Nuevas soluciones energéticas en la Aviación: Los biocombustibles. Madrid, 2 de Noviembre de 2011

El transporte aéreo se enfrenta a un continuo crecimiento y expansión internacional donde el combustible es un factor clave para su desarrollo y viabilidad. Por otro lado, los precios del petróleo continúan incrementándose a la vez que se trata de un bien escaso donde es necesario buscar alternativas a medio plazo. Por ello, la industria investiga en nuevos combustibles que permitan obtener energía para propulsar a las aeronaves por otros medio más sostenibles y con capacidad de alternativa a los actuales.

Un consorcio empresarial formado por AlgaEnergy (entre cuyos accionistas se encuentran Repsol e Iberdrola), Aena e Iberia, en colaboración con el Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) y el Ministerio de Fomento pone en marcha una plataforma tecnológica de experimentación de microalgas instalada junto a la T4 del aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas para desarrollar una investigación y patente del CSIC para la producción de biomasa a partir de la que pueden obtener biocarburantes mediante cultivos de microalgas. También, se tratará la iniciativa española de bioqueroseno que coordina SENASA y la investigación en algas que ayudarán al desarrollo de nuevos desarrollos energéticos.

- ¿Por qué el futuro de la aviación depende de los biocombustibles?
- Contribución española al Flight Path 2020 europeo hacia el bioqueroseno.
- Cultivo de algas unicelulares y cultivos oleaginosos para bioqueroseno.
- Investigación para la industrialización de las microalgas como productoras de biocombustibles

 

 

Agenda

18:00 h.

D. Manuel Acero

Presidencia e inauguración.

 

18:15h.

D. José Manuel Hesse Martín:

¿Por qué el futuro de la aviación depende de los biocombustibles?

 

18:45h.

D. César Velarde Catolfi-Salvoni:

Contribución española al Flight Path 2020 europeo hacia el bioqueroseno

 

19:15 h.

D. José María Durant Altisent:

Cultivo de algas unicelulares y cultivos oleaginosos para bioqueroseno.

 

19:45h.

D. Juan Luis Mato Rodríguez,

D. Bernardo Llamas Moya,

Investigación para la industrialización de las microalgas como productoras de biocombustibles.

 

20:15 h.

Preguntas y debate.

 

 

ORGANIZADA POR:

• El Comité I+D+i del IIE y el
• Colegio Oficial de Ingenieros
• Aeronáuticos de España
• Madrid, 2 de Noviembre de 2011
• 18:00 Horas
• Salón de Actos del I.I.E. General Arrando, 38. 28010 Madrid

 

PRESIDENCIA E INAUGURACIÓN:

• D. Manuel Acero, Presidente del Instituto de la Ingeniería de España.
• D. Felipe Navío Berzosa, Decano y Presidente del COIAE/AIAE.
• Dña. Eva María Novoa Rojas, Presidenta del Comité I+D+i del IIE

 

 

MODERADOR:

• D. Alejandro Ibrahim Perera, Secretario del COIAE/AIAE

 

 

PONENTES:

• D. José Manuel Hesse Martín, Director de Medio Ambiente de AENA Aeropuertos.
• D. César Velarde Catolfi-Salvoni, Director del Observatorio de la Sostenibilidad en la Aviación (OBSA), SENASA.
• D. José María Durant Altisent, Catedrático de Producción Vegetal de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.
• D. Juan Luis Mato Rodríguez, Vicepresidente de Algaenergy.
• D. Bernardo Llamas Moya, Director de I+D de Algaenergy.

Read more...

Electro-magnetic aircraft catapult for aircraft carrier testet with a Hawkeye

EMALS electro-magnetic aircraft catapult shore site launches an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AWACS plane, as it widens its aircraft compatibility testing. EMALS will equip the new USS Gerald R. Ford super-carrier, replacing the Nimitz Class' steam catapults.

Read more...

X-47B UCAS First Cruise Flight

Musical revue of the first "cruise" flight of the U.S. Navy's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstration aircraft. During this flight, conducted Sept. 30, 2011 flight, the aircraft's landing gear was raised and lowered for the first time, a key milestone in the envelope expansion phase of flight testing. The X-47B was designed, developed and produced by Northrop Grumman, the leader in unmanned systems.

Read more...

Boeing Reports Third-Quarter Results and Raises 2011 EPS Guidance

• Earnings per share of $1.46 reported on revenue of $17.7 billion
• Backlog grew to $332 billion, including $26 billion in orders during the quarter
• Operating cash flow of $0.4 billion reflects continued investment in development programs and $0.5 billion of pension funding
• Cash and marketable securities of $9.2 billion provide strong liquidity
• 2011 earnings per share guidance increased to between $4.30 and $4.40 per share on strong core performance across businesses 

Full summary here

Read more...

Boeing, Embraer and Sao Paulo Research Foundation to Lead Aviation Biofuels Program in Brazil

SAO PAULO, Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA), Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) and the Sao Paulo State Research Foundation (FAPESP) today announced plans to collaborate on long-term aviation biofuels-related research and development, a move that represents another major step toward the creation of a sustainable aviation biofuels industry in Brazil. Azul, GOL, TAM and Trip airlines will be strategic advisors in the program.

 

As a result of an agreement signed today, Boeing, Embraer and FAPESP are leading the development of a detailed report outlining the unique opportunities and challenges of creating a cost-effective, bio-derived, and sustainable jet-fuel production and distribution industry in Brazil. When completed in late 2012, the report, which will include a technology and sustainability roadmap, will be made public.

 

The study will be guided by a series of public workshops during 2012 with input from a wide range of stakeholders, as well as a strategic advisory board, which will give the project wide-ranging guidance and institutional support. Members will include airlines, fuel producers and suppliers, environmental experts, community groups, and government agencies.

 

The study will frame the creation of a sustainable aviation biofuels research center in Brazil. This center will be jointly funded by FAPESP and industry in order to drive a long-term research agenda for the development of aviation biofuels technology in Brazil. A special call for proposals by FAPESP to establish this center is expected to follow the initial study phase. The mission of the center will be to close the technical, commercial, and sustainability gaps needed to enable the creation of this new aviation fuel supply chain in Brazil.

 

"The partnership with Boeing and Embraer brings a new level of FAPESP efforts to foster research partnerships between universities and companies in Sao Paulo," said Suely Vilela, member of FAPESP's board of directors. "The research center will be created through public selection, according to FAPESP's Research, Innovation and Diffusion Centers, which aim to establish long-term advanced core research that results in innovation."

 

"Brazil already has shown global leadership in developing biofuels for ground transportation," said Donna Hrinak, president of Boeing Brazil. "Bringing together people from throughout Brazil who possess the leadership and expertise to create new, low-carbon energy sources for aviation is the right thing to do for our industry, for our customers, for Brazil, and for future generations."

 

"Embraer is proud of the role it has always played in the growth of Brazil's technological knowledge base and making our country ever more attractive, not only as a market but also as an innovation platform," said Mauro Kern, Embraer's executive vice president, Engineering and Technology. "Biofuel development has long been a focus of ours in other partnerships, and this new program will add substance to those efforts, especially because of FAPESP's participation."

 

Boeing and Embraer are focused on creating sustainable aviation biofuels produced from renewable resources that do not drive food competition in vulnerable regions by competing with land and water resources. Both companies are bringing together agricultural interests, academic researchers, environmental experts, refiners and aerospace companies around the globe to establish local infrastructure needed to develop a sustainable and economically viable biofuels industry.

 

In 2008, FAPESP announced a broad research program in bioenergy (BIOEN), through which the foundation supports more than 300 biomass and biofuels production scientists from Brazil and 11 other countries, as well as students and post-doctoral researchers.

 

Since 2008, flight tests conducted by airlines and military operators show that biofuels perform as well as or better than kerosene-based jet fuel.

 

 

Read more...

Airbus President and CEO calls for a global aviation vision

Setting the tone at this month's SAE Aerotech 2011 Congress and Exhibition in Toulouse, France, Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders delivered an opening address that underscored the importance of a "truly global vision" for the air transport industry's future.

 

26 October 2011

Enders, who was this biennial event's honorary chairman, said such an approach would allow the aviation industry to align its efforts and focus on using resources to bring significant improvements for airlines and passengers.

 

Airbus hosted this four-day congress and exhibition – the first SAE Aerotech event held outside of the U.S. -- which was based on the theme: "'Eco-efficient Innovation Leading the Future of Aviation" and brought together thousands of professionals from the global aerospace community to discuss current and future industry challenges, opportunities, systems and more.

 

During his keynote speech, Enders also called for shorter aircraft development times and more design flexibility to better respond to airlines' needs, and posed the question: "What about simple robust solutions that would give us plug-and-play planes that could evolve much more quickly in line with customer demands?"

 

To reinforce this point, he cited the example of United Airlines, which recently stated that introducing an iPad tablet device into the cockpits of its aircraft fleet could save 16 million sheets of paper and 300,000 gallons of fuel annually. "They want savings and solutions now, so why would they wait a decade for us to integrate them?" Enders asked rhetorically.

 

The SAE Aerotech 2011 Congress and Exhibition featured a busy technical programme with 405 presentations on eco-efficient technologies that could help shape the future of aviation, along with a speech by Airbus' head of engineering Charles Champion.

 

Delegates attending the event also were given guided tours of Airbus manufacturing and testing facilities in the Toulouse area, including its aircraft assembly lines, simulators and iron bird test benches.

 

The SAE Aerotech event was organised by SAE International, a global association of more than 128,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries.

 

Read more...

Eurocopter comienza la construcción de sus nuevas instalaciones de producción de aeroestructuras y componentes en el estado mexicano de Querétaro

Eurocopter comienza la construcción de sus nuevas instalaciones de producción de aeroestructuras y componentes en el estado mexicano de Querétaro (Ref. P1020289, © Copyright cumbredenegocios).

 

 

 

La celebración del acto de colocación de la primera piedra, que tuvo lugar ayer, marca el inicio oficial de la construcción de la nueva planta de fabricación de Eurocopter en Querétaro (México), que se encargará de producir partes y componentes aeronáuticos.

 

Querétaro (México),  26 octubre 2011

 

Estas instalaciones, situadas en el Parque Aero-tecnológico adyacente al Aeropuerto Internacional de Querétaro, se dedicarán a la producción y ensamblaje de componentes de helicópteros y aeronaves, tales como conos de cola, estabilizadores verticales y estructuras para puertas. Las instalaciones incluirán una zona de taller para el corte, fresado, prensado, tratamiento de superficies y ensamblaje de componentes individuales y subconjuntos, así como un nuevo centro de mantenimiento de referencia para Eurocopter.

 

"Eurocopter no cesa de buscar oportunidades para mejorar su cadena de suministro mundial y en Querétaro hemos encontrado un entorno industrial atractivo con una disponibilidad de mano de obra cualificada ya existente" declaró Serge Durand, Director General de Eurocopter de México, durante la ceremonia de hoy. "Creemos firmemente en el éxito de estas nuevas instalaciones. Estos componentes de alta tecnología se integrarán en la cadena de suministro europea de Eurocopter." Está previsto que la nueva planta esté lista para comenzar a entregar producto a finales de 2012.

 

"La inversión inicial de Eurocopter en estas instalaciones es el equivalente aproximado de 100 millones de dólares," explicó el Vicepresidente Ejecutivo de Eurocopter, Dieter John. "A largo plazo, México se beneficiará de inversiones que alcanzarán los 550 millones de dólares, impulsadas por el desarrollo de las actividades de la nueva de la planta de Querétaro, así como por el crecimiento general de las actividades de Eurocopter de México y la previsible llegada a la zona, de proveedores y subcontratistas adicionales".

 

La construcción de estas nuevas instalaciones representa una ampliación de la red industrial mundial de Eurocopter, que se apoya en la transferencia tecnológica para impulsar el desarrollo regional de competencias de alto nivel.

 

"Me siento feliz de participar en la ceremonia de colocación de la primera piedra de este nuevo emplazamiento industrial que contribuirá a hacer de Querétaro un verdadero clúster de la aeronáutica", expresó Tonatiuh Salinas Muñoz, Secretario de Desarrollo Sustentable del Estado de Querétaro. "La Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro va a desempeñar, sin duda, un papel fundamental en la formación de una parte importante de la futura plantilla de esta planta, que se espera que llegue a las 180 personas en 2015".

 

La ceremonia, que incluyó la colocación simbólica de la primera piedra por parte de un helicóptero, fue retransmitida vía satélite a los dirigentes mexicanos, a la delegación de Eurocopter y al público asistente al Foro Económico, que se celebraba en el Centro de congresos de Querétaro.

 

Expresando su satisfacción por la presencia industrial de Eurocopter en Querétaro, Frederic García, Director General de EADS en México, señaló que la nueva instalación se inscribía en la visión global de EADS, participando de forma significativa al desarrollo de la industria aeronáutica mexicana.

 

 

 

 

Read more...

Video: 1st Comercial fligth of DreamLiner. Take off from Narita

Read more...

Royal Saudi Air Force starts flight training on the A330 MRTT with Airbus Militar

Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) crews started flight training on their first A330 MRTT with Airbus Military instructors at the Airbus Military Getafe facilities in Spain yesterday 25th October

This will allow the crews to qualify for Air Logistic Transport and Air-to-Air Refueling with pods and boom.

Col Pilote Mashhour Bin Abdallah AL BURIKAN, RSAF A330 MRTT 13th Flying Wing Commander, and Lt Pilote Khaled Bin Abdallah AL MAJED, whose picture was taken inside the RSAF A330 MRTT cockpit, and the rest of the RSAF Aircrew will be training with Airbus Military over the next two months.

Delivery of the first A330 MRTT to the RSAF will take place mid November 2011. Next RSAF MRTT aircraft deliveries are scheduled for 2012.

Read more...

Boeing Delivers US Navy's 12th C-40A Derivative Aircraft:Modified Boeing 737-700 will be used for troop and cargo transport

WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 25, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the 12th C-40A aircraft to the U.S. Navy on Oct. 21. The Boeing 737-700 derivative was modified at the company's Wichita facility for troop and cargo transport missions.

Boeing and Navy representatives marked the milestone with a ceremonial "passing of the key" at the Wichita facility before the aircraft departed for its home base at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego.

"The C-40A combines Boeing Commercial Airplanes' best-selling 737 with Boeing Defense, Space & Security's modification expertise," said Steve Wade, general manager of Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems. "This aircraft increases the Navy's capability for rapid response worldwide, and we're looking forward to continuing to enhance the fleet with as many aircraft as the Navy requires."

"The global reach and persistent presence of forward-stationed and rotational naval forces is made possible by Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift, and the fuel-efficient C-40A delivers this important capability reliably and at a lower cost," said Rear Adm. Bryan Cutchen, Deputy Chief of Navy Reserve. "This new aircraft will help the Navy meet our current challenges today and helps us build a relevant and capable future force."

Read more...

TAM finalizes order for 32 A320 Family aircraft, including 22 A320neo

Biggest Airbus operator in Southern Hemisphere adds most eco-efficient aircraft to its fleet
20 OCTOBER 2011
PRESS RELEASE

TAM Airlines, Brazil’s largest airline has finalized a purchase agreement for 32 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft, comprising of 22 A320neo and 10 A320 Family aircraft. The order follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed last February. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date.

“Fuel efficient aircraft are key to our fuel conservation program and to our contribution to the industry’s CO2 emissions reduction,” said José Zaidan Maluf, Contracts and Supply Vice President of TAM Airlines. “As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our operational efficiency, these new A320s will allow us to keep a young fleet, reduce costs and further improve our environmental performance.”
                                                                                           
“We are very proud that our long-time customer and one of the largest A320 Family operators will be among the first customers to benefit from the A320neo’s increased capabilities, including a 15 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions”, said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With more than 1,200 commitments in less than a year, the A320neo has proven to be a phenomenon for the short -to medium-haul segment that is not only good for business, but also for the environment.”

To date, TAM has ordered over 200 Airbus aircraft, including 27 A350-900, and operates nearly 150 Airbus aircraft to 43 destinations within Brazil and 18 destinations throughout Europe, the United States and South America. The airline, which turned 35 this year, is among the largest A320 Family operators, with 125 in total, including 30 A319s, 86 A320s and nine A321s
Over 7,900 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and more than 4,800 delivered to some 340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, while this aircraft also has considerably a smaller noise footprint.

Read more...

A350 XWB horizontal tailplane assembled by Airbus in Getafe (Spain)

Airbus has started the assembly of the first A350 XWB’s horizontal taiplane (HTP) in Getafe (Spain). The joining of the two lateral boxes will produce the 17 metre span primary structure of the HTP.

Structural assembly will continue over the coming weeks, followed by the installation of the unit’s electric and hydraulic systems. Once the assembly and equipping work is finished, the HTP will be flown by Airbus’ Beluga transport aircraft to the Final Assembly Line in Toulouse (France).

PR & Photo

Read more...

Malaysia Airlines’ First A380 takes off from Toulouse for its maiden flight

A380 cabin installation and aircraft painting will be carried out in Hamburg

Blagnac,  21 October 2011

The first A380 for Malaysia Airlines (MAS) took off for its maiden flight on 20th October after completion of the final assembly and system tests in Toulouse, France.

After a successful flight of five hours, the aircraft returned to Toulouse to be prepared for its next journey to the Airbus facilities in Hamburg, Germany for cabin installation and painting.

Powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, the aircraft is the first of six A380s ordered by Malaysia Airlines, scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2012. Malaysia Airlines will be the 8th airline to operate the A380.

Read more...

Boeing Delivers No. 300 of Its Best-Selling 777

EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing's (NYSE: BA) best-selling 777, the 777-300ER (extended range), has surpassed 300 deliveries with an Oct. 21 delivery to first-time customer Biman Bangladesh.

As of Sept. 30, 2011, the 777-300ER has 543 orders; the 777 program (all models) has received a total of 1,288 orders and the program has a backlog of 325 orders.

"Introduced into service in 2005, the 777-300ER is the best seller for a reason," said Larry Loftis, 777 vice president and general manager. "It is distinguished by its fuel efficiency, award-winning cabin interior, range – it can fly point to point bypassing crowded hub airports – and its commonality with the Boeing 767 and 787."
The 777-300ER has been ordered by 37 customers around the globe. Twenty-seven customers now operate the 777-300ER; 10 additional customers will take delivery of their first 777-300ERs through 2014.

Approximately 35 percent of the 777-300ER was changed from earlier 777 models. Each wing was extended by 6.5 feet (1.98 m) by adding raked wingtips, which reduce takeoff field length, increase climb performance and reduce fuel burn.

The body, wing, empennage and nose gear of the airplanes were strengthened and new main landing gear, wheels, tires and brakes were installed. New semi-levered landing gear permits takeoffs on shorter runways.
The struts and nacelles were modified to accommodate the significantly higher-thrust engines. The airplanes are powered exclusively by the General Electric GE90-115BL engine, the world's largest and most powerful commercial jet engine, producing 115,300 pounds (512 kn) of thrust.

"The newest generation of the 777 delivers exceptional value," Loftis said. "It is consistently ranked at the top of operator and investor polls, and the 777 generates more revenue, providing more payload and range capability while setting the standard for twin-aisle reliability.

"As the leader in the 300- to 400-seat market with nine out of the world's top 10 airlines flying the 777, Boeing will continue to lead the market by incorporating new technology and innovations to improve operating costs, airplane performance and the passenger experience," Loftis said.

Boeing's updated Current Market Outlook forecasts the twin-aisle market as the fastest-growing segment of the market over the next 20 years with a demand for 7,000 new airplanes in the 777 and 787 size range.

Read more...

Completado con éxito el lanzamiento de Soyuz y de los dos primeros satélites Galileo desde el Puerto Espacial Europeo

21 octubre 2011
Press release

PR 29 2011 – La primera pareja de satélites del sistema de navegación europeo Galileo ha sido puesta en órbita hoy por el primer lanzador ruso Soyuz en despegar desde el Puerto Espacial Europeo en la Guayana Francesa, en una misión histórica.

El vuelo VS01 de Soyuz, operado por Arianespace, comenzó con el despegue desde el nuevo complejo de lanzamiento en la Guayana Francesa a las 10:30 GMT (12:30 CEST) del viernes 21 de octubre.
Todas las etapas del lanzador funcionaron a la perfección y la etapa superior Fregat-MT liberó a los satélites en su órbita objetivo, a 23 222 km de altitud, 3 horas y 49 minutos después del despegue.
“Este lanzamiento representa mucho para Europa: hemos puesto en órbita los primeros dos satélites de Galileo, un sistema que posicionará a nuestro continente en primera división en el campo estratégico de la navegación por satélite, un campo con grandes perspectivas económicas”, declaró Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General de la ESA.  

	IOV satellites ejected from Fregat upper stage

“Por otra parte, este primer lanzamiento de un sistema completamente europeo fue realizado por el legendario lanzador ruso que se utilizó en su día para poner en órbita al Sputnik o para llevar a Yuri Gagarin al espacio, un lanzador que, a partir de ahora, también operará desde el Puerto Espacial Europeo”.
“Este lanzamiento consolida el papel crucial de Europa en la cooperación espacial a nivel global”.
“Nada de esto hubiera sido posible sin la visión y el compromiso de los Estados miembros de la ESA”.
Este ha sido el primer Soyuz en despegar desde un cosmódromo que no sea Baikonur en Kazajstán o Plesetsk en Rusia.
El complejo de lanzamiento de Soyuz en la Guayana Francesa, operado por Arianespace, añade flexibilidad y competitividad a la flota de lanzadores europeos.
Soyuz es un vehículo de clase intermedia, cuyas prestaciones complementan las de los lanzadores de la ESA: Ariane 5 se encarga de las cargas más pesadas, y el nuevo Vega, cuyo vuelo inaugural está previsto para principios del año que viene, pondrá en órbita los satélites más pequeños.
Al lanzar desde cerca del ecuador, la versión europea de Soyuz ofrece mejores prestaciones: desde la Guayana Francesa, Soyuz pude poner en órbita de transferencia geoestacionaria (GTO) hasta 3 toneladas, un incremento sustancial comparado con las 1.7 toneladas que es capaz de lanzar desde Baikonur.
Los dos satélites Galileo a bordo del Soyuz forman parte de la fase de Validación en Órbita (IOV), que permitirá poner a prueba los segmentos espacial, terreno y de usuario del sistema Galileo antes del lanzamiento de los 26 satélites restantes que completarán la constelación.
 

Galileo for satnav

Los satélites ya están siendo controlados por un equipo conjunto de la ESA y de la agencia espacial francesa CNES desde Toulouse, Francia. Serán sometidos a 90 días de pruebas antes de entrar oficialmente en servicio en la fase IOV.
Los próximos dos satélites de la constelación Galileo, con los que se completará el cuarteto IOV, serán lanzados a mediados de 2012.

Read more...

F-15 Silent Eagle Promotional Video for South Korea

Read more...

Eurocopter stands ready to provide the appropriate platforms for future defense needs of the Republic of Korea

Seoul, 19 October 2011
In a strong signal of its capacity and capability to provide for South Korea's defense needs, Eurocopter indicates its interest in participating in the two Request for Proposals (RFPs) likely to be issued in 2012, proposing the Panther platform for the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH) program and the Tiger for the Heavy Attack Helicopter (AH-X) program.

"These programs represent a key part of our long-term strategy in South Korea," said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. "For the LAH program, we will once again support Korea Aerospace Industries in the competition, ensuring the continued development of the country's aerospace industry and defense capability.

"As for the AH-X program, the Tiger's modern state-of-the-art technology is undisputed, and it has certainly proven its operational capability and reliability in Afghanistan and Lybya, making it the best helicopter to meet the RoK's requirements," added Bertling.

Panther platform for Light Attack Helicopter program
In supporting KAI in the light attack helicopters (LAH) program, Eurocopter is proposing the Panther, the military variant of Eurocopter's renowned Dauphin, as the ideal baseline platform for LAH development. The LAH program calls for a light aircraft in the 4.5 metric ton class with a seating capacity of 6-8.

With a background of over 1,000 Dauphin/Panther produced and the vast experience this type has of effective operations in the most demanding conditions, it offers a de-risked platform which, in its latest evolution, has the most modern avionics, engines and systems to give outstanding battle-winning performance. It is a high speed, maneuverable, discreet and powerful asset.

Developed to RoK military requirements by KAI, the Panther will give world-beating performance in a proven airframe with worldwide support.

Tiger for the AH-X
In the expected request for proposals (RFP) for 36 heavy attack helicopters (AH-X), Eurocopter is preparing to present its state-of-the-art support and attack helicopter – Tiger.

Tiger is the ideal aircraft for the RoK's heavy attack helicopter requirement. It is a true multi-role combat helicopter and an essential asset in any operational theatre. With a record of outstanding operations in Close Combat Attack missions and as escort for Utility and Assault Helicopters, Tiger is a modern, combat proven system offering unmatched performance, effectiveness, availability and support. Tiger has now set the standards against which all other heavy attack helicopters are measured.

With a total of 75 helicopters delivered so far (as at 31 August 2011), the Tiger fleet has clocked around 30,000 flight hours.

Three Tigers have been continuously deployed by the French Army in Afghanistan since July 2009, and users' feedback has been excellent, both regarding performance and maintainability. The Tiger showed a very high level of availability (more than 90%) and has logged approximately 2,100 flight hours, out of which 25% were performed at night.

Read more...

WORKSHOP SEEKS MORE BRAZILIAN COMPANIES FOR KC-390 PROGRAM

Event highlights opportunities for Brazilian aerospace supply chain


PR
​São José dos Campos – SP, Brazil, October 20, 2011 – Around 80 Brazilian companies from the Brazilian aerospace cluster participated in the KC-390 Workshop, held yesterday by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Embraer Defense and Security presented short and medium-range opportunities to potential suppliers of the military transport and refueling jet being developed for the Brazilian Air Force.

The workshop’s main objective was to stimulate more Brazilian companies to participate in the bidding process as suppliers of parts, components, systems and services for the KC-390. The Nationalization Index of the aircraft, as calculated according to the criteria of the Brazilian Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES), is estimated to be 60%, or as much as 80%, if the engines, which represent about one-third of the total cost of the aircraft and for which there is no Brazilian manufacturer, are not taken into consideration.

“The mobilization and strengthening of the entire national production chain, aligned with the government’s priorities reflected in the National Defense Strategy and in the new Bigger Brazil Plan (Plano Brasil Maior), have been the focus of the Brazilian Air Force and Embraer since the beginning of this program,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President of Embraer Defense and Security. “With the support of a number of public and private agencies, there are several joint efforts to stimulate and facilitate the participation of Brazilian companies as suppliers of the KC-390.”

The event was held in the Technological Center of São José dos Campos, and was attended by the Brazilian Industrial Development Agency (ABDI), BNDES, the Brazilian Innovation Agency FINEP, the Industrial Foment and Coordination Institute (IFI). The Association of Aerospace Industries of Brazil (AIAB) and the Center for Competitiveness and Innovation of Eastern São Paulo (CECOMPI) also participated. The meeting also sought to urge companies to pursue partnerships with suppliers from other countries that have already begun working with Embraer Defense and Security in the program.

The KC-390 is the largest airplane ever built by the Brazilian aeronautics industry, and it will set a new standard for medium-sized military transport aircraft, in terms of performance, payload, and advanced mission and flight systems, such as fly-by-wire. The development program is an important opportunity for improving the technological readiness level of the Nation’s companies that plan to become Embraer suppliers, or subcontractors of foreign suppliers that have already been selected.

Read more...

Boeing 737 Program Begins Production at Higher Rate

 RENTON, Wash., Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) began building the first Next-Generation 737 at the program's new production rate of 35 airplanes a month. The rate is increasing from 31.5 airplanes a month to meet worldwide market demand for the best-selling single-aisle airplane.

Today employees loaded chords and webs manufactured by the Boeing Fabrication division into the company's newest automated spar assembly tool, the first visible step in the final assembly of the airplane. The parts were then joined to make a spar, the main support structure for the wings.

"The start of spar assembly today demonstrates the progress the 737 team has made," said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. "This is part of the series of rate increases to meet customer demand for the most popular airplane in aviation history."

Boeing has taken a three-fold approach to prepare for the rate increases on the 737 program. The company is making production processes more efficient by working with employee process improvement teams, increasing the production capacity with capital investments such as a new wings system installation line in the Renton factory and making the site footprint more efficient by moving some production areas, expanding others and decommissioning outdated equipment.

The automated spar assembly tool used to build the first spar is the ninth such machine at the Renton factory, drilling about 1,700 holes and inserting fasteners to make the spar. The tool increases the 737's wing-building capacity and is an example of one of many facilities changes happening at the Renton site to increase capacity and prepare for rate increases.

The 737 production rate will increase to 38 airplanes a month in the second quarter of 2013 and to 42 airplanes a month in the first half of 2014.

 

Read more...

Eurocopter reinforces its commitment to strengthen the Republic of Korea’s aerospace industry, and highlights the Surion and its naval derivative

Seoul, 18 October 2011
At the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2011, Eurocopter will be showcasing a 1/10 scale model of the Surion at the EADS stand (Hall D, stand no. D12). Surion is a program that has reinforced Eurocopter's commitment to the Republic of Korea, with various entities set up to further its potential, and even a naval derivative to be developed to meet the Navy's needs.

Eurocopter has been supporting Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), who is the producer of the Surion, as a primary partner in the Korea Utility Helicopter (KUH) program. To ensure its full support, Eurocopter has set up a full-fledged subsidiary, KHDS, to provide technical assistance for the program since 2006.

In January 2011, Eurocopter and KAI then set up a joint venture, KAI-EC, for the marketing and sales of the Surion for the export market, projecting a sales volume of about 250-300 units worldwide in the next 10 years.

"South Korea has been our customer for over 30 years, and it has always been one of our key markets in Asia," stated Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. "We have also enjoyed a very fruitful partnership with KAI over the years, as can be seen in the success of the Surion program whose development phase has been outstandingly on time. Together with KAI, we will help to fuel the growth of the country's aerospace industry by developing indigenous products that will have great export value."
Surion is Korea's first military transport helicopter to be produced by KAI, and the South Korean government officially appointed Eurocopter as its primary partner in December 2005.

Surion is an 8.7 metric ton helicopter which can carry 2 pilots and 16 troops (or 2 pilots plus 2 crew and 9 troops). 245 units of the Surion will be manufactured from 2011, to replace the Republic of Korea (RoK) Army's ageing fleet of utility and transport helicopters.
The 6-year KUH development phase ran from 2006 to 2011 and it has successfully completed the initial flight test on March 2010, with the first Surion scheduled to be delivered in the third quarter of 2012. Eurocopter's role is to provide technical assistance and to supply the gear boxes, rotor masts, transmission and autopilot subassemblies for the helicopter.

KNH is the Surion naval derivative proposed for the RoK Navy. It is being developed by KAI in partnership with Eurocopter and Elbit, using their extensive specialist experience, as the ideal aircraft for the RoK Navy and other modern naval or maritime forces. KNH offers the best, high capability, naval warfare performance available today against the most sophisticated submarine and surface threats in a package which is fully compatible with light frigates and other escorts.

KNH is versatile, flexible and can be re-configured very rapidly for new roles while embarked. Its state-of-the-art avionics are future-proofed to permit the aircraft to adapt to new roles, tasks or threats. The standard equipment fit and spacious cabin that easily carries full boarding teams, make it an ideal aircraft that meets the needs of Maritime Security worldwide.

In addition to the Surion, two other military helicopter models will also be showcased at the exhibition – AS565 Panther and Tiger. Together, the three models represent very important current and future programs that Eurocopter is looking to participate in, as South Korea steps up its development of the aerospace industry and defense capability.

Read more...

Boeing Forecasts $200 Billion Market for 1,250 New Airplanes in Northeast Asia

Korea’s commercial aviation set for growth - strong demand for twin-aisle airplanes

SEOUL, Oct. 18, 2011 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] projects 1,250 new airplanes will be delivered to Northeast Asian carriers valued at approximately US $200 billion over the next 20 years.

“The combined effect of liberalization and rapid economic growth is driving passenger traffic in the region,” said Randy Tinseth, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Marketing. “In Korea, Incheon International Airport serves as a major hub in the region and the Korean peninsula is perfectly situated between Japan and China – allowing it to continue as a gateway to key markets in Asia.”

Tinseth shared the company’s market data and forecast for Northeast Asia’s commercial airplane market and gave reporters a tour of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

“Air travel in Northeast Asia is expected to grow moderately at 4.3 percent annually over the next 20 years,” Tinseth said. “Korea’s dynamic economy as well as the nation’s thirst for air travel will fuel growth for the region.”

Two-thirds of Northeast Asia’s projected 1,250 airplane deliveries will be for growth. With more than 110 aircraft already on order, the airlines of Korea are truly poised for grow. Taking into account airplanes set to retire, the fleet in Northeast Asia will increase from 690 airplanes today to 1,520 in 2030.

Northeast Asia is a big market for twin aisle and large aircraft. These aircraft account for about 45 percent of the region’s demand for aircraft in terms of units and almost 70 percent in terms of value.  Airplanes such as Boeing’s 787, 777 and 747-8 are ideally suited to meet this market demand. In fact, all of these aircraft are on order by the airlines of Korea. These aircraft offer unsurpassed efficiency, compelling economics, longer range and a superior passenger experience.

Boeing also forecasts single-aisle jetliners will account for 46 percent of new airplane deliveries to the region. The demand for single-aisle airplanes is driven by the growing number of low-cost carriers providing intra- and inter-regional service.

Tinseth said single-aisle airplanes like the Next-Generation Boeing 737 and 737 MAX will continue to draw strong demand from this important market segment.

More information on the Northeast Asia market forecast can be found at:http://www.boeing.com/commercial/cmo/northeast_asia.html

Read more...

A350 XWB’s Trent engine rolls-out for initial flight tests

Airbus has completed installation of the first Rolls-Royce Trent XWB flight-test engine on the A380 “flying-testbed” aircraft (MSN 001). The aircraft is depicted here at Airbus’ Jean-Luc Lagardère site in Toulouse where the engine was mounted. The aircraft and engine will now be prepared for the flight-test campaign commencing in the coming weeks.

The Trent XWB engine, which is the largest Rolls-Royce turbofan with a 118-inch diameter fan, has been specially designed to power all members of the new Airbus A350 XWB Family with maximum efficiency.

PR

Read more...

Eurofighter delivers to the Spanish Air Force the Typhoon nr. 300

The 300th Eurofighter Typhoon produced by the four partner companies of the European consortium, was delivered today by Cassidian to the Spanish Air Force, Ejercito del Aire. This milestone makes the Eurofighter Typhoon the only new generation multi-role aircraft to reach the impressive figure of 300 examples in service.

The Eurofighter Typhoons – developed and manufactured by Cassidian in Germany and Spain, BAE Systems in the UK and Alenia Aeronautica in Italy - are now in service across the globe with 16 units in six air forces replacing 11 aircraft types. This confirms Eurofighter as not only the best performing multi-role aircraft available on the world market but also the most effective and best value solution to meet the air defence requirements of air forces and nations worldwide.

To date, the fleet has completed over 130,000 flying hours with well above average operational availability and unmatched operational performance which was demonstrated recently during operations over Libya.

Eurofighter Typhoon is the aircraft of choice for the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Austrian Air Forces.

The event coincides with the Seoul Air Show 2011 where Eurofighter is exhibiting its capabilities to support the campaign for the FX-III acquisition project where the South Korean Defence Ministry is seeking to purchase some 60 next-generation fighters with the target of having them delivered for operational service in 2016.

Enzo Casolini, Eurofighter GmbH CEO, said: “Today’s milestone is another important example of how successful this joint European consortium is. The programme, the largest industrial collaboration in Europe, is a shining example of what can be achieved through cooperation, bringing together European capabilities; securing thousands of long-term jobs and generating a positive economic impact for the customer nations”.

PR

Read more...

Lockheed Martin Delivers First F-35 Weapons Load Training System to Eglin Air Force Base

ORLANDO, Fla., October 17, 2011, October 17th, 2011 --  

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] delivered and installed the first weapons load training device at the F-35 integrated pilot-and-maintenance training center (ITC) at Eglin Air Force Base’s 33rd Fighter Wing.

Configured in all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II, the system allows maintenance students to hone their skills loading munitions, fuel tanks and missile systems onto the aircraft. The system is the first of up to five possible weapons load trainers to be delivered to the ITC.

Designed to be identical to the F-35 aircraft, the weapons load training simulators enable training to take place without removing aircraft from the flight schedule. As part of F-35 maintainer training, the systems will complement classroom academics and additional hands-on experience.

“We are focused on delivering an agile training capability to the newest crop of fifth-generation pilots and maintainers,” said Joanne Puglisi, director of F-35 training and support at Lockheed Martin’s Global Training and Logistics business. “By tailoring devices and sharing resources across the training domain, we will provide even greater affordability for the services and our F-35 partner countries.”  

This is the latest step in final preparation of the F-35 ITC. Earlier this year, the first two F-35 full mission simulators were installed, joining the aircraft systems maintenance trainer, the ejection seat maintenance trainer, the mission rehearsal trainer and pilot training aids. The full mission simulator system is the highest fidelity trainer in the F-35 pilot-training-device suite, accurately replicating all F-35 sensors and weapons deployment.

The F-35 ITC at Eglin AFB will be home to 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.

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.

Read more...

Cessna Announces 'Game-Changing' Citation Latitude

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 10, 2011 — Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, introduced the new Citation Latitude mid-size business jet this morning at the start of the 64th NBAA Annual Meeting and Convention. This is Cessna’s second new product announcement in the past 14 days; the company launched the Citation M2 light business jet on Sept. 26.

With space for a crew of two plus up to eight passengers, the Citation Latitude features Garmin G5000 avionics and a clean-sheet, 84-inch fuselage for a 6-foot high, flat floor passenger cabin.

“The Citation Latitude is a game-changer for the mid-size segment, offering the payload, speed and range the market requires with an unmatched cabin experience at this price point,” said Brad Thress, senior vice president, Cessna Business Jets.

Positioned between the Citation XLS+ and Citation Sovereign in Cessna’s product line, the Citation Latitude offers a full fuel payload of 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms), a maximum cruise speed of 442 knots true airspeed (819 kilometers per hour) and a range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 kilometers). The aircraft is priced at $14.9 million in 2011 USD.

Preliminary specifications project the aircraft will operate at airports with runways as short as 3,900 feet (1,189 meters), will have a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) and will climb direct to 43,000 feet (13,106 meters) in 23 minutes. First flight of the Citation Latitude prototype is expected to be mid-year 2014, with FAA certification (Part 25) and entry into service expected in 2015.

“Our team used extensive market research to configure the Citation Latitude and the results are seen from nose to tail and from wingtip to wingtip on the Latitude’s swept wing,” Thress said. “Nowhere is the Latitude’s uniqueness more visible than inside the cabin.”

From just behind the cockpit through the rear lavatory, a flat floor provides stand-up access throughout the 16-plus foot cabin. The main passenger cabin — Cessna’s widest in history — is 77 inches wide (1.95 meters) with a height of 72 inches (1.83 meters). The standard seating arrangement accommodates passengers in a single-club with a forward, dual side-facing couch. Six pedestal seats track forward and aft 7 inches (.18 m) and laterally 4 inches (.10 m) on the seat base with 180 degree swiveling capability and infinite recline positions. Cabin-length indirect LED lighting is provided overhead in the passenger service units with variable adjustment for direct reading lights and more.

“The requirements for business travel have evolved to more than comfort and convenience; the use of innovative technology is key to providing a more efficient and productive aircraft cabin, which is critical to meeting expectations of a fully functioning work environment,” said Cindy Halsey, Cessna vice president, Interior Design, Engineering and Development. “Through our new ClairityTM cabin technology system, we have an intuitive user interface to offer customers a ‘smart’ airplane for the ultimate connectivity experience.”

Developed by Cessna in partnership with Dallas-based Heads Up Technologies, Clairity is an intelligent cabin technology solution that ties into the aircraft avionics systems and can integrate cabin electrical systems and data and communication sharing through a fiber optic backbone controlled through either an intuitive touch-screen user interface at each seat or the customer’s personal electronic device.

The Citation Latitude’s cockpit is anchored by the new, fully integrated Garmin G5000 system that centers on three 14-inch LCD primary and multifunction displays and four touch-screen control panels. It includes an integrated Flight Director/Autopilot and Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS). Among the standard features of the new system are a pilot-vehicle touch-screen interface, TCAS II with Change 7.1, Synthetic Vision Technology, electronic charts, Garmin’s SafeTaxi, a dual flight management system with WAAS LPV and RNP, solid-state weather radar with turbulence detection and vertical scan capability, integrated terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), ADS-B Out and Link 2000+ data link. Options include satellite weather and an ICAO Type 1A flight data recorder.

A cabin mock-up of the new Citation Latitude is on display through Wednesday at Cessna’s exhibit (Booth #C9044) in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

High-resolution images:
Citation Latitude in-flight horizontal rendering
Citation Latitude in-flight vertical rendering
Citation Latitude hangar rendering
Citation Latitude cockpit photo
Citation Latitude forward-aft interior photo
Citation Latitude aft-forward interior photo

Read more...

Cessna Citation CJ2+ Gains World Speed Record

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 11, 2011 — The National Aeronautic Association today presented a world speed record to Eric Norber for a flight from Reykjavik, Iceland, to London in July in a Cessna Citation CJ2+. The speed record — 2:48:14 — was over a recognized course for a jet aircraft between 3,000 and 6,000 kilograms (FAI code C, C-1, e, III).

The presentation took place at the Cessna exhibit at the 64th NBAA Annual Meeting and Convention taking place here this week.

Norber is president of ELJ Aviation, a jet management company based in Sanford, Fla., operating the Citation CJ2+ and a Citation Mustang.

The Citation CJ2+ is part of the CJ family of light business jets from Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company. The CJ2+ holds six passengers in the main cabin and has a 1,600-nautical mile range and a top speed of 418 knots.

Read more...

Boeing to Showcase Partnerships and Innovation Capabilities at Seoul Air Show

Korea debut of 787 Dreamliner, F-15 Silent Eagle technology and AH-6i

SEOUL, Korea, Oct. 13, 2011 – The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will highlight its leading-edge commercial and defense technologies and capabilities – including the Korea debut of the 787 Dreamliner, F-15 Silent Eagle and the AH-6i light attack  reconnaissance helicopter – at the 2011 Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition.

The super-efficient Dreamliner will take center stage at this year's show for Korean 787 customers and suppliers, such as Korean Air and Korea Aerospace Industries.

“Boeing’s presence at the Seoul Air Show underscores our longstanding support for the Republic of Korea’s armed forces and our strong relationship with the country’s airlines,” said Pat Gaines, president of Boeing Korea. “I am proud that our partnership with Korea goes back more than 60 years and that we have been able to help advance the competitiveness of Korea’s aerospace industry.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ exhibit will focus on a number of key products including the 787-9 Dreamliner, 747-8 Intercontinental passenger jet and 747-8 Freighter, as well as the new 737 MAX – Boeing’s newest member of its commercial airplane family.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security will showcase the next generation cockpit for the F-15 Silent Eagle multirole fighter – the first public showing of the aircraft’s cockpit systems. Additionally, there will be a 3D interactive display of the Silent Eagle’s multimission capabilities. The AH-64D Apache combat helicopter, CH-47 Chinook helicopter, 737 Airborne Early Warning & Control "Peace Eye" aircraft and other network-centric systems will round out Boeing’s defense products on display.

Boeing will hold a media briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 2:30 p.m. Seoul time with Mike Burke, director of Global Strike Rotorcraft Business Development, who  will provide updates on Boeing's AH-64 Apache focused on the status of the new AH-64D Apache Block III aircraft and the new AH-6i light attack/reconnaissance helicopter program that is gaining international interest. Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ vice president of Marketing Randy Tinseth will present the company’s 20-year commercial market forecast for Korea on Tuesday Oct. 18, from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westin Chosun Hotel.

The 787 Dreamliner will be available for scheduled media tours on Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Seoul time.
The show’s flying demonstrations will feature the new F-15K Slam Eagle, the most advanced fighter jet in service with the Republic of Korea Air Force; the U.S. Army’s multirole AH-64D Apache; and the U.S. Air Force’s versatile C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. The AH-6i and Republic of Korea Air Force Chinook will be on static display.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. The company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.

Read more...

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Makes Korea Debut at 2011 Seoul Air Show

SEOUL, Oct. 17, 2011 – Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] 787 Dreamliner today made its Korea debut at the 2011 Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition taking place at Seongnam Airport in Seoul.
The super-efficient Dreamliner is poised to become the main attraction at this year's show for Korean 787 customers and suppliers, such as Korean Air and Korea Aerospace Industries.

Read more...

Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney announce new partnership to develop next generation engines for mid-size aircraft and restructuring of IAE collaboration

Wednesday, 12 October 2011

New joint venture with Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney to develop new engines for future generation mid-size aircraft
Pratt & Whitney to purchase Rolls-Royce share of International Aero Engines (IAE)
1. New Joint Venture
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, and Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company, are pleased to announce an agreement to form a new partnership to power future mid-size aircraft (120 – 230 passenger aircraft).  The two companies will establish a joint venture company, in which each will hold an equal share, to develop new engines for the next generation of aircraft that will replace the existing mid-size fleet.  The new venture will draw on the most advanced technology from two world-class companies to drive enhanced performance for this fast growing segment in which worldwide demand for around 20,000 new aircraft (or nearly 45,000 engines) is predicted over the next 20 years.

This new joint venture will focus on high bypass ratio geared turbofan™ technology.  In addition, the venture will collaborate on future studies for next generation propulsion systems, including advanced geared engines, open rotor technology and other advanced configurations.

The new collaboration brings together complementary technological resources and is designed to offer the best, most competitive response to customer demand for the next generation powerplant in the mid-size segment. The collaboration could bring about significant value for customers as both parties are able to benefit from each other’s strengths.

The new joint venture between Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce also benefits from the success of the V2500 and the PurePower® engine in establishing a broad customer base.  It builds on the long-standing and successful partnership between Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce in the mid-size segment.   Japanese Aero Engine Corporation (JAEC) and MTU Aero Engines (MTU), partners of IAE and the PurePower® PW1100G-JM (Geared Turbofan™) programme for the Airbus A320 New Engine Option (neo), also intend to join the new collaboration.

2. Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney restructure IAE participation
As well as establishing the new partnership, Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney will restructure their participation in IAE, which produces the V2500 engine for the A320 family of aircraft. Under the terms of the agreement Rolls-Royce will sell its equity and programme shares in IAE to Pratt & Whitney for $1.5 billion and in addition receive an agreed payment for each hour flown by the current installed fleet of V2500-powered aircraft for fifteen years from completion of the transaction.

Under the continuing leadership of Pratt & Whitney, JAEC, and MTU, IAE will continue to deliver the same high-quality product and customer support without interruption.   Rolls-Royce remains committed to IAE and its customers and will continue to be responsible for the manufacture of high-pressure compressors, fan blades and discs as well as the provision of engineering support and final assembly of 50 per cent of V2500 engines.

Since its creation almost thirty years ago IAE has become a major force in international aviation with approximately 4,500 V2500 engines in service and approximately 2,000 on order.

“Today’s announcement charts a clear course for the future of Rolls-Royce in the important mid-size aircraft segment” said Mark King, President - Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce. “We are building on many years of successful collaboration with Pratt & Whitney in this segment to develop advanced aero engines, which we are confident will set new standards in aviation technology, performance and fuel efficiency.”

“These agreements position Pratt & Whitney, JAEC, MTU and IAE to best serve the needs of their customers for all of the A320 aircraft family”, said Todd Kallman, President, Commercial Engines and Global Services, Pratt and Whitney. “We are delighted to collaborate with Rolls-Royce, with its complementary capabilities, as we look forward to the next generation of aircraft engines that will offer even greater operational and environmental benefits.”

In addition, Rolls-Royce will make a modest financial investment in the PurePower® PW1100G-JM (Geared Turbofan™) engine for the Airbus A320 New Engine Option (neo) programme.

These transactions are subject to various closing conditions including regulatory approvals.

3. Financial implications for Rolls-Royce
These transactions are not expected to have a significant impact on the 2011 trading performance nor the financial guidance provided for 2011, as last updated with the Group’s half yearly results on 29 July 2011.

Looking forward, the restructuring of our involvement in IAE will produce a number of important effects on trading performance. These include net cash proceeds of circa $1.5bn subject to some working capital adjustments when the transactions complete, and improvements in the trading performance over coming years.  The cash proceeds will be retained for general corporate purposes. The effect of these transactions on Civil Aerospace will be to improve trading profitability over the next few years, with the full year improvement in operating profits expected to be more than £140m in the first year, with a slowly diminishing contribution in successive years depending on the utilisation of the current V2500 fleet. Overall the majority of value to Rolls-Royce will be derived from flight hour payments due over the next fifteen years.

Read more...

Additional certification high altitude trails of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 completed

October 12, 2011, Moscow — The Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft successfully went through additional certification trials on expanding operational conditions at the high altitude airports. Trials involved SSJ100 flight prototype MSN95004 and took place in the airport of Toluca, Mexico, from 14 to 30 September 2011. The airport is located at the altitude of 2,580 meters over the sea level. The aircraft came back to airfield of Zhukovsky, Moscow Region, Russia, on October 10, 2011.

Extensive ground and flight tests proved the proper functioning of the aircraft systems, equipment, engines and APU and confirmed declared takeoff and landing aircraft performances.

In Toluca the SSJ100 aircraft was also shown to the president and management of Interjet Airlines of Mexico which ordered 15 such aircraft in January 2011.

The report on the additional high altitude trials is being completed. It will be submitted to the Aviation Register of the Interstate Aviation Committee to get Supplement to the SSJ100 Type Certificate.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) is a 100 seat regional jet designed, developed and built by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC), in partnership with Alenia Aeronautica. On May 19th 2008 SSJ100 successfully accomplished its first flight. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 cruises at a Maximum Operating Speed of Mach 0.81 and 40.000 feet. It takes off from a 1.731 meters runway in the basic range and 2.052 meters in the long range. The operating range for the basic version is 3.048 km and 4.578 km for the long range version. In February 2011, the SSJ100 obtained the Type Certificate by the Russian Certification Authority IAC AR. The EASA certification is expected to follow in 2011. On April 19th 2011 first production SSJ100 was delivered to Armavia airlines (Armenia). There are currently three SSJ100s in service with Armavia and Aeroflot.

Read more...

Airbus Military reconocida como Empresa Innovadora del año 2011

13-10-11

La Asociación de Parques Científicos y Tecnológicos de España (APTE), con apoyo del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, entrega hoy a Airbus Military el Premio Sello Innovación 2011 en la categoría de Mejor Empresa.
Este galardón reconoce las aportaciones realizadas por la compañía en materia de I+D, el capital humano que emplea en este ámbito, así como el impacto económico que generan las innovaciones desarrolladas en el seno de Airbus
Military.

Entre  éstas  destaca especialmente el  demostrador  C295 AEW (Airborne Early Warning), una nueva versión de la versátil y exitosa plataforma C295. Este nuevo modelo, un avión de alerta temprana que será capaz de detectar otros aviones que se encuentren en un radio de 400 kilómetros, se presentó en París el pasado junio durante el Salón Aeronáutico de Le Bourget. La nanotecnología es otro de los ámbitos en los que Airbus Military  lleva a cabo una línea de investigación. Su objetivo es mejorar la conductividad eléctrica de estructuras de fibra de carbono.

Otros proyectos de innovación en los que trabaja la compañía son  la búsqueda de un método que permita consolidar materiales compuestos sin necesidad de autoclave; la tercera generación del sistema de verificación en tierra de los sistemas instalados en un avión; un demostrador de realidad aumentada para ayudar a los operarios en el proceso de montaje de aviones; o el proyecto Digital Factory, que supondrá un salto tecnológico en la gestión y ayuda al montaje final de aviones.

Read more...

Air France and Airbus undertake green commercial flight

Flight CO2 emissions halved
Blagnac,  13 October 2011

Air France and Airbus have completed the world’s greenest commercial flight by combining the latest fuel and air traffic management technologies. The flight from Toulouse-Blagnac to Paris-Orly using an Airbus A321 has been able to demonstrate the cutting in half of CO2 emitted compared to a regular flight.

The (AF6129) commercial flight combined for the first time the use of bio-fuels (50 per cent in each engine), optimised air traffic management (ATM) and efficient Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) to minimise CO2 emissions.

Combining these technologies helped half the overall CO2 emissions to 54 grams per passenger and kilometre. This is equivalent to a fuel efficiency of 2.2 litres of fuel per passenger and 100 Kilometres.

“We are proud of the success achieved by this innovative project, which is a synthesis of our many initiatives in the area of sustainable development. This fully-optimised green flight is another proof of Air France’s commitment to combine air transport growth with controlled CO2 emissions.” said Bertrand Lebel, Air France Executive Vice President Organisation and Corporate Social Responsability.

“This flight is the perfect example of Airbus global approach towards continuously reducing aviation’s CO2 footprint” said Andrea Debbane, Airbus Head Environmental Affairs. “This is not just a bio-fuel flight but the first flight that really puts into practice elements in the Airbus roadmap: bio-fuels, optimised ATM, green navigation.”

Bio-fuel is one solution for reducing overall CO2 emissions. Airbus’ alternative fuel strategy is to speed up its commercialisation through sustainable bio-fuel value chains. Thanks to several test flights and collaboration with the fuels standards bodies (ASTM and DefStan), today the use of 50 per cent bio-fuel blends are authorised in commercial flights.

A more efficient ATM system could also help reduce the amount of fuel burned by aircraft and therefore the CO2 emitted. Airbus strongly supports the streamlining of ATM and has launched a new subsidiary company, called “Airbus ProSky”, dedicated to the development and support of modern air traffic management (ATM) systems to achieve the highest operational efficiencies with more direct routings resulting in around 10 percent less aircraft fuel consumption, as well as significant reductions in CO2 and noise emissions.

CDA is becoming more widespread as a way to reduce fuel burn. During a CDA procedure, the aircraft descends continuously, avoiding level flight prior to the final approach and requires significantly less engine thrust and therefore less fuel burn.

Read more...

British Prime Minister opens new Airbus wing factory for A350 XWB

Aircraft programme will support over 6,000 jobs across the UK
Blagnac,  13 October 2011

The British Prime Minister, the Rt Hon David Cameron, officially opened Airbus’ new £400 million wing factory in Wales this afternoon, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility which will assemble the wings for Airbus’ advanced new A350 XWB long-range aircraft family.

The Prime Minister joined hundreds of guests and Airbus employees to unveil the giant, environmentally friendly Airbus North Factory at Broughton, Flintshire where 650 people will eventually work. Bigger than Wembley Stadium, it is one of the largest manufacturing facilities to be built in the UK in recent years and will produce high-tech carbon fibre ‘composite’ wings for the A350 XWB.

The A350 XWB programme will support over 1,200 jobs in the Airbus sites at Filton and Broughton and over 5,000 other high skill/high value jobs across the UK supply chain. Over £3 billion has been invested in the aircraft and its engines by UK aerospace companies in the programme which underpins the key position of the UK as a global centre of aerospace manufacture.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The Government is committed to building a more balanced economy with stronger manufacturing, exports and private investment, creating jobs and opportunities across the UK. I welcome the opening of Airbus's new state of the art facility which will contribute to this and support our programme to create sustainable economic growth. Airbus's investment here also underlines its confidence in the expertise of its British workforce and in the UK's manufacturing base.”
Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan said:" This magnificent facility is a key part of the A350 XWB programme which will help sustain and support thousands of jobs across the UK. I have been a frequent visitor to Airbus and am confident this will further cement Wales' growing reputation as a first class innovator and leader in the Aerospace and supply chain sector. The new A350 XWB facility is great news for the North Wales economy and a tangible example of the kind of private sector growth the Government is working to create."

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones added: “The opening of this world class facility is a major achievement and excellent news for Wales. The Welsh Government and Airbus are delighted to be able to celebrate such a significant event which underlines a major investment in Broughton and reinforces our reputation as a country with high end manufacturing skills and high value products”.

“The Airbus North Factory, a truly world-leading aircraft wing assembly plant, is a major pillar in the Airbus global setup. The opening today marks an important milestone for our A350 programme as we move towards the start of the aircraft final assembly”, said Airbus Chief Executive, Tom Enders. “This new facility and all the teams working on building our A350’s carbon-fibre wings will play a vital role in delivering this new generation aircraft.”

The North Factory assembly line is dedicated to assembling the 31 metre long wings for all members of the A350 XWB Family which is scheduled to enter service by the end of 2013. Currently employing 6,000 people, the 700 acre Airbus site at Broughton specialises in wing production and has a proud tradition of aerospace manufacture going back over 70 years. Over £1.8 billion has been invested into the site in the past decade ensuring it is one of the most modern manufacturing facilities of its type anywhere in the world.

    * The pioneering Airbus North Factory covers a total area of over 46,000 square metres.
    * 58,000 metres of cable have been installed, this would reach from Broughton to Manchester
    * 8,000 tonnes of steelwork were used to build the factory
    * 250,000 bolts hold the building together
    * Optimised for energy savings, the factory’s power comes in part from three large solar tracking arrays and a wood pellet biomass power plant boiler.

Airbus in the UK and its supply chain provide supplies and services worth nearly £1.5 billion annually to the UK economy. 10,000 people work for Airbus in the UK with 100,000 UK jobs supported through its wider supply chain.

Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer offering the most modern, comprehensive and efficient passenger aircraft family on the more than 100-seat market, while its military division is the global leader for transport, tanker and surveillance airlifters ranging from three to 45 tonnes of payload. Airbus in the UK is world-renowned for its centres of excellence for both wing design and manufacture.

Read more...

Eurocopter strengthens its Colombian market presence with Helistar’s order for three more EC145 helicopters

Mexico City, October 12, 2011
Colombian operator Helistar has signed a contract with Eurocopter de México, subsidiary of Eurocopter Group, to purchase three EC145s.

With these three new helicopters, the fleet of Colombia's largest helicopter company will expand to include seven EC145s. The first two additional aircraft will be delivered in 2012, followed by the third in 2013. Helistar currently has a fleet of 18 aircraft, providing services for the country's leading energy companies.

Among the broad spectrum of missions offered by the company, Helistar specializes in passenger transport for the oil and gas sector – which currently is experiencing strong growth within Colombia. This new purchase follows the finalization of a five-year services contract between Helistar and the Colombian oil company Ecopetrol.

The EC145 is at the top of its class in the medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter category, and is perfectly adapted to the needs of the oil and gas industry. This compact and modern helicopter is ideal for medium-range flights with 8 to 10 passengers. Its high safety standards, availability, comfort and rapid configuration for different missions have earned the business of many oil and gas companies opting to acquire this aircraft in various countries in the Americas, including Argentina, Mexico and Colombia.

More than 400 EC145s have been sold around the globe for a full range of operations, and is the only helicopter of its type that can seat up to eight passengers.

Read more...

EADS North America readies its Armed Aerial Scout 72X helicopter for competitive fly off demonstration

Armed Aerial Scout 72X (AAS-72X) arrives at AUSA Convention

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2011 — In anticipation of a competitive flight demonstration, EADS North America's Armed Aerial Scout 72X (AAS-72X) is on display at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) convention this week in Washington, DC.

The AAS-72X, an armed derivative of the Army's UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter manufactured by the company's American Eurocopter business unit, has completed the majority of its militarization requirements in a company-funded development effort that began in 2009.

EADS North America also announced at AUSA that Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) has joined the AAS-72X team and will be responsible for the design, engineering and production of simulation and training devices in support of U.S. Army operator and maintainer requirements.

aas72x_army.jpg


"We're pleased to welcome Rockwell Collins to the EADS North America Armed Scout team, the team that is offering the most capable of any armed scout helicopter solution," said Sean O'Keefe, CEO of EADS North America. "We're ready to prove that fact through a competitive flight demonstration to validate that we can meet the Army's demanding armed scout mission."

A highly capable helicopter for the Armed Aerial Scout mission, the AAS-72X combines the safety of a twin-engine aircraft and the high/hot operating performance necessary to meet the Army's demanding Armed Scout mission. Derived from the same family of aircraft as the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter, the AAS-72X is a low-risk evolution of the U.S. Army's newest rotary-wing aircraft, which is widely considered one of the most successful acquisition programs in the service's history.

The EADS North America-led industry team of American Eurocopter and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has made a significant investment in the development of three AAS- 72X Technical Demonstrator Aircraft (TDA), which have been used to conduct parallel development and risk reduction activities, and to demonstrate the armed scout's level of capability and technical maturity. The first TDA Aircraft made its maiden flight in December 2010.

Prior to the start of the TDA program, the company conducted high/hot hover-out-ofground- effect, endurance and payload testing in 2009 at Alamosa, Colo. utilizing a helicopter derived from the UH-72A Lakota/EC145 platform family. In that test the helicopter successfully operated at 6,000 feet and 95-degree density altitude. The team also conducted a key transportability test when five aircraft were successfully loaded in a C-17 transport aircraft. Additionally, EADS North America and Lockheed Martin established a System Integration Laboratory (SIL) and hangar in April 2010 at Lockheed Martin's Orlando, Fla. facility.

The AAS-72X demonstration aircraft is equipped with a Mission Equipment Package (MEP) that includes a chin-mounted turret with integrated targeting sensor, mannedunmanned teaming capability, communications suite and weapons. All MEP items already are in the Army inventory.

Production of the AAS-72X will take place at American Eurocopter's Columbus, Miss. helicopter center of excellence where the UH-72A Lakota is currently manufactured for the U.S. Army. EADS North America has delivered more than 190 UH-72A Lakotas to the Army, all on time and within budget, along with five H-72A versions to the U.S. Navy for test pilot training.

About EADS North America (www.eadsnorthamerica.com)
EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 200,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.

Read more...

CASSIDIAN and Northrop Grumman present first EURO HAWK® for German Armed Forces

12 October 2011

        * EURO HAWK® now fitted with Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) mission system.
        * Delivery to German Armed Forces scheduled for 2012.
        * Excellent example of transatlantic cooperation in the defence area.

EURO HAWK®, the premier Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the German Armed Forces, was presented today to government officials and media during a rollout ceremony held in Manching, Germany. The UAS arrived on 21 July 2011 following a nonstop ferry flight from Edwards Air Force Base in California to Manching. After its landing, it was successfully fitted with the Integrated Signal Intelligence System (ISIS) developed by Cassidian and will undergo flight testing in 2012. EURO HAWK® is the first international configuration of the RQ-4 Global Hawk High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAS. Delivery of the first EURO HAWK® system to the German Air Force and Strategic Intelligence Command (KSA) is scheduled for 2012, with delivery of the following four systems foreseen between 2015 and 2016.

Dr. Stefan Zoller, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cassidian, said: "Today’s rollout ceremony of the EURO HAWK® marks a significant step for the German customer in its acquisition of a leading-edge SIGINT capability." Zoller added: “EURO HAWK® is an excellent example for the transatlantic cooperation in the defence area, and for the close relationship with our customer. We are very pleased to provide the German Armed Forces with the first HALE UAS which was fitted with a fully Integrated SIGINT System for the detection and identification of ELINT and COMINT (electronic and communications intelligence) emitters. This also proves our significant UAS system integration capabilities. The mission system has been developed by Cassidian for the specific requirements of the German customer and is based on the most advanced technologies."

Gary Ervin, Corporate Vice President and President of Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems, stressed: “Today, we are a step closer to delivering the first EURO HAWK® to the German Armed Forces. In times of tight budgets, multinational joint developments like this offer great value to nations and provide effective support for troops in the field. We are proud to be part of the EURO HAWK® team."

Neset Tükenmez, Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Venture EuroHawk GmbH, commented: “EURO HAWK® marks a new era of strategic reconnaissance in Europe. The German Armed Forces will soon be able to independently cover their own national needs for SIGINT data collection and analysis. This will be a high-value contribution to NATO, EU and UN operations in the future. The EURO HAWK® success story will continue with the ISIS flight trials and the hand-over to the German customer in 2012."

The German Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded a contract in January 2007 to EuroHawk GmbH for the development, test and support of the Full-Scale Demonstrator EURO HAWK® system. Under this contract, EuroHawk GmbH will provide the SIGINT air vehicles, the complete aircraft and ISIS Mission Ground Segments as well as the aircraft modifications requested for the German needs, flight test and logistics support.

With a wingspan larger than a commercial airliner, endurance of 30 hours and a maximum altitude of more than 60,000 feet, EURO HAWK® is an interoperable, modular and cost-effective replacement to the aging fleet of manned Breguet Atlantic aircraft which was in service since 1972 and officially retired in 2010. EuroHawk GmbH, a 50-50 joint venture of Northrop Grumman and Cassidian, is responsible for the development and manufacturing of EURO HAWK® systems and acts as the national prime contractor for the German MoD through the system’s entire lifecycle.

Read more...