sábado, 6 de octubre de 2012
Two Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft Fly in Close Formation, Move AHR Program Closer to Autonomous Aerial Refueling
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center have successfully completed a series of flight demonstrations, moving DARPA's Autonomous High-Altitude Refueling (AHR) program closer to demonstrating the first autonomous aerial refueling between two unmanned, high-altitude aircraft.
Northrop Grumman, DARPA and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center successfully completed a series of flight demonstrations, moving the DARPA's Autonomous High-Altitude Refueling program closer to demonstrating the first autonomous aerial refueling between two unmanned, high-altitude aircraft. The flights, which used two NASA Global Hawk unmanned aircraft -- one configured as a tanker and the other as a receiver -- were conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Northrop Grumman, DARPA and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center successfully completed a series of flight demonstrations, moving the DARPA's Autonomous High-Altitude Refueling program closer to demonstrating the first autonomous aerial refueling between two unmanned, high-altitude aircraft. The flights, which used two NASA Global Hawk unmanned aircraft -- one configured as a tanker and the other as a receiver -- were conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Photos and video accompanying this release are available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=10007491 .
The flights, which used two NASA Global Hawk unmanned aircraft ? one configured as a tanker and the other as a receiver ? were conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
During the flights, which spanned Jan. 11 to May 30, the AHR team achieved many milestones, including:The lead receiver aircraft extended and retracted its aerial refueling hose several times, completing all planned tests to validate the associated program hardware and software. The trail tanker aircraft successfully demonstrated precision control in formation with manual and automated "breakaway" maneuvers ? important safety features and criteria of the test program. Two Global Hawk unmanned aircraft successfully flew for the first time in close formation ? as close as 30 feet. During the close-formation flight, the aircraft rendezvoused and flew for more than 2.5 hours under autonomous formation control, with the majority of the time within 100 ft (or one wingspan) of each other.
"The technical developments that enabled these two high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned Global Hawks in close formation is an outstanding accomplishment for the AHR program," said Fred Ricker, vice president and deputy general manager for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems' Advanced Programs & Technology. "Coupled with the advanced design and technical implementation of aerial refueling systems on board both aircraft, the demonstration has truly brought a concept to life, which has the potential to change the operations for unmanned aircraft utility and enable mission flexibility never before realized."
Northrop Grumman and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center conducted several demonstration flights in the buildup to the close formation flight, which included tanker and receiver first flights and a distant formation flight. The Northrop Grumman-NASA-DARPA team worked closely to ensure that all safety precautions and measures were taken when preparing for and conducting all of the ground and flight demonstrations. Preparation included a calculated approach to ground and flight tests, which included extensive analysis, simulations, laboratory and ground tests as well as multiple safety review boards.
The $33 million DARPA AHR program aims to demonstrate autonomous fuel transfer between two Global Hawks, enabling flights of up to one week endurance. AHR is a follow-on to a 2006 DARPA Autonomous Aerial Refueling Demonstration (AARD), a joint effort with NASA Dryden that used an F/A-18 Hornet as a surrogate unmanned aircraft to autonomously refuel via a probe and drogue from a 707 tanker.
As part of the U.S. Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration program, Northrop Grumman is also developing AAR technology to help extend the operating range and flight duration of future carrier-based unmanned systems. The company plans to conduct AAR demonstrations in 2014 using the Navy's X-47B unmanned demonstrator aircraft.
In partnership with NASA in the Space Act Agreement, Northrop Grumman supports the operations and maintenance of the two Global Hawks used in the AHR program and is responsible for all engineering design, as well as modification of both aircraft.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visitwww.northropgrumman.com for more information.
Ryanair talks with Comac a 'genuine, serious commitment' - Flightglobal
Ryanair talks with Comac a 'genuine, serious commitment' - Flightglobal:
Ryanair talks with Comac a 'genuine, serious commitment' Flightglobal Low-cost carrier Ryanair has reiterated that its discussions with Chinese airframer Comac on the potential development of a stretched 199-seat variant of its C919 twinjet are serious and could still yield an order for delivery in the 2018-20 timeframe ... |
382 pedidos netos para Airbus hasta el fin de septiembre, aun por detrás de su rival Boeing
382 pedidos netos para Airbus hasta el fin de septiembre, por detrás ... - AFP:
 AFP | 382 pedidos netos para Airbus hasta el fin de septiembre, por detrás ... AFP PARÍS — El fabricante aeronáutico europeo Airbus anunció este viernes haber registrado 382 pedidos netos desde enero hasta finales de septiembre, un balance comercial menos bueno que el anunciado el mes pasado y muy inferior al de su rival ... y más » |
Embraer displays new Legacy 500 in colour
Embraer displays new Legacy 500 in colour: Embraer has publicly displayed a freshly-painted Legacy 500 for the first time as the company moves closer to a long-delayed maiden flight of the mid-size...
"La fusión de EADS y BAE permitirá exportar a países clave como India"
El consorcio aeronáutico europeo EADS y el gigante británico BAE Systems cerrarán su fusión en los próximos días. Airbus será la empresa más beneficiada en esta gigantesca operación. Su presidente, Pabríce Brégier, asegura que el 10 de octubre es la fecha límite para cerrar el acuerdo por las presiones de los mercados.
"La fusión de EADS y BAE permitirá exportar a países clave como India"
Boeing, GOL Announce order for 60 737 MAX Airplanes
/PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes announced today GOL's purchase of 60 737 MAX airplanes. GOL plans to use the new super-efficient 737 MAX to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.
The order is valued at approximately $6 billion at published list prices, making it the largest order in GOL's 12-year history and the largest airplane order from a single airline in South America's aviation history.
"The decision to order Boeing 737 MAX is in line with our commitment to maintain a modern and safe fleet that will allow us to sustain our competitive advantage in the long term," said Paulo Kakinoff, CEO of GOL. "The new airplanes will have one of the best cost-benefit ratios in the market due to its unique operational economy, so it is fully compatible with our low-cost model."
The 737 MAX builds on the strengths of Boeing's best-selling Next-Generation 737 with big advances in fuel-efficiency and environmental performance. Equipped with new LEAP-1B engines from CFM International and improvements such as the Advanced Technology winglet, the 737 MAX reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 13 percent and maintains the 8 percent operating cost advantage over future competition. This order puts the 737 MAX at 724 firm orders to date.
"Boeing has partnered with GOL since their inception just over 12 years ago. We've watched them grow from a small start-up airline to a driving force in global aviation and we are proud to partner with them as the South American launch customer for the 737 MAX," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The unmatched operating economics of the 737 MAX make it the absolute best airplane for the world's low-cost carriers and legacy carriers alike. GOL's commitment to the MAX proves this once again."
In just more than 11 years, GOL has established itself as one of the fastest growing low-cost, low-fare airlines in the world. GOL currently offers the most extensive and convenient routes in South America with approximately 810 daily flights to 63 destinations in Brazil and 12 in South America and the Caribbean. Combined with six code-share partnerships and more than 60 interline agreements with foreign companies, GOL's route network is among the best serving customers traveling to, from and within Brazil.
Boeing, GECAS Finalize Order for up to 100 737 MAXs and Next-Generation 737s
- Firm order for 75 737 MAX 8s and 10 Next-Generation 737-800s
- Another 15 737-800s could be added
- 737 MAX momentum continues in the leasing industry
/PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric (NYSE: GE), finalized a firm order for 85 737s, which includes 75 737 MAX 8s and 10 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order, first announced as a commitment at the Farnborough Airshow in July, allows for up to 15 additional 737-800s.
The order, worth $8.4 billion at list prices, further illustrates both the strength of the 737 MAX and the continuing strong demand for the Next-Generation 737 in the airplane-leasing industry. To date, 821 737 MAX airplanes have been ordered.
"The 737 MAX will be a perfect complement to our broad portfolio of modern, fuel efficient aircraft that offer our airline customers the lowest operating costs," said GECAS President and CEO Norman C.T. Liu.
"GECAS is a leader in the commercial airplane leasing industry with a successful track record of placing 737s with airlines worldwide," said President and CEO Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The GECAS leadership team will have the same success with the 737 MAX. The airplane will provide passengers with the exceptional flying experience that they have come to expect from the 737 family, but with increased fuel efficiency and technological advancements."
The 737 MAX is a new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over tomorrow's competition.
With this order, GECAS has ordered 580 airplanes directly from Boeing since 1995, which includes 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s and 777s. To date, GECAS has taken delivery of 433 of the airplanes.
About GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)
GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of GE, has a fleet of over 1,710 owned and serviced aircraft with approximately 235 airlines in over 75 countries. GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing, and also provides productivity solutions including spare engine leasing, spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Capital, has offices in 24 cities around the world.
GE works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com
The order, worth $8.4 billion at list prices, further illustrates both the strength of the 737 MAX and the continuing strong demand for the Next-Generation 737 in the airplane-leasing industry. To date, 821 737 MAX airplanes have been ordered.
"The 737 MAX will be a perfect complement to our broad portfolio of modern, fuel efficient aircraft that offer our airline customers the lowest operating costs," said GECAS President and CEO Norman C.T. Liu.
"GECAS is a leader in the commercial airplane leasing industry with a successful track record of placing 737s with airlines worldwide," said President and CEO Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The GECAS leadership team will have the same success with the 737 MAX. The airplane will provide passengers with the exceptional flying experience that they have come to expect from the 737 family, but with increased fuel efficiency and technological advancements."
The 737 MAX is a new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over tomorrow's competition.
With this order, GECAS has ordered 580 airplanes directly from Boeing since 1995, which includes 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s and 777s. To date, GECAS has taken delivery of 433 of the airplanes.
About GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)
GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of GE, has a fleet of over 1,710 owned and serviced aircraft with approximately 235 airlines in over 75 countries. GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing, and also provides productivity solutions including spare engine leasing, spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Capital, has offices in 24 cities around the world.
GE works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com
Brazilian supply chain expands for EC725s to be built in-country by Eurocopter’s Helibras subsidiary for the Brazilian armed forces
This new agreement brings to 15 the number of supplier contracts already placed for Brazilian-made content on the EC725s, which are to be operated in missions that include combat search and rescue, long-range tactical transport, aeromedical transport, logistic support and naval duties.
InbraAerospace was selected to provide the EC725 composite armor after a rigorous international competition – reinforcing this company’s role as a Eurocopter subcontractor.
“This new selection builds on our relationship with InbraAerospace which already produces armor for Ecureuil helicopters,” said Helibras Vice President Eduardo Mauad, who is responsible for industrial cooperation. “It also opens future business opportunities for Inbra with Helibras and its Eurocopter parent company.”
InbraAerospace was created in 2002 to develop the manufacture of aeronautical composites in Brazilian and international markets. It is a unit of Grupo Inbrafiltro, and currently employs 120 persons.
“This partnership is an exceptional opportunity to further evolve our aerospace market presence,” said Jairo Candido, the President of InbraAerospace. “It includes technology transfer from Eurocopter to InbraAerospace, which is aligned with the contractual goals established for Brazil’s acquisition of the EC725s.”
Other Helibras contracts with EC725 suppliers in Brazil include Toyo Matic Aerospace, which already has produced the first “made in Brazil” rotor head sleeves to be used on the helicopters; Aernnova do Brasil for metal tailbooms; Turbomeca do Brasil for the supply of engines; Sagem/TM for autopilot systems; Rohde & Schwarz do Brasil for radios; AEL Aeroeletrônica, to supply cockpit instrumentation; Microturbo/TM for auxiliary power units; SDV Brasil for logistics; AKAER for engineering services; and manufacturing tooling suppliers RCS, GNS, UNISTIL, MASTER, ITAKAR and IFAM.
Helibras is to provide a total of 50 EC725s to Brazil’s three armed forces in a €1.8 billion acquisition signed by the Brazilian Defense Ministry in 2008. As part of the agreement, these helicopters are to progressively include 50 percent Brazilian-made content.
A state-of-the-art assembly facility created by Helibras at Itajubá will produce the EC725s, along with EC225 civilian versions for the regional marketplace.
Airbus voted most attractive employer in France for the second year running
For the second year in a row, Airbus has been nominated the most appealing employer in France in the "Palmarès Employeurs 2012" survey organised by RegionsJob and carried out by the OpinionWay Institute.
A panel of approximately 12,000 web users, comprising people in work and job-seekers, evaluated the most appealing employers in France based on human resource criteria such as career and promotion opportunities, employer image, diversity and management. Airbus won first place out of approximately 1,000 companies evaluated between March and May 2012.
The aircraft manufacturer scored high in three criteria: Airbus has an excellent image in its sector and is also perceived as an innovative, forward-looking company with a bright future.
"I am extremely honoured that Airbus has received this top ranking which is a tribute to the company’s human resource policy. As a world leader in the aeronautics industry, we offer a stimulating work environment and career opportunities which attract the most outstanding talents worldwide,” said Thierry Baril, Executive Vice President of Human Resources for EADS and Airbus. ”Designing and producing the world’s most eco-efficient aircraft on an international scale, based on cutting-edge technologies and a high level of innovation, is the challenge we offer those who are keen to join us.”
This year alone, Airbus will recruit more than 4,000 experienced professionals and young graduates throughout the world, including 2,000 in France. In addition the company will offer 3,000 internships at its global sites. With nearly 5,000 internal transfers in 2012, Airbus also offers its employees real development and promotion opportunities. The diversity and development of skills, the recognition of the contributions made by each employee and the continuing commitment of its collaborators are essential components in the Airbus human resources policy.
Airbus, the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer, currently employs some 55,000 employees of more than 120 different nationalities.
For further information on Airbus recruitment conditions go to: www.airbus/work
Cassidian CyberSecurity goes into partnership with AXA MATRIX Risk Consultants
Desire to inform and support managers of large enterprises faced with cyber risks
Innovative partnership combining technical and legal solutions
Cassidian CyberSecurity and AXA MATRIX Risk Consultants have signed a cooperation agreement to sensitise the managers of large enterprises to cyber risks and to implement risk identification and prevention programmes.
Today's national and international companies face a steadily growing incidence of increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks whose primary aim is to steal the company's IT assets by extracting sensitive data.
Against this backdrop, Cassidian CyberSecurity and AXA MATRIX Risk Consultants will offer their customers cyber risk prevention programmes to reduce the potentially damaging consequences of security attacks.
This cooperation agreement primarily targets the most critical areas of activity such as the generation of electric power, the automotive industry, the aviation and aircraft manufacturing industries, and the luxury goods industry.
The new partnership will give customers the benefit of three intervention levels: identifying levels of risk and exposure to cyber threats by performing special audits and reducing cyber risks through a wide range of services focusing on a Cyber Operations Centre and allowing real-time monitoring. The last intervention level concerns business continuity activities by applying business continuity and contingency specific methods and planning to IT systems.
Due to the enormity of the threat, cyber risks must be rated as risks of the highest level. Cassidian CyberSecurity and AXA MATRIX Risk Consultants, with their sound experience of cyber security issues and risk analysis, will thus support Executive Committee members and decision-makers faced with this new occupational risk.
About Cassidian
Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing Lead Systems Integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land, naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2011, Cassidian – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.8 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2011, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 49.1 billion and employed a workforce of more than 133,000.
CASSIDIAN - Defending World Security
About CASSIDIAN CyberSecurity
Cassidian CyberSecurity, a 100% Cassidian company, is entirely devoted to addressing the cyber security market across Europe and the Middle East, with an offering aimed at protecting governments, national agencies, strategic industries and critical infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated threats. Operating in France, the UK and Germany – under the umbrella of a global cyber security organisation – Cassidian CyberSecurity is aiming for a rapid growth strategy with a sales target of more than €500m to be achieved by 2017. With 20% of the company's planned investment devoted to R&D, Cassidian CyberSecurity employs a workforce of over 400 people and plans to recruit a further 100 in 2012.
About AXA MATRIX Risk Consultants
AXA MATRIX Risk Consultants, a subsidiary of AXA Corporate Solutions, is dedicated to preventing risks, providing services and advising and training customers on optimised risk management. With a presence on four continents in close proximity to customer sites, its team of 120 multilingual engineers operates all over the world. AXA MATRIX Risk Consultants markets its product and service portfolio both in connection with and independently of its insurance policies.
Airworthines Directive about pressurization in certains models of 737
This AD was prompted by a report of a flightcrew not receiving an aural warning during a lack of cabin pressurization event. This AD requires incorporating design changes to improve the reliability of the cabin altitude warning system by installing a redundant cabin altitude pressure switch, replacing the aural warning module (AWM) with a new or reworked AWM, and changing certain wire bundles or connecting certain previously capped and stowed wires as necessary.
For certain airplanes, this AD also requires prior or concurrent incorporation of related design changes by modifying the instrument panels, installing light assemblies, modifying the wire bundles, and installing a new circuit breaker, as necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the loss of cabin altitude warning, which could delay flightcrew recognition of a lack of cabin pressurization, and could result in incapacitation of the flightcrew due to hypoxia (a lack of oxygen in the body), and consequent loss of control of the airplane
La Técnica y la Industria Espacial Española (2012 XVI Jornadas de Estudios Históricos Aeronáuticos Fundación Aena)
23 al 25 de Octubre en el Palacio Zurbano de Madrid. Programa en PDF Aquí