FAA Determines Pilot Not Distracted By Skydiving Sex Stunt
FAA Determines Pilot Not Distracted By Skydiving Sex Stunt: No FARs Were Violated During Video Filming The FAA has determined that no FARs were broken when a skydiving instructor who is also a porn star and a receptionist for the California skydiving operator ... his former employer ... made a video of themselves engaged in what can best be described as "adult activities" before and during a jump. [...]
Read more...El avión Solar Impulse ha realizado este año 16 vuelos
El avión Solar Impulse ha realizado este año 16 vuelos:
El pasado 31 de octubre los impulsores del proyecto de avión 100% ecológico Solar Impulse realizaron la última jornada de vuelos de este año. El avión despegó de noche desde el aeródromo suizo de Payerne con Bertrand Piccard a los mandos y efectuó varios despegues y aterrizajes
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747-8I is 1st four engined Boeing to go through ETOPS testing
Boeing has completed certification flight testing on its 747-8 Intercontinental test fleet, setting the jumbo on a path to US Federal Aviation Administration approval later this quarter.
After flying from Barbados to Houston Intercontinental Airport, test aircraft RC003 marked the completion of its systems functionality and reliability (F&R) flight testing, the final phase of its evaluations.
RC003, painted in all-white colours for the test programme, was tasked with both F&R and Extended Operations (ETOPS) evaluations.
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-completes-747-8i-certification-flight-testing-364119/
Airbus A350 May Benefit from A400M Test Experience
Testing of the A400M is centered at two facilities: Airbus’s Seville site, where the aircraft is built, and the company’s home in Toulouse. When the dual-site setup was first chosen, it was to done to meet Europe’s convoluted costshare/workshare balancing rules on military programs, rather than for operational reasons.
The arrangement was initially seen as burdensome and required Airbus to put in place additional telemetry capacity and split the test workforce. But with A400M flight testing well underway, Airbus officials actually feel there have been benefits from having the two sites, giving them greater flexibility in where they use the assets and some ability to work around weather conditions.
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British Airways la próxima con el Boeing 747-8F - Fly-News
British Airways la próxima con el Boeing 747-8F - Fly-News:
British Airways la próxima con el Boeing 747-8F Fly-News El primer Boeing 747-8F que operará para British Airways ya ha hecho sus vuelos de prueba con Boeing y el vuelo de aceptación y su entrega podría ser esta misma semana. El Boeing 747-87UF G-GSSD, número de serie 37561/1442 será el primero que la ... y más » |
First-ever manned flight of an electric multicopter takes place in Germany
First-ever manned flight of an electric multicopter takes place in Germany:
Continue Reading First-ever manned flight of an electric multicopter takes place in Germany Read more...
Las diez aerolíneas más seguras del mundo, según Skytrax
Las diez aerolíneas más seguras del mundo, según Skytrax: Skytrax, una de las más reconocidas auditorías del mundo aeronáutico ha creado su última lista con las aerolíneas más seguras del mundo, aquellas que destacan por su calidad en el servicio más la aplicación de estándares altos de seguridad en sus operaciones.
Cathay Pacific, primera aerolínea reconocida por Skytrax por su seguridad
Cathay Pacific ocupó el primer lugar de este listado [...]
Navy Researchers Fire 1,000th Shot on Laboratory Electromagnetic Railgun
ARLINGTON, Va.— Scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) hit a materials research milestone in the Office of Naval Research’s (ONR) Electromagnetic Railgun program when they fired a laboratory-scale system for the 1,000th time Oct. 31.
“A significant amount of development has been coming out of NRL to support the program,” said Roger Ellis, ONR’s Electromagnetic Railgun (EMRG) program officer. “It’s a key piece of making railgun successful.”
The EMRG is a long-range weapon that launches projectiles using electricity instead of chemical propellants. Under development by the Department of the Navy (DON) for use aboard ships, the system will provide Sailors with multi-mission capability, allowing them to conduct precise naval surface fire support, or land strikes; cruise missile and ballistic missile defense; and surface warfare to deter enemy vessels.
“The weapon does all its damage because of its speed,” said Dr. Roger McGinnis, program executive for ONR’s Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department, which oversees EMRG. Launched at 2 to 2.5 kilometers per second (4,500 to 5,600 mph) without using explosives, the projectile reaches its target at speeds that require only a small charge similar to that found in automobile airbags to dispense its payload, eliminating the objective through the inherent kinetic energy.
“EMRG will provide the Department of Defense with an advantage in future conflicts by giving troops the ability to fire weapons inexpensively against targets,” McGinnis said.
As part of the EMRG development program, ONR and NRL co-funded scientists at NRL to build and operate a 6-meter long, 50 mm diameter railgun as a subscale experimental lab at the Materials Testing Facility (MTF). Researchers fired the first shot in March 2007. After improving the gun’s sliding armature and rails, the lab has fired an average of 300 shots per year since 2008.
A railgun launches projectiles by generating magnetic fields created by high electrical currents that accelerate a sliding metal conductor, or armature, between two rails.
“The 1,000th shot is testing new ideas of how the armature interacts with the rails,” said Dr. Robert Meger, head of NRL’s charged particle physics branch, which conducts about 30 experiments annually on the railgun. Following each test firing, researchers dismantle the gun to examine all the components. They slice up the rails for further analysis under a microscope to reveal surface damage.
During the course of firing all 1,000 shots, NRL scientists have experimented with a variety of materials and geometries to determine which ones can withstand the metal-melting temperatures and pressures of shooting a 1.5-megajoule energy weapon. One megajoule of energy is equivalent to a 1-ton car traveling at 100 miles per hour.
“We’ve really explored a lot of territory,” ONR’s Ellis said. “When you couple what we’re seeing in testing with what we’re seeing in modeling and simulation, it results in some interesting barrel shapes that you wouldn’t intuitively think about. Railgun barrels don’t necessarily have to be round as in most conventional gun designs.”
Since 2005, scientists have been working to increase the railgun’s barrel life, muzzle energy and size. Ultimately, their work will help to produce a 64-megajoule railgun with a range of about 220 nautical miles.
“You really have to look at the course of our understanding from the first day they shot to the 1,000th shot today, and how much our understanding of the rail life has dramatically increased, and how much science we have applied to ensure that we’re on the path toward a future fieldable system,” Ellis said.
Materials science breakthroughs resulting from the test firings have given researchers confidence to transition new technologies to a scaled-up experimental launcher at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren,Va., which fired a world record setting 33-megajoule shot in December 2010.
Wind Tunnel Tests Further Validate Aerodynamic Design and Support Fuel Efficiency Projections of the CSeries Aircraft
Today, Bombardier Aerospace confirmed that final results of a three-phase wind tunnel test program provided further validation of the CSeries aircraft’s aerodynamic design. They also support design predictions that the CSeries aircraft, optimized specifically for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, will deliver a step-change in fuel efficiency. The wind tunnel tests also contributed to the achievement of optimal integration of Pratt & Whitney’s ultra high-bypass ratio (12:1) PurePower® PW1500G engine.
Initiated more than five years ago, during the early stages of the CSeries aircraft’s conceptual design, the wind tunnel test program progressed through the aircraft’s subsequent definition and detailed design phases.
Validation of the CSeries aircraft’s aerodynamic design included extensive use of state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), made possible through the use of contemporary super-computers that are significantly more capable - and 100,000 times faster - than computers available when the aircraft currently serving the 100- to 149-seat market were designed. These tools permitted the minimization of interference drag and also facilitated the design of the engine nacelle and thrust reverser.
To simulate actual flying conditions, the wind tunnel tests were conducted with over 20sophisticated scale models over more than 4,500 testing hours at facilities in Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“Simulated conditions during the wind tunnel tests closely correlate to real world flying conditions and the resulting data were used to improve and validate final CSeries aircraft design and systems,” said David Tidd, Vice President, CSeries Integrated Product Development, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “This latest achievement for the CSeries aircraft represents the most extensive and complex wind tunnel testing that Bombardier has ever conducted; it marks another key advance in the jetliner’s development.”
The scale models of the CSeries jetliner used in the testing were equipped with precise instrumentation to measure air flow, including as many as 700 pressure-sensitive ports over the wings, fuselage and tail. The models included moving parts, such as wing flaps and leading edge slats, which could be repositioned to reflect actual flying events. Some models were equipped with miniature air-driven turbine engines to gauge the air flow interference with the aircraft wings. The largest of the models, at 13.7 per cent scale, had a wingspan of approximately 4.5 metres (15 feet).
Using the scale models and the environmental conditions possible in the wind tunnels, Bombardier engineers were able to simulate the aerodynamics of the CSeries aircraft in various flight scenarios such as landing, take-off and cruising at high altitudes.
The CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15* per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20* per cent fuel burn advantage; greatly reduced noise and emissions; as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km). It will also provide passengers with widebody-style seating in a single-aisle aircraft.
Bombardier has booked firm orders for a total of 133 CSeries aircraft, including 61 CS100 and 72 CS300 aircraft. The CSeries aircraft program has also booked options and purchase rights for an additional 129 aircraft.
Read more...
Navy’s Modern Airship Receives Historical Identification
Navy’s Modern Airship Receives Historical Identification: Most Recent Lighter-Than-Air Platform Designated MZ-3A Unveiled at a ceremonious ribbon-cutting event, Oct. 26 at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, NAWCAD and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, reveal the MZ-3A airship now adorned with the insignia of Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS-1) and the banner of the U.S. Navy.
Read more...Arianespace's No. 2 Soyuz Begins Taking Shape For Launch
Arianespace's No. 2 Soyuz Begins Taking Shape For Launch: Liftoff Planned For December 16 Preparations for Arianespace's second Soyuz mission from French Guiana are moving forward as assembly and checkout of the vehicle continue at the Spaceport. Its basic three-stage launcher is now taking shape in the MIK integration hall at the Soyuz launch site, located in the Spaceport's northwestern sector near the town of Sinnamary.
Read more...Eurocopter and the Civil Aviation Flight University of China commence China’s very first helicopter ab-initio technician training program to meet the needs of the country’s burgeoning aviation sector
Beijing, China, 28 October 2011
In an opening ceremony held on 26 October, senior representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC), the French and German Consulates, as well as CAFUC and Eurocopter China were present at the CAFUC campus in Guanghan, Sichuan Province, to mark the commencement of ab-initio technician training courses for students to become qualified helicopter technicians and pursue a career in the industry.
“Safety has always been a top priority for Eurocopter, and proper training is essential to ensuring the utmost safety in helicopter operations,” stated Eurocopter China CEO Bruno Boulnois. “We have joined hands with CAFUC to train technicians in China, as CAFUC is a key training organization within CAAC, the highest authority in flight safety and aviation development in the country. With CAFUC’s proven expertise and competence in aviation training, this cooperation marks another milestone in Eurocopter’s long-standing relationship and presence in China supporting the helicopter market and serving its customers.”
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Eurocopter and CAFUC was signed in July 2010, with the aim of training 120 helicopter technicians annually by 2015. In the “train the trainer” scheme, Eurocopter provides training to CAFUC instructors both in China (one month) and its training academy in Germany (three months), to certify them to the highest international standards as qualified instructors to provide ab-initio technician training to students in CAFUC.
Describing it as a win-win situation for both Eurocopter and CAFUC, CAFUC President Zheng Xiaoyong said, “Our instructors get to learn from the best in the industry, and in turn, we are able to train many more students to prepare them for a career in a sector that is poised to grow rapidly as China begins to open up its low-altitude airspace in the coming years.”
The course will last for four months, during which each trainee will receive 350 hours of theoretical and 300 hours of practical training in the technical aspects and functions of a helicopter. Upon completion and passing a CAAC-approved test, the trainee will receive a basic helicopter maintenance technician license. Thereafter, he will be able to seek employment with helicopter companies and operators, during which he can then further obtain type-rating certification to progress in his career.
“Proper ab-initio training is absolutely crucial, as it not only provides the foundation for trainees to further improve their skills in tandem with on-the-job experience, but also in the development of the aviation industry,” said Detlef Ehrig, head of Eurocopter Training Academy based in Kassel, Germany. “In a fast-growing market like China, this foundation has to be built early, so that the growth of the industry will not be hampered by the lack of ab-initio trained technicians and pilots.”
In a sign of commitment to the Chinese helicopter market, Eurocopter China will continue to invest in training activities in co-operation with local organizations. “In time to come, China will become one of the world’s largest aviation markets, and top-level training is key to its future development,” concluded Boulnois. Read more...
Boeing Defense, Space & Security CEO Muilenburg to Speak at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Defense Outlook Forum Nov. 10
NAVAIR PMA-275 receives Packard Award for cost-per-flight-hour reduction across Osprey fleet
PATUXENT RIVER, Md., Nov. 2, 2011 -- The Bell Boeing V-22 Program, a strategic alliance between The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Bell Helicopter -- Textron [NYSE: TXT], today congratulated the Naval Air Systems Command Joint V-22 Program (NAVAIR PMA-275) on receiving the U.S. Department of Defense 2011 Packard Award for acquisition excellence. NAVAIR PMA-275 earned the honor for significantly reducing costs-per-flight-hour (CPFH) across the operational V-22 Osprey fleet.
Since 2009, NAVAIR PMA-275 has teamed with industry partners, including Bell Boeing and suppliers, on a focused effort to reduce CPFH across the V-22 Osprey fleet. As a direct result of the CPFH Reduction Team's work, the actual costs for fiscal year 2010 were lower than estimated. This trend of decreasing operational costs has continued, as the fiscal 2011 CPFH figures are more than 15 percent less than those of the previous fiscal year.
Since 2009, NAVAIR PMA-275 has teamed with industry partners, including Bell Boeing and suppliers, on a focused effort to reduce CPFH across the V-22 Osprey fleet. As a direct result of the CPFH Reduction Team's work, the actual costs for fiscal year 2010 were lower than estimated. This trend of decreasing operational costs has continued, as the fiscal 2011 CPFH figures are more than 15 percent less than those of the previous fiscal year.
“On behalf of the thousands of Bell, Boeing and supplier employees who build and maintain the Osprey fleet, congratulations to the PMA-275 team on this well-deserved honor,” said John Rader, executive director of the Bell Boeing V-22 Program. “In this challenging economic environment, it is crucial for government and industry to work together to drive down costs. Our employees take great pride in knowing their hard work in support of PMA-275’s cost-per-flight-hour reduction initiative is appreciated and recognized by the Department of Defense.”
Sponsored by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, the annual David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award recognizes Department of Defense civilian and/or military organizations, groups or teams who have demonstrated exemplary innovation and best acquisition practices.
According to Col. Greg Masiello, V-22 joint program manager at PMA-275, the reduction in CPFH was accomplished through reliability and maintainability improvements, maintenance concept changes, stand-up of additional repair capability, component repair price reductions, and alternate contract strategies.
The Bell Boeing support team worked closely with NAVAIR to develop and implement a retrofit process that provided improved components to the entire operational fleet, including deployed aircraft. The team also worked together to review and improve critical maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for maintainers in the field.
“The team promoted innovative and practical ideas that provided tangible benefits to our warfighters and taxpayers,” said Masiello. “The work of this team will continue to yield benefits for years to come.”
Read more...
Boeing, US Army Mark Delivery of 1st AH-64D Apache Block III Combat Helicopter
Advanced version ushers in new era for military rotorcraft
MESA, Ariz., Nov. 2, 2011 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] celebrated delivery of the first AH-64D Apache Block III multi-role attack helicopter to the U.S. Army today in Mesa. The Block III Apache begins a new era in combat aviation by delivering advanced technologies and capabilities to benefit soldiers and battlefield commanders.
"This is a remarkable achievement by a great Army-industry team, a giant leap for U.S. Army aviation, and a signal to aggressors around the world that the Apache continues its legacy as a formidable and highly effective weapon system," said Col. Shane Openshaw, U.S. Army Apache project manager. "I am proud to witness this program milestone achievement and honored to be part of the team that designs and builds the Apache attack helicopter. I know the value this aircraft brings to soldiers on the ground and in the air who defend freedom daily in combat zones and during peacekeeping missions around the globe."
Boeing will produce 51 AH-64D Apache Block III helicopters for the Army under Low Rate Initial Production. The Army's acquisition objective stands at 690 Apache Block III aircraft. In addition, a growing number of defense forces worldwide have contracted for, or are considering, upgrading to or adding the Apache Block III to their rotorcraft fleets.
The Apache Block III incorporates 26 new technologies designed to enhance the aircraft's capabilities. The improved drive system features a new split-torque face gear transmission that increases power capability to 3,400 shaft horsepower. The new composite main rotor blade accommodates that power increase, resulting in improved aircraft performance with increased payload. Integrating the T700-GE-701D engine with the enhanced digital electronic control unit and other drive system technologies results in an increase in hover ceiling altitude at greater gross weight on a 95 degrees Fahrenheit day.
"The Apache team worldwide has done a remarkable job of producing a phenomenal helicopter and delivering it to the Army customer on cost and ahead of schedule," said David Koopersmith, Boeing vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs. “We pledge to continue our efforts to ensure that our customers have enduring capabilities today and tomorrow."
For AvGeeks! Super Hornets over Queensland desktop wallpaper download
These Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornets flew over Queensland, Australia, on Oct. 21, as they transited to their base at Amberley. The twelve aircraft shown here joined eight others for a dramatic flyover of the base and areas around Queensland. Also that day, Boeing delivered the last of the 24 Super Hornets ordered by the RAAF. Each one was delivered early and on budget.
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Tail section for THAI’s first A380 rolls out of paint shop
The vertical tail section for the first A380 for Thai Airways International (THAI) has been painted with the airline’s orchid logo at Airbus facilities in Hamburg. The painting was completed at the weekend and the section is now being prepared for shipment to Toulouse, where assembly of the airline’s first aircraft is set to begin this month.
The distinctive THAI logo comprises violet, gold and magenta and was applied over a period of 10 days. In addition, red and blue paints were also used for the national flag of the Kingdom of Thailand.
THAI will become the ninth operator of the A380 when it takes delivery of its first aircraft in the third quarter of 2012. The airline has firm orders for six A380s and will operate the aircraft on its premier routes from Bangkok to Europe.
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NASA confirms satellite hacks in Congressional advisory panel
NASA confirms satellite hacks in Congressional advisory panel
ENGADGET | 2 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2011
http://pulse.me/s/2L7QU
Acknowledging suspicions that two of NASA's earth observation satellites were hacked back in 2007 and 2008, the space agency ... Read more
DIY unmanned airship soars 95,000 feet above Earth, lays claim to new record (video)
DIY unmanned airship soars 95,000 feet above Earth, lays claim to new record (video)
ENGADGET | 2 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2011
http://pulse.me/s/2KYbt
Are you entertaining dreams of launching your own private spacecraft? All you need is about 30 grand in your bank account, ... Read more
Gallardón encarga a Sener un estudio sobre la privatización de Barajas
Gallardón encarga a Sener un estudio sobre la privatización de Barajas:
Madrid.- El Ayuntamiento de Madrid, a través del área de Gobierno de Economía, Empleo y Participación Ciudadana, ha adjudicado por 48.970 euros a Sener Ingeniería y Sistemas, S. A. el contrato para el “estudio sobre el posicionamiento estratégico del Ayuntamiento de Madrid frente a la gestión del aeropuerto de Barajas”.
El contrato, adjudicado mediante “procedimiento negociado sin publicidad previa” la pasada semana, figuraba con un valor estimado de 42.262,50 euros y salió a licitación por 49.869,75 euros, según consta en el “Perfil del contratante" de la web municipal madrileña. Tiene por objeto definir "las grandes líneas de un posible modelo de participación" del Ejecutivo local en el aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas tras su privatización. Fue adjudicado el pasado jueves y su difusión se produjo cuatro días más tarde.
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