Sensors from CASSIDIAN to protect Korean Utility Helicopters

Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, will protect the "Surion" utility helicopter of the Korean Army against missile attacks. Following a multi-million euro contract from Korean Aircraft Industries, Cassidian will deliver a first batch of 24 of its proven AN/AAR-60 MILDS® systems (MILDS = Missile Launch Detection System), until 2013. The order comprises about 100 sensors. Cassidian already supported the Korean company Lig Nex1 in the development of the helicopter's electronic warfare system and delivered 36 sensors during the development phase.

“With more than 7,000 MILDS® sensors in service worldwide, MILDS® has become the standard missile warner for helicopters and wide-body aircraft today”, explains Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Cassidian Electronics. "It has proven its value in protecting air vehicles, particularly against infrared-guided shoulder-fired missiles."

MILDS® is a passive imaging sensor, detecting the UV radiation signature of approaching missiles. The extremely high resolution combined with rapid processing enables very reliable threat identification and virtually eliminates false alarms. 4 to 5 sensors provide optimized coverage and rapid reaction. MILDS® is in service aboard a huge variety of rotary wing and wide body aircraft, including Tiger, NH90, CH-53, CH-47, MI-17 and C-130. A specific fighter version – MILDS F – is in service with the Royal Danish Airforce and Royal Norwegian Airforce F-16 fighters.

The "Surion" has been developed jointly by Korean Aerospace Industries and Eurocopter. It is planned to procure approx. 250 helicopters.

PR

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Boeing and ANA Conclude 787 Service Ready Operational Validation . Boeing Demonstrates 787 Dreamliner Capabilities in New Delhi.

TOKYO, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and ANA completed the 787 service ready operational validation in Japan over the weekend. As part of the validation, ANA pilots, together with Boeing, flew the Dreamliner on routes from Seattle to Tokyo and Tokyo to four airports across Japan, including Osaka (Itami and Kansai), Okayama and Hiroshima. Maintenance and ground crews from ANA also gained experience with the airplane in the simulated operational environment.

"Giving our team a chance to work with the airplane prior to entry into service was very valuable," said Katsunori Shimazaki, ANA corporate planning senior manager and the airline's leader of the validation. "Our crews are excited to begin operating the first 787 revenue flights later this year."

Teams from ANA and Boeing validated more than a hundred procedures, including towing the airplane, conducting fit checks of ground support equipment, staging electronic flight bag data and completing maintenance actions, among other activities.

"The successful conclusion of this effort further validates our plans for entering the first all-new airplane of the 21st century into service with our launch customer ANA," said Mike Fleming, 787 services and support vice president. "Our teams worked well together and the airplane performed as we expected."

At each airport, hundreds of enthusiasts and reporters gathered to witness the 787's arrival from Tokyo. Combined, several thousand people celebrated the Dreamliner's presence in Japan.

"It has been incredible to see the enthusiasm for the 787 every place we've gone," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "With its improvements in comfort and environmental performance, passengers are clearly eager to experience the 787 for themselves."

ANA's first scheduled service with the 787 will be either the Tokyo Haneda-Okayama or Tokyo Haneda-Hiroshima route when deliveries begin later this year.

ANA has 55 Dreamliners on order. ANA will deploy the 787 across its route network as an integral part of its strategy to strengthen its position and support its growth and expansion plans.

See video highlights of Boeing and ANA's service ready operational validation.

NEW DELHI, India, July 13 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] 787 Dreamliner made its India debut landing at New Delhi International Airport at 11:09 a.m. (IST), arriving from Tokyo. 

"Indian air carriers have recognized the tremendous value the Boeing 787 offers airlines,” said Dinesh Keskar, president Boeing India.

Air India is one of the early customers and has ordered 27 787s. Jet Airways also has ordered 10 Dreamliners. The 787 offers the potential to enhance the revenues of customers due to its passenger appeal and reduction in maintenance costs and fuel burn.

“We look forward to the airplane’s introduction into the fleets of our valued customers in India,” said Keskar. He also mentioned that the 787's visit was a great day in the long history of Boeing's partnership with India.

The airplane will depart for the Mumbai Airport in the evening of July 15 and will fly back to Seattle on the morning of July 16.

The 787 Dreamliner is built by an international team and will provide airlines around the globe with a new level of efficiency in operations, with a 20 percent reduction in fuel use when compared to similar-sized airplanes. The 787 also brings a new level of passenger comfort to travelers including bigger windows and more personal space as well as an environment designed to help them arrive at their destinations feeling refreshed.

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