Richard Branson lays out roadmap to put satellites, and his kids, into space

Richard Branson lays out roadmap to put satellites, and his kids, into space:

Richard Branson today set out the roadmap for Virgin Galactic's immediate future by announcing that he will be taking his children along for the ride when the SpaceShipTwo (SS2) makes its inaugural flight next year (should all go to plan). As expected, Branson also confirmed plans for a commercial service to put satellites in orbit at a tenth of today's costs, marking the resumption of Virgin Galactic's LauncherOne program... Continue Reading Richard Branson lays out roadmap to put satellites, and his kids, into space

Vigilus scout missile concept would see UAVs with longer arms and extra eyes

Vigilus scout missile concept would see UAVs with longer arms and extra eyes:

Missile systems specialist MBDA unveiled a new conceptual UAV missile system at Farnborough Airshow this week. MBDA hopes that by soon after 2030, the CVS301 Vigilus could extend the strike capabilities of unmanned UAV drones by using scout missiles in hostile territory, allowing carrier UAVs to maintain a safe distance... Continue Reading Vigilus scout missile concept would see UAVs with longer arms and extra eyes

Farnborough Air Show 2012 - Day 2 highlights | Aerospace | The Royal Aeronautical Society

http://media.aerosociety.com/aerospace-insight/2012/07/11/farnborough-air-show-2012-day/7066/

Boeing Offers Medium-sized Maritime Surveillance Aircraft

Low-risk, cost-effective solution leverages P-8 and AWACS technologies

SEATTLE, July 10, 2012 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it is offering a medium-sized Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) to the global market. MSA builds on technologies developed for Boeing's larger Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms to provide a highly capable, low-risk and cost-effective ISR solution.

"The Boeing Maritime Surveillance Aircraft directly applies advanced, proven and fielded capabilities from our P-8, Airborne Warning and Control System, and Airborne Early Warning and Control programs to solve our international customers' maritime surveillance challenges," said Tim Peters, Boeing vice president and general manager, Surveillance and Engagement. "We've selected a preferred aircraft and are in discussions with a manufacturer about supplying and modifying their aircraft. We hope to have an announcement on that element by the end of this year."

MSA incorporates best-of-industry sensor capabilities in radar, electro-optics, and electronic warfare. Its proven open-architecture design will allow for commonality across customers, missions, and industry partners. MSA will support a wide variety of missions, including anti-piracy, immigration patrols, economic exclusion zone enforcement, coastal and border security, and long range search and rescue.

Boeing's research indicates that the maritime surveillance market will be worth more than $10 billion over the next 10 years. The company has nearly 60 years of experience in providing maritime surveillance solutions.

"The Boeing Maritime Surveillance Aircraft showcases how Boeing is meeting customers' current and future needs by migrating advanced, mature technologies from one program into adjacent markets, even with non-Boeing platforms," Peters added. "MSA brings everything we've learned about commercial derivative programs to another tier of the international marketplace."

Boeing to Collaborate with Elbit Systems on Marketing and Sales of Hermes 450 and 900 Unmanned Airborne Systems

ARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 10, 2012 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Elbit Systems [NASDAQ and TASE: ESLT] today at the Farnborough Airshow signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the marketing and sales of Elbit Systems' Hermes 450 and 900 unmanned airborne system (UAS) product lines in the United States and select international countries.

"This partnership further expands and enhances Boeing's longstanding relationship with Elbit Systems to include unmanned products," said Debbie Rub, Boeing Missiles and Unmanned Airborne Systems vice president and general manager. "The Hermes product line provides a medium-altitude, long-endurance capability that complements the Boeing unmanned portfolio while addressing an important need for U.S. warfighters and allies on today's ever-changing battlefields."

"We are proud to collaborate with Boeing in this important and fast-growing area," said Elad Aharonson, Elbit Systems UAS division general manager. "Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 UAS provide significant and proven operational capabilities and provide added value to our customers."

A multi-role, high-performance tactical UAS and the primary platform of the Israeli Defense Forces in counter-terror operations, Hermes 450 is a mature and combat-proven UAS with more than 400,000 operational flight hours. The Hermes 900 features over-the-horizon, persistent multi-mission, multi-payload capabilities and can perform missions for area dominance and for persistent intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR). Hermes 900 also can perform ground support and maritime patrol missions, and offers the capability for integrated multi-platform, multi-sensor operation. Based on the heritage of the Hermes 450 UAS, the Hermes 900 employs identical building blocks using a larger air vehicle with nearly double the performance.

Elbit Systems is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems; command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR); unmanned aircraft systems; advanced electro-optics; electro-optic space systems; electronic warfare suites; airborne warning systems; ELINT systems; data links and military communications systems and radios. The company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications, and providing a range of support services.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Boeing, American Airlines 737-800 ecoDemonstrator Airplane Prepares for Flight Test Program

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has completed assembly of an American Airlines, Next-Generation 737-800 to be used as a flying test bed for validating environmentally progressive technologies. The airplane, known as the ecoDemonstrator, is being outfitted with advanced technologies and test equipment before it begins a month of intense flight testing in Montana.

The 2012 ecoDemonstrator program is a partnership between Boeing, American Airlines, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"The goal of the ecoDemonstrator program is to accelerate integration of these technologies for more fuel efficient, quieter, cleaner, more advanced sustainable material solutions for the future," said Jeanne Yu, Boeing Commercial Airplanes director of Environmental Performance. "Demonstration programs give us a platform for better learning about new technologies in application. This helps us incorporate these technologies more rapidly."

American Airlines is loaning one of its new Next-Generation 737-800s to Boeing for three months to serve as the test bed for these advanced technologies. Each technology being fitted on the airplane for testing has the goal of reducing fuel consumption, lowering noise, and testing the viability of sustainable materials. After testing, the airplane will be returned to standard configuration and delivered later this year.

Technologies on the 2012 ecoDemonstrator airplane will include improvements to wing and engine efficiency as well as fuel-saving flight trajectory methods.

"At American, we are committed to investing in or participating in pilot programs to test new equipment, develop alternative fuels and partner with like-minded companies, such as Boeing, to support promising developments that help reduce our carbon footprint," said David Campbell, vice president of Safety, Security and Environmental for American Airlines. "The ecoDemonstrator is a critical milestone in helping to advance technologies that can help us fly more sustainably with future airplanes."

The 2012 ecoDemonstrator is part of a multi-year program. In 2013, a wide-bodied airplane will serve as the test bed. See details of the technologies in the fact sheet athttp://www.boeing.com/farnborough2012/ and click on "Backgrounders."

The FAA is participating in the 2012 and 2013 programs, providing funding for two of the technologies and sharing in the flight test costs. The funding is provided through their Continuous Lower Energy Emissions and Noise program (CLEEN).

Embraer Selects Boeing to Provide Weapons Integration for A-29 Super Tucano

• Capacity to benefit Light Air Support aircraft

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 10, 2012 -- Embraer [NYSE: ERJ; BOVESPA: EMBR3] and Boeing [NYSE: BA] today at the Farnborough Airshow announced an agreement that further enhances the collaboration between the two companies and brings additional capabilities to Embraer's A-29 Super Tucano through new weapons integration developments to meet future customer requirements.

The new weapons integration capacity enhances the solution presented to the U.S. Air Force Light Air Support (LAS) program by not only meeting program requirements, but exceeding them in ways that are important to the customer.

"This new capability will take advantage of the versatility of the Super Tucano and will benefit our campaign in the United States," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, president of Embraer Defesa & Segurança. "With more than eight years in service and more than 160 aircraft delivered, the Super Tucano is a proven platform. The aircraft's performance, operational effectiveness and costs to operate and maintain are well defined and documented."

Today's announcement follows the April signing of a broad cooperation agreement between Boeing and Embraer that established an important relationship between two of the world's largest aerospace companies to cooperate in ways that enhance aircraft efficiency and safety, research and technology and sustainable aviation biofuels to create value for both companies and their customers.

"This agreement enables integration of Boeing products on a highly affordable turboprop aircraft that offers unique close air support capabilities to customers worldwide," said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "Boeing direct attack weapons are combat-proven and in inventory with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and 27 international military customers."

On June 26, Boeing and Embraer announced a collaboration on the KC-390 program to share some specific technical knowledge and evaluate markets where they may join efforts for medium-lift military transport opportunities.

To date, the Super Tucano fleet has logged more than 157,000 flight hours, including 23,000 combat hours, with no combat losses. The aircraft also is certified for more than 130 munitions configurations. It has been selected by 10 customers around the world.

Boeing P-8I Begins Flight Test Program

• Low-risk, cost-effective solution leverages P-8 and AWACS technologies

SEATTLE, July 11, 2012 -- Boeing's [NYSE: BA] first P-8I aircraft for the Indian Navy began its official flight test program July 7, taking off from Boeing Field in Seattle at 9:15 a.m. and landing three hours and 49 minutes later after demonstrating flying qualities and handling characteristics. The flight went as planned with all test objectives met.

The P-8I is one of eight long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft Boeing is building for India as part of a contract awarded in January 2009. During the coming months, Boeing test pilots will put the P-8I, a Next-Generation 737-800 derivative, through its paces over a U.S. Navy test range west of Neah Bay, Wash., and a joint U.S./Canadian test range in the Strait of Georgia.

"Today's flight is another on-time milestone for the program," said Leland Wight, Boeing P-8I program manager. "We'll start out testing the P-8I's mission system, which includes its sensors and communication systems. The team then will transition to 'stores' tests during which the P-8I will carry inert weapon shapes under its wings to demonstrate that the aircraft is capable of carrying all the weapons the Indian Navy will use during regular missions."

The stores the P-8I will carry will have the identical shape and size of real weapons, including the Harpoon anti-ship missile, depth bombs and torpedoes.
"This is an important milestone for the program and sets the stage for operational testing and weapons certification as we move closer to P-8I aircraft joining the Indian Navy," said Rear Adm. DM Sudan, assistant chief of Naval Staff (Air), Indian Navy.

P-8I flight and weapons testing follows on the heels of similar testing for the U.S. Navy's P-8A Poseidon. P-8I is a variant of the Poseidon.

In order to efficiently design and build the P-8I and the P-8A, the Boeing-led team is using a first-in-industry, in-line production process that draws on the company's Next-Generation 737 production system. Assembly is complete on the second P-8I aircraft and it will make its first flight in the coming weeks.

The P-8I features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment. P-8I aircraft are built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

The Boeing-led team is on track to deliver the first aircraft to the Indian Navy in 2013.

Print your Drone – EADS Innovation Works presents ALM technologies at Farnborough

Farnborough, 10 July 2012

• Additive Layer Manufacturing helps saving costs
• Customisation made easy by ALM technology
• Portable UAV designed by student from Leeds University
• ALM technology on wings helps to reduce drag and fuel consumption

At Farnborough Airshow, EADS Innovation Works is presenting the prototype of a portable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) produced by Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) technology, also known as 3D-printing. The plane with a wingspan of approximately. 1.5 meters has been designed by students from the University of Leeds. The small, portable drone will be capable of being controlled via wireless video communication over a short distance. Powered by batteries, it could serve as a tool for surveillance, search and rescue or disaster control.

Using ALM technology in the production of such a small drone opens new possibilities for aerodynamic optimizations such as wing twist, which would otherwise be difficult and expensive to realize for an aircraft of this scale. Different, detachable wings can be “printed” in a relatively short time to adapt the UAV to missions with different requirements.

The four students from the University of Leeds’ Faculty of Engineering have developed an initial concept of the UAV, created the design and performed an aerodynamic analysis under the supervision of EADS expert Martin Muir. In order to take advantage of the ALM technology the students carried out a detailed design of the wing through topology and aerodynamic optimisation. This allows building a pair of wings which are optimised in terms of weight, aerodynamics and stability and yet cheap to produce. Thanks to the tests performed, both the angle of incidence and the angle of twist could be optimized. Normally, manufacturing of such complex parts would be too expensive for a small UAV. With ALM, it is possible to produce several sets of – for example – wings tailor made for different missions at a reasonable price.

The students also performed a stability and control analysis of the whole system and produced assembly instructions for the print shop. A flight capable metallic version will be manufactured at EADS Innovation Works UK ALM facilities in Filton. This plane will be produced using innovative Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology. The plastic material UAV shown at Farnborough serves only for exhibition purposes and displays the design features made possible by ALM technology.

The UAV has been sized to take advantage of future propulsion systems, such as the Lightweight Hydrogen Fuel Cells (LwHFC) currently under development by EADS Innovation Works. A replacement of the existing battery system with the LwHFC would increase the endurance of the UAV from two hours of continuous flight, to approximately six hours. The sizing and optimisation of the UAV’s fuselage and wings was undertaken with the future use of LwHFCs in mind, hence the large open spaces and large profile wing.

The revolutionary manufacturing process known as Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) is based upon the principles of rapid prototyping and allows single products to be grown from a fine powder of metal (such as titanium, stainless steel or aluminium), nylon or carbon-reinforced plastics. 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 as those would be. Simply put, a part is designed on a computer, which then directs a high-powered laser at material in powder form, melting it into a solid shape, repetitively, layer by layer, until the desired part is completed. The development of ALM is an activity that spans the entire EADS group, with early applications in the production of fixtures and tooling for Airbus, and flying applications being implemented by Eurocopter and Astrium. EADS’ UK research facilities have the lead in the group’s ALM activities.

Another piece of innovative ALM technology made in UK on display at the EADS’ stand is the Laminar Flow Device which can be mounted on the leading edge of an aircraft’s wing section. It enables laminar flow over large portions of a swept wing by removing the turbulent boundary layer of the attachment-line flow at the wing’s leading edge. Laminar flow causes less skin friction drag than turbulent flow and therefore helps to reduce fuel consumption.

ALM technology makes it possible to produce the complex contoured shape at a low cost. The device on the model on display at Farnborough is produced using the EADS proprietary ScalmalloyRP material, which provides exceptional mechanical properties useful in the production of complexly shaped structures.

Airbus offers longer-range A330 with increased payload

New 240 tonne takeoff-weight capability extends A330’s market coverage
9 JULY 2012 PRESS RELEASE


Airbus has decided to offer a further enhanced version of the popular A330 airliner by increasing the maximum takeoff weight capability to 240 metric tonnes. This 240 tonne capability will be first applied to the larger A330-300 model and subsequently to the A330-200 and A330-200F

The respective performance improvements are as follows: The 240 tonne A330-300 will benefit from up to 400nm extra range – to 5,950nm (11,020km) – with 300 passengers and carry nearly five tonnes more payload than today’s 235 tonne aircraft. Meanwhile, the new 240 tonne A330-200 will fly up to 270nm further – to 7,050nm (13,060km) – with 246 passengers and carry over 2.5 tonnes more payload than today’s 238 tonne A330-200. The two models will also bring increased fuel efficiency thanks to aerodynamic refinements and engine enhancements. Entry into service of the 240 tonne A330-300 is aimed for mid 2015.

In practical terms 240 tonne capability significantly extends the market coverage of the A330 Family. For example, this newest A330-300 will now be able to connect to the following new city pairs: London to Tokyo; Frankfurt to Cape Town; Beijing to Melbourne; Beijing to San Francisco; Kuala Lumpur to Paris; and Los Angeles to Dublin. Moreover, compared with the original 212 tonne A330-300 in 1992, the 240 tonne A330-300 can fly 2,000nm (3,700km) further and now cover 90 percent of the market from Heathrow – up 51 percent from 39 percent market coverage at original EIS.

“The A330 has come a long way in the last 10 years, and we are delighted to bring to more airlines the advantages and reliability of A330 economics over ever wider markets,” says John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers of Airbus. “This aircraft is the most popular aircraft ever in its category and looks set to hold this position for years to come.”

This latest A330-300 aircraft can now also fly similar ranges while burning over 15 percent less fuel than the B777-200ER on a 1,800nm mission. Furthermore, the A330 even becomes an extremely cost-effective alternative to the B787 on many routes with around five percent lower direct operating costs per trip than the B787. A key advantage of 240 tonne capability is that the increase in range allows the A330-300 to cover more of the A330-200 network, this gives airlines the flexibility to use the A330-200 to open new routes and grow frequency whilst using the A330-300 to grow capacity at low cost.

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted around 1,200 orders and some 900 aircraft are flying with over 90 operators worldwide. Ever since the original version of the A330-300 entered service, the hallmark has been its very efficient operating economics. Thanks to the introduction of numerous product improvements, it remains the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft in its class and the Family is achieving average dispatch reliability above 99 percent. With headquarters in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.

Airbus offers iPad Electronic Flight Bag solution

Combining Airbus’ EFB content with the world’s most versatile mobile device
10 JULY 2012 PRESS RELEASE


Airbus has become the first aircraft manufacturer to provide its Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) performance-calculating applications for Pilots on iPad. Airlines will soon be able to download the first apps as part of its “FlySmart with Airbus” EFB portfolio from the App Store.

In line with technological innovation, Airbus has developed iPad EFB solutions to provide airlines an alternative to PC operating system EFB devices. Moreover, to integrate Airbus’ EFB software with the iOS operating system, Airbus has worked closely with aviation and technology experts during the concept and development phase. With ‘FlySmart with Airbus’ applications on iPad, pilots will be able to compute performance calculations and also consult Airbus’ Flight Operations Manuals from a light hand-held device.

Didier Lux, EVP of Airbus Customer Services says: “Fifteen years ago Airbus was the pioneer in providing the first EFB applications with the goal of creating the ‘paperless’ cockpit. Today we go a step further: By combining our EFB content with the world’s most versatile mobile digital device, the iPad, airline pilots will be able to optimise aircraft performance in the palm of their hand, while obtaining savings in cost, weight and time.”

Airbus’ new iPad solution has been tested by Airbus pilots in order to ensure its compliance with Airbus EFB standards. Moreover, Airbus has already ordered iPads for its Flight Test and Training Department who will use of FlySmart with Airbus on iPad as standard practice from now on. Licenses for the EFB apps are available exclusively to Airbus customers.

Airbus is the world’s leading commercial aircraft manufacturer producing the most modern and efficient airliners in every category, from the single-aisle A320 Family up to the world’s largest airliner, the A380. Airbus has design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the US, China, Japan and in the Middle East. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.

Rolls-Royce Plans Further Performance Improvement For Trent 700 Engine

Rolls-Royce Plans Further Performance Improvement For Trent 700 Engine: Engine To Be Hung On About Three-Quarters Of The Airbus A330s On Order Rolls-Royce plans to make further performance improvements to its Trent 700 engine that powers the Airbus A330, the company announced Monday at the Farnborough Air Show.

Ultra-efficient 4,000 mph vacuum-tube trains – why aren't they being built?

Ultra-efficient 4,000 mph vacuum-tube trains – why aren't they being built?:

In the 1800s, when pneumatic tubes shot telegrams and small items all around buildings and sometimes small cities, the future of mass transit seemed clear: we'd be firing people around through these sealed tubes at high speeds. And it turns out we've got the technology to do that today – mag-lev rail lines remove all rolling friction from the energy equation for a train, and accelerating them through a vacuum tunnel can eliminate wind resistance to the point where it's theoretically possible to reach blistering speeds over 4,000 mph (6,437 km/h) using a fraction of the energy an airliner uses – and recapturing a lot of that energy upon deceleration. Ultra-fast, high efficiency ground transport is technologically within reach – so why isn't anybody building it?.. Continue Reading Ultra-efficient 4,000 mph vacuum-tube trains – why aren't they being built?

Bats to be equipped with GPS, microphones and possibly cameras

Bats to be equipped with GPS, microphones and possibly cameras:

Given that most bats hang out (literally) in caves and other secretive places, and only fly at night, they’re not the easiest of creatures to study. Tel Aviv University zoologist Dr. Yossi Yovel, however, has a plan. He is currently establishing the world’s first bat colony to be born and raised in captivity. Although the resulting “roost” will be based out of a research facility, the bats will be free to come and go to hunt for insects in the surrounding environment. As they do so, some of them will be equipped with high-tech sensors designed to gather information on their behavior... Continue Reading Bats to be equipped with GPS, microphones and possibly cameras