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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Boeing Supports Space Shuttle Endeavour’s Final Flight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Russian Helicopters announce new partnershio in Brazil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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CASSIDIAN and FREQUENTIS deliver the first control and reporting centre using GIADS-III and KOFA-IP technology to the German Luftwaffe

28 April 2011

       * Major system handover in the area of mission control systems for the Luftwaffe
       * Mission Command 2 (Einsatzführungsbereich 2) reports GIADS III to NATO as ready for service
       * The KOFA/GIADS system is performing valuable service in securing Germany's – and Europe's – airspace

The consortium "KOFA – GIADS" (Cassidian and Frequentis Nachrichtentechnik GmbH) has delivered an ultramodern control and reporting centre (CRC) to the German Air Force, represented by the Federal Office for Information Management and Information Technology of the Bundeswehr (IT-AmtBw), in Erndtebrück.

Cassidian is supplying the "battlefield command and control system" component, and Frequentis the new IP-based voice and data communication system KOFA-IP. With this delivery, all German command posts of this Mission Command are now equipped with KOFA/GIADS-based technology.

This upgrade from GIADS II to GIADS III technology essentially increases the number of workstations per CRC by one third, doubles the number of radar interfaces previously supported and partially automates and extensively enhances the entire reporting system. New interfaces to the Bundeswehr's command and control information systems were realised (NCO capability). GIADS was expanded to include a map management subsystem and a planning component.

The analogue KOFA communication system previously used has been upgraded to state-of-the-art IP technology (KOFA-IP) for secure voice operation. The GIADS air defence system from Cassidian has been operational since 2000, with the task of military surveillance for the airspace over Germany and contiguous areas. The system processes the information about flying objects that is delivered by radar systems and presents it on the GIADS workstations. The military air situation displayed there is automatically supplemented with civil ATC data (e.g. air situation from Eurocontrol, flight schedules). Any objects detected are automatically identified using the latest technology, which provides a continuously updated air situation picture. Here, the Sentry™ system from the subcontractor ThalesRaytheonSystems LLC performs valuable services. The air situation data is exchanged with neighbouring CRCs within the framework of the NATO Integrated Air Defence System, NATINADS. The air situation picture, along with information relevant to the assignment, is put at the disposal of other activities and CRCs.

Through KOFA-IP, Frequentis is expanding the GIADS CRC electronics to provide workstations optimised for IP-based voice and data communication, including a fully integrated voice recording and playback system. The same IP infrastructure is additionally used to integrate a wide variety of IT services. The advantages of this IPbased system lie in the interoperability and flexibility in the networking of all voice and data interfaces, as well as the added value generated through the seamless interaction of all systems. This is the prerequisite for seamless communication between the voice and data media. By placing its faith in the latest technology offered by this trailblazing system, the Bundeswehr is set to become the world leader in this field.

Thus, the KOFA/GIADS system is performing valuable service in securing Germany's – and Europe's – airspace.

About CASSIDIAN (www.cassidian.com)

Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing Lead Systems Integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land, naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2010, Cassidian – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.9 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2010, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 45.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 121,000.

CASSIDIAN – Defending World Security



About Frequentis AG

Frequentis is an international provider of communication and information systems in the fields of Defence, Air Traffic Management and Public Safety and Transport (police, fire and rescue services, shipping and railways). A high degree of reliability, connections in the millisecond range and user-friendly design are the central features of Frequentis products. Together with a wide range of services, these products form the key components of a customisable control centre solution for the coordinated handling of security-relevant events, the main goal being to protect people and property. Roughly 14,000 workstations are currently in operation throughout the world. Frequentis possesses diverse competences and comprehensive project knowhow deriving from numerous international projects. With headquarters in Vienna, Frequentis employs a workforce of over 900 around the globe. Total sales in 2010 came to around € 155 million.

For further information please visit: www.frequentis.com

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Lockheed Martin-Built Missile Warning Satellite Encapsulated in Launch Vehicle Payload Fairing

Team Prepares U.S. Air Force's SBIRS GEO-1 for Early May Liftoff

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., April 26th, 2011 -- The first Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] - built Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) spacecraft was encapsulated into its payload fairing April 20 in preparation for an early May liftoff aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

SBIRS GEO-1 will enhance the nation's missile warning capabilities and improve other critical mission areas simultaneously including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.

The GEO-1 satellite includes highly sophisticated scanning and staring sensors that will deliver enhanced infrared sensitivity and a reduction in area revisit times over the current constellation. The scanning sensor will provide a wide area surveillance of missile launches and natural phenomena across the earth, while the staring sensor will be used to observe smaller areas of interest with enhanced sensitivity. When GEO-1 is launched, declared operational and its data is fused into the current constellation, SBIRS will deliver unprecedented, global, persistent, taskable infrared surveillance capabilities to the warfighter, nation and allies for decades to come.

The SBIRS team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman, as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

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

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Lockheed Martin Delivers Second Mid-Life Upgrade P-3 Orion To U.S. Customs & Border Protection

GREENVILLE, S.C., April 27th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered the second P-3 Orion with new Mid-Life Upgrade enhancements to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

This newly re-winged P-3 joins CBP's first upgraded Orion, which is currently operational. These aircraft support the critical missions of interdicting and preventing acts of terrorism, and the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs and other contraband toward or across the borders of the United States.

"We are proud of the partnership we have with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and are committed to providing them a cost-effective solution to maintain and sustain their P-3s for decades to come," said Ray Burick, Lockheed Martin P-3 Programs and Greenville Operations vice president.

Lockheed Martin's P-3 MLU program provides a technically proven, low risk solution by replacing the aircraft outer wings, center wing lower surface and horizontal stabilizer with new production components.

The MLU replaces all fatigue-life limiting structures with enhanced-design components and incorporates a new metal alloy that is five times more corrosion resistant, greatly reducing the cost of ownership for P-3 operators. The MLU removes current aircraft flight restrictions and extends the structural service life of the P-3 up to 15,000 hours, adding more than 20 years of operational use.

P-3 Orion is the standard for maritime patrol and reconnaissance, and is used for homeland security, hurricane reconnaissance, anti-piracy operations, humanitarian relief, search and rescue, intelligence gathering and antisubmarine warfare. P-3s were used to assist in air traffic control and data gathering over the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

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

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Second Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Begins Flight Test

EVERETT, Wash., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The second Boeing (NYSE: BA) 747-8 Intercontinental, RC021, successfully made its first flight today. The airplane completes the two-airplane test fleet for the 747-8 Intercontinental.

"This is another great milestone for our flight test program and shows the progress we are making toward delivery of our passenger airplane," said Elizabeth Lund, vice president and general manager, 747 program.

Piloted by Captains Keith Otsuka and Ron Johnston, with Ralph Chaffin serving as system operator and Greg Lichneckert as flight analyst, RC021 took off at 9:26 a.m. Pacific time from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. The airplane completed a three-hour, twenty-minute flight landing at 12:46 p.m. at Paine Field. During the flight, the airplane reached an altitude of 28,000 feet (8534 m) and airspeed of 275 knots, or about 316 miles (509 km) per hour.

RC021 will be used primarily for testing the various interior systems that will be on the Intercontinental, such as heating, venting and air conditioning, smoke detection and galleys. In addition, Boeing will conduct fuel consumption and function and reliability tests on the airplane. The 747-8 Intercontinental flight-test program will perform approximately 600 hours of flight testing.

The passenger version of the new 747-8 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.

More information: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/747family/index.html

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ILFC firms up order for 100 A320neo Family aircraft

Milestone deal takes the A320 Family to over 7,000 firm orders
Blagnac,  27 April 2011

ILFC has signed a firm contract for the purchase of 100 A320neo Family aircraft. This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the deal which was announced on March 8th 2011. ILFC confirms its selection of Pratt & Whitney engines for powering at least 60 of the aircraft. The agreement between Airbus and ILFC provides for model flexibility which initially includes both A320neo and A321neo types.

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. This will represent some 3,600 tonnes less CO2 per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise, thus being a good neighbour at any airport where airlines will operate the aircraft.

"The new A320neo aircraft will allow ILFC to offer a single-aisle aircraft that provides significant reduction in fuel consumption," ILFC Chief Executive Officer Henri Courpron stated. "We have already seen significant market interest and are looking forward to seeing the aircraft enter service with our first customers from 2015."

"We are fully commited to providing our customers with the latest in fuel saving technologies as soon as they become available," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "ILFC is the first major lessor to order the A320neo and these early delivery positions will help secure its leading position in a very competitive single-aisle market."

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. The aircraft feature the latest technology available today, the widest and most comfortable cabin, and the highest degree of operational commonality. With 99.7 per cent reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has also the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft today.

With this latest contract, the A320 Family has now exceeded 7,000 firm orders, reaffirming its position as the world's best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. Furthermore, to date over 4,600 have been delivered to over 330 customers and operators worldwide.

The A320neo will have over 95 percent airframe commonality with the existing models of the A320 Family making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload. Engines offered on the A320neo are CFM International's LEAP-X and Pratt & Whitney's PurePower PW1100G. Airbus has received a total of 332 orders and commitments for A320neo Family aircraft.


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Entrevistamos al RRPP de Dedalus Aircraft distribuidor oficial en España de Tecnam

Todo ha empezado con una conversación en Twitter, desde mi cuenta personal (@JoseM_SGP -ya sabéis que estoy también en @NoticiasAero y en @RBFpodcast) y la gente de @TecnamSpain . Sin embargo las respuestas eran demasiado largas para solo 140 caracteres, así que a través de Aeropress Agencia de Comunicación hemos podido entrevistar al RRPP de Dedalus Aircraft, el distribuidor en España de Tecnam.

Las preguntas planteadas en negro son las que he realizado, en azul la respuesta de Dedalus. Esperamos que disfrutéis de la entrevista tanto como nosotros haciéndola:

Por un lado preguntaba [en Twitter] sobre el uso de fibra de carbono en los aviones de Tecnam. Hasta donde yo se ahora es construccion mixta, aluminio y fibra. Mientras que la tendencia aparente de la aviación es a usar fibra. ¿Para cuando un avión ultraligero en fibra? Y si no se plantea hacer, ¿por qué?. Y respecto a la fibra de carbono, os pregunto por métodos de fabricación que usa Tecnam. Hay muchos, el más antiguo es el de apilado manual. Pero ahora hay otros más modernos, como RTM, ATL, Fiber Placement... ¿cuál usa Tecnam en sus piezas de fibra?

Tradicionalmente Tecnam ha construido siempre aviones en aluminio. Ante la tendencia del mercado hacia la fabricación de aviones en materiales compuestos, Tecnam ha respondido con cautela. Dado que su principal conocimiento es el aluminio, Tecnam consideró ir avanzando con paso firme pero sin prisas. Como dicen los italianos "…piano, piano, va lontano". Seguramente, en el futuro veremos un avión Tecnam realizado en fibra. Cuándo, es una incógnita todavía. El proceso que utilizan en Tecnam es el de laminado en húmedo, con telas de fibra de vidrio y carbono de diferentes espesores, tanto unidireccional como bi-direccional. La cocción se realiza en hornos que trabajan con baja temperatura (60ºC durante unas 3-4 horas) y con vacío. No se utiliza autoclave. Podría utilizarse un auto clave y técnicas de pre-impregnado pero aumentaría el coste de cada aparato.

Por otro lado preguntaba [también en Twitter] por el motor. Hasta ahora Tecnam parecía fiel a Rotax, usando este motor en todos los aviones (al menos los que conozco de memoria). Sin embargo en el último P92 presentado se pasa a Lycoming, motor que da casi la misma potencia que el Rotax, pero pesa más. También funciona a un número de vueltas inferior (el Rotax 912 de la Tecnam de 100Cv hace el crucero a unas 4000-4500rpm mientras que el Lycoming era a unas 2300rpm). ¿por qué este cambio? Creo que me decíais que por la normativa VLA o LSA. Pero, por qué cambiar por esa normativa? ¿por motivos de certificación del motor?

Tecnam sigue fiel a Rotax. Dada la importancia del mercado norteamericano, Rotax responde a la demanda de sus clientes, instalando una planta motriz muy conocida, pero con la diferencia que esta nueva versión de Lycoming admite gasolina 95 sin plomo. Efectivamente el motor pesa más, pero como el MTOW de la LSA es 600 kg (1320 lb), no es tan sensible como la normativa de ULM en España. Cuando salga a la luz la nueva categoría de aeronaves ligeras en Europa (EASA CS-LSA), con el mismo MTOW que la LSA, los clientes podrán elegir entre las dos plantas motrices. No hay que olvidar que el Lycoming ofrece 15 HP más que el Rotax, y para aquellos usuarios que operen en campos con mayor altitud de densidad serán bien recibidos. No obstante, la versión con Rotax sigue vigente, y hasta la fecha los Tecnam certificados como ULM en España lo están con este motor.

Y creo que la última pregunta [que hice en twitter] era la del ala. Pregunté el motivo de seguir usando un ala alta arriostrada. La estructura de la P92 viene a ser tubular en la parte de la cabina, y semimonocasco de la cabina hacia atrás. El ala se engancha al fuselaje en dos puntos, uno en la parte superior de la cabina. El otro mediante una riostra, a la parte inferior. La respuesta [que me dieron en Twitter] fue que era por motivos de peso. Sin embargo se puede  hacer un cambio en la forma de sujetar el ala a la estructura, parecida a la de los veleros, usando un larguero que atraviese el fuselaje por la parte superior de la cabeza. Con lo cual, no creo que hubiera demasiado aumento de peso. Podría haber una reducción del espacio interior de la cabina, pero creo que podría solventarse o bien reclinando la posición de los asientos 1 poco más o bien elevando algo la posición del ala. Esto también produciría un aumento de la superficie frontal del avión, y habría que valorar si ese aumento de superficie frontal (y por tanto de resistencia aerodinamica del fuselaje) compensa, tendiendo en cuenta que la eliminación de las riostras también trae consigo una reduccion considerable de la resistencia aerodinámica. Así que persiste mi duda... ¿Por qué ala alta arriostrada en lugar de ala alta en voladizo -también llamada cantilever-?

Tecnam ya fabricó el modelo P2004 Bravo con ala cantiléver. Basicamente era el fuselaje de un P92 con el ala de un Sierra. El peso era significativamente más elevado para el mercado ULM y se vendieron pocas unidades, y sólo como construcción amateur. En USA, hay más unidades volando porque su MTOW es mayor.

Esta pregunta es nueva, no la planteé en Twitter. Tras instalarse en España en Villanueva del Gállego, en las instalaciones de CAG, ¿por qué se desechó continuar con su avión CAG Toxo como producto propio?

 

Basicamente porque Tecnam tenía sus propios diseños, y con ello ya suficiente carga de trabajo. No obstante, el Toxo era más complejo de fabricar en serie debido a su mayor complejidad de diseño.

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EADS in Paris Air Show 2011 (Le Bourget 20-26 June)

http://www.parisairshow.eads.com

http://twitter.com/EADSatLeBourget

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Endeavour to deliver Astrium-built HD camera system to the ISS

Endeavour to deliver Astrium-built HD camera system to the ISS
Bremen,  26 April 2011

• Astrium developed and delivered HD video camera assembly for the Columbus module in record time
• Live images from space in full HD will improve medical documentation and facilitate operation and maintenance of the space station

On what will probably be its last flight, and the penultimate shuttle mission, the U.S. space shuttle Endeavour, scheduled for launch on April 29, 2011, will transport a new HD video camera to the International Space Station (ISS). The first full HD video camera designed and built by Astrium, Europe's leading space company, for the ISS on behalf of ESA, was delivered in the record time of eight months. At the end of 2010, a fully qualified and tested prototype of the High Definition Video Camera Assembly (HD-VCA), including the interface unit, was delivered by ESA/Astrium to NASA for upload with this so called mission ULF-6 56 (Utilization and Logistics Flight). The camera has a design life of ten years and is intended to replace one of the existing system cameras on board the Columbus module.

There are a multitude of possible uses for high-quality moving images from on board the ISS that remain crisp and sharp even on large displays or projection screens. They can provide doctors with high-resolution documentation for detailed case histories or can serve as a precision tool for specialists who need to analyse in-orbit hardware and processes when providing technical ground support. Moreover it gives the general public on Earth genuine insights into events in orbit. The product also has potential for commercial exploitation: the HD camera could in future be set up to film through a window while the astronauts are asleep, enabling it to transmit live images of Earth back to the ground station.

To achieve the very short time to orbit for the HD-VCA project, Astrium processed multiple aspects of each phase in parallel, from development through to testing, qualification, and the work on prototype devices. Close cooperation was maintained with ESA throughout. The specifications for the HD video camera for the ISS included employing as many off-the-shelf components as possible, while at the same time limiting or preferably avoiding the risks associated with the use of such components in space. Astrium's solution was the HD-VCA Box which fits underneath the actual HD camcorder. It serves as an interface enabling the HD camera to operate on power supplied by the Columbus laboratory's on-board network, and also converts the data recorded by the HD camera into a format that the systems on-board Columbus can read, process and downlink.



Technical data of the HD-VCA project:

Camera:

Type: Canon XH G1s

Resolution: full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels, 25 fps), 3CCD sensor system

Audio: 2 channels, MPEG1 Audio Layer II, sampling frequency: 48 kHz, bit rate: 384 kbps

Lens system: 20x zoom, f=4.5 90mm, f/1.6-3.5

Bitrate: approx. 27 Mbit/s (MPEG2)



HD-VCA Box (developed by Astrium):

Compatible with existing interfaces available on Columbus, with IEEE1394/FireWire digital interface for connections to industry-standard equipment and an analogue NTSC video interface



About Astrium

Astrium is the number one company in Europe for space technologies and a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services.

In 2010, Astrium had a turnover of €5 billion and more than 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and Astrium Services for comprehensive end-to-end solutions covering secure and commercial satcoms and networks, high security satellite communications equipment, bespoke geo-information and navigation services worldwide.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2010, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 45.8 billion and employed a workforce of nearly 122,000.


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Airbus A380 makes its debut visit at MAKS Russian airshow

Flagship of the 21th century to perform flying displays at MAKS
Blagnac,  26 April 2011

The A380, the most advanced and modern passenger aircraft, will participate for the first time at the international aviation and space salon MAKS, to be held from August 16th to 21st in Zhukovsky, Moscow region. Airbus flight test aircraft, MSN 004, will be present at the static display and take part in the flying displays every day during the show.

"The debut of the A380, the largest and most efficient airliner available today, will mark the 10th anniversary of MAKS airshow, Russia's number one aeronautical event. Russian engineers and aviation industry suppliers participated in the development of the double-deck-aircraft and today also produce essential component parts. We are delighted to celebrate the premiere of the A380 at MAKS, together with the hundreds of thousands visitors to be expected," said Chris Buckley, Executive Vice President, Europe, Asia and Pacific.

Powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, MSN 004 is used in the ongoing A380 flight test program and thus equipped with sophisticated test instrumentation. The aircraft is currently testing latest product developments and the integration of new innovative equipment. It is also used for airlines' pilot training.

The A380 is setting new standards for air transport by offering unequalled levels of passenger comfort, space and quietness in the cabin, as well as unmatched levels of operating costs and fuel efficiency. With a range of 8,300 nm / 15,200 km, it can seat 525 passengers in a three-class layout. The A380 not only complies with today's noise limits, it is also significantly quieter than any other large aircraft flying today.

Total orders for the aircraft stand at 244 from 19 customers. Today, 46 A380s have been delivered to five airlines (Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, Air France and Lufthansa). The A380 fleet has achieved more than 30,000 commercial flights and accumulated over a quarter of million revenue flight hours and transported over 12 million passengers, serving some 20 airports.


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Joint Doctrine Note 211 the Uk Approach to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAVs)

Joint Doctrine Note 211 the Uk Approach to Unmanned Aircraft Systems

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Chicken Fat Fuel Emissions Look Cleaner, Greener

NASA recently performed emissions testing on alternative, renewable fuels for a greener and less petroleum-dependent future. The search for alternative fuels is driven by environmental concerns as well as a desire for reduced reliance on foreign sources.

"Renewable" means that the fuel source isn't some form of fossil fuel. The source could be algae, a plant such as jatropha, or even rendered animal fat. In late March and early April 2011, a team at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in California tested renewable biofuel made from chicken and beef tallow in one of the four engines of a DC-8 airplane.

The airplane remained on the ground during the test, known as the Alternative Aviation Fuels Experiment, or AAFEX, while aeronautics researchers measured the fuel's performance in the engines and examined the engine exhaust for chemicals and contamination that could contribute to air pollution. It was the first test ever to measure biofuel emissions for nitrogen oxides, commonly known as NOx, and tiny particles of soot or unburned hydrocarbon - both of which can degrade air quality in communities with airports. NOx contributes to smog and particulate matter contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.

"The test results seem to support the idea that biofuels for jet engines are indeed cleaner-burning, and release fewer pollutants into the air. That benefits us all," said Ruben Del Rosario of NASA's Glenn Research Center in Ohio. Del Rosario manages NASA's Subsonic Fixed Wing Project, which sponsored the experiment through the agency's Fundamental Aeronautics Program.

The team ran one engine using Hydrotreated Renewable Jet Fuel, or HRJ, and another engine using Jet Propellant 8, or JP-8, fuel, which is very similar to the industry standard Jet-A fuel used in commercial aircraft. They also ran one engine using a 50-50 blend of the two fuels.

The experiment's chief scientist, Bruce Anderson of NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia, said that in the engine that burned the biofuel, black carbon emissions were 90 percent less at idle and almost 60 percent less at takeoff thrust. Anderson added that the biofuel also produced much lower sulfate, organic aerosol, and hazardous emissions than the standard jet fuel. Researchers will spend the next several months comparing the results and drawing conclusions.

The recent test came a little more than two years after the same team used the same airplane to test two synthetic, or man-made, fuels derived from coal and natural gas. Researchers found that the synthetic fuels significantly reduced particulate emissions at all engine power settings and also saw some smaller reductions in gaseous emissions at certain engine operating conditions.

"NASA Dryden was excited to contribute to the study of alternative fuels for aviation use," said Frank Cutler, NASA's DC-8 flying laboratory project manager. "The results of these tests will tell us a lot about emissions generated by modern turbine aircraft engines using these fuels," Cutler said.

The test setup involved positioning the DC-8 at Dryden's Aircraft Operations Facility in Palmdale, Calif., surrounded by ground support equipment, emissions sensors, and test equipment trailers to house the researchers and observers.

The AAFEX tests in 2009 and this year were funded through NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate in Washington.

The experiments included investigators and consultants from private industry, other federal organizations, and academia. In all, 17 government, industry and academic organizations participated in the recent test.

View DC-8 Image Gallery

NASA Press Release

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Futuros Retos de la Aviación en Europa; Transporte Aéreo y Cielo único Europeo, SAE, 10 de Mayo, Madrid.

• Futuros retos de la aviación en Europa: Transporte Aéreo y cielo único europeo
• 10 de mayo de 2011
• Casa de América, Madrid (Plaza de Cibeles 2, 28014)

 
La asistencia a este acto es gratuita, se solicita  a ser posible una confirmación de asistencia. Para ello, deberá registrarse en el siguiente enlace; http://sociedadaeronautica.org/post2007282/futuros-retos-de-la-aviacion-en-europa:-transporte-aereo-y-cielo-unico-europeo  o bien remitir un e-mail, a la siguiente dirección: sae@sociedadaeronautica.org
 

 
Sr. Daniel Calleja, Director General de Industria y Empresa de la UE
(ex Director de Transporte Aéreo de la Comisión Europea)

Trayectoria:
10 mayo lateral.png

Daniel Calleja ocupa actualmente el cargo de director de la Dirección General de Industria y Empresa de la UE. Antes fue director de Transporte Aéreo de la Comisión Europea de noviembre de 2004 a febrero de 2011, a cargo del mercado aéreo único europeo y su dimensión exterior. También fue presidente del Comité de Seguridad Aérea y de SESAR.

Entre 1999 y 2004 fue jefe de Gabinete de la vicepresidenta de la Comisión Europea, Loyola de Palacio. Durante este periodo participó activamente en la elaboración de la política de transportes de la UE, en particular en la puesta en marcha del Libro Blanco del transporte, la creación de la Agencia Europea de la Seguridad Aérea (EASA) y el programa Galileo.

Entre 1995 y 1999, ocupó el pues de jefe de Gabinete de Marcelino Oreja, encargado de todos los asuntos institucionales y para las negociaciones del Tratado de Ámsterdam, en 1995, fue el asesor legal del Gabinete del Presidente de la Comisión Europea, responsable de Transportes,competencia, ayudas estatales y el control de la aplicación del Derecho comunitario.

Entre 1993 y 1994, asesoró al Comisario de Transportes en el ámbito de la liberalización de transporte aéreo, los casos de ayudas estatales relativos a la reestructuración de las compañías aéreas, la primera directiva sobre la asistencia en tierra, la aplicación del tercer paquete aéreo y la regulación de CRS.
Entre 1986 y 1993, fue miembro del Servicio Jurídico de la Comisión y representó a la institución en numerosos casos ante el Tribunal Europeo de Justicia.

La asistencia a es gratuíta. Se solicita, a ser posible, una confirmación de asistencia.

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UK Royal Air Force (RAF) fast jet pilot training is now more representative of flying front line aircraft than ever before thanks to engineers at BAE Systems

A software upgrade, referred to as Operational Capability 2 (OC2), is a significant and sophisticated enhancement to the existing software on the RAF’s Hawk TMk2. Designed and developed by BAE Systems engineers, work to install the new software upgrades on the Hawk TMk2 has commenced at RAF Valley, Anglesey. This work demonstrates the Company’s ability to support the RAF’s need for improved efficiency and capability enhancement.

The software provides the Hawk with simulated radar and sensor capability including: a radar warning receiver, defensive aids, and an enhanced weapons suite including medium range air-to-air missiles. With the new upgrade the aircraft can also simulate the threat posed by a sophisticated surface-to-air missile site. OC2 is fully integrated with mission planning and debrief systems, which allow the student pilot to plan, train and fly simulated missions using synthetic radar. The pilot can also carry out virtual operational manoeuvres to defeat threats using synthetic weapons.

The capability to generate a virtual training environment has long term benefits for the customer. It will enable the trainee pilot to train longer in a Hawk before moving their training to front line operational aircraft such as Tornado, Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II, better preparing the trainee pilots of the future at an affordable cost.

Wing Commander Brian Braid, Officer Commanding 19 Squadron, said: “The new TMk2 is an absolute step change in the way we can conduct our fast jet flying training. The pilots experience a totally different training environment. Now the navigating and flying is the easy part. The real challenge is trying to interpret the information and interact with the technology.

“The new Hawk was streets ahead of its predecessor even before the software upload, but with it the pilots are able to train almost exactly as they are on the front line. They could not be happier. It takes students a lot further down the training road and gives them something much more akin to a front line training experience.”

Video Clip Link – Interview with Wing Commander Brian Braid
http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/index.htm

Martin Rushton Senior Vice President Training Services & Solutions said: “The capabilities that the OC2 upgrade delivers make the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer stand out from other training aircraft. Armed forces are now able to have the confidence that their fast jet trainee pilots are trained to the highest standard at an affordable cost.”

Over 900 Hawk aircraft have been sold, or are on order to date and the aircraft is currently helping produce highly trained pilots across 25 countries. With 18 customers worldwide including Australia, Canada, South Africa, Bahrain, India and the UK Royal Air Force, the Hawk aircraft has been widely exported around the world.

PR

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NASA Awards Next Set Of Commercial Crew Development Agreements

WASHINGTON -- NASA has awarded four Space Act Agreements in the second round of the agency's Commercial Crew Development (CCDev2) effort. Each company will receive between $22 million and $92.3 million to advance commercial crew space transportation system concepts and mature the design and development of elements of their systems, such as launch vehicles and spacecraft.

The selectees for CCDev2 awards are:
-- Blue Origin, Kent, Wash., $22 million
-- Sierra Nevada Corporation, Louisville, Colo., $80 million
-- Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Hawthorne, Calif., $75 million
-- The Boeing Company, Houston, $92.3 million

"We're committed to safely transporting U.S. astronauts on American-made spacecraft and ending the outsourcing of this work to foreign governments," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "These agreements are significant milestones in NASA's plans to take advantage of American ingenuity to get to low-Earth orbit, so we can concentrate our resources on deep space exploration."

The goal of CCDev2 is to accelerate the availability of U.S. commercial crew transportation capabilities and reduce the gap in American human spaceflight capability. Through this activity, NASA also may be able to spur economic growth as potential new space markets are created.

Once developed, crew transportation capabilities could become available to commercial and government customers.

"The next American-flagged vehicle to carry our astronauts into space is going to be a U.S. commercial provider," said Ed Mango, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager. "The partnerships NASA is forming with industry will support the development of multiple American systems capable of providing future access to low-Earth orbit."

These awards are a continuation of NASA's CCDev initiatives, which began in 2009 to stimulate efforts within U.S. industry to develop and demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities. For more information about NASA's Commercial Crew Program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration


Copies of the Space Act Agreements are available at:
http://procurement.ksc.nasa.gov/index.htm

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Video: J20 Stealth Chinese fighter 2nd fling

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Boeing South Carolina site to operate as 100 percent renewable energy site

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCE&G) today announced an energy partnership that will enable Boeing South Carolina to operate as a 100 percent renewable energy site.

"This is an important announcement for Boeing and we're honored to share it with South Carolina Electric & Gas," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our 787 Dreamliner is manufactured using fewer hazardous materials and designed to consume less fuel, and produce fewer emissions. It only makes sense that our business operations in South Carolina reflect the environmental progressiveness of the airplane we'll build here."

Renewable energy will be generated at the North Charleston site in part with thin-film solar laminate panels owned, installed and maintained by SCE&G on the new Boeing 787 Final Assembly building roof. This solar installation will provide up to 2.6 megawatts of electrical power for the site, enough to power approximately 250 homes. The installation will be the largest in the Southeast by production capacity, and the sixth largest in the U.S.

"South Carolina Electric & Gas is pleased to partner with Boeing and provide the energy resources needed to meet their commitment to a 100 percent renewable energy site," said Kevin Marsh, president of SCE&G. "Customer service is one of our core values. We understand Boeing's business objectives and commitment to the environment and are delighted we can be a partner to provide this energy solution."

Under this arrangement, SCE&G will install the solar generation system and dedicate the power from the system to the Boeing site. SCE&G will then supplement the solar generated energy with power from its system resources, coupled with renewable energy certificates from its renewable generating facility, to meet all of Boeing's energy requirements.

"Our customers expect that Boeing's products and services be environmentally progressive, and our communities expect that we take credible actions to reduce our impact on the environment," said Mary Armstrong, vice president of Environment, Health and Safety for Boeing. "This partnership demonstrates that we share those priorities, and shows that it is possible to commit to renewable energy on a large scale."

For more information on this announcement and Boeing's environmental responsibility, see this video: http://goo.gl/nUCVk.


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Boeing Introduces More Capable, Lower Cost Flight Simulator Hardware

Simulated Electronic Flight Bag to improve quality and reliability of flight training

ORLANDO, Fla., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) is introducing simulated Electronic Flight Bag (simEFB) hardware for flight simulator training devices at the World Aviation Training Conference and Tradeshow (WATS) this week in Orlando, Fla.

The new hardware will enhance the quality and efficiency of flight training for Boeing Next-Generation 737 and 777 models. Compared to an airplane component, simEFB hardware uploads customized data faster, is purchased and maintained at a lower cost and includes all elements and systems required for training.

"Because we've always been at the forefront of EFB training, we have the industry knowledge and technical expertise to create ground-breaking solutions such as simEFB," said Len Weber, chief operating officer, Boeing Training & Flight Services. "Our simEFB is specifically designed to handle the rigors of simulator operations, to improve the reliability of training devices and the quality of the training experience."

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has qualified the installation of simEFB on Next-Generation 737 and 777 training devices at Boeing's Seattle training campus. In accordance with European technical requirements, the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has qualified a simEFB-equipped Boeing Next-Generation 737 simulator at Boeing's Gatwick, U.K., training campus.

In addition to offering a simulated EFB solution for flight training devices, Boeing continues to provide the hardware and installation for airplane component EFB solutions for the Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777.

Boeing offers a comprehensive portfolio of pilot, crew and maintenance training products and services to deliver safe and efficient operations for more than 400 customers around the world, at 18 campuses on six continents with more than 80 full-flight simulators. In addition to training, Boeing Flight Services provides integrated solutions for navigation, flight planning and scheduling, airport technology, air traffic management, inflight optimization and fuel efficiency consulting.

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Honeywell T-Hawk Aids Fukushima Daiichi Disaster Recovery

PHOENIX, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell's (NYSE: HON) T-Hawk Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) is helping emergency workers at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility get up-close video and photos inside the plant as they work to limit further radiation releases.

Three Honeywell employees, trained to fly the unmanned T-Hawks remotely, have flown five successful missions and captured hours of video and dozens of photos of the nuclear reactor. The four T-Hawks in service at Fukushima Daiichi have been adapted to carry radiation sensors.

"On behalf of all of us at Honeywell, our hearts go out to the people of Japan, particularly those who have suffered as a result of the earthquake and tsunami that damaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and surrounding areas," said Tim Mahoney, president and chief executive officer of Honeywell Aerospace. "At Honeywell, we are proud of our commitment to safety and security, and we are grateful that our technologies can be deployed now to help the people of Japan in this historic time of need."

Currently deployed in war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, the T-Hawk features unique hover-and-stare capability that enables pilots to hold it in one place and zoom in on features inside the damaged reactors while the T-Hawk sends live video and still images back to recovery workers. The T-Hawk also is capable of sending live in-flight video feeds to help workers focus on critical areas and adjust direction mid-flight. Pilots can control T-Hawk cameras to alter angles and get better views of damaged equipment. Just 14 inches in diameter, the T-Hawk can be flown into tight spaces where humans and other aircraft cannot go.

"The T-Hawk reminds us that innovative technologies initially created for defense purposes can find crucial roles in humanitarian and disaster recovery efforts," Mahoney said.

Weighing just 17 pounds, the T-Hawk is a ducted-fan vertical takeoff and landing air vehicle originally designed in conjunction with a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) program. Pilots can determine manual or autonomous flight paths from up to six miles away for up to 40 minutes at a time.

The T-Hawk is a proven force multiplier in Afghanistan and Iraq, where systems have been averaging more than six hours of flight time a day. The T-Hawk is used in Afghanistan for route clearance, infantry assault, and explosive ordnance disposal missions, where, together with its similar work in Iraq, it has cumulatively flown more than 17,000 hours. The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence also deploys the T-Hawk for combat missions in Afghanistan and trains with the T-Hawk in Afghanistan and Jordan. The T-Hawk is currently being tested for urban use by the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.



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"Zeppelin" Argus One UAV Completes Initial Flight Testing

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL--(Marketwire - Apr 19, 2011) - Sanswire Corp. (OTCBB: SNSR), a developer of lighter-than-air unmanned aerial vehicles ("UAVs") and related technologies, announced today that its Argus One UAV has successfully completed its initial series of flight tests to an altitude of 500 feet. The restricted, low altitude flight tests were conducted under tower control at Easton Airport by its technical partner, Eastcor Engineering.

The initial series of flight tests involved aerodynamic assessments of the Argus One's new airship design, its envelope and stability and propulsion systems. The Argus One airship made a number of controlled ascents and descents and was flown both with and without its engine running to evaluate the airship's handling and stability characteristics. At all times during these initial tests, the airship was tethered to the ground to comply with currently applicable regulations and for safety reasons. Control of the Argus One's systems was accomplished during the flight tests by wireless line of sight digital signaling. Subsequent tests of the Argus One in Easton, MD will, among other things, evaluate the electronic flight attitude control systems, autopilot and vehicle control interfaces, sensor command and control, data exfiltration and a new propulsion system with a more powerful engine. This series of low altitude flight testing in Maryland is designed to prepare the Argus One for its upcoming flight tests at the U.S. Army's proving ground facility in Yuma, AZ where higher altitude, untethered flight testing will commence. Once the Argus One airship design has been proven in these controlled tests, the Company expects to file for an experimental license from the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") that will enable the Company to perform more wide scale testing of its airship.

Additionally, Sanswire Corp. announced today that it has changed its corporate name to World Surveillance Group Inc. ("WSGI"). The new name reflects the Company's intention to focus on providing enhanced global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ("ISR") and monitoring services following its recently executed letter of intent to acquire satellite based tracking firm, Global Telesat Corp. ("GTC"). WSGI has been issued a new CUSIP number by Standard and Poor's and has requested a new stock ticker symbol, which it expects FINRA to assign in the near future. The Company will continue trading on The OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the ticker SNSR until it receives its new stock symbol from FINRA. In connection with its name change and the Company's new focus and direction, the Company is unveiling a new website www.wsgi.com which includes pictures and videos of the Argus One test flights in Maryland.

Glenn Estrella, President and CEO of WSGI stated, "We are very excited by the performance of the Argus One in its initial test flights and plan to continue testing in Maryland in preparation for higher altitude, less restricted testing next month in Yuma. Each new test allows us to advance the development of our airship and we continue to believe the Argus One UAV will be able to deliver capabilities that are currently in strong demand in the marketplace today at acquisition and operating costs that makes the Argus One attractive to both government and commercial customers." Mr. Estrella added, "We look forward to working with our partners to continue the development, demonstration and commercialization of our Argus One airship."

Michael K. Clark, the Company's Chairman of the Board, added, "In connection with our desire to acquire GTC and the combined company's expected focus on providing global ISR and monitoring services through its integrated product offerings, we decided to change our corporate name to reflect the Company's new mission. We have redesigned our corporate website to more fully showcase the advances the Company has made and its new direction."

About World Surveillance Group Inc.

World Surveillance Group Inc. (OTCBB: SNSR) designs, develops, markets and sells autonomous, lighter-than-air UAVs capable of carrying payloads that provide persistent security and/or wireless communications solutions at low, mid, and high altitudes. WSGI's airships, when integrated with electronics systems and other high technology payloads, are designed for use by government-related and commercial entities that require real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance or communications support for military, homeland defense, border control, drug interdiction, natural disaster relief and maritime missions. For more information regarding WSGI, please visit www.wsgi.com, or view our reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on http://www.sec.gov.

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Eurocopter entrega la unidad número 1.000 de su helicóptero Dauphin a la empresa india Pawan Hans Helicopters

Marignane (Francia), 19 de abril de 2011

Hoy se entregó la unidad número 1.000 de la familia de helicópteros Dauphin a la empresa india Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited, el mayor operador civil de esta aeronave de alas rotatorias bimotor y categoría media.

El aparato de Pawan Hans que marca este hito es una versión AS365 N3, configurada para misiones de prospección de petróleo y gas en alta mar, y eleva a 35 la cifra de Dauphin presentes en la flota de este operador.

El Dauphin es bien conocido por su característica silueta, en la que el morro del aparato evoca la forma de un delfín. Desde la década de los 70, los Dauphin han prestado servicio a unos 300 clientes de 69 países y han acumulado un total combinado de más de 5,1 millones de horas de vuelo. Los helicópteros, que se utilizan en una gama completa de operaciones en tierra y mar, se han labrado toda una reputación por sus aptitudes, rentabilidad, sencillez de operación y
seguridad de vuelo. Desde 1981 el Dauphin existe también en versión militar, el AS565 Panther.

Para conmemorar los veinticinco años a los que se remonta la colaboración de Eurocopter con su cliente clave en la India asistieron a la entrega de hoy Lutz Bertling, Presidente y Consejero Delegado de Eurocopter y Sanjiv Bahl, Director Ejecutivo de Pawan Hans. También estuvo presente Joseph Saporito, Vicepresidente Ejecutivo de Eurocopter para Programas Comerciales.

"La entrega del milésimo Dauphin es un momento de histórica importancia para Eurocopter y resulta especialmente apropiado que estemos compartiendo este acto con Pawan Hans, que es el operador civil de referencia de este helicóptero tan capaz", declaró Bertling. "Eurocopter está plenamente comprometida con sostener el continuado éxito de Pawan Hans: parte de ese esfuerzo es precisamente la creación de nuestra filial Eurocopter India, y el refuerzo de nuestra
red de servicios en aquel país".

Pawan Hans es el principal cliente de Eurocopter en la India y opera la mayor flota de aparatos Eurocopter del país. Los aparatos se utilizan para transportar personal a las plataformas en alta mar, en vuelos de puente aéreo entre barcazas de prospección, para llevar a altos cargos del Estado y VIP, y en servicios turísticos chárter.

"El Eurocopter Dauphin, que nos ha servido satisfactoriamente durante 25 años, se adapta perfectamente a nuestras necesidades", dijo Sanjiv Bahl. "Contamos con el Dauphin para nuestro crecimiento futuro, ya que la versión N3 ofrece un buen rendimiento operacional en términos de velocidad, potencia de largo alcance, reducción de los niveles sonoros y confort para los pasajeros. Además hemos adquirido significativas competencias operacionales en términos de operaciones y mantenimiento de la serie Dauphin, con los talleres de vanguardia de Mumbai. Tenemos pilotos con mucha experiencia y personal técnico especializado que cumplen con nuestros estrictos estándares de seguridad y consiguen una gran disponibilidad de la flota y un excelente estado de funcionamiento. Los Dauphin son hoy el emblema de nuestra flota por su larga y fiable trayectoria de operaciones mar adentro y en tierra. Estaremos encantados de confiar en el know-how y en el soporte de Eurocopter para crear servicios de MRO en India y para ofrecer a nuestros clientes la mejor relación calidad/precio".

La flota Dauphin de Pawan Hans cuenta con más de 375.000 horas de vuelo y con un índice de disponibilidad superior al 80 por ciento. Además de sus propias operaciones, la compañía tiene un acuerdo con Eurocopter para la creación de unas instalaciones MRO (mantenimiento, revisión y reparación) en la India para dar servicio a los helicópteros Dauphin.

"El Dauphin es toda una historia de éxito y ha contribuido de forma directa a nuestra posición de liderazgo en la fabricación de aeronaves de alas rotatorias," dijo Saporito. "Es también una imagen representativa de la política de innovación continua de la compañía que incluye el uso del rotor carenado Fenestron, el cual ofrece unos niveles de seguridad en operación considerablemente mayores y mejor control de vuelo, además de menores niveles sonoros y vibraciones".

Entre los hitos y logros de este helicóptero se encuentran su récord de velocidad de 372 km/h, obtenido en noviembre de 1991 a lo largo de un circuito de tres kilómetros; la utilización operativa del Dauphin en circunstancias extremas, entre las que se encuentran las misiones de rescate por parte de la U.S. Coast Guard tras el huracán Katrina, en 2005; y el transporte de VIP y jefes del Estado, como la Primera Ministra india Indira Gandhi.

La familia Dauphin ha integrado mejoras a lo largo de los años para satisfacer las demandas de un mercado en constante evolución. Su versión más reciente, el AS365 N3e/AS565 MBe, proporcionará un elevado rendimiento incluso a gran altitud y altas temperaturas, e incorpora nuevas tecnologías y sistemas. Las entregas de esta versión se han previsto para finales de 2013. Sus principales mejoras son la introducción de los motores Arriel 2N con controles FADEC (Control Digital del Motor con Plena Autoridad) de doble canal, el uso de la caja principal de transmisión del EC155 de Eurocopter, la incorporación de una nueva cabeza de rotor Starflex y la aplicación de un mástil reforzado en el rotor principal. Tales cambios proporcionarán un aumento en potencia del 15%, lo que redundará en unas mejores prestaciones, un aumento considerable de la carga útil –la masa máxima al despegue es ahora del 4,5 toneladas– y menores costes de mantenimiento y utilización.

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Lockheed Martin Delivers First F-35 Full Mission Simulator to Eglin Air Force Base

Orlando, April 18th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] marked the delivery of the first F-35 Lightning II Full Mission Simulator (FMS) system to Eglin Air Force Base's 33rd Fighter Wing. Preparation and assembly is underway at the base's F-35 Integrated Training Center (ITC) for training to commence this fall.

The Joint Strike Fighter FMS includes a high-fidelity 360-degree visual display system and a reconfigurable cockpit that simulates all three aircraft variants for U.S. and international partner services. The system is the highest fidelity trainer in the F-35 pilot-training-device suite, accurately replicating all F-35 sensors and weapons deployment.

"JSF training technology brings a revolutionary new capability to the joint services," said Col. Arthur Tomassetti, 33rd Fighter Wing Vice Commander. "The smooth surface, high-resolution dome is a dramatic improvement over legacy fighter simulators. The high visual acuity and utilization of a significant amount of real aircraft parts and source code will allow us to train a wide variety of mission tasks previously not accomplished in simulators. The F-35 FMS will be our primary pilot training device, and we are anxious to start putting it to good use."

In all F-35 simulators, actual aircraft software is used to give pilots the most realistic experience and allow software upgrades in step with the F-35 development. Small group training events with pilot and maintenance instructors are currently being held at the ITC using maintenance, desktop and mission trainers.

"This is a tremendous milestone for the F-35 training team," said Joanne Puglisi, director of F-35 Training and Support at Lockheed Martin Global Training and Logistics. "We are committed to providing the next generation of F-35 fighter pilots and maintainers with the most advanced training systems in the world. The FMS is a key component in that capability."    

The fully-integrated F-35 pilot-and-maintenance training center at Eglin AFB, Fla., will be home to a full spectrum of the latest courseware, electronic classrooms, simulators and flight events. A balance of skill and knowledge training is woven into the program with interactive courseware, desktop simulators and high-fidelity training devices.

PR

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Northrop Grumman T-38 Talon Honored for 50 Years of Service

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., April 18, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On March 17, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) joined representatives of the U.S. Air Force in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first delivery of the T-38 Talon trainer aircraft.

At an event held at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas, the Northrop Grumman-built aircraft was lauded for its longevity, performance and reliability as the primary training aircraft for generations of Air Force pilots.

Northrop Grumman produced 1,187 T-38s between 1959 and 1972, the year the production program ended. Approximately half of those aircraft remain in service today with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA and air forces around the world. Since 1961, more than 70,000 Air Force pilots have earned their wings in the T-38. The average T-38 has flown 15,000 hours, and the high-time aircraft has flown 19,000 hours.

Northrop Grumman has continued to maintain the aircraft, producing replacement wings and new structural components to extend the service life of the platform.

"The word 'icon' should not be used lightly, but that word simply and accurately describes the Northrop Grumman T-38 Talon," said Duke Dufresne, sector vice president and general manager of the Strike and Surveillance Systems Division of Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "It's an honor to stand with the U.S. Air Force as the company that designed, built and continues to service the T-38. This aircraft's unparalleled history and ongoing importance speak volumes about its quality, and the fact that so many of the world's finest pilots trained on the T-38 is a legacy to be proud of."

PR

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Tecnam presenta en la Feria de Friedrichshafen 3 modelos de avión,y consigue 42 pedidos

P2012 Traveller

Twenty-Ten de cuatro plazas

P92 Eaglet G3 con motor Lycoming.

• El fabricante italiano sale de la Feria Aero 2011 con un éxito arrollador al cerrar los primeros pedidos del nuevo avión P2012 Traveller, que fue presentado junto con el P92 Eaglet, y el P Twenty-Ten.

Madrid,  18 de Abril de 2011.- La Feria Aero 2011, una de las más importantes del sector de la aviación general, celebrada en la ciudad alemana de Friedrichshafen, será recordada por los visitantes como la Feria de Tecnam, no sólo por el número de metros cuadrados que albergaba su exposición, sino por el éxito recaudado. El fabricante italiano aprovechó la feria alemana para presentar tres nuevos modelos que han revolucionado el mercado. Por un lado la presentación más importante y con la que ha creado una expectación mundial, el nuevo bimotor de once plazas, P2012 Traveller, del que se han realizado los primeros pedidos. El Tecnam P2012 Traveller se podrá ver por primera vez en servicio, como un avión de pasajeros, pero ha sido diseñado para ser una plataforma aérea muy versátil y flexible, que ofrece muchas oportunidades incluyendo las opciones de ser avión de carga, VIP, paracaidismo y servicios de evacuación médica.

Además la nueva versión del afamado P92, el Eaglet G3, con un nuevo acabado, y motor Lycoming de 115 cv.,  despertaron el interés de los asistentes. La entrada en servicio, el próximo septiembre a un precio muy atractivo, desde 68.794 €. Por último la nueva versión de cuatro plazas del P2010, denominado P Twenty-Ten, equipado con un motor IO-360MIA y con un fuselaje de fibra de carbono y alas de metal, «el nuevo avión ha sido diseñado para introducir un nuevo avión de cuatro plazas en la línea de producción que normalmente Tecnam ha sido de dos plazas, cubriendo así, parte del mercado que los seguidores de Tecnam demandaban», afirmó Paolo Pascale, Director General de Tecnam. La certificación y entrada en servicio está planificada para Noviembre de 2012, y su precio ronda los 182.250 €.

Al cierre de la Feria, se han llegado a confirmar 42 pedidos de clientes de distintas regiones del mundo, siendo 2 pedidos del P2012, 30 aviones del P2010, 3 P92, 4 P2008, y 3 P2006. Estos datos demuestran la estabilidad del fabricante transalpino, y consolidan a Tecnam como la marca internacional más elegida en la aviación general, debido sobretodo por la excelente relación calidad- consumo- precio, así como por la seguridad e innovación que ofrecen todos sus modelos.



Sobre Tecnam

Tecnam Aviation fue fundada en 1986 por los hermanos Pascale. La empresa cuenta con dos plantas de fabricación en Italia. Una de 11.000 metros cuadrados cerca del Aeropuerto Internacional de Nápoles, en Capodichino, y otra de 12.000 metros cuadrados en Capua, en el Aeropuerto Oreste Salomone.

La red de distribución de aviones Tecnam incluye distribuidores en los países extranjeros, Dedalus Aircraft (www.dedalusaircraft.es) es la compañía distribuidora en España.

Los aviones Tecnam que se fabrican actualmente ofrecen una diversa gama de opciones ajustadas para cada cliente. Tienen configuración de asientos para dos o cuatro ocupantes, y utilizan en la mayoría de los casos el motor Rotax 912S de 100 cv. Además es un avión muy versátil que permite ser una herramienta excepcional para la enseñanza, ideales como avión escuela, tal y como demuestra la demanda de modelos como el P92 o el P2002.

NdP

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