The future of manufacturing…on two wheels

• EADS produces world’s first bike using revolutionary ALM technology - ‘grown’ from high-strength nylon powder
• Called the ‘Airbike’ because Airbus was the first EADS company to use the technology
• New technology will transform manufacturing around the globe

Bristol, 7th March 2011 – EADS, the European aerospace and defence group,
has unveiled the world’s first bike that uses a revolutionary new manufacturing
process which demonstrates the potential to transform manufacturing around
the globe.

Known as the ‘Airbike’, it is a bike with a difference. Made of nylon but strong
enough to replace steel or aluminium, it requires no conventional maintenance
or assembly. It is ‘grown’ from powder, allowing complete sections to be built
as one piece; the wheels, bearings and axle being incorporated within the
‘growing’ process and built at the same time. The Airbike can be built to rider
specification so requires no adjustment.

The revolutionary manufacturing process is known as Additive Layer
Manufacturing (or ALM) and it allows single products to be grown from a fine
powder of metal (such as titanium, stainless steel or aluminium), nylon or
carbon-reinforced plastics from a centre located next to Airbus’ site at Filton.
Similar in concept to 3D printing, the bike design is perfected using computeraided design and then constructed by using a powerful laser-sintering process
which adds successive, thin layers of the chosen structural material until a solid,
fully-formed bike emerges.

Robin Southwell, Chief Executive of EADS UK, commented: “The Airbike is a
fantastic example of British innovation at its very best. The team at EADS in
Bristol includes world-class engineers who continue to push boundaries by
working at the forefront of technology. I believe that ALM technology represents
a paradigm shift.

While the Airbike is only a technology demonstrator at this stage, EADS has
developed the technology to the extent that it can manipulate metals, nylon, and
carbon-reinforced plastics at a molecular level which allows it to be applied to
high-stress, safety critical aviation uses. Compared to a traditional, machined
part, those produced by ALM are up to 65% lighter but still as strong. The
technology is likely to be employed in due course in industrial applications such
as aerospace, the motor industry and engineering. Studies show that for every
1kg reduction in weight, airlines can save around $3500 worth of fuel over the
lifespan of the aircraft, with corresponding reductions in carbon-dioxide
emissions.

Minister for Business and Enterprise, Mark Prisk, said: "I am proud to see the
UK - through EADS and others - leading the world in the development of
innovative products. Additive Layer Manufacturing, or ‘3-D printing’, is a truly
exciting, green, new technology, which not only enables the creation of products
beyond the capability of traditional manufacturing processes, but also offers the
potential to help the manufacturing sector slash its waste and carbon emissions.
This is exactly the sort of advanced technology that we want to see companies
investing in, here in the UK."

ALM also offers a glimpse of wider potential benefits. The process itself uses
about one-tenth of the material required in traditional manufacturing and
reduces waste. On a global scale, ALM offers potential for products to be
produced quickly and cheaply on ‘printers’ located in offices, shops and houses.
It would allow replacement components to be produced in remote regions,
improving logistics on humanitarian relief and military operations.

Andy Hawkins is the lead engineer for ALM at EADS. “The possibilities with
ALM are huge – it’s a game-changing technology. The beauty is that complex
designs do not cost any extra to produce. The laser can draw any shape you
like and many unique design features have been incorporated into the Airbike
such as the auxetic structure to provide saddle cushioning or the integrated
bearings encased within the hubs.”

Further ahead, by removing production lines and the need for factories, the
costs of ‘manufacturing’ will be significantly reduced and, through this, ALM has
the potential to reverse trends of urbanization that have historically
accompanied industrialization.

Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board, said: “It is hugely
exciting to see examples of British engineers showcasing their work so
effectively. The ‘Airbike’ is an example of technology innovation which stands a
real chance of providing UK businesses with a manufacturing edge for the
future while delivering economic growth both here and around the globe.”

Whilst there are currently limitations in terms of the maximum component size
achievable and the costs involved, the technology is developing fast. There is
growing recognition of the potential ramifications of ALM and the barriers to
delivering this technology on a global scale are falling rapidly

EADS Press Release

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Increased passenger traffic will drive Asia-Pacific market to larger aircraft types

Airliners serving the Asia-Pacific region are expected to grow larger in the coming decades, responding to strong growth across this dynamic market – which is to carry one-third of the world’s passenger traffic by 2029.

This is one of the key messages from Airbus’ Asia-Pacific market forecast, which was presented today in Hong Kong by Chris Emerson, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Market Forecast.
Based on its Global Market Forecast for 2010-2029, Airbus believes the trend toward larger jetliners reflects the concentration of regional populations around main urban centres, as well as the need for more seats between fast-growing “mega” cities (destinations with more than 10,000 daily passengers) across the area.

To meet the anticipated demand, Asia-Pacific operators will acquire some 3,360 new widebody aircraft over the next two decades – representing 40 per cent of all such deliveries worldwide during that time. In particular, Airbus foresees a need for 780 very large aircraft – the category of its 21st century flagship A380 – and 2,580 twin-aisle widebodies, such as the company’s A330 and new A350 XWB.

While the deployment of larger aircraft is expected to help reduce flight delays and ease air traffic congestion, new-generation aircraft like the A380 also provide the best environmental performance for its operators.

According to Airbus’ Asia-Pacific region market forecast, for every passenger that flies from Paris to Tokyo and back again in an A380, 105 kg. of fuel are conserved when compared to competing aircraft. In addition, this double-deck jetliner produces 333 kg. less CO2 per passenger, per flight.

Regional A380 orders currently stand at 81 jetliners, with total bookings worldwide reaching 244. Airbus’ most recent contract came from Japan’s third-largest operator, Skymark Airlines, who signed for four A380s on 17 February.

Other carriers in the Asia-Pacific region that have selected the world’s largest passenger aircraft are China Southern, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Asiana Airlines – which also placed its A380 initial order this year.

For more information, review Airbus' Global Market Forecast for 2010-2029.


PR

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Boeing Begins Change Incorporation Work on 787 Dreamliner

EVERETT, Wash., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Boeing (NYSE: BA) began change incorporation work on the 787 Dreamliner at Boeing's Global Services & Support site in San Antonio, Texas. Airplane #23, the first 787 to undergo change incorporation, on Friday flew from Everett, Wash., to San Antonio on a ferry flight. During change incorporation, airplanes that are not part of flight test are configured to conform with the standards established as part of type certification efforts. Refurbishment of three of the six 787 flight test airplanes also will take place in San Antonio after completion of flight test activities.

"The 787 team is thrilled to have the expertise and enthusiasm of the San Antonio team focused on getting these airplanes ready for delivery to our customers," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program.

The current plan is for six Dreamliners to complete change incorporation and refurbishment in San Antonio. Three will complete change incorporation and three airplanes will be refurbished after flight test is complete. However, the plan is flexible and could accommodate additional 787 production needs as flight test is completed and airplanes are prepared for delivery. The work will be performed from March 2011 through 2013.

"We continuously look for ways to leverage the strength of the Boeing enterprise, taking advantage of the team and the skills we have across the company," said Fancher. "San Antonio specializes in modification work and has the capability and capacity to get the job done. The team was a natural choice."

Some of the work done in San Antonio will include installing electronic and mechanical equipment, completing software upgrades, testing functional systems, and removing and reworking wiring or equipment that needs to be updated to current configuration requirements. Approximately 450 employees will be hired on a temporary basis to join with 1,700 experienced workers at the site to complete the work.

"Everyone on our team is excited to join the 787 program," said Kevin Devine, vice president and general manager of the San Antonio site. "This airplane is about as advanced as you can get and there are high expectations tied to this work package. I am confident that our team will get the job done."

Currently, there are about 1,500 employees at Boeing's San Antonio site performing maintenance and modification work on the following programs: KC-135 Programmed Depot Maintenance, KC-135 Global Air Traffic Management, C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership and the C-130 Avionics Modernization program.

PR

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Eurocopter unveils a new product, the EC145 T2

http://youtu.be/shWqF5li7GE

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Asia-Pacific to lead demand for new aircraft over next 20 years

Requirement for 8,560 new aircraft valued at $1.2 trillion
Blagnac,  07 marzo 2011

Asia-Pacific airlines are expected to take delivery of around 8,560 new aircraft over the next 20 years, according to European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. Valued at US$1.2 trillion, the requirement represents 33 per cent of new aircraft deliveries worldwide over the forecast period, with the region overtaking North America and Europe as the largest air transport market.

The latest forecast for the region was presented in Hong Kong today by Chris Emerson, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Market Forecast.

The Airbus forecast is based on stronger than average growth in both passenger and freight traffic in the region, combined with replacement of many of the existing aircraft in service. In terms of growth, Airbus expects the number of passengers carried by Asia-Pacific airlines to rise by 5.8 per cent per year while the amount of freight passing through the region will increase by 7.0 per cent annually. This compares with global average increases of 4.8 per cent in the passenger market and 5.9 per cent for cargo. At the same time, carriers in the region are expected to replace 78 per cent of the 3,680 aircraft currently in service, ensuring that they continue to operate some of the youngest and most eco-efficient fleets in the world.

Airbus predicts that the region will continue to drive demand for larger aircraft types, reflecting the concentration of populations in the region around the main urban centres and the need for more seats between fast-growing mega-cities. As a result, carriers in the region will acquire around 3,360 new widebody aircraft over the next two decades. This represents 40 per cent of all widebody deliveries worldwide and includes some 780 very large aircraft such as the A380 and around 2,580 twin aisle widebodies such as the A330 and new A350 XWB.

Although a predominantly widebody market, demand for single aisle aircraft in the region is expected to accelerate in the coming years, with a requirement for some 5,200 new airliners in the 100 - 210 seat category, such as the best-selling A320 Family. The increase will be driven primarily by the growth of low cost carriers , as well as the opening of new secondary short haul routes, especially in China, India and South East Asia.

In the cargo sector, the region will continue to dominate the global market, with the dedicated freighter fleet operated by Asia-Pacific airlines growing almost four times to 1,056 aircraft. While many of these will be converted from passenger models, Airbus predicts that around 270 new production freighters will be delivered to the region over the next two decades. This represents over 30 per cent of expected global demand for new production freighters.

Presenting the forecast, Chris Emerson said that Asia-Pacific airlines would benefit from ongoing strong economic growth across the region, greater liberalisation of the air transport system in Asia and the effect of greater wealth creation enabling more people who have never flown to take to the skies.

"Within the next 20 years Asia-Pacific airlines will be carrying a third of all passenger traffic worldwide and two thirds of all freight passing through the region," he said. "In order to meet the expected demand efficiently, larger aircraft will be needed to ease congestion and do more with less. With a modern, eco-efficient and comprehensive product line, including the only all-new aircraft in the very large segment, Airbus will be especially well placed to meet the needs of airlines in this region."
The Asia-Pacific region is a core market for Airbus accounting for over a quarter of all orders recorded by the company to date. Today there are some 1,700 Airbus aircraft in service with more than 70 operators across the region, with another 1,100 on order with customers for future delivery. This represents 32 per cent of the company's total backlog, reflecting the importance of the region as the fastest growing market for new civil aircraft.

Airbus' forecast for the Asia-Pacific region is derived from the company's Global Market Forecast, which foresees total demand for 25,850 new passenger and freighter aircraft valued at US$3.2 trillion over the next 20 years. In the various size categories the forecast predicts total demand for 1,740 very large aircraft, 6,240 twin aisle widebodies and 17,870 single aisle aircraft.

The Airbus product line comprises the best-selling A320 Family in the single aisle market, the popular A330/A340 and all-new A350 XWB in the twin aisle category and the flagship A380 in the very large aircraft segment. In the freight market Airbus currently offers the new mid-size A330-200F.

PR

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Airbus proposes Phoenix cabin concept to Asian market

Cabin layout designed to appeal to Asian tastes
Blagnac,  07 marzo 2011

A new cabin concept called Phoenix, featuring a colour-scheme and layout designed to appeal to Asian tastes, is being offered to Airbus Corporate Jet customers in the region.

The main cabin features seating for six people around a large circular-table - the focus of family life in many Asian cultures - which facilitates work-related discussions and dining.

Airbus Corporate Jets are able to offer this feature because they have the widest and tallest cabin of any business jet, existing or planned, which allows a good-sized table, as well as space to pass by the side of it.

Playing games of skill and chance is also a passion in many Asian cultures – witness the popularity of Mah Jong in China - so Airbus has designed the circular table to fold into a rectangular shape when needed, which better suited to this activity.

The Phoenix cabin concept can also offer an area for Karaoke, another activity typical of business entertainment and relaxation in much of Asia.

As with all of its corporate jets, Airbus offers its customers a choice of colours and fabrics and, for the Chinese market, it is proposing a decor featuring burgundy red.

These elements, together with other aspects of detailed design, give the Phoenix cabin concept an ambiance that is already attracting interest in the Asian private jet market, which is one of the fastest-growing in the world today.

Airbus has a strong and growing presence in the Asia-Pacific corporate jet market, where it has won more than 25 sales to date, most of them in China.

Most corporate jet customers and operators prefer to remain undisclosed, but those which can be named include Deer Jet of Beijing, BAA Jet Management of Hong Kong, China Sonangol, the Royal Thai Airforce, Skytraders of Australia and the UB Group of India.

Airbus encourages its customers to outfit their aircraft at one of eight specialist cabin-outfitters around the world, each of which has been audited for its capabilities. This network has recently been expanded to include TAECO of Xiamen.

Airbus has the largest and most modern corporate jet family in the world, with aircraft offering more space, comfort and freedom of movement than traditional business jets.

Its family comprises the A318 Elite, Airbus ACJ, A320 Prestige and, for customers that want even more comfort, capacity and capability in range, VIP widebodies such as the A330 and A340 Prestige, A350 Prestige and A380 Prestige.

Airbus corporate jets have won more than 170 sales to date, and are flying on every continent, including Antarctica.

PR

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2nd Boeing-built Orbital Test Vehicle X-37B Begins Flight

• 1st US unmanned vehicle to return from space and land on its own
• Affordable, responsive, reusable unmanned space vehicle
• Delivers unprecedented capability to Rapid Capabilities Office

APE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., March 5, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the successful launch of the second Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) for the U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). The OTV was launched on an Atlas V rocket into a low-Earth orbit today at 5:46 p.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 41.

"History was made in December when the X-37B became the United States' first unmanned vehicle to return from space and land on its own," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. "The success of that mission validated this reusable and effective way to test new technologies in space and return them for examination.

"Today, we took another important step with the successful launch of the second OTV, enabling the RCO to further experiment with the vehicle and its ability to operate in low-Earth orbit," Cooning continued. "Close teamwork between the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the United Launch Alliance Atlas team, and the 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station made this launch a success."

The first OTV was launched in April 2010 and orbited for approximately eight months. In December, it successfully de-orbited and landed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., where it continues to undergo post-flight evaluation.

The X-37B design combines the best of aircraft and spacecraft design into an affordable, unmanned space-based test platform. Program objectives include space experimentation, risk reduction, and concept-of-operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies.

Boeing's commitment to this space-based unmanned vehicle spans a decade and includes support to the Air Force Research Lab's X-40 program, NASA's X-37 program, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's X-37 Approach, Landing and Test Vehicle program.

Boeing program management, engineering, test and mission support functions for the OTV program are conducted at Boeing sites in Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, and El Segundo, Calif.

Boeing

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Eurocopter to introduce a new era in helicopter flight at the Heli-Expo 2011 exhibition

Eurocopter will unveil its newest helicopter and launch a comprehensive enhancement of the existing product line at Heli-Expo 2011 exposition in Orlando, Florida, underscoring the company's commitment to innovation for the improved operating performance, efficiency and maintainability of its rotary-wing aircraft.

The new helicopter is to be revealed at Eurocopter's exhibit stand (#4637) at 11:30 a.m. on the March 6 opening day of Heli-Expo 2011, during a ceremony led by Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. Agreements with multiple launch customers also will be announced.

Enhancements for Eurocopter's product line involve multiple members of its helicopter family. All improvements introduced on these rotary-wing aircraft – which carry the "e" designation for "enhanced" – are designed to significantly augment their cost-effectiveness, mission capability and ease of operation.

"Our continued commitment to invest in innovation has enabled Eurocopter to launch the newest member of our helicopter family while implementing in parallel significant evolutions of Eurocopter's inventory, which will provide more capable products for customers and further improve our and their competiveness," said Bertling.

Featured on Eurocopter's Heli-Expo 2011 exhibit stand is one of these enhanced helicopters – the single-engine AS350 B3e, which is being shown in its corporate/VIP configuration. The updated version of Eurocopter's best-selling Ecureuil family incorporates a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, along with a new-generation digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring.

The AS350 B3e features an improved interior design, as well as tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting. It also has the option of operating at the maximum takeoff engine power rating for 30 minutes, and can be equipped with optional engine filters for additional protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without weight penalty. Certification of the AS350 B3e is targeted for this summer, with deliveries beginning before year-end.

Also spotlighted at Heli-Expo will be a full-scale mockup of Eurocopter's latest helicopter product – the EC175, displayed in its configuration for oil and gas transportation missions. Flight testing with two EC175 prototypes has surpassed the 100-flight hour milestone, demonstrating the aircraft's excellent handling qualities and low internal vibration levels. The initial production helicopter for this seven-metric-ton rotary-wing aircraft – being developed in a joint program with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) – is currently being assembled at Eurocopter's facility in Marignane, France. The first EC175 deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2012, following type certification.

Included as well on the Eurocopter Heli-Expo 2011 exhibit stand will be an EC130 B4 helicopter in the emergency medical services (EMS) configuration, and an EC135 with a corporate/VIP cabin arrangement.

Another element of Eurocopter's Heli-Expo 2011 presence will highlight achievements with the company's innovative X3 hybrid helicopter demonstrator, which has attained a true airspeed of 180 kt (333 km/hr) in level flight during its first phase of testing. The second phase will begin in the coming months, with the goal of achieving sustained cruise speeds in excess of 220 kt. The X3 is a key element in Eurocopter's innovation roadmap, providing a system tailored to applications where operational costs, flight duration and mission success depend directly on the maximum cruising speed. With an increase in cruise speed of more than 50% and life cycle costs not climbing more than 25%, the X³ will be an extremely productive solution for our customers.

Additional information on Eurocopter's innovation will be provided during Heli-Expo 2011, along with updates on its bluecopter® technology program for more environmentally-friendly helicopters, as well as details on the company's expanding training and logistics offer.

Eurocopter's commitment to providing value-added support and services will be highlighted with presentations on topics such as its worldwide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities; customized maintenance support programs and dedicated logistic field representatives.

To follow Eurocopter's daily announcements at this major helicopter industry gathering, visit its dedicated Heli-Expo 2011 mini website at: http://events.eurocopter.com/


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Eurocopter expands its product line with the EC145 T2 helicopter, integrating more powerful engines, a Fenestron tail rotor, new avionics and mission capabilities upgrades

The newest member of Eurocopter's helicopter family was formally launched today with the unveiling of its EC145 T2 – an evolved version of the popular twin-engine EC145 that incorporates new Arriel 2E engines, along with the company's Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, an innovative new digital avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot.

Today's EC145 T2 debut was at the Heli-Expo 2011 exposition in Orlando, Florida, where Eurocopter also announced launch agreements for a total of 17 helicopters from four international customers, who plan to utilize these rotary-wing aircraft in emergency medical services (EMS), oil and gas operations and business aviation.

With deliveries to begin in 2013, the EC145 T2 will offer significantly improved performance, increased flight safety, enhanced human-machine interface, improved maintainability and lower operating costs for the light-medium twin-engine helicopter. It benefits from the heritage of Eurocopter's EC145 and its BK117 predecessor, which together have logged more than 2.8 million flight hours in service around the world. "Our EC145 T2 is the latest example of our company's continued investment in innovation, which provides helicopters that are more efficient to own and operate, with higher performance and improved safety," said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling.

The EC145 T2's most visible change is the integration of Eurocopter's proven Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, which replaces the standard two-blade tail rotor. Advantages of the Fenestron include significantly higher safety levels on the ground and in flight, along with enhanced anti-torque control efficiency, reduced power demand in forward flight, and lower sound and vibration levels.

This Fenestron application expands Eurocopter's use of the shrouded tail rotor, which currently is on Eurocopter's EC120, EC130, EC135, AS365 Dauphin and EC155 helicopters. For the EC145 T2, its Fenestron has new composite blades, a new-design tail gear box with lower maintenance costs, and incorporates a duplex tail rotor actuator and dual hydraulic circuits. It is installed in a new, damage-tolerant all-composite tail boom.

The EC145 T2's new Arriel 2E turboshaft engines are digitally controlled by dual Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC), and provide increased performance throughout the helicopter's operational range. The average performance increase is 25 percent, with significant enhancement in the OEI (one engine inoperative) flight mode.

Other changes for the EC 145 T2 include a new modular avionics suite that incorporates three large primary displays and a 4-axis autopilot as standard equipment. It provides an innovative and efficient human-machine interface for flight crews, improved situational awareness and reduced pilot workload, while also offering additional mission capabilities.

The EC145 T2 launch orders announced today during the aircraft's Heli-Expo unveiling were led by Spain's INAER, which signed for 10 aircraft. Its initial helicopters will be in the EMS configuration, with flexibility provided in follow-on deliveries for other mission-specific versions of the rotary-wing aircraft depending upon INAER's operational requirements.

Additional launch customers for the EC145 T2 are three U.S.-based operators. Metro Aviation for five aircraft in EMS configuration; Leading Edge with one EC145 T2 for business aviation and Lewis Energy for one helicopter to be flown in oil and gas operations.

Eurocopter's EC145 T2 launch aircraft, showcased on the company's Heli-Expo 2011 booth, features the latest configuration for emergency medical services missions, and highlights the flexibility of the spacious cabin. The EMS interior was completed by Metro Aviation, which is based in Shreveport, Louisiana.

PR

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Eurocopter further enhances the product line with evolution versions of four helicopters in its rotary-wing aircraft range

A comprehensive evolution of Eurocopter's helicopter product line was announced at the Heli-Expo 2011 exposition in Orlando, Florida, providing enhanced operating capabilities, improved mission effectiveness and increased efficiency across four families in the company's light, medium and heavy rotary-wing aircraft categories.

These enhanced helicopters result from Eurocopter's continuing major investments in innovation, and respond to the evolving needs of operators worldwide. They involve the AS350, EC135, AS365/AS565 and AS332 helicopters, and are in addition to Eurocopter's introduction of its new EC145 T2 – which was unveiled yesterday at Heli-Expo 2011.

"At Eurocopter, we are meeting our promise of investing in the future of helicopter flight, developing this comprehensive evolution of our product line to offer customers even better cost-effectiveness, mission capability, ease of operation and flight safety," said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling.

The first of Eurocopter's enhanced helicopters is making its debut on Eurocopter's Heli-Expo 2011 exhibit stand: the single-engine AS350 B3e. This updated version of the best-selling Ecureuil family has a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, along with a new-generation digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring.

As an additional option the aircraft can be operated at its maximum takeoff engine power rating for 30 minutes. This offers the opportunity to equip the AS350 B3e with engine filters for a protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without weight penalty. It incorporates tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting, and also features an improved interior design. Certification of the AS350 B3e is planned this summer, with deliveries to begin before year-end.

Eurocopter's EC135 T2e and P2e evolved versions of its popular EC135 twin-engine helicopter have an increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 2,950 kg., which offers a 40-kg gain in payload and allows an extra passenger to be carried with a load margin extension from its previous weight rating. Certification of the EC135 T2e/P2e is planned in mid 2011 – with the improvements to be integrated on all new production EC135s from mid-year, and offered for retrofit as well on in-service helicopters.

Enhancements for the AS365 N3e/AS565 MBe versions of Eurocopter's medium-weight Dauphin family respond to market requests for improved hot-and-high performance, along with new technologies and systems, on this twin-engine helicopter. Primary changes are the introduction of Arriel 2N engines with dual-channel FADEC, use of the main gearbox from Eurocopter's EC155 helicopter, the incorporation of a new Starflex rotor head, and the application of a reinforced main rotor mast. These upgrades provide a 15 percent increase in power for better performance, a significant payload gain, and reductions in maintenance and operating costs. Certification of the AS365 N3e is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2013, with deliveries targeted to begin in early 2014.

Improvements for the AS332L1e Super Puma are focused on the integration of Eurocopter's advanced cockpit and automatic flight control systems employed on its EC225/EC725 helicopter. This will offer enhanced flight envelope protection and increased safety levels, along with full compatibility for such new-generation mission equipment as forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensors, helicopter terrain awareness and warning systems (HTAWS), digital map units, and traffic alert and collision avoidance systems (TCAS).

Eurocopter

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Se acerca Aerosport 2011, en Igualada

7 y 8 de mayo de 2011
Certamen de aeronáutica deportiva

Punto de referencia del sector aeronáutico deportivo, corporativo yi de servicios, con conferencias y presentaciones para conocer la realdad de este sector y sus expectativas.

Horarios: Sábado de 10 a 19 h. Domingo de 10 a 15 h


FICHA TÉCNICA AEROSPORT 2011
Edición:            19 ª.
Fecha:              mayo de 2011.
Periodicidad:       Anual
Horario público:    Sábado de 10 a 19 h
                    Domingo de 10 a 16 h
Ubicación:          Aeródromo Igualada - Òdena
Ámbito:             Estatal
Carácter:           Profesional - General
Precio de entrada:  Entrada libre
Oferta:             Material aeronáutico
Organización:       Fira d'Igualada
Organización técnica:Federación Aérea Catalana
                    Club vuelo a vela
                    Aeroclub Igualada Òdena
                    En convenio: Ayuntamiento de Igualada
                    Aeropuertos de Catalunya
                    Patrocinio: Generalitat de Catalunya
                    Diputación de Barcelona
                    Colaboración: Cámara de Comercio de
                    Barcelona
                    Consell Comarcal del Anoia
                    Ayuntamiento de Òdena
                    Aena
Actos paralelos:    Simulación de vuelo
                    Conferencias técnicas
Datos técnicos:     Expositores previstos: 50
                    Aviones visitantes: 300
                    Visitantes previstos: 8.000
                    Superficie total: 10.000 m2



Dosier, en PDF
http://www.firaigualada.org

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