based catapult launches and arrested recoveries later this year, with ship-board test flights beginning in 2013. The F-35B will begin test operations from U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault ships this fall.

F-35s have completed a total of 624 test flights, including 78 flights in 2011. The F-35B has completed 32 vertical landings, including 22 in 2011

Lockheed Marting

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Video of Boeing’s 747-8 Intercontinental Being Revealed

Video

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Boeing celebra la premier de su nuevo 747-8 Intercontinental

EVERETT, Washington, 13 de Febrero de 2011 – Boeing presentó hoy su nuevo 747-8 Intercontinental, el avión de pasajeros de gran capacidad que ofrece a las aerolíneas los costes operativos más bajos y las mejores condiciones económicas, con un desempeño medioambiental mejorado.

Aproximadamente 10.000 invitados, incluyendo clientes, empleados de Boeing, autoridades, socios y proveedores, se reunieron en la fábrica del Everett para presencial la puesta de largo del Intercontinental en un evento abajo el tema “De nuevo, increíble”.

Jim Albaugh, Presidente y Consejero Delegado de Boeing Commercial Airplanes afirmó que el Nuevo 747 incorpora avances tecnológicos que lo convierten en un avión altamente productivo para las aerolíneas.

“El Nuevo 747-8 incorpora las últimas y más innovadoras tecnologías, muchas de las cuales están presentes también en el 787 Dreamliner. Creemos que nuestros clientes valorarán los bajos costes operativos y los pasajeros disfrutarán de las comodidades de un nuevo interior muy acogedor”.

“El 747-8 Intercontinental es un gran complemento para nuestra flota, encajando muy bien en la categoría de 400 asientos y mejorando aun más la eficiencia ecológica de nuestros aviones” afirmó Nico Buchholz, Vicepresidente Ejecutivo de Lufthansa Group Fleet Management. “Como cliente de lanzamiento, estamos deseando tener el nuevo avión el próximo año pues, ya que representa un gran avance en el proceso de modernización de nuestra flota y en nuestras estrategia medioambiental”.

Korean Air y ocho clientes VIP se han unido a Lufthansa y han pedido un total de 33 747-8 Intercontinental. La primera entrega está programada para el cuarto trimestre.

“Al ser el único avión con capacidad para 400-500 pasajeros, el 747-8 Intercontinental encaja perfectamente en las rutas de largo alcance con alta afluencia de pasajeros de todo el mundo” afirmó Pat Shanahan, Vicepresidente y Director General de Airplane Programs, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “El Nuevo 747-8 Intercontinental establecerá nuevas marcas de desempeño económico y medioambiental, y ofrecerá a los pasajeros una experiencia de primer nivel”

El 747-8 Intercontinental tendrá el coste por asiento y milla más bajo de los aviones comerciales, con un 12% menos que su predecesor, el 747-400. El avión mejora un 16% el consumo de combustible, un 16% las emisiones de carbono y disminuye un 30% la huella sonora respecto del 747-400. El 747-8 Intercontinental aplica las comodidades del interior del 787 Dreamliner, como la forma curvada de los paneles superiores, lo que se traduce en una sensación de espacio y confort para el pasajero, al tiempo que dispone de más espacio para el equipaje de mano.

El avión presentado hoy está pintado con una nueva librea denominada Sunrise, de color rojo anaranjado que se utilizará únicamente para este primer 747-8 Intercontinental y que se distingue del tradicional azul de Boeing. Con esta nueva paleta de colores Boeing quiere honrar a un grupo importantes clientes, cuyas culturas ven en estos colores un símbolo de prosperidad y buena suerte.

Boeing

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Boeing Celebrates Premiere of New 747-8 Intercontinental [HD Photos]

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today unveiled its new 747-8 Intercontinental, the new high-capacity passenger airplane that offers airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance.

Approximately 10,000 guests, including customers, Boeing employees, government officials, partners and suppliers, gathered in the factory in Everett, Wash., to witness the premiere of the Intercontinental at an event themed "Incredible, Again." Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Albaugh said the newest 747 incorporates technological advancements that make it an extremely productive airplane for customers.

"The new 747-8 Intercontinental features the latest in innovative technologies — applying many of the breakthroughs also found on the 787 Dreamliner," said Albaugh. "We think our customers will value the low operating costs and passengers will enjoy the comfort of the striking new interior."

"The 747-8 Intercontinental will be a great complement to our fleet, fitting nicely into the 400-seat category, improving our fleet's eco-efficiency even further," said Nico Buchholz, executive vice president, Lufthansa Group Fleet Management. "As launch customer, we are looking forward to welcoming this new aircraft to our fleet next year as it adds to our ongoing fleet modernization and environmental efforts."

Korean Air and VIP customers have joined launch customer Lufthansa in ordering a total of 33 747-8 Intercontinentals. First delivery of the 747-8 Intercontinental is scheduled for the fourth quarter.

"As the only airplane in the 400 to 500-seat market, the 747-8 Intercontinental will give operators an airplane perfectly suited for long, heavily traveled routes around the world," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager, Airplane Programs, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The new 747-8 Intercontinental will set a new standard in economic and environmental performance, while providing a world-class passenger experience."

The 747-8 Intercontinental will have the lowest seat-mile cost of any large commercial jetliner, with 12 percent lower costs than its predecessor, the 747-400. The airplane provides 16 percent better fuel economy, 16 percent less carbon emissions per passenger and generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400. The 747-8 Intercontinental applies interior features from the 787 Dreamliner that includes a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings.

The airplane unveiled today is painted in a new Sunrise livery of red-orange that only will appear on the first 747-8 Intercontinental and is a significant departure from Boeing's standard blue. The new color palette honors many key Boeing customers whose cultures recognize these colors as symbols of prosperity and good luck.

Boeing

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The PC-Aero GmbH organize together with the Acentiss GmbH the 1st. Electric Aircraft Academy.

Electric Flight will be one of the major innovation and application of our century.
CO2 zero emission in combination with solar power, low noise and operation costs, high altitude capability are major advantages. What is possible to realize with Electric Flight using the existing and future technology are main questions we want to answer.

This first unique event will be focused on the design of Electric Aircraft for leisure aviation, special missions and the future commercial aviation. The course is addressed to companies involved in manned and unmanned Electric Aircraft applications, universities, aircraft or mechanical engineers and students. The Electric Aircraft Academy will be organized by PC-Aero GmbH together with Acentiss GmbH/Munich.


ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT ACADEMY Leisure Aviation, Special Missions and the Future Commercial
Applications



Introduction:
Electric Flight will be one of the major innovation and application of our century. CO2 zero emission in combination with solar power, low noise and operation costs, high altitude capability are major advantages. What is possible to realize with Electric Flight using the existing and future technology are main questions we want to answer.

This first unique event will be focused on the design of Electric Aircraft for leisure aviation,
special missions and the future commercial aviation. The course is addressed to companies involved in manned and unmanned Electric Aircraft applications, universities, aircraft or
mechanical engineers and students. The ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT ACADEMY will be organized by PC-Aero GmbH together with Acentiss GmbH/Munich.

Location: IABG mbH Munich, Einsteinstraße 20, 85521 Ottobrunn, Munich/Germany
Registration fees: 980€ (incl. catering), second participant and the next (same company): 850€
Period: 24./25. may 2011 (first day theory, second day practical workshop)


Topics:
- basic structure and aerodynamic layout of an Electric Aircraft
- optimization process
- advantages
- operating costs
- basic of electric propulsion unit
- certification procedures
- solar cells applied on the wing
- special applications:
o UAV high altitude
o low noise surveillance
o mission examples
- next step: commercial applications
- design tools
- application examples:
o the E-Plane Family (ELEKTRA ONE, ELEKTRA TWO, ELEKTRA FOUR)
o E-taxi (6 seats, twin engine Electric Aircraft)





Preliminary Agenda:
24. May 2011 (theory)
08:30  badge and program pickup
09:00    Calin Gologan, President PC-Aero GmbH: opening remarks
09:15    structure and aerodynamic layout of Electric Aircraft
10:30    advantages of Electric Flight
11:00    coffee break
11:15 optimization process
 11:45 actual and future certification procedures
12:15     solar cells applied on the wing
12:30     lunch
13:15   special applications
15:00    next step: commercial applications
16:00    coffee break

16:15    basics of electric propulsion units
17:00   end

25. May 2011 (practical workshop)
08:00   breakfast
08:30   design tools
10:45   coffee break
11:00   application examples
13:00   general overview, proposals for the next ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT ACADEMY
13:15   lunch
16:00  Flight demonstration of ELEKTRA ONE at Airport Augsburg. Presentation of the        
           solar hangar (option without charge) (self journey)






Preliminary list of speakers: 
Calin Gologan, PC-Aero GmbH (main speaker)
Dr. Josef Mendler, Acentiss GmbH (UAV applications)
Joachim Geiger/Dr. Werner Eck, Geiger Engineering (electric propulsion unit)
A final list of speakers will be fixed up to 01. March 2011

Flight demonstration ELEKTRA ONE
as option on 25 May, 16:00 pm (self journey to the Augsburg Airport).



Design Tools:
Aircraft design tools (easy to use MS-Excel/Visual Basic applications will be presented and
available to buy):
- Electric Aircraft performance
- loads and structure test (UL Germany, LSA, FAR 23)
- propeller design
- fuselage loft design



Registration:
For registration please confirm per e-mail:
Dr. Birgit Weißenbach / PC-Aero GmbH
Buchenweg 3
87484 Nesselwang/Germany
e-mail: birgit.weissenbach@pc-aero.de
www.pc-aero.de

For registration please specify the above options:
- flight demonstration ELEKTRA ONE (self journey to the Augsburg Airport)

Dead-line for registration: 29. April 2011

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Aerodays 2011. Madrid. March 30th - April, 1st 2011

Within the framework of AERODAYS 2011, Enterprise Europe Network madri+d will organize from 30th to 31st March, in collaboration with INTA , Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Universidad de Alcalá, an international transfer technology day to exchange information between possible technological partners. The brokerage event will be also supported by Aerospace Madrid Cluster and Spanish Association of Technological Parks (APTE).

Main objective of the event is to create a meeting forum for companies, research institutes, universities and other organizations that are actively engaged within the field of Aeronautics. Participants may provide opportunities for collaboration and business based on technology, through aimed-to-agreement bilateral meetings.

Aerodays 2011

The sixth European Aeronautics Days will take place from 30th March to 1st April 2011 in Madrid, following its successful predecessors that took place in Brussels (1991), Naples (1993), Toulouse (1997), Hamburg (2001) and Vienna (2006).

The event will bring together aeronautics stakeholders, ministries, agencies and R&D centres from all over Europe and overseas to network, present their latest research results and discuss common future R&D projects.

Organized by CDTI (Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology in Spain) and the European Commission (Directorate General for Research), Aerodays 2011 will provide a perfect opportunity to present and disseminate information about EU-funded RTD results, and will be in line with the EU goals of creating a Single European Sky and a European Research Area, and of finding innovative approaches to sustainable aviation in a global environment.

Introduction
Objectives
Main Conference features
Experts panel

Aerodays2011


More info, in pdf format:
Informative Brochure
Programme

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Pratt & Whitney F117 Engine Exceeds 8 Million Flight Hours

AERO INDIA, BANGALORE, INDIA, Feb. 8, 2011 - Pratt & Whitney’s F117 engine, the exclusive power for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifter, recently exceeded 8 million engine flight hours. At the same time, the C-17 exceeded 2 million flight hours, while supporting a U.S. Air Force mission, and airdropped 74,000 pounds of supplies in support of U.S. and allied troops. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company.

“This landmark milestone is a testament to the efficiency of the F117 engine,” said Bev Deachin, vice president, Military Programs and Customer Support, Pratt & Whitney. “The exceptional performance of our engines – in some of the harshest conditions – has helped the C-17 Globemaster III save countless lives in military, humanitarian and disaster relief missions around the world.”

Since 2006, Pratt & Whitney’s F117 engines have accumulated more than 4 million flight hours in support of military and humanitarian missions around the globe. To put this in perspective, it took 13 years of operational service for the engine to reach the first 4 million flight-hour milestone. This statistic reflects the C-17's increased workload over the past several years.

The C-17 Globemaster III – the world’s premier heavy airlifter – is operated by four F117 engines. The F117-PW-100 first entered service in 1993 and is a derivative of Pratt & Whitney’s PW2037 commercial engine powering the Boeing 757. With more than 8 million hours of proven military service and 45 million hours in commercial use, the F117/PW2037 has consistently proven itself as a world-class dependable engine. Pratt & Whitney’s ongoing investment in product improvements has enabled the engine to continuously surpass established goals for time on wing, in-flight shut downs and support turnaround time.

“We gain satisfaction from the knowledge that the U.S. Air Force and international customers are putting our F117 engines to such beneficial use,” Deachin said. “The future is bright for C-17’s successful ongoing missions.”

Pratt & Whitney has delivered more than 1,050 F117 engines worldwide, including 82 with international customers. The U.S. Air Force – including active National Guard and Reserve units – has taken delivery of 207 C-17s. Other customers include the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the Canadian Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations, and the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence.


P&W

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El Aeropuerto de Malta se moderniza con pantallas murales MicroTiles

WOKINGHAM, Reino Unido – (9 de febrero, 2011) – Christie®, líder mundial en sistemas de proyección y soluciones de visualización digital, ha confirmado la semana pasada en la feria ISE2011 de Ámsterdam la venta de 170 MicroTiles™ para ser instalados en el Aeropuerto Internacional de Malta.

El pedido, realizado a través de ALA Equipment Co Ltd., distribuidor de Christie en Chipre, en la persona de Michael Kyriakides, de International Airport Advertising Corporation (“IAAC”), se enmarca en la concesión ganada por IAAC y su socio estratégico, Clear Channel Airports (CCA),para hacerse cargo del programa de publicidad de los locales del Aeropuerto Internacional de Malta en los próximos 12 años.

Dividida en siete displays separados (incluyendo cinco videowalls sincronizados de 8 x 3 en la zonade recogida de equipajes), la instalación constituye el grueso de una inversión de € 1.000.000 quepermitirá que todos los medios estáticos se conviertan en señalización de vídeo.

El Sr. Kyriakides señaló: “MicroTiles nos fue recomendada por representar una aproximación original y de vanguardia a la tecnología de señalización digital; y gracias al tamaño y a laflexibilidad de MicroTiles sabíamos que no sólo podíamos ofrecer claridad y nitidez para el material gráfico del cliente, sino también realizar algún diseño original de contenidos para captar la atención de los pasajeros. El impacto será fenomenal.”

ALA llevará a cabo todo el suministro de equipos, instalación y soporte técnico. El director de ALA, Andrea Piemonti, declaró: “Es un placer cerrar un contrato de tanto prestigio con Michael Kyriakides, así como una recompensa por los esfuerzos que hemos hecho para establecer la marcaChristie y sus productos de alta gama cuando asumimos su distribución hace tres años”.

Dale Miller, Vicepresidente de Christie EMEA, agregó: “Estamos encantados de que el mayor pedidoindividual hasta la fecha de Christie MicroTiles haya sido seleccionado para un entorno de un gran aeropuerto. Cuando Christie MicroTiles fue anunciada por primera vez, identificamos los centros de transporte como uno de sus segmentos principales de mercado. Esta instalación no sóloproporcionará un reclamo visual, sino que maximizará el potencial de la publicidad en lugaresclave dentro del aeropuerto.”

http://www.christiedigital.eu/

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