Watching for Scuds from Space

Scud hunting from geostationary orbit has moved a step closer with Ball Aerospace beginning work on a key component for a demonstration telescope under Darpa's Membrane Optic Imager Real-time Exploitation (MOIRE) program.

Concept: DARPA

MOIRE is intended to demonstrate technology for persistent, tactical, full-motion video surveillance from geosynchronous orbit. After delivery to GEO, the satellite would unfurl a micron-thin diffractive-optics membrane, to form a massive segmented lens.

Full Article: Watching for Scuds from Space

Método español para recoger basura espacial

Investigadores de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, en colaboración con la ESA, han propuesto un nuevo método de recogida de basura espacial que consiste en ejercer de forma continua una pequeña fuerza deorbitante sobre el residuo, usando un chorro de iones, y acompañarlo en su trayectoria hasta la reentrada atmosférica o hasta una 'órbita cementerio' establecida y en la que pueda llegar al final de su vida útil.

http://www.europapress.es/sociedad/ciencia/noticia-metodo-espanol-recoger-basura-espacial-20111212125153.html

Los pilotos de Iberia anuncian una huelga para los días 18 y 29 de Diciembre

Los pilotos de Iberia anuncian una huelga para los días 18 y 29 de Diciembre: Los pilotos de Iberia han anunciado una huelga para los días 18 y 29 de Diciembre, para protestar contra la decisión de la compañía de crear una filial de bajo coste y luego de haber fracasado las negociaciones entre el sindicato de pilotos de Iberia (Sepla-Iberia) y la compañía.
El colectivo ha convocado a la huelga en solitario ya que los tripulantes han decidido no sumarse a la protes...

FAA and industry aim to halve fatality risk by 2025

FAA and industry aim to halve fatality risk by 2025: The US FAA and airline industry have refocused and evolved the commercial aviation safety team (CAST) programme with a new fatality reduction goal for 2025. Using...

Japan Poised For F-X Announcement

Japan Poised For F-X Announcement: Lockheed Martin's F-35 strongly tipped as winner. Other contenders were Boeing F/A-18E/F and Eurofighter Typhoon.

Russia offers India co-production of passenger jets - Indian Express

Russia offers co-production of passenger jets - Indian Express:

Russia offers co-production of passenger jets Indian Express Ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Russia next week, Moscow has, for the first time, offered co-production of five passenger aircraft in India, including the 90-seater Sukhoi 100 Superjet. This is the first attempt at taking cooperation ...

Orders pour in for China's homegrown jumbo jet - People's Daily Online

Orders pour in for China's homegrown jumbo jet - People's Daily Online:

Orders pour in for China's homegrown jumbo jet People's Daily Online The company will value their trust and provide clients with truly safe, cost-effective, comfortable and eco-friendly aircraft. The COMAC C919 is a planned family of 150-seat single-aisle narrow-body passenger aircraft being developed domestically. China Aircraft Leasing places order for 20 COMAC C919sATWOnline China Aircraft Leasing orders 20 C919s from COMACAsset Finance International (subscription) los 4 artículos informativos »

LIMA: Australian air force updates progress with KC-30A tanker - Flightglobal

LIMA: Australian air force updates progress with KC-30A tanker - Flightglobal:

LIMA: Australian air force updates progress with KC-30A tanker Flightglobal Separately, Airbus Military chief executive Domingo Urena said there could be a strong market for the A330 MRTT in southeast Asia, owing to the great distances in the region and the aircraft's ability to perform as both in-flight refuelling tanker and ...

La competidora china de Airbus y Boeing aumenta a 215 los encargos de su COMAC C919

La competidora china de Airbus y Boeing aumenta a 215 sus encargos ... - Univisión:

La competidora china de Airbus y Boeing aumenta a 215 sus encargos ... Univisión La Corporación de Aeronaves Comerciales de China (COMAC), que aspira a convertirse en la competidora de las dos aeronáuticas que monopolizan la fabricación de aviones comerciales de gran tamaño, Airbus y Boeing, ha recibido el encargo de 20 aviones ... COMAC aumenta a 215 sus encargos de C919Global Asia los 23 artículos informativos »

Airbus tacha de reclamación "vacía" la petición de sanciones por parte de EEUU a la OMC

Airbus tacha de reclamación "vacía" la petición de sanciones por ... - Europa Press:

Republica.com

Airbus tacha de reclamación "vacía" la petición de sanciones por ... Europa Press Airbus considera que la amenaza de las autoridades estadounidenses y de su principal competidor, Boeing, de solicitar a la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) la autorización para imponer multas comerciales al constructor aeronáutico europeo es una ... EEUU amenaza con sanciones a la UE por los subsidios a AirbusABC.es Estados Unidos amenaza con sanciones a UE por subsidios a AirbusEFE EEUU amenaza con sanciones a la UE por los subsidios a AirbusUnivisión los 95 artículos informativos »

Iberia Express comenzará a operar en Balears a finales de marzo de ... - Última Hora Ibiza

Iberia Express comenzará a operar en Balears a finales de marzo de ... - Última Hora Ibiza:

Iberia Express comenzará a operar en Balears a finales de marzo de ... Última Hora Ibiza La flota de Iberia Express estará constituida únicamente por aviones Airbus 320 (con capacidad para 177 pasajeros). Inicialmente se incorporarán cuatro aeronaves de este tipo, procedentes de la actual flota de Iberia, con la previsión de que sean 13 a ... y más »

EEUU amenaza con sanciones a la UE por los subsidios a Airbus - AFP

EEUU amenaza con sanciones a la UE por los subsidios a Airbus - AFP:

AFP

EEUU amenaza con sanciones a la UE por los subsidios a Airbus AFP El representante estadounidense de Comercio, Ron Kirk, anunció en un comunicado que su país volvería a remitir el caso a la OMC para su consulta y afirmó que la UE había "acordado nuevas subvenciones para el desarrollo de Airbus". ... EE.UU. amenaza con sanciones a Unión Europea por subsidios a AirbusElEspectador.com EEUU dice que UE no cumplió con dictamen de OMC sobre Airbus2001.com.ve los 8 artículos informativos »

USAF inspects F-22 EOS ( Emergency Oxygen System)

USAF inspects F-22 EOS: The US Air Force (USAF) has begun an immediate action Time Compliance Technical Order (TCTO) on the F-22 Raptor’s Emergency Oxygen System (EOS) to ensure full functionality in the wake of its increased usage under current operating procedures.

Airbus Starts Joining The First A350 XWB Front Fuselage

Airbus Starts Joining The First A350 XWB Front Fuselage: Static Airframe To Be Used For Ground Testing Airbus has started joining the first 69-foot long front fuselage section for the A350 XWB in Saint-Nazaire, France. This phase will continue over the coming weeks, and once completed, the front fuselage will be transported by Beluga to the A350 XWB Final Assembly Line in Toulouse. It will be the first major section of the A350 XWB to enter the final assembly line.

Más de 1.300 controladores se querellan contra directivos de Aena

Madrid.- Un año después de que el Consejo de Ministros decretara el cierre del espacio aéreo español, la militarización de las torres de control y el estado de alarma, más de 1.300 de los 2.400 controladores aéreos han presentado una querella criminal contra el presidente y cuatro directivos de Aena que ocupaban esos cargos en aquellas fechas.

noticia completa: Más de 1.300 controladores se querellan contra directivos de Aena

7,000th Airbus aircraft delivered – an A321 to US Airways

Airbus builds 1,000 eco-efficient aircraft in just under two years

12 DECEMBER 2011 PRESS RELEASE

Airbus delivered today its 7,000th aircraft, an A321, to US Airways – the airline that operates the largest fleet of Airbus aircraft in the world – from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany. This milestone comes just two years after the delivery of Airbus’ 6,000th aircraft which underlines the continued vibrancy of the commercial aviation sector and the market’s clear vote for eco-efficient aircraft.

The 1,000th Airbus delivery was an A340-300 that went to Air France in 1993, nineteen years after the first Airbus aircraft was delivered – an A300B2 also to Air France, in 1974. The 2,000th delivery was six years later in 1999. It took half that time, just three years, to get to the 3,000th delivery in 2002 and three more years to reach 4,000 deliveries. The tempo went up another notch taking Airbus only two years to hand over its 5,000th aircraft, an A330-200 to Qantas in December 2007. The 6,000th Airbus was an A380 which was delivered to Emirates in January 2010.

“It’s particularly fitting that our 7,000th aircraft is an A321 going to US Airways. The airline not only operates the largest fleet of Airbus aircraft in the world; with over 220 A320 Family aircraft flying in US Airways colours today, they also operate the largest fleet of our best-selling, eco-efficient A320 Family,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. “This milestone is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of Airbus teams around the world. We have improved efficiencies company-wide and this has enabled us to deliver record numbers of latest generation aircraft at continually increasing rates, with an environmental footprint ever decreasing.”
“Airbus has been a long-term strategic partner to US Airways. Today we celebrate a significant milestone in Airbus’ history,” said US Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Parker. “It is an honor to be the recipient of their 7,000th delivery. On behalf of the 32,000 employees at US Airways, we applaud this tremendous accomplishment and look forward to a continued successful partnership.”

By the end of the year, US Airways will operate a fleet of 93 A319s, 72 A320s, 63 A321s and 16 A330s. The airline also has firm orders for an additional 58 A320 Family aircraft, eight A330 aircraft and 22 A350 XWBs on backlog.

Over 8,200 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,900 delivered to more than 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 with the current A320, 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.

Mexican Air Force takes delivery of Airbus Military C295

PR

This order is in addition to the five C295s delivered last year and that the Mexican Secretary of Defence already operates.

The primary use of the aircraft will be transport of troops and paratroops. It can also be readily configured for medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) or can carry up to nine tonnes of palletized or bulk cargo.

The capabilities of the C295 aircraft make it ideal for military missions, both tactical and logistic, as well as for civic/humanitarian missions in which its short take-off and landing (STOL) abilities are essential to provide access to remote locations.

“When a customer comes back, that is due to the high quality of the product. We are proud to provide the Mexican Air Force a new C295 to keep on fulfilling the most demanding requirements from the Mexican Secretary of Defence”, said Airbus Military Head of Programmes, Rafael Tentor.

The Mexican Air Force, Navy, and Federal Police have acquired products from the entire family of Airbus Military Light and Medium aircraft including: ten C295 (including this latest delivery), seven CN235 (six of them in Maritime Patrol version), and ten C212 (eight of them in Maritime Patrol version).

To date, Airbus Military has sold 86 C295 to 14 different operators.

Two new orders of Eurocopter EC225 confirmed at LIMA 2011. EC225 remains the preferred heavy helicopter for offshore operations in Malaysia

Eurocopter Malaysia keeps up its 100% market share in the heavy helicopter category for offshore operations in Malaysia with two EC225 helicopter orders confirmed at the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition 2011 (LIMA), in addition to eight others operating in the country.

Langkawi, Malaysia, 12 December 2011

As an affirmation of its leading position in the provision of heavy helicopters for the oil and gas segment in Malaysia, Eurocopter Malaysia received confirmation for the order of two brand new EC225 helicopters at LIMA 2011. Acquired by MHS Aviation and Awan Inspirasi for one aircraft each, the EC225s will be deployed for offshore operations.

“Eurocopter has been investing in Malaysia since 2002, and have supported many of our partners in their growth over the years,” said Pierre Nardelli, President & CEO of Eurocopter Malaysia. “MHS Aviation and Awan Inspirasi have been our valued customers since the day they started their operations, and we are committed to continue providing them with our utmost support.”

Indeed, with presence in Kerteh and Miri providing technical support to MHS Aviation and Awan Inspirasi respectively, Eurocopter Malaysia ensures dedicated support is provided to maximize the availability of its aircraft and reduced maintenance cost for its customers.

Already a reference helicopter with over 100 EC225s sold worldwide for offshore operations, this twin-engine rotary-wing aircraft is clearly the preferred choice in the oil and gas segment in Malaysia as well – all eight heavy helicopters operating in Malaysia are Eurocopter’s EC225.

With the success of the EC225 in offshore operations in Malaysia, the country has been selected to house the state-of-the-art EC225/EC725 full-flight simulator. To be set up in the Eurocopter Malaysia Simulator Centre in 2012, it will provide training on this helicopter type to all of Asia and Oceania territories. This is in line with Eurocopter’s global strategy to put safety as its number one priority, and the development of training centres around the world to provide simulator training as the safest and most cost-efficient means of training to operate in demanding and complex missions.

With these two orders and eight other civil helicopter bookings recorded in 2011, Eurocopter is poised to remain the leader in Malaysia, where it currently enjoys a 54% market share in the civil and parapublic sector.

Boeing, Etihad Airways Announce Order for 10 787-9 Dreamliners

- Order will make Etihad world's largest 787-9 Dreamliner airline customer
- Abu Dhabi-based carrier also orders two Boeing 777 Freighters

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced an order for 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and two Boeing 777 Freighters.

Valued at a combined $2.8 billion at current list prices, this order will make Etihad the world's largest airline customer of the 787-9. Etihad has a total of 41 787s on order.

The order also increases Etihad's current Boeing 777 backlog to 12 airplanes, which includes 10 previously ordered 777-300ERs (extended range). The Abu Dhabi-based airline's fleet currently includes eight Boeing 777-300ERs and one 777 Freighter. 

"Our decision to expand our Dreamliner fleet is testimony to Etihad's commitment to operating one of the youngest and most fuel efficient fleets in the skies," said Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, Mr. James Hogan. "It also reflects our confidence in the 787's ability to have a significant impact on our operating efficiencies and the passenger experience we can offer onboard this revolutionary aircraft. Both the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the 777 Freighter offer highly attractive operating economics and will facilitate our global expansion plans by allowing us to transport passengers and cargo into new global markets from our hub in Abu Dhabi."

Founded in 2003, Etihad Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and currently operates scheduled flights to 84 passenger and cargo destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and North America.

"In less than 10 years Etihad Airways has established an enviable track record and has earned global recognition for its focus on providing its customers with a quality product," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are extremely proud of our partnership with Etihad Airways and are confident the 787 Dreamliner and the 777 Freighter will make valuable contributions to Etihad's growth plans and service for its passenger and freight customers."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new commercial jetliner that brings new efficiencies to airlines and delivers superior comfort to passengers. The Dreamliner is the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane in aviation history, with more than 800 orders from 58 customers around the world.

The 777 freighter is the world's longest-range, twin-engine freighter and features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter, with high-cargo density and 10-foot (3.1-meter) interior height capability that complements the popular 747 freighter family.

Novosibirsk aircraft plant of Sukhoi delivered Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Air Force

December 12, 2011, Moscow — Today four serial Su-34 frontline bombers went up in the sky from the runway airport of the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO) and off to the place of their deployment at the air base in Voronezh. Two more aircraft will arrive there in the next few days. The aircraft delivery is carried out in the framework of the five-year state contract signed in 2008 to supply 32 Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Defense Ministry.

In September 2011 the state joint testing of the airplane was completed and the official act was signed with the recommendation to put the plane into service of the Russian Air Force. In future the Su-34 aircraft will replace the fleet of the Su-24 frontline bombers currently in service.

The Su-34 can effectively attack land-based, sea- and airborne targets by day and night in all weathers using the entire suite of its airborne munitions, including high-precision types. In terms of operational capabilities this is a 4+ generation aircraft. Its active safety system, along with the newest computers, provides extra capabilities for the pilot and navigator to perform precise bombing and to maneuver under enemy fire. The excellent aerodynamics, large capacity internal fuel tanks, fuel-efficient bypass engines with a digital control system, in-flight refueling device and add-on fuel tanks enable the aircraft to fly long distances close to those of medium strategic bombers.

The aircraft features an outstanding flight performance, maintainability and maneuverability. It has long-range aiming systems and modern on-board communication and information exchange system with ground control stations, ground troops and surface ships as well as between aircraft of the group.

The Su-34 is armed with highly effective long-range air-to-surface and air-to-air guided weapons enabling multi-channel operational employment. It is equipped with a highly intelligent system of radar countermeasures and defense. The Su-34 has a sophisticated survival system, including an armored cockpit. The aircraft can perform missions at a low altitude in bypass and fly-by modes. There are immediate plans to increase the combat potential of the aircraft with new weapons.

Novosibirsk aircraft plant of Sukhoi delivered Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Air Force

December 12, 2011, Moscow — Today four serial Su-34 frontline bombers went up in the sky from the runway airport of the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO) and off to the place of their deployment at the air base in Voronezh. Two more aircraft will arrive there in the next few days. The aircraft delivery is carried out in the framework of the five-year state contract signed in 2008 to supply 32 Su-34 frontline bombers to the Russian Defense Ministry.

In September 2011 the state joint testing of the airplane was completed and the official act was signed with the recommendation to put the plane into service of the Russian Air Force. In future the Su-34 aircraft will replace the fleet of the Su-24 frontline bombers currently in service.

The Su-34 can effectively attack land-based, sea- and airborne targets by day and night in all weathers using the entire suite of its airborne munitions, including high-precision types. In terms of operational capabilities this is a 4+ generation aircraft. Its active safety system, along with the newest computers, provides extra capabilities for the pilot and navigator to perform precise bombing and to maneuver under enemy fire. The excellent aerodynamics, large capacity internal fuel tanks, fuel-efficient bypass engines with a digital control system, in-flight refueling device and add-on fuel tanks enable the aircraft to fly long distances close to those of medium strategic bombers.

The aircraft features an outstanding flight performance, maintainability and maneuverability. It has long-range aiming systems and modern on-board communication and information exchange system with ground control stations, ground troops and surface ships as well as between aircraft of the group.

The Su-34 is armed with highly effective long-range air-to-surface and air-to-air guided weapons enabling multi-channel operational employment. It is equipped with a highly intelligent system of radar countermeasures and defense. The Su-34 has a sophisticated survival system, including an armored cockpit. The aircraft can perform missions at a low altitude in bypass and fly-by modes. There are immediate plans to increase the combat potential of the aircraft with new weapons.

FIRST US-ASSEMBLED EMBRAER PHENOM 100 MAKES MAIDEN FLIGHT

Successful first flight marks major milestone for Company’s Melbourne, Florida facility.

​Melbourne, Florida, USA, December 8, 2011 – The first Embraer Phenom 100 entry level business jet built at the Company’s new Melbourne, Florida assembly facility made its first flight today at Melbourne International Airport. The aircraft flew to an altitude of 41,000 and to speeds up to its MMO (Maximum Operating Mach number) with zero anomalies.

According to production test pilot Joao Rafael Silva, the two and a half hour post production evaluation flight went exactly as planned. The aircraft successfully flew designated items from the standard test card used to evaluate systems and performance of each Phenom 100 aircraft prior to delivery.

“We are very proud of the production flight test results,” said Phil Krull, Managing Director, Embraer Executive Aircraft, Inc. “This flight clearly shows that our Melbourne team is ready to carry on seamless production of the Embraer Phenom 100 with the same level of excellence as our colleagues in Brazil.”

“This is an extraordinary milestone for our Company” said Robert Knebel, Vice President, Sales for North America, Embraer Executive Jets. “To have one of our most successful aircraft built in Melbourne and flying across American skies embodies Embraer’s determination to build a strong footprint in the US.”

Embraer opened the Melbourne production facility in February 2011 and just last Monday, December 5th, inaugurated its 58,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Global Customer Center.

“This is a historic week for the Company,” said Ernest Edwards, President, Embraer Executive Jets, “The opening of Embraer’s global Customer Center on Monday, followed by today’s first flight of the first Phenom 100 built in the US, gives our customers, suppliers and friends a sense of our commitment to our promises and feelings of immense pride to all our employees.”

This first US-made Phenom 100, built for Kansas City-based Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 fractional provider Executive AirShare, is slated to be delivered before the end of the month.


About the Phenom 100

The entry level Phenom 100 can accommodate up to eight occupants and has seven different interior options designed in partnership with BMW Group DesignworksUSA. Its range of 1,178 nautical miles (2,182 km), including NBAA IFR fuel reserves, means the aircraft is capable of flying nonstop from New York to Miami, in the U.S.; from London to Rome, in Europe; or from Brisbane to Melbourne, in Australia. The jet was certified in December 2008, and has proved to be the fastest and to have the largest baggage capacity in its category. The Phenom 100 has the latest in cockpit design, and a private aft lavatory is one of its competitive features.